Trilogy Metals Inc. - Quarter Report: 2015 February (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

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

For the Quarterly Period Ended February 28, 2015

OR

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

For the Transition Period from               to                 

Commission File Number: 1-35447

NOVACOPPER INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

(604) 638-8088
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes [X]      No [   ]

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

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

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

As of April 8, 2015, the registrant had 60,633,701 Common Shares, no par value, outstanding.

NOVACOPPER INC.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ii

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

NovaCopper Inc.
(An Exploration-Stage Company)
Consolidated Balance Sheets
As at
(unaudited)

Nature of operations, going concern, structure and plan of arrangement (note 1)
Commitments and contingencies (notes 4, 6, 8)

(See accompanying notes to the interim consolidated financial statements)

Approved on behalf of the Board of Directors

2

NovaCopper Inc.
(An Exploration-Stage Company)
Consolidated Statements of Loss and Comprehensive Loss
(unaudited)

(See accompanying notes to the interim consolidated financial statements)

3

NovaCopper Inc.
(An Exploration -Stage Company)
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity
(unaudited)

(See accompanying notes to the interim consolidated financial statements)

4

NovaCopper Inc.
(An Exploration-Stage Company)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(unaudited)

(See accompanying notes to the interim consolidated financial statements)

5

NovaCopper Inc.
(An Exploration-Stage Company)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

NovaCopper Inc. (“NovaCopper” or the “Company”) was incorporated in British Columbia under the Business Corporations Act (BC) on April 27, 2011. The Company is engaged in the exploration and development of mineral properties including the Arctic and Bornite Projects located in Northwest Alaska in the United States of America (“US”).

Structure and plan of arrangement

On January 11, 2010, Alaska Gold Company (“AGC”), at the time a wholly owned subsidiary of NovaGold Resources Inc. (“NovaGold”), purchased 100% of the Ambler lands, hosting the copper-zinc-lead-gold-silver Arctic Project, for consideration of $29.0 million. The Ambler lands were acquired on October 17, 2011, by NovaCopper US Inc. (“NovaCopper US”) through a purchase and sale agreement with AGC. On October 19, 2011, NovaCopper US acquired the exclusive right to explore the Bornite lands and lands deeded to NANA Regional Corporation, Inc. (“NANA”) through the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (“ANCSA”) located adjacent to the Ambler lands to create the Upper Kobuk Mineral Projects (“UKMP Projects”). On October 24, 2011, NovaGold transferred its ownership of NovaCopper US to NovaCopper, then a wholly owned subsidiary of NovaGold, which was subsequently spun-out to NovaGold shareholders and publicly listed on April 30, 2012.

Where applicable, these consolidated financial statements reflect the statements of loss and comprehensive loss, and cash flows of the Arctic Project as if NovaCopper had been independently operating from inception. Prior to the acquisition in 2010, NovaGold held an initial option from 2004 to earn a 51% interest in the property which was terminated upon entering into the purchase and sale agreement. All historical spending prior to April 30, 2012, was funded by NovaGold.

Going concern

These financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which assumes that the Company will be able to realize its assets and discharge its liabilities in the normal course of business. As at February 28, 2015, the Company had consolidated cash of $4.0 million and working capital of $3.7 million. Substantial doubt exists as to the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern as the operating activities of the Company are dependent on its ability to obtain additional financing. The Company will need to raise additional funds to continue operations and to support further exploration and development of its projects and administration expenses. Future financings are anticipated through equity financing, debt financing, convertible debt, or other means. There is no assurance that the Company will be successful in obtaining additional financing, that sufficient funds will be available to the Company, or be available on favourable terms. Factors that could affect the availability of financing include fluctuations in the Company's share price, the state of international debt and equity markets, investor perceptions and expectations, global financial and metals markets, and progress on the Company's exploration properties. These financial statements do not reflect the adjustments in the carrying value of the assets and liabilities, the reported expenses, and the balance sheet classifications used that would be necessary if the Company was unable to realize its assets and discharge its liabilities in the normal course of operations. Such adjustments could be material.

Basis of presentation

These consolidated financial statements have been prepared using accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) and include the accounts of NovaCopper and its wholly-owned subsidiary, NovaCopper US. All significant intercompany transactions are eliminated on consolidation. These financial statements were approved by the Company’s Audit Committee on behalf of the Board of Directors for issue on April 8, 2015.

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All figures are in United States dollars unless otherwise noted.

The unaudited interim consolidated financial statements include all adjustments of a normal recurring nature necessary for the fair presentation of our financial position as of February 28, 2015, our results of operations and cash flows for the three months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014. The results of operations for the three months ended February 28, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the year ending November 30, 2015.

As these interim consolidated financial statements do not contain all of the disclosures required by U.S. GAAP for annual financial statements, these unaudited interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the annual financial statements and related notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2014 filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on February 6, 2015.

Recent accounting pronouncements

In June 2014, the FASB issued “Development Stage Entities – Elimination of Certain Financial Reporting Requirements, Including an Amendment to Variable Interest Entities Guidance in Topic 810, Consolidation” (“ASU 2014-10”). ASU 2014-10 eliminates the concept of a development stage entity, of which NovaCopper had been classified. Upon adoption, certain financial reporting disclosures will be eliminated including the presentation of an inception-to-date statement of income and cash flow. ASU 2014-10 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2014. Early adoption of this standard is permitted. The adoption of ASU 2014-10 is expected to have an impact on the disclosure and presentation of our statement of loss and comprehensive loss and the statement of cash flows. As a result of adopting the standard, we will no longer include the cumulative during exploration stage column currently presented on our statement of loss and comprehensive loss and the statement of cash flows. We plan to adopt for our fiscal year ending November 30, 2016.

In August 2014, the FASB issued “Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern” (“ASU 2014-15”). Historically, there has been no guidance in U.S. GAAP about management’s responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern. This update provides the guidance to clarify when and how management should be assessing their ability to continue as a going concern. ASU 2014-15 is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2016. Early adoption of this standard is permitted. We have early adopted this standard for the fiscal year ending November 30, 2015. The adoption of ASU 2014-15 does not have an impact on the frequency with which we conduct going concern assessments and does not result in significant changes to our disclosure of going concern as we previously complied with appropriate guidance issued by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and guidance under U.S. auditing standards.

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8

Mineral property expenses consist of direct drilling, personnel, community, resource reporting and other exploration expenses as outlined above, as well as indirect project support expenses such as fixed wing charters, helicopter support, fuel, and other camp operation costs. Cumulative mineral properties expense from the initial earn-in agreement on the property in 2004 to February 28, 2015 is $54.1 million.

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At February 28, 2015, accrued salaries and vacation included $351,500 of accrued and unpaid bonuses relating to services provided by officers during the year ended November 30, 2013 which is payable at the time certain conditions are met.

Authorized:
     unlimited common shares, no par value

On April 30, 2012 (the “Effective Date”), under the Plan of Arrangement, NovaGold distributed its interest in NovaCopper to the shareholders of NovaGold on the basis that each shareholder received one share in NovaCopper for every six shares of NovaGold held on the record date. NovaCopper committed to issue up to 6,181,352 common shares to satisfy holders of NovaGold warrants (“NovaGold Warrants”), performance share units (“NovaGold PSUs”) and deferred share units (“NovaGold DSUs”) on record as of the close of business April 27, 2012 on the same basis as NovaGold shareholders under the Plan of Arrangement. When a warrant is exercised or a unit becomes vested, NovaCopper has committed to deliver one common share to the holder for every six shares of NovaGold the holder is entitled to receive, rounded down to the nearest whole number. An amount of $12.2 million was recorded in contributed surplus representing a pro-rated amount of the historical NovaGold investment based on the fully diluted number of common shares at the Effective Date.

As of February 28, 2015, 20,685 NovaGold DSUs remain outstanding, which will settle upon the retirement of each respective NovaGold director.

(a) Stock options

During the period ended February 28, 2015, 1,620,000 options (February 28, 2014 – nil options) at a weighted-average exercise price of CAD$0.62 were granted to employees, consultants and directors exercisable for a period of five years with various vesting terms between nil and two years. The weighted-average fair value attributable to options granted in the period was $0.21.

For the period ended February 28, 2015, NovaCopper recognized a stock-based compensation charge of $0.28 million (February 28, 2014 – $0.09 million) for options granted to directors, employees and services providers, net of forfeitures.

The fair value of the stock options recognized in the period has been estimated using an option pricing model.

Assumptions used in the pricing model for the period are as provided below.

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The Black-Scholes model requires the input of highly subjective assumptions.

As of February 28, 2015, there were 1,378,342 non-vested options outstanding with a weighted average exercise price of $0.75; the non-vested stock option expense not yet recognized was $0.3 million, and this expense is expected to be recognized over the next two years.

A summary of the Company’s stock option plan and changes during the period ended is as follows:

The following table summarizes information about the stock options outstanding at February 28, 2015.

The aggregate intrinsic value of vested share options (the market value less the exercise price) at February 28, 2015 was $nil (February 28, 2014 - $0.01 million).

(b) NovaGold Arrangement Options

Under the Plan of Arrangement, holders of NovaGold stock options received one option in NovaCopper for every six options held in NovaGold (“NovaGold Arrangement Options”). The exercise price of the options in NovaCopper was determined based on the relative fair values of NovaCopper and NovaGold based on the volume weighted-average trading prices on the Toronto Stock Exchange for the five trading days commencing on the sixth trading day following the Effective Date. All other terms of the options remained the same. A total of 2,189,040 options to acquire NovaCopper shares were granted under the Plan of Arrangement on April 30, 2012. No stock options granted by NovaGold after the Effective Date are subject to the Plan of Arrangement. The fair value of the NovaGold Arrangement Options was estimated using an option pricing model at a weighted average fair value of $1.74 in 2012.

For the period ended February 28, 2015, NovaCopper recognized a stock-based compensation charge of $nil (February 28, 2014 - $0.09 million) for NovaGold Arrangement Options, net of forfeitures.

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A summary of the NovaGold Arrangement Options and changes during the period ended is as follows:

The following table summarizes information about the NovaGold Arrangement Options outstanding February 28, 2015.

The aggregate intrinsic value of vested NovaGold Arrangement Options (the market value less the exercise price) at February 28, 2015 was $nil (February 28, 2014 - $nil).

As of February 28, 2015, there were 5,556 non-vested NovaGold Arrangement Options outstanding with a weighted average exercise price of CAD$3.36; the remaining non-vested stock options vested in March 2015 and all expense has been recognized.

(c) Restricted Share Units and Deferred Share Units

All non-executive directors have elected to receive 50% of their annual retainer in DSUs for the 2015 fiscal year.

A summary of the Company’s unit plans and changes during the year ended is as follows:

For the three months ended February 28, 2015, NovaCopper recognized a stock-based compensation charge of $3,000 (February 28, 2014 - $0.1 million), net of forfeitures.

The Company is exposed to a variety of risks arising from financial instruments. These risks and management’s objectives, policies and procedures for managing these risks are disclosed as follows.

The Company’s financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, deposits, and accounts payable and accrued liabilities. The fair value of accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximates their carrying value due to the short-term nature of their maturity. All of the Company’s financial instruments are initially measured at fair value and then held at amortized cost.

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Financial risk management

The Company’s activities expose them to certain financial risks, including currency risk, credit risk, liquidity risk, interest risk and price risk.

Currency risk is the risk of a fluctuation in financial asset and liability settlement amounts due to a change in foreign exchange rates. The Company operates in the United States and Canada with some expenses incurred in Canadian dollars. The Company’s exposure is limited to cash of CAD$71,000, accounts receivable of CAD$20,000 and accounts payable of CAD$156,000. Based on a 10% change in the US-Canadian exchange rate, assuming all other variables remain constant, the Company’s net loss would change by approximately $5,000.

Credit risk is the risk of an unexpected loss if a customer or third party to a financial instrument fails to meet its contractual obligations. The Company holds cash and cash equivalents with Canadian Chartered financial institutions which are comprised of cash and money market accounts. The Company’s accounts receivable consist of GST receivable from the Federal Government of Canada and receivables due for services provided to other parties. The Company’s exposure to credit risk is equal to the balance of cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable as recorded in the financial statements.

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will encounter difficulties raising funds to meet its financial obligations as they fall due. The Company is in the exploration stage and does not have cash inflows from operations; therefore, the Company manages liquidity risk through the management of its capital structure and financial leverage as outlined in notes 1 and 7 to the consolidated financial statements.

Contractually obligated cash flow requirements as at February 28, 2015 are as follows.

Interest rate risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market interest rates. The Company holds excess cash balances in money market funds which limits the risk of loss due to interest rate changes to $nil.

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On January 25, 2013, the Company entered into a commitment to lease office space effective May 1, 2013 for a On January 25, 2013, the Company entered into a commitment to lease office space effective May 1, 2013 for a period of four years. The future minimum lease payments as at the period ended are approximately as follows.

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Cautionary notes

Forward-looking statements

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis contains “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and other applicable securities laws. These forward-looking statements may include statements regarding perceived merit of properties, exploration results and budgets, mineral reserves and resource estimates, work programs, capital expenditures, operating costs, cash flow estimates, production estimates and similar statements relating to the economic viability of a project, timelines, strategic plans, including the Company’s plans and expectations relating to its Upper Kobuk Mineral Projects, completion of transactions, market prices for precious and base metals, or other statements that are not statements of fact. These statements relate to analyses and other information that are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management. Statements concerning mineral resource estimates may also be deemed to constitute “forward-looking statements” to the extent that they involve estimates of the mineralization that will be encountered if the property is developed.

Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, identified by words or phrases such as “expects”, “is expected”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “plans”, “projects”, “estimates”, “assumes”, “intends”, “strategy”, “goals”, “objectives”, “potential”, “possible” or variations thereof or stating that certain actions, events, conditions or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “should”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative of any of these terms and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements are based on a number of material assumptions, including those listed below, which could prove to be significantly incorrect:

Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation:

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This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of the Company’s forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements about the future and are inherently uncertain, and actual achievements of the Company or other future events or conditions may differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements due to a variety of risks, uncertainties and other factors, including, without limitation, those referred to in NovaCopper’s Form 10-K dated February 5, 2015, filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities and the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), and other information released by NovaCopper and filed with the appropriate regulatory agencies.

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The Company’s forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, expectations and opinions of management on the date the statements are made, and the Company does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management’s beliefs, expectations or opinions should change, except as required by law. For the reasons set forth above, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

General

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) of NovaCopper Inc. (“NovaCopper” or “the Company”) is dated April 8, 2015 and provides an analysis of our unaudited interim financial results for the quarter ended February 28, 2015.

The following information should be read in conjunction with our February 28, 2015 unaudited interim consolidated financial statements and related notes which were prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”). All amounts are in United States dollars unless otherwise stated.

Erin Workman, P.Geo., an employee and Director, Technical Services, is a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“NI 43-101”), and has approved the scientific and technical information in this MD&A.

NovaCopper’s shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”) and the NYSE-MKT under the symbol “NCQ”. Additional information related to NovaCopper, including our annual report on Form 10-K, is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov.

Description of business

We are a base metals exploration company focused on exploring and developing the Ambler mining district located in Alaska, U.S.A. We conduct our operations through a wholly-owned subsidiary, NovaCopper US Inc. (“NovaCopper US”). Our Upper Kobuk Mineral Projects, or UKMP Projects, consist of: i) the 100% owned Ambler lands which host the Arctic copper-zinc-lead-gold-silver Project; and ii) the Bornite lands being explored under a collaborative long-term agreement with NANA Regional Corporation, Inc. (“NANA”), a regional Alaska Native Corporation, which host the Bornite carbonate-hosted copper Project.

Recent activities

Upper Kobuk Mineral Projects

We plan to advance the Arctic deposit to feasibility over a two to three year period for a total investment of approximately $20 million. Subject to the availability of capital, we plan to invest approximately $8 to $10 million during the 2015 field season, mainly for in-fill drilling of the Arctic in-pit inferred resources to improve confidence level to measured and indicated and to collect Arctic in-pit geotechnical and metallurgical data. Funds will also be utilized for environmental and engineering studies to gather information in preparation for a feasibility study. We also plan to advance assessment work at Bornite; specifically we plan to evaluate potential synergies between the Arctic Project and Bornite Project as well as opportunities to extend the potential mine life of the UKMP Projects and the Ambler mining district.

During the first quarter of 2015, we continued to focus efforts on supporting the Alaska Industrial Development Export Authority (“AIDEA”) in working towards drafting the Environmental Impact Statement (“EIS”) as prescribed under the National Environmental Policy Act process to permit the Ambler Mining District Industrial Access Road (“AMDIAR”). The AMDIAR is anticipated to provide access to the Ambler mining district and our UKMP Projects. The Consolidated Right of Way application document is substantially complete. In the first quarter of 2015, the United States Army Corps of Engineers (“USACE”) selected HDR, Inc. as the third party environmental engineer to manage the EIS process on behalf of the USACE. In light of the recent drop in oil prices, the Government of Alaska is reviewing all spending across all State of Alaska entities. We anticipate the permitting process will continue and expect to be able to provide an update in the second quarter of 2015.

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With our emphasis on local hiring, we continue to work closely with NANA on oversight of the project, community relations and workforce development strategies.

We do not currently generate operating cash flows. At February 28, 2015, we had cash and cash equivalents of $4.0 million and working capital of $3.7 million. We will need to raise additional funds to continue operations and to support further exploration and development of our projects and administration expenses within the next twelve months. Future financings are anticipated through equity financing, debt financing, convertible debt, or other means. There is no assurance that we will be successful in obtaining additional financing, that sufficient funds will be available to us, or be available on favourable terms.

Long-term incentives

On December 5, 2014, the Board of Directors approved a grant of 1,620,000 stock options to employees and directors.

Property review

Our principal assets, the UKMP Projects, are located in the Ambler mining district in Northwest Alaska. Our UKMP Projects comprise approximately 352,943 acres (142,831 hectares) consisting of the Ambler and Bornite lands.

Arctic Project

The Ambler lands, which host a number of deposits, including the high-grade copper-zinc-lead-gold-silver Arctic Project, and other mineralized targets within a 100 kilometer long volcanogenic massive sulfide (“VMS”) belt, were purchased in 2010 and 100% owned by NovaCopper US. The Ambler lands are located in Northwestern Alaska and consist of 112,058 acres (45,348 hectares) of federal patented mining claims and State of Alaska mining claims, within which VMS mineralization has been found.

We have recorded the Ambler lands as a mineral property with acquisition costs capitalized and exploration costs expensed in accordance with our accounting policies. As a result of the spin-out of NovaCopper from NovaGold Resources Inc. (“NovaGold”), the interim consolidated financial statements have been presented under the continuity of interest basis of accounting whereby the amounts are based on the amounts originally recorded by NovaGold as if we had held the property from inception.

Bornite Project

On October 19, 2011, NovaCopper US and NANA signed a collaborative agreement to explore and develop the Ambler mining district. Under the Exploration Agreement and Option to Lease (the “NANA Agreement”), NovaCopper US acquired the exclusive right to explore the Bornite property and lands deeded to NANA through the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (“ANCSA”), located adjacent to the Arctic Project, and the non-exclusive right to access and entry onto NANA’s lands. The agreement establishes a framework for any future development of either the Bornite Project or the Arctic Project. Both projects are included as part of a larger area of interest set forth in the NANA Agreement.

As consideration, NovaCopper paid $4.0 million to NANA upon signing the NANA agreement and gave NANA the right to appoint a member to NovaCopper’s board of directors within a five year period following our public listing on a stock exchange. NANA has not exercised their right to appoint a board member at this time. Upon the decision to proceed with development of a mine within the area of interest, NANA has a 120 day one time right to purchase an ownership interest in the mine equal to between 16%-25% or retain a 15% net proceeds royalty which is payable after NovaCopper has recovered certain historical costs, capital and cost of capital. Should NANA elect to purchase an ownership interest in the mine, consideration will be payable based on the elected percentage purchased and the costs incurred on the properties less $40.0 million, not to be less than zero. The parties would form a joint venture and be responsible for all future costs incurred in connection with the mine, including capital costs of the mine, based on each party’s pro-rata share. The completion of the agreement with NANA creates a total land package which incorporates our Ambler lands with the adjacent Bornite and ANCSA lands for a total of approximately 352,943 acres (142,831 hectares).

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NANA would also be granted a net smelter return royalty between 1% and 2.5% upon the execution of a mining lease or a surface use agreement, the amount of which is determined by the particular area of land from which production originates.

We have accounted for the Bornite property as a mineral property with acquisition costs capitalized and exploration costs expensed.

Summary of results

For the three months ended February 28, 2015, NovaCopper reported a net loss of $1.5 million (or $0.03 basic and diluted loss per common share) compared to a net loss of $2.6 million for the corresponding period in 2014 (or $0.05 basic and diluted loss per common share). This variance was primarily due to a decrease in professional fees, salaries and mineral property expenses offset by an increase in stock-based compensation expense. We incurred $0.2 million in professional fees for the three months ended February 28, 2015 compared to $0.7 million for the three months ended February 28, 2014. The significant decrease in professional fees is related to financing activities as we filed a preliminary prospectus supplement in February 2014 incurring financing and prospectus-related costs during the three months ended February 28, 2014. There was no similar charge in professional fees during the three months ended February 28, 2015. Salaries expense decreased to $0.3 million for the three months ended February 28, 2015 from $0.6 million for the three months ended February 28, 2014 from a reduced number of employees in the corporate office. Mineral property expenses also decreased by $0.3 million due to a reduced number of project staff and less engineering consulting expenses incurred. For the comparable period in 2014, we were engaged in the update to the Bornite Project resource estimate involving technical and engineering consulting for which there are no comparable costs in the first quarter of 2015. Offsetting the decrease in expenses is an increase in non-cash stock-based compensation charge of $0.3 million for the three months ended February 28, 2015 compared to $0.1 million in the corresponding period in 2014. Total stock-based compensation expense recognized for the three months ended February 28, 2015 included 1.6 million options granted to directors, employees and services providers under the NovaCopper stock option plan with no similar grant in the first quarter of 2014.

Other differences in the three months ended February 28, 2015 compared to the three months ended February 28, 2014 resulted from a reduction in amortization expenses and general and administrative expenses. For the three months ended February 28, 2015, we reported amortization expenses of $0.1 million compared to $0.3 million for the corresponding period in 2014 due to the timing of capital asset purchases and resulting amortization. General and administrative expense for the three months ended February 28, 2015 were $0.4 million, a small decrease from the comparable quarter in 2014 due to continued cost reduction efforts and lower project activity.

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Selected financial data

Quarterly information

The following unaudited quarterly information is prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP

Factors that can cause fluctuations in our quarterly results include the length of the exploration field season at the properties, the type of program conducted, stock option vesting, and issuance of shares.

During the second quarter of 2013, we incurred mineral property expenses of $2.2 million consisting of the start-up of the field season in May and continuation of engineering studies. We also incurred expenses of $2.0 million in stock-based compensation due to the expense being recorded evenly over the vesting period of previously granted stock options and RSUs. During the third quarter of 2013, mineral property expenses of $4.7 million were recorded as the majority of the exploration program was conducted during the quarter. During the fourth quarter of 2013, stock-based compensation of $1.4 million was recorded due to an acceleration of expense as a result of the cancelling of 5,710,000 stock options during the period. All expense for unvested options was accelerated and included in the fourth quarter of 2013. During the first quarter of 2014, we incurred $0.1 million of stock-based compensation expense due to the prior acceleration of expense in the fourth quarter of 2013. As a result, our loss for the first quarter ended February 28, 2014 is significantly reduced. During the second quarter of 2014, we incurred $0.5 million in mineral property expenses as our field season start-up in 2014 occurred in July, later than in previous years. As a result, no field season activity costs were incurred in the second quarter of 2014 resulting in a significantly reduced loss of $2.1 million for the second quarter of 2014 compared to previous second quarter losses. During the third quarter of 2014, we incurred mineral property expenses of $0.8 million due to a reduced field season program resulting in a significantly reduced loss of $2.9 million compared to previous third quarter losses. We also incurred a one-time severance cost of $1.5 million relating to staff reductions. During the fourth quarter of 2014, we incurred $0.6 million of mineral property expenses mainly related to assaying costs incurred for the 2014 field program. Our net loss for the fourth quarter of 2014 of $2.0 million is reduced from the fourth quarter net loss of 2013 of $4.9 million mainly due to lower salaries and general and administrative expenses and a high stock-based compensation charge in 2013. Our loss for the first quarter ended February 28, 2015 is significantly reduced compared to the first quarter ended February 28, 2014 due to reduced professional fees, salaries and mineral property expenses. During the first quarter of 2015, we incurred mineral property expense of $0.3 million mainly on community support and project staff salaries as our field season this year is expected to start up early in the third quarter. We also incurred $0.3 million in stock-based compensation expense to recognize the vesting of stock options and deferred shares units (“DSUs”) during the first quarter of 2015.

Our properties are not yet in production; consequently, we believe that our loss (and consequent loss per common share) is not a primary concern to investors in the Company.

Liquidity and capital resources

At February 28, 2015, we had $4.0 million in cash and cash equivalents. We expended $1.1 million on operating activities during the three month period ended February 28, 2015, compared with expenditures of $2.1 million for operating activities for the same period in 2014. The majority of cash spent on operating activities during both periods was expended on mineral property expenses, general and administrative, and salaries. A proportion of the decrease in cash spent in the three months ended February 28, 2015 was also due to a reduction in GST and other accounts receivable. We received a previously recorded expat tax receivable of $0.1 million during the three month period ended February 28, 2015 for which no similar cash was received for the three months ended February 28, 2014.

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During the three month period ended February 28, 2015, we received no cash from financing activities compared to $0.02 million in cash from proceeds received from the exercise of NovaGold arrangement options in the same period in 2014. During the three month period ended February 28, 2015 and the three month period ended February 28, 2014, we expended no cash on investing activities.

Based on our current commitments, we will need to raise additional funds to support further exploration of our projects and administration expenses. Substantial doubt exists as to our ability to continue as a going concern as our operating activities are dependent on our ability to obtain additional financing. Future financings are anticipated through equity financing, debt financing, convertible debt, or other means. There is no assurance that the Company will be successful in obtaining additional financing, that sufficient funds will be available to the Company, or be available on favourable terms in the future. Factors that could affect the availability of financing include fluctuations in the Company's share price, the state of international debt and equity markets, investor perceptions and expectations, global financial and metals markets, and progress on the Company's exploration properties.

Contractual obligations

Contractual obligated undiscounted cash flow requirements as at February 28, 2015 are as follows.

Off-balance sheet arrangements

We have no material off-balance sheet arrangements. On January 25, 2013, we entered into a commitment to lease office space effective May 1, 2013 for a period of four years with a remaining total commitment of $0.4 million.

Outstanding share data

At April 8, 2015, we had 60,633,701 common shares issued and outstanding. At April 8, 2015, we had 6,521,740 warrants with a weighted-average exercise price of $1.60, 3,161,666 stock options with a weighted-average exercise price of $0.75, 546,771 NovaGold arrangement options with a weighted-average exercise price of $5.07, 912,417 DSUs, and 20,685 NovaGold DSUs for which the holder is entitled to receive one common share for every six NovaGold shares received outstanding.

New accounting pronouncements

Unless otherwise noted, the following revised standards and amendments are effective for annual periods beginning on or after December 1, 2014, or as noted. We are continuing to assess the impact of these standards and amendments or have determined whether we will early adopt them, as noted.

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ASU 2014-10 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2014. Early adoption of this standard is permitted. The adoption of ASU 2014-10 is expected to have an impact on the disclosure and presentation of our statement of loss and comprehensive loss and the statement of cash flows. As a result of adopting the standard, we will no longer include the cumulative during exploration stage column currently presented on our statement of loss and comprehensive loss and the statement of cash flows. We plan to adopt for our fiscal year ending November 30, 2016.

Critical accounting estimates

The most critical accounting estimates upon which our financial status depends are those requiring estimates of the recoverability of our capitalized mineral properties, impairment of long-lived assets and valuation of stock-based compensation.

Mineral properties and development costs

All direct costs related to the acquisition of mineral property interests are capitalized. The acquisition of title to mineral properties is a complicated and uncertain process. The Company has taken steps, in accordance with industry standards, to verify the title to mineral properties in which it has an interest. Although the Company has made efforts to ensure that legal titles to its mining assets are properly recorded, there can be no assurance that such titles will be secured indefinitely.

Impairment of long-lived assets

Management assesses the possibility of impairment in the carrying value of its long-lived assets whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of the asset or asset group may not be recoverable. Significant estimates are made in assessing the possibility of impairment. Management considers several factors in considering if an indicator of impairment has occurred, including but not limited to, indications of value from external sources, significant changes in the legal, business or regulatory environment, and adverse changes in the use or physical condition of the asset. These factors are subjective and require consideration at each period end. If an indicator of impairment is determined to exist, management calculates the estimated undiscounted future net cash flows relating to the asset or asset group using estimated future prices, mineral resources, and operating, capital and reclamation costs. When the carrying value of an asset exceeds the related undiscounted cash flows, the asset is written down to its estimated fair value, which is usually determined using discounted future cash flows. Management’s estimates of mineral prices, mineral resources, foreign exchange, production levels and operating capital and reclamation costs are subject to risk and uncertainties that may affect the determination of the recoverability of the long-lived asset.

Stock-based compensation

Compensation expense for options granted to employees, directors and certain service providers is determined based on estimated fair values of the options at the time of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, which takes into account, as of the grant date, the fair market value of the shares, expected volatility, expected life, expected forfeiture rate, expected dividend yield and the risk-free interest rate over the expected life of the option.

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The use of the Black-Scholes option pricing model requires input estimation of the expected life of the option, volatility, and forfeiture rate which can have a significant impact on the valuation model, and resulting expense recorded.

Risk factors

NovaCopper and its future business, operations and financial condition are subject to various risks and uncertainties due to the nature of its business and the present stage of exploration of its mineral properties. Certain of these risks and uncertainties are under the heading “Risk Factors” under NovaCopper’s Form 10-K dated February 5, 2015, available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and EDGAR at www.sec.gov and on our website at www.novacopper.com.

Additional information

Additional information regarding the Company, including our annual report on Form 10-K, is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and EDGAR at www.sec.gov and on our website at www.novacopper.com.

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Our financial instruments are exposed to certain financial risks, including currency risk, credit risk, liquidity risk, interest risk and price risk. Our financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, deposits, and accounts payable and accrued liabilities. Our instruments are held in the normal course to meet daily operating and cash flow needs of the business. The fair value of accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximates their carrying value due to the short-term nature of their maturity. All of our financial instruments are initially measured at fair value and then held at amortized cost.

Currency risk is the risk of a fluctuation in financial asset and liability settlement amounts due to a change in foreign exchange rates. We operate in the United States and Canada with some expenses incurred in Canadian dollars. Our exposure is limited to cash of CAD$71,000, accounts receivable of CAD$20,000 and accounts payable of CAD$156,000. Based on a 10% change in the US Canadian exchange rate, assuming all other variables remain constant, the Company’s net loss would change by approximately $5,000.

Credit risk is the risk of an unexpected loss if a customer or third party to a financial instrument fails to meet its contractual obligations. We hold cash and cash equivalents with Canadian Chartered financial institutions which are comprised of financial instruments issued by Canadian banks. Our accounts receivable consist of GST receivable from the Federal Government of Canada and receivables due for services provided to other parties. Our exposure to credit risk is equal to the balance of cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable as recorded in the financial statements.

Liquidity risk is the risk that we will encounter difficulties raising funds to meet our financial obligations as they fall due. We are in the exploration stage and do not have cash inflows from operations; therefore, we manage our liquidity risk through the management of our capital structure and financial leverage. We will require financing within the next twelve months. Future financings are expected to be obtained through debt financing, equity financing, convertible debt, exercise of options, or other means. Continued operations are dependent on our ability to obtain additional financing or to generate future cash flows. Our contractually obligated cash flow is disclosed under the section titled “Liquidity and capital resources”.

Interest rate risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market interest rates. We hold excess cash balances in money market funds which limits the risk of loss due to interest rate changes to $nil.

As we are currently in the exploration phase none of our financial instruments are exposed to commodity price risk; however, our ability to obtain long-term financing and our economic viability could be affected by commodity price volatility.

Management, with the participation of our President and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act) as of February 28, 2015. On the basis of this review, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that the information we are required to disclose in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC and to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our President and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

There have not been any changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) promulgated by the SEC under the Exchange Act) during the Company’s most recently completed fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

From time to time, we are a party to routine litigation and proceedings that are considered part of the ordinary course of its business. We are not aware of any material current, pending, or threatened litigation.

There have been no material changes to the risk factors set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended November 30, 2014, as filed with the SEC on February 6, 2015. The risk factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended November 30, 2014, in addition to the other information set forth in this quarterly report, could materially affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we deem to be immaterial could also materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

None.

None.

These disclosures are not applicable to us.

None.

Exhibits

See Exhibit Index.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

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EXHIBIT INDEX

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