Annual Statements Open main menu

Western Uranium & Vanadium Corp. - Quarter Report: 2019 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, 2019

 

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 & VANADIUM CORP.

(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)

 

330 Bay Street, Suite 1400
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

  M5H 2S8
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)   (Zip Code)

 

(970) 864-2125

 

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

 

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

Title of each class  Trading Symbol(s)  Name of exchange on
which registered
N/A       

 

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See 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
  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 14, 2019, 30,083,747 of the registrant’s no par value common shares were outstanding.

 

 

 

 

 

 

WESTERN URANIUM & VANADIUM CORP.

FORM 10-Q FOR THE THREE MONTHS AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2019

 

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 Changes in 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 14
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 22
Item 4. Controls and Procedures 22
     
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION 23
Item 1. Legal Proceedings 23
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds 23
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures 23
Item 6. Exhibits 23
     
SIGNATURES 24

  

i

 

 

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

 

WESTERN URANIUM & VANADIUM CORP.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Stated in USD)

 

   September 30,
2019
   December 31,
2018
 
   (Unaudited)     
Assets        
Current assets:        
Cash  $2,378,911   $909,865 
Prepaid expenses   277,466    127,122 
Marketable securities   4,925    4,781 
Other current assets   21,025    93,841 
Total current assets   2,682,327    1,135,609 
           
Restricted cash   897,297    889,030 
Mineral properties and equipment   11,748,807    11,681,720 
Kinetic separation intellectual property   9,488,051    9,488,051 
           
Total assets  $24,816,482   $23,194,410 
           
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity          
           
Liabilities          
Current liabilities:          
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities  $609,303   $493,320 
Deferred revenue, current portion   34,620    44,620 
Total current liabilities   643,923    537,940 
           
Reclamation liability   235,934    224,645 
Deferred tax liability   2,708,887    2,708,887 
Deferred contingent consideration   351,099    352,361 
Deferred revenue, net of current portion   24,255    47,720 
           
Total liabilities   3,964,098    3,871,553 
           
Commitments          
           
Shareholders’ Equity          
Common stock, no par value, unlimited authorized shares, 30,084,053 and 25,977,143 shares issued as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively and 30,083,747 and 25,976,837 shares outstanding as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively   29,042,547    25,865,367 
Treasury shares, 306 and 306 shares held in treasury as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively   -    - 
Accumulated deficit   (8,269,217)   (6,584,342)
Accumulated other comprehensive income   79,054    41,832 
Total shareholders’ equity   20,852,384    19,322,857 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity  $24,816,482   $23,194,410 

 

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

 

1

 

 

WESTERN URANIUM & VANADIUM CORP.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

(Stated in USD)

(Unaudited)

 

   Three Months Ended
September 30,
   Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   2019   2018   2019   2018 
Revenues                
Lease revenue  $11,155   $11,155   $33,465   $33,465 
                     
Expenses                    
Mining expenditures   270,031    23,898    398,317    117,427 
Professional fees   131,228    90,903    318,861    358,420 
General and administrative   279,849    322,812    899,228    703,109 
Consulting fees   45,181    43,984    93,861    153,934 
Total operating expenses   726,289    481,597    1,710,267    1,332,890 
                     
Operating loss   (715,134)   (470,442)   (1,676,802)   (1,299,425)
                     
Interest expense, net   2,267    7,863    8,073    33,733 
                     
Net loss   (717,401)   (478,305)   (1,684,875)   (1,333,158)
                     
Other comprehensive income                    
Foreign exchange gain   22,623    17,061    37,222    34,237 
                     
Comprehensive loss  $(694,778)  $(461,244)  $(1,647,653)  $(1,298,921)
                     
Loss per share - basic and diluted  $(0.02)  $(0.02)  $(0.06)  $(0.06)
                     
Weighted average shares outstanding, basic and diluted   30,083,747    24,391,393    28,460,499    22,024,524 

 

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

 

2

 

 

WESTERN URANIUM & VANADIUM CORP.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(Stated in USD)

(Unaudited)

 

   Common Stock   Treasury Shares   Accumulated   Accumulated Other Comprehensive     
   Shares   Amount   Shares   Amount   Deficit   Income   Total 
                             
Balance as of January 1, 2019   25,976,837   $25,865,367    306   $-   $(6,584,342)  $41,832   $19,322,857 
                                    
Stock based compensation - stock options   -    180,269    -    -    -    -    180,269 
Foreign exchange gain   -    -    -    -    -    15,279    15,279 
Net loss   -    -    -    -    (518,875)   -    (518,875)
Balance as of March 31, 2019   25,976,837   $26,045,636    306   $-   $(7,103,217)  $57,111   $18,999,530 
                                    
Private placement - April 16, 2019   3,914,632    2,856,356    -    -    -    -    2,856,356 
Private placement - June 17, 2019   192,278    140,555    -    -    -    -    140,555 
Foreign exchange gain   -    -    -    -    -    (680)   (680)
Net loss   -    -    -    -    (448,599)   -    (448,599)
Balance as of June 30, 2019   30,083,747   $29,042,547    306   $-   $(7,551,816)  $56,431   $21,547,162 
                                    
Foreign exchange gain   -    -    -    -    -    22,623    22,623 
Net loss   -    -    -    -    (717,401)   -    (717,401)
Balance as of September 30, 2019  30,083,747   $29,042,547   306   $-   $(8,269,217)  $79,054   $20,852,384 
                                    
Balance as of January 1, 2018   20,510,500   $22,657,529    306   $-   $(4,540,143)  $36,134   $18,153,520 
                                    
Stock based compensation - stock options   -    54,188    -    -    -    -    54,188 
Foreign exchange gain   -    -    -    -    -    (2,549)   (2,549)
Net loss   -    -    -    -    (497,864)   -    (497,864)
Balance as of March 31, 2018   20,510,500   $22,711,717    306   $-   $(5,038,007)  $33,585   $17,707,295 
                                    
Private placement – May 4, 2018   909,622    457,608    -    -    -    -    457,608 
Issuance of 60,832 shares of common stock in exchange of accounts payable   60,832    32,251    -    -    -    -    32,251 
Stock based compensation - stock options   -    652    -    -    -    -    652 
Foreign exchange gain   -    -    -    -    -    19,725    19,725 
Net loss   -    -    -    -    (356,989)   -    (356,989)
Balance as of June 30, 2018   21,480,954   $23,202,228    306   $-   $(5,394,996)  $53,310   $17,860,542 
                                    
Private placement – July 27, 2018   2,525,526    1,272,210    -    -    -    -    1,272,210 
Private placement – August 9, 2018   1,907,088    973,513                        973,513 
Stock based compensation - stock options   -    90,210    -    -    -    -    90,210 
Foreign exchange gain                            17,061    17,061 
Net loss   -    -    -    -    (478,305)   -    (478,305)
Balance as of September 30, 2018   25,913,568   $25,538,161    306   $-   $(5,873,301)  $70,371   $19,735,231 

 

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

 

3

 

 

WESTERN URANIUM & VANADIUM CORP.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Stated in USD)

(Unaudited)

 

   For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   2019   2018 
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:        
Net loss  $(1,684,875)  $(1,333,158)
Reconciliation of net loss to cash used in operating activities:          
Depreciation   3,954    - 
Accretion of and additions to reclamation liability   11,289    24,736 
Amortization of debt discount on notes payable   -    12,550 
Stock based compensation   180,269    145,050 
Change in foreign exchange on marketable securities   (144)   (1,926)
Change in operating assets and liabilities:          
Prepaid expenses and other current assets   (77,528)   (88,042)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities, net of shares issued for accounts payable   115,983    (116,410)
Deferred revenue   (33,465)   7,120 
Net cash used in operating activities   (1,484,517)   (1,350,080)
           
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:          
Purchase of property and equipment   (71,041)   (36,502)
Net cash provided in investing activities   (71,041)   (36,502)
           
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:          
Payment of EFHC Note   -    (500,000)
Issuances of Common shares, net of offering costs   2,996,911    2,703,331 
Receipt of subscription payable   -    - 
Net cash provided by financing activities   2,996,911    2,203,331 
           
Effect of foreign exchange rate on cash   35,960    5,106 
           
Net increase in cash and restricted cash   1,477,313    821,855 
           
Cash and restricted cash - beginning   1,798,895    1,247,454 
           
Cash and restricted cash - ending  $3,276,208   $2,069,309 
           
Cash   2,378,911    1,180,318 
Restricted cash   897,297    888,991 
Total  $3,276,208   $2,069,309 
           
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:          
Cash paid during the period for:          
Interest  $-   $- 
           
Income taxes  $-   $- 
           
Non-cash financing activities:          
Shares issued for accounts payable and accrued expenses  $-   $32,251 

 

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

 

4

 

    

WESTERN URANIUM & VANADIUM CORP.

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Stated in $USD)

(Unaudited)

 

NOTE 1 – BUSINESS

 

Nature of operations

 

Western Uranium & Vanadium Corp. (“Western” or the “Company”, formerly Western Uranium Corporation) 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 330 Bay Street, Suite 1400, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5H 2S8 and its common shares are listed on the CSE under the symbol “WUC.” On April 22, 2016, the Company’s shares of common stock began trading on the OTC Pink Open Market, and on May 23, 2016, the Company’s common stock was approved for the commencement of trading 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”).

 

On June 28, 2016, the Company’s registration statement became effective and Western became a United States reporting issuer. Thereafter, the Company was approved for Depository Trust Company eligibility through the Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation, which facilitates electronic book-entry delivery, settlement and depository services for shares in the United States.

 

On June 29, 2018, the shareholders of the Company approved the name change of the Company from “Western Uranium Corporation” to “Western Uranium & Vanadium Corp.” The name change became effective in Ontario, Canada on October 1, 2018; thereafter on October 4, 2018 Western’s shares started trading under the new name on the CSE and OTCQX and the Company announced the name change by news release.

  

Note 2 – Liquidity and going concern

 

The Company has incurred continuing losses from its operations and as of September 30, 2019, the Company had an accumulated deficit of $8,269,217 and working capital of $2,038,404.

 

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 kinetic separation technology, formerly known as ablation, 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. 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 to sustain operations for at least one year from the issuance of these condensed consolidated financial statements. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of these uncertainties.

 

5

 

 

WESTERN URANIUM & VANADIUM CORP.

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Stated in $USD)

 

Note 3 – SUMMARY OF Significant Accounting Policies

 

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation

 

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10–Q and Rule 10 of Regulation S–X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. However, in the opinion of the management of the Company, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and operating results have been included in these statements. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10–K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, as filed with the SEC on April 1, 2019. Operating results for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any subsequent quarters or for the year ending December 31, 2019.

 

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Western and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Western Uranium Corp. (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, and valuation of available-for-sale securities. 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 & Vanadium Corp. (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 loss in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

   

6

 

 

WESTERN URANIUM & VANADIUM CORP.

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Stated in $USD)

 

Note 3 – SUMMARY OF Significant Accounting Policies, continued

 

Revenue Recognition

        

The Company leases certain of its mineral properties for the exploration and production of oil and gas reserves. The Company accounts for lease revenue in accordance with ASC 842 “Leases”. 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.

 

Fair Values of Financial Instruments

 

The carrying amounts of cash, restricted cash, accounts payable, and accrued liabilities, approximate their fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments. Marketable securities are adjusted to fair value at each balance sheet date based on quoted prices which are considered level 1 inputs. The reclamation deposits, which are reflected in restricted cash on the condensed consolidated balance sheets, are deposits mainly invested in certificates of deposit at major financial institutions and their fair values were estimated to approximate their carrying values. The Company’s operations and financing activities are conducted primarily in United States dollars and as a result, the Company is not subject to significant exposure to market risks from changes in foreign currency rates. The Company is exposed to credit risk through its cash and restricted cash, but mitigates this risk by keeping these deposits at major financial institutions.

 

ASC 820 “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” provides the framework for measuring fair value. That framework provides a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (level 3 measurements).

 

Fair value is defined as an exit price, representing the amount that would be received upon the sale of an asset or payment to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. Fair value is a market-based measurement that is determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. A three-tier fair value hierarchy is used to prioritize the inputs in measuring fair value as follows:

 

Fair Values of Financial Instruments

 

Level 1 Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

 

Level 2 Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly.

 

Level 3 Significant unobservable inputs that cannot be corroborated by market data.

 

The fair value of the Company’s financial instruments 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, 2019  $4,925   $     -   $     - 
                
Marketable securities as of December 31, 2018  $4,781   $-   $- 

 

7

 

 

WESTERN URANIUM & VANADIUM CORP.

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Stated in $USD)

 

Note 3 – SUMMARY OF Significant Accounting Policies, continued

 

Income Taxes

 

The Company utilizes an asset and liability approach for financial accounting and reporting for income taxes. The provision for income taxes is based upon income or loss after adjustment for those permanent items that are not considered in the determination of taxable income. Deferred income taxes represent the tax effects of differences between the financial reporting and tax basis of the Company’s assets and liabilities at the enacted tax rates in effect for the years in which the differences are expected to reverse.

 

The Company evaluates the recoverability of deferred tax assets and establishes a valuation allowance when it is more likely than not that some portion or all the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Management makes judgments as to the interpretation of the tax laws that might be challenged upon an audit and cause changes to previous estimates of tax liability. In management’s opinion, adequate provisions for income taxes have been made. If actual taxable income by tax jurisdiction varies from estimates, additional allowances or reversals of reserves may be necessary.

 

Tax benefits are recognized only for tax positions that are more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by tax authorities. The amount recognized is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely to be realized upon settlement. A liability for “unrecognized tax benefits” is recorded for any tax benefits claimed in the Company’s tax returns that do not meet these recognition and measurement standards. As of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, no liability for unrecognized tax benefits was required to be reported.

 

The Company’s policy for recording interest and penalties associated with tax audits is to record such items as a component of general and administrative expense. There were no amounts accrued for penalties and interest for the periods ended September 30, 2019 and 2018. The Company does not expect its uncertain tax position to change during the next twelve months. Management is currently unaware of any issues under review that could result in significant payments, accruals or material deviations from its position.

 

The Company has identified its federal tax return and its state tax returns in Colorado and Utah as its “major” tax jurisdictions, and such returns for the years 2015 through 2018 remain subject to examination.

 

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, 2019 and 2018 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 Nine Months
Ended September 30,
 
   2019   2018 
Warrants to purchase shares of common stock   8,818,390    6,861,670 
Options to purchase shares of common stock   2,356,666    2,416,664 
Total potentially dilutive securities   11,175,056    9,278,334 

 

8

 

 

WESTERN URANIUM & VANADIUM CORP.

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Stated in $USD)

 

Note 3 – SUMMARY OF Significant Accounting Policies, continued

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

Management does not believe that any recently issued, but not yet effective accounting pronouncements, when adopted, will have a material effect on the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements, other than those disclosed below.

 

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments” (“ASU 2016-13”). ASU 2016-13 replaces the incurred loss model with an expected loss model, which is referred to as the current expected credit loss (CECL) model. The CECL model is applicable to the measurement of credit losses on financial assets measured at amortized cost, including loan receivables, held-to-maturity debt securities, and reinsurance receivables. It also applies to off-balance sheet credit exposures not accounted for as insurance (such as loan commitments, standby letters of credit, financial guarantees, and other similar instruments) and net investments in leases recognized by a lessor. For public business entities that meet the definition of an SEC filer, the standard will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods in those fiscal years. For debt securities with other-than-temporary impairment, the guidance will be applied prospectively. Existing purchased credit impaired (PCI) assets will be grandfathered and classified as purchased credit deteriorated (PCD) assets at the date of adoption. The asset will be grossed up for the allowance for expected credit losses for all PCD assets at the date of adoption and will continue to recognize the noncredit discount in interest income based on the yield of such assets as of the adoption date. Subsequent changes in expected credit losses will be recorded through the allowance. For all other assets within the scope of CECL, a cumulative-effect adjustment will be recognized in retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is effective. The Company does not believe ASU 2016-13 will have a material effect on its condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-10 Leases (Topic 842), Codification Improvements and ASU 2018-11 Leases (Topic 842), Targeted Improvements, to provide additional guidance for the adoption of Topic 842. ASU 2018-10 clarifies certain provisions and correct unintended applications of the guidance such as the application of implicit rate, lessee reassessment of lease classification, and certain transition adjustments that should be recognized to earnings rather than to stockholders’ (deficit) equity. ASU 2018-11 provides an alternative transition method and practical expedient for separating contract components for the adoption of Topic 842. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02 Leases (Topic 842) which requires an entity to recognize assets and liabilities arising from a lease for both financing and operating leases with terms greater than 12 months. ASU 2018-11, ASU 2018-10, and ASU 2016-02 (collectively, “the new lease standards”) are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted ASU 2018-10, and has determined that there are no material impacts to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

9

 

 

WESTERN URANIUM & VANADIUM CORP.

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Stated in $USD)

 

NOTE 4 - MINERAL ASSETS, Kinetic separation INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND OTHER PROPERTY

 

The Company’s mining properties acquired on August 18, 2014 that the Company retains as of September 30, 2019, 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 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 that the Company retains as of September 30, 2019, include Hansen, North Hansen, High Park, Hansen Picnic Tree, and Taylor Ranch, located in Fremont and Teller Counties, Colorado. The Company also acquired the Keota project located in Weld County, Wyoming and the Ferris Haggerty project located in Carbon County Wyoming. These mining assets include both owned and leased land in the states of Utah, Colorado and Wyoming. 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.

 

The Company’s mineral properties and equipment and kinetic separation intellectual property are:

 

   As of 
   September 30,
2019
   December 31,
2018
 
Mineral properties and equipment  $11,748,807   $11,681,720 
Kinetic separation intellectual property  $9,488,051   $9,488,051 

 

Oil and Gas Lease and Easement

 

On July 18, 2017, an oil and gas lease became effective with respect to minerals and mineral rights owned by 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 Company is recognizing the initial payment incrementally over the term of the lease.

 

On February 26, 2018, the Company entered into a further agreement with the same entity as the oil and gas lease to provide them with an easement to an additional part of the Company’s property solely for the purposes of transporting the oil and gas extracted via a pipeline. As consideration for the easement, the Company received $36,960 during the first quarter of 2018. The Company is recognizing this payment incrementally over the eight year term of the easement.

 

During the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 the Company recognized aggregate revenue of $11,155 and $11,155 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 the Company recognized aggregate revenue of $33,465 and $33,465, respectively, under these oil and gas lease arrangements.

 

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, 2019 and December 31, 2018, to be approximately $897,297 and $889,030, respectively. During the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, the accretion of the reclamation liabilities was $2,761 and $2,729, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 was $11,289 and $7,942, respectively, which is included in interest expense, net on the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations. 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 aggregated values as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 of $235,934 and $224,645, respectively. The gross reclamation liabilities as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 are secured by certificates of deposit in the amount of $897,492 and $889,030, respectively.

 

10

 

 

WESTERN URANIUM & VANADIUM CORP.

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Stated in $USD)

 

NOTE 4 - MINERAL ASSETS, KINETIC SEPARATION INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND OTHER PROPERTY, CONTINUED

 

Reclamation liability activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 consists of:

 

   For the nine months ended
September 30,
 
   2019   2018 
Beginning balance  $224,645   $196,821 
Accretion   11,289    7,942 
Additions   -    16,794 
Ending Balance  $235,934   $221,557 

  

Van 4 Mine Permitting Status

 

A prior owner of the Company’s Van 4 Mine had been granted a first Temporary Cessation from reclamation of the mine by the Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Board (“MLRB”) which was set to expire June 23, 2017. Prior to its expiration, PRM formally requested an extension through a second Temporary Cessation. PRM subsequently participated in a public process which culminated in a hearing on July 26, 2017. Prior to the hearing, three non-profit organizations who pursue environmental and conservation objectives filed a brief objecting to the extension. The MLRB board members voted to grant a second five-year Temporary Cessation for the Van 4 Mine. Thereafter, the three objecting parties filed a lawsuit on September 18, 2017. The MLRB was named as the defendant and PRM was named as a party to the case due to the Colorado law requirement that any lawsuit filed after a hearing must include all of the parties in the proceeding. The plaintiff organizations are seeking for the court to set aside the board order granting a second five-year Temporary Cessation period to PRM for the Van 4 Mine. The Colorado state Attorney General was defending this action in the Denver Colorado District Court. On May 8, 2018, the Denver Colorado District Court ruled in favor, whereby the additional five-year temporary cessation period was granted. The Plaintiffs appealed this ruling to the Colorado Court of Appeals and on July 25, 2019 the ruling was reversed, whereby the additional five-year temporary cessation period should not have been granted. The Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Board (CMLRB) and the Colorado Attorney General continue to evaluate next steps. In discussions with CMLRB, PRM has been advised to await feedback as the State of Colorado completes its process. MLRB advised Western that it will not make an additional appeal of the ruling. Further, the time period for an appeal has passed. The Judge has subsequently issued an instruction for the MLRB to issue an order revoking the permit and putting the Van 4 Mine into reclamation. The Company has not yet received this notification, but has begun preparations for the reclamation of the Van 4 Mine. The reclamation cost is fully covered by the reclamation bonds posted upon acquisition of the property.

  

NOTE 5 - Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities

 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities consisted of:

 

   As of 
   September 30,
2019
   December 31,
2018
 
Trade accounts payable  $421,161   $326,250 
Accrued liabilities   188,142    167,070 
Total accounts payable and accrued liabilities  $609,303   $493,320 

 

NOTE 6 - SHARE CAPITAL AND OTHER EQUITY INSTRUMENTS

 

Authorized Capital

 

The holders of the Company’s common stock are entitled to one vote per share. Holders of common stock are entitled to receive ratably such dividends, if any, as may be declared by the Board of Directors out of legally available funds. Upon the liquidation, dissolution, or winding up of the Company, holders of common stock are entitled to share rateably in all assets of the Company that are legally available for distribution. As of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, an unlimited number of common shares were authorized for issuance.

 

Private Placement

 

On April 16, 2019, the Company completed a private placement of 3,914,632 units at a price of CAD $0.98 (USD $0.73) per unit for gross proceeds of CAD $3,836,340 (USD $2,856,356). Each unit consisted of one share of common stock and a warrant to purchase one-half of one share of common stock. Each warrant is exercisable at a price of CAD $1.70 and expires three years from the date of issuance.

 

On June 17, 2019, the Company completed a private placement of 192,278 units at a price of CAD $0.98 (USD $0.73) per unit for gross proceeds of CAD $188,432 (USD $140,555). Each unit consisted of one share of common stock and a warrant to purchase one-half of one share of common stock. Each warrant is exercisable at a price of CAD $1.70 and expires three years from the date of issuance.

 

11

 

 

WESTERN URANIUM & VANADIUM CORP.

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Stated in $USD)

 

NOTE 6 - 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, 2019 and December 31, 2018, a total of 30,083,747 common shares were outstanding, and at that date the maximum number of stock options eligible for issue under the Plan was 3,008,375.

 

Stock Options

 

   Number of Shares  Weighted
Average Exercise Price (USD)
  Weighted
Average Contractual Life (years)
  Weighted
Average Grant
Date Fair Value (USD)
  Intrinsic Value
(USD)
Outstanding - January 1, 2019   2,416,664   $1.67        $0.48      
Forfeited   (59,998)  $3.96                
Outstanding - September 30, 2019   2,356,666   $1.67    3.06   $0.50   $-   
Exercisable - September 30, 2019   2,356,666   $1.67    3.06   $0.50   $-   

  

The Company’s stock based compensation expense related to stock options for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 was $0 and $90,210 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 was $180,269 and $145,050, respectively. As of September 30, 2019, the Company had $0 in unamortized stock option expense.

 

Warrants

 

   Number of Shares  Weighted
Average Exercise Price (USD)
  Weighted
Average Contractual Life (years)
  Intrinsic Value
(USD)
Outstanding - January 1, 2019   6,798,401   $1.49           
Issued   2,059,825   $1.30           
Forfeited   (39,836)  $1.78           
Outstanding - September 30, 2019   8,818,390   $1.47    1.79   $393,192 
Exercisable - September 30, 2019   8,818,390   $1.47    1.79   $393,192 

  

Note 7 - Mining Expenditures

 

   For the Three Months Ended
September 30,
  For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,
   2019  2018  2019  2018
Permits  $59,749   $23,898   $169,071   $102,477 
Mining Costs   210,282    -      229,246    3,900 
Contract Labor   -      -      -      11,050 
   $270,031   $23,898   $398,317   $117,427 

  

12

 

 

WESTERN URANIUM & VANADIUM CORP.

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Stated in $USD)

 

NOTE 8 - Related Party Transactions

 

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

 

Prior to the acquisition of Black Range, Mr. George Glasier, the Company’s CEO, who is also a director, transferred his interest in a former joint venture with Ablation Technologies, LLC to Black Range. In connection with the transfer, Black Range issued 25 million shares of Black Range common stock to Seller and committed to pay AUD $500,000 (USD $351,099 as of September 30, 2019) to Seller within 60 days of the first commercial application of the kinetic separation technology. Western assumed this contingent payment obligation in connection with the acquisition of Black Range. At the date of the acquisition of Black Range, this contingent obligation was determined to be probable. Since the deferred contingent consideration obligation is probable and the amount is estimable, the Company recorded the deferred contingent consideration as an assumed liability in the amount of $351,099 and $352,361 as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.

 

Note 9 – Option and exploration agreement

 

Hansen and Picnic Tree Loss of Property

 

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 (as extended) on July 28, 2019 if not exercised.

 

Prior to July 28, 2019, the Company decided not to exercise the option to purchase the remaining 51% of the mineral rights of specific areas of the Hansen and Picnic Tree deposits, and thus the option has expired unexercised.

 

NOTE 10 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

Legal proceedings

 

On June 13, 2019, Black Range was sued over the original Weld County Colorado deed language. The lawsuit was filed in the Weld County District Court. This deed was negotiated prior to the Company acquiring Black Range in September 2015 by prior management and a bank representing the estate of the property owner. The plaintiff, the estate’s beneficiaries, assert that it was the intent that they would receive a production override royalty for oil and gas production from the property, however this language was not included in the deed. Western’s attorney has filed a response with the court contesting this allegation. This only involves royalties on oil and gas production on this undeveloped property, thus there is no current economic impact. Court procedure mandates that the parties participate in a mediation process before bringing the matter before the court. Mediation scheduling details have not been finalized as the Company has put forth a settlement proposal.

 

 

13

 

   

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 I of the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018. 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 & Vanadium Corp. (“Western” or the “Company”, formerly Western Uranium Corporation) 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. These properties were formerly secured by a first priority interest collateralizing a $500,000 promissory note which was paid in full on August 31, 2018 and thus the properties are now held free and clear of encumbrances. The Sunday Mine Complex is where the Company anticipates it would initiate production and Kinetic Separation operations, formerly known as ablation, 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.

 

14

 

 

The Company has registered offices at 330 Bay Street, Suite 1400, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5H 2S8 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

 

Kinetic Separation Licensing (Formerly known as Ablation Mining Technology)

 

During 2016, the Company submitted documentation to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (“CDPHE”) for a determination ruling regarding the type of license which may be required for the application of Kinetic Separation at the Sunday Mine Complex within the state of Colorado. During May and June of 2016, CDPHE held four public meetings in several cities in Colorado as part of the process. On July 22, 2016 CDPHE closed the comment period. In connection with this matter, the CDPHE consulted with the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (“NRC”). In response, the CDPHE received an advisory opinion dated October 16, 2016, which did not contain support for the NRC’s opinion and with which the Company’s regulatory counsel does not agree. NRC’s advisory opinion recommended that Kinetic Separation should be regulated as a milling operation but did recognize that there may be exemptions to certain milling regulatory requirements because of the benign nature of the non-uranium bearing sands produced after Kinetic Separation is completed on uranium-bearing ores. On December 1, 2016, the CDPHE issued a determination that the proposed Kinetic Separation operations at the Sunday Mine must be regulated by the CDPHE through a milling license. The 2018 increase in the blended uranium/vanadium price has brought the Company closer to production. Beginning in 2017, the Company’s regulatory counsel has prepared significant documentation in preparation for a prospective submission. On September 13, 2019, the Company’s regulatory counsel submitted a white paper to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission entitled Recommendations on the Proper Legal and Policy Interpretation for Using Kinetic Separation Processes at Uranium Mine Sites. The Kinetic Separation process was formerly known as Ablation Mining Technology.

 

Reopening of the Sunday Mine Complex

 

On October 25, 2018, the Company announced its intention to re-open the Sunday Mine Complex. Western is commencing this program with the goals of upgrading the vanadium resource and monetizing these already significant vanadium resource holdings. This new initiative also supports Western’s discussions with multiple potential customers and joint venture partners who are requesting ore samples. It is Western’s view that these discussions will result in an agreement sufficient to commence production at the Sunday Mine Complex.

 

On April 17, 2019, the Company announced that the proceeds of the April Private Placement were sufficient to fully fund the Sunday Mine Complex Vanadium Project. The work program was defined to focus on the identification of high-grade vanadium zones by XRF surface sampling and underground drilling, test mining, vanadium ore sample delivery, and large-scale ore testing to further define the vanadium resource for near-term delivery to worldwide vanadium processing facilities.

 

On May 14, 2019, the Company announced that the first underground work on the Sunday Mine Vanadium Project was tracking to commence in June and that after mine opening, vanadium ore samples will be delivered to vanadium processors and users around the world. To oversee the project, Western hired a Chief Geologist who has a decade of expertise in vanadium/uranium deposits, specific Colorado/Utah Mineral Belt experience, and a Ph.D. in Geological Science.

 

15

 

 

On June 18, 2019, the Company announced the commencement of the Sunday Mine Complex Vanadium Project subsequent to the opening of the Sunday Mine and Saint Jude Mine portals. Additionally, commercial power has been switched on at the Sunday Mine Complex and mine opening requirements have been completed with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety (CDRMS) and Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). Historical geological and mining data analysis of the sandstone hosted deposits has provided initial target locations for sampling to identify high grade vanadium zones. Following bulk sampling, vanadium ore samples will be delivered to prospective customers around the world.

 

On July 24, 2019, the Company provided an update on the Sunday Mine Complex Vanadium Project. The scope of the project was expanded and four of the five mines were opened. Sampling from the face of mine workings was conducted which identified high-grade vanadium zones for further extensive sampling, determination of expected production grades, and the development and implementation of a drill program to delineate the first mining target areas.

 

On September 11, 2019, the Company announced that subsequent to the drilling program, large quantities of ore were mined to determine expected production grades. Twelve samples were analyzed from the four mines from 12 separate target mining areas. Development drilling continues to expand the mine production areas and mining of ore has started. The mined ore is being stockpiled in the mines until the requirements of the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety (CDRMS) have been satisfied. Ore shipments from the mines will commence when the requirements of CDRMS have been met.

 

On October 17, 2019, the Company announced that successful mine development of the underground workings led to development drilling and ore production. Ore was mined from five locations from each of four separate Sunday Mine Complex mines. Ore continues to be stockpiled underground until all the surface requirements of the CDRMS are addressed. The covering of the legacy low-grade uranium ore stockpile has been completed. The remaining requirements are underway, including the upgrading and certification of storm drainage and the construction of ore storage/loading pads. As a result of this project, Western has advanced the Sunday Mine Complex to production-ready status in preparation to meet future opportunities to scale-up ore production.

 

Sunday Mine Complex Vanadium Project Supplementary Requirements

 

On June 18, 2019, The Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety (CDRMS) issued a letter indicating limited supplementary requirements prior to the removal of material (ore) from the Sunday Mine Complex underground workings and further offsite handling. In a follow-up meeting on Monday, August 5, 2019, the Company agreed to construct an ore pad on the surface before stockpiling or storing ore outside the mine and acquire certification that the storm drainage system was constructed in accordance with the existing plan prior to the removal of ore from the SMC. On August 15, 2019, the Company sent a response letter to CDRMS providing the requested additional information regarding the reopening of the Sunday Mine Complex mines. On September 18, 2019, the CDRMS issued a letter indicating that activities at the Sunday Mines do not meet the definition of a “Mining Operation” and thus at this time, the Division does not consider the permits in active status. In the letter, CDRMS reiterated that prior to the removal of ore material from the mines and upgrading to an active status, the CDRMS surface requirements needed to be completed, inspected and accepted by CDRMS. CDRMS further noted requirements that would apply to Western’s proposed off-site kinetic separation test facility. All of these requirements are underway and the Company expects to have fulfilled all supplementary requirements by the fourth quarter.

 

Van 4 Mine Permitting Status

 

A prior owner of the Van 4 Mine had been granted a first Temporary Cessation from reclamation of the mine by the Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Board (“MLRB”) which was set to expire June 23, 2017. Prior to its expiration, PRM formally requested an extension through a second Temporary Cessation. PRM subsequently participated in a public process which culminated in a hearing on July 26, 2017. Prior to the hearing, three non-profit organizations who pursue environmental and conservation objectives filed a brief objecting to the extension. The MLRB board members voted to grant a second five-year Temporary Cessation for the Van 4 Mine. Thereafter, the three objecting parties filed a lawsuit on September 18, 2017. The MLRB was named as the defendant and PRM was named as a party to the case due to the Colorado law requirement that any lawsuit filed after a hearing must include all of the parties in the proceeding. The plaintiff organizations are seeking for the court to set aside the board order granting a second five-year Temporary Cessation period to PRM for the Van 4 Mine. The Colorado state Attorney General was defending this action in the Denver Colorado District Court. On May 8, 2018, the Denver Colorado District Court ruled in favor, whereby the additional five-year temporary cessation period was granted. The Plaintiffs appealed this ruling to the Colorado Court of Appeals and on July 25, 2019 the ruling was reversed, whereby the additional five-year temporary cessation period should not have been granted. The Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Board (CMLRB) and the Colorado Attorney General continue to evaluate next steps. In discussions with CMLRB, PRM has been advised to await feedback as the State of Colorado completes its process. MLRB advised Western that it will not make an additional appeal of the ruling. Further, the time period for an appeal has passed. The Judge has subsequently issued an instruction for the MLRB to issue an order revoking the permit and putting the Van 4 Mine into reclamation. The Company has not yet received this notification, but has begun preparations for the reclamation of the Van 4 Mine. The reclamation cost is fully covered by the reclamation bonds posted upon acquisition of the property.

 

16

 

 

Weld County Colorado Litigation

 

On June 13, 2019, Black Range was sued over the original Weld County Colorado deed language. The lawsuit was filed in the Weld County District Court. This deed was negotiated prior to the Company acquiring Black Range in September 2015 by prior management and a bank representing the estate of the property owner. The plaintiff, the estate’s beneficiaries, assert that it was the intent that they would receive a production override royalty for oil and gas production from the property, however this language was not included in the deed. Western’s attorney has filed a response with the court contesting this allegation. This only involves royalties on oil and gas production on this undeveloped property, thus there is no current economic impact. Court procedure mandates that the parties participate in a mediation process before bringing the matter before the court. Mediation scheduling details have not been finalized as the Company has put forth a settlement proposal.

 

Uranium Section 232 Investigation/Nuclear Fuel Working Group Process

 

In the United States, a Section 232 investigation was undertaken in 2018 to assess the impact to national security of the importation of the vast majority of uranium utilized by the 98 operating civilian nuclear reactors within the United States. The U.S. Department of Commerce provided a report containing a recommendation to the White House on April 14, 2018; President Trump considered the findings of the Section 232 report and disseminated a Presidential Memoranda on July 12, 2019. At this time, the President did not implement the quota solution proposed by the petitioners or another remedy. Instead, to address the concerns of the Department of Commerce, the President formed the United States Nuclear Fuel Working Group (NFWG) and charged them with finding solutions for reviving and expanding domestic nuclear fuel production and reinvigorating the entire nuclear fuel supply chain. The group was required to submit a report containing findings and recommendations to the President within 90 days. Prior to the October 10, 2019 deadline, President Trump issued a 30-day extension for the NFWG to complete its work; an additional 30 calendar days has passed and the NFWG has not yet provided a public status update. Western is one of very few uranium companies holding previously producing, permitted, and developed mines in the United States and thus positioned to benefit in the short-term from a favorable determination.

 

17

 

 

Results of Operations

 

   For the Three Months Ended
September 30,
   For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   2019   2018   2019   2018 
Revenue                
Lease revenue  $11,155   $11,155   $33,465   $33,465 
                     
Expenses                    
Mining expenditures   270,031    23,898    398,317    117,427 
Professional fees   131,228    90,903    318,861    358,420 
General and administrative   279,849    322,812    899,228    703,109 
Consulting fees   45,181    43,984    93,861    153,934 
Total operating expenses   726,289    481,597    1,710,267    1,332,890 
                     
Operating loss   (715,134)   (470,442)   (1,676,802)   (1,299,425)
                     
Interest expense, net   2,267    7,863    8,073    33,733 
                     
Net loss   (717,401)   (478,305)   (1,684,875)   (1,333,158)
                     
Other Comprehensive Income                    
Foreign exchange gain   22,623    17,061    37,222    34,237 
                     
Comprehensive Loss  $(694,778)  $(461,244)  $(1,647,653)  $(1,298,921)
                     
Net loss per share - basic and diluted  $(0.02)  $(0.02)  $(0.06)  $(0.06)

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2019 as Compared to the Three Months Ended September 30, 2018

 

Summary

 

Our condensed consolidated net loss for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 was $717,401 and $478,305 or $0.02 and $0.02 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, 2019 and 2018 was $694,778 and $461,244, respectively.

 

18

 

 

Revenue

 

Our revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 was $11,155 and $11,155, respectively. The revenue resulted from lease revenue pursuant to the Company’s lease agreements and easements. The counterparties are from the oil and gas industry.

 

Mining Expenditures

 

Mining expenditures for the three months ended September 30, 2019 were $270,031 as compared to $23,898 for the three months ended September 30, 2018. The increase in mining expenditures of $246,133, or 1,030% was attributable to mining expenditures for the Sunday Mine Complex vanadium project.

 

Professional Fees

 

Professional fees for the three months ended September 30, 2019 were $131,228 as compared to $90,903 for the three months ended September 30, 2018. The net increase in professional fees of $40,325, or 44% was principally due to a quarter over quarter timing difference increase in legal fees.

 

General and Administrative

 

General and administrative expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2019 were $279,849 as compared to $322,812 for the three months ended September 30, 2018. The decrease in general and administrative expense of $42,963, or 13% is primarily due to the decrease in stock based compensation as stock options were not issued during the third quarter in 2019 as they were in 2018. The differential was reduced due to new expenditures on the Sunday Mine Complex project.

 

Consulting Fees

 

Consulting fees for the three months ended September 30, 2019 were $45,181 as compared to $43,984 for the three months ended September 30, 2018. The increase in consulting fees of $1,197, or 3% was principally related to a slight increase in consultant utilization.

 

Interest Expense, net

 

Interest expense, net, for the three months ended September 30, 2019 was $2,267 as compared to $7,863 for the three months ended September 30, 2018. The decrease of interest expense, net, of $5,596, or 71% was attributable to the Company paying off promissory notes during 2018.

 

Foreign Exchange

 

Foreign exchange gain (loss) for the three months ended September 30, 2019 was $22,623 as compared to $17,061 for the three months ended September 30, 2018. The increase of the foreign exchange gain of $5,562, or 32% is primarily due to the U.S. Dollar strengthening against the Canadian Dollar and the conversion of the Canadian Dollars into United States Dollars for payment of United States Dollar denominated expenses.

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 as Compared to the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018

 

Summary

 

Our condensed consolidated net loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 was $1,684,875 and $1,333,158 or $0.06 and $0.06 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, 2019 and 2018 was $1,647,653 and $1,298,921, respectively.

 

19

 

 

Revenue

 

Our revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 was $33,465 and $33,465 respectively. The revenue resulted from lease revenue pursuant to the Company’s lease agreements and easements. The counterparties are from the oil and gas industry.

 

Mining Expenditures

 

Mining expenditures for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 were $398,317 as compared to $117,427 for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The increase in mining expenditures of $280,890, or 239% was attributable to mining expenditures for the Sunday Mine Complex vanadium project.

 

Professional Fees

 

Professional fees for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 were $318,861 as compared to $358,420 for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The decrease in professional fees of $39,559, or 11% was due to not re-engaging investor relations service providers in 2019 that were used in 2018.

 

General and Administrative

 

General and administrative expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 were $899,228 as compared to $703,109 for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The increase in general and administrative expense of $196,119, or 28% is due to increase compensation expenditures for: new staff added for the Sunday Mine Complex project, board and management compensation, consultant compensation moved onto payroll, and stock based compensation from stock option issuance.

 

Consulting Fees

 

Consulting fees for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 were $93,861 as compared to $153,934 for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The decrease in consulting fees of $60,073, or 39% was due to not reengaging a consultant in 2019 that was used in 2018.

 

Interest Expense, net

 

Interest expense, net, for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 was $8,073 as compared to $33,733 for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The decrease of interest expense, net, of $25,660, or 76% was attributable to the Company paying off promissory notes during 2018.

 

Foreign Exchange

 

Foreign exchange gain for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 was $37,222 as compared to $34,237 for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The increase of the foreign exchange gain of $2,985, or 9% is primarily due to the U.S. Dollar slightly strengthening against the Canadian Dollar during the current period.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

The Company’s cash balance as of September 30, 2019 was $2,378,911. 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 company reporting responsibilities. The Company expects to require additional capital in order to continue the development of Kinetic Separation. Management believes that in order to finance the development of the mining properties and Kinetic Separation, the Company will be required to raise 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.

 

20

 

 

Net cash used in operating activities

 

Net cash used in operating activities was $1,484,517 for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared with $1,350,080 for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. Of the $1,484,517 in net cash used in operating activities, $1,684,875 is derived from our net loss. During the nine months ended September 30, 2019, $115,983 represented an increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities, $77,528 represented an increase in prepaid expenses, $11,289 represented an increase in the reclamation liability, $33,465 represented a decrease in deferred revenue and $180,269 represented non-cash stock based compensation.

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2019, the Company purchased $71,041 in property and equipment. This capital expenditure represents the initiation of expenditures needed to re-open the Sunday Mine Complex. There was $36,502 purchased in property and equipment in investing activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2018.

 

Net cash provided by financing activities

 

Net cash provided by financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 was $2,996,911 as compared to $2,203,331 for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. For the nine months ended September 30, 2019, the net cash provided by financing activities consisted of $2,996,911 from the proceeds received in our private placements.

 

Reclamation Liability

 

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, 2019 and December 31, 2018, to be approximately $897,297 and $889,030, respectively. During the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, the accretion of the reclamation liabilities was $2,761 and $2,729, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 was $11,289 and $7,942, respectively. 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 aggregated values as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 of $235,934 and $224,645, respectively. The gross reclamation liabilities as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 are secured by certificates of deposit in the amount of $897,297 and $889,030, respectively.

 

Related Party Transactions

 

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

 

Prior to the acquisition of Black Range, Mr. George Glasier, the Company’s CEO, who is also a director, transferred his interest in a former joint venture with Ablation Technologies, LLC to Black Range. In connection with the transfer, Black Range issued 25 million shares of Black Range common stock to Seller and committed to pay AUD $500,000 (USD $351,099) to Seller within 60 days of the first commercial application of the kinetic separation technology. Western assumed this contingent payment obligation in connection with the acquisition of Black Range. At the date of the acquisition of Black Range, this contingent obligation was determined to be probable. Since the deferred contingent consideration obligation is probable and the amount estimable, the Company recorded the deferred contingent consideration as an assumed liability in the amount of $351,099 and $352,361 as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.

 

Going Concern

 

The Company has incurred continuing losses from its operations and as of September 30, 2019 the Company had an accumulated deficit of $8,269,217 and working capital of $2,038,404.

 

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 kinetic separation technology and to initiate the processing of ore to generate operating cash flows.

 

21

 

 

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. 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 to sustain operations for at least one year from the issuance of the accompanying financial statements. The accompanying 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, 2019, 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 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

Not Applicable.

 

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, concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of September 30, 2019, 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, 2019, 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. However, its implementation was delayed as a decline in commodity prices caused the Company to pursue aggressive cost cutting and de-staffing which has increasingly concentrated duties on the remaining staff. Until the Company has the proper staff in place, it likely will not be able to remediate its material weaknesses.

 

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.

 

22

 

 

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, 2019, the ultimate disposition of which would have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

The Company did not make any unregistered sales of equity securities during the quarter ended September 30, 2019.

 

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. Western commenced the Sunday Mine Complex Vanadium Project in June 2019. To date, Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) mine inspections have not yielded any disclosures required by Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Act.

 

Item 6. Exhibits

 

Exhibit No.   Description
3.1 *   Certificate of Incorporation, as amended
3.2 *   Amended and Restated Bylaws
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.
32  

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

 

*Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 10 registration statement filed on April 29, 2016 and incorporated herein by reference

 

23

 

 

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 &VANADIUM CORP.
     
Date: November 14, 2019 By: /s/ George Glasier
    George Glasier
   

Chief Executive Officer

(Principal executive officer)

   
Date: November 14, 2019 By: /s/ Robert Klein
    Robert Klein
   

Chief Financial Officer

(Principal financial and accounting officer)

 

 

24