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SILVER BULL RESOURCES, INC. - Quarter Report: 2008 January (Form 10-Q)

Filed by Bowne Pure Compliance
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 January 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 d’Alene, ID 83815
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
Registrant’s 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 March 3, 2008, there were 39,612,277 shares of the Registrant’s $.01 par value Common Stock (“Common Stock”), Registrant’s 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 JANUARY 31, 2008
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
         
      PAGE  
 
       
Consolidated Financial Statements:
       
 
       
    2  
 
       
    3  
 
       
    4 - 5  
 
       
    6  
 
       
 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)
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                 
    January 31,     October 31,  
    2008     2007  
    (Unaudited)        
ASSETS
               
 
               
CURRENT ASSETS
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 8,178,952     $ 1,434,487  
Marketable securities
          7,900,000  
Value-added tax receivable
    551,505       401,341  
Other receivables
    38,607       23,993  
Prepaid expenses
    62,189       17,827  
 
           
Total Current Assets
    8,831,253       9,777,648  
 
           
 
               
PROPERTY CONCESSIONS
               
Sierra Mojada District (Note 4)
    4,482,840       4,536,111  
 
               
EQUIPMENT
               
Office and mining equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $446,111 and 407,457, respectively (Note 5)
    1,075,177       919,420  
 
           
 
               
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 14,389,270     $ 15,233,179  
 
           
 
               
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
 
               
CURRENT LIABILITIES
               
Accounts payable
  $ 112,288     $ 84,634  
Accounts payable — Related Parties
          68,460  
Income Tax Payable
    90,657       55,331  
Accrued liabilities and expenses
    101,058       92,133  
Other liabilities
    76,602       100,766  
 
           
Total Current Liabilities
    380,605       401,324  
 
           
 
               
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 10)
           
 
               
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 160,000,000 shares authorized, 39,612,227 and 39,144,977 shares issued and outstanding, respectively
    396,122       391,450  
Additional paid-in capital
    50,371,861       49,273,440  
Deficit accumulated during exploration stage
    (36,759,047 )     (34,746,393 )
Other comprehensive (loss)
    (271 )     (86,642 )
 
           
Total Stockholders’ Equity
    14,008,665       14,831,855  
 
           
 
               
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
  $ 14,389,270     $ 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)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                         
                    November 8,  
                    1993  
                    (Inception)  
    Three Months Ended     To  
    January 31,     January 31,  
    2008     2007     2008  
 
                       
REVENUES
  $     $     $  
 
                 
 
                       
EXPLORATION AND PROPERTY HOLDING COSTS
                       
Exploration and property holding costs
    633,755       587,282       13,467,877  
Depreciation and asset write-off
    60,256             543,579  
 
                 
TOTAL EXPLORATION AND PROPERY HOLDING COSTS
    694,011       587,282       14,011,456  
 
                 
 
                       
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
                       
Salaries and payroll expenses
    635,478       163,398       10,461,960  
Office and administrative expenses
    93,801       119,143       2,085,033  
Professional services
    320,053       1,352,945       8,269,507  
Directors fees
    160,629       78,000       2,435,960  
Depreciation
    6,366       3,785       181,752  
 
                 
TOTAL GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
    1,216,327       1,717,271       23,434,212  
 
                 
 
                       
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS
    (1,910,338 )     (2,304,553 )     (37,445,668 )
 
                       
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSES)
                       
Interest and investment income
    89,625       70,633       774,589  
Foreign currency transaction gain (loss)
    (156,117 )           (58,108 )
Miscellaneous ore sales, net of expenses
                134,242  
VAT tax refunds
                132,660  
Miscellaneous income
    18       96       82,352  
Interest and financing expense
                (289,230 )
 
                 
TOTAL OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
    (66,474 )     70,729       776,505  
 
                 
 
                       
LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAXES
    (1,976,812 )     (2,233,824 )     (36,669,163 )
 
                       
INCOME TAXES
    35,841             89,884  
 
                 
 
                       
NET LOSS
  $ (2,012,653 )   $ (2,233,824 )   $ (36,759,047 )
 
                 
 
                       
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) — Foreign Currency translation adjustments
    86,371             (271 )
 
                 
 
                       
COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
  $ (1,926,282 )   $ (2,233,824 )   $ (36,759,318 )
 
                 
 
                       
BASIC AND DILUTED NET LOSS PER COMMON SHARE
  $ (0.05 )   $ (0.07 )        
 
                   
 
                       
BASIC AND DILUTED WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING
    39,392,466       34,207,912          
 
                   
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
                         
                    Period from  
                    November 8,  
    Three Month Ended     1993 (Inception)  
    January 31,     to January 31,  
    2008     2007     2008  
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
                       
Net loss
  $ (2,012,653 )   $ (2,233,824 )   $ (36,759,047 )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used by operating activities:
                       
Depreciation and equipment write-off
    66,622       3,785       727,341  
Noncash expenses
          2,825       126,864  
Foreign currency transaction loss (gain)
    156,116             58,108  
Common stock issued for services
                1,237,047  
Common stock issued for compensation
    82,840             1,059,946  
Options issued for compensation
    413,131             4,794,190  
Common stock issued for directors fees
    130,560             436,740  
Options and warrants issued for directors fees
                1,665,705  
Stock options issued for services
                1,263,023  
Stock options issued for financing fees
                276,000  
Common stock issued for payment of expenses
                326,527  
Stock warrants issued for services
          1,094,950       1,852,720  
(Increase) decrease in:
                       
Accounts receivable
          (362,752 )      
Value added tax receivable
    (154,300 )           (547,534 )
Other receivables
    (14,862 )           (38,534 )
Prepaid expenses
    (44,381 )     (34,402 )     (62,168 )
Increase (decrease) in:
                       
Accounts payable
    28,018       (104,036 )     112,520  
Accounts payable — related parties
    (68,460 )     63,000        
Income tax payable
    35,841             90,055  
Accrued liabilities and expenses
    9,969       (34,059 )     101,783  
Other liabilities
    (22,895 )           75,836  
 
                 
Net cash used by operating activities
    (1,394,454 )     (1,604,513 )     (23,202,878 )
 
                 
 
                       
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
                       
Purchase of investments
                (21,609,447 )
Proceeds from investment sales
    7,900,000       2,380,000       21,609,447  
Equipment purchases
    (232,013 )           (1,768,850 )
Mining property acquisitions
                (4,632,037 )
 
                 
Net cash provided by (used by) investing activities
    7,667,987       2,380,000       (6,400,887 )
 
                 
 
                       
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
                       
Proceeds from sales of common stock
                33,379,207  
Proceeds from sales of options and warrants
                949,890  
Proceeds from exercise of warrants
    476,563             3,447,966  
Proceeds from shareholder loans
                30,000  
Payment of note payable
                (15,783 )
 
                 
Net cash provided by financing activities:
    476,563             37,791,280  
 
                 
 
                       
Effect of exchange rates on cash
    (5,631 )           (8,563 )
 
                       
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
    6,744,465       775,487       8,178,952  
Cash and cash equivalents beginning of period
    1,434,487       689,994        
 
                 
 
                       
Cash and cash equivalents end of period
  $ 8,178,952     $ 1,465,481     $ 8,178,952  
 
                 
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)
                         
                    Period from  
                    November 8,  
    Three Month Ended     1993 (Inception)  
    January 31,     to January 31,  
    2008     2007     2008  
 
                       
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW DISCLOSURES:
                       
 
                       
Income taxes paid
  $     $     $  
Interest paid
  $     $ 3,515     $ 286,771  
 
                       
NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
                       
 
                       
Common stock issued for equipment
  $     $     $ 25,000  
Common stock options issued for financing fees
  $     $     $ 276,000  
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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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 Company’s name was changed to Metalline Mining Company. The Company’s fiscal year-end is October 31.
The Company expects to engage in the business of mining. The Company currently owns one mining property located in Mexico 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 Company’s 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 Company’s 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 Company’s 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 Company’s 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 Company’s 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 Company’s financial position and results of operations.
Operating results for the three-month period ended January 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 Company’s 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 insured. The Company also maintains cash in banks in Mexico. These accounts, which had U.S. dollar balances of $338,225 and $229,094 at January 31, 2008 and October 31, 2007, respectively, are denominated in pesos and are considered uninsured. At January 31, 2008, the Company’s cash balances and marketable securities included $288,269 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 reflects 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 18,196,568 shares and 18,835,123 shares outstanding at January 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 three months ended January 31, 2008 and 2007 were $633,755 and $587,282, respectively. The exploration costs expensed to date during the Company’s exploration stage amount to $13,467,877.
Foreign Operations
The accompanying balance sheet at January 31, 2008 contains Company assets in Mexico, including: $4,482,840 in mineral properties; $1,428,480 (before accumulated depreciation) of mining equipment; $551,505 in value-added tax receivable; and $338,225 of cash. Although this country is considered economically stable, it is always possible that unanticipated events in foreign countries could disrupt the Company’s 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 January 31, 2008, the Company has filed applications with the Mexican authorities to recover approximately $832,000 of IVA taxes paid by its Mexican subsidiaries from 2005 to 2008. The Company has recorded a receivable in the amount of $551,505 as of January 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. However, the Company continues to work extensively with Mexican authorities to recover these amounts. Any subsequent recovery of these taxes will be booked 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 three 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 rates securities for no gain or loss and invested the proceeds in short-term US treasury securities which are classified as cash and cash equivalents. 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 Company’s 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
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.

 

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NOTE 4 — CONCESSIONS IN THE SIERRA MOJADA DISTRICT (continued)
As of January 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     $ 15,755  
Mojada 3
  Purchased     5/30/2000       722.00        
Unificacion Mineros Nortenos
  Purchased     8/30/2000       336.79       3,654,836  
Vulcano
  Purchased     8/30/2000       4.49        
Esmeralda 1
  Purchased     8/20/2001       95.50       179,615  
Esmeralda
  Purchased     3/20/1997       117.50       253,708  
La Blanca
  Purchased     8/20/2001       33.50       121,829  
Fortuna
  Claim Filed     12/8/1999       13.96       76,143  
Mojada 2
  Claim Filed     7/17/2006       3,500.00        
El Retorno
  Purchased     4/10/2006       817.65       15,302  
Los Ramones
  Purchased     4/10/2006       8.60       276  
El Retorno Fracc. 1
  Purchased     4/20/2006       5.51       92  
Dormidos
  Claim Filed     4/9/2007       2,326.10        
Agua Mojada(1)
  Claim Filed     1/26/2007       2,900.00       6,058  
Alote(1)
  Claim Filed     5/17/2007       3,749.00       6,022  
Volcan Dolores
  Purchased     9/24/2007       10.49       153,204  
 
                           
 
                    19,408.41     $ 4,482,840  
 
                           
 
(1)  
Title for this concession is pending.
NOTE 5 — PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
The following is a summary of the Company’s property and equipment at January 31, 2008 and October 31, 2007, respectively:
                 
    January 31,     October 31,  
    2008     2007  
Mining equipment
  $ 1,015,159     $ 838,635  
Communication equipment
    8,797       8,902  
Buildings and structures
    157,793       153,590  
Vehicles
    146,800       172,449  
Computer equipment and software
    184,700       145,167  
Office equipment
    8,039       8,134  
 
           
 
    1,521,288       1,326,877  
Less: Accumulated depreciation
    (446,111 )     (407,457 )
 
           
 
  $ 1,075,177     $ 919,420  
 
           
Depreciation expense and write-off of property and equipment for the three months ended January 31, 2008 and 2007 was $66,621 and $3,785 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.

 

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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 Company’s 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 Company’s 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 Company’s 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 three-months ended January 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 48,000 shares of common stock at an average market price of $2.72 per share to its independent directors for services provided during the quarters ended October 31, 2007 and January 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.
NOTE 8 — STOCK OPTIONS
The Company has two existing qualified stock option plans. Under the 2006 Stock Option Plan (the “2006 Plan’) the Company may grant non-statutory and incentive options to employees, directors and consultants for up to a total of 5,000,000 shares of common stock. Under the 2001 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2001 Plan”) the Company may grant non-statutory and incentive options to employees, directors, and consultants for up to a total of 1,000,000 shares of common stock. Options are typically granted with an exercise price equal to the market price of the Company’s 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 graduated 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 three months ended January 31, 2008 and 2007 are as follows:
                 
    Three Months Ended  
    January 31,  
Options   2008     2007(1)  
 
               
Expected volatility
    73 %      
Risk-free interest rate
    3.4 %      
Dividend yield
           
Expected term (in years)
    8.32        
 
(1)  
No options were granted during the three months ended January 31, 2007.

 

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NOTE 8 — STOCK OPTIONS (continued)
The weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted during the three months ended January 31, 2008 was $1.62. No options were exercised during the three months ended January 31, 2008 and 2007.
The following is a summary of stock option activity for the three months ended January 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
    600,004       2.18                  
Exercised
                           
Forfeited or Expired
                           
 
                       
Outstanding at January 31, 2008
    4,250,004     $ 2.57       7.77     $ 305,000  
 
                       
 
                               
Vested or Expected to Vest at January 31, 2008
    3,383,333     $ 2.50       7.56     $ 249,000  
 
                       
Exercisable at January 31, 2008
    3,383,333     $ 2.50       7.56     $ 249,000  
 
                       
The Company has recognized stock-based compensation costs for stock options of $413,131 for the three months ended January 31, 2008. No stock-based compensation was recorded for the three months ended January 31, 2007. The Company typically does not recognize any tax benefits for stock options due to the Company’s recurring losses.
Summarized information about stock options outstanding and exercisable at January 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       2.10     $ 1.29       200,000     $ 1.29  
  2.15-2.85       3,800,004       7.97       2.52       3,133,333       2.55  
  4.30       250,000       9.39       4.30       50,000       4.30  
                                 
$ 1.25-4.30       4,250,004       7.77     $ 2.57       3,383,333     $ 2.50  
                                 
A summary of the nonvested shares as of January 31, 2008 and changes during the quarter ended January 31, 2008 is as follows:
                 
            Weighted-  
            Average  
            Grant-Date  
Nonvested Shares   Shares     Fair Value  
 
               
Nonvested at October 31, 2007
    400,000     $ 2.79  
Granted
    600,004       2.18  
Vested
    (133,333 )     2.18  
Forfeited
           
 
           
Nonvested at January 31, 2008
    866,671     $ 2.46  
 
           

 

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NOTE 8 — STOCK OPTIONS (continued)
As of January 31, 2008, there was $1,507,409 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 2.18 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.
NOTE 9 — WARRANTS
The Company may issue warrants to investors in connection with private placement 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 Company’s 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 quarter ended January 31, 2008 is as follows:
                                 
                    Weighted        
            Weighted     Average        
            Average     Remaining     Aggregate  
            Exercise     Contractual     Intrinsic  
Warrants   Shares     Price     Life (Years)     Value  
 
                               
Outstanding at November 1, 2007
    14,380,147     $ 1.44                  
Issued with private placement
                           
Issued for services
                           
Exercised
    (381,250 )     1.25                  
Forfeited or expired
    (52,333 )     2.13                  
 
                       
Outstanding at January 31, 2008
    13,946,564     $ 1.45       2.97     $ 12,649,859  
 
                       

 

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NOTE 9 — WARRANTS (continued)
Summarized information about warrants outstanding and exercisable at January 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       12,085,169       2.93     $ 1.25  
$ 2.00 - $2.63       1,361,395       2.98       2.42  
$ 3.40 - $5.00       500,000       3.93       3.40  
                     
$ 1.25 - $5.00       13,946,564       2.97     $ 1.45  
                     
During the three-month period ended January 31, 2008, the Company did not grant any warrants.
During the three-month period ended January 31, 2007, the Company issued warrants for 600,000 common shares for professional services at an average exercise price of $3.27 per share and average contractual terms 4.6 years. The fair value of these warrants was determined to be $1,094,950 based upon the Black-Scholes-Merton pricing model using risk free interest rate of 5%, expected volatility of 80%, and expected term of 1.4 to 3 years
NOTE 10 — COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Compliance with Environmental Regulations
The Company’s 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 Company’s 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 Company’s 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.

 

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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 Company’s provision for income taxes of $35,841 for the three months ended January 31, 2008 consists of $35,841 of current foreign income tax provision. There was no federal or state income tax provision for the three months ended January 31, 2008 and 2007.
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 Company’s 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 January 31, 2008.
The reserve for unrecognized tax benefits of $103,000 as of January 31, 2008, if recognized would not have a material effect on the Company’s effective tax rate.
The following tax years remain open to examination by the Company’s 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 Company’s policy is to classify tax related interest and penalties as income tax expense. There is no interest or penalties estimated on the underpayment of income taxes as a result of these unrecognized tax benefits.

 

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NOTE 12 — SEGMENT INFORMATION
The Company operates in one business segment being the exploration of mineral property interests.
Geographic information is approximately as follows:
                 
    January 31,  
    January 31,     October 31,  
    2008     2007  
Identifiable assets
               
Mexico
  $ 6,426,000     $ 6,063,000  
United States
    7,963,000       9,170,000  
 
           
 
  $ 14,389,000     $ 15,233,000  
 
           
                         
                    Inception to  
    For the three months ended     date  
    January 31,     January 31,  
    2008     2007     2008  
Net loss for the period
                       
Mexico
  $ 827,000     $ 429,000     $ 8,445,000  
United States
    1,186,000       1,805,000       28,314,000  
 
                 
 
  $ 2,013,000     $ 2,234,000     $ 36,759,000  
 
                 

 

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S 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 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 Company’s 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.
As stated under “General Development of the Business” in PART 1 of the Company’s 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.

 

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The Complimentary Reports currently being prepared deal with: (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. We anticipate that these reports will be largely complete and ready for technical audit in early 2008.
The scoping study phase of the mine plan will be completed by evaluating interactions and optimizations between mine plan, concentrator and refinery sizing, and the resource model. On completion of this activity, the basic mine method(s) and project capacities will be frozen and mine planning will be carried to the next level of detail. Thereafter the location of the refinery, the extraction and reduction plant will then be finalized, using the results of a previously performed alternatives analysis, and the details of refinery location and design will be attacked. Green Team International (“GTI”) has previously completed fairly mature concentrator and refinery designs. Metallurgical and mineralogical studies of silver mineralization will be conducted.
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. We are selectively improving the quality of our workforce at all levels. We will become fully compliant with labor registration, safety, health and training requirements, and environmental registration. The Company has an on-going activity to insure that business controls in both the United States and Mexico are compliant with the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley legislation, and budget provision has been made for timely completion of this work.
Environmental, social, and permitting studies will be continued and completed by our consultants. These studies can be accelerated as soon as certain key technical decisions are finalized. Weather-monitoring will be continued and noise- and air-quality-monitoring will be performed. An active informational program is planned to insure that governmental officials at the state and federal levels are aware of our intentions and their potential impacts
Some overarching business objectives in our activities are: to systematically reduce the significant risk factors listed in our public filings ; to reach the level of certainty required to comply with SEC Industry Guide 7 in order to claim reserves; and to meet the level of quality required for our Feasibility Study to be acceptable to financial institutions to support funding decisions. Two disciplines help us to reach these objectives. First, generally accepted international engineering practice is based on methodology to achieve progressive reduction of risk and progressive reduction in economic uncertainties as studies progress. Second, outside technical/engineering auditors are retained to insure that work is done to the quality required by the engineering norms. In addition the Company is continuously evaluating strategies for additional testing to further reduce technical risk factors.
The Company will continue its program to explore for new mineralization. This effort is most intensely focused on areas of silver-copper mineralization close to mine workings that might be constructed to access and work the zinc oxide manto. The purpose of this work is both to identify areas that might be mined as well as to insure that contemplated mine workings do not render mineralization unmineable that might otherwise be exploited. Drilling is currently in progress from four drill bases to gather more data in these areas. The Company is aware of other areas within its concessions that it believes may have significant exploration potential. As resources are available, or specific opportunities are identified, such areas may receive exploration drilling attention. The Company has received permissions from local land owners to rebuild roads into the Dormidos prospect area and an active evaluation of this area is anticipated during the year.
In order to finance the feasibility study and the business operations described above for corporate overhead through completion of the feasibility study, the Company has raised capital by selling unregistered shares of its common stock as described below in “Liquidity and Capital Resources.”
Cautionary Note
The Company is an exploration stage company and does not currently have any known reserves and cannot be expected to have reserves unless and until a feasibility study is completed for the Sierra Mojada concessions that shows proven and probable reserves. There can be no assurance that the Company’s concessions contain proven and probable reserves and investors may lose their entire investment in the Company.

 

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Results of Operation
For the quarter ended January 31, 2008, the Company experienced a consolidated net loss of $2,013,000 or $0.05 per share, compared to a consolidated net loss of $2,234,000, or $0.07 per share during the comparable period in the previous year. The $221,000 decrease in consolidated net loss is primarily due to a $501,000 decrease in general and administrative costs as a result of lower stock based compensation costs during 2008. This positive change in net loss was partially mitigated by a $107,000 increase in exploration and property holding costs and a $156,000 loss on foreign currency translation.
Exploration and property holding costs
Exploration and property holding costs increased to $694,000 for the quarter ended January 31, 2008 compared to $587,000 for the comparable period last year. This increase was primarily due to additional drilling and exploration costs associated with the operation of two new drills which were purchased near the beginning of the quarter. The Company currently is operating four drills with two eight-hour shifts per drill. The Company recently completed the geotechnical drilling for the feasibility study on the oxide zinc mineralization and is now focused on continued exploration of silver mineralization north of the Sierra Mojada fault.
General and Administrative Costs
General and administrative expenses decreased to $1,216,000 for the quarter ended January 31, 2008 as compared to $1,717,000 for the comparable period last year. The $501,000 decrease in general and administrative expenses was primarily due to a decrease in stock based compensation associated with options/warrants issued to officers, directors, and financial consultants. During 2007, the Company recognized stock based compensation of $1,094,000 under professional fees for 600,000 warrants issued to financial consultants. This was the primary reason for the decrease in professional fees and overall general and administrative costs from 2007.
Salaries and wages increased $472,000 from the comparable period in 2007 due to higher stock based compensation for stock options and restricted stock grants. During 2007, the Company did not record any stock based compensation for stock options whereas during 2008, the Company recorded stock based compensation of $413,000 for stock-based compensation associated with the graduated 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.
Directors’ fees also increased $82,000 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. 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) declined $137,000 from the comparable period in 2007 primarily due to the foreign currency translation loss on intercompany loans to its Mexican subsidiaries. As of January 31, 2008, the Company had an intercompany receivable of $14.5 million dollars which is subject to exchange rate fluctuations
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Company financed its obligations during the three months ended January 31, 2008 from cash on hand. At January 31, 2008, the Company’s cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities decreased $1,155,000 as compared to the year ended October 31, 2007. During the three-month period, the Company used $1,394,000 in operating activities, principally in connection with maintaining the property, continuation of exploration drilling program and continued work on the feasibility study. The Company received $477,000 of cash proceeds from exercise of warrants during the period.

 

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As of January 31, 2008, the Company’s cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities, was $8,179,000.
The Company’s current operating expenses total $380,000 per month, for an expected operating expense of $4.6 million in the next 12 months. As discussed previously, the Company estimates that it will cost about $3.5 million in additional spending to complete the feasibility study, but there can be no assurance that this estimate will not be revised upward. The portions of the study that relate to the mine and concentrator in Mexico should be complete by mid 2008, but we expect that work on the refinery and preparation of the final study documents will not be completed until October of 2008. If at any time we think we have insufficient cash, we will adjust our program and expenditures appropriately. The Company is currently engaged in validating statements of work, schedules, and cost estimates to complete these tasks.
The Company’s management believes that private placements of its shares combined with proceeds from warrant exercises have provided sufficient cash for the Company to continue to operate for at least the next twelve months based on current expense projections. However, 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 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. Following the completion of a successful feasibility study, the Company would then proceed to the construction phase, which would entail construction of a mine and related infrastructure pursuant to a mine plan developed specifically for the Company’s concessions, and construction of an extraction plant to extract metal from the ore that would be mined. In order to proceed with the construction phase, the Company would need to rely on additional equity or debt financing, or the Company may seek joint venture partners or other alternative financing sources.
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 Company’s 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
Critical Accounting Policies
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make a variety of estimates and assumptions that affect (i) the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and (ii) the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods covered by the financial statements.
Our management routinely makes judgments and estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. As the number of variables and assumptions affecting the future resolution of the uncertainties increase, these judgments become even more subjective and complex. Although we believe that our estimates and assumptions are reasonable, actual results may differ significantly from these estimates. Changes in estimates and assumptions based upon actual results may have a material impact on our results of operation and/or financial condition. We have identified certain accounting policies that we believe are most important to the portrayal of our current financial condition and results of operations.
Property Concessions
Costs of acquiring property concessions are capitalized by project area upon purchase or staking of the associated claims. Costs to maintain the property concessions and leases are expensed as incurred. When a property concession reaches the production stage, the related capitalized costs will be amortized, using the units of production method on the basis of periodic estimates of ore reserves. To date no concessions have reached production stage.
Property concessions are periodically assessed for impairment of value and any diminution in value is charged to operations at the time of impairment. Should a property concession be abandoned, its capitalized costs are charged to operations. The Company charges to operations the allocable portion of capitalized costs attributable to property concessions sold. Capitalized costs are allocated to property concessions abandoned or sold based on the proportion of claims abandoned or sold to the claims remaining within the project area.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities
The Company recognizes the expected future tax benefit from deferred tax assets when the tax benefit is considered to be more likely than not of being realized. Assessing the recoverability of deferred tax assets requires management to make significant estimates related to expectations of future taxable income. Estimates of future taxable income are based on forecasted cash flows and the application of existing tax laws in each jurisdiction. To the extent that future cash flows and taxable income differ significantly from estimates, the ability of the Company to realize deferred tax assets could be impacted. Additionally, future changes in tax laws in the jurisdictions in which the Company operates could limit the Company’s 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.

 

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Foreign Currency Translation
While the Company’s functional currency is the U.S. dollar, the local currency is the functional currency of the Company’s 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 Company’s foreign operations are translated into U.S. dollars at the year-end exchange rates, and revenue and expenses are translated at the average exchange rates during the period. Exchange differences arising on translation are disclosed as a separate component of shareholders’ equity. Realized gains and losses from foreign currency transactions are reflected in the results of operations. Intercompany transactions and balances with the Company’s 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.
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 Company’s 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 Company’s 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 Company’s stock. The Company has not historically issued any dividends and it does not expect to in the future. The Company uses the graduated 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 Company’s 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.

 

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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 January 31, 2008, the Company has no accrual for reclamation and remediation obligations because the Company has not engaged in any significant activities that would require remediation under its current concessions or inherited any known remediation obligations from acquired concessions. Any reclamation or remediation costs related to abandoned concessions has been previously expensed.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Foreign Currency Exchange Risk
Although a large amount of our expenditures are in U.S. dollars, certain purchases of labor, operating supplies and capital assets are denominated in Mexican pesos or other currencies. As a result, currency exchange fluctuations may impact the costs of our operations. Specifically, the appreciation of Mexican Peso against the U.S. dollar may result in an increase in operating expenses and capital costs at the Sierra Mojada Project in U.S. dollar terms. To reduce this risk, we maintain minimum cash balances in foreign currencies, including Mexican Pesos and complete most of our purchases, including capital expenditures relating to the Sierra Mojada Project, in U.S. dollars. We currently do not engage in any currency hedging activities.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.
Management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate disclosure controls and procedures and for the assessment of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures. Our disclosure controls and procedures are processes designed under the supervision of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) as well as the accompanying disclosures contained in our periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All disclosure controls and procedures and internal controls systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions.
The Company’s management, primarily the Company’s Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as required by Rule 13a-15(b) of the Exchange Act as of January 31, 2008. Based upon that review and evaluation, these officers concluded that because of the material weakness in internal control over financial reporting described below, our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of January 31, 2008.

 

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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 controls 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. An audit adjustment indicates that there were deficiencies that existed in the design or operation of our disclosure controls and procedures and our internal control over financial reporting that adversely affected our disclosure controls and that are to be considered “material weaknesses.” In response to the material weaknesses described above, the Company performed additional analyses and other procedures to ensure the Company’s consolidated financial statements at October 31, 2007 were prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
Although the Company has implemented changes in internal controls over financial reporting described below and performed additional analysis and reviews in connection with the preparation of the financial statements and disclosures in this Form 10-Q, our management concluded that these controls were not operating for a sufficient amount of time to conclude that our internal controls over financial reporting were effective as of January 31, 2008.
(b) Changes In Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting
In order to further enhance our internal controls, management worked with our audit committee to identify and implement corrective actions to improve our disclosure controls and procedures and our internal controls. Specifically, the Company implemented additional policies and procedures 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. We believe these actions will remediate the material weakness described above. However, the material weakness will not be considered remedied until the applicable remedial controls operate for a sufficient period of time and management has concluded that these controls are operating effectively. Our management plans to continue to work with our audit committee to continue to identify and implement corrective actions, where required, to further improve our disclosure controls and procedures and internal controls.
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 fiscal quarter and as of March 3, 2008, excluding transactions that were previously reported in our Form 10-KSB Form or a Form 8-K.
On January 18, 2008, pursuant to the Company’s 2006 Stock Option Plan, the Company granted officers and employees of our Mexican subsidiary an aggregate of 600,004 options to purchase shares of the Company’s Common Stock with the option being exercisable at $2.18 per share until January 18, 2018, subject to vesting. The options were issued in consideration for services. The options 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.

 

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On January 31, 2008 we issued an aggregate of 48,000 shares of the Company’s 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 SECURITES
None.
Item 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
None.
Item 5. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
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
 
   
10.1
  Employment Agreement with Robert Devers, effective January 1, 20083
 
   
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.
 
(3)  
Incorporated by reference from Form 8-K, filed January 22, 2008.

 

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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: March 17, 2008  By:   /s/ Merlin Bingham    
    Merlin Bingham,   
    President and Principal Executive Officer   
 
         
     
Date: March 17, 2008  By:   /s/ Robert Devers    
    Robert Devers,   
    Chief Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer   
 

 

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