VISTA GOLD CORP - Quarter Report: 2022 September (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)



☒		QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2022
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: 001-9025

VISTA GOLD CORP.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)


British Columbia		98-0542444
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

7961 Shaffer Parkway, Suite 5
Littleton, Colorado		80127
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)		(Zip Code)

(720) 981-1185

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, including Area Code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:


Title of each class:	Trading Symbol	Name of each exchange on which registered:
Common Shares, no par value	VGZ	NYSE American

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 every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐

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

Large Accelerated Filer ☐ Accelerated Filer ☐Non-Accelerated Filer ☒

Smaller Reporting Company ☒ Emerging Growth Company ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act): Yes ☐ No ☒

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practical date: 118,306,694 common shares, without par value, outstanding as of October 21, 2022.

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VISTA GOLD CORP.

FORM 10-Q

For the Quarter Ended September 30, 2022

INDEX


	Page
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS	3
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS	12
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES	23
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS	23
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS	24
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS	24
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES	24
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE	24
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION	24
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS	25
SIGNATURES

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PART I

ITEM 1. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

VISTA GOLD CORP.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Dollar amounts in U.S. dollars and in thousands, except shares)



	September 30,		December 31,
	2022		2021
Assets:
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	9,580	$	12,757
Short-term investments (Note 3)		—		384
Other current assets		212		811
Total current assets		9,792		13,952

Non-current assets:
Mineral properties (Note 4)		2,146		2,146
Plant and equipment, net (Note 5)		204		233
Right-of-use assets		—		12
Total non-current assets		2,350		2,391
Total assets	$	12,142	$	16,343

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity:
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	154	$	566
Accrued liabilities and other		739		839
Deferred option gain (Note 4)		—		383
Total current liabilities		893		1,788
Non-current liabilities:
Provision for environmental liability (Note 7)		—		240
Other liabilities		29		21
Total non-current liabilities		29		261
Total liabilities		922		2,049

Commitments and contingencies (Note 7)

Shareholders’ equity:
Common shares, no par value - unlimited shares authorized; shares outstanding: 2022 - 118,128,994 and 2021 - 117,189,232 (Note 6)		474,543		474,181
Accumulated deficit		(463,323)		(459,887)
Total shareholders’ equity		11,220		14,294
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	12,142	$	16,343

Approved by the Board of Directors

/s/ Tracy A. Stevenson

Tracy A. Stevenson

Director

/s/ John M. Clark

John M. Clark

Director

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

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VISTA GOLD CORP.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME/(LOSS)

(Dollar amounts in U.S. dollars and in thousands, except shares and per share data)


	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2022		2021		2022		2021
Operating income/(expense):
Gain on disposal of mineral property interests (Note 4)	$	—	$	—	$	2,883	$	2,100
Exploration, property evaluation and holding costs		(916)		(2,269)		(3,689)		(6,006)
Corporate administration		(779)		(818)		(3,056)		(3,064)
Depreciation and amortization		(10)		(13)		(34)		(36)
Total operating expense		(1,705)		(3,100)		(3,896)		(7,006)

Non-operating income/(expense):
Gain on other investments		—		(6)		—		41
Interest income		37		1		47		2
Other income/(loss)		(24)		36		413		42
Total non-operating income		13		31		460		85

Loss before income taxes		(1,692)		(3,069)		(3,436)		(6,921)
Net loss	$	(1,692)	$	(3,069)	$	(3,436)	$	(6,921)

Basic:
Weighted average number of shares outstanding		118,127,920		115,586,268		117,886,906		107,929,202
Net loss per share	$	(0.02)	$	(0.02)	$	(0.03)	$	(0.06)

Diluted:
Weighted average number of shares outstanding		118,127,920		115,586,268		117,886,906		107,929,202
Net loss per share	$	(0.02)	$	(0.02)	$	(0.03)	$	(0.06)

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

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VISTA GOLD CORP.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(Dollar amounts in U.S. dollars and in thousands, except shares)


						Total
	Common			Accumulated		Shareholders’
	Shares	Amount		Deficit		Equity
Balances at July 1, 2021	104,909,837	$	461,560	$	(448,502)	$	13,058
Shares issued, net of offering costs (Note 6)	12,272,730		12,323		—		12,323
Shares issued (RSUs vested, net of shares withheld) (Note 6)	6,665		(5)		—		(5)
Stock-based compensation (Note 6)	—		143		—		143
Net income	—		—		(3,069)		(3,069)
Balances at September 30, 2021	117,189,232	$	474,021	$	(451,571)	$	22,450

Balances at July 1, 2022	118,125,701	$	474,433	$	(461,631)	$	12,802
Shares issued (RSUs vested, net of shares withheld) (Note 6)	3,293		(2)		—		(2)
Stock-based compensation (Note 6)	—		112		—		112
Net loss	—		—		(1,692)		(1,692)
Balances at September 30, 2022	118,128,994	$	474,543	$	(463,323)	$	11,220

						Total
	Common			Accumulated		Shareholders’
	Shares	Amount		Deficit		Equity
Balances at January 1, 2021	103,171,904	$	460,501	$	(444,650)	$	15,851
Shares issued, net of offering costs (Note 6)	13,071,000		13,194		—		13,194
Shares issued (RSUs vested, net of shares withheld) (Note 6)	946,328		(401)		—		(401)
Stock-based compensation (Note 6)	—		727		—		727
Net loss	—		—		(6,921)		(6,921)
Balances at September 30, 2021	117,189,232	$	474,021	$	(451,571)	$	22,450


Balances at January 1, 2022	117,189,232	$	474,181	$	(459,887)	$	14,294
Shares issued, net of offering costs (Note 6)	50,000		51		—		51
Shares issued (RSUs vested, net of shares withheld) (Note 6)	889,762		(357)		—		(357)
Stock-based compensation (Note 6)	—		668		—		668
Net loss	—		—		(3,436)		(3,436)
Balances at September 30, 2022	118,128,994	$	474,543	$	(463,323)	$	11,220

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

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VISTA GOLD CORP.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Dollar amounts in U.S. dollars and in thousands)


	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2022		2021
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss	$	(3,436)	$	(6,921)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operations:
Depreciation and amortization		34		36
Stock-based compensation		668		727
Gain on disposal of mineral property interests, net		(2,883)		(2,100)
Loss on other investments		—		(41)
Reduction of provision for environmental liability		(240)		—
Change in working capital account items:
Other current assets		599		300
Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other		(492)		561
Net cash used in operating activities		(5,750)		(7,438)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Maturities of short-term investments, net		384		400
Additions to plant and equipment		(5)		(105)
Proceeds from option/sale agreements, net		2,500		2,415
Net cash provided by investing activities		2,879		2,710
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from equity financing, net		51		13,385
Payment of taxes from withheld shares		(357)		(401)
Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities		(306)		12,984

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		(3,177)		8,256
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		12,757		7,762
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	9,580	$	16,018

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

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VISTA GOLD CORP.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in U.S. dollars and in thousands, except share-related amounts)

1. Overview of Operations and Basis of Presentation

Vista Gold Corp. and its subsidiaries (collectively, “Vista,” the “Company,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) operate in the gold mining industry. We are focused on 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. We do not currently generate cash flows from mining operations.

The Company’s flagship asset is its 100% owned Mt Todd gold project (“Mt Todd” or the “Project”) in Northern Territory, Australia. Mt Todd is one of the largest gold projects in Australia. With the approval of the Operational Mining Management Plan in June 2021, all major operating and environmental permits for Mt Todd have been received. Since acquiring Mt Todd in 2006, we have invested substantial resources to systematically explore, evaluate, engineer, permit and de-risk the Project. In February 2022, we completed a feasibility study for Mt Todd. In March 2022, we appointed CIBC Capital Markets as our strategic advisor, and we are advancing a strategic process to seek a partner or other form of transaction for Mt Todd to maximize shareholder value.

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, 2021 as filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and Canadian securities regulatory authorities on Form 10-K (the “2021 Financial Statements”). The year-end balance sheet data was derived from the Company’s 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 have been condensed or omitted.

References to $ are to United States dollars and A$ are to Australian dollars.

2. Significant Accounting Policies

Mineral Properties

Mineral property acquisition costs, including directly related costs, are capitalized when incurred. After acquisition of a mineral property, associated exploration and evaluation costs are expensed as incurred until development commences. Development costs to establish access to mineral reserves reported in accordance with subpart 1300 of Regulation S-K under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and other preparations leading to commercial production will be capitalized once a decision is made by the Company to develop such mineral property. Capitalization of development costs would conclude upon commencement of sustainable production.

Capitalized costs associated with a mineral property will be amortized using the units-of-production method over the estimated life of mineral reserves once sustainable production is achieved. If mineral properties are subsequently sold or abandoned, any unamortized costs will be charged to expense in that period.

The recoverability of the carrying values of our mineral properties is dependent upon economic mineral reserves being discovered or developed on the properties, permitting, financing, start-up, and commercial production from, or the sale/lease of, or other strategic transactions related to these properties. Development and/or start-up of any of these projects will depend on, among other things, management’s ability to raise sufficient capital for these purposes. Proceeds received from option or sale agreements are ascribed to recovery of the carrying value of the related project until the carrying value

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reaches zero. Thereafter, any additional proceeds received are recognized as a contract liability (deferred option gain) until control has transferred to the buyer or the related contract terminates.

We assess the carrying value of mineral properties for impairment whenever information or circumstances indicate the potential for impairment. This would include events and circumstances such as our inability to obtain all the necessary permits, changes in the legal status of our mineral properties, government actions, the results of exploration activities and technical evaluations and changes in economic conditions, including the price of gold and other commodities or input prices. Such evaluations compare estimated future net cash flows with our carrying costs and future obligations on an undiscounted basis. If it is determined that the estimated future undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying value of the property, a write-down to the estimated fair value will then be reported in our Consolidated Statement of Income/(Loss) for the period. Where estimates of future net cash flows are not determinable and where other conditions indicate the potential for impairment, management uses available market information and/or third-party valuation experts to assess if the carrying value can be recovered and to estimate fair value.

Other

Other significant accounting policies are included in the 2021 Financial Statements.

3. Short-term Investments

As of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the amortized cost basis of our short-term investments was $nil and $384, respectively, which approximated fair value. Short-term investments were comprised of Australian government treasury securities, which had maturity dates on the date of purchase greater than 90 days but less than one year. Investments with maturity dates of 90 days or less were included in cash and cash equivalents.

4. Mineral Properties

Mt Todd, Northern Territory, Australia

The capitalized mineral property values are as follows:


	At September 30, 2022		At December 31, 2021
Mt Todd, Australia	$	2,146	$	2,146

Vista acquired Mt Todd in March 2006. Transaction-related costs of $2,146 were capitalized as mineral properties. This amount included the purchase price and related transaction costs. Since 2006, the Company has systematically advanced the Project through exploration, metallurgical testing, engineering, environmental/operational permitting activities, and ongoing site management activities. Costs associated with these activities were charged to expense as incurred. See Note 7 for a discussion of commitments and contingencies associated with Mt Todd.

Awak Mas, Sulawesi, Indonesia

Vista held a net smelter return royalty (“NSR”) on the Awak Mas project in Indonesia (“Awak Mas”). Previously, Vista and the holder of Awak Mas amended the original NSR agreement to allow the holder or a nominated party to make certain payments to Vista to cancel the original NSR. The holder of the Awak Mas royalty made the final $2,500 payment on January 28, 2022. The Company recognized a gain of $2,883 for this final payment, which included recognition of $383 that was carried as deferred option gain as of December 31, 2021. With this final payment, the Company has no remaining royalty interest in Awak Mas.

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5. Plant and Equipment


	September 30, 2022						December 31, 2021
			Accumulated						Accumulated
	Cost		Depreciation		Net		Cost		Depreciation		Net
Mt Todd, Australia	$	5,364	$	5,160	$	204	$	5,359	$	5,126	$	233
Corporate, United States		333		333		—		333		333		—
Used mill equipment, Canada		—		—		—		—		—		—
	$	5,697	$	5,493	$	204	$	5,692	$	5,459	$	233

6. Common Shares

Equity Financings

On July 12, 2021, we closed a public offering that resulted in issuing 12,272,730 common shares in the capital of the Company (each a “Common Share’) and 7,408,101 Common Share purchase warrants (each a “Warrant”) for net proceeds of $12,323. Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one Common Share at a price of $1.25 per Common Share (subject to adjustment in certain circumstances) and is exercisable for a period of 36 months from the closing date. The relative fair values of the Common Shares and Warrants, which were classified as equity, were $11,426 and $2,074, respectively.

The Company renewed its at-the-market offering agreement in December 2021 (the “ATM Agreement”) with H. C. Wainwright & Co. LLC (“Wainwright”) to provide balance sheet flexibility at a potentially lower cost than other means of equity issuances. Under the ATM Agreement, the Company can, but is not obligated to, issue and sell Common Shares through Wainwright for aggregate gross proceeds of up to $10,000 (the “ATM Program”). During the nine months ended September 30, 2022, the Company sold 50,000 Common Shares under the ATM Program for net proceeds of $51. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 the Company sold nil and 798,270 Common Shares, respectively, under the ATM Program for net proceeds of $nil and $871, respectively. As of September 30, 2022, $9,947 remained available under the renewed ATM Program. Each sale under the ATM Agreement was made pursuant to an “at the market offering” as defined in Rule 415 under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Warrants

Warrant activity is summarized in the following table.


		Weighted		Weighted
		Average		Average
	Warrants	Exercise Price		Remaining Life
	Outstanding	Per Share		(Years)
As of December 31, 2020	—	$	—	—
Issued	7,408,101		1.25	3.0
As of December 31, 2021	7,408,101	$	1.25	2.5
As of September 30, 2022	7,408,101	$	1.25	1.8

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company’s stock-based compensation plans include: restricted share units (“RSUs”) issuable pursuant to the Company’s long-term equity incentive plan, deferred share units (“DSUs”) issuable pursuant to the Company’s deferred share unit plan (“DSU Plan”) and stock options (“Stock Options”) issuable under the Company’s stock option plan. Stock-based compensation may be issued to our directors, officers, employees and consultants. The maximum number of Common Shares that may be reserved for issuance under the combined stock-based compensation plans is a variable number equal to 10% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares on a non-diluted basis at any particular time. Vista also issued phantom units in 2018 to be settled in cash over a three-year term. Stock-based compensation and phantom units may be granted from time to time at the discretion of the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”), with vesting provisions as determined by the Board.

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Stock-based compensation expense was:


	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2022		2021		2022		2021
RSUs	$	112	$	143	$	396	$	512
DSUs		—		—		272		212
Stock Options		—		—		—		3
	$	112	$	143	$	668	$	727

Phantom units	$	—	$	(24)	$	—	$	26

As of September 30, 2022, unrecognized compensation expense for RSUs was $408, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.3 years.

Restricted Share Units

The following table summarizes RSU activity:


		Weighted Average
	Number	Grant-Date Fair
	of RSUs	Value Per RSU
Unvested - December 31, 2020	2,467,002	$	0.42
Granted	891,000		0.76
Cancelled/forfeited	(413,335)		0.48
Vested, net of shares withheld	(946,328)		0.46
Unvested - December 31, 2021	1,998,339	$	0.53
Granted	759,000		0.59
Cancelled/forfeited	(395,569)		0.51
Vested, net of shares withheld	(889,762)		0.49
Unvested - September 30, 2022	1,472,008	$	0.60

During the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, the Company withheld Common Shares with an equivalent value to meet employee withholding tax obligations of $357 and $401, respectively, that resulted upon vesting of RSUs during the period. Common Shares withheld are considered cancelled/forfeited.

Deferred Share Units

The DSU Plan provides for granting of DSUs to non-employee directors. DSUs vest immediately, however the Company will issue one Common Share for each DSU only after the non-employee director ceases to be a director of the Company. In March 2022, the Board granted 324,000 DSUs and the Company recognized $272 in DSU expense. In February 2021, the Board granted 204,000 DSUs and the Company recognized $212 in DSU expense.

The following table summarizes DSU activity:



			Weighted Average
	Number of		Grant-Date Fair
	DSUs		Value per DSU
Outstanding - December 31, 2020	726,000	$	0.57
Granted	204,000		1.04
Outstanding - December 31, 2021	930,000	$	0.68
Granted	324,000		0.84
Outstanding - September 30, 2022	1,254,000	$	0.72

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Stock Options

The following table summarizes option activity for vested awards:


				Weighted Average
		Weighted Average		Remaining	Aggregate
	Number of	Exercise Price		Contractual Term	Intrinsic
	Options	Per Option		(Years)	Value
Outstanding - December 31, 2020	1,367,000	$	0.71	2.63	$	507
Outstanding - December 31, 2021	1,367,000	$	0.71	1.64	$	38
Outstanding - September 30, 2022	1,367,000	$	0.71	0.89	$	1

Exercisable - September 30, 2022	1,367,000	$	0.71	0.89	$	1

Phantom Units

The following table summarizes phantom units activity:


		Weighted Average
		Remaining
	Number of	Vesting Term
	Phantom Units	(Years)
Unvested - December 31, 2020	72,000	0.5
Vested	(72,000)
Unvested - December 31, 2021	—	—
Unvested - September 30, 2022	—	—

7. Commitments and Contingencies

The Mt Todd site was not reclaimed by the predecessor owners when the mine closed in 2000. Reclamation obligations associated with this period are presently the responsibility of the Northern Territory, Australia (the “NT Government”). After we provide notice to the NT Government that we intend to proceed with development, the Company will then assume these historical rehabilitation liabilities currently estimated by the NT Government at approximately A$73 million.

Under an agreement with the Jawoyn Association with respect to Mt Todd, we have agreed to a gross proceeds royalty (“GPR”) ranging between 0.125% and 2.0%, depending on prevailing gold prices and foreign exchange rates, and a 1.0% GPR not tied to gold price or foreign exchange rates. The combined GPR ranges from 1.125% to 3.0%.

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. Future expenditures that may be required for compliance with these laws and regulations cannot be predicted. When the Company determines that it is probable that an obligation exists and the amount can be reasonably estimated, a provision for environmental liability would be recorded. This may include reclamation costs attributable to mining claims previously held by the Company should no other potentially responsible parties be identified. We conduct our operations in a manner designed to minimize effects on the environment and believe our operations comply with applicable laws and regulations in all material respects. During the three months ended June 30, 2022, the Company reviewed the provision for environmental liability for a previously held non-core property and the associated contingent liability and determined that the reclamation costs were neither probable nor could be reasonably estimated. The Company reversed its provision for environmental liability, which resulted in a $240 gain in other income/(loss).

8. Geographic and Segment Information

The Company has one reportable operating segment. 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 currently focused principally in Australia. We reported no revenues during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021. Geographic location of mineral properties and plant and equipment is provided in Notes 4 and 5, 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, 2022, and the related notes thereto, which have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States. 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 are in U.S. dollars in thousands, except per share amounts, commodity prices, and currency exchange rates unless specified otherwise.

Overview

The Company’s flagship asset is its 100% owned Mt Todd gold project (“Mt Todd” or the “Project”) in Northern Territory, Australia (the “NT”). Mt Todd is one of the largest and most advanced undeveloped gold projects in Australia. With the approval of the Operational Mining Management Plan (“MMP”) in June 2021, all major operating and environmental permits for Mt Todd have been received. Since acquiring Mt Todd in 2006, we have invested substantial resources to systematically explore, evaluate, engineer, permit and de-risk the Project. In February 2022, we completed a feasibility study in respect of Mt Todd (the “2022 FS”). We believe this work has added substantial value to the Project and positions the Project for near-term development. In March 2022, we appointed CIBC Capital Markets (“CIBC”) as our strategic advisor to assist us in evaluating a broad range of alternatives to unlock the value of Mt Todd. With the appointment of CIBC, Vista has advanced a strategic process to seek a partner or other form of transaction for Mt Todd to maximize shareholder value. The process has generated interest from a broad range of prospective parties and the technical merits of the Project have stood up to the rigorous scrutiny of those who have evaluated Mt Todd. The process is ongoing and management believes the completion of an acceptable transaction may be dependent on sustained improvement and stability in the economy and capital markets.

The 2022 FS highlights a 19% increase in gold reserves from 5.85 million ounces, as reported in the Company’s amended 2019 pre-feasibility study, to 6.98 million ounces, supporting a 16-year operation with average annual production of 479,000 ounces of gold during the first seven years of commercial operations and a low operating cost profile that delivers significant cash flows over the life of the mine. See “Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves Estimates” below for additional information. The 2022 FS reflects the inflationary trends faced by all operators and developers in the mining industry through the middle of the fourth quarter 2021. While the long-term effect of the current inflationary trend is unknown, management believes the resilience of Mt Todd, in part supported by the positive impact of the current foreign exchange rate, is demonstrated by the Project economics reflected in the 2022 FS.

Mt Todd’s economic returns, when compared to those of the 2019 pre-feasibility study, benefit from the increase in the gold reserve estimate, favorable results of the power plant trade-off study and slightly lower energy costs in the NT. The increase in estimated gold reserves resulted from increasing the gold price used in the reserve estimate from $1,000 to $1,125 per ounce and changing the cut-off grade from 0.40 grams of gold per tonne (“g Au/t”) to 0.35 g Au/t. Our decision to use a third-party power provider resulted in important positive impacts to our capital costs and insulates the Project from certain construction and operating risks while maintaining what we believe to be attractive operating costs. While operating costs have increased as a result of higher labor, reagent, grinding media and over-the-fence power costs, core energy costs yield some offsetting savings.

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Management believes the results of the 2022 FS demonstrate an attractive project development opportunity and allow the Company to evaluate a broad range of alternatives to advance Mt Todd as we continue to focus on maximizing shareholder value.

In June 2022, Vista announced the completion of the third phase of its exploration drilling program at Mt Todd. Results from this program and historical sources demonstrate the resource growth potential within a 5.4 km trend extending immediately north from the Batman pit, including delineation of four highly prospective exploration targets, potentially representing up to an additional 1.8 to 3.5 million gold ounces (see details and cautionary information in the Mt Todd Gold Project section of the Projects Update below).

The Company continues to focus on monetizing non-core assets as a non-dilutive source of funding. Vista realized $2,500 in January 2022 in exchange for cancelling its remaining royalty interests in the Awak Mas project in Indonesia (“Awak Mas”). The Company also owns a royalty interest in a U.S. exploration-stage project and used mill equipment that is being marketed by a third-party mining equipment dealer.

Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves Estimates

The tables below present the estimated mineral resources and mineral reserves for the Project. The effective date of the resource estimates is December 31, 2021. The following mineral resources and mineral reserves were prepared in accordance with both subpart 1300 of Regulation S-K (“S-K 1300”) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), as amended and Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum definition standards (“CIM Definition Standards”) as set forth in the 2022 FS, which is available as Exhibit 96.1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on February 24, 2022.

The 2022 FS for Mt Todd is the technical report summary, prepared pursuant to S-K 1300, that was filed on EDGAR on February 24, 2022 and is entitled “S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary - Mt Todd Gold Project - 50,000 tpd Feasibility Study – Northern Territory, Australia” with an effective date of December 31, 2021 and an issue date of February 9, 2022. A companion feasibility study for Canadian purposes, pursuant to National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Properties (“NI 43-101”), was filed on SEDAR on February 24, 2022 and is entitled “NI 43-101 Technical Report - Mt Todd Gold Project - 50,000 tpd Feasibility Study – Northern Territory, Australia” with an effective date of December 31, 2021 and an issue date of February 9, 2022. The 2022 FS is available for review at www.sec.gov and under our profile at www.sedar.com. The 2022 FS is not incorporated by reference into this quarterly report on Form 10-Q.

Mt Todd Gold Project – Summary of Gold Mineral Resources at the End of the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2021 based on US$1,300/oz Gold


	Batman Deposit			Heap Leach Pad			Quigleys Deposit			Total
			Contained			Contained			Contained			Contained
	Tonnes	Grade	Ounces	Tonnes	Grade	Ounces	Tonnes	Grade	Ounces	Tonnes	Grade	Ounces
	(000s)	(g Au/t)	(000s)	(000s)	(g Au/t)	(000s)	(000s)	(g Au/t)	(000s)	(000s)	(g Au/t)	(000s)
Measured	77,725	0.88	2,191	—	—	—	594	1.15	22	78,319	0.88	2,213
Indicated	200,112	0.80	5,169	13,354	0.54	232	7,301	1.11	260	220,767	0.80	5,661
Measured & Indicated	277,837	0.82	7,360	13,354	0.54	232	7,895	1.11	282	299,086	0.82	7,874
Inferred	61,323	0.72	1,421	—	—	—	3,981	1.46	187	65,304	0.77	1,608

Notes:

•

Measured & indicated resources include proven and probable reserves.

•

Batman and Quigleys resources are quoted at a 0.40g-Au/t cut-off grade. Heap Leach resources are the average grade of the heap, no cut-off applied.

•

Batman: Resources constrained within a US$1,300/oz gold Whittle^TM pit shell. Pit parameters: Mining Cost US$1.50/tonne, Milling Cost US$7.80/tonne processed, G&A Cost US$0.46/tonne processed, G&A/Year US$8,201k, Au Recovery, Sulfide 85%, Transition 80%, Oxide 80%, 0.2g-Au/t minimum for resource shell.

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•

Quigleys: Resources constrained within a US$1,300/oz gold Whittle^TM pit shell. Pit parameters: Mining cost US$1.90/tonne, Processing Cost US$9.779/tonne processed, Royalty 1% GPR, Gold Recovery Sulfide, 82.0% and Ox/Trans 78.0%, water treatment US$0.09/tonne, Tailings US$0.985/tonne.

•

Differences in the table due to rounding are not considered material. Differences between Batman and Quigleys mining and metallurgical parameters are due to their individual geologic and engineering characteristics.

•

Rex Bryan of Tetra Tech is the “qualified person” as such term is defined in NI 43-101 and S-K 1300 (“QP”) responsible for the Statement of Mineral Resources for the Batman, Heap Leach Pad and Quigleys deposits.

•

Thomas Dyer of RESPEC is the QP responsible for developing the resource Whittle^TM pit shell for the Batman Deposit.

•

The effective date of the Heap Leach, Batman and Quigleys resource estimate is December 31, 2021.

•

Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves have no demonstrated economic viability and do not meet all relevant modifying factors.

Mt Todd Gold Project – Summary of Gold Mineral Reserves at the End of the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2021 based – 50,000 tpd, 0.35 g Au/t cut-off and $1,125 per ounce pit design


	Batman Deposit			Heap Leach Pad			Total
			Contained			Contained			Contained
	Tonnes	Grade	Ounces	Tonnes	Grade	Ounces	Tonnes	Grade	Ounces
	(000s)	(g Au/t)	(000s)	(000s)	(g Au/t)	(000s)	(000s)	(g Au/t)	(000s)
Proven	81,277	0.84	2,192	—	—	—	81,277	0.84	2,192
Probable	185,744	0.76	4,555	13,354	0.54	232	199,098	0.75	4,787
Proven & Probable	267,021	0.79	6,747	13,354	0.54	232	280,375	0.77	6,979

Notes:

•

Thomas L. Dyer, P.E., is the QP responsible for reporting the Batman Deposit Proven and Probable reserves.

•

Batman deposit reserves are reported using a 0.35 g Au/t cutoff grade.

•

Deepak Malhotra is the QP responsible for reporting the heap-leach pad reserves.

•

Because all the heap-leach pad reserves are to be fed through the mill, these reserves are reported without a cutoff grade applied.

•

The reserves point of reference is the point where material is fed into the mill.

•

The effective date of the mineral reserve estimates is December 31, 2021.

Cautionary note to investors: Proven and probable mineral reserves are estimated in accordance with each of S-K 1300 and CIM Definition Standards. A number of risk factors may adversely affect estimated mineral reserves and mineral resources, any of which may result in a reduction or elimination of reported mineral reserves and mineral resources. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in the Company’s Form 10-K as filed with the SEC on February 24, 2022.

Results from Operations

Summary

Cash and short-term investments totaled $9,580 and working capital was $8,899 at September 30, 2022. See “Liquidity and Capital Resources”. The Company had no debt as of September 30, 2022.

Consolidated net loss for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 was $1,692 and $3,069, or $0.02 and $0.02 per basic share, respectively. Consolidated net loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 was $3,436 and $6,921, or $0.03 and $0.06 per basic share, respectively. The principal components of the period-over-period changes are discussed below.

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Operating income and expenses

Gain on disposition of mineral property interests, net

In January 2022, the Company received $2,500 to cancel the remaining 1% net smelter return royalty (“NSR”) at Awak Mas. Including recognition of the associated deferred option gain, the Company recognized a gain of $2,883 upon receipt of the payment.

In January and June 2021, the Company received a total of $2,100 for cancellation of its royalty interests and back-in right in Los Reyes. The January 2021 payment of $1,100 was initially recorded as deferred option gain, with the full $2,100 recognized as a gain upon receipt of the second payment in June 2021.

Exploration, property evaluation and holding costs

Exploration, property evaluation and holding costs were $916 and $2,269 for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively; and $3,689 and $6,006 for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The decrease in 2022 for the comparative three-month periods was primarily attributable to the absence of spending of $1,115 for work on the 2022 FS and $493 on the 2021 drilling program, offset by higher spending of $229 for other discretionary programs. The decrease in 2022 for the comparative nine-month periods was primarily attributable to lower spending of $1,163 on the 2021 drilling program, $743 for work on the 2022 FS, and $441 for other site-related activities, partially offset by higher spending of $252 for other discretionary programs.

Corporate administration

Corporate administration costs were $779 and $818 during the three months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively; and $3,056 and $3,064 during the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Administrative expenses continue to be relatively consistent from period to period.

Non-operating income and expenses

Other income/(loss)

During the quarter ended June 30, 2022, the Company reviewed and reversed a previously accrued amount of $240 for contingent reclamation costs because the associated costs are neither probable nor could be reasonably estimated. Also, the Company received cash of $196 in May 2022 as a value-added tax recovery from the previous sale of a non-core asset.

Financial Position, Liquidity and Capital Resources

Operating activities

Net cash used in operating activities was $5,750 and $7,438 for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The decrease in operating cash outflows in 2022 largely resulted from lower spending for drilling, partially offset by higher payments for the feasibility study.

Investing activities

Net cash provided by investing activities was $2,879 and $2,710 for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The sources of cash from investing activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2022 were a $2,500 final payment for the Awak Mas royalty cancellation and $384 upon maturity of short-term investments. Sources of cash from investing activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 were $2,100 for payments related to Los Reyes, $315 for payments related to Awak Mas and $400 from maturity of short-term investments, as partially offset by $105 for equipment purchases.

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Financing activities

During the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, net cash of ($306) and $12,984, respectively, was (used)/provided by financing activities. Cash used by financing activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2022 was for payments for employee withholding tax obligations in lieu of issuing common shares of the Company (“Common Shares”) offset by $51 of net proceeds under the ATM Program (defined below). Cash from financing activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 included net proceeds of $12,323 from the Company’s July 2021 public offering (the “2021 Offering”) (described below) and $1,062 under the ATM Program, partially offset by payments for employee withholding tax obligations in lieu of issuing Common Shares.

Liquidity and capital resources

Our cash liquidity position as of September 30, 2022, comprising cash and cash equivalents of $9,580, reflected a net decrease of $3,177 during the nine months ended September 30, 2022. We benefited from net proceeds of $2,500 for cancellation of the Awak Mas royalty, maturity of short-term investments of $384, a $196 value-added tax recovery from the previous sale of non-core assets, and ATM Program proceeds as discussed below. These cash inflows were offset by expenditures of $6,308, which included final payments for the exploration drilling program and the 2022 FS. Expenditures have declined from their peak in early 2022, current liabilities have been reduced, and we are proceeding with additional spending reductions.

During July 2021, we closed the 2021 Offering of 12,272,730 units (the “Units”) for net proceeds of $12,323. Each Unit consisted of one Common Share in the capital of the Company and one-half of one Common Share purchase warrant (each full warrant, a “Warrant”). Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one Common Share at a price of $1.25 per Common Share (subject to adjustment in certain circumstances) and is exercisable until July 12, 2024. See footnote 6 to the accompanying financial statements for more details on the 2021 Offering.

As a secondary measure of liquidity, the Company had working capital of $8,899 and $12,164 at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. These amounts were net of deferred option gain of $nil and $383, respectively, related to the Awak Mas transaction. The deferred option gain was recognized as income during the three months ended March 31, 2022 and did not require any use of current assets. Consequently, the components of working capital affecting Vista’s liquidity and capital resources included:


	At September 30, 2022		At December 31, 2021
Current Assets	$	9,792	$	13,952
Offset by accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	(893)	$	(1,405)

Vista completed the 2022 FS and the third phase of its exploration drilling program during the three months ended March 31, 2022 and made final payments to vendors for this work. Other potential discretionary programs that may be undertaken during the balance of 2022 could total up to an additional $200. Management has implemented cost-reduction measures during 2022 in response to current economic and capital market conditions. Our 2022 fixed cost spending is budgeted at approximately $7,000. Fixed cost spending through September 30, 2022 has been nearly 15% under budget and is expected to continue at that rate through year end. Additional spending reductions are being planned for 2023, which are expected to reduce budgeted annualized fixed expenses to approximately 20% below Vista’s 2022 budget. Potential sources of cash inflows include monetization of non-core assets and use of the ATM Program.

Offers or sales of Common Shares under the ATM Program will be made only in the United States in an “at the market offering” as defined in Rule 415 under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, subject to an effective

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registration statement under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and no offers or sales of Common Shares under the ATM Agreement will be made in Canada. The Common Shares will be distributed at market prices prevailing at the time of sale.

Giving consideration to current economic conditions and the Company’s ongoing initiatives, we believe our existing working capital as of September 30, 2022, together with other potential future sources of non-dilutive financing, will be sufficient to fully fund our currently planned corporate expenses, Project holding costs and discretionary programs for at least 12 months.

Vista’s long-term viability depends upon our ability to realize value from our principal asset, Mt Todd. Our primary objective is to maintain adequate liquidity and seek to preserve, enhance and realize value of our core assets in order to achieve positive returns for our shareholders. Our funding strategy is to maintain a low expenditure profile, realize value from non-core assets and, when necessary, issue additional equity or find other means of financing. The underlying value and recoverability of the amounts shown as mineral properties and plant and equipment in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets are dependent on our ability to attract sufficient capital resources to execute our strategy and the ultimate success of our programs to enhance and realize value, most importantly at Mt Todd.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We have no off-balance sheet arrangements.

Contractual Obligations

We have no material contractual obligations as of September 30, 2022.

Projects Update

Mt Todd Gold Project, Northern Territory, Australia

Recent Developments

Vista acquired Mt Todd in 2006. Since that time, we have invested over $110 million to systematically explore, evaluate, engineer, permit and de-risk the Project. Through the end of 2021, all technical reports, mineral resources and reserves estimates, and other property-related disclosures have been reported under NI 43-101. Starting in 2022, we also reported mineral resources and reserves estimates under S-K 1300 standards in the United States, while continuing to meet reporting standards under NI 43-101 in Canada.

We have continued to de-risk Mt Todd and undertake activities to increase shareholder value in a cost-effective manner. We believe Mt Todd’s attributes and advanced stage of technical evaluation and permitting provide a solid basis to engage with a range of prospective parties as we seek an appropriate strategic transaction. Key considerations in any potential transaction include value creation by recognizing a greater portion of the intrinsic value of Mt Todd and minimizing future equity dilution.

Vista completed a feasibility study for Mt Todd, being the 2022 FS, announced the results on February 9, 2022 and filed the SK-1300 and NI 43-101 Technical Reports on February 24, 2022. This study addressed recommendations from the 2019 pre-feasibility study; reflected minor updates of the Project design to be consistent with the MMP; and advanced the levels of engineering and detailed costing in all areas of the Project. It evaluated several trade-off opportunities including contract power generation. The 2022 FS resulted in a larger reserve and longer mine life based on new mine plans using a conservative gold price assumption that is more reflective of current gold prices.

The MMP for Mt Todd was approved by the Northern Territory Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade in June 2021. The MMP (similar to a mine operating permit in North America) was the final major authorization required for the development of the Mt Todd mine. Receipt of this approval marked the achievement of a major de-risking milestone that

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was a significant focus of the Company for three years. We believe this approval, combined with the previously-approved major environmental permits, demonstrates the quality and advanced stage of engineering and Project planning. The MMP is being amended to reflect the larger pit and waste rock dump associated with the increased mineral reserve in the 2022 FS.

Vista completed a phased exploration drilling program at Mt Todd in March 2022 and reported final assay results in June 2022. The drilling program was focused on identifying connecting structures and mineralization between previously interpreted discrete deposits and the potential for efficient resource growth with future drilling along strike from the Batman deposit, approximately 1.9 kilometers north to the Golf-Tollis/Penguin targets. We believe the program successfully achieved our goal of demonstrating the regional potential along a 5.4-kilometer portion of the 24-kilometer Batman-Driffield Trend and outlining areas where future drilling can be undertaken to efficiently define additional gold resources.

Vista’s drilling program completed 26 planned drill holes (approximately 8,898 meters). The drill holes consistently intersected mineralization predicted by our geologic model and demonstrate both horizontal and vertical continuity of the targeted structures.

Based on this recent exploration program and historical sources, the Company has demonstrated continuity of mineralized structures from the Batman deposit to north of the Golf-Tollis deposit (+2 km) and delineated four areas with the potential to host additional mineralization, including:

•

Batman North – has the potential for 500,000 to 1,000,000 oz Au contained within 15.5 to 35 Mt grading 0.8 to 1.2 g Au/t;

•

Northern cross load (“NXLD”) and Southern cross load (“SXLD”) – have the potential for 400,000 to 800,000 oz Au contained within 10 to 20 Mt grading 1.2 to 1.5g Au/t;

•

Golf-Tollis – has the potential for 210,000 to 320,000 oz Au contained within 3.5 to 6.5 Mt grading 0.9 to 1.4 g Au/t; and

•

Quigleys Deposit – has the potential for an additional 700,000 to 1,400,000 oz Au contained within 11 to 16 Mt grading 1.1 to 1.4 g Au/t

The exploration target potentials were derived from the similarities to the Batman deposit sheeted vein system and their surrounding mineralization, as evidenced by drill intercepts in the exploration target area across vertical cross and long sections. The volume of the modeled areas determines the potential tonnage statement in the exploration target. The grade range given in the exploration target is determined with consideration to the drill results within the modeled exploration target area and consideration of the geological setting in an established mining camp. The potential tonnages and grades are conceptual in nature and are based on drill results that defined the approximate length, thickness, depth and grade of the portion of the historical resource estimate. There has been insufficient exploration to define a current mineral resource and the Company cautions that there is uncertainty whether further exploration will result in such exploration targets being delineated as a mineral resource.

The upper NXLD and SXLD intercepts represent the high-grade zone within the Batman-Driffield Structural corridor. These structures have not yet been targeted or systematically explored, so represent excellent opportunities for discovery of near surface, high-grade mineralization. Structures parallel to the NXLD and SXLD are most likely to host high-grade, near surface mineralization within the Mt Todd package.

The sampling method and approach for the drillholes was as follows:

•

The drill core, upon removal from the core barrel, was placed into plastic core boxes;

•

The plastic core boxes were transported to the sample preparation building;

•

The core was marked, geologically logged, geotechnically logged, photographed, and sawn into halves. One-half is placed into sample bags as one-meter sample lengths, and the other half retained for future reference. The only exception to this is when a portion of the remaining core has been flagged for use in metallurgical testwork;

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•

The bagged samples have sample tags placed both inside and on the outside of the sample bags. The individual samples were then grouped into “lots” for submission to NAL, a certified lab, for preparation and analytical testing; and

•

All of this work was done under the supervision of a Vista geologist.

Processing of the core included photographing, geotechnical and geologic logging, and marking the core for sampling. The nominal sample interval was one meter. When this process was completed, the core was moved into the core cutting/storage area where it was laid out for sampling. The core was laid out using the following procedures:

•

One meter depth intervals were marked out on the core by a member of the geologic staff;

•

Core orientation (bottom of core) was marked with a solid line when at least three orientation marks aligned and used for structural measurements. When orientation marks were insufficient an estimated orientation was indicated by a dashed line;

•

Geologic logging was then done by a member of the geologic staff. Assay intervals were selected at that time and a cut line marked on the core. The standard sample interval was one meter, with a minimum of 0.2 meters and a maximum of 1.2 meters;

•

Blind sample numbers were then assigned based on pre-labeled sample bags. Sample intervals were then indicated in the core tray at the appropriate locations; and

•

Each core tray was photographed and restacked on pallets pending sample cutting and stored on site indefinitely.

The core was then cut using diamond saws with each interval placed in sample bags. At this time, the standards and blanks were also placed in plastic bags for inclusion in the shipment. A reference standard or a blank was inserted at a minimum ratio of 1 in 10 and at suspected high grade intervals additional blanks sample were added. Standard reference material was sourced from Ore Research & Exploration Pty Ltd and provided in 60 g sealed packets. When a sequence of five samples was completed, they were placed in a shipping bag and closed with a zip tie. All of these samples were kept in the secure area until crated for shipping.

Samples were placed in crates for shipping with 100 samples per crate (20 shipping bags). The crates were stacked outside the core shed until picked up for transport and shipped to NAL in Pine Creek, Northern Territory, for standard fire assays. At the lab, the samples are pulverized and split down to 50-gram assay samples prior to assaying. The industry-standard 3 assay-ton fire assay is followed by an atomic absorption finish, except where results report a result of greater than 3 g Au/t, and then a gravimetric finish is used to report final results.

The QP is satisfied that sample security measures meet industry standards. Statistical analysis of the various drilling populations and quality assurance and quality control samples has not identified or highlighted any reasons to not accept the data as representative of the tenor and grade of the mineralization estimated at the Batman deposit.

All scientific and technical information herein has been reviewed and approved by John Rozelle, Vista’s Sr. Vice President, a QP.

Awak Mas, Indonesia

Vista held an NSR in Awak Mas. Previously, Vista and the holder of Awak Mas amended our original royalty agreement to allow the holder or a nominated party to make a payment to Vista to cancel half of the original NSR and cancel the second half after making the first payment. The holder of the Awak Mas royalty made the final $2,500 payment on January 28, 2022. The Company recognized a gain of $2,883 for this final payment, which included recognition of $383 that was carried as deferred option gain as of December 31, 2021. With this final payment, the Company has no remaining royalty interest in Awak Mas.

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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, 2021, 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 for U.S. Residents.”

Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This quarterly report on Form 10-Q contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the 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 on Form 10-Q, our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and Canadian securities commissions and in press releases and public statements by our officers or representatives that address activities, events or developments that we expect or anticipate 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 below.

Operations

●

Our belief that our focus on evaluation, acquisition, exploration and advancement of gold exploration and potential development projects may lead to gold production or value-adding strategic transactions;

●

our belief that our work has added substantial value to the Project and positions the Project for near-term development;

●

our belief that the resilience of Mt Todd, in part supported by the positive impact of the current foreign exchange rate, is demonstrated by the Project economics reflected in the 2022 FS;

●

our belief that the decision to use a third-party power provider resulted in important positive impacts to our capital costs and insulates the Project from certain construction and operating risks while maintaining what we believe to be attractive operating costs;

●

our belief that the results of the 2022 FS demonstrate an attractive project development opportunity and allow the Company to evaluate a broad range of alternatives to advance Mt Todd as we continue to focus on maximizing shareholder value;

●

our belief that Mt Todd’s attributes and advanced stage of technical evaluation and permitting provide a solid basis to engage with a range of prospective parties as we seek an appropriate strategic transaction;

●

our belief that the completion of an acceptable strategic transaction in respect of Mt Todd may be dependent on sustained improvement and stability in the economy and capital markets;

●

our belief that the MMP approval, combined with the previously-approved major environmental permits, demonstrates recognition of the quality and advanced stage of engineering and Project planning;

●

our estimates of future operating and financial performance;

●

our belief that recent drilling is consistent with our geologic model and demonstrates vertical and horizontal continuity of mineralization;

●

our belief that the recent exploration program delineated four areas with the potential to host additional mineralization, that the potential tonnages and grades are conceptual in nature, and that there is uncertainty whether further exploration will result in such exploration targets being delineated as a mineral resource;

●

our estimates of mineral resource potential identified by our recent drilling program, including our belief that the upper NXLD and SXLD intercepts represent excellent opportunities for discovery of near surface, high-grade mineralization;

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●

our belief that the drilling program has successfully achieved our goal of demonstrating the regional potential along a 5.4-kilometer portion of the 24-kilometer Batman-Driffield Trend and outlining areas where future drilling can be undertaken to efficiently define additional gold resources;

●

our plan to implement additional spending reductions in 2023, which are expected to reduce budgeted annualized fixed expenses to approximately 20% below Vista’s 2022 budget;

●

our belief that our existing working capital at September 30, 2022, together with other potential future sources of non-dilutive financing, will be sufficient to fully fund our currently planned corporate expenses and Project holding costs for at least 12 months;

●

our belief that Vista’s long-term viability depends upon our ability to realize value from our principal asset, Mt Todd;

●

our objective to maintain adequate liquidity and seek to preserve, enhance and realize value of our core assets in order to achieve positive returns for our shareholders;

Business and Industry

●

our belief that we are in compliance in all material respects with applicable laws and regulations;

●

our expectation that we will continue to be a PFIC for U.S. Federal tax purposes;

●

the potential that we may grant options and/or other stock-based awards to our directors, officers, employees and consultants; and

●

the potential that future expenditures may be required for compliance with various laws and regulations governing the protection of the environment.

Forward-looking statements and forward-looking information have been based upon a number of estimates and assumptions including material estimates and assumptions related to our current business and operating plans, as approved by the Company’s Board of Directors; 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; our experience working with our regulators; 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:

Operating Risks

●

pre-feasibility and feasibility study results, timing and the accuracy of estimates and assumptions on which they are based;

●

resource and reserve estimates, the accuracy of such estimates and the accuracy of sampling and subsequent assays and geologic interpretations on which they are based;

●

technical and operational feasibility and the economic viability of deposits;

●

our ability to obtain, renew or maintain the necessary licenses, authorizations and permits for Mt Todd, including its development plans and operating activities;

●

market conditions supporting a decision to develop Mt Todd;

●

delays in commencement of construction at Mt Todd;

●

our reliance on third-party power generation for the construction and operation of Mt Todd;

●

increased costs that affect our operations or our financial condition;

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●

delays or disruptions in supply chains;

●

our reliance on third parties to fulfill their obligations under agreements with us;

●

whether projects not managed by us will comply with our standards or meet our objectives;

●

whether our acquisition, exploration and development activities, as well as the realization of the market value of our assets, will be commercially successful and whether any transactions we enter into will maximize the realization of the market value of our assets;

●

the success of any future joint ventures, partnerships and other arrangements relating to our properties;

●

perception of the potential environmental impact of Mt Todd;

●

known and unknown environmental and reclamation liabilities, including reclamation requirements at Mt Todd;

●

potential challenges to the title to our mineral properties;

●

future water supply issues at Mt Todd;

●

litigation or other legal claims;

●

environmental lawsuits;

Financial and Business Risks

●

fluctuations in the price of gold;

●

inflation and cost escalation;

●

lack of adequate insurance to cover potential liabilities;

●

the lack of cash dividend payments by us;

●

our history of losses from operations;

●

our ability to attract, retain and hire key personnel;

●

volatility in our stock price and gold equities generally;

●

our ability to obtain a development partner or other means of financing for Mt Todd on favorable terms, if at all;

●

our ability to raise additional capital or raise funds from the sale of non-core assets on favorable terms, if at all;

●

industry consolidation which could result in the acquisition of a control position in the Company for less than fair value;

●

evolving corporate governance and public disclosure regulations;

●

intense competition in the mining industry;

●

tax initiatives on domestic and international levels;

●

potential changes in regulations of taxation initiatives;

●

fluctuation in foreign currency values;

●

our likely status as a PFIC for U.S. federal tax purposes;

●

delays, potential losses, and/or inability to maintain sufficient working capital due to business interruptions, supply chain disruptions, or global economic slowdowns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic;

Industry Risks

●

inherent hazards of mining exploration, development and operating activities;

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●

a shortage of skilled labor, equipment and supplies;

●

the accuracy of calculations of mineral reserves, mineral resources and mineralized material and fluctuations therein based on metal prices, and inherent vulnerability of the ore and recoverability of metal in the mining process;

●

changes in environmental regulations to which our exploration and development operations are subject could result in increased operating costs or our ability to operate at all; and

●

changes in greenhouse gas emissions regulations and standards could result in increased operating costs or our ability to operate at all.

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, 2021, under “Part I-Item 1A. Risk Factors”. 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 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, 2022, 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, 2022, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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 and/or other parties that are, or would be, likely to have a material adverse effect upon us or our operations, taken as a whole.

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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, 2021 as filed with the SEC and Canadian securities regulatory authorities in February 2022.

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 us.

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 three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, we had no U.S. properties 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.

The following exhibits are filed as part of this report:


Exhibit Number		Description
3.01		Certificate of Continuation, previously filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Corporation’s Form 8-K filed with the Commission on June 12, 2013 and incorporated by reference herein (File No. 1-9025)
3.02		Notice of Articles, previously filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Corporation’s Form 8-K filed with the Commission on June 12, 2013 and incorporated herein by reference (File No. 1-9025)
3.03		Articles, previously filed as Exhibit 3.3 to the Corporation’s Form 8-K filed with the Commission on June 12, 2013 and incorporated herein by reference (File No. 1-9025)
4.01		Form of Warrants previously filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Corporation’s Form 8-K filed with the Commission on July 12, 2021 and incorporated by reference herein (File No. 1-9025)
4.02		Form of Underwriters Warrants previously filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Corporation’s Form 8-K filed with the Commission on July 12, 2021 and incorporated by reference herein (File No. 1-9025)
23.1*		Consent of John Rozelle
23.2*		Consent of Rex Clair Bryan
23.3*		Consent of Thomas Dyer
23.4*		Consent of Deepak Malhotra
31.1*		Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
31.2*		Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
32.1*		Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2*		Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101.INS⁽¹⁾		XBRL Instance Document – the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.
101.SCH⁽¹⁾		XBRL Taxonomy Extension – Schema
101.CAL⁽¹⁾		XBRL Taxonomy Extension – Calculations
101.DEF⁽¹⁾		XBRL Taxonomy Extension – Definitions
101.LAB⁽¹⁾		XBRL Taxonomy Extension – Labels
101.PRE⁽¹⁾		XBRL Taxonomy Extension – Presentations
104		Cover Page Interactive Data File––the cover page interactive data file does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.

* - 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) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, (ii) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, and (iv) Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.


	VISTA GOLD CORP. (Registrant)

Dated: October 26, 2022	By:	/s/ Frederick H. Earnest
		Frederick H. Earnest,
		Chief Executive Officer

Dated: October 26, 2022	By:	/s/ Douglas L. Tobler
		Douglas L. Tobler
		Chief Financial Officer