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Western Uranium & Vanadium Corp. - Quarter Report: 2017 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, 2017

 

☐   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 000-55626

 

WESTERN URANIUM CORPORATION

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

Ontario, Canada   98-1271843
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
 

(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)

 

8 King Street East, Suite 100

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

  M5C 1B5
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)   (Zip Code)

 

  (970) 864-2125  

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirement 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 (§232.405 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, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the 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 ☒ 
(Do not check if a 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 ☒

 

As of November 13, 2017, 20,084,166 of the registrant’s no par value common shares were outstanding.

 

 

 

 

 

 

WESTERN URANIUM CORPORATION

FORM 10-Q FOR THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2017

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION 1
Item 1. Financial Statements 1
  Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) 1
  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Other Comprehensive Loss (Unaudited) 2
  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity (Unaudited) 3
  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) 4
  Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) 5
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 17
Item 4. Controls and Procedures 28
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION 29
Item 1. Legal Proceedings 29
Item 1A. Risk Factors 29
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures 29
Item 6. Exhibits 30
SIGNATURES 31

 

 

 

 

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

 

WESTERN URANIUM CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Stated in $USD)

 

   As of: 
   September 30, 2017   December 31, 2016 
   (unaudited)     
Assets        
Current assets:        
Cash  $501,677   $791,814 
Prepaid expenses   185,191    80,734 
Marketable securities   3,224    2,976 
Restricted cash   215,976    215,976 
Other current assets   62,020    22,047 
Total current assets   968,088    1,113,547 
           
Restricted cash   820,434    820,357 
Mineral properties   11,645,218    11,645,218 
Ablation intellectual property   9,488,051    9,488,051 
           
Total assets  $22,921,791   $23,067,173 
           
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity          
           
Liabilities          
Current liabilities:          
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities  $646,780   $769,907 
Reclamation liability, current   215,976    215,976 
Current portion of notes payable   482,568    183,125 
Deferred revenue, current portion   40,000    - 
Total current liabilities   1,385,324    1,169,008 
           
Reclamation liability, net of current portion   194,251    187,663 
Deferred tax liability   4,063,330    4,063,330 
Deferred contingent consideration   392,188    372,000 
Notes payable, net of discount and current portion   -    468,368 
Deferred revenue, net of current portion   70,000    - 
           
Total liabilities   6,105,093    6,260,369 
           
Commitments          
           
Shareholders’ Equity          
Common stock, no par value, unlimited authorized shares, 20,084,472 and 18,886,497 shares issued as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively and 20,084,166 and 18,886,497 shares outstanding as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively   22,316,846    20,927,360 
Treasury shares, 306 and 0 shares held in treasury as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively   -    - 
Subscription receivable   -    (28,429)
Accumulated deficit   (5,541,937)   (4,125,855)
Accumulated other comprehensive income   41,789    33,728 
Total shareholders’ equity   16,816,698    16,806,804 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity  $22,921,791   $23,067,173 

 

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

 

 1 

 

 

WESTERN URANIUM CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

(Stated in $USD)

(unaudited)

 

   For the Three Months Ended
September 30,
   For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   2017   2016   2017   2016 
Revenues                
Lease revenue  $10,000   $-   $10,000   $- 
                     
Expenses                    
Mining expenditures   48,181    119,711    127,435    331,798 
Professional fees   127,485    200,734    502,868    526,826 
General and administrative   96,723    103,412    480,236    277,515 
Consulting fees   63,757    95,179    265,888    252,048 
Unrealized foreign exchange gain   -    -    -    (128,000)
Total operating expenses   336,146    519,036    1,376,427    1,260,187 
                     
Operating loss   (326,146)   (519,036)   (1,366,427)   (1,260,187)
                     
Interest expense, net   10,911    25,135    49,655    262,400 
                     
Net loss   (337,057)   (544,171)   (1,416,082)   (1,522,587)
                     
Other comprehensive (loss) gain                    
Foreign exchange (loss) gain   (2,360)   (10,735)   8,061    (64,519)
                     
Comprehensive loss  $(339,417)  $(554,906)  $(1,408,021)  $(1,587,106)
                     
Loss per share - basic and diluted  $(0.02)  $(0.03)  $(0.07)  $(0.09)
                     
Weighted average shares outstanding, basic and diluted   19,663,144    17,301,151    19,391,380    16,752,130 

 

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

 

 2 

 

 

WESTERN URANIUM CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(Stated in $USD)

(unaudited)

 

                           Accumulated     
               Additional           Other     
   Common   Treasury Shares   paid-in   Subscription   Accumulated   Comprehensive     
   Shares   Shares   Amount   capital   Receivable   Deficit   Income   Total 
                                 
Balance as of January 1, 2017   18,886,497    -   $-   $20,927,360   $(28,429)  $(4,125,855)  $33,728   $16,806,804 
                                         
Issuance of shares to vendors and consultants   53,788    -    -    83,338    -    -    -    83,338 
Receipt of subscription receivable   -    -    -    -    28,429    -    -    28,429 
Sale of 634,424 units on March 31, 2017 in the private placement   634,424    -    -    814,078    -    -    -    814,078 
Sale of 509,763 units on September 15, 2017 in private placement   509,763    -    -    358,788    -              358,788 
Acquisition of shares into treasury   -    306    -    -    -    -    -    - 
Stock based compensation - stock options   -    -    -    133,282    -    -    -    133,282 
Foreign exchange gain   -    -    -    -    -    -    8,061    8,061 
Net loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2017   -    -    -    -    -    (1,416,082)   -    (1,416,082)
                                         
Balance as of September 30, 2017   20,084,472    306   $-   $22,316,846   $-   $(5,541,937)  $41,789   $16,816,698 

 

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

 

 3 

 

 

WESTERN URANIUM CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Stated in $USD)

(unaudited)

 

   For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   2017   2016 
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:        
Net loss  $(1,416,082)  $(1,522,587)
Reconciliation of net loss to cash used in operating activities:          
Accretion of reclamation liability   6,588    183,510 
Amortization of debt discount on notes payable   16,639    59,013 
Stock based compensation   133,282    - 
Change in foreign exchange on marketable securities   (248)   (159)
Change in operating assets and liabilities:          
Prepaid expenses and other current assets   (144,507)   (43,134)
Deferred contingent consideration   -    (128,000)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities   (39,789)   (32,176)
Deferred revenue   110,000    - 
Net cash used in operating activities   (1,334,117)   (1,483,533)
           
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:          
Payment of Nueco Note   (185,564)   (90,000)
Payment of Siebels Note   -    (250,000)
Proceeds from the sale of common stock in private placements, net of offering costs   1,172,866    2,048,251 
Proceeds from Siebels Note   -    100,000 
Receipt of subscription receivable   28,429    - 
Net cash provided by financing activities   1,015,731    1,808,251 
           
Effect of foreign exchange rate on cash   28,249    (64,519)
           
Net (decrease) increase in cash   (290,137)   260,199 
           
Cash - beginning   791,814    214,482 
           
Cash - ending  $501,677   $474,681 
           
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:          
Cash paid during the period for:          
Interest  $15,000   $31,477 
           
Non-cash financing activities:          
Shares issued from subscription payable  $-   $198,298 
           
Exchange of mortgage payable for land & buildings  $-   $1,051,000 
           
Shares issued for accounts payable and accrued expenses  $83,338   $- 

 

There were no cash flows from investing activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016.

 

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

 

 4 

 

  

WESTERN URANIUM CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Stated in $USD)

Unaudited

 

NOTE 1 - Business

 

Nature of operations

 

Western Uranium Corporation (“Western” or the “Company”) was incorporated in December 2006 under the Ontario Business Corporations Act. On November 20, 2014, the Company completed a listing process on the Canadian Securities Exchange (“CSE”). As part of that process, the Company acquired 100% of the members’ interests of Pinon Ridge Mining LLC (“PRM”), a Delaware limited liability company. The transaction constituted a reverse takeover (“RTO”) of Western by PRM. Subsequent to obtaining appropriate shareholder approvals, the Company reconstituted its Board of Directors and senior management team. Effective September 16, 2015, Western completed its acquisition of Black Range Minerals Limited (“Black Range”).

 

The Company has registered offices at 8 King Street East, Suite 100, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5C 1B5, and its common shares are listed on the CSE under the symbol “WUC” and traded on the OTCQX Best Market. Its principal business activity is the acquisition and development of uranium and vanadium resource properties in the states of Utah and Colorado in the United States of America (“United States”).

 

Note 2 – Liquidity and going concern

 

The Company has incurred continuing losses from its operations and as of September 30, 2017, the Company had an accumulated deficit of $5,541,937 and a working capital deficit of $417,236.

 

Since inception, the Company has met its liquidity requirements principally through the issuance of notes and the sale of its shares of common stock.

 

The Company’s ability to continue its operations and to pay its obligations when they become due is contingent upon the Company obtaining additional financing. Management’s plans include seeking to procure additional funds through debt and equity financings, to secure regulatory approval to fully utilize its ablation technology and to initiate the processing of ore to generate operating cash flows.

  

There are no assurances that the Company will be able to raise capital on terms acceptable to the Company or at all, or that cash flows generated from its operations will be sufficient to meet its current operating costs and required debt service. If the Company is unable to obtain sufficient amounts of additional capital, it may be required to reduce the scope of its planned product development, which could harm its financial condition and operating results, or it may not be able to continue to fund its ongoing operations. These conditions raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. These condensed consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of these uncertainties.

 

On March 31, 2017, the Company completed a private placement of 634,424 units at a price of CAD $1.75 (USD $1.32) per unit for gross proceeds of CAD $1,110,242 (USD $834,252) and net proceeds of CAD $1,083,415 (USD $814,078). Each unit consisted of one share of the Company’s common stock and a warrant for the purchase of one share of the Company’s common stock. Each warrant is immediately exercisable at a price of CAD $3.25 and expires five years from the date of issuance. The Company also issued broker warrants to purchase 11,108 shares of common stock at a price of CAD $3.25 per share, which expire two years from the date of issuance.

 

On September 15, 2017, the Company completed a private placement of 509,763 units at a price of CAD $0.90 (USD $0.74) per unit for gross proceeds of CAD $458,787 (USD $376,022) and net proceeds of CAD $438,012 (USD $358,788). Each unit consisted of one share of common stock and one warrant. Each warrant is immediately exercisable at a price of CAD $1.40 and expires five years from the date of issuance. The Company also issued broker warrants to purchase 21,751 shares of common stock at a price of CAD $1.40 per common share, which expire two years from the date of issuance.

 

 5 

 

 

WESTERN URANIUM CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Stated in $USD)

Unaudited

 

Note 3 – SUMMARY OF Significant Accounting Policies

 

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation

 

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal accruals) considered for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2017. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016 and related notes thereto which were included in the Company’s Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 2017.

 

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Western and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Western Uranium Corporation (Utah), PRM, Black Range, Black Range Copper Inc., Ranger Resources Inc., Black Range Minerals Inc., Black Range Minerals Colorado LLC, Black Range Minerals Wyoming LLC, Haggerty Resources LLC, Ranger Alaska LLC, Black Range Minerals Utah LLC, Black Range Minerals Ablation Holdings Inc. and Black Range Development Utah LLC. All significant inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated upon consolidation.

 

The Company has established the existence of mineralized materials for certain uranium projects. The Company has not established proven or probable reserves, as defined by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) under Industry Guide 7, through the completion of a “final” or “bankable” feasibility study for any of its uranium projects.

 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of these condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and revenues and expenses during the periods reported. By their nature, these estimates are subject to measurement uncertainty and the effects on the financial statements of changes in such estimates in future periods could be significant. Significant areas requiring management’s estimates and assumptions include determining the fair value of transactions involving common stock, assessment of the useful life and evaluation for impairment of intangible assets, valuation and impairment assessments on mineral properties, deferred contingent consideration, and the reclamation liability, valuation of stock-based compensation, valuation of available-for-sale securities and valuation of long-term debt. Other areas requiring estimates include allocations of expenditures, depletion and amortization of mineral rights and properties. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Foreign Currency Translation

 

The reporting currency of the Company, including its subsidiaries, is the United States dollar. The financial statements of subsidiaries located outside of the U.S. are measured in their functional currency, which is the local currency. The functional currency of the parent (Western Uranium Corporation (Ontario)) is the Canadian dollar. Monetary assets and liabilities of these subsidiaries are translated at the exchange rates at the balance sheet date. Income and expense items are translated using average monthly exchange rates. Non-monetary assets are translated at their historical exchange rates. Translation adjustments are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

The Company leases certain of its mineral properties for the exploration and production of oil and gas reserves. Lease payments received in advance are deferred and recognized on a straight – line basis over the related lease term associated with the prepayment. Royalty payments are recognized as revenues when received.

 

 6 

 

 

WESTERN URANIUM CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Stated in $USD)

Unaudited

 

NOTE 3 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES, CONTINUED

 

Fair Values of Financial Instruments

 

The fair value of financial instruments in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are as follows:

 

   Quoted
Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets or
Liabilities
(Level 1)
   Quoted Prices
for Similar
Assets or
Liabilities in
Active Markets
(Level 2)
   Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Marketable securities as of September 30, 2017  $3,224   $   -   $      - 
                
Marketable securities as of December 31, 2016  $2,976   $-   $- 

 

Loss per Share

 

Basic net loss per share is computed by dividing net loss by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares and, if dilutive, potential common shares outstanding during the period. Potential common shares consist of the incremental common shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options and warrants (using the treasury stock method). The computation of basic net loss per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 excludes potentially dilutive securities. The computations of net loss per share for each period presented is the same for both basic and fully diluted.

 

Potentially dilutive securities outlined in the table below have been excluded from the computation of diluted net loss per share because the effect of their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.

 

   For the Three and Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   2017   2016 
Warrants to purchase shares of common stock   3,873,086    1,644,814 
Options to purchase shares of common stock   1,321,996    271,996 
Total potentially dilutive securities   5,195,082    1,916,810 

 

Note 4 – RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

 

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (Topic 606) (“ASU 2014-09”), which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in ASC Topic 605, “Revenue Recognition,” and most industry-specific guidance. ASU No. 2014-09 is based on the principle that revenue is recognized to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The ASU also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments, and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. The amendments in the ASU must be applied using one of two retrospective methods and are effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. On July 9, 2015, the FASB modified ASU 2014-09 to be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period. As modified, the FASB permits the adoption of the new revenue standard early, but not before the annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. A public organization would apply the new revenue standard to all interim reporting periods within the year of adoption. The Company’s revenues are minimal. The Company does not believe the adoption of this ASU will have a material impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial position and results of operations.

 

 7 

 

 

WESTERN URANIUM CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Stated in $USD)

Unaudited

 

Note 4 – RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS, continued

 

On February 25, 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). This update will require organizations that lease assets to recognize on the balance sheet the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by those leases. The new guidance will also require additional disclosures about the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. The provisions of this update are effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of this ASU will have on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial position and results of operations.

 

On March 30, 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, “Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718)”. This update requires that all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies arising from share-based payment awards should be recognized as income tax expense or benefit on the income statement. The amendment also states that excess tax benefits should be classified along with other income tax cash flows as an operating activity. In addition, an entity can make an entity-wide accounting policy election to either estimate the number of awards expected to vest or account for forfeitures as they occur. The provisions of this update are effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company has determined that the adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on its condensed consolidated financial statements. The Company has adopted this standard for the period beginning January 1, 2017.

 

In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-10 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)”, “Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing” (“ASU 2016-10”). ASU 2016-10 clarifies the following two aspects of Topic 606: identifying performance obligations and the licensing implementation guidance, while retaining the related principles for those areas. The provisions of this update are effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early application permitted. The Company will evaluate the effects, if any, that adoption of this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of this ASU will have on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial position and results of operations.

 

In May 2016, the FASB issued Topic ASU No. 2016-12 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)”, “Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients” (“ASU 2016-12”). The core principal of ASU 2016-12 is the recognition of revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The provisions of this update are effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early application permitted. The Company does not believe that the adoption of this ASU will have a material impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial position and results of operations.

 

In June 2016 the FASB issued Topic ASU No. 2016-13 “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (Topic 326)” (“ASU 2016-13”). ASU 2016-13 changes the impairment model for most financial assets. The new model uses a forward-looking expected loss method, which will generally result in earlier recognition of allowances for losses. ASU 2016-13 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019 and early adoption is permitted for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of this ASU will have on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial position and results of operations.

 

In August 2016 the FASB issued Topic ASU No. 2016-15 “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) – Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments” (“ASU 2016-15”). ASU 2016-15 clarifies diversity in practice in how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. The update to the standard is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2018, with early application permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of this ASU will have on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial position and results of operations.

 

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash” (“ASU 2016-18”). ASU 2016-18 amends the classification and presentation of changes in restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-18 is effective for the Company’s fiscal year beginning January 1, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of this ASU will have on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial position and results of operations.

 

 8 

 

 

WESTERN URANIUM CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Stated in $USD)

Unaudited

 

Note 4 – RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS, Continued

 

In December 2016, the FASB issued ASU No.2016-19, “Technical Corrections and Improvements”, to clarify the codification, correct unintended application of guidance, or make minor improvements to the accounting standards codification that are not expected to have a significant effect on current accounting practice or create a significant administrative cost to most entities. For public companies, the standard is effectively immediately for amendments that do not have transition guidance. Amendments that are subject to transition guidance, the effective date is interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company adopted the standard immediately upon issuance for amendments that do not have transition guidance. The adoption of the standard did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

In December 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-20. “Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606. Revenue from Contracts with Customers”. This update is a comprehensive revenue recognition standard that applies to all entities that have contracts with customers, except for those that fall within the scope of other standards, such as insurance contracts. The amendment also clarifies narrow aspects of ASC 606 or corrects unintended application of the guidance. The Company has determined that the adoption of this standard will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. The update is now effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017.

  

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01. “Business Combinations (Topic 805):, Clarifying the Definition of a Business (“ASU 2017-01”). ASU 2017-01 provides a more robust framework to use in determining when a set of assets and activities is a business. Also the amendments provide more consistency in applying the guidance, reducing the costs of application, and make the definition of a business more operable. The guidance is effective for public companies for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those periods. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of this ASU will have on the Company’s consolidated financial position and results of operations.

 

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04. “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. The guidance removes Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test, which requires a hypothetical purchase price allocation. A goodwill impairment will now be the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. The ASU is effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed in periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for annual and interim goodwill impairment testing dates after January 1, 2017. ASU No. 2017-04 will be effective for the Company as of January 1, 2020. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of this ASU will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and whether it may be early adopted prior to the effective date.

 

In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-09. “Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting. The guidance provides clarity and reduces both (1) diversity in practice and (2) cost and complexity when applying the guidance in Topic 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation, to a change to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of this ASU will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

NOTE 5 - MINERAL PROPERTIES AND ABLATION INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

 

The Company’s mining properties acquired on August 18, 2014, include: San Rafael Uranium Project located in Emery County, Utah; The Sunday Mine Complex located in western San Miguel County, Colorado; The Van 4 Mine located in western Montrose County, Colorado; The Yellow Cat Project located in eastern Grand County, Utah; The Farmer Girl Mine project located in Montrose County, Colorado; The Sage Mine project located in San Juan County, Utah, and San Miguel County, Colorado. These mining properties include leased land in the states of Colorado and Utah. None of these mining properties were operational at the date of acquisition.

 

The Company’s mining properties acquired on September 16, 2015, include Hansen, North Hansen, High Park, Hansen Picnic Tree, Taylor Ranch, Boyer Ranch, located in Fremont County, Colorado. The Company also acquired Jonesville Coal located in Palmer Recording District, Alaska and Keota located in Weld County, Wyoming. These mining assets include both owned and leased land in the states of Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, and Alaska. All of the mining assets represent properties which have previously been mined to different degrees for uranium.

 

 9 

 

 

WESTERN URANIUM CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Stated in $USD)

Unaudited

 

NOTE 5 - MINERAL PROPERTIES AND ABLATION INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, Continued

 

As the Company has not formally established proven or probable reserves on any of its properties, there is inherent uncertainty as to whether or not any mineralized material can be economically extracted as originally planned and anticipated.

 

On February 16, 2017, the Company’s Boyer Ranch lease reached its expiration date and the Company elected not to renew the lease. The forfeiture of this lease has no material adverse impact on the fair value of the Company’s mineral properties.

 

On September 16, 2015, in connection with the Company’s acquisition of Black Range, the Company assumed an option and exploration agreement (the “Option and Exploration Agreement”) with STB Minerals, LLC, a Colorado limited liability company (“STB”). The Option and Exploration Agreement gives the Company the right to purchase 51% of the mineral rights of specific areas of the Hansen and Picnic Tree deposits (for which the Company already holds 49% of the rights). If the Company were to exercise its option under the Option and Exploration Agreement, it would require the Company to (a) make a cash payment of $2,500,000 immediately upon exercise; (b) issue shares of common stock to STB amounting to a value of $3,750,000 immediately upon exercise; and (c) issue shares of common stock to STB amounting to a value of $3,750,000 on the date that is 180 days following exercise. The Option and Exploration Agreement was scheduled to expire by its terms on July 28, 2017 if not exercised.

 

The Option and Exploration Agreement provided an extension for an “event of force majeure”.  Under this clause, the Company would receive an extension of the period during which it could exercise its option if it experiences an unreasonable delay outside its control that prevents it from exercising the option.  On May 10, 2017, the Company provided to STB a notice that it was exercising the force majeure clause due to the delay by government regulators in licensing the Company’s ablation technology and permitting mining at the Hansen property. STB has contested the Company’s finding that an event of force majeure has occurred. Ongoing negotiations between the Company and STB continued until September 21, 2017, when Western’s counsel observed that a settlement agreement would not likely be worked out and moved that the matter proceed through the pre-established arbitration mechanism. On October 16, 2017, the Company provided STB with the Company’s choice of arbitrator for the required three arbitrator panel. On November 13, 2017, STB's counsel proposed that the Company agree to arbitration by a single arbitrator in lieu of a three arbitrator panel provided in the Option and Exploration Agreement. Counsel for STB indicated that it was unwilling to consider the Company's proposed arbitrator as the sole arbitrator but instead proposed selecting an arbitrator from one of two Colorado firms who maintain a pool of retired judges willing to serve as arbitrators. The Company is presently evaluating STB's latest proposal. The Company is unable to determine the ultimate outcome of the arbitration. The Company is not yet in a position to evaluate the financial implications of this uncertainty, and as such, the Company has not made any adjustment to these condensed consolidated financials related to this matter.

 

The Company’s mineral properties and ablation intellectual property are:

 

   As of 
   September 30,
2017
   December 31, 2016 
Mineral properties  $11,645,218   $11,645,218 
Ablation intellectual property  $9,488,051   $9,488,051 

 

Vanadium Property Letter of Intent

 

On September 14, 2017, the Company entered into a binding letter of intent to purchase a vanadium-rich property in western Colorado. However, during due diligence, it was determined that the permitting timeline could not be condensed to coincide with the Company’s near-term production goals. On October 26, 2017, by mutual agreement, the letter of intent was terminated and the Company is no longer pursuing this purchase.

 

Oil and Gas Lease

 

On July 18, 2017, an oil and gas lease became effective with respect to minerals and mineral rights owned by of the Company of approximately 160 surface acres of the Company’s property in Colorado. As consideration for entering into the lease, the Company received $120,000 during the third quarter of 2017. The lease will be in force for an initial term of three years and may be extended by the lessee at 150% of the initial rate. The lessee has also agreed to pay the Company a royalty of 18.75% of the lessee’s revenue attributed to oil and gas produced, saved, and sold attributable to the net mineral interest.

 

The $120,000 will be recognized as revenue incrementally over the term of the lease. The Company recognized $10,000 and $10,000 of revenue during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively. No such revenue was recognized during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016.

 

 10 

 

 

WESTERN URANIUM CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Stated in $USD)

Unaudited

 

NOTE 5 - MINERAL PROPERTIES AND ABLATION INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, CONTINUED

 

Reclamation Liabilities

 

The Company’s mines are subject to certain asset retirement obligations, which the Company has recorded as reclamation liabilities. The reclamation liabilities of the United States mines are subject to legal and regulatory requirements, and estimates of the costs of reclamation are reviewed periodically by the applicable regulatory authorities. The reclamation liability represents the Company’s best estimate of the present value of future reclamation costs in connection with the mineral properties. The Company determined the gross reclamation liabilities of the mineral properties as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 to be approximately $1,036,333 and $1,036,333, respectively. During the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, the accretion of the reclamation liabilities was $2,561 and $3,096, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 was $6,588 and $183,510, respectively. Except in regard to its Alaska coal mine property (as discussed below), the Company expects to begin incurring the reclamation liability after 2054 and accordingly, has discounted the gross liabilities over their remaining lives using a discount rate of 5.4% to net discounted values as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 of $410,227 and $403,639, respectively. The gross reclamation liabilities as of September 30, 2017 are secured by certificates of deposit in the amount of $1,036,410.

 

During the second quarter of 2016, the Company initiated actions to cancel its coal mining leases in Alaska. In connection therewith, the Company notified the state of Alaska of its intent to forfeit the posted bond in satisfaction of the reclamation liabilities at the site. In response to the Company’s notification, the Company received notification that the state of Alaska was initiating forfeiture of the Company’s performance bond for reclamation. However, the notice indicated an additional surety bond of $150,000 in excess of the $210,500 cash bond which had been posted by the Company upon purchase of the property. The Company and its advisors do not believe that it is obligated for this additional amount of claimed reclamation obligation. The Company is working with its legal counsel and the State of Alaska to resolve this matter. The Company has not recorded an additional $150,000 obligation as the Company does not expect, based on the advice of legal counsel, to be obligated to an amount greater than that presently reflected in the reclamation liability. On January 20, 2017, the state of Alaska notified the Company that its reclamation bond had been forfeited and that it was unlikely that any additional amount would be due to Alaska pursuant to the Company’s reclamation obligations and since January 20, 2017, the Company has received no further communications.

 

Reclamation liability activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 consists of:

 

January 1, 2017  $403,639 
Accretion   6,588 
September 30, 2017   410,227 
      
Less current portion   215,976 
Non-current portion  $194,251 
      
Balance as of December 31, 2016  $403,639 
      
Less current portion   215,976 
Non-current portion  $187,663 

 

NOTE 6 - Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities

 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities consisted of:

 

   As of: 
  

September 30,

2017

   December 31, 2016 
Trade accounts payable  $498,193   $547,254 
Accrued liabilities   148,587    222,653 
   $646,780   $769,907 

 

 11 

 

 

WESTERN URANIUM CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Stated in $USD)

Unaudited

 

NOTE 7 - Notes Payable

 

EFHC Note

 

On August 18, 2014, in connection with the purchase of certain of the mineral properties, the Company entered into a note payable with Energy Fuels Holding Corporation (“EFHC”) (the “EFHC Note”) for $500,000. The EFHC Note bears interest at a rate of 3.0% per annum and is secured by a first priority interest in certain of the Company’s mineral properties. The EFHC Note was initially recorded net of a discount for interest of $73,971, resulting in a total effective interest rate of 7% per annum. The discount is being amortized using the effective interest method over the life of the loan. All principal on the EFHC Note is due and payable on August 18, 2018, and interest on the EFHC Note is due and payable annually beginning August 18, 2015.

 

Nueco Note

 

On August 18, 2014, also in connection with the purchase of certain of the mineral properties, the Company entered into a Note Assumption Agreement with EFHC and Nuclear Energy Corporation (“Nueco”), whereby the Company assumed all of the obligations of EFHC under its note payable with Nueco (the “Nueco Note”). The Nueco Note bears no stated interest rate and is secured by certain of the Company’s mining assets. On the date of the purchase, the Company recorded the Nueco Note net of a discount for interest of $23,724 at a rate of 7% per annum. The discount is being amortized using the effective interest method over the life of the loan. The Nueco Note payment due on December 20, 2014 in the amount of $250,180 was made on January 5, 2015 without penalty other than additional interest at 6% per annum. As of December 31, 2015, the Nueco Note had a remaining obligation outstanding of $250,180, the due date of which was extended to January 13, 2016. In connection with the extension, the Company agreed to add interest from the date of October 13, 2015 until the date paid at the annual rate of one percent (1%) per annum.

 

On February 8, 2016, the Company and the lender agreed to further extend the maturity of the Nueco Note to June 2016. In consideration for the extension the Company increased the principal amount by 10% (or $25,384), increased the interest rate to 6% per annum and paid a $5,000 fee that did not reduce the interest or principal. On June 20, 2016, the Company further extended the maturity of the Nueco Note to July 31, 2016. In consideration for the extension, the Company paid a $5,000 fee that did not reduce the interest or principal on the Nueco Note.

 

On August 8, 2016, accrued interest was paid in the amount of $13,477. On August 16, 2016, the Company further extended the maturity of the Nueco Note to November 16, 2016. In consideration for the extension, the Company paid a fee of $10,000 which did not reduce the interest or principal on the Nueco Note. Further, a principal payment of $90,000 was made on August 23, 2016, which reduced the outstanding principal amount to $185,564. The August 16, 2016 extension was accounted for as a modification, and as such, the extension fees were accounted for as additional debt discount and were amortized over the remaining extended term of the note.

 

On November 29, 2016, the Company and the lender agreed to further extend the maturity of the Nueco Note to January 31, 2017. In consideration for the extension, the Company paid a $5,000 fee that did not reduce the principal or interest on the Nueco Note. The Company also made a payment of $5,155, which represented interest on the Nueco Note through January 31, 2017.

 

On February 1, 2017, the Company and lender agreed to further extend the maturity of the Nueco Note to the earlier of (a) five days after the next closing of a private placement; or (b) April 15, 2017. In consideration for the extension, the Company paid to the lender a payment in the amount of $100,000 which represented (i) a principal reduction of $85,564; (ii) $1,186 for a prepayment of interest through April 15, 2017; and (iii) a payment of $13,250 which is a fee which does not reduce the principal or interest on the Nueco Note.

 

On March 31, 2017, the Company repaid the Nueco Note in full.

 

 12 

 

 

WESTERN URANIUM CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Stated in $USD)

Unaudited

 

NOTE 7 - Notes Payable, CONTINUED

 

Notes payable summary

 

Notes payable consisted of:

 

   As of September 30, 2017 
   Principal   Discount   Balance, Net
of Discount
   Current   Non-Current 
EFHC Note  $500,000   $17,432   $482,568   $482,568   $       - 

 

   As of December 31, 2016 
   Principal   Discount   Balance, Net
of Discount
   Current   Non-Current 
EFHC Note  $500,000   $31,632   $468,368   $-   $468,368 
Nueco Note   185,564    2,439    183,125    183,125    - 
Total  $685,564   $34,071   $651,493   $183,125   $468,368 

 

The Company’s total interest expense, net, consisted of:

 

   For the Three Months Ended
September 30,
   For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   2017   2016   2017   2016 
Interest expense, notes payable  $3,781   $7,188   $13,381   $21,418 
Amortization of discount on notes payable   4,833    13,244    29,889    53,979 
Accretion of reclamation liabilities   2,561    3,096    6,588    183,510 
Other interest expense   83    1,818    1,072    4,397 
Interest income   (347)   (210)   (1,275)   (903)
Interest expense, net  $10,911   $25,135   $49,655   $262,400 

 

NOTE 8 - COMMITMENTS

 

George Glasier

 

On February 8, 2017, the Company entered into an employment agreement with George Glasier, its Chief Executive Officer. The employment agreement provides for an initial term of January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2018, with automatic annual renewals unless the Company or the Chief Executive Officer were to provide 90 days written notice of their desire to not renew the agreement. The employment agreement provides for a base salary of $180,000 per annum and a discretionary annual cash bonus to be determined by the Company’s Board of Directors. Pursuant to the employment agreement, if the Company terminates the employment agreement without cause, or if a change of control occurs, the Company is required to pay to the Chief Executive Officer a lump sum payment equal to two and one-half times his annual base salary.

 

Michael Skutezky

 

On July 27, 2017, Michael Skutezky resigned as the Independent Chairman of the Board of Western. On such date Mr. Skutezky also relinquished his roles as Director, a member of the audit committee, and as a director of Western’s subsidiaries and affiliates. Subsequently, Russell Fryer, a current member of the Company’s Board of Directors, was named Executive Chairman, in addition to his current role as a director.

 

Russell Fryer

 

On July 28, 2017, Russell Fryer was appointed the Company's Executive Chairman. On November 13, 2017, the Company entered into a consulting agreement with an affiliate of Mr. Fryer. The agreement is effective on July 28, 2017 and expires on December 31, 2018. The agreement may be mutually extended for subsequent annual terms. The agreement may be terminated by either party with 90 days notice. The agreement provides for compensation of $15,000 per month and an annual bonus at the discretion of the Board of Directors. Pursuant to the agreement, if a change of control occurs wherein the consideration in such change of control is more than USD $2.00 per share, the Company is required to pay a lump sum in the amount of two and one-half times the entity’s annual fee to this entity.

 

 13 

 

 

WESTERN URANIUM CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Stated in $USD)

Unaudited

 

NOTE 8 – COMMITMENTS, continued

 

Robert Klein

 

On May 12, 2017, Robert Klein was appointed the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, with whom the Company subsequently entered into an engagement agreement. The engagement agreement provides for an initial term of May 1, 2017 through June 30, 2017. The May 12, 2017 engagement agreement provided for a base salary of $12,500 per month.

 

On August 1, 2017, the Company entered into an engagement agreement to extend the initial May 12, 2017 agreement with Mr. Klein. The August 1, 2017 agreement extends the term of the agreement to provide for a term of July 1, 2017 through September 30, 2017 and provided for a base salary of $8,000 per month. This agreement expired on September 30, 2017.

 

On November 13, 2017, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Klein. The agreement is effective on October 1, 2017 and expires on September 30, 2018. The agreement may be mutually extended for subsequent annual terms. The agreement provides for compensation of $120,000 per annum and an annual bonus at the discretion of the Board of Directors. Pursuant to the employment agreement, once the Company raises a cumulative USD $1,000,000 subsequent to October 1, 2017, Mr. Klein’s annual base salary shall be increased. If a change of control occurs wherein the consideration in such change of control is more than USD $2.00 per share, the Company is required to pay a lump sum to Mr. Klein in the amount of two and one-half times Mr. Klein’s annual salary.

 

Note 9 - share capital and other equity instruments

 

Shares Issued for Accounts Payable

 

On February 7, 2017, the Company issued 53,788 shares of its common stock in exchange for approximately $83,338 of its accounts payable outstanding with certain creditors.

 

Private Placement

 

On March 31, 2017, the Company completed a private placement of 634,424 units at a price of CAD $1.75 (USD $1.32) per unit for gross proceeds of CAD $1,110,242 (USD $834,252) and net proceeds of CAD $1,083,415 (USD $814,078). Each unit consists of one share of the Company’s common stock and a warrant for the purchase of one share of the Company’s common stock. Each warrant is immediately exercisable at a price of CAD $3.25 (USD $2.44) and expires five years from the date of issuance. The Company also issued broker warrants to purchase 11,108 shares of common stock at a price of CAD $3.25 per share, which expire two years from the date of issuance.

 

On September 15, 2017, the Company completed a private placement of 509,763 units at a price of CAD $0.90 (USD $0.74) per unit for gross proceeds of CAD $458,787 (USD $376,022) and net proceeds of CAD $438,012 (USD $358,788). Each unit consisted of one share of common stock and one warrant. Each warrant is immediately exercisable at a price of CAD $1.40 and expires five years from the date of issuance. The Company also issued broker warrants to purchase 21,751 shares of common stock at a price of CAD $1.40 per common share, which expire two years from the date of issuance.

 

 14 

 

 

WESTERN URANIUM CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Stated in $USD)

Unaudited

 

Note 9 - share capital and other equity instruments, continued

 

Incentive Stock Option Plan

 

The Company maintains an Incentive Stock Option Plan (the “Plan”) that permits the granting of stock options as incentive compensation. Shareholders of the Company approved the Plan on June 30, 2008 and amendments to the Plan on June 20, 2013, and the Board of Directors approved additional changes to the Plan on September 12, 2015.

 

The purpose of the Plan is to attract, retain and motivate directors, management, staff and consultants by providing them with the opportunity, through stock options, to acquire a proprietary interest in the Company and benefit from its growth.

 

The Plan provides that the aggregate number of common shares for which stock options may be granted will not exceed 10% of the issued and outstanding common shares at the time stock options are granted. As of September 30, 2017, a total of 20,084,166 common shares were outstanding, and at that date the maximum number of stock options eligible for issue under the Plan was 2,008,417 (10% of the outstanding common shares).

 

Acquisition of Common Shares

 

During the three months ended September 30, 2017, the Company received into treasury an aggregate of 306 common shares from two shareholders for no consideration. The Company has included these shares in Treasury Shares on its condensed consolidated balance sheet.

 

Stock Options

 

   Number of Shares   Weighted Average Exercise Price   Weighted Average Contractual Life (years)   Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value   Intrinsic
Value
 
Outstanding - January 1, 2017   1,346,996   $2.37    4.28   $0.53      
Forfeited   (25,000)  $2.37                
Outstanding - September 30, 2017   1,321,996   $2.38    3.52   $0.54   $    - 
Exercisable - September 30, 2017   1,321,996   $2.38    3.52   $0.54   $- 

 

There were no stock options granted or exercised during the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2017.

 

The Company’s stock based compensation expense related to stock options for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 was $0 and $0 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 was $133,282 and $0, respectively.

 

Warrants

 

   Number of Shares   Weighted Average Exercise Price   Weighted Average Contractual Life (years)   Intrinsic
Value
 
Outstanding - January 1, 2017   2,696,040   $2.08    4.71   $     - 
Issued   1,177,046   $1.98           
Outstanding - September 30, 2017   3,873,086   $2.16    4.16   $- 
Exercisable – September 30, 2017   3,873,086   $2.16    4.16   $- 

 

 15 

 

 

WESTERN URANIUM CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Stated in $USD)

Unaudited

 

Note 10 - Mining Expenditures

 

   For the Three Months Ended
September 30,
   For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   2017   2016   2017   2016 
Permits  $2,334   $72,362   $7,637   $188,736 
Maintenance   36,062    38,299    110,013    126,512 
Contract labor   4,525    -    4,525    - 
Royalties   5,260    9,050    5,260    16,550 
   $48,181   $119,711   $127,435   $331,798 

 

NOTE 11 - Related Party Transactions

 

The Company has transacted with related parties pursuant to service arrangements in the ordinary course of business, as follows:

 

Entities controlled by a former member of the Board of Directors earned consulting fees totaling $17,377 and $9,117 for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and $47,288 and $50,037 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The same director earned director fees totaling $0 and $1,489 during the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and $3,079 and $7,747 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company has $1,634 and $0, respectively, in accounts payable and accrued liabilities owing to this director. This director resigned on July 27, 2017.

 

Pursuant to a consulting agreement, a United States limited liability company owned by a person who is a director and until October 19, 2016, was the Company’s CFO, entered into a contract with the Company dated January 1, 2016, (” the January 2016 Agreement”) to provide financial and other consulting services at $8,333 per month. On October 19, 2016 the January 2016 Agreement was terminated. On the same date a new agreement was entered into between the Company, a United States limited liability company owned by the same director and Robert Klein (the “October 2016 Agreement”) to provide financial operating services and to have Mr. Klein serve as the Chief Financial Officer. The term of the October 2016 Agreement was to run through July 31, 2017 and has an annual fee of $162,000 payable monthly, starting on October 1, 2016. On March 26, 2017, the Company provided notice that it would be cancelling the October 2016 Agreement, effective April 30, 2017. The acknowledgement of the termination initiated the preparation of Mr. Klein’s engagement agreement as described in Note 8. During the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, the Company incurred fees of $25,000 and $25,000, respectively, to these companies. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, the Company incurred fees of $48,540 and $75,000, respectively, to these companies. As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company had $0 and $0, respectively, included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities payable to these companies.

 

Pursuant to a consulting agreement, a United States limited liability company owned by a person who is a director, and on July 28, 2017, became the Company’s Executive Chairman, entered into a consulting agreement with the Company effective April 1, 2016 to provide financial, advisory, and consulting services, including representing the Company to a variety of stakeholders for a six month term ending on September 30, 2016. On October 1, 2016 the Company extended this agreement through January 31, 2017. Professional fees for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 were $35,292 and $45,000, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 was $95,292 and $75,000, respectively, related to this agreement. As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company had $0 and $0, respectively, included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities payable to this entity.

 

On April 1, 2017, the Company entered into a new consulting agreement with a United States limited liability company owned by the Company’s Executive Chairman. The consulting agreement is to provide assistance with capital raising activities and other financial, advisory, and consulting services for the period April 1, 2017 through June 30, 2017. At June 30, 2017 and the last day of each month thereafter, the agreement may be extended by the Company on a month-to-month basis with seven days’ notice. The agreement has a monthly fee of $15,000. Pursuant to the consulting agreement, if the Company completes a merger with a third party introduced by this director whereby more than 50% of the Company’s then outstanding shares are transferred to that third party, the Company is required to pay a lump sum in an amount of $350,000 to this entity.

 

NOTE 12 - SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

On October 6, 2017, the Company granted options under the Plan for the purchase of an aggregate of 825,000 shares of common stock to five individuals consisting of directors and officers of the Company. The options have a five year term, an exercise price of CAD $1.60 (USD $1.28), and vest equally in thirds commencing initially on the date of grant and thereafter on October 31, 2017, and March 31, 2018.

 

 16 

 

 

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

The information disclosed in this quarterly report, and the information incorporated by reference herein, include “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our or our management’s expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future. In addition, any statements that refer to projections, forecasts or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking statements. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “would” and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking.

 

The forward-looking statements contained or incorporated by reference in this quarterly report are based on our current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects on us and speak only as of the date of each such statement. There can be no assurance that future developments affecting us will be those that we have anticipated. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties (some of which are beyond our control) or other assumptions that may cause actual results or performance to be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those factors described in this Item 2 of Part I of this quarterly report and in Item 1A of Part II of this quarterly report. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any of our assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary in material respects from those projected in these forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.

 

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our condensed consolidated interim financial statements and footnotes thereto contained in this quarterly report.

 

Overview

 

General

 

Western Uranium Corporation (“Western” or the “Company”) was incorporated in December 2006 under the Ontario Business Corporations Act. On November 20, 2014, the Company completed a listing process on the Canadian Securities Exchange (“CSE”). As part of that process, the Company acquired 100% of the members’ interests of Pinon Ridge Mining LLC (“PRM”), a Delaware limited liability company. The transaction constituted a reverse takeover (“RTO”) of Western by PRM. Subsequent to obtaining appropriate shareholder approvals, the Company reconstituted its Board of Directors and senior management team. Effective September 16, 2015, Western completed its acquisition of Black Range Minerals Limited (“Black Range”).

 

On August 18, 2014, the Company closed on the purchase of certain mining properties in Colorado and Utah from Energy Fuels Holding Corp. Assets purchased included both owned and leased lands in Utah and Colorado and all represent properties that have been previously mined for uranium to varying degrees in the past. The acquisition included the purchase of the Sunday Mine Complex. The Sunday Mine Complex is located in western San Miguel County, Colorado. The complex consists of the following five individual mines: the Sunday mine, the Carnation mine, the Saint Jude mine, the West Sunday mine and the Topaz mine. The operation of each of these mines requires a separate permit and all such permits have been obtained by Western and are currently valid. In addition, each of the mines has good access to a paved highway, electric power to existing declines, office/storage/shop and change buildings, and extensive underground haulage development with several vent shafts complete with exhaust fans. The Sunday Mine Complex is where the Company anticipates it would start mining and Ablation operations, since the complex is ready to be mined.

 

On September 16, 2015, Western completed its acquisition of Black Range, an Australian company that was listed on the Australian Securities Exchange until the acquisition was completed. The acquisition terms were pursuant to a definitive Merger Implementation Agreement entered into between Western and Black Range. Pursuant to the agreement, Western acquired all of the issued shares of Black Range by way of Scheme of Arrangement (“the Scheme”) under the Australian Corporation Act 2001 (Cth) (the “Black Range Transaction”), with Black Range shareholders being issued common shares of Western on a 1 for 750 basis. On August 25, 2015, the Scheme was approved by the shareholders of Black Range and on September 4, 2015, Black Range received approval by the Federal Court of Australia. In addition, Western issued to certain employees, directors and consultants options to purchase Western common shares. Such stock options were intended to replace Black Range stock options outstanding prior to the Black Range Transaction on the same 1 for 750 basis.

 

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The Company has registered offices at 8 King Street East, Suite 100, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5C 1B5 and its common shares are listed on the CSE under the symbol “WUC” and are traded on the OTCQX Best Market under the symbol “WSTRF”. Its principal business activity is the acquisition and development of uranium and vanadium resource properties in the states of Utah and Colorado in the United States of America (“United States”).

 

Recent Developments

 

March 2017 Private Placement

 

On March 31, 2017, the Company completed a private placement of 634,424 units at a price of CAD $1.75 (USD $1.32) per unit for gross proceeds of CAD $1,110,242 (USD $834,252) and net proceeds of CAD $1,083,415 (USD $814,078). Each unit consists of one share of the Company’s common stock and a warrant for the purchase of one share of the Company’s common stock. Each warrant is immediately exercisable at a price of CAD $3.25 and expires five years from the date of issuance. The Company also issued broker warrants to purchase 11,108 shares of common stock at a price of CAD $3.25 per share, which expire two years from the date of issuance.

 

September 2017 Private Placement

 

On September 15, 2017, the Company completed a private placement of 509,763 units at a price of CAD $0.90 (USD $0.74) per unit for gross proceeds of CAD $458,787 (USD $376,022) and net proceeds of CAD $438,012 (USD $358,788). Each unit consisted of one share of common stock and one warrant. Each warrant is immediately exercisable at a price of CAD $1.40 and expires five years from the date of issuance. The Company also issued broker warrants to purchase 21,751 shares of common stock at a price of CAD $1.40 per common share, which expire two years from the date of issuance.

 

Nueco Note

 

On February 1, 2017, the Company and the lender of the Nueco Note agreed to further extend the maturity of the Nueco Note to the earlier of (a) five days after the next closing of a private placement; or (b) April 15, 2017. In consideration for the extension, the Company paid to the lender a payment in the amount of $100,000 which represented (i) a principal reduction of $85,564; (ii) $1,186 for a prepayment of interest through April 15, 2017; and (iii) a payment of $13,250 which is a fee which does not reduce the principal or interest on the Nueco Note. On March 31, 2017, the Company repaid the Nueco Note in full.

 

Ablation Licensing

 

The following represents forward-looking information with respect to the commencement of production of uranium and/or vanadium and serves as an update to previously disclosed expectations. Production may commence at a different time than anticipated herein by management. As conditions and expectations change, Western will continue to provide updates. Western continues to position itself for flexibility with the goal of beginning production as expeditiously as possible once market conditions for production of U308 and/or vanadium are favorable. Currently, before committing resources to a production approach, resources have been and are continuing to be committed toward identifying the optimal regulatory and developmental approach to deploying Ablation. Subsequently, to commence production, management will be required to raise capital for production start-up costs. In order to minimize these costs, the Company plans to commence production at the Sunday Mine Complex where there exists substantial mining infrastructure from years of previous production.  Further, the Company will use a contract mining approach utilizing a previous contractor who mined the properties for a former owner. However, permitting and preparation costs will be driven by the approach to the application of Ablation and relevant regulatory requirements.

 

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Company management believes the key production determinant will be in the use and application of Ablation. In December 2016, CDPHE issued a decision letter that enables the use of Ablation at the Sunday Mine Complex in the state of Colorado under milling license regulations and which also recognized the appropriateness of exemptions to certain milling regulatory requirements. Further, the Company’s attorneys are not fully in agreement with aspects of the decision letter from the CDPHE, thus the Company expects to pursue additional regulatory clarifications which the Company’s management believes would make the application of Ablation potentially more economically advantageous. While resource prices are below target levels, the Company is focusing on improving the regulatory regime which governs the application of Ablation with the goal of minimizing future production costs.

 

The Company is exploring the application of Ablation to other minerals, which may not be subject to the regulatory requirements applicable to uranium.

 

Letter Of Intent with Pinon Ridge Mill

 

The Company has entered into a letter of intent with Pinon Ridge Corporation for use of its Ablation at the permitted uranium recovery facilities at the Pinon Ridge Mill site. The letter of intent provides for the processing of all of Western’s ore produced by its mines in the region at the mill site to produce U308 and vanadium utilizing both the application of Ablation mining technology and traditional milling techniques, at a cost to be determined in a definitive agreement. The Pinon Ridge Mill license is held by Pinon Ridge Resources Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Pinon Ridge Corporation, which is owned by Mr. George Glasier, our Chief Executive Officer and Mr. Russell Fryer, our Executive Chairman. The letter of intent is subject to the signing of a definitive agreement between the parties, which was to be completed by March 1, 2017 but its completion was extended to April 30, 2017. This date has passed and an additional extension has not been signed, however the parties continue discussions. The Pinon Ridge Mill is permitted, but at the pre-development stage.

 

During April 2017, two sets of term sheets were drafted and exchanged between the Company and Pinon Ridge Corporation regarding the Pinon Ridge Mill. The term sheets have provided a basis for negotiation and, upon completion the basis for the preparation of a definitive agreement. Discussions are ongoing and a definitive agreement has not yet been completed as of November 14, 2017.

 

Termination of Bedford Bridge Agreement

 

On March 26, 2017, the Company provided notice to Bedford Bridge Fund LLC (“Bedford Bridge”) and Robert Klein that it would be cancelling its agreement to provide financial and other consulting services, effective April 30, 2017. The acknowledgement of the termination initiated the preparation of engagement agreements for Mr. Klein, which have been executed as described below.

 

Mining Deposit Option and Exploration Agreement

 

On September 16, 2015, in connection with the Company’s acquisition of Black Range, the Company assumed an option and exploration agreement (the “Option and Exploration Agreement”) with STB Minerals, LLC, a Colorado limited liability company (“STB”). The Option and Exploration Agreement gives the Company the right to purchase 51% of the mineral rights under the Hansen project (for which the Company already holds 49% of the rights). If the Company were to exercise its option under the Option and Exploration Agreement, it would require the Company to (a) make a cash payment of $2,500,000 immediately upon exercise; (b) issue shares of common stock to STB amounting to a value of $3,750,000 immediately upon exercise; and (c) issue shares of common stock to STB amounting to a value of $3,750,000 on the date that is 180 days following exercise. The Option and Exploration Agreement was scheduled to expire by its terms on July 28, 2017 if not exercised.

 

The Option and Exploration Agreement provided an extension for an “event of force majeure”.  Under this clause, the Company would receive an extension of the period during which it could exercise its option if it experiences an unreasonable delay outside its control that prevents it from exercising the option.  On May 10, 2017, the Company provided to STB a notice that it was exercising the force majeure clause due to the delay by government regulators in licensing the Company’s ablation technology and permitting mining at the Hansen property. STB has contested the Company’s finding that an event of force majeure has occurred. Ongoing negotiations between the Company and STB continued until September 21, 2017, when Western’s counsel observed that a settlement agreement would not likely be worked out and moved that the matter proceed through the pre-established arbitration mechanism. On October 16, 2017, the Company provided STB with the Company’s choice of arbitrator for the required three arbitrator panel.  On November 13, 2017, STB's counsel proposed that we agree to arbitration by a single arbitrator in lieu of a three arbitrator panel provided in the Option and Exploration Agreement. Counsel for STB indicated that it was unwilling to consider our proposed arbitrator as the sole arbitrator but instead proposed selecting an arbitrator from one of two Colorado firms who maintain a pool of retired judges willing to serve as arbitrators. We are presently evaluating STB's latest proposal. The Company is not yet in a position to evaluate the financial implications of this uncertainty, and as such, the Company has not made any adjustment to these condensed consolidated financials related to this matter.

 

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Agreements with Executive Officers

 

George Glasier

 

On February 8, 2017, the Company entered into an employment agreement with George Glasier, its Chief Executive Officer. The employment agreement provides for an initial term of January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2018, with automatic annual renewals unless the Company or the Chief Executive Officer were to provide 90 days written notice of their desire to not renew the agreement. The employment agreement provides for a base salary of $180,000 per annum and a discretionary annual cash bonus to be determined by the Company’s board of directors. Pursuant to the employment agreement, if the Company terminates the employment agreement without cause, or if a change of control occurs, the Company is required to pay to the Chief Executive Officer a lump sum payment equal to two and one-half times his annual base salary.

 

Russell Fryer

 

On July 28, 2017, Russell Fryer was appointed the Company's Executive Chairman. On November 13, 2017, the Company entered into a consulting agreement with an affiliate of Mr. Fryer. The agreement is effective on July 28, 2017 and expires on December 31, 2018. The agreement may be mutually extended for subsequent annual terms. The agreement may be terminated by either party with 90 days notice. The agreement provides for compensation of $15,000 per month and an annual bonus at the discretion of the Board of Directors. Pursuant to the agreement, if a change of control occurs wherein the consideration in such change of control is more than USD $2.00 per share, the Company is required to pay a lump sum in the amount of two and one-half times the entity’s annual fee to this entity.

 

On April 1, 2017, we entered into a new consulting agreement with a United Stated limited liability company owned by Mr. Fryer, who, on July 28, 2017, became our Executive Chairman. The consulting agreement is to provide assistance with capital raising activates and other financial, advisory, and consulting services for the period April 1, 2017 through June 30, 2017. The agreement has a monthly fee of $15,000. Pursuant to the consulting agreement, if the Company completes a merger with a third party introduced by this director whereby more than 50% of the Company’s then outstanding shares are transferred to that third party, the Company is required to pay a lump sum in an amount of $350,000 to this entity.

 

Robert Klein

 

On May 12, 2017, Robert Klein was appointed the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, with whom the Company subsequently entered into an engagement agreement. The engagement agreement provides for an initial term of May 1, 2017 through June 30, 2017. The May 12, 2017 engagement agreement provided for a base salary of $12,500 per month.

 

On August 1, 2017, the Company entered into an engagement agreement to extend the initial May 12, 2017 agreement with Mr. Klein. The August 1, 2017 agreement extends the term of the agreement to provide for a term of July 1, 2017 through September 30, 2017 and provided for a base salary of $8,000 per month. This agreement expired on September 30, 2017.

 

On November 13, 2017, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Klein. The agreement is effective on October 1, 2017 and expires on September 30, 2018. The agreement may be mutually extended for subsequent annual terms. The agreement provides for compensation of $120,000 per annum and an annual bonus at the discretion of the Board of Directors. Pursuant to the employment agreement, once the Company raises a cumulative USD $1,000,000 subsequent to October 1, 2017, Mr. Klein’s annual base salary shall be increased. If a change of control occurs wherein the consideration in such change of control is more than USD $2.00 per share, the Company is required to pay a lump sum to Mr. Klein in the amount of two and one-half times Mr. Klein’s annual salary.

 

Vanadium Property Letter of Intent

 

On September 14, 2017, we entered into a binding letter of intent to purchase a vanadium-rich property in western Colorado. However, during due diligence, it was determined that the permitting timeline could not be condensed to coincide with our near-term production goals. On October 26, 2017, by mutual agreement, the letter of intent was terminated and we are no longer pursuing this purchase.

 

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Results of Operations

 

   For the Three Months Ended September 30,   For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   2017   2016   2017   2016 
Revenue                
Lease revenue  $10,000   $-   $10,000   $- 
Expenses                    
Mining expenditures   48,181    119,711    127,435    331,798 
Professional fees   127,485    200,734    502,868    526,826 
General and administrative   96,723    103,412    480,236    277,515 
Consulting fees   63,757    95,179    265,888    252,048 
Unrealized foreign exchange gain   -    -    -    (128,000)
Total operating expenses   336,146    519,036    1,376,427    1,260,187 
                     
Operating loss   (326,146)   (519,036)   (1,366,427)   (1,260,187)
                     
Interest expense, net   10,911    25,135    49,655    262,400 
                     
Net loss   (337,057)   (544,171)   (1,416,082)   (1,522,587)
                     
Other comprehensive (loss) gain                    
Foreign exchange (loss) gain   (2,360)   (10,735)   8,061    (64,519)
                     
Comprehensive Loss  $(339,417)  $(554,906)  $(1,408,021)  $(1,587,106)
                     
Net loss per share - basic and diluted  $(0.02)  $(0.03)  $(0.07)  $(0.09)

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 as Compared to the Three Months Ended September 30, 2016

 

Summary

 

Our condensed consolidated net loss for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 was $337,057 and $544,171 or $0.02 and $0.03 per share, respectively. The principal components of these quarter over quarter changes are discussed below.

 

Our comprehensive loss for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 was $339,417 and $554,906, respectively.

 

Revenue

 

Our revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 was $10,000 and $nil, respectively. The revenue in 2017 resulted from rental income pursuant to a July 18, 2017 lease with an oil and gas producer.

 

Mining Expenditures

 

Mining expenditures for the three months ended September 30, 2017 were $48,181 as compared to $119,711 for the three months ended September 30, 2016. The decrease in mining expenditures of $71,530, or 60% was principally attributable to $30,380 in one-time costs incurred in 2016 for compiling data and reporting for a regulator in support of ablation and $32,381 in decreased royalty payments due to the Company having released properties that didn’t fit into its business plan.

 

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Professional Fees

 

Professional fees for the three months ended September 30, 2017 were $127,485 as compared to $200,734 for the three months ended September 30, 2016. The decrease in professional fees of $73,246, or 36% was principally due to a decrease in audit, legal and accounting fees. The higher professional fees incurred during the three months ended September 30, 2016 were due to regulatory compliance costs of the Company becoming a U.S. reporting issuer in 2016.

 

General and Administrative

 

General and administrative expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2017 were $96,723 as compared to $103,412 for the three months ended September 30, 2016. The decrease in general and administrative expense of $6,689, or 6% is due to a decrease in expenses resulting from lower lease and rental costs associated with the Company’s Black Ranger which was offset by an increase in payroll expenses resulting from an employment agreement with the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, which was entered into on February 8, 2017.

 

Consulting Fees

 

Consulting fees for the three months ended September 30, 2017 were $63,757 as compared to $95,179 for the three months ended September 30, 2016. The decrease in consulting fees of $31,422, or 33% was principally related to the decreased costs of consulting agreements with related parties to provide services.

 

Interest Expense, net

 

Interest expense, net, for the three months ended September 30, 2017 was $10,911 as compared to $25,135 for the three months ended September 30, 2016. The decrease of interest expense, net, of $14,224, or 56% was attributable to the decrease in interest expense due to the repayments of the Nueco Note and Siebels Note.

 

Foreign Exchange

 

Foreign exchange gain (loss) for the three months ended September 30, 2017 was $(2,360) as compared to $(10,735) for the three months ended September 30, 2016. The decrease of the foreign exchange loss of $8,375, or 78% is primarily due to the Canadian Dollar strengthening against the U.S. Dollar.

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 as Compared to the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016

 

Summary

 

Our condensed consolidated net loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 was $1,416,082 and $1,522,587 or $0.07 and $0.09 per share, respectively. The principal components of these quarter over quarter changes are discussed below.

 

Our comprehensive loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 was $1,408,021 and $1,587,106, respectively.

 

Revenue

 

Our revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 was $10,000 and $nil, respectively. The revenue in 2017 resulted from the oil and gas lease entered into on July 18, 2017.

 

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Mining Expenditures

 

Mining expenditures for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 were $127,435 as compared to $331,798 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The decrease in mining expenditures of $204,363, or 62% was principally attributable to one-time costs of $129,655 for compiling data and reporting for a regulator in support of ablation in 2016, ablation technology development costs, costs of moving the ablation equipment from Wyoming to Colorado, and hydrological sampling costs. These one-time costs were offset by decreased royalty payments of $90,915 due to restructuring and the Company previously releasing mining properties that didn’t fit into its business plan.

 

Professional Fees

 

Professional fees for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 were $502,868 as compared to $526,826 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The decrease in professional fees of $23,958, or 5% was principally due to a decrease in investor relations fees of $25,063.

 

General and Administrative

 

General and administrative expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 were $480,236 as compared to $277,515 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The increase in general and administrative expense of $202,721, or 73%, was principally due to an increase in stock-based compensation of $133,282 due to vesting of stock options granted in October 2016 under the Incentive Stock Option Plan, as well as an increase in payroll expense of $74,963 mostly deriving from an employment agreement with the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, which was entered into on February 8, 2017.

 

Consulting Fees

 

Consulting fees for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 were $265,888 as compared to $252,048 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The increase in consulting fees of $13,840, or 6% was principally related to costs of consulting agreements with related parties to provide financial and CFO-related services and the utilization of an additional third-party investor relations firm in the current year.

 

Unrealized Foreign Exchange Gain

 

Unrealized foreign exchange gain for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 was $nil and $128,000, respectively, which represented a 2016 change in the value of the deferred contingent consideration obligation.

 

Interest Expense, net

 

Interest expense, net for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was $49,655 as compared to $262,400 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The decrease of interest expense, net of $212,745, or 81% was primarily attributable to a decrease in interest expense due to the repayment of the Nueco Note and Siebels Note, and the one-time accretion of $215,976 upon the 2016 acceleration of the reclamation expense of the Alaska Jonesville coal mine.

 

Foreign Exchange

 

Foreign exchange gain (loss) for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was $8,061 as compared to $(64,519) for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The increase of the foreign exchange gain of $72,580, or 112% is primarily due to the Canadian Dollar strengthening against the U.S. Dollar.

 

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

The Company’s cash balance as of September 30, 2017 was $501,677. The Company’s cash position is highly dependent on its ability to raise capital through the issuance of debt and equity and its management of expenditures for mining development and for fulfillment of its public reporting responsibilities. The Company expects to require additional capital in order to continue the development of Ablation. Management believes that in order to finance the development of the mining properties and Ablation, the Company will be required to raise significant additional capital by way of debt and/or equity. This outlook is based on the Company’s current financial position and is subject to change if opportunities become available based on current exploration program results and/or external opportunities.

 

On March 31, 2017, the Company completed a private placement of 634,424 units at a price of CAD $1.75 (USD $1.32) per unit for gross proceeds of CAD $1,110,242 (USD $834,252) and net proceeds of CAD $1,083,415 (USD $814,078). Each unit consists of one share of the Company’s common stock and a warrant for the purchase of one share of the Company’s common stock. Each warrant is immediately exercisable at a price of CAD $3.25 and expires five years from the date of issuance. The Company also issued broker warrants to purchase 11,108 shares of common stock at a price of CAD $3.25 per share, which expire two years from the date of issuance.

 

On September 15, 2017, the Company completed a private placement of 509,763 units at a price of CAD $0.90 (USD $0.74) per unit for gross proceeds of CAD $458,781 (USD $376,022) and net proceeds of CAD $438,012 (USD $358,788). Each unit consisted of one share of common stock and one warrant. Each warrant is immediately exercisable at a price of CAD$1.40 and expires five years from the date of issuance. The Company also issued broker warrants to purchase 21, 751 shares of common stock at a price of CAD $1.40 per common share, which expire two years form issuance.

 

Net cash used in operating activities

 

Net cash used in operating activities was $1,334,117 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, as compared with $1,483,533 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. Of the decrease of $1,334,117 in net cash used in operating activities, $74,296 is derived from changes in operating assets and liabilities. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, $39,789 was represented a reduction accounts payable and accrued liabilities, $144,507 represented an increase in prepaid expenses and $110,000 represented an increase in deferred revenue.

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

There was no cash provided by or used in investing activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016.

 

Net cash provided by financing activities

 

Net cash provided by financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was $1,015,731 as compared to $1,808,251 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the net cash provided by financing activities consisted of $1,172,866 from the proceeds from the private placements. This was offset by principal payments of $185,564 made on the Nueco Note.

 

Reclamation Liability

 

The reclamation liabilities of the US mines are subject to legal and regulatory requirements, and estimates of the costs of reclamation are reviewed periodically by the applicable regulatory authorities. The reclamation liability represents the Company’s best estimate of the present value of future reclamation costs in connection with the mineral properties. The Company determined the gross reclamation liabilities of the mineral properties as of September 30, 2017 to be approximately $1,036,333. During the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, the accretion of the reclamation liabilities was $2,561 and $3,069, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, the accretion of the reclamation liabilities was $6,588 and $183,510, respectively. Except in regard to its Alaska coal mine property (as discussed below), the Company expects to begin incurring the reclamation liability after 2054 and accordingly, has discounted the gross liabilities over a thirty year life using a discount rate of 5.4% to a net discounted value as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 of $410,227 and $403,639, respectively. The gross reclamation liabilities as of September 30, 2017 are secured by certificates of deposit in the amount of $1,036,410.

 

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During the second quarter of 2016, the Company initiated actions to cancel its coal mining leases in Alaska. In connection therewith, the Company notified the state of Alaska of its intent to forfeit the posted bond in satisfaction of the reclamation liabilities at the site. In response to the Company’s notification, the Company received notification that the state of Alaska was initiating forfeiture of the Company’s performance bond for reclamation. However, the notice indicated an additional surety bond of $150,000 in excess of the $210,500 cash bond which had been posted by the Company upon purchase of the property. The Company and its advisors do not believe that it is obligated for this additional amount of claimed reclamation obligation. The Company is working with its legal counsel and the State of Alaska to resolve this matter. The Company has not recorded an additional $150,000 obligation as the Company does not expect, based on the advice of legal counsel, to be obligated to an amount greater than that presently reflected in the reclamation liability. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company adjusted the fair value of its reclamation obligation and for the Alaska mine, accreted $174,412 to bring its reclamation liability to face value. The portion of the reclamation liability related to the Alaska mine, and its related restricted cash are included in current liabilities, and current assets, respectively, at a value of $215,976. On January 20, 2017, the State of Alaska notified the Company that its reclamation bond had been forfeited to be used to satisfy the reclamation obligation. However, no amount had yet been determined in respect to the final cost of the reclamation obligation.

 

Oil and Gas Lease

 

In 2017, an oil and gas lease became effective with respect to minerals and mineral rights owned by a subsidiary of the Company of approximately 160 surface acres of land in Weld County, Colorado. As partial consideration for entering into the lease, the Company received $120,000 during the third quarter of 2017. The lease will be in force for an initial term of three years and may be extended by the lessee at 150% of the initial rate. The lessee has also agreed to pay the Company a royalty of 18.75% of the oil and gas produced, saved, and sold attributable to the net mineral interest.

 

The $120,000 will be recognized as revenue incrementally over the term of the lease, as such the Company recognized $10,000 of revenue during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017.

 

Related Party Transactions

 

The Company has transacted with related parties pursuant to service arrangements in the ordinary course of business, as follows:

 

Entities controlled by a former member of the Board of Directors earned consulting fees totaling $17,377 and $9,117 for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and $47,288 and $50,037 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The same director earned director fees totaling $0 and $1,489 during the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and $3,079 and $7,747 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company has $1,634 and $0, respectively, in accounts payable and accrued liabilities owing to this director. This director resigned on July 27, 2017.

 

Pursuant to a consulting agreement, a United States limited liability company owned by a person who is a director and until October 19, 2016, was the Company’s CFO, entered into a contract with the Company dated January 1, 2016, (the “January 2016 Agreement”) to provide financial and other consulting services at $8,333 per month. On October 19, 2016 the January 2016 Agreement was terminated. On the same date a new agreement was entered into between the Company, a United States limited liability company owned by the same director and Robert Klein (the “October 2016 Agreement”) to provide financial operating services and to have Mr. Klein serve as the Chief Financial Officer. The term of the October 2016 Agreement was to run through July 31, 2017 and has an annual fee of $162,000 payable monthly, starting on October 1, 2016. On March 26, 2017, the Company provided notice that it would be cancelling the October 2016 Agreement, effective April 30, 2017. During the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, the Company incurred fees of $25,000 and $25,000, respectively, to these companies. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, the Company incurred fees of $48,540 and $75,000, respectively, to these companies. As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company had $0 and $0, respectively, included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities payable to these companies.

 

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Pursuant to a consulting agreement, a United States limited liability company owned by a person who is a director, and on July 28, 2017, became the Company’s executive chairman, entered into a consulting agreement with the Company effective April 1, 2016 to provide financial, advisory, and consulting services, including representing the Company to a variety of stakeholders for a six month term ending on September 30, 2016. On October 1, 2016 the Company extended this agreement through January 31, 2017. Professional fees for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 were $35,292 and $45,000, respectively, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 were $95,292 and $75,000, respectively, related to this agreement. As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company had $0 and $0, respectively, included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities payable to this entity.

 

On April 1, 2017, the Company entered into a new consulting agreement with a United States limited liability company owned by a person who is a director. The consulting agreement is to provide assistance with capital raising activities and other financial, advisory, and consulting services for the period April 1, 2017 through June 30, 2017. At June 30, 2017 and the last day of each month thereafter, the agreement may be extended by the Company on a month-to-month basis with seven days’ notice. The agreement has a monthly fee of $15,000. Pursuant to the consulting agreement, if the Company completes a merger with a third party introduced by this director whereby more than 50% of the Company’s then outstanding shares are transferred to that third party, the Company is required to pay a lump sum in an amount of $350,000 to this entity.

 

Additional Disclosure on Director and Named Executive Officer Compensation Policy, Oversight and Principles

 

The principal objective of the Company’s executive compensation program is to ensure that executive compensation is fair and reasonable, rewards performance of directors and management, and is successful in attracting and retaining experienced executives. The Company’s compensation program is based on the principle that the compensation should be aligned with the short, medium and long-term interests of the Company’s shareholders. The Company’s compensation program also recognizes that the various components thereof must be sufficiently flexible to adapt to developments in the uranium and vanadium markets.

 

The Company’s executive compensation program has allowed the Company to attract and retain a team of motivated executives who are working towards the common goal of enhancing the Company’s value. The Board of Directors will periodically review the executive compensation program to ensure that the resulting compensation remains consistent with the performance of the Company.

 

The Company’s executive compensation program is comprised of three primary components: (a) base salary; (b) a short-term incentive plan, which includes the potential for cash bonuses; and (iii) a long-term incentive plan, which consists of grants of stock options. The Board of Directors does not have a compensation committee and executive compensation is determined by the Board of Directors as a whole. In determining the executive compensation, the Board of Directors bears in mind the nature of the Company, its stage of development and scope of its operations, and the financial resources of the Company.

 

Base Salary

 

The base salary of each executive is reviewed and evaluated by the Board of Directors based on the principles and objectives outlined above.

 

The Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) of the Company received no base salary or other type of compensation for the year ended December 31, 2016. The only executive officer compensated by the Company since inception has been the Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) of the Company. As the Company is a newly established non-producing mineral exploration and mining company, the Chief Financial Officer role has historically been fulfilled through a consulting agreement. The Chief Executive Officer has determined the terms of, and overseen the drafting of engagement agreements for the Chief Financial Officer, which upon completion was presented to the Board of Directors for input and approval. See “Agreements with Executive Officers” and “Related Party Transactions” above for more detail regarding the Company’s engagement agreements with its CFO.

 

On February 8, 2017, the Company entered into an employment agreement with its CEO (see “Agreements with Executive Officers”, above). Prior to entering into this agreement, the board of directors engaged a law firm that specializes in employment law to perform a survey of comparable mining companies with assets in Colorado to derive both compensation and employment provisions of the agreement. The resulting proposed agreement was presented to the Board of Directors and was used as the basis for the employment agreement that was entered into with the CEO.

 

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On November 13, 2017, the Company entered into an employment agreement with its Chief Financial Officer. See “Agreements with Executive Officers”, above.

 

Short-Term Incentive Plan

 

A short-term incentive award, if any, in the form of a cash bonus may be awarded by the Board of Directors to the executive officers at its discretion. No such bonus was awarded during the year ended December 31, 2016 or the nine months ended September 30, 2017.

 

Long-Term Incentive Plan

 

With regard to long-term incentives, the Company maintains an incentive stock option plan (the “Plan”) which permits the granting of stock options as incentive compensation. Shareholders of the Company approved the Plan on June 30, 2008 and amendments to the Plan on June 20, 2013, and the Board of Directors approved additional changes to the Plan on September 12, 2015. The purpose of the Plan is to attract, retain and motivate directors, management, staff and consultants by providing them with the opportunity, through stock options, to acquire a proprietary interest in the Company and benefit from its growth.

 

The Plan provides that the aggregate number of common shares for which stock options may be granted will not exceed 10% of the issued and outstanding common shares at the time stock options are granted. As of September 30, 2017, a total of 20,083,360 common shares were outstanding, and at that date the maximum number of stock options eligible for issue under the Plan was 2,008,386 (10% of the issued and outstanding common shares). The number of options to be granted to an executive is determined by the Board of Directors.

 

Grant of Stock Options

 

On October 4, 2016, the Board of Directors granted a total 750,000 stock options to the Company’s executives and directors. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, no such stock options were granted under the Plan.

 

On October 10, 2017, the Company granted options under the Plan for the purchase of an aggregate of 825,000 shares of common stock to five individuals consisting of directors and officers of the Company.

 

The stock options were granted to:

 

   Options 
Mr. George Glasier   200,000 
Mr. Robert Klein   200,000 
Mr. Russell Fryer   200,000 
Mr. Andrew Wilder   200,000 
Mr. Mike Rutter   25,000 

 

The options have a five year term, an exercise price of CAD $1.60 (USD $1.28), and vest equally in thirds commencing initially on the date of grant and thereafter on October 31, 2017, and March 31, 2018.

 

Going Concern

 

The Company has incurred continuing losses from its operations and as of September 30, 2017 the Company had an accumulated deficit of $5,541,937 and working capital deficit of $417,236.

 

Since inception, the Company has met its liquidity requirements principally through the issuance of notes and the sale of its shares of common stock.

 

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The Company’s ability to continue its operations and to pay its obligations when they become due is contingent upon the Company obtaining additional financing. Management’s plans include seeking to procure additional funds through debt and equity financings, to secure regulatory approval to fully utilize its ablation technology and to initiate the processing of ore to generate operating cash flows.

 

There are no assurances that the Company will be able to raise capital on terms acceptable to the Company or at all, or that cash flows generated from its operations will be sufficient to meet its current operating costs and required debt service. If the Company is unable to obtain sufficient amounts of additional capital, it may be required to reduce the scope of its planned product development, which could harm its financial condition and operating results, or it may not be able to continue to fund its ongoing operations. These conditions raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. These condensed consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of these uncertainties.

 

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

As of September 30, 2017, there were no off-balance sheet transactions. The Company has not entered into any specialized financial agreements to minimize its investment risk, currency risk or commodity risk.

 

Critical Accounting Estimates and Policies

 

The preparation of these condensed consolidated financial statements requires management to make certain estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements and reported amounts of expenses during the reporting period.

 

Significant assumptions about the future and other sources of estimation uncertainty that management has made at the end of the reporting period, that could result in a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities, in the event that actual results differ from assumptions made, include, but are not limited to, the following: fair value of transactions involving shares of common stock, assessment of the useful life and evaluation for impairment of intangible assets, valuation and impairment assessments on mineral properties, deferred contingent consideration, the reclamation liability, valuation of stock-based compensation, valuation of available-for-sale securities and valuation of long-term debt, HST and asset retirement obligations. Other areas requiring estimates include allocations of expenditures, depletion and amortization of mineral rights and properties.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

As of the end of the period covered by this report, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)). Based on their evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, with the participation of the Company’s management, concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of September 30, 2017, to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is (a) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and (b) accumulated and communicated to management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

Description of Material Weakness

 

Management has concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of September 30, 2017, due to the lack of segregation of duties and the failure to report disclosures on a timely basis.

 

Remediation of Material Weakness

 

Management has developed a plan and related timeline for the Company to design a set of control procedures and the related required documentation thereof in order to address this material weakness. Management has targeted to have the necessary controls in place by the end of 2017.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by paragraph (d) of Rules 13a-15 or 15d-15 under the Exchange Act that occurred during the current fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1.Legal Proceedings

 

In the opinion of management, we are not involved in any claims, legal actions or regulatory proceedings as of September 30, 2017, the ultimate disposition of which would have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

Item 1A.Risk Factors

 

In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed under “Risk Factors” in our Form 10-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 2017. These factors could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations and capital position, and could cause our actual results to differ materially from our historical results or the results contemplated by any forward-looking statements contained in this report.

 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

 

Pursuant to Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (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, and that is subject to regulation by the Federal Mine Safety and Health Administration under the Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (“Mine Safety Act”), 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. As Western Uranium does not operate any coal or other mines, no such disclosure is required.

 

Item 5. Other Information

 

On September 14, 2017, Western signed a binding letter of intent (the “Graysill LOI”) to purchase the Graysill Property (“Graysill”) from Pacific Gold & Royalty Corporation (“Pacific”). Graysill is located in western Colorado and encompasses the historic Graysill Mine (the “Mine”) and a series of mining claims. The Mine was discovered in the 1940’s and was active for a period of approximately twenty years where it produced vanadium and by-product uranium.

 

The Graysill LOI provided for Western to pay Pacific a total of $100,000, with $55,000 of that amount due on the transaction closing and the remaining $45,000 to be paid, at Western’s election, either in common shares six months after the transaction closing or in cash one year after the transaction closing. Further, Western was to grant Pacific a one percent Net Smelter Return Royalty on all minerals recovered and sold. The transaction closing was subject to Western’s satisfactory completion and approval of due diligence and documentation by Western’s board of directors.

 

On October 26, 2017, by mutual agreement, Western and Pacific terminated the Graysill LOI. During due diligence, it was determined that Graysill would not sufficiently allow Western to leverage its vanadium production capability as anticipated because the permitting timeline could not be condensed to coincide with near-term production goals.

 

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Item 6.Exhibits

 

Exhibit No.   Description      
     
31.1   Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2   Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 of 2002.
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Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

101.INS   XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
101.CAL   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

 

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SIGNATURES

 

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

 

  WESTERN URANIUM CORPORATION
     
 Date: November 14, 2017 By: /s/ George Glasier
    George Glasier
   

Chief Executive Officer

(Principal executive officer)

   
 Date: November 14, 2017 By: /s/ Robert Klein
    Robert Klein
   

Chief Financial Officer

(Principal financial and accounting officer)

 

 

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