SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-QSB
|X| QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended April 30, 2005
OR
|_| TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ____ to _____
Commission File Number: 0-13078
CAPITAL GOLD CORPORATION
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Exact name of small business issuer as specified in its charter)
NEVADA 13-3180530
-------------------------------- ---------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
76 Beaver Street, 26TH floor, New York, NY 10005
------------------------------------------------
(Address of principal executive offices)
Issuer's telephone number: (212) 344-2785
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year,
if changed since last report)
Check whether the issuer (1) filed all reports required to be filed by Section
13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the past 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 |_|
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of
common equity as of the latest practicable date.
Class Outstanding at June 16, 2005
--------------------------------------- ----------------------------
Common Stock, par value $.001 per share 90,301,939
Transitional Small Business Format (check one); Yes |_| No |X|
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
The accompanying financial statements are unaudited for the interim
periods, but include all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring
accruals), which we consider necessary for the fair presentation of results for
the three and nine months ended April 30, 2005.
Moreover, these financial statements do not purport to contain complete
disclosure in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and
should be read in conjunction with our audited financial statements at, and for
the fiscal year ended July 31, 2004.
The results reflected for the three and nine months ended April 30, 2005
are not necessarily indicative of the results for the entire fiscal year.
-2-
CAPITAL GOLD CORPORATION
(A DEVELOPMENT STAGE ENTERPRISE)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
APRIL 30, 2005
(Unaudited)
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash and Cash Equivalents $ 5,368,117
Loans Receivable -Affiliate 30,950
Prepaid Expenses 5,670
Marketable Securities 125,000
Deferred Finance Costs 100,000
Deposit 54,000
Other Current Assets 71,603
------------
Total Current Assets 5,755,339
------------
Property and Equipment - net 63,210
Intangibles -net 200,000
Mining Concessions 44,780
Other Assets:
Other Investments 17,715
Mining Reclamation Bonds 35,550
Security Deposits 8,435
------------
Total Other Assets 61,700
------------
Total Assets $ 6,125,029
============
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Accounts Payable $ 101,307
Accrued Expenses 104,315
------------
Total Current Liabilities 205,622
------------
Commitments and Contingencies
Stockholders' Equity:
Common Stock, Par Value $.001 Per Share;
Authorized 150,000,000 shares; Issued and
Outstanding 90,001,943 Shares 90,001
Additional Paid-In Capital 31,816,705
Deficit Accumulated in the Development Stage (25,848,823)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) 114,064
Deferred Finance Costs (252,541)
------------
Total Stockholders' Equity 5,919,407
------------
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity $ 6,125,029
============
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
-3-
CAPITAL GOLD CORPORATION
(A DEVELOPMENT STAGE ENTERPRISE)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended For the Period
April 30, April 30, September 17, 1982
---------------------------- ---------------------------- (Inception)
To
2005 2004 2005 2004 April 30, 2005
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Revenues $ -- $ -- $ -- $ -- $ --
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Costs and Expenses:
Mine Expenses 129,404 85,100 446,459 369,242 7,258,993
Write-Down of Mining, Milling and Other
Property and Equipment -- -- -- -- 1,299,445
Selling, General and Administrative
Expenses 286,114 158,294 663,212 491,822 9,550,401
Stock Based Compensation -- 900 187,844 34,934 9,380,587
Depreciation 1,030 1,030 368,756
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Total Costs and Expenses 416,548 244,294 1,298,545 895,998 27,858,182
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Loss from Operations (416,548) (244,294) (1,298,545) (895,998) (27,858,182)
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Other Income (Expense):
Interest Income 15,420 2,254 16,070 3,134 769,585
Miscellaneous 3,782 -- 11,782 6,905 44,459
Gain on Sale of Property and Equipment -- -- 46,116
Gain on Sale of Subsidiary -- -- 1,907,903
Option Payment -- -- 70,688
Loss on Write-Off of Investment -- -- (10,000)
Loss on Joint Venture -- (800,000) -- (800,000) (901,700)
Loss on Option -- -- (50,000)
Loss on Other Investments -- -- (3,697)
Loss on Write-Off of Minority Interest -- (150,382) -- (150,382) (150,382)
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Total Other Income (Expense) 19,202 (948,128) 27,852 (940,343) 1,722,972
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Loss Before Minority Interest (397,347) (1,192,422) (1,270,694) (1,836,341) (26,135,211)
Minority Interest -- -- -- 51,220 286,388
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Net Loss $ (397,347) $ (1,192,422) $ (1,270,694) $ (1,785,121) $(25,848,823)
============ ============ ============ ============ ============
Net Loss Per Common Share - Basic and
Diluted $ (0.01) $ (0.02) $ (0.02) $ (0.04)
============ ============ ============ ============
Weighted Average Common Shares
Outstanding 64,935,479 54,914,470 68,992,367 50,019,933
============ ============ ============ ============
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
-4-
CAPITAL GOLD CORPORATION
(A DEVELOPMENT STAGE ENTERPRISE)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
For The For The Period
Nine Months Ended September 17, 1982
April 30, (Inception)
---------------------------- To
2005 2004 April 30, 2005
------------- ------------ ------------
Cash Flow From Operating Activities:
Net Loss $ (1,270,694) $ (1,785,121) $(25,848,823)
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Loss to
Net Cash (Used) By Operating Activities:
Depreciation 1,030 368,756
Gain on Sale of Subsidiary (1,907,903)
Minority Interest in Net Loss of Subsidiary -- (51,220) (286,388)
Write-Down of Impaired Mining, Milling and Other
Property and Equipment 1,299,445
Gain on Sale of Property and Equipment (46,116)
Loss on Write-Off of Investment 10,000
Loss on Joint Venture 800,000 901,700
Loss on Write-Off of Minority Interest 150,382 150,382
Value of Common Stock Issued for Services 29,260 900 2,843,153
Stock Based Compensation 158,584 34,034 9,380,587
Changes in Operating Assets and Liabilities:
(Increase) Decrease in Prepaid Expenses 2,824 (1,337) (5,670)
(Increase) Decrease in Other Current Assets (41,355) 2,275 (71,603)
(Increase) in Deposits (54,000) (54,000)
(Increase) in Security Deposits -- (1,164) (8,435)
Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable 13,221 (120,649) 93,490
Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Expenses (11,758) (55,596) (18,229)
------------ ------------ ------------
Net Cash (Used) By Operating Activities (1,172,887) (1,027,496) (13,199,653)
------------ ------------ ------------
Cash Flow From Investing Activities:
(Increase) in Other Investments (7,825) (10,584) (17,715)
Purchase of Mining, Milling and Other Property and
Equipment (64,240) (1,769,890)
Proceeds on Sale of Mining, Milling and Other Property
and Equipment 83,638
Acquisition of Water Rights (200,000) (200,000)
Proceeds From Sale of Subsidiary 2,131,616
Expenses of Sale of Subsidiary (101,159)
Advance Payments - Joint Venture 98,922
Investment in Joint Venture (101,700)
Investment in Privately Held Company (10,000)
Net Assets of Business Acquired (Net of Cash) (42,130)
Investment in Marketable Securities (50,000)
------------ ------------ ------------
Net Cash Provided By (Used) In Investing Activities (272,065) (10,584) 21,582
------------ ------------ ------------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
-5-
CAPITAL GOLD CORPORATION
(A DEVELOPMENT STAGE ENTERPRISE)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(Continued)
For The For The Period
Nine Months Ended September 17, 1982
April 30, (Inception)
---------------------------- To
2005 2004 April 30, 2005
------------- ------------ ------------
Cash Flow From Financing Activities:
(Increase) in Loans Receivable -Affiliate (3,102) (3,607) (30,950)
Increase in Loans Receivable - Others 2,065 975 --
Increase in Loans Payable - Officers 18,673
Repayment of Loans Payable - Officers (18,673)
(Increase) in Deferred Finance Costs (100,000) (100,000)
Increase in Note Payable 11,218
Payments of Note Payable (11,218)
Proceeds From Issuance of Common Stock 7,371,829 1,067,448 19,407,428
Expenses of Private Placement (637,990) (637,990)
Commissions on Sale of Common Stock (5,250)
Expenses of Initial Public Offering (408,763)
Capital Contributions - Joint Venture Subsidiary 100,156 304,564
Purchase of Certificate of Deposit - Restricted (5,000)
(Purchase) of Mining Reclamation Bonds (30,550)
------------ ------------ ------------
Net Cash Provided By Financing Activities 6,632,802 1,164,972 18,493,489
------------ ------------ ------------
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes (28,176) 14,057 52,699
------------ ------------ ------------
Increase In Cash and Cash Equivalents 5,159,674 140,949 5,368,117
Cash and Cash Equivalents - Beginning 208,443 246,410
------------ ------------ ------------
Cash and Cash Equivalents - Ending $ 5,368,117 $ 387,359 $ 5,368,117
============ ============ ============
Supplemental Cash Flow Information:
Cash Paid For Interest
============ ============ ============
Cash Paid For Income Taxes $ -- $ -- $ 32,155
============ ============ ============
Non-Cash Financing Activities:
Issuances of Common Stock as Commissions
on Sales of Common Stock $ 23,240 $ -- $ 440,495
============ ============ ============
Issuance of Common Stock as Payment for Mining,
Milling and Other Property and Equipment $ -- $ -- $ 4,500
============ ============ ============
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
-6-
CAPITAL GOLD CORPORATION
(A DEVELOPMENT STAGE ENTERPRISE)
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
April 30, 2005
(Unaudited)
NOTE 1 - Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include
the accounts of Capital Gold Corporation and its subsidiaries, which are wholly
and majority owned. All significant inter-company accounts and transactions have
been eliminated in consolidation.
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been
prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for
interim financial information and with instructions to Form 10-QSB. Accordingly,
they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S.
generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In
the opinion of the Company's management, the accompanying condensed consolidated
financial statements reflect all adjustments (which include only normal
recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the condensed consolidated
financial position and results of operations and cash flows for the periods
presented.
Results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the
results of operations for a full year.
The condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going
concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and satisfaction of
liabilities in the normal course of business. The Company is a development stage
enterprise and has recurring losses from operations and operating cash
constraints that raise substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue
as a going concern.
NOTE 2 - Marketable Securities
The Company accounts for its investments in marketable securities in accordance
with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 115, "Accounting for
Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities."
Management determines the appropriate classification of all securities at the
time of purchase and re-evaluates such designation as of each balance sheet
date. The Company has classified its marketable equity securities as available
for sale securities and has recorded such securities at fair value. The Company
uses the specific identification method to determine realized gains and losses.
Unrealized holding gains and losses are excluded from earnings and, until
realized, are reported as a separate component of other comprehensive income
(loss).
Marketable securities are classified as current assets and are summarized as
follows:
Marketable equity securities, at cost $ 50,000
========
Marketable equity securities, at fair value $125,000
========
-7-
CAPITAL GOLD CORPORATION
(A DEVELOPMENT STAGE ENTERPRISE)
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
April 30, 2005
(Unaudited)
NOTE 3 - Property and Equipment
Property and equipment consist of the following at April 30, 2005:
Estimated Useful Lives
----------------------
Equipment $53,087 5 Years
Office Equipment 11,153 5 Years
-------
Total 64,240
Less: accumulated depreciation (1,030)
-------
Property and Equipment, net 63,210
=======
Depreciation expense was $1,030 for the nine months ended April 30, 2005.
NOTE 4 - Stockholders' Equity
Common Stock
At various stages in the Company's development, shares of the Company's common
stock have been issued at fair market value in exchange for services or property
received with a corresponding charge to operations, property and equipment or
additional paid-in capital depending on the nature of the services provided or
property received.
During the nine months ended April 30, 2005, the Company issued 3,929,610 shares
for gross proceeds of $458,319. During the nine months ended April 30, 2005 the
Company issued 259,507 shares of common stock for services rendered valued at
$29,260. During the nine months ended April 30, 2005 the Company issued 193,666
shares of common stock valued at $23,240 as commissions on the sale of common
stock. During the nine months ended April 30, 2005 the Company granted options
to purchase 550,000 shares of common stock. The Company recognized approximately
$159,000 of stock based compensation relating to the options granted. During the
nine months ended April 30, 2005 the Company issued 400,000 shares of common
stock upon the exercise of options by a related party for proceeds of $20,000.
During the nine months ended April 30, 2005 the Company also issued 250,000
shares of common stock upon the exercise of options for proceeds of $55,000.
Pursuant to a private placement that closed in February 2005 we issued
27,200,004 shares of our common stock and warrants to purchase an aggregate of
up to 27,200,004 shares of our common stock for an aggregate gross purchase
price of approximately $6.8 million and we received approximately $6.1 million
in net proceeds. The Warrant issued to each purchaser is exercisable for one
share of our common stock, at an exercise price equal to $.30 per share. Each
Warrant has a term of two years and is fully exercisable from the date of
issuance. We issued to the placement agent two year warrants to purchase up to
2,702,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $.25 per share.
Such placement agent warrants are valued at approximately $414,000 using the
Black-Scholes option pricing method.
Pursuant to our agreement with the investors, we filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission a registration statement covering resales of the foregoing
shares and shares issuable upon the exercise of the foregoing warrants
(collectively, the "registrable shares"). We also agreed to prepare and file all
amendments and supplements necessary to keep the registration
-8-
CAPITAL GOLD CORPORATION
(A DEVELOPMENT STAGE ENTERPRISE)
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
April 30, 2005
(Unaudited)
NOTE 4 - Stockholders' Equity (Continued)
statement effective until the earlier of the date on which the selling
stockholders may resell all the registrable shares covered by the registration
statement without volume restrictions pursuant to Rule 144(k) under the
Securities Act or any successor rule of similar effect and the date on which the
selling stockholders have sold all the shares covered by the registration
statement.
In addition, we agreed to have our common stock listed for trading on the
Toronto Stock Exchange or the TSX Venture Exchange.
If our common stock is not listed for trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange or
the TSX Venture Exchange or the registration statement is not declared effective
by the SEC within 180 days after February 8, 2005, then we will be required to
issue to these selling stockholders an additional number of shares of our common
stock that is equal to 20% of the number of shares acquired by them in the
private placement. In addition, if the registration statement is not declared
effective by the SEC within 180 days after February 8, 2005 or, after the
registration statement is declared effective by the SEC, subject to certain
exceptions, sales of all shares so registered cannot be made pursuant to the
registration statement, then we will be required to pay to these selling
stockholders in cash or, at our option in shares, their pro rata share of
0.0833% of the aggregate market value of the registrable shares held by these
selling stockholders for each month thereafter until the registration statement
is declared effective or sales of the registrable shares can again be made
pursuant to the registration statement, as the case may be.
NOTE 5 - Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Supplemental Non-Cash Investing
Activities
Other comprehensive income (loss) consists of accumulated foreign translation
gains and losses and unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities and is
summarized as follows:
Balance - July 31, 2004 $ 88,739
Equity Adjustments from Foreign
Currency Translation 10,325
Unrealized Gains on Available-for-
Sale Securities 15,000
--------
Balance - April 30, 2005 $114,064
========
NOTE 6 - Project Finance Facility
On February 2, 2005, we mandated Standard Bank London Limited as the exclusive
arranger of a project finance facility of up to US$10 million for our El Chanate
gold mining project and associated hedging. We anticipate that Standard Bank
will administer the loan and the hedging throughout the construction and
operational phases of the project.
Although the specific terms of the proposed financing are subject to alteration,
we anticipate, among other things, that the loan would mature in five years
after the initial draw and bear interest at a rate linked to the 1,2,3 or 6
month Libor rate. The loan would be secured by our assets and
-9-
CAPITAL GOLD CORPORATION
(A DEVELOPMENT STAGE ENTERPRISE)
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
April 30, 2005
(Unaudited)
NOTE 6 - Project Finance Facility (Continued)
supported by our guarantee. In addition, we will be required to deposit all cash
proceeds we receive from operations and other sources in an off-shore account.
Absent default by us under the finance documents, we may use funds from this
account for specific purposes such as approved operating costs, budgeted capital
expenditures, hedging costs and funds payable to Standard Bank under the finance
documents. We would be required to meet and maintain certain financial covenants
and we would be required to conform to certain negative covenants such as
restrictions on sale of assets. We also would be required to enter into a gold
price protection program that mitigates the gold price risk by purchasing price
protection in a manner satisfactory to the lender.
As required by the mandate, we issued to Standard Bank 1,000,000 common stock
purchase warrants recognizing deferred finance costs of $252,541 (shown as
contra equity) and paid an initial cash fee of $100,000 currently being carried
as deferred finance costs, subject to the completion of the financing. Such
warrants have been valued at approximately $253,000 using the Black-Scholes
option pricing model and will be reflected as deferred financing costs as a
reduction of stockholders' equity on the Company's balance sheet. Such costs
will be amortized to operations over the life of the debt and in the event the
transaction with Standard Bank is not consummated, such costs will be charged to
operations immediately. The initial cash fee of $100,000 will be recorded as
prepaid debt issuance costs on the Company's balance sheet. Such costs will be
amortized to operations over the life of the debt and in the event the
transaction with Standard Bank is not consummated, such costs will be charged to
operations immediately. If Standard Bank determines to proceed with the funding,
we will be required to pay certain additional fees of $300,000 and issue to
Standard Bank an additional 14,600,000 common stock purchase warrants.
Per our arrangement with Standard Bank, the shares issuable upon exercise of the
1,000,000 common stock purchase warrants have been included in the registration
statement (discussed above in "Common Stock" in Note 5) filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission covering their public resale. We also will be
required to so register the shares issuable upon exercise of the additional
14,600,000 warrants if and when these warrants are issued. The warrants may be
exercised at a price equivalent to the lower of a) $.32 per share and b) the
Company's common share price at the closing date, but in no case less than $.30
per share.
This mandate is not a commitment to provide the funding. Funding is subject to
satisfactory completion of due diligence, approvals from Standards Bank's credit
committee and execution of definitive documentation.
NOTE 7 - Water Rights
The Company acquired certain water concessions at a cost of $200,000.
NOTE 8 - Deposits
The Company paid $54,000 toward the cost of acquiring certain real property. The
total cost is approximately $105,000.
-10-
CAPITAL GOLD CORPORATION
(A DEVELOPMENT STAGE ENTERPRISE)
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
April 30, 2005
(Unaudited)
Note 9 - Subsequent Events
We acquired the right to 81 Hectares of land in connection with the acquisition
of the water well.
We acquired a water concession.
The Company acquired an additional mining concession - El Charro. El Charro lies
within the current El Chanate property boundaries.
-11-
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations.
Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this report constitute "forwarding-looking statements"
within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E
of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934. Certain, but not necessarily all, of
such forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking
terminology such as "believes," "expects," "may," "will," "should," or
"anticipates" or the negative thereof or other variations thereon or comparable
terminology, or by discussions of strategy that involve risks and uncertainties.
All statements other than statements of historical fact, included in this report
regarding our financial position, business and plans or objectives for future
operations are forward-looking statements. Without limiting the broader
description of forward-looking statements above, we specifically note that
statements regarding exploration and mine development and construction plans,
costs, grade, production and recovery rates, permitting, financing needs, the
availability of financing on acceptable terms or other sources of funding, and
the timing of additional tests, feasibility studies and environmental permitting
are all forward-looking in nature.
Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties
and other factors, including but not limited to, the factors discussed below in
"Risk Factors" which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements
to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements
expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and other factors
referenced in this report. We do not undertake and specifically decline any
obligation to publicly release the results of any revisions which may be made to
any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date
of such statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated
events.
Results of Operations
General
Sonora, Mexico
During the quarter ended April 30, 2005, we continued to make progress towards
commencement of mining operations at the El Chanate concessions in Mexico. In
this regard, during and subsequent to the end of the quarter:
o As disclosed in prior reports, we raised approximately $6.1 million
in a private placement and we mandated Standard Bank London Limited
as the exclusive arranger of a project finance facility of up to
US$10 million for our El Chanate project. This mandate is not a
commitment to provide the funding. Funding is subject to
satisfactory completion of due diligence, approvals from Standard
Bank's credit committee and execution of definitive documentation
o We made a number of key personnel additions. We hired Dave Loder as
the General Manager of the project. He brings a wealth of experience
in the construction and operation of open-pit gold mines in Latin
America. We retained Randy Eppler, a former Vice President of
Newmont Mining, as Senior Financial Advisor, to assist us during the
financing period as well as to advise us on corporate strategies
going forward. We also have hired a full time administration manager
and four consultants in Mexico, thereby bringing considerable local
presence to the project.
-12-
o We acquired rights of way for both service and access roads, and we
acquired the right to purchase 81 hectares of land near the main
highway (we have use of the land; however, our actual purchase of
the land is conditioned upon the Ejido (local cooperative)
privatizing the land, before the acquisition is finalized).
o We completed a service road that will provide access for water and
power lines.
o We acquired a water concession. The water well is located on a large
regional aquifer that, we believe, is capable of producing a
sustained flow of in excess of 300 gallons per minute, which is the
flow rate we estimate to be required for processing gold ore at El
Chanate.
o We acquired an additional mining concession - El Charro. El Charro
lies within the current El Chanate property boundaries.
o We have acquired two 7-foot diameter Symons HD Short Head cone
crushers which will be used to undertake the final stage of the
crushing process. We currently are evaluating primary and secondary
crushers as well as screens and feeders for purchase.
o We retained Golder Associates, - a geotechnical engineering firm,
for the detailed engineering of the leach pads and ponds.
Our property holdings at El Chanate now consist of 15 contiguous, high priority
concessions totaling approximately 3,537 hectares (8,739 acres or 13.7 square
miles). We also own outright 466 hectares (1,151 acres or 1.8 square miles) of
surface rights at El Chanate and no third party ownership or leases exist on
this fee land or the El Chanate concessions.
We plan to construct a surface gold mine and facility at El Chanate capable of
producing about 2.6 million metric tons per year of ore from which we anticipate
recovering about 48,000 to 50,000 ounces of gold per year, over a five year mine
life. We are following the feasibility study for the project prepared by M3
Engineering of Tucson, Arizona which was completed in August of 2003. M3 is
currently updating this feasibility study and new cost estimates will be
included in the update. The targeted cash cost per the 2003 study was less than
$230 per ounce. We anticipate that the new study will contain the same mining
rate as the 2003 study, 7,500 metric tonnes per day of ore, and will show
increased gold prices and increased costs. We also have commissioned M3 to
analyze the benefits of expanded production rates beyond 7,500 metric tones per
day of ore. In addition, we are interviewing firms to provide contract mining
services for the El Chanate project.
M3 completed the feasibility study in August 2003. Based on 253 drill holes and
more than 22,000 gold assays, the study provides details for an open pit gold
mine. The Study indicates that at a gold price of $325, the initial open pit
project contains proven and probable reserves of 358,000 ounces of gold
contained within 13.5 million metric tonnes of ore with an average grade of
0.827 grams/tonne. It estimated that the mine could recover approximately 48,000
- 50,000 ounces of gold per year over a five year mine life.
The study assumes a production rate of 2.6 million tonnes of ore per year or
7,500 tonnes per day, operating at 345 days per year. The processing plan for
this open pit heap leach gold project calls for crushing the ore to 100% minus
3/8 inch. Carbon columns will be used to recover the gold.
-13-
The following Summary is contained in the 2003 Feasibility Study. Please note
that the reserves as stated are an estimate of what can be economically and
legally recovered from the mine and, as such, incorporate losses for dilution
and mining recovery. The 357,957 ounces (or 11.1 Tons) of contained gold
represents ounces contained in ore in the ground, and therefore does not reflect
losses in the recovery process. Total gold produced is estimated to be
approximately 248,854 ounces (or 7.74 Tons), or approximately 70% of the
contained gold. The gold recovery rate is expected to average approximately 70%
for the entire ore body. Individual portions of the ore body may experience
varying recovery rates ranging from about 73% to 48%. Oxidized and sandstone ore
types may have recoveries of about 73%; fault zone ore type recoveries may be
about 64%; and siltstone ore types recoveries may be about 48%.
El Chanate
Reserves and Production Summary
(Feasibility Study Page 1-1; Dated 8/8/2003)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Metric U.S.
------ ----
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reserves
Ore 13.5 Million Tonnes @ 0.827 g/t 14.7 Million Tons @ 0.027 opt
Waste 11.1 Million Tonnes 12.3 Million Tons
Total 24.6 Million Tonnes 27.0 Million Tons
Contained Gold 11.1 Tonnes 357,957 Oz
Production
Ore Crushed 2.6 Million Tonnes /Year 2.86 Million Tons/Year
7,500 Mt/d 8,250 t/d
Operating Days/Year 345 Days per year 345 Days per year
Gold Plant Average Recovery 69.5 % 69.5 %
Average Annual Production 1.5 Tonnes 47,857 Oz per year
Total Gold Produced 7.74 Tonnes 248,854 Oz
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pursuant to the Study, based on the current reserve calculations, the mine life
is estimated to be 62 months. The study forecasts initial capital costs of $13.8
million, which includes $2.1 million of working capital. Average initial annual
production is planned at approximately 48,000 to 50,000 ounces per year at an
average operating cash cost of $229 per ounce. As discussed below, we currently
estimate the cost to be in excess of $15.8 million (see, "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations;
Liquidity and Capital Resources; Plan of Operations" ). The cash cost may
decrease as the production rate increases. Total costs will vary depending upon
the price of gold (due to the nature of underlying payment obligations to the
original owner of the property); they are estimated in the 2003 feasibility
study to range between $292 per ounce at a gold price of $310 per ounce and $299
per ounce at a gold price of $370 per ounce. We anticipate that the new study
will indicate higher costs. We will be working on measures to attempt to reduce
costs going forward. Reserves and production rates are based on a gold price of
$325 per ounce, which is the Base Case of the Study. Between January 1, 2004 and
December 30, 2004, the fixed price for gold on the London Exchange has
fluctuated between $373 and $455 per ounce. Between January 1, 2005 and June 8,
2005, the fixed price for gold on the London Exchange has fluctuated between
$411.10 and $443.70 per ounce.
-14-
As of the date hereof, management believes that the capital costs to establish a
surface, heap leach mining operation at El Chanate will be in excess of $15.8
million. We anticipate that most of the requisite funds will be available from
the net proceeds of our February 2005 private placement and the potential
project finance facility of up to US$10 million and, possibly, the exercise of
warrants issued in the February 2005 private placement. To the extent that
additional funds are required, we intend to raise such funds through bank
financing, the sale of our securities, the sale of a royalty interest in the
future production from the Chanate properties and/or joint venturing with one or
more strategic partners.
Leadville, Colorado
We own or lease a number of claims and properties, all of which are located in
California Mining District, Lake County, Colorado, Township 9 South, Range 79.
During the quarter ended April 30, 2005, activity at our Leadville, Colorado
properties consisted primarily of mine maintenance. Primarily as a result of our
focus on El Chanate, we ceased activities in Leadville, Colorado. During the
year ended July 31, 2002, we performed a review of our Leadville mine and mill
improvements and determined that an impairment loss should be realized.
Therefore, we significantly reduced the carrying value of certain assets
relating to our Leadville, Colorado assets by $999,445. During the year ending
July 31, 2004, we again performed a review of our Colorado mine and mill
improvements and determined that an additional impairment loss should be
recognized. Accordingly, we further reduced the net carrying value to $0,
recognizing an additional loss of $300,000.
Revenues
We generated no revenues from mining operations during the three months ended
April 30, 2005 and 2004. There were de minimis non-operating revenues during the
three months ended April 30, 2005 and 2004 of approximately $19,200 and $2,300,
respectively. During the nine months ended April 30, 2005 and 2004, there were
de minimis non-operating revenues of approximately $27,900 and $10,000,
respectively. These non-operating revenues primarily represent interest income
and proceeds of equipment sales
Costs and Expenses
Over all costs and expenses during the three months ended April 30, 2005 was
$416,548, an increase of $172,254 or 71% from the three months ended April 30,
2004. The primary reason for the increase during the three months ended April
30, 2005 was increases in general and administrative expenses and mine expenses.
Over all costs and expenses during the nine months ended April 30, 2005 was
$1,298,545 an increase of $402,547 or 45% from the nine months ended April 30,
2004. The primary reason for the increase during the nine months ended April 30,
2005 was increases in mine and in selling, general and administrative expenses,
and an increase in stock based compensation.
Mine expenses during the three months ended April 30, 2005 of $129,404 increased
by $44,304 or 52% from mine expenses during the three months ended April 30,
2004 of $85,100. Mine expenses during the nine months ended April 30, 2005 were
$446,459 an increase of $77,217 or 21% from the nine months ended April 30,
2004. We believe that the increase in mine expenses resulted primarily from
increased professional and engineering costs as well as the beginning stages of
development of the mine.
-15-
Selling, general and administrative expenses during the three months ended April
30, 2005 were $286,114 an increase of $127,820 or 81% from the three months
ended April 30, 2004 . We believe that the increase in selling, general and
administrative expenses resulted primarily from an increase in professional fees
as well as travel expenses during the three months ended April 30, 2005.
Selling, general and administrative expenses during the nine months ended April
30, 2005 were $663,212 an increase of $171,390 or 35% from the nine months ended
April 30, 2004. We believe that the increase in selling, general and
administrative expenses resulted primarily from an increase in professional,
consulting and travel expenses during the nine months ended April 30, 2005.
Stock based compensation during the three months ended April 30, 2005 was $0
compared to $900 for the three months ended April 30, 2004. Stock based
compensation during the nine months ended April 30, 2005 was $187,844 compared
to $34,934 for the nine months ended April 30, 2004. These increases resulted
from costs recognized relating to options granted for services rendered during
the nine months ending April 30, 2005.
Loss on Joint Venture for the three months ended April 30, 2005 was $0 compared
to $800,000 for the three months ended April 30, 2004. Loss on Joint Venture for
the nine months ended April 30, 2005 was $0 compared to $800,000 for the nine
months ended April 30, 2004. The Joint Venture was terminated during the quarter
ended April 30, 2004.
Loss on the write-off of minority interest was $0 for the three months ended
April 30, 2005 compared to $150,352 for the three months ended April 30, 2004.
Loss on the write-off of minority interest was $0 for the nine months ended
April 30, 2005 compared to $150,382 for the nine months ended April 30, 2004.
Since the Joint Venture was terminated during the quarter ended April 30, 2004
there is no longer a minority interest.
Net Loss
As a result, our net loss for the three months ended April 30, 2005 was
$397,347, a decrease of $795,075 or 67% from the three months ended April 30,
2004. As a result, our net loss for the nine months ended April 30, 2005 was
$1,270,694, which was $514,427 or 29% less than our net loss for the nine months
ended April 30, 2004.
Loss from Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates
During the three and nine months ended April 30, 2005, we recorded equity
adjustments from foreign currency translations of approximately $16,709 and $
10,325, respectively. These translation adjustments are related to changes in
the rates of exchange between the Mexican Peso and the US dollar.
Liquidity and Capital Resources; Plan of Operations
As of April 30, 2005, we had working capital of $5,549,717. Our plans over the
next 12 months primarily include the cost of engineering, water and construction
of the El Chanate open-pit gold mine in Mexico and general administrative costs
in New York.
Our planned activities over the next twelve months in Mexico, in order of
priority, are as set forth below. The activities and the costs may vary
materially, especially if we determine to retain contractors to perform mining
activities or we determine to purchase new rather than used crushing or other
equipment. We are waiting for the results of the updated feasibility study
currently being performed by M3. As the original feasibility study was completed
in 2003, we anticipate that costs will increase from those set forth below. At
this time, we do not know how much such costs will increase.
-16-
Activity Estimated Cost
-------- --------------
Mexico
Crushing, leaching and carbon systems $ 5,700,000
Power and water systems 2,100,000
Trucks and other mining equipment 2,300,000
Engineering and planning 1,100,000
Ancillaries (building, shops, lab and road) 1,100,000
General and administrative expenses and working capital 2,100,000
New York and Colorado
General, administrative and professional expenses 1,380,000
-----------
Total $15,780,000
===========
Historically, we have not generated any material revenues from operations and
have been in a precarious financial condition. Our condensed consolidated
financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which
contemplates the realization of assets and satisfaction of liabilities in the
normal course of business. We have recurring losses from operations. Our primary
source of funds used during the nine months ended April 30, 2005 was from the
sale and issuance of equity securities for net proceeds of approximately
$6,734,000. As discussed below, in February 2005, we completed a private
placement, netting approximately $6.1 million, and mandated Standard Bank London
Limited as the exclusive arranger of a project finance facility of up to US$10
million for our El Chanate gold mining project in Sonora State, Mexico.
February 2005 Private Placement
In the private placement that closed in February 2005 we issued 27,200,004
shares of our Common Stock and warrants to purchase an aggregate of up to
27,200,004 shares of our Common Stock for an aggregate gross purchase price of
approximately $6.8 million and we received approximately $6.1 million in net
proceeds. The Warrant issued to each purchaser is exercisable for one share of
our Common Stock, at an exercise price equal to $0.30 per share. Each Warrant
has a term of two years and is fully exercisable from the date of issuance. We
issued to the placement agent two year warrants to purchase up to 2,702,000
shares of our Common Stock at an exercise price of $0.25 per share. The
purchasers acquired the common stock and warrants to purchase common stock
directly from us in transactions exempt from the registration requirements of
the federal and state securities laws. All of the securities were issued and
sold solely to accredited investors, as defined in Rule 501 of Regulation D
pursuant to the Securities Act.
Pursuant to our agreement with these investors, we filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission a registration statement covering resales of the foregoing
shares and shares issuable upon the exercise of the foregoing Warrants
(collectively, the "registrable shares"). We also agreed to prepare and file all
amendments and supplements necessary to keep the registration statement
effective until the earlier of the date on which the selling stockholders may
resell all the registrable shares covered by the registration statement without
volume restrictions pursuant to Rule 144(k) under the Securities Act or any
successor rule of similar effect and the date on which the selling stockholders
have sold all the shares covered by the registration statement.
-17-
In addition, we agreed to have our common stock listed for trading on the
Toronto Stock Exchange. If our common stock is not listed for trading on the
Toronto Stock Exchange or the registration statement is not declared effective
by the SEC within 180 days after February 8, 2005, then we will be required to
issue to these selling stockholders an additional number of shares of our common
stock that is equal to 20% of the number of shares acquired by them in the
private placement. In addition, if the registration statement is not declared
effective by the SEC within 180 days after February 8, 2005 or, after the
registration statement is declared effective by the SEC, subject to certain
exceptions, sales of all shares so registered cannot be made pursuant to the
registration statement, then we will be required to pay to these selling
stockholders in cash or, at our option in shares, their pro rata share of
0.0833% of the aggregate market value of the registrable shares held by these
selling stockholders for each month thereafter until the registration statement
is declared effective or sales of the registrable shares can again be made
pursuant to the registration statement, as the case may be.
Project Finance Facility
On February 2, 2005, we mandated Standard Bank London Limited as the exclusive
arranger of a project finance facility of up to US$10 million for our El Chanate
gold mining project and associated hedging. We anticipate that Standard Bank
will administer the loan and the hedging throughout the construction and
operational phases of the project.
Although the specific terms of the proposed financing are subject to alteration,
we anticipate, among other things, that the loan would mature in five years
after the initial draw and bear interest at a rate linked to the 1,2,3 or 6
month Libor rate. The loan would be secured by our assets and supported by our
guarantee. In addition, we will be required to deposit all cash proceeds we
receive from operations and other sources in an off-shore account. Absent
default by us under the finance documents, we may use funds from this account
for specific purposes such as approved operating costs, budgeted capital
expenditures, hedging costs and funds payable to Standard Bank under the finance
documents. We would be required to meet and maintain certain financial covenants
and we would be required to conform to certain negative covenants such as
restrictions on sale of assets. We also would be required to enter into a gold
price protection program that mitigates the gold price risk by purchasing price
protection in a manner satisfactory to the lender.
As required by the mandate, we issued to Standard Bank 1,000,000 common stock
purchase warrants and paid an initial cash fee of $100,000. If Standard Bank
determines to proceed with the funding, we will be required to pay certain
additional fees and issue to Standard Bank an additional 14,600,000 common stock
purchase warrants.
Per our arrangement with Standard Bank, the shares issuable upon exercise of the
1,000,000 common stock purchase warrants have been included in the above
mentioned registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission covering their public resale. We also will be required to so register
the shares issuable upon exercise of the additional 14,600,000 warrants if and
when these warrants are issued.
This mandate is not a commitment to provide the funding. Funding is subject to
satisfactory completion of due diligence, approvals from Standard Bank's credit
committee and execution of definitive documentation.
If Standard determines not to provide the funding, we will be required to obtain
such funding from another source. In addition, as discussed above, we estimate
that we will need in excess of $15.8 million to complete a mine at the El
Chanate concessions. Accordingly, the net proceeds from the 2005 private
placement and the anticipated funds from Standard Bank most likely will not be
adequate to complete construction and commence mining operations. To the extent
that we need to obtain additional capital, management intends to raise such
funds through bank financing, the sale of our securities, the sale of a royalty
interest in the future production from the Chanate properties and/or joint
venturing with one or more strategic partners. We cannot assure that adequate
additional funding, if needed, will be available. If we are unable to obtain
needed capital from outside sources, we will be forced to reduce or curtail our
operations.
-18-
Environmental Issues
Management does not expect that environmental issues will have an adverse
material effect on our liquidity or earnings. In Mexico, we are not aware of any
significant environmental concerns or existing reclamation requirements at the
El Chanate concessions. We received the required Mexican government permits for
construction, mining and processing the El Chanate ores in January 2004 and
applications have been filed to extend these permits. We recently received the
explosive permit from the government.
We own properties in Leadville, Colorado that we have written off. Part of the
Leadville Mining District has been declared a federal Superfund site under the
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980,
and the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986. Several mining
companies and one individual were declared defendants in a possible lawsuit. We
were not named a defendant or Principal Responsible Party. We did respond in
full detail to a lengthy questionnaire prepared by the Environmental Protection
Agency ("EPA") regarding our proposed procedures and past activities in November
1990. To our knowledge, the EPA has initiated no further comments or questions.
We do include in all our internal revenue and cost projections a certain amount
for environmental and reclamation costs on an ongoing basis. This amount is
determined at a fixed amount of $0.05 per metric tonne of material to be milled
on a continual, ongoing basis to provide primarily for reclaiming tailing
disposal sites and other reclamation requirements. At this time, there do not
appear to be any environmental costs to be incurred by us beyond those already
addressed above. No assurance can be given that environmental regulations will
not be changed in a manner that would adversely affect our planned operations.
New Accounting Pronouncements
Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Statement No. 154 Accounting
Changes and Error Corrections--a replacement of APB Opinion No. 20 and FASB
Statement No. 3
This Statement replaces APB Opinion No. 20, Accounting Changes, and FASB
Statement No. 3, Reporting Accounting Changes in Interim Financial Statements,
and changes the requirements for the accounting for and reporting of a change in
accounting principle. This Statement applies to all voluntary changes in
accounting principle. It also applies to changes required by an accounting
pronouncement in the unusual instance that the pronouncement does not include
specific transition provisions. When a pronouncement includes specific
transition provisions, those provisions should be followed.
Opinion 20 previously required that most voluntary changes in accounting
principle be recognized by including in net income of the period of the change
the cumulative effect of changing to the new accounting principle. This
Statement requires retrospective application to prior periods' financial
statements of changes in accounting principle, unless it is impracticable to
determine either the period-specific effects or the cumulative effect of the
change. When it is impracticable to determine the period-specific effects of an
accounting change on one or more individual prior periods presented, this
Statement requires that the new accounting principle be applied to the balances
of assets and liabilities as of the beginning of the earliest period for which
retrospective application is practicable and that a corresponding adjustment be
made to the opening balance of retained earnings (or other appropriate
components of equity or net assets in the statement of financial position) for
that period rather than being reported in an income statement. When it is
impracticable to determine the cumulative effect of applying a change in
accounting principle to all prior periods, this Statement requires that the new
accounting principle be applied as if it were adopted prospectively from the
earliest date practicable.
-19-
This Statement defines retrospective application as the application of a
different accounting principle to prior accounting periods as if that principle
had always been used or as the adjustment of previously issued financial
statements to reflect a change in the reporting entity. This Statement also
redefines restatement as the revising of previously issued financial statements
to reflect the correction of an error.
This Statement requires that retrospective application of a change in accounting
principle be limited to the direct effects of the change. Indirect effects of a
change in accounting principle, such as a change in nondiscretionary
profit-sharing payments resulting from an accounting change, should be
recognized in the period of the accounting change.
This Statement also requires that a change in depreciation, amortization, or
depletion method for long-lived, nonfinancial assets be accounted for as a
change in accounting estimate effected by a change in accounting principle.
This Statement carries forward without change the guidance contained in Opinion
20 for reporting the correction of an error in previously issued financial
statements and a change in accounting estimate. This Statement also carries
forward the guidance in Opinion 20 requiring justification of a change in
accounting principle on the basis of preferability.
FASB Statement No. 154 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December
15, 2005.
Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Statement No. 151 "Inventory
Costs-an amendment of ARB No. 43, Chapter 4", FASB Statement No. 152,
"Accounting for Real Estate Time-Sharing Transactions-an amendment of FASB
Statements No. 66 and 67", FASB Statement No. 153, "Exchanges of Non Monetary
Assets-an amendment of APB Opinion No. 29", and FASB Statement No. 123R, "Share
Based Payment" were issued November 2004, December 2004, December 2004 and
December 2004, respectively. FASB Statements No. 151, 152 and 153 have no
current applicability to us or their effect on the consolidated financial
statements would not have been significant
FASB Statement No. 123R is a revision of FASB Statement No. 123, "Accounting for
Stock-Based Compensation". This Statement supersedes APB Opinion No. 25,
"Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees", and its related implementation
guidance.
This Statement establishes standards for the accounting for transactions in
which an entity exchanges its equity instruments for goods or services. It also
addresses transactions in which an entity incurs liabilities in exchange for
goods or services that are based on the fair value of the entity's equity
instruments or that may be settled by the issuance of those equity instruments.
This Statement focuses primarily on accounting for transactions in which an
entity obtains employee services in share-based payment transactions. This
Statement does not change the accounting guidance for share-based payment
transactions with parties other than employees provided in Statement 123 as
originally issued and EITF Issue No. 96-18, "Accounting for Equity Instruments
That Are Issued to Other Than Employees for Acquiring, or in Conjunction with
Selling, Goods or Services." This Statement does not address the accounting for
employee share ownership plans, which are subject to AICPA Statements of
Position 93-6, Employers' Accounting for Employee Stock Ownership Plans.
-20-
This Statement requires a public entity to measure the cost of employee services
received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date
fair value of the award (with limited exceptions). That cost will be recognized
over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in
exchange for the award-the requisite service period (usually the vesting
period). No compensation cost is recognized for equity instruments for which
employees do not render the requisite service. Employee share purchase plans
will not result in recognition of compensation cost if certain conditions are
met; those conditions are much the same as the related conditions in Statement
123.
This Statement is effective for us as of the beginning of the first interim or
annual reporting period that begins after December 15, 2005. The provisions of
this Statement will be adopted in quarter ending April 30, 2006. We are in the
process of assessing the impact of adopting this Statement.
Disclosure About Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do not have any transactions, agreements or other contractual arrangements
that constitute off-balance sheet arrangements.
Application of Critical Accounting Policies
Our financial statements and accompanying notes are prepared in accordance with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Preparing financial statements requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue,
and expenses. These estimates and assumptions are affected by management's
application of accounting policies. Critical accounting policies for us include
impairment of long-lived assets, accounting for stock-based compensation and
environmental remediation costs.
In accordance with SFAS 144, "Accounting for the Impairment and Disposal of
Long-Lived Assets," we review our long-lived assets for impairments. Impairment
losses on long-lived assets are recognized when events or changes in
circumstances indicate that the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be
generated by such assets are less than their carrying value and, accordingly,
all or a portion of such carrying value may not be recoverable. Impairment
losses then are measured by comparing the fair value of assets to their carrying
amounts. During the year ended July 31, 2002, we performed a review of our
Colorado mine and mill improvements and determined that an impairment loss
should be recognized. Accordingly, at July 31, 2002, we reduced by $999,445 the
net carrying value of certain assets relating to our Leadville, Colorado
facility to $300,000, and further reduced the net carrying value to $0 at July
31, 2004, which approximates management's estimate of fair value.
Environmental remediation costs are accrued based on estimates of known
environmental remediation exposure. Such accruals are recorded even if
significant uncertainties exist over the ultimate cost of the remediation. It is
reasonably possible that our estimates of reclamation liabilities, if any, could
change as a result of changes in regulations, extent of environmental
remediation required, means of reclamation or cost estimates. Ongoing
environmental compliance costs, including maintenance and monitoring costs, are
expensed as incurred. There were no environmental remediation costs incurred or
accrued at April 30, 2005.
-21-
Risk Factors
We are subject to various risks that may materially harm our business, financial
condition and results of operations. If any of these risks or uncertainties
actually occur, our business, financial condition or operating results could be
materially harmed. In that case, the trading price of our common stock could
decline and you could lose all or part of your investment.:
Risks related to our business and operations
We have not generated any operating revenues. If we are unable to
commercially develop our mineral properties, we will not be able to
generate profits and our business may fail.
To date, we have no producing properties. As a result, we have no current source
of operating revenue and we have historically operated and continue to operate
at a loss. Our ultimate success will depend on our ability to generate profits
from our properties. Our viability is largely dependent on the successful
commercial development of our El Chanate gold mining project in Sonora, Mexico.
We lack operating cash flow and rely on external funding sources. If we
are unable to continue to obtain needed capital from outside sources until
we are able to generate positive cash flow from operations, we will be
forced to reduce or curtail our operations.
We do not generate any positive cash flow from operations and we do not
anticipate that any positive cash flow will be generated for some time. Our
primary focus is the development of our El Chanate project which, we anticipate,
will cost in excess of $15.8 million. In February 2005, we raised approximately
$6.1 million in a private placement and we mandated Standard Bank London Limited
as the exclusive arranger of a project finance facility of up to US$10 million
for our El Chanate project. This mandate is not a commitment to provide the
funding. Funding is subject to satisfactory completion of due diligence,
approvals from Standard Bank's credit committee and execution of definitive
documentation. We will need this finance facility or comparable funding from
another source to develop the El Chanate project and commence production. The
net proceeds from the private placement and the anticipated funds from Standard
most likely will not be adequate to complete construction and commence mining
operations (see, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations; Liquidity and Capital Resources; Plan of Operations"
). For the above reasons, we may need to obtain additional capital from outside
sources. To the extent that we need to obtain additional capital, management
intends to raise such funds through bank financing, the sale of our securities,
the sale of a royalty interest in the future production from the Chanate
properties and/or joint venturing with one or more strategic partners. We cannot
assure that adequate additional funding will be available. If we are unable to
obtain needed capital from outside sources, we will be forced to reduce or
curtail our operations.
Our year end audited financial statements contain a "going concern"
explanatory paragraph. Our inability to continue as a going concern would
require a restatement of assets and liabilities on a liquidation basis,
which would differ materially and adversely from the going concern basis
on which our financial statements included in this report have been
prepared.
Our consolidated financial statements for the year ended July 31, 2004 included
in our annual report on form 10-KSB for the year then ended have been prepared
on the basis of accounting principles applicable to a going concern. Our
auditors' report on these consolidated financial statements includes an
additional explanatory paragraph following the opinion paragraph on our ability
to continue as a going concern. A note to these consolidated financial
statements describes the reasons why there is substantial doubt about our
ability to continue as a going concern and our plans to address this issue. Our
July 31, 2004 consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments
that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty. Our inability to
continue as a going concern would require a restatement of assets and
liabilities on a liquidation basis, which would differ materially and adversely
from the going concern basis on which our consolidated financial statements have
been prepared. See, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations; Liquidity and Capital Resources."
-22-
If we are unable to obtain a crushing system and other equipment for our
Mexican concessions at an acceptable cost, our anticipated results of
operations from mining at these concessions, once mining commences, may be
adversely affected.
We currently are in discussions to acquire equipment for use at our Mexican
concessions. In this regard, we recently acquired two Short Head cone crushers
which will be used to undertake the final stage of the crushing process. If we
are unable to obtain other requisite equipment at an acceptable cost, our
planned mining operations and our anticipated results of operations from mining
at these concessions, once mining commences, may be adversely affected (see,
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations; Liquidity and Capital Resources; Plan of Operations" ).
We will be using reconditioned and used equipment which could adversely
affect our cost assumptions and our ability to economically and
successfully mine the project.
We plan to use reconditioned and used equipment in our planned mining operation.
Such equipment is subject to the risk of more frequent breakdowns and need for
repair than new equipment. If the equipment that we use breaks down and needs to
be repaired or replaced, we will incur additional costs and mining operations
may be delayed resulting in lower volumes of ore processed. In such event, our
capital and operating cost assumptions may be inaccurate and our ability to
economically and successfully mine the project may be hampered, resulting in
decreased revenues and, possibly, a loss from operations.
As a result of the projected short mine life of five years, if major
problems develop, we will have limited time to correct these problems and
we may have to cease operations earlier than planned.
Pursuant to the 2003 Feasibility Study, the mine life will be only five years.
If major problems develop in the project, or we fail to achieve the operating
efficiencies or costs projected in the feasibility study, we will have limited
time to find ways to correct these problems and we may have to cease operations
earlier than planned.
The gold deposit we have identified at El Chanate is relatively small and
low-grade. If our estimates and assumptions are inaccurate, our results of
operation and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.
The gold deposit we have identified at our El Chanate Project is relatively
small and low-grade. If the estimates of ore grade or recovery rates contained
in the feasibility study turn out to be higher than the actual ore grade and
recovery rates, if costs are higher than expected, or if we experience problems
related to the mining, processing of, or recovery of gold from, ore at El
Chanate, our results of operation and financial condition could be materially
adversely affected. Moreover, it is possible that actual costs and economic
returns may differ materially from our best estimates. It is not unusual in the
mining industry for new mining operations to experience unexpected problems
during the start-up phase and to require more capital than anticipated. There
can be no assurance that our operations at El Chanate will be profitable.
-23-
We have a limited number of prospects. As a result, our chances of
commencing viable mining operations are dependent upon the success of one
project.
Our only current properties are the El Chanate concessions and our Leadville
properties. At present, we are not doing any substantive work at our Leadville
properties and, in fact, have written these properties off. Our El Chanate
concessions are owned by one of our wholly-owned subsidiaries, Oro de Altar.
Santa Rita, another of our Mexican subsidiaries leases the land and claims at El
Chanate from Oro de Altar. FG, our former joint venture partner, has the right
to receive five percent of Santa Rita's annual dividends, when declared. We
currently do not have operations on either of our properties, and we must
commence such operations to receive revenues. Accordingly, we are dependent upon
the success of the El Chanate concessions.
Gold prices can fluctuate on a material and frequent basis due to numerous
factors beyond our control. If and when we commence production, our
ability to generate profits from operations could be materially and
adversely affected by such fluctuating prices.
The profitability of any gold mining operations in which we have an interest
will be significantly affected by changes in the market price of gold. Gold
prices fluctuate on a daily basis. Between January 1, 2004 and December 30,
2004, the fixed price for gold on the London Exchange has fluctuated between
$373 and $455 per ounce. Between January 1, 2005 and June 8, 2005, the fixed
price for gold on the London Exchange has fluctuated between $411.10 and $443.70
per ounce. Gold prices are affected by numerous factors beyond our control,
including:
o the level of interest rates,
o the rate of inflation,
o central bank sales,
o world supply of gold and
o stability of exchange rates.
Each of these factors can cause significant fluctuations in gold prices. Such
external factors are in turn influenced by changes in international investment
patterns and monetary systems and political developments. The price of gold has
historically fluctuated widely and, depending on the price of gold, revenues
from mining operations may not be sufficient to offset the costs of such
operations.
Our property interests are in Mexico. Risks of doing business in a foreign
country could adversely affect our results of operations and financial
condition.
We face risks normally associated with any conduct of business in foreign
countries with respect to our El Chanate project in Sonora, Mexico, including
various levels of political and economic risk. The occurrence of one or more of
these events could have a material adverse impact on our efforts or future
operations which, in turn, could have a material adverse impact on our future
cash flows, earnings, results of operations and financial condition. These risks
include the following:
o labor disputes,
-24-
o invalidity of governmental orders,
o uncertain or unpredictable political, legal and economic
environments,
o war and civil disturbances,
o changes in laws or policies,
o taxation,
o delays in obtaining or the inability to obtain necessary
governmental permits,
o governmental seizure of land or mining claims,
o limitations on ownership,
o limitations on the repatriation of earnings,
o increased financial costs,
o import and export regulations, including restrictions on the export
of gold, and
o foreign exchange controls.
These risks may limit or disrupt the project, restrict the movement of funds or
impair contract rights or result in the taking of property by nationalization or
expropriation without fair compensation.
We anticipate selling gold in U.S. dollars; however, we incur a
significant amount of our expenses in Mexican pesos. If and when we sell
gold, if applicable currency exchange rates fluctuate our revenues and
results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.
If and when we commence sales of gold, such sales will be made in U.S. dollars.
We incur a significant amount of our expenses in Mexican pesos. As a result, our
financial performance would be affected by fluctuations in the value of the
Mexican peso to the U.S. dollar. At the present time, we have no plan or policy
to utilize forward contracts or currency options to minimize this exposure;
however, pursuant to the mandate with Standard Bank London Limited we will be
required to implement such measures. If and when these measures are implemented,
there can be no assurance that such arrangements will be cost effective or be
able to fully offset such future currency risks.
Changes in regulatory policy could adversely affect our exploration and
future production activities.
Any changes in government policy may result in changes to laws affecting:
o ownership of assets,
o land tenure,
o mining policies,
o monetary policies,
o taxation,
o rates of exchange,
o environmental regulations,
o labor relations,
o repatriation of income and
o return of capital.
Any such changes may affect our ability to undertake exploration and development
activities in respect of present and future properties in the manner currently
contemplated, as well as our ability to continue to explore, develop and operate
those properties in which we have an interest or in respect of which we have
obtained exploration and development rights to date. The possibility,
particularly in Mexico, that future governments may adopt substantially
different policies, which might extend to expropriation of assets, cannot be
ruled out.
-25-
Compliance with environmental regulations could adversely affect our
exploration and future production activities.
With respect to environmental regulation, environmental legislation generally is
evolving in a manner which will require:
o stricter standards and enforcement,
o increased fines and penalties for non-compliance,
o more stringent environmental assessments of proposed projects and
o a heightened degree of responsibility for companies and their
officers, directors and employees.
There can be no assurance that future changes to environmental legislation and
related regulations, if any, will not adversely affect our operations. We could
be held liable for environmental hazards that exist on the properties in which
we hold interests, whether caused by previous or existing owners or operators of
the properties. Any such liability could adversely affect our business and
financial condition.
We are not insured against any losses or liabilities that could arise from
our operations because we have not commenced operations at El Chanate.
Although we plan on obtaining insurance once construction begins, such
insurance may not be adequate. If we incur material losses or liabilities
because we do not have insurance or our coverage is not adequate, our
financial position could be materially and adversely affected.
We are in the process of developing our Mexican concessions and hope to commence
mining operations during calendar 2005. If and when we commence mining
operations, such operations will involve a number of risks and hazards,
including:
o environmental hazards,
o industrial accidents,
o metallurgical and other processing,
o acts of God, and
o mechanical equipment and facility performance problems.
Such risks could result in:
o damage to, or destruction of, mineral properties or production
facilities,
o personal injury or death,
o environmental damage,
o delays in mining,
o monetary losses and
o possible legal liability.
Industrial accidents could have a material adverse effect on our future business
and operations. Although as we move forward in the development of our
concessions we plan to obtain and maintain insurance within ranges of coverage
consistent with industry practice, we cannot be certain that this insurance will
cover the risks associated with mining or that we will be able to maintain
insurance to cover these risks at economically feasible premiums. We also might
become subject to liability for pollution or other hazards which we cannot
insure against or which we may elect not to insure against because of premium
costs or other reasons. Losses from such events may have a material adverse
effect on our financial position.
-26-
Calculation of reserves and metal recovery dedicated to future production
is not exact, might not be accurate and might not accurately reflect the
economic viability of our properties.
Reserve estimates may not be accurate. There is a degree of uncertainty
attributable to the calculation of reserves, resources and corresponding grades
being dedicated to future production. Until reserves or resources are actually
mined and processed, the quantity of reserves or resources and grades must be
considered as estimates only. In addition, the quantity of reserves or resources
may vary depending on metal prices. Any material change in the quantity of
reserves, resource grade or stripping ratio may affect the economic viability of
our properties. In addition, there can be no assurance that mineral recoveries
in small scale laboratory tests will be duplicated in large tests under on-site
conditions or during production.
We are dependent on the efforts of certain key personnel and we need to
retain additional personnel and/or contractors to develop our El Chanate
project. If we lose the services of these personnel or we are unable to
retain additional personnel and/or contractors, our ability to complete
development and operate our El Chanate project may be delayed and our
planned operations may be materially adverse affected.
We are dependent on a relatively small number of key personnel, including, but
not limited to Dave Loder, the General Manager of the project, the loss of any
one of whom could have an adverse effect on us. In addition, while certain of
our officers and directors have experience in the exploration and operation of
gold producing properties, we need to retain additional personnel and/or
contractors to develop and operate our El Chanate project. Certain of these
consultants, including Dave Loder, have already been engaged. There can be no
guarantee that such personnel or contractors will be available to carry out such
activities on our behalf or be available upon commercially acceptable terms. If
we lose the services of our key personnel or we are unable to retain additional
personnel and/or contractors, our ability to complete development and operate
our El Chanate project may be delayed and our planned operations may be
materially adverse affected.
There are uncertainties as to title matters in the mining industry. We
believe that we have good title to our properties; however, any defects in
such title that cause us to lose our rights in mineral properties could
jeopardize our planned business operations.
We have investigated our rights to explore, exploit and develop our concessions
in manners consistent with industry practice and, to the best of our knowledge,
those rights are in good standing. However, we cannot assure that the title to
or our rights of ownership of the El Chanate concessions will not be challenged
or impugned by third parties or governmental agencies. In addition, there can be
no assurance that the concessions in which we have an interest are not subject
to prior unregistered agreements, transfers or claims and title may be affected
by undetected defects. Any such defects could have a material adverse effect on
us.
-27-
Should we successfully commence mining operations in Mexico, our ability
to remain profitable long term, should we become profitable, eventually
will depend on our ability to find, explore and develop additional
properties. Our ability to acquire such additional properties will be
hindered by competition. If we are unable to acquire, develop and
economically mine additional properties, we most likely will not be able
to be profitable on a long-term basis.
Gold properties are wasting assets. They eventually become depleted or
uneconomical to continue mining. The acquisition of gold properties and their
exploration and development are subject to intense competition. Companies with
greater financial resources, larger staffs, more experience and more equipment
for exploration and development may be in a better position than us to compete
for such mineral properties. If we are unable to find, develop and economically
mine new properties, we most likely will not be able to be profitable on a
long-term basis.
Our ability on a going forward basis to discover additional viable and
economic mineral reserves is subject to numerous factors, most of which
are beyond our control and are not predictable. If we are unable to
discover such reserves, we most likely will not be able to be profitable
on a long-term basis.
Exploration for gold is speculative in nature, involves many risks and is
frequently unsuccessful. Few properties that are explored are ultimately
developed into commercially producing mines. Our long-term profitability will
be, in part, directly related to the cost and success of exploration programs.
Any gold exploration program entails risks relating to
o the location of economic ore bodies,
o development of appropriate metallurgical processes,
o receipt of necessary governmental approvals and
o construction of mining and processing facilities at any site chosen
for mining.
The commercial viability of a mineral deposit is dependent on a number of
factors including:
o the price of gold,
o the particular attributes of the deposit, such as its
o size,
o grade and
o proximity to infrastructure,
o financing costs,
o taxation,
o royalties,
o land tenure,
o land use,
o water use,
o power use,
o importing and exporting gold and
o environmental protection.
The effect of these factors cannot be accurately predicted.
-28-
Risks related to ownership of our stock
There is a limited market for our common stock. If a substantial and
sustained market for our common stock does not develop, our stockholders
may have difficulty selling, or be unable to sell, their shares.
Our common stock is tradable in the over-the-counter market and is quoted on the
Over-The-Counter Bulletin Board. There is only a limited market for our common
stock and there can be no assurance that this market will be maintained or
broadened. If a substantial and sustained market for our common stock does not
develop, our stockholders may have difficulty selling, or be unable to sell,
their shares.
Our stock price may be adversely affected if a significant amount of
shares are sold in the public market.
As of June 16, 2005, approximately 50,902,358 shares of our common stock,
constituted "restricted securities" as defined in Rule 144 under the Securities
Act of 1933. We have filed a registration statement with the Securities and
Exchange Commission (the "Registration Statement") to register approximately 54%
of these shares. In addition, the Registration Statement covers 30,902,004
shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of outstanding warrants and
5,188,636 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of outstanding
options. All of the foregoing shares, assuming exercise of all of the above
options and warrants, would represent in excess of 50% of the then outstanding
shares of our common stock. Registration of the shares permits the sale of the
shares in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions without
compliance with the requirements of Rule 144. To the extent the exercise price
of the warrants or options is less than the market price of the common stock,
the holders of the warrants are likely to exercise them and sell the underlying
shares of common stock and to the extent that the conversion price and exercise
price of these securities are adjusted pursuant to anti-dilution protection, the
securities could be exercisable or convertible for even more shares of common
stock. In addition, should we consummate the project finance facility with
Standard Bank, we will be required to issue warrants for an additional 14.6
million shares and to register the shares issuable upon exercise of these
warrants for public resale. We also may issue shares to be used to meet our
capital requirements or use shares to compensate employees, consultants and/or
directors. We are unable to estimate the amount, timing or nature of future
sales of outstanding common stock. Sales of substantial amounts of our common
stock in the public market could cause the market price for our common stock to
decrease. Furthermore, a decline in the price of our common stock would likely
impede our ability to raise capital through the issuance of additional shares of
common stock or other equity securities.
We do not intend to pay dividends in the near future.
Our board of directors determines whether to pay dividends on our issued and
outstanding shares. The declaration of dividends will depend upon our future
earnings, our capital requirements, our financial condition and other relevant
factors. Our board does not intend to declare any dividends on our shares for
the foreseeable future. We anticipate that we will retain any earnings to
finance the growth of our business and for general corporate purposes. In
addition, our ability to pay dividends may be restricted by financial covenants
in any project finance facility we enter into with Standard Bank or another
lender.
-29-
Our common stock currently is a "penny stock." As a result, trading of our
shares is subject to special requirements that could impede our
stockholders' ability to resell their shares.
Our common stock is a "penny stock" as that term is defined in Rule 3a51-1 of
the Securities and Exchange Commission because it is selling at a price below
five dollars per share. In the future, if we are unable to list our common stock
on NASDAQ or a national securities exchange or the per share sale price is not
at least $5.00, our common stock may continue to be deemed to be a "penny
stock". Penny stocks are stocks:
i. with a price of less than five dollars per share;
ii. that are not traded on a recognized national exchange;
o whose prices are not quoted on the NASDAQ automated
quotation system; or
iii. of issuers with net tangible assets equal to or less than
o -$2,000,000 if the issuer has been in continuous
operation for at least three years; or
o -$5,000,000 if in continuous operation for less than
three years, or
o of issuers with average revenues of less than $6,000,000
for the last three years.
Section 15(g) of the Exchange Act, and Rule 15g-2 of the Securities and Exchange
Commission, require broker-dealers dealing in penny stocks to provide potential
investors with a document disclosing the risks of penny stocks and to obtain a
manually signed and dated written receipt of the document before effecting any
transaction in a penny stock for the investor's account. Moreover, Rule 15g-9 of
the Securities and Exchange Commission requires broker-dealers in penny stocks
to approve the account of any investor for transactions in such stocks before
selling any penny stock to that investor. This procedure requires the
broker-dealer:
i. to obtain from the investor information concerning his or her financial
situation, investment experience and investment objectives;
ii. to determine reasonably, based on that information, that transactions in
penny stocks are suitable for the investor and that the investor has
sufficient knowledge and experience as to be reasonably capable of
evaluating the risks of penny stock transactions;
iii. to provide the investor with a written statement setting forth the basis
on which the broker-dealer made the determination in (ii) above; and
iv. to receive a signed and dated copy of such statement from the investor,
confirming that it accurately reflects the investor's financial situation,
investment experience and investment objectives.
Compliance with these requirements may make it more difficult for holders of our
common stock to resell their shares to third parties or to otherwise dispose of
them.
Item 3. Controls and Procedures.
Gifford A Dieterle, our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer,
performed an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures, which have
been designed to permit us to effectively identify and timely disclose important
information. Taking into account our limited resources and current business
operations he concluded that the controls and procedures were effective as of
April 30, 2005 to ensure that material information was accumulated and
communicated to him and our other management, as appropriate to allow timely
decisions regarding required disclosure. During the quarter ended April 30,
2005, we have made no change in our internal controls over financial reporting
that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our
internal controls over financial reporting.
-30-
Prior to the funding of our private placement in February 2005, we had limited
financial and personnel resources. During the periods covered by this report,
our process of maintaining internal controls consisted of the following: Our
office manager inputs all U.S. bills and bills for payment in U.S. dollars for
processing into an accounting software system. Any bills of a significant or
non-recurring nature are reviewed and approved by our Treasurer, Gifford
Dieterle. U.S. bills chargeable to Mexican operations also are reviewed and
approved by Jack Everett, one of our Vice Presidents. The office manager then
creates the checks and sends them out for payment. The office manager produces a
cash payment report which is reviewed and approved by Mr. Dieterle. All bills
from our Mexican operations are input into an accounting software system by our
bookkeeper in Mexico. These Mexican bills are reviewed and approved by Jack
Everett and are then paid by our bookkeeper in Mexico. Our bookkeeper in Mexico
produces a cash payment report which is reviewed and approved by Mr. Everett.
U.S. Cash receipts and deposit reports are reviewed by Mr. Dieterle before any
information is recorded in the accounting software and verified through a
monthly review of internal reports. There is no cash received in Mexico other
than funds wired to Mexico from the New York office and, on occasion, a return
of ad velorem tax on goods and services purchased in Mexico. The U.S. bank
accounts are reconciled on a monthly basis and are reviewed by Mr. Dieterle. The
Mexican bank accounts are reconciled on a monthly basis and are reviewed by Mr.
Everett. Mr. Everett regularly informs Mr. Dieterle about Mexican bills that are
paid and other activities in Mexico. All employees and consultants regularly
report their activities on our behalf to Mr. Dieterle. Mr. Dieterle and our
other officers and directors regularly discuss our business activities. Mr.
Dieterle believes that the controls and procedures are effective in ensuring
that material information is accumulated and communicated to him and our other
management, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required
disclosure.
-31-
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings.
None.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.
During the quarter ended April 30, 2005, we issued the following shares of our
Common Stock pursuant to the exemption from registration provided by Section
4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933: Shares and warrants pursuant to the February
2005 Private Placement and warrants to Standard Bank (see, "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations;
Liquidity and Capital Resources; Plan of Operations" ). In addition, We issued
an aggregate of 650,000 shares upon exercise of outstanding options, including
400,000 shares issued to J. Scott Hazlitt, one of our vice presidents.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.
None.
Item 4 Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
None.
Item 5. Other Information.
None.
Item 6. Exhibits.
10.1 English Summary of El Charro Agreement
31.1 Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002 from the Company's Chief Executive Officer
31.2 Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002 from the Company's Chief Financial Officer
32.1 Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002 from the Company's Chief Executive Officer
32.2 Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002 from the Company's Chief Financial Officer
-32-
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 thereto duly authorized.
CAPITAL GOLD CORPORATION
------------------------
Registrant
By: /s/ Gifford A. Dieterle
-----------------------------------
Gifford A. Dieterle
President/Treasurer
Date: June 20, 2005