Western Uranium & Vanadium Corp. - Quarter Report: 2017 March (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 March 31, 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) |
700-10 King Street East Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
M5C 1C3 | |
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) | (Zip Code) |
(416) 564-2870 |
(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, 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 May 12, 2017, 19,574,709 of the registrant’s no par value common shares were outstanding.
WESTERN URANIUM CORPORATION
FORM 10-Q FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 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 | 15 |
Item 4. | Controls and Procedures | 21 |
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION | 22 | |
Item 1. | Legal Proceedings | 22 |
Item 1A. | Risk Factors | 22 |
Item 4. | Mine Safety Disclosures | 22 |
Item 6. | Exhibits | 22 |
SIGNATURES | 23 |
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
WESTERN URANIUM CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Stated in $USD)
As of: | ||||||||
March 31, 2017 | December 31, 2016 | |||||||
(unaudited) | ||||||||
Assets | ||||||||
Current assets: | ||||||||
Cash | $ | 873,938 | $ | 791,814 | ||||
Prepaid expenses | 182,410 | 80,734 | ||||||
Marketable securities | 3,006 | 2,976 | ||||||
Restricted cash | 215,976 | 215,976 | ||||||
Other current assets | 31,733 | 22,047 | ||||||
Total current assets | 1,307,063 | 1,113,547 | ||||||
Restricted cash | 820,357 | 820,357 | ||||||
Mineral properties | 11,645,218 | 11,645,218 | ||||||
Ablation intellectual property | 9,488,051 | 9,488,051 | ||||||
Total assets | $ | 23,260,689 | $ | 23,067,173 | ||||
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity | ||||||||
Liabilities | ||||||||
Current liabilities: | ||||||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | $ | 678,921 | $ | 769,907 | ||||
Reclamation liability, current | 215,976 | 215,976 | ||||||
Current portion of notes payable | - | 183,125 | ||||||
Total current liabilities | 894,897 | 1,169,008 | ||||||
Reclamation liability | 189,191 | 187,663 | ||||||
Deferred tax liability | 4,063,330 | 4,063,330 | ||||||
Deferred contingent consideration, non current | 372,000 | 372,000 | ||||||
Notes payable, net of discount and current portion | 473,002 | 468,368 | ||||||
Total liabilities | 5,992,420 | 6,260,369 | ||||||
Commitments | ||||||||
Shareholders' Equity | ||||||||
Common stock, no par value, unlimited authorized shares, 19,574,709 and 18,886,497 shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively | 21,958,058 | 20,927,360 | ||||||
Subscription receivable | - | (28,429 | ) | |||||
Accumulated deficit | (4,731,081 | ) | (4,125,855 | ) | ||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income | 41,292 | 33,728 | ||||||
Total shareholders' equity | 17,268,269 | 16,806,804 | ||||||
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity | $ | 23,260,689 | $ | 23,067,173 |
The accompanying notes are in integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
1 |
WESTERN URANIUM CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
(Stated in $USD)
(unaudited)
For the Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||
2017 | 2016 | |||||||
Expenses | ||||||||
Mining expenditures | $ | 40,618 | $ | 93,350 | ||||
Professional fees | 225,494 | 35,107 | ||||||
General and administrative | 226,187 | 36,257 | ||||||
Consulting fees | 84,763 | 42,870 | ||||||
Loss from operations | (577,062 | ) | (207,584 | ) | ||||
Interest expense, net | 28,164 | 20,080 | ||||||
Net loss | (605,226 | ) | (227,664 | ) | ||||
Other comprehensive loss | ||||||||
Foreign exchange gain (loss) | 7,564 | (31,256 | ) | |||||
Comprehensive loss | $ | (597,662 | ) | $ | (258,920 | ) | ||
Loss per share - basic and diluted | $ | (0.03 | ) | $ | (0.01 | ) | ||
Weighted average shares outstanding, basic and diluted | 18,928,210 | 16,327,302 |
The accompanying notes are in integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
2 |
WESTERN URANIUM CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
(Stated in $USD)
(unaudited)
Common Shares | Accumulated Other | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares | Amount | Subscription Receivable | Accumulated Deficit | Comprehensive Income | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of January 1, 2017 | 18,886,497 | $ | 20,927,360 | (28,429 | ) | $ | (4,125,855 | ) | $ | 33,728 | $ | 16,806,804 | ||||||||||||
Receipt of subscription receivable | - | - | 28,429 | - | - | 28,429 | ||||||||||||||||||
Shares issued for accounts payable on February 7, 2017 | 53,788 | 83,338 | - | - | - | 83,338 | ||||||||||||||||||
Sale of 634,424 units on March 31, 2017 in private placement | 634,424 | 814,078 | - | - | - | 814,078 | ||||||||||||||||||
Stock based compensation - stock options | 133,282 | 133,282 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign exchange loss | - | - | - | - | 7,564 | 7,564 | ||||||||||||||||||
Net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2017 | - | - | - | (605,226 | ) | - | (605,226 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Balance as of March 31, 2017 | 19,574,709 | $ | 21,958,058 | $ | - | $ | (4,731,081 | ) | $ | 41,292 | $ | 17,268,269 |
The accompanying notes are in integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
3 |
WESTERN URANIUM CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Stated in $USD)
(unaudited)
For the Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||
2017 | 2016 | |||||||
Cash Flows From Operating Activities: | ||||||||
Net loss | $ | (605,226 | ) | $ | (227,664 | ) | ||
Reconciliation of net loss to cash used in operating activities: | ||||||||
Accretion of reclamation liability | 1,528 | 1,940 | ||||||
Amortization of debt discount on notes payable | 7,073 | 39,491 | ||||||
Stock based compensation | 133,282 | - | ||||||
Change in foreign exchange on marketable securities | (30 | ) | (202 | ) | ||||
Change in operating assets and liabilities: | ||||||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | (111,362 | ) | 45,226 | |||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | (7,648 | ) | (109,468 | ) | ||||
Mineral properties | - | 19,810 | ||||||
Net cash used in operating activities | (582,383 | ) | (230,867 | ) | ||||
Cash Flows From Financing Activities: | ||||||||
Payment of Nueco Note | (185,564 | ) | - | |||||
Issuance of Common shares, net of offering costs | 814,078 | 18,236 | ||||||
Receipt of subscription receivable | 28,429 | - | ||||||
Proceeds from Siebels Note | - | 100,000 | ||||||
Net cash provided by financing activities | 656,943 | 118,236 | ||||||
Effect of foreign exchange rate on cash | 7,564 | (31,256 | ) | |||||
Net increase (decrease) in cash | 82,124 | (143,887 | ) | |||||
Cash - beginning | 791,814 | 214,482 | ||||||
Cash - ending | $ | 873,938 | $ | 70,595 | ||||
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: | ||||||||
Cash paid during the period for: | ||||||||
Interest | $ | - | $ | - | ||||
Taxes | $ | - | $ | - | ||||
Non-cash financing activities: | ||||||||
Shares issued from subscription payable | $ | - | $ | 198,298 | ||||
Shares issued for account payable and accrued expenses | $ | 83,338 | $ | - |
There were no cash flows from investing activities during the three months ended March 31, 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 10 King Street East, Suite 700, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5C 1C3 and its common shares are listed on the CSE under the symbol “WUC” and since May 23, 2016 traded on the OTCQX Best Market. Its principal business activity is the acquisition and development of uranium 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 March 31, 2017 the Company had an accumulated deficit of $4,731,081 and working capital of $412,166.
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 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.
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 ended March 31, 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.
5 |
WESTERN URANIUM CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Stated in $USD)
Unaudited
Note 3 – SUMMARY OF Significant Accounting Policies, Continued
Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation, continued
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 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.
Fair Values of Financial Instruments
The fair value of financial instruments in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 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 March 31, 2017 | $ | 3,006 | $ | - | $ | - | ||||||
Marketable securities as of December 31, 2016 | $ | 2,976 | $ | - | $ | - |
6 |
WESTERN URANIUM CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Stated in $USD)
Unaudited
NOTE 3 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES, CONTINUED
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 months ended March 31, 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 Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||
2017 | 2016 | |||||||
Warrants to purchase shares of common stock | 3,341,572 | 101,009 | ||||||
Options to purchase shares of common stock | 1,346,996 | 271,996 | ||||||
Total potentially dilutive securities | 4,688,568 | 373,005 |
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 does not yet have revenues. 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.
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 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 will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. The Company has adopted this standard for the period beginning January 1, 2017.
7 |
WESTERN URANIUM CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Stated in $USD)
Unaudited
Note 4 – RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS, Continued
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 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 is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of this ASU will have on the Company’s 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 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 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 consolidated financial position and results of operations.
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.
8 |
WESTERN URANIUM CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Stated in $USD)
Unaudited
Note 4 – RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS, Continued
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.
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.
The Company’s mineral properties and ablation intellectual property are:
As of | ||||||||
March 31, 2017 | December 31, 2016 | |||||||
Mineral properties | $ | 11,645,218 | $ | 11,645,218 | ||||
Ablation intellectual property | $ | 9,488,051 | $ | 9,488,051 |
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 March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 to be approximately $1,036,333 and $1,036,333, respectively. During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, the accretion of the reclamation liabilities was $1,528 and $1,940, 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 life using a discount rate of 5.4% to net discounted values as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 of $405,167 and $403,639, respectively. The gross reclamation liabilities as of March 31, 2017 are secured by certificates of deposit in the amount of $1,036,333.
9 |
WESTERN URANIUM CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Stated in $USD)
Unaudited
NOTE 5 - MINERAL ASSETS AND ABLATION INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, CONTINUED
Reclamation Liabilities, Continued
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 three months ended March 31, 2017 consists of:
January 1, 2017 | $ | 403,639 | ||
Accretion | 1,528 | |||
March 31, 2017 | 405,167 | |||
Less current portion | 215,976 | |||
Non-current portion | $ | 189,191 |
NOTE 6 - Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities consist of:
As of: | ||||||||
March 31, 2017 | December 31, 2016 | |||||||
Trade accounts payable | $ | 454,576 | $ | 547,254 | ||||
Accrued liabilities | 224,345 | 222,653 | ||||||
$ | 678,921 | $ | 769,907 |
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.
10 |
WESTERN URANIUM CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Stated in $USD)
Unaudited
NOTE 7 - Notes Payable, continued
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.
11 |
WESTERN URANIUM CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Stated in $USD)
Unaudited
NOTE 7 - Notes Payable, continued
Notes payable consisted of:
As of March 31, 2017 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Principal | Discount | Balance, Net of Discount | Current | Non-Current | ||||||||||||||||
EFHC Note | $ | 500,000 | $ | 26,998 | $ | 473,002 | $ | - | $ | 473,002 |
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 March 31, | ||||||||
2017 | 2016 | |||||||
Interest expense, notes payable | $ | 5,861 | $ | 11,893 | ||||
Amortization of discount on notes payable | 20,324 | 5,041 | ||||||
Accretion of reclamation liabilities | 1,528 | 2,981 | ||||||
Other interest expense | 726 | 165 | ||||||
Interest income | (275 | ) | - | |||||
Interest expense, net | $ | 28,164 | $ | 20,080 |
NOTE 8- COMMITMENTS
On February 8, 2017 the Company entered into an employment agreement with 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.
On May 12, 2017 the Company entered into an engagement agreement with its Chief Financial Officer. The engagement agreement provides for an initial term of May 1, 2017 through June 30, 2017, and may be extended upon mutual agreement. The engagement agreement provides for a base salary of $12,500 per month.
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.
12 |
WESTERN URANIUM CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Stated in $USD)
Unaudited
Note 9 - share capital and other equity instruments, continued
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.
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 March 31, 2017, a total of 19,574,709 common shares were outstanding, and at that date the maximum number of stock options eligible for issue under the Plan was 1,957,471 (10% of the issued and outstanding common shares).
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 | ||||||||||||||
Outstanding - March 31, 2017 | 1,346,996 | $ | 2.37 | 4.03 | $ | 0.53 | $ | - | ||||||||||||
Exercisable - March 31, 2017 | 1,346,996 | $ | 2.37 | 4.03 | $ | 0.53 | $ | - |
There were no stock options granted, expired, forfeited, cancelled or exercised during the three months ended March 31, 2017.
The Company’s stock based compensation expense related to stock options for the three months ended March 31, 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 | 645,532 | $ | 3.25 | |||||||||||||
Outstanding - March 31, 2017 | 3,341,572 | $ | 2.88 | 4.56 | $ | - | ||||||||||
Exercisable - March 31, 2017 | 3,341,572 | $ | 2.88 | 4.56 | $ | - |
13 |
WESTERN URANIUM CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Stated in $USD)
Unaudited
Note 10 - Mining Expenditures
For the Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||
2017 | 2016 | |||||||
Permits | $ | 3,414 | $ | 49,186 | ||||
Maintenance | 37,204 | 37,854 | ||||||
Contract Labor | - | 2,560 | ||||||
Royalties | - | 3,750 | ||||||
$ | 40,618 | $ | 93,350 |
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 member of the Board of Directors earned consulting fees totaling $1,707 and $42,870 for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The same director earned director fees totaling $24,677 and $9,245 during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company has $8,051 and $0, respectively, in accounts payable and accrued liabilities owing to this director.
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 March 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company incurred fees of $16,500 and $25,000, respectively, to these companies. As of March 31, 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 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 March 31, 2017 and 2016 were $15,014 and $0, related to this agreement. As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company had $0 and $0, respectively, included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities payable to this entity. See Note 12 – Subsequent Events for an additional agreement related to this company.
NOTE 12 - SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Engagement Agreement
On May 12, 2017, the Company entered into an engagement agreement with its Chief Financial Officer. See Note 8 – Commitments.
Related Party Consulting Agreement
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.
14 |
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 operation, 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.
15 |
The Company has registered offices at 10 King Street East, Suite 700, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5C 1C3 and its common shares are listed on the CSE under the symbol "WUC" and since May 23, 2016 traded on the OTCQX Best Market. Its principal business activity is the acquisition and development of uranium 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.
Nueco Note
On February 1, 2017, the Company and 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.
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.
16 |
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, one of our directors. The letter of intent is subject to the signing of a definitive agreement between the parties, 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 May 12, 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 an engagement agreement for Mr. Klein, which was executed as described below.
Agreements with Executive Officers
On February 8, 2017 the Company entered into an employment agreement with 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.
On May 12, 2017 the Company entered into an engagement agreement with its Chief Financial Officer. The engagement agreement provides for an initial term of May 1, 2017 through June 30, 2017, and may be extended upon mutual agreement. The engagement agreement provides for a base salary of $12,500 per month.
Related Party Consulting Agreement
On April 1, 2017, we entered into a new consulting agreement with a United Stated limited liability company owned by a person who is one of our directors. 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 us on a month-to-month basis with seven days’ notice. The agreement has a monthly fee of $15,000.
17 |
Results of Operations
For the Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||
2017 | 2016 | |||||||
Expenses | ||||||||
Mining expenditures | $ | 40,618 | $ | 93,350 | ||||
Professional fees | 225,494 | 35,107 | ||||||
General and administrative | 226,187 | 36,257 | ||||||
Consulting fees | 84,763 | 42,870 | ||||||
Loss from operations | (577,062 | ) | (207,584 | ) | ||||
Accretion and interest expense | 28,164 | 20,080 | ||||||
Net loss | (605,226 | ) | (227,664 | ) | ||||
Other Comprehensive loss | ||||||||
Foreign exchange gain | 7,564 | (31,256 | ) | |||||
Comprehensive Loss | $ | (597,662 | ) | $ | (258,920 | ) | ||
Net loss per share - basic and diluted | $ | (0.03 | ) | $ | (0.01 | ) |
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 as Compared to the Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
Summary
Our condensed consolidated net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 was $605,226 and $227,664 or $0.03 and $0.01 per share, respectively. The principal components of these quarter over quarter changes are discussed below.
Our comprehensive loss for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 was $597,662 and $258,920, respectively.
Mining Expenditures
Mining expenditures for the three months ended March 31, 2017 were $40,618 as compared to $93,350 for the three months ended March 31, 2016. The decrease in mining expenditures of $52,732, or 56 % was principally attributable to the reduced need for mining property maintenance expenditures and reduced leasing costs due to the Company previously releasing properties that didn’t fit into its business plan.
Professional Fees
Professional fees for the three months ended March 31, 2017 were $225,494 as compared to $35,107 for the three months ended March 31, 2016. The increase in professional fees of $190,387, or 542% was principally due to an increase of approximately $160,000 in audit, legal and accounting fees. These fees have increased due to the Company now reporting under both the U.S. and Canada regulatory environments. Notably the 2017 U.S. reporting deadline has also accelerated vendor expenses taken in the second quarter 2016 into the first quarter 2017. Legal costs have also increased due to the Company’s regulatory expenditures for Ablation.
General and Administrative
General and administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2017 were $226,187 as compared to $36,257 for the three months ended March 31, 2016. The increase in general and administrative expense of $189,930, or 524%, was principally due to an increase in stock based compensation of $135,000 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 $50,000 upon entering into Mr. Glasier’s employment agreement as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer.
18 |
Consulting Fees
Consulting fees for the three months ended March 31, 2017 were $84,763 as compared to $42,870 for the three months ended March 31, 2016. The increase in consulting fees of $41,893, or 98% was principally related to costs of $14,844 incurred under a consulting agreement with a related party to provide financial advisory services and an increase of $15,339 under consulting agreements with related parties to provide financial and CFO-related services.
Accretion and Interest
Accretion and interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2017 was $28,164 as compared to $20,080 for the three months ended March 31, 2016. The increase of accretion and interest expense of $8,084, or 40% was primarily attributable to the increase in amortization of debt discount of $15,283 offset by a decrease in interest expense due to the repayment of the Nueco Note and Siebels Note.
Foreign Exchange
Foreign exchange gain (loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2017 was $7,564 as compared to $(31,256) for the three months ended March 31, 2016. The decrease of the foreign exchange gain of $38,820, or 124% is primarily due to the Canadian Dollar strengthening against the U.S. Dollar.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Company’s cash balance as of March 31, 2017 was $873,938. 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.
Net cash used in operating activities
Net cash used in operating activities was $582,383 for the three months ended March 31, 2017, as compared with $230,867 for the three months ended March 31, 2016. Of the increase of $351,516 in net cash used in operating activities, $377,562 is due to an increase in the net loss which was offset by an increase in non-cash stock based compensation of $133,282.
Net cash used in investing activities
There was no cash provided by or used in investing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016.
Net cash provided by financing activities
Net cash provided by financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2017 was $656,943 as compared to $118,236 for the three months ended March 31, 2016. For 2017, the net cash provided by financing activities consisted of the proceeds from a private placement for an aggregate 634,424 shares which brought in aggregate proceeds of $814,078 offset by principal payments made on the Nueco Note payable as the Company paid down notes payable balances.
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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 March 31, 2017 to be approximately $1,036,333. During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, the accretion of the reclamation liabilities was $1,528 and $1,940, 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 March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 of $405,167 and $403,639, respectively. The gross reclamation liabilities as March 31, 2017 and of December 31, 2016 are secured by certificates of deposit in the amount of $1,036,333.
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.
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 member of the Board of Directors earned consulting fees totaling $1,707 and $42,870 for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The same director earned director fees totaling $24,677 and $9,245 during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company has $8,051 and $0, respectively, in accounts payable and accrued liabilities owing to this director.
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 March 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company incurred fees of $16,500 and $25,000, respectively, to these companies. As of March 31, 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 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 March 31, 2017 and 2016 were $15,014 and $0, related to this agreement. As of March 31, 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 this company. 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.
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Going Concern
The Company has incurred continuing losses from its operations and as of March 31, 2017 the Company had an accumulated deficit of $4,731,081 and working capital of $412,166.
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.
Off Balance Sheet Arrangements
As at March 31, 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 March 31, 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 March 31, 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 March 31, 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 6. | Exhibits |
Exhibit No. | Description | |
10.1 | Employment agreement between George Glasier and Western Uranium Corporation dated February 8, 2017. | |
10.2 | Engagement agreement between Robert Klein and Western Uranium Corporation dated May 12, 2017. | |
10.3 | Consulting agreement between Baobab Asset Management LLC and Western Uranium Corporation dated April 1, 2017. | |
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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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: May 15, 2017 | By: | /s/ George Glasier |
George Glasier | ||
Chief Executive Officer (Principal executive officer) | ||
Date: May 15, 2017 | By: | /s/ Robert Klein |
Robert Klein | ||
Chief Financial Officer (Principal financial and accounting officer)
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