SILVER BULL RESOURCES, INC. - Quarter Report: 2008 July (Form 10-Q)
Table of Contents
U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
þ | QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED July 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
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Nevada | 91-1766677 | |
State or other jurisdiction of | (I.R.S. Employer | |
incorporation or organization | Identification No.) |
1330 E. Margaret Ave., Coeur dAlene, ID 83815
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
Registrants telephone number: (208) 665-2002
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) 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 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 þ | Smaller reporting Company o |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the
Exchange Act). Yes o No þ
As of August 29, 2008, there were 39,677,027 shares of the Registrants $.01 par value Common Stock
(Common Stock), Registrants only outstanding class of voting securities, outstanding.
PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
METALLINE MINING COMPANY
QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED JULY 31, 2008
QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED JULY 31, 2008
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PAGE | ||||||||
Consolidated Financial Statements: |
||||||||
2 | ||||||||
3 | ||||||||
4-5 | ||||||||
6-16 | ||||||||
Exhibit 31.1 | ||||||||
Exhibit 31.2 | ||||||||
Exhibit 32.1 | ||||||||
Exhibit 32.2 |
[The balance of this page has been intentionally left blank.]
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METALLINE MINING COMPANY
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE COMPANY)
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE COMPANY)
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
July 31, | October 31, | |||||||
2008 | 2007 | |||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||
ASSETS |
||||||||
CURRENT ASSETS |
||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 4,082,319 | $ | 1,434,487 | ||||
Marketable securities |
| 7,900,000 | ||||||
Value-added tax receivable |
917,866 | 401,341 | ||||||
Other receivables |
26,725 | 23,993 | ||||||
Prepaid expenses |
40,658 | 17,827 | ||||||
Total Current Assets |
5,067,568 | 9,777,648 | ||||||
PROPERTY CONCESSIONS |
||||||||
Sierra Mojada District (Note 4) |
4,839,743 | 4,536,111 | ||||||
EQUIPMENT |
||||||||
Office and mining equipment, net of accumulated depreciation
of $587,680 and 407,457, respectively (Note 5) |
1,627,585 | 919,420 | ||||||
TOTAL ASSETS |
$ | 11,534,896 | $ | 15,233,179 | ||||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY |
||||||||
CURRENT LIABILITIES |
||||||||
Accounts payable |
$ | 343,892 | $ | 84,634 | ||||
Accounts payable related parties (Note 7) |
| 68,460 | ||||||
Income tax payable |
56,058 | 55,331 | ||||||
Accrued liabilities and expenses |
239,958 | 92,133 | ||||||
Other liabilities |
82,701 | 100,766 | ||||||
Total Current Liabilities |
722,609 | 401,324 | ||||||
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 10) |
| | ||||||
STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY (Note 7) |
||||||||
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 160,000,000 shares authorized,
39,677,027 and 39,144,977 shares issued and outstanding, respectively |
396,770 | 391,450 | ||||||
Additional paid-in capital |
51,352,635 | 49,273,440 | ||||||
Deficit accumulated during exploration stage |
(40,247,885 | ) | (34,746,393 | ) | ||||
Other comprehensive loss |
(689,233 | ) | (86,642 | ) | ||||
Total Stockholders Equity |
10,812,287 | 14,831,855 | ||||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY |
$ | 11,534,896 | $ | 15,233,179 | ||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
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METALLINE MINING COMPANY
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE COMPANY)
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE COMPANY)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
November 8, | ||||||||||||||||||||
1993 | ||||||||||||||||||||
(Inception) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Three months ended | Nine months ended | to | ||||||||||||||||||
July 31, | July 31, | July 31, | ||||||||||||||||||
2008 | 2007 | 2008 | 2007 | 2008 | ||||||||||||||||
REVENUES |
$ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | ||||||||||
EXPLORATION AND PROPERTY HOLDING COSTS |
||||||||||||||||||||
Exploration and property holding costs |
927,369 | 963,245 | 2,315,044 | 2,100,838 | 15,149,167 | |||||||||||||||
Depreciation and asset write-off |
50,092 | 40,874 | 156,295 | 183,520 | 639,618 | |||||||||||||||
TOTAL EXPLORATION AND PROPERTY
HOLDING COSTS |
977,461 | 1,004,119 | 2,471,339 | 2,284,358 | 15,788,785 | |||||||||||||||
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES |
||||||||||||||||||||
Salaries and payroll expenses |
467,434 | 266,733 | 1,574,977 | 598,745 | 11,401,459 | |||||||||||||||
Office and administrative expenses |
91,550 | 86,769 | 380,662 | 346,158 | 2,371,895 | |||||||||||||||
Professional services |
816,083 | 491,841 | 1,687,914 | 2,148,564 | 9,637,365 | |||||||||||||||
Directors fees |
143,205 | 76,920 | 467,127 | 225,720 | 2,742,458 | |||||||||||||||
Depreciation |
5,671 | 11,112 | 18,647 | 18,682 | 194,034 | |||||||||||||||
TOTAL GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE
EXPENSES |
1,523,943 | 933,375 | 4,129,327 | 3,337,869 | 26,347,211 | |||||||||||||||
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS |
(2,501,404 | ) | (1,937,494 | ) | (6,600,666 | ) | (5,622,227 | ) | (42,135,996 | ) | ||||||||||
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSES) |
||||||||||||||||||||
Interest and investment income |
16,932 | 172,112 | 139,285 | 309,893 | 824,249 | |||||||||||||||
Foreign currency transaction gain |
697,637 | | 1,023,511 | | 1,121,518 | |||||||||||||||
Miscellaneous ore sales, net of expenses |
| | | | 134,242 | |||||||||||||||
VAT tax refunds |
| | | | 132,660 | |||||||||||||||
Miscellaneous income |
| | 17 | 2,814 | 82,352 | |||||||||||||||
Interest and financing expense |
| | | | (289,230 | ) | ||||||||||||||
TOTAL OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE) |
714,569 | 172,112 | 1,162,813 | 312,707 | 2,005,791 | |||||||||||||||
LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAXES |
(1,786,835 | ) | (1,765,382 | ) | (5,437,853 | ) | (5,309,520 | ) | (40,130,205 | ) | ||||||||||
INCOME TAXES |
23,447 | | 63,639 | | 117,680 | |||||||||||||||
NET LOSS |
$ | (1,810,282 | ) | $ | (1,765,382 | ) | $ | (5,501,492 | ) | $ | (5,309,520 | ) | $ | (40,247,885 | ) | |||||
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS Foreign
Currency translation adjustments |
(404,143 | ) | | (602,591 | ) | | (689,233 | ) | ||||||||||||
COMPREHENSIVE LOSS |
$ | (2,214,425 | ) | $ | (1,765,382 | ) | $ | (6,104,083 | ) | $ | (5,309,520 | ) | $ | (40,937,118 | ) | |||||
BASIC AND DILUTED NET LOSS PER COMMON SHARE |
$ | (0.05 | ) | $ | (0.05 | ) | $ | (0.14 | ) | $ | (0.15 | ) | ||||||||
BASIC AND DILUTED WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER
OF COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING |
39,644,979 | 37,720,244 | 39,551,259 | 34,953,913 | ||||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
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METALLINE MINING COMPANY
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE COMPANY)
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE COMPANY)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Period from | ||||||||||||
November 8, | ||||||||||||
Nine months ended | 1993 (Inception) | |||||||||||
July 31, | to July 31, | |||||||||||
2008 | 2007 | 2008 | ||||||||||
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: |
||||||||||||
Net loss |
$ | (5,501,492 | ) | $ | (5,309,520 | ) | $ | (40,247,885 | ) | |||
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used by
operating activities: |
||||||||||||
Depreciation and equipment write-off |
175,071 | 202,202 | 835,790 | |||||||||
Noncash expenses |
| | 126,864 | |||||||||
Foreign currency transaction loss (gain) |
(1,004,633 | ) | | (1,102,641 | ) | |||||||
Common stock issued for services |
| 211,559 | 1,237,047 | |||||||||
Common stock issued for compensation |
82,840 | | 1,059,946 | |||||||||
Stock options issued for compensation |
1,263,425 | 79,229 | 6,057,614 | |||||||||
Common stock issued for directors fees |
231,000 | 244,260 | 537,180 | |||||||||
Stock 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 |
30,689 | 1,094,950 | 1,883,409 | |||||||||
(Increase) decrease in: |
||||||||||||
Accounts receivable |
| 35,934 | | |||||||||
Value added tax receivable |
(462,436 | ) | (313,425 | ) | (855,671 | ) | ||||||
Other receivables |
(1,234 | ) | (37,794 | ) | (24,906 | ) | ||||||
Prepaid expenses |
(22,467 | ) | (11,812 | ) | (40,255 | ) | ||||||
Increase (decrease) in: |
||||||||||||
Accounts payable |
259,075 | (213,230 | ) | 343,577 | ||||||||
Accounts payable related parties |
(68,460 | ) | (63,540 | ) | | |||||||
Income tax payable |
(2,811 | ) | | 51,403 | ||||||||
Accrued liabilities and expenses |
134,771 | (60,792 | ) | 226,585 | ||||||||
Other liabilities |
(23,431 | ) | (10,000 | ) | 75,300 | |||||||
Net cash used by operating activities |
(4,910,093 | ) | (4,151,979 | ) | (26,718,519 | ) | ||||||
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: |
||||||||||||
Purchase of investments |
| (15,200,000 | ) | (21,609,447 | ) | |||||||
Proceeds from investment sales |
7,900,000 | 12,225,000 | 21,609,447 | |||||||||
Equipment purchases |
(788,249 | ) | (298,103 | ) | (2,325,086 | ) | ||||||
Mining property acquisitions |
| (27,708 | ) | (4,632,037 | ) | |||||||
Net cash provided by (used by) investing activities |
7,111,751 | (3,300,811 | ) | (6,957,123 | ) | |||||||
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 | 2,172,188 | 3,447,966 | |||||||||
Proceeds from shareholder loans |
| | 30,000 | |||||||||
Payment of note payable |
| | (15,783 | ) | ||||||||
Net cash provided by financing activities: |
476,563 | 7,844,081 | 37,791,280 | |||||||||
Effect of exchange rates on cash |
(30,389 | ) | (27,459 | ) | (33,319 | ) | ||||||
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents |
2,647,832 | 363,832 | 4,082,319 | |||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents beginning of period |
1,434,487 | 689,994 | | |||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents end of period |
$ | 4,082,319 | $ | 1,053,826 | $ | 4,082,319 | ||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
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METALLINE MINING COMPANY
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE COMPANY)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED)
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE COMPANY)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED)
Period from | ||||||||||||
November 8, | ||||||||||||
Nine months ended | 1993 (Inception) | |||||||||||
July 31, | to July 31, | |||||||||||
2008 | 2007 | 2008 | ||||||||||
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW DISCLOSURES: |
||||||||||||
Income taxes paid |
$ | 66,655 | $ | | $ | 66,655 | ||||||
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 | ||||||
Common stock options issued for non-cash options |
$ | | $ | 59,220 | $ | 59,220 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
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NOTE 1 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 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.
The Companys management believes its properties can ultimately be sold or developed to enable the
Company to continue its operations. However, there are inherent uncertainties in mining operations
and management cannot provide assurances that it will be successful in this endeavor. Furthermore,
the Company is in the exploration stage, as it has not realized any revenues from its planned
operations.
NOTE 2 BASIS OF PRESENTATION
These unaudited interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form
10-Q and Regulation S-K as promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Accordingly, these financial statements do not include all of the disclosures required by generally
accepted accounting principles in the United States of America for complete financial statements.
These unaudited interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited
financial statements for the year ended October 31, 2007. In the opinion of management, the
unaudited interim financial statements furnished herein include all adjustments, all of which are
of a normal recurring nature, necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim period
presented.
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
in the United States of America requires the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the
reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities known
to exist as of the date the financial statements are published, and the reported amounts of
revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Uncertainties with respect to such estimates
and assumptions are inherent in the preparation of the Companys financial statements; accordingly,
it is possible that the actual results could differ from these estimates and assumptions and could
have a material effect on the reported amounts of the Companys financial position and results of
operations.
Operating results for the three-month and nine-month periods ended July 31, 2008 are not
necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending October 31, 2008.
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NOTE 3 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 financial statements.
Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications have been made to prior periods and to the inception to date consolidated
financial statements to conform to current year presentation. Such reclassifications had no effect
on net loss.
Concentration of Risk
The Company maintains its domestic cash and marketable securities in two commercial depository
accounts. One of these accounts is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) for
up to $100,000. The other account consists of money market funds, certificates of deposit and US
treasury securities, all of which are not FDIC insured. The Company also maintains cash in banks
in Mexico. These accounts, which had U.S. dollar balances of $297,877 and $229,094 at July 31,
2008 and October 31, 2007, respectively, are denominated in pesos and are considered uninsured. At
July 31, 2008, the Companys cash balances and marketable securities included $834,395 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 shares and 18,340,408 shares outstanding at July 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, they
were not included in the calculation of earnings per share because they would have been considered
anti-dilutive.
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 nine months
ended July 31, 2008 and 2007 were $2,315,044 and $2,100,838, respectively. The exploration costs
expensed to date during the Companys exploration stage amount to $15,149,167.
Foreign Operations
The accompanying balance sheet at July 31, 2008 contains Company assets in Mexico, including:
$4,839,743 in mineral properties; $2,119,997 (before accumulated depreciation) of property and
equipment; $917,866 in value-added tax receivable; and $297,877 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.
IVA 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 July 31, 2008, the Company has
filed applications with the Mexican authorities to recover approximately $1,223,000 of IVA taxes
paid by its Mexican subsidiaries from 2005 to 2008. The Company has recorded a receivable in the
amount of $917,866 as of July 31, 2008 for IVA taxes paid since November 1, 2006. The Company has
recorded an allowance on the IVA tax receivable for taxes paid prior to October 31, 2006 as
collectability cannot be reasonably estimated. The Company continues
to work extensively with Mexican authorities to recover these amounts. In April 2008, the Company received
a payment of $23,844 from the Mexican authorities for an unknown tax period and has applied this
payment against the IVA receivable. Any subsequent recovery of the taxes paid prior to October 31,
2006 will be recorded as reduction to exploration expense.
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NOTE 3 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
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. Marketable securities include investments with maturities greater than six months, but
not exceeding twelve months and available for sale auction rate securities.
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.
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 a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN 48 requires that
the Company recognize in its financial statements the impact of uncertain tax positions. FIN 48
also provides guidance on de-recognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in
interim periods and disclosure. See Note 11 for discussion of FIN 48 and impact it had on the
Companys financial position and results of operations.
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 (U.S. GAAP), and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. This
Standard addresses how companies should measure fair value when they are required to use a fair
value measure for recognition or disclosure purposes under U.S. GAAP. Accordingly, this Standard
does not require any new fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 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 does not expect the adoption of
SFAS 157 will have a material impact on its 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.
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NOTE 3 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), Business Combinations
(SFAS 141(R)). SFAS 141(R) changes accounting for acquisitions that close beginning in 2009. More
transactions and events will qualify as business combinations and will be accounted for at fair
value under the new standard. SFAS 141(R) promotes greater use of fair values in financial
reporting. Some of the changes will introduce more volatility into earnings. SFAS 141(R) is
effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008 (fiscal year 2010 for the
Company). The Company is currently assessing the impact that SFAS 141(R) may have on its financial
position, results of operations, and cash flows.
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial
Statements (SFAS 160), an amendment of ARB No. 51. SFAS 160 will change the accounting and
reporting for minority interests which will be recharacterized as noncontrolling interests and
classified as a component of equity. SFAS 160 is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after
December 15, 2008 (fiscal year 2010 for the Company). SFAS 160 requires retroactive adoption of the
presentation and disclosure requirements for existing minority interests. The Company does not
expect the adoption of SFAS 160 will have a material impact on its financial position, results of
operations, and cash flows.
In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging
Activities an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133 (SFAS 161). FAS No. 161 enhances the
disclosure requirements under FAS No. 133 pertaining to how and why an entity uses derivative
instruments, how derivative instruments and related hedge items are accounted for under SFAS
No. 133, and how derivative instruments and related hedge items affect an entitys financial
position, financial performance, and cash flows. SFAS No. 161 is effective for fiscal years, and
interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after November 15, 2008 (fiscal year 2009 for
the Company). The Company does not expect the adoption of SFAS 160 will have a material impact 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 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 will become effective 60 days
following approval by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of amendments made by the
Public Company Accounting Oversight Board to AU Section 411, The Meaning of Present Fairly in
Conformity with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. 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.
In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 163, Accounting for Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts
- An interpretation of FASB Statement No. 60 (SFAS 163). This statement requires that an
insurance enterprise recognize a claim liability prior to an event of default when there is
evidence that credit deterioration has occurred in an insured financial obligation. It is effective
for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, except for some
disclosures about the insurance enterprises risk-management activities. SFAS 163 requires that
disclosures about the risk- management activities of the insurance enterprise be effective for the
first period beginning after issuance. The Company does not expect SFAS 163 will have a material
impact on its financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.
9
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NOTE 4 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 July 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 | $ | 17,009 | |||||||||||
Mojada 3 |
Purchased | 5/30/2000 | 722.00 | | ||||||||||||
Unificacion Mineros Nortenos |
Purchased | 8/30/2000 | 336.79 | 3,945,818 | ||||||||||||
Vulcano |
Purchased | 8/30/2000 | 4.49 | | ||||||||||||
Esmeralda 1 |
Purchased | 8/20/2001 | 95.50 | 193,915 | ||||||||||||
Esmeralda |
Purchased | 3/20/1997 | 117.50 | 273,907 | ||||||||||||
La Blanca |
Purchased | 8/20/2001 | 33.50 | 131,528 | ||||||||||||
Fortuna |
Claim Filed | 12/8/1999 | 13.96 | 82,205 | ||||||||||||
Mojada 2 |
Claim Filed | 7/17/2006 | 3,500.00 | | ||||||||||||
El Retorno |
Purchased | 4/10/2006 | 817.65 | 16,520 | ||||||||||||
Los Ramones |
Purchased | 4/10/2006 | 8.60 | 299 | ||||||||||||
El Retorno Fracc. 1 |
Purchased | 4/20/2006 | 5.51 | 100 | ||||||||||||
Dormidos |
Claim Filed | 4/9/2007 | 2,326.10 | | ||||||||||||
Agua Mojada |
Claim Filed | 1/26/2007 | 2,900.00 | 6,540 | ||||||||||||
Alote(1) |
Claim Filed | 5/17/2007 | 3,749.00 | 6,501 | ||||||||||||
Volcan Dolores |
Purchased | 9/24/2007 | 10.49 | 165,401 | ||||||||||||
19,408.41 | $ | 4,839,743 | ||||||||||||||
(1) | Title for this concession is pending. |
10
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NOTE 5 PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
The following is a summary of the Companys property and equipment at July 31, 2008 and October 31,
2007, respectively:
July 31, | October 31, | |||||||
2008 | 2007 | |||||||
Mining equipment |
$ | 1,609,111 | $ | 838,635 | ||||
Well equipment |
40,711 | | ||||||
Communication equipment |
9,497 | 8,902 | ||||||
Buildings and structures |
170,328 | 153,590 | ||||||
Vehicles |
156,934 | 172,449 | ||||||
Computer equipment and software |
192,511 | 145,167 | ||||||
Office equipment |
13,342 | 8,134 | ||||||
Assets under construction |
22,831 | | ||||||
2,215,265 | 1,326,877 | |||||||
Less: Accumulated depreciation |
(587,680 | ) | (407,457 | ) | ||||
$ | 1,627,585 | $ | 919,420 | |||||
Depreciation expense and write-off of property and equipment for the nine months ended July 31,
2008 and 2007 was $174,942 and $202,202 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 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 nine-months ended July 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 112,800 shares of common stock at an average market price of $2.05 per share to
its independent directors for services provided during the 4th quarter of 2007 and for
the three quarters in the nine months ended July 31, 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.
11
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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 closing 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.
The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using the
Black-Scholes-Merton valuation 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 weighted average assumptions used to value stock options for the nine months ended July 31,
2008 and 2007 are as follows:
Nine months ended | ||||||||
July 31, | ||||||||
Options | 2008 | 2007 | ||||||
Expected volatility |
73 | % | 75 | % | ||||
Risk-free interest rate |
3.4 | % | 5.1 | % | ||||
Dividend yield |
| | ||||||
Expected term (in years) |
8.05 | 8.70 |
The weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted during the nine months ended July 31,
2008 was $1.62. No options were exercised during the nine months ended July 31, 2008. During the
nine months ended April, 30, 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 nine months ended July 31, 2008 is as
follows:
Weighted | ||||||||||||||||
Weighted | Average | |||||||||||||||
Average | Remaining | Aggregate | ||||||||||||||
Exercise | Contractual | Intrinsic | ||||||||||||||
Options | Shares | Price | Life (Years) | Value | ||||||||||||
Outstanding at October 31, 2007 |
3,650,000 | $ | 2.63 | |||||||||||||
Granted |
750,004 | 2.19 | ||||||||||||||
Exercised |
| | ||||||||||||||
Forfeited or Expired |
| | ||||||||||||||
Outstanding at July 31, 2008 |
4,400,004 | $ | 2.56 | 7.36 | $ | | ||||||||||
Vested or Expected to Vest at
July 31, 2008 |
4,400,004 | $ | 2.56 | 7.36 | $ | | ||||||||||
Exercisable at July 31, 2008 |
3,533,333 | $ | 2.49 | 7.17 | $ | | ||||||||||
12
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NOTE 8 STOCK OPTIONS (continued)
The Company recognized stock-based compensation costs for stock options of $1,263,425 and $79,229
for the nine months ended July 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.
Summarized information about stock options outstanding and exercisable at July 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 | |||||||||||||||
$1.25-1.32 | 200,000 | 1.60 | $ | 1.29 | 200,000 | $ | 1.29 | |||||||||||||
2.15-2.85 | 3,950,004 | 7.55 | 2.51 | 3,283,333 | 2.53 | |||||||||||||||
4.30 | 250,000 | 8.89 | 4.30 | 50,000 | 4.30 | |||||||||||||||
$1.25-4.30 | 4,400,004 | 7.36 | $ | 2.56 | 3,533,333 | $ | 2.49 | |||||||||||||
A summary of the nonvested shares as of July 31, 2008 and changes during the nine months ended July
31, 2008 is as follows:
Weighted- | ||||||||
Average | ||||||||
Grant-Date | ||||||||
Nonvested Shares | Shares | Fair Value | ||||||
Nonvested at October 31, 2007 |
400,000 | $ | 2.79 | |||||
Granted |
750,004 | 1.62 | ||||||
Vested |
(283,333 | ) | 1.56 | |||||
Forfeited |
| | ||||||
Nonvested at July 31, 2008 |
866,671 | $ | 2.18 | |||||
As of July 31, 2008, there was $945,436 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 1.56 years.
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.
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.
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 options vested immediately at date of grant.
13
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NOTE 9 WARRANTS
The Company may issue warrants to investors in connection with private placements of Company 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-Merton valuation 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 expected 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.
A summary of warrant activity for the nine months ended July 31, 2008 is as follows
Weighted | ||||||||||||||||
Weighted | Average | |||||||||||||||
Average | Remaining | Aggregate | ||||||||||||||
Exercise | Contractual | Intrinsic | ||||||||||||||
Warrants | Shares | Price | Life (Years) | Value | ||||||||||||
Outstanding at October 31, 2007 |
14,380,147 | $ | 1.44 | |||||||||||||
Issued with private placement |
| | ||||||||||||||
Issued for services |
100,000 | 2.00 | ||||||||||||||
Exercised |
(381,250 | ) | 1.25 | |||||||||||||
Forfeited or expired |
(152,333 | ) | 1.88 | |||||||||||||
Outstanding at July 31, 2008 |
13,946,564 | $ | 1.45 | 2.49 | $ | | ||||||||||
Summarized information about warrants outstanding and exercisable at July 31, 2008 is as follows:
Warrants Outstanding and Exercisable | ||||||||||||
Weighted Ave. | ||||||||||||
Remaining | Weighted | |||||||||||
Number | Contractual | Average | ||||||||||
Exercise Price | Outstanding | Life (Years) | Exercise Price | |||||||||
$1.25 - $1.75 | 11,985,169 | 2.46 | $ | 1.25 | ||||||||
$2.00 - $2.63 | 1,461,395 | 2.44 | 2.39 | |||||||||
$3.40 - $5.00 | 500,000 | 3.43 | 3.40 | |||||||||
$1.25 - $5.00 | 13,946,564 | 2.49 | $ | 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 two year term. The fair value of these warrants was
determined to be $81,837 based upon the Black-Scholes-Merton 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 nine months ended July 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 nine-month period ended July 31, 2007, the Company issued warrants for 600,000 common
shares for professional services at a weighted average exercise price of $3.27 per share. The fair
value of these warrants was determined to be $1,094,950 based upon the Black-Scholes-Merton pricing
model using risk free interest rate of 5%, expected volatility of 80%, dividend yield of 0%, and a
contractual term of 3 to 5 years.
14
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NOTE 9 WARRANTS (continued)
During the nine months ended July 31, 2007, warrants for 1,736,500 shares were exercised at an
average price of $1.25 per share for total cash proceeds of $2,172,188. The warrants had a total
intrinsic value of $4,980,410 at date of exercise.
NOTE 10 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
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.
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 is
effective 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 calendar year ended December 31, 2007.
The Companys provision for income taxes of $63,639 for the nine months ended July 31, 2008
consists of $63,639 of current foreign income tax provision. There was no federal or state income
tax provision for the nine months ended July 31, 2008 and 2007.
15
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NOTE 11 INCOME TAXES (continued)
Adoption of 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 and there were no material changes to the reserves for unrecognized tax benefits during
the quarter ended July 31, 2008.
The reserve for unrecognized tax benefits of $103,000 as of July 31, 2008, if recognized would not
have a material effect on the Companys effective tax rate.
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 |
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.
NOTE 12 SEGMENT INFORMATION
The Company operates in one business segment being the exploration of mineral property interests.
Geographic information is approximately as follows:
July 31, | October 31, | |||||||
2008 | 2007 | |||||||
Identifiable assets |
||||||||
Mexico |
$ | 7,675,000 | $ | 6,063,000 | ||||
United States |
3,860,000 | 9,170,000 | ||||||
$ | 11,535,000 | $ | 15,233,000 | |||||
November 8, | ||||||||||||
1993 (Inception) | ||||||||||||
For the nine months ended | to | |||||||||||
July 31, | July 31, | |||||||||||
2008 | 2007 | 2008 | ||||||||||
Net loss for the period |
||||||||||||
Mexico |
$ | 1,343,000 | $ | 2,071,000 | $ | 8,962,000 | ||||||
United States |
4,158,000 | 3,239,000 | 31,286,000 | |||||||||
$ | 5,501,000 | $ | 5,310,000 | $ | 40,248,000 | |||||||
16
Table of Contents
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
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 in our Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ended October
31, 2007. Throughout this document we make statements that are classified as forward-looking.
Cautionary Statement about Forward-Looking Statements
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q 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-Q that address activities, events or developments that our management expects,
believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Such
forward-looking statements include discussion of such matters as:
| The amount and nature of future capital, development and exploration expenditures; |
||
| The timing of exploration activities; and |
||
| Business strategies and development of our business plan. |
Forward-looking statements also typically include words such as anticipate, estimate, expect,
potential, could or similar words suggesting future outcomes. These statements are based on
certain assumptions and analyses made by us in light of our experience and our perception of
historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors we believe
are appropriate in the circumstances. Such statements are subject to a number of assumptions, risks
and uncertainties, including such factors as the volatility and level of 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 in our Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007, many of
which are beyond our control. Readers are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not
guarantees of future performance and that actual results or developments may differ materially from
those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements.
The Company is under no duty to update any of these forward-looking statements after the date of
this report. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.
Plan of Operation
The Company is 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.
Feasibility Study- Oxide Zinc Mineralization
As stated under General Development of the Business in PART 1 of the Companys Annual Report on
Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007, 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.
17
Table of Contents
During 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 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 is being suspended until the open pit possibility is
determined.
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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 2008,
the Company has made several improvements to the Sierra Mojada infrastructure including:
| The Company purchased one additional drill 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. In May, 2008, 1,934.6 meters of additional drilling was
completed. We expect that the rate of drilling will increase through the year. 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. 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 show 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.
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Results of Operation
Three Months Ended July 31, 2008
For the quarter ended July 31, 2008, the Company experienced a consolidated net loss of $1,810,000
or $0.05 per share, compared to a consolidated net loss of $1,765,000, or $0.05 per share for the
comparable period last year. The $45,000 increase in consolidated net loss is primarily due to a
$591,000 increase in general and administrative costs and a $155,000 decrease in interest and
investment income. These costs increases were partially mitigated by a $698,000 gain on foreign
currency translation.
Exploration and property holding costs
Exploration and property holding costs decreased slightly to $977,000 for the quarter ended July
31, 2008 compared to $1,004,000 for the comparable period last year. The decrease was primarily
due to a decrease in contract drilling costs. During 2007, the Company incurred approximately
$223,000 of contract drilling costs to drill several water wells in connection with the water
development portion of its feasibility study. This cost decrease was offset by higher internal
drilling and exploration costs associated with the operation of three new drills. The Company
currently is operating five drills with two eight-hour shifts per drill and is 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 to $1,524,000 for the quarter ended July 31, 2008 as
compared to $933,000 for the comparable period last year. The $591,000 increase in general and
administrative expenses was primarily due to higher professional fees related to the feasibility
study and higher stock based compensation for options/warrants granted to officers, key employees,
and consultants.
Salaries and payroll expense increased $200,000 from the comparable period in 2007 primarily due to
an increase in stock based compensation for stock options granted to officers and key employees.
Stock based compensation increased to $231,000 for the quarter ended July 31, 2008 as compared to
$102,000 for the comparable period last year due to the additional pro-rata compensation associated
with options to purchase 600,000 shares granted in January 2008. Stock based compensation for
these options will be recognized pro-rata over the 2 to 3 year vesting period.
Professional fees increased $324,000 from the comparable period in 2007 primarily due to a $436,000
increase in engineering and consulting costs associated with the Companys feasibility study. This
increase in feasibility study costs was partially mitigated by lower financial consulting costs.
During 2007, the Company recorded stock based compensation of $207,000 for restricted shares issued
to a financial consultant.
Directors fees also increased $66,000 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 $75,000 of this increase is attributable to pro-rata stock based
compensation for options to purchase 150,000 shares granted in October 2007 with a graded vesting
period of 2 years. The Company added a third independent director in October 2007 to further
strengthen its board of directors and to meet the requirements set forth by the American Stock
Exchange.
Other Income (Expense)
Other Income (Expense) increased $543,000 from the comparable period in 2007 primarily due a
$698,000 foreign currency translation gain on intercompany loans to its Mexican subsidiaries. As of
July 31, 2008, the Company had an intercompany receivable of $16.9 million dollars which is subject
to exchange rate fluctuations between the U.S. Dollar and Mexican Peso. This gain was offset by a
$155,000 decline in interest income. Lower average investment balances combined with lower
investment yields from US treasury securities contributed to the lower interest and investment
income.
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Nine months ended July 31, 2008
For the nine months ended July 31, 2008, the Company experienced a consolidated net loss of
$5,501,000 or $0.14 per share, compared to a consolidated net loss of $5,310,000, or $0.15 per
share during the comparable period last year. The $191,000 increase in consolidated net loss is
primarily due to a $187,000 increase in exploration and property holding costs and a $791,000
increase in general and administrative costs. These costs increases were partially mitigated by a
$1,024,000 gain on foreign currency translation.
Exploration and property holding costs
Exploration and property holding costs increased to $2,471,000 for the nine months ended July 31,
2008 compared to $2,284,000 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 currently is operating five drills with two eight-hour shifts per drill and is
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 to $4,129,000 for the nine months ended July 31, 2008
as compared to $3,338,000 for the comparable period last year. The $791,000 increase in general
and administrative expenses was primarily due to increased costs in salaries and payroll expenses
and directors fees and was partially mitigated by lower professional fees. Stock based
compensation for options and warrants accounted 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 $976,000 from the comparable period in 2007 due to higher
stock based compensation for stock options and restricted stock grants. During 2007, the Company
recorded $102,000 of stock based compensation for stock options whereas during 2008, the Company
recorded stock based compensation of $798,000 for stock-based compensation associated with the
graded vesting of stock options granted to officers and key employees. Also, during 2008, the
Company granted 38,000 shares to three key employees of our Mexican subsidiary with a total value
of $83,000.
Professional fees decreased $461,000 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 under professional fees for 600,000
warrants issued to financial consultants. During 2008, the Company recognized stock based
compensation of $237,000 for 150,000 stock options granted to our Mexican legal consultant. The
increase in feasibility study costs during the third quarter also offset some of the decline in
stock based compensation.
Directors fees also increased $241,000 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 $228,000 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 Company added a third independent director to further strengthen its board of directors and to
meet the requirements set forth by the American Stock Exchange.
Other Income (Expense)
Other Income (Expense) increased $850,000 from the comparable period in 2007 primarily due to a
$1,024,000 foreign currency translation gain on intercompany loans to its Mexican subsidiaries. As
of July 31, 2008, the Company had an intercompany receivable of $16.9 million dollars which is
subject to exchange rate fluctuations between the U.S. Dollar and Mexican Peso. Interest income
was $171,000 lower in 2008 as compared to 2007 due to lower average investment balances and lower
investment yields.
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Company financed its obligations during the nine months ended July 31, 2008 from cash on hand.
At July 31, 2008, the Companys cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities decreased
$5,252,000 as compared to the year ended October 31, 2007. During the nine-month period, the
Company used $4,910,000 in operating activities, principally in connection with maintaining the
property, continuation of exploration drilling program and continued work on the feasibility study.
The Company spent $788,000 on capital expenditures and received $477,000 of cash proceeds from
exercise of warrants during the period.
As of July 31, 2008, the Companys cash and cash equivalents was $4,082,000.
As discussed above, the Company was in detailed engineering phase of the bankable feasibility study
and was working on a detailed mine plan and concentrator plant, when a new resource model was
developed by Pincock, Allen & Holt that significantly increased the estimated size and mineral
content of the Oxide Zinc Mineralization. The new resource model required the Company to take a
fresh look at optimum mine size, mining methods, and other economic and engineering factors. The
Company has completed an initial evaluation of open pit mining method and it appears that an open
pit mining method may be more efficient and profitable. Accordingly, the Company has suspended
work on the underground mine plan and concentrator portions of the feasibility study to evaluate a
much larger open pit mining operation.
The Company currently is in the process of re-evaluating the bankable feasibility study and cannot
reasonably forecast a completion date or estimated cost to complete. However, the Company
anticipates that feasibility spending during the next 3-6 months will be lower than initially
anticipated while the Company evaluates the larger open pit mining method.
The Companys current operating expenses, exclusive of feasibility study costs and non-cash items
such as depreciation and stock based compensation total approximately $525,000 per month. The
Company will continue to monitor timing and cost of the Sierra Mojada project and will adjust our
programs and expenditures accordingly to ensure we have sufficient operating capital. The Company
may pursue additional financing in the future to allow for continued exploration of the silver
mineralization north of the Sierra Mojada fault, to fund some preliminary mine development, and/or
to maintain adequate working capital during future periods. There can be no assurance that
additional funding will be available on reasonable terms, if at all.
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. Accordingly, this Standard does not
require any new fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 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 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.
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In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), Business Combinations
(SFAS 141(R)). SFAS 141(R) changes accounting for acquisitions that close beginning in 2009. More
transactions and events will qualify as business combinations and will be accounted for at fair
value under the new standard. SFAS 141(R) promotes greater use of fair values in financial
reporting. Some of the changes will introduce more volatility into earnings. SFAS 141R is effective
for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008 (fiscal year 2010 for the Company). The
Company is currently assessing the impact that SFAS 141R may have on our financial position,
results of operations, and cash flows.
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial
Statements (SFAS 160), an amendment of ARB No. 51. SFAS 160 will change the accounting and
reporting for minority interests which will be recharacterized as noncontrolling interests and
classified as a component of equity. SFAS 160 is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after
December 15, 2008 (fiscal year 2010 for the Company). SFAS 160 requires retroactive adoption of the
presentation and disclosure requirements for existing minority interests. The Company does not
expect the adoption of SFAS 160 will have a material impact on our financial position, results of
operations, and cash flows.
In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging
Activities an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133 (SFAS 161). FAS No. 161 enhances the
disclosure requirements under FAS No. 133 pertaining to how and why an entity uses derivative
instruments, how derivative instruments and related hedge items are accounted for under SFAS
No. 133, and how derivative instruments and related hedge items affect an entitys financial
position, financial performance, and cash flows. SFAS No. 161 is effective for fiscal years, and
interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after November 15, 2008 (fiscal year 2009 for
the Company). The Company does not expect the adoption of SFAS 160 will have a material impact 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 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 will become effective 60 days
following approval by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of amendments made by the
Public Company Accounting Oversight Board to AU Section 411, The Meaning of Present Fairly in
Conformity with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. 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.
In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 163, Accounting for Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts
- An interpretation of FASB Statement No. 60 (SFAS 163). This statement requires that an
insurance enterprise recognize a claim liability prior to an event of default when there is
evidence that credit deterioration has occurred in an insured financial obligation. It is effective
for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, except for some
disclosures about the insurance enterprises risk-management activities. SFAS 163 requires that
disclosures about the risk- management activities of the insurance enterprise be effective for the
first period beginning after issuance. The Company does not expect SFAS 163 will have a material
impact on its financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.
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.
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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 Financial
Accounting Standard No. 52. Assets and liabilities of the Companys foreign operations are
translated into U.S. dollars at the period-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 Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Statement
No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment, 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 (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. The risk-free interest rate is based upon U.S. Treasury rates at the date of grant with
maturity dates approximately equal to the contractual term 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.
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.
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 July
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.
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ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE 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.
ITEM 4T. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.
As of July 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 July 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.
(b) Changes In Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting.
There was no change in the Companys internal control over financial reporting that occurred during
the quarter ended July 31, 2008 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially
affect, the Companys internal control over financial reporting.
In connection with the audit of our consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended
October 31, 2007, our independent accounting firm identified a material weakness in our internal
control over financial reporting. More specifically, the Company did not complete a timely review
of its foreign currency translation calculations and record the proper foreign currency translation
gain on intercompany loans for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007. As a result, an adjusting
journal entry in the amount of $98,000 was required at October 31, 2007 to correct the foreign
currency translation gain on intercompany loans. To remediate this material weakness the Company
implemented additional policies and procedures during the first
quarter of 2008 to improve the financial close process, including
process improvements related to foreign currency translations. In addition, we engaged an external
accounting firm to assist us with our review of financial information to ensure that the
consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP prior to subjecting them to
audit or review by our independent public accounting firm. Based upon
review of the controls implemented and additional analysis performed
during the last three fiscal quarters, management believes these actions have remediated
the material weakness described above and that the controls have operated for a sufficient period of time for
management to conclude that these controls were operating effectively
at July 31, 2008.
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PART II OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
None.
Item 1A. RISK FACTORS
There were no material changes from the risk factors as previously discussed in our Form 10-KSB for
the year ended October 31, 2007.
Item 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND PROCEEDS
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
Following are descriptions of all unregistered equity securities of the Company sold during the
third fiscal quarter and as of August 29, 2008, excluding transactions that were previously
reported in a previous Form 10-Q or a Form 8-K.
On July 31, 2008 we issued an aggregate of 32,400 shares of the Companys common stock to our
independent directors. These shares were issued in consideration for services. The shares were
issued in reliance on the exemption from registration contained in Section 4(2) of the 1933 Act.
No commissions or other remuneration were paid for this issuance.
Item 3. DEFAULT UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None.
Item 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
None.
Item 5. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
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Item 6. EXHIBITS
3.1 | (a) | Articles of Incorporation.1 |
||
3.1 | (b) | Certificate of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation.2 |
||
3.2 | Bylaws.2 |
|||
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. |
(1) | Incorporated by reference from Form 10-SB, filed October 15, 1999. |
|
(2) | Incorporated by reference from Form 10-QSB, filed September 19, 2006. |
28
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: September 10, 2008 | By: | /s/ Merlin Bingham | ||
Merlin Bingham, | ||||
President and Principal Executive Officer | ||||
Date: September 10, 2008 | By: | /s/ Robert Devers | ||
Robert Devers, | ||||
Chief Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer |
29
Table of Contents
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit | ||||
No. | Description | |||
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. |
30