American Resources Corp 10-K/A for FY2024
American Resources Corp (AREC)
About this 10-K/A
American Resources Corp filed this 10-K/A on June 2, 2025, covering the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 (FY2024).
Headline figures
Fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, as reported in this filing, compared with the same period a year earlier where the filing states it.
- Revenue
- $383.23K
- down 97.1% from $13.23M a year earlier
- Net loss
- $40.11M
- compared with a net loss of $38.53M a year earlier
- Diluted EPS
- -$0.52
- compared with -$0.51 a year earlier
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM
(Mark One)
ANNUAL REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the fiscal year ended
TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the transition period from ____________to _____________
Commission file number
(Exact Name of Registrant as specified in its charter) |
| ||
(State or jurisdiction of Incorporation or organization |
| (I.R.S Employer Identification No.) |
|
|
|
| ||
(Address of principal executive offices) |
| (Zip Code) |
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:
Securities registered under Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act: Title of each class Name of each exchange on which registered
Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered |
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. ☐ Yes ☒
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Exchange Act. ☐ Yes ☒
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 ☒
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted 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). ☒
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation s-K (§ 229.405 of this chapter is not contained herein and will not be contained to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ☐ Yes ☐ No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer | ☐ | Accelerated filer | ☐ |
☐ | Smaller reporting company | ||
(Do not check if a smaller company) |
| Emerging growth company |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).
If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant's executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). ☐
State the aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the price at which the common equity was last sold, or the average bid and asked price of such common equity, as of the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter; $
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
The number of shares outstanding of the issuer’s Common Stock, $.0001 par value, as of May 16, 2025 was
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
List hereunder the following documents if incorporated by reference and the Part of the Form 10-K (e.g., Part I, Part II, etc.) into which the documents is incorporated: (1) Any annual report to security holders; (2) Any proxy or information statement; and (3) Any prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) or (c) under the Securities Act of 1933. The listed documents should be clearly described for identification purposes (e.g., annual report to security holders for fiscal year ended December 24, 1980).
EXPLANATORY NOTE
American Resources is filing this Amendment No. 1 on Form 10-K/A to its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, originally filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on May 19, 2025, for the sole purpose of filing the required XBRL reporting.
AMERICAN RESOURCES CORPORATION
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2024
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| 2 |
| Table of Contents |
Special Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements.
This annual report on Form 10-K of American Resources Corporation for the year ended December 31, 2024 contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which are intended to be covered by the safe harbors created thereby. To the extent that such statements are not recitations of historical fact, such statements constitute forward looking statements which, by definition involve risks and uncertainties. In particular, statements under the Sections; Description of Business, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contain forward looking statements. Where in any forward-looking statements, the Company expresses an expectation or belief as to future results or events, such expectation or belief is expressed in good faith and believed to have a reasonable basis, but there can be no assurance that the statement of expectation or belief will result or be achieved or accomplished.
You should not rely on forward looking statements in this annual report. This annual report contains forward looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. We use words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “plans,” “expects,” “future,” “intends,” and similar expressions to identify these forward-looking statements. Prospective investors should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this annual report. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements.
| 3 |
| Table of Contents |
PART I
Item 1. Business.
Overview
When we formed our company, our focus was to (i) construct and/or purchase and manage a chain of combined gasoline, diesel and natural gas (NG) fueling and service stations (initially, in the Miami, FL area); (ii) construct conversion factories to convert NG to liquefied natural gas (LNG) and compressed natural gas (CNG); and (iii) construct conversion factories to retrofit vehicles currently using gasoline or diesel fuel to also run on NG in the United States and also to build a convenience store to serve our customers in each of our locations.
On January 5, 2017, American Resources Corporation (ARC) executed a Share Exchange Agreement between the Company and Quest Energy Inc. (“Quest Energy”), a private company incorporated in the State of Indiana on May 2015 with offices at 12115 Visionary Way, Fishers, IN 46038, and due to the fulfillment of various conditions precedent to closing of the transaction, the control of the Company was transferred to the Quest Energy shareholders on February 7, 2017. This transaction resulted in Quest Energy becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of ARC. Through Quest Energy, ARC was able to acquire coal mining and coal processing operations, substantially all located in eastern Kentucky and western West Virginia. On November 25, 2020, Quest Energy changed its name to American Carbon Corp. On December 27, 2024, American Carbon changed its name to American Infrastructure Corporation (American Infrastructure Corporation).
American Infrastructure Corporation currently has seven coal mining and processing operating subsidiaries: McCoy Elkhorn Coal LLC (doing business as McCoy Elkhorn Coal Company) (McCoy Elkhorn), Knott County Coal LLC (Knott County Coal), Deane Mining, LLC (Deane Mining), Wyoming County Coal LLC (Wyoming County), Perry County Resources (Perry County) located in eastern Kentucky and western West Virginia within the Central Appalachian coal basin, and ERC Mining Indiana Corporation (ERC) located in southwest Indiana within the Illinois coal basin. The coal deposits under control by the Company are generally comprise of metallurgical coal (used for steel making), pulverized coal injections (used in the steel making process) and high-BTU, low sulfur, low moisture bituminous coal used for a variety of uses within several industries, including industrial customers and specialty products.
Efforts to diversify revenue streams have led to the establishment of additional subsidiaries; Electrified Materials Corporation (EMC) which is focused on the aggregation, recovery and sale of recovered metal and steel and American Rare Earth LLC (ARE) which is focused on the purification and monetization of critical and rare earth element deposits and end of life magnets and batteries. During 2024, American Rare Earth LLC changed its name to ReElement Technologies LLC (ReElement). During 2024, ReElement filed and changed from a limited liability company to a corporation.
We have not classified, and as a result, do not have any “proven” or “probable” reserves as defined in United States Securities and Exchange Commission Items 1300 through 1305 of Regulation S-K, and as a result, our company and its business activities are deemed to be in the exploration stage until mineral reserves are defined on our properties.
Since mid-2019, we have not mined or sold coal which is sold into the thermal coal markets. Due to adverse market conditions all mining operations are currently idled. Should mining operations commence, all production and future investment will be for the mining of metallurgical coal. The following table is presented for historical purposes.
Historic Metallurgical Coal Prices |
|
| Historic CAPP Thermal Coal Prices |
| ||||||
Year End |
| Hampton Road Index HCC - High |
|
| Year End |
| Big Sandy / Kanawha Rate District |
| ||
2014 |
| $ | 100.35 |
|
| 2014 |
| $ | 56.00 |
|
2015 |
| $ | 80.25 |
|
| 2015 |
| $ | 45.55 |
|
2016 |
| $ | 223.00 |
|
| 2016 |
| $ | 50.65 |
|
2017 |
| $ | 210.00 |
|
| 2017 |
| $ | 60.90 |
|
2018 |
| $ | 205.34 |
|
| 2018 |
| $ | 68.12 |
|
2019 |
| $ | 135.00 |
|
| 2019 |
| $ | 60.30 |
|
2020 |
| $ | 101.00 |
|
| 2020 |
| $ | 54.35 |
|
2021 |
| $ | 342.00 |
|
| 2021 |
| $ | 92.50 |
|
2022 |
| $ | 364.53 |
|
| 2022 |
| $ | 148.57 |
|
2023 |
| $ | 327.00 |
|
| 2023 |
| $ | 78.65 |
|
2024 |
| $ | 310.00 |
|
| 2024 |
| $ | 75.25 |
|
| 4 |
| Table of Contents |
McCoy Elkhorn Coal LLC
General:
Located primarily within Pike County, Kentucky, McCoy Elkhorn is currently comprised of three mines in “idle” status (Mine #15 and the Carnegie 1 and Carnegie 2 Mines), two coal preparation facilities (Bevins #1 and Bevins #2), and other mines and permits in various stages of development or reclamation. The address for the Bevins #1 and #2 preparation facilities is 2069 Highway 194 E Meta, KY 41501.
When operating, McCoy Elkhorn has historically sold its coal to a variety of customers, both domestically and internationally, primarily to the steel making industry as a high-vol “B” coal or blended coal. Due to adverse market conditions, Mine #15 was in idle status during 2023 and 2024 and the mining operations at Carnegie 1 and 2 were idled during 2023.
Approximate coal deposits owned and leased as of December 31, 2024 are 0 tons and 11,108,724 tons, respectively. Current leases contain minimum annual payments of $20,000 and production royalty payments based on gross sales price.
Mines:
Mine #15 is an underground mine in the Millard (also known as Glamorgan) coal seam and located near Meta, Kentucky. When operating, coal is mined via room-and-pillar mining methods using continuous miners and belted directly from the stockpile to McCoy Elkhorn’s coal preparation facility. Mine #15 has the estimated capacity to produce up to approximately 40,000 tons per month of coal. The mineral available is leased from various 3rd party mineral holders. Coal mined from the lease requires a payment of greater of $2.50 per ton or 5% of gross sales price.
Within the McCoy Elkhorn subsidiary, Carnegie 1 is deemed material under Items 1304 of Regulation S-K. The Carnegie 1 is an underground mine in the Alma and Upper Alma coal seams and located near Kimper, Kentucky. When operating, coal is mined via room-and-pillar mining methods utilizing a continuous miner with the estimated capacity to produce up to approximately 10,000 tons per month of coal. The coal is stockpiled on-site and trucked approximately 7 miles to McCoy Elkhorn’s preparation facilities. In 2023, Carnegie 1 produced approximately 67,000 tons and sold at an average of $180 per ton. The mineral mined is leased from a 3rd party professional mineral company with lease payments based on the greater of $1.75 per ton or 6% of gross sales price.
Carnegie 2 is also an underground mine in the Alma and Upper Alma coal seams and located near Kimper, Kentucky. When operating, coal is mined via room-and-pillar mining methods utilizing a continuous miner with the estimated capacity to produce up to approximately 10,000 tons per month of coal. The coal is stockpiled on-site and trucked approximately 7 miles to McCoy Elkhorn’s preparation facilities. In 2023, the Carnegie 2 Mine produced approximately 13,000 tons and sold at an average of $237 per ton. The mineral being mined is leased from a 3rd party professional mineral company with lease payments based on the greater of $1.75 per ton or 6% of gross sales price.
| 5 |
| Table of Contents |
Processing & Transportation:
The Bevins #1 Preparation Plant is an 800 ton-per hour coal preparation facility located near Meta, Kentucky, across the road from Mine #15. Bevins #1 has raw coal stockpile storage of approximately 25,000 tons and clean coal stockpile storage of 100,000 tons of coal. The Bevins #1 facility has a fine coal circuit and a stoker circuit that allows for enhance coal recovery and various coal sizing options depending on the needs of the customer.
The Bevins #2 Preparation Plant is on the same permit site as Bevins #1 and is a 500 ton-per-hour processing facility with fine coal recovery and a stoker circuit for coal sizing options. Bevins #2 has raw coal stockpile storage of 25,000 tons of coal and a clean coal stockpile storage of 45,000 tons of coal.
Both Bevins #1 and Bevins #2 have a batch-weight loadout and rail spur for loading coal into trains for rail shipments. The spur has storage for 110 rail cars and is serviced by CSX Transportation and is located on CSX’s Big Sandy, Coal Run Subdivision. Both Bevins #1 and Bevins #2 have coarse refuse and slurry impoundments called Big Groundhog and Lick Branch. While the Big Groundhog impoundment is nearing the end of its useful life, the Lick Branch impoundment has significant operating life and will be able to provide for coarse refuse and slurry storage for the foreseeable future at Bevins #1 and Bevins #2. Coarse refuse from Bevins #1 and Bevins #2 is belted to the impoundments. Both Bevins #1 and Bevins #2 are facilities owned by McCoy Elkhorn, subject to certain restrictions present in the agreement between McCoy Elkhorn and the surface land owner.
Although currently idle, Bevins #1 and Bevins #2, as well as the rail loadout no work is required beyond routine maintenance to recommence operations. The 2017 purchase price allocated to the McCoy Elkhorn properties was approximately $95,000.
Due to the processing storage capacity at Bevins #1 and Bevins #2 Preparation Plants, McCoy Elkhorn has the capacity to process, store, and load coal for other regional coal producers for agreed to fees.
Additional Permits:
In addition to the above mines, McCoy Elkhorn holds 11 additional coal mining permits that are idled operations or in various stages of reclamation. For these other idle coal mining operations, McCoy Elkhorn will determine which coal mines to bring back into production, if any, as the coal market changes, and there are currently no other idled mines within McCoy Elkhorn that are slated to go into production in the foreseeable future. Any idled mines that are brought into production would require significant upfront capital investment, and there is no assurance of the feasibility of any such new operations.
Below is a map showing the material properties at McCoy Elkhorn:
| 6 |
| Table of Contents |
Knott County Coal LLC
General:
Located primarily within Knott County, Kentucky (but with additional idled permits in Leslie County, Perry County, and Breathitt County, Kentucky), Knott County Coal is comprised of one idled mine (the Wayland Surface Mine) and 22 idled mining permits (or permits in reclamation), including the permits associated with the idled Supreme Energy Preparation Plant. The idled mining permits are either in various stages of planning, idle status or reclamation. The idled mines at are primarily underground mines that utilize room-and-pillar mining. Approximate coal deposits owned and leased are 0 tons and 3,207,000 tons, respectively. The current leases contain production royalty payments based on the greater of $1.50 per clean ton or 6% of gross sales price.
Mines:
The Wayland Surface Mine is a surface waste-rock reprocessing mine in a variety of coal seams (primarily the Upper Elkhorn 1 coal seam) located near Wayland, Kentucky. When operating, coal is mined via area mining through the reprocessing of previously processed coal, and the coal is trucked approximately 22 miles to the Mill Creek Preparation Plant at Deane Mining, where it is processed and sold. The mine has an estimated capacity to produce up to approximately 15,000 tons per month of coal and started production in mid-2018 with nominal coal extracted and sold as thermal coal. Since 2022, mining operations have been idle due to the company's focus on the metallurgical and industrial markets and adverse market conditions.
Other potential customers of Knott County Coal include industrial customers, specialty customers and utilities for electricity generation, although no definitive sales have been identified yet.
Processing & Transportation:
The idled Supreme Energy Preparation Plant is a 400 ton-per-hour coal preparation facility with a fine coal circuit located in Kite, Kentucky. The Bates Branch rail loadout associated with the Supreme Energy Preparation Plant is a batch-weigh rail loadout with 220 rail car storage capacity and serviced by CSX Transportation in their Big Sandy rate district. When operating, coarse refuse is trucked to the Kings Branch impoundment, which is approximately one mile from the Supreme Energy facility, and slurry is piped from the Supreme Energy facility to the Kings Branch impoundment.
The Supreme Energy Preparation Plant is owned by Knott County Coal, subject to certain restrictions present in the agreement between Knott County Coal and the surface landowner, Land Resources & Royalties LLC. During 2024 components of the Supreme Energy Preparation Plant have been transferred as part of the WCC development.
The Company acquired the Supreme Energy Preparation Plants as an idled facility, and since acquisition, no work has been performed at the facility other than minor maintenance. Both the Supreme Energy Preparation Plant and the rail loadout are idled and would require an undetermined amount of work and capital to bring them into operation. The purchase price allocated of the Knott County Coal property was approximately $286,000.
Additional Permits:
In addition to the above mines, Knott County Coal holds 20 additional coal mining permits, idled or in various stages of reclamation. Any idled mines that are brought into production would require significant upfront capital investment and there is no assurance of the feasibility of any such new operations.
| 7 |
| Table of Contents |
Below is a map showing the location of the idled Supreme Energy Prep Plant, Raven Prep Plant, Loadouts, and plant impoundments at Knott County Coal:
Deane Mining LLC
General:
Located within Letcher County and Knott County, Kentucky, Deane Mining LLC is comprised of one active underground coal mine (the Access Energy Mine), one active surface mine (Razorblade Surface) and one active coal preparation facility called Mill Creek Preparation Plant, along with 12 additional idled mining permits (or permits in reclamation). The idled mining permits are either in various stages of development, reclamation or being maintained as idled, pending any changes to the coal market that may warrant re-starting production. The coal controlled at Deane Mining (along with our other subsidiaries) has not been classified as either “proven” or “probable” as defined in the United States Securities and Exchange Commission Items 1300 through 1305 of Regulation S-K, and as a result, do not have any “proven” or “probable” reserves under such definition and are classified as an “Exploration Stage” pursuant to Items 1300 through 1305 of Regulation S-K. Approximate coal deposits owned by Deane Mining is 0 tons and leased by Deane Mining totals 0 tons.
| 8 |
| Table of Contents |
Mines:
Access Energy is a deep mine in the Elkhorn 3 coal seam and located in Deane, Kentucky. Access Energy is mined via room-and-pillar mining methods using continuous miners, and the coal is belted directly from the mine to the raw coal stockpile at the Mill Creek Preparation Plant across the road from Access Energy. Access Energy is currently a “company run” mine, whereby the Company manages the workforce at the mine and pays all expenses of the mine. The Company acquired Access Energy as an idled mine, and since acquisition, the primary work completed at Access Energy by the Company includes mine rehabilitation work in preparation for production, air ventilation enhancements primarily through brattice work, and installing underground mining infrastructure as the mine advances due to coal extraction. Access Energy has the estimated capacity to produce up to approximately 20,000 tons per month of coal. In 2024, Access Energy produced approximately 0 tons. In 2024, Access Energy produced approximately 0 tons. During 2019, the permit related to the Access Energy mine was idled and is not expected to produce again under the Company’s control due to the continued focused on the metallurgical and industrial markets.
Razorblade Surface is a surface mine currently mining the Hazard 4 and Hazard 4 Rider coal seams and located in Deane, Kentucky. Razorblade Surface is mined via contour, auger, and highwall mining methods, and the coal is stockpiled on site where it trucked to the Mill Creek Preparation Plant approximately one mile away for processing. Razorblade Surface is run as both a contractor mine and as a “company run” mine for coal extraction and began extracting coal in spring of 2018. Coal produced from Razorblade Surface is trucked approximately one mile to the Mill Creek Preparation Plant. The Company acquired the Razorblade Surface mine as a new, undisturbed mine, and since acquisition, the primary work completed at Razorblade Surface has been some initial engineering work and removing overburden to access the coal. Razorblade Surface mine has the estimated capacity to produce up to approximately 8,000 tons per month of coal and started production in mid-2018 with nominal coal extracted and sold as thermal coal. During 2019, the permit related to the Access Energy mine was idled and is not expected to produce again under the Company’s control due to the continued focused on the metallurgical and industrial markets.
The coal production from Deane Mining LLC was currently sold a utility located in southeast United States under a contract that expired December 2018 and extended until June 2019, along with coal sold in the spot market. Deane Mining is in discussions with various customers to sell additional production from Access Energy, Razorblade, and Wayland Surface mines, combined with other potential regional coal production, as pulverized coal injection (PCI) to steel mills, industrial coal, and thermal coal to other utilities for electricity generation.
Processing & Transportation:
The Mill Creek Preparation Plant is an 800 ton-per-hour coal preparation facility located in Deane, Kentucky. The associated Rapid Loader rail loadout is a batch-weight rail loadout with 110 car storage capacity and services by CSX Transportation in their Big Sandy and Elkhorn rate districts. The Mill Creek Preparation Plant is owned by Deane Mining, subject to certain restrictions present in the agreement between Deane Mining and the surface landowner, Land Resources & Royalties LLC. We are currently utilizing less than 10% of the available processing capacity of the Mill Creek Preparation Plant.
Both the Mill Creek Preparation Plant and the rail loadout are operational, and any work required on any of the plant or loadouts would be routine maintenance. The allocated cost of for the property at Deane Mining paid by the Company is $1,569,641.
Additional Permits:
In addition to the above mines and preparation facility, Deane Mining holds 12 additional coal mining permits that are in development, idled or in various stages of reclamation. Any idled mines that are brought into production would require significant upfront capital investment and there is no assurance of the feasibility of any such new operations.
| 9 |
| Table of Contents |
Below is a map showing the material properties at Deane Mining:
Wyoming County Coal LLC
General:
Located within Wyoming County, West Virginia, Wyoming County Coal (WCC) is comprised of two idled underground mining permits and the three permits associated with the idled Pioneer Preparation Plant, the Hatcher rail loadout, and Simmons Fork Refuse Impoundment. The two idled mining permits are undisturbed underground mines that are anticipated to utilize room-and-pillar mining. Approximate coal deposits owned and leased are 5,668,00 tons and 0 tons, respectively.
Mines:
The mining permits held by WCC are in various stages of planning and development with no mines currently in production.
Potential customers of WCC would include steel mills in the United States or international marketplace although no definitive sales have been identified yet.
| 10 |
| Table of Contents |
Processing & Transportation:
The idled Pioneer Preparation Plant is a 350 ton-per-hour coal preparation facility located near Oceana, West Virginia. The Hatcher rail loadout associated with the Pioneer Preparation Plant is a rail loadout serviced by Norfolk Southern Corporation. When operating, the refuse from the preparation facility will be trucked to the Simmons Fork Refuse Impoundment, which is approximately 1.0 mile from the Pioneer Preparation facility. The preparation plant utilizes a belt press technology which eliminates the need for pumping slurry into a slurry pond for storage within an impoundment.
In June 2023, WCC closed on an Industrial Development Bond in the amount of $45,000,000 for the purpose of financing the development of the permits and infrastructure. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, approximately $32,500,000 and $9,500,000 of the $36,500,000 initial project fund have been expended, respectively. Due to a delay in government approvals and the expansion of rare earth concentrations it is undeterminable as to when meaningful operations will commence and the additional capital expenditures required.
In connection with the Industrial Development Bond financing, the Company is in the process of upgrading and redeveloping the preparation facility to a modern 350 ton per hour preparation facility and upgrading the rail load out facility to a modern batch weight load out system.
The Company acquired the Pioneer Preparation Plant as an idled facility. The purchase price allocated to the Wyoming County Coal property was approximately $22,300,000 of which approximately $22,100,000 was settled with shares of the Company’s Class A Common stock. The remaining portion was satisfied in the form of a convertible note which was converted to Company common stock in December 2020.
Permits:
Wyoming County Coal holds two coal mining permits that are in the development phase including faceup and infrastructure work and three permits associated with the idled Pioneer Preparation Plant, the Hatcher rail loadout, and Simmons Fork Refuse Impoundment.
Below is a map showing the location of the idled Pioneer Prep Plant, Hatcher rail Loadout, and Simmons Fork Refuse Impoundment at Wyoming County Coal:
| 11 |
| Table of Contents |
Perry County Resources LLC
General:
Located primarily within Perry County, Kentucky, Perry County Resources LLC is comprised of one idled underground mine (the E4-2 mine) and one idled coal processing facility called the Davidson Branch Preparation Plant, along with two additional idled underground mining permits. The E4-2 mine and Davidson Branch Preparation Plan are located at 1845 KY-15 Hazard, KY 41701.
The two idled mining permits are for underground mines and have been actively mined in the past and being maintained as idled, pending any changes to the coal market that may warrant re-starting production. Approximate coal deposits owned and leased are 0 tons and 58,100,000 tons. The current leases contain minimum annual payments of $12,000 and production royalty payments ranging from 6% to 7% of gross sales price.
Mines:
Within the Perry County subsidiary, E4-2 mine is deemed material under Items 1304 of Regulation S-K. The E4-2 mine is an underground mine in the Elkhorn 4 (aka the Amburgy) coal seam located near the town of Hazard, Kentucky. When operating, coal is mined via room-and-pillar mining methods using both continuous miners and continuous haulage systems, and the coal is belted directly from the mine to the raw coal stockpile at the Davidson Branch Preparation Plant less than a mile away. The E4-2 mine has the estimated capacity to produce up to approximately 80,000 tons per month of coal. The mineral available is partially owned by the Company and partially leased from various mineral holders. The lease terms are the greater of $1.50 per ton or 6% of gross sales price.
In 2022, the E4-2 mine produced approximately 106,000 tons and sold the coal at an average price of $153 per ton. During the period of ownership by the Company, 100% of the coal sold was sold as industrial stoker and PCI. Since the end of 2022, the mine has been idle due to adverse market conditions.
Processing and Transportation:
The Davidson Branch Preparation Plant is a 1,300 ton-per-hour coal preparation facility located near Hazard, Kentucky. The associated “Bluegrass 4” rail loadout is a batch-weight rail loadout with 135 car storage capacity and services by CSX Transportation in their Hazard/Elkhorn rate district. The Davidson Branch Preparation Plant is owned by Perry County Resources. With mining operations currently idle, the preparation plan is not currently operating.
Both the Davidson Branch Preparation Plant and the rail loadout have been maintained should operations commence in a future period. The purchase price allocated to Perry County Resources property was approximately $1,551,000.
Additional Permits:
In addition to the above mine, preparation facility, and related permits, Perry County Resources had four additional coal mining permits that are idled or in development stage. Any idled mines that are brought into production would require significant upfront capital investment and there is no assurance of the feasibility of any such new operations. Three of the idled permits were sold to an unrelated entity on March 4, 2020 for $700,000 cash and $300,000 of value for equipment.
The transfer of any new permits to the Company is subject to regulatory approval. This approval is subject to the review of both unabated or uncorrected violations that are listed on the Applicator Violator List. The Company, to include several of its subsidiaries, does have unabated and/or uncorrected violations that are listed on the Applicator Violator List. Should the state regulators believe that the Company is not in the process of abating or correcting the currently outstanding issues associated with their currently held permits they may choose not to issue the Company any new permits until such issues are properly rectified.
| 12 |
| Table of Contents |
Below is a map showing the location of the Davidson Prep Plant, Bluegrass 4 rail Loadout, and E4-2 Mine at Perry County Resources:
ERC Mining Indiana Corporation (the Gold Star Mine)
General:
Located primarily within Greene and Sullivan Counties, Indiana, ERC Mining Indiana Corporation (“ERC”) is currently comprised of one idled underground mine (the Gold Star Mine), one idled coal preparation plant and rail loadout. ERC sold its coal in the past as thermal coal to utilities. The Company does not plan to mine the property and purchased it for monetization of infrastructure assets and to reclaim the property which has been ongoing through 2024. The Company is facilitating the full reclamation and remediation of the former mine site.
Approximate coal deposits owned and leased are 0 tons and 4,383,298 tons, respectively. All of the deposits are in reclamation.
Mines:
The Gold Star Mine is an underground mine in the Indiana IV (aka the Survant) coal seam located near the town of Jasonville, Indiana. Currently idled, the Gold Star Mine has been mined in the past via room-and-pillar mining methods using continuous miners, and the coal is belted directly from the mine to the raw coal stockpile at the preparation plant less than a mile away.
| 13 |
| Table of Contents |
Processing and Transportation:
The idled preparation plant is a 165 ton-per-hour coal preparation facility located near the underground mine portal. The rail loadout associated with the preparation plant is a rail loadout serviced by the Indiana Rail Road. The preparation plant has a coarse refuse and slurry impoundment. There was no purchase price allocated to the Gold Star property.
Permits:
ERC holds one permit that covers the Gold Star Mine, processing plant, rail loadout, and related infrastructure which are in reclamation status.
Mineral and Surface Leases
Coal mining and processing involves the extraction of coal (mineral) and the use of surface property incidental to such extraction and processing. With the exception of Wyoming County Coal, all of the mineral and surface related to the Company’s coal mining operations are leased from various mineral and surface owners (the “Leases”). The Company’s operating subsidiaries, collectively, are parties to approximately 200 various Leases and other agreements required for the Company’s coal mining and processing operations. The Leases are with a variety of Lessors, from individuals to professional land management firms such as the Roadrunner Land Company. In some instances, the Company has leases with Land Resources & Royalties LLC (LRR), a professional leasing firm that is an entity wholly owned by Wabash Enterprises, an entity owned by members of the Company’s management.
Coal Sales
ARC sells its coal to domestic and international customers, some which blend ARC’s coal at east coast ports with other qualities of coal for export. During the year ended December 31, 2023, coal sales came from the Company’s Carnegie 1 and 2 mines. During the year ended December 31, 2024, there was no meaningful sales from coal production. The Company may, at times, purchase coal from other regional producers to sell on its contracts.
Coal sales at the Company are primarily outsource to third party intermediaries who act on the Company’s behalf to source potential coal sales and contracts. The third-party intermediaries have no ability to bind the Company to any contracts, and all coal sales are approved by management of the Company.
Met coal accounted for approximately 100% of our coal revenues in 2023. Two customers made up approximately 74% and 26% of our coal revenues for 2024.
Due to the Covid-19 global pandemic, traditional sales channels have been disrupted. As a supplier of the raw materials into the steel and industrial industries, our customers are sensitive to global fluctuations in steel demand. Demand remains constrained due to adverse market conditions amid global trade uncertainty.
| 14 |
| Table of Contents |
Competition
The coal industry is intensely competitive. The most important factors on which the Company competes are coal quality, delivered costs to the customer and reliability of supply. Our principal domestic competitors will include Corsa Coal Corporation, Ramaco Resources, Blackhawk Mining, Coronado Coal, Arch Resources, Contura Energy, and Warrior Met Coal. Many of these coal producers may have greater financial resources and larger coal deposit bases than we do. We also compete in international markets directly with domestic companies and with companies that produce coal from one or more foreign countries, such as China, Australia, Colombia, Indonesia and South Africa.
Legal Proceedings
From time to time, we are subject to ordinary routine litigation incidental to our normal business operations.
Please see financial statement Note 11 for detail on cases.
Environmental, Governmental, and Other Regulatory Matters
Our operations are subject to federal, state, and local laws and regulations, such as those relating to matters such as permitting and licensing, employee health and safety, reclamation and restoration of mining properties, water discharges, air emissions, plant and wildlife protection, the storage, treatment and disposal of wastes, remediation of contaminants, surface subsidence from underground mining and the effects of mining on surface water and groundwater conditions. In addition, we may become subject to additional costs for benefits for current and retired coal miners. These environmental laws and regulations include, but are not limited to, SMCRA with respect to coal mining activities and ancillary activities; the CAA with respect to air emissions; the CWA with respect to water discharges and the permitting of key operational infrastructure such as impoundments; RCRA with respect to solid and hazardous waste management and disposal, as well as the regulation of underground storage tanks; the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (“CERCLA” or “Superfund”) with respect to releases, threatened releases and remediation of hazardous substances; the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (“ESA”) with respect to threatened and endangered species; and the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (“NEPA”) with respect to the evaluation of environmental impacts related to any federally issued permit or license. Many of these federal laws have state and local counterparts which also impose requirements and potential liability on our operations.
Compliance with these laws and regulations may be costly and time-consuming and may delay commencement, continuation or expansion of exploration or production at our facilities. They may also depress demand for our products by imposing more stringent requirements and limits on our customers’ operations. Moreover, these laws are constantly evolving and are becoming increasingly complex and stringent over time. These laws and regulations, particularly new legislative or administrative proposals, or judicial interpretations of existing laws and regulations related to the protection of the environment could result in substantially increased capital, operating and compliance costs. Individually and collectively, these developments could have a material adverse effect on our operations directly and/or indirectly, through our customers’ inability to use our products.
Certain implementing regulations for these environmental laws are undergoing revision or have not yet been promulgated. As a result, we cannot always determine the ultimate impact of complying with existing laws and regulations.
Due in part to these extensive and comprehensive regulatory requirements and ever- changing interpretations of these requirements, violations of these laws can occur from time to time in our industry and also in our operations. Expenditures relating to environmental compliance are a major cost consideration for our operations and safety and compliance is a significant factor in mine design, both to meet regulatory requirements and to minimize long-term environmental liabilities. To the extent that these expenditures, as with all costs, are not ultimately reflected in the prices of our products and services, operating results will be reduced.
In addition, our customers are subject to extensive regulation regarding the environmental impacts associated with the combustion or other use of coal, which may affect demand for our coal. Changes in applicable laws or the adoption of new laws relating to energy production, GHG emissions and other emissions from use of coal products may cause coal to become a less attractive source of energy, which may adversely affect our mining operations, the cost structure and, the demand for coal. For example, if the emissions rates or caps adopted under the CPP on GHGs are upheld or a tax on carbon is imposed, the market share of coal as fuel used to generate electricity would be expected to decrease.
| 15 |
| Table of Contents |
We believe that our competitors with operations in the United States are confronted by substantially similar conditions. However, foreign producers and operators may not be subject to similar requirements and may not be required to undertake equivalent costs in or be subject to similar limitations on their operations. As a result, the costs and operating restrictions necessary for compliance with United States environmental laws and regulations may have an adverse effect on our competitive position with regard to those foreign competitors. The specific impact on each competitor may vary depending on a number of factors, including the age and location of its operating facilities, applicable legislation and its production methods.
Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act
SMCRA establishes operational, reclamation and closure standards for our mining operations and requires that comprehensive environmental protection and reclamation standards be met during the course of and following completion of mining activities. SMCRA also stipulates compliance with many other major environmental statutes, including the CAA, the CWA, the ESA, RCRA and CERCLA. Permits for all mining operations must be obtained from the United States Office of Surface Mining (“OSM”) or, where state regulatory agencies have adopted federally approved state programs under SMCRA, the appropriate state regulatory authority. Our operations are located in states which have achieved primary jurisdiction for enforcement of SMCRA through approved state programs.
SMCRA imposes a complex set of requirements covering all facets of coal mining. SMCRA regulations govern, among other things, coal prospecting, mine plan development, topsoil or growth medium removal and replacement, disposal of excess spoil and coal refuse, protection of the hydrologic balance, and suitable post mining land uses.
From time to time, OSM will also update its mining regulations under SMCRA. For example, in December 2016, OSM finalized a new version of the Stream Protection Rule which became effective in January 2017. The rule would have impacted both surface and underground mining operations, as it would have imposed stricter guidelines on conducting coal mining operations, and would have required more extensive baseline data on hydrology, geology and aquatic biology in permit applications. The rule also required the collection of increased pre-mining data about the site of the proposed mining operation and adjacent areas to establish a baseline for evaluation of the impacts of mining and the effectiveness of reclamation associated with returning streams to pre-mining conditions. However, in February 2017, both the House and Senate passed a resolution disapproving of the Stream Protection Rule pursuant to the Congressional Review Act (“CRA”). President Trump signed the resolution on February 16, 2017 and, pursuant to the CRA, the Stream Protection Rule “shall have no force or effect” and cannot be replaced by a similar rule absent future legislation. On November 17, 2017, OSMRE published a Federal Register notice that removed the text of the Stream Protection Rule from the Code of Federal Regulations. Whether Congress will enact future legislation to require a new Stream Protection Rule remains uncertain. The existing rules, or other new SMCRA regulations, could result in additional material costs, obligations and restrictions upon our operations.
Abandoned Mine Lands Fund
SMCRA also imposes a reclamation fee on all current mining operations, the proceeds of which are deposited in the AML Fund, which is used to restore unreclaimed and abandoned mine lands mined before 1977. The current per ton fee is $0.224 per ton for surface mined coal and $0.096 per ton for underground mined coal.
Mining Permits and Approvals
Numerous governmental permits and approvals are required for mining operations. We are required to prepare and present to federal, state, and local authorities data detailing the effect or impact that any proposed exploration project for production of coal may have upon the environment, the public and our employees. The permitting rules, and the interpretations of these rules, are complex, change frequently, and may be subject to discretionary interpretations by regulators. The requirements imposed by these permits and associated regulations can be costly and time-consuming and may delay commencement or continuation of exploration, production or expansion at our operations. The governing laws, rules, and regulations authorize substantial fines and penalties, including revocation or suspension of mining permits under some circumstances. Monetary sanctions and, in certain circumstances, even criminal sanctions may be imposed for failure to comply with these laws.
Applications for permits and permit renewals at our mining operations are also subject to public comment and potential legal challenges from third parties seeking to prevent a permit from being issued, or to overturn the applicable agency’s grant of the permit. Should our permitting efforts become subject to such challenges, they could delay commencement, continuation or expansion of our mining operations. If such comments lead to a formal challenge to the issuance of these permits, the permits may not be issued in a timely fashion, may involve requirements which restrict our ability to conduct our mining operations or to do so profitably, or may not be issued at all. Any delays, denials, or revocation of these or other similar permits we need to operate could reduce our production and materially adversely impact our cash flow and results of our operations.
| 16 |
| Table of Contents |
In order to obtain mining permits and approvals from state regulatory authorities, mine operators must also submit a reclamation plan for restoring the mined property to its prior condition, productive use or other permitted condition. The conditions of certain permits also require that we obtain surface owner consent if the surface estate has been split from the mineral estate. This requires us to negotiate with third parties for surface access that overlies coal we acquired or intend to acquire. These negotiations can be costly and time-consuming, lasting years in some instances, which can create additional delays in the permitting process. If we cannot successfully negotiate for land access, we could be denied a permit to mine coal we already own.
Finally, we typically submit necessary mining permit applications several months, or even years, before we anticipate mining a new area. However, we cannot control the pace at which the government issues permits needed for new or ongoing operations. For example, the process of obtaining CWA permits can be particularly time-consuming and subject to delays and denials. The EPA also has the authority to veto permits issued by the Corps under the CWA’s Section 404 program that prohibits the discharge of dredged or fill material into regulated waters without a permit. Even after we obtain the permits that we need to operate, many of the permits must be periodically renewed, or may require modification. There is some risk that not all existing permits will be approved for renewal, or that existing permits will be approved for renewal only upon terms that restrict or limit our operations in ways that may be material.
Financial Assurance
Federal and state laws require a mine operator to secure the performance of its reclamation and lease obligations under SMCRA through the use of surety bonds or other approved forms of financial security for payment of certain long-term obligations, including mine closure or reclamation costs. The changes in the market for coal used to generate electricity in recent years have led to bankruptcies involving prominent coal producers. Several of these companies relied on self-bonding to guarantee their responsibilities under the SMCRA permits including for reclamation. In response to these bankruptcies, OSMRE issued a Policy Advisory in August 2016 to state agencies that are authorized under the SMCRA to implement the act in their states. Certain states, including Virginia, had previously announced that it would no longer accept self-bonding to secure reclamation obligations under the state mining laws. This Policy Advisory is intended to discourage authorized states from approving self-bonding arrangements and may lead to increased demand for other forms of financial assurance, which may strain capacity for those instruments and increase our costs of obtaining and maintaining the amounts of financial assurance needed for our operations. In addition, OSMRE announced in August 2016 that it would initiate a rulemaking under SMCRA to revise the requirements for self-bonding. Individually and collectively, these revised various financial assurance requirements may increase the amount of financial assurance needed and limit the types of acceptable instruments, straining the capacity of the surety markets to meet demand. This may delay the timing for and increase the costs of obtaining the required financial assurance.
We may use surety bonds, trusts and letters of credit to provide financial assurance for certain transactions and business activities. Federal and state laws require us to obtain surety bonds to secure payment of certain long-term obligations including mine closure or reclamation costs and other miscellaneous obligations. The bonds are renewable on a yearly basis. Surety bond rates have increased in recent years and the market terms of such bonds have generally become less favorable. Sureties typically require coal producers to post collateral, often having a value equal to 40% or more of the face amount of the bond. As a result, we may be required to provide collateral, letters of credit or other assurances of payment in order to obtain the necessary types and amounts of financial assurance. Under our surety bonding program, we are not currently required to post any letters of credit or other collateral to secure the surety bonds; obtaining letters of credit in lieu of surety bonds could result in a significant cost increase. Moreover, the need to obtain letters of credit may also reduce amounts that we can borrow under any senior secured credit facility for other purposes. If, in the future, we are unable to secure surety bonds for these obligations, and are forced to secure letters of credit indefinitely or obtain some other form of financial assurance at too high of a cost, our profitability may be negatively affected.
Although our current bonding capacity approved by our sureties, Lexon Insurance Company and Continental Heritage, is substantial and enough to cover our current and anticipated future bonding needs, this amount may increase or decrease over time. As of December 31, 2024, and 2023, we had outstanding surety bonds at all of our mining operations totaling approximately $27.831 million and $29.692 million, respectively.
While we anticipate reducing the outstanding surety bonds through continued reclamation of any of our permits, that number may increase should we acquire additional mining permits, acquire additional mining operations, expand our mining operations that result in additional reclamation bonds, or if any of our sites encounters additional environmental liability that may require additional reclamation bonding. While we intend to maintain a credit profile that eliminates the need to post collateral for our surety bonds, our surety has the right to demand additional collateral at its discretion.
| 17 |
| Table of Contents |
Mine Safety and Health
The Mine Act and the MINER Act, and regulations issued under these federal statutes, impose stringent health and safety standards on mining operations. The regulations that have been adopted under the Mine Act and the MINER Act are comprehensive and affect numerous aspects of mining operations, including training of mine personnel, mining procedures, roof control, ventilation, blasting, use and maintenance of mining equipment, dust and noise control, communications, emergency response procedures, and other matters. MSHA regularly inspects mines to ensure compliance with regulations promulgated under the Mine Act and MINER Act.
From time to time MSHA will also publish new regulations imposing additional requirements and costs on our operations. For example, MSHA implemented a rule in August 2014 to lower miners’ exposure to respirable coal mine dust. The rule requires shift dust to be monitored and reduces the respirable dust standard for designated occupants and miners. MSHA also finalized a new rule in January 2015 on proximity detection systems for continuous mining machines, which requires underground coal mine operators to equip continuous mining machines, except full-face continuous mining machines, with proximity detection systems.
Kentucky, West Virginia, and Virginia all have similar programs for mine safety and health regulation and enforcement. The various requirements mandated by federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations place restrictions on our methods of operation and result in fees and civil penalties for violations of such requirements or criminal liability for the knowing violation of such standards, significantly impacting operating costs and productivity. The regulations enacted under the Mine Act and MINER Act as well as under similar state acts are routinely expanded or made more stringent, raising compliance costs and increasing potential liability. Our compliance with current or future mine health and safety regulations could increase our mining costs. At this time, it is not possible to predict the full effect that new or proposed statutes, regulations and policies will have on our operating costs, but any expansion of existing regulations, or making such regulations more stringent may have a negative impact on the profitability of our operations. If we were to be found in violation of mine safety and health regulations, we could face penalties or restrictions that may materially and adversely impact our operations, financial results and liquidity.
In addition, government inspectors have the authority to issue orders to shut down our operations based on safety considerations under certain circumstances, such as imminent dangers, accidents, failures to abate violations, and unwarrantable failures to comply with mandatory safety standards. If an incident were to occur at one of our operations, it could be shut down for an extended period of time, and our reputation with prospective customers could be materially damaged. Moreover, if one of our operations is issued a notice of pattern of violations, then MSHA can issue an order withdrawing the miners from the area affected by any enforcement action during each subsequent significant and substantial (“S&S”) citation until the S&S citation or order is abated. In 2013 MSHA modified the pattern of violations regulation, allowing, among other things, the use of non-final citations and orders in determining whether a pattern of violations exists at a mine.
Workers’ Compensation and Black Lung
We are insured for workers’ compensation benefits for work related injuries that occur within our United States operations. We retain exposure for the first $10,000 per accident for all of our subsidiaries and are insured above the deductible for statutory limits. Workers’ compensation liabilities, including those related to claims incurred but not reported, are recorded principally using annual valuations based on discounted future expected payments using historical data of the operating subsidiary or combined insurance industry data when historical data is limited. State workers’ compensation acts typically provide for an exception to an employer’s immunity from civil lawsuits for workplace injuries in the case of intentional torts. However, Kentucky’s workers’ compensation act provides a much broader exception to workers’ compensation immunity. The exception allows an injured employee to recover against his or her employer where he or she can show damages caused by an unsafe working condition of which the employer was aware that was a violation of a statute, regulation, rule or consensus industry standard. These types of lawsuits are not uncommon and could have a significant impact on our operating costs.
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act includes significant changes to the federal black lung program including an automatic survivor benefit paid upon the death of a miner with an awarded black lung claim and the establishment of a rebuttable presumption with regard to pneumoconiosis among miners with 15 or more years of coal mine employment that are totally disabled by a respiratory condition. These changes could have a material impact on our costs expended in association with the federal black lung program. In addition to possibly incurring liability under federal statutes, we may also be liable under state laws for black lung claims.
| 18 |
| Table of Contents |
Clean Air Act
The CAA and comparable state laws that regulate air emissions affect coal mining operations both directly and indirectly. Direct impacts on coal mining and processing operations include CAA permitting requirements and emission control requirements relating to air pollutants, including particulate matter such as fugitive dust. The CAA indirectly affects coal mining operations by extensively regulating the emissions of particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, mercury and other compounds emitted by coal-fired power plants. In addition to the GHG issues discussed below, the air emissions programs that may materially and adversely affect our operations, financial results, liquidity, and demand for our coal, directly or indirectly, include, but are not limited to, the following:
| · | Clean Air Interstate Rule and Cross-State Air Pollution Rule. the Clean Air Interstate Rule (“CAIR”) calls for power plants in 28 states and the District of Columbia to reduce emission levels of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide pursuant to a cap-and-trade program similar to the system now in effect for acid rain. In June 2011, the EPA finalized the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (“CSAPR”), a replacement rule to CAIR, which requires 28 states in the Midwest and eastern seaboard of the U.S. to reduce power plant emissions that cross state lines and contribute to ozone and/or fine particle pollution in other states. Following litigation over the rule, the EPA issued an interim final rule reconciling the CSAPR rule with a court order, which calls for Phase 1 implementation of CSAPR in 2015 and Phase 2 implementation in 2017. In September 2016, the EPA finalized an update to CSAPR for the 2008 ozone NAAQS by issuing the final CSAPR Update. Beginning in May 2017, this rule will reduce summertime (May—September) nitrogen oxide emissions from power plants in 22 states in the eastern United States. For states to meet their requirements under CSAPR, a number of coal-fired electric generating units will likely need to be retired, rather than retrofitted with the necessary emission control technologies, reducing demand for thermal coal. However, the practical impact of CSAPR may be limited because utilities in the U.S. have continued to take steps to comply with CAIR, which requires similar power plant emissions reductions, and because utilities are preparing to comply with the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (“MATS”) regulations, which require overlapping power plant emissions reductions. |
| · | Acid Rain. Title IV of the CAA requires reductions of sulfur dioxide emissions by electric utilities and applies to all coal-fired power plants generating greater than 25 Megawatts of power. Affected power plants have sought to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions by switching to lower sulfur fuels, installing pollution control devices, reducing electricity generating levels or purchasing or trading sulfur dioxide emission allowances. These reductions could impact our customers in the electric generation industry. These requirements are not supplanted by CSAPR. |
| · | NAAQS for Criterion Pollutants. The CAA requires the EPA to set standards, referred to as NAAQS, for six common air pollutants: carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, lead, ozone, particulate matter and sulfur dioxide. Areas that are not in compliance (referred to as non-attainment areas) with these standards must take steps to reduce emissions levels. The EPA has adopted more stringent NAAQS for nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide, particulate matter and ozone. As a result, some states will be required to amend their existing individual state implementation plans (“SIPs”) to achieve compliance with the new air quality standards. Other states will be required to develop new plans for areas that were previously in “attainment,” but do not meet the revised standards. For example, in October 2015, the EPA finalized the NAAQS for ozone pollution and reduced the limit to parts per billion (ppb) from the previous 75 ppb standard. Under the revised ozone NAAQS, significant additional emissions control expenditures may be required at coal-fired power plants. The final rules and new standards may impose additional emissions control requirements on our customers in the electric generation, steelmaking, and coke industries. Because coal mining operations emit particulate matter and sulfur dioxide, our mining operations could be affected when the new standards are implemented by the states. |
| · | Nitrogen Oxide SIP Call. The nitrogen oxide SIP Call program was established by the EPA in October 1998 to reduce the transport of nitrogen oxide and ozone on prevailing winds from the Midwest and South to states in the Northeast, which alleged that they could not meet federal air quality standards because of migrating pollution. The program is designed to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by one million tons per year in 22 eastern states and the District of Columbia. As a result of the program, many power plants have been or will be required to install additional emission control measures, such as selective catalytic reduction devices. Installation of additional emission control measures will make it costlier to operate coal-fired power plants, potentially making coal a less attractive fuel. |
| · | Mercury and Hazardous Air Pollutants. In February 2012, the EPA formally adopted the MATS rule to regulate emissions of mercury and other metals, fine particulates, and acid gases such as hydrogen chloride from coal- and oil-fired power plants. Following a legal challenge to MATS, the EPA issued a new determination in April 2016 that it is appropriate and necessary to regulate these pollutants from power plants. Like CSAPR, MATS and other similar future regulations could accelerate the retirement of a significant number of coal-fired power plants. Such retirements would likely adversely impact our business. |
| 19 |
| Table of Contents |
Global Climate Change
Climate change continues to attract considerable public and scientific attention. There is widespread concern about the contributions of human activity to such changes, especially through the emission of GHGs. There are three primary sources of GHGs associated with the coal industry. First, the end use of our coal by our customers in electricity generation, coke plants, and steelmaking is a source of GHGs. Second, combustion of fuel by equipment used in coal production and to transport our coal to our customers is a source of GHGs. Third, coal mining itself can release methane, which is considered to be a more potent GHG than CO2, directly into the atmosphere. These emissions from coal consumption, transportation and production are subject to pending and proposed regulation as part of initiatives to address global climate change.
As a result, numerous proposals have been made and are likely to continue to be made at the international, national, regional and state levels of government to monitor and limit emissions of GHGs. Collectively, these initiatives could result in higher electric costs to our customers or lower the demand for coal used in electric generation, which could in turn adversely impact our business.
At present, we are principally focused on metallurgical coal property development, which is not used in connection with the production of power generation. However, we may seek to sell greater amounts of our coal into the power-generation market in the future. The market for our coal may be adversely impacted if comprehensive legislation or regulations focusing on GHG emission reductions are adopted, or if our customers are unable to obtain financing for their operations. At the international level, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change released an international climate agreement in December 2015. The agreement has been ratified by more than 70 countries, and entered into force in November 2016. Although this agreement does not create any binding obligations for nations to limit their GHG emissions, it does include pledges to voluntarily limit or reduce future emissions. In addition, in November 2014, President Obama announced that the United States would seek to cut net GHG emissions 26-28 percent below 2005 levels by 2025 in return for China’s commitment to seek to peak emissions around 2030, with concurrent increases in renewable energy.
At the federal level, no comprehensive climate change legislation has been implemented to date. The EPA has, however, has determined that emissions of GHGs present an endangerment to public health and the environment, because emissions of GHGs are, according to the EPA, contributing to the warming of the earth’s atmosphere and other climatic changes. Based on these findings, the EPA has begun adopting and implementing regulations to restrict emissions of GHGs under existing provisions of the CAA. For example, in August 2015, EPA finalized the CPP to cut carbon emissions from existing power plants. The CPP creates individualized emission guidelines for states to follow and requires each state to develop an implementation plan to meet the individual state’s specific targets for reducing GHG emissions. The EPA also proposed a federal compliance plan to implement the CPP in the event that a state does not submit an approvable plan to the EPA. In February 2016, the U.S. Supreme Court granted a stay of the implementation of the CPP. This stay suspends the rule and will remain in effect until the completion of the appeals process. The Supreme Court’s stay only applies to EPA’s regulations for CO2 emissions from existing power plants and will not affect EPA’s standards for new power plants. If the CPP is ultimately upheld and depending on how it is implemented by the states, it could have an adverse impact on the demand for coal for electric generation.
At the state level, several states have already adopted measures requiring GHG emissions to be reduced within state boundaries, including cap-and-trade programs and the imposition of renewable energy portfolio standards. Various states and regions have also adopted GHG initiatives and certain governmental bodies, have imposed, or are considering the imposition of, fees or taxes based on the emission of GHGs by certain facilities. A number of states have also enacted legislative mandates requiring electricity suppliers to use renewable energy sources to generate a certain percentage of power.
The uncertainty over the outcome of litigation challenging the CPP and the extent of future regulation of GHG emissions may inhibit utilities from investing in the building of new coal-fired plants to replace older plants or investing in the upgrading of existing coal-fired plants. Any reduction in the amount of coal consumed by electric power generators as a result of actual or potential regulation of GHG emissions could decrease demand for our coal, thereby reducing our revenues and materially and adversely affecting our business and results of operations. We or prospective customers may also have to invest in CO2 capture and storage technologies in order to burn coal and comply with future GHG emission standards.
Finally, there have been attempts to encourage greater regulation of coalbed methane because methane has a greater GHG effect than CO2. Methane from coal mines can give rise to safety concerns and may require that various measures be taken to mitigate those risks. If new laws or regulations were introduced to reduce coalbed methane emissions, those rules could adversely affect our costs of operations by requiring installation of air pollution controls, higher taxes, or costs incurred to purchase credits that permit us to continue operations.
| 20 |
| Table of Contents |
Clean Water Act
The CWA and corresponding state laws and regulations affect coal mining operations by restricting the discharge of pollutants, including dredged or fill materials, into waters of the United States. Likewise, permits are required under the CWA to construct impoundments, fills or other structure in areas that are designated as waters of the United States. The CWA provisions and associated state and federal regulations are complex and subject to amendments, legal challenges and changes in implementation. Recent court decisions, regulatory actions and proposed legislation have created uncertainty over CWA jurisdiction and permitting requirements.
Prior to discharging any pollutants into waters of the United States, coal mining companies must obtain a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (“NPDES”) permit from the appropriate state or federal permitting authority. NPDES permits include effluent limitations for discharged pollutants and other terms and conditions, including required monitoring of discharges. Failure to comply with the CWA or NPDES permits can lead to the imposition of significant penalties, litigation, compliance costs and delays in coal production. Changes and proposed changes in state and federally recommended water quality standards may result in the issuance or modification of permits with new or more stringent effluent limits or terms and conditions.
For instance, waters that states have designated as impaired (i.e., as not meeting present water quality standards) are subject to Total Maximum Daily Load regulations, which may lead to the adoption of more stringent discharge standards for our coal mines and could require more costly treatment. Likewise, the water quality of certain receiving streams requires an anti-degradation review before approving any discharge permits. TMDL regulations and anti-degradation policies may increase the cost, time and difficulty associated with obtaining and complying with NPDES permits.
In addition, in certain circumstances private citizens may challenge alleged violations of NPDES permit limits in court. While it is difficult to predict the outcome of any potential or future suits, such litigation could result in increased compliance costs following the completion of mining at our operations.
Finally, in June 2015, the EPA and the Corps published a new definition of “waters of the United States” (“WOTUS”) that became effective on August 28, 2015. Many groups have filed suit to challenge the validity of this rule. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit stayed the rule nationwide pending the outcome of this litigation. On January 22, 2018, the Supreme Court held that the courts of appeals do not have original jurisdiction to review challenges to the 2015 Rule. With this final rule, the agencies intend to maintain the status quo by adding an applicability date to the 2015 Rule and thus providing continuity and regulatory certainty for regulated entities, the States and Tribes, and the public while the agencies continue to consider possible revisions to the 2015 Rule. In light of this holding, in February 2018 the agencies published a final rule adding an applicability date to the 2015 Rule of February 6, 2020. We anticipate that the WOTUS rules, if upheld in litigation, will expand areas requiring NPDES or Corps Section 404 permits. If so, the CWA permits we need may not be issued, may not be issued in a timely fashion, or may be issued with new requirements which restrict our ability to conduct our mining operations or to do so profitably.
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
RCRA and corresponding state laws establish standards for the management of solid and hazardous wastes generated at our various facilities. Besides affecting current waste disposal practices, RCRA also addresses the environmental effects of certain past hazardous waste treatment, storage and disposal practices. In addition, RCRA requires certain of our facilities to evaluate and respond to any past release, or threatened release, of a hazardous substance that may pose a risk to human health or the environment.
RCRA may affect coal mining operations by establishing requirements for the proper management, handling, transportation and disposal of solid and hazardous wastes. Currently, certain coal mine wastes, such as earth and rock covering a mineral deposit (commonly referred to as overburden) and coal cleaning wastes, are exempted from hazardous waste management under RCRA. Any change or reclassification of this exemption could significantly increase our coal mining costs.
EPA began regulating coal ash as a solid waste under Subtitle D of RCRA in 2015. The EPA’s rule requires closure of sites that fail to meet prescribed engineering standards, regular inspections of impoundments, and immediate remediation and closure of unlined ponds that are polluting ground water. The rule also establishes limits for the location of new sites. However, the rule does not regulate closed coal ash impoundments unless they are located at active power plants. These requirements, as well as any future changes in the management of coal combustion residues, could increase our customers’ operating costs and potentially reduce their ability or need to purchase coal. In addition, contamination caused by the past disposal of coal combustion residues, including coal ash, could lead to material liability for our customers under RCRA or other federal or state laws and potentially further reduce the demand for coal.
| 21 |
| Table of Contents |
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act
CERCLA and similar state laws affect coal mining operations by, among other things, imposing cleanup requirements for threatened or actual releases of hazardous substances into the environment. Under CERCLA and similar state laws, joint and several liabilities may be imposed on hazardous substance generators, site owners, transporters, lessees and others regardless of fault or the legality of the original disposal activity. Although the EPA excludes most wastes generated by coal mining and processing operations from the primary hazardous waste laws, such wastes can, in certain circumstances, constitute hazardous substances for the purposes of CERCLA. In addition, the disposal, release or spilling of some products used by coal companies in operations, such as chemicals, could trigger the liability provisions of CERCLA or similar state laws. Thus, we may be subject to liability under CERCLA and similar state laws for coal mines that we currently own, lease or operate or that we or our predecessors have previously owned, leased or operated, and sites to which we or our predecessors sent hazardous substances. These liabilities could be significant and materially and adversely impact our financial results and liquidity.
Endangered Species and Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Acts
The ESA and similar state legislation protect species designated as threatened, endangered or other special status. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (the “USFWS”) works closely with the OSM and state regulatory agencies to ensure that species subject to the ESA are protected from mining-related impacts. Several species indigenous to the areas in which we operate area protected under the ESA. Other species in the vicinity of our operations may have their listing status reviewed in the future and could also become protected under the ESA. In addition, the USFWS has identified bald eagle habitat in some of the counties where we operate. The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act prohibits taking certain actions that would harm bald or golden eagles without obtaining a permit from the USFWS. Compliance with the requirements of the ESA and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act could have the effect of prohibiting or delaying us from obtaining mining permits. These requirements may also include restrictions on timber harvesting, road building and other mining or agricultural activities in areas containing the affected species or their habitats.
Use of Explosives
Our surface mining operations are subject to numerous regulations relating to blasting activities. Due to these regulations, we will incur costs to design and implement blast schedules and to conduct pre-blast surveys and blast monitoring, either directly or through the costs of a contractor we may employ. In addition, the storage of explosives is subject to various regulatory requirements. For example, pursuant to a rule issued by the Department of Homeland Security in 2007, facilities in possession of chemicals of interest (including ammonium nitrate at certain threshold levels) are required to complete a screening review. Our mines are low risk, Tier 4 facilities which are not subject to additional security plans. In 2008, the Department of Homeland Security proposed regulation of ammonium nitrate under the ammonium nitrate security rule. Additional requirements may include tracking and verifications for each transaction related to ammonium nitrate, though a final rule has yet to be issued. Finally, in December 2014, the OSM announced its decision to pursue a rulemaking to revise regulations under SMCRA which will address all blast generated fumes and toxic gases. OSM has not yet issued a proposed rule to address these blasts. The outcome of these rulemakings could materially adversely impact our cost or ability to conduct our mining operations.
National Environmental Policy Act
NEPA requires federal agencies, including the Department of Interior, to evaluate major agency actions that have the potential to significantly impact the environment, such as issuing a permit or other approval. In the course of such evaluations, an agency will typically prepare an environmental assessment to determine the potential direct, indirect and cumulative impacts of a proposed project. Where the activities in question have significant impacts to the environment, the agency must prepare an environmental impact statement. Compliance with NEPA can be time-consuming and may result in the imposition of mitigation measures that could affect the amount of coal that we are able to produce from mines on federal lands and may require public comment. Furthermore, whether agencies have complied with NEPA is subject to protest, appeal or litigation, which can delay or halt projects. The NEPA review process, including potential disputes regarding the level of evaluation required for climate change impacts, may extend the time and/or increase the costs and difficulty of obtaining necessary governmental approvals, and may lead to litigation regarding the adequacy of the NEPA analysis, which could delay or potentially preclude the issuance of approvals or grant of leases.
| 22 |
| Table of Contents |
The Council on Environmental Quality recently released guidance discussing how federal agencies should consider the effects of GHG emissions and climate change in their NEPA evaluations. The guidance encourages agencies to provide more detailed discussion of the direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts of a proposed action’s reasonably foreseeable emissions and effects. This guidance could create additional delays and costs in the NEPA review process or in our operations, or even an inability to obtain necessary federal approvals for our operations due to the increased risk of legal challenges from environmental groups seeking additional analysis of climate impacts.
Other Environmental Laws
We are required to comply with numerous other federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations in addition to those previously discussed. These additional laws include but are not limited to the Safe Drinking Water Act, the Toxic Substances Control Act, and the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act. Each of these laws can impact permitting or planned operations and can result in additional costs or operational delays.
Employees
ARC and its operating subsidiaries, employ a combination of company employees and contract labor. The Company is continually evaluating the use of company employees and contract labor to determine the optimal mix of each, given the needs of the Company.
The Company currently has approximately 23 direct employees. The Company is headquartered in Fishers, Indiana with four members of the Company’s executive team based at this location.
Item 1A. Risk Factors.
Because we are a Smaller Reporting Company, we are not required to provide the information required by this item.
| 23 |
| Table of Contents |
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.
None.
Item 2. Properties.
ARC’s principal offices are located at 12115 Visionary Way, Fishers, Indiana 46038. We pay $8,954 per month in rent for the office space and the lease expires in June 2034. The rent is subject to escalation payments on an annual basis.
ReElement leases office space at 1716 E Pleasant Street, Noblesville, Indiana 46060 with a current monthly rent payment of $5,224. The lease agreement expires in November 2028 and is subject to escalation payments on an annual basis.
ReElement leases approximately 316,000 square feet of commercial space from LRR, a related party, for its processing facility at 3301 South Adams Street, Marion, Indiana. The current monthly rent payment is $115,773. The lease expires in May of 2063 and is subject to escalation payments on an annual basis.
Electrified Materials Corporation leases office space at 1845 Highway 15 South, Hazard, Kentucky 41701 from LRR with a current monthly rent payment of $263. The lease agreement expires in December 2028.
Electrified Materials Corporation leases outdoor storage space from LRR in Noblesville, Indiana at a monthly rent rate of $20,000. The lease expires in December 2028.
Electrified Materials Corporation leases commercial production, office and outdoor storage space at 3 from LRR at 611 South Adams Street, Marion, Indiana at a current monthly rate of $20,559. The lease expires in December 2028 and is subject to escalating payments on an annual basis.
KCC, a subsidiary of AIC, rents office space from LRR at 11000 Highway 7 South, Kite, Kentucky 41828 with monthly rent of $1,702 and a lease expiration of December 31, 2029.
The Company also utilizes various office spaces on-site at its coal mining operations and coal preparation plant locations in eastern Kentucky, with such rental payments covered under any surface lease contracts with any of the surface landowners.
The following map shows the location of our mining properties:
Item 3. Legal Proceedings.
From time to time, we are subject to ordinary routine litigation incidental to our normal business operations.
Please see financial statement note 10 for detail on cases.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.
The information concerning mine safety violations or other regulatory matters required by Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and Item 104 of Regulation S-K is included in Exhibit 95.1 to this Annual Report.
| 24 |
| Table of Contents |
PART II.
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
Market Information.
Our Class A Common Stock (also referred to as common stock or shares) is presently traded on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the ticker symbol AREC. Our common stock has been thinly traded since our Company’s inception. Moreover, we do not believe that any institutional or other large-scale trading of our stock has occurred or will in fact occur in the near future. The following table sets forth information as reported by the Nasdaq Capital Markets for the high and low bid and ask prices for each of the eight quarters ending December 31, 2024 for our common stock. The following prices reflect inter-dealer prices without retail markup, markdown or commissions and may not reflect actual transactions.
|
| High |
|
| Low |
| ||
Quarters ending in 2024 |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
March 31 |
| $ | 1.78 |
|
| $ | 1.68 |
|
June 30 |
|
| 1.59 |
|
|
| 1.48 |
|
September 30 |
|
| 0.99 |
|
|
| 0.41 |
|
December 31 |
| $ | 1.34 |
|
| $ | 0.84 |
|
Quarters ending in 2023 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31 |
| $ | 1.87 |
|
| $ | 1.19 |
|
June 30 |
|
| 2.16 |
|
|
| 1.05 |
|
September 30 |
|
| 2.12 |
|
|
| 1.20 |
|
December 31 |
| $ | 1.86 |
|
| $ | 1.21 |
|
(b) Holders
As of December 31, 2024, the Company had 131 Class A Common Stock shareholders of record holding 78,017,047 shares of our Class A Common Stock issued and outstanding. This number includes one position at Cede & Co., which includes an unknown number of shareholders holding shares of 53,816,546 Class A Common Stock. The number of both shareholders of record and beneficial shareholders may change on a daily basis and without the Company’s immediate knowledge.
(c) Dividends
Holders of common stock are entitled to receive dividends as may be declared by our Board of Directors and, in the event of liquidation, to share pro rata in any distribution of assets after payment of liabilities and preferred shareholders. Our Board of Directors has sole discretion to determine: (i) whether to declare a dividend; (ii) the dividend rate, if any, on the shares of any class of series of our capital stock, and if so, from which date or dates; and (iii) the relative rights of priority of payment of dividends, if any, between the various classes and series of our capital stock. We have not paid any dividends and do not have any current plans to pay any dividends.
| 25 |
| Table of Contents |
Public market for common stock
Effective, February 15, 2019, The Company’s Common Stock began trading on the NASDAQ Capital Market.
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities.
CLASS A COMMON STOCK
During the periods ending December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company engaged in the sale of its unregistered securities as described below. The shares of our Class A Common Stock were issued pursuant to an exemption from registration in Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933. These shares of our Class A Common Stock qualified for exemption under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933 since the issuance of shares by us did not involve a public offering. The offering was not a “public offering” as defined in Section 4(a)(2) due to the insubstantial number of persons involved in the deal, size of the offering, manner of the offering and number of shares offered. We did not undertake an offering in which we sold a high number of shares to a high number of investors. In addition, these shareholders had necessary investment intent as required by Section 4(a)(2) since they agreed to receive share certificates bearing a legend stating that such shares are restricted pursuant to Rule 144 of the 1933 Act. This restriction ensures that these shares would not be immediately redistributed into the market and therefore not be part of a “public offering.” All shareholders are “sophisticated investors” and are family members, friends or business acquaintances of our officers and directors. Based on an analysis of the above factors, we believe we have met the requirements to qualify for exemption under section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933 for this transaction.
During 2023, the Company issued 9,420,230 shares of Class A Common Stock pursuant to debt conversions.
During 2023, the Company issued 49,020 shares of Class A Common Stock pursuant to consulting arrangements.
During 2024, the Company re-purchased 86,410 shares of Class A Common Stock pursuant to stock re-purchase program.
During 2024, the Company issued 902,419 shares of Class A Common Stock pursuant to warrant conversions.
During 2024, the Company issued 595,790 shares of Class A Common Stock pursuant to debt conversions.
During 2024, the Company issued 102,500 shares of Class A Common Stock pursuant to various consulting arrangements.
During 2024, the Company issued 148,000 shares of Class A Common Stock pursuant to the exercise of stock options.
SERIES A PREFERRED STOCK
Our certificate of incorporation authorizes our board of directors, subject to any limitations prescribed by law, without further stockholder approval, to establish and to issue from time to time our Series A Preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share, covering up to an aggregate of 5,000,000 shares of Series A Preferred stock. The Series A Preferred stock will cover the number of shares and will have the powers, preferences, rights, qualifications, limitations and restrictions determined by the board of directors, which may include, among others, dividend rights, liquidation preferences, voting rights, conversion rights, preemptive rights and redemption rights. Except as provided by law or in a preferred stock designation, the holders of preferred stock will not be entitled to vote at or receive notice of any meeting of stockholders. Effective November 5, 2018, the eleven Series A Preferred holders elected to proportionally convert a total of 4,336,012 of the 4,817,792 total Series A Preferred stock outstanding into 14,453,373 common shares of the company, and as a result, 481,780 shares of Series A Preferred stock remained. On February 14, 2019, the remaining outstanding shares of Series A Preferred stock were converted into 1,509,070 common shares of the company.
Pursuant to the Series A Preferred Stock Designation, the holders of the Series A Preferred stock are entitled to three hundred thirty-three and one-third votes, on an “as-converted” basis, per each Series A Preferred share held of record on all matters to be voted upon by the stockholders. The holders of the Series A Preferred stock are not entitled to receive dividends.
The holders of the Series A Preferred stock are entitled to convert into common shares, at the holder’s discretion, at a rate of one Series A Preferred share for three and one-third common shares. Any fractional common shares created by the conversion is rounded to the nearest whole common share.
Upon our liquidation, dissolution, distribution of assets or other winding up, the holders of the Series A Preferred stock shall be entitled to receive in preference to the holders of the Common Stock a per share amount equal to $1.65 per share.
| 26 |
| Table of Contents |
SERIES B PREFERRED STOCK
Our certificate of incorporation authorizes our Board of Directors, subject to any limitations prescribed by law, without further stockholder approval, to establish and to issue from time to time our Series B Preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share, covering up to an aggregate of 20,000,000 shares of Series B Preferred stock. The Series B Preferred stock will cover the number of shares and will have the powers, preferences, rights, qualifications, limitations and restrictions determined by the Board of Directors, which may include, among others, dividend rights, liquidation preferences, voting rights, conversion rights, preemptive rights and redemption rights. Except as provided by law or in a preferred stock designation, the holders of preferred stock will not be entitled to vote at or receive notice of any meeting of stockholders. As of December 31, 2024, and 2023, 0 shares of Series B Preferred stock are outstanding, respectively. The amount outstanding as of 2017 includes 850,000 shares of Series B Preferred stock issued to investors and 53,157 shares of Series B Preferred stock issued as part of the 8.0% annual dividend that is accrued and paid in-kind, as described below.
The holders of Series B Preferred shares are entitled to no voting rights until the holder converts any or all of their Series B Preferred shares to common shares. The holders of the Series B Preferred shall accrue and pay-in-kind with additional Series B Preferred stock a dividend based on an 8.0% annual percentage rate, compounded quarterly in arrears, for any Series B Preferred stock that is outstanding at the end of such prior quarter.
The holders of the Series B Preferred stock are entitled to convert into common shares, at the holder’s discretion, at a conversion price of Three Dollars Sixty Cents ($3.60) per share of common stock, subject to certain price adjustments found in the Series B Preferred stock purchase agreements.
Upon our liquidation, dissolution, distribution of assets or other winding up, the holders of Series B Preferred shares shall have a liquidation preference to the common shares and Series A Preferred shares outstanding in the amount equal to the amount initially invested by the Series B Preferred holder in the Series B Preferred stock at the time of such investment minus the pro rata amount that has been converted into common stock or redeemed.
On November 7, 2018, all outstanding shares totaling 964,290 Series B preferred shares were converted into 267,859 common shares of the company in a cashless conversion.
SERIES C PREFERRED STOCK
Our certificate of incorporation authorizes our Board of Directors, subject to any limitations prescribed by law, without further stockholder approval, to establish and to issue from time to time our Series C Preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share, covering up to an aggregate of 20,000,000 shares of Series C Preferred stock. The Series C Preferred stock will cover the number of shares and will have the powers, preferences, rights, qualifications, limitations and restrictions determined by the Board of Directors, which may include, among others, dividend rights, liquidation preferences, voting rights, conversion rights, preemptive rights and redemption rights. Except as provided by law or in a preferred stock designation, the holders of preferred stock will not be entitled to vote at or receive notice of any meeting of stockholders.
The holders of Series C Preferred shares are entitled to vote on an “as-converted” basis of one share of Series C Preferred Stock voting for one vote of common stock. The holders of the Series C Preferred shall accrue and pay-in-kind with additional Series C Preferred stock a dividend based on an 10.0% annual percentage rate, compounded annually in arrears, for any Series C Preferred stock that is outstanding at the end of such prior year.
| 27 |
| Table of Contents |
The holders of the Series C Preferred stock are entitled to convert into common shares, at the holder’s discretion, at a conversion price of Six Dollars ($6.00) per share of common stock, subject to certain price adjustments found in the Series C Preferred stock purchase agreements. Should the company complete an equity offering (including any offering convertible into equity of the Company) of greater than Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000) (the “Underwritten Offering”), then the Series C Preferred stock shall be automatically and without notice convertible into Common Stock of the company concurrently with the subsequent Underwritten Offering at the same per share offering price of the Underwritten Offering. If the Underwritten Offering occurs within twelve months of the issuance of the Series C Preferred stock to the holder, the annual dividend of 10.0% shall become immediately accrued to the balance of the Series C Preferred stock and converted into the Underwritten Offering.
Upon our liquidation, dissolution, distribution of assets or other winding up, the holders of Series C Preferred shares shall have a liquidation preference to the common shares at an amount equal to $1.00 per share.
On November 27, 2018, 50,000 shares of Series C preferred shares were sold at $1.00 per share resulting in proceeds of $50,000 for the Company. On February 21, 2019, all outstanding shares totaling 50,000 of Series C preferred shares were converted into 122,750 shares of Class A Common Stock in a cashless exchange.
“BLANK CHECK” PREFERRED STOCK
Our certificate of incorporation authorizes our board of directors, subject to any limitations prescribed by law, without further stockholder approval, to establish and to issue from time to time up to an aggregate of 70,000,000 shares of preferred stock that is considered “blank check”. The blank check preferred stock shall be designed by the Board of Directors at the time of classification.
OPTIONS AND WARRANTS
During 2023, the Company issued 4,236,500 Employee Stock options under the current plan. The individual option awards vest over a period of 1 to 7 years.
During 2023, the Company issued 330,000 warrants under the current plan. The individual warrants vest on the grant date. The warrants have an exercise price between $1.00 and $1.81 and have an expiration date between September 13, 2023 and July 27, 2028.
During 2024, the Company issued 1,575,000 Employee Stock options under the current plan. The individual option awards vest over a period of 1 to 10 years.
During 2024, the Company issued 100,000 warrants under the current plan. The individual warrants vest on the grant date. The warrant has an exercise price of $0.54 and an expiration date of August 29, 2031.
During the period the options and warrants are outstanding, we will reserve from our authorized and unissued common stock a sufficient number of shares to provide for the issuance of shares of common stock underlying the options and warrants upon the exercise of the options and warrants. No fractional shares will be issued upon the exercise of the options or warrants. The options and warrants are not listed on any securities exchange. Except as otherwise provided within the option or warrant, the option and warrant holders have no rights or privileges as members of the Company until they exercise their options or warrants.
| 28 |
| Table of Contents |
Item 6. Selected Financial Data.
The registrant qualifies as a smaller reporting company, as defined by Rule 229.10(f)(1) and is not required to provide the information required by this Item.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
The management’s discussion, analysis of financial condition, and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and notes thereto contained elsewhere in this annual report.
Overview.
Our primary source of revenue through 2024 has been the sale of metallurgical coal and coal used in pulverized coal injection (PCI). Both metallurgical and PCI coal are essential building blocks in the steel manufacturing process.
The overall outlook of the metallurgical coal business is dependent on a variety of factors such as pricing, regulatory uncertainties and global economic conditions. Coal consumption and production in the U.S. have been driven in recent periods by several market dynamics and trends, such as the global economy, a strong U.S. dollar and accelerating production cuts.
Results of Operations.
Year Ended December 31, 2024 compared to Year Ended December 31, 2023.
|
| For the Years Ended |
| |||||||||
|
| December 31, |
| |||||||||
|
| 2024 |
|
| 2023 |
|
| Change |
| |||
Revenue |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Coal sales |
| $ | 15,002 |
|
| $ | 12,611,165 |
|
| $ | (12,596,163 | ) |
Metal recovery and sales |
|
| 108,535 |
|
|
| 66,552 |
|
|
| 41,983 |
|
Service fee revenue |
|
| 99,960 |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| 99,960 |
|
Royalty income |
|
| 159,737 |
|
|
| 556,682 |
|
|
| (396,945 | ) |
Total revenue |
|
| 383,234 |
|
|
| 13,234,399 |
|
|
| (12,851,165 | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating expenses (income) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Coal production and holdings costs |
|
| 2,526,975 |
|
|
| 8,987,598 |
|
|
| (6,460,623 | ) |
Accretion |
|
| 991,520 |
|
|
| 1,015,563 |
|
|
| (24,043 | ) |
Depreciation |
|
| 2,735,972 |
|
|
| 2,323,431 |
|
|
| 412,541 |
|
Amortization of mining rights |
|
| 1,543,226 |
|
|
| 1,222,686 |
|
|
| 320,540 |
|
General and administrative |
|
| 21,024,382 |
|
|
| 10,670,358 |
|
|
| 10,354,024 |
|
Professional fees |
|
| 2,625,898 |
|
|
| 1,542,175 |
|
|
| 1,083,723 |
|
Litigation expense |
|
| 240,658 |
|
|
| 11,067,926 |
|
|
| (10,827,268 | ) |
Production taxes and royalties |
|
| 35,533 |
|
|
| 2,995,435 |
|
|
| (2,959,902 | ) |
Development |
|
| 2,148,132 |
|
|
| 11,313,837 |
|
|
| (9,165,705 | ) |
Gain on sale of equipment |
|
| (400,000 | ) |
|
| (1,529,408 | ) |
|
| 1,129,408 |
|
Total operating expenses |
|
| 33,472,296 |
|
|
| 49,609,601 |
|
|
| (16,137,305 | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss from operations |
|
| (33,089,062 | ) |
|
| (36,375,202 | ) |
|
| 3,286,140 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other income (expense) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings from equity method investees |
|
| (409,268 | ) |
|
| (562,696 | ) |
|
| 153,428 |
|
Other income and (expense) |
|
| 221,471 |
|
|
| 170,780 |
|
|
| 50,691 |
|
Interest income |
|
| 1,101,578 |
|
|
| 30,229 |
|
|
| 1,071,349 |
|
Interest expense |
|
| (8,021,459 | ) |
|
| (1,988,074 | ) |
|
| (6,033,385 | ) |
Total other income (expenses), net |
|
| (7,107,678 | ) |
|
| (2,349,761 | ) |
|
| (4,757,917 | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss |
|
| (40,196,740 | ) |
|
| (38,724,963 | ) |
|
| (1,471,777 | ) |
Less: Non-controlling interest |
|
| 87,814 |
|
|
| 197,555 |
|
|
| (109,741 | ) |
Net loss attributable to AREC shareholders |
| $ | (40,108,926 | ) |
| $ | (38,527,408 | ) |
| $ | (1,581,518 | ) |
| 29 |
| Table of Contents |
The following table summarizes the changes in revenue generating operations:
|
| For the Years Ended |
| |||||||||
|
| December 31, |
| |||||||||
|
| 2024 |
|
| 2023 |
|
| Change |
| |||
Revenue |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Coal sales |
| $ | 15,002 |
|
| $ | 12.611.165 |
|
|
| (12,596,163 | ) |
Metal recovery and sales |
|
| 108,535 |
|
|
| 66,552 |
|
|
| 41,983 |
|
Service fee revenue |
|
| 99,960 |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| 99,960 |
|
Royalty income |
|
| 159,737 |
|
|
| 556,682 |
|
|
| (396,945 | ) |
Total revenue |
| $ | 383,234 |
|
| $ | 13,234,399 |
|
|
| (12,851,165 | ) |
Revenues
Revenues for the 2024 and 2023 were $383,234 and $13,234,399, respectively. The primary drivers of the decrease were reductions in coal sales and royalty income. Declines were due to adverse market conditions and unfavorable pricing that led to our decision to suspend coal production activities beginning in 2023.
Our coal production businesses are located in the United States with our operations located in the Central Appalachian basin of eastern Kentucky and West Virgina. Our coal sales for 2024 and 2023 were all classified as metallurgical coal (“Met”) used for steel making.
For the year ended 2024, the Company had de minimis tons of coal sold to steel making end users. For the year ended 2023, tons sold to steel making end users amounted to 67,373 tons with a realized sales price of $180.
| 30 |
| Table of Contents |
The following table summarizes the changes in operating expenses (income):
|
| For the Years Ended |
| |||||||||
|
| December 31, |
| |||||||||
|
| 2024 |
|
| 2023 |
|
| Change |
| |||
Operating expenses (income) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Coal production and holdings costs |
| $ | 2,526,975 |
|
| $ | 8,987,598 |
|
|
| (6,460,623 | ) |
Accretion |
|
| 991,520 |
|
|
| 1,015,563 |
|
|
| (24,043 | ) |
Depreciation |
|
| 2,735,972 |
|
|
| 2,323,431 |
|
|
| 412,541 |
|
Amortization of mining rights |
|
| 1,543,226 |
|
|
| 1,222,686 |
|
|
| 320,540 |
|
General and administrative |
|
| 21,024,382 |
|
|
| 10,670,358 |
|
|
| 10,354,024 |
|
Professional fees |
|
| 2,625,898 |
|
|
| 1,542,175 |
|
|
| 1,083,723 |
|
Litigation expense |
|
| 240,658 |
|
|
| 11,067,926 |
|
|
| (10,827,268 | ) |
Production taxes and royalties |
|
| 35,533 |
|
|
| 2,995,435 |
|
|
| (2,959,902 | ) |
Development |
|
| 2,148,132 |
|
|
| 11,313,837 |
|
|
| (9,165,705 | ) |
Gain on sale of equipment |
|
| (400,000 | ) |
|
| (1,529,408 | ) |
|
| 1,129,408 |
|
Total operating expenses |
| $ | 33,472,296 |
|
| $ | 49,609,601 |
|
|
| (16,137,305 | ) |
Total operating expenses decreased in 2024 as compared to 2023. This decrease was primarily attributable to decreases in coal production and holdings costs, litigation expense, production taxes and royalties and development. These decreases were partially offset by increases in depreciation, amortization of mining, general and administrative and professional. General and administrative expenses primarily consist of contract labor, payroll, facility maintenance, stock-based compensation to employees and consultants, insurance and other routine operating costs. The decrease in our coal production and holding costs is aligned with the suspension of our coal production activities beginning in 2023. The decrease in litigation expense is because in 2023, American Infrastructure recognized charges for certain litigation matters where the potential loss was assessed as probable in that year. The increase in general and administrative expenses is primarily attributable to the shift in our business from coal production to other activities including the development of RLMT technology for refining rare earth and battery elements.
The following table summarizes the changes in other income (expense):
|
| For the Years Ended |
| |||||||||
|
| December 31, |
| |||||||||
|
| 2024 |
|
| 2023 |
|
| Change |
| |||
Other income (expense) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Earnings from equity method investees |
| $ | (409,268 | ) |
| $ | (562,696 | ) |
|
| 153,428 |
|
Other income and (expense) |
|
| 221,471 |
|
|
| 170,780 |
|
|
| 50,691 |
|
Interest income |
|
| 1,101,578 |
|
|
| 30,229 |
|
|
| 1,071,349 |
|
Interest expense |
|
| (8,021,459 | ) |
|
| (1,988,074 | ) |
|
| (6,033,385 | ) |
Total other income (expenses), net |
| $ | (7,107,678 | ) |
| $ | (2,349,761 | ) |
|
| (4,757,917 | ) |
The increase in net other expense is primarily attributable to the net increase in interest expense driven by the WCC bonds being outstanding for the full twelve months of 2024 compared to approximately seven months in 2023 and the KCC bonds that were issued in March 2024.
Liquidity and Capital Resources.
Our primary sources of liquidity are derived from existing unrestricted cash, reimbursements from bond funds and other debt and capital proceeds. With the suspension of our coal production activities beginning in 2023 and the development stage of our new ReElement and Electrified Materials businesses through 2024, our sources of revenue in 2024 were primarily limited to royalty income and coal processing fees. We anticipate our ReElement and Electrified Materials new businesses to achieve increasing revenues in 2025; however, we will continue to require cash flows from financing activities to support operations and the continued development of our new business models.
As of December 31, 2024, the company has a cash balance of $604,485 and a working deficit of $73,477,808. We expect to fund our liquidity requirements over the next 12 months primarily with cash on hand and additional debt and equity financing transactions. If future cash flows are insufficient to meet our liquidity needs or capital requirements, we may be required to rationalize our expenditures or slow down efforts to further develop our new business models. We do not have any credit lines currently available to fund our liquidity requirements. Maintaining future liquidity is subject to significant uncertainties primarily related to the generation of revenues from our new business models at levels that surpass breakeven and the ability to obtain additional debt and equity financing.
| 31 |
| Table of Contents |
Cash Flows
Year Ended December 31, 2024 compared to Year Ended December 31, 2023
|
| Years Ended December 31, |
| |||||
|
| 2024 |
|
| 2023 |
| ||
Consolidated statement of cash flow data: |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Cash used in operating activities |
| $ | (22,225,352 | ) |
| $ | (20,100,929 | ) |
Cash provided by (used in) investing activities |
|
| 55,976 |
|
|
| (1,350,249 | ) |
Cash provided by financing activities |
|
| 146,661,482 |
|
|
| 45,835,111 |
|
Net change in cash and restricted cash |
| $ | 124,492,106 |
|
| $ | 24,383,933 |
|
The $2,124,423 increase in cash used for operating activities was primarily due to a $1,471,777 increase in net loss and a $3,654,193 decrease in cash flow provided by changes in working capital offset by an increase of $3,001,547 in non-cash charges.
Cash provided by investing activities during 2024 was $55,976 compared to cash used in investing activities of $1,127,427 in 2023. The change was primarily due to purchases of property and equipment, net of capitalized interest income and (expense) of $1,059,062 offset proceeds from sales of equipment of $400,000 and proceeds from short-term investments of $715,038.
Cash provided by financing activities during 2024 was $146,661,482 compared to $45,612,289 in 2023. The change was due to proceeds from tax exempt bonds, net of $149,719,203, proceeds from convertible promissory note of $1,624,860, proceeds from exercise of stock option of $156,900, proceeds from warrant conversions of $32,339, proceeds received from other financing obligations of $2,493,819 offset by repayments of other financing obligations of $7,365,639.
Capital Resources.
We had no material commitments for capital expenditures as of December 31, 2024.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
As of December 31, 2024, we had no off-balance sheet arrangements.
| 32 |
| Table of Contents |
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the amounts of revenues and expenses reported for the period then ended.
Mine development costs. Mine development costs represent the costs incurred to prepare future mine sites for mining. These costs include costs of acquiring, permitting, planning, research, and establishing access to identify mineral reserves and other preparations for commercial production as necessary to develop and permit the properties for mining activities. Operating expenditures, including certain professional fees and overhead costs, are not capitalized but are expensed as incurred.
Amortization of mine development costs, with respect to a specific mine, commences when mining of the related reserves begins. Amortization is computed using the units-of-production method over the proven and probable reserves dedicated to the specific mine.
Asset retirement obligations. We recognize as a liability an asset retirement obligation, or ARO, associated with the retirement of a tangible long-lived asset in the period in which it is incurred or becomes determinable, with an associated increase in the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset. The initially recognized asset retirement cost is amortized using the same method and useful life as the long-lived asset to which it relates. Amortization begins when mining of the specific mineral property begins. Accretion expense is recognized over time as the discounted liability is accreted to its expected settlement value.
Estimating the future ARO requires management to make estimates and judgments regarding timing and existence of a liability, as well as what constitutes adequate restoration. Inherent in the fair value calculation are numerous assumptions and judgments including the ultimate costs, inflation factors, credit adjusted discount rates, timing of settlement and changes in the legal, regulatory, environmental and political environments. To the extent future revisions to these assumptions impact the fair value of the existing ARO liability, a corresponding adjustment is made to the related asset.
Cost of Goods Sold and Gross Profit. Cost of Goods Sold for coal mined and processed include direct labor, materials and utilities. Activities related to metal recover are inherent in both direct coal labor and overhead labor and does not require additional variable costs.
Impairment of Long-lived Assets. We review our long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. These events and circumstances include, but are not limited to, a current expectation that a long-lived asset will be disposed of significantly before the end of its previously estimated useful life, a significant adverse change in the extent or manner in which we use a long-lived asset or a change in its physical condition.
When such events or changes in circumstances occur, a recoverability test is performed comparing projected undiscounted cash flows from the use and eventual disposition of an asset or asset group to its carrying amount. If the projected undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying amount, an impairment is recorded for the excess of the carrying amount over the estimated fair value.
We make various assumptions, including assumptions regarding future cash flows in our assessments of long-lived assets for impairment. The assumptions about future cash flows and growth rates are based on the current and long-term business plans related to the long-lived assets.
| 33 |
| Table of Contents |
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk.
The Company qualifies as a smaller reporting company, as defined by SEC Rule 229.10(f)(1) and is not required to provide the information required by this Item.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
The report of the independent registered public accounting firm and the financial statements listed on the accompanying index at page F-1 of this report are filed as part of this report and incorporated herein by reference.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.
We did not have any disagreements on accounting and financial disclosure with our accounting firm during the reporting period.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.
The management, with participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 12a-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. In addition, the design of disclosure controls and procedures must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints and that management is required to apply is judgement in evaluating the benefits of possible controls and procedures relative to their costs.
Based on management’s evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of December 31, 2024, due to the weakness in internal control over financial reporting described below, our disclosure controls and procedures are not designed at a reasonable assurance level or effective to provide reasonable assurance that information we are required to disclose in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. As discussed below, we plan on increasing the size of our accounting staff at the appropriate time for our business and its size to ameliorate the concern that the Company does not effectively segregate certain accounting duties, which we believe would resolve the material weakness in internal control over financial reporting and similarly improve disclosure controls and procedures, but there can be no assurances as to the timing of any such action or that the Company will be able to do so.
(b) Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.
The management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed under the supervision of the Company’s Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of the Company’s financial statements for external purposes in accordance with the U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
As of December 31, 2024, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operations of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and based on the criteria for effective internal control described Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.. Based on this evaluation, management concluded that our internal controls over financial reporting were not effective for the purposes for which it is intended. Specifically, managements determination was based on the following material weakness which existed as of December 31, 2024:
| 34 |
| Table of Contents |
Due to the Company’s insufficient number of staff performing accounting and reporting functions, there is a lack of segregation of duties within the financial reporting function resulting in limited level of multiple reviews among those tasked with preparing the financial statements, resulting in the need for adjustments.
A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of control deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our annual or interim consolidated financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Notwithstanding the determination that our internal control over financial reporting was not effective, as of December 31, 2024, and that there was a material weakness as identified in this Annual Report, we believe that our consolidated financial statements contained in this Annual Report fairly present our financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the years covered hereby in all material respects.
The management, including its Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, does not expect that its disclosure controls and procedures, or its internal controls over financial reporting will prevent all error and all fraud. A control system no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable not absolute assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefit of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any within the Company have been detected.
This Annual Report does not include an attestation report of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm pursuant to the temporary rules of the SEC that permit the Company to provide only management’s report in this Annual Report.
This report shall not be deemed to be filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or otherwise subject to the liabilities of this section, and is not incorporated by reference into any filing of the Company, whether made before or after the date hereof, regardless of any general incorporation language in such filing.
(c) Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the period ended December 31, 2024 that have materially affected the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting.
Item 9B. Other Information.
None.
| 35 |
| Table of Contents |
PART III
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.
Directors and Executive Officers.
The following individuals serve as our executive officers and members of our board of directors as of December 31, 2024:
Name |
| Age |
| Positions |
|
|
|
|
|
Mark C. Jensen |
| 45 |
| Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of the Board of Directors |
Thomas M. Sauve |
| 46 |
| President, Director |
Kirk P. Taylor |
| 46 |
| Chief Financial Officer |
Tarlis R. Thompson |
| 42 |
| Chief Operating Officer |
Josh Hawes |
| 39 |
| Independent Director |
Gerardine Botte, PH.D. |
| 53 |
| Independent Director |
Courtenay O. Taplin |
| 73 |
| Independent Director |
Mark C. Jensen (age 45) – Chief Executive Officer
Mark has been an operator, investor and consultant in various natural resources and energy businesses. He has been highly involved in the navigation of numerous growth businesses to mature businesses, working as a managing member at T Squared Capital LLC since 2007, an investment firm focused on private equity styled investing in start-up businesses. Mark has significant experience with major Wall Street firms such as Citigroup and graduated from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University with a BS in Finance and International Studies with a focus on Business. Mark also studied in Sydney Australia through Boston University completing his International Studies degree with a focus on East Asian culture and business. There are no arrangements or understandings between Mark and any other persons pursuant to which he was selected as an officer. He has no direct or indirect material interest in any transaction required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.
Thomas M. Sauve (age 46) – President
Tom has been involved a number of energy related businesses. Prior he had been an investor and partner in various natural resources assets over the last seven years including coal mining operations and various oil and gas wells throughout Texas and the Appalachia region. Since 2007, Tom also worked as a managing member at T Squared Capital LLC, an investment firm focused on private equity styled investing in start-up businesses Tom received his Bachelor’s degree in Economics, magna cum laude, from the University of Rochester, New York, with additional studies at the Simon Graduate School of Business. There are no arrangements or understandings between Tom and any other persons pursuant to which he was selected as an officer. He has no direct or indirect material interest in any transaction required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.
| 36 |
| Table of Contents |
Kirk Taylor, CPA (age 45) – Chief Financial Officer
Kirk conducts all tax and financial accounting roles of the organization, and has substantial experience in tax credit analysis and financial structure. Kirk’s main focus over his 13 years in public accounting had been the auditing, tax compliance, financial modeling and reporting on complex real estate and business transactions utilizing numerous federal and state tax credit and incentive programs. Prior to joining American Resources Corporation, Kirk was Chief Financial Officer of Quest Energy, Inc., ARC’s wholly-owned subsidiary. Prior to joining Quest Energy in 2015, he was a Manager at K.B. Parrish & Co. LLP where he worked since 2014. Prior to that, he worked at Katz Sapper Miller since 2012 as Manager. In addition, Kirk is an instructor for the CPA examination and has spoken at several training and industry conferences. He received a BS in Accounting and a BS in Finance from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University, Bloomington Indiana and is currently completing his Masters of Business Administration from the University of Saint Francis at Fort Wayne, Indiana. Kirk serves his community in various ways including as the board treasurer for a community development corporation in Indianapolis, Indiana. Kirk does not have any family relationships with any of the Company’s directors or executive officers. There are no arrangements or understandings between Kirk and any other persons pursuant to which he was selected as an officer. He has no direct or indirect material interest in any transaction required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.
Tarlis R. Thompson (age 42) – Chief Operating Officer
Tarlis overseas all operations at American Resources’ Central Appalachian subsidiaries, which includes McCoy Elkhorn, Deane Mining, and Knott County Coal. In this role, Tarlis manages the activities at the company’s various coal processing facilities and loadout, coordinates coal production at the company’s various mines, manages environmental compliance and reclamation, and is responsible for coal quality control and shipments to customers. Tarlis graduated from Millard High School in Kentucky in 2001 and subsequently worked for Commercial Testing and Engineering, working underground, performing surveying services and coal sampling. In 2002 he joined SGS Minerals, working as a Quality Control Manager. Shortly thereafter, he joined Massey Energy, working as logistics manager for coal shipments via truck and train, as well as a coal quality manager, working under Jim Slater and Mike Smith. After several years at Massey, Tarlis joined Central Appalachian Mining (CAM), in charge of lab analysis and environmental compliance at CAM’s various processing plants and loadouts. Tarlis graduated from Millard High School and has additional courses in Mining Engineering from Virginia Tech (Training), Business Administration Management from National College in Pikeville, and LECO Certified Course from West Virginia Training Institute. Tarlis does not have any family relationships with any of the Company’s directors or executive officers. There are no arrangements or understandings between Tarlis and any other persons pursuant to which he was selected as an officer. He has no direct or indirect material interest in any transaction required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.
Directors:
Mark C. Jensen – Chairman of Board & Director
Mark has been an operator, investor and consultant in various natural resources and energy businesses. He has been highly involved in the navigation of numerous growth businesses to mature businesses, working as a managing member at T Squared Capital LLC since 2007, an investment firm focused on private equity styled investing in start-up businesses. Mark has significant experience with major Wall Street firms such as Citigroup and graduated from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University with a BS in Finance and International Studies with a focus on Business. Mark also studied in Sydney Australia through Boston University completing his International Studies degree with a focus on East Asian culture and business. There are no arrangements or understandings between Mark and any other persons pursuant to which he was selected as an officer. He has no direct or indirect material interest in any transaction required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.
Thomas M. Sauve – Director
Tom has been involved a number of energy related businesses. Prior he had been an investor and partner in various natural resources assets over the last seven years including coal mining operations and various oil and gas wells throughout Texas and the Appalachia region. Since 2007, Tom also worked as a managing member at T Squared Capital LLC, an investment firm focused on private equity styled investing in start-up businesses Tom received his Bachelor’s degree in Economics, magna cum laude, from the University of Rochester, New York, with additional studies at the Simon Graduate School of Business. There are no arrangements or understandings between Tom and any other persons pursuant to which he was selected as an officer. He has no direct or indirect material interest in any transaction required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.
| 37 |
| Table of Contents |
Josh Hawes – Director
Josh Hawes is an Independent Board Director at American Resources Corporation (AREC). He brings over 15+ years of leadership experience, specializing in commodities, buy-side/sell-side investments, and advanced technologies, to assist AREC with its capital markets plan and corporate strategy. He has a vast knowledge of capital markets integration with strategic vision and vertical integration. Josh is currently the chair of the Audit and Compensation committees for AREC. His prior experience includes chief strategy officer of USA Rare Earth, CEO of Delta1x and Hawking Alpha. Hawes holds licenses spanning commodities, investment banking, public, and private securities, including Series 3, 63, 65, 7, 79, 82, and SIE. As well, Josh holds several professional designations, such as Wharton Business School’s Corporate Governance program certificate, “Maximizing Your Effectiveness in the Boardroom,” and University of Cambridge Judge Business School, “Circular Economy and Sustainability Strategies.” He is also holder of the Chartered Market Technician, Certified Hedge Fund Professional, and Qualified Family Office Professional A Wireless Software Engineering graduate from Auburn University. The Board nominated Josh to serve as a director because of his experience and relationships in the critical minerals sector, banking sector and his experience in growth businesses. He has no direct or indirect material interest in any transaction required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.
Gerardine Botte, PH.D. – Director
Dr. Botte has over 21 years of experience in the development of electrochemical processes and advanced water treatment. She has served in leadership roles for the Electrochemical Society and is currently the Chair of the Electrochemical Process Engineering and Technology Division of the International Society of Electrochemistry. Dr. Botte also serves as the Editor in Chief of the Journal of Applied Electrochemistry. In 2014, she was named a Fellow of the Electrochemical Society for her contributions and innovation in electrochemical processes and engineering. She became a Chapter Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors in 2012. In 2010, she was named a Fellow of the World Technology Network for her contributions on the development of sustainable and environmental technologies. Prior to Texas Tech, Dr. Botte was University Distinguished Professor and Russ Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Ohio University, the founder and Director of Ohio University’s Center for Electrochemical Engineering Research, and the founder and Director of the Consortium for Electrochemical Processes and Technology – an Industry University Cooperative Research Center. Her entrepreneurial spirit has led to the commercialization of various technologies and has founded and co-founded various companies to help achieve this goal. The Board nominated Dr. Botte to serve as a director because of her thought leadership in the technical innovations of in carbon and rare earth elements. She has no direct or indirect material interest in any transaction required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.
Courtenay O. Taplin – Director
Courtenay serves as Director of American Resources Corporation. He brings over 40 years of experience of sourcing and supplying iron ore, coke and metallurgical coal to the steel industry to assist American Resources with their supply chain, logistics, customers, overall corporate strategy. He has a vast knowledge of both the global and domestic marketplace where he works with both suppliers and consumers. Courtenay is currently Managing Director of Compass Point Resources, LLC which he founded in 2007. Mr. Taplin also acts as Managing Director for Clay Resources LLC, a commodities firm trading in African origin minerals and metals with sales to the world’s merchant consumers from its offices in the U. S. and Durban, South Africa. His prior experience includes Crown Coal & Coke Company and Pickands Mather & Company out of Cleveland, OH. Mr. Taplin attended Hobart College and received his degree from Case Western Reserve University. The Board nominated Courtenay to serve as a director because of his experience and relationships in the raw materials and coking sector and his experience in managing growing businesses. He has no direct or indirect material interest in any transaction required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.
| 38 |
| Table of Contents |
None of the directors have been involved in any legal proceedings that would require a disclosure under Item 401 of Regulation SK.
During the past ten years, none of our directors or executive officers has been:
| · | the subject of any bankruptcy petition filed by or against any business of which such person was a general partner or executive officer either at the time of the bankruptcy or within two years prior to that time; |
|
|
|
| · | convicted in a criminal proceeding or is subject to a pending criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations and other minor offenses); |
|
|
|
| · | subject to any order, judgment or decree, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, of any court of competent jurisdiction, permanently or temporarily enjoining, barring, suspending or otherwise limiting his involvement in any type of business, securities or banking activities; |
|
|
|
| · | found by a court of competent jurisdiction (in a civil action), the SEC or the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to have violated a federal or state securities or commodities law, that has not been reversed, suspended, or vacated; |
|
|
|
| · | subject of, or a party to, any order, judgment, decree or finding, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, relating to an alleged violation of a federal or state securities or commodities law or regulation, law or regulation respecting financial institutions or insurance companies, law or regulation prohibiting mail or wire fraud or fraud in connection with any business entity; or |
|
|
|
| · | subject of, or a party to, any sanction or order, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, of any self-regulatory organization, any registered entity or any equivalent exchange, association, entity or organization that has disciplinary authority over its members or persons associated with a member. |
None of our directors, executive officers or affiliates, or any beneficial owner of 5% or more of our common stock, or any associate of such persons, is an adverse party in any material proceeding to, or has a material interest adverse to, us.
| 39 |
| Table of Contents |
Separation of Duties of the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer and the President
Due to the inherent limitations of nonexecutive chairs, the duties of the Chairman of the Board and the Chief Executive Officer have not been separated. In order to increase objectivity and fiduciary responsibilities to the shareholders both in appearance and operation, the duties of the Chief Executive Officer and the President have been separated.
Director Independence
Currently our board of directors consist of Mark C. Jensen, our Chief Executive Officer, Thomas M. Sauve, our President, Josh Hawes, Gerardine Botte, PHD, and Courtenay O. Taplin, of which Ms. Botte and Messrs Hawes and Taplin are considered independent in accordance under the requirements of the NASDAQ, NYSE and SEC.
Limitation of Director Liability; Indemnification
Indemnity
To the fullest extent permitted by the Florida Business Corporation Act, the Company shall indemnify, or advance expenses to, any person made, or threatened to be made, a party to any action, suit or proceeding by reason of the fact that such person (i) is or was a director of the Company; (ii) is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director of another Company, provided that such person is or was at the time a director of the Company; or (iv)is or was serving at the request of the Company as an officer of another Company, provided that such person is or was at the time a director of the Company or a director of such other Company, serving at the request of the Company. Unless otherwise expressly prohibited by the Florida Business Corporation Act, and except as otherwise provided in the previous sentence, the Board of Directors of the Company shall have the sole and exclusive discretion, on such terms and conditions as it shall determine, to indemnify, or advance expenses to, any person made, or threatened to be made, a party to any action, suit, or proceeding by reason of the fact such person is or was an officer, employee or agent of the Company as an officer, employee or agent of another Company, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise. No person falling within the purview of this paragraph may apply for indemnification or advancement of expenses to any court of competent jurisdiction.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Our shares of common stock are registered under the Exchange Act, and therefore our officers, directors and holders of more than 10% of our outstanding shares are subject to the provisions of Section 16(a) which requires them to file with the SEC initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership of common stock and our other equity securities. Officers, directors and greater than 10% beneficial owners are required by SEC regulations to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) reports they file. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, none of our officers, directors or 10% shareholders failed to file any Section 16 report on a timely basis.
Code of Ethics
We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to all of our employees, officers and directors. In addition to the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, our principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer are also subject to written policies and standards that are reasonably designed to deter wrongdoing and to promote: honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest between personal and professional relationships; full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in reports and documents that are filed with, or submitted to the SEC and in other public communications made by us; compliance with applicable government laws, rules and regulations; the prompt internal reporting of violations of the code to an appropriate person or persons identified in the code; and accountability for adherence to the code. We have posted the text of our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics on our internal website. We intend to disclose future amendments to, or waivers from, certain provisions of our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics as applicable.
| 40 |
| Table of Contents |
Legal Proceedings.
To the best of our knowledge, except as set forth herein, none of the directors or director designees to our knowledge has been convicted in a criminal proceeding, excluding traffic violations or similar misdemeanors, or has been a party to any judicial or administrative proceeding during the past five years that resulted in a judgment decree or final order enjoining the person from future violations of, or prohibiting activities subject to, federal or state securities laws, or finding of any violation of federal or state securities laws, except for matters that were dismissed without sanction or settlement.
Committees of the Board of Directors
Currently, our board of directors has four committees: an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee, a Nomination Committee, and a Safety and Environmental Committee. The Audit Committee and Compensation Committee are both comprised of the three independent directors of the Company. The Safety and Environmental Committee and Nomination Committee are both comprised of Thomas M. Sauve and Mark C. Jensen. The composition and responsibilities of the three committees are described below.
Audit Committee
As required by the rules of the SEC, the audit committee consists solely of independent directors, who are Ms. Botte and Messrs Hawes, and Taplin. SEC rules also require that a public company disclose whether its audit committee has an “audit committee financial expert” as a member. An “audit committee financial expert” is defined as a person who, based on his or her experience, possesses the attributes outlined in such rules.
This committee oversees, reviews, acts on and reports on various auditing and accounting matters to our board of directors, including: the selection of our independent accountants, the scope of our annual audits, fees to be paid to the independent accountants, the performance of our independent accountants and our accounting practices. In addition, the audit committee oversees our compliance programs relating to legal and regulatory requirements. We have adopted an audit committee charter defining the committee’s primary duties in a manner consistent with the rules of the SEC and applicable stock exchange or market standards.
Compensation Committee
As required by the rules of the SEC, the compensation committee consists solely of independent directors, who are Ms. Botte and Mr. Hawes. The purpose of this committee shall be to (i) assist the board of directors in the oversight of the Company’s executive officer and director compensation programs, (ii) discharge the board of director’s duties relating to administration of the Company’s incentive compensation and any other stock- based plans, and (iii) act on specific matters within its delegated authority, as determined by the board of directors from time to time.
Nomination Committee
The board of directors formed the Nomination Committee, which is comprised of Mr. Sauve and Mr. Jensen. The purpose of this committee shall be to (i) assist the board of directors in cultivating valuable board of director nominees and (ii) navigating the onboarding for selected directors.
Safety and Environmental Committee
The board of directors formed a Safety and Environmental Committee, which is comprised of Messrs Jensen and Sauve. The purpose of this committee is to assist the board in fulfilling its responsibilities by providing oversight and support in assessing the effectiveness of the Company’s environmental, health, and safety policies, programs and initiatives. This committee will monitor the continued effectiveness of these policies and procedures by periodically reviewing the applicable environmental, health and safety laws, rules and regulations. The Committee will also perform such other functions as the Board may assign to the Committee from time to time.
| 41 |
| Table of Contents |
Item 11. Executive Compensation.
The following table sets forth information concerning the annual and long-term compensation of our executive officers for services rendered in all capacities to us during the last two completed fiscal years. The listed individuals shall hereinafter be referred to as the “Named Executive Officers.” We also have included below a table regarding compensation paid to our directors who served during the last completed fiscal year. The address for all individuals identified in the following tables is 12115 Visionary Way, Suite 174, Fishers, IN 46038.
Summary Compensation Table - Officers
(a) |
| (b) |
| (c) |
|
| (d) |
| (e) |
| (f) |
|
| (g) |
| (h) |
| (I) |
|
| (j) |
| ||||
Name and principal position |
| Year |
| Salary ($) |
|
| Bonus ($) |
| Stock Awards ($) |
| Option Awards ($) |
|
| Non-equity Incentive plan Compensation ($) |
| Nonqualified deferred compensation earnings ($) |
| All other Compensation ($) |
|
| Total ($) |
| ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Mark C. Jensen, (1) CEO |
| 2024 |
|
| 375,000 |
|
| -0- |
| -0- |
| 378,000 |
|
| -0- |
| -0- |
| -0- |
|
|
| 753,000 |
| ||
|
| 2023 |
|
| 375,000 |
|
| -0- |
| -0- |
|
| 1,221,000 |
|
| -0- |
| -0- |
| -0- |
|
|
| 1,596,000 |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Thomas M. Sauve, (2) President |
| 2024 |
|
| 300,000 |
|
| -0- |
| -0- |
| 207,000 |
|
| -0- |
| -0- |
|
| 8.417 |
|
|
| 515,417 |
| |
|
| 2023 |
|
| 300,000 |
|
| -0- |
| -0- |
|
| 915,750 |
|
| -0- |
| -0- |
|
| 8,074 |
|
|
| 1,223,824 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kirk P. Taylor, (3) CFO |
| 2024 |
|
| 300,000 |
|
| -0- |
| -0- |
| -0- |
|
| -0- |
| -0- |
|
| 26,363 |
|
|
| 326,363 |
| |
|
| 2023 |
|
| 300,000 |
|
| -0- |
| -0- |
|
| 574,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 25,298 |
|
|
| 899,798 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tarlis R Thompson, (4) COO |
| 2024 |
|
| 197,837 |
|
| -0- |
| -0- |
| -0- |
|
| -0- |
| -0- |
|
| 26,699 |
|
|
| 224,536 |
| |
|
| 2023 |
|
| 197,837 |
|
| -0- |
| -0- |
| -0- |
|
| -0- |
| -0- |
| -0- |
|
|
| 197,837 |
| ||
_____________
(1) | On October 1, 2020, the Company entered into an employment agreement, beginning January 1, 2021 and expiring on December 31, 2021, with Mr. Jensen increasing base pay to $250,000 and carrying certain performance bonuses which would be awarded by the board of directors. 60,976 options were issued under the new contract and vest immediately. 25,000 Options issued on January 28, 2021 and 450,000 Options were issued on December 13, 2021. On November 23, 2021, the Company entered into an employment agreement, beginning January 1, 2024 and expiring on December 31, 2024, with Mr. Jensen increasing base pay to $375,000 any carrying certain performance bonuses which would be awarded by the board of directors and stock options totaling 150,000. The Company issued 800,000 and 300,000 stock options in 2023 and 2024, respectively. The value in the option awards represents Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model fair market value. No bonus was awarded during 2023 and 2024. |
|
|
(2) | On October 1, 2020, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Sauve increasing base pay to $200,000 and carrying certain performance bonuses which would be awarded by the board of directors. 49,342 options were issued under the new contract and vest immediately. 25,000 Options issued on January 28, 2021 and 275,000 Options were issued on December 13, 2021. On November 23, 2021, the Company entered into an employment agreement, beginning January 1, 2024 and expiring on December 31, 2024, with Mr. Sauve increasing base pay to $300,000 any carrying certain performance bonuses which would be awarded by the board of directors and stock options totaling 100,000. The Company issued 625,000 and 225,000 stock options in 2023 and 2024, respectively. The value in the option awards represents Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model fair market value. No bonus was awarded during 2023 and 2024. During 2024 and 2023, other compensation totaling $8,417 and $8,074 included health insurance reimbursement. |
|
|
(3) | On October 1, 2020, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Taylor increasing base pay to $200,000 and carrying certain performance bonuses which would be awarded by the board of directors. 49,342 options were issued under the new contract and vest immediately. 25,000 Options issued on January 28, 2021 and 100,000 Options were issued on December 13, 2021. On November 23, 2021, the Company entered into an employment agreement, beginning January 1, 2024, and expiring on December 31, 2024, with Mr. Taylor increasing base pay to $300,000 any carrying certain performance bonuses which would be awarded by the board of directors and stock options totaling 100,000. The Company issued 450,000 and 0 stock options in 2023 and 2024, respectively. The value in the option awards represents Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model fair market value. No bonus was awarded during 2024 and 2023. During 2024 and 2023, other compensation totaling $26,363 and $25,298 included health insurance reimbursement. |
|
|
(4) | There is no employment agreement in place for Mr. Thompson. 0 Options were issued during 2024. The value in the option awards represents Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model. During 2024 and 2023, other compensation totaling $26,699 and $0 included health insurance reimbursement. |
| 42 |
| Table of Contents |
Director Compensation
(a) |
|
|
| (b) |
| (c) |
| (d) |
|
| (e) |
| (f) |
| (g) |
| (h) |
| ||
Name and principal position |
|
|
| Fees Earned or Paid in Cash ($) |
| Stock Awards ($) |
| Option Awards ($) |
|
| Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($) |
| Nonqualified deferred compensation earnings ($) |
| All Other Compensation ($) |
| Total ($) |
| ||
Mark C. Jensen (1) |
| 2024 |
| -0- |
| -0- |
|
| 378,000 |
|
| -0- |
| -0- |
| -0- |
|
| 378,000 |
|
| 2023 |
| -0- |
| -0- |
|
| 1,221,000 |
|
| -0- |
| -0- |
| -0- |
|
| 1,221,000 |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thomas M. Sauve (2) |
| 2024 |
| -0- |
| -0- |
|
| 207,000 |
|
| -0- |
| -0- |
| -0- |
|
| 207,000 |
|
| 2023 |
| -0- |
| -0- |
|
| 915,750 |
|
| -0- |
| -0- |
| -0- |
|
| 915,750 |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Courtenay O. Taplin (3) |
| 2024 |
| -0- |
| -0- |
|
| 134,597 |
|
| -0- |
| -0- |
| -0- |
|
| 134,597 |
|
| 2023 |
| -0- |
| -0- |
|
| 292,500 |
|
| -0- |
| -0- |
| -0- |
|
| 292,500 |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Michael Layman (4) |
| 2024 |
| -0- |
| -0- |
| -0- |
|
| -0- |
| -0- |
| -0- |
| -0- |
| ||
| 2023 |
| -0- |
| -0- |
|
| 1,132,500 |
|
| -0- |
| -0- |
| -0- |
|
| 1,132,500 |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dr. Gerardine Botte (5) |
| 2024 |
| -0- |
| -0- |
|
| 193,500 |
|
| -0- |
| -0- |
| -0- |
|
| 193,500 |
|
| 2023 |
| -0- |
| -0- |
|
| 292,500 |
|
| -0- |
| -0- |
| -0- |
|
| 292,500 |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Josh Hawes (6) |
| 2024 |
| -0- |
| -0- |
|
| 320,000 |
|
| -0- |
| -0- |
| -0- |
|
| 320,000 |
|
| 2023 |
| -0- |
| -0- |
| -0- |
|
| -0- |
| -0- |
| -0- |
| -0- |
| |||
___________
(1) | The value of the Option Award to Directors in Column (d) represents the fair market value of the stock options awarded using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model, and does not represent the actual cash value of the stock options to the option holder. During 2024 and 2023, 800,000 and 300,000 of options were issued to Mr. Jensen, respectively. |
|
|
(2) | The value of the Option Award to Directors in Column (d) represents the fair market value of the stock options awarded using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model, and does not represent the actual cash value of the stock options to the option holder. During 2024 and 2023, 625,000 and 225,000 of options were issued to Mr. Sauve, respectively. |
(3) | Mr. Taplin was appointed as a director on November 15, 2018. The value of the Option Award to Directors in Column (d) represents the fair market value of the stock options awarded using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model, and does not represent the actual cash value of the stock options to the option holder. During 2024 and 2023, 150,000 and 150,000 options were issued to Mr. Taplin for his service on the board, respectively. |
(4) | Mr. Layman was appointed as a director on July 16, 2020. The value of the Option Award to Directors in Column (d) represents the fair market value of the stock options awarded using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model, and does not represent the actual cash value of the stock options to the option holder. During 2024 and 2023, 0 and 750,000 options were issued to Mr. Layman, respectively. |
(5) | Dr. Botte was appointed as a director on November 23, 2020. The value of the Option Award to Directors in Column (d) represents the fair market value of the stock options using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model, and does not represent the actual cash value of the stock options to the option holder. During 2024 and 2023, 150,000 options were issued to Dr. Botte for her service on the board. |
|
|
(6) | Mr. Hawes was appointed as a director on August 16, 2023. During 2024, 250,000 options were issued to Mr. Hawes for his service on the board and chair of the audit and compensation committees. |
No retirement, pension, profit sharing, stock option or insurance programs or other similar programs have been adopted by the Company for the benefit of its employees.
There are no understandings or agreements regarding compensation our management will receive after a business combination that is required to be included in this table, or otherwise.
| 43 |
| Table of Contents |
Employment Agreements
Except for our Chief Operating Officer, we have employment agreements with the Named Executive Officers that provide for the base salaries and a discretionary annual performance bonus of up to three times their annual base salary, plus potential participation in the Company’s Employee Incentive Stock Option Plan. The payment of such bonus and/or incentive stock options shall be in the sole discretion of the Company’s Board of Directors. The in-place contracts we effective beginning January 1, 2024 and expired December 31, 2024 with one year automatic extensions effective through December 31, 2024.
Outstanding Equity Awards
The following equity awards, including, options, restricted stock or other equity incentives from the Company to current officers are as follows:
- Chief Executive Officer:
| · | November 23, 2020 to purchase up to 85,976 shares of our Company at $1.64 per share. Those options vest upon issuance. |
| · | February 3, 2021 to purchase up to 25,000 shares of our Company at $2.56 per share. Those options vest upon issuance. |
| · | December 13, 2021 to purchase up to 450,000 shares of our Company at $1.74 per share. Those options vest over 9 years. |
| · | June 28, 2022 to purchase up to 300,000 shares of our Company at $1.52 per share. Those options vest over 5 years. July 27, 2022 to purchase up to 100,000 shares of our Company at $1.94 per share. Those options vest over 2 years. |
| · | January 1, 2023 to purchase 150,000 shares of our Company at $1.32 per share. Those options vest over 4.25 years. April 19, 2023 to purchase 350,000 shares of our Company at $1.29 per share. Those options vest over 5 years. July 18, 2023 to purchase 300,000 shares of our Company at $1.95 per share. Those options vest over 5.25 years. February 8, 2024 to purchase 50,001 shares of our Company at $1.29 per share. Those options vest over 1 years. February 8, 2024 to purchase 249,999 shares of our Company at $1.29 per share. Those options vest over 5.25 years. |
- President:
| · | November 23, 2020 to purchase up to 70,732 shares of our Company at $1.64 per share. Those options vest upon issuance. |
| · | February 3, 2021 to purchase up to 25,000 shares of our Company at $2.56 per share. Those options vest upon issuance. |
| · | December 13, 2021 to purchase up to 275,000 shares of our Company at $1.74 per share. Those options vest over 7 years. |
| · | June 28, 2022 to purchase up to 175,000 shares of our Company at $1.52 per share. Those options vest over 3 years. July 27, 2022 to purchase up to 100,000 shares of our Company at $1.94 per share. Those options vest over 2 years. |
| · | January 1, 2023 to purchase 100,000 shares of our Company at $1.32 per share. Those options vest over 4.25 years. April 19, 2023 to purchase 350,000 shares of our Company at $1.29 per share. Those options vest over 5 years. July 18, 2023 to purchase 175,000 shares of our Company at $1.95 per share. Those options vest over 4.75 years. February 8, 2024 to purchase 175,000 shares of our Company at $1.29 per share. Those options vest over 4.75 years. August 29, 2024 to purchase 50,000 shares of our Company at $0.54 per share. Those options vest over 3 years. |
- Chief Financial Officer:
| · | November 23, 2020 to purchase up to 45,732 shares of our Company at $1.64 per share. Those options vest upon issuance. |
| · | February 3, 2021 to purchase up to 25,000 shares of our Company at $2.56 per share. Those options vest upon issuance. |
| · | December 13, 2021 to purchase up to 100,000 shares of our Company at $1.74 per share. Those options vest over 7 years. |
| · | July 27, 2022 to purchase up to 100,000 shares of our Company at $1.94 per share. Those options vest over 2 years. |
| · | January 1, 2023 to purchase 100,000 shares of our Company at $1.32 per share. Those options vest over 4.25 years. April 19, 2023 to purchase 350,000 shares of our Company at $1.29 per share. Those options vest over 5 years. |
- Chief Operating Officer, who was issued options under our Employee Incentive Stock Option Plan on
| · | September 12, 2018 to purchase up to 136,830 shares of our Company at $1.00 per share. Those options vest equally over the course of three years. |
| · | June 5, 2019 to purchase up to 75,000 shares of our Company at $2.63 per share |
| · | June 18, 2020 to purchase up to 500,000 shares of our Company at $1.13 per share |
| · | December 13, 2021 to purchase up to 200,000 shares of our Company at $1.74 per share. Those options vest over 7 years. |
| 44 |
| Table of Contents |
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.
The following table lists, as of December 31, 2024, the number of shares of our Class A Common Stock and Series A Convertible Preferred Stock that are beneficially owned by (i) each person or entity known to us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of our common stock; (ii) each executive officer and director of our company; and (iii) all executive officers and directors as a group. Information relating to beneficial ownership of Common Stock and our Convertible Preferred Stock by our principal shareholders and management is based upon information furnished by each person using “beneficial ownership” concepts under the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Under these rules, a person is deemed to be a beneficial owner of a security if that person has or shares voting power, which includes the power to vote or direct the voting of the security, or investment power, which includes the power to vote or direct the voting of the security. The person is also deemed to be a beneficial owner of any security of which that person has a right to acquire beneficial ownership within 60 days under any contract, option or warrant. Under the Securities and Exchange Commission rules, more than one person may be deemed to be a beneficial owner of the same securities, and a person may be deemed to be a beneficial owner of securities as to which he or she may not have any pecuniary beneficial interest. Except as noted below, each person has sole voting and investment power. Unless otherwise specified, the address of each beneficial owner listed in the tables is c/o American Resources Corporation, 12115 Visionary Way, Fishers, IN 46038.
Name and Address of Shareholder |
| Number of Shares of Common Stock Beneficially Owned (1) |
|
| Percent of Common Stock Owned |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Golden Properties, Ltd. (2) (3) |
|
| 9,102,246 |
|
|
| 11.67 | % |
White River Ventures LLC (2) (4) |
|
| 5,145,396 |
|
|
| 6.59 | % |
Midwest General Investment Company LLC (2) (5) |
|
| 4,399,501 |
|
|
| 5.63 | % |
_________
(1) | A person is deemed to be the beneficial owner of securities that can be acquired by such a person within 60 days upon exercise of options, warrants or convertible securities. Each beneficial owner’s percentage ownership is determined by assuming that options, warrants and convertible securities that are held by such a person (but not those held by any other person) and are exercisable within 60 days from that date have been exercised; |
|
|
(2) | Based on 78,017,047 shares of Common Stock deemed to be outstanding as of December 31, 2024. This percentage has been rounded for convenience; |
|
|
(3) | Golden Properties, Ltd. is the owner of several Company common stock warrants for the purchase of shares of our Common Stock, which warrants are exercisable at such company’s discretion, subject to the following limitation on amount. The warrant agreements provide that at no time may Golden Properties, Ltd. or its affiliates exercise any warrant that would result in their ownership of more than 9.99% of the issued and outstanding shares of our Common Stock on the date of exercise. Additionally, as of December 31, 2024 Alexander Lau, who is a principal of Golden Properties and a beneficial owner through Golden Properties and a beneficial owner through TAU Holdings LTD., is believed to be a holder of 199,373 Class A Common shares. Accordingly, Golden Properties, Ltd. is presently deemed the beneficial owner of 9,102,246 shares of our Common Stock pursuant to Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 13d-3, promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. |
|
|
(4) | Represents shares gifted in an exempt transaction under Rule 16b-5 by Mark Jensen for no consideration to White River Ventures LLC, which is wholly owned by a family trust of which certain members of the Jensen family are beneficiaries. Thomas Sauve serves as sole manager of this entity. |
|
|
(5) | Represents shares gifted in an exempt transaction under Rule 16b-5 by Thomas Sauve for no consideration to Midwest General Investment Company LLC, which is wholly owned by a family trust of which certain members of the Sauve family. Mark Jensen serves as sole manager of this entity. |
| 45 |
| Table of Contents |
Name |
| Number of Shares of Series A Preferred Stock Beneficially Owned (4) |
|
| Percent of Series A Preferred Stock Owned (5) |
|
| Common Stock Beneficially Owned (4) |
|
| Percent of Common Stock Beneficially Owned (6) |
| ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Officers and Directors |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Mark C. Jensen, (7) Chief Executive Officer, Director |
|
| - |
|
|
| 0 | % |
|
| 89,981 |
|
|
| 0.13 | % |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thomas M. Sauve, (8) President, Director |
|
| - |
|
|
| 0 | % |
|
| 59,988 |
|
|
| 0.09 | % |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kirk P. Taylor, Chief Financial Officer |
|
| - |
|
|
| 0 | % |
|
| 1,624,883 |
|
|
| 2.08 | % |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tarlis R. Thompson, Chief Operating Officer |
|
| - |
|
|
| 0 | % |
|
| 163,170 |
|
|
| 0.00 | % |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All Directors and Officers as a Group (4 persons) |
|
| - |
|
|
| 0 | % |
|
| 1,938,022 |
|
|
| 2.30 | % |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5% Holders |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 23,980,108 |
|
|
| 32.35 | % |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All Directors, Officers and 5% Holders as a Group (5 persons) |
|
| - |
|
|
| 0 | % |
|
| 35,535,027 |
|
|
| 34.65 | % |
____________
(4) | A person is deemed to be the beneficial owner of securities that can be acquired by such a person within 60 days from December 31, 2024, upon exercise of options, warrants or convertible securities. Each beneficial owner’s percentage ownership is determined by assuming that options, warrants and convertible securities that are held by such a person (but not those held by any other person) and are exercisable within 60 days from that date have been exercised; |
|
|
(5) | Based on 0 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock outstanding as of December 31, 2024; |
|
|
(6) | Based on 78,213,454 Class A Common Stock outstanding as of December 31, 2024. These percentages have been rounded for convenience; |
|
|
(7) | Mr. Jensen beneficially owns 89,981 shares of our Class A Common Stock through his equity ownership in Westside Advisors LLC,. |
|
|
(8) | Mr. Sauve beneficially owns 59,988 shares of our Class A Common Stock through his equity ownership in T Squared Capital LLC and Westside Advisors LLC. |
| 46 |
| Table of Contents |
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.
Transactions with Related Persons, Promoters and Certain Control Persons.
Royalty Management Co.
During January 2021, the company invested $2,250,000 for 50% ownership and became the managing member of American Opportunity Venture, LLC. (AOV) It has been determined that AOV is a variable interest entity and that the Company is the primary beneficiary, therefore AOV has been consolidated into the Company’s financial statement. As such, AOV’s sole investment in Royalty Management Co (RMCO) will be accounted for using the equity method of accounting. The sole investment was initially in American Acquisition Opportunity Inc (AMAO) a SPAC that closed its reverse merger with RMCO effective October 31, 2023. The Company recognizes the earnings or losses on a three-month lag to ensure consistency and timely filling of the Company’s financial statements. As of December 31, 2023 and 2024 the Company held 3,076,500 shares of Class A common stock in RMCO.
Novusterra, Inc.
On March 31, 2021, the Company entered into a Graphene Development Agreement with Novusterra, Inc (Novusterra), a related party, that provided a nonexclusive sublicense for fifty percent (50%) of the operating profits from Novustera’s Graphene manufacturing and marketing business activity. As part of the agreement, Novusterra’s Chairman of the Board of Directors at the time was replaced by the Company’s Mark Jensen, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors.
On August 30, 2022, we entered into a purchase agreement to sell the exclusive rights of the patent patents included in the Graphene Development Agreement for 4,000,000 common shares of Novusterra with a fair market value of $1,784,000 in stock of Novusterra. As part of the sale of the exclusive rights to the patents, Andrew Weeraratne resigned as director and CEO of Novusterra and Gregory Jensen, the Company’s general counsel, joined Novusterra as CEO and Director and Mark Jensen resigned as Chairman of the Board of Directors. Pursuant to the purchase agreement, Novusterra is no longer obligated to pay the Company fifty percent (50%) of the operating profits from their Graphene manufacturing and marketing business. However, Novusterra is still obligated to pay the Company ten percent (10%) of all revenue from the exclusive sublicense with Kenai Defense Company, LLC and for the Department of Defense under the contract that was transferred from the Company to Novusterra. Any subsequent contracts entered into by Novusterra with Kenai Defense Company, LLC and for the Department of Defense will have no future revenue allocations to the Company.
It has been determined that Novusterra is a variable interest entity and that the Company is not the primary beneficiary. As such, the investment in Novusterra has been accounted for using the equity method of accounting.
Effective March 6, 2024, the Company issued a special dividend to all stockholders on record of 91% of the Company’s ownership in Novusterra, Inc. resulting in the Company to receive 9% of future cash flows and holding 1,417,500 common shares of Novusterra, Inc. Due to the Company new ownership in Novusterra, Inc. the investment is accounted for using the cost method of accounting.
As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the carrying value of the investment was $0 and $1,598,480, respectively.
FUB Mineral LLC
On October 1, 2021, the Company contributed $250,000 for 23% ownership of FUB Mineral LLC (FUB). Simultaneously the Company issued a promissory note FUB for $350,000, this note was fully repaid as of April 15, 2022. On February 2, 2022, the Company issued a new promissory note for $535,000 to FUB with an interest rate of 10% and maturity date of February 1, 2023, which has been extended by the Company through the end of August 2024. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company had a note receivable balance of $0 and $99,022, respectively. The Company recorded an allowance for the full remaining balance of the note receivable as it was doubtful to receive payment as of December 31, 2024.
| 47 |
| Table of Contents |
Advanced Magnet Lab, Inc
On December 21, 2022 the Company issued a convertible promissory note to Advanced Magnet, Inc. (“AML”) for $280,000 with 10% interest rate that compounds monthly. The Company’s Chief Executive Officer is the director of AML. The convertible promissory note may be prepaid at any time. The Company has the option to convert the principal amounts of the convertible promissory note at a share price of $1.50 per share. The Company has not recorded any interest income related to this note due to the income deemed not probable and has held the investment at cost, which the Company expects to receive common stock upon conversion for the value of the principal balance. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company had a note receivable balance of $280,000.
Director Independence.
The Board of Directors determined that Ms. Botte and Messrs. Hawes, Taplin are independent are independent within the meaning of the listing standards for general independence of the NASDAQ Capital Market.
Under the listing standards, the Audit Committee is required to be composed solely of independent directors. The standards for audit committee membership include additional requirements under rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Board has determined that all of the members of the audit committee meet the applicable independence requirements.
To the extent required by the trading market on which our shares are listed, we will ensure that the overall composition of our Board complies with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and the rules thereunder, and the listing requirements of the trading market, including the requirement that one member of the Board qualifies as a “financial expert.”
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services.
On May 10, 2024, the Audit Committee approved the appointment of GBQ Partners LLC (“GBQ”) as the Company’s new independent public accounting firm, effective immediately. During the Company’s two most recent fiscal years, and any subsequent interim period prior to engaging GBQ, neither the Company, nor anyone on its behalf, consulted GBQ regarding either (i) the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction, either completed or proposed, or the type of audit opinion that might be rendered with respect to the consolidated financial statements of the Company, and no written report or oral advice was provided to the Company by GBQ that was an important factor considered by the Company in reaching a decision as to any accounting, auditing or financial reporting issue; or (ii) any matter that was the subject of a “disagreement” (as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K and the related instructions) or a “reportable event” (as that term is defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K).
The following is a summary of fees paid or to be paid to GBQ Partners LLC and B.F. Borgers CPA, PC, for services rendered for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2024.
|
| 2024 |
|
| 2023 |
| ||
Audit fees - GBQ Partners LLC |
|
| 212,541 |
|
|
| 173,000 |
|
Audit related fees - GBQ Partners LLC |
| $ | 24,000 |
|
| $ | - |
|
Audit fees – BF Borgers, PC |
|
| - |
|
|
| 200,000 |
|
Audit related fees – BF Borgers, PC |
|
| - |
|
|
| 10,000 |
|
All other fees |
|
| 236,541 |
|
|
| 383,000 |
|
| 48 |
| Table of Contents |
Audit Fees — This category includes the audit of our annual financial statements, review of financial statements included in our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and services that are normally provided by the independent registered public accounting firm in connection with engagements for those fiscal years. This category also includes advice on audit and accounting matters that arose during, or as a result of, the audit or the review of interim financial statements.
Audit Related Fees— This category consists of assurance and related services by the independent registered public accounting firm that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of our financial statements and are not reported above under “Audit Fees.” The services for the fees disclosed under this category include consultation regarding our correspondence with the Securities and Exchange Commission and other accounting consulting.
Tax Fees— This category consists of professional services rendered for tax compliance and tax advice. The services for the fees disclosed under this category include tax return preparation and technical tax advice.
All Other Fees— This category consists of fees for other miscellaneous items.
Pre-Approval Policy
Our audit committee was formed upon the consummation of our Initial Public Offering. As a result, the audit committee did not preapprove all of the foregoing services, although any services rendered prior to the formation of our audit committee were approved by our board of directors. Since the formation of our audit committee, and on a going forward basis, the audit committee has and will preapprove all auditing services and permitted nonaudit services to be performed for us by our auditors, including the fees and terms thereof (subject to the de minimis exceptions for nonaudit services described in the Exchange Act which are approved by the audit committee prior to the completion of the audit).
| 49 |
| Table of Contents |
PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedule.
The following exhibits are filed herewith except as otherwise noted. Exhibits referenced in previous filings by the Company with the SEC are incorporated by reference herein.
Exhibit Number |
| Description |
| Location Reference |
|
|
|
|
|
| Articles of Incorporation of Natural Gas Fueling and Conversion Inc. |
| Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed with the SEC on November 27, 2013. | |
| Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of NGFC Equities Inc. |
| Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s 8k filed on February 25, 2015. | |
| Articles of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation of NGFC Equities, Inc. |
| Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 8-K on February 21, 2017. | |
|
| Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to the Company’s Form 10-Q, filed with the SEC on February 20, 2018. | ||
|
| Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed with the SEC on November 27, 2013. | ||
|
| Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s 8k filed on February 25, 2015. | ||
|
| Filed as Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s 8k filed on November 13, 2018, incorporated herein by reference. | ||
| Bylaws of American Resources Corporation, as amended and restated |
| Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to the Company’s 8k filed on November 13, 2018. | |
|
| Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s 8k filed on October 11, 2017. | ||
|
| Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s 8k filed on October 11, 2017. | ||
|
| Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Company’s 8k filed on October 11, 2017. | ||
|
| Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Company’s 8k filed on October 11, 2017. | ||
|
| Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to the Company’s 8k filed on October 11, 2017. | ||
|
| Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.6 to the Company’s 8k filed on October 11, 2017. | ||
|
| Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.7 to the Company’s 8k filed on October 11, 2017. | ||
|
| Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s 8k filed on January 3, 2019. | ||
| Promissory Note for up to $6,500,000 dated December 31, 2018 |
| Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to the Company’s 8k filed on January 3, 2019. | |
|
|
| Incorporated herein by refence to Prospectus filed August 23, 2019 | |
|
|
| Incorporated herein by refence to Prospectus filed October 9, 2020 | |
|
|
| Incorporated herein by refence to Prospectus filed June 8, 2021 | |
|
| Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s 8k filed on May 15, 2018. | ||
|
| Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to the Company’s 8k filed on May 15, 2018. | ||
|
| Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.3 to the Company’s 8k filed on May 15, 2018. | ||
|
| Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.4 to the Company’s 8k filed on May 15, 2018. | ||
|
| Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.5 to the Company’s 8k filed on May 15, 2018. | ||
| Sublease Agreement Between Colonial Coal Company, Inc. and McCoy Elkhorn Coal LLC |
| Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s 8k filed on May 1, 2018 | |
|
| Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to the Company’s 8k filed on May 1, 2018 | ||
| Consolidated and Restated Loan and Security Agreement dated October 4, 2017 |
| Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s 8k filed on October 11, 2017 | |
| Asset Purchase Agreement between Wyoming County Coal LLC and Thomas Shelton dated November 7, 2018 |
| Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Company’s registration statement filed on February 14, 2019. |
| 50 |
| Table of Contents |
|
| Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Company’s registration statement filed on February 14, 2019. | ||
|
| Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.3 to the Company’s 8k filed on January 3, 2019. | ||
|
| Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.4 to the Company’s 8k filed on January 3, 2019. | ||
|
| Incorporated herein by reference Form 8-K filed on November 25, 2020. | ||
|
| Incorporated herein by Form 8-K filed on November 25, 2020. | ||
|
| Incorporated herein by reference Form 8-K filed on November 25, 2020. | ||
|
| Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to the Company’s registration statement filed on February 14, 2019. | ||
|
| Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to the Company’s registration statement filed on February 14, 2019. | ||
|
| Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to the Company’s registration statement filed on February 14, 2019. | ||
| Share Exchange Agreement to replace Merger Agreement with Colonial Coal |
| Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.19 to the Company’s registration statement filed on February 14, 2019. | |
|
| Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to the Company’s 8k filed on November 13, 2018. | ||
|
| Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.3 to the Company’s 8k filed on November 13, 2018. | ||
|
| Filed Herewith | ||
|
| Filed Herewith | ||
|
| Filed Herewith | ||
|
| Filed Herewith | ||
|
| Filed Herewith. | ||
|
| Filed Herewith |
101.INS |
| Inline XBRL Instance Document |
101.SCH |
| Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document |
101.CAL |
| Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document |
101.DEF |
| Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document |
101.LAB |
| Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document |
101.PRE |
| Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document |
| 51 |
| Table of Contents |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.
AMERICAN RESOURCES CORPORATION
NAME |
| TITLE |
| DATE |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Mark C. Jensen |
| Principal Executive Officer, |
| May 20, 2025 |
Mark C. Jensen |
| Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of the Board of Directors |
|
|
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
NAME |
| TITLE |
| DATE |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Mark C. Jensen |
| Principal Executive Officer, |
| May 20, 2025 |
Mark C. Jensen |
| Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of the Board of Directors |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Kirk P. Taylor |
| Principal Financial Officer, Chief Financial Officer |
| May 20, 2025 |
Kirk P. Taylor |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Thomas M. Sauve |
| Director, President |
| May 20, 2025 |
Thomas M. Sauve |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Josh Hawes |
| Director |
| May 20, 2025 |
Josh Hawes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Gerardine Botte |
| Director |
| May 20, 2025 |
Gerardine Botte, PHD |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Courtenay O. Taplin |
| Director |
| May 20, 2025 |
Courtenay O. Taplin |
|
|
|
|
| 52 |
| Table of Contents |
Supplemental Information to be Furnished With Reports Filed Pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act by Registrants
Which Have Not Registered Securities Pursuant to Section 12 of the Act
None.
| 53 |
| Table of Contents |
AMERICAN RESOURCES CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2024 and 2023
AMERICAN RESOURCES CORPORATION
CONTENTS
|
| Page |
|
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| F-2 |
| |
|
|
|
|
| F-3 |
| |
|
|
|
|
| F-4 |
| |
|
|
|
|
| F-5 |
| |
|
|
|
|
| F-6 |
| |
|
|
|
|
| F-7 |
|
| F-1 |
| Table of Contents |
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Shareholders and Board of Directors
American Resources Corporation
Fishers, Indiana
Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of American Resources Corporation (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity (deficit), and cash flows for the years then ended, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31, 2024 and 2023, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Going Concern Uncertainty
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has suffered recurring losses from operations that raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s plans in regard to these matters are also described in Note 1. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matters
Critical audit matters are matters arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. We determined that there are no critical audit matters.
/s/
GBQ Partners LLC (PCAOB ID #
May 19, 2025
We have served as the Company's auditor since 2024.
| F-2 |
| Table of Contents |
AMERICAN RESOURCES CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
|
| December 31, |
| |||||
|
| 2024 |
|
| 2023 |
| ||
Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Current assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Cash and cash equivalents |
| $ |
|
| $ |
| ||
Restricted cash - current |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Restricted investment |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Short-term investments |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Due from related party |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Interest receivables |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Receivables |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Inventories |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Total current assets |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-current assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Restricted cash |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Property and Equipment, net |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Right-of-use assets, net |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Right-of-use assets, net - related party |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Finance – right-of-use asset, net – related party |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Investment in other entities - related parties |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Notes receivable, net |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Total Assets |
| $ |
|
| $ |
| ||
Liabilities and Deficit |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Trade payables |
| $ |
|
| $ |
| ||
Non-trade payables |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Accounts payable - related party |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Accrued expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Accrued litigation settlements |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Accrued interest |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Other current liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Bond payable, current |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Current portion of long-term debt |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Operating lease liabilities, current |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Operating lease liabilities, current - related party |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Finance lease - related party, current |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Other financing obligations, current |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Total current liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-current liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Remediation liability |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Bond payable, net |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Convertible promissory note - related party |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Other financing obligations, net of current portion |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Operating lease liabilities, non-current |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Operating lease liabilities, non-current - related party |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Finance lease - related party, non-current |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Total liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commitments and contingencies (Note 10) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stockholders' deficit: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common stock, $ |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Additional paid-in capital |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Accumulated deficit |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
Total stockholders' deficit |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
Non-controlling interest |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
Total deficit |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
Total liabilities and stockholders' deficit |
| $ |
|
| $ |
| ||
The accompanying footnotes are integral to the consolidated financial statements.
| F-3 |
| Table of Contents |
AMERICAN RESOURCES CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
|
| For the Years Ended |
| |||||
|
| December 31, |
| |||||
|
| 2024 |
|
| 2023 |
| ||
Revenue |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Coal sales |
| $ |
|
| $ |
| ||
Metal recovery and sales |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Service fee revenue |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Royalty income |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Total revenue |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating expenses (income) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of coal sales and processing |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Accretion |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Depreciation |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Amortization of mining rights |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
General and administrative |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Professional fees |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Litigation expense |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Production taxes and royalties |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Development |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Gain on sale of equipment |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
Total operating expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss from operations |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other income (expense) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Losses from equity method investees, net |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
Other income, net |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Interest income |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Interest expense |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
Total other income (expenses) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
Less: non-controlling interest |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Net loss attributable to AREC shareholders |
| $ | ( | ) |
| $ | ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss per share - basic and diluted |
| $ | ( | ) |
| $ | ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic and diluted |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
The accompanying footnotes are integral to the consolidated financial statements.
| F-4 |
| Table of Contents |
AMERICAN RESOURCES CORPORATION
STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
DECEMBER 31, 2024 AND 2023
|
| Common Stock |
|
| Additional |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Non- |
|
|
|
| ||||||||||
|
| Par Value Shares |
|
| Amount |
|
| Paid-in Capital |
|
| Accumulated Deficit |
|
| Total Deficit |
|
| controlling interest |
|
| Total
|
| |||||||
Balance as of December 31, 2022 |
|
|
|
| $ |
|
| $ |
|
| $ | ( | ) |
| $ | ( | ) |
| $ | ( | ) |
| $ | ( | ) | |||
Issuance of common shares for convertible debt conversion |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||
Stock compensation - options |
|
| - |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||
Issuance of common shares for consulting services |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||
Net loss |
|
| - |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) | ||
Balance as of December 31, 2023 |
|
|
|
| $ |
|
| $ |
|
| $ | ( | ) |
| $ | ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) | |||
Exercise of cashless warrants |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||
Exercise of stock options |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||
Issuance of common shares for consulting services |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||
Dividend-in-kind of Novustera, Inc. common stock to shareholders |
|
| - |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) | |||
Exercise of warrants |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||
Issuance of common shares for consulting services |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||
Stock compensation – options |
|
| - |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Common stock issued to settle accounts payable and accrued expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Net loss |
|
| - |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) | ||
Balance as of December 31, 2024 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) | |||
The accompanying footnotes are integral to the consolidated financial statements.
| F-5 |
| Table of Contents |
AMERICAN RESOURCES CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
|
| For the years ended |
| |||||
|
| December 31, |
| |||||
|
| 2024 |
|
| 2023 |
| ||
Cash Flows from Operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Net loss |
| $ | ( | ) |
| $ | ( | ) |
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Noncash stock based compensation expense |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Depreciation expense |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Amortization of mining rights |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Accretion expense |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Amortization of right-to-use assets - related party |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Amortization of issuance costs and debt discount |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Investment in other entities - Related Parties, net |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Gain on sale of equipment |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
Issuance of common shares for services |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Allowance for losses on due from related party |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Allowance for losses on note receivable |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Unrealized gain on short-term investments |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in current assets and liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest receivable |
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
| |
Receivables |
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
| |
Due from related party |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
Inventories |
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
| |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) | |
Trade and non-trade payable |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) | |
Accounts payable related party |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) | |
Accrued expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Accrued litigation settlement |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Accrued interest |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Other current liabilities |
|
| - |
|
|
|
| |
Operating lease assets and liabilities, net |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Operating lease assets and liabilities, net - related party |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Cash used in operating activities |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash Flows from Investing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchase of property and equipment, net of capitalized interest income and (expense) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
Repayment on current portion of long term debt |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Proceeds from sale of equipment |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Proceeds from short-term investments, net |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Purchase of investments, net |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) | |
Cash (used in) provided by investing activities |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash Flows from Financing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from tax exempt bonds, net |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Proceeds from convertible promissory note - related party |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Proceeds from the exercise of stock option |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Proceeds received from other financing obligation |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Cash received from warrant conversions |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Repayments of other financing obligation |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Increase (decrease) in cash |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Cash and cash equivalents, including restricted cash, beginning of period |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Cash and cash equivalents, including restricted cash, end of period |
| $ |
|
| $ |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common stock issued to settle accounts payable and accrued expenses |
| $ |
|
| $ |
| ||
Dividend-in-kind of Novustera, Inc. common stock to shareholders |
| $ |
|
| $ |
| ||
Acquisition of assets through operating leases - related party |
| $ |
|
| $ |
| ||
Acquisition of assets through finance lease - related party |
| $ |
|
| $ |
| ||
Conversion of convertible debt into common stock |
| $ |
|
| $ |
| ||
The accompanying footnotes are integral to the consolidated financial statements.
| F-6 |
| Table of Contents |
AMERICAN RESOURCES CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2024 and 2023
A.RESTATEMENT OF PREVIOUSLY ISSUED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
The Company has identified certain accounting errors in the Company’s historical consolidated financial statements relating to compliance with U.S. GAAP. As a result of the re-audit, the Audit Committee, in consultation with the Company’s management, concluded that the Company’s previously issued audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto as of and for the year ended December 31, 2023, require restatement and should not be relied upon.
The following includes descriptions of the significant adjustments to the Company’s previously reported 2023 consolidated financial statements.
1. Treasury bills and mutual fund reclassification
Treasury bills and mutual fund investments were incorrectly classified as cash and cash equivalents versus short-term investments on the balance sheets and the change in fair value of the investments was not recognized in the statement of operations. The adjustment corrects these matters.
2. Restricted investment reclassification
Cash balances in the WCC bond fund balances were classified as short-term investments on the balance sheets. The adjustment reclassifies the WCC bond fund balances to restricted cash.
3. Due from related party reclassification
A note receivable balance related to a working capital loan issued to American Acquisition Opportunity Inc was written off. However, the note was supported by Royalty Management Holding Corp., a related party, who has committed to issue shares of its stock if required to fulfill the obligation. The adjustment re-establishes the note receivable on the balance sheet and reverses the charge previously recognized in the statement of operations.
4. Coal inventory cost basis adjustment
A lower of cost or realizable value adjustment was not recorded for coal inventory as of December 31, 2023. The carrying value has been decreased by this adjustment with the offsetting charge recognized in operating expenses.
| F-7 |
| Table of Contents |
5. Failed leaseback adjustment
Certain fixed assets under the Maxus lease agreements were incorrectly recorded as a sale and lease-back arrangement, resulting in the removal of the assets from the balance sheet and recognition of a gain on sale. This adjustment reinstates the fixed assets and derecognizes the right of use assets and related finance lease liabilities previously recorded. Additionally, the previously recorded finance lease liabilities have been reclassified as Other Financing Obligations on the balance sheet.
6. Operating lease recognition adjustment
An operating lease was previously not recognized on the balance sheet and accounted for under ASC 842, Leases. The adjustment recognizes this operating lease under the provisions of ASC 842.
7. Equity investment accounting adjustment
There were accounting errors determined in with respect to equity investments, Adjustments have been applied to the Company’s equity investment in Novusterra, which was initially recorded at a derived value rather than fair market value (FMV). Additionally, the equity investment in SPAC American Acquisition Opportunity Inc. (AAO) was incorrectly carried at its cost basis without reflecting changes in earnings. An adjustment was made to account for AAO on the equity method of accounting.
8. Advanced Magnet Lab, Inc. loan reclassification
A note receivable from Advanced Magnet Lab, Inc. was incorrectly classified as Investment in Other Entities - Related Party on the balance sheet. An adjustment was recognized to reclassify this item to notes receivable on the balance sheet.
9. Accrued litigation settlement
Certain amounts accrued under ongoing litigation matters were classified in trade, non-trade or related party accounts payable rather more appropriately classified on the balance sheet as accrued expenses or accrued litigation settlements. The Company incorrectly included an accrued litigation settlement in the balance, alongside certain invoices that had not been accounted for. These amounts have been reclassified on the balance sheet to accrued litigation settlements.
| F-8 |
| Table of Contents |
10. Accrued expenses and settlement adjustments
In connection with our 2024 audit and the re-audit of the 2023 financial statements, legal letter responses were requested and received from attorneys representing the Company with various litigation matters. Based on those responses, the Company concluded a loss was probable and reasonably estimated under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 5. It was also concluded that the status of these litigation cases as of December 31, 2023 supported that a potential loss was probable at that date. Accordingly, adjustments were recognized to record the reserve for these potential litigation losses as of December 31, 2023.
11. Borrowings for equipment adjustment
Certain expenditures for equipment were paid for by the issuance of notes rather than cash. For these items, the notes payable to various parties and the related fixed assets obtain were not recognized on the balance sheet. This adjustment recognizes the omitted borrowings and fixed assets on the balance sheet with corresponding adjustments to depreciation expense for the use of the equipment upon installment.
12. Missed invoices and accrued expenses adjustment
Various expenses incurred prior to December 31, 2023 were not recognized in the proper period. This adjustment recognizes the required December 31, 2023 accrual with a corresponding charge to operating expenses.
To correct the error, the Company adjusted its equity investments to reflect the appropriate earnings impact, ensuring accurate financial statement presentation.
13. Bond balance reclassification
Based on the review of the terms, provisions and covenants under the WCC Bond, it was determined that the Company was not in compliance with certain provisions with those matters dating back to December 31, 2023. The assessment was that these compliance issues could be deemed an event of default which then could lead to the acceleration of maturity. Accordingly, the outstanding balance was reclassified to a current liability on the balance sheet.
| F-9 |
| Table of Contents |
14. Non-controlling interest recognition adjustment
Non-controlling interests were previously not recognized for those subsidiaries that the Company does not wholly own. This adjustment records the non-controlling interest in minority ownership in various subsidiaries.
15. Prepaid deposit removal adjustment
Certain prepaid deposits were refunded to the Company. However, the deposit amount recognized in the balance sheet was not de-recognized upon the Company’s receipt of such funds. The adjustment de-recognizes the deposits from the balance sheet and reverses the income recognized in the statement of operations that had been recorded when the funds were returned to the Company.
16. Black-Scholes calculation adjustment
An acceptable valuation model, such as the Black-Scholes model was not utilized to determine the fair value of equity awards granted. Black-Scholes calculations have now been used to determine the fair value of the equity awards. This adjustment has been made to reflect the appropriate fair value of the equity awards.
17. Forfeited deposit recognition adjustment
A deposit was received from a potential buyer of equipment from the Company. The potential transaction was ultimately not executed resulting in forfeiture of the deposit by the potential buyer. Upon forfeiture of the deposit, the Company did not de-recognize the deposit liability on the balance sheet and recognize the benefit to the statement of operations. This adjustment de-recognizes the deposit liability from the balance sheet and recognizes the income in the statement of operations.
18. Taxes and royalties reclassification
Certain taxes and royalties were classified in the statement of operations as development costs not accurately reflecting their nature. This adjustment reclassifies these expenditures to the correct expense classification in the statement of operations.
* Represents revision for immaterial error correction
| F-10 |
| Table of Contents |
The following tables summarize the effect of the restatement on each financial statement line item in the consolidated financial statements.
Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2023 |
| As Reported |
|
| Adjustment |
|
| As Restated |
|
| Reference |
| ||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
| $ |
|
| $ | ( | ) |
| $ | 1,318,854 |
|
|
| 1 |
| |
Restricted cash - current |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 28,034,496 |
|
|
| 13 |
| ||
Restricted investment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 4,500,000 |
|
|
| 2 |
| ||
Short-term investments |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
| 1,347,907 |
|
|
| 2 |
| |
Due from related party |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 741,243 |
|
|
| 3 |
| ||
Inventories |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 129,991 |
|
|
| 4 |
| ||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
| 1,729,651 |
|
|
| 15 |
| |
Total current assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 37,802,142 |
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Restricted cash |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
| 1,521,412 |
|
|
| 13 |
| |
Property and Equipment, net |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 20,658,679 |
|
|
| 5 |
| ||
Right-of-use assets, net |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
| 797,202 |
|
|
| 5 |
| |
Right-of-use assets, net - related party |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 89,419 |
|
|
| 6 |
| ||
Investment in other entities - Related Parties |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
| 3,477,300 |
|
|
| 7 |
| |
Notes Receivable, net |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 379,022 |
|
|
| 8 |
| ||
Total assets |
| $ |
|
| $ | ( | ) |
| $ | 64,725,176 |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Trade payables |
| $ |
|
| $ | ( | ) |
| $ | 3,372,106 |
|
|
| 9, 11 |
| |
Non-trade payables |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
| 949,942 |
|
|
| 9 |
| |
Accounts Payable - Related Party |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 4,431,104 |
|
|
| 9, 3 |
| ||
Accrued expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 311,809 |
|
|
| 10, 11 |
| ||
Accrued litigation settlements |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 14,103,270 |
|
|
| 9, 10 |
| ||
Accrued interest |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
| 485,431 |
|
| * |
| ||
Other current liabilities |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
| 100,000 |
|
|
| 18 |
| |
Bond payable, current |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 43,535,159 |
|
|
| 14 |
| ||
Current portion of long-term debt |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 2,140,328 |
|
|
| 11 |
| ||
Operating lease liabilities, current |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 77,656 |
|
| * |
| |||
Operating lease liabilities, current - related party |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 11,138 |
|
| * |
| |||
Finance lease - related party, current |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
| - |
|
|
| 5 |
| |
Other financing obligations, current |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 7,488,333 |
|
|
| 5 |
| ||
Total current liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 77,006,276 |
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Remediation liability |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
| 21,288,385 |
|
| * |
| ||
Bond payable, net |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
| - |
|
|
| 13 |
| |
Finance lease liabilities, non-current |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
| - |
|
|
| 5 |
| |
Other financing obligations, net of current portion |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 10,099,795 |
|
|
| 5 |
| ||
Operating lease liabilities, non-current |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 771,183 |
|
|
| 6 |
| ||
Operating lease liabilities, non-current - related party |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 78,280 |
|
|
| 6 |
| ||
Total liabilities |
| $ |
|
| $ |
| $ | 109,730,475 |
|
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additional paid-in capital |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 181,753,261 |
|
|
| 16 |
| ||
Accumulated deficit |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| (225,292,335 | ) |
|
|
|
|
Total stockholders' equity (deficit) |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
| (43,531,447 | ) |
|
|
|
| |
Non-controlling interest |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
| (1,473,852 | ) |
|
| 14 |
| |
Total deficit |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
| (45,005,299 | ) |
|
|
|
| |
Total liabilities and stockholders' deficit |
| $ |
|
| $ | ( | ) |
| $ | 64,725,176 |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
| F-11 |
| Table of Contents |
Statement of operation for the year ended December 31, 2023 |
| As Reported |
|
| Adjustment |
|
| As Restated |
|
| Reference |
| ||||
Coal sales |
| $ |
|
| $ | ( | ) |
| $ | 12,611,165 |
|
| * |
| ||
Total revenue |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
| 13,234,399 |
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Cost of coal sales and processing |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
| 8,987,598 |
|
|
| 4 |
| |
Accretion |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 1,015,563 |
|
| * |
| |||
Depreciation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 2,323,431 |
|
|
| 5 |
| ||
Amortization of mining rights |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
| 1,222,686 |
|
| * |
| ||
General and administrative |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 10,670,358 |
|
|
| 12 |
| ||
Professional fees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 1,542,175 |
|
|
| 12 |
| ||
Litigation expense |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 11,067,926 |
|
|
| 9 |
| ||
Production taxes and royalties |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 2,995,435 |
|
|
| 18 |
| ||
Development |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
| 11,313,837 |
|
|
| 18 |
| |
Gain on sale of equipment |
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
| (1,529,408 | ) |
|
| 5 |
| |
Total operating expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 49,609,601 |
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss from operations |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| (36,375,202 | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Losses from equity method investees, net |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
| (562,696 | ) |
|
| 7 |
| |
Other income, net |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
| 170,780 |
|
|
| 3 |
| |
Unrealized gain on short-term investments |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
| - |
|
|
| 7 |
| |
Interest income |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
| 30,229 |
|
|
| 13 |
| |
Interest expense |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| (1,988,074 | ) |
|
| 5, 11 |
|
Total other income (expenses) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| (2,349,761 | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| (38,724,963 | ) |
|
|
|
|
Non-controlling interest |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 197,555 |
|
|
| 14 |
| ||
Net loss attributable to AREC shareholders |
| $ | ( | ) |
| $ | ( | ) |
| $ | (38,527,408 | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss per share - basic and diluted |
| $ | ( | ) |
| $ | ( | ) |
| $ | (0.52 | ) |
|
|
|
|
| F-12 |
| Table of Contents |
|
| Common |
|
|
|
|
| (As reported) |
|
|
|
| (Restated) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| (As reported) |
|
|
|
| (Restated) |
|
| (As |
|
|
|
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||
|
| Stock |
|
|
|
| Additional |
|
|
|
| Additional |
|
| (As reported) |
|
|
|
| (Restated) |
|
| Non- |
|
|
|
| Non- |
|
| reported) |
|
|
|
| (Restated) |
| |||||||||||||||||||
|
| Par Value Shares |
|
| Amount |
|
| Paid-in Capital |
|
| Adjustments |
|
| Paid-in Capital |
|
| Accumulated Deficit |
|
| Adjustments |
|
| Accumulated Deficit |
|
| controlling interest |
|
| Adjustments |
|
| controlling interest |
|
| Total Deficit |
|
| Adjustments |
|
| Total Deficit |
| ||||||||||||||
Balance as of December 31, 2022 |
|
| 66,777,620 |
|
| $ | 6,680 |
|
| $ |
|
|
|
|
| $ | 168,099,637 |
|
| $ | ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
| $ | (186,764,927 | ) |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
| (1,276,297 | ) |
| $ |
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
| (19,934,907 | ) | ||||
Issuance of common shares for Convertible Debt Conversion |
|
| 9,420,730 |
|
|
| 942 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 9,787,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| - |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| - |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 9,787,942 |
| ||||||||
Stock compensation – options |
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 3,766,629 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| - |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| - |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 3,766,629 |
| ||||||||
Issuance of common shares for consulting services |
|
| 49,020 |
|
|
| 5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 99,995 |
|
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
| - |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| - |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 100,000 |
| |||||||
Net loss |
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| - |
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| (38,527,408 | ) |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
| (197,555 | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| (38,724,963 | ) | |||
Balance as of December 31, 2023 |
|
| 76,247,370 |
|
| $ | 7,627 |
|
| $ |
|
|
|
|
| $ | 181,753,261 |
|
| $ | ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
| $ | (225,292,335 | ) |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
| (1,473,852 | ) |
| $ |
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
| (45,005,299 | ) | ||||
| F-13 |
| Table of Contents |
Statement of Cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2023 |
| As Reported |
|
| Adjustment |
|
| As Restated |
|
| Reference |
| ||||
Cash Flows from Operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Net loss |
| $ | ( | ) |
| $ | ( | ) |
| $ | (38,724,963 | ) |
|
|
| |
Noncash stock-based compensation expense |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 3,766,629 |
|
|
| 7 |
| ||
Depreciation expense |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 2,323,431 |
|
|
| 5 |
| ||
Amortization of mining rights |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
| 1,222,686 |
|
| * |
| ||
Accretion expense |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
| 992,749 |
|
| * |
| ||
Amortization of right-to-use assets - related party |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
| - |
|
|
| 6 |
| |
Accretion of right-to-use assets |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
| - |
|
|
| 6 |
| |
Amortization of issuance costs and debt discount |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 59,271 |
|
| * |
| |||
Option Expense |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
| - |
|
|
| 16 |
| |
Investment in other entities - Related Parties, net |
|
| - |
|
|
|
|
|
| 562,696 |
|
|
| 7 |
| |
Gain on sale of equipment |
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
| (1,625,000 | ) |
|
| 5 |
| |
Unrealized gain on short-term investments |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| 514,981 |
|
|
| 15,342 |
|
|
| 7,13 |
|
Due from related party |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
| (352,243 | ) |
|
| 3 |
| |
Receivables |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 660,756 |
|
| * |
| |||
Inventories |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
| 316,699 |
|
|
| 4 |
| |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
| (942,557 | ) |
|
| 5 |
| |
Trade and non-trade payable |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
| (3,118,438 | ) |
|
| 9,10,12 |
| |
Accounts payable related party |
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
| (253,128 | ) |
|
| 3,10 |
| |
Accrued expenses |
|
| - |
|
|
|
|
|
| 311,809 |
|
|
| 10,12 |
| |
Accrued litigation settlements |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 14,103,270 |
|
|
| 10 |
| ||
Accrued interest |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
| 377,306 |
|
| * |
| ||
Other current liabilities |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
| 100,000 |
|
|
| 17 |
| |
Operating lease assets and liabilities, net |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
| 2,756 |
|
|
| 5 |
| |
Cash used in operating activities |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| (20,200,929 | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash Flows from Investing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchase of property and equipment, net of capitalized interest income and (expense) |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
| (3,616,866 | ) |
|
| 5 |
| |
Proceeds from sale of equipment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 1,625,000 |
|
|
| 5 |
| ||
Proceeds from short-term investments, net |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
| 641,617 |
|
|
| 2 |
| |
Purchases of short-term investments |
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
| - |
|
|
| 13 |
| |
Cash (used in) provided by investing activities |
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
| (1,350,249 | ) |
|
| 2,5,13 |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash Flows from Financing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from tax exempt bonds, net |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
| 43,475,888 |
|
|
| 13 |
| |
Proceeds from the exercise of stock option |
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
| - |
|
|
| 16 |
| |
Proceeds received from other financing obligation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 7,733,231 |
|
|
| 5 |
| ||
Repayment on current portion of long-term debt |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 222,822 |
|
|
| 5 |
| ||
Repayments of other financing obligation |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| (6,083,386 | ) |
|
| 5 |
|
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 45,348,555 |
|
|
| 5 |
| ||
| F-14 |
| Table of Contents |
NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
American Resources Corporation’s (ARC or the Company) operations are comprised of ARC (Corporate or Parent) and three operating segments that we describe as American Infrastructure, ReElements and Electrified Materials.
American Infrastructure (our coal mining operations) is comprised of subsidiaries that were formed or acquired between 2015 and 2020 with operations focused on the extraction, processing, transportation, and distribution of coal for a variety of industries, with a primary focus on metallurgical quality coal to the steel industry. Responsive to adverse market conditions and pricing pressures in the coal industry, during 2023 we suspended our coal production operations which significantly attributed to our decline in consolidated revenues from approximately $
Beginning in 2023, the focus of our business and capital allocation shifted towards the diversification of our revenue streams leading to the development of our ReElements and Electrified Materials segments which have been in the development (pre revenue) stages through 2024. Electrified Materials is focused on the aggregation, recovery and sale of recovered metal and steel. We established a new subsidiary, Electrified Materials Corporation (EMC, formerly known as American Metals) to operate this segment of our business. ReElements is focused on the purification and monetization of critical and rare earth element deposits and end of life magnets and batteries. American Rare Earth LLC was initially formed as a subsidiary to comprise the ReElements segment. In 2024, we changed the name of American Rate Earth LLC to ReElement Technologies LLC and recently converted the company from a limited liability corporation to a corporation.
Basis of Presentation and Consolidation:
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its majority owned subsidiaries. The majority owned subsidiaries by segment include:
American Infrastructure:
American Infrastructure Corporation (AIC), Deane Mining, LLC (Deane), ERC Mining Indiana Corp (ERC), McCoy Elkhorn Coal LLC (McCoy), Knott County Coal LLC(KCC), Wyoming County Coal (WCC), Perry County Resources LLC (PCR), Advanced Carbon Materials LLC (ACM), and T.R. Mining & Equipment Ltd. (TR Mining).
ReElements:
ReElement Technologies LLC (RLMT), ReElement Marion LLC (RLM), and Kentucky Lithium LLC (KYL).
Electrified Materials:
Electrified Materials Corporation (EMC).
Corporate Office:
American Opportunity Venture II, LLC (AOV II).
All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Entities for which ownership is less than
| F-15 |
| Table of Contents |
Acquisition Transactions
Effective February 5, 2024, the
On June 28, 2024, EMC entered into a Business Combination with AI Transportation Acquisition Corp. On November 27, 2024, EMC received notice of termination of the potential transaction and there are no ongoing discussions to effect a merger agreement.
Going Concern
The Company has evaluated whether there are any conditions and events considered in the aggregate, which raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern within one year beyond the issuance date of these financial statements. Based on such evaluation and the Company’s current plans, which are subject to change, and the Company’s existing liquidity, there is substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern for the next twelve months from the date these financial statements were issued.
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming the Company will continue to operate as a going concern, which contemplates the realization of assets and settlement of liabilities in the normal course of business, and do not include any adjustments to reflect the possible future effects on the recoverability and classification of assets or the amounts and classifications of liabilities that may result from uncertainty related to its ability to continue as a going concern.
The Company’s continuation as a going concern is contingent upon its ability to obtain additional financing and to generate revenue and cash flow to meet its obligations on a timely basis. The Company will continue to seek to raise additional funding through debt or equity financing during the next twelve months from the date of issuance of these financial statements. Management believes that actions presently being taken to obtain additional funding provide the opportunity for the Company to continue as a going concern. There is no guarantee the Company will be successful in achieving these objectives.
| F-16 |
| Table of Contents |
Use of Estimates:
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Management bases its assumptions on historical experiences and on various other assumptions that it believes to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. In addition, management considers the basis and methodology used in developing and selecting these estimates, the trends in and amounts of these estimates, specific matters affecting the amount of and changes in these estimates, and any other matters related to these estimates, including significant issues concerning accounting principles and financial statement presentation. Such estimates and assumptions could change in the future as more information becomes known which could impact the amounts reported and disclosed herein. Significant estimates include, carrying amounts of long-lived assets, valuation assumptions for share-based payments, evaluation of debt modification accounting, effective borrowing rate determinations, analysis of fair value transferred upon debt extinguishment, legal claims and contingencies, valuation and calculation of measurements of income tax assets and liabilities.
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted cash: Cash and cash equivalents include bank demand deposits and money market funds that invest primarily in U.S. government securities.
Restricted cash and cash equivalents are held in trusts related to the Tax-Exempt Bonds and are restricted as to withdrawal as required by the agreement entered into by the Company. All investments are classified as trading securities as of December 31, 2024 and 2023. Trading securities are recorded initially at cost and are adjusted to fair value at each reporting period with unrealized gains and losses recorded in the current period earnings or loss.
The following table sets forth the total of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash reported in the consolidated balance sheets.
|
| December 31, |
|
| December 31, |
| ||
|
| 2024 |
|
| 2023 |
| ||
Cash and cash equivalents |
| $ |
|
| $ |
| ||
Restricted Cash |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Total cash and restricted cash presented in the consolidated statements of cash flows |
| $ |
|
| $ |
| ||
Restricted Investments: Consist of U.S. government securities, corporate fixed income, and U.S. government securities that are held in trusts related to the Tax-Exempt Bonds and are restricted as to withdrawal as required by the agreement entered into by the Company. All investments are classified as trading securities as of December 31, 2024 and 2023. Trading securities are recorded initially at cost and are adjusted to fair value at each reporting period with unrealized gains and losses recorded in the current period earnings or loss.
Related Party Policies: In accordance with FASB ASC 850 related parties are defined as either an executive, director or nominee, greater than 10% beneficial owner, and or immediate family member and affiliated businesses of any of the proceedings.
Property and Equipment: Property and Equipment are recorded at cost. For equipment, depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, generally ranging from three to twenty years.
Construction in progress is related to the construction or development of leasehold improvements and equipment that have not yet been placed in service for our intended use. Construction in progress represents capital expenditures for direct costs of construction or acquisition and design fees incurred, and a proportional amount of bond interest income and expense for amounts capitalized directly related to the construction. Capitalization of these costs ceases and the construction in progress is transferred to the appropriate category of property, plant and equipment when substantially all the activities necessary to prepare the assets for their intended use are completed. Construction in progress is not depreciated.
Property and equipment are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability is measured by comparison of the carrying amount to the future net undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the related assets. If these assets are determined to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the fair market value of the assets.
There were no impairments recognized during 2024 and 2023. Costs related to maintenance and repairs which do not prolong the an asset’s useful life are expensed as incurred.
| F-17 |
| Table of Contents |
Mine Development: Costs of developing new coal mines, including asset retirement obligation assets, are capitalized and amortized using the units-of-production method over estimated coal deposits or proven reserves. Costs incurred for the development and expansion of existing reserves are expensed as incurred.
Coal Production and Holdings Costs: Coal production and holdings costs for coal mined and processed include direct labor, materials and utilities. Activities related to metal recovery are inherent in both direct coal labor and overhead labor and do not require additional variable costs.
Asset Retirement Obligations (ARO) – Reclamation: At the time they are incurred, legal obligations associated with the retirement of long-lived assets are reflected at their estimated fair value, with a corresponding charge to mine development. Obligations are typically incurred when we commence development of underground and surface mines, and include reclamation of support facilities, refuse areas and slurry ponds or through acquisitions.
Obligations are reflected at the present value of their future cash flows. We reflect accretion of the obligations for the period from the date they incurred through the date they are extinguished. The asset retirement obligation assets are amortized based on expected reclamation outflows over estimated recoverable coal deposit lives.
We assess our ARO at events warrant to reflect revisions for permit changes, changes in our estimated reclamation costs and changes in the estimated timing of such costs. Management is currently in the process of assessing the ARO for the fiscal year and will include revisions if any during the fourth quarter of 2024.
The table below reflects the changes to our ARO for 2024 and 2023:
|
| December 31, |
|
| December 31, |
| ||
|
| 2024 |
|
| 2023 |
| ||
Beginning Balance |
| $ |
|
| $ |
| ||
Accretion |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Ending Balance |
| $ |
|
| $ |
| ||
Accretion expense amounted to $
Revenue Recognition: Revenue is recognized when performance obligations under the terms of a contract with our customers are satisfied; for all contracts this occurs when control of the promised goods have been transferred to our customers. For coal shipments to domestic and international customers via rail, control is transferred when the railcar is loaded. Our revenue is comprised of sales of mined coal, sales of recovered metals and service fees for processing coal.
All the activity is undertaken in eastern Kentucky, Western West Virginia, and Southern Indiana. Revenue from metal recovery and sales are recognized when conditions within the contract or sales agreement are met including transfer of title. Revenue from coal processing and loading are recognized when services have been performed according to the contract in place. Our coal sales generally include 10 to 30-day payment terms following the transfer of control of the goods to the customer. We typically do not include extended payment terms in our contracts with customers. Our contracts with customers typically provide for minimum specifications or qualities of the coal we deliver. Variances from these specifications or quantities are settled by means of price adjustments. Generally, these price adjustments are settled within 30 days of delivery and are insignificant.
Income Taxes: We file a consolidated federal income tax return with our subsidiaries.
Income Taxes include U.S. federal and state income taxes currently payable and deferred income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the period of enactment. Deferred income tax expense represents the change during the year in the deferred tax assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion or all the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
Management believes that the Company's income tax filing positions will be sustained on audit or any potential audit adjustments would be offset by the utilization of the Company’s unrecognized net operating loss carryforwards. Therefore, no reserve for uncertain income tax positions has been recorded. The Company's policy for recording interest and penalties, if any, associated with income tax examinations will be to record such items as a component of income taxes.
| F-18 |
| Table of Contents |
Fair Value: The Company follows the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 820-10, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“ASC 820-10”), which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in GAAP and requires certain disclosures about fair value measurements. Fair value is defined as an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. As such, fair value is a market-based measurement that should be determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability.
Note 4 presents the Company’s financial assets or liabilities measured at fair value as of December 31, 2024 and 2023. The carrying amounts of the Company’s cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and accrued expenses approximate their fair value as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 due to their short-term nature.
Leases: The Company reviews all arrangements for potential leases, and at inception, determines whether a lease is an operating or finance lease. Lease assets and liabilities, which generally represent the present value of future minimum lease payments over the term of the lease, are recognized as of the commencement date. Leases with an initial lease term of twelve months or less are classified as short-term leases and are not recognized in the balance sheets unless the lease contains a purchase option that is reasonably certain to be exercised.
Lease terms, discount rate, variable lease costs and future minimum lease payment determinations require the use of judgment and are based on the facts and circumstances related to the specific lease. Lease terms are generally based on their initial non-cancelable terms, unless there is a renewal option that is reasonably certain to be exercised. Various factors, including economic incentives, intent, past history and business needs are considered to determine if a renewal option is reasonably certain to be exercised. The implicit rate in a lease agreement is used when it can be determined to value the lease obligation. Otherwise, the Company’s incremental borrowing rate, which is based on information available as of the lease commencement date, including applicable lease terms and the current economic environment, is used to determine the value of the lease obligation.
Allowance For Doubtful Accounts: The Company recognizes an allowance for losses on trade and other accounts receivable in an amount equal to the estimated probable losses net of recoveries. The current expected credit loss model requires the recognition of lifetime expected credit losses at each reporting date, considering past events, current conditions, and reasonable forecasts. In assessing the credit quality of our portfolio, management utilizes a provision matrix that classifies trade receivables by customer type and age of receivable. Government and education sector receivables carry a low risk, while a higher risk is attributed to the remaining receivables as their aging progresses. For receivables with questionable collectability, a specific reserve is assigned. The estimated credit losses are a reflection of these factors, with the matrix applying percentages to the receivables based on their risk profile, adjusted for current and expected future conditions.
The allowance for note receivable was $
| F-19 |
| Table of Contents |
Inventory: Inventory consists of mined coal and is stated at the lower of cost (first in, first out method) or net realizable value.
Stock-based Compensation: Stock-based compensation to employees is accounted for under ASC 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation. Stock-based compensation expense related to stock awards granted to an employee is recognized based on the grant-date estimated fair values of the awards using the Black Scholes option pricing model (“Black Scholes”). The value is recognized as expense ratably over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting term of the award. We adjust the expense for actual forfeitures as they occur. Stock-based compensation expense is classified in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations based on the function to which the related services are provided.
Black-Scholes requires a number of assumptions, of which the most significant are expected volatility, expected option term (the time from the grant date until the options are exercised or expire) and risk-free rate. Expected volatility is determined using the historical volatility for the Company. The risk-free interest rate is based on the yield of US treasury government bonds with a remaining term equal to the expected life of the option. Expected dividend yield is zero because we have never paid cash dividends on common shares, and we do not expect to pay any cash dividends in the foreseeable future.
Earnings Per Share: The Company’s basic earnings per share (EPS) amounts have been computed based on the average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period and include the effect of any participating securities as appropriate. Diluted EPS includes the effect of the Company’s outstanding stock options, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units and performance-based stock awards if the inclusion of these items is dilutive.
Segment Information: The Company’s operations include corporate and three operating segments. The Company’s Chief Executive Officer, as its chief operating decision maker (“CODM”), manages and allocates resources to the operations of the Company on a consolidated basis. The CODM assesses performance and allocates resources based on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and key components and processes of the Company’s operations are managed centrally. Segment asset information is not used by the CODM to allocate resources. This enables our Chief Executive Officer to assess our overall level of available resources and determine how best to deploy these resources across projects to monitor and evaluate overall company performance, allocating resources, and establishing management compensation in line with our long-term company-wide strategic goals.
New Accounting Pronouncements:
In November 2024, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2024-03 Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income—Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40) Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses. The guidance in ASU 2024-03 requires public business entities to disclose in the notes to the financial statements, among other things, specific information about certain costs and expenses including purchases of inventory; employee compensation; and depreciation, amortization and depletion expenses for each caption on the statement of operations where such expenses are included. ASU 2024-03 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027. Early adoption is permitted, and the amendments may be applied prospectively to reporting periods after the effective date or retrospectively to all periods presented in the financial statements. The Company is currently evaluating the provisions of this guidance and assessing the potential impact on the Company’s financial statement disclosures.
In December 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures. This guidance is intended to enhance the transparency and decision-usefulness of income tax disclosures. The amendments in ASU 2023-09 address investor requests for enhanced income tax information primarily through changes to disclosure regarding rate reconciliation and income taxes paid both in the U.S. and in foreign jurisdictions. ASU 2023-09 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024 on a prospective basis, with the option to apply the standard retrospectively. Early adoption is permitted. The company is currently evaluating this guidance to determine the impact it may have on its consolidated financial statements disclosures.
In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2023-07 - Segment Reporting (ASC 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures, which enables investors to better understand an entity's overall performance and assess potential future cash flows through improved reportable segment disclosure requirements. The amendments enhance disclosures about significant segment expenses, clarify circumstances in which an entity can disclose multiple segment measures of profit or loss, provide new segment disclosure requirements for entities with a single reportable segment, and contain other disclosure requirements. ASU 2023-07 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2023. The Company adopted ASU No. 2023-07 on December 31, 2024. The adoption of the standard did not result in any significant disclosure changes in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
No other new accounting pronouncements recently adopted or issued had or are expected to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.
| F-20 |
| Table of Contents |
NOTE 2 - PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment were comprised of the following:
|
| December 31, |
|
| December 31, |
| ||
|
| 2024 |
|
| 2023 |
| ||
Surface |
| $ |
|
| $ |
| ||
Underground |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Processing/loadout |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Coal refuse storage |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Building |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Land |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Acquired mining rights |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Rare earth processing equipment |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Construction in Progress |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
Property and equipment, net |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Depreciation expense amounted to $
The estimated useful lives are as follows:
Surface equipment |
| |
Underground equipment |
| |
Processing and rail facilities |
| |
Coal refuse storage |
| |
Building |
| |
Acquired mining rights |
| |
Rare earth processing equipment |
|
NOTE 3 – INVESTMENTS IN TRADING SECURITIES
Investments (all level 1 fair value measurements) in trading securities consist of U.S. government and agency securities and fixed income funds that are by the Company or held in trusts related to the Company’s tax-exempt bonds. These investments held by a trust related to the Company’s tax-exempt bonds are classified as restricted cash and cash equivalents and as restricted investments on the accompanying balance sheets. All other securities are classified as short-term investments on the accompanying balance sheet. The short-term investment securities are classified as trading securities and, accordingly, the unrealized gains and losses are recorded in current period earnings or loss.
The Company’s investments in available-for-sale marketable consisting of fixed income funds are as follows:
|
|
|
|
| Gross Unrealized |
|
| Allowance for |
|
| Fair |
| ||||||||
|
| Cost Basis |
|
| Gains |
|
| Losses |
|
| Credit Losses |
|
| Value |
| |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
December 31, 2024 |
| $ |
|
| $ |
|
| $ | ( | ) |
| $ |
|
| $ |
| ||||
December 31, 2023 |
| $ |
|
| $ |
|
| $ |
|
| $ |
|
| $ |
| |||||
There were no investments with unrealized losses that have been owned for more than or less than a year.
The debt securities outstanding as of December 31, 2024 have maturity dates ranging from the first quarter of 2025 through the fourth quarter of 2025.
| F-21 |
| Table of Contents |
NOTE 4 – RIGHT OF USE ASSETS AND LEASES
The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating leases are included in right-of-use assets (“ROU”), operating lease liabilities, and operating lease liabilities, non-current. Finance leases are included in right-of-use assets, finance lease liabilities, and finance lease liabilities, non-current. Lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term at commencement date. As substantially all of the leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at lease commencement date in determining the present value of future payments. Incremental borrowing rate is estimated to approximate the interest rate on a collateralized basis with similar terms and payments, and in economic environments where the leased asset is located. The ROU assets also include any prepaid lease payments made and initial direct costs incurred and excludes lease incentives. The Company’s lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease, which is recognized when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise that option. Lease expense for minimum lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet.
Operating leases:
ARC’s principal offices are located at 12115 Visionary Way, Fishers, Indiana 46038. We pay $
ReElement leases office space at 1716 E Pleasant Street, Noblesville, Indiana 46060 with a current monthly rent payment of $
Operating leases – related party:
KCC, a subsidiary of AIC, rents office space from LRR at 11000 Highway 7 South, Kite, Kentucky 41828 with monthly rent of $
Electrified Materials Corporation leases office space at 1845 Highway 15 South, Hazard, Kentucky 41701 from LRR with a current monthly rent payment of $
Electrified Materials Corporation leases outdoor storage space from LRR in Noblesville, Indiana at a monthly rent rate of $
Electrified Materials Corporation leases commercial production, office and outdoor storage space at 3 from LRR at 611 South Adams Street, Marion, Indiana at a current monthly rate of $
The first nine months of rent for the three related party operating leases with LLR are deferred per the lease agreements and is due on the thirteenth month or January 1, 2025. As of December 31 2024, $
Finance lease – related party”
ReElement leases approximately 316,000 square feet of commercial space from LRR, a related party, for its processing facility at 3301 South Adams Street, Marion, Indiana. The current monthly rent payment is $
The Company has not made any payments on the related party finance lease as of December 31, 2024 and has a balance of $
The components of lease expense included on the Company’s statements of operations, inclusive of the related party component were as follows:
|
| For the Years Ended |
| |||||||
|
| December 31, | ||||||||
|
| Expense Classification |
| 2024 |
|
| 2023 |
| ||
Operating lease expense: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Amortization of ROU asset |
| General and administrative |
| $ |
|
| $ |
| ||
Accretion of operating lease liability |
| General and administrative |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Total operating lease expense |
|
|
| $ |
|
| $ |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Finance lease expense: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortization of ROU asset |
| General and administrative |
| $ |
|
| $ |
| ||
Interest on lease liabilities |
| Interest expense |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Total finance lease expense |
|
|
| $ |
|
| $ |
| ||
| F-22 |
| Table of Contents |
Other information related to leases is as follows:
|
| As of December 31, |
|
| As of December 31, |
| ||
Operating leases: |
| 2024 |
|
| 2023 |
| ||
Weighted-average remaining lease term: |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Operating leases (in years) |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Weighted-average discount rate: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating leases |
|
| % |
|
| % | ||
Finance lease: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Finance lease (in years) |
|
|
|
|
| - |
| |
Weighted-average discount rate: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Finance lease |
|
| % |
|
| % | ||
The future minimum lease payments required under leases as of December 31, 2024 are as follows:
|
| Operating |
|
| Finance |
|
|
| ||||
Fiscal Year |
| Leases |
|
| Leases |
|
| Total |
| |||
2025 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
2026 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
2027 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
2028 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
2029 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Thereafter |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Discounted cash flows |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Less imputed interest |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
Present value of lease liabilities |
| $ |
|
|
|
|
| $ |
| |||
| F-23 |
| Table of Contents |
NOTE 5 - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Effective January 1, 2022, the Company amended a Contract Services Agreement with Land Betterment Corp, an entity controlled by certain members of the Company’s management who are also directors and shareholders.
On June 11, 2020 the Company purchased $
On October 24, 2016, the Company sold certain mineral and land interests to a subsidiary of an entity, Land Resources & Royalties, LLC (“LRR”), owned by members of the Company’s management. LRR leases various parcels of land to AIC and engages in other activities creating miscellaneous income. The consideration for the transaction was a note in the amount of $
The Company was the sponsor of American Opportunity Ventures LLC (“AMAO”) a blank check company organized on January 20, 2021 and effectuated its business combination with Royalty Management Corporation (“RMCO”) on October 23, 2023 and at that point changed its name to Royalty Management Holding Corporation. The Company provided AMAO with money as needed for working capital needs. The advances from the Company are non-interest bearing and payable upon demand by the Company. The Company made cash advances to AMAO of $
On January 13, 2023, ReElement Technologies Corporation (“RLMT”), a subsidiary of the Company, entered into a Line of Credit Agreement with LRR in the amount of $
As further described in Note 5, RLMT is the
| F-24 |
| Table of Contents |
NOTE 6 - INVESTMENTS IN OTHER ENTITIES - RELATED PARTIES
The Company accounts for its investments and membership interest in other entities under the equity method of accounting if the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control, over the entity. Equity method investments are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the investments may not be recoverable.
Royalty Management Co.
During January 2021, the company invested $
Novusterra, Inc.
On March 31, 2021, the Company entered into a Graphene Development Agreement with Novusterra, Inc (Novusterra), a related party, that provided a nonexclusive sublicense for fifty percent (
On August 30, 2022, we entered into a purchase agreement to sell the exclusive rights of the patents included in the Graphene Development Agreement for
It has been determined that Novusterra is a variable interest entity and that the Company is not the primary beneficiary. As such, the investment in Novusterra has been accounted for using the equity method of accounting.
Effective March 6, 2024, the Company issued a special dividend to all stockholders on record of
As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the carrying value of the investment was $
FUB Mineral LLC
On October 1, 2021, the Company contributed $
| F-25 |
| Table of Contents |
Advanced Magnet Lab, Inc
On December 21, 2022 the Company issued a convertible promissory note to Advanced Magnet, Inc. (“AML”) for $
NOTE 7 – DEBT
Current portion of long-term debt
On September 25, 2017, the Company entered into an equipment purchase agreement, which carries
On January 25, 2018, the Company entered into an equipment purchase agreement, which carries
On April 20, 2022, the Company entered into a non-negotiable, secured promissory note agreement (“April 2022 Note”) with an unrelated party in the amount of $
On June 3, 2022, the Company entered into a promissory note agreement (“June 2022 Note”) with an unrelated party in the amount of $
On April 7, 2023, the Company entered into a promissory note agreement (“April 2023 Note”) with an unrelated party in the amount of $
The following tables reflects a summary of the outstanding principal and interest by each lender and their respective maturity date as of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023:
|
|
| December 31, 2024 |
|
| December 31, 2023 |
| |||||||||||||||||||
|
| Maturity Date |
| Total Outstanding* |
|
| Principal |
|
| Interest |
|
| Total Outstanding* |
|
| Principal |
|
| Interest |
| ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||
September 2017 Note |
|
| $ |
|
| $ |
|
| $ |
|
| $ |
|
| $ |
|
| $ |
| |||||||
January 2018 Note |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||
June 2022 Note |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||
April 2022 Note |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||
April 2023 Note |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||
|
|
|
| $ |
|
| $ |
|
| $ |
|
| $ |
|
| $ |
|
| $ |
| ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
** - Total Outstanding = Principal + Interest as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Bonds payable, net
On May 31, 2023, the West Virginia Economic Development Authority (the “Issuer”) issued $45 million aggregate principal amount of Solid Waste Disposal Facility Revenue Bonds, Series 2023 (the “2023 Tax Exempt Bonds”) pursuant to an Indenture of Trust dated as of June 8, 2023 between the Issuer and UMB Bank N.A., as trustee (the “Trustee”). The Tax-Exempt Bonds are payable solely from payments to be made by the Company under the Loan Agreement as evidenced by a Note from the Company to the Trustee. The Tax-Exempt Bonds were isued to finance certain costs of the acquisition, construction, reconstruction, and equipping of solid waste disposal facilities at the Company’s Wyoming County, West Virginia development, and for capitalized interest and certain costs related to issuance of the Tax-Exempt Bonds.
Bonds payable, net
The Tax-Exempt Bonds bear interest of
The Tax Exempt Bonds are subject to redemption
The Company’s obligations under the Loan Agreement are (i) except as otherwise described below, secured by first priority liens on and security interests in substantially all of the Company’s and Subsidiary Guarantors’ real property and other assets, subject to certain customary exceptions and permitted liens, and in any event excluding accounts receivable and inventory; and (ii) jointly and severally guaranteed by the Subsidiary Guarantors, subject to customary exceptions.
| F-26 |
| Table of Contents |
The Loan Agreement contains certain affirmative covenants and representations, including but not limited to: (i) maintenance of a rating on the Tax Exempt Bonds; (ii) maintenance of proper books of records and accounts; (iii) agreement to add additional guarantors to guarantee the obligations under the Loan Agreement in certain circumstances; (iv) procurement of customary insurance; and (v) preservation of legal existence and certain rights, franchises, licenses and permits. The Loan Agreement also contains certain customary negative covenants, which, among other things, and subject to certain exceptions, include restrictions on (i) release of collateral securing the Company’s obligations under the Loan Agreement; (ii) mergers and consolidations and disposition of assets, and (iii) restrictions on actions that may jeopardize the tax-exempt status of the Tax-Exempt Bonds.
The Loan Agreement contains customary events of default, subject to customary thresholds and exceptions, including, among other things: (i) nonpayment of principal, purchase price, interest and other fees (subject to certain cure periods); (ii) bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings relating to us; (iii) material inaccuracy of a representation or warranty at the time made; and (v) cross defaults to the Indenture of Trust, the guaranty related to the Tax Exempt Bonds or any related security documents.
As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company was not in compliance with certain provisions of the bond agreement. The failure to comply with these provisions constituted an event of default under the terms of the bond agreement. Accordingly, the bonds have been classified as a current liability on the balance sheets.
On March 28, 2024, the Company, closed a Bond Purchase Agreement (“Purchase Agreement”) with Hilltop Securities Inc. (the “Underwriter”), Knott County, Kentucky (the “Issuer”), a county and political subdivision organized and existing under the laws of the Commonwealth of Kentucky (the “Commonwealth”), whereby the Underwriter agrees to purchase from the Issuer, and the Issuer agrees to sell and deliver to the Underwriter, all (but not less than all) of the Knott County, Kentucky Industrial Building Revenue Bonds (Solid Waste Project), Series 2024 (the “Bonds”), at the purchase price of $
The Tax-Exempt Bonds bear interest of
The Company accounts for investment income and interest expenses related to the tax-exempt bonds that are restricted for payment of project costs by capitalizing the net amount each period to construction in progress per ASC 835-20-30-11.
The outstanding balance on the bonds was $
|
| December 31, |
|
| December 31, |
| ||
|
| 2024 |
|
| 2023 |
| ||
Tax Exempt Bonds ($45 million face value) |
| $ |
|
| $ |
| ||
Tax Exempt Bonds ($150 million face value) |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Debt issuance costs and debt discount |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
Bonds payable |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Less: current portion |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
Bonds payable, net |
| $ |
|
| $ |
| ||
Convertible promissory notes - related party
In 2023, ReElement Technologies LLC (“ReElement”) entered into multiple Convertible Promissory Note agreements (“Note A”) with Land Resources & Royalties LLC (“LRR”) in the aggregate principal amount of $
| F-27 |
| Table of Contents |
In 2024, ReElement entered into additional Convertible Promissory Notes with LRR (“Note A”) in the aggregate amount of $
The Convertible Promissory Notes carry an annual interest rate of
The Promissory Note’s principal amount, along with any accrued interest, is due in full upon the Note’s maturity date or in the event of default.
The Convertible Promissory Notes entered into with LRR are subject to a conversion feature. If ReElements completes a round or series of a capital raise in the aggregate amount of a minimum of $
In October to December 2024, ReElement issued four convertible promissory notes (the “Note B”) to unaffiliated investors with an aggregate principal amount of $
As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, there was an aggregate of $
| F-28 |
| Table of Contents |
The following tables reflects a summary of the outstanding principal and accrued interest by each lender and their respective maturity date as of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023:
|
|
|
| December 31, 2024 |
|
| December 31, 2023 |
| ||||||||||||||||||||
|
| Maturity Date |
| Total Outstanding* |
|
| Principal |
|
| Interest |
|
| Total Outstanding* |
|
| Principal |
|
| Interest |
| ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||
Note A |
|
| $ |
|
| $ |
|
| $ |
|
| $ |
|
| $ |
|
| $ |
| |||||||||
Note A |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||||
Note A |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||||
Note A |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||||
Note A |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||||
Note A |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||||
Note A |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||||
Note A |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||||
Note A |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||||
Note A |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||||
Note A |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||||
Note A |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||||
Note A |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||||
Note B |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||||
Note C |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||||
Note D |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||||
Note E |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||||
|
|
|
| $ |
|
| $ |
|
| $ |
|
| $ |
|
| $ |
|
| $ |
| ||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
* Includes principal and accrued interest.
| F-29 |
| Table of Contents |
NOTE 8 – STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Common Stock Option Transactions
A 2016 Stock Incentive Plan (2016 Plan) was approved by the Board during January 2016. The Company may grant up to
A new 2018 Stock Option Plan (2018 Plan) was approved by the Board on July 1, 2018 and amended on July 16, 2020. The Company may grant up to
Total stock-based compensation expense for grants to officers, employees and consultants was $
As of December 31, 2024, the company has $
|
| Number of |
|
| Weighted Average Exercise |
|
| Weighted Average Contractual |
|
| Aggregate Intrinsic |
| ||||
|
| Options |
|
| Price |
|
| Life in Years |
|
| Value |
| ||||
Outstanding - December 31, 2023 |
|
|
|
| $ |
|
|
|
|
| $ |
| ||||
Granted |
|
|
|
| $ |
|
|
|
|
| $ |
| ||||
Forfeited or Expired |
|
| ( | ) |
| $ |
|
|
| - |
|
| $ |
| ||
Exercised |
|
| ( | ) |
| $ |
|
|
| - |
|
| $ |
| ||
Outstanding - December 31, 2024 |
|
|
|
| $ |
|
|
|
|
| $ |
| ||||
Exercisable (Vested) - December 31, 2024 |
|
|
|
| $ |
|
|
|
|
| $ |
| ||||
| F-30 |
| Table of Contents |
NOTE 9 – INCOME TAXES
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. The significant component of the Company's net deferred tax asset is the federal operating loss carryforward estimated at approximately $
NOTE 10 – CONTINGENCIES AND COMMITMENTS
In the course of normal operations, the Company is involved in various claims and litigation matters that management intends to defend. The range of loss, if any, from all potential claims cannot be reasonably estimated. However, management believes the ultimate resolution of matters not disclosed below will not have a material adverse impact on the Company’s business or financial position.
American Infrastructure Legal Proceeds
The Kentucky Energy Cabinet has assessed claims of $
In 2024, American Infrastructure was given a judgement due to a lease dispute. The case is being appealed and $
In 2023, American Infrastructure was given a judgement due to a lease dispute. The case is being appealed and $
In 2019, the Company received notice that a certain lease assumption as part of the PCR acquisition was being disputed by the lessor.
| F-31 |
| Table of Contents |
NOTE 11 – SEGMENT INFORMATION
In its operation of the business, management, including our chief operating decision maker, who is also our CEO, reviews certain financial information, including segmented internal profit and loss statements prepared on a basis not consistent with GAAP.
For all of the segments, the CODM uses segment operating income (loss) in the annual budgeting and forecasting process. The CODM considers budget-to-actual variances on a monthly basis for both profit measures when making decisions about allocating capital and personnel to the segments. The CODM also uses segment operating income to assess the performance for each segment by comparing the results and return on assets of each segment with one another.
During the periods presented, we reported our financial performance based on the following segments: Corporate, American Infrastructure (AIC), ReElements (RLMT) and Electrified Materials Corporation (EMC).
Our reportable segments are described below.
Corporate - Includes metal recovery revenue and direct cost of sales related to the maintenance of mining operations in connection with the Share Exchange Agreement with Quest Energy. In addition, certain costs are incurred at a corporate level and allocated to our segments. These allocated costs generally include corporate overhead and administrative support costs incurred as a part of a corporate program. Each allocation is measured differently based on the specific facts and circumstances of the costs being allocated and is generally based on relative gross margin or relative headcount.
AIC - Operations primarily focused on the extraction, processing, transportation, and distribution of coal for a variety of industries, with a primary focus on metallurgical quality coal to the steel industry.
RLMT - provider of final-stage, separated and purified rare earth and critical elements to the electrification industry supply chain. Our products, separated and purified rare earth and critical elements, are used to manufacture permanent magnets and battery materials for high efficiency electric motors and lithium-ion batteries.
EMC - Aggregator and processor of used metals for recycling into new steel-based products for the recovery and sale of recovered metal and steel. From inception to date the majority of company activities and revenue have been focused on the aggregation and sales of scrap steel materials. The company has yet to commence meaningful operations in battery, magnet and advanced materials recycling.
The accounting policies of our reportable segments are the same as those described in the “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” for the Company.
Revenue and costs are generally directly attributed to our segments. However, due to the integrated structure of our business, certain revenue recognized and costs incurred by one segment may benefit other segments. Revenue from certain contracts is allocated among the segments based on the relative value of the underlying products and services, which can include allocation based on actual prices charged, prices when sold separately, or estimated costs plus a profit margin. Cost of revenue is allocated in certain cases based on a relative revenue methodology. Operating expenses that are allocated primarily include those relating to marketing of products and services from which multiple segments benefit and are generally allocated based on relative gross margin.
The table below presents information about reported segments for the years ending December 31:
2024 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||||
|
| Corporate |
|
| AIC |
|
| RMLT |
|
| EMC |
|
| Consolidated |
| |||||
Revenues |
| $ |
|
| $ |
|
| $ |
|
| $ |
|
| $ |
| |||||
Operating loss |
| $ | ( | ) |
| $ | ( | ) |
| $ | ( | ) |
| $ | ( | ) |
| $ | ( | ) |
2023 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||||
|
| Corporate |
|
| AIC |
|
| RLMT |
|
| EMC |
|
| Consolidated |
| |||||
Revenues |
| $ |
|
| $ |
|
| $ |
|
| $ |
|
| $ |
| |||||
Operating (loss) income |
| $ | ( | ) |
| $ | ( | ) |
| $ | ( | ) |
| $ |
|
| $ | ( | ) | |
| F-32 |
| Table of Contents |
A reconciliation of total segment revenues to total consolidated revenues and of total segment gross margin and segment operating income (loss) to total consolidated income (loss) before income taxes, for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, is as follows:
2024 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
| Corporate |
|
| AIC |
|
| RLMT |
|
| EMC |
|
| Consolidated |
| ||||||
Total revenue |
| $ |
|
| $ |
|
| $ |
|
| $ |
|
| $ |
| |||||
Cost of revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Gross margin |
|
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) | ||
Less: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accretion |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) | |||
Depreciation |
|
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) | ||
Amortization of mining rights |
|
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) | ||
General and administrative |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
Professional fees |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
Litigation expense |
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) | |||
Production taxes and royalties |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) | ||
Development |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) | |
Gain on sale of equipment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Segment operating loss |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reconciliation to net loss: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other income (expense) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings (losses) from equity method investees, net |
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) | ||
Other income and (expense) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Interest income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Interest expense |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) | |
Net loss |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
| F-33 |
| Table of Contents |
2023 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
| Corporate |
|
| AIC |
|
| RLMT |
|
| EMC |
|
| Consolidated |
| ||||||
Revenue |
| $ |
|
| $ |
|
| $ |
|
| $ |
|
| $ |
| |||||
Cost of revenues |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) | |||
Segment gross profit |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Less: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accretion |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) | |||
Depreciation |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) | ||
Amortization of mining rights |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) | |||
General and administrative |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) | |
Professional fees |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) | |
Litigation expense |
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) | |||
Production taxes and royalties |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) | |
Development |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) | |
Gain on sale of equipment |
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Segment operating income (loss) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reconciliation to net loss: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other income (expense) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings (losses) from equity method investees, net |
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) | ||
Other income and (expense) |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Interest income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Interest expense |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) | |
Net loss |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) | |
| F-34 |
| Table of Contents |
Assets are not allocated to segments for internal reporting presentations. A portion of depreciation and amortization is included with various other costs in an overhead allocation to each segment. It is impracticable for us to separately identify the amount of amortization and depreciation by segment that is included in the measure of segment profit or loss.
Long-lived assets, classified by the segment were as follows:
| 2024 |
|
| 2023 |
| |||
Corporate |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
AIC |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
RLMT |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
EMC |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Consolidated |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
NOTE 12 - SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
American Infrastructure Corp – CGRA Transaction
On January 28, 2025, American Resources Corporation’s previously majority owned subsidiary, American Infrastructure Corporation (“AIC”) completed a share exchange with CGrowth Capital, Inc. (“CGRA”).
Series A shares provide its holders with non-dilution rights such that, until converted to common stock as provided below, the Series A shares will convert (as a group) into
ReElement Share Distribution
On February 15, 2025, approximately
Bond Refinancing
On April 1, 2025, Kentucky Lithium LLC closed a remarketing of the outstanding $
| F-35 |
EXHIBIT 31.1
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
Certification of Principal Executive Officer
I, Mark C. Jensen, certify that:
| 1. | I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K/A of American Resources Corporation; |
|
| |
| 2. | Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; |
|
| |
| 3. | Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; |
|
| |
| 4. | The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have: |
| (a) | Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; | |
|
|
| |
| (b) | Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; | |
|
|
| |
| (c) | Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and | |
|
|
| |
| (d) | Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and |
| 5. | The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): |
| (a) | All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and | |
|
|
| |
| (b) | Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. |
| AMERICAN RESOURCES CORPORATION | |||
|
| |||
| Date: May 20, 2025 | By: | /s/: Mark C. Jensen | |
| Mark C. Jensen, | |||
| Chief Executive Officer | |||
| Principal Executive Officer | |||
EXHIBIT 31.2
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
Certification of Principal Financial Officer and
Principal Accounting Officer
I, Kirk P. Taylor, certify that:
| 1. | I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K/A of American Resources Corporation; |
|
| |
| 2. | Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; |
|
| |
| 3. | Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; |
|
| |
| 4. | The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have: |
|
| (a) | Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; |
|
| ||
|
| (b) | Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; |
|
| ||
|
| (c) | Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and |
|
| ||
|
| (d) | Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and |
| 5. | The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): |
|
| (a) | All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and |
|
| ||
|
| (b) | Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. |
|
| AMERICAN RESOURCES CORPORATION | ||
|
|
|
|
|
| Date: May 20, 2025 | By: | /s/: Kirk P. Taylor | |
|
| Kirk P. Taylor, | ||
|
| Chief Financial Officer | ||
|
| Principal Financial Officer | ||
|
| Principal Accounting Officer | ||
EXHIBIT 32.1
Certification of Principal Executive Officer
Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350
In connection with the Annual Report of American Resources Corporation, (the “Company”) on Form 10-K/A for the year ending December 31, 2025 to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or about the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Mark C. Jensen, Principal Executive Officer of the Company, certify, to my knowledge, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, that:
|
| (i) | the accompanying Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d), as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and |
|
|
| |
|
| (ii) | the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company as of the dates and for the periods covered by the Report. |
It is not intended that this statement be deemed to be filed for purposes of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
|
| AMERICAN RESOURCES CORPORATION | ||
|
|
|
| |
| Date: May 20, 2025 | By: | /s/: Mark C. Jensen | |
|
| Mark C. Jensen, | ||
|
| Chief Executive Officer | ||
|
| Principal Executive Officer | ||
EXHIBIT 32.2
Certification of Principal Financial Officer
and Principal Accounting Officer
Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350
In connection with the Annual Report of American Resources Corporation (the “Company”) on Form 10-K/A for the year ending December 31, 2025 to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or about the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Kirk P. Taylor, Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer of the Company, certify, to my knowledge, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, that:
|
| (i) | the accompanying Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d), as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and |
|
|
| |
|
| (ii) | the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company as of the dates and for the periods covered by the Report. |
It is not intended that this statement be deemed to be filed for purposes of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
| AMERICAN RESOURCES CORPORATION | |||
|
| |||
| Date: May 20, 2025 | By: | /s/: Kirk P. Taylor | |
| Kirk P. Taylor, | |||
| Chief Financial Officer | |||
| Principal Financial Officer | |||
| Principal Accounting Officer | |||
EXHIBIT 95.1
Federal Mine Safety and Health Act Information
We work to prevent accidents and occupational illnesses. We have in place health and safety programs that include extensive employee training, safety incentives, drug and alcohol testing and safety audits. The objectives of our health and safety programs are to provide a safe work environment, provide employees with proper training and equipment and implement safety and health rules, policies and programs that foster safety excellence.
Our mining operations are subject to extensive and stringent compliance standards established pursuant to the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (the “Mine Act”). MSHA monitors and rigorously enforces compliance with these standards, and our mining operations are inspected frequently. Citations and orders are issued by MSHA under Section 104 of the Mine Act for violations of the Mine Act or any mandatory health or safety standard, rule, order or regulation promulgated under the Mine Act.
The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (“Dodd-Frank Act”) requires issuers to include in periodic reports filed with the SEC certain information relating to citations or orders for violations of standards under the Mine Act. We present information below regarding certain mining safety and health violations, orders and citations, issued by MSHA and related assessments and legal actions and mine-related fatalities with respect to our active coal mining operations. In evaluating this information, consideration should be given to factors such as: (i) the number of violations, orders and citations will vary depending on the size of the coal mine, (ii) the number of violations, orders and citations issued will vary from inspector to inspector and mine to mine, and (iii) violations, orders and citations can be contested and appealed, and in that process, are often reduced in severity and amount, and are sometimes dismissed.
The following tables include information required by the Dodd-Frank Act for the twelve months ended December 31, 2025. The mine data retrieval system maintained by MSHA may show information that is different than what is provided herein. Any such difference may be attributed to the need to update that information on MSHA’s system and/or other factors.
| Mine or Operating Name / MSHA Identification Number |
| Section 104(a) S&S Citations(1) |
|
| Section 104(b) Orders(2) |
|
| Section 104(d) Citations and Orders(3) |
|
| Section 110(b)(2) Violations(4) |
|
| Section 107(a) Orders(5) |
|
| Total Dollar Value of MSHA Assessments Proposed (in thousands)(6) |
| ||||||
| Active Operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||
| McCoy Elkhorn Mine #15 / 15-18775 |
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
| $ | 442.0 |
|
| McCoy Elkhorn Carnegie Mine / 15-19313 |
|
| 1 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
| $ | 19.2 |
|
| McCoy Elkhorn Carnegie 2 Mine / 15-19801 |
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
| $ | 17.8 |
|
| McCoy Elkhorn Bevins Branch Preparation Plant / 15-10445 |
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
| $ | 29.2 |
|
| Deane Mining Access Mine/ 15-19532 |
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
| $ | 95.0 |
|
| Deane Mining Mill Creek Preparation Plant / 15-16577 |
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
| $ | 0.0 |
|
| Deane Mining Razorblade / 15-19829 |
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
| $ | 0.0 |
|
| Perry County Resources / E4-2 15-19015 |
|
| 7 |
|
|
| 5 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
| $ | 157.5 |
|
| Perry County Resources Davidson Preparation Plant / 15-05485 |
|
| 2 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
| $ | 26.8 |
|
| Knott County Coal Wayland / 15-19402 |
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
| $ | 0 |
|
| Wyoming County Loadout / 46-05893 |
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
| $ | 0.0 |
|
| 1 |
| Mine or Operating Name / MSHA Identification Number |
| Total Number of Mining Related Fatalities |
|
| Received Notice of Pattern of Violations Under Section 104(e) (yes/no)(7) |
| Legal Actions Pending as of Last Day of Period |
|
| Legal Actions Initiated During Period |
|
| Legal Actions Resolved During Period |
| ||||
| Active Operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
| McCoy Elkhorn Mine #15 / 15-18775 |
|
| 0 |
|
| No |
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
| McCoy Elkhorn Carnegie Mine / 15-19313 |
|
| 0 |
|
| No |
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
| McCoy Elkhorn Carnegie 2 Mine / 15-19801 |
|
| 0 |
|
| No |
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
| McCoy Elkhorn Bevins Branch Preparation Plant / 15-10445 |
|
| 0 |
|
| No |
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
| Deane Mining Access Mine / 15-19532 |
|
| 0 |
|
| No |
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
| Deane Mining Mill Creek Preparation Plant / 15-16577 |
|
| 0 |
|
| No |
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
| Deane Mining Razorblade / 15-19829 |
|
| 0 |
|
| No |
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
| Perry County Resources E4-2 / 15-19402 |
|
| 0 |
|
| No |
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
| Perry County Resources Davidson Preparation Plant / 15-05485 |
|
| 0 |
|
| No |
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
| Knott County Coal Wayland / 15-19402 |
|
| 0 |
|
| No |
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
| Wyoming County Loadout / 46-05893 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The number of legal actions pending before the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission as of December 31, 2024 that fall into each of the following categories is as follows:
| Mine or Operating Name / MSHA Identification Number |
| Contests of Citations and Orders |
|
| Contests of Proposed Penalties |
|
| Complaints for Compensation |
|
| Complaints of Discharge / Discrimination / Interference |
|
| Applications for Temporary Relief |
|
| Appeals of Judge’s Ruling |
| ||||||
| Active Operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||
| McCoy Elkhorn Mine #15 / 15-18775 |
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
| McCoy Elkhorn Carnegie Mine / 15-19313 |
|
| 4 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
| McCoy Elkhorn Carnegie 2 Mine / 15-19801 |
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
| McCoy Elkhorn Bevins Branch Preparation Plant / 15-10445 |
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
| Deane Mining Access Mine / 15-19532 |
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
| Deane Mining Mill Creek Preparation Plant / 15-16577 |
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
| Deane Mining Razorblade / 15-19829 |
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
| Perry County Resources E4-2/ 15-19402 |
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
| Perry County Resources Davidson Preparation Plant / 15-05485 |
|
| 6 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
| Knott County Coal Wayland / 15-19402 |
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
| Wyoming County Loadout / 46-05893 |
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
|
| 0 |
|
_____________
| (1) | Mine Act section 104(a) S&S citations shown above are for alleged violations of mandatory health or safety standards that could significantly and substantially contribute to a coal mine health and safety hazard. It should be noted that, for purposes of this table, S&S citations that are included in another column, such as Section 104(d) citations, are not also included as Section 104(a) S&S citations in this column. |
| (2) | Mine Act section 104(b) orders are for alleged failures to totally abate a citation within the time period specified in the citation. |
| (3) | Mine Act section 104(d) citations and orders are for an alleged unwarrantable failure (i.e., aggravated conduct constituting more than ordinary negligence) to comply with mandatory health or safety standards. |
| (4) | Mine Act section 110(b)(2) violations are for an alleged “flagrant” failure (i.e., reckless or repeated) to make reasonable efforts to eliminate a known violation of a mandatory safety or health standard that substantially and proximately caused, or reasonably could have been expected to cause, death or serious bodily injury. |
| (5) | Mine Act section 107(a) orders are for alleged conditions or practices which could reasonably be expected to cause death or serious physical harm before such condition or practice can be abated and result in orders of immediate withdrawal from the area of the mine affected by the condition. |
| (6) | Amounts shown include assessments proposed by MSHA during the twelve months ended December 31, 2025 on all citations and orders, including those citations and orders that are not required to be included within the above chart. This number may differ from actual assessments paid to MSHA as the Company may contest any proposed penalty. |
| (7) | Mine Act section 104(e) written notices are for an alleged pattern of violations of mandatory health or safety standards that could significantly and substantially contribute to a coal mine safety or health hazard. |
| 2 |
EXHIBIT 97.1
COMPENSATION CLAWBACK POLICY
Each executive officer shall repay or forfeit, to the fullest extent permitted by law and as directed by the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”), any annual incentive or other performance-based compensation awards (“Awards”) received by him or her on or after January 1, 2024 if:
|
| · | the payment, grant or vesting of the Awards was based on the achievement of financial results that were subsequently the subject of a restatement of the Company’s financial statements filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, |
|
|
|
|
|
| · | the Board determines in its sole discretion, exercised in good faith, that the executive officer engaged in fraud or misconduct that caused or contributed to the need for the restatement, |
|
|
|
|
|
| · | the amount of the compensation that would have been received by the executive officer had the financial results been properly reported would have been lower than the amount actually received, and |
|
|
|
|
|
| · | the Board determines in its sole discretion that it is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders for the executive officer to repay or forfeit all or any portion of the Awards. |
The Board’s independent directors, as identified pursuant to applicable exchange listing standards, shall have full and final authority to make all determinations under this Policy, including without limitation whether the Policy applies and if so, the amount of the Awards to be repaid or forfeited by the executive officer. Repayment can be made from the proceeds of the sale of Company stock and the forfeiture of other outstanding awards. All determinations and decisions made by the Board’s independent directors pursuant to the provisions of this Policy shall be final, conclusive and binding on all persons, including the Company, its affiliates, its shareholders and employees.
Each award agreement or other document setting forth the terms and conditions of any annual incentive or other performance-based award granted to an executive officer shall be deemed to include the provisions of this Policy. The remedy specified in this policy shall not be exclusive and shall be in addition to every other right or remedy at law or in equity that may be available to the Company.
The Board acknowledges that this Policy will be amended if and as required to comply with the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. The Company shall seek to recover incentive compensation paid to any executive officer as required by the provisions of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act or any other “clawback” provision required by law or the listing standards of the NASDAQ Global Select Market.
As adopted by the Board of Directors of the Company and effective on January 1, 2024.