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WESTWATER RESOURCES, INC. - Quarter Report: 2019 March (Form 10-Q)

Table of Contents

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

x      Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2019

 

Or

 

o         Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

For the transition period from to

 

Commission file number 001-33404

 

WESTWATER RESOURCES, INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

DELAWARE

 

75-2212772

(State of Incorporation)

 

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

6950 S. Potomac Street, Suite 300, Centennial, Colorado 80112

(Address of Principal Executive Offices, Including Zip Code)

 

(303) 531-0516

(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 requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No o

 

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 x No o

 

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 o

 

Accelerated filer o

 

 

 

Non-accelerated filer x

 

Smaller reporting company x

 

 

 

 

 

Emerging growth company o

 

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.  o

 

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

 

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

 

Title of Each Class

 

Trading Symbol(s)

 

Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered

Common Stock, $0.001 par value

 

WWR

 

Nasdaq Capital Market

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

 

Title of Each Class of Common Stock

 

Number of Shares Outstanding

Common Stock, $0.001 par value

 

1,494,153 as of May 7, 2019

 

 

 


Table of Contents

 

WESTWATER RESOURCES, INC.

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

3

 

 

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

3

 

 

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

20

 

 

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

25

 

 

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

26

 

 

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

26

 

 

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

26

 

 

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS.

26

 

 

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

35

 

 

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES.

35

 

 

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.

35

 

 

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION.

35

 

 

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS.

36

 

 

SIGNATURES

37

 

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Table of Contents

 

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

WESTWATER RESOURCES, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(expressed in thousands of dollars, except share amounts)

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

March 31,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

Notes

 

2019

 

2018

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

1

 

$

1,019

 

$

1,577

 

Marketable securities

 

6

 

 

415

 

Assets held for sale

 

4,5

 

1,617

 

1,545

 

Prepaid and other current assets

 

 

 

722

 

643

 

Total Current Assets

 

 

 

3,358

 

4,180

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment, at cost:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment

 

 

 

91,771

 

91,772

 

Less accumulated depreciation, depletion and impairment

 

 

 

(71,242

)

(71,219

)

Net property, plant and equipment

 

7

 

20,529

 

20,553

 

Operating lease right-of-use assets

 

14

 

569

 

 

Restricted cash

 

1,6

 

3,750

 

3,732

 

Assets held for sale — non-current

 

4

 

 

1,493

 

Total Assets

 

 

 

$

28,206

 

$

29,958

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

 

 

$

969

 

$

776

 

Accrued liabilities

 

 

 

2,038

 

1,688

 

Asset retirement obligations - current

 

9

 

894

 

708

 

Operating lease liability - current

 

14

 

151

 

 

Total Current Liabilities

 

 

 

4,052

 

3,172

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Asset retirement obligations, net of current portion

 

9

 

5,100

 

5,495

 

Other long-term liabilities and deferred credits

 

5

 

500

 

500

 

Operating lease liability, net of current

 

14

 

424

 

 

Total Liabilities

 

 

 

10,076

 

9,167

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments and Contingencies

 

9,13

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ Equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock, 100,000,000 shares authorized, $.001 par value;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issued shares — 1,494,314 and 1,436,555, respectively

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding shares —1,494,153 and 1,436,394, respectively

 

10

 

1

 

1

 

Paid-in capital

 

10,11

 

313,435

 

313,012

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

 

 

 

(90

)

Accumulated deficit

 

 

 

(295,048

)

(291,874

)

Treasury stock (161 and 161 shares, respectively), at cost

 

 

 

(258

)

(258

)

Total Stockholders’ Equity

 

 

 

18,130

 

20,791

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

 

 

 

$

28,206

 

$

29,958

 

 

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

 

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WESTWATER RESOURCES, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(expressed in thousands of dollars, except share and per share amounts)

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended
March 31,

 

 

 

Notes

 

2019

 

2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mineral property expenses

 

8

 

$

(634

)

$

(782

)

General and administrative expenses

 

 

 

(1,836

)

(1,805

)

Acquisition costs

 

3

 

 

(755

)

Accretion of asset retirement obligations

 

9

 

(126

)

(134

)

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

 

(23

)

(34

)

Total operating expenses

 

 

 

(2,619

)

(3,510

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-Operating Income/(Expenses):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss on sale of marketable securities

 

4,6

 

(720

)

(93

)

Interest income

 

4

 

166

 

174 

 

Other income (expense)

 

 

 

(1

)

10 

 

Total other (expense)/income

 

 

 

(555

)

91 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Loss

 

 

 

$

(3,174

)

$

(3,419

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized fair value decrease on marketable securities

 

 

 

$

 

$

(937

)

Transfer to realized loss upon sale of available-for-sale securities

 

 

 

90

 

 

Comprehensive Loss

 

 

 

$

(3,084

)

$

(4,356

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BASIC AND DILUTED LOSS PER SHARE

 

 

 

$

(2.15

)

$

(6.11

)

WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES OUTSTANDING

 

 

 

1,478,233

 

559,357

 

 

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

 

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WESTWATER RESOURCES, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS AND SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION

(expressed in thousands of dollars)

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

 

Notes

 

2019

 

2018

 

Operating Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

 

 

$

(3,174

)

$

(3,419

)

Reconciliation of net loss to cash used in operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-cash lease expense

 

 

 

5

 

 

Accretion of asset retirement obligations

 

9

 

126

 

134

 

Amortization of notes receivable discount

 

4

 

(123

)

(168

)

Loss on sale of marketable securities

 

 

 

720

 

93

 

Costs incurred for restoration and reclamation activities

 

9

 

(335

)

(142

)

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

 

23

 

34

 

Stock compensation expense

 

11

 

8

 

81

 

Increase in prepaids and other

 

 

 

(32

)

(14

)

Increase/(decrease) in payables and deferred credits

 

 

 

42

 

(295

)

Net Cash Used in Operating Activities

 

 

 

(2,740

)

(3,696

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deposit for sale of assets

 

5

 

500

 

 

Proceeds from the sale of marketable securities, net

 

4

 

536

 

475

 

Proceeds from collection on note receivable

 

4

 

750

 

750

 

Note advances for Alabama Graphite corporate merger

 

3

 

 

(597

)

Net Cash Provided by Investing Activities

 

 

 

1,786

 

628

 

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issuance of common stock, net

 

10

 

415

 

651

 

Payment of withholding taxes on net share settlements of equity awards

 

 

 

(1

)

 

Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities

 

 

 

414

 

651

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

 

 

 

(540

)

(2,417

)

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period

 

 

 

5,309

 

7,722

 

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash, End of Period

 

 

 

$

4,769

 

$

5,305

 

Cash paid during the period for:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest

 

 

 

$

1

 

$

3

 

Supplemental Non-Cash Information for Investing and Financing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Securities received for payment of notes receivable - Laramide

 

 

 

$

750

 

$

750

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities for the Period

 

 

 

$

750

 

$

750

 

 

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

 

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WESTWATER RESOURCES, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(expressed in thousands of dollars, except share amounts)

(unaudited)

 

 

 

Common
Stock
Shares

 

Amount

 

Paid-In
Capital

 

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)

 

Accumulated
Deficit

 

Treasury
Stock

 

Total

 

Balances, January 1, 2018

 

555,806

 

$

 

$

297,278

 

$

287

 

$

(256,190

)

$

(258

)

$

41,117

 

Net loss

 

 

 

 

 

(3,419

)

 

(3,419

)

Common stock issued, net of issuance costs

 

20,802

 

 

651

 

 

 

 

651

 

Stock compensation expense and related share issuances, net of shares withheld for payment of taxes

 

20

 

 

81

 

 

 

 

81

 

Unrealized holding loss on marketable securities

 

 

 

 

(937

)

 

 

(937

)

Balances, March 31, 2018

 

576,628

 

$

 

$

298,010

 

$

(650

)

$

(259,609

)

$

(258

)

$

37,493

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balances, January 1, 2019

 

1,436,555

 

$

1

 

$

313,012 

 

$

(90

)

$

(291,874

)

$

(258

)

$

20,791

 

Net loss

 

 

 

 

 

(3,174

)

 

(3,174

)

Common stock issued, net of issuance costs

 

57,205

 

 

416

 

 

 

 

416

 

Stock compensation expense and related share issuances, net of shares withheld for payment of taxes

 

393

 

 

8

 

 

 

 

8

 

Minimum withholding taxes on net share settlements of equity awards

 

 

 

(1

)

 

 

 

 

 

(1

)

Transfer to realized loss upon sale of available for sale securities

 

 

 

 

90

 

 

 

90

 

Balances, March 31, 2019

 

1,494,153

 

$

1

 

$

313,435

 

$

0

 

$

(295,048

)

$

(258

)

$

18,130

 

 

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

 

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Table of Contents

 

1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

 

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for Westwater Resources, Inc. (the “Company,” “we,” “us,” “WWR” or “Westwater”), formerly known as Uranium Resources, Inc., have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 8-03 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. The accompanying statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements included in Westwater Resources, Inc.’s 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (which are of a normal, recurring nature) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2019 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any other period including the full year ending December 31, 2019.

 

Significant Accounting Policies

 

Our significant accounting policies are detailed in Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements within our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.  Refer to Note 14 for revisions made to our lease accounting policies resulting from our adoption of the new lease accounting standard effective January 1, 2019.

 

Reverse Stock Split

 

Immediately following the close of trading on April 22, 2019, the Company effected a one-for-fifty reverse stock split of its common stock.  With the reverse stock split, every fifty shares of the Company’s issued and outstanding common stock were combined into one issued and outstanding share of common stock.  The reverse stock split reduced the number of shares outstanding from approximately 74.7 million shares to approximately 1.5 million shares.  The reverse stock split did not have any effect on the par value of the Company’s common stock.  No fractional shares were issued as a result of the reverse stock split.  Any fractional shares that would have resulted were settled in cash.  All share data herein has been retroactively adjusted for the reverse stock split.

 

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

 

In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842),” which supersedes existing guidance for lease accounting. This new standard requires lessees to recognize leases on their balance sheets, and leaves lessor accounting largely unchanged. The new standard requires a dual approach for lessee accounting under which a lessee accounts for leases as finance leases or operating leases with the recognition of a right-of-use asset and a corresponding lease liability. For finance leases, the lessee recognizes interest expense and amortization of the right-of-use asset, and for operating leases, the lessee recognizes straight-line lease expense. The new lease accounting standard along with the clarifying amendments subsequently issued by the FASB, collectively became effective for the Company on January 1, 2019. The Company adopted the new lease accounting standard by applying the new lease guidance at the adoption date on January 1, 2019, and as allowed under the transition relief provided in ASU 2018-11, elected not to restate comparative periods. In addition, we elected the package of practical expedients for our existing leases as permitted under the transition guidance within the new standard and did not reassess (1) lease classification for existing leases, (2) whether existing contracts contained leases, (3) if any indirect costs were incurred, and (4) whether existing land easements should be accounted for as leases. As of January 1, 2019, in connection with the adoption of the new lease accounting standard, the Company recorded a right-of-use lease asset totaling $0.6 million with a corresponding lease liability totaling $0.6 million. Refer to Note 14 for further details on our adoption of the new lease accounting standard.

 

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

 

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, “Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments”. ASU 2016-13 will change how companies account for credit losses for most financial assets and certain other instruments. For trade receivables, loans and held-to-maturity debt securities, companies will be required to estimate lifetime expected credit losses and recognize an allowance against the related instruments. For available for sale debt securities, companies will be required to recognize an allowance for credit losses rather than reducing the carrying value of the asset. The adoption of this update, if applicable, will result in earlier recognition of losses and impairments.

 

In November 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-19, “Codification Improvements to ASC 326, Financial Instruments — Credit Losses.” ASU 2016-13 introduced an expected credit loss methodology for the impairment of financial assets measured at amortized

 

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cost basis. That methodology replaces the probable, incurred loss model for those assets. ASU 2018-19 is the final version of Proposed Accounting Standards Update 2018-270, which has been deleted. Additionally, the amendments clarify that receivables arising from operating leases are not within the scope of Subtopic 326-20. Instead, impairment of receivables arising from operating leases should be accounted for in accordance with ASC 842, Leases.

 

These updates are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and the Company is currently evaluating ASU 2016-13 and 2018-19 and the potential impact of adopting this guidance on its financial reporting.

 

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018- 13, “Fair Value Measurement (ASC 820): Disclosure Framework — Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement”. This update modifies the disclosure requirements for fair value measurements by removing, modifying or adding disclosures. ASU 2018-13 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 and early adoption is permitted. Certain disclosures in the update are applied retrospectively, while others are applied prospectively. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of adopting this guidance on its financial statements.

 

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash

 

The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash as reported within the consolidated balance sheet that sum to the total of the same such amounts shown in the statement of cash flows.

 

 

 

As of March 31,

 

(thousands of dollars)

 

2019

 

2018

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

1,019

 

$

1,637

 

Restricted cash - pledged deposits for performance bonds

 

3,750

 

3,668

 

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in the statement of cash flows

 

$

4,769

 

$

5,305

 

 

Funds deposited by the Company for collateralization of performance obligations are not available for the payment of general corporate obligations and are not included in cash equivalents.  Restricted cash consists of money market accounts. The bonds are collateralized performance bonds required for future restoration and reclamation obligations related to the Company’s South Texas production properties.

 

2. LIQUIDITY AND GOING CONCERN

 

The interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company have been prepared on a “going concern” basis, which means that the continuation of the Company is presumed even though events and conditions exist that, when considered in the aggregate, raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern because it is possible that the Company will be required to adversely change its current business plan or may be unable to meet its obligations as they become due within one year after the date that these financial statements were issued.

 

The Company last recorded revenues from operations in 2009 and expects to continue to incur losses as a result of costs and expenses related to maintaining its properties and general and administrative expenses.  Since 2009, the Company has relied on equity financings, debt financings and asset sales to fund its operations and the Company expects to rely on these forms of financing to fund its operations into the near future. The Company will also continue to identify ways to reduce its cash expenditures.

 

The Company’s current business plan requires working capital to fund non-discretionary expenditures for uranium reclamation activities, mineral property holding costs, business development costs and administrative costs.  The Company intends to pursue project financing to support execution of the graphite business plan, including discretionary capital expenditures associated with graphite battery-material product development, construction of pilot plant facilities and construction of commercial production facilities.  The Company’s current lithium business plan will be funded by working capital; however, the Company is pursuing project financing including possible joint venture partners to fund discretionary greenfield exploration activities.

 

At March 31, 2019 the Company’s cash balances were $1.0 million and the Company had a working capital deficit balance of $1.0 million.  Subsequent to May 7, 2019, the Company expects to fund operations as follows:

 

·                  Payment due June 30, 2019 or earlier in the amount of $2.25 million from sale of uranium royalty interests and the Laramide Resources Ltd. promissory note (Note 4) to Uranium Royalty Corp. (Note 5).

 

·                  Anticipated public equity offering for up to $10.0 million in gross proceeds, for which the Company filed a registration statement on Form S-1 on April 24, 2019.

 

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·                  Other debt and equity financings and asset sales.

 

On March 13, 2018, the Nasdaq Stock Market notified Westwater that the Company did not meet Nasdaq’s $1.00 per share minimum bid price requirement under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2) (the “Rule”) for continued listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market, and the Company was given an initial grace period of 180 days, or until September 10, 2018, to regain compliance with the Rule. Subsequently, on September 12, 2018, the Company was provided an additional 180-day compliance period, or until March 11, 2019, to regain compliance with the Rule.  On March 12, 2019, the Company received a letter from the Listing Qualifications Staff of Nasdaq notifying the Company that, based upon the Company’s continuing non-compliance with the Rule, the Staff had determined that the Company’s common stock would be delisted from Nasdaq.  The Company appealed the Staff’s determination and requested a hearing before a Nasdaq hearings panel, which hearing was conducted on May 2, 2019. The hearings panel has 30 days after the hearing to promulgate a formal decision.

 

On April 18, 2019, the Company’s shareholders approved a reverse split of not less than 1-for-5 and not more than 1-for-50.  Subsequently, the Board of Directors approved a 1-for-50 reverse split, which was effected after market close on April 22, 2019. As a result, the Company’s share price traded above the $1.00 per share minimum bid price for seven trading days prior to the hearing date and reached 10-consecutive trading days on May 6, 2019.  While the Nasdaq appeal is pending, the Company’s common stock will continue to trade on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “WWR.” There can be no assurance that the hearings panel will grant the Company’s request for continued listing. If the Company’s common stock ceases to be listed for trading on Nasdaq, the Company expects that its common stock would be traded on the over-the-counter market, which could adversely affect the market liquidity and price of the Company’s common stock.

 

While the Company has been successful in the past in raising funds through equity and debt financings as well as through the sale of non-core assets, no assurance can be given that additional financing will be available to it in amounts sufficient to meet its needs, or on terms acceptable to the Company.  In the event that we are unable to raise sufficient additional funds, we may be required to delay, reduce or severely curtail our operations or otherwise impede our on-going business efforts, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, financial condition, long-term prospects and ability to continue as a viable business.  Considering all of the factors above, the Company believes there is substantial doubt regarding its ability to continue as a going concern.

 

3. ACQUISITIONS

 

Acquisition of Alabama Graphite

 

On April 23, 2018, the Company completed its acquisition of 100% of the outstanding securities of Alabama Graphite Corp. (“Alabama Graphite”) for total consideration of $8.9 million.  Alabama Graphite is a Canadian entity that indirectly holds a 100% interest in the Coosa graphite project and Coosa mineral properties located in Alabama.  The consideration was comprised of $2.4 million in cash used to fund Alabama Graphite’s operating activities prior to completion of the Alabama Graphite transaction and certain related transaction costs, $6.4 million in common stock of the Company and $89,000 for warrants and options in the Company.  Each Alabama Graphite ordinary share was exchanged for 0.0016 common share of WWR.  Each warrant and option of Alabama Graphite was also exchanged for warrants and options exercisable for common shares of WWR on the same terms and conditions as were applicable prior to the Alabama Graphite transaction, except that the exercise price was converted for the 0.0016 share exchange ratio and for the USD exchange rate on the agreement date which was $0.77809 (CAD to USD) on December 13, 2017.  As a result, the Company issued 232,504 new shares, 7,280 options and 42,888 warrants.  The value of the Company’s common stock issued as consideration was based upon the opening share price on April 23, 2018 of $27.50.  The operating results of Alabama Graphite are included in the Consolidated Statement of Operations commencing April 23, 2018.

 

The Alabama Graphite loan from WWR was $1.8 million on April 23, 2018 and was incorporated into the final acquisition accounting and therefore was eliminated as of June 30, 2018.  Acquisition related costs were $1.9 million as of June 30, 2018, of which, $0.6 million was capitalized as additional cash consideration at the acquisition date for certain transaction costs that were directly related to the asset acquisition.

 

The acquisition of Alabama Graphite was accounted for as an asset acquisition in accordance with ASC 360 as “substantially all” of the purchase consideration was concentrated in a single identifiable asset for graphite mineral interests.  WWR controls the Board of Directors and senior management positions of Alabama Graphite and has overall control over the day-to-day activities of the acquired entity.

 

The following summarizes the preliminary allocation of purchase price to the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date (in thousands):

 

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Consideration:

 

 

 

Cash

 

$

2,397

 

Issuance of 232,504 common shares for replacement of Alabama Graphite shares

 

6,394

 

Issuance of 7,280 options for replacement of Alabama Graphite options

 

35

 

Issuance of 42,888 warrants for replacement of Alabama Graphite warrants

 

54

 

 

 

$

8,880

 

 

 

 

 

The fair value of the consideration given was allocated as follows:

 

 

 

Assets:

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

17

 

Short-term receivables

 

113

 

Prepaid expenses

 

42

 

Property, plant, equipment and graphite mineral interests

 

8,973

 

Total assets

 

9,145

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

 

265

 

Total liabilities

 

265

 

Net assets

 

$

8,880

 

 

The carrying value of the current assets acquired and liabilities assumed approximated the fair value due to the short-term nature of these items.  The fair value of the graphite mineral interests was estimated using a discounted cash flow approach and market comparables.  Key assumptions used in the discounted cash flow analysis include discount rates, mineral resources, future timing of production, recovery rates and future capital and operating costs.

 

4. NOTES RECEIVABLE

 

Laramide Note Receivable

 

As part of the consideration for the sale of Hydro Resources, Inc. (HRI), the Company currently holds a promissory note with a current balance of $2.0 million, secured by a mortgage over the Churchrock and Crownpoint properties owned by Laramide Resources Ltd. (“Laramide”). The note is in the final year of a three-year term and carries an initial interest rate of 5%. The final principal payment of $2.0 million is due and payable on January 5, 2020. Interest is payable on a quarterly basis during the final year. Laramide will have the right to satisfy up to half of the final principal payment by delivering shares of its common stock to the Company, which shares will be valued by reference to the volume weighted average price (“VWAP”) for Laramide’s common stock for the 20 trading days before January 5, 2020. The fair value of this note receivable was determined using the present value of the future cash receipts discounted at a market rate of 9.5%.

 

As of March 31, 2019, the Company has received three tranches of Laramide common shares as partial consideration for the sale of HRI, which has resulted in the receipt of 2,218,133, 1,982,483 and 2,483,034 Laramide common shares in January 2017, January 2018 and January 2019, respectively.  These share payments represent the initial consideration from the January 2017 sale of HRI and two note installments in January 2018 and January 2019.  The first note installment in the amount of $1.5 million in January 2018, consisted of $750,000 in cash and the issuance of 1,982,483 of Laramide’s common shares.  The second note installment in the amount of $1.5 million in January 2019, consisted of $750,000 in cash and the issuance of 2,483,034 of Laramide’s common shares.  Additionally, Laramide has made interest payments of $70,764 in cash during the three months ending March 31, 2019.

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2019, the Company sold the third tranche of 2,483,034 Laramide common shares and 2,218,133 Laramide warrants resulting in net proceeds of $0.5 million and a net loss on sale of marketable securities of $0.7 million.

 

The following tables show the notes receivable, accrued interest and unamortized discount on the Company’s notes receivable as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018.

 

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March 31, 2019

 

(thousands of dollars)

 

Note
Amount

 

Plus Accrued
Interest

 

Less
Unamortized
Note
Discount

 

Note Balance
per Balance
Sheet

 

Current Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes receivable Laramide — current

 

$

2,000

 

 

 

(383

)

1,617

 

Total Notes Receivable — current and non-current

 

$

2,000

 

$

 

 

$

(383

)

$

1,617

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2018

 

(thousands of dollars)

 

Note
Amount

 

Plus Accrued
Interest

 

Less
Unamortized
Note
Discount

 

Note Balance
per Balance
Sheet

 

Current Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes receivable Laramide — current

 

$

1,500

 

$

45

 

$

 

$

1,545

 

Subtotal Notes Receivable — current

 

$

1,500

 

$

45

 

$

 

$

1,545

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-current Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes receivable — Laramide — non-current

 

$

2,000

 

$

 

$

(507

)

$

1,493

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Subtotal Notes Receivable — non-current

 

$

2,000

 

$

 

$

(507

)

$

1,493

 

Total Notes Receivable — current and non-current

 

$

3,500

 

$

45

 

$

(507

)

$

3,038

 

 

5. ASSETS HELD FOR SALE

 

On March 5, 2019, the Company entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement (“Agreement”) with Uranium Royalty (USA) Corp. and Uranium Royalty Corp. (together “URC”) for the sale of four of its royalty interests on future uranium production from mineral properties located in South Dakota, Wyoming and New Mexico, as well as the remaining amount of the Laramide promissory note in the amount of $2.0 million as discussed above. Under the terms of the Agreement, the Company is set to transfer ownership of the royalties and promissory note at the closing date which is to be no later than June 30, 2019. In exchange for these assets URC has agreed to pay the Company a total of $2.75 million, consisting of the following consideration:

 

·                  $0.5 million in cash, paid as a deposit at signing on March 5, 2019; and

 

·                  $2.25 million cash to be paid in full on or before June 30, 2019.

 

The transaction will close following satisfaction or waiver of the closing conditions, which conditions include, among other things, the execution of various assignment agreements.  The Agreement contains certain termination rights and remedies for both URC and the Company.  Subject to certain limitations, in the event that the transaction does not close by July 31, 2019, the Company may terminate the Agreement and retain the $500,000 deposit. In the event that there is a material uncured inaccuracy in any representation or warranty or a material breach of any covenant of the Company, URC has the right to terminate the Agreement and seek a return of the deposit or to seek specific performance of the Agreement. In the event that there is a material uncured inaccuracy in any representation or warranty or a material breach of any covenant of URC, the Company has the right to terminate the Agreement or to seek specific performance of the Agreement. The Agreement will terminate automatically on July 31, 2019 if the closing thereunder has not occurred by July 31, 2019, unless otherwise agreed by the parties.

 

As a result of execution of the Agreement, the Laramide promissory note has been re-classified as held for sale and is recorded at its carrying value of $1.6 million on the March 31, 2019 financials since the carrying value does not exceed its fair value. The $0.5 million cash deposit received from URC on March 5, 2019 could be forfeited in the event that the Agreement is terminated due to the Company’s breach of certain terms of the Agreement. Accordingly, the Company has recorded the deposit as a liability on the balance sheet and will only recognize income when all conditions of the Agreement have been met and closing is complete. The royalty interests being purchased by URC have no carrying value and accordingly, no subsequent adjustments have been made.

 

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6. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 

Applicable accounting standards define fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price) and establishes a fair-value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value using the following definitions (from highest to lowest priority):

 

·                  Level 1 inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that are observable at the measurement date.

·                  Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (i.e., interest rates, yield curves, etc.), and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means (market corroborated inputs).

·                  Level 3 includes unobservable inputs that reflect management’s assumptions about what factors market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. These inputs are developed based on the best information available, including internal data.

 

The Company believes that the fair value of its assets and liabilities approximate their reported carrying amounts.  The following table presents information about assets that were recorded at fair value on a recurring and non-recurring basis as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 and indicate the fair value hierarchy.

 

 

 

March 31, 2019

 

(thousands of dollars)

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

Total

 

Non-current Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restricted cash

 

$

3,750

 

$

 

 

$

3,750

 

Total non-current assets recorded at fair value

 

$

3,750

 

$

 

$

 

$

3,750

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2018

 

(thousands of dollars)

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

Total

 

Current Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term available-for-sale investments

 

$

415

 

$

 

$

 

$

415

 

Total current assets recorded at fair value

 

$

415

 

$

 

$

 

$

415

 

Non-current Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restricted cash

 

$

3,732

 

$

 

 

$

3,732

 

Total non-current assets recorded at fair value

 

$

3,732

 

$

 

$

 

$

3,732

 

 

Assets that are measured on a recurring basis include the Company’s marketable securities and restricted cash.

 

7. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

 

 

 

Net Book Value of Property, Plant and Equipment at March 31, 2019

 

(thousands of dollars)

 

Turkey

 

Texas

 

Alabama

 

New Mexico

 

Corporate

 

Total

 

Uranium plant

 

$

 

$

3,143

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

3,143

 

Mineral rights and properties

 

 

 

8,972

 

7,806

 

 

16,778

 

Other property, plant and equipment

 

7

 

451

 

 

 

150

 

608

 

Total

 

$

7

 

$

3,594

 

$

8,972

 

$

7,806

 

$

150

 

$

20,529

 

 

 

 

Net Book Value of Property, Plant and Equipment at December 31, 2018

 

(thousands of dollars)

 

Turkey

 

Texas

 

Alabama

 

New Mexico

 

Corporate

 

Total

 

Uranium plant

 

$

 

$

3,256

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

3,256

 

Mineral rights and properties

 

 

 

8,973

 

7,806

 

 

16,779

 

Other property, plant and equipment

 

8

 

348

 

 

 

162

 

518

 

Total

 

$

8

 

$

3,604

 

$

8,973

 

$

7,806

 

$

162

 

$

20,553

 

 

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Impairment of Temrezli and Sefaatli Projects

 

On June 20, 2018, the General Directorate of Mining Affairs, a department of the Turkish Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, notified the Company that the mining and exploration licenses for its Temrezli and Sefaatli projects located in Turkey had been revoked and potential compensation will be proffered. While the Company is investigating the legality of this action and what remedies, including compensation, might be available to the Company, the Company has determined that it is more likely than not that the Company will be unable to explore, develop, mine or otherwise benefit from the mineral properties. Therefore, the Company has determined that all of the uranium mineral holding property assets located in Turkey were fully impaired. The Company will recognize compensation for the mining and exploration licenses when the amount of the full and fair compensation is fixed and determinable and the ability to collect is probable.

 

The Company reviews and evaluates its long-lived assets for impairment on an annual basis or more frequently when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the related carrying amounts may not be recoverable.

 

8. MINERAL PROPERTY EXPENDITURES

 

Mineral property expenditures by geographical location for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 are as follows:

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended Mar 31,

 

 

 

2019

 

2018

 

 

 

(thousands of dollars)

 

Temrezli project, Turkey

 

$

 

$

79

 

Total Turkey projects

 

 

79

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kingsville Dome project, Texas

 

244

 

251

 

Rosita project, Texas

 

117

 

197

 

Vasquez project, Texas

 

186

 

235

 

Other projects, Texas

 

 

6

 

Total Texas projects

 

547

 

689

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cebolleta project, New Mexico

 

 

 

Juan Tafoya project, New Mexico

 

6

 

6

 

Total New Mexico projects

 

6

 

6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Columbus Basin project, Nevada

 

 

2

 

Railroad Valley project, Nevada

 

 

4

 

Total Nevada projects

 

 

 

6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sal Rica project, Utah

 

1

 

2

 

Total Utah projects

 

1

 

2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Coosa project, Alabama

 

80

 

 

Total Alabama Projects

 

80

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total expense for the period

 

$

634

 

782

 

 

9. ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS

 

The following table summarizes the changes in the reserve for future restoration and reclamation costs on the balance sheet:

 

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March 31,

 

December 31,

 

(thousands of dollars)

 

2019

 

2018

 

Balance, beginning of period

 

$

6,203

 

$

5,731

 

Liabilities settled

 

(335

)

(521

)

Accretion expense

 

126

 

993

 

Balance, end of period

 

5,994

 

6,203

 

Less: Current portion

 

(894

)

(708

)

Non-current portion

 

$

5,100

 

$

5,495

 

 

The Company is currently performing plugging and surface reclamation activities at its Rosita and Vasquez projects located in Duval County, Texas.  The Company’s current liability of $0.9 million consists of the estimated costs associated with current reclamation activities through March 2020 at the Company’s Rosita and Vasquez projects.

 

10. COMMON STOCK

 

Common Stock Issued, Net of Issuance Costs

 

Reverse Stock Split

 

Immediately following the close of trading on April 22, 2019, the Company effected a one-for-fifty reverse stock split of its common stock.  With the reverse stock split, every fifty shares of the Company’s issued and outstanding common stock were combined into one issued and outstanding share of common stock.  The reverse stock split reduced the number of shares outstanding from approximately 74.7 million shares to approximately 1.5 million shares.  The reverse stock split did not have any effect on the par value of the Company’s common stock.  No fractional shares were issued as a result of the reverse stock split.  Any fractional shares that would have resulted were settled in cash.  All share data herein has been retroactively adjusted for the reverse stock split.

 

Controlled Equity Offering Sales Agreement with Cantor Fitzgerald (“Cantor”)

 

On April 14, 2017, the Company entered into the ATM Offering with Cantor acting as sales agent. Under the ATM Offering, the Company may from time to time sell shares of its common stock having an aggregate offering amount up to $30.0 million in “at-the-market” offerings, $8.0 million of which shares are registered for sale under a registration statement on Form S-3, which was declared effective on March 9, 2017. The Company pays Cantor a commission of up to 2.5% of the gross proceeds from the sale of any shares pursuant to the ATM Offering. As of March 31, 2019, the Company had sold 488,685 shares of common stock for net proceeds of $6.1 million under the ATM Offering, of which, 57,205 shares of common stock and net proceeds of $0.4 million was sold in the three months ended March 31, 2019. As a result, the Company had approximately $23.8 million remaining available for future sales under the ATM Offering, but has nil registered for sale as of March 31, 2019.

 

Common Stock Issued for Acquisition of Alabama Graphite

 

As discussed in Note 3 above, on April 23, 2018, the Company issued 232,504 shares of common stock in exchange for 100% of the outstanding shares of Alabama Graphite as part of the purchase consideration paid to acquire Alabama Graphite.

 

11. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

 

Stock-based compensation awards consist of stock options, restricted stock units and bonus shares issued under the Company’s equity incentive plans which include: the 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “2013 Plan”), the Amended and Restated 2004 Directors’ Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan (the “2004 Directors’ Plan”) and the 2004 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2004 Plan”). Upon approval of the 2013 Plan by the Company’s stockholders on June 4, 2013, the Company’s authority to grant new awards under all plans other than the 2013 Plan was terminated. On July 18, 2017 and April 18, 2019, the Company’s stockholders approved amendments to the 2013 Plan to increase the authorized number of shares of common stock available and reserved for issuance under the 2013 Plan by 20,000 shares and 66,000 shares, respectively. Under the 2013 Plan, the Company may grant awards of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards (“RSAs”), restricted stock units (“RSUs”), unrestricted stock, dividend equivalent rights, performance shares and other performance-based awards, other equity-based awards and cash bonus awards to eligible persons. The maximum number of the Company’s common stock that may be reserved for issuance under the 2013 Plan is currently 66,278 shares of common stock, plus unissued shares under the prior plans. Equity awards under the 2013 Plan are granted from time to time at the discretion of the Compensation Committee of the Board (the “Committee”), with vesting periods and

 

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other terms as determined by the Committee with a maximum term of 10 years. The 2013 Plan is administered by the Committee, which can delegate the administration to the Board, other Committees or to such other officers and employees of the Company as designated by the Committee and permitted by the 2013 Plan.

 

As of April 18, 2019, 66,278 shares were available for future issuances under the 2013 Plan.  For the three months ending March 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company recorded stock-based compensation expense of $7,719 and $80,673, respectively.  Stock compensation expense is recorded in general and administrative expenses.

 

In addition to the plans above, upon closing of the Company’s acquisition of Anatolia Energy Limited in November 2015, the Company issued 7,495 replacement options and performance shares to the option holders and performance shareholders of Anatolia Energy Limited.  The number of replacement options and performance shares was based upon the Black-Scholes value with the exercise prices of the replacement options and performance shares determined using the exchange rate of 0.0001096.  The options and performance shares were issued with the same terms and conditions as were applicable prior to the acquisition of Anatolia Energy Limited. As of March 31, 2019, there were 449 replacement options outstanding and no performance shares outstanding.

 

In addition to the plans above, upon closing of the Company’s acquisition of Alabama Graphite in April 2018, the Company issued 50,168 replacement options and warrants to the option and warrant holders of Alabama Graphite.  The number of replacement options and warrants shares was determined using the arrangement exchange rate of 0.0016.  The exercise prices for the option and warrant shares were first converted for the exchange rate of 0.0016 and then converted to USD using the exchange rate on December 13, 2017 of 0.77809 (CAD to USD). The options and warrant shares were issued with the same terms and conditions as were applicable prior to the acquisition of Alabama Graphite. As of March 31, 2019, there were 5,568 replacement options and 11,440 replacement warrants outstanding.

 

Stock Options

 

The following table summarizes stock options outstanding and changes for the three-month periods ending March 31, 2019 and 2018:

 

 

 

March 31, 2019

 

March 31, 2018

 

 

 

Number of
Stock
Options

 

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

 

Number of
Stock
Options

 

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

 

Stock options outstanding at beginning of period

 

19,170

 

$

79.78

 

5,723

 

$

276.50

 

Granted

 

 

 

 

 

Expired

 

(280

)

179.68

 

(112

)

624.00

 

Stock options outstanding at end of period

 

18,890

 

$

78.21

 

5611

 

$

269.50

 

Stock options exercisable at end of period

 

18,890

 

$

78.21

 

1,828

 

$

682.50

 

 

The following table summarizes stock options outstanding and exercisable by stock option plan at March 31, 2019:

 

 

 

Outstanding Stock Options

 

Exercisable Stock Options

 

Stock Option Plan

 

Number of
Outstanding
Stock Options

 

Weighted
Average
Exercise Price

 

Number of
Exercisable
Stock Options

 

Weighted
Average
Exercise Price

 

2004 Plan

 

96

 

$

1,752.25

 

96

 

$

1,752.25

 

2004 Directors’ Plan

 

11

 

9,332.73

 

11

 

9,332.73

 

2013 Plan

 

12,766

 

35.41

 

12,766

 

35.41

 

Replacement Stock Options-Alabama Graphite

 

5,568

 

80.96

 

5,568

 

80.96

 

Replacement Stock Options-Anatolia Energy

 

449

 

676.22

 

449

 

676.22

 

 

 

18,890

 

$

78.21

 

18,890

 

$

78.21

 

 

Restricted Stock Units

 

Time-based and performance-based RSUs are valued using the closing share price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. The final number of shares issued under performance-based RSUs is generally based on the Company’s prior year

 

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performance as determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors at each vesting date, and the valuation of such awards assumes full satisfaction of all performance criteria.

 

The following table summarizes RSU activity for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2019 and 2018:

 

 

 

March 31,

 

March 31,

 

 

 

2019

 

2018

 

 

 

Number of
RSUs

 

Weighted-
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value

 

Number of
RSUs

 

Weighted-
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value

 

Unvested RSUs at beginning of period

 

2,260

 

$

70.00

 

3,578

 

$

70.00

 

Granted

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeited

 

(565

)

70.00

 

(189

)

70.00

 

Vested

 

 

 

 

 

Unvested RSUs at end of period

 

1,695

 

$

70.00

 

3,389

 

$

70.00

 

 

12. EARNINGS PER SHARE

 

Basic and diluted loss per common share have been calculated based on the weighted-average shares outstanding during the period.  Additionally, potentially dilutive shares of 35,691 were excluded from the calculation of earnings per share because the effect on the basic income per share would be anti-dilutive for the three months ended March 31, 2019.

 

13. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

The Company’s uranium recovery operations are subject to federal and state regulations for the protection of the environment, including water quality.  Future closure and reclamation costs are provided for as each pound of uranium is produced on a unit-of-production basis. The Company reviews its reclamation obligations each year and determines the appropriate unit charge. The Company also evaluates the status of current environmental laws and their potential impact on their accrual for costs. The Company believes its operations are materially compliant with current environmental regulations.

 

At any given time, the Company may enter into negotiations to settle outstanding legal proceedings and any resulting accruals will be estimated based on the relevant facts and circumstances applicable at that time.  We do not expect that such settlements will, individually or in the aggregate, have a material effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

14. LEASES

 

Lease Adoption January 1, 2019

 

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)”. This new standard requires lessees to recognize leases on their balance sheets. It also requires a dual approach for lessee accounting under which a lessee accounts for leases as finance leases or operating leases with the recognition of a right-of-use asset and a corresponding lease liability. For operating leases, the lessee recognizes straight-line lease expense. The new lease accounting standard along with the clarifying amendments subsequently issued by the FASB, collectively became effective for the Company on January 1, 2019. The Company adopted the new lease accounting standard by applying the new lease guidance at the adoption date on January 1, 2019, and as allowed under the transition relief provided in ASU 2018-11, elected not to restate comparative periods. In addition, we elected the package of practical expedients for our existing leases as permitted under the transition guidance within the new standard and did not reassess (1) lease classification for existing leases, (2) whether existing contracts contained leases, (3) if any indirect costs were incurred, and (4) whether existing land easements should be accounted for as leases . As of January 1, 2019, in connection with the adoption of the new lease accounting standard, the Company recorded a right-of-use lease asset totaling $595,870 with a corresponding lease liability totaling $599,596.

 

The right-of-use asset represents our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and the lease liability represents our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Right-of-use assets and lease liabilities are recognized at the commencement date of the lease based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term using a discount rate of 9.5%. This rate is the Company’s current estimated incremental borrowing rate.

 

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The Company has operating leases for corporate offices, storage space and equipment.  The leases have remaining lease terms of 1 to 5 years, one of which includes an option to extend the corporate office lease for 3 years. Under our corporate office lease, we are required to reimburse the lessor each month for common use expenses such as maintenance and security services. Because these amounts are variable from year to year and not specifically set in the lease terms, they are not included in the measurement of the right-of-use asset and related lease liability, but rather expensed in the period incurred.

 

The Company is party to several leases that are for under one year in length. The majority of these leases are for office equipment, machinery, office space and storage. The Company has elected the short-term lease exemption allowed under the new leasing standards, whereby leases with initial terms of one year or less are not capitalized and instead expensed on a straight-line basis over the lease term. In addition, the Company holds numerous leases related to mineral exploration and production to which it has not applied the new leasing standard. Leases to explore or use minerals and similar nonregenerative resources are specifically excluded by ASC 842-10.

 

The components of lease expense were as follows:

 

 

 

March 31

 

(thousands of dollars)

 

2019

 

Operating lease cost

 

$

40

 

 

Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2019

 

Cash paid for amounts included in lease liabilities:

 

 

 

(thousands of dollars)

 

 

 

Operating cash flows from operating leases

 

$

39

 

 

 

 

 

Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations:

 

 

 

Operating leases

 

$

569

 

 

Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases was as follows:

 

(thousands of dollars, except lease term and discount rate)

 

March 31,
2019

 

Operating Leases

 

 

 

Operating lease right-of-use assets

 

$

569

 

 

 

 

 

Current portion of lease liabilities

 

$

151

 

Operating lease liabilities — long term portion

 

424

 

Total operating lease liabilities

 

$

575

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 31,

 

 

 

 

 

2019

 

Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term

 

Operating leases

 

4.4 Years

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discount Rate

 

Operating leases

 

9.5%

 

 

 

 

 

Lease payments by year

 

Operating

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Leases

 

 

 

2019

 

$

117

 

 

 

2020

 

159

 

 

 

2021

 

161

 

 

 

2022

 

162

 

 

 

2023

 

94

 

Maturities of lease liabilities are as follows:

 

Total lease payments

 

693

 

 

 

Less imputed interest

 

(118

)

 

 

Total

 

$

575

 

 

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As of March 31, 2019, the Company has $0.6 million in right-of-use assets and $0.6 million in related lease liabilities ($0.2 million of which is current). The most significant operating lease is for the Company’s corporate office in Centennial, Colorado, with $0.7 million remaining in undiscounted cash payments through the end of the lease term in 2023. The total undiscounted cash payments remaining on operating leases through the end of their respective terms is $0.7 million.

 

15. GEOGRAPHIC AND SEGMENT INFORMATION

 

The Company currently operates in three reportable segments, which are uranium, lithium and graphite mining activities, including exploration, standby operations and restoration and reclamation activities.  As a part of these activities, the Company also explores, evaluates and, if warranted, permits uranium, lithium and graphite properties.  The Company’s long-term assets were $24.4 million and $25.8 million as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. 100% of the long-term assets are located in the United States.  The Company reported no revenues during the three months ended March 31, 2019 and March 31, 2018.

 

The reportable segments are those operations whose operating results are reviewed by the Chief Executive Officer to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and assess its performance provided those operations pass certain quantitative thresholds.  Operations whose revenues, earnings or losses or assets exceed or are expected to exceed 10% of the total consolidated revenue, earnings or losses or assets are reportable segments.  Information about current assets and liabilities of the segments has not been provided because the information is not used to assess performance.

 

The table below provides a breakdown of the long-term assets by reportable segments as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018:

 

 

 

March 31, 2019

 

(thousands of dollars)

 

Corporate

 

Uranium

 

Lithium

 

Graphite

 

Total

 

Net property, plant and equipment

 

$

150

 

$

11,407

 

$

 

$

8,972

 

$

20,529

 

Restricted cash

 

 

3,740

 

 

10

 

3,750

 

Operating lease right of use assets, non-current

 

543

 

26

 

 

 

569

 

Total long-term assets

 

$

693

 

$

15,173

 

$

 

$

8,982

 

$

24,848

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2018

 

(thousands of dollars)

 

Corporate

 

Uranium

 

Lithium

 

Graphite

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net property, plant and equipment

 

$

162

 

$

11,418

 

$

 

$

8,973

 

$

20,553

 

Restricted cash

 

 

3,722

 

 

10

 

3,732

 

Notes receivable, non-current

 

 

1,493

 

 

 

1,493

 

Total long-term assets

 

$

162

 

$

16,633

 

$

 

$

8,983

 

$

25,778

 

 

The table below provides a breakdown of the reportable segments for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and March 31, 2018.  Non-mining activities and other administrative operations are reported in the Corporate column.

 

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Three Months Ended
March 31, 2019

 

(thousands of dollars)

 

Corporate

 

Uranium

 

Lithium

 

Graphite

 

Total

 

Statement of Operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mineral property expenses

 

$

 

$

553

 

$

1

 

$

80

 

$

634

 

General and administrative expenses

 

1,279

 

392

 

 

147

 

1,818

 

Sales and marketing expenses

 

 

 

 

18

 

18

 

Accretion of asset retirement costs

 

 

126

 

 

 

126

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

1

 

22

 

 

 

23

 

Loss from operations

 

1,280

 

1,093

 

1

 

245

 

2,619

 

Other (expense) income

 

(555

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(555

)

Loss before taxes

 

$

(1,835

)

$

(1,093

)

$

(1

)

$

(245

)

$

(3,174

)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
March 31, 2018

 

(thousands of dollars)

 

Corporate

 

Uranium

 

Lithium

 

Graphite

 

Total

 

Statement of Operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mineral property expenses

 

$

 

$

774

 

$

8

 

$

 

$

782

 

General and administrative

 

1,353

 

452

 

 

 

1,805

 

Acquisition related expenses

 

755

 

 

 

 

755

 

Accretion of asset retirement costs

 

 

134

 

 

 

134

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

1

 

33

 

 

 

34

 

Loss from operations

 

2,109

 

1,393

 

8

 

 

3,510

 

Other income

 

81

 

10

 

 

 

91

 

Loss before taxes

 

$

(2,028

)

$

(1,383

)

$

(8

)

$

 

$

(3,419

)

 

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

 

The following management’s discussion and analysis of the consolidated financial results and condition of Westwater for the three months ended March 31, 2019 has been prepared based on information available to us as of May 7, 2019. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto included herewith and the audited Consolidated Financial Statements of WWR for the period ended December 31, 2018 and the related notes thereto filed with our Annual Report on Form 10-K, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. This discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions.  Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of many factors, including, but not limited to, those set forth elsewhere in this report. See “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”

 

INTRODUCTION

 

Westwater is an energy minerals exploration and energy-related materials development company. The Company’s battery materials projects include graphite and lithium mineral properties. We established our graphite business with the acquisition of Alabama Graphite on April 23, 2018 and its Coosa Graphite Project along with the associated Coosa Graphite Mine located across 41,900 acres in east-central Alabama.  We established our lithium business in 2016 and currently control mineral rights encompassing approximately 36,920 acres across three prospective lithium brine basins in Nevada and Utah. We have continued exploration activities as well as geological evaluation of these properties in 2018 for potential development of lithium resources that may be discovered.

 

The Company maintains optionality on future rising uranium prices with significant uranium property holdings located in Texas and New Mexico.  In Texas, the Company has two licensed and currently idled uranium processing facilities and approximately 11,000 acres (4,400 ha) of prospective in-situ recovery uranium projects. In New Mexico, the Company controls mineral rights encompassing approximately 188,700 acres (76,394 ha) in the prolific Grants Mineral Belt, which is one of the largest concentrations of sandstone-hosted uranium deposits in the world. Incorporated in 1977 as Uranium Resources, Inc., WWR also owns an extensive uranium information database of historic drill hole logs, assay certificates, maps and technical reports for the western United States.

 

Graphite, Lithium and Uranium Listed as Critical Materials

 

A Presidential Executive Order on a Federal Strategy to Ensure Secure and Reliable Supplies of Critical Minerals was issued on December 20, 2017, which we believe will accelerate important energy related mineral development in the United States.  In conjunction with Professional Paper 1802, published by the U.S. Geological Service (“USGS”), where 23 minerals are identified as critical to the Country’s security and economy, WWR believes these actions are important steps in support of domestic minerals development.  One of the important steps outlined in the Executive Order required a list of critical minerals to be provided by the US Secretary of the Interior.  This list was provided and included all three of WWR’s contemplated portfolio products consisting of graphite, lithium and uranium.  Graphite and lithium, in particular, are critical to the development of batteries and other energy storage systems essential to the electric vehicle, solar and wind power industries.

 

Section 232 Investigation

 

The U.S. Department of Commerce initiated a Section 232 investigation in July 2018 to determine whether the present quantity of uranium ore and product imports threaten to impair U.S. national security.  U.S. uranium production has declined significantly since 1987, with domestic uranium producers experiencing a major slowdown in operations and employment.  As Westwater commented on April 29, 2019, U.S. uranium producers are expected to benefit, and the price of uranium produced in the U.S. is anticipated to rise, if President Trump imposes tariffs or quotas on imported uranium or takes other action to support domestic uranium production.

 

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

 

Turkish Government Taking of Temrezli and Sefaatli Licenses and Westwater’s Arbitration Filing

 

In December 2018, Westwater filed a Request for Arbitration against the Republic of Turkey for its unlawful actions against the Company’s investments, most notably, the June 2018 illegal taking of its Temrezli and Şefaatli uranium projects. These projects were owned by Westwater’s Turkish subsidiary Adur Madencilik Limited Sirketi (“Adur”).

 

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Since 2007, Adur has held the exclusive rights for the exploration and development of uranium at Temrezli and Şefaatli, two sites located around 200 kilometers from Ankara, which include the largest and highest-grade deposits of uranium known to be in Turkey. To date, Adur and its shareholders have invested substantially in these two projects, using their technical expertise and carrying out extensive drilling, testing and studies to move the projects towards production. Having successfully completed the exploration stage in 2013-2014, Adur was granted a number of operating licenses by the Turkish government to develop the Temrezli mine. As a direct result of Adur’s efforts, Temrezli is the most advanced uranium project in Turkey. Experts have estimated that the mine will generate revenues of up to $644 million over its life, netting Westwater an estimated future return on its investment of $267 million as described in the Prefeasibility Study completed for the Temrezli project in 2015.

 

For many years, Adur and Westwater worked closely with the Turkish authorities and shared their technical expertise in uranium mining. However, Turkey’s most recent actions have undermined this longstanding relationship. In particular, in June 2018, the Turkish government cancelled all of Adur’s exploration and operating licenses with retroactive effect, rendering Westwater’s investment in Adur effectively worthless. While the Turkish authorities had variously issued, renewed and overseen these licenses for more than a decade, they now assert that these were issued by mistake and that the Turkish government has a governmental monopoly over all uranium mining activities in Turkey, in violation of Westwater’s rights under Turkish and international law. Westwater has reached out on numerous occasions to the Turkish government to resolve this dispute amicably, to reinstate the licenses and to remedy its unlawful actions, but to no avail.

 

As a result, on December 13, 2018 Westwater filed a Request for Arbitration against the Republic of Turkey before the International Center for the Settlement of Investment Disputes (“ICSID”) pursuant to the Treaty between the United States of America and the Republic of Turkey concerning the Reciprocal Encouragement and Protection of Investments. The ICSID proceeding has not yet begun, and there are no schedules yet for any arbitration milestones; however, the parties have each appointed a party-arbitrator and those party-arbitrators are in the process of appointing a chair of the panel.

 

Royalty and Promissory Note Sale

 

On March 5, 2019, Westwater entered into an agreement to sell four royalties on uranium properties located in South Dakota, Wyoming and New Mexico and a promissory note due in 2020 to Uranium Royalty Corp. for $2.75 million, including $0.5 million paid at signing. The balance of $2.25 million will become due and payable at the earlier of June 30, 2019, or following the date upon which the closing conditions are satisfied.

 

Nasdaq Minimum Bid Non-compliance

 

On March 13, 2018, the Nasdaq Stock Market notified Westwater that the Company did not meet Nasdaq’s $1.00 per share minimum bid price requirement under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2) (the “Rule”) for continued listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market, and the Company was given an initial grace period of 180 days, or until September 10, 2018, to regain compliance with the Rule. Subsequently, on September 12, 2018, the Company was provided an additional 180-day compliance period, or until March 11, 2019, to regain compliance with the Rule.

 

On March 12, 2019, the Company received a letter from the Listing Qualifications Staff of Nasdaq notifying the Company that, based upon the Company’s continuing non-compliance with the Rule, the Staff had determined that the Company’s common stock would be delisted from Nasdaq unless the Company timely requests an appeal of such determination to a Nasdaq hearings panel. The Company appealed the Staff’s determination by requesting a hearing before a Nasdaq hearings panel, which hearing was conducted on May 2, 2019. While the appeal is pending, the Company’s common stock will continue to trade on Nasdaq under the symbol “WWR.” There can be no assurance that the hearings panel will grant the Company’s request for continued listing. If the Company’s common stock ceases to be listed for trading on Nasdaq, the Company expects that its common stock would be traded on the over-the-counter market.

 

Vanadium Target Identification

 

In late November 2018, Westwater announced the discovery of significant levels of vanadium concentrations at several locales within the graphitic schists at the Company’s Coosa Project. Westwater subsequently commenced the first of a four-phase exploration program designed to determine the extent, character and quality of the vanadium mineralization at Coosa. As announced by the Company on February 19, 2019, the first phase demonstrated widespread positive values for vanadium that extended beyond the graphite resource defined in the 2015 Preliminary Economic Assessment for the Coosa Project.

 

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Reclamation Success in Texas

 

Westwater has completed wellfield plugging at the Vasquez Project and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has approved this phase of reclamation. This paves the way for bond releases in 2019, including the release of a surety bond posted by the Company in the amount of $208,657 as announced by the Company on March 4, 2019. Reclamation of the waste disposal well and its associated pond, as well as the remainder of the surface, is scheduled for completion in 2019.

 

At the Rosita Project, also located in Texas, the wellfield Production Areas 1 & 2 are plugged, and surface reclamation in those areas is also expected to be completed in 2019.

 

Reverse Stock Split

 

On April 22, 2019, following the close of trading, Westwater effected a one-for-fifty reverse split of its common shares.  The consolidated common shares began trading on a split-adjusted basis on April 23, 2019.  On April 18, 2019, at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders, Westwater received approval for a charter amendment permitting Westwater to effect a reverse split.  The primary purpose of the reverse split was to bring Westwater into compliance with Nasdaq’s $1.00 minimum bid price requirement to maintain the listing of Westwater’s common stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market.

 

The reverse split reduced the number of Westwater’s outstanding common stock from 74,707,659 shares to 1,494,153 shares of common stock.  No fractional shares were issued as a result of the reverse stock split.  Any fractional shares that would have resulted were settled in cash.

 

All share data herein has been retroactively adjusted for the reverse stock split.

 

Results of Operations

 

Summary

 

Our consolidated net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2019 was $3.2 million, or $2.15 per share, as compared with a consolidated net loss of $3.4 million, or $6.11 per share for the same period in 2018.

 

Mineral Property Expenses

 

The following table details our mineral property expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018:

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended
March 31

 

(thousands of dollars) 

 

2019

 

2018

 

Restoration/Recovery expenses

 

 

 

 

 

Vasquez and Rosita Projects

 

$

18

 

$

182

 

Total restoration/recovery expenses

 

18

 

182

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Standby care and maintenance expenses

 

 

 

 

 

Kingsville Dome Project

 

154

 

159

 

Rosita Project

 

118

 

93

 

Vasquez Project

 

73

 

75

 

Temrezli Project

 

 

79

 

Total standby care and maintenance expenses

 

345

 

406

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exploration and evaluation costs

 

80

 

10

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Land maintenance and holding costs

 

191

 

184

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total mineral property expenses

 

$

634

 

$

782

 

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2019, mineral property expenses decreased by $0.2 million from the corresponding periods during 2018.  The decrease was primarily due to a reduction in operating activities at the Temrezli Project of $0.1 million due

 

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to the revocation of the mining licenses by the government of Turkey in June 2018 and by a reduction of $0.2 million in reclamation activities at the Vasquez and Rosita Projects due to adverse weather conditions in 2019.

 

General and Administrative Expenses

 

Significant expenditures for general and administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 were:

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended March 31,

 

(thousands of dollars)

 

2019

 

2018

 

Stock compensation expense

 

$

8

 

$

81

 

Salaries and payroll burden

 

684

 

729

 

Legal, accounting, public company expenses

 

845

 

677

 

Insurance and bank fees

 

142

 

141

 

Consulting and professional services

 

21

 

15

 

Office expenses

 

104

 

122

 

Other expenses

 

32

 

40

 

Total

 

$

1,836

 

$

1,805

 

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2019, general and administrative charges increased only slightly as compared with the corresponding period in 2018.  Increases in legal, accounting and public company expenses of $0.2 million were offset by decreases in stock compensation and salary costs.

 

Other Income and Expenses

 

Loss on Sale of Marketable Securities

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2019, the Company sold the third tranche of 2,483,034 Laramide common shares along with 2,218,333 Laramide warrants resulting in net proceeds of $0.5 million and a net loss on sale of marketable securities of $0.7 million.

 

Financial Position

 

Operating Activities

 

Net cash used in operating activities was $2.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019, as compared with $3.7 million for the same period in 2018. The decrease was primarily due to non-recurring costs of $0.8 million related to the Alabama Graphite Corp. acquisition incurred during the three months ending March 31, 2018.

 

Investing Activities

 

Net cash provided by investing activities was $1.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019, as compared with $0.6 million of cash provided by investing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2018.  For the 2019 period, the Company received note and related interest payments on the Laramide note in the amount of $0.8 million in cash.  Additionally, the Company received net proceeds of $0.5 million from the sale of Laramide securities and $0.5 million from URC as a deposit in accordance with the terms of the Asset Purchase Agreement signed on March 5, 2019.  For the 2018 period, the Company received a note payment on the Laramide note in the amount of $750,000 in cash.  Additionally, the Company received net proceeds of $0.5 million from the sale of Laramide securities.  These increases were partially offset by cash used for note advances to Alabama Graphite of $0.6 million.

 

Financing Activities

 

Net cash provided by financing activities was $0.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 from the sale of common stock through the Company’s Cantor ATM Offering agreement.

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Company received net cash proceeds of $0.6 million and $0.1 million from the sale of common stock through the Common Stock Purchase Agreement with Aspire Capital and the Cantor ATM Offering agreement, respectively.

 

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

The interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company have been prepared on a “going concern” basis, which means that the continuation of the Company is presumed even though events and conditions exist that, when considered in the aggregate, raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern because it is possible that the Company will be required to adversely change its current business plan or may be unable to meet its obligations as they become due within one year after the date that these financial statements were issued.

 

The Company last recorded revenues from operations in 2009 and expects to continue to incur losses as a result of costs and expenses related to maintaining its properties and general and administrative expenses.  Since 2009, the Company has relied on equity financings, debt financings and asset sales to fund its operations and the Company expects to rely on these forms of financing to fund its operations into the near future. The Company will also continue to identify ways to reduce its cash expenditures.

 

The Company’s current business plan requires working capital to fund non-discretionary expenditures for uranium reclamation activities, mineral property holding costs, business development costs and administrative costs.  The Company intends to pursue project financing to support execution of the graphite business plan, including discretionary capital expenditures associated with graphite battery-material product development, construction of pilot plant facilities and construction of commercial production facilities.  The Company’s current lithium business plan will be funded by working capital; however, the Company is pursuing project financing including possible joint venture partners to fund discretionary greenfield exploration activities.

 

At March 31, 2019 the Company’s cash balances were $1.0 million and the Company had a working capital deficit balance of $1.0 million.  Subsequent to May 7, 2019, the Company expects to fund operations as follows:

 

·                  Payment due June 30, 2019 or earlier in the amount of $2.25 million from sale of uranium royalty interests and the Laramide Resources Ltd. promissory note (Note 4) to Uranium Royalty Corp. (Note 5).

 

·                  Anticipated public equity offering for up to $10.0 million in gross proceeds, for which the Company filed a registration statement on Form S-1 on April 24, 2019.

 

·                  Other debt and equity financings and asset sales.

 

On March 13, 2018, the Nasdaq Stock Market notified Westwater that the Company did not meet Nasdaq’s $1.00 per share minimum bid price requirement under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2) (the “Rule”) for continued listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market, and the Company was given an initial grace period of 180 days, or until September 10, 2018, to regain compliance with the Rule. Subsequently, on September 12, 2018, the Company was provided an additional 180-day compliance period, or until March 11, 2019, to regain compliance with the Rule.  On March 12, 2019, the Company received a letter from the Listing Qualifications Staff of Nasdaq notifying the Company that, based upon the Company’s continuing non-compliance with the Rule, the Staff had determined that the Company’s common stock would be delisted from Nasdaq.  The Company appealed the Staff’s determination and requested a hearing before a Nasdaq hearings panel, which hearing was conducted on May 2, 2019. The hearings panel has 30 days after the hearing to promulgate a formal decision.

 

On April 18, 2019, the Company’s shareholders approved a reverse split of not less than 1-for-5 and not more than 1-for-50.  Subsequently, the Board of Directors approved a 1-for-50 reverse split, which was effected after market close on April 22, 2019. As a result, the Company’s share price traded above the $1.00 per share minimum bid price for seven trading days prior to the hearing date and reached 10-consecutive trading days on May 6, 2019.  While the Nasdaq appeal is pending, the Company’s common stock will continue to trade on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “WWR.” There can be no assurance that the hearings panel will grant the Company’s request for continued listing. If the Company’s common stock ceases to be listed for trading on Nasdaq, the Company expects that its common stock would be traded on the over-the-counter market, which could adversely affect the market liquidity and price of the Company’s common stock.

 

While the Company has been successful in the past in raising funds through equity and debt financings as well as through the sale of non-core assets, no assurance can be given that additional financing will be available to it in amounts sufficient to meet its needs, or on terms acceptable to the Company.  In the event that we are unable to raise sufficient additional funds, we may be required to delay, reduce or severely curtail our operations or otherwise impede our on-going business efforts, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, financial condition, long-term prospects and ability to continue as a viable business.  Considering all of the factors above, the Company believes there is substantial doubt regarding its ability to continue as a going concern.

 

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Off- Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

We have no off-balance sheet arrangements.

 

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

With the exception of historical matters, the matters discussed in this report are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from projections or estimates contained herein. We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding the adequacy of funding, liquidity, the timing or occurrence of any future drilling or production from the Company’s properties, the ability of the Company to acquire additional properties or partner with other companies, the realization of expected benefits from recent business combinations, the anticipated benefits from any action taken by the Trump Administration in response to the Section 232 investigation, and the Company’s anticipated cash burn rate and capital requirements. Words such as “may,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “forecast,” “potential,” “intend,” “continue,” “project” and variations of these words, comparable words and similar expressions generally indicate forward-looking statements. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements include, among others:

 

·                  the availability of capital to WWR;

 

·                  the availability of the Company to continue to satisfy the listing requirements of the Nasdaq Capital Market;

 

·                  the spot price and long-term contract price of graphite, vanadium, lithium and uranium;

 

·                  the ability of WWR to enter into and successfully close acquisitions, dispositions or other material transactions;

 

·                  government regulation of the mining industry and the nuclear power industry in the United States;

 

·                  operating conditions at our mining projects;

 

·                  the world-wide supply and demand of graphite, vanadium, lithium and uranium;

 

·                  weather conditions;

 

·                  unanticipated geological, processing, regulatory and legal or other problems we may encounter;

 

·                  the results of our exploration activities, and the possibility that future exploration results may be materially less promising than initial exploration result;

 

·                  any graphite, vanadium, lithium or uranium discoveries not being in high enough concentration to make it economic to extract the metals;

 

·                  currently pending or new litigation or arbitration; and

 

·                  our ability to maintain and timely receive mining and other permits from regulatory agencies.

 

as well as other factors described elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, our 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K and the other reports we file with the SEC. Most of these factors are beyond our ability to predict or control. Future events and actual results could differ materially from those set forth herein, contemplated by or underlying the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made. We disclaim any obligation to update any forward-looking statements made herein, except as required by law.

 

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

As a smaller reporting company, we are not required to provide this information in our Quarterly Reports.

 

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ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time period specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management has recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and management is required to apply judgment in evaluating the Company’s controls and procedures.

 

During the fiscal period covered by this report, the Company’s management, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 2019.

 

Changes in Internal Controls

 

We implemented ASU 2016-02 as of January 1, 2019. As a result, we made the following significant modifications to internal controls over financial reporting, including changes to accounting policies and procedures, operational processes, and documentation practices:

 

·                  Updated our policies and procedures related to accounting for lease assets and liabilities and related income and expense.

 

·                  Modified our contract review controls to consider the new criteria for determining whether a contract is or contains a lease, specifically to clarify the definition of a lease and align with the concept of control.

 

·                  Added controls for reevaluating our significant assumptions and judgments on a quarterly basis.

 

·                  Added controls to address related required disclosures regarding leases, including our significant assumptions and judgments used in applying ASC 842.

 

Other than the items described above, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended March 31, 2019 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.

 

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

Information regarding reportable legal proceedings is contained in Part I, Item 3, “Legal Proceedings,” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.  There have been no material changes to the legal proceedings previously disclosed in the Annual Report on Form 10-K, which are incorporated by reference herein.

 

ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS.

 

Our business activities are subject to significant risks, including those described below. Every investor or potential investor in our securities should carefully consider these risks. If any of the described risks actually occurs, our business, financial position and results of operations could be materially adversely affected. Such risks are not the only ones we face and additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also affect our business.

 

Risks Related to Our Business

 

There is substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.

 

The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming Westwater will continue as a going concern. This assumes continuing operations and the realization of assets and liabilities in the normal course of business.

 

We have incurred significant losses since ceasing production of uranium in 2009 and expect to continue to incur losses as a result of costs and expenses related to maintaining our properties and general and administrative expenses. As of March 31, 2019, we had a

 

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net working capital deficit of approximately $1.0 million, cash of approximately $1.0 million and an accumulated deficit of approximately $295 million. As a result of our evaluation of the Company’s liquidity for the next twelve months, we have included a discussion about our ability to continue as a going concern in our financial statements, and our independent auditor’s report for year ended December 31, 2018 includes an explanatory paragraph that expresses substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a “going concern.”

 

If we are unable to raise additional capital, our business may fail and holders of our securities may lose their entire investment.

 

We had approximately $1.0 million in cash at March 31, 2019 and have raised approximately $2.2 million through April 22, 2019 from payments on the promissory note due from Laramide Resources Ltd., sales of Laramide Resources stock delivered to us pursuant to the terms of the promissory note, sales under our Controlled Equity Offering Sales Agreement with Cantor Fitzgerald & Co., and receipt of the deposit from Uranium Royalty Corp upon signing the Asset Purchase Agreement on March 5, 2019. On average, Westwater expended approximately $1.0 million of cash per month during 2018, which is expected to continue during 2019. However, the Company has taken measures to reduce general and administrative costs going forward and has reduced activity in Texas while preserving regulatory compliance. There can be no assurance that Westwater will be able to obtain additional capital after it exhausts its current cash. Our capital needs have, in recent years, been funded through sales of our debt and equity securities. To the extent that we raise additional capital through the sale of equity or convertible debt securities, the issuance of such securities would likely result in substantial dilution to existing holders of our securities. If we borrow money, we will have to pay interest and may also have to agree to restrictions that limit our operating flexibility.

 

If additional capital is not available in sufficient amounts or on a timely basis, Westwater will experience liquidity problems, and Westwater could face the need to delay, reduce or significantly curtail current operations, change our planned business strategies and pursue other remedial measures. Any curtailment of business operations would have a material negative effect on our business, operating results, financial condition, long-term prospects and ability to continue as a viable business, the value of our outstanding stock is likely to fall, and our business may fail, causing holders of our securities to lose their entire investment.

 

Westwater is not producing any minerals at this time. As a result, we currently have no sources of operating cash. If we cannot monetize certain existing assets, partner with another company that has cash resources, find other means of generating revenue other than producing graphite, vanadium, lithium or uranium and/or access additional sources of private or public capital, we may not be able to remain in business.

 

As a result of low uranium prices, we ceased production of uranium in 2009. We are not planning to commence production at any of our South Texas properties until we are able to acquire additional reserves or mineralized material and uranium prices recover to levels that will ensure that production, once resumed, is sustainable in the 300,000 to 500,000 pound per year range. Our ability to begin plant construction and mine development in Texas, New Mexico or Alabama is subject to availability of financing and activation of our permits and licenses. All of our lithium activities in Nevada and Utah are highly prospective and may never generate revenue. We do not have a committed source of financing for the development of our graphite, vanadium, lithium or uranium projects. There can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain financing for our projects. Our inability to develop our properties would have a material adverse effect on our future operations.

 

Until we begin graphite, vanadium, lithium or uranium production, we have no way to generate cash inflows unless we monetize certain of our assets or through financing activities. Our future graphite production is dependent on completion of processing facilities and successful implementation of graphite purification technology. Our future lithium or uranium production, cash flow and income are dependent upon the results of exploration as well as our ability to bring on new, as yet unidentified wellfields and to acquire and develop additional reserves. Our future vanadium production is dependent upon the completion of an evaluation plan that will assess the amount, location and size of vanadium concentrations at our Coosa mine in Alabama. We can provide no assurance that we will successfully produce graphite, that our properties will be placed into production or that we will be able to continue to find, develop, acquire and finance additional reserves. If we cannot monetize certain existing assets, partner with another company that has cash resources, find other means of generating revenue other than producing graphite, vanadium, lithium or uranium and/or access additional sources of private or public capital, we may not be able to remain in business and holders of our securities may lose their entire investment.

 

The success of our mining operations is dependent on our ability to develop our properties and then mine them at a profit sufficient to finance further mining activities and for the acquisition and development of additional properties. The volatility of graphite, vanadium, lithium and uranium prices makes long-range planning uncertain and raising capital difficult.

 

The success of our mining operations is dependent on our ability to develop our properties and then operate them at a profit sufficient to finance further mining activities and for the acquisition and development of additional properties. The volatility of graphite, vanadium, lithium and uranium prices makes long-range planning uncertain and raising capital difficult.

 

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Our ability to obtain positive cash flow will be dependent on developing and then mining sufficient quantities of graphite, vanadium, lithium and uranium at a profit sufficient to finance our operations and for the acquisition and development of additional mining properties. Any profit will necessarily be dependent upon, and affected by, the long and short-term market prices of graphite, vanadium, lithium and uranium, which are subject to significant fluctuation. For example, uranium prices have been and will continue to be affected by numerous factors beyond our control, such as the demand for nuclear power, political and economic conditions in uranium producing and consuming countries, uranium supply from secondary sources and uranium production levels and costs of production. A significant, sustained drop in graphite, vanadium, lithium and uranium prices would cause us to recognize impairment of the carrying value of our graphite, vanadium, lithium, uranium or other assets.

 

The timing and amount of compensation relating to the revocation of the mining and exploration licenses for our Temrezli and Sefaatli projects in Turkey is yet to be determined.

 

On June 20, 2018, the General Directorate of Mining Affairs, a department of the Turkish Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, notified the Company that the mining and exploration licenses for its Temrezli and Sefaatli projects located in Turkey had been revoked and potential compensation would be proffered. Since 2007, Westwater’s Turkish subsidiary Adur Madencilik Limited Sirketi (“Adur”) has held the exclusive rights for the exploration and development of uranium at Temrezli and Şefaatli, two sites located around 200 kilometers from Ankara, which include the largest and highest-grade deposits of uranium known to be in Turkey. To date, Adur and its shareholders have invested substantially in these two projects, using their technical expertise and carrying out extensive drilling, testing and studies to move the projects towards production. As a direct result of Adur’s efforts, Temrezli is the most advanced uranium project in Turkey. Experts have estimated that the mine will generate revenues of up to $644 million over its life, netting Westwater an estimated future return on its investment of $267 million as described in the Prefeasibility Study completed for the Temrezli project in 2015.

 

Having successfully completed the exploration stage in 2013-2014, Adur was granted a number of operating licenses by the Turkish government to develop the Temrezli mine. While the Turkish authorities had variously issued, renewed and overseen these licenses for more than a decade, they now assert that these were issued by mistake and that the Turkish government has a governmental monopoly over all uranium mining activities in Turkey, in violation of Westwater’s rights under Turkish and international law.

 

Westwater has reached out on numerous occasions to the Turkish government to resolve this dispute amicably, to reinstate the licenses and to remedy its unlawful actions, but to no avail. As a result, on December 13, 2018 Westwater filed a Request for Arbitration against the Republic of Turkey before the International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes (“ICSID”), pursuant to the Treaty between the United States of America and the Republic of Turkey concerning the Reciprocal Encouragement and Protection of Investments. On December 21, 2018, ICSID advised that it had formally “registered” the Request for Arbitration.

 

While the Company intends to seek full and fair compensation for the licenses through the Request for Arbitration filed with ICSID, the timing of such compensation is yet to be determined. In addition, the Company can provide no assurance about the amount of any compensation, if any, and an adverse result could have an adverse impact on the Company’s financial conditions and results of operations.

 

We face a variety of risks related to our proposed battery-graphite manufacturing business.

 

We plan to develop a battery-graphite manufacturing business that produces advanced, high-quality and high-margin products for battery manufacturers. The proposed battery-graphite manufacturing business is significantly different from our historic mining operations and carries a number of risks, including, without limitation:

 

·                  the potential diversion of management’s attention and other resources, including available cash, from our existing mining business;

 

·                  unanticipated liabilities or contingencies, including related to intellectual property;

 

·                  the need for additional capital and other resources to expand into the battery-graphite manufacturing business;

 

·                  competition from better-funded public and private companies, including from producers of synthetic graphite, and competition from foreign companies that are not subject to the same environmental and other regulations as the Company; and

 

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·                  difficulty in hiring personnel or acquiring the intellectual property rights and know-how needed for the proposed battery-graphite manufacturing business.

 

Entry into a new line of business may also subject us to new laws and regulations with which we are not familiar, and may lead to increased litigation and regulatory risk. Further, our battery-graphite manufacturing business model and strategy are still evolving and are continually being reviewed and revised, and we may not be able to successfully implement our business model and strategy. We may not be able to produce graphite with the characteristics needed for battery production, and we may not be able to attract a sufficiently large number of customers. Neither the Company nor any member of its management team has directly engaged in producing graphite or similar materials before, and our lack of experience may result in delays or further complications to the new business. If we are unable to successfully implement our new battery-graphite manufacturing business, our revenue and profitability may not grow as we expect, our competitiveness may be materially and adversely affected, and our reputation and business may be harmed.

 

In developing our proposed battery-graphite manufacturing business, we may invest significant time and resources. Initial timetables for the development of our battery-graphite manufacturing business may not be achieved. Failure to successfully manage these risks in the development and implementation of our new battery-graphite manufacturing business could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

The construction and operation of pilot plant facilities and commercial production facilities in Alabama or other manufacturing facilities are subject to regulatory approvals and may be subject to delays, cost overruns or may not produce expected benefits.

 

We plan to begin construction of a pilot plant for our battery-graphite manufacturing business in late 2019, for operation in 2020, followed by construction of a commercial scale processing facility beginning in 2020, for operation in 2022, that purifies readily available graphite flake concentrates to 99.95% pure carbon. Construction projects of this scale are subject to risks and will require significant capital. Any failure to complete these plants on schedule and within budget could adversely impact our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

Construction projects are also subject to broad and strict government supervision and approval procedures, including but not limited to project approvals and filings, construction land and project planning approvals, environment protection approvals, pollution discharge permits, work safety approvals and the completion of inspection and acceptance by relevant authorities. As a result, we may be subject to administrative uncertainty, fines or the suspension of work on such projects. To the extent we are unable to successfully complete construction on time or at all, our ability to develop our proposed battery-graphite manufacturing business could be adversely affected, which in turn could impact our growth prospects.

 

The Company has no known lithium or vanadium mineral reserves and it may not find any lithium or vanadium and, even if it finds lithium or vanadium, it may not be in economic quantities.

 

The Company has no known lithium mineral reserves at its Columbus Basin Project or its Railroad Valley Project both in Nevada, or its Sal Rica Project in Utah, and no known vanadium mineral reserves at its Coosa Project in Alabama. Additionally, even if the Company finds lithium or vanadium in sufficient quantities to warrant recovery, it ultimately may not be recoverable. Finally, even if any lithium or vanadium is recoverable, the Company does not know whether recovery can be done at a profit. Our lithium and vanadium activities are highly prospective and may not result in any benefit to the Company.

 

Because of the unique difficulties and uncertainties inherent in new mineral exploration ventures, the Company’s lithium exploration activities face a high risk of business failure.

 

Potential investors should be aware of the difficulties normally encountered by new mineral exploration ventures and the high rate of failure of such ventures. The likelihood of success of the Company’s lithium exploration activities must be considered in light of the potential problems, expenses, difficulties, complications and delays encountered in connection with the exploration of new mineral properties. These potential problems include, but are not limited to, unanticipated problems relating to exploration and additional costs and expenses that may exceed current estimates. The expenditures to be made by the Company in the exploration of its new lithium claims may not result in the discovery of lithium deposits. Problems such as unusual or unexpected formations and other conditions are involved in new mineral exploration and often result in unsuccessful exploration efforts. If the results of the Company’s new exploration ventures do not reveal viable commercial mineralization, it may decide to abandon its claims. If this happens, the Company will not benefit from any of the expenditures it will incur in pursuing the claims.

 

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The benefits of integrating Westwater and Alabama Graphite may not be realized.

 

To be successful on a going forward basis, we will need to combine and integrate the operations of Westwater and Alabama Graphite into one company. Integration will require substantial management attention and could detract attention from the day-to-day business of the combined company. We could encounter difficulties in the integration process, such as the need to revisit assumptions about future production, revenues, capital expenditures and operating costs, including synergies, the loss of key employees or commercial relationships or the need to address unanticipated liabilities. If we cannot integrate Westwater’s and Alabama Graphite’s businesses successfully, we may fail to realize the expected benefits of our acquisition of Alabama Graphite.

 

Certain of our mineral properties may be subject to defects in title and we are at risk of loss of ownership.

 

Many of our mining properties are unpatented mining claims to which we have only possessory title. The validity of unpatented mining claims is often uncertain and such validity is always subject to contest. Unpatented mining claims are generally considered subject to greater title risk than patented mining claims or other real property interests that are owned in fee simple. Because unpatented mining claims are self-initiated and self-maintained, they possess some unique vulnerabilities not associated with other types of property interests. It is impossible to ascertain the validity of unpatented mining claims from public real property records, and, therefore, it can be difficult or impossible to confirm that all of the requisite steps have been followed for location, perfection and maintenance of an unpatented mining claim. The present status of our unpatented mining claims located on public lands allows us the exclusive right to remove locatable minerals, such as graphite, lithium and uranium. We are also allowed to use the surface of the land solely for purposes related to mining and processing the mineral-bearing ores. However, legal ownership of the public land remains with the federal government. We remain at risk that the mining claims may be lost either to the federal government or to rival private claimants due to failure to comply with statutory requirements. In addition, we may not have, or may not be able to obtain, all necessary surface rights to develop a property.

 

We may incur significant costs related to defending the title to our properties. A successful claim contesting our title to a property may cause us to compensate other persons or perhaps reduce our interest in the affected property or lose our rights to explore and develop that property. This could result in us not being compensated for our prior expenditures relating to the property.

 

Exploration and development of graphite, vanadium, lithium and uranium properties are risky and subject to great uncertainties.

 

The exploration for and development of graphite, vanadium, lithium and uranium deposits involves significant risks. It is impossible to ensure that the current and future exploration programs on our existing properties will establish reserves. Whether an ore body will be commercially viable depends on a number of factors, including, but not limited to: the particular attributes of the deposit, such as size, grade and proximity to infrastructure; graphite, vanadium, lithium and uranium prices, which cannot be predicted and which have been highly volatile in the past; mining, processing and transportation costs; perceived levels of political risk and the willingness of lenders and investors to provide project financing; availability of labor, labor costs and possible labor strikes; availability of drilling rigs; and governmental regulations, including, without limitation, regulations relating to prices, taxes, royalties, land tenure, land use, importing and exporting materials, foreign exchange, environmental protection, employment, worker safety, transportation, and reclamation and closure obligations. Most exploration projects do not result in the discovery of commercially mineable deposits of minerals and there can be no assurance that any of our exploration stage properties will be commercially mineable or can be brought into production.

 

We may enter into acquisitions, dispositions or other material transactions at any time.

 

We are regularly engaged in a review of opportunities to acquire or dispose of properties, to partner with other companies on projects or to acquire or merge with companies. We currently, and generally at any time, have such opportunities in various stages of active review, including, for example, our engagement of consultants and advisors to analyze particular opportunities, technical, financial and other confidential information, submission of indications of interest and participation in discussions or negotiations for acquisitions or dispositions. Any such acquisition or disposition could be material to us. We could issue common stock or incur additional indebtedness to fund our acquisitions. Issuances of common stock may dilute existing holders of our securities. In addition, any such acquisition, disposition or other transaction may have other transaction specific risks associated with it, including risks related to the completion of the transaction, the project or the jurisdictions in which the project is located. We could enter into one or more acquisitions, dispositions or other transactions at any time.

 

The developments at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant in Japan continue to have a negative impact on the uranium markets and public acceptance of nuclear energy is uncertain.

 

The developments at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant following the earthquake and tsunami that struck parts of Japan in March 2011 created heightened concerns regarding the safety of nuclear power plants and the ability to safeguard the material used to fuel nuclear power plants. The impact on the perception of the safety of nuclear power resulting from this event may cause increased volatility of uranium prices as well as uncertainty involving the continued use and expansion of nuclear power in certain

 

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countries. A reduction in the current or the future generation of electricity from nuclear power could result in a reduced requirement for uranium to fuel nuclear power plants which may negatively impact Westwater in the future.

 

Maintaining the demand for uranium at current levels and future growth in demand will depend upon acceptance of nuclear technology as a means of generating electricity. The developments at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant may affect public acceptance of nuclear technology. Lack of public acceptance of nuclear technology would adversely affect the demand for nuclear power and potentially increase the regulation of the nuclear power industry.

 

The only significant market for uranium is nuclear power plants world-wide, and there are a limited number of customers; the nuclear power industry continues to experience an overproduction of uranium.

 

We are dependent on a limited number of electric utilities that buy uranium for nuclear power plants. Because of the limited market for uranium, a reduction in purchases of newly produced uranium by electric utilities for any reason (such as plant closings) would adversely affect the viability of our business.

 

Since 2011, the nuclear power industry continues to experience an overproduction of uranium along with high inventories of uranium in various stages of production as a fuel source. These factors impact our position in the market and can adversely impact our business.

 

The price of alternative energy sources affects the demand for and price of uranium.

 

The attractiveness of uranium as an alternative fuel to generate electricity may be dependent on the relative prices of oil, gas, coal, wind, solar and hydro-electricity and the possibility of developing other low-cost sources of energy. If the prices of alternative energy sources decrease or new low-cost alternative energy sources are developed, the demand for uranium could decrease, which may result in a decrease in the price of uranium.

 

The Company’s experience in uranium exploration may not apply to its plans for graphite, vanadium and lithium exploration or development.

 

Although the Company and the members of its management team have significant experience in uranium exploration and development that appears to be synergistic with graphite, vanadium and lithium exploration and development, neither the Company nor any member of its management team has directly engaged in the exploration for or development of graphite, vanadium or lithium deposits. In particular, the Company believes there are similarities between the exploration for and development of lithium brines and the ISR of uranium, but it may not have sufficiently detailed expertise to effectively explore for and develop lithium deposits. The Company’s lack of specific graphite, vanadium and lithium experience may lead it to fail to realize the anticipated benefits of its acquisition of Alabama Graphite or the Company’s vanadium or lithium exploration and development activities and may adversely affect its financial condition and results of operations. In addition, the Company may need to hire employees or retain consultants with the requisite experience in graphite production and vanadium or lithium exploration and development that are not currently anticipated in the near-term.

 

Volatility in graphite, vanadium and lithium prices may make it commercially infeasible for the Company to develop its mining claims and may result in the Company not receiving an adequate return on invested capital.

 

The Company’s graphite, vanadium and lithium exploration and development activities may be significantly adversely affected by volatility in the price of graphite, vanadium or lithium. Mineral prices fluctuate widely and are affected by numerous factors beyond our control such as global and regional supply and demand, interest rates, exchange rates, inflation or deflation, fluctuation in the value of the United States dollar and foreign currencies, and the political and economic conditions of mineral-producing countries throughout the world. The exact effect of these factors cannot be accurately predicted, but the combination of these factors may result in our graphite and lithium activities not producing an adequate return on invested capital to be profitable or viable.

 

Our operations are each subject to environmental risks.

 

We are required to comply with environmental protection laws, regulations and permitting requirements in the United States, and we anticipate that we will be required to continue to do so in the future. We have expended significant resources, both financial and managerial, to comply with environmental protection laws, regulations and permitting requirements, and we anticipate that we will be required to continue to do so in the future. The material laws and regulations within the U.S. include the Atomic Energy Act, Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act of 1978 (“UMTRCA”), Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, Federal Land Policy Management Act, National Park System Mining Regulations Act, the State Mined Land Reclamation Acts or State Department

 

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of Environmental Quality regulations and the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, and the rules and regulations of the NEPA, the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (CWA) as applicable.

 

We are required to comply with the Atomic Energy Act, as amended by UMTRCA, by applying for and maintaining an operating license from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (“NRC”) and the State of Texas. Uranium operations must conform to the terms of such licenses, which include provisions for protection of human health and the environment from endangerment due to radioactive materials. The licenses encompass protective measures consistent with the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act. Mining operations may be subject to other laws administered by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and other agencies.

 

The uranium industry is subject not only to the worker health and safety and environmental risks associated with all mining businesses, but also to additional risks uniquely associated with uranium ISR, mining and milling. The possibility of more stringent regulations exists in the areas of worker health and safety, storage of hazardous materials, standards for heavy equipment used in ISR, mining or milling, the disposition of wastes, the decommissioning and reclamation of exploration, mining and ISR sites, climate change and other environmental matters, each of which could have a material adverse effect on the cost or the viability of a particular project.

 

We cannot predict what environmental legislation, regulation or policy will be enacted or adopted in the future or how future laws and regulations will be administered or interpreted. The recent trend in environmental legislation and regulation, generally, is toward stricter standards, and this trend is likely to continue in the future. This recent trend includes, without limitation, laws and regulations relating to air and water quality, reclamation, waste handling and disposal, the protection of certain species and the preservation of certain lands. These regulations may require the acquisition of permits or other authorizations for certain activities. These laws and regulations may also limit or prohibit activities on certain lands. Compliance with more stringent laws and regulations, as well as potentially more vigorous enforcement policies or stricter interpretation of existing laws, may necessitate significant capital outlays, may materially affect our results of operations and business or may cause material changes or delay to our intended activities.

 

Our operations may require additional analysis in the future including environmental, cultural and social impact and other related studies. Certain activities require the submission and approval of environmental impact assessments. Environmental assessments of proposed projects carry a heightened degree of responsibility for companies and directors, officers and employees. We cannot provide assurance that we will be able to obtain or maintain all necessary permits that may be required to continue our operation or exploration of our properties or, if feasible, to commence development, construction or operation of mining facilities at such properties on terms which enable operations to be conducted at economically justifiable costs. If we are unable to obtain or maintain permits or water rights for development of our properties or otherwise fail to manage adequately future environmental issues, our operations could be materially and adversely affected.

 

Closure and remediation costs for environmental liabilities may exceed the provisions we have made.

 

Natural resource companies are required to close their operations and rehabilitate the lands in accordance with a variety of environmental laws and regulations. Estimates of the total ultimate closure and rehabilitation costs for extractive operations are significant and based principally on current legal and regulatory requirements and closure plans that may change materially. Any underestimated or unanticipated rehabilitation costs could materially affect our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. Environmental liabilities are accrued when they become known, are probable and can be reasonably estimated. Whenever a previously unrecognized remediation liability becomes known, or a previously estimated reclamation cost is increased, the amount of that liability and additional cost will be recorded at that time and could materially reduce our consolidated net income in the related period.

 

The laws and regulations governing closure and remediation in a particular jurisdiction are subject to review at any time and may be amended to impose additional requirements and conditions which may cause our provisions for environmental liabilities to be underestimated and could materially affect our financial position or results of operations.

 

Because mineral exploration and development activities are inherently risky, we may be exposed to environmental liabilities and other dangers. If we are unable to maintain adequate insurance, or liabilities exceed the limits of our insurance policies, we may be unable to continue operations.

 

The business of mineral exploration and extraction involves a high degree of risk. Few properties that are explored are ultimately developed into production. Unusual or unexpected formations, formation pressures, fires, power outages, labor disruptions, flooding, explosions, cave-ins, landslides and the inability to obtain suitable or adequate machinery, equipment or labor are other risks involved in extraction operations and the conduct of exploration programs. Previous mining operations may have caused environmental damage at certain of our properties. It may be difficult or impossible to assess the extent to which such damage was caused by us or by the activities of previous operators, in which case, any indemnities and exemptions from liability may be ineffective. If any of our

 

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properties are found to have commercial quantities of minerals, we would be subject to additional risks respecting any development and production activities.

 

Although we carry liability insurance with respect to our mineral exploration operations, we may become subject to liability for damage to life and property, environmental damage, cave-ins or hazards against which we cannot insure or against which we may elect not to insure because of cost or other business reasons. In addition, the insurance industry is undergoing change and premiums are being increased. If we are unable to procure adequate insurance because of cost, unavailability or otherwise, we might be forced to cease operations.

 

Reserve and other mineralized material calculations are estimates only, and are subject to uncertainty due to factors including the prices of graphite, vanadium, lithium and uranium, inherent variability of the ore and recoverability of graphite, lithium and uranium in the recovery process.

 

The calculation of reserves, other mineralized material tons and grades are estimates and depend upon geological interpretation and geostatistical relationships or assumptions drawn from drilling and sampling analysis, which may prove to be unpredictable. There is a degree of uncertainty attributable to the calculation of reserves and mineralized material and their corresponding grades. Until reserves and other mineralized materials are actually mined and processed, the quantity of ore and grades must be considered as an estimate only. In addition, the quantity of reserves and other mineralized materials may vary depending on the price of graphite, vanadium, lithium and uranium. Any material change in the quantity of reserves, other mineralized materials, mineralization or grade may affect the economic viability of our properties.

 

Our inability to obtain financial surety would threaten our ability to continue in business.

 

Future financial surety requirements to comply with federal and state environmental and remediation requirements and to secure necessary licenses and approvals will increase significantly as future development and production occurs at certain of our sites in the United States. The amount of the financial surety for each producing property is subject to annual review and revision by regulators. We expect that the issuer of the financial surety instruments will require us to provide cash collateral for a significant amount of the face amount of the bond to secure the obligation. In the event we are not able to raise, secure or generate sufficient funds necessary to satisfy these requirements, we will be unable to develop our sites and bring them into production, which inability will have a material adverse impact on our business and may negatively affect our ability to continue to operate.

 

Competition from better-capitalized companies affects prices and our ability to acquire both properties and personnel.

 

There is global competition for graphite, vanadium, lithium and uranium properties, capital, customers and the employment and retention of qualified personnel. In the production and marketing of graphite, vanadium, lithium and uranium, there are a number of producing entities, some of which are government controlled and most of which are significantly larger and better capitalized than we are. Many of these organizations also have substantially greater financial, technical, manufacturing and distribution resources than we have.

 

Our future uranium production will also compete with uranium recovered from the de-enrichment of highly enriched uranium obtained from the dismantlement of United States and Russian nuclear weapons and imports to the United States of uranium from the former Soviet Union states and from the sale of uranium inventory held by the United States Department of Energy. In addition, there are numerous entities in the market that compete with us for properties and are attempting to become licensed to operate ISR and/or underground mining facilities. If we are unable to successfully compete for properties, capital, customers or employees or with alternative uranium sources, it could have a materially adverse effect on our results of operations.

 

Because we have limited capital, inherent mining risks pose a significant threat to us compared with our larger competitors.

 

Because we have limited capital, we may be unable to withstand significant losses that can result from inherent risks associated with mining, including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, flooding, earthquake, interruptions due to weather conditions and other acts of nature which larger competitors could withstand. Such risks could result in damage to or destruction of our infrastructure and production facilities, as well as to adjacent properties, personal injury, environmental damage and processing and production delays, causing monetary losses and possible legal liability. Our business could be harmed if we lose the services of our key personnel.

 

Our business and mineral exploration programs depend upon our ability to employ the services of geologists, engineers and other experts. In operating our business and in order to continue our programs, we compete for the services of professionals with other mineral exploration companies and businesses. In addition, several entities have expressed an interest in hiring certain of our employees. Our ability to maintain and expand our business and continue our exploration programs may be impaired if we are unable to continue to employ or engage those parties currently providing services and expertise to us or identify and engage other qualified

 

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personnel to do so in their place. To retain key employees, we may face increased compensation costs, including potential new stock incentive grants and there can be no assurance that the incentive measures we implement will be successful in helping us retain our key personnel.

 

The Company has no history of paying dividends on its common stock, and we do not anticipate paying dividends in the foreseeable future.

 

The Company has not previously paid dividends on its common stock. We currently anticipate that we will retain all of our available cash, if any, for use as working capital and for other general corporate purposes. Any payment of future dividends will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend upon, among other things, our earnings, financial condition, capital requirements, level of indebtedness, statutory and contractual restrictions applicable to the payment of dividends and other considerations that our Board of Directors deems relevant.

 

Terms of subsequent financings may adversely impact holders of our securities.

 

In order to finance our future production plans and working capital needs, we may have to raise funds through the issuance of equity or debt securities. Depending on the type and the terms of any financing we pursue, holders of our securities’ rights and the value of their investment in our securities could be reduced. A financing could involve one or more types of securities including common stock, convertible debt or warrants to acquire common stock. Any issuance of additional shares of our common stock could be dilutive to existing holders of our securities and could adversely affect the market price of our common stock. These securities could be issued at or below the then prevailing market price for our common stock. We currently have no authorized preferred stock. In addition, if we issue secured debt securities, the holders of the debt would have a claim to our assets that would be prior to the rights of holders of our securities until the debt is paid. Interest on these debt securities would increase costs and negatively impact operating results. If the issuance of new securities results in diminished rights to holders of our common stock, the market price of our common stock could be negatively impacted.

 

We may not be able to maintain compliance with the continued listing requirements of The Nasdaq Capital Market.

 

On March 13, 2018, the Nasdaq Stock Market notified us that the Company did not meet Nasdaq’s $1.00 per share minimum bid price requirement under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2) (the “Rule”) for continued listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market, and we were given an initial grace period of 180 days, or until September 10, 2018, to regain compliance with the Rule. Subsequently, on September 12, 2018, we were provided an additional 180 day compliance period, or until March 11, 2019, to regain compliance with the Rule.

 

On March 12, 2019, we received a letter from the Listing Qualifications Staff of Nasdaq (the “Staff”) notifying us that, based upon the Company’s continuing non-compliance with the Rule, the Staff had determined that our common stock would be delisted from Nasdaq unless we timely requested an appeal of such determination to a Nasdaq hearings panel. We appealed the Staff’s determination by requesting a hearing before a Nasdaq hearings panel, which hearing was held on May 2, 2019. While the appeal is pending, our common stock will continue to trade on Nasdaq under the symbol “WWR.” There can be no assurance that the hearings panel will grant our request for continued listing. If our common stock ceases to be listed for trading on Nasdaq, we expect that our common stock would be traded on the over-the-counter market.

 

Delisting from the Nasdaq Capital Market could adversely affect our ability to raise additional financing through the public or private sale of equity securities, significantly affect the ability of investors to trade our common stock and negatively affect the value and liquidity of our common stock. We could also face other adverse consequences if its common stock were delisted including, among others:

 

·                  a limited availability of market quotations for our common stock;

 

·                  a determination that our common stock is a “penny stock” which will require brokers trading in the common stock to adhere to more stringent rules and possibly result in a reduced level of trading activity in the secondary trading market for our securities;

 

·                  a limited amount of news and little or no analyst coverage for the Company; and

 

·                  a decreased ability to issue additional securities (including pursuant to short-form registration statements on Form S-3), the loss of the ability to issue securities in “at-the-market” offerings (including pursuant to the Controlled Equity

 

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OfferingSM Sales Agreement between the Company and Cantor Fitzgerald & Co.), or obtain additional financing in the future.

 

The effect of comprehensive U.S. tax reform legislation on Westwater and its affiliates, whether adverse or favorable, is uncertain.

 

On December 22, 2017, President Trump signed into law the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Among a number of significant changes to the current U.S. federal income tax rules, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act reduces the marginal U.S. corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%, limits the deduction for net interest expense, shifts the United States toward a more territorial tax system, and imposes new taxes to combat erosion of the U.S. federal income tax base. The effect of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act on Westwater and its affiliates, whether adverse or favorable, is uncertain, and may not become evident for some period of time. You are urged to consult your tax advisor regarding the implications of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

 

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

 

None.

 

ITEM 3.  DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES.

 

None.

 

ITEM 4.  MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 5.  OTHER INFORMATION.

 

None.

 

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ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS.

 

Exhibit
Number

 

Description

 

 

 

2.1

 

Asset Purchase Agreement, dated March 5, 2019, among the Company, Uranium Royalty (USA) Corp., and Uranium Royalty Corp.

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

32.1

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

32.2

 

Certification of 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 Document

 

 

 

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.

 

 

WESTWATER RESOURCES, INC.

 

 

Dated: May 7, 2019

By:

/s/ Christopher M. Jones

 

 

Christopher M. Jones

 

 

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

Dated: May 7, 2019

By:

/s/ Jeffrey L. Vigil

 

 

Jeffrey L. Vigil

 

 

Vice President - Finance and Chief Financial Officer

 

 

(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

 

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