VISTA GOLD CORP - Quarter Report: 2014 September (Form 10-Q)

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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

 Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

 

For the transition period from              to

          

Commission file number: 001-9025

 

  

 

VISTA GOLD CORP.

 (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

 

 

(720) 981-1185

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, including Area Code)

 

Indicate by checkmark 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 ☒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 (§ 229.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes ☒No □

 

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

      Large Accelerated Filer □  Accelerated Filer ☒  Non-Accelerated Filer □Smaller Reporting Company  □

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practical date: 82,275,217 common shares, without par value, outstanding as of October 27, 2014.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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VISTA GOLD CORP. 

(An Exploration Stage Enterprise) 

FORM 10-Q 

For the Quarter Ended September 30, 2014 

INDEX  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Approved by the Board of Directors

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

 

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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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1. Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation

 

Vista Gold Corp. and its subsidiaries (collectively, “Vista,” the “Company,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) are engaged in the gold mining industry. We are focused on the evaluation, acquisition, exploration and advancement of gold exploration and potential development projects, which may lead to gold production or value adding strategic transactions such as earn-in right agreements, option agreements, leases to third parties, joint venture arrangements with other mining companies, or outright sales of assets for cash and/or other consideration.  We look for opportunities to improve the value of our gold projects through exploration drilling and/or technical studies focused on optimizing previous engineering work. 

 

Our principal asset is our flagship Mt Todd gold project in Northern Territory (“NT”), Australia. We also hold 11.2% of the outstanding common shares in the capital of Midas Gold Corp. (“Midas Gold Shares”), non-core projects in Mexico and the United States, and royalty interests in projects in Bolivia and Indonesia. 

 

The interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (“interim statements”) of the Company are unaudited. In the opinion of management, all adjustments and disclosures necessary for a fair presentation of these interim statements have been included. The results reported in these interim statements are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be reported for the entire year. These interim statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2013 filed March 17, 2014 on Form 10-K. The year-end balance sheet data was derived from the audited financial statements and, in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q, certain information and footnote disclosures required by United States generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted. 

 

References to C$ refer to Canadian currency, A$ to Australian currency and $ to United States currency.

 

2. Liquidity

 

These interim statements have been prepared on a going concern basis under which an entity is considered to be able to realize its assets and satisfy its liabilities in the normal course of business. The continuing viability of the Company is dependent upon our ability to secure sufficient funding and ultimately to generate future profits from operations.  The underlying value and recoverability of the amounts shown as mineral properties, plant and equipment, assets held for sale, investments and other property interests in the condensed consolidated balance sheets are also dependent on our ability to continue to fund exploration and development activities that could lead to profitable production or proceeds from the disposition of these assets.  There can be no assurance that we will be successful in disposing of these assets, securing additional funding on terms acceptable to us or at all, or developing profitable operations in the future.  These interim statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification of recorded assets or liabilities which might be necessary should we not be able to continue as a going concern.

 

The Company’s cash burn rate has been dramatically reduced since 2013 ($5,511 compared to $21,476 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively) as several cash intensive programs at the Mt Todd gold project such as water treatment, preparation and submission of a final environmental impact statement, and preparation of the preliminary feasibility study have been completed. In addition, since 2013 several significant cost cutting measures were introduced, including a reduction of management positions, reductions in cash compensation for executives, senior management and the Company’s Board of Directors, and the delay or elimination of discretionary programs, including exploration activities. The Company remains committed to continued cost reduction efforts where appropriate taking into consideration our safety, regulatory and environmental responsibilities; however, the magnitude of future cost cuts is expected to diminish from 2014 levels. 

 

The Government of the Northern Territory of Australia  (the “NT Government”) has committed to non-recourse funding for the first year of a proposed multi-year program with the objective of reducing the inventory of acidic metalliferous water at the Mt Todd site by 70%.  The Company is currently working with the NT Government on detailed plans and budgets for the execution of this work.  The scope of the initial program to be funded by the NT Government between now and approximately the end of July 2015 includes the imminent start of additional water treatment, which is to be followed by the discharge of remediated water in accordance with the applicable permits, subsequent environmental monitoring, analysis and reporting, and evaluations designed to aid in the definition of the scope of work for subsequent years’ programs. The NT Government’s funding mitigates the Company’s risk of incurring material unexpected environmental expenditures through 2015. 

 

We expect our Company-wide cash burn rate to average $1,500 to $1,750 per quarter through 2015, assuming a normal 2014-2015 wet season in the NT.  We believe our current cash position will be sufficient to fund the Company well into the second quarter of 2015, at which time the Company will need additional funding.  

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Our sources of financing include the $500 option payment which we expect to receive when due, in January pursuant to the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project option agreement with Cangold Limited (Note 5).  In addition, we will continue to seek additional financing with priority given to non-dilutive sources such as the sale of our used mill equipment and other non-core assets. There can be no assurance that we will receive the payments from Cangold Limited or be able to timely monetize our mill equipment or other non-core assets at a value acceptable to us or at all. If  sufficient capital is not available from these sources,  we believe that the Company’s ‘other investments’ (Note 4) which could be liquidated after February 15, 2015, could provide access to sufficient funding for us to operate well into 2016.  

 

A recent announcement, subsequent to period end, by Invecture Group, S.A. de C.V. (“Invecture”) has introduced substantial doubt that we will receive the $6,000 payment in January 2015 related to the 2013 sale of the Los Cardones gold project (Note5).  Our financing plans as discussed above do not currently include future proceeds from the sale of the Los Cardones gold project. 

 

3. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

Elimination of Certain Financial Reporting Requirements, Including an Amendment to Variable Interest Entities Guidance in Topic 810, Consolidation

 

In June 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance related to financial statement presentation for development stage enterprises. The standard removes the definition of a development stage entity from the Master Glossary of the Accounting Standards Codification, thereby removing the financial reporting distinction between development stage entities and other reporting entities from U.S. GAAP. In addition, the standard eliminates the requirements for development stage entities to (1) present inception-to-date information in the statements of income, cash flows, and shareholder equity, (2) label the financial statements as those of a development stage entity, (3) disclose a description of the development stage activities in which the entity is engaged, and (4) disclose in the first year in which the entity is no longer a development stage entity that in prior years it had been in the development stage. The standard is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2014, and interim periods therein, with early adoption permitted. As a result, we adopted this standard as of June 30, 2014 and eliminated since inception information from our financial statements.  

 

Presentation of Financial Statements - Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40)

 

In August 2014, the FASB issued guidance related to financial statement presentation regarding disclosures about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern.  The new guidance addresses management’s responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. Management’s evaluation should be based on relevant conditions and events that are known and reasonably knowable at the date that the financial statements are issued. The standard is effective for the first interim period within annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. We do not expect to early adopt this guidance and do not believe that the adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on our financial statements.

 

4. Other Investments

 

Midas Gold Corp. Combination 

 

In April 2011, Vista completed a combination with Midas Gold, Inc. (the “Combination”), creating Midas Gold Corp., whereby Vista was issued 30,402,615 Midas Gold Shares. Concurrently with the Combination, we purchased 1,400,000 Midas Gold Shares for an aggregate purchase price of $3,632 as part of a private placement. Following completion of these transactions, Vista held a total of 31,802,615 Midas Gold Shares representing 24.9% of the Midas Gold Shares outstanding as of December 31, 2013.

 

During February 2014, we sold 16,000,000 Midas Gold Shares, for gross proceeds of C$12,800 ($11,640), reducing the total Midas Gold Shares we own to 15,802,615 or approximately 11.2% of the Midas Gold Shares outstanding, on a non-dilutive basis, as of September 30, 2014. This sale resulted in a realized gain on other investments of $155 based on the realized value at the time of the sale compared to the fair value of the Midas Gold Shares at December 31, 2013, less costs to sell.

 

In addition, during February 2014, we entered into a lockup agreement whereby we agreed not to sell any of our remaining Midas Gold Shares until after February 15, 2015.

 

Upon initial recognition of its investment in the Midas Gold Shares, Vista elected to apply the fair value option, and as such, the investment is recorded at fair value in the  Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Subsequent changes in fair value are recorded in

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the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income/(Loss) and Comprehensive Income/(Loss) in the period in which they occur. 

 

The following table summarizes our investment in Midas Gold Shares as at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.

 

 

 

In 2014, we reclassified our investment in Midas Gold Shares from non-current assets to current assets as the shares were no longer subject to a pledge as debt security (Note 7).   The change in the presentation of the Company’s current and non-current deferred tax balances during 2014 is primarily attributable to the re-classification, from non-current to current, of U.S. deferred tax liabilities associated with our investment in Midas Gold Shares.  The classification of the deferred tax balances was also impacted by the sale of a portion of our Midas Gold Shares, as discussed above.  The sale of Midas Gold Shares by us resulted in a reduction of current deferred tax assets for U.S. net operating loss carry forwards and of non-current U.S. deferred tax liabilities associated with our Midas Gold Shares investment.

 

As we elected the fair value method to account for our investment in Midas Gold Shares, we are required to provide summarized information for the period in which we held a greater than 20% interest in the outstanding Midas Gold Shares.  As a result, summarized financial information for Midas Gold as of December 31, 2013 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, which are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards is as follows.    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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5.  Mineral Properties

 

 

Proceeds received less costs associated with the transactions discussed below are applied to the capitalized cost basis of the respective project until the cost basis is depleted to zero. At that point, net proceeds received will be recorded as gain/(loss) on disposal of mineral properties in the condensed consolidated statement of income/loss.

 

Guadalupe de los Reyes Gold/Silver Project, Sinaloa, Mexico

 

During January 2014, we signed a non-binding letter of intent (the “LOI”) to option our interest in the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project in Sinaloa, Mexico to Cangold Limited (“Cangold”). 

 

The LOI provided that a non-refundable $50 payment be made to Vista for which Cangold would have a 90 day period of exclusivity to complete due diligence and negotiate and enter into a definitive option agreement with Vista (the “Option Agreement”).

 

During April 2014, Minera Gold Stake S.A. de C.V. (“MGS”), Vista’s wholly-owned subsidiary, entered into the Option Agreement to option its interest in the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project in Sinaloa, Mexico to Cangold.

 

Pursuant to the terms of the Option Agreement, Vista has granted Cangold the right to earn a 70% interest in the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project by:

 

The Option Agreement provides that all cash payments are non-refundable and optional to Cangold, and in the event Cangold fails to pay any of the required amounts on the scheduled dates or fails to comply with its other obligations, the Option Agreement will terminate and Cangold will have no interest in the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project. Provided it is not in breach of the Option Agreement, Cangold may at its discretion advance the above payment schedule and exercise the initial option for a 70% interest in the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project any time during the three-year period.

 

Subject to Cangold earning a 70% interest in the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project, MGS has granted Cangold the option to earn the remaining 30% interest in the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project by notifying MGS of a production decision no later than the tenth anniversary of exercising the first option and by making a cash payment to MGS of $3,000 plus an additional cash payment based on a formula that includes the growth, if any, in estimated measured and indicated mineral resources of the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project, and the then prevailing spot gold price (“Escalator Payment”). 

 

Should Cangold determine not to put the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project into production, the Option Agreement provides MGS with the right to buy back Cangold’s 70% interest in the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project for a cash payment of $5,000 plus the Escalator Payment described above.  If MGS does not exercise its buyback option, MGS will still retain a right of first refusal should Cangold elect to sell its 70% interest in the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project to a third party.      

 

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Los Cardones

 

In October 2013, we sold our 100% debt and equity participation in the Los Cardones gold project located in Baja California Sur, Mexico (“Los Cardones Sale”) to Invecture and RPG Structured Finance S.a.r.l. (together the “Purchasers”) for a total of $13,000  ($7,000 of which was paid in October 2013 and $6,000 of which was payable January 2014 (the “Subsequent Payment”) subject to the Purchasers’ option to elect to not make the Subsequent Payment).  In January 2014, the due date for the Subsequent Payment was extended to July 31, 2014 (the “First Extension”) for additional consideration of $250 payable on July 31, 2014. As a result of permitting delays, we and the Purchasers agreed to an additional extension of the due date of the Subsequent Payment to January 30, 2015 (the “Second Extension”) for additional consideration of $250. The Company received a cash payment of $500 comprising the aggregate consideration for the grant of the First Extension and the Second Extension during August 2014. If the Purchasers elect to not make the Subsequent Payment, we will retain all payments already received and 100% of the Los Cardones gold project will be returned to us.  Subsequent to period end, in October 2014, Invecture announced that the Los Cardones gold project in Baja California Sur, Mexico, has been suspended because the conditions for its development are not favorable at this time.  This announcement has introduced substantial doubt that the Subsequent Payment will be made by January 30, 2015.    

 

6.  Plant and Equipment

 

 

 

During the year ended December 31, 2013, given the relatively weak market conditions in the gold mining sector, and based on an updated independent assessment from a third party, we recorded a Level 3 impairment charge of $3,500 to write-down the value of the mill equipment which is held for sale (Note 11).   

 

7.  Debt

 

During March 2013, the Company entered into a credit agreement with Sprott Resources Lending Partnership (the “Lender”) for purposes of establishing a C$10,000 loan facility (the “2013 Facility”) ($9,637 proceeds net of transaction costs).  The 2013 Facility bore an interest rate of 8% per annum, payable monthly and originally matured March 2014, with early repayment of the 2013 Facility allowed, at the Company’s option, provided that at least four months interest had been paid. In September 2013, the Company and the Lender reached an agreement to extend the maturity date of the 2013 Facility to March 2015.

 

The 2013 Facility was secured by a general security agreement with certain exclusions and conditions with respect to asset dispositions and a pledge of all the Company’s Midas Gold Shares (Note 4). 

 

During February 2014, in accordance with the terms of the 2013 Facility, the Company repaid approximately $5,000 of the 2013 Facility principal then outstanding using proceeds from the sale of Midas Gold Shares (Note 4). During March 2014, we repaid the outstanding principal balance of $1,344 in full.

 

 

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8.  Additional Paid-in Capital

 

 

Warrants 

 

Warrant activity is summarized in the following table: 

 

The 17,311,077 outstanding warrants expire in the following time frames 2,091,275 expire December 2014 and 15,219,802 expire in October 2015.   

 

Stock-Based Compensation

 

Under our Stock Option Plan (the “Plan”) and our Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan (the “LTIP”), we may grant options and/or restricted stock units (“RSUs”) or restricted stock awards (“RSAs”) to our directors, officers, employees and consultants.  The combined maximum number of our Common Shares that may be reserved for issuance under the Plan and the LTIP is a variable number equal to 10% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares on a non-diluted basis.    Options under the Plan are granted from time to time at the discretion of the Board of Directors of the Company (“Board”), with vesting periods and other terms as determined by the Board.  Stock-based compensation expense (benefit) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 is as follows: 

 

 

The restricted stock cost recovery for the three months ended September 30, 2014 is due to the cancellation of RSUs that had been expensed in prior periods but did not satisfy the vesting conditions.  As of September 30, 2014, stock options and RSUs had unrecognized compensation expense of $26 and $1,218, respectively, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 4.25 and 1.63 years, respectively. 

 

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Stock Options

 

A summary of option activity under the Plan as of September 30, 2014 and changes during the period then ended is set forth in the following table: 

 

 

 

A summary of our unvested stock options as of September 30, 2014 and changes during the period then ended is set forth in the following table:

 

 

 

The fair value of stock options granted to employees, directors and consultants was estimated at the grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model using the following assumptions:

 

 

 

 

Option pricing models require the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected price volatility.  Expected price volatility is based on the historical volatility of our common shares.  Changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate.  The expected term of the options granted represents the period of time that the options granted are expected to be outstanding.  The risk-free rate for the periods within the contractual term of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the date of grant.

 

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Restricted Stock Units

 

The following table summarizes the RSU activity under the LTIP as of September 30, 2014 and changes during the years then ended:

 

 

A portion of the RSU awards vest on a fixed future date provided the recipient continues to be affiliated with Vista on that date.  Other RSU awards vest subject to certain performance criteria, including the accomplishment of certain corporate objectives and the Company’s share price performance.  The vesting period for time based RSUs is at least one year. 

 

9.  Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.  Commitments and Contingencies

 

Our exploration and development activities are subject to various laws and regulations governing the protection of the environment. These laws and regulations are continually changing and are generally becoming more restrictive. As such, the future expenditures that may be required for compliance with these laws and regulations cannot be predicted. We conduct our operations to minimize effects on the environment and believe our operations are in compliance with applicable laws and regulations in all material respects.

 

Under our  agreement with the Jawoyn Association Aboriginal Corporation (the  “JAAC”), we must offer the JAAC the opportunity to establish a joint venture with Vista holding 90% and the JAAC holding 10% participating interests, respectively, in the Mt Todd gold project. In addition, the JAAC will be entitled to an annual cash payment, or payment in kind, equal to 1% of the value of the annual gold production from the current mining licenses, and a 1% NSR royalty on other metals, subject to a minimum payment of A$50 per year.

 

11.  Fair Value Accounting

The following table sets forth the Company’s assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis by level within the fair value hierarchy. As required by accounting guidance, assets are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. 

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Our cash equivalent instruments, marketable securities and investment in Midas Gold Shares are classified as Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy as they are valued at quoted market prices in an active market. 

 

The Company incurred a Level 3 impairment loss on the mill equipment (Note 6) for the year ended December 31, 2013. This equipment was valued at $6,500 at December 31, 2013, based on a third party assessment of the projected sale value giving full consideration to current market conditions and an orderly sale process. This valuation was used to determine the Level 3 impairment charge taken in 2013. The mill equipment is categorized as assets held for sale on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

At September 30, 2014, the assets classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy represent 41% of the total assets measured at fair value. There have been no transfers between levels in 2014 nor have there been any changes in valuation techniques.  

 

As of September 30, 2014, the Company also had the Amayapampa interest, comprised of a right to receive an NSR royalty on future gold production, if any, plus certain additional cash payments if the project successfully starts commercial production.  Under certain conditions, Amayapampa is subject to measurement at fair value on a non-recurring basis. Measurement at fair value in subsequent periods will be applicable if Amayapampa is determined to be impaired; however, no triggering events have occurred during the nine months ended September 30, 2014. If an impairment of the Amayapampa interest becomes necessary, such fair value measurement will be determined utilizing Level 3 inputs.

 

12.  Geographic and Segment Information

 

The Company has one reportable operating segment, consisting of evaluation, acquisition, and exploration activities.  We evaluate, acquire, explore and advance gold exploration and potential development projects, which may lead to gold production or value adding strategic transactions.  These activities are focused principally in Australia and North America. We reported no revenues during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.  Geographic location of mineral properties and plant and equipment is provided in Notes 5 and 6, respectively.

 

 

 

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ITEM 2.  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

 

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, and the related notes thereto, which have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”). This discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions.  Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements and information as a result of many factors.  See section heading “Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” below.

 

All dollar amounts stated herein are in U.S. dollars in thousands, except per share amounts and exchange rates unless specified otherwise. References to C$ refer to Canadian currency, A$ to Australian currency and $ to United States currency.

 

Overview

 

Vista Gold Corp. and its subsidiaries (collectively, “Vista,” the “Company,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) are engaged in the gold mining industry. We are focused on the evaluation, acquisition, exploration and advancement of gold exploration and potential development projects, which may lead to gold production or value adding strategic transactions such as earn-in right agreements, option agreements, leases to third parties, joint venture arrangements with other mining companies, or outright sales of assets for cash and/or other consideration.  We look for opportunities to improve the value of our gold projects through exploration drilling and/or technical studies focused on optimizing previous engineering work. 

 

Our principal asset is our flagship Mt Todd gold project in Northern Territory (“NT”), Australia.  We also hold 11.2% of the outstanding common shares in the capital of Midas Gold Corp. (“Midas Gold Shares”), non-core projects in Mexico and the United States, and royalty interests in projects in Bolivia and Indonesia.

 

Outlook

 

We do not currently generate operating cash flows. Our sources of financing in the past have been the issuance of our common shares, debt financing, sale of Midas Gold Shares, and the sale of non-core assets. The prices for gold equities, particularly those with early stage projects, have decreased steadily during the past few years, and capital raising has become more difficult for mining companies which do not have producing assets.  Consequently, raising sufficient amounts of capital on reasonable terms has become increasingly difficult. These conditions are expected to continue for the foreseeable future, and could affect our ability to raise sufficient capital on reasonable terms, if at all. We are committed to ensuring that the Company remains liquid through careful cost management and timely financing with priority given to non-dilutive sources such as the sale of our used mill equipment and monetization of other non-core assets.  However, there can be no assurance that we will be able to timely monetize our non-core assets at a value acceptable to us or at all.

 

Results from Operations

 

Summary

 

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014,  we focused principally on water management and related activities and on advancing the permitting process at our Mt Todd gold project in NT, Australia. In September 2014, we achieved a significant milestone with the successful completion of the Environmental Impact Statement (“EIS”) approval process for the Mt Todd project.    In addition to completing a pre-feasibility study and submitting a final environmental impact statement in the first half of 2013, in the second half of 2013 we introduced a range of cost cutting measures including the elimination of discretionary spending, downsizing the Company and voluntary reductions to cash compensation for senior management and for directors of the Company.    

 

Consolidated net loss for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was $4,908 and $3,027 or $0.06 and $0.04 per share, respectively.  Consolidated net loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was $8,967 and $51,448 or $0.11 and $0.63 per share, respectively.  The principal components of these year-over-year changes are discussed below.

 

Exploration, property evaluation and holding costs

 

Exploration, property evaluation and holding costs were $755 and $2,213 during the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $3,176 and $15,220 during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  The lower 2014 costs were in part due to the cost reductions introduced through 2013 and the reversal of previously recognized stock-based compensation expense as a result of the cancellation of RSUs that had been expensed in prior periods but did not satisfy the vesting

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conditions. In addition, several capital intensive activities, including the preparation of the Mt Todd gold project pre-feasibility study and related activities, completion and submission of a final environmental impact statement and water treatment and discharge from the existing open pit were completed in early 2013.

 

Corporate administration

 

Corporate administration costs were $134, and $1,060 during the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $2,497, and $4,195 during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  The decrease in 2014 was primarily attributable to cost cutting initiatives introduced through 2013 and the reversal of previously recognized stock-based compensation expense as a result of the cancellation of RSUs that had been expensed in prior periods but did not satisfy the vesting conditions.      

 

Non-operating income and expenses  

 

Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Other Investments

 

Unrealized gain/(loss) on other investments was $(3,792) and $4,547 for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $(2,370) and $(42,775) for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  These amounts are the result of changes in fair value of our Midas Gold Shares.  The Company also holds approximately half the number of Midas Gold Shares in 2014 compared to 2013. 

 

Deferred Income Tax Benefit/(Expense)

 

Normal market changes in the fair value of our Midas Gold Shares result in fluctuations in the deferred income tax benefit/(expense). The 2014 deferred tax liability related to the unrealized gain arising from the change in the fair value of our Midas Gold Shares was offset by our deferred tax assets associated with our net operating losses in the U.S. net of a valuation allowance.   The nine months ended September 30, 2013 deferred income tax benefit of $15,373 was principally related to the unrealized loss arising from the change in fair value of our Midas Gold Shares.     

 

 Financial Position, Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Operating Activities

 

Net cash used in operating activities was $5,511 and $21,476 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  The decrease is primarily the result of changes in operating expenses as discussed in “Results from Operations” above and is consistent with our prior guidance. 

 

Investing Activities

 

Net cash provided by investing activities of $11,642 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was mainly due to the sale of 16,000,000 Midas Gold Shares for gross proceeds of $11,640. Net cash used in investing activities of  $2,113 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 was primarily due to additions to plant and equipment of $2,290 at our Mt Todd gold project. 

 

Financing Activities

 

Net cash used in financing activities was $6,344 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was primarily a result of the repayment of the loan facility entered into in 2013 (the “2013 Facility”). 

 

Net cash provided by financing activities was $9,637 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 was primarily due to the draw-down of the 2013 Facility.     

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

At September 30, 2014, we had working capital of $11,083 compared with working capital of $8,622 at December 31, 2013, representing an increase of $2,461. Our working capital increased primarily due to the reclassification of our Midas Gold Shares to current assets from non-current assets and receipt of proceeds from the sale of 16,000,000 Midas Gold Shares during the period, offset by the use of cash to fund operations and to repay debt.  Included in the September 30, 2014, $11,083 working capital amount is $5,262 of cash and cash equivalents. Included in the December 31, 2013, $8,622 working capital amount is $5,475 of cash and cash equivalents.

 

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Since late 2012, capital raising through the issuance of common shares has become more difficult for junior mining companies which do not have producing assets, and these conditions are expected to continue for the foreseeable future. During this period, the Company cut costs significantly and successfully financed itself through the use of debt, which was subsequently fully repaid, the optioning and sale of non-core assets, and the sale approximately 50% of our position in Midas Gold Corp.  Going forward, management remains committed to maintaining similar efforts to manage costs and ensure liquidity.

 

The Company’s cash burn rate has been dramatically reduced since 2013 ($5,511 vs $21,476 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively) as several cash intensive programs at the Mt Todd gold project such as water treatment, preparation and submission of a final environmental impact statement, and preparation of the preliminary feasibility study have been completed. In addition, since 2013 several significant cost cutting measures were introduced, including a reduction of management positions, reductions in cash compensation for executives, senior management and the Company’s Board of Directors, and the delay or elimination of discretionary programs, including exploration activities. The Company remains committed to continued cost reduction efforts where appropriate taking into consideration our safety, regulatory and environmental responsibilities; however, the magnitude of future cost cuts is expected to diminish from 2014 levels. 

 

The Government of the Northern Territory of Australia (the “NT Government”) has committed to non-recourse funding for the first year of a proposed multi-year program with the objective of reducing the inventory of acidic metalliferous water at the Mt Todd site by 70%.  The Company is currently working with the NT Government on detailed plans and budgets for the execution of this work.  The scope of the initial program to be funded by the NT Government between now and approximately the end of July 2015 includes the imminent start of additional water treatment, which is to be followed by the discharge of remediated water in accordance with the applicable permits, subsequent environmental monitoring, analysis and reporting, and evaluations designed to aid in the definition of the scope of work for subsequent years’ programs. The NT Government’s funding mitigates the Company’s risk of incurring material unexpected environmental expenditures through 2015.  

 

We expect our Company-wide cash burn rate to average $1,500 to $1,750 per quarter through 2015, assuming a normal 2014-2015 wet season in the NT. We believe our current cash position will be sufficient to fund the Company well into the second quarter of 2015, at which time the Company will need additional funding.

 

Our sources of financing include the $500 option payment which we expect to receive, when due, in January 2015 pursuant to the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project option agreement with Cangold Limited (see Note 5 to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements).  In addition, we will continue to seek additional financing with priority given to non-dilutive sources such as the sale of our used mill equipment and other non-core assets. There can be no assurance that we will receive the payment from Cangold Limited  or be able to timely monetize our mill equipment or other non-core assets at a value acceptable to us or at all. If sufficient capital is not available from these sources, we believe that the Company’s ‘other investments’ (see Note 4 to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements), which could be liquidated after February 15, 2015, could provide access to sufficient funding for us to operate well into 2016.

 

A recent announcement by Invecture Group, S.A. de C.V. (“Invecture”) has introduced substantial doubt that the Company will receive the $6,000 payment in January 2015 related to the 2013 sale of the Los Cardones project (see Notes 5 to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements). The Company’s financing plans as discussed above do not currently include future proceeds from the sale of the Los Cardones project. 

 

The continuing viability of the Company is dependent upon our ability to secure sufficient funding and ultimately to generate future profits from operations. The underlying value and recoverability of the amounts shown as mineral properties, plant and equipment, assets held for sale, investments and other property interests in our condensed consolidated balance sheets are dependent on our ability to fund exploration and development activities that could lead to profitable production or proceeds from the disposition of these assets. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in disposing of these assets or securing additional funding on terms acceptable to us or at all or developing profitable operations in the future.  Our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification of recorded assets or liabilities which might be necessary should we not be able to continue as a going concern.

 

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Fair Value Accounting

The following table sets forth the Company’s assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis by level within the fair value hierarchy. As required by accounting guidance, assets are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.  

 

 

 

 

Our cash equivalent instruments, marketable securities and investment in Midas Gold Shares are classified as Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy as they are valued at quoted market prices in an active market. 

 

The Company incurred a Level 3 impairment loss on certain mill equipment (see Note 6 to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements) for the year ended December 31, 2013. This equipment was valued at $6,500 at December 31, 2013, based on a third party assessment of the projected sale value giving full consideration to current market conditions and an orderly sale process. This valuation was used to determine the Level 3 impairment charge taken in 2013. The mill equipment is categorized as assets held for sale on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

At September 30, 2014, the assets classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy represent 41% of the total assets measured at fair value. There have been no transfers between levels in 2014 nor have there been any changes in valuation techniques.

 

As of September 30, 2014, the Company also had the Amayapampa interest, comprised of a right to receive an NSR royalty on future gold production, if any, plus certain additional cash payments if the project successfully starts commercial production.  Under certain conditions, Amayapampa is subject to measurement at fair value on a non-recurring basis. Measurement at fair value in subsequent periods will be applicable if Amayapampa is determined to be impaired; however, no triggering events have occurred during the nine months ended September 30, 2014. If an impairment of the Amayapampa interest becomes necessary, such fair value measurement will be determined utilizing Level 3 inputs.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

We have no off-balance sheet arrangements required to be disclosed in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q.

 

Contractual Obligations

 

At December 31, 2013, our contractual obligation consisted of our 2013 Facility, discussed above, and such obligation is recorded in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.  The 2013 Facility was paid in full as of March 31, 2014.

 

 

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Project Updates

 

Mt Todd Gold Project, Northern Territory, Australia

 

The focus of our activities at the Mt Todd gold project during 2014 has been principally on obtaining the approval of the EIS, which was received during September 2014, identifying and evaluating project optimization opportunities, and care and maintenance activities related to the mineral licenses and exploration licenses. 

 

The current gold price does not justify completion of the feasibility study or the development of the project at this time. However, with the completion of the EIS, the permitting risk is substantially reduced and the development timeline at Mt Todd is well defined. We are now very well positioned, subject to a sustained improvement in gold prices, to move forward quickly with the completion of the Mt Todd gold project feasibility study.  We estimate that the feasibility study could be completed within six months of its commencement and at a cost of approximately $2,500.

 

We continue to review and closely monitor our site holding costs and are working with the NT Government to identify and implement potential cost sharing opportunities with respect to the management of water on site and the associated environmental monitoring.

 

No exploration is planned on the mining licenses and only minimal field mapping is planned for the exploration licenses. 

 

Guadalupe de los Reyes Gold/Silver Project, Sinaloa, Mexico

 

During January 2014, we signed a non-binding letter of intent (the “LOI”) to option our interest in the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project in Sinaloa, Mexico to Cangold Limited (“Cangold”). 

 

The LOI provided that a non-refundable $50 payment be made to Vista for which Cangold would have a 90 day period of exclusivity to complete due diligence and negotiate and enter into a definitive option agreement with Vista (the “Option Agreement”).

 

During April 2014, the Minera Gold Stake S.A. de C.V. (“MGS”), Vista’s wholly-owned subsidiary, entered into the Option Agreement to option its interest in the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project in Sinaloa, Mexico to Cangold.

 

Pursuant to the terms of the Option Agreement, Vista has granted Cangold the right to earn a 70% interest in the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project by:

 

 

The Option Agreement provides that all cash payments are non-refundable and optional to Cangold, and in the event Cangold fails to pay any of the required amounts on the scheduled dates or fails to comply with its other obligations, the Option Agreement will terminate and Cangold will have no interest in the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project. Provided it is not in breach of the Option Agreement, Cangold may at its discretion advance the above payment schedule and exercise the initial option for a 70% interest in the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project any time during the three-year period.

 

Subject to Cangold earning a 70% interest in the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project,  MGS has granted Cangold the option to earn the remaining 30% interest in the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project by notifying MGS of a production decision no later than the tenth anniversary of exercising the first option and by making a cash payment to MGS of $3,000 plus an additional cash payment based on a formula that includes the growth, if any, in estimated measured and indicated mineral resources of the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project, and the then prevailing spot gold price (“Escalator Payment”). 

 

Should Cangold determine not to put the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project into production, the Option Agreement provides MGS with the right to buy back Cangold’s 70% interest in the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project for a cash payment of $5,000 plus the Escalator Payment described above.  If MGS does not exercise its buyback option, MGS will still retain a right of first refusal should Cangold elect to sell its 70% interest in the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project to a third party.

 

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Los Cardones Gold Project

 

During October 2013, we and the Purchasers entered into agreements for the Los Cardones Sale to the Purchasers for a total of $13,000 ($7,000 of which was paid in October 2013 and $6,000 of which was payable January 2014 (the “Subsequent Payment”) subject to the Purchasers’ option to elect to not make the Subsequent Payment).  In January 2014, the due date for the Subsequent Payment was extended to July 31, 2014 for additional consideration of $250 payable on July 31, 2014 (the “First Extension”). As a result of permitting delays, we and the Purchasers agreed to an additional extension of the due date of the Subsequent Payment to January 30, 2015 (the “Second Extension”) for additional consideration of $250.     The Company received a cash payment of $500 comprising the aggregate consideration for granting the First Extension and the Second Extension during August 2014.  If the Purchasers elect to not make the Subsequent Payment, we will retain the all payments already received and 100% of the Los Cardones gold project will be returned to us.  In October 2014, Invecture announced that the Los Cardones gold project in Baja California Sur, Mexico, has been suspended because the conditions for its development are not favorable at this time.  This announcement has introduced substantial doubt that the Subsequent Payment will be made by January 30, 2015.       

 

Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors Regarding Estimates of Measured, Indicated and Inferred Resources and Proven and Probable Reserves 

   

The terms “mineral reserve”, “proven mineral reserve” and “probable mineral reserve” are Canadian mining terms as defined in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 (“NI 43-101”) and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (the “CIM”) – CIM Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, adopted by the CIM Council, as amended (the “CIM Definition Standards”). These definitions differ from the definitions in SEC’s Industry Guide 7 (“SEC Industry Guide 7”) under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). Under SEC Industry Guide 7 standards, a “final” or “bankable” feasibility study is required to report reserves, the three-year historical average price is used in any reserve or cash flow analysis to designate reserves, and the primary environmental analysis or report must be filed with the appropriate governmental authority.

   

In addition, the terms “mineral resource”, “measured mineral resource”, “indicated mineral resource” and “inferred mineral resource” are defined in and required to be disclosed by NI 43-101; however, these terms are not defined terms under SEC Industry Guide 7 and are normally not permitted to be used in reports and registration statements filed with the SEC. Investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of a  mineral deposit in these categories will ever be converted into reserves. “Inferred mineral resources” have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all, or any part, of an inferred mineral resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian rules, estimates of inferred mineral resources may not form the basis of feasibility or pre-feasibility studies, except in rare cases. Investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource exists or is economically or legally mineable. Disclosure of “contained ounces” in a resource is permitted disclosure under Canadian regulations; however, the SEC normally only permits issuers to report mineralization that does not constitute “reserves” by SEC standards as in place tonnage and grade without reference to unit measures.

 

Accordingly, information contained in this report on Form 10-Q contains descriptions of our mineral deposits that may not be comparable to similar information made public by U.S. companies subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements under the United States federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder. 

Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations 

Vista has been a “passive foreign investment company” (“PFIC”) as defined under Section 1297 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, in recent years and expects to continue to be a PFIC in the future. Current and prospective United States shareholders should consult their tax advisors as to the tax consequences of PFIC classification and the U.S. federal tax treatment of PFICs. Additional information on this matter is included in Vista’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, under “Part II. Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities — Certain United States Federal Income Tax Considerations.” 

 

Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements 

 

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and “forward-looking information” under Canadian securities laws, that are intended to be covered by the safe harbor created by such legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this Quarterly Report that address activities, events or developments that the Company expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements and forward-looking information, including, but not limited to, such things as those listed

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below: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forward-looking statements and forward-looking information have been based upon our current business and operating plans, as approved by the Board; our cash and other funding requirements and timing and sources thereof; results of pre-feasibility and feasibility studies, mineral resource and reserve estimates, preliminary economic assessments and exploration activities; advancements of the Company’s required permitting processes; current market conditions and project development plans. The words “estimate,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “intend,” “believe,” “will,” “may” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. These factors include risks such as: 

 

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For a more detailed discussion of such risks and other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements and forward-looking information, please see the risk factors contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, under “Part I-Item 1A. Risk Factors” and “Part II-Item 2. Risk Factors” below. Although we have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements and forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that these statements will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in the statements. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements and forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

ITEM 3.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

 

We are engaged in the acquisition of gold projects and related activities, including exploration, engineering, permitting and the preparation of feasibility studies. The value of our properties, as well as our marketable securities and our investment in Midas Gold Shares, is related to the price of gold, and changes in the price of gold could affect the value of, and/or our ability to generate revenue from, our mineral projects.

 

Gold prices may fluctuate widely from time to time and are affected by numerous factors, including: expectations with respect to the rate of inflation, exchange rates, interest rates, global and regional political and economic circumstances and governmental policies, including those with respect to gold holdings by central banks. The demand for and supply of gold affect gold prices, but not necessarily in the same manner as demand and supply affect the prices of other commodities. The supply of gold consists of a combination of new mine production and existing stocks of bullion and fabricated gold held by governments, public and private financial institutions, industrial organizations and private individuals. The demand for gold primarily consists of jewelry and investments. Additionally, hedging activities by producers, consumers, financial institutions and individuals can affect gold supply and demand. The market value for gold cannot be predicted for any particular time.

 

Because we have exploration operations in Australia, we are subject to foreign currency fluctuations. We do not engage in currency hedging to offset any risk of currency fluctuations.

 

ITEM 4.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

 

Disclosure Controls and Procedures.

 

At the end of the period covered by this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, an evaluation was carried out under the supervision of and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), of the effectiveness of the design and operations of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act). Based on that evaluation, the CEO and the CFO have concluded that as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective in ensuring that: (i) information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit to the SEC under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in applicable rules and forms and (ii) material information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our CEO and CFO, as appropriate, to allow for accurate and timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting 

 

There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2014 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II

 

ITEM 1.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

 

We are not aware of any material pending or threatened litigation or of any proceedings known to be contemplated by governmental authorities that are, or would be, likely to have a material adverse effect upon us or our operations, taken as a whole.   

 

ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS.

 

There have been no material changes from the risk factors set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 as filed with the SEC on March 17, 2014.

 

ITEM 2.  UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS.

 

None.

 

ITEM 3.  DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES.

 

None.

 

ITEM 4.  MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE.

 

We consider health, safety and environmental stewardship to be a core value for the Company.

 

Pursuant to Section 1503(a) of the United States Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2011 (the “Dodd-Frank Act”), issuers that are operators, or that have a subsidiary that is an operator, of a coal or other mine in the United States are required to disclose in their periodic reports filed with the SEC information regarding specified health and safety violations, orders and citations, related assessments and legal actions, and mining-related fatalities under the regulation of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Administration (“MSHA”) under the United States Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (the “Mine Act”). During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, our U.S exploration properties were not subject to regulation by the MSHA under the Mine Act and consequently no disclosure is required under Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Act.

 

ITEM 5.  OTHER INFORMATION.

 

None.

 

 

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ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS.

 

Exhibits

 

The following exhibits are filed as part of this report: 

 

 

* - Filed herewith

 

 (1)    Submitted Electronically Herewith. Attached as Exhibit 101 to this report are the following formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income/(Loss) and Comprehensive Income/(Loss)for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, (ii) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, and (iv) Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.