SILVER BULL RESOURCES, INC. - Annual Report: 2008 (Form 10-K)
Table of Contents
U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
þ | ANNUAL REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED October 31, 2008.
o | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD OF TO .
Commission File Number: 001-33125
METALLINE MINING COMPANY
(Name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Nevada | 91-1766677 | |
State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
1330 E. Margaret Ave., Coeur dAlene, ID 83815
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
Registrants telephone number: (208) 665-2002
Securities registered under Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Each Class | Name of each exchange on which registered | |
Common Stock, $0.01 Par Value | NYSE Alternext US LLC (formerly known as The | |
American Stock Exchange) |
Common Stock, $0.01 Par Value
(Title of Class)
(Title of Class)
Securities registered under Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of
the Securities Act.
Yes o No þ
Yes o No þ
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or
15(d) of the Exchange Act.
Yes o No þ
Yes o No þ
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by
Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for
such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been
subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes þ No
o
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is
not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrants 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.
Yes o No þ
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a
non-accelerated filer, or smaller reporting company:
Large accelerated filer o | Accelerated filer o | Non-accelerated filer o | Smaller reporting Company þ |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the
Exchange Act).
Yes o No þ
As of February 5, 2009, there were 39,709,427 shares of the Registrants $.01 par value Common
Stock (Common Stock), Registrants only outstanding class of voting securities, outstanding.
The aggregate market value of Common Stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant as of April 30,
2008, computed by reference to the closing price on that date was $70,026,549.
Table of Contents
PART I
When we use the terms Metalline Mining Company, the Company, we, us, our, or Metalline,
we are referring to Metalline Mining Company and its subsidiaries, unless the context otherwise
requires. We have included technical terms important to an understanding of our business under
Glossary of Common Terms at the end of this section. Throughout this document we make statements
that are classified as forward-looking. Please refer to the Cautionary Statement about
Forward-Looking Statements section of this document for an explanation of these types of
assertions.
Item 1. BUSINESS
Background and Corporate Structure
Metalline Mining Company (the Company) is an exploration stage company, formed under the laws of
the state of Nevada on August 20, 1993, to engage in the business of mining. The Company currently
owns sixteen concessions, which are located in the municipality of Sierra Mojada, Coahuila, Mexico
(the Property). The Companys objective is to define sufficient mineral reserves on the Property
to justify the development of a mechanized mining operation (the Project). The Company conducts
its operations in Mexico through its wholly owned Mexican subsidiaries, Minera Metalin S.A. de C.V.
(Minera) and Contratistas de Sierra Mojada S.A. de C.V. (Contratistas).
General Development of the Business
Overview
Since 1997, the Company has been exploring the Sierra Mojada concessions to identify available
mineral deposits. The Company has focused its exploration efforts on two primary mineral types;
the Silver Polymetallic mineralization just north of the Sierra Mojada Fault and the Oxide Zinc
Mineralization located south of the Sierra Mojada Fault.
The Companys initial exploration efforts were focused on the copper, silver, zinc, lead potential
in the Silver Polymetallic mineralization just north of the Sierra Mojada Fault. In 1999, the
Company suspended exploration activities on the Silver Polymetallic mineralization to evaluate the
zinc and silver potential in the Oxide Zinc mineralization. A successful feasibility study by the
Skorpion Mine located in Namibia, Africa incorporated the use of the solvent extraction
electrowinning (SXEW) process which the Company felt could be used effectively to process the
potential zinc in the Oxide Zinc mineralization.
The Company explored the Oxide Zinc Mineralization from 1999 through 2005 and determined that it
contained sufficient estimated zinc metal to justify a feasibility study of the mineralized
material. The Company hired Green Team International (GTI) of Johannesburg, South Africa as the
prime contractor in 2004 and commenced work on the five major elements of the feasibility study:
Metallurgy, Resource Model, Mine Plan, Refining and Water Development.
During fiscal 2008, the Company completed an initial scoping phase of the feasibility study and
developed a preliminary mine plan based upon the Companys initial resource model. The preliminary
mine plan anticipated using an underground mining method that would use a long-hole end-slice panel
stoping method to perform high-volume relatively low cost mining. The preliminary mine plan
projected a minimum daily production rate of 3,000 tonnes (metric tons) per day, and a 17 year mine
life. Shortly after developing the preliminary mine plan, the Company started working with its
engineering firms to develop a more detailed mine plan and concentrator plant study. In May 2008,
the Company selected SNC-Lavalin to prepare the detailed concentrator plant study. While working
on the detailed mine plan and concentrator plant studies, the Company contracted with Pincock,
Allen, & Holt to complete a new resource model based upon latest drilling results and a suite of
silver analysis that were not available when the previous resource model was developed.
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In July 2008, the Company announced that Pincock, Allen, and Holt had completed a new resource
model on the Oxide Zinc mineralization that more than doubled the estimated amount of zinc present
in the deposit. The new
resource model increased the estimated size and zinc content of the deposit plus added a potential
estimated by-product credit for silver associated with the Oxide Zinc Mineralization. The new
resource model required the Company to take a fresh look at the optimum mine size, mining methods,
and other economic and engineering factors. We believe that open pit mining will be effective on a
deposit of this size and geometry and would remove the production rate constraints that are
inherent in the underground mining scenario that was previously considered. The Company has
completed a first pass evaluation of open pit mining of the new resource model and has determined
that mining and processing rates might be as much as five times greater than the underground mining
method and would result in significant economies of scale and may allow market opportunities that
are not available with a smaller underground operation. Preliminary economic evaluation of open pit
mining suggests that it would be much more profitable.
Furthermore, an open pit mining method should allow the Company to mine the Silver Polymetallic
Mineralization, which lies adjacent to the Oxide Zinc Mineralization on the north side of the
east-west Sierra Mojada Fault. This mineralization would be mined during stripping to access the
Oxide Zinc Mineralization. The Company has been actively evaluating the Silver Polymetallic
Mineralization, but does not have enough drill data yet, and in the right places, to create a
comprehensive resource model for this mineralization. The Companys current drilling efforts are
primarily directed at infilling and defining the Silver Polymetallic Mineralization in order to
bring the data to the quality required for a resource model.
The Silver Polymetallic Mineralization is predominantly sulfide in nature and would require a
different processing plant to recover the contained metals. The Company needs to gain a complete
understanding of the size, grade and metallurgical character of this potentially large silver-rich
mineralization in order to understand the impact on the economics of mining the Oxide Zinc
Mineralization by open pit. If the Silver Polymetallic Mineralization can be exploited in the
course of developing the Oxide Zinc Mineralization, there is potentially an additional, very
positive, economic impact on the overall project.
Accordingly, the Company has suspended the mine plan and concentrator portions of the feasibility
study to evaluate a much larger scale operation in order to exploit both the Silver Polymetallic
mineralization and the now much larger Oxide Zinc mineralization. As resources permit, the Company
plans to continue to evaluate the Silver Polymetallic Mineralization using our five diamond drills,
percussion drills, channel sampling and geologic mapping. The continuing evaluation is intended to
increase sample density and expand the core area. The Company is also in the process of preparing a
more detailed geostatistical evaluation to improve the evaluation of the Silver Polymetallic
Mineralization.
Below is a more detailed description of mineral exploration and work completed for the feasibility
study.
Mineral Exploration
In 1997 the Company initiated exploration of the concessions by collecting and analyzing historical
data from previous mining operations, surveying the locations of the mines, geological mapping, and
sampling of the surface and some of the existing mines. Based on the information gained from this
work, the Company has been exploring the tabular, nearly horizontal bodies of mineralized material
located on the concessions that are known as mantos.
Exploration from 1997 to 1999 concentrated on the polymetallic copper, silver, zinc, lead
mineralization north of the Sierra Mojada Fault. The Veta Rica, Once, San Jose and other mines
located in the western part of the district were mapped and channel sampled. In the eastern part of
the District in the Encantada and Fronteriza mines, copper, silver, zinc, lead mineralization has
been mapped, channel sampled and drilled and is known as the Polymetallic Manto. Work on the
polymetallic mineralization was put on standby in 1999 when the Company recognized the potential of
the oxide zinc mineralization as a result of a positive feasibility study conducted on the Skorpion
Mine located in Namibia, Africa, that demonstrated that the use of the SXEW process could make it
profitable to mine oxide zinc deposits that would otherwise be unfeasible.
The Company initiated a diamond drill program in January 2004, and drilled over 30,000 meters in
2004 and 2005. In addition, over 9,000 meters of percussion drill, and over 12,000 meters of
channel samples of the Oxide Zinc mineralization in the San Salvador, Encantada and Fronteriza
mines has been completed by the Company and its previous joint venture partners. This work has
defined a body of oxide zinc mineralization extending 1,500 meters in
an east-west direction, 100 to 200 meters in a north-south direction, and 20 to 100 meters
vertically. Prior mining of Oxide Zinc mineralization has occurred intermittently over a distance
in excess of 5 kilometers from the Oriental Mine located in the east end of the District to the
Vasquez Tres Mine located in the west end of the District. Holes drilled 2,000 meters west of the
San Salvador Mine intersected Oxide Zinc mineralization that is up to 140 meters (460 feet) thick
and 10 meters (33 feet) below the surface. Drilling has also intersected Oxide Zinc mineralization
intermittently over the 2,000 meters between the Fronteriza mine and the Oriental mine.
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Exploration of Silver Polymetallic Mineralization
The Company continues to explore and evaluate the Silver Polymetallic Mineralization which is
located north of and adjacent to the Oxide Zinc Mineralization. The purpose of this work is to
evaluate the mineralization potential of the Silver Polymetallic Mineralization and to determine
whether mining of both mineral systems can be conducted. During the calendar year ended December
31, 2008, a total of 19,619.66 meters of diamond drilling was completed in various areas of the
property. Of this, 11,813.01 meters was drilled from underground bases mostly in pursuit of Silver
Polymetallic targets. As disclosed in a press release dated April 24, 2008, the Company recently
collected enough sample data to prepare an initial evaluation of silver and copper content in part
of the Silver Polymetallic Mineralization. A total of 8,766 meters of diamond drill, percussion
drill, and channel samples, within this sample block, were used to calculate a weighted average
grade of 145 grams silver per tonne and 0.20% copper. The Company is in the process of preparing a
more detailed geostatistical evaluation to improve the evaluation of the Silver Polymetallic
Mineralization.
Exploration of the Open Pit Potential
The preliminary model of the open pit together with the Oxide Zinc resource model provides guidance
in fully evaluating the potential of the rock that would be excavated from the open pit.
Exploration for the open pit involves meeting two objectives: evaluating the economic potential of
previously uncharacterized or poorly characterized rocks that overlie the target Oxide Zinc zones;
and, improving the reliability of inferred resources in the Oxide Zinc body. The Oxide Zinc
resource model provides statistical measures and engineering criteria that have been used to
classify the likelihood that mineralized material is present in specific volumes of rock. This
classification is into three categories, but only the top two categories can be used in a final
feasibility study. The second objective of the current round of exploration activities is to
increase the data density in and near inferred blocks so that they can be included in eventual
reserve statements. The current round of drilling is designed to give a grid of surface drill data
on a 50 x100 meter grid. This should allow delineation of barren versus mineralized ground. Total
drilling to accomplish this grid is about 25,400 meters. During 2008, total surface drilling was
7,806.65 meters. To meet the goal of increasing the reliability measure of an eventual grid of
about 30 x 40 meters must be drilled. This density will be obtained by a mixture of surface and
underground drilling. We do not have an estimate of how much additional drilling will be required
to accomplish this, how long it will take, nor how the Company will be able to finance this effort.
Feasibility Study
All engineering work on the feasibility study, except for work on a preliminary Silver-Polymetallic
Resource Model, is on hold pending collection of the required open pit exploration data and
development of an improved resource model.
Resource Model
In 2004, the Company retained Reserva International, LLC, an independent contractor specializing in
resource evaluation, to generate a preliminary block model evaluation based upon the data compiled
from the Companys and its previous joint venture partners accumulated database to determine the
size and grade of the mineralization of the Iron Oxide Manto.
During 2006, one core hole was drilled into the rocks that are within the block of ground
considered to be within the resource model. This hole was drilled for quality control purposes. The
core from this hole has been assayed, and the results appear to confirm previous work.
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During 2007, the Company audited and improved its sample collecting, sample preparation, and data
logging technical processes and it acquired improved geological information requested by its
engineers in completing their studies. The new studies included geotechnical studies and other
testing to confirm the applicability of various mining methods to the rocks at Sierra Mojada. The
Company had a large sampling of rocks from within the boundaries of the current Resource Model
grade shell analyzed for other metals that might be recovered as co-products of mining zinc. The
elements considered included silver, cadmium, indium, gallium, germanium, and cobalt. Of these
elements only silver is present in potentially recoverable amount.
In July 2008, a new resource model on the Oxide Zinc mineralization was completed by Pincock,
Allen, and Holt that more than doubled the estimated amount of zinc present in the deposit. The
new resource model increased the estimated size and zinc content of the deposit plus added a
potential estimated by-product credit for silver associated with the Oxide Zinc Mineralization.
The Company remains of the opinion that sufficient mineralized material has been defined to justify
construction of a mine, extraction plant and refinery, but the Company must complete the evaluation
of the open pit resource and construct a resource model for both the Silver Polymetallic and the
Oxide Zinc materials before it is possible to resume other engineering studies.
Water Development
The water requirements for an open pit mine producing at a very much greater daily tonnage rate are
only crudely estimated, but are believed to be very much greater than that needed for an
underground mine. An additional water exploration program will be required after delineation of
the open pit resource and preliminary engineering work are completed. No schedule or plan currently
exists to resume water exploration.
Site Evaluation, Environmental, and Regulatory
The site evaluation and environmental requirements of a large open pit are very different than
those for a much smaller underground mine. These studies can be revisited after a preliminary
engineering design for the open pit is completed.
Employees
Metalline Mining Company currently has six employees, five of which are full time and one part
time. After several recent staff reductions, approximately 73 employees are employed under contract
to our Mexican operating company Contratistas de Sierra Mojada S.A. de C.V. Various contingency
plans exist to further reduce employment levels at both the parent Company and at Contratistas.
Our Mexican holding company, Minera Metalin S.A. de C.V., has no employees.
Available Information
We maintain an internet website at www.metallinemining.com. The information on our website is not
incorporated by reference in this annual report on Form 10-K. We make available on or through our
website certain reports and amendments to those reports that we file with or furnish to the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) in accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended. Alternatively, you may read and copy any information we file with the SEC at its
public reference room at 100 F Street NE, Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information
about the operation of the public reference room by calling 1-800-SEC-0330. You may also obtain
this information from the SECs website, http://www.sec.gov.
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Item 1A. RISK FACTORS
Our securities are highly speculative and involve a high degree of risk. Identified below are
material risks known to the Company.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR BUSINESS:
Exploration Stage Mining Company with No History of Operation
The Company is in its exploration stage, has very limited operating history, and is subject to all
the risks inherent in a new business enterprise. For example, to date we have had no revenues and
have relied upon equity financing to fund our operations. The likelihood of success of the Company
must be considered in light of the problems, expenses, difficulties, complication, and delays
frequently encountered in connection with a new business, and the competitive and regulatory
environment in which the Company will operate, such as under-capitalization, personnel limitations,
and limited revenue sources.
Due to Our History of Operating Losses, We are Uncertain That We Will Be Able to Maintain
Sufficient Cash to Accomplish Our Business Objectives
During the fiscal years ended October 31, 2008 and 2007 we suffered net losses of $12,320,422 and
$6,931,557, respectively. At October 31, 2008 there was stockholders equity of $7,439,719 and a
working capital of $1,905,410. There is no assurance that we can generate net income, increase
revenues or successfully explore and exploit our properties.
Significant amounts of capital will be required to continue to explore and then develop the Sierra
Mojada concessions. The only source of future funding presently available to us is through the
sale of additional equity capital and borrowing funds or selling a portion of our interests in our
assets. There is no assurance that any additional equity capital or borrowings required will be
obtainable on terms acceptable to us, if at all. Failure to obtain such additional financing could
result in delays or indefinite postponement of further exploration and development of our projects.
Equity financing, if available, may result in substantial dilution to existing stockholders.
See the Plan of Operation below for a description of managements plans in regard to this issue.
The financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability and
classification of assets or the amounts and classification of liabilities that might be necessary
should we be unsuccessful in implementing these plans.
Capital Requirements and Liquidity; Need for Subsequent Funding
The Company will adjust its expenditures in consideration of its available resources and the tasks
to be performed. Company management and our board of directors monitor our overall costs and
expenses and, if necessary, adjust Company programs and planned expenditures in an attempt to
ensure we have sufficient operating capital. We continue to evaluate our costs and planned
expenditures for our on-going project at our Sierra Mojada mining concessions.
Management has scaled back the Companys exploration activities and reduced administrative costs to
conserve capital while we try to secure additional sources of capital to fund our operations and
continue exploration of the Sierra Mojada Project. The Company has scaled back its drilling
activities from five drills operating at two shifts per day to three drills operating at one shift
per day. In addition, the Companys officers and independent directors have agreed to defer a
significant portion of their cash compensation until sufficient capital has been raised to continue
its operations. Effective February 1, 2009, the executive officers and corporate employees entered
into salary deferral agreements for 25% to 50% of their compensation while independent directors
have agreed to defer 100% of the cash portion of their directors fees. However, without any
additional funding, the Company may not be able to fund its operations through the end of its
2009 fiscal year.
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Management is exploring various sources of additional capital including additional equity funding,
joint venture participation, strategic partner and smelter and metal trading companies willing to
fund projects for a commitment of
product. The weak US and global economy combined with instability in global financial and capital
markets have currently limited the availability of this funding. If the disruptions in the global
financial and capital markets continue, debt or equity financing may not be available to us on
acceptable terms, if at all. Equity financing, if available, may result in substantial dilution to
existing stockholders. If we are unable to fund future operations by way of financing, including
public or private offerings of equity or debt securities, our business, financial condition and
results of operations will be adversely impacted.
Our Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms Report on our 2008 Financial Statements
Questions our Ability to Continue as a Going Concern
As a result of our recurring losses from operations and limited capital resources, our independent
registered public accounting firms report on our financial statements as of October 31, 2008 and
for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2008 and 2007 includes an explanatory paragraph expressing
doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.
As stated above, management has scaled back the Companys exploration activities and reduced
administrative costs to conserve capital while we try to secure additional sources of capital.
Without additional capital, we may not be able continue as a going concern. Accordingly, we can
offer no assurance that the actions we plan to take to address these conditions will be successful.
Furthermore, inclusion of a going concern qualification in the report of our independent
accountants may have a negative impact on our ability to raise additional capital and may adversely
impact our stock price.
Disruptions in the Global Financial and Capital Markets May Impact Our Ability to Obtain
Financing
The global financial and capital markets have been experiencing extreme volatility and disruption,
including the failures of financial services companies and the related liquidity crisis. Although
we expect to meet our near term liquidity needs with our working capital on hand, we will continue
to need further funding to achieve our business objectives. In the past, the issuance of equity
securities has been the major source of capital and liquidity for us. The extraordinary conditions
in the global financial and capital markets have currently limited the availability of this
funding. If the disruptions in the global financial and capital markets continue, debt or equity
financing may not be available to us on acceptable terms, if at all. If we are unable to fund
future operations by way of financing, including public or private offerings of equity or debt
securities, our business, financial condition and results of operations will be adversely impacted.
No Commercially Mineable Ore Body; Resources and Reserves
No commercially mineable ore body has been delineated on the properties, nor have any reserves been
identified. The Company is an exploration stage company and does not currently have any known
reserves and cannot be expected to have reserves unless and until a feasibility study is completed
for the Sierra Mojada concessions that show proven and probable reserves. There can be no
assurance that the Companys concessions will ever contain reserves and investors may lose their
entire investment in the Company.
There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of mineral resources such as
silver, zinc, lead, and copper, including many factors beyond our control, and no assurance can be
given that the recovery of mineral resources will be realized. In general, estimates of
recoverable mineral resources are based upon a number of factors and assumptions made as of the
date on which the resource estimates were determined, such as geological and engineering estimates
which have inherent uncertainties and the assumed effects of regulation by governmental agencies
and estimates of future commodity prices and operating costs, all of which may vary considerably
from actual results. All such estimates are, to some degree, uncertain and classifications of
resources are only attempts to define the degree of uncertainty involved. For these reasons,
estimates of the recoverable mineral resources, the classification of such resources based on risk
of recovery, prepared by different engineers or by the same engineers at different times, may vary
substantially. No estimates of commerciality or recoverable mineral resources can be made at this
time, if ever.
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Our Business Plan is Highly Speculative and its Success Depends on Mineral Development in the
Sierra Mojada Concessions
Our business plan is focused primarily on developing and operating a mine in the Companys Sierra
Mojada concessions and to identify reserves, as described herein. Exploitation of mineralization
and determining whether the mineralization might be extracted profitably is highly speculative and
it may take a number of years until production is possible, during which time the economic
viability of the project may change. Substantial expenditures are required to establish reserves,
extract metals from ores and, in the case of new properties, to construct mining and processing
facilities. The Sierra Mojada Project is subject to all of the risks inherent in mineral
development (as described in more detail below), operation and revenue uncertainties, market sizes,
profitability, market demand, and commodity price fluctuations. Further, the economic feasibility
of any development project is based upon, among other things, estimates of the size and grade of
reserves, proximity to infrastructures and other resources (such as water and power), production
rates, capital and operating costs, and metals prices. Development projects are also subject to
the completion of favorable feasibility studies, issuance of necessary permits and the ability to
raise further capital to fund activities. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in
overcoming these risks.
Risks Inherent in the Mining Industry
The Company is subject to all of the risks inherent in the mining industry including, without
limitation, the following:
| competition from a large number of companies, many of which are significantly larger than
the Company, in the acquisition, exploration, and development of mining properties; |
| due to our limited financial resources the Company, the concession holder, might not be
able raise enough money to pay the fees, taxes and perform labor necessary to maintain the
concessions in good force; |
| exploration for minerals is highly speculative and involves substantial risks, even when
conducted on properties known to contain significant quantities of mineralization, our
exploration projects may not result in the discovery of commercially mineable deposits of
ore; |
| the probability of an individual prospect ever having reserves that meet the requirements
of Securities Act Industry Guide 7 is extremely remote, and our the properties may not
contain any reserves, and any funds spent on exploration will probably be lost; |
| our operations are subject to a variety of existing laws and regulations relating to
exploration and development, permitting procedures, safety precautions, property
reclamation, employee health and safety, air quality standards, pollution and other
environmental protection controls and the Company may not be able to comply with these
regulations and controls; |
| a large number of factors beyond the control of the Company, including fluctuations in
metal prices, inflation, and other economic conditions, will affect the economic feasibility
of mining. |
THE BUSINESS OF MINERAL EXPLORATION IS SUBJECT TO MANY RISKS:
Fluctuating Price for Metals
The Companys operations will be greatly influenced by the prices of commodities, including silver,
zinc, lead, copper, and other metals. These prices fluctuate widely and are affected by numerous
factors beyond the Companys control, including interest rates, expectations for inflation,
speculation, currency values, in particular the strength of the United States dollar, global and
regional demand, political and economic conditions and production costs in major metal producing
regions of the world.
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Mining Concessions
The Company holds mining concessions in Mexico. The Company holds title to the concessions that it
owns subject to its obligation to maintain the concessions by conducting work on the concessions,
recording evidence of the work with the Mexican Ministry of Mines and paying a semi-annual fee to
the Mexican government. Ownership of the concessions provides the Company with exclusive
exploration and exploitation rights of all minerals located on the concessions but does not include
the surface rights to the real property. Therefore, the Company will need to negotiate the
necessary agreements, as needed, with the appropriate surface landowners if the Company determines
that a mining operation is feasible for the concessions. The Company currently anticipates that it
will build mining infrastructure needed on land in part owned by the Company and in part owned by
the local municipality. The municipality officials indicate that they are willing to negotiate the
necessary agreements, but there can be no assurance that an agreement that is satisfactory to the
Company will be reached.
Title to Our Mineral Properties May be Challenged
Our policy is to seek to confirm the validity of our rights to title to, or contract rights with
respect to, each mineral property in which we have a material interest. However, we cannot
guarantee that title to our properties will not be challenged. Title insurance generally is not
available, and our ability to ensure that we have obtained secure claim to individual mineral
properties or mining concessions may be severely constrained. Our mineral properties may be subject
to prior unregistered agreements, transfers or claims, and title may be affected by, among other
things, undetected defects. In addition, we may be unable to operate our properties as permitted or
to enforce our rights with respect to our properties. We annually check the official land records
in Mexico City to determine if there are annotations indicating the existence of a legal challenge
against the validity of any of our concessions. As of October 2008, there were no such annotations,
nor are we aware of any challenges from the government or from third parties.
Our Exploration Activities are in Mexico, which is Subject to Political and Economic Instability
We currently conduct exploration activities in Mexico. Although the country is considered
economically stable, it has from time to time experienced economic or political instability. Our
activities would likely be materially adversely affected by risks including those listed below,
that are more prevalent for companies such as Metalline whose exploration activities are in this
country.
| political instability and violence; |
||
| war and civil disturbance; |
||
| expropriation or nationalization; |
||
| changing fiscal regimes; |
||
| fluctuations in currency exchange rates; |
||
| high rates of inflation; |
||
| underdeveloped industrial and economic infrastructure; and |
||
| unenforceability of contractual rights. |
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Changes in mining or investment policies or shifts in the prevailing political climate in Mexico
would likely adversely affect our business. Our operations would likely be affected in varying
degrees by Mexican government regulations with respect to, among other things:
| production restrictions; |
| price controls; |
| export and import controls; |
| income and other taxes; |
| maintenance of claims; |
| environmental legislation; |
| foreign ownership restrictions; |
| labor; |
| land use; |
| land claims of local residents; |
| water use; and |
| mine safety. |
We cannot accurately predict the effect of these factors. In addition, legislation in the United
States regulating foreign trade, investment and taxation could have a material adverse effect on
our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. In managements judgment, these
risks are very much less than the equivalent risks would be for a project of a similar nature
conducted in the United States.
Environmental Controls
Compliance with statutory environmental quality requirements may necessitate significant capital
outlays, may materially affect the earning power of the Company, or may cause material changes in
the Companys intended activities. Our operation of the Sierra Mojada Project requires compliance
with state and federal regulations. No assurance can be given that environmental standards imposed
by either federal or state governments will not be changed or become more stringent, thereby
possibly materially adversely affecting the proposed activities of the Company. In addition, if we
are unable to fund fully the cost of remediation of any environmental condition, we may be required
to suspend operations or enter into interim compliance measures pending completion of the required
remediation.
Availability of Water
Water is essential in all phases of the exploration and development of mineral properties. It is
used in such processes as exploration, drilling, leaching, placer mining, dredging, testing, and
hydraulic mining. Mining and ore processing requires large volumes of water. Both the lack of
available water and the cost of acquisition may make an otherwise viable project economically
impossible to complete. Although work completed thus far indicates that an adequate supply of
water can probably be developed in the area for an underground mining operation, the Company will
need to complete an additional water exploration program to determine if there is sufficient water
available for an open pit mining operation.
Shortages of Supplies and Materials
The mineral industry has experienced from time to time shortages of certain supplies and materials
necessary in the exploration for and evaluation of mineral deposits. The prices at which such
supplies and materials are available have also greatly increased. Our planned operations would
likely be subject to delays due to such shortages and that further price escalations will increase
the Companys costs of such supplies and materials. Experience of the Company and of others in the
industry is that suppliers are currently often unable to meet contractual obligations for supplies,
equipment, materials, and services, and that alternate sources of supply do not exist.
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Availability of Outside Engineers and Consultants
The Company is heavily dependent upon outside engineers and other professionals to complete work on
its feasibility study. The mining industry has experienced significant growth over the last
several years and as a result, many engineering and consulting firms have experienced a shortage of
qualified engineering personnel. The Company closely monitors its outside consultants through
regular meetings and review of resource allocations and project milestones. However, the lack of
qualified personnel combined with increased mining projects could result in delays in completing
our feasibility study or result in higher costs to keep personnel focused on our project.
Operational Hazards; Uninsured Risks
The Company is subject to risks and hazards, including environmental hazards, industrial accidents,
the encountering of unusual or unexpected geological formations, cave-ins, flooding, earthquakes
and periodic interruptions due to inclement or hazardous weather conditions. These occurrences
could result in damage to, or destruction of, mineral properties or production facilities, personal
injury or death, environmental damage, reduced production and delays in mining, asset write-downs,
monetary losses and possible legal liability. The Company may not be insured against all losses or
liabilities, which may arise from operations, either because such insurance is unavailable or
because the Company has elected not to purchase such insurance due to high premium costs or other
reasons. Although the Company maintains insurance in an amount that we consider to be adequate,
liabilities might exceed policy limits, in which event we could incur significant costs that could
adversely affect our results of operation. The realization of any significant liabilities in
connection with our mining activities as described above could negatively affect our results of
operations and the price of our common stock.
Need for Additional Key Personnel; Reliance on Officers and Directors
At the present, the Company employs five full-time and one part-time employee in the United States,
and relies on the personal efforts of its officers and directors. The success of the Companys
proposed business will depend, in part, upon the ability to attract and retain qualified employees.
The Company believes that it will be able to attract competent employees, but no assurance can be
given that the Company will be successful in this regard. If the Company is unable to engage and
retain the necessary personnel, its business would be materially and adversely affected.
RISKS RELATING TO OUR COMMON STOCK:
No Dividends Anticipated
At the present time the Company does not anticipate paying dividends, cash or otherwise, on its
common stock in the foreseeable future. Future dividends will depend on earnings, if any, of the
Company, its financial requirements and other factors. There can be no assurance that the Company
will pay dividends.
Our Stock Price Can Be Extremely Volatile
The trading price of our Common Stock has been and could continue to be subject to wide
fluctuations in response to announcements of our business developments and drill results, progress
reports on our feasibility study, the metals markets in general, and other events or factors. In
addition, stock markets have experienced extreme price volatility in recent years. This volatility
has had a substantial effect on the market prices of companies, at times for reasons unrelated to
their operating performance. Such broad market fluctuations may adversely affect the price of our
Common Stock.
Compliance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires management to assess the Companys internal controls
over financial reporting as of the end of our fiscal year. Current regulations of the Securities
and Exchange Commission will require us to include managements assessment of our internal control
over financial reporting in our annual report commencing with the annual report we file with the
SEC for our fiscal year ended October 31, 2008.
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We have incurred significant increased costs in implementing and responding to these requirements.
In particular, the rules governing the standards that must be met for management to assess the
Companys internal control over financial reporting under Section 404 are complex, and require
significant documentation, testing and possible remediation. In response we have retained
additional consultants to help us comply with the requirements of Section 404. In addition, we
will incur additional fees from our auditors as they perform the additional services necessary for
them to provide their attestation. If we are unable to favorably assess the effectiveness of our
internal control over financial reporting when we are required to, we may be required to change our
internal control over financial reporting to remediate deficiencies. In addition, investors may
lose confidence in the reliability of our financial statements
causing our stock price to decline.
Item 2. PROPERTIES.
Sierra Mojada Mining Concessions
The Company owns 16 concessions consisting of 19,408.4148 hectares (about 47,958 acres) in the
mining region known as the Sierra Mojada District located in Sierra Mojada, Coahuila, Mexico.
Eleven of the mining concessions were purchased from Mexican entities and/or Mexican Individuals
and the remaining five mining concessions were granted by the Mexican government. Our concessions
are without known reserves and the project is exploratory in nature.
The Company owns the following mining concessions:
Concession1 | Title No. | Hectares | ||||||
Sierra Mojada |
198513 | 4,767.3154 | ||||||
Mojada 3 |
226756 | 722.0000 | ||||||
Unificacion Mineros Nortenos |
169343 | 336.7905 | ||||||
Esmeralda I |
211158 | 95.4977 | ||||||
Esmeralda |
212169 | 117.5025 | ||||||
La Blanca |
220569 | 33.5044 | ||||||
Fortuna |
160461 | 13.9582 | ||||||
Vulcano |
83507 | 4.4904 | ||||||
Mojada 2 |
227585 | 3,500.0000 | ||||||
El Retorno |
216681 | 817.6548 | ||||||
Los Ramones |
223093 | 8.6039 | ||||||
El Retorno Fracc. 1 |
223154 | 5.5071 | ||||||
Dormidos |
229323 | 2,326.0953 | ||||||
Agua Mojada |
232165 | 2,900.0000 | ||||||
Alote1 |
| 3,749.0000 | ||||||
Volcan Dolores |
224873 | 10.4946 | ||||||
Total |
19,408.4148 | |||||||
1 | Title for this concession is pending. |
The Company holds title to its concessions subject to its obligation to maintain and conduct work
on the concessions, record evidence of the work with the Mexican Ministry of Mines and pay a
semi-annual fee to the Mexican government. Annual assessment work in excess of statutory
requirements can be carried forward and applied against future annual work requirements. The value
of our accumulated carry forwards on our concessions would meet future requirements for many years.
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The Company is using a new process under newly revised Mexican mineral land law to seek title to
certain small parcels within and bounded by our concessions. These parcels are very old concessions
that appear to have been abandoned and where the precise locations of the concession corners are
uncertain. The concessions involved are more than one kilometer away from the area being studied in
our feasibility study. The new law appears to grant the Company, as owners of the surrounding
concessions, an exclusive right to award of these concessions. A governmental process to grant such
title is under development and our applications are serving as test cases. We cannot anticipate
when a final determination will be made on these applications.
Ownership of a concession provides the owner with exclusive exploration and exploitation rights of
all minerals located on the concessions, but does not include the surface rights to the real
property. Therefore, the Company will need to negotiate any necessary agreements with the
appropriate surface landowners if the Company determines that a mining operation is feasible for
the concessions. The Company owns surface rights to three lots in the area (Sierra Mojada lot #1,
#2, and #7) and the preliminary location of the surface plant is mostly on these lots. The Company
currently anticipates that it will build mining infrastructure needed on land partly owned by the
local municipality. The municipality officials indicate that they will grant the necessary
agreements. The preliminary location for the tailing impoundment is on land owned by the Ejido
Esmeralda, an agricultural cooperative. The Company has entered into a fifty year lease agreement
with the Ejido for the use of this land and up to 50 Ha of common use land elsewhere on the Ejido.
The Company has entered into preliminary agreements with other Ejidos and with private landholders
to obtain surface trespass and use rights to drill water wells, to complete and test water wells,
and to build water pipelines from well sites to the Companys holdings near Sierra Mojada. The
Company has moved to perfect these agreements by having them executed and filed before a Notary
Public.
The concessions are located within a mining district known as the Sierra Mojada District (the
District). The District is located in the west central part of the state of Coahuila, Mexico,
near the Coahuila-Chihuahua state border approximately 200 kilometers south of the Big Bend of the
Rio Grande River. See Exhibit 99. incorporated herein by reference for a map showing the location
of the mine. The principal mining area extends for some 5 kilometers in an east-west direction
along the base of the precipitous, 1,000 meter high, Sierra Mojada Range. The District has high
voltage electric power supplied by the national power company, Comision Federal de Electricidad,
C.F.E. and is supplied water by the municipality of Sierra Mojada. The District is accessible from
Torreon by vehicle via 250 kilometers of paved road. There is a well maintained, 1,100 meter,
gravel airstrip in the District as well as a railroad connecting with the National Railway at
Escalon and at Monclova.
Over 45 mines have produced ore from underground workings throughout the approximately five
kilometer by two kilometer area that comprises the District. The Company estimates that since its
discovery in 1879, the District has produced about 10 million tons of high grade ore that was
shipped directly to smelters. The District has never had a mill to concentrate ore and all mining
conducted thus far has been limited to selectively mined ore of sufficient grade to direct ship to
smelters. The Company believes that mill grade mineralization that was not mined remains available
for extraction. The Company anticipates exploring and potentially developing the mill grade
mineralization and the unexplored portions of the concessions.
The concessions contain two distinct mineral systems separated by the Sierra Mojada Fault which
trends east-west along the base of the range. North of the fault mineralization is composed of
silver, copper, zinc, lead sulfide and oxide minerals. South of the fault the mineralization is
oxide zinc and oxide lead minerals.
The sediments in the District are predominantly limestone and dolomite with some conglomerate,
sandstone and shale and the bedding attitudes are near horizontal. The mines are dry and the rocks
are competent. The thickness and attitude of the mineralized material is amenable to high volume
mechanized mining methods and low cost production.
Much of the infrastructure required for a mine, including access to roads, electricity and rail
lines, is already in place due to the historical mining operations conducted in the District. The
Company may need additional high power transmission lines if we put in a SXEW plant and the mine.
The Municipality is seeking to evaluate the adequacy of the current power system for the future
needs of the community, and has funding to increase the capacity of the power lines. The Company
will work with the municipality to assess these needs as the power requirements are received from
our feasibility team. At present, we foresee no great problem meeting the power requirements of
mine and concentrator. On the other hand, we question whether Mexico has or will have adequate
excess power capacity
to meet the requirements of an SXEW plant of the size we anticipate. As part of the feasibility
study, we are evaluating other options for the SXEW plant site. Results from mapping, sampling,
drilling and inspection of existing workings indicate that large mineralized resources can be
developed within and adjacent to the existing workings and in unexplored stratigraphic units
outside of and below the existing mine workings. The Company anticipates that it would also build
additional infrastructure, including mine access, a dry tailings disposal site and a Concentrator.
Tailings might be placed back below the ground as backfill of stopes, if we have an underground
mine, or might be stacked in a protected location on Ejido Esmeralda land to the east of the town
of Esmeralda. The Company will complete entering into agreements with the landowners of all surface
rights not owned by the Company before completion of a feasibility study.
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Mexico Facility
The Companys facilities in Mexico include offices, residences, shops, warehouse buildings and
mining equipment located at Calle Mina #1, La Esmeralda, Coahuila, Mexico. The Companys telephone
and fax number in Mexico is 52 872 761 5129. Electric power has been upgraded to 13,200 volts and
lines run to the office compound, the shops and the San Salvador and Encantada mines. The San
Salvador and the Encantada mines have been electrified and the main levels are wired. San Salvador
and Encantada head frames and hoists have been rebuilt and upgraded. The hoist on the Fronteriza
shaft is current undergoing a major overhaul and repair. The Company has chosen not to obtain
insurance on some its facilities and equipment because it would be difficult to obtain the
insurance and the cost would outweigh the value. In managements opinion, the Companys plant and
equipment are mostly in good condition and well maintained, and adequate round-the-clock security
is provided.
Corporate Office
The Companys corporate offices are located at 1330 East Margaret Avenue, Coeur dAlene, Idaho
83815, and its telephone number is (208) 665-2002 and fax number is (208) 665-0041. The Companys
website is www.metallinemining.com.
Glossary of Common Terms
The terms defined in this section are used throughout this Form 10-K.
Concession
|
A grant of a tract of land made by a government or other controlling
authority in return for stipulated services or a promise that the land
will be used for a specific purpose. |
|
Exploration expenditures
|
Costs incurred in identifying areas that may warrant examination and
in examining specific areas that are considered to have prospects that
may contain mineral deposit reserves. |
|
Mineralized Material
|
Mineral bearing material such as zinc, silver, copper and lead that
has been physically delineated by one or more of a number of methods
including drilling, underground work, surface trenching and other
types of sampling. This material has been found to contain a
sufficient amount of mineralization of an average grade of metal or
metals to have economic potential that warrants further exploration
evaluation. While this material is not currently or may never be
classified as reserves, it is reported as mineralized material only if
the potential exists for reclassification into the reserves category.
This material cannot be classified in the reserves category until
final technical, economic and legal factors have been determined.
Under the United States Securities and Exchange Commissions
standards, a mineral deposit does not qualify as a reserve unless the
recoveries from the deposit are expected to be sufficient to recover
total cash and non-cash costs for the mine and related facilities and
make a profit. |
|
Ore, Ore Reserve, or Mineable Ore Body |
The part of a mineral deposit which could be economically and legally
extracted or produced at the time of the reserve determination. |
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Reserves
|
Estimated remaining quantities of mineral deposit and related substances anticipated to be recoverable from known accumulations, from a given date forward, based on: | |
(a) analysis of drilling, geological, geophysical and engineering data; | ||
(b) the use of established technology; and | ||
(c) specified economic conditions, which are generally accepted as being reasonable, and which are disclosed. | ||
Resources
|
Those quantities of mineral deposit estimated to exist originally in naturally occurring accumulations. | |
Resources are, therefore, those quantities estimated on a particular date to be remaining in known accumulations plus those quantities already produced from known accumulations plus those quantities in accumulations yet to be discovered. Resources are divided into: | ||
(a) discovered resources, which are limited to known accumulations; and | ||
(b) undiscovered resources. | ||
Solvent Extraction and
Electrowinning (SXEW)
|
A hydrometallurgical process in which metal is dissolved from the rock by organic solvents and recovered from solution by electrolysis. | |
Stratigraphic units
|
A body of rock established as a distinct entity, geologically classified, based on any of the properties or attributes or combinations thereof that rocks possess. | |
Tonne
|
A metric ton which is equivalent to 2,200 pounds. | |
Unproved property
|
A property or part of a property to which no reserves have been specifically attributed. |
Item 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
In October 2008, Mineros Nortenos (Mineros) filed a legal action against Minera Metalin S.A. de
C.V. (Minera), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. The action was filed in the Chihuahua
Civil Court, in the state of Chihuahua Mexico. Mineros complaint alleges that Minera breached an
August 30, 2000 agreement between the parties regarding work and labor to be provided to the
Companys mining project and seeks to rescind the agreement and also seeks monetary damages. The
Company believes Mineros allegations are frivolous, without merit and the Company intends to
vigorously defend the action. The Company has contracted with a law firm in Mexico to defend the
action and has a $250,000 contractual commitment to that law firm. On November 4, 2008, the
Company paid the initial $125,000 upfront payment under this agreement.
Item 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
None.
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PART II
Item 5. MARKET FOR COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
Market Information
The Companys Common Stock is traded on NYSE Alternext US LLC (formerly known as the American Stock
Exchange) under the symbol MMG. Prior to November 6, 2006, the Companys Common Stock was traded on
the OTC Bulletin Board system under the symbol MMGG. The following table sets forth the high and
low sales prices of the Companys Common Stock during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2008 and
October 31, 2007 as reported by the AMEX for the periods ending after November 6, 2006. The prices
reported prior to November 6, 2006, set forth prices reported on the internet source Google Finance
(http://finance.google.com/finance). Any over-the-Counter quotations reflect inter-dealer prices,
without retail mark-up, mark-down or commission and may not represent actual transactions.
Fiscal Quarter | High | Low | ||||||||||
Fiscal Year End October 31, 2008 |
4th Quarter (8/1/08 10/31/08) | $ | 1.25 | $ | .21 | |||||||
3rd Quarter (5/1/08 7/31/08) | $ | 2.34 | $ | 1.12 | ||||||||
2nd Quarter (2/1/08 4/30/08) | $ | 2.65 | $ | 1.69 | ||||||||
1st Quarter (11/1/07 1/31/08) | $ | 3.18 | $ | 1.77 | ||||||||
Fiscal Year End October 31, 2007 |
4th Quarter (8/1/07 10/31/07) | $ | 3.55 | $ | 2.10 | |||||||
3rd Quarter (5/1/07 7/31/07) | $ | 4.35 | $ | 2.76 | ||||||||
2nd Quarter (2/1/07 4/30/07) | $ | 3.65 | $ | 2.25 | ||||||||
1st Quarter (11/1/06 1/31/07) | $ | 4.50 | $ | 2.42 |
The closing price of the Common Stock as reported on February 5, 2009, was $0.33 per share.
Holders
As of February 5, 2009, there were 219 holders of record of the Companys Common Stock. This does
not include persons who hold our common stock in brokerage accounts and otherwise in street name.
Dividends
The Company did not declare or pay cash or other dividends on its Common Stock during the last two
calendar years. The Company has no plans to pay any dividends, although it may do so if its
financial position changes.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
The Companys currently has two equity compensation plans. The 2000 Equity Incentive Plan (the
2000 Plan) was approved by the board of directors and stockholders in 2001. The 2006 Stock
Option Plan (the 2006 Plan) was approved by the board of directors in May 2006 and stockholders
in July 2006.
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The following table gives information about the Companys Common Stock that may be issued upon the
exercise of options, warrants and rights under the Companys compensation plans as of October 31,
2008.
Number of securities to be | ||||||||||||
issued upon exercise of | Weighted average exercise | Number of securities | ||||||||||
outstanding options, warrants | price of outstanding | remaining available for | ||||||||||
Plan Category | and rights | options, warrants and rights | future issuance | |||||||||
Equity compensation
plans approved by
security holders |
4,400,004 | (1) | $ | 2.56 | 938,796 | (2) | ||||||
Equity compensation
plans not approved
by security holders |
927,353 | (3) | $ | 2.64 | | |||||||
Total |
5,327,357 | $ | 2.57 | 938,796 |
(1) | Includes: (i) options to acquire 400,000 shares of Common Stock under the 2000
plan; and (ii) options to acquire 4,000,004 shares of common stock under the 2006 Plan. |
|
(2) | Includes: (i) 230,000 shares of Common Stock available for issue under the 2000
Plan; and (ii) 708,796 shares of Common Stock available for issue under the 2006 Plan. |
|
(3) | Includes (i) warrants to purchase 6,103 shares of Common Stock as compensation
for services to Tomlinson Programs Inc., (ii) warrants to purchase 204,000 shares of Common
Stock as compensation for services to Aegis Capital Inc., (iii) warrants to purchase 17,250
shares of Common Stock to an independent director of the Company, (iv) warrants to purchase
200,000 shares of Common Stock as compensation for financial services to O&M Partners and
(v) warrants to purchase 500,000 shares as compensation for financial services to David
Nahmias. |
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
Following are descriptions of all unregistered equity securities of the Company sold during the
last fiscal quarter and as of February 5, 2009, excluding transactions that were previously
reported on Form 10-Q or Form 8-K filed during the period:
On October 31, 2008 we issued an aggregate of 32,400 shares of the Companys common stock to our
independent directors, each director being an accredited investor. These shares were issued in
consideration for services. The shares were issued in reliance on the exemptions from registration
contained in Sections 4(2) and 4(6) of the 1933 Act. No commissions or other remuneration were paid
for this issuance.
Item 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Not applicable.
Item 7. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATION
Cautionary Statement about Forward-Looking Statements
This Annual Report on Form 10-K includes certain statements that may be deemed to be
forward-looking statements. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included
in this Form 10-K that address activities, events or developments that our management expects,
believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Such
forward-looking statements include discussion of such matters as:
| The amount and nature of future capital, development and exploration expenditures; |
| The timing of exploration activities; and |
| Business strategies and development of our business plan. |
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Forward-looking statements also typically include words such as anticipate, estimate, expect,
potential, could or similar words suggesting future outcomes. These statements are based on
certain assumptions and analyses made by us in light of our experience and our perception of
historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors we believe
are appropriate in the circumstances. Such statements are subject to a number of assumptions, risks
and uncertainties, including such factors as the volatility and level of silver and zinc prices,
currency exchange rate fluctuations, uncertainties in cash flow, expected acquisition benefits,
exploration mining and operating risks, competition, litigation, environmental matters, the
potential impact of government regulations, and other matters discussed under the caption Risk
Factors, many of which are beyond our control. Readers are cautioned that forward-looking
statements are not guarantees of future performance and that actual results or developments may
differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements.
The Company is under no duty to update any of these forward-looking statements after the date of
this report. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.
Going Concern Presentation of Financial Statements
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company
will continue as a going concern. Since its inception in November 1993, the Company has not
generated revenue and has incurred a net loss of $47,066,815 from inception through October 31,
2008. Accordingly, the Company has not generated cash flow from operations and has primarily
relied upon private placement of its common stock and proceeds from warrant exercises to fund its
operations. As of October 31, 2008, the Company has working capital of $1,905,410, which may not
be sufficient to operate over the next twelve months. These conditions raise substantial doubt
about the Companys ability to continue as a going concern. The financial statements do not include
any adjustments to reflect the possible future effects on the recoverability and classification of
assets, or the amounts or classification of liabilities that may result from the possible inability
of the Company to continue as a going concern. Managements plans with regards to these conditions
are described below.
Plan of Operation
The Company is an exploration stage company, formed under the laws of the state of Nevada on August
20, 1993, to engage in the business of mining. The Company currently owns mining concessions, which
are located in the municipality of Sierra Mojada, Coahuila, Mexico. The Companys objective is to
define sufficient mineral reserves on the Property to justify the development of a mechanized
mining operation (the Project). The Company conducts its operations in Mexico through its wholly
owned Mexican subsidiaries, Minera Metalin S.A. de C.V. (Minera) and Contratistas de Sierra
Mojada S.A. de C.V. (Contratistas).
Feasibility Study- Oxide Zinc Mineralization
The primary activity of the Company is to complete a feasibility study and to evaluate the
engineering factors and economics of mining the Oxide Zinc Mineralization in our Sierra Mojada
concessions. This task consists in part of performing the required technical tasks and in part of
properly documenting, in accordance with generally accepted engineering guidelines: (i) norms, and
procedures; (ii) the manner in which the tasks were performed; and (iii) the results of the ensuing
analysis. Much of this work is iterative in nature and results of one task often requires
modification of the work in some other task, and resulting modifications in the documentation of
all impacted tasks. The final feasibility study becomes a summary document that reflects the
important conclusion of detailed reports on the various technical tasks. For the format that we
are using the detailed studies are termed Complimentary Reports. The Complimentary Reports include
reports on: (i) the geology of the Sierra Mojada area and the methods used to evaluate the
mineralization; (ii) the resource model that provides an estimate of the size and grade of the
mineralized volume, including a detailed discussion of the geostatistical methods used to create
the estimate; (iii) the geotechnical results including a detailed discussion of how the
geotechnical data were acquired and how they are interpreted; and (iv) a hydrology report on the
water supply for the area.
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During fiscal 2008, the Company completed an initial scoping phase of the feasibility study and
developed a preliminary mine plan based upon the Companys initial resource model. The preliminary
mine plan anticipated using an underground mining method that would use a long-hole end-slice panel
stoping method to perform high-volume relatively low cost mining. The preliminary mine plan
projected a minimum daily production rate of 3,000 tonnes (metric tons) per day, and a 17 year mine
life. Shortly after developing the preliminary mine plan, the Company started working with its
engineering firms to develop a more detailed mine plan and concentrator plant study. In May 2008,
the Company selected SNC-Lavalin to prepare the detailed concentrator plant study. While working
on the detailed mine plan and concentrator plant studies, the Company contracted with Pincock,
Allen, & Holt to complete a new resource model based upon latest drilling results and a suite of
silver analysis that were not available when the previous resource model was developed.
In July 2008, the Company announced that Pincock, Allen, and Holt had completed a new resource
model on the Oxide Zinc mineralization that more than doubled the estimated amount of zinc present
in the deposit. The new resource model increased the estimated size and zinc content of the
deposit plus added a potential estimated by-product credit for silver associated with the Oxide
Zinc Mineralization. The new resource model required the Company to take a fresh look at the
optimum mine size, mining methods, and other economic and engineering factors. Open pit mining is
possibly effective on a deposit of this size and geometry and would likely remove the production
rate constraints that are inherent in the underground mining scenario that was previously
considered. The Company has completed a first pass evaluation of open pit mining of the new
resource model and has determined that mining and processing rates might be as much as five times
greater than the underground mining method and would result in significant economies of scale and
may allow market opportunities that are not available with a smaller underground operation.
Preliminary economic evaluation of open pit mining suggests that it would be much more profitable.
Furthermore, an open pit mining method may allow the Company to mine the Silver Polymetallic
Mineralization, which lies adjacent to the Oxide Zinc Mineralization on the north side of the
east-west Sierra Mojada Fault. This mineralization would be mined during stripping to access the
Oxide Zinc Mineralization. The Company has been actively evaluating the Silver Polymetallic
Mineralization, but does not have enough drill data yet, and in the right places, to create a
comprehensive resource model for this mineralization. The Companys current drilling efforts are
primarily directed at infilling and defining the Silver Polymetallic Mineralization in order to
bring the data to the quality required for a resource model.
The Silver Polymetallic Mineralization is predominantly sulfide in nature and would require a
different processing plant to recover the contained metals. The Company needs to gain a complete
understanding of the size, grade and metallurgical character of this potentially large silver-rich
mineralization in order to understand the impact on the economics of mining the Oxide Zinc
Mineralization by open pit. If the Silver Polymetallic Mineralization can be exploited in the
course of developing the Oxide Zinc Mineralization, there is potentially an additional, very
positive, economic impact on the overall project.
Accordingly, the Company has suspended the mine plan and concentrator portions of the feasibility
study to evaluate a much larger scale operation in order to exploit both the Silver Polymetallic
mineralization and the now much larger Oxide Zinc mineralization.
Test Mining
Pincock, Allen & Holt recommended a test mining program to confirm certain mining assumptions and
validate the geotechnical data associated with the initial underground mining method. The Company
worked with Pincock, Allen and Holt to prepare a Request for Proposal and obtain bids from outside
contractors on the test mining project. While evaluating bids on the test mining project, the
Company completed the new resource model and has decided to further evaluate an open pit mining
method. Since underground mining may not be conducted, the planned test mining program has been
suspended.
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Continued Improvement of the Sierra Mojada Infrastructure
The Company is continuously improving its general business capabilities in Mexico so that it is
capable of performing the ramp up in activity required by our business objectives. During fiscal
2008, the Company made several improvements to the Sierra Mojada infrastructure including:
| The Company purchased three additional drills and has hired and trained additional
personnel to operate this equipment. The additional diamond drilling capabilities not only
eliminated dependence on outside contractors, but also increased our ability to quickly
respond to any additional drilling requirements for the feasibility study and has allowed
for continued exploration of the Silver Polymetallic Mineralization. |
| An onsite sample laboratory was completed at Sierra Mojada and is being used to get
immediate feedback on drilling results and reduce outside sampling and assaying costs. All
samples that will be incorporated in mineral resource models will be assayed in duplicate
by the outside laboratory. |
| A water pipeline was completed to provide water for increased drilling activities,
accommodate test mining and reduce our water costs. |
Exploration of Silver Polymetallic Mineralization
The Company continues to explore and evaluate the Silver Polymetallic Mineralization which is
located north and adjacent of the Oxide Zinc Mineralization. The purpose of this work is to
evaluate the mineralization potential of the Silver Polymetallic Mineralization and to determine
whether mining of both mineral systems can be conducted. During the quarter ended April 30, 2008, a
total of 3,378.7 meters of diamond drilling was completed in various areas of the property, mostly
in pursuit of Silver Polymetallic targets. As disclosed in a press release dated April 24, 2008,
the Company recently collected enough sample data to prepare an initial evaluation of silver and
copper content in part of the Silver Polymetallic Mineralization. A total of 8,766 meters of
diamond drill, percussion drill, and channel samples, within this sample block, were used to
calculate a weighted average grade of 145 grams silver per tonne and 0.20% copper.
As discussed above, an open pit mining method may allow the Company to mine the Silver Polymetallic
Mineralization, which lies adjacent to the Oxide Zinc Mineralization on the north side of the
east-west Sierra Mojada Fault. This mineralization would be mined during stripping to access the
Oxide Zinc Mineralization. The Company has been actively evaluating the Silver Polymetallic
Mineralization, but does not have enough drill data yet, and in the right places to create a
comprehensive resource model for this mineralization. As resources permit, the Companys plans to
continue to evaluate the Silver Polymetallic Mineralization using our five diamond drills, three
percussion drills, channel sampling and geologic mapping. The continuing evaluation is intended to
increase sample density and expand the core area. The Company is also in the process of preparing a
more detailed geostatistical evaluation to improve the evaluation of the Silver Polymetallic
Mineralization.
Cautionary Note
The Company is an exploration stage company and does not currently have any known reserves and
cannot be expected to have reserves unless and until a feasibility study is completed for the
Sierra Mojada concessions that shows proven and probable reserves. There can be no assurance that
the Companys concessions contain proven and probable reserves and investors may lose their entire
investment in the Company. See Risk Factors.
Results of Operation
For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2008, the Company experienced a consolidated net loss of
$12,320,000 or $0.31 per share, compared to a consolidated net loss of $6,932,000 or $0.20 per
share during the comparable period last year. The $5,388,000 increase in consolidated net loss is
primarily due to a $3,686,000 foreign currency translation loss on intercompany loans to its
Mexican subsidiaries. Also contributing to the higher net loss were a $399,000 increase in
exploration and property holding costs, a $931,000 increase in general and administrative costs,
and $284,000 decrease in interest income.
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Exploration and property holding costs
Exploration and property holding costs increased $399,000 or 14% to $3,235,000 for the fiscal year
ended October 31, 2008 compared to $2,836,000 for the comparable period last year. This increase
was primarily due to additional drilling and exploration costs associated with the operation of
three new drills; two which were purchased near the beginning of the fiscal year and a third which
was purchased in June 2008. The Company operated five drills for the majority of the fiscal year
and focused on in-fill drilling of the Oxide Zinc Mineralization and continued exploration of
Silver Polymetallic mineralization north of the Sierra Mojada fault.
General and Administrative Costs
General and administrative expenses increased $931,000 or 20% to $5,508,000 for the fiscal year
ended October 31, 2008 as compared to $4,577,000 for the comparable period last year. This
increase was primarily due to higher stock based compensation for options granted to officers and
directors and an increase in the allowance for uncollectible value-added taxes. This increase was
partially mitigated by lower professional fees. Stock based compensation for options and warrants
accounts for a significant part of general and administrative expenses and was a primary factor for
several of the fluctuations described below.
Salaries and payroll expense increased $1,032,000 from the comparable period in 2007 primarily due
to higher stock based compensation for stock options and restricted stock grants. Stock based
compensation for stock options increased from $307,000 in 2007 to $1,029,000 in 2008. The increase
in stock based compensation during 2008 is primarily attributable to an increase in the number of
stock options granted and continued recognition of stock based compensation for options granted
during 2007. In accordance with FAS 123R, the Company recognizes stock based compensation over the
vesting period based upon the fair value of the options at date of grant. During 2007, the Company
granted options to purchase 150,000 to the Chief Financial officer with a graded vesting period of
2.5 years and a fair value of $841,717. The Company recorded $307,000 and $389,000 of stock based
compensation during 2007 and 2008, respectively related to these options. During 2008, the Company
granted options to purchase 600,004 shares with a fair value of $974,608 and graded vesting period
ranging from 2-3 years. The Company recorded stock based compensation of $640,000 during 2008
related to these options. Also contributing to the increase in salaries and wages during 2008, the
Company granted 38,000 shares to three key employees of our Mexican subsidiary with a total value
of $83,000. The hiring of the Chief Financial Officer in June 2007 and board approved salary
increases for executive officers on January 1, 2008 also contributed to the increase in 2008.
Professional fees decreased $470,000 from the comparable period in 2007 due to lower stock based
compensation associated with options/warrants issued to professional consultants. During 2007, the
Company recognized stock based compensation of $1,094,000 for 600,000 warrants issued to financial
consultants whereas during 2008, the Company recognized stock based compensation of $267,000 for
150,000 stock options granted to our Mexican legal consultant. This decrease in stock based
compensation was partially mitigated by a $405,000 increase in spending on feasibility study costs
during 2008. Feasibility study costs were higher due to engineering work on the proposed mine plan
and concentration facility.
Directors fees also increased $145,000 from the comparable period in 2007, primarily due to the
additional cash and stock based compensation related to the addition of a third independent
director. Approximately $177,000 of this increase is attributable to stock based compensation for
options to purchase 150,000 shares granted in October 2007 with a graded vesting period of 2 years.
The higher stock based compensation from options was offset by a lower average market price of
shares granted to independent directors.
During fiscal 2008, the Company established an allowance for uncollectible value-added taxes of
$220,000 and recorded a corresponding expense on the consolidated statement of operations. The
allowance was established due to uncertainties regarding the collectability of certain value-added
taxes that Minera Metalin paid from 2005 through 2008. See Value Added Taxes under note 2 to the
consolidated financial statements for more details regarding the allowance for uncollectible taxes.
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Other Income (Expense)
Other Income (Expense) decreased from a $536,000 income in 2007 to a $3,535,000 loss in 2008
primarily due to a $3,686,000 foreign currency translation loss on intercompany loans to its
Mexican subsidiaries. As of October 31, 2008, the Company had an intercompany receivable of $19.0
million from Minera which is subject to exchange rate fluctuations between the U.S. Dollar and
Mexican Peso.
Interest income was $284,000 lower in 2008 as compared to 2007 due to lower average investment
balances and lower investment yields. During 2007, the Company invested its excess funds in
auction rate securities which had an average yield of approximately 4% to 5%. Due to large
uncertainties related to failed auctions in the auction rate securities markets, the Company sold
these investments during the first quarter of 2008 and invested its excess funds in US Treasury
bills and US Treasury based money market accounts. The average yield on short-term treasury bills
and money market funds was less than 0.1%.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash Flows
During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2008, the Company utilized cash on hand, marketable
securities, and proceeds from warrant exercises to fund its operations. As a result, cash, cash
equivalents and marketable securities decreased from $9,334,000 at October 31, 2007 to $2,229,000
at October 31, 2008. During fiscal 2008, the Company used $6,494,000 in operating activities,
principally in connection with maintaining the property, continuation of exploration drilling
program and continued feasibility study funding. The Company also incurred $782,000 in capital
expenditures related to purchases of mining and related service equipment. These cash outflows
during 2008 were offset by $477,000 of proceeds from exercise of warrants.
Capital Resources
As of October 31, 2008, the Company had cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities of
$2,229,000. Since inception, the Company has relied primarily upon proceeds from private placement
of its shares and warrant exercises as its primary sources of financing to fund its operations. We
anticipate continuing to rely on sales of our common stock in order to continue to fund our
business operations. Issuances of additional shares will result in dilution to our existing
stockholders. There is no assurance that we will be able to complete any additional sales of our
equity securities or that we will be able arrange for other financing to fund our planned business
activities.
Capital Requirements and Liquidity; Need for Subsequent Funding
As discussed under its plan of operation above, the Company has suspended work on mine plan and
concentrator portions of the feasibility study while it gathers additional drilling data on the
Silver Polymetallic mineralization. As a result of the Companys limited capital resources and the
on-going weakness in the capital markets, the Company has scaled back its exploration activities
and administrative costs to conserve capital while it tries to secure additional sources of capital
to fund its operations and continue exploration of the Sierra Mojada Project. The Company has
scaled back its drilling activities from five drills operating at two shifts per day to three
drills operating at one shift per day. In addition, the Companys officers and independent
directors have agreed to defer a significant portion of their cash compensation until sufficient
capital has been raised to continue its operations. Effective February 1, 2009, the executive
officers and corporate employees entered into salary deferral agreements for 25% to 50% of their
compensation while independent directors have agreed to defer 100% of the cash portion of their
directors fees. Management plans to continue its efforts towards reducing administrative costs.
However, without any additional funding, the Company may not be able
to fund its operations
through the end of its 2009 fiscal year.
Management is exploring various sources of additional capital including additional equity funding,
joint venture participation, strategic partner and smelter and metal trading companies willing to
fund projects for a commitment of product. The weak US and global economy combined with
instability in global financial and capital markets have currently limited the availability of this
funding. If the disruptions in the global financial and capital markets
continue, debt or equity financing may not be available to us on acceptable terms, if at all.
Equity financing, if available, may result in substantial dilution to existing stockholders. If we
are unable to fund future operations by way of financing, including public or private offerings of
equity or debt securities, our business, financial condition and results of operations will be
adversely impacted.
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Once the Company has gathered sufficient drilling data on the Silver Polymetallic mineralization,
the Company can then resume work on the feasibility study. Following the completion of the
feasibility study, the Company would then proceed to the construction phase, which would entail
construction of a mine and related infrastructure pursuant to a mine plan developed specifically
for the Companys concessions, and construction of an extraction plant to extract metal from the
ore that would be mined. In order to proceed with the construction phase, the Company would need to
rely on additional equity or debt financing, or the Company may seek joint venture partners or
other alternative financing sources.
Off Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have no significant off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a
current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or
expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that are
material to our stockholders.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In November 2007, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Interpretation No. 48,
Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, (FIN 48), an interpretation of Financial Accounting
Standards Statement No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. FIN 48 prescribes a recognition
threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of an
uncertain tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN 48 requires that the
Company recognize in its financial statements the impact of uncertain tax positions. FIN 48 also
provides guidance on de-recognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim
periods and disclosure. See Note 11 to the consolidated financial statements for discussion of FIN
48 and the impact it had on the Companys financial position or results of operations.
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (SFAS No. 157). SFAS
No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted
accounting principles (GAAP), and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. This Standard
addresses how companies should measure fair value when they are required to use a fair value
measure for recognition or disclosure purposes under U.S. GAAP. SFAS No. 157 is effective for
financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 (fiscal year 2009
for the Company). In February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. 157-2, Effective Dates
of FASB Statement no. 157 (FSP 157-2). This FASB Staff Position amends SFAS No. 157 to delay
the effective date for non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities, except for items that
are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (that
is, at least annually). For items within its scope, FSP 157-2 defers the effective date of SFAS
No. 157 to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008 and interim periods within those fiscal
years (fiscal year 2010 for the Company). The Company does not expect the adoption of SFAS 157 will
have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and
Financial Liabilities including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115 (SFAS 159). Under
SFAS 159, a company may choose, at specified election dates, to measure eligible items at fair
value and report unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been
elected in earnings at each subsequent reporting date. SFAS 159 is effective for financial
statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within
those fiscal years (fiscal year 2009 for the Company). The Company is currently assessing the
impact that SFAS 159 may have on our financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.
In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 162, The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting
Principles (SFAS 162). This statement identifies sources of accounting principles and the
framework for selecting the principles to be used in the preparation of financial statements that
are presented in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) in the United
States. SFAS No. 162 moves the hierarchy of GAAP sources for non-governmental entities from the
auditing literature to the accounting literature. This statement
becomes effective November 15, 2008. Any effect of applying
SFAS No. 162 should be reported as a change in accounting principle. The Company does not expect
SFAS 162 will have a material impact on its financial position, results of operations, and cash
flows.
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Critical Accounting Policies
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles
requires management to make a variety of estimates and assumptions that affect (i) the reported
amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the
date of the financial statements and (ii) the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting periods covered by the financial statements.
Our management routinely makes judgments and estimates about the effect of matters that are
inherently uncertain. As the number of variables and assumptions affecting the future resolution of
the uncertainties increase, these judgments become even more subjective and complex. Although we
believe that our estimates and assumptions are reasonable, actual results may differ significantly
from these estimates. Changes in estimates and assumptions based upon actual results may have a
material impact on our results of operation and/or financial condition. We have identified certain
accounting policies that we believe are most important to the portrayal of our current financial
condition and results of operations.
Property Concessions
Costs of acquiring property concessions are capitalized by project area upon purchase or staking of
the associated claims. Costs to maintain the property concessions and leases are expensed as
incurred. When a property concession reaches the production stage, the related capitalized costs
will be amortized, using the units of production method on the basis of periodic estimates of ore
reserves. To date no concessions have reached production stage.
Property concessions are periodically assessed for impairment of value and any diminution in value
is charged to operations at the time of impairment. Should a property concession be abandoned, its
capitalized costs are charged to operations. The Company charges to operations the allocable
portion of capitalized costs attributable to property concessions sold. Capitalized costs are
allocated to property concessions abandoned or sold based on the proportion of claims abandoned or
sold to the claims remaining within the project area.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities
The Company recognizes the expected future tax benefit from deferred tax assets when the tax
benefit is considered to be more likely than not of being realized. Assessing the recoverability of
deferred tax assets requires management to make significant estimates related to expectations of
future taxable income. Estimates of future taxable income are based on forecasted cash flows and
the application of existing tax laws in each jurisdiction. To the extent that future cash flows and
taxable income differ significantly from estimates, the ability of the Company to realize deferred
tax assets could be impacted. Additionally, future changes in tax laws in the jurisdictions in
which the Company operates could limit the Companys ability to obtain the future tax benefits.
Estimates
The process of preparing financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States of America requires the use of estimates and assumptions regarding
certain types of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses. Such estimates primarily relate to
unsettled transactions and events as of the date of the financial statements. Accordingly, upon
settlement, actual results may differ from estimated amounts.
Foreign Currency Translation
While the Companys functional currency is the U.S. dollar, the local currency is the functional
currency of the Companys wholly-owned Mexican subsidiaries. The assets and liabilities relating
to Mexican operations are
exposed to exchange rate fluctuations. The Company has adopted SFAS No. 52 Foreign Currency
Translation (SFAS No. 52). Assets and liabilities of the Companys foreign operations are
translated into U.S. dollars at the year-end exchange rates, and revenue and expenses are
translated at the average exchange rates during the period. Exchange differences arising on
translation are disclosed as a separate component of shareholders equity. Realized gains and
losses from foreign currency transactions are reflected in the results of operations. Intercompany
transactions and balances with the Companys Mexican subsidiaries are considered to be short-term
in nature and accordingly all foreign currency translation gains and losses on intercompany loans
are included in the consolidated statement of operations.
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Accounting for Stock Options and Warrants Granted to Employees and Non-employees
On November 1, 2006, the Company adopted FASB Statement No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment, (SFAS
No. 123(R)) which requires the fair value of share-based payments, including grants of employee
stock options to be recognized in the statement of operations based on their fair values. Prior to
the Companys adoption of SFAS No. 123(R), the Company followed the method prescribed in Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation. The
fair value of the Companys stock options issued prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R) was
determined using a Black-Scholes pricing model, which assumes no expected dividends and estimates
the option expected life, volatility and risk-free interest rate at the time of grant. Prior to
the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R), the Company used historical and implied market volatility as a
basis for calculating expected volatility.
The Company uses the Black-Scholes pricing model as a method for determining the estimated fair
value for employee stock awards under SFAS 123(R). The expected term of the options is based upon
evaluation of historical and expected future exercise behavior. The risk-free interest rate is
based upon U.S. Treasury rates at the date of grant with maturity dates approximately equal to the
expected life of the grant. Volatility is based upon historical volatility of the Companys stock.
The Company has not historically issued any dividends and it does not expect to in the future.
The Company uses the graded vesting attribution method to recognize compensation costs over the
requisite service period.
The Company also used the Black-Scholes valuation model to determine the fair market value of
warrants. Expected volatility is based upon weighted average of historical volatility over the
contractual term of the warrant and implied volatility. The risk-free interest rate is based upon
implied yield on a U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issue with a remaining term equal to the contractual
term of the option. The dividend yield is assumed to be none as the Company has not paid dividends
nor does not anticipate paying any dividends in the foreseeable future.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
We review the net carrying value of all facilities, including idle facilities, on a periodic basis.
We estimate the net realizable value of each property based on the estimated undiscounted future
cash flows that will be generated from operations at each property, the estimated salvage value of
the surface plant and equipment and the value associated with property interests. These estimates
of undiscounted future cash flows are dependent upon the estimates of metal to be recovered from
proven and probable ore reserves and mineral resources expected to be converted into mineral
reserves, future production cost estimates and future metals price estimates over the estimated
remaining mine life. If undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying value of a property, an
impairment loss is recognized based upon the estimated expected future cash flows from the property
discounted at an interest rate commensurate with the risk involved.
Environmental Matters
When it is probable that costs associated with environmental remediation obligations will be
incurred and they are reasonably estimable, we accrue such costs at the most likely estimate.
Accruals for estimated losses from environmental remediation obligations generally are recognized
no later than completion of the remedial feasibility study for such facility and are charged to
provisions for closed operations and environmental matters. We periodically review our accrued
liabilities for such remediation costs as evidence becomes available indicating that our
remediation liability has potentially changed. Such costs are based on our current estimate of
amounts that are
expected to be incurred when the remediation work is performed within current laws and regulations.
Recoveries of environmental remediation costs from other parties are recorded as assets when their
receipt is deemed probable.
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Accounting for reclamation and remediation obligations requires management to make estimates unique
to each mining operation of the future costs the Company will incur to complete the reclamation and
remediation work required to comply with existing laws and regulations. Actual costs incurred in
future periods could differ from amounts estimated. Additionally, future changes to environmental
laws and regulations could increase the extent of reclamation and remediation work required. Any
such increases in future costs could materially impact the amounts charged to earnings. As of
October 31, 2008, the Company has no accrual for reclamation and remediation obligations because
the Company has not engaged in any significant activities that would require remediation under its
current concessions or inherited any known remediation obligations from acquired concessions. Any
reclamation or remediation costs related to abandoned concessions has been previously expensed.
Item 7A. QUANTITATATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Foreign Currency Exchange Risk
Although a large amount of our expenditures are in U.S. dollars, certain purchases of labor, operating supplies and capital assets are denominated in Mexican pesos or other currencies. As a result, currency exchange fluctuations may impact the costs of our operations. Specifically, the appreciation of Mexican Peso against the U.S. dollar may result in an increase in operating expenses and capital costs at the Sierra Mojada Project in U.S. dollar terms. To reduce this risk, we maintain minimum cash balances in foreign currencies, including Mexican Pesos and complete most of our purchases, including capital expenditures relating to the Sierra Mojada Project, in U.S. dollars. We currently do not engage in any currency hedging activities.
Although a large amount of our expenditures are in U.S. dollars, certain purchases of labor, operating supplies and capital assets are denominated in Mexican pesos or other currencies. As a result, currency exchange fluctuations may impact the costs of our operations. Specifically, the appreciation of Mexican Peso against the U.S. dollar may result in an increase in operating expenses and capital costs at the Sierra Mojada Project in U.S. dollar terms. To reduce this risk, we maintain minimum cash balances in foreign currencies, including Mexican Pesos and complete most of our purchases, including capital expenditures relating to the Sierra Mojada Project, in U.S. dollars. We currently do not engage in any currency hedging activities.
Item 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
See Financial Statements following the signature page of this Form 10-K.
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Item 9. | CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE |
On August 31, 2007, we notified Williams & Webster P.S. (Williams & Webster) that it was
dismissed as the Companys auditor effective immediately. The Companys Audit Committee had
recommended that Williams & Webster be dismissed as the Companys independent registered public
accounting firm.
On September 4, 2007 the Audit Committee and Board of Directors approved the appointment of
Hein & Associates LLP, certified public accountants, as its independent registered public
accounting firm.
Williams & Websters principal accountant report on the Companys financial statements for the
fiscal year ended October 31, 2005 and 2006 did not contain an adverse opinion or disclaimer of
opinion, nor was either modified as to uncertainty, audit scope, or accounting principles, except
for the matter discussed in the next sentence. There was an explanatory paragraph in Williams &
Websters report on the Companys financial statements included in Form 10-K for the year
October 31, 2005, indicating that the accompanying consolidated financial statements had been
prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern, and Williams & Webster
identified certain factors that raised substantial doubt about the Companys ability to continue as
a going concern. That explanatory paragraph was not contained in Williams & Websters report on the
Companys financial statements included in the Companys Form 10-K for the year ended October 31,
2006.
There were no disagreements with Williams & Webster on any matter of accounting principles,
practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure which if not resolved to
Williams & Websters satisfaction would have caused Williams & Webster to make reference to the
subject matter of the disagreement in connection with its principal accounting reports.
During the Companys fiscal years ended October 31, 2005 and 2006 and through
September 7, 2007, we did not consult Hein & Associates LLP regarding the application of accounting
principles to a specific transaction, either contemplated or proposed, or the type of audit opinion
that might be rendered on the Companys consolidated financial statements, or any other matter or
reportable event that would be required to be reported.
Item 9A(T). Controls and Procedures
(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.
As of October 31, 2008, we have carried out an evaluation under the supervision of, and with the
participation of our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness
of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15(e)
under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Based on the evaluation as of October
31, 2008, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our
disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e)) under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934) 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 Commissions 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.
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(b) Managements Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over
financial reporting, as that term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Under the
supervision and with the participation
of our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers, we assessed,
as of October 31, 2008, the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. This
assessment was based on criteria established in the framework in Internal Control-Integrated
Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on
our assessment using those criteria, management concluded that our internal control over financial
reporting as of October 31, 2008, was effective.
Internal control over financial reporting is defined as a process designed by, or under the
supervision of, our principal executive and principal financial officers and effected by our board
of directors, management and other personnel 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, and includes those policies
and procedures that:
| pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly
reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets; |
| provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit the
preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting
principles and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with
authorization of our management and directors; and |
| provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized
acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the
financial statements. |
A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not
absolute, assurance that the objectives of the internal control system are met. Because of the
inherent limitations of any internal control system, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute
assurance that all control issues, if any, within a company have been detected.
This Annual Report on Form 10-K does not include an attestation report of the Companys independent
registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Managements
report was not subject to attestation by the Companys independent registered public accounting
firm pursuant to rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit the Company to provide
only managements report in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
(c) Changes in Internal Controls over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ending
October 31, 2008 that materially affected, or were reasonably likely to materially affect, our
internal control over financial reporting.
Item 9B. Other Information
On February 11, 2009 (but unless otherwise indicated effective as of February 1, 2009) each of our
executive officers, being Messrs. Bingham, Kolvoord, Devers, and Brown entered into salary deferral
agreements with the Company to help the Company conserve its financial resources. Mr. Bingham
agreed to defer 50% of his salary, Mr. Kolvoord agreed to defer 50% of his salary, Mr. Devers
agreed to defer 25% of his salary, and effective July 1, 2009 Mr. Brown agreed to defer 25% of his
salary. Further, on February 11, 2009 each of our independent directors agreed to defer their cash
portion of their directors fees.
On February 11, 2009 the Board of Directors approved option grants to each of our executive
officers, independent directors and other employees. The number of options granted was calculated
based on 1.5 options for every dollar of compensation deferred. The options vested immediately
upon grant and are exercisable at $0.34, the closing sales price of our common stock on the date of
grant. Mr. Bingham was granted a total of 185,250 options, Mr. Kolvoord was granted a total of
168,000 options, Mr. Devers was granted a total of 61,875 options, Mr. Brown was granted a total of
32,813 options, and Messrs. Pomeroy, Hahn and Kramer were each granted 54,000 options.
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Table of Contents
PART III
Item 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
MANAGEMENT
Unless otherwise indicated in their employment agreement executive officers of the Company are
elected by the Board of Directors and serve for a term of one year and until their successors have
been elected and qualified or until their earlier resignation or removal by the Board of Directors.
There are no family relationships among any of the directors and executive officers of the Company.
None of the executive officers have been involved in any legal proceedings within the past five
years. Except for their respective employment agreements, there is no agreement or understanding
between the Company and each director or executive officer pursuant to which he was selected as an
officer or director.
The following table sets forth the names and ages of all executive officers and directors and the
positions and offices that each person holds with the Company:
Officer or | ||||||||||
Name of Director or Officer | Director | |||||||||
and Position in the Company | Since | Age | Office(s) Held and Other Business Experience | |||||||
Merlin Bingham President and Chairman of the Board of Directors |
1996 | 75 | Since October
1996, Mr. Bingham has been the President and Chairman of the Board of
Directors of the Company. From 1963 to 1983
Mr. Bingham worked in exploration for
mining and oil companies in the western
U.S. and Alaska, Zambia, the United Arab
Emirates, Ecuador and Mexico. From 1983 to
1996, Mr. Bingham has been a consulting
geologist. Mr. Bingham received a B.S.
degree in Mineralogy from the University of
Utah in 1963. |
|||||||
Roger Kolvoord,
Executive Vice
President and
Director
|
Director since
2002; Officer since 2003 |
69 | Dr. Kolvoord has been a director of the
Company since August 2002 and was appointed
Vice President, Business in April 2003. Dr.
Kolvoord has a B.S. degree in geology from
the University of Michigan, a M.S. in
Mineralogy form the University of Utah, and
a Ph.D. in geochemistry from the University
of Texas at Austin. He worked in
exploration and exploration research for
Kennecott Copper Company, Ranchers
Exploration and Development Corporation,
and ARCO, and operated a services company
providing field services to oil and gas and
mining companies. He has extensive mining
and energy exploration experience. He was a
manager with the Boeing Company for 14
years, working mainly in program management
and new business development capacities in
information systems and in remote sensing
and geospatial information (mapping)
ventures. An Associate Technical Fellow of
the Boeing Company, he returned to private
consulting practice in 2000. Mr. Kolvoord
is an active member of the American
Association of Petroleum Geologists, the
Society of Mining Engineers, and the
Geological Society of America. He resides
in the Puget Sound region of Washington. |
|||||||
Wesley Pomeroy, Director |
2005 | 53 | Mr. Pomeroy was appointed to the Board of
Directors in September 2005. Mr. Pomeroy
was President of The Joe Dandy Mining
Company from 1995 to 2006. The Joe Dandy
Mining Company has had gold properties in
Cripple Creek, Colorado since 1887. He is a
member of the Front Range Oil and Gas LLC
and the POMOCO LLC (Pomeroy Oil Company).
He is also currently a consulting geologist
with Vortex Petroleum Inc. and has been
associated since 1977 with various
exploration and oil and gas companies. Also
since 1977 Mr. Pomeroy has been a member in
good standing of the American Association
of Petroleum Geologists and the Rocky
Mountain Association of Geologists. Mr.
Pomeroy received a Bachelor of Science
degree in geology from Colorado State
University in 1977 and an MBA from the
University of Colorado in 1990. Mr. Pomeroy
is a registered Professional Geologist for
the State of Wyoming. He resides in the
Denver, Colorado area. |
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Table of Contents
Officer or | ||||||||||
Name of Director or Officer | Director | |||||||||
and Position in the Company | Since | Age | Office(s) Held and Other Business Experience | |||||||
Robert Kramer, Director |
2006 | 62 | Robert Kramer, C.A., was elected to the
Board of Directors in July 2006. Mr.
Kramer is the co-founder and Chief
Executive Officer of Current Technology
Corporation (OTCBB:CRTCF). The company was
formed in 1987 to research, develop and
commercialize electrotherapeutic products
for the treatment of hair loss. An
entrepreneur by nature, with a particular
interest in the financial sector, he has
been a founder/principal of a number of
private companies offering commercial
mortgages, venture capital and tax driven
investments. Prior to co-founding Current
Technology, he was a joint venture partner
in an enterprise that raised funding for
approximately 20 public mining companies
conducting exploration activities in
Western Canada. A graduate of the
University of California, Berkeley with a
degree in economics, Mr. Kramer has been a
member of the Canadian Institute of
Chartered Accountants and the Institute of
Chartered Accountants of British Columbia
for over 30 years. Mr. Kramer is a
Registered Certified Public Accountant in
the State of Illinois. In 2005 he was
admitted as a Fellow to The Institute of
Chartered Securities and Administrators. |
|||||||
Gregory Hahn, Director |
2007 | 57 | Mr. Hahn was appointed to the Board of
Directors in October 2007. Mr. Hahn is a
Certified Professional Geologist and a
geological engineer with more than 25 years
experience in exploration, mine development
and operation, and particular expertise in
base and precious metals, ore reserve
calculations, slope stability, open pit
operations, project evaluations and
investment analysis. He is a board member
of Marathon PGM Corp. (TSX: MAR), and a
principal of Greg Hahn Consulting, LLC, a
mining and geological consulting firm.
From 1995 to 2007, Mr. Hahn was President,
Chief Executive Officer and Director of
Constellation Copper Corporation (TSX: CCU), where he was instrumental in bringing
the Lisbon Valley copper mine into
production, and involved with the
subsequent construction and development of
the mine. Prior to Mr. Hahns position with
Constellation Copper Corp., he was Vice
President for St. Mary Minerals Inc. for
four years and Chief Geological Engineer
for CoCa Mines Inc. for five years. He
also spent ten years with Noranda Inc.
where he was pre-development manager of the
Lik massive sulfide project in Alaska and
chief mine geologist at the Blackbird
cobalt-copper project in Idaho. Mr. Hahn
received a B.A. in Earth Sciences from
Dartmouth College and an M.S. in Geology
and Geological Engineering from Michigan
Tech. |
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Table of Contents
Officer or | ||||||||||
Name of Director or Officer | Director | |||||||||
and Position in the Company | Since | Age | Office(s) Held and Other Business Experience | |||||||
Robert Devers Chief Financial Officer |
2007 | 46 | Mr. Devers was appointed Chief Financial
Officer in June 2007. Mr. Devers has over
20 years of experience in corporate
finance, business operations, and financial
reporting and controls. Prior to joining
Metalline, he was Senior Director
Financial Analysis and Internal Audit of
The Broe Companies Inc., a privately held
international company with investments in
commercial and residential real estate and
operations in oil and gas exploration and
coal mining. He has also served as a
corporate officer and financial executive
for privately-held and publicly traded
companies. Mr. Devers earned a Bachelor of
Arts degree in Accounting from Western
State College in 1985 and is a Certified
Public Accountant in the state of Colorado. |
|||||||
Terry Brown, Vice President-Operations |
2005 | 49 | Mr. Brown was appointed Vice
President-Operations in September 2005. Mr.
Brown has 22 years experience in the mining
industry in the United States, Mexico and
Chile and has most recently been active as
a consulting geologist in Mexico. His
background is in exploration and project
management, mine development and
feasibility studies, and mining operations.
Mr. Brown is a Certified Professional
Geologist and is a member of the American
Institute of Professional Geologists and
the Society of Economic Geologists. He
received a Bachelor of Science degree in
geology from the New Mexico Institute of
Mining & Technology in 1983. Mr. Brown
resides in Chihuahua, Mexico. |
Audit Committee
We have a separately designated standing audit committee established in accordance with
Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Exchange Act. The following persons serve on our audit committee: Wesley
Pomeroy, Robert Kramer and Gregory Hahn. Messrs. Pomeroy, Kramer, and Hahn are each independent
as that term is defined in Section 803A of the American Stock Exchange Company Guide. Mr. Kramer
is the financial expert for the audit committee. See Management for information about Mr.
Kramers relevant experience.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act, as amended, requires the Companys officers and directors and
persons who own more than 10% of the Companys outstanding Common Stock to file reports of
ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Directors, officers, and greater
than 10% stockholders are required by SEC regulations to furnish the Company with copies of all
Section 16(a) forms they file.
Based solely on a review of Forms 3, 4, and 5 and amendments thereto furnished to the Company
during and for the Companys year ended October 31, 2008, there were no directors, officers or more
than 10% stockholders of the Company who failed to timely file a Form 3, 4 or 5.
Code of Ethics
On May 1, 2006, our Board of Directors adopted a code of ethics that applies to all of our officers
and employees, including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal
accounting officer and controller. Our code of ethics establishes standards and guidelines to
assist our directors, officers, and employees in complying with both the Companys corporate
policies and with the law. Our code of ethics is posted at our website
http://www.metallinemining.com. Upon request we will provide any person a copy of our code of
ethics without
charge. Persons desiring a copy of our code of ethics should request a copy by submitting a written
request to the Company at its corporate office.
31
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Nominating Committee
There have been no material changes to the procedures by which security holders may recommend
nominees to the Companys Board of Directors.
Item 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Compensation and other Benefits of Executive Officers
The following table sets out the compensation received for the fiscal years October 31, 2008 and
2007 in respect to each of the individuals who were the Companys chief executive officer at any
time during the last fiscal year and the Companys most highly compensated executive officers whose
total salary and bonus exceeded $100,000 (the Named Executive Officers) See Certain
Relationships and Related Transactions.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
Option | ||||||||||||||||
Name and | Fiscal | Salary | Awards | Total | ||||||||||||
Principal Position | Year | ($) | ($)(1) | ($) | ||||||||||||
Merlin Bingham, |
2008 | $ | 240,166 | $ | 178,132 | (2) | $ | 418,298 | ||||||||
President |
2007 | $ | 206,000 | $ | | $ | 206,000 | |||||||||
Roger Kolvoord, |
2008 | $ | 217,833 | $ | 118,755 | (3) | $ | 336,588 | ||||||||
Executive Vice President |
2007 | $ | 187,000 | $ | | $ | 187,000 | |||||||||
Robert Devers, |
2008 | $ | 162,500 | $ | 507,999 | (5) | $ | 670,499 | ||||||||
Chief Financial Officer (4) |
2007 | $ | 55,769 | $ | 306,705 | (6) | $ | 362,474 | ||||||||
Terry Brown, |
2008 | $ | 145,833 | $ | 59,377 | (7) | $ | 205,210 | ||||||||
Vice President, Operations |
2007 | $ | 125,000 | $ | | $ | 125,000 |
(1) | This column represents the dollar amount recognized for financial statement
reporting purposes with respect to the fair value of stock options granted to the named
executive officers, in accordance with SFAS 123R. See note 8 to the consolidated financial
statements for discussion regarding the assumptions used to calculate fair value under the
Black-Scholes-Merton valuation model. |
|
(2) | Amount represents the dollar amount recognized for financial statement reporting
purposes for fair value of options to acquire 150,000 shares in accordance with SFAS
123(R). The options vested 50,000 at January 18, 2008; 50,000 on January 1, 2009; and
50,000 vest on January 1, 2010. |
|
(3) | Amount represents the dollar amount recognized for financial statement reporting
purposes for fair value of options to acquire 100,000 shares in accordance with SFAS
123(R). The options vested 33,333 at January 18, 2008; 33,333 on January 1, 2009; and
33,334 vest on January 1, 2010. |
|
(4) | Mr. Devers was appointed Chief Financial Officer on June 18. 2007. |
|
(5) | Amount represents the dollar amount recognized for financial statement reporting
purposes for fair value of options to acquire 100,000 shares granted on January 18, 2008
and 250,000 shares on June 18, 2007 in accordance with SFAS 123(R). The option to acquire
100,000 shares granted in 2008 vested 33,333 at January 18, 2008; 33,333 on January 1,
2009; and 33,334 vest on January 1, 2010. The options to acquire
250,000 shares granted in 2007 vested 50,000 on October 31, 2007; 100,000 on October 31,
2008; and 100,000 vest on October 31, 2009. |
(6) | Amount represents the dollar amount recognized for financial statement reporting
purposes for fair value of options to acquire 250,000 shares on June 18, 2007 in accordance
with SFAS 123(R). The options to acquire 250,000 shares granted in 2007 vested 50,000 on
October 31, 2007; 100,000 on October 31, 2008; and 100,000 vest on October 31, 2009. |
|
(7) | Amount represents the dollar amount recognized for financial statement reporting
purposes for fair value of options to acquire 50,000 shares in accordance with SFAS 123(R).
The options vested 16,666 at January 18, 2008; 16,667 on January 1, 2009; and 16,667 vest
on January 1, 2010. |
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Table of Contents
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
The following Compensation Discussion and Analysis describes the material elements of compensation
for the executive officers identified in the Summary Compensation Table contained above, the named
executive officers.
The Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors (the Committee) reviews and approves the
total direct compensation packages for each of our executive officers. Notably the salary and other
benefits payable to our named executive officers are set forth in employment agreements which are
discussed below. Stock option grants, as applicable to certain of the named executive officers, are
approved by the full board of directors.
Cash Compensation Payable to our Named Executive Officers
Our named executive officers receive a base salary payable in accordance with our normal payroll
practices and pursuant to employment agreements entered into between each of these officers and
Metalline. Based on the Committees knowledge of the industry and size of the Company, the
Committee believes that their base salaries are competitive to those that are received by
comparable officers with comparable responsibilities in similar companies.
When the Committee considers total cash compensation for our named executive officers, we do so by
evaluating their responsibilities, experience and the competitive marketplace. Specifically, the
Committee considers the following factors:
| the executives leadership and operational performance and potential to enhance
long-term value to the Companys shareholders; |
| performance compared to the financial, operational and strategic goals established for
the Company; |
| the nature, scope and level of the executives responsibilities; |
| competitive market compensation paid by other companies for similar positions,
experience and performance levels; and |
| the executives current salary, the appropriate balance between incentives for long-term
and short-term performance. |
Option Grants to our Named Executive Officers
We have granted stock options to our named executive officers. These option grants are intended to
provide incentives to our officers who contribute to the success of the Company by offering them
the opportunity to acquire an ownership interest in it. We believe that option grants also help
to align the interests of our management and employees with the interests of shareholders.
All of the options granted to executive officers during fiscal years ended October 31, 2008 and
2007 vest over a period of
2-3 years. Options granted in May 2006 were vested immediately at date
of grant. We believe that these option grants serve as additional incentive for our officers and in
turn the achievement of these objectives will help our performance.
33
Table of Contents
Employment Agreements with our Named Executive Officers
We have entered into employment agreements with each of our named executive officers. Each of our
executive officers are paid a salary for their services and certain of our executive officers have
been granted stock options in consideration for their services. When the Compensation Committee
considers salaries for our executives, it does so by evaluating their responsibilities, experience,
the competitive marketplace, and our financial resources and projections. Pursuant to its Charter,
our Compensation Committee reviews and approves the terms of the compensation granted to our
executive officers.
Employment Contracts and Termination of Employment and Change-in-Control Arrangements
Merlin Bingham
Effective January 1, 2007, Merlin Bingham entered into an Executive Employment Agreement with the
Company, pursuant to which he initially received a base annual salary of $206,000. Mr. Bingham is
entitled to participate in all the Companys employee benefit plans and employee benefits,
including any retirement, pension, profit-sharing, stock option, insurance, hospital or other plans
and benefits which now may be in effect or which may hereafter be adopted by the Board of
Directors.
According to the severance terms of the Executive Employment Agreement, upon termination of
employment by the Company without cause, Mr. Bingham will receive a severance payment equal to
twelve months salary. Upon a change in control (which is defined in the agreement), Mr. Bingham
will receive a severance payment equal to twelve months salary following the expiration of his
Executive Employment Agreement. The agreement may also be terminated at any time by Mr. Bingham,
with 30 days notice, in which case the executive is only entitled to payments of salary and
benefits through the date of termination.
On January 18, 2008, the Companys Compensation Committee completed a review of officer and
director compensation and approved an increase in base salary for Mr. Bingham to $247,000 effective
January 1, 2008.
On February 11, 2009, Mr. Bingham entered into a salary deferral agreement with the Company to
defer 50% of his base salary effective February 1, 2009 until the Board of Directors has determined
that the Company has sufficient operating capital to continue its operations. Mr. Bingham entered
into this agreement as part of managements overall plan to conserve working capital during fiscal
2009. In exchange for entering into this deferral agreement, the Compensation Committee
recommended and the Board of Directors granted Mr. Bingham options to acquire 185,250 shares of
Common Stock with an exercise price of $0.34 and an expiration term of 10 years. The number of
options granted was calculated based on 1.5 shares for every dollar of annualized salary deferred.
The options vested immediately and had a fair value of $47,108 at date of grant.
Roger Kolvoord
Effective January 1, 2007, Roger Kolvoord entered into an Executive Employment Agreement with the
Company pursuant to which he initially received a base annual salary (referred to as the Base Fee
in his agreement) of $187,000. Mr. Kolvoord is entitled to participate in all the Companys
employee benefit plans and employee benefits, including any retirement, pension, profit-sharing,
stock option, insurance, hospital or other plans and benefits which now may be in effect or which
may hereafter be adopted by the Board of Directors. The terms regarding severance and change of
control are substantially identical to those described for Mr. Binghams above.
On January 18, 2008, the Companys Compensation Committee completed a review of officer and
director compensation and approved an increase in base salary for Mr. Kolvoord to $224,000
effective January 1, 2008.
On February 11, 2009, Mr. Kolvoord entered into a salary deferral agreement with the Company to
defer 50% of his base salary effective February 1, 2009 until the Board of Directors has determined
that the Company has sufficient operating capital to continue its operations. Mr. Kolvoord entered
into this agreement as part of managements overall plan to conserve working capital during fiscal
2009. In exchange for entering into this deferral agreement, the Compensation Committee
recommended and the Board of Directors granted Mr. Kolvoord options to acquire 168,000 shares of
Common Stock with an exercise price of $0.34 and an expiration term of 10 years. The number of
options granted was calculated based on 1.5 shares for every dollar of annualized salary deferred.
The options vested immediately and had a fair value of $42,722 at date of grant.
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Table of Contents
Terry Brown
Effective January 1, 2007, Terry Brown entered into an Executive Employment Agreement with the
Company pursuant to which he initially received a base annual salary (referred to as the Base Fee
in his agreement) of $125,000. Mr. Brown is entitled to participate in all the Companys employee
benefit plans and employee benefits, including any retirement, pension, profit-sharing, stock
option, insurance, hospital or other plans and benefits which now may be in effect or which may
hereafter be adopted by the Board of Directors. The terms regarding severance and change of control
are substantially identical to those described for Mr. Binghams above.
On January 18, 2008, the Companys Compensation Committee completed a review of officer and
director compensation and approved an increase in base salary for Mr. Brown to $150,000 effective
January 1, 2008.
On February 11, 2009, Mr. Brown entered into a salary deferral agreement with the Company to defer
25% of his base salary effective July 1, 2009 until the Board of Directors has determined that the
Company has sufficient operating capital to continue its operations. Mr. Brown entered into this
agreement as part of managements overall plan to conserve working capital during fiscal 2009. In
exchange for entering into this deferral agreement, the Compensation Committee recommended and the
Board of Directors granted Mr. Brown options to acquire 32,813 shares of Common Stock with an
exercise price of $0.34 and an expiration term of 10 years. The number of options granted was
calculated based on 1.5 shares for every dollar of annualized salary deferred. The options vested
immediately and had a fair value of $8,344 at date of grant.
Robert Devers
On January 18, 2008, the Company entered into an Executive Employment Agreement with Robert Devers
that provides for a base annual salary of $165,000 and contains substantially the same terms and
conditions as those in the employment agreements between the Company and its other executive
officers. The agreement was effective January 1, 2008.
On February 11, 2009, Mr. Devers entered into a salary deferral agreement with the Company to defer
25% of his base salary effective February 1, 2009 until the Board of Directors has determined that
the Company has sufficient operating capital to continue its operations. Mr. Devers entered into
this agreement as part of managements overall plan to conserve working capital during fiscal 2009.
In exchange for entering into this deferral agreement, the Compensation Committee recommended and
the Board of Directors granted Mr. Devers options to acquire 61,875 shares of Common Stock with an
exercise price of $0.34 and an expiration term of 10 years. The number of options granted was
calculated based on 1.5 shares for every dollar of annualized salary deferred. The options vested
immediately and had a fair value of $15,735 at date of grant.
Stock Option, Stock Awards and Equity Incentive Plans
The following table sets forth the outstanding equity awards for each named executive officer at
October 31, 2008.
OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END
Option
Awards
Number of Securities | ||||||||||||||||
Underlying Unexercised | Option | Option | ||||||||||||||
Options(1)(#) | Exercise | Expiration | ||||||||||||||
Name and Principal Position | Exercisable | Unexercisable | Price ($) | Date | ||||||||||||
Merlin Bingham, |
1,000,000 | | $ | 2.59 | 5/1/2016 | |||||||||||
President |
100,000 | | $ | 2.15 | 3/1/2010 | |||||||||||
50,000 | (2) | 100,000 | $ | 2.18 | 1/18/2018 | |||||||||||
Roger Kolvoord, |
750,000 | | $ | 2.59 | 5/1/2016 | |||||||||||
Executive Vice President |
100,000 | | $ | 1.25 | 8/6/2009 | |||||||||||
33,333 | (3) | 66,667 | $ | 2.18 | 1/18/2018 | |||||||||||
Robert Devers, |
150,000 | (4) | 100,000 | $ | 4.30 | 6/18/2017 | ||||||||||
Chief Financial Officer |
33,333 | (5) | 66,667 | $ | 2.18 | 1/18/2018 | ||||||||||
Terry Brown, |
250,000 | | $ | 2.59 | 5/1/2016 | |||||||||||
Vice President, Operations |
10,000 | | $ | 2.00 | 10/1/2012 | |||||||||||
16,666 | (6) | 33,334 | $ | 2.18 | 1/18/2018 |
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Table of Contents
(1) | Includes options granted under 2000 Equity Incentive Plan and 2006 Stock Option
Plan. |
|
(2) | On January 18, 2008, Mr. Bingham was granted options to purchase 150,000 shares
of common stock; 50,000 of the options vested on January 18, 2008 and 50,000 vests on
January 1, 2009 and 50,000 vests on January 1, 2010. |
|
(3) | On January 18, 2008, Mr. Kolvoord was granted options to purchase 100,000 shares
of common stock; 33,333 of the options vested on January 18, 2008 and 33,333 vests on
January 1, 2009 and 33,333 vests on January 1, 2010. |
|
(4) | On June 18, 2007, Mr. Devers was granted options to purchase 250,000 shares of
common stock; 50,000 of the options vested on October 1, 2007 and 100,000 vests on October
31, 2008 and 100,000 vests on October 31, 2009. |
|
(5) | On January 18, 2008, Mr. Devers was granted options to purchase 100,000 shares of
common stock; 33,333 of the options vested on January 18, 2008 and 33,333 vests on January
1, 2009 and 33,333 vests on January 1, 2010. |
|
(6) | On January 18, 2008, Mr. Brown was granted options to purchase 50,000 shares of
common stock; 16,666 of the options vested on January 18, 2008 and 16,666 vests on January
1, 2009 and 16,667 vests on January 1, 2010. |
Compensation of Directors
Our independent directors were compensated $7,500 and 9,000 shares of the Companys Common Stock
for services provided during the quarter ended January 31, 2008. Effective February 1, 2008, the
independent directors are compensated $9,000 per quarter and 10,800 shares of the Companys Common
Stock per fiscal quarter for their services. In addition, they have been and may be compensated
with discretionary stock option grants. No pension or retirement benefit plan has been instituted
by the Company and none is proposed at this time. There is no arrangement for compensation with
respect to termination of the directors in the event of change of control of the Company.
On February 11, 2009, Messrs Kramer, Pomeroy, and Hahn entered into a salary deferral agreement
with the Company to defer 100% of the cash portion of their directors fees effective February 1,
2009 until the Board of Directors has determined that the Company has sufficient operating capital
to continue its operations. The independent directors entered into these agreements as part of the
Companys overall plan to conserve working capital during fiscal 2009. In exchange for entering
into this deferral agreement, the Board of Directors granted each independent director options to
acquire 54,000 shares of Common Stock with an exercise price of $0.34 and an expiration term of 10
years. The number of options granted was calculated based on 1.5 shares for every dollar of
annualized compensation deferred. The options to acquire 164,000 shares of common stock issued to
the directors vested immediately and had a fair value of $41,196 at date of grant.
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Table of Contents
Except as described above, the Company does not have any standard arrangements pursuant to which
the Companys non-independent directors are compensated for services as directors.
During the fiscal year end October 31, 2008, the Company compensated the following directors, who
are not Named Executive Officers, for their services as directors as follows:
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
Fees earned or paid | All other | |||||||||||||||||||
in cash | Stock awards | Option awards | compensation | Total | ||||||||||||||||
Name | ($) | ($) | ($)(1) | ($) | ($) | |||||||||||||||
Wesley Pomeroy(2) |
$ | 34,500 | $ | 58,824 | $ | | $ | | $ | 93,324 | ||||||||||
Robert Kramer(3) |
$ | 34,500 | $ | 58,824 | $ | | $ | | $ | 93,324 | ||||||||||
Gregory Hahn(4) |
$ | 34,500 | $ | 58,824 | $ | 304,116 | (5) | $ | | $ | 397,440 |
(1) | This column represents the dollar amount recognized for financial statement
reporting purposes with respect to the fair value of stock options granted to the named
executive officers, in accordance with SFAS 123R. See note 8 to the consolidated financial
statements for discussion regarding the assumptions used to calculate fair value under the
Black-Scholes-Merton valuation model. |
|
(2) | Mr. Pomeroy holds options to purchase 250,000 shares of the Companys common
stock. These options are fully vested. During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2008, Mr.
Pomeroy was issued an aggregate of 41,400 shares of common stock pursuant to the 2006 Stock
Option Plan for director compensation. |
|
(3) | Mr. Kramer holds options to purchase 500,000 shares of the Companys common
stock. These options are fully vested. During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2008, Mr.
Kramer was issued an aggregate of 41,400 shares of common stock pursuant to the 2006 Stock
Option Plan for director compensation. |
|
(4) | Mr. Hahn holds options to purchase 250,000 shares of the Companys common stock.
These options vest as follows: (i) 50,000 shares vested immediately upon grant; (ii)
100,000 shares vested on October 1, 2008, and (iii) 100,000 shares vest on October 1, 2009;
or 100% of the options vest upon a Change in Control, as defined in Mr. Hahns stock
option agreement. During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2008, Mr. Hahn was issued an
aggregate of 41,400 shares of common stock pursuant to the 2006 Stock Option Plan for
director compensation. |
|
(5) | Amount represents the dollar amount recognized for financial statement reporting
purposes for fair value of options to acquire 250,000 shares on October 1, 2007 in
accordance with SFAS 123(R). These options vest 50,000 on October 31, 2007; 100,000 on
October 1, 2008 and 100,000 on October 1, 2009. |
Repricing of Options
None.
37
Table of Contents
Item 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners
The number of shares outstanding of the Companys common stock as of February 5, 2009 was
39,709,729. The following table sets forth the beneficial ownership of the Companys Common Stock
as of February 5, 2009 by each person (other than the Directors and Executive Officers of the
Company) who owned of record, or was known to own beneficially, more than 5% of the outstanding
voting shares of Common Stock.
Amount and Nature of | ||||||||
Name and Address of | Metalline | Percent of Metalline | ||||||
Beneficial Owner | Beneficial Ownership | Common stock | ||||||
John C. Barrett |
3,376,800 | (2) | 8.2 | % | ||||
2436 N. Fed. Hwy #366 Lighthouse Point, FL 33064 |
||||||||
Lazarus Investment Partners LLP |
3,000,000 | 7.6 | % | |||||
c/o Lazarus Management Company LLC 2401 E. 2nd Avenue, #600 Denver, CO 80206 |
||||||||
Duncan Hsia |
2,647,328 | (1) | 6.4 | % | ||||
3909 harvest Knoll Drive Richardson, TX 75082 |
||||||||
Steven Carlitz |
2,520,931 | (3) | 6.2 | % | ||||
1411 Aster Lane Cupertino, CA 95014 |
(1) | Includes: (i) warrants to acquire 832,950 shares of the Companys common stock
held by Duncan Hsia Roth IRA and Duncan Hsia Revocable Living Trust; (ii) warrants to
acquire 480,000 shares of common stock held by Mr. Hsias spouse; (iii) warrants to acquire
143,250 shares of common stock held by Mr. Hsias children. |
|
(2) | Includes warrants to acquire 1,465,000 shares of common stock held by John C.
Barrett and John C. Barrett Revocable Trust. |
|
(3) | Includes warrants to acquire 967,000 shares of common stock. |
38
Table of Contents
Security Ownership of Management
The following table sets forth as of February 5, 2009, the number of shares of the Companys Common
Stock beneficially owned by each of the Companys current directors, the Companys executive
officers and each named executive officer, and the number of shares beneficially owned by all of
the Companys current directors and named executive officers as a group:
Name and Address of | Amount and Nature of Metalline | Percent of Metalline | ||||||||||
Beneficial Owner | Position | Beneficial Ownership | Common stock | |||||||||
Merlin Bingham |
President and | 2,580,639 | (1) | 6.3 | % | |||||||
1330 E. Margaret Ave. |
Director | |||||||||||
Coeur dAlene, ID 83815 |
||||||||||||
Roger Kolvoord |
Executive Vice | 1,286,072 | (2) | 3.2 | % | |||||||
1330 E. Margaret Ave. |
President and | |||||||||||
Coeur dAlene, ID 83815 |
Director | |||||||||||
Wesley Pomeroy |
Director | 618,400 | (3) | 1.5 | % | |||||||
1330 E. Margaret Ave. Coeur dAlene, ID 83815 |
||||||||||||
Robert Kramer |
Director | 606,650 | (4) | 1.5 | % | |||||||
1330 E. Margaret Ave. Coeur dAlene, ID 83815 |
||||||||||||
Gregory Hahn |
Director | 191,100 | (5) | * | ||||||||
1330 E. Margaret Ave. Coeur dAlene, ID 83815 |
||||||||||||
Robert Devers |
Chief Financial | 216,666 | (6) | * | ||||||||
1330 E. Margaret Ave. |
Officer | |||||||||||
Coeur dAlene, ID 83815 |
||||||||||||
Terry Brown 1330 E. Margaret Ave. Coeur dAlene, ID 83815 |
Vice President- Operations |
345,833 | (7) | * | ||||||||
All current
directors, executive officers and named executive officers as a group (seven persons) |
5,845,360 | (8) | 13.5 | % | ||||||||
* | Indicates less than one percent. |
|
(1) | Includes: (i) vested options to acquire 1,250,000 shares of common stock and (ii) vested
options held by Mr. Binghams spouse to acquire 50,000 shares of common stock. Excludes unvested
options to acquire 50,000 shares of common stock on January 1, 2010. Options vest 100% upon a
Change in Control, as defined in Mr. Binghams stock option agreement. |
|
(2) | Includes vested options to acquire 916,666 shares of common stock. Excludes unvested options
to acquire 33,334 shares of common stock on January 1, 2010. Options vest 100% upon a Change in
Control, as defined in Mr. Kolvoords stock option agreement. |
39
Table of Contents
(3) | Includes: (i) vested options to acquire 250,000 shares of common stock and (ii) warrants to
acquire 150,000 shares of common stock. |
|
(4) | Includes: (i) vested options to acquire 500,000 shares of common stock and (ii) warrants to
acquire 17,250 shares of common stock. |
|
(5) | Includes (i) vested options to acquire 150,000 shares of common stock. Excludes unvested
options to acquire 100,000 shares of common stock on October 1, 2009. Options vest 100% upon a
Change in Control, as defined in Mr. Hahns stock option agreement. |
|
(6) | Includes vested options to acquire 216,666 shares of common stock. Excludes unvested options
to acquire (i) 100,000 shares of common stock on October 31, 2009, and (ii) 33,334 shares of common
stock on January 1, 2010. Options vest 100% upon a Change in Control, as defined in Mr. Devers
stock option agreement. |
|
(7) | Includes vested options to acquire 293,333 shares of the Companys common stock. Excludes
unvested options to acquire16,667 shares of common stock on January 1, 2010. Options vest 100%
upon a Change in Control, as defined in Mr. Browns stock option agreement. |
|
(8) | Includes securities
reflected in footnotes 1 7. |
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Plans
Number of securities to be | ||||||||||||
issued upon exercise of | Weighted average exercise | Number of securities | ||||||||||
outstanding options, warrants | price of outstanding | remaining available for | ||||||||||
Plan Category | and rights | options, warrants and rights | future issuance | |||||||||
Equity compensation
plans approved by
security holders |
4,400,004 | (1) | $ | 2.56 | 938,796 | (2) | ||||||
Equity compensation
plans not approved
by security holders |
927,353 | (3) | $ | 2.64 | | |||||||
Total |
4,477,353 | $ | 2.57 | 938,796 |
(1) | Includes: (i) options to acquire 400,000 shares of Common Stock under the 2000
plan; and (ii) options to acquire 4,000,004 shares of common stock under the 2006 Plan. |
|
(2) | Includes: (i) 230,000 shares of Common Stock available for issue under the 2000
Plan; and (ii) 708,796 shares of Common Stock available for issue under the 2006 Plan. |
|
(3) | Includes (i) warrants to purchase 6,103 shares of Common Stock as compensation
for services to Tomlinson Programs Inc., (ii) warrants to purchase 204,000 shares of Common
Stock as compensation for services to Aegis Capital Inc., (iii) warrants to purchase 17,250
shares of Common Stock to an independent director of the Company, (iv) warrants to purchase
200,000 shares of Common Stock as compensation for financial services to O&M Partners and
(v) warrants to purchase 500,000 shares as compensation for financial services to David
Nahmias. |
Changes in Control
None.
40
Table of Contents
Item 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTORS INDEPENDENCE
Related Party Transactions
Pursuant to its written charter our Audit Committee reviews and approves all related party
transactions on an ongoing basis. The Company receives rent-free office space in Coeur dAlene,
Idaho from its president. The value of the space is not considered materially significant for
financial reporting purposes. Further, as described in Item 11 of this Form 10-K the Company has
entered into employment agreements with its executive officers.
Other than the transaction stated above, none of the directors or executive officers of the
Company, nor any person who owned of record or was known to own beneficially more than 5% of the
Companys outstanding shares of its Common Stock, nor any associate or affiliate of such persons or
companies, has any material interest, direct or indirect, in any transaction that has occurred
since November 1, 2007, or in any proposed transaction, which has materially affected or will
affect the Company.
Director Independence
Wesley Pomeroy, Robert Kramer and Gregory Hahn each served on our Board of Directors and each is
considered independent as that term is defined in Section 803A of the American Stock Exchange
Company Guide. Each currently serves on our nominating, compensation and audit committees.
Item 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
Hein & Associates LLP serves as our independent registered public accounting firm. Hein &
Associates was appointed our independent registered public accounting firm on September 4, 2007.
Williams & Webster P.S. was our independent registered public accounting firm until they were
dismissed on August 31, 2007.
Audit Fees
During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2008, Hein & Associates LLP billed us aggregate fees and
expenses in the amount of $97,928. During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007, Hein &
Associates LLP and Williams and Webster, P.S., billed us aggregate fees and expenses in the amount
of $54,000 and $35,936, respectively. These aggregate fees listed above include professional
services for the audit of our annual financial statements and the review of the financial
statements included in our reports on Form 10-Q and Form 10-K.
Audit-Related Fees
There were no fees billed by Hein & Associates or Williams & Webster, P.S. for audit-related
services rendered during fiscal years ended October 31, 2008 and 2007.
Tax Fees
During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2008, Hein & Associates LLP billed us aggregate fees and
expenses for tax services and in the amount of $16,426. There were no fees billed by Hein &
Associates or Williams & Webster, P.S. for tax services rendered during fiscal years ended October
31, 2007.
All Other Fees
There were no other services provided by Hein & Associates or Williams & Webster, P.S. during
fiscal years ended October 31, 2008 and 2007.
41
Table of Contents
Audit Committees Pre-Approval Practice
Section 10A(i) of the Exchange Act prohibits our auditors from performing audit services for us as
well as any services not considered to be audit services unless such services are pre-approved by
the audit committee of the Board of Directors, or unless the services meet certain de minimis
standards. The audit committees charter (adopted May 1, 2006) provides that the audit committee
must:
| Pre-approve all audit services that the auditor may provide to us or any subsidiary
(including, without limitation, providing comfort letters in connection with securities
underwritings or statutory audits) as required by §10A(i)(1)(A) of the Exchange Act (as
amended by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002). |
| Pre-approve all non-audit services (other than certain de minimis services described
in §10A(i)(1)(B) of the Exchange Act (as amended by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002))
that the auditors propose to provide to us or any of our subsidiaries. |
The audit committee considers at each of its meetings whether to approve any audit services or
non-audit services. In some cases, management may present the request; in other cases, the auditors
may present the request.
PART IV
Item 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a) | Exhibits |
|||
3.1 | (a) | Articles of Incorporation.1 |
||
3.1 | (b) | Certificate of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation.2 |
||
3.2 | Bylaws.2 |
|||
4.1 | Rights Agreement, dated as of June 11, 2007, between the Company and OTC Stock Transfer,
as Rights Agent. 7 |
|||
10.1 | 2000 Equity Incentive Plan. 5 |
|||
10.2 | 2006 Stock Option Plan. 5 |
|||
10.4 | Employment Agreement with Merlin Bingham, effective January 1, 2007.5 |
|||
10.5 | Employment Agreement with Roger Kolvoord, effective January 1, 2007. 5 |
|||
10.6 | Employment Agreement with Terry Brown, effective January 1, 2007. 5 |
|||
10.7 | Employment Agreement with Robert Devers, effective January 1, 2008.6 |
|||
10.8 | Professional Services Contract to represent Minera Metalin S.A. of C.V. in litigation by
Sociedad Cooperativa de Explotación Minera Mineros Norteños S.C.L., filed herewith. |
|||
10.9(8) | Form of Deferral Agreement
entered into between the Company and each of its officers and
directors on February 11, 2009. |
|||
14 | Code of Ethics. 5 |
|||
21.1 | Subsidiaries of the Registrant. 5 |
42
Table of Contents
23.1 | Consent of Hein & Associates LLP, filed herewith. |
|||
31.1 | Certification of CEO Pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14, as adopted pursuant
to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, filed herewith. |
|||
31.2 | Certification of CFO Pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14, as adopted pursuant
to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, filed herewith. |
|||
32.1 | Certification of CEO Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section
906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, filed herewith. |
|||
32.2 | Certification of CFO Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section
906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, filed herewith. |
|||
99.1 | Sierra Mojada location map.4 |
(1) | Incorporated by reference from Form 10-SB, filed October 15, 1999. |
|
(2) | Incorporated by reference from Form 10-QSB, filed September 19, 2006. |
|
(3) | Incorporated by reference from Form 8-K, filed March 6, 2006. |
|
(4) | Incorporated by reference from Form 10-KSB, filed January 31, 2006. |
|
(5) | Incorporated by reference from Form 10-KSB, filed January 31, 2007. |
|
(6) | Incorporated by reference from Form 8-K, filed January 22, 2008. |
|
(7) | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1 to the Companys Registration Statement on Form 8-A
filed on June 11, 2007. |
43
Table of Contents
SIGNATURES
In accordance with Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant
caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
METALLINE MINING COMPANY |
||||
Date: February 12, 2009 | By: | /s/ Merlin Bingham | ||
Merlin Bingham, | ||||
President and Principal Executive Officer | ||||
Date: February 12, 2009 | By: | /s/ Robert Devers | ||
Robert Devers, | ||||
Chief Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer |
Pursuant to the requirement of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed
below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates
indicated:
Date: February 12, 2009
|
By: | /s/ Merlin Bingham
|
||||
Date: February 12, 2009
|
By: | /s/ Roger Kolvoord | ||||
Roger Kolvoord, Director | ||||||
Date: February 12, 2009
|
By: | /s/ Wesley Pomeroy | ||||
Wesley Pomeroy, Director | ||||||
Date: February 12, 2009
|
By: | /s/ Robert Kramer | ||||
Robert Kramer, Director | ||||||
Date: February 12, 2009
|
By: | /s/ Gregory Hahn | ||||
Gregory Hahn, Director |
44
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
METALLINE MINING COMPANY
(An Exploration Stage Company)
(An Exploration Stage Company)
PAGE NO. | ||||||||
F-1 | ||||||||
Consolidated Financial Statements: |
||||||||
F-2 | ||||||||
F-3 | ||||||||
F-4 F-8 | ||||||||
F-9 F-10 | ||||||||
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements |
F-11 F-29 | |||||||
Exhibit 10.8 | ||||||||
Exhibit 10.9(8) | ||||||||
Exhibit 23.1 | ||||||||
Exhibit 31.1 | ||||||||
Exhibit 31.2 | ||||||||
Exhibit 32.1 | ||||||||
Exhibit 32.2 |
[The balance of this page has been intentionally left blank.]
Table of Contents
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Board of Directors
Metalline Mining Company
Coeur dAlene, Idaho
Metalline Mining Company
Coeur dAlene, Idaho
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Metalline Mining Company (an
exploration stage company) (the Company) as of October 31, 2008 and 2007, and the related
consolidated statements of operations, stockholders equity and cash flows for the years then
ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Companys management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these 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 financial statements are free of material misstatement. An
audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the
financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement
presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all
material respects, the consolidated financial position of Metalline Mining Company (an exploration
stage company) as of October 31, 2008 and 2007 and the results of its operations and its cash flows
for the years then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We have also audited the combination in the statements of operations, cash flows, and stockholders
equity of the amounts as presented for the year ending October 31, 2008 and 2007 with the amounts
for the corresponding statements for the period from inception (November 8, 1993) through October
31, 2006. In our opinion the amounts have been properly combined for the period from inception
(November 8, 1993) through October 31, 2008.
The accompanying consolidating financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company
will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements,
the Company incurred recurring losses from operations and has limited working capital to operate
during the next fiscal year. This raises substantial doubt about the Companys ability to continue
as a going concern. Managements plans in regard to these matters are also described in Note 1.
The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this
uncertainty.
As discussed in Note 11, effective November 1, 2007, the Company adopted provisions of FASB
Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, (FIN48) an interpretation of
FASB Statement No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. As discussed in Note 8, effective November
1, 2006, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123(R), Share Based
Payments.
We were not engaged to examine managements assessment of the effectiveness of the Companys
internal control over financial reporting as of October 31, 2008, included in the accompanying
Managements Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting and, accordingly, we do not
express an opinion thereon.
/s/ Hein & Associates LLP
HEIN & ASSOCIATES LLP
Denver, Colorado
February 11, 2009
February 11, 2009
F-1
Table of Contents
METALLINE MINING COMPANY
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE COMPANY)
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE COMPANY)
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
October 31, | October 31, | |||||||
2008 | 2007 | |||||||
ASSETS |
||||||||
CURRENT ASSETS |
||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 2,228,778 | $ | 1,434,487 | ||||
Marketable securities |
| 7,900,000 | ||||||
Value-added tax receivable |
| 401,341 | ||||||
Other receivables |
31,741 | 23,993 | ||||||
Prepaid expenses |
23,025 | 17,827 | ||||||
Total Current Assets |
2,283,544 | 9,777,648 | ||||||
PROPERTY CONCESSIONS |
||||||||
Sierra Mojada District (Note 3) |
3,771,029 | 4,536,111 | ||||||
EQUIPMENT |
||||||||
Office and mining equipment, net of accumulated depreciation
of $492,647 and $407,457, respectively (Note 4) |
1,219,726 | 919,420 | ||||||
OTHER ASSETS |
||||||||
Value-added tax receivable, net of allowance for uncollectible taxes
of $220,416 for 2008 (Note 2) |
543,554 | | ||||||
TOTAL ASSETS |
$ | 7,817,853 | $ | 15,233,179 | ||||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY |
||||||||
CURRENT LIABILITIES |
||||||||
Accounts payable |
$ | 133,318 | $ | 84,634 | ||||
Accounts payable related parties (Note 7) |
| 68,460 | ||||||
Income tax payable |
17,653 | 55,331 | ||||||
Accrued liabilities and expenses |
189,663 | 92,133 | ||||||
Other liabilities |
37,500 | 100,766 | ||||||
Total Current Liabilities |
378,134 | 401,324 | ||||||
COMMITMENTS
AND CONTINGENCIES (Notes 1, 6 and 10) |
| | ||||||
STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY (Notes 7, 8 and 9) |
||||||||
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 160,000,000 shares authorized,
39,709,427 and 39,144,977 shares issued and outstanding, respectively |
397,094 | 391,450 | ||||||
Additional paid-in capital |
51,753,400 | 49,273,440 | ||||||
Deficit accumulated during exploration stage |
(47,066,815 | ) | (34,746,393 | ) | ||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) |
2,356,040 | (86,642 | ) | |||||
Total Stockholders Equity |
7,439,719 | 14,831,855 | ||||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY |
$ | 7,817,853 | $ | 15,233,179 | ||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-2
Table of Contents
METALLINE MINING COMPANY
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE COMPANY)
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE COMPANY)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
November 8, | ||||||||||||
1993 | ||||||||||||
(Inception) | ||||||||||||
Years Ended October 31, | To October 31, | |||||||||||
2008 | 2007 | 2008 | ||||||||||
REVENUES |
$ | | $ | | $ | | ||||||
EXPLORATION AND PROPERTY HOLDING COSTS |
||||||||||||
Exploration and property holding costs |
3,016,858 | 2,647,666 | 15,718,321 | |||||||||
Depreciation and asset write-off |
217,646 | 188,280 | 700,969 | |||||||||
TOTAL EXPLORATION AND PROPERTY HOLDING
COSTS |
3,234,504 | 2,835,946 | 16,419,290 | |||||||||
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES |
||||||||||||
Salaries and payroll expenses |
2,062,000 | 1,030,119 | 11,888,482 | |||||||||
Office and administrative expenses |
468,059 | 450,067 | 2,459,291 | |||||||||
Professional services |
2,149,164 | 2,618,651 | 10,098,616 | |||||||||
Directors fees |
584,088 | 439,166 | 2,859,419 | |||||||||
Provision for uncollectible value-added taxes |
220,416 | | 220,416 | |||||||||
Depreciation |
24,395 | 39,184 | 199,781 | |||||||||
TOTAL GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES |
5,508,122 | 4,577,187 | 27,726,005 | |||||||||
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS |
(8,742,626 | ) | (7,413,133 | ) | (44,145,295 | ) | ||||||
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSES) |
||||||||||||
Interest and investment income |
150,903 | 434,793 | 835,867 | |||||||||
Foreign currency transaction (loss) gain |
(3,686,063 | ) | 98,008 | (3,588,055 | ) | |||||||
Miscellaneous ore sales, net of expenses |
| | 134,242 | |||||||||
Miscellaneous income (expense) |
17 | 2,818 | 82,351 | |||||||||
Interest and financing expense |
| | (289,230 | ) | ||||||||
TOTAL OTHER (EXPENSE) INCOME |
(3,535,143 | ) | 535,619 | (2,824,825 | ) | |||||||
LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAXES |
(12,277,769 | ) | (6,877,514 | ) | (46,970,120 | ) | ||||||
INCOME TAXES (Note 11) |
42,653 | 54,043 | 96,695 | |||||||||
NET LOSS |
$ | (12,320,422 | ) | $ | (6,931,557 | ) | $ | (47,066,815 | ) | |||
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) Foreign
Currency Translation adjustments |
2,442,682 | (86,642 | ) | 2,356,040 | ||||||||
COMPREHENSIVE LOSS |
$ | (9,877,740 | ) | $ | (7,018,199 | ) | $ | (44,710,775 | ) | |||
BASIC AND DILUTED NET LOSS PER COMMON SHARE |
$ | (0.31 | ) | $ | (0.20 | ) | ||||||
BASIC AND DILUTED WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF
COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING |
39,582,962 | 35,253,047 | ||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-3
Table of Contents
METALLINE MINING COMPANY
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE COMPANY)
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE COMPANY)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY
Deficit | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Accumulated | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common Stock | Additional | Stock | During | Other | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Number | Paid-in | Subscriptions | Exploration | Comprehensive | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
of Shares | Amount | Capital | Receivable | Stage | Income (Loss) | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock issuance prior to inception (no
value) |
576,480 | $ | 5,765 | $ | (5,765 | ) | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | ||||||||||||||
Net loss for the year ended October 31, 1994 |
| | | | (8,831 | ) | | (8,831 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Balances, October 31, 1994 |
576,480 | 5,765 | (5,765 | ) | | (8,831 | ) | | (8,831 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Net loss for the year ended October 31, 1995 |
| | | | (7,761 | ) | | (7,761 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Balances, October 31, 1995 |
576,480 | 5,765 | (5,765 | ) | | (16,592 | ) | | (16,592 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Issuances of common stock as follows: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
- for
par value at transfer of ownership |
2,000 | 20 | | | | | 20 | |||||||||||||||||||||
- for cash at an average of $0.11 per share |
1,320,859 | 13,209 | 133,150 | | | | 146,359 | |||||||||||||||||||||
- for services at an average of $0.08 per share |
185,000 | 1,850 | 12,600 | | | | 14,450 | |||||||||||||||||||||
- for computer equipment at $0.01 per share |
150,000 | 1,500 | 13,500 | | | | 15,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||
- for mineral property at $0.01 per share |
900,000 | 9,000 | | | | | 9,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss for the year ended October 31, 1996 |
| | | | (40,670 | ) | | (40,670 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Balances, October 31, 1996 |
3,134,339 | 31,344 | 153,485 | | (57,262 | ) | | 127,567 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Issuances of common stock as follows: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
- for
cash at an average of $0.61 per share |
926,600 | 9,266 | 594,794 | | | | 604,060 | |||||||||||||||||||||
- for services at an average of $0.74 per share |
291,300 | 2,913 | 159,545 | | | | 162,458 | |||||||||||||||||||||
- for payment of a loan at $0.32 per share |
100,200 | 1,002 | 30,528 | | | | 31,530 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Options issued as follows: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
- 300,000 options
for cash |
| | 3,000 | | | | 3,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss for the year ended October 31, 1997 |
| | | | (582,919 | ) | | (582,919 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Balances, October 31, 1997 |
4,452,439 | 44,525 | 941,352 | | (640,181 | ) | | 345,696 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Issuances of common stock as follows: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
- for
cash at an average of $1.00 per share |
843,500 | 8,435 | 832,010 | | | | 840,445 | |||||||||||||||||||||
- for cash and receivables at $1.00 per share |
555,000 | 5,550 | 519,450 | (300,000 | ) | | | 225,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||
- for services at an average of $0.53 per share |
41,800 | 418 | 21,882 | | | | 22,300 | |||||||||||||||||||||
- for mine data base at $1.63 per share |
200,000 | 2,000 | 323,000 | | | | 325,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Options issued or granted as follows: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
- 1,200,000 options for cash |
| | 120,000 | | | | 120,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||
- for financing fees |
| | 60,000 | | | | 60,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||
- for consulting fees |
| | 117,000 | | | | 117,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Warrants issued for services |
| | 488,980 | | (488,980 | ) | | | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss for the year ended October 31, 1998 |
| | | | (906,036 | ) | | (906,036 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Balance, October 31, 1998 |
6,092,739 | $ | 60,928 | $ | 3,423,674 | $ | (300,000 | ) | $ | (2,035,197 | ) | $ | | $ | 1,149,405 | |||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-4
Table of Contents
METALLINE MINING COMPANY
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE COMPANY)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY (CONTINUED)
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE COMPANY)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY (CONTINUED)
Deficit | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Accumulated | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common Stock | Additional | Stock | During | Other | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Number of | Paid-in | Subscriptions | Exploration | Comprehensive | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares | Amount | Capital | Receivable | Stage | Income (Loss) | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, October 31, 1998 |
6,092,739 | $ | 60,928 | $ | 3,423,674 | $ | (300,000 | ) | $ | (2,035,197 | ) | $ | | $ | 1,149,405 | |||||||||||||
Issuances of common stock as follows: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
- for cash at an average of $1.04 per share |
818,800 | 8,188 | 842,712 | | | | 850,900 | |||||||||||||||||||||
- for drilling fees at $0.90 per share |
55,556 | 556 | 49,444 | | | | 50,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Stock option and warrant activity as follows: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
- exercise of options at $0.90 per share |
250,000 | 2,500 | 222,500 | | | | 225,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||
- issuance of options for financing fees |
| | 216,000 | | | | 216,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Stock subscription received |
| | | 300,000 | | | 300,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss for the year ended October 31, 1999 |
| | | | (1,423,045 | ) | | (1,423,045 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Balance, October 31, 1999 |
7,217,095 | 72,172 | 4,754,330 | | (3,458,242 | ) | | 1,368,260 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Stock option and warrant activity as follows: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
- Exercise of options at $0.86 per share |
950,000 | 9,500 | 802,750 | | | | 812,250 | |||||||||||||||||||||
- Warrants issued for services |
| | 55,000 | | | | 55,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Issuances of common stock as follows: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
- for cash at an average of $2.77 per share |
1,440,500 | 14,405 | 3,972,220 | | | | 3,986,625 | |||||||||||||||||||||
- for services at $1.28 per share |
120,000 | 1,200 | 152,160 | | | | 153,360 | |||||||||||||||||||||
- for equipment at $1.67 per share |
15,000 | 150 | 24,850 | | | | 25,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss for the year ended October 31, 2000 |
| | | | (882,208 | ) | | (882,208 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Balances, October 31, 2000 |
9,742,595 | 97,427 | 9,761,310 | | (4,340,450 | ) | | 5,518,287 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Stock option and warrant activity as follows: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
- Warrants exercised at $0.75 per share |
20,000 | 200 | 14,800 | | | | 15,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||
- Options issued for consulting fees |
| | 740,892 | | | | 740,892 | |||||||||||||||||||||
- Warrants issued for consulting fees |
| | 144,791 | | | | 144,791 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Issuances of common stock as follows: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
- for cash at $2.00 per share |
250,000 | 2,500 | 497,500 | | | | 500,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||
- for cash of $210 and services at $2.07 per share |
21,000 | 210 | 43,260 | | | | 43,470 | |||||||||||||||||||||
- for cash of $180 and services at $2.05 per share |
18,000 | 180 | 36,720 | | | | 36,900 | |||||||||||||||||||||
- for services at $2.45 per share |
6,000 | 60 | 14,640 | | | | 14,700 | |||||||||||||||||||||
- for services at $1.50 per share |
12,000 | 120 | 17,880 | | | | 18,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss for the year ended October 31, 2001 |
| | | | (2,069,390 | ) | | (2,069,390 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Balance, October 31, 2001 |
10,069,595 | 100,697 | 11,271,793 | | (6,409,840 | ) | | 4,962,650 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Issuances of common stock as follows: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
- for cash at $2.00 per share |
50,000 | 500 | 99,500 | | | | 100,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||
- for cash and warrants at $1.50 per share |
96,000 | 960 | 143,040 | | | | 144,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||
- for cash and warrants at $1.50 per share |
66,667 | 667 | 99,333 | | | | 100,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||
- for compensation at an average of $1.23 per
share |
86,078 | 861 | 104,014 | | | | 104,875 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Stock option activity as follows: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
- for compensation at $0.61 per share |
| | 61,000 | | | | 61,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss for the year ended October 31, 2002 |
| | | | (765,765 | ) | | (765,765 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Balance, October 31, 2002 |
10,368,340 | $ | 103,685 | $ | 11,778,680 | $ | | $ | (7,175,605 | ) | $ | | $ | 4,706,760 | ||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-5
Table of Contents
METALLINE MINING COMPANY
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE COMPANY)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY (CONTINUED)
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE COMPANY)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY (CONTINUED)
Deficit | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Accumulated | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common Stock | Additional | Stock | During | Other | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Number of | Paid-in | Subscriptions | Exploration | Comprehensive | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares | Amount | Capital | Receivable | Stage | Income (Loss) | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, October 31, 2002 |
10,368,340 | $ | 103,685 | $ | 11,778,680 | $ | | $ | (7,175,605 | ) | $ | | $ | 4,706,760 | ||||||||||||||
Issuances of common stock as follows: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
- for cash at $2.00 per share |
100,000 | 1,000 | 199,000 | | | | 200,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||
- for cash at an average of $0.98 per share |
849,000 | 8,489 | 821,510 | | | | 829,999 | |||||||||||||||||||||
- for cash and warrants at $1.50 per share |
7,000 | 70 | 10,430 | | | | 10,500 | |||||||||||||||||||||
- for compensation at an average of $1.25 per
share |
391,332 | 3,913 | 487,275 | | | | 491,188 | |||||||||||||||||||||
- for services at an average of $1.23 per share |
91,383 | 914 | 119,320 | | | | 120,234 | |||||||||||||||||||||
- for subscriptions receivable at $1.00 per share |
38,000 | 380 | 37,620 | (38,000 | ) | | | | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss for the year ended October 31, 2003 |
| | | | (1,107,228 | ) | | (1,107,228 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Balance, October 31, 2003 |
11,845,055 | 118,451 | 13,453,835 | (38,000 | ) | (8,282,833 | ) | | 5,251,453 | |||||||||||||||||||
Issuances of common stock as follows: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
- for cash at $1.00 per share, less issuance
costs of $698,863 |
7,580,150 | 75,801 | 6,805,485 | | | | 6,881,286 | |||||||||||||||||||||
- for compensation at an average of $1.26 per
share |
120,655 | 1,207 | 151,064 | | | | 152,271 | |||||||||||||||||||||
- for services at various prices |
141,286 | 1,413 | 153,801 | | | | 155,214 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Stock subscription received |
| | | 38,000 | | | 38,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Miscellaneous corrections and adjustments |
64,263 | 643 | (643 | ) | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss for the year ended October 31, 2004 |
| | | | (5,036,805 | ) | | (5,036,805 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Balance, October 31, 2004 |
19,751,409 | 197,515 | 20,563,542 | | (13,319,638 | ) | | 7,441,419 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Issuances of common stock as follows: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
- for cash at an average of $0.98 per share with
attached warrants |
476,404 | 4,764 | 461,965 | | | | 466,729 | |||||||||||||||||||||
- for compensation at an average of $1.00 per
share |
176,772 | 1,768 | 175,005 | | | | 176,773 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss for the year ended October 31, 2005 |
| | | | (3,302,161 | ) | | (3,302,161 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Balance, October 31, 2005 |
20,404,585 | $ | 204,047 | $ | 21,200,512 | $ | | $ | (16,621,799 | ) | $ | | $ | 4,782,760 | ||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-6
Table of Contents
METALLINE MINING COMPANY
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE COMPANY)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY (CONTINUED)
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE COMPANY)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY (CONTINUED)
Deficit | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Accumulated | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common Stock | Additional | Stock | During | Other | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Number of | Paid-in | Subscriptions | Exploration | Comprehensive | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares | Amount | Capital | Receivable | Stage | Income (Loss) | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, October 31, 2005 |
20,404,585 | $ | 204,047 | $ | 21,200,512 | $ | | $ | (16,621,799 | ) | $ | | $ | 4,782,760 | ||||||||||||||
Issuance of common stock as follows: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
- for cash at an average price of $.80 per
share with attached warrants |
13,374,833 | 133,748 | 11,077,879 | | | | 11,211,627 | |||||||||||||||||||||
- for services at an average price of $.80
per share with attached warrants |
73,650 | 736 | 58,213 | | | | 58,949 | |||||||||||||||||||||
- for compensation at an average price of
$.80 per share |
248,593 | 2,486 | 154,389 | | | | 156,875 | |||||||||||||||||||||
- for adjustment of private placement
selling price |
81,251 | 812 | (812 | ) | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||||
Stock option and warrant activity as follows: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
- stock based compensation for options
issued to officers and independent directors
at an average fair value of $2.18 per share |
| | 4,360,000 | 4,360,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
- options & warrants for directors fees at
an average fair value of $2.17 per share |
| | 1,665,705 | | | | 1,665,705 | |||||||||||||||||||||
- modification of options |
| | 48,000 | | | | 48,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||
- exercise of warrants at an average price
of $1.25 per share |
25,000 | 250 | 31,000 | | | | 31,250 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss for the year ended October 31, 2006 |
| | | | (11,193,037 | ) | | (11,193,037 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Balance, October 31, 2006 |
34,207,912 | $ | 342,079 | $ | 38,594,886 | $ | | $ | (27,814,836 | ) | $ | | $ | 11,122,129 | ||||||||||||||
Issuance of common stock as follows: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
- for cash at an average price of $2.35 per
share with attached warrants |
2,413,571 | 24,136 | 5,647,757 | | | | 5,671,893 | |||||||||||||||||||||
- for services at an average price of $4.31
per share |
49,120 | 491 | 211,069 | | | | 211,560 | |||||||||||||||||||||
- for directors fees at an average price of
$2.71 per share |
108,000 | 1,080 | 305,100 | | | | 306,180 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Stock option and warrant activity as follows: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
- exercise of warrants at an average price
of $1.30 per share |
2,240,374 | 22,404 | 2,917,750 | | | | 2,940,154 | |||||||||||||||||||||
- warrants issued for financial services at
an average fair value of $1.82 per share |
| | 1,094,950 | 1,094,950 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
- stock based compensation for options
issued to officer and independent director |
| | 434,189 | 434,189 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
- for cashless exercise of options |
126,000 | 1,260 | (1,260 | ) | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||||
- Extension of warrant for services |
| | 68,999 | | | | 68,999 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Other Comprehensive Income Foreign
Currency translation adjustment |
| | | | | (86,642 | ) | (86,642 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Net loss for the year ended October 31, 2008. |
| | | | (6,931,557 | ) | | (6,931,557 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Balance, October 31, 2007 |
39,144,977 | $ | 391,450 | $ | 49,273,440 | $ | | $ | (34,746,393 | ) | $ | (86,642 | ) | $ | 14,831,855 | |||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-7
Table of Contents
METALLINE MINING COMPANY
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE COMPANY)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY (CONTINUED)
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE COMPANY)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY (CONTINUED)
Deficit | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Accumulated | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common Stock | Additional | Stock | During | Other | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Number of | Paid-in | Subscriptions | Exploration | Comprehensive | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares | Amount | Capital | Receivable | Stage | Income (Loss) | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, October 31, 2007 |
39,144,977 | $ | 391,450 | $ | 49,273,440 | $ | | $ | (34,746,393 | ) | $ | (86,642 | ) | $ | 14,831,855 | |||||||||||||
Issuance of common stock as follows: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
- for directors fees at an average price of
$1.69 per share |
145,200 | 1,452 | 243,480 | | | | 244,932 | |||||||||||||||||||||
- for services at an average price of $2.18
per share |
38,000 | 380 | 82,460 | | | | 82,840 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Stock option and warrant activity as follows: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
- exercise of warrants at an average price
of $1.25 per share |
381,250 | 3,812 | 472,751 | | | | 476,563 | |||||||||||||||||||||
- warrants issued for financial services at
an average fair value of $.82 per share |
| | 81,838 | 81,838 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
- stock based compensation for options
issued to officer and independent directors
during prior periods |
| | 693,362 | 693,362 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
- stock based compensation for options
issued to officers |
| | 475,018 | 475,018 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
- stock based compensation for options
issued to employees |
| | 164,435 | 164,435 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
- stock based compensation for options
issued to consultant |
| | 266,616 | 266,616 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other Comprehensive Income Foreign
Currency Translation Adjustment |
| | | | | 2,442,682 | 2,442,682 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss for the year ended October 31, 2008 |
| | | | (12,320,422 | ) | | (12,320,422 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Balance, October 31, 2008 |
39,709,427 | $ | 397,094 | $ | 51,753,400 | $ | | $ | (47,066,815 | ) | $ | 2,356,040 | $ | 7,439,719 | ||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-8
Table of Contents
METALLINE MINING COMPANY
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE COMPANY)
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE COMPANY)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
November 8, | ||||||||||||
1993 | ||||||||||||
(Inception) | ||||||||||||
Years Ended October 31, | To October 31, | |||||||||||
2008 | 2007 | 2008 | ||||||||||
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: |
||||||||||||
Net loss |
$ | (12,320,422 | ) | $ | (6,931,557 | ) | $ | (47,066,815 | ) | |||
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used by
operating activities: |
||||||||||||
Depreciation and equipment write-off |
242,478 | 229,474 | 903,197 | |||||||||
Provision for uncollectible value-added taxes |
220,416 | | 220,416 | |||||||||
Noncash expenses |
| | 126,864 | |||||||||
Foreign currency transaction gain (loss) |
3,869,043 | (98,008 | ) | 3,771,036 | ||||||||
Common stock issued for services |
| 211,560 | 1,237,047 | |||||||||
Common stock issued for compensation |
82,840 | | 1,059,946 | |||||||||
Options issued for compensation |
1,599,431 | 434,189 | 6,393,622 | |||||||||
Common stock issued for directors fees |
244,932 | 306,180 | 551,112 | |||||||||
Options and warrants issued for directors fees |
| | 1,665,705 | |||||||||
Stock options issued for services |
| | 849,892 | |||||||||
Stock options issued for financing fees |
| | 276,000 | |||||||||
Common stock issued for payment of expenses |
| | 326,527 | |||||||||
Stock warrants issued for services |
81,838 | 1,163,949 | 1,934,557 | |||||||||
(Increase) decrease in: |
||||||||||||
Accounts receivable |
| 35,815 | | |||||||||
Value added tax receivable |
(515,736 | ) | (393,235 | ) | (908,972 | ) | ||||||
Other receivables |
(13,375 | ) | (23,553 | ) | (37,047 | ) | ||||||
Prepaid expenses |
(6,318 | ) | (3,499 | ) | (24,106 | ) | ||||||
Increase (decrease) in: |
||||||||||||
Accounts payable |
48,779 | (153,696 | ) | 133,282 | ||||||||
Accounts payable related parties |
(68,460 | ) | (57,000 | ) | | |||||||
Income tax payable |
(33,972 | ) | 54,214 | 20,242 | ||||||||
Accrued liabilities and expenses |
130,453 | (24,348 | ) | 222,267 | ||||||||
Other liabilities |
(55,455 | ) | 88,732 | 43,276 | ||||||||
Net cash used by operating activities |
(6,493,528 | ) | (5,160,783 | ) | (28,301,952 | ) | ||||||
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: |
||||||||||||
Purchase of investments |
| (15,200,000 | ) | (21,609,447 | ) | |||||||
Proceeds from investments |
7,900,000 | 13,225,000 | 21,609,447 | |||||||||
Equipment purchases |
(781,537 | ) | (549,432 | ) | (2,318,374 | ) | ||||||
Mining property acquisitions |
| (179,406 | ) | (4,632,037 | ) | |||||||
Net cash provided by (used by) investing activities |
7,118,463 | (2,703,838 | ) | (6,950,411 | ) | |||||||
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: |
||||||||||||
Proceeds from sales of common stock |
| 5,671,893 | 33,379,207 | |||||||||
Proceeds from sales of options and warrants |
| | 949,890 | |||||||||
Proceeds from exercise of warrants |
476,563 | 2,940,154 | 3,447,966 | |||||||||
Proceeds from shareholder loans |
| | 30,000 | |||||||||
Payment of note payable |
| | (15,783 | ) | ||||||||
Net cash provided by financing activities: |
476,563 | 8,612,047 | 37,791,280 | |||||||||
Effect of exchange rates on cash |
(307,207 | ) | (2,933 | ) | (310,139 | ) | ||||||
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents |
794,291 | 744,493 | 2,228,778 | |||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents beginning of period |
1,434,487 | 689,994 | | |||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents end of period |
$ | 2,228,778 | $ | 1,434,487 | $ | 2,228,778 | ||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-9
Table of Contents
METALLINE MINING COMPANY
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE COMPANY)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED)
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE COMPANY)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED)
November 8, | ||||||||||||
1993 | ||||||||||||
(Inception) | ||||||||||||
Years Ended October 31, | To October 31, | |||||||||||
2008 | 2007 | 2008 | ||||||||||
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW DISCLOSURES: |
||||||||||||
Income taxes paid |
$ | 75,411 | $ | | $ | 75,411 | ||||||
Interest paid |
$ | | $ | | $ | 286,771 | ||||||
NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES: |
||||||||||||
Common stock issued for equipment |
$ | | $ | | $ | 25,000 | ||||||
Common stock options issued for financing fees |
$ | | $ | | $ | 276,000 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-10
Table of Contents
NOTE 1 ORGANIZATION, DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS, GOING CONCERN AND MANAGEMENT PLANS
Organization and Description of Business
Metalline Mining Company (the Company) was incorporated in the State of Nevada on November 8,
1993 as the Cadgie Company for the purpose of acquiring and developing mineral properties. The
Cadgie Company was a spin-off from its predecessor, Precious Metal Mines, Inc. On June 28, 1996, at
a special directors meeting, the Companys name was changed to Metalline Mining Company. The
Companys fiscal year-end is October 31. The Company has not realized any revenues from its planned
operations and is considered an Exploration Stage Company.
The Company expects to engage in the business of mining. The Company currently owns several mining
concessions in Mexico (collectively known as the Sierra Mojada Property). The Company conducts its
operations in Mexico through its wholly owned subsidiary corporations, Minera Metalin S.A. de C.V.
(Minera Metalin) and Contratistas de Sierra Mojada S.A. de C.V (Contratistas).
The Companys efforts have been concentrated in expenditures related to exploration properties,
principally in the Sierra Mojada project located in Coahuila, Mexico. The Company has not
determined whether the exploration properties contain ore reserves that are economically
recoverable. The ultimate realization of the Companys investment in exploration properties is
dependent upon the success of future property sales, the existence of economically recoverable
reserves, the ability of the Company to obtain financing or make other arrangements for
development, and upon future profitable production. The ultimate realization of the Companys
investment in exploration properties cannot be determined at this time, and accordingly, no
provision for any asset impairment that may result, in the event the Company is not successful in
developing or selling these properties, has been made in the accompanying financial statements.
Going Concern and Management Plans
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company
will continue as a going concern. Since its inception in November 1993, the Company has not
generated revenue and has incurred a net loss of $47,066,815 from inception through October 31,
2008. Accordingly, the Company has not generated cash flow from operations and has primarily
relied upon private placement of its common stock and proceeds from warrant exercises to fund its
operations. As of October 31, 2008, the Company has working capital of $1,905,410, which may not
be sufficient to operate over the next twelve months. These conditions raise substantial doubt
about the Companys ability to continue as a going concern. The financial statements do not include
any adjustments to reflect the possible future effects on the recoverability and classification of
assets, or the amounts or classification of liabilities that may result from the possible inability
of the Company to continue as a going concern. Managements plans with regards to these conditions
are described below.
Management has scaled back its exploration activities and reduced administrative costs to conserve
capital while it tries to secure additional sources of capital to fund its operations and continue
exploration of the Sierra Mojada Project. The Company has scaled back its drilling activities from
five drills operating at two shifts per day to three drills operating at one shift per day. In
addition, the Companys officers and independent directors have agreed to defer a significant
portion of their cash compensation until sufficient capital has been raised to continue its
operations. Effective February 1, 2009, the executive officers and corporate employees entered
into salary deferral agreements for 25% to 50% of their compensation while independent directors
have agreed to defer 100% of the cash portion of their directors fees.
Management is exploring various sources of additional capital including additional equity funding,
joint venture participation, strategic partner and smelter and metal trading companies willing to
fund projects for a commitment of product. The weak US and global economy combined with instability
in global financial and capital markets have currently limited the availability of this funding.
If the disruptions in the global financial and capital markets continue, debt or equity financing
may not be available to us on acceptable terms, if at all. If we are unable to fund future
operations by way of financing, including public or private offerings of equity or debt securities,
our business, financial condition and results of operations will be adversely impacted.
F-11
Table of Contents
NOTE 2 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
This summary of significant accounting policies is presented to assist in understanding the
financial statements. The financial statements and notes are representations of the Companys
management, which is responsible for their integrity and objectivity. These accounting policies
conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. and have been consistently applied
in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements.
Accounting Method
The Companys consolidated financial statements are prepared using the accrual method of
accounting.
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned
subsidiaries, after elimination of intercompany accounts and transactions. The wholly owned
subsidiaries of the Company are listed in Note 1.
Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year and inception to date consolidated financial
statements to conform to current year presentation. Such reclassifications had no effect on net
loss.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
For purposes of the statement of cash flows, the Company considers all bank accounts, certificates
of deposit, money market accounts and short-term debt securities purchased with a maturity of three
months or less to be cash equivalents.
Concentration of Risk
The Company maintains its domestic cash and marketable securities in a commercial depository
account and a brokerage account. The commercial depository account is insured by the Federal
Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) for up to $250,000. The brokerage account consists of
short-term highly liquid fixed income securities such as United States Treasury Bills, money market
funds, and certificates of deposit. As of October 31, 2008, the Companys fixed income investments
consisted of a US Treasury money market fund in the amount of $1,961,131. The US Treasury money
market fund has participated in the U.S. Treasury Department Temporary Guarantee program for Money
Market Funds through April 30, 2009. Under the program, coverage is provided to shareholders for
amounts that they held in participating money market mutual funds as of the close of business on
September 19, 2008. Accordingly, $337,381 of the funds held in the US Treasury money market fund
is insured through April 30, 2009. The Company also maintains cash in banks in Mexico. These
accounts, which had U.S. dollar balances of $157,843 and $229,094 at October 31, 2008 and 2007,
respectively, are denominated in pesos and are considered uninsured. At October 31, 2008, the
Companys cash balances and marketable securities included $1,781,592 which was not federally
insured.
Earnings Per Share
The Company has adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 128 Earnings per
Share", which provides for calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share. Basic earnings
per share includes no dilution and is computed by dividing net income available to common
shareholders by the weighted average common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per
share reflect the potential dilution of securities that could share in the earnings of an entity
similar to fully diluted earnings per share. Although there were common stock equivalents of
18,346,568 and 18,030,147 shares outstanding at October 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, they were
not included in the calculation of earnings per share because they would have been considered
anti-dilutive.
F-12
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NOTE 2 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted
in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect
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 Costs
In accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, the
Company expenses exploration costs as incurred. Exploration costs expensed during the years ended
October 31, 2008 and 2007 were $3,016,858 and $2,647,666, respectively. The exploration costs
expensed to date during the Companys exploration stage amount to $15,718,321.
Exploration Stage Activities
The Company has been in the exploration stage since November 8, 1993 and has no revenues from
operations. The Company is primarily engaged in the acquisition and exploration of mineral
properties. Should the Company locate a commercially mineable reserve, the Company would expect to
actively prepare the site for extraction.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The Companys financial instruments as defined by SFAS No. 107, Disclosures about Fair Value of
Financial Instruments, include cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, receivables, and
accounts payable. All instruments are accounted for on a historical cost basis, which, due to the
short maturity of these financial instruments, approximates fair value at October 31, 2008 and
2007.
Foreign Currency Translation
Assets and liabilities of the Companys foreign operations are translated into U.S. dollars at the
year-end exchange rates, and revenue and expenses are translated at the average exchange rates
during the period. Exchange differences arising on translation are disclosed as a separate
component of shareholders equity. Realized gains and losses from foreign currency transactions are
reflected in the results of operations. Intercompany transactions and balances with the Companys
Mexican subsidiaries are considered to be short-term in nature and accordingly all foreign currency
transaction gains and losses on intercompany loans are included in the consolidated statement of
operations.
Foreign Operations
The accompanying balance sheet at October 31, 2008 contains Company assets in Mexico, including:
$3,771,029 in mineral properties; $1,617,205 (before accumulated depreciation) of mining equipment;
$543,554 of value-added tax receivable; and $157,843 of cash. Although this country is considered
economically stable, it is always possible that unanticipated events in foreign countries could
disrupt the Companys operations. The Mexican government does not require foreign entities to
maintain cash reserves in Mexico.
Value-Added Tax Receivable
The Company records a receivable for value added (IVA) taxes recoverable from Mexican authorities
on goods and services purchased by its Mexican subsidiaries. As of October 31, 2008, the Company
filed IVA tax returns with the Mexican authorities to recover approximately $663,000 of IVA taxes
paid by its Mexican subsidiaries from 2005 through 2007. During 2008, the Mexican authorities
requested the Company to provide copies of supporting documentation for amounts filed. The Company
worked extensively with the Mexican authorities to provide the requested documentation and answer
questions related to these tax returns, but was unable to recover the IVA tax amounts. In
September 2008, the Company hired an IVA tax consultant that has worked for this branch of the
Mexican government and has extensive experience with recovering IVA taxes. The IVA tax consultant
has performed an initial review of the IVA tax returns for 2005, 2006, and 2007 and suggested the
Company eliminate
F-13
Table of Contents
NOTE 2 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
certain small dollar items and items that lack clear and evident supporting documentation in an
effort to expedite recovery of these IVA tax amounts. The IVA tax consultant has prepared a
revised schedule of IVA tax amounts and has started a detailed review of these items to ensure that
there is clear and sufficient supporting documentation for the Mexican authorities. The IVA tax
consultant anticipates presenting the revised IVA tax returns along with detailed supporting
documentation to the Mexican authorities in February or March 2009. The Company has performed
similar procedures on the 2008 IVA tax amounts and plans to submit these returns in conjunction
with or shortly after the older returns are filed.
The IVA tax consultant and the Company have performed a detailed review of a significant portion of
the IVA tax amounts. Management of the Company believes that the Company has assembled sufficient
documentation to support the IVA amounts. However, the Company anticipates that the Mexican
authorities could continue to challenge items presented on the revised returns which could delay
recovery of these amounts or reduce the amount recovered. Accordingly, the Company has reviewed
the estimated collectability of the IVA tax amounts for each year and has established an allowance
for uncollectible taxes of $220,416 as of October 31, 2008. Although the Company hopes the efforts
above will help to expedite recovery of these amounts, the Company has classified the IVA tax
receivable as a long-term asset on the Consolidating Balance Sheet as of October 31, 2008 due to
the uncertainty regarding the timing when these amounts will be recovered.
Marketable Securities
The Company accounts for its marketable securities in accordance with SFAS No. 115, Accounting for
Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities (SFAS No. 115) and classifies marketable
securities as trading, available-for-sale, or held-to-maturity. At October 31, 2007, the Company
held $7,900,000 of marketable securities in auction rate securities (ARS) which are floating rate
securities with long-term nominal maturities of 25 to 30 years, but are marketed by financial
institutions with maturity and interest rates at 7, 28, and 35 day intervals. In accordance with
SFAS No. 115, these auction rate securities were classified as current available-for-sale
securities as of October 31, 2007. Marketable securities include investments with maturities
greater than six months, but not exceeding twelve months and available for sale auction rate
securities. Cost (carrying value) approximates market value for all marketable securities held at
October 31, 2007.
During the three months ended January 31, 2008, the Company sold all of its auction rate securities
for no gain or loss and invested the proceeds in short-term US treasury securities. The Company
does not anticipate investing in auction rate securities in the near future given the increased
liquidity risk associated with failed auctions for these securities.
Mineral Concessions
Costs of acquiring mineral concessions are capitalized by project area upon purchase or staking of
the associated claims. Costs to maintain the mineral rights and leases are expensed as incurred.
When a property reaches the production stage, the related capitalized costs will be amortized,
using the units of production method on the basis of periodic estimates of ore reserves.
Mineral concessions are periodically assessed for impairment of value and any diminution in value
is charged to operations at the time of impairment. Should a concession be abandoned, its
capitalized costs are charged to operations. The Company charges to operations the allocable
portion of capitalized costs attributable to concessions sold. Capitalized costs are allocated to
concessions abandoned or sold based on the proportion of claims abandoned or sold to the claims
remaining within the project area.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Major additions and improvements are capitalized.
Minor replacements, maintenance and repairs that do not increase the useful life of the assets are
expensed as incurred. Depreciation of property and equipment is determined using the straight-line
or accelerated methods over the expected useful lives of the assets. See Note 4.
F-14
Table of Contents
NOTE 2 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
Revenue Recognition Policy
The Company recognizes revenue when there is a mutually executed contract, the contract price is
fixed and determinable, delivery of the product has occurred, and collectability of the contract
price is considered probable. As of October 31, 2008, the Company has not recognized any revenues.
Accounting for Loss Contingencies and Legal Costs
From time to time, the Company is named as a defendant in legal actions arising from our normal
business activities. The Company accounts for contingencies such as these in accordance with SFAS
No. 5, Accounting for Contingencies, and records an estimated loss contingency when information
available prior to issuance of our financial statements indicates that it is probable that a loss
has been incurred at the date of the financial statements and the amount of the loss can be
reasonably estimated. The consolidated financial statements do not reflect any material amounts
related to possible unfavorable outcomes of claims and lawsuits to which we are currently a party
because we currently believe that such claims and lawsuits are not expected, individually or in the
aggregate, to result in a material adverse effect on our financial condition. However, it is
possible that these contingencies could materially affect our results of operations, financial
position and cash flows in a particular period if we change our assessment of the likely outcome of
these matters. Legal costs incurred in connection with loss contingencies are considered period
costs and accordingly are expensed as incurred.
Stock-Based Compensation
On November 1, 2006, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Statement
No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment, (SFAS 123(R)) which requires the fair value of share-based
payments, including grants of employee stock options to be recognized in the statement of
operations based on their fair values. Prior to the Companys adoption of SFAS No. 123(R), the
Company followed the method prescribed in SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation.
The fair value of the Companys stock options issued prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R) was
determined using a Black-Scholes pricing model, which assumes no expected dividends and estimates
the option expected life, volatility and risk-free interest rate at the time of grant. Prior to
the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R), the Company used historical and implied market volatility as a
basis for calculating expected volatility.
The Company elected to adopt the modified prospective transition method as permitted by SFAS No.
123(R) and therefore has not restated its financial results for prior periods. Under this
transition method, the Company will apply the provisions of SFAS 123(R) to new awards and to awards
modified, repurchased, or cancelled after November 1, 2006. This transition method also requires
the Company to present pro-forma income, cash flow and earnings per share information as if the
Company had adopted this statement for all periods presented. Since the Company utilized the fair
value method under SFAS 123 for all option grants prior to adoption of SFAS No. 123(R) and since no
options were previously granted with a graded vesting schedule, the compensation expense previously
reported under SFAS No. 123 is the same as if the Company adopted SFAS No. 123(R) for the periods
presented. As a result, the Companys net income, basic and diluted earnings per share under SFAS
No. 123(R) for all periods presented is the same as previously reported under SFAS No. 123.
The Company uses the Black-Scholes pricing model as a method for determining the estimated fair
value for employee stock awards under SFAS 123(R). The expected term of the options is based upon
evaluation of historical and expected future exercise behavior. The risk-free interest rate is
based upon U.S. Treasury rates at the date of grant with maturity dates approximately equal to the
expected life of the grant. Volatility is based upon historical volatility of the Companys stock.
The Company has not historically issued any dividends and it does not expect to in the future.
The Company uses the graded vesting attribution method to recognize compensation costs over the
requisite service period.
F-15
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NOTE 2 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
The Company also used the Black-Scholes valuation model to determine the fair market value of
warrants. Expected volatility is based upon weighted average of historical volatility over the
contractual term of the warrant and implied volatility. The risk-free interest rate is based upon
implied yield on a U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issue with a remaining term equal to the contractual term of the option. The dividend yield is assumed to
be none as the Company has not paid dividends nor does not anticipate paying any dividends in the
foreseeable future.
Income Taxes
Income taxes are provided based upon the liability method of accounting pursuant to SFAS No. 109,
Accounting for Income Taxes (hereinafter SFAS No. 109). Under this approach, deferred income
taxes are recorded to reflect the tax consequences in future years of differences between the tax
basis of assets and liabilities and their financial reporting amounts at each year-end. A valuation
allowance is recorded against deferred tax assets if management does not believe the Company has
met the more likely than not standard imposed by SFAS No. 109 to allow recognition of such an
asset.
Effective November 1, 2007, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Interpretation No.
48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, (FIN 48), an interpretation of Financial
Accounting Standards Statement No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. FIN 48 prescribes a
recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and
measurement of an uncertain tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN 48
requires that the Company recognize in its financial statements the impact of uncertain tax
positions. FIN 48 also provides guidance on de-recognition, classification, interest and
penalties, accounting in interim periods and disclosure.
With the adoption of FIN 48, the Company identified unrecognized tax benefits of approximately
$103,000 which resulted in a reduction of the Companys foreign net operating loss carryforwards.
The adoption of FIN 48 did not require a cumulative effect adjustment to beginning retained
earnings.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (SFAS No. 157). SFAS
No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted
accounting principles (GAAP), and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. This Standard
addresses how companies should measure fair value when they are required to use a fair value
measure for recognition or disclosure purposes under U.S. GAAP. SFAS No. 157 is effective for
financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 (fiscal year 2009
for the Company). In February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. 157-2, Effective Dates
of FASB Statement no. 157 (FSP 157-2). This FASB Staff Position amends SFAS No. 157 to delay
the effective date for non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities, except for items that
are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (that
is, at least annually). For items within its scope, FSP 157-2 defers the effective date of SFAS
No. 157 to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008 and interim periods within those fiscal
years (fiscal year 2010 for the Company). The Company does not expect the adoption of SFAS 157 will
have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and
Financial Liabilities including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115 (SFAS 159). Under
SFAS 159, a company may choose, at specified election dates, to measure eligible items at fair
value and report unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been
elected in earnings at each subsequent reporting date. SFAS 159 is effective for financial
statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within
those fiscal years (fiscal year 2009 for the Company). The Company is currently assessing the
impact that SFAS 159 may have on its financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.
In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 162, The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting
Principles (SFAS 162). This statement identifies sources of accounting principles and the
framework for selecting the principles to be used in the preparation of financial statements that
are presented in conformity with GAAP in the United States. SFAS No. 162 moves the hierarchy of
GAAP sources for non-governmental entities from the auditing literature to the accounting
literature. This statement becomes effective November 15, 2008. Any effect of applying SFAS
No. 162 should be reported as a change in accounting principle. The Company does not expect SFAS
162 will have a material impact on its financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.
F-16
Table of Contents
NOTE
3 CONCESSIONS IN THE SIERRA MOJADA DISTRICT
Sierra Mojada Mining Concessions
The Company owns 16 mining concessions consisting of 19,408.41 hectares (about 47,958 acres) in the
mining region known as the Sierra Mojada District located in Sierra Mojada, Coahuila, Mexico. The
mining concessions are considered one prospect area and are collectively referred to as the Sierra
Mojada Project.
The Company purchased eleven of the concessions from Mexican entities and/or Mexican individuals
and the remaining five concessions were granted by the Mexican government. Each mining concession
enables the Company to explore the underlying concession in consideration for the payment of
semi-annual fee to the Mexican government and completion of certain annual assessment work. Annual
assessment work in excess of statutory annual requirements can be carried forward and applied to
future periods. The Company has completed sufficient work to meet future requirements for many
years.
As of October 31, 2008, the Company owns the following mining concessions in the Sierra Mojada
District:
Acquisition | ||||||||||||||||
Concession | Method | Date | Hectares | Cost Basis | ||||||||||||
Sierra Mojada |
Purchased | 5/30/2000 | 4,767.32 | $ | 13,253 | |||||||||||
Mojada 3 |
Purchased | 5/30/2000 | 722.00 | | ||||||||||||
Unificacion Mineros Nortenos |
Purchased | 8/30/2000 | 336.79 | 3,074,500 | ||||||||||||
Vulcano |
Purchased | 8/30/2000 | 4.49 | | ||||||||||||
Esmeralda 1 |
Purchased | 8/20/2001 | 95.50 | 151,095 | ||||||||||||
Esmeralda |
Purchased | 3/20/1997 | 117.50 | 213,422 | ||||||||||||
La Blanca |
Purchased | 8/20/2001 | 33.50 | 102,484 | ||||||||||||
Fortuna |
Claim Filed | 12/8/1999 | 13.96 | 64,053 | ||||||||||||
Mojada 2 |
Claim Filed | 7/17/2006 | 3,500.00 | | ||||||||||||
El Retorno |
Purchased | 4/10/2006 | 817.65 | 12,872 | ||||||||||||
Los Ramones |
Purchased | 4/10/2006 | 8.60 | 233 | ||||||||||||
El Retorno Fracc. 1 |
Purchased | 4/20/2006 | 5.51 | 78 | ||||||||||||
Dormidos |
Claim Filed | 4/9/2007 | 2,326.10 | | ||||||||||||
Agua Mojada |
Claim Filed | 1/26/2007 | 2,900.00 | 5,096 | ||||||||||||
Alote(1) |
Claim Filed | 5/17/2007 | 3,749.00 | 5,066 | ||||||||||||
Volcan Dolores |
Purchased | 9/24/2007 | 10.49 | 128,877 | ||||||||||||
19,408.41 | $ | 3,771,029 | ||||||||||||||
(1) | Title for this concession is pending. |
F-17
Table of Contents
NOTE 4 PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
The following is a summary of the Companys property and equipment at October 31, 2008 and 2007,
respectively:
2008 | 2007 | |||||||
Mining equipment |
$ | 1,228,133 | $ | 838,635 | ||||
Well equipment |
31,721 | | ||||||
Communication equipment |
7,400 | 8,902 | ||||||
Buildings and structures |
141,835 | 153,590 | ||||||
Vehicles |
115,833 | 172,449 | ||||||
Computer equipment and software |
166,730 | 145,167 | ||||||
Office equipment |
10,396 | 8,134 | ||||||
Assets under construction |
10,325 | | ||||||
1,712,373 | 1,326,877 | |||||||
Less: Accumulated depreciation |
(492,647 | ) | (407,457 | ) | ||||
$ | 1,219,726 | $ | 919,420 | |||||
Depreciation expense and write-off of equipment for the years ended October 31, 2008 and 2007 was
$242,041 and $227,464, respectively. The Company evaluates the recoverability of property and
equipment when events and circumstances indicate that such assets might be impaired. The Company
determines impairment by comparing the undiscounted future cash flows estimated to be generated by
these assets to their respective carrying amounts. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as
incurred. Replacements and betterments are capitalized. The cost and related reserves of assets
sold or retired are removed from the accounts, and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in
results of operations.
NOTE 5 RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Company receives rent-free office space in Coeur dAlene, Idaho from its president. The value
of the space is not considered materially significant for financial reporting purposes.
NOTE
6 SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS PLAN
On June 11, 2007, the Board of Directors adopted a Shareholders Right Plan through the adoption of
a Rights Agreement, which became effective immediately. In connection with the adoption of the
Rights Agreement, the Board of Directors declared a distribution of one Right for each outstanding
share of the Companys common stock, payable to shareholders of record at the close of business on
June 22, 2007. The Right is attached to the underlying common share and will remain with the common
share if the share is sold or transferred.
In certain circumstances, in the event that any person acquires beneficial ownership of 20% or more
of the outstanding shares of the Companys common stock, each holder of a Right, other than the
acquirer, would be entitled to receive, upon payment of the purchase price, which is initially set
at $20 per Right, a number of shares of the Companys common stock having a value equal to two
times such purchase price. The Rights will expire on June 11, 2017.
NOTE 7 COMMON STOCK
During the year ended October 31, 2008, the Company issued 381,250 shares of common stock for
warrants exercised at an average cash consideration of $1.25 per share. In addition, the Company
granted 38,000 shares to three employees of Contratistas at an average market price of $2.18. The
Company also issued 145,200 shares of common stock at an average market price of $1.69 per share to
its independent directors for services provided during the 4th quarter of 2007 and for
the four quarters in fiscal 2008. The Company had accrued $68,460 as of October 31, 2007 for costs
associated with director shares for the quarter ended October 31, 2007.
In March 2007, the Company completed a private placement of 2,413,571 shares of the Companys
restricted common stock and warrants to purchase 1,206,785 shares of common stock exercisable at
$2.42 per share for four
years, at a price of $4.70 per unit, which consists of two shares of common stock and one warrant.
Net proceeds from this private placement were $5,671,893.
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Table of Contents
NOTE 7 COMMON STOCK (continued)
During the year ended October 31, 2007, the Company issued 2,240,374 shares of common stock for
warrants exercised at an average cash consideration of $1.30 per share. In addition, the Company
issued 49,120 shares to outside consultants for services provided at an average price of $4.31 per
share. The Company also issued 108,000 shares of common stock at an average price of $2.84 per
share to its independent directors for services provided.
During the year ended October 31, 2007, the Company issued 126,000 shares of common stock in a
cashless exercise of options (See note 8).
During the year ended October 31, 2006, the Company issued 13,456,084 shares of common stock for
cash consideration at an average of $0.83 per share and 73,650 shares valued at $0.80 per share for
services received. Included with each share purchased was a warrant to purchase one share of the
Companys common stock at an exercise price of $1.25 per share with an exercise period of 5 years.
In addition, warrants were exercised for 25,000 shares of common stock for cash consideration at an
average of $1.25 per share. In addition, 248,593 shares of common stock were issued to employees of
the Company for prior compensation at an average value of $.63 per share during the year ended
October 31, 2006.
During the year ended October 31, 2005, the Company issued 476,404 shares of common stock for cash
consideration at an average of $0.98 per share. In addition, 176,772 shares of common stock were
issued to officers and employees of the Company at an average of $1.00 per share in payment of
accrued wages. On September 28, 2005 the Company authorized the issuance of 7,500,000 shares of
common stock at a price of $0.80 per share, to include with each share purchased a warrant to
purchase one share of the Companys common stock at an exercise price of $1.25 per share and with
an exercise period of 5 years. Accordingly, options to purchase 476,404 shares of common stock were
issued during the year ended October 31, 2005.
During the year ended October 31, 2004, the Company issued 7,580,150 shares of common stock for
cash consideration at $1.00 per share less issuance costs of $698,863. Officers of the Company were
issued 120,655 shares at an average of $1.26 per share in payment of accrued wages. The Company
also issued 141,286 shares in exchange for services received.
During the year ended October 31, 2003, the Company sold 7,000 common stock units with an ascribed
cash value of $10,500. The Company also sold 849,000 shares at an average price of $0.98 per share.
The Company also issued 100,000 shares of common stock under the Penoles agreement for cash, at
$2.00 per share. Additionally, 373,925 shares of common stock valued at $468,771 were issued as
compensation to officers.
During the year ended October 31, 2002, the Company sold 162,667 common stock units with attached
warrants for cash of $244,000. The Company also issued 50,000 shares of common stock under the
Penoles agreement for cash at $2.00 a share. Additionally, 86,078 shares of common stock valued at
$104,875 were issued as compensation to officers. On May 20, 2002, the Company authorized the
offering of 1,000,000 common stock units, with each unit consisting of one share of common stock
and one warrant equal to 1/3 of a share of common stock.
During the year ended October 31, 2001, the Company issued 20,000 shares of common stock with
attached warrants for cash of $15,000. Additionally, 57,000 shares of common stock were issued for
services valued at $112,680 and for cash of $390, and 250,000 shares of common stock with 125,000
warrants attached were issued for $500,000 in cash.
During the year ended October 31, 2000, the Company sold 1,440,500 shares of its common stock for
$3,986,625 cash, issued 120,000 shares of common stock for services valued $153,360, issued 15,000
shares of common stock for equipment valued at $25,000 and issued 950,000 shares of common stock
for options exercised at $0.86 per share.
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NOTE 7 COMMON STOCK (continued)
During the year ended October 31, 1999, the Company sold 1,068,800 shares of common stock for
$1,075,900 cash. In addition the Company received $300,000 for payment of subscriptions receivable.
The Company also issued 55,556 shares for payment of drilling expenses valued at $50,000.
In February 1998, 200,000 shares of common stock were issued for a mine database. The shares were
valued at $1.625 per share, resulting in a transaction valued at $325,000. Services valued at
$22,300 were paid with 41,800 shares of common stock. An additional 1,398,500 shares of common
stock were issued for $1,065,445 cash and receivables, and a subscription receivable of $300,000,
between February and October 1998.
In April 1997, 250,000 common stock shares were issued for cash of $87,500 and 133,800 shares of
common stock were issued for services valued at $45,583. In May and June 1997, 181,600 shares of
common stock were issued for $63,560 cash and 62,500 shares of common stock were issued for
services valued at$21,875. In August and October 1997, 420,000 and 75,000 shares of common stock
were issued for cash of $378,000 and $75,000, respectively. Additionally, during August 1997,
100,200 shares of common stock were issued for debt of $31,530 and 95,000 shares of common stock
were issued for services valued at $95,000.
During November 1995, the Companys directors approved the issuance of 45,000 shares of common
stock for services rendered at $0.01 per share. During June 1996, the Company issued 900,000 shares
of common stock for the assignment of mineral rights in the Sierra Mojada Project in Coahuila,
Mexico valued at $0.01 per share to Messrs. John Ryan, Merlin Bingham, and Daniel Gorski, who had
formed a partnership to advance development of the mining concession located in Coahuila, Mexico.
The partnership had an informal joint venture agreement with USMX, Inc. covering the mining
concessions. By acquiring the partnership interest, the Company was able to negotiate and sign a
formal joint venture agreement with USMX in July 1996.
During the year ended October 31, 1996, Metalline Mining Company issued 1,320,859 shares of common
stock for $146,359 in cash. During October 1996, the Company issued 150,000 shares of common stock
for computer equipment valued at $15,000. Also during October 1996, the Company issued 120,000
shares of common stock to Mr. Gorski and an additional 20,000 shares of common stock to Mr. Ryan
for services rendered valued at $14,000.
In January 1996, Mr. Carmen Ridland, in a private sale, sold a controlling interest in the
corporation to Mr. Howard Crosby. On January 12, 1996, Mr. Ridland transferred control of Cadgie
Co. to Mr. Crosby and Mr. Robert Jorgensen.
On August 4, 1995 the directors of Cadgie Co. declared a 3:1 forward stock split of the outstanding
Cadgie Co. shares, thus increasing the number of outstanding shares from 192,160 to 576,480.
On August 31, 1994, the directors of Cadgie Co. declared a 1:5 reverse stock split of the
outstanding Cadgie Co. shares, thus reducing the number of outstanding shares from 960,800 to
192,160 shares.
The Company (Cadgie Co.) was formed in August of 1993 and incorporated in November 1993 by Mr.
Carman Ridland of Las Vegas, Nevada as a spin-off from its predecessor, Precious Metal Mines, Inc.
The Company issued 960,800 of its $0.01 par value shares to Precious Metal Mines, Inc. for 16
unpatented mining claims located near Philipsburg, Montana comprising the Kadex property group.
Precious Metal Mines, Inc. distributed the 960,800 shares of Cadgie Company to its shareholders.
One share of Cadgie Co. was exchanged for each share of Precious Metal Mines, Inc. held by holders
of record as of August 31, 1993.
NOTE 8 STOCK OPTIONS
The Company has two existing qualified stock option plans. Under the 2006 Stock Option Plan (the
2006 Plan) the Company may grant non-statutory and incentive options to employees, directors and
consultants for up to a total of 5,000,000 shares of common stock. Under the 2001 Equity Incentive
Plan (the 2001 Plan) the Company may grant non-statutory and incentive options to employees,
directors, and consultants for up to a total of 1,000,000 shares of common stock. Options are
typically granted with an exercise price equal to the market price of the Companys stock at the
date of grant and have a contractual term of 9 to 10 years. Prior to October 31, 2006, most stock
option grants were immediately vested at date of grant. Subsequent grants have typically been
issued with a
graded vesting schedule over approximately 2 to 3 years. Certain option awards provide for
accelerated vesting if there is a change in control (as defined in the plan). New shares are
issued upon exercise of stock options.
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NOTE 8 STOCK OPTIONS (continued)
The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes
pricing model. Expected volatility is based upon weighted average of historical volatility over
the expected term of the option and implied volatility. The expected term of stock options is
based upon historical exercise behavior and expected exercised behavior. The risk-free interest
rate is based upon implied yield on a U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issue with a remaining term equal
to the expected term of the option. The dividend yield is assumed to be none as the Company does
not anticipate paying any dividends in the foreseeable future. A summary of the range of
assumptions used to value stock options for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2008 and 2007 are as
follows:
Year Ended | Year Ended | |||||||
October 31, | October 31, | |||||||
Options | 2008 | 2007 | ||||||
Expected volatility |
73 | % | 74% 75 | % | ||||
Risk-free interest rate |
3.2% 3.7 | % | 4.1% 5.1 | % | ||||
Dividend yield |
| | ||||||
Expected term (in years) |
7.0 10.0 | 7.0 9.5 |
The weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted during the fiscal year ended October
31, 2008 and 2007 was $1.65 and 2.76, respectively. No options were exercised during the fiscal
year ended October 31, 2008. During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007, 126,000 options were
exercised with a total intrinsic value of $161,280.
The following is a summary of stock option activity for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2008,
and 2007:
Weighted | Weighted | |||||||||||||||
Average | Average | Aggregate | ||||||||||||||
Exercise | Contractual | Intrinsic | ||||||||||||||
Options | Shares | Price | Life (Years) | Value | ||||||||||||
Outstanding at November 1, 2006 |
3,360,000 | $ | 2.41 | |||||||||||||
Granted |
500,000 | 3.58 | ||||||||||||||
Exercised |
(126,000 | ) | 1.32 | |||||||||||||
Forfeited or Expired |
(84,000 | ) | 1.32 | |||||||||||||
Outstanding at October 31, 2007 |
3,650,000 | $ | 2.63 | |||||||||||||
Granted |
750,004 | 2.19 | ||||||||||||||
Exercised |
| | ||||||||||||||
Forfeited or Expired |
| | ||||||||||||||
Outstanding at October 31, 2008 |
4,400,004 | $ | 2.56 | 7.11 | $ | | ||||||||||
Vested or Expected to Vest at
October 31, 2008 |
3,733,333 | $ | 2.55 | 6.89 | $ | | ||||||||||
Exercisable at October 31, 2008 |
3,733,333 | $ | 2.55 | 6.89 | $ | | ||||||||||
The Company has recognized stock-based compensation costs for stock options of $1,599,431 and
$434,189 for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The Company typically
does not recognize any tax benefits for stock options due to the Companys recurring losses. The
Company currently expects all outstanding options to vest. Compensation cost is revised if
subsequent information indicates that the actual number of options vested is likely to differ from
previous estimates.
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NOTE 8 STOCK OPTIONS (continued)
On January 18, 2008, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board of Directors and the Board
granted stock options to purchase 400,000 shares of common stock under the 2006 Stock Option Plan
to the officers of the Company with an exercise price of $2.18 and an expiration date of ten years.
The options vest 1/3 at date of grant, 1/3 on January 1, 2009 and 1/3 on January 1, 2010. The
fair market value of the options at the date of grant was $1.60 per share and the Company has
recognized $475,018 of compensation expense during fiscal year ended October 31, 2008. This expense
is included in salaries and payroll expense under general and administrative expenses. As of
October 31, 2008, there remains $165,561 of total unrecognized compensation expense which is
expected to be recognized over a period of 1.2 years.
Also on January 18, 2008, the Board of Directors granted options to purchase 200,004 shares of
common stock under the 2006 Stock Option Plan to fourteen Mexican employees with an exercise price
of $2.18 and an expiration date of ten years. The options vest 1/3 on December 31, 2008, 1/3 on
December 31, 2009, and 1/3 on December 31, 2010 and have a cashless exercise feature. The fair
market value of the options at the date of grant was $1.67 per share and the Company has recognized
$164,435 of compensation expense during fiscal year ended October 31, 2008. This expense is
included in salaries and payroll expense under general and administrative expenses. As of October
31, 2008, there remains $169,594 of total unrecognized compensation expense which is expected to be
recognized over a period of 2.2 years.
On April 17, 2008, the Board of Directors granted options to purchase 150,000 shares of common
stock under the 2006 Stock Option Plan to a legal consultant in Mexico with an exercise price of
$2.25 and an expiration date of ten years. The fair market value of the options at the date of
grant was $1.78 per share and the Company has recognized $266,616 of compensation expense during
fiscal year ended October 31, 2008. The options vested immediately at the date of grant and the
expense is included in professional fees under general and administrative expenses.
In October 2007, the Company granted stock options to purchase up to 250,000 shares of common stock
to an independent director at $2.85 per share under the 2006 Plan. The options vest 50,000 on
October 1, 2007, and 100,000 on both October 31, 2008 and 2009. The fair market value of the
options at the date of grant was $2.15 per share and the Company has recognized $304,116 and $127,486 of compensation expense during fiscal
years ended October 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. This expense is included in directors fees
under general and administrative expenses. As of October 31, 2008, there remains $106,804 of total
unrecognized compensation expense which is expected to be recognized over a period of 1 year.
In June 2007, the Company granted stock options to purchase up to 250,000 shares of common stock to
the Companys CFO at $4.30 per share under the 2006 Plan. The options vest 50,000 on October 31,
2008, and 100,000 on both October 31, 2008 and 2009. The fair market value of the options at the
date of grant was $3.37 per share and the Company has recognized $389,248 and $306,703 of
compensation expense during fiscal year ended October 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. This expense
is included in salaries and payroll expense under general and administrative expenses. As of
October 31, 2008, there remains $145,768 of total unrecognized compensation expense which is
expected to be recognized over a period of 1 year.
In, February 2007, options for 210,000 shares of the Companys common stock granted under the
Companys 2001 Equity Incentive Plan were exercised under the cashless exercise provision of the
Plan, whereby recipients elected to receive 126,000 shares without payment of the exercise price,
and the remaining options for 84,000 shares were cancelled.
During the year ended October 31, 2006, the Company granted 2,000,000 options to officers under the
2006 Stock Option Plan with an exercise price of $2.59 and an expiration of ten years. The options
vest immediately and were assigned a fair value of $2.18 per share for total compensation of
$4,360,000. The compensation expense is included in salaries and payroll expense under general and
administrative expenses. In addition, the Company granted 750,000 options to independent directors
with an exercise price of $2.59 and an expiration of ten years. These options vested immediately
and were assigned a fair value of $2.18 per share for total consideration of $1,635,000. The
compensation expense attributable to these options was included in directors fees under general
and administrative expenses. In addition, the Company extended the contractual life of 310,000
fully vested stock
options held by 19 employees. As a result of this modification, the Company recognized additional
compensation expense of $48,000 for the year ended October 31, 2006.
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NOTE 8 STOCK OPTIONS (continued)
In 2002, the Company granted 100,000 options with an exercise price of $1.25 and an expiration of
seven years. The fair value of these options was determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing
model using a risk free interest rate of 3.25% and a volatility of 42.49%. The total value was
calculated at $61,000
Summarized information about stock options outstanding and exercisable at October 31, 2008 is as
follows:
Options Outstanding | Options Exercisable | |||||||||||||||||||
Weighted | ||||||||||||||||||||
Ave. | Weighted | Weighted | ||||||||||||||||||
Remaining | Average | Average | ||||||||||||||||||
Exercise | Number | Contractual | Exercise | Number | Exercise | |||||||||||||||
Price | Outstanding | Life (Years) | Price | Exercisable | Price | |||||||||||||||
$1.251.32 |
200,000 | 1.35 | $ | 1.29 | 200,000 | $ | 1.29 | |||||||||||||
2.152.85 |
3,950,004 | 7.30 | 2.51 | 3,383,333 | 2.54 | |||||||||||||||
4.30 | 250,000 | 8.64 | 4.30 | 150,000 | 4.30 | |||||||||||||||
$1.254.30 |
4,400,004 | 7.11 | $ | 2.56 | 3,733,333 | $ | 2.55 | |||||||||||||
A summary of the nonvested shares as of October 31, 2008 and 2007 and changes during the fiscal
year ended October 31, 2008 and 2007 is as follows:
Weighted- | ||||||||
Average Grant- | ||||||||
Nonvested Shares | Shares | Date Fair Value | ||||||
Nonvested at October 31, 2006 |
| $ | | |||||
Granted |
500,000 | 2.76 | ||||||
Vested |
(100,000 | ) | 2.63 | |||||
Forfeited |
| | ||||||
Nonvested at October 31, 2007 |
400,000 | 2.79 | ||||||
Granted |
750,004 | 1.62 | ||||||
Vested |
(483,333 | ) | 2.05 | |||||
Forfeited |
| | ||||||
Nonvested at October 31, 2008 |
666,671 | $ | 2.01 | |||||
As of October 31, 2008, there was $587,727 of total unrecognized compensation costs related to
nonvested share based compensation arrangements granted under the qualified stock option plans.
That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.30 years.
NOTE 9 WARRANTS
The Company typically issues warrants to investors in connection with private placements of the
Companys Stock or for financial services in connection with private placements or investor
relations. Warrants issued for financial services or investor relations are typically granted with
an exercise price equal to the market price of the Companys stock at the date of grant. The fair
value of each warrant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes pricing model.
Expected volatility is based upon weighted average of historical volatility over the contractual
term
of the warrant and implied volatility. The risk-free interest rate is based upon implied yield on
a U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issue with a remaining term equal to the contractual term of the
option. The dividend yield is assumed to be none as the Company has not paid dividends nor does
not anticipate paying any dividends in the foreseeable future.
F-23
Table of Contents
NOTE 9 WARRANTS (continued)
A summary of warrant activity for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2008 and 2007 is as follows
Weighted | Weighted | |||||||||||||||
Average | Average | Aggregate | ||||||||||||||
Exercise | Contractual | Intrinsic | ||||||||||||||
Warrants | Shares | Price | Life (Years) | Value | ||||||||||||
Outstanding at November 1, 2006 |
14,875,123 | $ | 1.28 | |||||||||||||
Issued with private placement |
1,206,785 | 2.42 | ||||||||||||||
Issued for services |
600,000 | 3.27 | ||||||||||||||
Exercised |
(2,240,374 | ) | 1.31 | |||||||||||||
Forfeited or expired |
(61,387 | ) | 3.91 | |||||||||||||
Outstanding at October 31, 2007 |
14,380,147 | 1.44 | ||||||||||||||
Issued for services |
100,000 | 2.00 | ||||||||||||||
Exercised |
(381,250 | ) | 1.25 | |||||||||||||
Forfeited or expired |
(152,333 | ) | 1.88 | |||||||||||||
Outstanding at October 31, 2008 |
13,946,564 | $ | 1.45 | 2.24 | $ | | ||||||||||
Summarized information about warrants outstanding and exercisable at October 31, 2008 is as
follows:
Warrants Outstanding and Exercisable | |||||||
Weighted Ave. | |||||||
Remaining | |||||||
Contractual Life | Weighted Average | ||||||
Exercise Price | Number Outstanding | (Years) | Exercise Price | ||||
$1.25 $1.75 | 11,985,169 | 2.21 | $ | 1.25 | |||
$2.00 $2.63 | 1,461,395 | 2.19 | 2.39 | ||||
$3.40 $5.00 | 500,000 | 3.18 | 3.40 | ||||
$1.25 $5.00 | 13,946,564 | 2.24 | $ | 1.45 | |||
On June 4, 2008 the Company issued a warrant to purchase 100,000 shares of common stock to a
consultant for financial services at an exercise price of $2.00 per share. The warrant has a two
year term and will vest equally over the term of the consulting contract. The fair value of these
warrants was determined to be $81,838 based upon the Black-Scholes pricing model using risk free
interest rate of 2.47%, expected volatility of 73%, dividend yield of 0%, and a contractual term of
2 years.
During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2008, warrants for 381,250 shares were exercised at an
average price of $1.25 per share for total cash proceeds of $476,563. The warrants had a total
intrinsic value of $478,438 at date of exercise.
During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007, the Company issued warrants for 600,000 common
shares for professional services at an average exercise price of $3.27 per share and average
contractual terms 4.6 years. The fair value of these warrants was determined to be $1,094,950
based upon the Black-Scholes pricing model using risk free interest rate of 5%, expected volatility
of 80%, and expected term of 1.4 to 3 years. In addition, the Company extended the contractual
life of a warrant for 59,610 shares of common stock in consideration of financial services. As a
result of this modification, the Company recognized additional professional service fees of $68,999
for the year ended October 31, 2007.
F-24
Table of Contents
NOTE 9 WARRANTS (continued)
During the year ended October 31, 2006 the Company granted warrants for 210,103 shares for services
in connection with the Companys private placement, with an exercise price of $1.25 and an
expiration of 5 years. The fair value of these warrants was determined to be $403,215 using the
Black-Scholes pricing model using a risk free interest rate of 5%, no dividends to be paid, and a
volatility of 80%. Also during the year ended October 31, 2006, the Company issued a warrant for
17,250 shares to an independent director with an exercise price of $1.25 and an expiration of 5
years. The fair value of this warrant was determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model
using a risk free interest rate of 5%, no dividends to be paid, and a volatility of 80%. The total
value was calculated at $30,705.
During the year ended October 31, 2005, the Company issued 476,404 common stock units that
consisted of 476,354 shares of common stock and warrants to purchase an additional 476,404 shares
of common stock
The Company did not issue common stock warrants during the year ended October 31, 2004.
During the year ended October 31, 2003, the Company issued 7,000 common stock units that consisted
of 7,000 shares of common stock and warrants to purchase an additional 2,333 shares of common
stock.
During the year ended October 31, 2002, the Company issued 162,667 common stock units that were
made up of 162,667 shares of common stock and warrants to purchase an additional 54,222 shares of
common stock.
During the year ended October 31, 2001, the Company issued 250,000 shares of stock with 125,000
warrants attached. Additionally 20,000 warrants were exercised for $15,000 in cash and services
valued at $10,760. The Company also issued 80,000 warrants for services, which were valued at
$144,791.
At October 31, 2000, there were outstanding warrants to purchase 996,500 shares of the Companys
common stock, at prices ranging from $0.75 to $2.00 per share. The warrants, which became
exercisable in 1999, but have not been exercised, expire at various dates through 2005. The Company
has reserved 996,500 shares for the expected exercise of these warrants. These warrants were valued
at $543,980 using the Black-Scholes option pricing model using a risk free interest of 5%,
volatility of 0.3 and 0.5 and expected life of 5 to 10 years.
See note 7 for a description of additional issuances of warrants.
NOTE 10 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Legal Contract Litigation
In October 2008, Mineros Nortenos (Mineros) filed a legal action against Minera Metalin, a wholly
owned subsidiary of the Company. The action was filed in the Chihuahua Civil Court, in the state
of Chihuahua Mexico. Mineros complaint alleges that Minera Metalin breached an August 30, 2000
agreement between the parties regarding work and labor to be provided to the Companys mining
project and seeks to rescind the agreement and also seeks monetary damages. The Company believes
Mineros allegations are frivolous, without merit and the Company intends to vigorously defend the
action. The Company has contracted with a law firm in Mexico to defend the action and has a
$250,000 contractual commitment to that law firm. On November 4, 2008, the Company paid $125,000
for upfront payment under this contract.
Compliance with Environmental Regulations
The Companys mining activities are subject to laws and regulations controlling not only the
exploration and mining of mineral properties, but also the effect of such activities on the
environment. Compliance with such laws and regulations may necessitate additional capital outlays,
affect the economics of a project, and cause changes or delays in the Companys activities.
F- 25
Table of Contents
NOTE 10 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (continued)
Employment Agreements
Effective January 1, 2007, Merlin Bingham, Roger Kolvoord, and Terry Brown entered into Executive
Employment Agreements with the Company pursuant to which they would receive a base annual salary of
$206,000, $187,000, and $125,000, respectively. The employment agreements have an initial term of
1 year with automatic renewal for an additional year at each anniversary. The employment
agreements also provide for twelve months of severance in the event the agreement is not renewed
for the calendar year following a change in control.
On January 18, 2008, the Companys Compensation Committee completed a review of officer and
director compensation and approved an increase in base salary for Messrs Bingham, Kolvoord, and
Brown to $247,000, $224,000, and $150,000, respectively effective January 1, 2008. Also, the
Company entered into an Executive Employment Agreement with Robert Devers that provides for a base
annual salary of $165,000 and contains substantially the same terms and conditions as those in the
employment agreements between the Company and its other executive officers. The agreement was
effective as of January 1, 2008.
Royalty Agreement
In connection with the purchase of certain mining concessions, the Company has agreed to pay the
previous owners a net royalty interest on revenue from future mineral sales.
Mining Concessions
The Company holds title to several mining concessions in Mexico that require the Company to conduct
a certain amount of work each year to maintain these concessions. Annual work in excess of these
statutory requirements can carry forward to future periods. The Company has accumulated a large
enough carry forward to meet future requirements for several years. The mining concessions also
require the Company to pay semi-annual fees to the Mexican government.
NOTE 11 INCOME TAXES
Provision for Taxes
The Company files a United States federal income tax return on a fiscal year-end basis and files
Mexican income tax returns for its two Mexican subsidiaries on a calendar year-end basis. The
Company and one of its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Minera Metalin, have not generated taxable income
since inception. Contratistas, another wholly-owned Mexican subsidiary, did generate taxable income
based upon intercompany fees with Minera during the fiscal years ended October 31, 2008 and 2007.
On October 1, 2007, the Mexican government enacted a new law, which was effective January 1, 2008
that introduces a new minimum flat tax system. This new flat tax system integrates with the regular
income tax system and is based on cash-basis net income that includes only certain receipts and
expenditures. The flat tax is set at 17.5% of cash-basis net income as determined, with
transitional rates of 16.5% and 17.0% in 2008 and 2009, respectively. If the flat tax is positive,
it is reduced by the regular income tax and any excess is paid as a supplement to the regular
income tax. If the flat tax is negative, it may serve to reduce the regular income tax payable in
that year or can be carried forward for a period of up to ten years to reduce any future flat tax.
During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2008, the Company increased its 2008 tax provision by
$23,040 for estimated flat taxes owed by Contratistas.
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Table of Contents
NOTE 11 INCOME TAXES (continued)
The components of the provision for income taxes are as follows:
For the year ended | ||||||||
October 31, | ||||||||
2008 | 2007 | |||||||
Foreign |
||||||||
Current tax expense |
$ | 42,653 | $ | 69,540 | ||||
Deferred tax expense (benefit) |
| (15,497 | ) | |||||
$ | 42,653 | $ | 54,043 | |||||
The reconciliation of the provision for income taxes computed at the U.S. statutory rate to the
provision for income tax as shown in the statement of operations is as follows:
For the year ended | ||||||||
October 31, | ||||||||
2008 | 2007 | |||||||
Income tax
benefit calculated at U.S. Federal Income tax rate |
$ | (4,312,000 | ) | $ | (2,338,000 | ) | ||
Differences arising from: |
||||||||
Permanent differences |
270,000 | 19,000 | ||||||
State income taxes |
(88,000 | ) | | |||||
Benefit from lower foreign income tax rate |
531,000 | 151,000 | ||||||
Adjustment for foreign flat tax |
6,000 | | ||||||
Reclassification of loss carryforward to
foreign subs |
| 307,000 | ||||||
Adjustment to prior year taxes |
(31,000 | ) | (2,427,000 | ) | ||||
Inflation adjustment foreign net
operating loss |
(87,000 | ) | | |||||
Foreign currency fluctuations |
639,000 | | ||||||
Increase in valuation allowance |
3,115,000 | 4,249,000 | ||||||
Other |
| 93,000 | ||||||
Net income tax provision |
$ | 43,000 | $ | 54,000 | ||||
The components of the deferred tax assets at October 31, 2008 and 2007 were as follows:
October 31, | ||||||||
2008 | 2007 | |||||||
Deferred tax assets |
||||||||
Net
operating loss carryforwards U.S. |
$ | 6,997,000 | $ | 5,906,000 | ||||
Net operating loss carryforwards Mexico |
3,180,000 | 2,120,000 | ||||||
Stock-based
compensation U.S. |
3,606,000 | 2,723,000 | ||||||
Other Mexico |
81,000 | | ||||||
Total deferred tax assets |
13,864,000 | 10,749,000 | ||||||
Less: valuation allowance |
(13,864,000 | ) | (10,749,000 | ) | ||||
Net deferred tax asset |
$ | | $ | | ||||
At October 31, 2008, the Company has U.S. net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $18.8
million which expire in the years 2009 through 2028. The Company has $11.4 million of net
operating loss carryforwards in Mexico which expire in the years 2014 through 2018.
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Table of Contents
NOTE 11 INCOME TAXES (continued)
The valuation allowance for deferred tax assets of $13.9 million and $ 10.7 million at October 31,
2008 and 2007, respectively, relates principally to the uncertainty of the utilization of certain
deferred tax assets, primarily net operating loss carry forwards in various tax jurisdictions. The
Company continually assesses both positive and negative evidence to determine whether it is more
likely than not that the deferred tax assets can be realized prior to their expiration. Based on
the Companys assessment it has determined the deferred tax assets are not currently realizable.
However, the Companys assessment may change as it moves into the production phase of its mining
properties.
FIN 48 Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes
Effective November 1, 2007, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Interpretation No.
48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, (FIN 48), an interpretation of Financial
Accounting Standards Statement No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. FIN 48 prescribes a
recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and
measurement of an uncertain tax position taken or expected to
be taken in a tax return. FIN 48 requires that the Company recognize in its financial statements
the impact of uncertain tax positions. FIN 48 also provides guidance on de-recognition,
classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods and disclosure.
With the adoption of FIN 48, the Company identified unrecognized tax benefits of approximately
$103,000 which resulted in a reduction of the Companys foreign net operating loss carryforwards.
The adoption of FIN 48 did not require a cumulative effect adjustment to beginning retained
earnings. During 2008, the Company resolved the uncertainties regarding its foreign net operating
loss carry forwards and accordingly has reduced its unrecognized tax benefits by $103,000.
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
2008 | ||||
Unrecognized Tax Benefit, November 1, 2007 |
$ | 103,000 | ||
Additions based on tax positions related to current year |
| |||
Additions for tax positions in prior years |
| |||
Reductions
for tax positions of prior years |
(103,000 | ) | ||
Unrecognized Tax Benefit, October 31, 2008 |
$ | | ||
The Company does not have an unrecognized tax benefits as of October 31, 2008 and accordingly the
Companys effective tax rate will not be materially affected by unrecognized tax benefits.
The following tax years remain open to examination by the Companys principal tax jurisdictions.
United States: 1993 and all following years
Mexico: 1997 and all following years
Mexico: 1997 and all following years
The Company has not identified any uncertain tax position for which it is reasonably possible that
the total amount of unrecognized tax benefit will significantly increase or decrease within the
next twelve months.
The Companys policy is to classify tax related interest and penalties as income tax expense.
There is no interest or penalties estimated on the underpayment of income taxes as a result of
these unrecognized tax benefits.
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Table of Contents
NOTE 12 SEGMENT INFORMATION
The Company operates in one business segment being the exploration of mineral property interests.
Geographic information is approximately as follows:
October 31, | ||||||||
2008 | 2007 | |||||||
Identifiable assets |
||||||||
Mexico |
$ | 6,098,000 | $ | 6,063,000 | ||||
United States |
1,720,000 | 9,170,000 | ||||||
$ | 7,818,000 | $ | 15,233,000 | |||||
November 8, | ||||||||||||
1993 | ||||||||||||
(Inception) | ||||||||||||
For the year ended October 31, | To October 31, | |||||||||||
2008 | 2007 | 2008 | ||||||||||
Net loss for the period |
||||||||||||
Mexico |
$ | (8,345,000 | ) | $ | (2,571,000 | ) | $ | (15,963,000 | ) | |||
United States |
(3,975,000 | ) | (4,361,000 | ) | (31,104,000 | ) | ||||||
$ | (12,320,000 | ) | $ | (6,932,000 | ) | $ | (47,067,000 | ) | ||||
NOTE 12 SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On February 11, 2009, the Companys executive officers and corporate employees entered into salary
deferral agreements with the Company to defer 25% to 50% of their base salaries effective February
1, 2009 until the Board of Directors has determined that the Company has sufficient operating
capital to continue its operations. The executive officers and corporate employees entered into
this agreement as part of managements overall plan to conserve working capital during fiscal 2009.
In exchange for entering into this deferral agreement, the Compensation Committee recommended and
the Board of Directors granted options to acquire 543,619 shares of Common Stock with an exercise
price of $0.34 and an expiration term of 10 years. The number of options granted was calculated
based on 1.5 shares for every dollar of annualized salary deferred. The options vested immediately
and had a fair value of $138,240 at date of grant.
On February 11, 2009, Messrs Kramer, Pomeroy, and Hahn entered into a salary deferral agreement
with the Company to defer 100% of the cash portion of their directors fees effective February 1,
2009 until the Board of Directors has determined that the Company has sufficient operating capital
to continue its operations. The independent directors entered into these agreements as part of the
Companys overall plan to conserve working capital during fiscal 2009. In exchange for entering
into this deferral agreement, the Board of Directors granted each independent director options to
acquire 54,000 shares of Common Stock with an exercise price of $0.34 and an expiration term of 10
years. The number of options granted was calculated based on 1.5 shares for every dollar of
annualized compensation deferred. The options to acquire 162,000 shares of common stock vested
immediately and had a fair value of $41,196 at date of grant.
On February 11, 2009, the Company issued warrants to purchase 90,000 shares of common stock to a
financial consultant as consideration for amending their consulting agreement and deferring 50% of
their monthly consulting fees. The warrants have an exercise price of $0.34 and have a contractual
term of 4 years. This amendment was part of Managements plan to conserve working capital during
fiscal 2009. The number of warrants granted was determined based upon 1.5 shares for every dollar
of annual fees deferred. The warrants vested immediately and had a fair value of $20,600 at date of
grant.
F- 29
Table of Contents
EXHIBIT INDEX
10.8 | Professional Services Contract to represent Minera Metalin S.A. of
C.V. in litigation by Sociedad Cooperativa de Explotación Minera
Mineros Norteños S.C.L., filed herewith. |
|||
10.9(8) | Form of Deferral Agreement
entered into between the Company and each of its officers and
directors on February 11, 2009. |
|||
23.1 | Consent
of Hein & Associates LLP, filed herewith. |
|||
31.1 | Certification of CEO Pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and
15d-14, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
of 2002, filed herewith. |
|||
31.2 | Certification of CFO Pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and
15d-14, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
of 2002, filed herewith. |
|||
32.1 | Certification of CEO Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted
pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, filed
herewith. |
|||
32.2 | Certification of CFO Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted
pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, filed
herewith. |
|||