Canagold Resources Ltd 20-F, filed May 2, 2023
Canagold Resources Ltd. (CRCUF)
About this 20-F
Canagold Resources Ltd filed this 20-F on May 2, 2023, covering the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 20-F
| ☐
| REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
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| OR
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| ☑
| ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
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| For fiscal year ended December 31, 2022
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| OR
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| TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
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| For the transition period from ____ to ______
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| OR
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| ☐
| SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
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| Date of event requiring this shell company report: | ||
| Commission file number: 0-18860 |
| CANAGOLD RESOURCES LTD. |
| (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter) |
Province of British Columbia, Canada
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
Suite #1250 – 625 Howe Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6C 2T6
(Address of principal executive offices)
Mihai Draguleasa, Chief Financial Officer, Phone: (604) 685-9700 (Extension 103), Fax: (604) 685-9744, e-mail:
mihai@canagoldresources.com
Canagold Resources Ltd., Suite #1250 – 625 Howe Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6C 2T6
(Name, Telephone, E-mail and/or Facsimile number and Address of Company Contact Person)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: Common Shares, without par value
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act: None
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the Registrant’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report: 136,889,394 common shares as at December 31, 2022
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☐ No ☑
If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the Registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Yes ☐ No ☑
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 ☑ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ☑ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or an emerging growth company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
| Large accelerated filer | ☐ | Accelerated filer | ☐ |
| Non-accelerated filer | ☑ | Emerging growth company | ☐ |
If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, 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 has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☐
Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the Registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:
| U.S. GAAP | ☐ | International Financial Reporting Standards as issued |
| Other | ☐ |
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| by the International Accounting Standards Board | ☑ |
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If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the Registrant has elected to follow: Item 17 ☐ Item 18 ☐
If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☑
| EXPLANATORY NOTE REGARDING PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION |
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| MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS |
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| Purchases of Equity Securities by the Company and Affiliated Purchasers |
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| 4 |
| Table of Contents |
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This annual report on Form 20-F and the exhibits attached hereto contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Such forward looking statements concern the Company’s anticipated results and developments in the Company’s operations in future periods, planned exploration and development of its mineral property interests, plans related to its business and other matters that may occur in the future. These statements relate to analyses and other information that are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management.
Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, “plans”, “estimates” or “intends”, or stating that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause actual events or results to differ from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation:
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| · | risks related to our exploration and development activities; |
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| · | risks related to the financing needs of our planned operations; |
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| · | risks related to estimates of mineral deposits, resources and reserves; |
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| · | risks related to fluctuations in mineral prices; |
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| · | risks related to the titles of our mineral property interests; |
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| · | risks related to competition in the mineral exploration and mining industry; |
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| · | risks related to potential conflicts of interest with our officers and directors; |
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| · | risks related to environmental and regulatory requirements; |
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| · | risks related to foreign currency fluctuations; |
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| · | risks related to our possible status as a passive foreign investment company; |
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| · | risks related to the volatility of our common stock; |
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 5 |
| Table of Contents |
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| · | risks related to the possible dilution of our common stock; |
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| · | risks related the uncertainty related to unsettled First Nations rights and title in British Columbia (BC, Canada); |
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| · | risks related to uninsured risks; |
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| · | risks related to COVID-19 pandemic; and |
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| · | risks related to cybersecurity. |
This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect our forward-looking statements. Some of the important risks and uncertainties that could affect forward-looking statements are described further under the sections titled “Item 3. Key Information – D. Risk Factors” and “Item 4. Information on the Company” of this annual report on Form 20-F. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. We disclaim any obligation subsequently to revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events other than as may be specifically required by applicable securities laws and regulations.
We qualify all the forward-looking statements contained in this annual report by the foregoing cautionary statements.
Unless the context otherwise requires, all references to “we” or “our” or the “Company” or “Canagold” or “Canarc” refer to Canagold Resources Ltd. (formerly, Canarc Resource Corp.) and/or its subsidiaries. All monetary figures are in terms of United States dollars unless otherwise indicated.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 6 |
| Table of Contents |
SUMMARY OF RISK FACTORS
Investing in our common shares involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the risks summarized below and other risks that we face, a detailed discussion of which can be found under “Item 3. Key Information – D. Risk Factors” below, together with other information in this annual report on Form 20-F and our other filings with the SEC. This summary list of risks is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of the Company’s forward-looking statements and our business and financial results. If any of these risks actually occur, our business, financial condition and financial performance would likely be materially adversely affected. In such case, the trading price of our common shares would likely decline and you may lose part or all of your investment. Below is a summary of some of the principal risks we face:
Risks related to the Company’s Financial Condition
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| · | The Company’s ability to continue as a going concern is in doubt and the Company’s planned operations will require future financing and there is no assurance given by the Company that it will be able to secure the financing necessary to explore, develop and produce its mineral property interests. |
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| · | The Company has a history of losses, and we do not expect to generate earnings from operations or pay dividends in the near term, if at all. |
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| · | A substantial or extended decline in gold or silver prices would have a material adverse effect on the value of the Company’s assets and on the Company’s ability to raise capital and could result in lower than estimated economic returns. |
Risks related to the Company’s Business
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| · | The Company’s exploration activities may not be commercially successful, which could lead it to abandon its plans to develop its mineral property interests and its investments in exploration and there is no assurance given by the Company that its exploration and development programs and mineral property interests will result in the discovery, development or production of a commercially viable ore body. |
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| · | The Company will be required to locate mineral reserves for its long-term success. |
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| · | The figures for the Company’s resources are estimates based on interpretation and assumptions and may yield less mineral production under actual conditions than is currently estimated and there is no assurance given by the Company that any estimates of mineral deposits herein will not change. |
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| · | Mineral operations are subject to market forces outside of the Company’s control which could negatively impact the Company’s operations. |
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| · | There is no assurance given by the Company that it owns legal title to its mineral property interests. |
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| · | The Company competes with larger, better capitalized competitors in the mining industry and there is no assurance given by the Company that it can compete for mineral properties, future financings and technical expertise. |
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| · | A shortage of equipment and supplies could adversely affect the Company’s ability to operate its business. |
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| · | The Company’s directors and officers may have conflicts of interest as a result of their relationships with other companies and there is no assurance given by the Company that its directors and officers will not have conflicts of interest from time to time. |
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| · | The Company does not insure against all risks which we may be subject to in our planned operations and there is no assurance given by the Company that it is adequately insured against all risks. |
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| · | The Company is subject to significant governmental and environmental regulations and there is no assurance given by the Company that it has met all environmental or regulatory requirements. |
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| · | Regulations and pending legislation governing issues involving climate change could result in increased operating costs, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business. |
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| · | Land reclamation requirements for the Company’s properties may be burdensome. |
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 7 |
| Table of Contents |
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| · | Mining is inherently dangerous and subject to conditions or events beyond the Company’s control, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business. |
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| · | The Company may face potential opposition from non-governmental organizations (“NGOs”) to explore, advance, develop and operate its mineral property assets. |
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| · | There is uncertainty related to unsettled First Nations rights and title in British Columbia (Canada) and this may create delays in project approval or interruptions in project progress. |
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| · | The Company’s properties may be located in foreign countries and political instability or changes in the regulations in these countries may adversely affect the Company’s ability to carry on its business. |
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| · | Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates may adversely affect the Company’s future profitability. |
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| · | The Company is reliant on third parties. |
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| · | Direct and indirect consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic may have material adverse consequences on our results of operations. |
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| · | The Company may experience cybersecurity threats. |
Risks Related to the Company’s United States Reporting
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| · | It may be difficult for U.S. shareholders to enforce civil liabilities under United States law in Canadian courts. |
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| · | The Company’s possible PFIC status may have possible adverse tax consequences for United States Investors. |
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| · | While we believe we have adequate internal control over financial reporting, internal controls cannot provide absolute assurance that objectives are met. |
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| · | As a “foreign private issuer”, the Company is exempt from Section 14 proxy rules and Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. |
Risks Related to the Company’s Common Shares
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| · | The Company does not intend to pay dividends. |
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| · | The volatility of the Company’s common shares could cause investor loss. |
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| · | Penny stock classification could affect the marketability of the Company’s common stock and shareholders could find it difficult to sell their stock. |
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| · | Possible dilution to current shareholders based on outstanding options and warrants. |
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 8 |
| Table of Contents |
EXPLANATORY NOTE REGARDING PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The annual audited consolidated financial statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 20-F are reported in United States dollars. For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, as presented in the annual audited consolidated financials contained in this Annual Report on Form 20-F, we prepared our consolidated financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (‘‘IFRS’’) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”). Statements prepared in accordance with IFRS are not comparable in all respects with financial statements that are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“US GAAP”).
Unless we otherwise indicate in this Annual Report on Form 20-F, all references to “Canadian Dollars” or “CAD$” are to the lawful currency of Canada, and all references to “U.S. Dollars” or “US$” are to the lawful currency of the United States.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 9 |
| Table of Contents |
GLOSSARY OF MINING TERMS
The following is a glossary of some of the terms used in the mining industry and referenced herein:
| 1933 Act ‑ means the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
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| adit – a horizontal tunnel in an underground mine driven from a hillside surface.
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| Ag – silver.
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| alluvial mining ‑ mining of gold bearing stream gravels using gravity methods to recover the gold, also known as placer mining.
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| andesite - a volcanic rock of intermediate composition, the extrusive equivalent of diorite.
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| arsenopyrite – an ore mineral of arsenic, iron, and sulphur, often containing gold.
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| assay – a precise and accurate analysis of the metal contents in an ore or rock sample.
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| Au ‑ gold.
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| autoclave – a mineral processing vessel operated at high temperature and pressure in order to oxidize sulfide and carbon compounds, so the contained metals can be leached and concentrated.
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| Commission ‑ United States Securities and Exchange Commission, or S.E.C.
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| concentrate – a concentrate of minerals produced by crushing, grinding and processing methods such as gravity or flotation.
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| contained gold – total measurable gold in grams or ounces estimated to be contained within a mineral deposit. Makes no allowance for economic criteria, mining dilution or recovery losses.
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| Cu – copper.
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| cut-off grade – deemed grade of mineralization, established by reference to economic factors, above which material is considered ore and below which is considered waste.
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| diamond drill – a large machine that produces a continuous core sample of the rock or material being drilled.
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| diorite – a plutonic rock of intermediate composition, the intrusive equivalent of andesite.
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| dorė – bullion of gold, with minor silver and copper produced by smelting, prior to refining.
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| epithermal – used to describe hydrothermal mineral deposits, typically in veins, formed at lower temperatures and pressures within 1 km of the earth surface.
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| Exchange Act – means the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
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Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 10 |
| Table of Contents |
| Exploration stage issuer is an issuer that has no material property with mineral reserves disclosed.
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| Exploration stage property is a property that has no mineral reserves disclosed.
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| feasibility study – a detailed report assessing the feasibility, economics and engineering of placing a mineral deposit into commercial production.
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| flotation – a mineral recovery process using soapy compounds to float finely ground metallic minerals into a concentrate.
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| gold deposit ‑ means a mineral deposit mineralised with gold.
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| gold equivalent ‑ a method of presenting combined gold and silver concentrations or weights for comparison purposes. Commonly involves expressing silver as its proportionate value in gold based on the relative values of the two metals.
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| gold resource – see mineral resource.
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| gpt ‑ grams per tonne.
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| greenstone ‑ a field term for any compact dark‑green altered or metamorphosed basic igneous rock that owes its colour to green minerals such as chlorite, actinolite or epidote.
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| indicated mineral resource means that part of a mineral resource for which quantity and grade or quality are estimated on the basis of adequate geological evidence and sampling. The level of geological certainty associated with an indicated mineral resource is sufficient to allow a qualified person to apply modifying factors in sufficient detail to support mine planning and evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit. Because an indicated mineral resource has a lower level of confidence than the level of confidence of a measured mineral resource, an indicated mineral resource may only be converted to a probable mineral reserve.
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| inferred mineral resource means that part of a mineral resource for which quantity and grade or quality are estimated on the basis of limited geological evidence and sampling. The level of geological uncertainty associated with an inferred mineral resource is too high to apply relevant technical and economic factors likely to influence the prospects of economic extraction in a manner useful for evaluation of economic viability. Because an inferred mineral resource has the lowest level of geological confidence of all mineral resources, which prevents the application of the modifying factors in a manner useful for evaluation of economic viability, an inferred mineral resource may not be considered when assessing the economic viability of a mining project, and may not be converted to a mineral reserve.
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| lode mining – mining of ore, typically in the form of veins or stockworks.
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| measured mineral resource means that part of a mineral resource for which quantity and grade or quality are estimated on the basis of conclusive geological evidence and sampling. The level of geological certainty associated with a measured mineral resource is sufficient to allow a qualified person to apply modifying factors, as defined in this section, in sufficient detail to support detailed mine planning and final evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit. Because a measured mineral resource has a higher level of confidence than the level of confidence of either an indicated mineral resource or an inferred mineral resource, a measured mineral resource may be converted to a proven mineral reserve or to a probable mineral reserve.
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Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 11 |
| Table of Contents |
| mesothermal – used to describe hydrothermal mineral deposits, typically in veins, formed at higher temperatures and pressures deeper than 1 km of the earth’s surface.
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| mineral reserve is an estimate of tonnage and grade or quality of indicated and measured mineral resources that, in the opinion of the qualified person, can be the basis of an economically viable project. More specifically, it is the economically mineable part of a measured or indicated mineral resource, which includes diluting materials and allowances for losses that may occur when the material is mined or extracted.
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| mineral resource is a concentration or occurrence of material of economic interest in or on the Earth’s crust in such form, grade or quality, and quantity that there are reasonable prospects for economic extraction. A mineral resource is a reasonable estimate of mineralization, taking into account relevant factors such as cut-off grade, likely mining dimensions, location or continuity, that, with the assumed and justifiable technical and economic conditions, is likely to, in whole or in part, become economically extractable. It is not merely an inventory of all mineralization drilled or sampled.
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| net profits interest or NPI – a royalty based on the net profits generated after recovery of all costs.
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| net smelter royalty or NSR - a royalty based on the gross proceeds received from the sale of minerals less the cost of smelting, refining, freight and other related costs.
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| nugget effect – an effect of high variability of gold assays, due to the gold occurring in discreet coarse grains such that their content in any given sample is highly variable.
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| ore – a naturally occurring rock or material from which economic minerals can be extracted at a profit.
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| ounce or oz. - a troy ounce or 20 pennyweights or 480 grains or 31.103 grams.
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| opt – troy ounces per ton.
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| porphyry – an igneous rock containing coarser crystals in a finer matrix.
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| probable reserve is the economically mineable part of an indicated and, in some cases, a measured mineral resource.
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| professional association, for the purposes of the definition of a Qualified Person below, means a self-regulatory organization of engineers, geoscientists or both engineers and geoscientists that (a) has been given authority or recognition by statute; (b) admits members primarily on the basis of their academic qualifications and experience; (c) requires compliance with the professional standards of competence and ethics established by the organization; and (d) has disciplinary powers, including the power to suspend or expel a member.
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| prospect – an area prospective for economic minerals based on geological, geophysical, geochemical and other criteria
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| proven reserve is the economically mineable part of a measured mineral resource and can only result from conversion of a measured mineral resource.
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| pyrite – an ore mineral of iron and sulphur.
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| Qualified Person means an individual who (a) is an engineer or geoscientist with at least five years of experience in mineral exploration, mine development or operation or mineral project assessment, or any combination of these; (b) has experience relevant to the subject matter of the mineral project and the technical report; and (c) is a member in good standing of a professional association.
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Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 12 |
| Table of Contents |
| quartz – a rock-forming mineral of silica and oxygen, often found in veins also.
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| raise – a vertical or inclined tunnel in an underground mine driven upwards from below.
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| ramp – an inclined tunnel in an underground mine driven downwards from surface.
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| reverse circulation drill – a large machine that produces a continuous chip sample of the rock or material being drilled.
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| saprolite ‑ a soft, earthy, clay rich and thoroughly decomposed rock with its original textures intact, formed in place by chemical weathering of igneous, sedimentary or metamorphic rocks.
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| scoping study – a conceptual report assessing the scope, economics and engineering of placing a mineral deposit into commercial production.
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| shaft – a vertical or inclined tunnel in an underground mine driven downward from surface.
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| shear – a tabular zone of faulting within which the rocks are crushed and flattened.
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| stibnite – an ore mineral of antimony and sulphur.
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| stock or pluton – a body of intrusive rock that covers less than 40 square miles, has steep dips and is discordant with surrounding rock.
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| stockwork – multiple small veins of mineralisation that have so penetrated a rock mass that the whole rock mass can be considered mineralised.
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| strike length ‑ the longest horizontal dimensions of a body or zone of mineralisation.
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| stripping ratio ‑ the ratio of waste material to ore that is estimated for or experienced in mining an ore body.
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| sulphide – an ore mineral compound linking sulphur with one or more metals.
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| ton ‑ short ton (2,000 pounds).
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| tonne ‑ metric tonne (2,204.6 pounds).
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| trenching – the surface excavation of a linear trench to expose mineralization for sampling.
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| vein – a tabular body of rock typically of narrow thickness and often mineralized occupying a fault, shear, fissure or fracture crosscutting another pre-existing rock.
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| winze – an internal shaft in an underground mine. |
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 13 |
| Table of Contents |
For ease of reference, the following conversion factors are provided:
| 1 mile
| = 1.609 kilometres
| 1 pound
| = 0.4535 kilogram
|
| 1 yard
| = 0.9144 meter
| 2,000 pounds/1 short ton
| = 0.907 tonne
|
| 1 acre
| = 0.405 hectare
| 1 troy ounce
| = 31.103 grams
|
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 14 |
| Table of Contents |
CAUTIONARY NOTE TO U.S. INVESTORS REGARDING MINERAL RESERVE AND RESOURCE ESTIMATES
We are subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act and applicable Canadian securities laws, and as a result we report our mineral reserves and mineral resources according to two different standards. U.S. reporting requirements are governed by subpart 1300 of Regulation S-K under the Exchange Act (“S-K 1300”). Canadian reporting requirements for disclosure of mineral properties are governed by NI 43-101. Both sets of reporting standards have similar goals in terms of conveying an appropriate level of confidence in the disclosures being reported, but the standards embody slightly different approaches and definitions.
In our public filings in the U.S. and Canada and in certain other announcements not filed with the SEC, we may disclose measured, indicated and inferred resources, each as defined in S-K 1300 and NI 43-101. The estimation of measured resources and indicated resources involve greater uncertainty as to their existence and economic feasibility than the estimation of proven and probable reserves, and therefore investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of measured or indicated resources will ever be converted into S-K 1300-compliant or NI 43-101-compliant reserves. The estimation of inferred resources involves far greater uncertainty as to their existence and economic viability than the estimation of other categories of resources, and therefore it cannot be assumed that all or any part of inferred resources will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Therefore, investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of inferred resources exist, or that they can be mined legally or economically.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 15 |
| Table of Contents |
ITEM 1. IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS
Not applicable.
ITEM 2. OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE
Not applicable.
3.B Capitalization and Indebtedness
Not applicable.
3.C Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds
Not applicable.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 16 |
| Table of Contents |
The following is a brief discussion of those distinctive or special characteristics of the Company’s operations and industry that may have a material impact on, or constitute risk factors in respect of, the Company’s future financial performance. You should carefully consider, among other matters, the following risk factors in addition to the other information in this annual report on Form 20-F when evaluating our business because these risk factors may have a significant impact on our business, financial condition, operating results or cash flow. If any of the material risks described below or in subsequent reports we file with the SEC actually occur, they may materially harm our business, financial condition, operating results or cash flow. Additional risks and uncertainties that we have not yet identified or that we presently consider to be immaterial may also materially harm our business, financial condition, operating results or cash flow.
Risks Related to the Company’s Financial Condition
The Company’s ability to continue as a going concern is in doubt and the Company’s planned operations will require future financing and there is no assurance given by the Company that it will be able to secure the financing necessary to explore, develop and produce its mineral property interests.
The Company does not presently have sufficient financial resources or operating cash flows to undertake by itself all of its planned exploration and development programs. The development of the Company’s mineral property interests may therefore depend on the Company’s joint venture partners, if any, and on the Company’s ability to obtain additional required financing. There is no assurance the Company will be successful in obtaining the required financing, the lack of which could result in the loss or substantial dilution of its interests (as existing or as proposed to be acquired) in its mineral property interests as disclosed herein. In addition, the Company does not have sufficient experience in developing mining properties into production and its ability to do so will be dependent upon securing the services of appropriately experienced personnel or entering into agreements with other major mining companies which can provide such expertise.
As noted in its audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2022 the Company has no operating revenues, has incurred significant operating losses in fiscal years prior to 2022, and has an accumulated deficit of approximately $52.8 million at December 31, 2022. Furthermore, the Company lacks sufficient funds to achieve the Company’s planned business objectives. The Company’s ability to continue as a going concern is dependent on continued financial support from its shareholders and other related parties, the ability of the Company to raise equity financing, and the attainment of profitable operations, external financings and further share issuances to meet the Company’s liabilities as they become payable.
The report of our independent registered public accounting firm on the December 31, 2022 consolidated financial statements includes an additional paragraph that states the existence of material uncertainties that cast substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The consolidated financial statements do not include adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 17 |
| Table of Contents |
The Company has a history of losses, and we do not expect to generate earnings from operations or pay dividends in the near term, if at all.
The Company is an exploration stage enterprise. As such, the Company devotes its efforts to exploration, analysis and, if warranted, development of its projects. The Company does not currently produce gold and does not currently generate operating earnings from gold production. The Company finances its business activities principally by issuing equity securities.
The Company has incurred losses in all periods since inception. The Company expects to continue to incur losses in the future. The Company has no history of paying cash dividends and it does not expect to be able to pay cash dividends or to make any similar distribution in the foreseeable future, if at all.
A substantial or extended decline in gold prices would have a material adverse effect on the value of the Company’s assets and on the Company’s ability to raise capital and could result in lower than estimated economic returns.
The value of the Company’s assets, its ability to raise capital and its future economic returns are substantially dependent on the price of gold. Gold prices fluctuate continually and are affected by numerous factors beyond the Company’s control. Factors tending to influence gold prices include:
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| · | gold sales or leasing by governments and central banks or changes in their monetary policy, including gold inventory management and reallocation of reserves; |
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| · | speculative short or long positions on futures markets; |
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| · | the relative strength of the U.S. dollar; |
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| · | expectations of the future rate of inflation or interest rates; |
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| · | changes to economic conditions in the United States, China, India and other industrialized or developing countries; |
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| · | geopolitical conflicts; |
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| · | changes in jewelry, investment or industrial demand; |
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| · | changes in supply from production, disinvestment and scrap; and |
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| · | forward sales by producers in hedging or similar transactions. |
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 18 |
| Table of Contents |
A substantial or extended decline in the gold prices could:
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| · | negatively impact the Company’s ability to raise capital on favorable terms, or at all; |
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| · | jeopardize the development of the New Polaris property; |
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| · | reduce the Company’s estimated mineral resources and reserves by removing material from these estimates that could not be economically processed at lower gold prices; |
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| · | reduce the potential for future revenues from gold projects in which the Company has an interest; |
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| · | reduce funds available to operate the Company’s business; and |
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| · | reduce the market value of the Company’s assets. |
Risks Related to the Company’s Business
The Company’s exploration activities may not be commercially successful, which could lead it to abandon its plans to develop its mineral property interests and its investments in exploration and there is no assurance given by the Company that its exploration and development programs and mineral property interests will result in the discovery, development or production of a commercially viable ore body.
The business of exploration for minerals and mining involves a high degree of risk. Few properties that are explored are ultimately developed into producing mines. There is no assurance that the Company’s mineral exploration and development activities will result in any discoveries of bodies of commercial ore. Unusual or unexpected geological structures or formations, fires, power outages, labour disruptions, floods, explosions, cave‑ins, land slides and the inability to obtain suitable or adequate machinery, equipment or labour are other risks involved in the operation of mines and the conduct of exploration programs. The Company has relied and may continue to rely upon consultants and others for construction and operating expertise. The economics of developing gold and other mineral properties are affected by many factors including capital and operating costs, variations of the grade of ore mined, fluctuating mineral markets, costs of processing equipment and such other factors as government regulations, including regulations relating to royalties, allowable production, importing and exporting of minerals and environmental protection. Depending on the price of gold or other minerals produced, the Company may determine that it is impractical to commence or continue commercial production. Substantial expenditures are required to establish reserves through drilling, to develop metallurgical processes to extract metal from ore, and to develop the mining and processing facilities and infrastructure at any site chosen for mining. No assurance can be given that funds required for development can be obtained on a timely basis. The marketability of any minerals acquired or discovered may be affected by numerous factors which are beyond the Company’s control and which cannot be accurately foreseen or predicted, such as market fluctuations, the global marketing conditions for precious and base metals, the proximity and capacity of milling facilities, mineral markets and processing equipment, and such other factors as government regulations, including regulations relating to royalties, allowable production, importing and exporting minerals and environmental protection. In order to commence exploitation of certain properties presently held under exploration concessions, it is necessary for the Company to apply for an exploitation concession. There can be no guarantee that such a concession will be granted.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 19 |
| Table of Contents |
The Company will be required to locate mineral reserves for its long-term success.
None of the Company’s properties currently have any proven and probable mineral reserves. The Company’s long-term success will depend on the Company establishing mineral reserves on its properties and receiving revenue from the production of gold and other base and precious metals. If and when the Company begins production, the Company will have to continually replace and expand its mineral reserves, if any. The Company’s ability to maintain or increase its annual production of gold and other base or precious metals once its current properties are producing, if at all, will be dependent almost entirely on its ability to acquire, explore, and develop new properties and bring new mines into production.
The figures for the Company’s resources are estimates based on interpretation and assumptions and may yield less mineral production under actual conditions than is currently estimated and there is no assurance given by the Company that any estimates of mineral deposits herein will not change.
Although all figures with respect to the size and grade of mineralized deposits included herein have been carefully prepared by the Company, or, in some instances have been prepared, reviewed or verified by independent mining experts, these amounts are estimates only and no assurance can be given that any identified mineralized deposit will ever qualify as a commercially viable mineable ore body that can be legally and economically exploited. Estimates regarding mineralized deposits can also be affected by many factors such as permitting regulations and requirements, weather, environmental factors, unforeseen technical difficulties, unusual or unexpected geological formations and work interruptions. In addition, the grade of ore ultimately mined may differ from that indicated by drilling results. There can be no assurance that gold recovered in small-scale laboratory tests will be duplicated in large-scale tests under on‑site conditions. Material changes in mineralized tonnages, grades, stripping ratios or recovery rates may affect the economic viability of projects. The existence of mineralized deposits should not be interpreted as assurances of the future delineation of ore reserves or the profitability of future operations. The refractory nature of gold mineralization at New Polaris project may adversely affect the economic recovery of gold from mining operations.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 20 |
| Table of Contents |
Mineral operations are subject to market forces outside of the Company’s control which could negatively impact the Company’s operations.
The marketability of minerals is affected by numerous factors beyond the control of the entity involved in their mining and processing. These factors include market fluctuations, government regulations relating to prices, taxes, royalties, allowable production, imports, exports and supply and demand. One or more of these risk elements could have an impact on costs of an operation and if significant enough, reduce the profitability of the operation and threaten its continuation.
There is no assurance given by the Company that it owns legal title to its mineral property interests.
The acquisition of title to mineral property interests is a very detailed and time‑consuming process. Title to any of the Company’s mining concessions may come under dispute. While the Company has diligently investigated title considerations to its mineral property interests, in certain circumstances, the Company has only relied upon representations of property partners and government agencies. There is no guarantee of title to any of the Company’s mineral property interests. The mineral property interests may be subject to prior unregistered agreements or transfers, and title may be affected by unidentified and undetected defects. In British Columbia and elsewhere, native land claims or claims of aboriginal title may be asserted over areas in which the Company’s mineral property interests are located. To the best of the knowledge of the Company, although the Company understands that comprehensive land claims submissions have been received by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada from the Taku Tlingit (Atlin) Band (which encompasses the New Polaris property) and from the Association of United Tahltans and the Nisga’a Tribal Council (which may encompass the Eskay Creek property), no legal actions have been formally served on the Company to date asserting such rights with respect to mining properties in which the Company has an interest. Three First Nations bands (namely, Cheslatta Carrier Band, Nee-Tahi-Buhn Band and the Skin Tyee Nation Band) have claims in the Windfall Hills property.
The Company competes with larger, better capitalized competitors in the mining industry and there is no assurance given by the Company that it can compete for mineral properties, future financings and technical expertise.
Significant and increasing competition exists for the limited number of gold acquisition opportunities available in North, South and Central America and elsewhere in the world. As a result of this competition, some of which is with large established mining companies which have greater financial and technical resources than the Company, the Company may be unable to acquire additional attractive gold mining properties on terms it considers acceptable. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the Company’s exploration and acquisition programs will yield any new resources or reserves or result in any commercial mining operation.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 21 |
| Table of Contents |
The Company may also encounter increasing competition from other mining companies in its efforts to hire experienced mining professionals. Competition for exploration resources at all levels can be very intense, particularly affecting the availability of manpower, drill rigs, mining equipment and production equipment. Increased competition could adversely affect the Company’s ability to attract necessary capital funding or acquire suitable producing properties or prospects for mineral exploration in the future.
A shortage of equipment and supplies could adversely affect the Company’s ability to operate its business.
The Company is dependent on various supplies and equipment to carry out its mineral exploration and, if warranted, development operations. Any shortage of such supplies, equipment and parts could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s ability to carry out its operations and therefore limit or increase the cost of potential future production.
The Company’s directors and officers may have conflicts of interest as a result of their relationships with other companies and there is no assurance given by the Company that its directors and officers will not have conflicts of interest from time to time.
The Company’s directors and officers may serve as directors or officers of other public resource companies or have significant shareholdings in other public resource companies and, to the extent that such other companies may participate in ventures in which the Company may participate, the directors of the Company may have a conflict of interest in negotiating and concluding terms respecting the extent of such participation. The interests of these companies may differ from time to time. In the event that such a conflict of interest arises at a meeting of the Company’s directors, a director who has such a conflict will abstain from voting for or against any resolution involving any such conflict. From time to time several companies may participate in the acquisition, exploration and development of natural resource properties thereby allowing for their participation in larger programs, permitting involvement in a greater number of programs and reducing financial exposure in respect of any one program. It may also occur that a particular company will assign all or a portion of its interest in a particular program to another company due to the financial position of the company making the assignment. In accordance with the laws of the Province of British Columbia, Canada, the directors of the Company are required to act honestly, in good faith and in the best interests of the Company. In determining whether or not the Company will participate in any particular exploration or mining project at any given time, the directors will primarily consider the upside potential for the project to be accretive to shareholders, the degree of risk to which the Company may be exposed and its financial position at that time.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 22 |
| Table of Contents |
The Company does not insure against all risks which we may be subject to in our planned operations and there is no assurance given by the Company that it is adequately insured against all risks.
The Company may become subject to liability for cave‑ins, pollution or other hazards against which it cannot insure or against which it has elected not to insure because of high premium costs or other reasons. The payment of such liabilities would reduce the funds available for exploration and mining activities.
The Company is subject to significant governmental and environmental regulations and there is no assurance given by the Company that it has met all environmental or regulatory requirements.
The current or future operations of the Company, including exploration and development activities and commencement of production on its mineral property interests, require permits from various foreign, federal, state and local governmental authorities and such operations are and will be governed by laws and regulations governing prospecting, development, mining, production, exports, taxes, labour standards, occupational health, waste disposal, toxic substances, land use, environmental protection, mine safety and other matters. Companies engaged in the development and operation of mines and related facilities generally experience increased costs, and delays in production and other schedules as a result of the need to comply with applicable laws, regulations and permits. There can be no assurance that approvals and permits required in order for the Company to commence production on its various mineral property interests will be obtained. Additional permits and studies, which may include environmental impact studies conducted before permits can be obtained, are necessary prior to operation of the other properties in which the Company has interests and there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to obtain or maintain all necessary permits that may be required to commence construction, development or operation of mining facilities at these properties on terms which enable operations to be conducted at economically justifiable costs.
Failure to comply with applicable laws, regulations, and permitting requirements may result in enforcement actions including orders issued by regulatory or judicial authorities causing operations to cease or be curtailed, and may include corrective measures requiring capital expenditures, installation of additional equipment or remedial actions. Parties engaged in mining operations may be required to compensate those suffering loss or damage by reason of the mining activities and may have civil or criminal fines or penalties imposed for violations of applicable laws or regulations. New laws or regulations or amendments to current laws, regulations and permits governing operations and activities of mining companies, or more stringent implementation of current laws, regulations or permits, could have a material adverse impact on the Company and cause increases in capital expenditures or production costs or reduction in levels of production at producing properties or require abandonment or delays in development of new mining properties.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 23 |
| Table of Contents |
As a current and prior holder of interests in U.S. mineral properties, the Company may be subject to the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as amended (“CERCLA”). CERCLA, along with analogous statutes in certain states, imposes strict, joint and several liability on owners and operators of facilities which release hazardous substances into the environment. CERCLA imposes similar liability upon generators and transporters of hazardous substances disposed of at an off‑site facility from which a release has occurred or is threatened. Under CERCLA’s strict joint and several liability provisions, the Company could potentially be liable for all remedial costs associated with property that it currently or previously owned or operated regardless of whether the Company’s activities are the actual cause of the release of hazardous substances. Such liability could include the cost of removal or remediation of the release and damages for injury to the natural resources. The Company’s one prior property was located in a historic mining district and may include abandoned mining facilities (including waste piles, tailings, portals and associated underground and surface workings). Releases from such facilities or from any of the Company’s current and prior U.S. properties due to past or current activities could form the basis for liability under CERCLA and its analogs. In addition, off‑site disposal of hazardous substances, including hazardous mining wastes, may subject the Company to CERCLA liability. The Company’s current and prior U.S. properties are not, to the Company’s knowledge, currently listed or proposed for listing on the National Priority List and the Company is not aware of pending or threatened CERCLA litigation which names the Company as a defendant or concerns any of its current or prior U.S. properties or operations. The Company cannot predict the potential for future CERCLA liability with respect to its current or prior U.S. properties, nor can it predict the potential impact or future direction of CERCLA litigation in the area surrounding its current and prior properties.
To the best of the Company’s knowledge, the Company is operating in compliance with all applicable environmental and regulatory regulations.
Regulations and pending legislation governing issues involving climate change could result in increased operating costs, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business.
A number of governments or governmental bodies have introduced or are contemplating regulatory changes in response to various climate change interest groups and the potential impact of climate change. Legislation and increased regulation regarding climate change could impose significant costs on the Company, and its suppliers, including costs related to increased energy requirements, capital equipment, environmental monitoring and reporting and other costs to comply with such regulations. Any adopted future climate change regulations could also negatively impact the Company’s ability to compete with companies situated in areas not subject to such limitations. Given the emotion, political significance and uncertainty around the impact of climate change and how it should be dealt with, the Company cannot predict how legislation and regulation will affect our financial condition, operating performance and ability to compete. Furthermore, even without such regulation, increased awareness and any adverse publicity in the global marketplace about potential impacts on climate change by the Company or other companies in its industry could harm its reputation. The potential physical impacts of climate change on the Company’s operations are highly uncertain, and would be particular to the geographic circumstances in areas in which it operates. These may include changes in rainfall and storm patterns and intensities, water shortages, changing sea levels and changing temperatures. These impacts may adversely impact the cost, potential production and financial performance of the Company’s operations.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 24 |
| Table of Contents |
Land reclamation requirements for the Company’s properties may be burdensome.
There is a risk that monies allotted for land reclamation may not be sufficient to cover all risks, due to changes in the nature of the waste rock or tailings and/or revisions to government regulations. Therefore, additional funds, or reclamation bonds or other forms of financial assurance may be required over the tenure of the project to cover potential risks. These additional costs may have material adverse impact on the financial condition and results of the Company.
Mining is inherently dangerous and subject to conditions or events beyond the Company’s control, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business.
Mining involves various types of risks and hazards, including:
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| · | environmental hazards, |
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| · | power outages, |
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| · | metallurgical and other processing problems, |
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| · | unusual or unexpected geological formations, |
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| · | structural cave-ins or slides, |
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| · | flooding, fire, explosions, cave-ins, landslides and rock-bursts, |
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| · | inability to obtain suitable or adequate machinery, equipment or labour, |
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| · | metals losses, and |
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| · | periodic interruptions due to inclement or hazardous weather conditions. |
These risks could result in damage to, or destruction of, mineral properties, production facilities or other properties, personal injury, environmental damage, delays in mining, increased production costs, monetary losses and possible legal liability. The Company may not be able to obtain insurance to cover these risks at economically feasible premiums. Insurance against certain environmental risks, including potential liability for pollution or other hazards as a result of the disposal of waste products occurring from production, is not generally available to the Company or to other companies within the mining industry. The Company may suffer a material adverse effect on its business if it incurs losses related to any significant events that are not covered by its insurance policies.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 25 |
| Table of Contents |
There is uncertainty related to unsettled First Nations rights and title in British Columbia (Canada) and this may create delays in project approval or interruptions in project progress.
The Company’s sole material property is located in British Columbia. The nature and extent of First Nations rights and title remains the subject of active debate, claims and litigation in British Columbia. First Nations in British Columbia have made claims of aboriginal rights and title to substantial portions of land and water in the province, creating uncertainty as to the status of competing property rights.
The Supreme Court of Canada has held that indigenous groups may have a spectrum of aboriginal rights in lands that have been traditionally used or occupied by their ancestors. Such aboriginal rights and title are not absolute and may be infringed by government in furtherance of a legislative objective, subject to meeting a justification test. The effect of such claims on any particular area of land will not be determinable until the exact nature of historical use, occupancy and rights to such property have been clarified by a decision of the Courts or definition in a treaty. First Nations in the province are seeking settlements including compensation from governments with respect to these claims, and the effect of these claims cannot be estimated at this time. The federal and provincial governments have been seeking to negotiate settlements with indigenous groups throughout British Columbia in order to resolve many of these claims, but the issues surrounding aboriginal title and rights are not likely to be resolved in the near future.
Given the unsettled nature of land claims and treaty rights in British Columbia, there can be no guarantee that there will not be delays in any required approvals, unexpected interruptions in project progress, requirements for First Nations consent, cancellation of permits and licenses or additional costs to advance the Company’s sole material project.
The Company’s properties may be located in foreign countries and political instability or changes in the regulations in these countries may adversely affect the Company’s ability to carry on its business.
Certain of the Company’s properties are located in countries outside of Canada, and mineral exploration and mining activities may be affected in varying degrees by political stability and government regulations relating to the mining industry. Any changes in regulations or shifts in political attitudes may vary from country to country and are beyond the control of the Company and may adversely affect its business. Such changes have, in the past, included nationalization of foreign owned businesses and properties. Operations may be affected in varying degrees by government regulations with respect to restrictions on production, price controls, export controls, income and other taxes and duties, expropriation of property, environmental legislation and mine safety. These uncertainties may make it more difficult for the Company and its joint venture partners to obtain any required production financing for its mineral properties.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 26 |
| Table of Contents |
Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates may adversely affect the Company’s future profitability.
In addition to CAD dollar currency accounts, the Company maintains a portion of its funds in U.S. dollar denominated accounts. Certain of the Company’s mineral property interests and related contracts may be denominated in U.S. dollars. Accordingly, the Company may take some steps to reduce its risk to foreign currency fluctuations. However, the Company’s operations in countries other than Canada are normally carried out in the currency of that country and make the Company subject to foreign currency fluctuations and such fluctuations may materially affect the Company’s financial position and results. In addition future contracts may not be denominated in U.S. dollars and may expose the Company to foreign currency fluctuations and such fluctuations may materially affect the Company’s financial position and results. In addition, the Company is or may become subject to foreign exchange restrictions which may severely limit or restrict its ability to repatriate capital or profits from its mineral property interests outside of Canada to Canada. Such restrictions have existed in the past in countries in which the Company holds property interests and future impositions of such restrictions could have a materially adverse effect on the Company’s future profitability or ability to pay dividends.
The Company is reliant on third parties.
The Company’s rights to acquire interests in certain mineral properties may have been granted by third parties who themselves hold only a property option to acquire such properties. As a result, the Company may have no direct contractual relationship with the underlying property holder.
Direct and indirect consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic may have material adverse consequences on our results of operations.
COVID-19 (the coronavirus) has threatened a slowdown in the global economy as well as caused volatility in the global financial markets. While the full impact of COVID-19 on the global economy is uncertain, rapid spread of COVID-19 may have an adverse effect on the Company’s financing capabilities; COVID 19 could negatively impact planned exploration programs; economic recession from COVID-19 could negatively impact the Company’s ability to operate. The extent to which COVID-19 may impact the Company’s business will depend on future developments such as the geographic spread of the disease, vaccination rates, the duration of the outbreak, travel restrictions and social distancing, business closures or business disruptions, and the effectiveness of actions taken in Canada, the United States and other countries to contain and treat the disease. Although it is not possible to reliably estimate the length or severity of these developments and their financial impact to the date of approval of these consolidated financial statements, the Company’s stock price did have a 12 month low of CAD$0.35 during this period. Should the stock prices remain low for an extended period, this could have a further significant adverse impact on the Company’s financial position and results of operations for future periods. To the extent the COVID-19 pandemic adversely affects our business and financial results, it may also have the effect of heightening many of the other risks described in this “Risk Factors” section.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 27 |
| Table of Contents |
The Company may experience cybersecurity threats.
Canagold relies on secure and adequate operations of information technology systems in the conduct of its operations. Access to and security of the information technology systems are critical to Canagold’s operations. To Canagold’s knowledge, it has not experienced any material losses relating to disruptions to its information technology systems. Canagold has implemented ongoing policies, controls and practices to manage and safeguard Canagold and its stakeholders from internal and external cybersecurity threats and to comply with changing legal requirements and industry practice. Given that cyber risks cannot be fully mitigated and the evolving nature of these threats, Canagold cannot assure that its information technology systems are fully protected from cybercrime or that the systems will not be inadvertently compromised, or without failures or defects. Potential disruptions to Canagold’s information technology systems, including, without limitation, security breaches, power loss, theft, computer viruses, cyber-attacks, natural disasters, and noncompliance by third party service providers and inadequate levels of cybersecurity expertise and safeguards of third party information technology service providers, may adversely affect the operations of Canagold as well as present significant costs and risks including, without limitation, loss or disclosure of confidential, proprietary, personal or sensitive information and third party data, material adverse effect on its financial performance, compliance with its contractual obligations, compliance with applicable laws, damaged reputation, remediation costs, potential litigation, regulatory enforcement proceedings and heightened regulatory scrutiny.
Risks Related to the Company’s United States Reporting
It may be difficult for U.S. shareholders to enforce civil liabilities under United States law in Canadian courts.
The enforcement of civil liabilities under the U.S. federal and state securities laws may be affected adversely by the fact that the Company is incorporated under the laws of a foreign country, that certain of its officers and directors are residents of a foreign country, that the independent registered public accounting firm and some or all of the experts named in this report may be residents of a foreign country and that all or a substantial portion of the assets of the Company and said persons may be located outside the U.S. In particular, uncertainty exists as to whether Canadian courts would entertain claims or enforce judgments based on the civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal and state securities laws.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 28 |
| Table of Contents |
The Company’s possible PFIC status may have possible adverse tax consequences for United States Investors.
Potential investors who are United States taxpayers should be aware that Canagold may be classified for United States tax purposes as a passive foreign investment company (“PFIC”) for the current tax year ended December 31, 2022 was likely classified as a PFIC in prior tax years, and based on current business plans and financial expectations, the Company anticipates that it may qualify as a PFIC for its subsequent taxable years. If the Company is a PFIC for any year during a US shareholder’s holding period, then such US shareholder generally will be required to treat any gain realized upon a disposition of Common Shares, or any so-called “excess distribution” received on its common shares, as ordinary income, and to pay an interest charge on a portion of such gain or distributions, unless the shareholder makes a timely and effective “qualified electing fund” election (“QEF Election”) or a “mark-to-market” election with respect to the Common Shares. A US shareholder who makes a QEF Election generally must report on a current basis its share of the Company’s net capital gain and ordinary earnings for any year in which the Company is a PFIC, whether or not the Company distributes any amounts to its shareholders. However, US shareholders should be aware that there can be no assurance that the Company will satisfy the record keeping requirements that apply to a qualified electing fund, or that the Company will supply US shareholders with information that such U.S. shareholders require to report under the QEF Election rules, in the event that the Company is a PFIC and a U.S. shareholder wishes to make a QEF Election. Thus, US shareholders may not be able to make a QEF Election with respect to their Common Shares. A US shareholder who makes the mark-to-market election generally must include as ordinary income each year the excess of the fair market value of the common shares over the taxpayer’s basis therein. Item 10.E provides further details.
While we believe we have adequate internal control over financial reporting, internal controls cannot provide absolute assurance that objectives are met.
Pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, we have furnished a report by management on our internal controls over financial reporting in this annual report on Form 20-F. Such report contains, among other matters, an assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, including a statement as to whether or not our internal control over financial reporting is effective.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 29 |
| Table of Contents |
The Company’s management does not expect that its disclosure controls and procedures or internal controls and procedures 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 a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits 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. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the control. The design of any system of controls also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions; over time, control may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.
As a “foreign private issuer”, the Company is exempt from Section 14 proxy rules and Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
The Company is a “foreign private issuer” as defined in Rule 3b-4 under the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “U.S. Exchange Act”). Equity securities of the Company are accordingly exempt from Sections 14(a), 14(b), 14(c), 14(f) and 16 of the U.S. Exchange Act pursuant to Rule 3a12-3 of the U.S. Exchange Act. Therefore, the Company is not required to file a Schedule 14A proxy statement in relation to the annual meeting of shareholders. The submission of proxy and annual meeting of shareholder information on Form 6-K may result in shareholders having less complete and timely information in connection with shareholder actions. The exemption from Section 16 rules regarding reports of beneficial ownership and purchases and sales of common shares by insiders and restrictions on insider trading in our securities may result in shareholders having less data and there being fewer restrictions on insiders’ activities in our securities.
Risks Related to the Company’s Common Shares
The Company does not intend to pay dividends.
The Company has not paid out any cash dividends to date and has no plans to do so in the immediate future. As a result, an investor’s return on investment will be solely determined by his or her ability to sell common shares in the secondary market.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 30 |
| Table of Contents |
The volatility of the Company’s common shares could cause investor loss.
The market price of a publicly traded stock, especially a junior resource issuer like Canagold, is affected by many variables in addition to those directly related to exploration successes or failures. Such factors include the general condition of the market for junior resource stocks, the strength of the economy generally, the availability and attractiveness of alternative investments, and the breadth of the public market for the stock. The effect of these and other factors on the market price of the common shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange (the “TSX”) and NASD-OTC suggests that Canagold’s shares will continue to be volatile. Therefore, investors could suffer significant losses if Canagold’s shares are depressed or illiquid when an investor seeks liquidity and needs to sell Canagold’s shares.
Penny stock classification could affect the marketability of the Company’s common stock and shareholders could find it difficult to sell their stock.
The Company’s stock may be subject to “penny stock” rules as defined in the Exchange Act rule 3a51-1. The Securities and Exchange Commission has adopted rules which regulate broker-dealer practices in connection with transactions in penny stocks. The Company’s common shares may be subject to these penny stock rules. Transaction costs associated with purchases and sales of penny stocks are likely to be higher than those for other securities. Penny stocks generally are equity securities with a price of less than U.S.$5.00 (other than securities registered on certain national securities exchanges or quoted on the NASDAQ system, provided that current price and volume information with respect to transactions in such securities is provided by the exchange or system).
The penny stock rules require a broker-dealer, prior to a transaction in a penny stock not otherwise exempt from the rules, to deliver a standardized risk disclosure document that provides information about penny stocks and the nature and level of risks in the penny stock market. The broker-dealer also must provide the customer with current bid and offer quotations for the penny stock, the compensation of the broker-dealer and its salesperson in the transaction, and monthly account statements showing the market value of each penny stock held in the customer’s account. The bid and offer quotations, and the broker-dealer and salesperson compensation information, must be given to the customer orally or in writing prior to effecting the transaction and must be given to the customer in writing before or with the customer’s confirmation.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 31 |
| Table of Contents |
Further, the penny stock rules require that prior to a transaction in a penny stock not otherwise exempt from such rules, the broker-dealer must make a special written determination that the penny stock is a suitable investment for the purchaser and receive the purchaser’s written agreement to the transaction. These disclosure requirements may have the effect of reducing the level of trading activity in the secondary market for the Company’s common shares in the United States and shareholders may find it more difficult to sell their shares.
Possible dilution to current shareholders based on outstanding options and warrants.
At December 31, 2022, the Company had 136,889,394 common shares, and 2,235,000 outstanding share purchase options and 638,510 share purchase warrants outstanding. The resale of outstanding shares from the exercise of dilutive securities could have a depressing effect on the market for the Company’s shares. At December 31, 2022, securities that could be dilutive represented approximately 2.1% of the Company’s issued shares. None of these dilutive securities were exercisable at prices below the December 31, 2022 closing market price of CAD$0.18 for the Company’s shares, which accordingly would not result in dilution to existing shareholders.
ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY
4.A History and Development of the Company
Incorporation and Reporting Status
The Company was incorporated under the laws of British Columbia, Canada, on January 22, 1987 under the name, “Canarc Resource Corp.”, by registration of its Memorandum and Articles with the British Columbia Registrar of Companies. Effective December 3, 2020, the Company changed its name to Canagold Resources Ltd.
The Company was originally incorporated under the previous Company Act (British Columbia) and transitioned to the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) in 2005; the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) replaced the Company Act (British Columbia) on March 29, 2004.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 32 |
| Table of Contents |
The Company is a reporting company in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario and Nova Scotia. The Company became a reporting issuer under the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, upon filing its registration statement on Form 20-F dated October 9, 1990 with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The SEC maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers, including the Company, that file electronically with the SEC at www.sec.gov. The Company’s website is at canagoldresources.com. Information on the Company’s website is not incorporated by reference herein.
Business Address
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| Office address: |
| #1250 – 625 Howe Street |
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| Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6C 2T6 |
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| Phone: (604) 685-9700 |
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| Registered address: |
| #910 – 800 West Pender Street |
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| Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6C 2V6 |
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| Phone: (604) 685-6100 |
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Introduction
The Company commenced operations in 1987 and, since inception, has been engaged in the business of the acquisition, exploration and, if warranted, development of precious metal properties. The Company currently owns or holds, directly or indirectly, interests in several precious metal properties, as follows:
| - | New Polaris property (British Columbia, Canada), |
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| - | Windfall Hills properties (British Columbia, Canada), |
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| - | Fondaway property (Nevada, USA), and |
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| - | Corral Canyon property (Nevada, USA). |
of which the New Polaris property is the only material mineral property of the Company.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 33 |
| Table of Contents |
In prior years, the Fondaway Canyon project was determined to be a material property. However, Canagold has since assessed the Fondaway Canyon property, which was optioned to Getchell Gold Corp. (“Getchell”), as non-material, with the New Polaris property being its sole material project given the level of exploration activities and expenditures incurred in 2021 for drilling, baseline environmental studies and camp site renovations which are expected to continue into 2022 subject to financing to advance the project.
In its consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS, the Company has capitalized costs, net of recoveries and write-downs, of approximately $26.3 million in connection with the acquisition, exploration and development on its currently held properties as at December 31, 2022 and are summarized as follows for the past three fiscal years:
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| 2021 |
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| 2020 |
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| Acquisition |
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| Exploration/ |
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| Acquisition |
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| Exploration/ |
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| Costs |
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| Total |
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| British Columbia (Canada): |
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| New Polaris |
| $ | 3,910 |
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| $ | 18,453 |
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| $ | 22,363 |
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| $ | 3,941 |
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| $ | 14,968 |
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| $ | 18,909 |
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| $ | 3,927 |
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| $ | 6,683 |
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| $ | 10,610 |
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| Windfall Hills |
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| 348 |
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| 997 |
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| 1,345 |
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| 370 |
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| 1,062 |
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| 1,432 |
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| 368 |
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| 1,046 |
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| 1,414 |
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| Princeton (1) |
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| Nunavut (Canada): |
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| Hard Cash (2) |
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| Nigel (2) |
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| Nevada (USA): |
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| Fondaway Canyon (3) |
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| 655 |
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| 1,361 |
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| 2,016 |
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| 1,289 |
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| 1,547 |
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| 2,836 |
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| 1,641 |
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| 1,573 |
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| 3,214 |
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| Corral Canyon (4) |
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| 23 |
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| 530 |
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| 553 |
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| 25 |
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| 579 |
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| 604 |
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| 25 |
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| 557 |
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| 582 |
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| $ | 4,936 |
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| $ | 21,341 |
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| $ | 26,277 |
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| $ | 5,625 |
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| $ | 18,156 |
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| $ | 23,781 |
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| $ | 5,961 |
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| $ | 9,859 |
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| $ | 15,820 |
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| (1) | Canagold entered into a property option agreement in December 2018 for the Princeton property which was amended in June 2019 and then assigned in October 2020. Item 4.D provides further details. |
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| (2) | Canagold entered into a property option agreement in November 2018 for the Hard Cash and Nigel properties which was written of 2020. Item 4.D provides further details. |
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| (3) | The Fondaway Canyon property was acquired in March 2017. Canagold optioned the property to Getchell in January 2020. Item 4.D provides further details. |
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| (4) | In 2018, Canagold staked 92 mining claims covering 742 hectares in Nevada, USA. Item 4.D provides further details. |
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 34 |
| Table of Contents |
Further information and details regarding Canagold’s mineral property interests are provided in Item 4.D.
Developments over the Last Three Financial Years
Over the course of the past three years ended December 31, 2022 and to the date of this Form 20-F, the Company had been engaged in exploration and development of precious metal projects in North America. The major events in the development of the Company’s business over the last three years are set out below. Information and details regarding the Company’s properties are provided in Item 4.D.
Purchase Agreement with American Innovative Minerals, LLC (“AIM”)
On March 20, 2017, the Company closed the Membership Interest Purchase Agreement with AIM (the “Membership Agreement”) whereby the Company acquired 100% legal and beneficial interests in mineral properties located in Nevada, Idaho and Utah (USA) for a total cash purchase price of $2 million in cash and honouring pre-existing NSRs.
Certain of the mineral properties are subject to royalties. For the Fondaway Canyon project, it bears both a 3% NSR and a 2% NSR. The 3% NSR has a buyout provision for an original amount of $600,000 which is subject to advance royalty payments of $35,000 per year by July 15th of each year until a gross total of $600,000 has been paid at which time the NSR is bought out. A balance of $425,000 with a fair value of $183,000 was outstanding upon the closing of the Membership Agreement. The 2% NSR has a buyout provision of either $2 million in cash or 19.99% interest of a public entity which owns AIM if AIM were to close an initial public offering of at least $5 million.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 35 |
| Table of Contents |
AIM owns 9 exploration properties in Nevada and owns one gold property in Idaho, and has two royalty interests on other properties. These properties include the following:
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| · | Fondaway Canyon is an advanced exploration stage gold property located in Churchill County, Nevada. The land package contains 136 unpatented lode claims. The property has a history of previous surface exploration and mining in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The Fondaway Canyon district consists of shear-zone style gold mineralization developed along 3.7 km of strike with a width of up to 900 m. |
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| · | Dixie Comstock, also located in Churchill County, Nevada, consists of 26 unpatented lode claims. The property contains a range-front epithermal gold deposit. |
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| · | Clear Trunk property is located in Pershing and Humboldt Counties, Nevada on 4,500 acres of fee mineral and unpatented claims in the Sonoma Range, south of Winnemucca and near the Goldbanks gold deposit. The property contains gold-bearing epithermal quartz veins, mesothermal quartz veins with high-grade gold and copper-gold intrusion-hosted mineralization. |
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| · | Bull Run property is located in Elko County, Nevada on two large patented claim groups of 500 acres near the Jerritt Canyon gold district. |
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| · | Jarbidge property is located in Elko County, Nevada on 8 patented claims along the east end of major gold veins in the Jarbidge mining district. |
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| · | Silver King property is located in Humboldt County, Nevada on 4 patented claims in the Iron Point mining district. Previous exploration focused on low grade gold values but the property was never been explored for silver. |
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| · | A&T property is located in Humboldt Co., Nevada on 2 patented claims on Winnemucca Mountain. The property contains gold-bearing veins in altered shale. |
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| · | Eimis property is located in Elko County, Nevada on one 20 acre patented claim adjacent to the Coleman Canyon gold deposit controlled by Arnevut Resources Nevada LLC (“Arnevut”). Gold anomalies extend onto Eimis property and Arnevut holds a 20 year lease to explore on the property since 2010. |
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| · | Silver Peak property is located in Esmeralda County, Nevada on 3 patented (57 acres) and 3 unpatented mining claims covering 50 acres. The property is adjacent to the Mineral Ridge mine controlled by Scorpio Gold Corporation. The 3 unpatented mining claims are under agreement with Legacy Mining to pay $1,000 at commencement of mining and an 8% NSR. |
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| · | Lightning Tree property is located in Lemhi County, Idaho on 4 unpatented claims near the Musgrove gold deposit. |
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| · | Tucker property is located in Madison County, Montana on 3 unpatented claims near the historic McKee Mine of the Washington mining district. The property is under agreement with Legacy Mining to pay $1,000 at commencement of mining and an 8% NSR. |
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 36 |
| Table of Contents |
In April 2017, Canagold commissioned Techbase International, Ltd (“Techbase”) of Reno, Nevada to complete a NI 43-101 resource report for the Fondaway Canyon project. Their technical report entitled “Technical Report for the Fondaway Canyon Project” (the “Fondaway Canyon Technical Report”) was prepared by Michael Norred, SME Registered Member 2384950, President of Techbase, and Simon Henderson, MSc, MAusIMM CP 110883 (Geology), Consulting Geologist with Wairaka Rock Services Limited of Wellington, New Zealand, who are independent Qualified Persons as defined by NI 43-101, was dated April 3, 2017, and was prepared in compliance with NI 43-101.
In October 2018, Canagold entered into a property option agreement for its Silver King property with Brownstone Ventures (US) Inc. (“Brownstone”) whereby Brownstone has an option to earn a 100% undivided interest by paying $240,000 in cash over a 10 year period with early option exercise payment of $120,000. Canagold will retain a 2% NSR of which a 1% NSR can be acquired by Brownstone for $1 million.
On October 16, 2019, Canagold signed a binding Letter Agreement with Getchell which was later superseded by the Option Agreement for the Acquisition of Fondaway Canyon and Dixie Comstock Properties on January 3, 2020, whereby Getchell has an option for 4 years to acquire 100% of the Fondaway Canyon and Dixie Comstock properties located in Churchill County, Nevada (both subject to a 2% NSR) for $4 million in total compensation to the Company, comprised of $2 million in cash and $2 million in shares of Getchell. The option includes minimum annual work commitments of $1.45 million on the properties. Getchell must also honor the pre-existing NSR and advance royalty commitments related to the properties, and grant the Company a 2% NSR on the Fondaway Canyon and Dixie Comstock properties of which half (1%) can be bought for $1 million per property.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 37 |
| Table of Contents |
In early July 2020, Canagold entered into a non-binding letter of intent for its Lightning Tree property located in Lemhi County, Idaho, with Ophir Gold Corp. (formerly, MinKap Resources Inc.) (“Ophir”), whereby Ophir shall acquire a 100% undivided interest in the property. On September 10, 2020, a definitive mineral property purchase agreement was executed. Over a three year period, Ophir shall pay to Canagold a total of CAD$137,500 in cash over a three year period and issue 2.5 million common shares and 2.5 million warrants over a two year period, and shall incur aggregate exploration expenditures of at least $4 million over a three year period. If Ophir fails to incur the exploration expenditure, the property reverts back to Canagold. Canagold will retain a 2.5% NSR of which a 1% NSR can be acquired by Ophir for CAD$1 million. If Ophir fails to file a NI 43-101 compliant resource on the Lightning Tree property within three years, the property will revert back to Canagold.
Lightning Tree property is located in Lemhi County, Idaho on 4 unpatented claims near the Musgrove gold deposit.
Confirmation and Agreement with Barrick Gold Inc. and Skeena Resources Ltd.
In December 2017, Canagold signed a Confirmation and Agreement with Barrick Gold Inc. (“Barrick”) and Skeena Resources Ltd. (“Skeena”) involving Canagold’s 33.3% carried interest in certain mining claims adjacent to the past-producing Eskay Creek Gold mine located in northwest British Columbia, whereby Canagold will retain its 33.33% carried interest. Canagold and Barrick have respectively 33.33% and 66.67% interests in 6 claims and mining leases totaling 2323 hectares at Eskay Creek. Pursuant to an option agreement between Skeena and Barrick, Skeena has the right to earn Barrick’s 66.67% interest in the property which right had been exercised in October 2020. Canagold had written off the property in 2005.
Property Option Agreement with Silver Range Resources Ltd.
In November 2018, Canagold entered into a property option agreement with Silver Range Resources Ltd. (“Silver Range”) whereby Canagold has an option to earn a 100% undivided interests in the Hard Cash and Nigel properties by paying CAD$150,000 in cash and issuing 1.5 million common shares to Silver Range over a four year period. Upon Canagold’s exercise of the option, Silver Range will retain a 2% NSR of which a 1% NSR can be acquired for CAD$1 million. Silver Range shall also be entitled to receive $1 per Au oz of measured and indicated resource estimate and $1 per Au oz of proven or probable reserve estimate, payable in either cash or common shares of Canagold at Canagold’s election. Canagold terminated the property option agreement in September 2020 and wrote off the property.
Hard Cash is located 310 km NE of Stony Rapids, Saskatchewan, on the shores of Ennadai Lake. Access is provided by float plane or helicopter, and there is an all-weather gravel strip at Ennadai Lake Lodge, 35 km east of the property. Nigel is located 15 km west of Hard Cash. Hard Cash is underlain by the Ennadai Greenstone Belt of the Churchill Province. Gold mineralization at Hard Cash and Nigel occurs in high grade quartz veins and lower grade shear zones hosted by basal mafic volcanics overlain by felsic volcanics metamorphosed to upper greenschist/lower amphibolite facies and intruded by granite.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 38 |
| Table of Contents |
Corral Canyon property (Nevada, USA)
In November 2018, Canagold staked 92 mining claims covering 742 hectares in Nevada, USA.
Corral Canyon property lies 35 km west of the town of McDermitt in Humboldt County along the western flank of the McDermitt caldera complex, an area of volcanic rocks that hosts significant lithium and uranium mineralization in addition to gold. It contains volcanic-hosted, epithermal, disseminated and vein gold mineralization evidenced by previous drilling.
Property Option Agreement with Universal Copper Ltd., et al.
In December 2018 and then as amended in June 2019, Canagold entered into a property option agreement jointly with Universal Copper Ltd. (formerly, Tasca Resources Ltd.) (“Universal”) and an individual whereby Canagold has an option to earn a 75% interest in the Princeton property by: incurring exploration expenditures of CAD$490,000 over a two year period; issuing 375,000 common shares to Universal by December 1, 2019 (issued); paying CAD$25,000 cash to Universal by March 16, 2021; and granting a 1% NSR to Universal which can be acquired for CAD$1 million and honoring a 2% NSR to the individual of which 1% NSR can be acquired for CAD$1 million.
In October 2020, Canagold assigned its interest in the property option agreement for the Princeton property to Damara Gold Corp. (“Damara”). Pursuant to the assignment, Damara will issue 9.9% of its outstanding common shares to Canagold on closing of the assignment. Subject to the exercise of the option by December 31, 2021, Canagold’s aggregate ownership in the capital of Damara shall increase to 19.9%. Damara shall incur exploration expenditures of CAD$300,000 by December 31, 2020.
The Princeton gold property consists of 14,650 hectares located 35 kilometers (km) south of Princeton, British Columbia, and is readily accessible by road. The property is underlain by volcanic rocks of both the Eocene Princeton Group and the Triassic-Jurassic Nicola Group.
Other Mineral Property
In December 2018, Canagold entered into a Memorandum of Understanding for an exploration and development project in South America whereby Canagold paid $10,000 in 2018 and another $10,000 is payable as a success fee to close on an acceptable agreement for such project. In October 2019, Canagold recovered $3,000 from its initial payment and wrote off the remaining balance of $7,000. A further recovery of $1,500 was received in April 2021.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 39 |
| Table of Contents |
Item 4.D provides further details regarding Canagold’s mineral property interests.
Financings and Related Transactions
On April 21, 2017, Canagold closed a private placement for 3.8 million flow through common shares at the purchase price of CAD$0.13 per share for gross proceeds of CAD$500,000. Canagold paid finder’s fees of CAD$32,500 in cash and 250,000 in warrants. Each warrant was exercisable to acquire one non-flow through common share at an exercise price of CAD$0.15 per share until April 21, 2019.
In July 2017, Canagold extended the expiry date of warrants for 8.45 million common shares with an exercise price of CAD$0.10 from July 31, 2017 to July 31, 2018. These warrants were originally issued pursuant to a private placement which closed on January 31, 2014.
On July 23, 2019, Canagold closed a private placement for 23.7 million flow through common shares for gross proceeds of CAD$1.4 million; of these shares, 17.3 million were issued at a price of CAD$0.06 per share and 6.4 million shares at CAD$0.0625 per share. The fair value of the shares was CAD$0.06 per share, resulting in the recognition of a flow through premium liability of CAD$0.0025 per share for a total of CAD$16,000. Finder fees were comprised of CAD$91,400 in cash and 1.5 million warrants; each warrant is exercisable to acquire one non-flow through common share at an exercise price of CAD$0.06 per share until July 23, 2021.
In October and November 2020, Canagold closed a private placement in two tranches totalling 21 million units at a price of CAD$0.40 per unit for gross proceeds of CAD$8.4 million with each unit comprised of one common share and one-half of one common share purchase warrant; each whole warrant is exercisable to acquire one common share at an exercise price of CAD$0.65 per share for a period of two years. On October 7, 2020, Canagold closed the first tranche for 8 million units for gross proceeds of CAD$3.2 million. On November 12, 2020, Canagold closed the second tranche for 13 million units for gross proceeds of CAD$5.2 million; the second tranche received interested and disinterested shareholder approvals at Canagold’s special general meeting held on October 19, 2020. Finders fees included CAD$176,400 in cash and 385,200 warrants with the same terms as the underlying warrants in the private placement. If the closing market price of the common shares is at a price equal to or greater than CAD$1.00 for a period of 10 consecutive trading days on the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”), Canagold will have the right to accelerate the expiry date of the warrants by giving written notice to the warrant holders that the warrants will expire on the date that is not less than 30 days from the date notice is provided by Canagold to the warrant holders.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 40 |
| Table of Contents |
On October 28, 2021, Canagold closed a brokered private placement with Red Cloud Securities Inc. (“Red Cloud”) for 10.6 million flow through common shares at a price of CAD$0.50 per share for gross proceeds of CAD$5.3 million. Finders fees were comprised of CAD$253,555 in cash and 638,510 broker warrants with each broker warrant exercisable to acquire one non flow through common share at an exercise price of CAD$0.75 until October 28, 2023.
In December 2021 and January 2022, Canagold closed a private placement in two tranches totalling 4.61 million flow through common shares at a price of CAD$0.50 per share for gross proceeds of CAD$2.3 million. On December 30, 2021, Canagold closed the first tranche for 560,000 flow through shares for gross proceeds of CAD$280,000. On January 18, 2022, Canagold closed the second tranche for 4.05 million flow through shares for gross proceeds of CAD$2.03 million.
On June 28, 2022, the Company arranged a loan for CAD$25,000 from a company controlled by a former director. The loan bore interest at a rate of 9% per annum, and the entire loan amount of CAD$25,000 was fully repaid on July 14, 2022 along with interest of CAD$99.
On August 15, 2022, the Company entered into a Bridge Loan Agreement with Sun Valley Investments AG (“Sun Valley”), which is currently a 40.06% control person of the Company for CAD$2.5 million bearing an interest rate of 5.5% per annum. The bridge loan was applied as an advance payment for the standby guaranty for the November 2022 rights offering and extinguished in December 2022 when Sun Valley purchased 20,352,577 common shares. The Company paid Sun Valley a total of CAD$46,336 in interest and a total of CAD$178,085 in fees (accounted as share issuance expense part of the Shareholder Equity) pursuant to the Standby Guaranty Agreement.
On October 19, 2022, the Company closed a private placement for 4.7 million flow through common shares at a price of CAD$0.32 per share for gross proceeds of CAD$1.5 million. The fair value of the shares was CAD$0.26 per share, resulting in the recognition of a flow through premium liability of CAD$0.06 per share for a total of CAD$282,000.
In November 2022, the Company proceeded with a rights offering whereby shareholders of the Company received one right for each common share held. Each two rights entitled holders to subscribe for one common share at a price of CAD$0.175. The Company closed the offering on December 16, 2022 and issued 25.3M common share for total gross proceeds of CAD$4.4 million. The Company also entered into a standby guaranty agreement with Sun Valley whereby Sun Valley shall purchase common shares issuable under the rights offering which remain unsubscribed under the basic subscription privilege and the additional subscription privilege. In August 2022, the Company obtained a bridge loan of CAD$2.5 million from Sun Valley as an advance payment for the standby guaranty. Pursuant to the standby guaranty agreement, Canagold issued 20.4M common shares to Sun Valley. From the CAD$3.6 million gross proceeds received from Sun Valley, the Company deducted a total of CAD$2.5 million to pay back and terminate the $2.5M loan provided by Sun Valley in August 2022 plus accrued interest of CAD$46,336, and a total of CAD$178,085 in fees pursuant to the standby guaranty agreement.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 41 |
| Table of Contents |
Issuer Bids
In February 2017, Canagold received regulatory approval for a normal course issuer bid to acquire up to 10.9 million its common shares, representing approximately up to 5% of its issued and outstanding common shares at that time. The bid commenced on February 8, 2017 and terminated on February 7, 2018. The actual number of common shares purchased under the bid and the timing of any such purchases was at Canagold’s discretion. Purchases under the bid did not exceed 86,128 common shares per day. Canagold paid the prevailing market price at the time of purchase for all common shares purchased under the bid, and all common shares purchased by Canagold were returned to treasury and cancelled. During the term of the normal course issuer bid, Canagold purchased an aggregate of 2.6 million common shares for an aggregate purchase price of CAD$220,400, resulting in an average price of CAD$0.08 per share; these shares have been returned to treasury and accordingly cancelled.
In June 2018, Canagold again proceeded with a normal course issuer bid which received regulatory approval to acquire up to 10.9 million common shares of Canagold representing approximately up to 5% of its issued and outstanding common shares at that time. The bid was effective on June 21, 2018 and terminated on June 20, 2019. The actual number of common shares purchased under the bid and the timing of any such purchases are at Canagold’s discretion. Purchases under the bid did not exceed 23,893 common shares per day. Canagold paid the prevailing market price at the time of purchase for all common shares purchased under the bid, and all common shares purchased by Canagold were returned to treasury and cancelled. During the term of the normal course issuer bid, Canagold purchased 438,000 shares for CAD$20,595 with an average price of CAD$0.05 per share; these shares have been returned to treasury and accordingly cancelled.
Forbearance Agreement
On February 12, 2018, Canagold entered into a Forbearance Agreement with a debtor in which the loan principal totaling $220,000, which was previously written off in 2014, will be repaid in full in 2018 as follows:
| Date |
| Principal (1) |
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
| February 14, 2018 |
| $ | 25,000 |
|
| June 30, 2018 |
|
| 25,000 |
|
| September 30, 2018 |
|
| 85,000 |
|
| December 31, 2018 |
|
| 85,000 |
|
|
|
| $ | 220,000 |
|
|
| (1) | Funds of $94,500 were received in 2018 with a balance of $59,500 received in January 2019, net of legal fees. |
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 42 |
| Table of Contents |
Directors and Officers
From January 2018 to May 2020, Mr. Jacob Margolis, PhD, was Vice President of Exploration for Canagold. In June 2020, Mr. Troy Gill was appointed Vice President of Exploration.
In July 2020, Mr. Kai Hoffmann resigned from the Board of Directors of the Canagold (the “Board”). In August 2020, Mr. Andrew Bowering was nominated to the Board of Canagold and resigned in March 2022.
In July 2021, Mr. Knox Henderson was appointed Vice President of Corporate Development.
At the Company’s contested Annual and Special General Meeting held on July 19, 2022, shareholders voted for the election of Sofia Bianchi, Carmen Letton, Kadri Dagdelen, Andrew Trow, and Scott Eldridge as Directors for the ensuing year. Three other nominees originally proposed by the Company, namely Bradford Cooke, Martin Burian and Deepak Malhotra, elected to resign from the Board.
In August 2022, Scott Eldridge resigned as CEO and a Director of the Company, and Catalin Kilofliski was appointed as CEO, and Michael Doyle was nominated as a Director and who subsequently was appointed as Chief Technical Officer.
At the Company’s Special General Meeting held on October 17, 2022, disinterested shareholders voted in favor for the creation of a new control person with Sun Valley Investments AG (“Sun Valley”) owning more that 20% interest of the Company which allowed the closing of the flow through private placement for 4.7 million common shares, resulting in Sun Valley’s ownership interest in the Company increasing from 19.40% to 23.55%. Sun Valley participated in a rights offering in December 2022 and increased its ownership in the Company to 40.06%.
In February 2023, Philip Yee resigned as CFO and Corporate Secretary of the Company, and Mihai Draguleasa was appointed as CFO and Corporate Secretary of the Company.
Nature of operations and principal activities
Canagold’s principal business activities are the acquisition, exploration and development of mineral resource property interests. Canagold is in the process of exploring and developing its mineral property interests and has not yet determined whether these mineral property interests contain reserves. The recoverability of amounts capitalized for mineral property interests is dependent upon the existence of economically recoverable reserves in its mineral resource properties, the ability of Canagold to arrange appropriate financing to complete further work on its mineral property interests, confirmation of Canagold’s interest in the underlying properties, the receipt of necessary permitting and upon future profitable activities on Canagold’s mineral property interests or proceeds from the disposition thereof. Canagold has incurred significant operating losses and currently has no operating revenues. Canagold has financed its activities principally by the issuance of equity securities. Canagold’s ability to continue as a going concern is dependent on continued financial support from its shareholders and other related parties, the ability of Canagold to raise equity financing, and the attainment of profitable operations to fund its operations.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 43 |
| Table of Contents |
Canagold and its management group have in the past been actively involved in the evaluation, acquisition and exploration of mineral properties in North, Central and South America. Starting with grass roots exploration prospects, it progressed to more advanced properties. To date, Canagold has not received any operating revenues from its mineral property interests. Canagold plans to continue exploring and developing its mineral property interests and, if appropriate, Canagold intends to seek partners or buyers to purchase or to assist in further advancement (by way of joint venture or otherwise) of its mineral property interests. Canagold seeks to identify properties with significant potential and to acquire those properties on the basis of property option agreements relying on the representations and warranties of the vendor as to the state of title, with limited or no title work being performed by Canagold. Detailed title work is only undertaken once it has been determined that the property is likely to host a significant body of ore, which may not occur. Consequently, there is a significant risk that adverse claims may arise or be asserted with respect to certain of Canagold’s mineral property interests. Items 3.D and 4.A provide further details.
In 2022, Canagold’s primary focus was its drilling program, environmental baseline study and camp renovations for its New Polaris property. Item 4.D provides further details.
Further information and details regarding Canagold’s properties are provided in Item 4.D.
Sales and revenue distribution, sources and availability of raw materials, and marketing channels
As of the date of this annual report, Canagold has not generated any operating revenues from its mineral property interests.
Competitive conditions
Significant competition exists for natural resource acquisition opportunities. As a result of this competition, some of which is with large, well established mining companies with substantial capabilities and significant financial and technical resources, Canagold may be unable to compete for nor acquire rights to exploit additional attractive mining properties on terms it considers acceptable. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that Canagold will be able to acquire any interest in additional projects that would yield reserves or results for commercial mining operations.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 44 |
| Table of Contents |
Government and environmental regulations
Canagold’s operations are subject to governmental regulations in Canada and the USA; Canagold’s material mineral property is in Canada.
The exploration and development of a mining prospect are subject to regulation by a number of federal and state government authorities. These include the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) and the United States Bureau of Land Management (“BLM”) as well as the various state environmental protection agencies. The regulations address many environmental issues relating to air, soil and water contamination and apply to many mining related activities including exploration, mine construction, mineral extraction, ore milling, water use, waste disposal and use of toxic substances. In addition, Canagold is subject to regulations relating to labor standards, occupational health and safety, mine safety, general land use, export of minerals and taxation. Many of the regulations require permits or licenses to be obtained and the filing of Notices of Intent and Plans of Operations, the absence of which or inability to obtain will adversely affect the ability for us to conduct our exploration, development and operation activities. The failure to comply with the regulations and terms of permits and licenses may result in fines or other penalties or in revocation of a permit or license or loss of a prospect.
Mining Regulation
Federal
On lands owned by the United States, mining rights are governed by the General Mining Law of 1872, as amended, which allows the location of mining claims on certain federal lands upon the discovery of a valuable mineral deposit and compliance with location requirements. The exploration of mining properties and development and operation of mines is governed by both federal and state laws. Federal laws that govern mining claim location and maintenance and mining operations on federal lands are generally administered by the BLM. Additional federal laws, governing mine safety and health, also apply. State laws also require various permits and approvals before exploration, development or production operations can begin. Among other things, a reclamation plan must typically be prepared and approved, with bonding in the amount of projected reclamation costs. The bond is used to ensure that proper reclamation takes place, and the bond will not be released until that time. Local jurisdictions may also impose permitting requirements (such as conditional use permits or zoning approvals).
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 45 |
| Table of Contents |
Nevada
In Nevada, initial stage surface exploration does not require any permits. Notice-level exploration permits (less than 5 acres of disturbance) are required (through the BLM) to allow for drilling. More extensive disturbance required the application for a receipt of a “Plan of Operations” from the BLM.
In Nevada, Canagold is also required to post bonds with the State of Nevada to secure environmental and reclamation obligations on private land, with amount of such bonds reflecting the level of rehabilitation anticipated by the then proposed activities.
If Canagold is successful in the future at discovering a commercially viable mineral deposit on our property interests, then if and when Canagold commences any mineral production, Canagold will also need to comply with laws that regulate or propose to regulate our mining activities, including the management and handling of raw materials, disposal, storage and management of hazardous and solid waste, the safety of our employees and post-mining land reclamation.
Environmental Regulation
Canagold’s mineral projects are subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations governing protection of the environment. These laws are continually changing and, in general, are becoming more restrictive. The development, operation, closure, and reclamation of mining projects in the United States requires numerous notifications, permits, authorizations, and public agency decisions. Compliance with environmental and related laws and regulations requires Canagold to obtain permits issued by regulatory agencies, and to file various reports and keep records of our operations. Certain of these permits require periodic renewal or review of their conditions and may be subject to a public review process during which opposition to Canagold’s proposed operations may be encountered. Canagold is currently operating under various permits for activities connected to mineral exploration, reclamation, and environmental considerations. Canagold’s policy is to conduct business in a way that safeguards public health and the environment. Canagold believes that its operations are conducted in material compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Changes to current local, state or federal laws and regulations in the jurisdictions where Canagold operate could require additional capital expenditures and increased operating and/or reclamation costs. Although Canagold is unable to predict what additional legislation, if any, might be proposed or enacted, additional regulatory requirements could impact the economics of our projects.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 46 |
| Table of Contents |
U.S. Federal Laws
The Comprehensive Environmental, Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (“CERCLA”), and comparable state statutes, impose strict, joint and several liability on current and former owners and operators of sites and on persons who disposed of or arranged for the disposal of hazardous substances found at such sites. It is not uncommon for the government to file claims requiring cleanup actions, demands for reimbursement for government-incurred cleanup costs, or natural resource damages, or for neighboring landowners and other third parties to file claims for personal injury and property damage allegedly caused by hazardous substances released into the environment. The Federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (“RCRA”), and comparable state statutes, govern the disposal of solid waste and hazardous waste and authorize the imposition of substantial fines and penalties for noncompliance, as well as requirements for corrective actions. CERCLA, RCRA and comparable state statutes can impose liability for clean-up of sites and disposal of substances found on exploration, mining and processing sites long after activities on such sites have been completed.
The Clean Air Act (“CAA”), as amended, restricts the emission of air pollutants from many sources, including mining and processing activities. Any future mining operations by Canagold may produce air emissions, including fugitive dust and other air pollutants from stationary equipment, storage facilities and the use of mobile sources such as trucks and heavy construction equipment, which are subject to review, monitoring and/or control requirements under the CAA and state air quality laws. New facilities may be required to obtain permits before work can begin, and existing facilities may be required to incur capital costs in order to remain in compliance. In addition, permitting rules may impose limitations on our production levels or result in additional capital expenditures in order to comply with the rules.
The National Environmental Policy Act (“NEPA”) requires federal agencies to integrate environmental considerations into their decision-making processes by evaluating the environmental impacts of their proposed actions, including issuance of permits to mining facilities, and assessing alternatives to those actions. If a proposed action could significantly affect the environment, the agency must prepare a detailed statement known as an Environmental Impact Statement (“EIS”). The United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”), other federal agencies, and any interested third parties will review and comment on the scoping of the EIS and the adequacy of and findings set forth in the draft and final EIS. This process can cause delays in issuance of required permits or result in changes to a project to mitigate its potential environmental impacts, which can in turn impact the economic feasibility of a proposed project.
The Clean Water Act (“CWA”), and comparable state statutes, impose restrictions and controls on the discharge of pollutants into waters of the United States. The discharge of pollutants into regulated waters is prohibited, except in accordance with the terms of a permit issued by the EPA or an analogous state agency. The CWA regulates storm water mining facilities and requires a storm water discharge permit for certain activities. Such a permit requires the regulated facility to monitor and sample storm water run-off from its operations. The CWA and regulations implemented thereunder also prohibit discharges of dredged and fill material in wetlands and other waters of the United States unless authorized by an appropriately issued permit. The CWA and comparable state statutes provide for civil, criminal and administrative penalties for unauthorized discharges of pollutants and impose liability on parties responsible for those discharges for the costs of cleaning up any environmental damage caused by the release and for natural resource damages resulting from the release.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 47 |
| Table of Contents |
The Safe Drinking Water Act (“SDWA”) and the Underground Injection Control (“UIC”) program promulgated thereunder, regulate the drilling and operation of subsurface injection wells. The EPA directly administers the UIC program in some states and in others the responsibility for the program has been delegated to the state. The program requires that a permit be obtained before drilling a disposal or injection well. Violation of these regulations and/or contamination of groundwater by mining related activities may result in fines, penalties, and remediation costs, among other sanctions and liabilities under the SWDA and state laws. In addition, third party claims may be filed by landowners and other parties claiming damages for alternative water supplies, property damages, and bodily injury.
Nevada
Other Nevada regulations govern operating and design standards for the construction and operation of any source of air contamination and landfill operations. Any changes to these laws and regulations could have an adverse impact on our financial performance and results of operations by, for example, requiring changes to operating constraints, technical criteria, fees or surety requirements.
The current and anticipated future operations of Canagold, including further exploration and/or production activities may require additional permits from governmental authorities. Such operations are subject to various laws governing land use, the protection of the environment, production, exports, taxes, labour standards, occupational health, waste disposal, toxic substances, mine safety and other matters. Unfavourable amendments to current laws, regulations and permits governing operations and activities of mineral exploration companies, or more stringent implementation thereof, could have a materially adverse impact on Canagold and could cause increases in capital expenditures which could result in a cessation of operations by Canagold. To the best of its knowledge, Canagold is operating in compliance with applicable laws.
We cannot predict the impact of new or changed laws, regulations or permitting requirements, or changes in the ways that such laws, regulations or permitting requirements are enforced, interpreted or administered. Health, safety and environmental laws and regulations are complex, are subject to change and have become more stringent over time. It is possible that greater than anticipated health, safety and environmental capital expenditures or reclamation and closure expenditures will be required in the future. We expect continued government and public emphasis on environmental issues will result in increased future investments for environmental controls at our operations.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 48 |
| Table of Contents |
Trends
The cumulative annual prices for gold per ounce for each of the previous three years were as follows:
|
|
| Annual Prices for Gold per ounce |
| |||||||||
|
|
| 2022 |
|
| 2021 |
|
| 2020 |
| |||
| Low |
| $ | 1,626 |
|
| $ | 1,684 |
|
| $ | 1,474 |
|
| High |
| $ | 2,043 |
|
| $ | 1,943 |
|
| $ | 2,067 |
|
| Cumulative Average |
| $ | 1,803 |
|
| $ | 1,799 |
|
| $ | 1,770 |
|
On average, the price of gold per ounce has increased steadily over the past three years which suggests a trend of improving gold prices. On April 21, 2023, the closing price for gold was $1,984.
During the period from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2022, the closing market price for Canagold’s decreased from CAD$0.3 to CAD$0.18, with a 3 year high of CAD$0.95 in December 2020. On April 21, 2023, the closing market share price was CAD$0.26. In early 2020, its market price was weakened from COVID-19 pandemic which had significant adverse consequences for global economies and capital markets. In early second quarter of 2020, gold prices heightened and achieved new highs and contributed to more active financings in the capital markets for the remainder of 2020. Commensurately Canagold’s stock price increased during the period and was able to raise substantial financing to allow for the advancement of its New Polaris project. Gold prices decreased in the first quarter of 2021 but remained higher than comparable prior periods and remained flat within a trading range between $1,750 and $1,850 for the remaining quarters in 2021 which may be indicative of consolidation in gold prices as gold prices increased fairly rapidly in the prior years of 2019 and 2020. Canagold’s stock price reflected similar decreases but was also adversely affected by a dormant period as it developed and planned for mobilization and implementation of the drilling program for New Polaris project in May 2021 due to the significant annual snow fall conditions in the area which makes exploration considerably more prohibitive and expensive. Its stock price continued on a downtrend for the remainder of 2021 in spite of positive exploration results from its New Polaris project. The diverse effects of increasing gold prices and decreasing share price of Canagold continued into 2022 as Canagold progresses in its exploration activities for the New Polaris project which may result from market sentiment in the capital markets. In early 2023 Canagold’s stock price increased as the Company announced its 2022 drilling results and plans to move forward with the New Polaris project. Items 4.A and 4.D provide further details.
Risk factors in Item 3.D provide further details regarding competition and government regulations.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 49 |
| Table of Contents |
Canagold carries on its business in large part through its subsidiaries. Canagold has a number of direct or indirect wholly or majority owned subsidiaries of which the active subsidiaries are as follows:
New Polaris Gold Mines Ltd. (“New Polaris”) (formerly Golden Angus Mines Ltd. - name change effective April 21, 1997) is a corporation formed through the amalgamation of 2820684 Canada Inc. (“2820684”), a former wholly‑owned subsidiary of Canagold incorporated under the Canada Business Corporation Act on May 13, 1992, and Suntac Minerals Inc. Canagold owns 100% of the issued and outstanding shares.
AIM U.S. Holdings Corp. is a corporation duly incorporated in the State of Nevada, USA, on March 14, 2017. Canagold owns 100% of its issued and outstanding shares.
American Innovative Minerals, LLC (“AIM”) is a limited liability company existing pursuant to the laws of Nevada, USA, on January 20, 2011. Canagold owns 100% membership interest in AIM.
4.D Property, Plant and Equipment
Description of Properties
Summary of Mineral Properties
The Company currently has interests in four gold exploration properties located in British Columbia, Canada and the State of Nevada, including the New Polaris Project, the Windfall Hills Project, the Fondaway Canyon Project, and the Corral Canyon Project. The Company’s principal objective is advancing the New Polaris Project. The New Polaris Project is the only property that the Company considers material at this time.
All our properties are exploration stage properties and we are an exploration stage issuer.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 50 |
| Table of Contents |
Property Summary Chart (as of December 31, 2022):
| Property Name |
| Location |
| Maximum % Interest Held (or to be earned) (1) |
|
| Capitalized Acquisition Expenditures (3) |
|
| Capitalized Exploration Expenditures (3) |
|
| Total Capitalized Expenditures (3) |
| ||||
| New Polaris (2) |
| BC, Canada |
|
| 100.00 | % |
| $ | 3,910,000 |
|
| $ | 18,453,000 |
|
| $ | 22,363,000 |
|
| Windfall Hills |
| BC, Canada |
|
| 100.00 | % |
| $ | 348,000 |
|
| $ | 997,000 |
|
| $ | 1,345,000 |
|
| Fondaway Canyon |
| Nevada, USA |
|
| 100.00 | % |
| $ | 655,000 |
|
| $ | 1,361,000 |
|
| $ | 2,016,000 |
|
| Corral Canyon |
| Nevada, USA |
|
| 100.00 | % |
| $ | 23,000 |
|
| $ | 530,000 |
|
| $ | 553,000 |
|
| 1 | Subject to any royalties or other interests as disclosed below. |
|
|
|
| 2 | Previously known as “Polaris-Taku”. |
|
|
|
| 3 | Net of recoveries and write-downs. |
NOTE: All monetary figures are in terms of U.S.$ unless otherwise noted. See below for further details on each property.
Qualified Person
The disclosure in this annual report of scientific and technical information regarding the Company’s properties has been reviewed and approved by Garry Biles, P.Eng, President & Chief Operating Officer for the Company, who is the Qualified Person for the purposes of the foregoing technical disclosure.
Internal Controls
We have established internal controls relating to Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) as necessary in relation to our exploration of our properties. These protocols include, but are not limited to:
| 1. | Establish a database for project data that will contain accurate, precise, and defensible data from which resource, reserve, and feasibility studies can be made. |
|
|
|
| 2. | Conduct verification sampling of known mineralization. |
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 51 |
| Table of Contents |
| 3. | Ensure that surface or drill sampling results in the highest quality sample possible. This would include down-hole surveying of drill holes as necessary. |
|
|
|
| 4. | Ensure the security and integrity of samples from point of origin to analytical laboratory. |
|
|
|
| 5. | Use industry-standard QA/QC for analytical work on sampling, including duplicate samples, inserting blanks and standards (samples with known assay values) into batches of samples being assayed, and checking the assay values from the original assay laboratory by submitting the same sample to a second laboratory. |
Individual Mineral Property Disclosure
The following is a more detailed description of the mineral properties listed above in which Canagold has an interest.
New Polaris Gold Project (British Columbia, Canada)
Garry Biles, P.Eng, President & Chief Operating Officer for Canagold Resources Ltd., is the Qualified Person for the purposes of the foregoing technical disclosure on the New Polaris Gold Project.
Summary
New Polaris (formerly Polaris-Taku Mine) is an early Tertiary mesothermal gold mineralized body located in northwestern British Columbia about 100 km south of Atlin, BC and 60 km northeast of Juneau, Alaska (Figure 1-1). The nearest roads in the area terminate twenty km south of Atlin, and approximately 100 km from the Project. Access at the present time is by aircraft. A short airstrip for light aircraft exists on the property. Shallow draft barges have been used in the past to access the site via the Taku River to transport bulk supplies and heavy equipment to site, as well as ship flotation concentrate from site.
The New Polaris project area lies on the eastern flank of the steep, rugged, Coast Range Mountains, with elevations ranging from the sea level to 2,600 metres. The climate is one of heavy rainfalls during the late summer and fall months, and comparatively heavy snowfall, interspersed with rain during the winter.
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Operations will include year-round underground mining activities and onsite processing to produce doré, and seasonal barge shipping of supplies to site. Onsite support for the operations and management of a camp with fly-in/fly-out service to an onsite landing strip have been planned.
Figure 1‑1 Location Map
The property consists of 61 contiguous Crown-granted mineral claims and one modified grid claim covering 2,100 acres. All claims are 100% owned and held by New Polaris Gold Mines Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Canarc Resource Corp. subject to a 15% net profit interest held by Rembrandt Gold Mines Ltd. Canarc can reduce this net profit interest to a 10% net profit by issuing 150,000 shares to Rembrandt.
The deposit is composed of three sets of veins (quartz-carbonate stringers in altered rock), the “A-B” veins are northwest striking and southwest dipping, the “Y” veins are north striking and dipping steeply east and finally the “C” veins are east-west striking and dipping to the south to southeast at 65º to vertical. The “C” veins appear to hook around to the north and south into the other two sets of veins so that their junctions form an arc. The gold is refractory and occurs dominantly in finely disseminated arsenopyrite grains that mineralize the altered wallrock and stockwork veins. The next most abundant mineral is pyrite, followed by minor stibnite and a trace of sphalerite. The zones of mineralization range from 15 to 250 metres in length and 0.3 to 14 metres in width.
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The deposit was mined by underground methods from 1938 to 1942, and from 1946 to early 1951, producing a total of 740,000 tonnes of ore at an average grade of 10.3 g/t gold.
Canarc explored the “C” vein system between 1988 and 1997, and carried out infill drilling in 2003 through 2006, to better define the continuity and grade of the vein systems.
Capping of the assays in each vein has been evaluated using cumulative probability plots (CPPs).
Property Description and Location
The New Polaris property consists of a group of 61 contiguous crown grants, and one modified grid claim totaling, 1,196 ha (2,956 acres) located 96 km (60 miles) south of Atlin, BC and 64 km (40 miles) northeast of Juneau, Alaska. Located at approximately 133º37’W Longitude and 58º42’N Latitude, the deposit lies on the eastern flank of the Tulsequah River Valley (
Figure 1‑1).
Property Stage
The property is an exploration stage property. There are no known mineral resources or reserves on the property under S-K 1300 standards at this time.
Property Claims
The claims are 100% owned and held by New Polaris Gold Mines Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Canarc Resource Corp. (Canarc), and subject to a 15% net profit interest held by Rembrandt Gold Mines Ltd. (Rembrandt), which Canarc has the right to reduce to 10% by issuing 150,000 shares to Rembrandt. Table 4 1 summarizes the claims and the locations are shown on Figure 4 1. Apart from the W.W.1 claim, the claims are crown granted and are kept in good standing through annual tax payments. The W.W.1 is a modified grid claim. The claim has sufficient work filed on it to keep it in good standing until February 4, 2020. The crown granted claims were legally surveyed in 1937. The mineralized areas are shown on Figure 4 2 and Figure 7 2, which shows the geology of the property on the mineral showings.
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The Polaris No. 1, Silver King No. 1, Silver King No. 5, Black Diamond, Lloyd and Ant Fraction crown grants include the surface rights. Surface rights for the remainder of the property lie with the Crown, including the areas covered by the Co-Disposal Facility (CDF) and access road to the CDF, and will need to be obtained from the Province of British Columbia.
Mining of the AB Vein system and to a lesser extent the Y and C veins was carried out during the 1930s to early 1950s. Much of the former infrastructure has been reclaimed. A $249,000 reclamation bond is in place and it is the writer’s opinion that this adequately covers the cost of reclaiming the original mill site and infrastructure. Currently there is no legal or regulatory requirement to remove or treat the tailings on the property.
Prior to commencing further exploration on the property, a Notice of Work is required to be submitted to the Mining and Minerals Department of the BC Ministry of Energy and Mines. Work can only commence once approval has been received.
Table 4-1 List of Claims
| Claim Name
| Lot No.
| Folio No.
|
| Claim Name
| Lot No.
| Folio No.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Polaris No. 1
| 6109
| 4472
|
| Snow
| 3497
| 4545
|
| Polaris No. 2
| 6140
| 5223
|
| Snow No. 2
| 3495
| 5088
|
| Polaris No. 3
| 6141
| 5223
|
| Snow No. 3
| 3494
| 5495
|
| Polaris No. 4
| 3498
| 4545
|
| Snow No. 4
| 3499
| 5495
|
| Polaris No. 5
| 6143
| 5223
|
| Snow No. 5
| 6105
| 4472
|
| Polaris No. 6
| 6144
| 5223
|
| Snow No. 8
| 6107
| 4472
|
| Polaris No. 7
| 6145
| 5223
|
| Snow No. 7
| 3500
| 4472
|
| Polaris No. 8
| 6146
| 5223
|
| Snow No. 6
| 6106
| 4472
|
| Polaris No. 9
| 6147
| 5223
|
| Snow No. 9
| 6108
| 4472
|
| Polaris No. 10
| 6148
| 5290
|
| Black Diamond
| 3491
| 4472
|
| Polaris No. 11
| 6149
| 5290
|
| Black Diamond No. 3
| 6030
| 4944
|
| Polaris No. 12 Fr
| 6150
| 5290
|
| Blue Bird No. 1
| 5708
| 4545
|
| Polaris No. 13 Fr
| 6151
| 5290
|
| Blue Bird No. 2
| 5707
| 4545
|
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| Polaris No. 14
| 6152
| 5290
|
| Lloyd
| 6035
| 5010
|
| Polaris No. 15
| 6153
| 5290
|
| Lloyd No. 2
| 6036
| 5010
|
| Silver King No. 1
| 5489
| 4804
|
| Rand No. 1
| 6039
| 5010
|
| Silver King No. 2
| 5490
| 4804
|
| Rand No. 2
| 6040
| 5010
|
| Silver King No. 3
| 5493
| 4804
|
| Minto No. 2
| 6033
| 4944
|
| Silver King No. 4
| 5494
| 4804
|
| Minto No. 3
| 6034
| 4944
|
| Silver King No. 5
| 5491
| 4804
|
| Jumbo No. 5
| 6031
| 4944
|
| Silver King No. 6
| 5492
| 4804
|
| Ready Bullion
| 6032
| 4944
|
| Silver King No. 7
| 5495
| 4804
|
| Roy
| 6042
| 5088
|
| Silver King No. 8
| 5717
| 4545
|
| Frances
| 6041
| 5010
|
| Silver Queen No. 1
| 6026
| 4545
|
| Eve Fraction
| 6170
| 5495
|
| Silver Queen No. 2
| 6027
| 4545
|
| Eve No. 1 Fraction
| 6171
| 5495
|
| Silver Queen No. 3
| 6028
| 4944
|
| P.T. Fraction
| 3493
| 5495
|
| Silver Queen No. 4
| 6029
| 4944
|
| Ant Fraction
| 3492
| 5088
|
| Silver Strand No. 1
| 6037
| 5010
|
| Atlin Fraction
| 3496
| 5088
|
| Silver Strand No. 2
| 6038
| 5010
|
| Powder Fraction
| 6043
| 5088
|
| F.M. Fraction
| 6044
| 5088
|
| Jay Fraction
| 6045
| 5088
|
| Par Fraction
| 6154
| 5290
|
|
|
|
|
W.W.1 Tenure No. 353540 Issue date February 4, 1997. Expiry date: February 4, 2020.
Accessibility, Climate, Locate Resources, Infrastructure and Physiography
The New Polaris project area lies on the eastern flank of the steep, rugged, Coast Range Mountains, with elevations ranging from the sea level to 2,600 metres.
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Extensive recent glaciation was the dominant factor in topographic development. The Taku and Tulsequah Rivers are the most prominent topographic features: broad valleys bounded by steep mountains. Numerous tributary streams flow from valleys filled with glaciers. Most of the glaciers are fingers branching from the extensive Muir ice cap, lying to the northwest of the Taku River. The Tulsequah glacier, which terminates in the Tulsequah valley about 16 km north of the New Polaris mine site, is one of the largest glaciers in the immediate area. It forms a dam causing a large lake in a tributary valley that breaks through the ice barrier (Jakülhlaup) during the spring thaw every year, flooding the Tulsequah and Taku valleys below for three to five days.
Small aircraft provide site access from the nearest population centers in Atlin, BC, 100 km north of the Property, or Juneau, Alaska, 60 km southwest of the Property. A short airstrip for light aircraft exists on the property. The nearest roads in the area terminate 20 km due south of Atlin and 10 km southeast of Juneau. Shallow draft barges have been used in the past to access the site via the Taku River to transport bulk supplies and heavy equipment to site, as well as ship flotation concentration from site. The property can be operated year-round.
The climate is one of heavy rainfalls during the late summer and fall months, and comparatively heavy snowfall, interspersed with rain during the winter. The annual precipitation is approximately 1.5 m of which 0.7 m occurs as rainfall. The snow seldom accumulates to a depth greater than 1.5 m on the level. Winter temperatures are not severe and rarely fall below –15ºC. Summer temperatures, in July, average 10ºC with daytime temperatures reaching the high 20’s on occasion. The vegetation is typical of northern temperature rain forest, consisting primarily of fir, hemlock, spruce and cedar forest on the hillsides and aspen and alder groves in the river valley.
There is sufficient land available within the mineral tenure held by Canarc for installations such as the process plant and related mine infrastructure. Surface rights for the areas covered by the CDF, and access road to the CDF, lie with the Crown and will need to be obtained from the Province of British Columbia.
Geological Setting
The New Polaris Mine lies on the western edge of a large body of Upper Triassic Stuhini Group volcanic rocks, which has been intruded by a Jurassic-Cretaceous granodiorite body north of the mine. Older Triassic volcanic rocks and earlier sediments underlie the Stuhini volcanic rocks. The granodiorite is part of the Coast Plutonic Complex (Figure 7-1)
The structural trend in the area is northwest-southeast, paralleling major faults and folds to the east and intrusive alignment to the west. The Triassic volcanic rocks and older sedimentary rocks have been folded and sheared with the Stuhini Group rocks being deformed into broad to isoclinal, doubly plunging symmetrical folds with large amplitudes.
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Canarc has carried out extensive mapping of the Polaris-Taku property since the early 1990’s. The work has been done by several employees and contractors and is shown in Figure 7-2. The gold deposit is hosted within an assemblage of mafic (basalt and andesite units) volcanic rocks altered to greenschist metamorphic facies. The orientation of these units is inconclusive because there are no marker beds in the sequence. It is thought that the units are steeply dipping (70º to 80º) to the north based on the orientation of the limestone/basalt interface at the southern portion of the property.
A serpentinite unit is located to the northeast, which was identified in recent (1996/97) drilling and underground mapping. This unit appears to form the eastern extent of the mineralization. The age relationship is unclear, but it is assumed that the serpentinite is a later stage feature possibly associated with tectonism in the area.
The ‘vein’ zones are structurally controlled shear zones and are typified by silicification and carbonatization cross cutting actual quartz-carbonate veins. These zones have sharp contacts with the wall rock and form anastamosing ribbons and dilations. These zones have been deformed several times, which makes original textures difficult to determine. The zones are generally tabular in geometry forming en-echelon sheets within the more competent host lithologies.
All of the strata within the property have been subjected to compression, rotation and subsequent extension. The plunge of folds appears to be variable though generally shallow. Small-scale isoclinal folds strike north-northwesterly and plunge moderately to the north. Numerous faults are found on the property, the more significant of which are discussed below.
The possible extension of the Llewellyn fault, termed the South Llewellyn fault, continues south from the Chief Cross fault along mine grid coordinate 4400 East. Slightly north of Whitewater Creek it is offset to the west by an east-west fault, the 101 fault, to continue in a more southeast orientation of the opposite side of Whitewater Creek. This northwest-southeast orientation structure was named the Limestone Fault due to its bedding parallel attitude within a discontinuous limestone/marble horizon. It marks the southwest boundary of the “mine wedge”: the wedge-shaped package of rock within which all past production took place. The northern boundary of the “mine wedge” is further defined as mentioned above by the Whitewater Creek Schist Zone, a zone of schistose chlorite-amphibolite-serpentinite less than 100 m thick. A complex network of brittle faults is also found within this zone.
Three major faults, Numbers 1 and 5, and an unnamed fault, lie within the mine wedge. The No.1 and No.5 faults strike northwest-southeast, dipping approximately 45º to the northeast, and are sub-parallel to the unnamed fault, which dips steeply to the southwest. The No.1 fault has reverse displacement of up to 30 m while the displacement of the No.5 fault is poorly defined. The southwest dipping, unnamed fault showed no displacement, as it apparently parallels the A-B vein system. The mined-out areas indicate the wedge shape, the predominant orientations and continuity of the zones, and the overall plunge of the system to the southeast. An early interpretation of the structure showed that various veins appear to meet and form “junction arcs” where both thickness and grade improve.
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Mineralization
Mineralization of the New Polaris deposit bears strong similarities to many Archean lode gold deposits such as the arsenical gold camp of Red Lake, Ontario where the gold-bearing arsenopyrite is disseminated in the altered rock and in quartz-carbonate stringers.
The vein mineralization consists of arsenopyrite, pyrite, stibnite and gold in a gangue of quartz and carbonates. The sulphide content is up to 10% with arsenopyrite the most abundant and pyrite the next important. Stibnite is fairly abundant in some specimens but overall comprises less than one-tenth of 1% of the vein matter. Alteration minerals include fuchsite, silica, pyrite, sericite, carbonate and albite.
In general, the zones of mineralization ranging from 15 to 250 m in length with widths up to 14 m appear to have been deposited only on the larger and stronger shears. Their walls pinch and swell showing considerable irregularity both vertically and horizontally. Gold values in the veins have remarkable continuity and uniformity and are usually directly associated with the amount of arsenopyrite present. The prominent strike directions are north-south and northwest-southeast, which is interpreted to be within a major shear zone. Up to 80% of the mine production was from “structural knots” or what is now known as “C” zones. In detail the “C” zones are arcuate structures. Figure 7-3 shows a 3D view of the “C” vein system.
The vein mineralization has well marked contacts with the wall rock. The transition from mineralized to non-mineralized rock occurs over a few centimeters. The mineralization consists of at least three stages of quartz veining. The initial stage of quartz-ankerite introduced into the structure was accompanied by a pervasive hydrothermal alteration of the immediately surrounding wall rock. Arsenopyrite, pyrite and lesser stibnite were deposited with the alteration. Later stages of quartz-ankerite veining are barren and have the effect of diluting the gold grades in the structure. The sulphide minerals are very fine-grained and disseminated in both the wall rock and early quartz and ankerite veins. Free gold is extremely rare and to the end of 2005 had not been recognized in core samples. The majority of the gold occurs in arsenopyrite and to a lesser extent in pyrite and stibnite. Because there is no visible gold and the host sulphides are very fine-grained and disseminated there is little nugget effect and gold values even over short intervals rarely exceed 1 oz/ton.
Mineralization was observed by Morris during the site visit both in drill core and underground. The description of the regional setting, local geology, and mineralization appears applicable to the New Polaris project and is sufficiently well understood to support the estimation of Mineral Resources.
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Deposit Types
The New Polaris deposit is classified as a mesothermal lode-gold deposit (Hodgson, 1993).
In general, it is quartz-vein-related, with associated carbonatized wall rocks. The deposits are characterized by a high gold/silver ratio, great vertical continuity with little vertical zonation, and a broadly syn-tectonic time of emplacement. They are commonly associated with pyrite, arsenopyrite, tourmaline and molybdenite. Mineralization may occur in any rock type and ranges in form from veins, to veinlet systems, to disseminated replacement zones. Most mineralized zones are hosted by and always related to steeply dipping reverse- or oblique-slip brittle-fracture to ductile-shear zones.
The exploration target on the New Polaris project is orogenic lode gold deposits also known as Mesothermal vein deposits. Numerous examples of this type of deposit are known throughout the work including the Campbell Red Lake deposits in Ontario and the Bralorne deposit in British Columbia. Past exploration studies have demonstrated that the New Polaris vein systems have all the attributes of the orogenic vein gold deposit including, but not limited to association with major structural break, quartz-carbonate vein association, low-sulphide assemblage of pyrite and arsenopyrite, chloritic and sericitically altered wall rocks and persistent gold mineralization over a vertical distance of nearly 1 km.
The deposit type and model are considered by the QP as appropriate for a Mesothermal lode-gold deposit.
Drilling
Diamond drill programs were carried out on the New Polaris project when the project was reactivated in 1988 until 2006. Initially, the drilling focused on the down dip and along strike extensions of the Y veins. This work showed that the Y veins, while good grade were narrow and less continuous than the AB vein system. It also showed that the Y vein system is comprised of about 12 separate veins all of which are narrow and of short strike length.
In 1990, drilling shifted to the area beneath the lowest most C vein stopes. This drilling found that the vein system continued to depth and that gold grades in the 0.30 to 0.45 oz/ton range over an average true thickness of 3 m were present. From 1991 to 1993 most of the drillholes tested the C veins with fewer drilled on the Y vein system.
In 1994, the North Zone was discovered and was tested with a total of 30 drillholes during the 1994 and 1995 period. Although thicknesses of the North Zone are up to 6.7 m, the grades are relatively low compared to the C vein (less than 0.2 oz/ton). This combined with the limited extent due to structural termination of the zone by a fault resulted in a decision to terminate exploration of the North Zone.
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Encouraging drill results from the C veins and to a lesser extent from the Y vein system led to further drilling on these two vein systems. Drilling on the C vein showed the veins to be open to depth and to have gold grades that ranged from 0.2 to 0.6 oz/ton over true thicknesses of 3 m. The increased interest in the C vein system was due to its greater continuity and thickness compared to the Y vein. The narrow width and lesser continuity of the Y vein system made it a secondary exploration target.
In 1996 and 1997 the Y, C and AB veins were explored from underground. The plan was to closely test the upper portions of the Y, C and AB veins in order to allow calculation of a resource that might form the basis for resumption of mining. The results of the underground drilling program were mixed. The underground workings were for the most part driven along the vein structures with few crosscuts from which holes could be drilled to cut the down dip and along strike extension of the veins. As a result, except for those holes that tested the area immediately below the workings, most cut the veins at shallow angles. The very shallow angles that in places approach parallel to the vein make the use of these intersections inappropriate for a resource calculation. Despite the number of holes drilled during 1996 and 1997, the work did little to expand the extent of the mineralization in the AB, C or Y vein systems. The work did confirm that the mineralized shoots in the lower most stopes on the Y and C veins were open to depth.
Drilling restarted on the property in 2003 with the objective of testing the extent of the C vein mineralization. Godfrey Walton, P. Geo., at the request of Canarc, undertook a review of the New Polaris project and recommended additional drilling in order to test the continuity of the “C” vein zone mineralization at depth below the lower most mine workings. To this end, limited drill programs were carried in 2003 to 2005 to target the “C” vein extensions below the existing mine workings.
The results of the 2003 to 2005 drilling of the C vein system confirmed the continuity of gold mineralization and the vein structure between the earlier drilled holes. As can be seen in the sections below, drill results show the C vein system to be an arc-like structure oriented east-west in the west swinging to a northeastern strike in the east. The change in strike occurs across the No.1 fault. To the east of the No.1 fault, the vein splays into two or more branches. The dip of the vein system is to the south and southeast and has an average dip of about 50º, although east of the No.1 fault the vein appears to flatten and thicken in a simoid-like feature. The exact nature of the apparent flattening of the vein’s dip is not clear and requires additional drilling to be resolved.
The thickness of the C veins varies from 0.30 m to a maximum of 15.2 m. The thicker parts of the vein occur to the east of the No. 1 fault where the dip of the vein flattens due to an apparent folding of the vein.
Depending upon the angle of intersection, the true thickness of the core length of the vein material ranges from 100% to about 70%. The average core length thickness of the intersections is approximately 4.5 m and the average grade is 14.4 g/t (0.4 oz/ton) gold. The estimated average true thickness of the vein is 3.0 m.
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All of the holes in this period were drilled from surface and intersected a similar geologic sequence. From the collar, the holes penetrated from 15.2 m to 79.2 m of overburden followed by inter-layered ash and lapilli tuff, volcanic wacke, and foliated andesite. The C vein system crosscuts the strike of the volcanic and volcaniclastic rocks at steep angles.
In 2021, the Company completed its 47-hole, 24,000 meter (m) infill drilling program designed to upgrade the Inferred Resources of the CWM vein system to an Indicated Resource category for inclusion in a future feasibility study. The infill drill holes range in depth from 300 to 650 m and are designed to provide greater density of drill intercepts (20 – 25 m spacing) in areas of Inferred Resources between 150 and 600 m below surface. The drill program was extended with an additional 6,000 m and 7 drill holes completed by the end of February 2022. The infill drill holes intercepted gold grades over widths throughout the CWM vein system that support the current resource at depth as predicted by the geological model and defined in the Preliminary Economic Assessment. Additionally, the infill drill program has defined new areas of significant gold mineralization such as the C-9 and C-10 veins that have potential to add resource to the deposit. By mid July 2022, assay results were received for all 54 holes of the drill program.
In August 2022, the Company mobilized an 8,000 m drilling program targeting the shallower high-grade Y-vein system which consists of two parallel, steeply dipping veins striking north–south and located just north of the C-West Main vein. This target provides an opportunity to define high grade resources at a shallow depth that could be accessed early in the mine life. High grade intercepts from previous drill holes in this area included 30.6 grams per tonne (“gpt”) gold (“Au”) over 3.2 m, 13.0 gpt Au over 6.8 m and 22.7 gpt Au over 8.0 m. The drilling program was designed to upgrade the Y-vein resources from Inferred to Indicated category for inclusion in the feasibility study and to explore this vein system for extensions at depth. By late January 2023 assay results were received for all 25 drill holes of the Y vein drill program.
Further details of the 2021 and 2022 drilling programs are provided in the Company’s news releases:
|
| · | News release dated July 6, 2021 and titled, “Canagold Announces Initial 2021 Drill Results From New Polaris Project Including 24.2 gpt Gold over 6.6 m and 15.8 gpt Gold Over 13.0 m”; |
|
| · | News release dated July 19, 2021 and titled, “Canagold Announces Additional Results From New Polaris Drill Program Including 14.3 gpt Au Over 2.7 m and 15.3 gpt Au Over 1.7 m”; |
|
| · | News release dated July 27, 2021 and titled, “Canagold Drills 30.8 gpt Gold Over 3.9 Meters at New Polaris Project”; |
|
| · | News release dated September 22, 2021 and titled, “Canagold Intersects 17.1 gpt Au Over 8.4 m in Hanging-Wall C10 Vein and 25.7 gpt Au Over 2.1 m in C West Main Vein at New Polaris, BC”; |
|
| · | News release dated November 10, 2021 and titled, “Canagold Intersects 11.1 gpt Au over 17.8 m and 11 gpt over 8.9 m in 2 Separate Hanging-Wall Veins Adjacent to C West Main Vein at New Polaris Gold Project, BC”; |
|
| · | News release dated November 10, 2021 and titled, “Canagold Intersects 11.1 gpt Au over 17.8 m and 11 gpt over 8.9 m in 2 Separate Hanging-Wall Veins Adjacent to C West Main Vein at New Polaris Gold Project, BC”; |
|
| · | News release dated November 30, 2021 and titled, “Summary of High-Grade Drill Intercepts in the C-9 and C-10 Veins at the New Polaris Project in BC”; |
|
| · | News release dated January 26, 2022 and titled, “Canagold Announces High-Grade Drill Intercepts Containing Visible Gold from the C-West Main Zone at New Polaris Project, B”; |
|
| · | News release dated February 24, 2022 and titled, “Canagold Continues to Intersect High-Grade Gold Mineralization in C-West Main Vein at New Polaris Project, BC”; |
|
| · | News release dated March 2, 2022 and titled, “Canagold Drilling Intersects Deep Extension of C-West Main Vein, and Discovers New High-Grade Parallel C-Vein at New Polaris Project, BC”; |
|
| · | News release dated March 21, 2022 and titled, “Canagold Announces Additional High-Grade Gold Drill Intercepts from the C-10 and the C-West Main Veins at New Polaris Project, BC”; |
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| · | News release dated April 21, 2022 and titled, “Canagold Continues to Intersect High-Grade Gold Mineralization in C-West Main Vein Including 42.5 gpt Au over 2 m at New Polaris Project, BC”. |
|
| · | News release dated June 14, 2022 and titled, “Canagold Drilling Intersects New Vein Grading 7.54 gpt Gold over 18.6 m Length at New Polaris Project, BC, Additional High-Grade Mineralization Outlined in C-West Main Vein”; |
|
| · | News release dated June 28, 2022 and titled, “Canagold Drilling Reports Two Highest Grade Drill Results of 54 Hole Program Including 13.6 gpt Gold over 25.1 m Length and 34.4 gpt over 6.6 m Length at New Polaris Project, BC”; |
|
| · | News release dated July 12, 2022 and titled, “Canagold Summarizes Results of 30,000 m Infill Drill Program at New Polaris Project, BC, Highlights Include 13.6 gpt Over 25.1 m”; |
|
| · | News release dated August 18, 2022 and titled, “Canagold Mobilizes Drill Crews and Restarts Resource Expansion Drilling at the New Polaris Project”; |
|
| · | News release dated October 11, 2022 and titled, “Canagold Retains Ausenco Engineering to Complete Feasibility Study on New Polaris Project”; |
|
| · | News release dated October 27, 2022 and titled, “Canagold Drills 22.1 Grams per Tonne Gold over 4.3 Metres in Y-Vein System at New Polaris”; |
|
| · | News release dated January 25, 2023 and titled, “Canagold Announces Agreement with Taku River Tlingit First Nation for Flagship New Polaris Project”; and |
|
| · | News release dated February 6, 2023 and titled, “Canagold Confirms Near Surface High-Grade Gold, Including 53.8 gpt Au over 2.78 m and 18.0 gpt Au over 5.64 m in Y-Vein System at New Polaris”. |
Mineral Processing and Metallurgical Testing
Gold in the New Polaris deposit is refractory and occurs dominantly in finely disseminated arsenopyrite grains. A 150-ton per day flotation mill was operated from 1937 to 1942 and again from 1946 to 1951 producing 231,604 oz of gold from a head grade of approximately 10 g/t.
Recent metallurgical test work has yielded positive results with a process flowsheet using flotation, bio-oxidation and CIL leaching.
The preliminary flowsheet for the New Polaris project is given below in Figure 13-8.
Test work has demonstrated that both BIOX and POX are potential pre-oxidation process options for New Polaris. BIOX has been selected by Canarc as the base case treatment route due to the lower capital cost and ease of operation compared to a POX circuit.
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Form 20-F
| 63 |
| Table of Contents |
Various process stage recoveries are listed in Table 13‑1.
Table 13‑1 New Polaris Projected Metallurgical Recoveries
| Area |
| Recovery (%) |
| |
| Sulphide Flotation |
|
| 94.9 |
|
| BIOX and CIL Leach |
|
| 95.6 |
|
| Carbon Loss |
|
| 0.1 |
|
| EW |
|
| 99.9 |
|
An overall gold recovery for the process flowsheet in Figure 13-8 is estimated at 90.5%.
In September 2020, Canagold was granted a Multi Year Area Based Notice of Work Mineral and Coal Exploration Activities and Reclamation Permit by the BC Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources to conduct exploration work on the property. Site preparation and refurbishment was completed to facilitate environmental baseline study and infill drilling to advance to a feasibility study. In late 2020, Canagold had initiated twelve months of continuous environmental baseline studies which are required for an Environmental Assessment Certificate application and which is a critical first step in advancing the project through the BC mine permitting process. The environmental baseline study continued in 2021 and into 2022.
In 2022, the Company expended $5.3 million on exploration expenditures for its New Polaris. The drilling program accounts for $2 million and continuous monthly environmental baseline studies for $557,000. Given the remote location of New Polaris, another significant exploration related cost is transportation ($541,000). The crew and equipment are brought into the camp by air transportation. Labour cost related to developing the New Polaris camp and supporting the exploration programs accounted to $503,000 in 2022.
2023 Project development and plans
In October 2022, the Company retained Ausenco Engineering Canada Inc. to complete a feasibility study for the New Polaris gold project. Key objectives for the feasibility study include:
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| · | Resource model update (to include nearly 40,000 metres of additional drilling completed) |
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 64 |
| Table of Contents |
|
| · | Mining reserves calculation and detailed underground mine plan development |
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| · | Engineer and design all surface infrastructure and processing facilities to include among others: flotation, bio-oxidation, leaching and gold doré bar production |
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| · | Engineer and design surface dry stack tailings and waste rock disposal facility (with no long-term adverse impact on the environment) |
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| · | Evaluate all renewable power alternatives that may be feasible for New Polaris |
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| · | Complete detailed capital and operating cost estimates, including a detailed financial model for the life of the project |
The feasibility study is expected to conclude by end of 2023.
In March 2023, the Company filed its Initial Project Description (IPD) and Engagement Plan submission to the B.C. Environmental Assessment Office on behalf of the New Polaris Project (“Project”), located in northwest British Columbia, Canada. The Company’s IPD submission formally initiates the Early Engagement phase of the provincial assessment process. The IPD provides an overview and detailed description of the Company’s plans to develop, operate, and eventually decommission the New Polaris Gold Project.
In March 2023, the Company entered into a collaborative engagement agreement with the Taku River Tlingit First Nation (“TRTFN”) to enshrine its commitment to the spirit of reconciliation and sustainability in economic development in respect of the Company’s New Polaris project. The agreement establishes the framework for a long-term cooperative and mutually respectful working relationship between the parties in support of Canagold’s New Polaris exploration and advancement activities while undertaking to minimize any adverse impacts on the rights and interests of the TRTFN. In addition, this initial accord creates a platform for future negotiation of agreements as the project progresses through its permitting, construction and production phases.
Other Mineral Projects
The following projects are considered not material by Canagold, do not have any S-K 1300 compliant mineral reserves or resources. There is currently no ongoing or proposed exploration or development programs for the properties set out below, other than as specifically stated.
Purchase Agreement with American Innovative Minerals, LLC
In 2017, Canagold closed a Membership Interest Purchase Agreement (the “Membership Agreement”) with American Innovative Minerals, LLC (“AIM”) and securityholders of AIM (“the AIM Securityholders”) to acquire either a direct or indirect 100% legal and beneficial interests in mineral resource properties located in Nevada, Idaho and Utah (USA) for a purchase price of $2 million in cash and honouring pre-existing NSRs. Certain of the mineral properties are subject to royalties.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 65 |
| Table of Contents |
AIM owns 10 gold properties in Nevada and owns one gold property in Idaho, and has two royalty interests on other properties. These properties include the following.
Fondaway Canyon and Dixie Comstock Properties (Nevada, USA)
In prior years, the Fondaway Canyon project was determined to be a material property. Canagold has since assessed the Fondaway Canyon property as non-material, as the property has been optioned to Getchell.
Fondaway Canyon is an advanced exploration stage gold property located in Churchill County, Nevada. The land package contains 136 unpatented lode claims. The property has a history of previous surface exploration and mining in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The Fondaway Canyon district consists of shear-zone style gold mineralization developed along 3.7 km of strike with a width of up to 900 m. Multiple exploration targets exist along major structural zones, and mineralization is locally concealed by alluvial cover.
Dixie Comstock, also located in Churchill County, Nevada, consists of 26 unpatented lode claims. The property contains a range-front epithermal gold deposit with a non-43-101 compliant resource of 146,000 ounces of gold at 1.063 grams per tonne Au.
In April 2017, Canagold commissioned Techbase International, Ltd (“Techbase”) of Reno, Nevada to complete a NI 43-101 resource report for the Fondaway Canyon project. The Fondaway Canyon Technical Report was prepared by Michael Norred, SME Registered Member 2384950, President of Techbase, and Simon Henderson, MSc, MAusIMM CP 110883 (Geology), Consulting Geologist with Wairaka Rock Services Limited of Wellington, New Zealand, who are independent Qualified Persons as defined by NI 43-101, was dated April 3, 2017, and was prepared in compliance with NI 43-101 to the best of the Canagold’s knowledge.
In 2018, Canagold completed 3D modelling of the Fondaway Canyon deposit and identified drill targets for the next stage of diamond drilling. Surface mapping and sampling program on the property and trenching in the Reed Pit continue to better define possible high-grade gold mineralization and to refine targets for the next phase of exploration drilling.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 66 |
| Table of Contents |
For the Fondaway Canyon project, it bears both a 3% NSR and a 2% NSR. The 3% NSR has a buyout provision for an initial amount of $600,000 which is subject to advance royalty payments of $35,000 per year by July 15th of each year until a gross total of $600,000 has been paid at which time the NSR is bought out. A balance of $425,000 with a fair value of $183,000 was outstanding upon the closing of the Membership Agreement. The 2% NSR has a buyout provision of either $2 million in cash or 19.99% interest of a public entity which owns AIM if AIM were to close an initial public offering of at least $5 million.
On October 16, 2019, Canagold signed a binding Letter Agreement with Getchell which was later superseded by the Option Agreement for the Acquisition of Fondaway Canyon and Dixie Comstock Properties on January 3, 2020, whereby Getchell has an option for 4 years to acquire 100% of the Fondaway Canyon and Dixie Comstock properties located in Churchill County, Nevada (both subject to a 2% NSR) for $4 million in total compensation to Canagold, comprised of $2 million in cash and $2 million in shares of Getchell. The option includes minimum annual work commitments of $1.45 million on the properties. Getchell must also honor the pre-existing NSR and advance royalty commitments related to the properties, and grant Canagold a 2% NSR on the Fondaway Canyon and Dixie Comstock properties of which half (1%) can be bought for $1 million per property.
Other Non Material Mineral Properties owned by American Innovative Minerals, LLC
AIM owns 11 gold properties in Nevada of which two properties (Fondaway Canyon and Dixie Comstock) contain historic gold resource estimates, and owns one gold property in Idaho, and has two royalty interests on other properties. The following properties are not considered material by Canagold:
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| · | Dixie Comstock, also located in Churchill County, Nevada, consists of 26 unpatented lode claims. |
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|
| · | Clear Trunk property is located in Pershing and Humboldt Counties, Nevada on 4,500 acres of fee mineral and unpatented claims in the Sonoma Range, south of Winnemucca and near the Goldbanks gold deposit. The property contains gold-bearing epithermal quartz veins, mesothermal quartz veins with high-grade gold and copper-gold intrusion-hosted mineralization. |
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|
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| · | Bull Run property is located in Elko County, Nevada on two large patented claim groups of 500 acres near the Jerritt Canyon gold district. |
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Form 20-F
| 67 |
| Table of Contents |
|
| · | Jarbidge property is located in Elko County, Nevada on 8 patented claims along the east end of major gold veins in the Jarbidge mining district. |
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|
|
|
|
| · | Lightning Tree property is located in Lemhi County, Idaho on 4 unpatented claims near the Musgrove gold deposit. |
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|
|
|
|
| · | Silver King property is located in Humboldt County, Nevada on 4 patented claims in the Iron Point mining district. Previous exploration focused on low grade gold values but the property was never been explored for silver. |
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|
|
|
|
| · | A&T property is located in Humboldt Co., Nevada on 2 patented claims on Winnemucca Mountain. The property contains gold-bearing veins in altered shale. |
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|
| · | Eimis property is located in Elko County, Nevada on one 20 acre patented claim adjacent to the Coleman Canyon gold deposit controlled by Arnevut Resources Nevada LLC (“Arnevut”). Gold anomalies extend onto Eimis property and Arnevut holds a 20 year lease to explore on the property since 2010. |
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|
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| · | Silver Peak property is located in Esmeralda County, Nevada on 3 patented (57 acres) and 3 unpatented mining claims covering 50 acres. The property is adjacent to the Mineral Ridge mine controlled by Scorpio Gold Corporation. The 3 unpatented mining claims are under agreement with Legacy Mining to pay $1,000 at commencement of mining and an 8% NSR. |
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| · | Tucker property is located in Madison County, Montana on 3 unpatented claims near the historic McKee Mine of the Washington mining district. The property is under agreement with Legacy Mining to pay $1,000 at commencement of mining and an 8% NSR. |
Canagold has initiated a comprehensive review of certain Nevada properties to evaluate each property’s potential and to prioritize exploration plans for each property.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 68 |
| Table of Contents |
Silver King (Nevada, USA)
The Silver King property is located in Humboldt County, Nevada on 4 patented claims near Golconda Summit. Previous exploration focused on low grade gold values but the property was never been explored for silver.
In October 2018, Canagold entered into a property option agreement for its Silver King property with Brownstone whereby Brownstone has an option to earn a 100% undivided interest by paying $240,000 in cash over a 10 year period with early option exercise payment of $120,000. Canagold will retain a 2% NSR of which a 1% NSR can be acquired by Brownstone for $1 million.
Lightning Tree (Idaho, USA)
Lightning Tree property is located in Lemhi County, Idaho, on 4 unpatented claims near the Musgrove gold deposit.
In early July 2020, Canagold entered into a non-binding letter of intent for its Lightning Tree property located in Lemhi County, Idaho, with Ophir Gold Corp. (formerly, MinKap Resources Inc.) (“Ophir”), whereby Ophir shall acquire a 100% undivided interest in the property. On September 10, 2020, a definitive mineral property purchase agreement was executed. Over a three year period, Ophir shall pay to Canagold a total of CAD$137,500 in cash over a three year period and issue 2.5 million common shares and 2.5 million warrants over a two year period, and shall incur aggregate exploration expenditures of at least $4 million over a three year period. If Ophir fails to incur the exploration expenditure, the property reverts back to Canagold. Canagold will retain a 2.5% NSR of which a 1% NSR can be acquired by Ophir for CAD$1 million. If Ophir fails to file a NI 43-101 compliant resource on the Lightning Tree property within three years, the property will revert back to Canagold.
Windfall Hills properties (British Columbia, Canada)
The Windfall Hills gold project is located 65 km south of Burns Lake, readily accessible by gravel logging roads and a lake ferry crossing in the summer-time, or by charter aircraft year-round. The project consists of the Atna properties, comprised of 2 mineral claims totalling 959 hectares and the Dunn properties, comprised of 8 mineral claims totalling 2820 hectares.
In April 2013, Canagold acquired 100% undivided interests in the two adjacent gold properties (Uduk Lake and Dunn properties) located in British Columbia. The Uduk Lake properties are subject to a 1.5% NSR production royalty that can be purchased for CAD$1 million and another 3% NSR production royalty. The Dunn properties are subject to a 2% NSR royalty which can be reduced to 1% NSR royalty for $500,000.
In the third quarter of 2020, Canagold completed a Phase 2 diamond drill program. Six drill holes were completed for a total of 1,500 meters of core over an area of 30 hectares designed to follow up from gold-silver mineralization intersected in the 2014 Phase 1 drill holes. Further analysis of the structural and lithological controls on mineralization are needed to determine the next steps for the Windfall Hills property. Canagold may seek a partner to advance the project.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 69 |
| Table of Contents |
Corral Canyon property (Nevada, USA)
In 2018, Canagold staked 92 mining claims covering 742 hectares in Nevada, USA.
Corral Canyon property lies 35 km west of the town of McDermitt in Humboldt County along the western flank of the McDermitt caldera complex, an area of volcanic rocks that hosts significant lithium and uranium mineralization in addition to gold. It contains volcanic-hosted, epithermal, disseminated and vein gold mineralization evidenced by previous drilling.
In the first half of fiscal 2019, Canagold had completed detailed geologic mapping, a district-scale soil sampling program, rock-chip sampling, re-logging of previous core holes and an analysis of historical geophysical data in an effort to identify drill targets to expand on the known gold mineralization. In the third quarter of 2019, four high priority targets were identified on the property. In November 2019, a five hole, 1600 meter drilling program was completed.
Canagold is seeking a partner to drill along strike and to depth at priority targets on the property.
Princeton Property (British Columbia, Canada)
The Princeton gold property consists of 22 mineral claims over 14,650 hectares located 35 kilometers (km) south of Princeton, British Columbia, and is readily accessible by road. The property contains quartz veins with high grade gold (> 10 g/t) hosted in Triassic Nicola Group metasedimentary and metavolcanic rocks intruded by undated granitic dikes and stocks.
In December 2018 and then as amended in June 2019, Canagold entered into a property option agreement jointly with Universal Copper Ltd. (formerly, Tasca Resources Ltd.) (“Universal”) and an individual whereby Canagold has an option to earn a 75% interest in the Princeton property by: incurring exploration expenditures of CAD$490,000 over a two year period; issuing 375,000 common shares to Universal by December 1, 2019 (issued); paying CAD$25,000 cash to Universal by March 16, 2021; granting a 1% NSR to Universal which can be acquired for CAD$1 million; and honoring a 2% NSR to the individual of which 1% NSR can be acquired for CAD$1 million.
In October 2020, the Company assigned its interest in the property option agreement for the Princeton property to Damara Gold Corp. (“Damara”). Pursuant to the assignment, Damara issued 9.9% of its outstanding common shares to the Company on closing of the assignment at a fair value of $228,500. Subject to the exercise of the option by December 31, 2022, the Company’s aggregate ownership in the capital of Damara shall increase to 19.9% which Damara did exercise by the issuance of 9.8 million Damara shares to the Company at a fair value of $588,800.
In 2018, Canagold completed a 2,350 line-kilometer aeromagnetic survey on the property to assist in its geologic evaluation. The survey covered about 16 km by 10 km, extending well beyond the known area of gold vein mineralization. In July 2019, Canagold reviewed the results of the survey and the results were used to delineate geologic units, including intrusive rocks, and to clarify the broad geologic setting and structural fabric of the area that helped identify and prioritize exploration targets.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 70 |
| Table of Contents |
In July 2019, Canagold commenced an exploration program of general prospecting, mapping, sampling and trenching of existing gold vein prospects, as well as evaluating whether additional geophysical methods might be utilized to detect buried veins. The program included a machine trenching program in the area of the main gold vein prospect. The trenching was to test a much broader area than was trenched in late 2018 and was to attempt to trace the previously-trenched main vein along strike as well as explore for adjacent veins, particular in areas of mineralized float.
ITEM 4A. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Not applicable.
ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS
Management’s discussion and analysis in this Item 5 are intended to provide the reader with a review of factors that affected Canagold’s performance during the years presented and factors reasonably expected to impact on future operations and results. The following discussion of the financial condition, changes in financial condition and results of operations of Canagold for the three fiscal years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of Canagold and related notes included therein.
Canagold’s consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB, and all dollar amounts are expressed in United States dollars unless otherwise indicated.
This discussion contains “forward-looking statements” that are subject to risk factors set out under the heading “Item 3. Key Information – D. Risk Factors”. See “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” above.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 71 |
| Table of Contents |
In accordance with IFRS, all costs related to investments in mineral property interests are capitalized on a property-by-property basis. Such costs include mineral property acquisition costs and exploration expenditures, net of any recoveries and write-downs.
Canagold’s ability to continue as a going concern is dependent on continued financial support from its shareholders and other related parties, the ability of Canagold to raise equity financing, and the attainment of profitable operations, external financings and further share issuances to meet Canagold’s liabilities as they become payable and for settlement of expenditures.
Canagold is not aware of any seasonality in the business that has a material effect upon its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Canagold is not aware of any changes in the results of its operations that are other than those normally encountered in its ongoing business.
Year ended December 31, 2022 compared with December 31, 2021
The Company has no sources of operating revenues. Operating losses were incurred for ongoing activities of the Company in acquiring and exploring its mineral property interests, advancing the New Polaris property, and pursuing mineral projects of merit. The Company incurred a net loss of $2.7 million for fiscal 2022 which is higher than the net loss of $1.8 million in fiscal 2021 (2020 - $1.7 million).
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 72 |
| Table of Contents |
Net losses were impacted by different functional expense items:
General and administrative expenses
Overall general and administrative expenses of $837,000 were significantly higher in 2022 with certain specific differences in contrast to $295,000 for the same period in 2021:
Regulatory fees increased in 2022 as in June 2022, a shareholder provided an advance notice for the nominaton of three new directors for the Company at its upcoming annual and special general meeting, which lead the Company to engage a proxy solicitation firm and legal counsel in the proxy contest, thus contributing to higher regulatory expenses of $260,000 in the second quarter of 2022. This resulted in the election of three new directors and resignations of three previous directors. Regulatory expenses continued to be higher in the third quarter of 2022 from the proxy contest as well as additional costs from the special general meeting for the new control person of the Company which was held on October 17, 2022. Regulatory expenses also increased as the transfer agent manages its warrant indentures and from higher filing and annual listing fees.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 73 |
| Table of Contents |
Legal fees increased in 2022 with legal counsel acting as a corporate advisor to the new Board who reside overseas, corporate issues with Sun Valley possibly becoming a new control person, and recommendations to improve the Company’s corporate governance policies and charters. Nominal legal services were rendered in 2021 for corporate maintenance and annual filings.
Other general and administrative expenses have seen slightly increases with the company intensifying its efforts to advance New Polaris.
Employee and director remuneration
Overall remuneration for employees and directors has been consistent for 2022 vs. 2021, with the higher 2022 amount being attributed mainly to the severance paid to the former CEO.
Change in fair value of marketable securities
The change in the fair value of marketable securities is attributable to changes in the quoted market prices of the investments up to their date of disposal or through to period end if continued to be held. In 2022, losses were realized from disposition of marketable securities with further losses being recognized at the end of the year from lower fair values. In 2021 gains were realized from the disposition of market securities but losses from remaining shareholdings at year end canceled such gains. The Company’s marketable securities consist of mainly investments in other mining companies, and the 2022 and 2021 fair value loss is a result of a general decline in valuations of precious metals and mining companies after the 2020 surge.
Shareholder relations and corporate development
The Company continued to incur shareholder relations costs in order to raise the profile and market awareness. In July 2021, a VP Corporate Development was hired to assist with shareholder relations activities. Starting 2022, the remuneration of the VP Corporate Development is reported as a separate item - Corporate development expense - in the financial statements.
Share based payments (non-cash expense)
Share based payments were significantly lower in 2022 compared to 2021 due to forfeitures of unvested stock options from the resignations of former Board members and CEO, resulting in reversals of share-based payment expenses from prior periods, given Board members held a significant proportion of outstanding stock options.
Foreign exchange loss (gain) (non-cash item)
The $172,000 gain recognized in 2022 is a non-cash item resulted from revaluation of certain assets/investments of the Company.
Mineral property income
Mineral property income in 2022 was from the sale of a USA non material property in Nevada, the sale of physical historical geological data library, and the cash option receipt for its Idaho property.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 74 |
| Table of Contents |
Income tax recovery (non-cash income)
The income tax recovery is the allocation of the premium in the flow through private placement on a pro rata basis of qualified exploration expenditures incurred during the year. Flow through premiums from private placements were recognized in October and December 2021 and then again in January 2022 and October 2022. Given that the flow through funds were raised late in 2021, and therefore used mainly in 2022, the income tax recovery is significantly higher in 2022.
Deferred income tax expense (non-cash expense)
The $1.4 million deferred tax expenses is mainly the result of the timing difference between the accounting value and tax value of the mineral properties, the main driver of the difference being the renunciation of the flow-through renunciations. See Note 15 of 2022 consolidated financial statements of the Company for details of the calculation.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 75 |
| Table of Contents |
As at December 31, 2022, Canagold has mineral property interests which are comprised of the following:
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 76 |
| Table of Contents |
Fiscal Year 2021 – Year ended December 31, 2021 compared with December 31, 2020
Canagold incurred a net loss of $1.8 million for fiscal 2021 which is nominally higher than the net loss of $1.7 million in fiscal 2020 (2019 - $1.0 million), with the former having higher operating expenses coupled with fair value losses from marketable securities in 2021 which were offset from mineral property option income in the same year. Net losses were impacted by different functional expense items.
Canagold has no sources of operating revenues. Operating losses were incurred for ongoing activities of Canagold in acquiring and exploring its mineral property interests, advancing the New Polaris property, and pursuing mineral projects of merit.
In 2020, corporate development activities of $63,000 involved mostly technical management review and associated expenses for possible new projects in the US and Canada and surface taxes for non material properties which have nil book value. In 2021, there were no corporate development activities as the primary focus was the drilling program and environmental baseline monitoring for the New Polaris project.
Remuneration for employees of $591,000 in 2021 was higher than prior years (2020 - $559,000 and 2019 - $462,000). A new technical senior officer was employed in June 2020. Director stipends were payable for only the latter half of 2020 which continued for subsequent periods. In April 2021, Canagold approved nominal increases in remuneration to two senior officers which were retroactive to January 1, 2021. Remunerations to technical senior officers were allotted to active exploration programs for Hard Cash and Windfall Hills properties in 2020, and for New Polaris from the third quarter of 2020 to fiscal 2021.
Overall general and administrative expenses of $295,000 were higher in 2021 with certain specific differences as compared to $228,000 in 2020 and $175,000 in 2019. Costs for audit and tax filings for US subsidiaries have increased. Nominal legal services were rendered in 2021 which were for corporate maintenance and annual filings. Cloud server costs increased in 2021 as additional features were needed to support operations and exploration activities as well as additional costs for server migration which were necessitated to comply with jurisdictional licensing rights. Premiums for directors and officers liability insurance have escalated due to heightened claim payouts in the insurance industry, and also the additional liability insurance coverage as Canagold progresses with the advancement of the New Polaris project. Regulatory expenses increased as the transfer agent manages its warrant indentures and from higher filing and annual listing fees. Office base rent increased effective August 2020 and for subsequent quarters thereafter, as the office lease will expire in July 2022.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 77 |
| Table of Contents |
Given the global pandemic of COVID 19, shareholder relations efforts were kept to a reduced level in early 2020. In the third quarter of 2020, shareholder relations increased significantly to raise the profile and market awareness of Canagold to support Canagold’s CAD$8.4 million financing and which continued into the fourth quarter, as commodity prices increased and the mobilization of drilling programs for two of its mineral properties and its proposed corporate restructuring in part to advance Canagold’s New Polaris project. These expenses continued into 2021 resulting in total costs of $446,000 but were less than the $514,000 in 2020 given stagnancy in the markets. In July 2021, a VP Corporate Development was hired to assist with shareholder relations activities.
Share based payments was higher in 2021 at $974,000 than prior years (2020 - $170,000 and 2019 - $120,000) due to more stock options being granted and vesting in 2021. In 2021, 4.3 million stock options were granted whereas only 840,000 stock options and 750,000 stock options were granted in 2020 and 2019 respectively.
The change in the fair value of marketable securities is attributable to changes in the quoted market prices of the investments up to their date of disposal or through to year end if continued to be held. For fiscal 2021, the fair values of marketable securities fell by $384,000 from their fair value from 2020 or from the fair value determined on acquisition of the investment or receipt of the investment as part of mineral property option receipts as opposed to gains of $760,000 in 2020. In the first quarter of 2020, the COVID 19 pandemic caused adverse global economic impact with similar negative effects to capital markets, resulting in reductions in the fair values of Canagold’s marketable securities. Precious metal prices surged in the remaining quarters in 2020 reaching new highs, causing the market prices of certain investments to significantly increase by the 2020 year end. This was also compounded by the substantial number of shares which Canagold received for the various properties which were optioned or sold to other parties as the fair values of such shares were $1.3 million at 2020 year end. In the third quarter of 2020, Canagold was active in disposing and realizing gains from its investments. During 2021 Canagold disposed of $656,000 of its investments as compared to $296,000 in 2020.
Interest expense for 2021 was $33,000 as compared to $39,000 in 2020 (2019 - $44,000). Interest expense arises from the accretion of the deferred royalty liability and on the lease liability for right-of-use asset for its office facilities.
Foreign exchange (loss) gain arises from fluctuations of the US$ from its US subsidiaries which uses US$ whereas Canagold’s functional currency is CAD$, and from non CAD$ based transactions. The weakened CAD$ relative to the US$ resulted in the foreign exchange loss in the first quarter of 2020 but reversed in the remaining quarters as the CAD$ strengthened. The CAD$ continued to show strength in 2021 and reaching new highs for the CAD$ relative to the US$.
Canagold terminated the property option agreement for the Hard Cash and Nigel properties, and accordingly wrote off its interests for $1.1 million in 2020.
Mineral property option income of $762,000 in 2021 was higher than the $251,000 in 2020 (2019 - $5,000). The cash and fair values of the shares and warrants were received in the fourth quarter of 2020 for the Princeton, Silver King and Lightning Tree properties. In 2020, Damara issued 9.9% of its outstanding common shares to Canagold on closing of the assignment at a fair value of $228,500 which reduced the carrying value of the property to $Nil by recording a $228,000 recovery to the mineral property and resulting in a nominal net amount of $500 being recorded as mineral property option income in 2020. In 2021 fourth quarter, cash, shares and warrants were received for the Princeton, Lightning Tree and Silver King properties; Canagold received Damara shares with a fair value of $588,800.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 78 |
| Table of Contents |
The income tax recovery is the allocation of the premium in the flow through private placement on a pro rata basis of qualified exploration expenditures incurred during the period. Income tax recovery was recognized for the pro rata flow through exploration expenditures as Canagold was conducted its drilling programs for Windfall Hills and Hard Cash properties, especially in the 2020 third quarter, and drilling program for New Polaris property in the 2021 fourth quarter
As at December 31, 2021, Canagold has mineral property interests which are comprised of the following:
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 79 |
| Table of Contents |
Environmental Liabilities
Canagold’s policy is to maintain all operations at North American standards, notwithstanding that certain of the countries within which it may operate may not yet have fully developed such standards in respect to environmental concerns. In accordance with government requirements in Canada, refundable deposits of $224,000 have been placed with regulatory agencies in respect to Canagold’s New Polaris gold property in British Columbia. There are no known environmental contingencies in respect to these or any of the other Company’s mineral property interests.
5.B Liquidity and Capital Resources
Canagold is in the exploration stage and has not yet determined whether its mineral property interests contain reserves. The recoverability of amounts capitalized for mineral property interests is entirely dependent upon the existence of reserves, the ability of Canagold to obtain the necessary financing to complete the development and upon future profitable production. Canagold knows of no trends, demands, commitments, events or uncertainties that may result in Canagold’s liquidity either materially increasing or decreasing at the present time or in the foreseeable future. Material increases or decreases in Canagold’s liquidity are substantially determined by the success or failure of Canagold’s exploration programs and overall market conditions for smaller mineral exploration companies. Since its incorporation in 1987, Canagold has endeavoured to secure mineral property interests that in due course could be brought into production to provide Canagold with cash flow which would be used to undertake work programs on other projects. To that end, Canagold has expended its funds on mineral property interests that it believes have the potential to achieve cash flow within a reasonable time frame. As a result, Canagold has incurred losses during each of its fiscal years since incorporation. This result is typical of smaller exploration companies and will continue unless positive cash flow is achieved.
The following table contains selected financial information of Canagold’s liquidity:
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| ||
| Cash |
|
| 3,825 |
|
|
| 2,008 |
|
| Working capital |
|
| 4,386 |
|
|
| 2,575 |
|
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 80 |
| Table of Contents |
Canagold has no sources of operating revenues, and ongoing operating expenses continue to reduce its cash resources and working capital. Operating losses continued to be incurred for ongoing activities of Canagold in seeking to advance the New Polaris property, and in exploring the Windfall Hills and AIM properties and staking additional property claims and in pursuing new projects of merit.
Based on Canagold’s available cash and working capital, Canagold anticipates it will be able to continue its current plan of operations and exploration programs for at least the next 12 months without having to seek additional financing or cut-back on planned operations. Additional financing will be sought through private and public equity financings or debt financings if available to Canagold at acceptable terms in the interests of the shareholders and Canagold.
In October and November 2020, Canagold closed a private placement in two tranches totalling 21 million units at a price of CAD$0.40 per unit for gross proceeds of CAD$8.4 million with each unit comprised of one common share and one-half of one common share purchase warrant; each whole warrant is exercisable to acquire one common share at an exercise price of CAD$0.65 per share for a period of two years. On October 7, 2020, Canagold closed the first tranche for 8 million units for gross proceeds of CAD$3.2 million. On November 12, 2020, Canagold closed the second tranche for 13 million units for gross proceeds of CAD$5.2 million; the second tranche received interested and disinterested shareholder approvals at Canagold’s special general meeting held on October 19, 2020. Finders fees included CAD$176,400 in cash and 385,200 warrants with the same terms as the underlying warrants in the private placement. If the closing market price of the common shares is at a price equal to or greater than CAD$1.00 for a period of 10 consecutive trading days on the Toronto Stock Exchange, Canagold will have the right to accelerate the expiry date of the warrants by giving written notice to the warrant holders that the warrants will expire on the date that is not less than 30 days from the date notice is provided by Canagold to the warrant holders.
Canagold received the following cash, shares and warrants from its mineral property interests in 2020:
| - | In January 2020, $100,000 cash and 967,513 shares with a fair value of CAD$135,500 from Getchell for the option on the Fondaway Canyon and Dixie Comstock properties. Then in December 2020, $100,000 cash and 749,161 shares with a fair value of CAD$269,700 were received from Getchell; |
|
|
|
| - | In September 2020, 1.25 million shares with fair value of CAD$175,000 and 1.25 million warrants with exercise price of CAD$0.095 and expiry date of September 23, 2023 and fair value of CAD$56,250 were received from Ophir for the Lightning Tree property; |
|
|
|
| - | In October 2020, $12,000 cash was received from Brownstone Ventures for the Silver King property; and |
|
|
|
| - | In December 2020, 3,989,950 shares with a fair value of CAD$290,900 were received from Damara for the Princeton property. |
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 81 |
| Table of Contents |
In fiscal 2020, Canagold granted the following stock options:
| - | 760,000 stock options to directors, officers and employees with an exercise price of CAD$0.50 and an expiry date of June 29, 2025, and which are subject to vesting provisions in which 25% of the options vest immediately on the grant date and 25% vest every six months thereafter; and |
|
|
|
| - | 80,000 stock options to a director with an exercise price of CAD$0.55 and an expiry date of August 19, 2025, and which are subject to vesting provisions in which 25% of the options vest immediately on the grant date and 25% vest every six months thereafter. |
In 2020, Canagold received proceeds of $138,000 from the exercise of stock options and proceeds of $296,000 were realized from the disposition of marketable securities.
As at December 31, 2020, Canagold’s marketable securities have a fair value of $1.3 million.
On October 28, 2021, Canagold closed a brokered private placement with Red Cloud Securities Inc. for 10.6 million flow through common shares at a price of CAD$0.50 per share for gross proceeds of CAD$5.3 million. Finders fees were comprised of CAD$253,555 in cash and 638,510 broker warrants with each broker warrant exercisable to acquire one non flow through common share at an exercise price of CAD$0.75 until October 28, 2023.
In December 2021 and January 2022, Canagold closed a private placement in two tranches totalling 4.61 million flow through common shares at a price of CAD$0.50 per share for gross proceeds of CAD$2.3 million. On December 30, 2021, Canagold closed the first tranche for 560,000 flow through shares for gross proceeds of CAD$280,000. On January 18, 2022, Canagold closed the second tranche for 4.05 million flow through shares for gross proceeds of CAD$2.03 million.
In 2021, stock options for 650,000 shares were exercised for proceeds of $204,100 and $179,700 was reallocated from reserve for share-based payments to share capital. Stock options for 210,000 common shares were cancelled for the exercise of share appreciation rights for 104,884 common shares at a fair value of CAD$0.68 per share. Also warrants for 301,624 common shares were exercised for proceeds of $72,000, and $33,100 was reallocated from reserve for share-based payments to share capital.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 82 |
| Table of Contents |
In fiscal 2021, the Company granted the following stock options:
| - | 3.6 million stock options to directors, officers and employees with an exercise price of CAD$0.50 and an expiry date of June 24, 2026, and which are subject to vesting provisions in which 25% of the options vest immediately on the grant date and 25% vest every six months thereafter; and |
|
|
|
| - | 715,000 stock options to an officer and a consultant with an exercise price of CAD$0.52 of which 500,000 stock options have an expiry date of July 12, 2026 and 215,000 stock option with an expiry date of July 12, 2023, and which are subject to vesting provisions in which 25% of the options vest immediately on the grant date and 25% vest every six months thereafter. |
In 2021, the Company received proceeds of $204,000 from the exercise of stock options and $72,000 from exercise of warrants and proceeds of $656,000 were realized from the disposition of marketable securities.
In 2021, the Company received the following cash and shares for property option agreements:
| - | $100,000 cash and 537,550 shares from Getchell for the Fondaway Canyon and Dixie Comstock properties; |
|
|
|
| - | CAD$25,000 cash, 1.25 million shares and 1.25 million warrants from Ophir for the Lightening Tree property; |
|
|
|
| - | 9.8 million shares from Damara for the Princeton property; and |
|
|
|
| - | $12,000 cash from Brownstone for the Silver King property. |
As at December 31, 2021, Canagold’s marketable securities have a fair value of $1.3 million.
On June 28, 2022, the Company arranged a loan for CAD$25,000 from a company controlled by a former director. The loan bore interest at a rate of 9% per annum, and the entire loan amount of CAD$25,000 was fully repaid on July 14, 2022 along with interest of CAD$99.
On August 15, 2022, the Company entered into a Bridge Loan Agreement with Sun Valley which is currently a 40.06% control person of the Company for CAD$2.5 million bearing an interest rate of 5.5% per annum. The bridge loan was applied as an advance payment for the standby guaranty for the November 2022 rights offering and extinguished in December 2022 when Sun Valley purchased 20,352,577 common shares. The Company paid Sun Valley a total of CAD$46,336 in interest and a total of CAD$178,085 in fees (accounted as share issuance expense part of the Shareholder Equity) pursuant to the Standby Guaranty Agreement.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 83 |
| Table of Contents |
On October 19, 2022, the Company closed a private placement for 4.7 million flow through common shares at a price of CAD$0.32 per share for gross proceeds of CAD$1.5 million. The fair value of the shares was CAD$0.26 per share, resulting in the recognition of a flow through premium liability of CAD$0.06 per share for a total of CAD$282,000.
In November 2022, the Company proceeded with a rights offering whereby shareholders of the Company received one right for each common share held. Each two rights entitled holders to subscribe for one common share at a price of CAD$0.175. The Company closed the offering on December 16, 2022 and issued 25.3M common share for total gross proceeds of CAD$4.4 million. The Company also entered into a standby guaranty agreement with Sun Valley whereby Sun Valley shall purchase common shares issuable under the rights offering which remain unsubscribed under the basic subscription privilege and the additional subscription privilege. In August 2022, the Company obtained a bridge loan of CAD$2.5 million from Sun Valley as an advance payment for the standby guaranty. Pursuant to the standby guaranty agreement, Canagold issued 20.4M common shares to Sun Valley. From the CAD$3.6 million gross proceeds received from Sun Valley, the Company deducted a total of CAD$2.5 million to pay back and terminate the $2.5M loan provided by Sun Valley in August 2022 plus accrued interest of CAD$46,336, and a total of CAD$178,085 in fees pursuant to the standby guaranty agreement.
No stock options or warrants were exercised or issued in 2022.
In 2022, cash of $325,000 was received from sales of marketable securities.
In 2022, the Company received the following cash and shares for property option agreements:
|
| · | $100,000 cash and 1,122,000 shares from Getchell for the Fondaway Canyon and Dixie Comstock properties. |
|
|
|
|
|
| · | $12,000 cash from Brownstone for the Silver King property |
|
|
|
|
|
| · | AD$50,000 cash from Ophir for the Lightening Tree property |
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|
| · | In July 2022, the Company entered into a Real Estate Purchase and Sale Agreement for the Hot Springs Point property located in Eureka County, Nevada, with a third party (the “Purchaser”), whereby the Purchaser acquired a 100% interest for cash $480,000 (received). The Purchaser also grants a 3% NSR to the Company. Hot Springs was incidental to the Fondaway Canyon property when they were acquired together. |
As at December 31, 2022, Canagold’s marketable securities have a fair value of $855,000.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 84 |
| Table of Contents |
As at December 31, 2022, to maintain Canagold’s interest and/or to fully exercise the options under various property agreements covering its properties, the Company must make payments as follows:
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|
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| ||||
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| Cash |
|
| Cash |
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| Annual |
|
| Number of |
| ||||
|
|
| Payments |
|
| Payments |
|
| Payments |
|
| Shares |
| ||||
|
|
| (CADS$000) |
|
| (US$000) |
|
| (US$000) |
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| |||||
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|
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|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
| New Polaris: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
| Net profit interest reduction or buydown |
| $ | - |
|
| $ | - |
|
| $ | - |
|
|
| 150,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Fondaway Canyon: |
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|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Advance royalty payment for buyout of 3% net smelter return (1) |
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| 35 |
|
|
| - |
|
| Buyout provision for net smelter return of 2% (2) |
|
| - |
|
|
| 2,000 |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Windfall Hills: |
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Buyout provision for net smelter return of 1.5% |
|
| 1,000 |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
| Reduction of net smelter return of 2% to 1% |
|
| - |
|
|
| 500 |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| $ | 1,000 |
|
| $ | 2,500 |
|
| $ | 35 |
|
|
| 150,000 |
|
| (1) | Advance royalty payments of $215,000 remain payable as at December 31, 2022 with annual payments of $35,000. Pursuant to the option agreement, Getchell will be obligated to pay the annual advance royalty. |
|
|
|
| (2) | The 2% NSR has a buyout provision of either $2 million in cash or 19.99% interest of a public entity which owns AIM if AIM were to close an initial public offering of at least $5 million. |
These amounts may be reduced in the future as Canagold determines which properties to continue to explore and which to abandon.
Canagold has entered into a number of option agreements for mineral property interests that involve payments in the form of cash and/or shares of Canagold as well as minimum exploration expenditure requirements. Under Item 5.F, further details of contractual obligations are provided as at December 31, 2022.
As Canagold performs exploration on its mineral property interests, it decides which ones to proceed with and which ones to abandon. Accordingly, the minimum expenditure commitments are reduced as Canagold narrows its interests. To fully exercise the options under various agreements for the acquisition of interests in properties located in Canada and the USA, Canagold must make payments to the optionors and lease liability obligations for its office facilities as follows as at December 31, 2022:
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 85 |
| Table of Contents |
| (1) | Advance royalty payments of $215,000 remain payable as at December 31, 2022 with annual payments of $35,000. Items 4.A and 4.D provide further details. |
In February 2017, the Company entered into an office lease arrangement for a term of five years with a commencement date of August 1, 2017 which ended on July 31, 2022.
In January 2022, the Company entered into an office lease arrangement for a term of five years with a commencement date of September 1, 2022. The basic rent per year is CAD$84,700 for years 1 to 2, CAD$87,300 for years 3 to 4, and CAD$89,900 for year 5. As at September 30, 2022, the Company is committed to the following payments for base rent at its corporate head office in Vancouver, BC, as follows:
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| Amount |
| |
|
|
| (CAD$000) |
| |
| Year: |
|
|
| |
| 2023 |
| $ | 85 |
|
| 2024 |
| $ | 86 |
|
| 2025 |
| $ | 87 |
|
| 2026 |
| $ | 88 |
|
| 2027 |
| $ | 60 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| $ | 406 |
|
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 86 |
| Table of Contents |
For the Fondaway Canyon project, the 3% NSR has a buyout provision which is subject to advance royalty payments of $35,000 per year by July 15th of each year until a gross total of $600,000 has been paid at which time the NSR is bought out. A balance of $215,000 remains payable as at December 31, 2022.
Canagold’s ability to continue as a going concern is dependent on the ability of Canagold to raise debt or equity financings, and the attainment of profitable operations. Management would need to raise the necessary capital to meet its planned business objectives.
Canagold will continue to rely upon debt and equity financings as its principal source of financing its projects and its ongoing working capital needs.
5.C Research and Development, Patents and Licenses, etc.
Canagold does not currently carry out research and development activities.
Items 4.A, 4.D, 5.A and 5.F provide details of Canagold’s mineral property interests, exploration activities, acquisitions and write-downs.
Except for the COVID-19 pandemic discussed below, Canagold knows of no trends, demand, commitments, events or uncertainties that are reasonably likely to have a material effect on Canagold’s net sales or revenues, income from continuing operations, profitability, liquidity or capital resources or that would cause financial information not necessarily to be indicative of future operating results or financial condition, other than disclosed or inferred in this Form 20-F.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 87 |
| Table of Contents |
Canagold currently has no active business operations that would be affected by recent trends in productions, sales, etc. Canagold has no material net sales or revenues that would be affected by recent trends other than the general effect of mineral prices on its ability to raise capital and those other general economic items as set out in Item 3.D and the COVID-19 pandemic discussed below.
COVID-19 Pandemic Update
The COVID-19 pandemic is significantly impacting the global economy, financial markets and commodities. The full extent and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic remains unknown. To date, the slowdown in economic activity is elevating the prospects of a severe global recession, which is causing many countries to introduce economic stimulus measures. Financial, oil and certain other commodity markets have declined significantly and remain highly volatile. Precious metals, while volatile, have recently demonstrated an upward trend.
The global response undertaken to slow the spread of COVID-19 commonly includes travel restrictions, stay-at-home orders and social distancing. These and other actions are causing many entities to suspend operations, re-direct resources and defer activities. The impact on investors, banking institutions, businesses, the global economy or financial and commodity markets may ultimately have an indirect, yet material adverse impact on the Canagold’s financial condition and results of operations.
To date, Canagold has experienced a decline in the value of its common shares and expects to incur ongoing costs while certain corporate objectives may be delayed. These and other conditions may ultimately have a material adverse impact on Canagold’s financial condition and results of operations. See “Key Information – D. Risk Factors” for additional information.
5.E Critical Accounting Estimates
For Canagold’s exploration activities, there is no product, sales or inventory in the conventional sense. The recoverability of costs capitalized to mineral property interests and Canagold’s future financial success are dependent upon the extent to which it can discover mineralization and the economic viability of advancing such mineral property interests beyond the exploration stage. Such activities may take years to complete and the amount of resulting income, if any, is difficult to determine with any certainty. Many of the key factors are outside of Canagold’s control. The sales value of any mineralization discovered by Canagold is largely dependent upon factors beyond Canagold’s control such as the market value of the metals.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 88 |
| Table of Contents |
As the carrying value and amortization of mineral property interests and capital assets are, in part, related to Canagold’s mineral reserves, the estimation of such reserves is significant to Canagold’s position and results of operations. As of the date of this annual report, Canagold has not established any reserves on its mineral property interests.
In accordance with an acceptable accounting policy under IFRS, all costs related to investments in mineral property interests are capitalized on a property-by-property basis. Such costs include mineral property acquisition costs and exploration and development expenditures, net of any recoveries. The costs related to a mineral property interest from which there is production, together with the costs of mining equipment, will be amortized using the unit-of-production method. When there is little prospect of further work on a mineral property interest being carried out by Canagold or its partners or when a property interest is abandoned or when the capitalized costs are not considered to be economically recoverable, the related mineral property costs are written down to the amount recoverable. The amounts for mineral property interests as shown in Canagold’s consolidated financial statements represent costs incurred to date, less write-downs and any recoveries, and are not intended to reflect present or future values.
Canagold accounts for share-based payments using a fair value-based method with respect to all stock-based payments to directors, officers, employees and non-employees. Share-based payments to employees are measured at the fair value of the instruments issued and amortized over the vesting periods. Share-based payments to non-employees are measured at the fair value of the goods or services received or the fair value of the equity instruments issued, if it is determined the fair value of the goods or services cannot be reliably measured, and are recorded at the date the goods or services are received. The offset to the recorded cost is to the reserve for share-based payments. Consideration received on the exercise of stock options is recorded as share capital and the related reserve for share-based payments is transferred to share capital. Upon expiry, the recorded fair value is transferred from reserve for share-based payments to deficit.
ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES
6.A Directors and Senior Management
In accordance with the provisions of the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) the overall control of the business and affairs of Canagold is vested in its board of directors. The board of directors of Canagold currently consists of five members elected by the shareholders of Canagold at each annual meeting of shareholders of Canagold.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 89 |
| Table of Contents |
The directors and senior management of Canagold as of April 28, 2023 are:
| Name and Province/State and Country of Residence | Principal Occupation and Occupation during the Past 5 Years (1) | Current Position with Canagold and Period of Service |
| Sofia Bianchi (3),(4),(5) ,(7)
BC, Canada
| Chair of Board of Directors
(since July 19, 2022)
| |
| Andrew Trow (3),(4),(5)
Cape Town, South Africa
| Manging Director at Fresh Beverages (Pty) Ltd (since January 2015); Partner at Atlante Capital Partners (since May 2014);
| Director
(since July 19, 2022)
|
| Carmen Letton (3),(6),(7)
Australia
| Managing Director at Malett Pty Ltd (since February 2022); Head of RDP and LoAP at Anglo American (from October 2018 to January 2022); Head of Open Pit Mining at Anglo American (from April 2015 to August 2018).
| Director
(since July 19, 2022)
|
| Michael Doyle(6),(8)
Medellin, Columbia
| Chief Technical Officer of Canagold Resources Ltd (since August 2022); Partner and Vice President of Technical Services at Sun Valley Investments (since 2016);
| Director and Chief Technical Officer
(since August 9, 2022)
|
| Kadri Dagdalen (6)
Colorado, USA
| Professor at Colorado School of Mines (since 1992); President of Optitech Engineering Solutions (since 2005)
| Director
(since July 19, 2022)
|
| Catalin Kilofliski
BC, Canada
| Chief Executive Officer of Canagold Resources Ltd. (since August, 2022); President & CEO of Europacific Metals Inc. ( from July 2018 to July 2022) ; Director Corp Dev for TSXV Listed Tudor Gold Corp (from April 2019 to October 2020; CEO of Canagold Resources Ltd., from January 2014 to June 2018;
| Chief Executive Officer
(since August 3, 2022)
|
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 90 |
| Table of Contents |
| Name and Province/State and Country of Residence | Principal Occupation and Occupation during the Past 5 Years (1) | Current Position with Canagold and Period of Service |
| Garry Biles
British Columbia, Canada
| Vice-President, Mining, of Canagold Resources Ltd.
(from March 1, 2007 to May 31, 2008)
| President and Chief Operating Officer
(since June 1, 2008)
|
| Troy Gill
British Columbia, Canada
| Vice-President (Exploration) of Canagold (since June 2020)
Exploration Manager of Sanatana Resources Inc.
(from June 2008 to November 2019)
| Vice-President (Exploration)
(since June 2020)
|
| Knox Henderson
British Columbia, Canada
| Vice-President (Corporate Development) of Canagold (since July 2021)
Investor Relations Advisor of Great Bear Resources Ltd. and Kodiak Cooper Corp.
(from October 2016 to June 2021)
| Vice-President (Corporate Development)
(since July 2021)
|
| Colm Keogh
British Columbia, Canada
| Vice-President (Operations) of Canagold (since March 2023)
Manager of Operations Support & Engineering / Operations Manager at Eldorado Gold Corporation (from November 2017 to June 2022)
Mining Consultant at Druid Mining (from June 2022 to April 2023)
| Vice-President (Operations)
(since March 2023)
|
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 91 |
| Table of Contents |
| Name and Province/State and Country of Residence | Principal Occupation and Occupation during the Past 5 Years (1) | Current Position with Canagold and Period of Service |
| Mihai Draguleasa
British Columbia, Canada
| Chief Financial Officer, Corporate Secretary of Canagold Resources Ltd. (since February 2023);
Chief Financial Officer, Corporate Secretary of Europacific Metals Inc(since November 2020); Chief Financial Officer, Corporate Secretary of Valhalla Metals Inc (since December 2022); Partner of Lazuli CPA Inc (since January 2020); Manager, Ernst Young LLP (from May 2018 to July 2019); Senior Tax Analyst at Deloitte LLP (from August 2012 to March 2018)
| Chief Financial Officer Corporate Secretary
(since February 3, 2023)
|
| (1) | The information as to residence and principal occupation during the past five years is not within the knowledge of the Company and has been furnished by the respective directors and officers. |
| (2) | Unless otherwise stated above, each of the above‑named nominees has held the principal occupation or employment indicated for at least five years. |
| (3) | Member of Audit Committee. |
| (4) | Member of Compensation Committee. |
| (5) | Member of Nomination Committee. |
| (6) | Member of Technical, Environmental, Social and Safety. |
| (7) | Member of Investment Committee. |
| (8) | Micheal Doyle is not an independent director as he is an executive for Sun Valley, a control entity of the Company |
Andrew Bowering resigned from the Board of Directors in March 2022.
At the Company’s contested Annual and Special General Meeting held on July 19, 2022, shareholders voted for the election of Sofia Bianchi, Carmen Letton, Kadri Dagdelen, Andrew Trow, and Scott Eldridge as Directors for the ensuing year. Three other nominees originally proposed by the Company, namely Bradford Cooke, Martin Burian and Deepak Malhotra, elected to resign from the Board.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 92 |
| Table of Contents |
In August 2022, Scott Eldridge resigned as CEO and a Director of the Company, and Catalin Kilofliski was appointed as CEO, and Michael Doyle was nominated as a Director and who subsequently was appointed as Chief Technical Officer.
At the Company’s Special General Meeting held on October 17, 2022, disinterested shareholders voted in favor for the creation of a new control person with Sun Valley Investments AG (“Sun Valley”) owning more that 20% interest of the Company which allowed the closing of the flow through private placement for 4.7 million common shares, resulting in Sun Valley’s ownership interest in the Company increasing from 19.40% to 23.55%. Sun Valley participated in a rights offering in December 2022 and increased its ownership in the Company to 40.06%.
In February 2023, Philip Yee resigned as CFO and Corporate Secretary of the Company, and Mihai Draguleasa was appointed as CFO and Corporate Secretary of the Company.
No director or officer has any family relationship with any other director or officer. The term of office of each of the directors will continue until the next annual general meeting, or until his successor is duly elected, unless his office is vacated in accordance with the articles of Canagold. Officers hold office at the pleasure of the directors.
To the best of Canagold’s knowledge, there are no arrangements or understandings with major shareholders, customers, suppliers or others, pursuant to which any of Canagold’s officers or directors was selected as an officer or director of Canagold, other than as disclosed in this Form 20-F.
Statement of Executive Compensation
Canagold is required, under applicable securities legislation in Canada, to disclose to its shareholders details of compensation paid to its directors and officers. The following fairly reflects all material information regarding compensation paid to Canagold’s directors and officers that has been disclosed to Canagold’s shareholders under applicable Canadian law.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 93 |
| Table of Contents |
During the fiscal period ended December 31, 2022, the aggregate compensation incurred by Canagold to all individuals who were directors and officers, at the time of their remuneration, in all capacities as a group was CAD$1,181,650 of which CAD$195,140 was for bonuses.
The table below discloses information with respect to executive compensation paid by Canagold to its directors and officers for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022. The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the compensation of the directors and officers.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 94 |
| Table of Contents |
SUMMARY OF COMPENSATION
PAID TO DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
(in terms of Canadian dollars)
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 95 |
| Table of Contents |
Notes:
| (1) | Includes the dollar value of cash and non‑cash base salary earned during a financial year covered. |
|
|
|
| (2) | The amount represents the fair value, on the date of grant and on each vesting date, as applicable, of awards made under Canagold’s Stock Option Plan. The grant date fair value has been calculated using the Black Scholes Option Pricing Model in accordance with IFRS. |
|
|
|
| (3) | These amounts include annual non-equity incentive plan compensation, such as severance, bonuses and discretionary amounts for the years ended December 31. |
|
|
|
| (4) | N/A. |
|
|
|
| (5) | N/A. |
|
|
|
| (6) | These amounts cover all compensation other than amounts already set out in the table for the years ended December 31 and include directors fees, as applicable, or other stipends related to Board committee fees, if any. |
|
|
|
| (7) | These amounts include dollar value of total compensation for the covered year. This is the sum of all amounts reported in columns with footnotes 1 to 6 above for each director and officer. |
Item 10.C provides further details of employment contracts and agreements with current and former senior officers of Canagold.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 96 |
| Table of Contents |
The following table sets forth information concerning outstanding stock options under Canagold’s Stock Option Plan as at December 31, 2022 to each director and officer of Canagold. No SARs were outstanding.
Options and Stock Appreciation Rights (“SARs”)
No stock options and SARs were granted to directors and officers during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.
At the discretion of the directors, certain option grants provide the holder with the right to receive the number of common shares, valued at the quoted market price at the time of exercise of the stock options, that represent the share appreciation since granting the stock options.
Pension Plan
Canagold does not have any pension plan arrangements in place.
Report on Executive Compensation
Canagold’s executive compensation program is administered by the Compensation Committee on behalf the board of directors (the “Board”).
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 97 |
| Table of Contents |
Compensation of Directors
Mr. Bradford J. Cooke, the former Chief Executive Officer and a Director of Canagold, previously received compensation as consideration for his duties as an operating officer of Canagold; Mr. Cooke was Chief Executive Officer (Interim) from June 29, 2018 to October 17, 2018 but remains Chairman and a Director. At a Compensation Committee meeting held in 2020, Mr. Cooke received bonuses of CAD$30,000 in his capacity as Chairman in providing strategic guidance and assisting with mergers and acquisitions.
In March 2018, the Compensation Committee approved quarterly stipends to Board members in which the Chairman shall receive CAD$2,500 per quarter and each Director shall receive CAD$1,000 per quarter, excluding a director who is an executive officer. In March 2019, the Compensation Committee re-approved Board and Committee fees for 2019. In March 2020, the Compensation Committee approved that no Board stipends and no Board Committee fees will be payable for 2020 given the negative global economic impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic. In June 2020, the Compensation Committee reinstated directors stipend at CAD$2,000 per quarter per non executive director effective July 1, 2020. In March 2021, the Compensation Committee re-approved directors stipend at CAD$2,000 per quarter per non executive director.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, Canagold granted 2.45 million stock options to directors. The stock options have an exercise price of CAD$0.50 and an expiry date of June 24, 2026, and are subject to vesting provisions in which 25% of the options vest immediately on the grant date and 25% vest every six months thereafter.
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, Canagold incurred the following director fees in Canadian dollars:
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 98 |
| Table of Contents |
Executive Compensation Program
Canagold’s executive compensation program is based on a pay for performance philosophy. The executive compensation program is designed to encourage, compensate and reward employees on the basis of individual and corporate performance, both in the short and the long term. Base salaries are set at levels which are competitive with the base salaries paid by companies within the mining industry having comparable capitalization to that of Canagold, thereby enabling Canagold to compete for and retain executives critical to Canagold’s long term success. Incentive compensation is directly tied to corporate and individual performance. Share ownership opportunities are provided to align the interests of executive officers with the longer term interests of shareholders.
Compensation for directors and officers, as well as for executive officers as a whole, consists of a base salary, along with annual incentive compensation in the form of an annual bonus, and a longer term incentive in the form of stock options. As an executive officer’s level of responsibility increases, a greater percentage of total compensation is based on performance (as opposed to base salary and standard employee benefits) and the mix of total compensation shifts towards stock options, thereby increasing the mutuality of interest between executive officers and shareholders.
No funds were set aside or accrued by Canagold or its subsidiaries during the year ended December 31, 2021 to provide pension, retirement or similar benefits for directors or officers of Canagold pursuant to any existing plan provided or contributed to by Canagold or its subsidiaries under applicable Canadian laws.
Base Salary
The Board approves ranges for base salaries for executive employees of Canagold based on reviews of market data from peer groups and industry in general. The level of base salary for each employee within a specified range is determined by the level of past performance, as well as by the level of responsibility and the importance of the position to Canagold.
Canagold’s Chief Executive Officer prepares recommendations for the Compensation Committee which are then presented to the Board with respect to the base salary to be paid to the CEO and other senior executive officers. The CEO’s recommendations for base salaries for the senior executive officers, including the Chief Executive Officer, President and Chief Operating Officer, Vice President (Exploration) and Chief Financial Officer, are then submitted for approval by the Board from the Compensation Committee.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 99 |
| Table of Contents |
Bonus
The Board, based upon recommendations from the Compensation Committee, annually evaluates performance and allocates an amount for payment of bonuses to executive officers and senior management. The aggregate amount for bonuses to be paid will vary with the degree to which targeted corporate performance was achieved for the year. The individual performance factor allows Canagold effectively to recognize and reward those individuals whose efforts have assisted Canagold to attain its corporate performance objective.
The CEO prepares recommendations for the Compensation Committee which in turn makes a recommendation to the Board with respect to the bonuses to be paid to the executive officers and to senior management.
In 2020, Canagold paid bonuses of CAD$103,100 related to corporate performance for 2019 fiscal year; in 2021 paid bonuses of CAD$146,360 for 2020 fiscal year; and in 2022, approved bonuses of CAD$195,140 for 2021 fiscal year. Canagold has made significant corporate advancements over the past years including substantial gains and significantly improved its financial resources and working capital as well as advancing its material mineral project, New Polaris, and optioning out certain of its immaterial mineral properties.
Stock Options
A Stock Option Plan is administered by the Board. The Stock Option Plan is designed to give each option holder an interest in preserving and maximizing shareholder value in the longer term, to enable Canagold to attract and retain individuals with experience and ability, and to reward individuals for current performance and expected future performance. The Board considers stock option grants when reviewing executive officer compensation packages as a whole.
No stock options were granted in 2022.
Other Compensation
Mr. Bradford Cooke received a bonus of CAD$30,000 in 2020 in his capacity as Chairman in providing strategic guidance and assisting with mergers and acquisitions for 2019.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 100 |
| Table of Contents |
Directors’ and Officers’ Liability Insurance
From 2020 to 2022, Canagold maintains its directors and officers liability insurance coverage of CAD$10 million.
Statement of Corporate Governance Practices
Canagold is required to report annually to its shareholders on its corporate governance practices and policies with reference to National Policy 58-201, Corporate Governance Guidelines (the “Policy”) and National Instrument 58-101, Disclosure of Corporate Governance Practices, as adopted by the Canadian Securities Administrators, and effective June 30, 2005.
The Board of Directors
The Board currently consists of five directors, of which four directors ( Sofia Bianchi, Andrew Trow, Carmen Letton, and Kadri Dagdelen) are currently “independent” in the context of the Policy. Mike Doyle is not an independent director because he is an officer of the Company (Chief Technical Officer) and Executive of Sun Valley.
Directors are elected at Canagold’s annual general meeting and are re-elected for the ensuing year.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 101 |
| Table of Contents |
The number of years which each director has served is as follows:
| Director | Period of Service (Number of Years) |
| Sofia Bianchi
| 1
|
| Andrew Trow
| 1
|
| Carmen Letton
| 1
|
| Kadri Dagdelen
| 1
|
| Mike Doyle
| 1
|
The independent directors do not hold regularly scheduled meetings at which non-independent directors and members of management are not in attendance. However, during the course of a directors’ meeting, if a matter is more effectively dealt with without the presence of members of management, the independent directors request members of management to leave the meeting, and the independent directors then meet.
Sofia Bianchi is the Chair of the Board of Directors of Canagold and Andrew Trow is the Chair of the Audit Committee.
Since January 1, 2007, Canagold has held board meetings at least quarterly and at which the majority, if not all, Board members have attended, either in person or by audio or video conference call, during the time in which they were directors of Canagold.
Board Mandate
The Board of Directors is responsible for supervising management in carrying on the business and affairs of Canagold. Directors are required to act and exercise their powers with reasonable prudence in the best interests of Canagold. The Board agrees with and confirms its responsibility for overseeing management’s performance in the following particular areas:
|
| · | the strategic planning process of Canagold; |
|
| · | identification and management of the principal risks associated with the business of Canagold; |
|
| · | planning for succession of management; |
|
| · | Canagold’s policies regarding communications with its shareholders and others; and |
|
| · | the integrity of the internal controls and management information systems of Canagold. |
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 102 |
| Table of Contents |
In carrying out its mandate, the Board relies primarily on management to provide it with regular detailed reports on the operations of Canagold and its financial position. The Board reviews and assesses these reports and other information provided to it at meetings of the Board and/or of its committees. The CEO reports directly to the Board, giving the Board direct access to information in his areas of responsibility. Other management personnel regularly attend Board meetings to provide information and answer questions. Directors also consult from time to time with management and have, on occasion, visited the properties of Canagold. The reports and information provided to the Board include details concerning the monitoring and management of the risks associated with Canagold’s activities, such as compliance with safety standards and legal requirements, environmental issues and the financial position and liquidity of Canagold. At least annually, the Board reviews management’s report on its business and strategic plan and any changes with respect to risk management and succession planning.
Position Descriptions
The Board of Directors has not yet developed written position descriptions for the Chairman, the chairman of any Board committees, the CEO, the President or the CFO. The Board is of the view that given the size of Canagold, the relatively frequent discussions between Board members, the CEO, the President and the CFO and the experience of the individual members of the Board and Board committees, the responsibilities of such individuals are known and understood without position descriptions being reduced to writing. The Board will evaluate this position from time to time, and if written position descriptions appear to be justified, they will be prepared.
Orientation and Continuing Education
The Board does not have a formal policy relating to the orientation of new directors and continuing education for directors. The appointment of a new director is a relatively infrequent event in Canagold’s affairs, and each situation is addressed on its merits on a case-by-case basis. Canagold has a relatively restricted scope of operations, and most candidates for Board positions will likely have past experience in the mining business; they will likely be familiar therefore with the operations of a resource company of the size and complexity of Canagold. The Board, with the assistance of counsel, keeps itself apprised of changes in the duties and responsibilities of directors and deals with material changes of those duties and responsibilities as and when the circumstances warrant. The Board will evaluate these positions, and if changes appear to be justified, formal policies will be developed and followed.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 103 |
| Table of Contents |
Ethical Business Conduct
Canagold has adopted a whistle blower policy, which is set out in its Charter of the Audit Committee which is available for viewing on SEDAR as a schedule to Canagold’s Annual Information Form dated March 28, 2022.
Nomination of Directors
The Board has neither a formal policy for identifying new candidates for Board nomination. If and when the Board determines that its size should be increased or if a director needs to be replaced, the nomination committee meeting shall be convened. The terms of reference of such a committee will be determined, but are expected to include the determination of the independence of the candidate, his or her experience in the mining business and compatibility with the other directors.
Compensation
Taking into account Canagold’s present status as an exploration-stage enterprise, the Board of Directors reviews the adequacy and form of compensation provided to Directors on a periodic basis to ensure that the compensation is commensurate with the responsibilities and risks undertaken by an effective director.
In 2022, the Compensation Committee approved for independent Board members to receive the following annual compensation in Canadian dollars:
Chair of Board - $32,000
Director - $22,000
Audit committee chair: $6,000
Other committee chair: $3,000
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 104 |
| Table of Contents |
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee is comprised of:
Chairman: Andrew Trow
Members: Sofia Bianchi, Carmen Letton
The mandate of the Audit Committee is as follows:
The Audit Committee will assist the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Canagold in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities. The Committee will review the financial reporting process, the system of internal control and management of financial risks, the audit process, and Canagold’s process for monitoring compliance with laws and regulations and its own code of business conduct as more fully described below. In performing its duties, the Committee will maintain effective working relationships with the Board of Directors, management, and the external auditors and monitor the independence of those auditors. To perform his or her role effectively, each Committee member will obtain an understanding of the responsibilities of Committee membership as well as Canagold’s business, operations and risks.
In carrying out its oversight responsibilities, the Audit Committee will:
| (a) | Review and reassess the adequacy of this Charter annually and recommend any proposed changes to the Board for approval. |
|
|
|
| (b) | Review with Canagold’s management and, as necessary, its external auditors and recommend to the Board Canagold’s quarterly and annual financial statements and management discussion and analysis that is to be provided to shareholders, stakeholders and the appropriate regulatory authorities, including any financial statement contained in a prospectus, information circular, registration statement or other similar document. |
|
|
|
| (c) | Review Canagold’s management annual and interim earnings press release before any public disclosure. |
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|
|
| (d) | Recommend to the Board the external auditors to be nominated for the purposes of preparing or issuing an audit report or performing other audit’s review or attest services and the compensation to be paid to the external auditors. The external auditors shall report directly to the Committee. |
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 105 |
| Table of Contents |
| (e) | The Committee will annually review the qualifications, expertise and resources and the overall performance of external auditor and, if necessary, recommend to the Board the termination of the external auditor (and its affiliates), in accordance with the applicable securities laws. |
|
|
|
| (f) | Review with management the scope and general extent of the external auditors’ annual audit. The Committee’s review should include an explanation from the external auditors of the factors considered in determining the audit scope, including major risk factors. The external auditors should confirm to the Committee whether or not any limitations have been placed upon the scope or nature of their audit procedures. |
|
|
|
| (g) | Be directly responsible for the oversight of the work of the external auditors, including the resolution of disagreements between management of Canagold and the external auditors. |
|
|
|
| (h) | Review with Canagold’s management and external auditors Canagold’s accounting and financial reporting controls. Obtain annually in writing from the external auditors their observations, if any, on significant weaknesses in internal controls as noted in the course of the auditor’s work. |
|
|
|
| (i) | Evaluate the adequacy and effectiveness of management’s system of internal controls over the accounting and financial reporting system within Canagold and ensure that the external auditors discuss with the Committee any event or matter which suggests the possibility of fraud, illegal acts or deficiencies in internal controls. |
|
|
|
| (j) | The Committee is to meet at least once annually, with the independent auditors, separately, without any management representatives present for the purpose of oversight of accounting and financial practices and procedures. |
|
|
|
| (k) | Review with Canagold’s management and external auditors significant accounting and reporting principles, practices and procedures applied by Canagold in preparing its financial statements. Discuss with the external auditors their judgment about the quality of the accounting principles used in financial reporting. |
|
|
|
| (l) | Inquire as to the independence of the external auditors and obtain from the external auditors, at least annually, a formal written statement delineating all relationships between Canagold and the external auditors and the compensation paid to the external auditors. |
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|
|
| (m) | At the completion of the annual audit, review with management and the external auditors the following: |
|
| i. | The annual financial statements and related notes and financial information to be included in Canagold’s annual report to shareholders. |
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|
|
| ii. | Results of the audit of the financial statements and the related report thereon and, if applicable, a report on changes during the year in accounting principles and their application. |
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| iii. | Significant changes to the audit plan, if any, and any serious disputes or difficulties with management encountered during the audit. Inquire about the cooperation received by the external auditors during the audit, including all requested records, data and information. |
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|
|
|
|
| iv. | Inquire of the external auditors whether there have been any material disagreements with management, which, if not satisfactorily resolved, would cause them to issue a not standard report on Canagold’s financial statements. |
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 106 |
| Table of Contents |
| (n) | Meet with management, to discuss any relevant significant recommendations that the external auditors may have, particularly those characterized as “material” or “serious”. Typically, such recommendations will be presented by the external auditors in the form of a Letter of Comments and Recommendations to the Committee. The Committee should review responses of management to the Letter of Comments and Recommendations from external auditors and receive follow-up reports on action taken concerning the aforementioned recommendations. |
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|
|
| (o) | Have the sole authority to review in advance, and grant any appropriate pre-approvals, of all non-audit services to be provided by the independent auditors and, in connection therewith, to approve all fees and other terms of engagement. The Committee shall also review and approve disclosures required to be included in periodic reports filed with securities regulators with respect to non-audit services performed by external auditors. |
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| (p) | Be satisfied that adequate procedures are in place for the review of Canagold’s disclosure of financial information extracted or derived from Canagold’s financial statements, and periodically assess the adequacy of those procedures. |
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| (q) | Review and approve Canagold’s hiring of partners, employees and former partners and employees of the present and past auditors. |
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| (r) | Review with management and the external auditors the methods used to establish and monitor Canagold’s policies with respect to unethical or illegal activities by Canagold employees that may have a material impact in the financial statements. |
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|
| (s) | The Committee will conduct an appropriate review of all proposed related party transactions to identify potential conflict of interest and disclosure situations. The Committee shall submit the related party transaction to the Board of Directors for approval by a majority of independent directors, excluding any director who is the subject of a related transaction, and implementation of appropriate action to protect Canagold from potential conflicts of interest. |
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|
|
| (t) | The Committee will, if required, prepare a report for the inclusion on Canagold’s proxy statement for its annual meeting of stockholders describing the Committee’s structure, its members and their experience and education. The report will address all issues then required by the rules of the regulatory authorities. |
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 107 |
| Table of Contents |
Other Board Committees
Aside from the Audit Committee which has previously been established, the Board has established committees for Compensation and Nomination in 2011 and Investment in 2017 and Technical in 2018 comprised of the following Board members and their respective mandates:
| Committee
| Members
| Mandate
|
| Nomination
| Sofia Bianchi (Chair)
Andrew Trow
| The function of the Nominating Committee is to identify individuals qualified to become board members and to select, or to recommend that the Board of Directors select the director nominees for the next annual meeting of stockholders, to oversee the selection and composition of committees of the Board of Directors, and to oversee management continuity planning processes.
|
| Compensation
| Sofia Bianchi (Chair)
Andrew Trow
| The Compensation Committee shall advise and make recommendations to the Board of Directors in its oversight role with respect to Canagold’s strategy, policies and programs on the compensation and development of senior management and directors.
|
| Technical
| Carmen Letton (Chair)
Kadri Dagdelen
Mike Doyle
| The Technical Committee is to provide technical expertise and advice to the Board of Directors with respect to strategies, opportunities, challenges, proposals, programs and budgets for mineral property acquisition, exploration, development and disposition.
|
| Investment
| Sofia Bianchi (Chair)
Carmen Letton
| The Investment Committee shall oversee and instruct the management with respect to the strategic investment of up to CAD$1,000,000 of Canagold’s funds (the “Funds”) to purchase the securities of other entities for investment purposes.
|
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 108 |
| Table of Contents |
The Board has also a Disclosure Committee comprised of the following management persons and its mandate:
| Members
| Mandate | |
| Chief Executive Officer or President, and Vice-President or Manager of Investor Relations, if any |
| A Disclosure Policy Committee oversees corporate disclosure practices and ensures implementation and adherence to this policy. The Disclosure Policy Committee’s responsibilities include: |
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|
|
|
|
| · | maintaining an awareness and understanding of governing disclosure rules and guidelines, including any new or pending developments; |
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|
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| · | developing and implementing procedures to regularly review; |
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| · | update and correct corporate disclosure information, including information on the Internet website; |
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| · | bringing this policy to the attention of directors, management and staff; |
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|
|
| · | monitoring compliance with this policy and undertaking reviews of any violations, including assessment and implementation of appropriate consequences and remedial actions; |
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| · | reviewing this policy and updating as necessary and appropriate to ensure compliance with prevailing rules and guidelines; and |
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| · | ascertaining whether corporate developments constitute material information and, if so, ensuring compliance with the procedures outlined in this policy. |
Assessments
The Board has no formal process for the assessment of the effectiveness and contribution of the individual directors. Each director has extensive public company experience and is familiar with what is required of him. Frequency of attendance at Board and committee meetings and the quality of participation in such meetings are two of the criteria by which the performance of a director will be assessed.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 109 |
| Table of Contents |
Canagold’s business is administered principally from its head office in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. As of April 28, 2023, Canagold had a staff of three full-time employees and two part-time employees based in Vancouver, BC, Canada.
As at April 28, 2023, the share ownership and number of stock options of the directors and officers of Canagold are as follows:
|
|
Share Ownership
|
Number of Stock Options
| |||
|
Name and
Principal Position
|
Number of Shares
|
Percentage (1)
|
Number of Underlying Security (2)
|
Exercise Prices per Share (CAD$)
|
Expiry Dates
|
| Sofia Bianchi
Chair and Director
| Nil
| 0.00%
| Nil
| N/A
| N/A
|
| Andrew Trow
Director
| Nil
| 0.00%
| Nil
| N/A
| N/A
|
| Carmen Letton
Director
| Nil
| 0.00%
| Nil
| N/A
| N/A
|
| Kadri Dagdelen
Director
| Nil
| 0.00%
| Nil
| N/A
| N/A
|
| Mike Doyle
Director
| Nil
| 0.00%
| Nil
| N/A
| N/A
|
| Catalin Kilofliski
Chief Executive Officer
| Nil
| 0.00%
| Nil
| N/A
| N/A
|
| Garry Biles
President and Chief Operating Officer
| 275,552
| 0.20%
| 40,000
| $0.30
| June 27, 2024
|
| 100,000
| $0.40
| June 29, 2023
| |||
| 60,000
| $0.50
| June 29, 2025
| |||
| 300,000
| $0.50
| June 24, 2026
| |||
| Troy Gill
Vice-President (Exploration)
| Nil
| Nil%
| 60,000
| $0.50
| June 29, 2025
|
| 500,000
| $0.50
| June 24, 2026
| |||
| Knox Henderson
Vice-President (Corporate Development)
| 100,000
| 0.07%
| 500,000
| $0.52
| July 12, 2026
|
| Mihai Draguleasa
Chief Financial Officer and Secretary
| Nil
| 0.00%
| Nil
| N/A
| N/A
|
| Colm Keogh
Vice-President (Operations)
| Nil
| 0.00%
| Nil
| N/A
| N/A
|
| (1) | As at April 28, 2023, Canagold had 136,889,394 common shares issued and outstanding. |
|
|
|
| (2) | Common shares. |
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 110 |
| Table of Contents |
As at April 28, 2023, 375,552 common shares of Canagold were beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by the directors and executives, as a group, representing 0.27% of Canagold’s issued and outstanding voting securities (136,889,394 common shares).
In June 2018, Canagold again proceeded with a normal course issuer bid which received regulatory approval to acquire up to 10.9 million common shares of Canagold representing approximately up to 5% of its issued and outstanding common shares at that time. The bid is effective on June 21, 2018 and will terminate on June 20, 2019, or on such earlier date as the bid was completed. The actual number of common shares purchased under the bid and the timing of any such purchases was at Canagold’s discretion. Purchases under the bid shall not exceed 23,893 common shares per day. Canagold paid the prevailing market price at the time of purchase for all common shares purchased under the bid, and all common shares purchased by Canagold were cancelled. During the term of the normal course issuer bid, Canagold purchased an aggregate of 438,000 common shares for an aggregate purchase price of CAD$20,595, resulting in an average price of CAD$0.05 per share; these shares have been returned to treasury and accordingly cancelled.
At the Company’s Special General Meeting held on October 17, 2022, disinterested shareholders voted in favor for the creation of a new control person with Sun Valley owning more that 20% interest of the Company which allowed the closing of the flow through private placement for 4.7 million common shares, resulting in Sun Valley’s ownership interest in the Company increasing from 19.40% to 23.55%. Sun Valley participated in a rights offering in December 2022 and increased its ownership in the Company to 40.06%. Michael Doyle is a Partner and Vice President of Technical Services for Sun Valley and, as of August 9, 2022, is a director of Cangold. Sun Valley and its beneficial owners, do not have any material interest, directly or indirectly, in any transaction that has materially affected or will materially affect Canagold, to the best of Canagold’s knowledge, except as disclosed in this 20-F.
All of Canagold’s shareholders have the same voting rights.
Details of all total outstanding options, warrants and other rights to purchase securities of Canagold and its subsidiaries as at April 28, 2023 unless otherwise stated, are set forth below:
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 111 |
| Table of Contents |
Stock Option Summary
Stock options which are outstanding as of April 28, 2023 are as follows:
| Amount Outstanding
| Exercise Prices
(CAD$)
| Dates Granted
| Expiry Dates
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 100,000
| $0.40
| June 29, 2018
| June 29, 2023
|
| 215,000
| $0.52
| July 12, 2021
| July 12, 2023
|
| 40,000
| $0.30
| June 27, 2019
| June 27, 2024
|
| 120,000
| $0.50
| June 29, 2020
| June 29, 2025
|
| 800,000
| $0.50
| June 24, 2021
| June 24, 2026
|
| 500,000
| $0.52
| July 12, 2021
| July 12, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 1,775,000
| TOTAL
|
|
|
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 112 |
| Table of Contents |
Warrant Summary Chart
Warrants which are outstanding as of April 28, 2023 are as follows:
| Amount Outstanding
| Exercise Prices
(CAD$)
| Dates Issued
| Expiry Dates
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 638,510
| $0.75
| October 28, 2021
| October 28, 2023
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 638,510
| TOTAL
|
|
|
Stock Option/Share Incentive Plan
Canagold’s directors and shareholders have approved a Share Incentive Plan (the “Plan”). The Plan was initially approved by the TSX in 1996. The principal purposes of the Plan are to promote a proprietary interest in Canagold among its directors, officers and employees; to retain, attract and motivate the qualified managers of Canagold; to provide a long‑term incentive element in overall compensation; and to promote the long‑term profitability of Canagold.
Incentives to participate under the Plan may be provided by the granting of share options or share appreciation rights (SARs). The share appreciation right entitles the participant in the Plan to elect, subject to approval by the Board of Directors, in lieu of exercising an outstanding share option, to receive the number of common shares of Canagold equivalent in value to the difference between the option exercise price and the net existing market price of Canagold’s common shares multiplied by the number of common shares over which he could otherwise exercise his stock option.
Under the Plan, the Board of Directors of Canagold or its Executive Committee may from time to time grant to directors, officers, consultants and full and part time employees of Canagold and its associated, affiliated, controlled and subsidiary companies, as the Board or its Executive Committee shall designate, the stock option to purchase from Canagold such number of its common shares as the Board or its Executive Committee may designate. Canagold’s Plan allows it to grant stock options to its employees, directors and consultants to acquire up to 8,852,339 common shares which was increased from 3,777,686 common shares at Canagold’s Annual and Special Meeting held on June 2, 2017. The total number of common shares to be optioned to any one optionee shall not exceed 5% of the issued common shares of Canagold at the time of grant. The exercise price of each option cannot be lower than the last recorded sale of a board lot on the TSX during the trading day immediately preceding the date of granting or, if there was no such sale, the high/low average price for the common shares on the TSX based on the last five trading days before the date of the grant. Pursuant to the Plan, stock options shall be granted pursuant to a stock option agreement in a form that complies with the rules and policies of the TSX, which provide as follows:
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 113 |
| Table of Contents |
| (a) | all stock options granted shall be non‑assignable; |
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| (b) | a stock option must be exercisable during a period not extending beyond 10 years from the time of grant; and |
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| (c) | no financial assistance will be provided with respect to the exercise of stock options. |
ITEM 7. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
To the best of Canagold’s knowledge, Canagold is not directly or indirectly owned or controlled by another company or by any foreign government or by any other natural or legal person(s) severally or jointly. There are no arrangements, known to Canagold, the operation of which may at a subsequent date result in a change in its control.
As of April 28, 2023 SunValley owned 54,838,133 common shares for an 40.06% interest. All three of its nominees, Carmen Letton, Sofia Bianchi and Andrew Trow, were elected to Canagold’s board of directors at the Company’s Annual and Special General Meeting held on July 19, 2022 Sun Valley. SunValley does not exert control over Canagold nor over its Board of Directors. Sun Valley is not, directly or indirectly, actively involved in the operations of Canagold, and do not have any material interest, directly or indirectly, in any transaction that has materially affected or will materially affect Canagold or any of its subsidiaries, to the best of Canagold’s knowledge, except as disclosed in this Form 20-F.
In June 2018, Canagold again proceeded with a normal course issuer bid which received regulatory approval to acquire up to 10.9 million common shares of Canagold representing approximately up to 5% of its issued and outstanding common shares at that time. The bid is effective on June 21, 2018 and will terminate on June 20, 2019, or on such earlier date as the bid was completed. The actual number of common shares purchased under the bid and the timing of any such purchases was at Canagold’s discretion. Purchases under the bid shall not exceed 23,893 common shares per day. Canagold paid the prevailing market price at the time of purchase for all common shares purchased under the bid, and all common shares purchased by Canagold were cancelled. During the term of the normal course issuer bid, Canagold purchased an aggregate of 438,000 common shares for an aggregate purchase price of CAD$20,595, resulting in an average price of CAD$0.05 per share; these shares have been returned to treasury and accordingly cancelled.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 114 |
| Table of Contents |
All shares of Canagold, including all those held by any major shareholders, are common shares with similar voting rights. As of April 26, 2023 there were 136,889,394 common shares of Canagold which were issued and outstanding. Based on the records of Canagold’s registrar and transfer agent, Computershare Investor Services Inc., of 3rd Floor, 510 Burrard Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, as at such date there were 24 registered holders of Canagold’s common shares resident in the United States holding 9,753,586 common shares. This number represents approximately 7.14% of the total issued and outstanding common shares of Canagold at that date.
Control by Another Corporation, Foreign Government or Other Persons
To the best of Canagold’s knowledge, Canagold is not directly or indirectly owned or controlled by another corporation(s), by any foreign government or by any other natural or legal person(s) severally or jointly.
Change of Control
As of the date of this Form 20-F being April 22, 2022, there is no arrangement known to Canagold which may at a subsequent date result in a change of control of Canagold.
7.B Related Party Transactions
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 Canagold had transactions with related parties.
Key management includes directors (executive and non-executive) and senior management. The compensation paid or payable to key management for employee services is disclosed in the table below.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 115 |
| Table of Contents |
Except as may be disclosed elsewhere in the Form 20-F, general and administrative costs during 2022, 2021 and 2020 include:
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| No Changes |
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| Net balance receivable (payable) |
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| Years ended December 31, |
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| as at December 31, |
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| 2022 |
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| 2021 |
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| 2020 |
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| 2022 |
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| 2021 |
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| Key management compensation: |
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| Executive salaries and remuneration (1) |
| $ | 647 |
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| $ | 567 |
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| $ | 562 |
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| $ | 106 |
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| $ | 126 |
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| Severance |
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| 191 |
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| - |
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| - |
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| - |
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| - |
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| Directors fees |
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| 70 |
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| 26 |
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| 33 |
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| 57 |
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| - |
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| Share-based payments |
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| 154 |
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| 929 |
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| 148 |
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| - |
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| - |
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| $ | 1,062 |
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| $ | 1,522 |
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| $ | 743 |
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| $ | 163 |
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| $ | 126 |
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| Net office, sundry, rent and salary allocations recovered from (incurred to) company sharing a common director (2) |
| $ | 1 |
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| $ | 8 |
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| $ | 5 |
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| $ | 1 |
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| $ | 1 |
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| (1) | Includes key management compensation which is included in employee and director remuneration, mineral property interests, and corporate development. |
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| (2) | The company is Aztec Minerals Corp. |
The above transactions were incurred in the normal course of business and are recorded at the exchange amount, being the amount agreed upon by the related parties.
Until February 2023, Canagold shared common office facilities, employee and administrative support, and office sundry with Aztec Minerals, and such allocations to Aztec Minerals are on a full cost recovery basis. Any balances due from (to) related parties are payable on demand.
Items 4.A, 5.B, 6.E and 7.A provide further details of Canagold’s normal course issuer bid.
Under “Developments over the Last Three Financial Years” details of loans received from related parties are provided.
In each case the transactions described below were, in Canagold’s view, completed on terms no less favourable to Canagold than if they had been entered into with unaffiliated parties.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 116 |
| Table of Contents |
Compensation to Directors and Senior Officers and Options to Purchase Securities
Item 6 provides further details of compensation paid to, and options granted to and held by, directors and senior officers of Canagold.
Indebtedness of Directors and Senior Officers
At any time during Canagold’s last completed financial year, no director, executive officer or senior officer of Canagold, proposed management nominee for election as a director of Canagold or each associate or affiliate of any such director, executive or senior officer or proposed nominee is or has been indebted to Canagold or any of its subsidiaries or is and has been indebted to another entity where such indebtedness is or has been the subject of a guarantee, support agreement, letter of credit or other similar arrangement or understanding provided by Canagold or any of its subsidiaries, other than routine indebtedness and other than as disclosed in Canagold’s audited financial statements and in the Form 20-F.
Interest of Insiders in Material Transactions
Other than as set forth below and in the Form 20-F and in Canagold’s audited financial statements and other than transactions carried out in the ordinary course of business of Canagold or any of its subsidiaries, none of the directors or senior officers of Canagold, a proposed management nominee for election as a director of Canagold, any member beneficially owning shares carrying more than 5% of the voting rights attached to the shares of Canagold nor an associate or affiliate of any of the foregoing persons had since January 1, 2022 (being the commencement of Canagold’s last audited fiscal period) any material interest, direct or indirect, in any transactions which materially affected or would materially affect Canagold or any of its subsidiaries, to the best of Canagold’s knowledge.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 117 |
| Table of Contents |
Canagold’s directors and officers may serve as directors or officers of other public resource companies or have significant shareholdings in other public resource companies and, to the extent that such other companies may participate in ventures in which Canagold may participate, the directors of Canagold may have a conflict of interest in negotiating and concluding terms respecting the extent of such participation.
7.C Interests of Experts and Counsel
Not applicable.
8.A Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information
Canagold’s audited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB, and all dollar amounts are expressed in United States dollars unless otherwise indicated.
Consolidated financial statements audited by an independent registered public accounting firm and accompanied by an audit report are comprised of the following, which are attached hereto and form a part hereof.
| (a) | Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as of December 31, 2022 and 2021; |
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| (b) | Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss for each of the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020; |
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| (c) | Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for each of the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020; |
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| (d) | Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020; and |
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| (e) | Notes to the consolidated financial statements. |
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 118 |
| Table of Contents |
Canagold is not involved and has not been involved in the recent past in any legal or arbitration proceedings which may have, or had in the recent past, significant effects on Canagold’s financial position or profitability, including governmental proceedings pending or known to be contemplated other than as disclosed in Canagold’s continuous disclosure documents, regulatory filings, Form 20-F and consolidated financial statements for the years then ended.
Dividend Policy
During its last three completed financial years, Canagold has not declared or paid any cash dividends on its common shares and does not currently intend to pay cash dividends. Management intends for earnings, if any, to be retained to finance further growth and activities relating to the business of Canagold.
The Directors of Canagold may from time to time declare and authorize payment of such dividends, if any, as they may deem advisable and need not give notice of such declaration to any shareholder. No dividend shall be paid otherwise than out of funds and/or assets properly available for the payment of dividends and a declaration by the Directors as to the amount of such funds or assets available for dividends shall be conclusive. Canagold may pay any such dividend wholly or in part by the distribution of specific assets and in particular by paid up shares, bonds, debentures or other securities of Canagold or any other corporation or in any one or more such ways as may be authorized by Canagold or the Directors and where any difficulty arises with regard to such a distribution the Directors may settle the same as they think expedient, and in particular may fix the value for distribution of such specific assets or any part thereof, and may determine that cash payments in substitution for all or any part of the specific assets to which any shareholders are entitled shall be made to any shareholders on the basis of other value so fixed in order to adjust the rights of all parties and may vest any such specific assets in trustees for the persons entitled to the dividend as may seem expedient to the Directors.
Any dividend declared on shares of any class by the Directors may be made payable on such date as is fixed by the Directors.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 119 |
| Table of Contents |
Subject to the rights of shareholders (if any) holding shares with special rights as to dividends, all dividends on shares of any class shall be declared and paid according to the number of such shares held.
The Directors may, before declaring any dividend, set aside out of the funds properly available for the payment of dividends such sums as they think proper as a reserve or reserves, which shall, at the discretion of the Directors, be applicable for meeting contingencies, or for equalizing dividends, or for any other purpose to which such funds of Canagold may be properly applied, and pending such application may, at the like discretion, either be employed in the business of Canagold or be invested in such investments as the Directors may from time to time think fit. The Directors may also, without placing the same in reserve, carry forward such funds, which they think prudent not to divide.
If several persons are registered as joint holders of any share, any one of them may give an effective receipt for any dividend, bonuses or other moneys payable in respect of the share.
No dividend shall bear interest against Canagold. Where the dividend to which a shareholder is entitled includes a fraction of a cent, such fraction shall be disregarded in making payment thereof and such payment shall be deemed to be payment in full.
Any dividend, bonuses or other moneys payable in cash in respect of shares may be paid by cheque or warrant sent through the post directed to the registered address of the holder, or in the case of joint holders, to the registered address of that one of the joint holders who is first named in the register, or to such person and to such address as the holder or joint holders may direct in writing. Every such cheque or warrant shall be made payable to the order of the person to whom it is sent. The mailing of such cheque or warrant shall, to the extent of the sum represented thereby (plus the amount of any tax required by law to be deducted) discharge all liability for the dividend, unless such cheque or warrant shall not be paid on presentation or the amount of tax so deducted shall not be paid to the appropriate taxing authority.
Notwithstanding anything contained in Canagold’s Articles of Incorporation, the Directors may from time to time capitalize any undistributed surplus on hand of Canagold and may from time to time issue as fully paid and non-assessable any unissued shares, or any bonds, debentures or debt obligations of Canagold as a dividend representing such undistributed surplus on hand or any part thereof.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 120 |
| Table of Contents |
Legal Proceedings
Canagold is not involved in any legal or arbitration proceedings which have, or may have had in the recent past, significant effects on Canagold’s financial position or profitability other than as disclosed in Canagold’s continuous disclosure documents, regulatory filings, Form 20-F and consolidated financial statements for the years then ended.
There has been no significant change in the financial condition of Canagold since December 31, 2022 other than as disclosed in this Form 20-F and in Canagold’s continuous disclosure documents.
Canagold’s common shares are traded on the TSX in Canada under the symbol “CCM”.
In the United States, Canagold’s common shares are quoted for trading on the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board through March 19, 2015 and since that date on the OTCQB Marketplace under the symbol “CRCUF”.
In relation to the OTCBB and OTCQB, any quotations reflect inter-dealer prices without retail mark-up, mark-down or commission and may not represent actual transactions.
Not applicable.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 121 |
| Table of Contents |
Since November 2, 1994, Canagold’s common shares have traded on the TSX. From March 16, 1988 to June 2, 1995 and from September 1996 to February 12, 1999, Canagold’s common shares traded on the Vancouver Stock Exchange (“VSE”) (the VSE merged with the Alberta Stock Exchange in 2000, which became known as the Canadian Venture Exchange, and then the TSX acquired the Canadian Venture Exchange to form the TSX Venture Exchange). In February 1997, Canagold was listed for trading on the Berlin Stock Exchanges and has since voluntarily delisted from the exchange. On August 3, 1998, Canagold was listed on the Frankfurt Exchange. Management of Canagold is not aware of any trading market for Canagold’s common shares in the United States apart from the United States OTC Bulletin Board, on which Canagold is quoted under the symbol CRCUF; on March 19, 2015, Canagold’s common shares continued to be quoted on the OTCQB Marketplace.
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 122 |
| Table of Contents |
ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Not applicable.
10.B Notice of Articles and Articles of Association
Canagold’s Notice of Articles and articles of association, and related matters, are summarized below.
1. Canagold was incorporated under the laws of British Columbia on January 22, 1987 under the name, “Canagold Resource Corp.” by registration of its Memorandum and Articles with the British Columbia Registrar of Companies. At Canagold’s annual and extraordinary general meeting held in May 2005, the shareholders approved the Notice of Articles be altered to remove the application of the “Pre-Existing Company Provisions” as set forth in Table 3 of the Business Corporations Regulations under the B.C. Business Corporations Act, S.B.C. 2002 (the “BCBCA”) and the replacement of the Articles with a new set of Articles which comply with the BCBCA. Canagold no longer has a Memorandum, which has been replaced by, in part, its Notice of Articles.
Canagold’s Memorandum and Articles do not provide for any specific objects or purposes.
2. Set forth below is a summary of provisions contained in Canagold’s Articles with respect to:
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| (a) | Director’s power to vote on a proposal, arrangement or contract in which the director is materially interested: |
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| A director who holds a disclosable interest in a contract or transaction into which Canagold has entered or proposes to enter is not entitled to vote on any directors’ resolution to approve that contract or transaction, unless all the directors have a disclosable interest in that contract or transaction, in which case any or all of those directors may vote on such resolution. |
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 123 |
| Table of Contents |
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| (b) | Directors’ power, in the absence of an independent quorum, to vote compensation to themselves or any members of their body: |
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| See (a), above. A director does not hold a disclosable interest in a contract or transaction merely because the contract or transaction relates to the remuneration of the director in that person’s capacity as director, officer, employee or agent of Canagold or of an affiliate of Canagold. |
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| (c) | Borrowing powers exercisable by the directors and how such borrowing powers can be varied: |
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| Canagold, if authorized by the directors, may: |
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| (i) | borrow money in the manner and amount, on the security, from the sources and on the terms and conditions that they consider appropriate; |
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| (ii) | issue bonds, debentures and other debt obligations either outright or as security for any liability or obligation of Canagold or any other person and at such discounts or premiums and on such other terms as they consider appropriate; |
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| (iii) | guarantee the repayment of money by any other person or the performance of any obligation of any other person; and |
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| (iv) | mortgage, charge, whether by way of specific or floating charge, grant a security interest in, or give other security on, the whole or any part of the present and future assets and undertaking of Canagold. |
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| (d) | Retirement or non-retirement of directors under an age limit requirement: |
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| The directors are not required to retire upon reaching a specific age. |
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| (e) | Number of shares, if any, required for director’s qualification: |
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| A director is not required to hold any shares of Canagold. |
3. All common shares of Canagold rank equally as to dividends, voting powers and participation in assets (in the event of liquidation) and in all other respects. Dividend entitlement is set by way of the shareholders status as a shareholder on the chosen record date and does not lapse over time. Each share carries one vote per share at meetings of the shareholders of Canagold. Directors do not stand for re-election on staggered terms at present. There are no indentures or agreements limiting the payment of dividends and there are no conversion rights, special liquidation rights, pre‑emptive rights or subscription rights attached to the common shares. The shares presently issued are not subject to any calls or assessments.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 124 |
| Table of Contents |
4. The rights of holders of common shares may not be modified other than by vote of 2/3 of the common shares voting on such modification. The quorum for the transaction of business at a meeting of shareholders is two persons who are, or who represent by proxy, shareholders who, in the aggregate, hold at least 5% of the issued shares entitled to be voted at the meeting. Due to the quorum requirements, the rights of holders of common shares may be modified by the votes of less than a majority of the issued common shares of Canagold. Notwithstanding the foregoing, at the annual general meeting of shareholders of Canagold held on June 2, 2017, the shareholders of Canagold approved an amendment to Canagold’s articles to allow the directors of Canagold to approve, subject to the BCBCA, by directors’ resolution the alteration in certain respects of the authorized share capital of Canagold. Pursuant to the amended articles, among other things, the directors of Canagold may approve by directors’ resolution the creation of new classes of shares, and the subdivision or consolidation of outstanding classes of shares.
5. The directors of Canagold call all annual general meetings and extraordinary general meetings. The directors may set a date as the record date for the purpose of determining shareholders entitled to notice of any meeting of shareholders. The directors, the president (if any), the secretary (if any), the assistant secretary (if any), any solicitor for Canagold, the auditor of Canagold and any other persons invited by the directors are entitled to attend any meeting of shareholders, but if any of those persons does attend a meeting of shareholders, that person is not to be counted in the quorum and is not entitled to vote at the meeting unless that person is a shareholder or proxy holder entitled to vote at the meeting.
6. There are no limitations on the rights to own securities.
7. There are no provisions in Canagold’s Articles that would have an effect on delaying, deferring or preventing a change of control other than that Canagold may remove any director before the expiration of his or her term of office only by way of special resolution.
8. There are no by-law provisions governing the ownership threshold above which shareholder ownership must be disclosed.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 125 |
| Table of Contents |
9. The law of British Columbia, Canada, relating to Items 2-8 is not significantly different from the law of the United States.
10. There are no conditions in the Memorandum and Articles governing changes in capital that are more stringent than is required by law.
11. The BCBCA permits an unlimited authorized share capital, and shares may be created with or without par value.
12. There are no residency requirements for directors under the BCBCA.
13. Special Resolutions of shareholders can be passed by a minimum of a two-thirds majority at a meeting of shareholders.
14. General meetings can be held outside British Columbia if the location is approved by resolution of the directors.
15. The BCBCA provides for shareholder proposals to be made at general meetings. Generally, shareholders holding at least 1% of the voting shares may submit proposals to Canagold three months prior to the anniversary of the last annual general meeting of shareholders of Canagold.
16. Under the BCBCA, dividends may be declared out of profits, capital or otherwise. As well, the BCBCA does not automatically make directors liable to Canagold for the declaration of dividends while Canagold is insolvent.
17. The BCBCA does not require that a company’s offer to purchase or redeem its own shares be made on a pro-rata basis to all shareholders.
18. The BCBCA permits a company to indemnify its directors without court approval, and may also require reimbursement of expenses in certain cases for claims that are successfully defended. Defense costs may also be advanced by a company in certain cases.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 126 |
| Table of Contents |
19. All filings with the Registrar under the BCBCA must be made electronically.
20. Directors’ and shareholders’ meetings may be held by any form of communications medium permitted under the Articles, including internet chat lines and telephones. In addition, directors’ consent resolutions may be passed in the manner provided under the Articles, including e-mail.
21. A company may provide financial assistance in connection with the purchase of its shares under the BCBCA.
22. A company may, in limited circumstances, amalgamate with a foreign company under the BCBCA, without the requirement to first continue the second company into British Columbia. Amalgamations do not require court approval, although court approval may still be requested.
23. The requisite majority to pass a special resolution at a meeting of shareholders is a two-thirds majority.
24. General meetings of shareholders may, if the location is approved by directors’ resolution, be held outside British Columbia.
25. General Meetings of shareholders of Canagold are required to be held each calendar year and not more than 15 months after the holding of the last preceding annual general meeting.
26. Any offer by Canagold to purchase or redeem its own shares, need not be made pro-rata to all the shareholders.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 127 |
| Table of Contents |
27. Changes to Canagold’s capital structure may be effected by ordinary resolution or a directors’ resolution, subject to the BCBCA.
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| (a) | The following changes may be made by ordinary resolution or directors’ resolution, as determined by the board of directors: |
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| · | creating or cancelling one or more classes or series of shares; |
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| · | changing the maximum number of shares that Canagold is authorized to issue; |
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| · | consolidating or subdividing all or any of Canagold’s issued or unissued shares; |
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| · | altering the share capital and authorized capital structure, where permitted by the BCBCA; and |
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| (b) | The creation or removal of special rights and restrictions attaching to any class or series of shares may only be approved by special or ordinary resolution. |
28. Canagold’s name may be changed by ordinary resolution or resolution of the directors.
29. The removal of court approval of any agreement to indemnify a director or officer in most cases, as well as mandatory indemnification on certain eligible cases.
30. The remuneration of the auditor of Canagold may be set by the directors, without the need of seeking a resolution of the shareholders authorizing the directors to set such remuneration.
31. A director of Canagold may be removed as a director of Canagold before the expiration of the director’s term of office pursuant to an ordinary resolution of the shareholders.
For further information, refer to the full text of the Notice of Articles and Articles of Canagold, which are available online atwww.sedar.comas part of Canagold’s publicly available filings under the heading “Other”, as filed on November 10, 2005.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 128 |
| Table of Contents |
The following executive employment agreements are in effect:
| - | An Employment Agreement between Canagold and Mr. Scott Eldridge was signed on October 15, 2018, as amended on May 28, 2021, in respect of Mr. Eldridge’s capacity as Chief Executive Officer for Canagold. The employment agreement provides that Mr. Eldridge’s base remuneration is CAD$210,000 per annum plus a bonus based upon the achievement of performance targets as determined by the Compensation Committee of Canagold. |
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| - | An Executive Employment Agreement between Canagold and Mr. Garry Biles was signed on January 23, 2007, as amended on June 1, 2011, January 1, 2012, June 26, 2014 and May 31, 2019, in respect of Mr. Biles’ capacity as Chief Operating Officer and President for Canagold. The employment agreement provides that Mr. Biles’ base remuneration is CAD$80,000 per annum plus a bonus based upon the achievement of performance targets as determined by the Compensation Committee of Canagold. |
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| - | An Employment Agreement between Canagold and Mr. Troy Gill was signed on June 12, 2020, in respect of Mr. Gill’s capacity as Vice President of Exploration for Canagold. The employment agreement provides that Mr. Gill’s base remuneration is CAD$132,000 per annum plus a bonus based upon the achievement of performance targets as determined by the Compensation Committee of Canagold. |
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| - | A Corporate Communications Agreement between Canagold and Mr. Knox Henderson was signed on July 5, 2021, in respect of Mr. Henderson’s capacity as Vice President of Corporate Development for Canagold. The agreement provides that Mr. Henderson’s base remuneration is CAD$120,000 per annum plus a bonus based upon the achievement of performance targets as determined by the Compensation Committee of Canagold. |
For the two years immediately preceding April 28, 2023, there were no other material contracts entered into, other than contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business, to which Canagold or any member of the group was a party, and other than as disclosed in this Form 20-F and in its continuous disclosure filings. For a description of those contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business refer to Items 4.A and 4.D.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 129 |
| Table of Contents |
There are no governmental laws, decrees or regulations in Canada relating to restrictions on the export or import of capital, or affecting the remittance of interest, dividends or other payments to non‑resident holders of Canagold’s common shares. Any remittances of dividends to United States residents are, however, subject to a 15% withholding tax (10% if the shareholder is a corporation owning at least 10% of the outstanding common shares of Canagold) pursuant to Article X of the reciprocal tax treaty between Canada and the United States.
Except as provided in the Investment Canada Act (the “Act”), there are no limitations under the laws of Canada, the Province of British Columbia or in the charter or any other constituent documents of Canagold on the right of foreigners to hold or vote the common shares of Canagold.
Management of Canagold considers that the following general summary is materially complete and fairly describes those provisions of the Investment Canada Act pertinent to an investment by an American investor in Canagold.
The following discussion summarizes the principal features of the Investment Canada Act for a non-resident who proposes to acquire the common shares.
The Investment Canada Act generally prohibits implementation of a reviewable investment by an individual, government or agency thereof, corporation, partnership, trust or joint venture (each an “entity”) that is not a “Canadian” as defined in the Investment Canada Act (a “non-Canadian”), unless after review, the Director of Investments appointed by the minister responsible for the Investment Canada Act is satisfied that the investment is likely to be of net benefit to Canada. An investment in the common shares by a non-Canadian other than a “WTO Investor” (as that term is defined by the Investment Canada Act, and which term includes entities which are nationals of or are controlled by nationals of member states of the World Trade Organization) when Canagold was not controlled by a WTO Investor, would be reviewable under the Investment Canada Act if it was an investment to acquire control of Canagold and the value of the assets of Canagold, as determined in accordance with the regulations promulgated under the Investment Canada Act, equals or exceeds $5 million for direct acquisition and over $50 million for indirect acquisition, or if an order for review was made by the federal cabinet on the grounds that the investment related to Canada’s cultural heritage or national identity, regardless of the value of the assets of Canagold. An investment in the common shares by a WTO Investor, or by a non-Canadian when Canagold was controlled by a WTO Investor, would be reviewable under the Investment Canada Act if it was an investment to acquire control of Canagold and the value of the assets of Canagold, as determined in accordance with the regulations promulgated under the Investment Canada Act was not less than a specified amount. A non-Canadian would acquire control of Canagold for the purposes of the Investment Canada Act if the non-Canadian acquired a majority of the common shares. The acquisition of one third or more, but less than a majority of the common shares would be presumed to be an acquisition of control of Canagold unless it could be established that, on the acquisition, Canagold was not controlled in fact by the acquirer through the ownership of the common shares.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 130 |
| Table of Contents |
Certain transactions relating to the common shares would be exempt from the Investment Canada Act, including: (a) an acquisition of the common shares by a person in the ordinary course of that person’s business as a trader or dealer in securities; (b) an acquisition of control of Canagold in connection with the realization of security granted for a loan or other financial assistance and not for a purpose related to the provisions of the Investment Canada Act; and (c) an acquisition of control of Canagold by reason of an amalgamation, merger, consolidation or corporate reorganization following which the ultimate direct or indirect control in fact of Canagold, through the ownership of the common shares, remained unchanged.
ALL SHAREHOLDERS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISERS AS TO THE INCOME AND OTHER TAX CONSEQUENCES ARISING IN THEIR PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES. THE FOLLOWING IS A SUMMARY ONLY AND OF A GENERAL NATURE AND IS NOT INTENDED, NOR SHOULD IT BE CONSTRUED, TO BE LEGAL OR TAX ADVISE TO ANY PARTICULAR SHAREHOLDER.
MATERIAL UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
The following is a general summary of certain material U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to a U.S. Holder (as defined below) arising from and relating to the acquisition, ownership and disposition of Canagold’s Common Shares.
This summary is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be a complete analysis or listing of all potential U.S. federal income tax considerations that may apply to a U.S. Holder arising from and relating to the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of Common Shares. In addition, this summary does not take into account the individual facts and circumstances of any particular U.S. Holder that may affect the U.S. federal income tax consequences to such U.S. Holder, including, without limitation, specific tax consequences to a U.S. Holder under an applicable income tax treaty. Accordingly, this summary is not intended to be, and should not be construed as, legal or U.S. federal income tax advice with respect to any U.S. Holder. This summary does not address the U.S. federal alternative minimum, U.S. federal net investment income, U.S. federal estate and gift, U.S. state and local, and non-U.S. tax consequences to U.S. Holders of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of Common Shares. In addition, except as specifically set forth below, this summary does not discuss applicable tax reporting requirements. Each prospective U.S. Holder should consult its own tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal, U.S. federal alternative minimum, U.S. federal net investment income, U.S. federal estate and gift, U.S. state and local, and non-U.S. tax consequences relating to the acquisition, ownership and disposition of Common Shares.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 131 |
| Table of Contents |
No legal opinion from U.S. legal counsel or ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) has been requested, or will be obtained, regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of Common Shares. This summary is not binding on the IRS, and the IRS is not precluded from taking a position that is different from, and contrary to, the positions taken in this summary. In addition, because the authorities on which this summary is based are subject to various interpretations, the IRS and the U.S. courts could disagree with one or more of the conclusions described in this summary.
Scope of this Summary
Authorities
This summary is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), Treasury Regulations (whether final, temporary, or proposed), published rulings of the IRS, published administrative positions of the IRS, the Convention Between Canada and the United States of America with Respect to Taxes on Income and on Capital, signed September 26, 1980, as amended (the “Canada-U.S. Tax Convention”), and U.S. court decisions that are applicable, and, in each case, as in effect and available, as of the date of this document. Any of the authorities on which this summary is based could be changed in a material and adverse manner at any time, and any such change could be applied retroactively. This summary does not discuss the potential effects, whether adverse or beneficial, of any proposed legislation.
U.S. Holders
For purposes of this summary, the term “U.S. Holder” means a beneficial owner of Canagold’s Common Shares that is for U.S. federal income tax purposes:
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| · | an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States; |
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| · | a corporation (or other entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) organized under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia; |
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| · | an estate whose income is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source; or |
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| · | a trust that (1) is subject to the primary supervision of a court within the U.S. and the control of one or more U.S. persons for all substantial decisions or (2) has a valid election in effect under applicable Treasury Regulations to be treated as a U.S. person. |
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 132 |
| Table of Contents |
U.S. Holders Subject to Special U.S. Federal Income Tax Rules Not Addressed
This summary does not address the U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to U.S. Holders that are subject to special provisions under the Code, including, but not limited to, U.S. Holders that: (a) are tax-exempt organizations, qualified retirement plans, individual retirement accounts, or other tax-deferred accounts; (b) are financial institutions, underwriters, insurance companies, real estate investment trusts, or regulated investment companies; (c) are broker-dealers, dealers, or traders in securities or currencies that elect to apply a mark-to-market accounting method; (d) have a “functional currency” other than the U.S. dollar; (e) own Common Shares as part of a straddle, hedging transaction, conversion transaction, constructive sale, or other arrangement involving more than one position; (f) acquire Common Shares in connection with the exercise of employee stock options or otherwise as compensation for services; (g) hold Common Shares other than as a capital asset within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code (generally, property held for investment purposes); (h) are required to accelerate the recognition of any item of gross income with respect to Common Shares as a result of such income being recognized on an applicable financial statement; or (i) own, have owned or will own (directly, indirectly, or by attribution) 10% or more of the total combined voting power or value of the outstanding shares of the Company. This summary also does not address the U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to U.S. Holders who are: (a) U.S. expatriates or former long-term residents of the U.S.; (b) persons that have been, are, or will be a resident or deemed to be a resident in Canada for purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the “Tax Act”); (c) persons that use or hold, will use or hold, or that are or will be deemed to use or hold Common Shares in connection with carrying on a business in Canada; (d) persons whose Common Shares constitute “taxable Canadian property” under the Tax Act; or (e) persons that have a permanent establishment in Canada for the purposes of the Canada-U.S. Tax Convention. U.S. Holders that are subject to special provisions under the Code, including, but not limited to, U.S. Holders described immediately above, should consult their own tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal, U.S. federal alternative minimum, U.S. federal net investment income, U.S. federal estate and gift, U.S. state and local, and non-U.S. tax consequences relating to the acquisition, ownership and disposition of Common Shares.
If an entity or arrangement that is classified as a partnership (or other “pass-through” entity) for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds Common Shares, the U.S. federal income tax consequences to such entity or arrangement and the partners (or other owners or participants) of such entity or arrangement generally will depend on the activities of the entity or arrangement and the status of such partners (or owners or participants). This summary does not address the tax consequences to any such partner (or owner or participants). Partners (or other owners or participants) of entities or arrangements that are classified as partnerships or as “pass-through” entities for U.S. federal income tax purposes should consult their own tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences arising from and relating to the acquisition, ownership and disposition of Common Shares.
Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules
PFIC Status of the Company
If the Company were to constitute a “passive foreign investment company” under the meaning of Section 1297 of the Code (a “PFIC”, as defined below) for any year during a U.S. Holder’s holding period, then certain potentially adverse rules would affect the U.S. federal income tax consequences to a U.S. Holder as a result of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of Common Shares. The Company believes that it likely was classified as a PFIC during the tax year ended December 31, 2019, and based on current business plans and financial expectations, the Company expects that it will be a PFIC for the current tax year and may be a PFIC in future tax years. No opinion of legal counsel or ruling from the IRS concerning the status of the Company as a PFIC has been obtained or is currently planned to be requested. The determination of whether any corporation was, or will be, a PFIC for a tax year depends, in part, on the application of complex U.S. federal income tax rules, which are subject to differing interpretations. In addition, whether any corporation will be a PFIC for any tax year depends on the assets and income of such corporation over the course of each such tax year and, as a result, cannot be predicted with certainty as of the date of this document. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the IRS will not challenge any determination made by the Company (or any subsidiary of the Company) concerning its PFIC status. Each U.S. Holder should consult its own tax advisors regarding the PFIC status of the Company and each subsidiary of the Company.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 133 |
| Table of Contents |
In any year in which the Company is classified as a PFIC, a U.S. Holder will be required to file an annual report with the IRS containing such information as Treasury Regulations and/or other IRS guidance may require. In addition to penalties, a failure to satisfy such reporting requirements may result in an extension of the time period during which the IRS can assess a tax. U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the requirements of filing such information returns under these rules, including the requirement to file an IRS Form 8621 annually.
The Company generally will be a PFIC if, for a tax year, (a) 75% or more of the gross income of the Company is passive income (the “PFIC income test”) or (b) 50% or more of the value of the Company’s assets either produce passive income or are held for the production of passive income, based on the quarterly average of the fair market value of such assets (the “PFIC asset test”). “Gross income” generally includes all sales revenues less the cost of goods sold, plus income from investments and from incidental or outside operations or sources, and “passive income” generally includes, for example, dividends, interest, certain rents and royalties, certain gains from the sale of stock and securities, and certain gains from commodities transactions.
For purposes of the PFIC income test and PFIC asset test described above, if the Company owns, directly or indirectly, 25% or more of the total value of the outstanding shares of another corporation, the Company will be treated as if it (a) held a proportionate share of the assets of such other corporation and (b) received directly a proportionate share of the income of such other corporation. In addition, for purposes of the PFIC income test and PFIC asset test described above, and assuming certain other requirements are met, “passive income” does not include certain interest, dividends, rents, or royalties that are received or accrued by the Company from certain “related persons” (as defined in Section 954(d)(3) of the Code) also organized in Canada, to the extent such items are properly allocable to the income of such related person that is not passive income.
Under certain attribution rules, if the Company is a PFIC, U.S. Holders will generally be deemed to own their proportionate share of the Company’s direct or indirect equity interest in any company that is also a PFIC (a ‘‘Subsidiary PFIC’’), and will generally be subject to U.S. federal income tax on their proportionate share of (a) any “excess distributions,” as described below, on the stock of a Subsidiary PFIC and (b) a disposition or deemed disposition of the stock of a Subsidiary PFIC by the Company or another Subsidiary PFIC, both as if such U.S. Holders directly held the shares of such Subsidiary PFIC. In addition, U.S. Holders may be subject to U.S. federal income tax on any indirect gain realized on the stock of a Subsidiary PFIC on the sale or disposition of Common Shares. Accordingly, U.S. Holders should be aware that they could be subject to tax under the PFIC rules even if no distributions are received and no redemptions or other dispositions of Common Shares are made.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 134 |
| Table of Contents |
Default PFIC Rules Under Section 1291 of the Code
If the Company is a PFIC for any tax year during which a U.S. Holder owns Common Shares, the U.S. federal income tax consequences to such U.S. Holder of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of Common Shares will depend on whether and when such U.S. Holder makes an election to treat the Company and each Subsidiary PFIC, if any, as a “qualified electing fund” or “QEF” under Section 1295 of the Code (a “QEF Election”) or makes a mark-to-market election under Section 1296 of the Code (a “Mark-to-Market Election”). A U.S. Holder that does not make either a QEF Election or a Mark-to-Market Election will be referred to in this summary as a “Non-Electing U.S. Holder.”
A Non-Electing U.S. Holder will be subject to the rules of Section 1291 of the Code (described below) with respect to (a) any gain recognized on the sale or other taxable disposition of Common Shares and (b) any “excess distribution” received on the Common Shares. A distribution generally will be an “excess distribution” to the extent that such distribution (together with all other distributions received in the current tax year) exceeds 125% of the average distributions received during the three preceding tax years (or during a U.S. Holder’s holding period for the Common Shares, if shorter).
Under Section 1291 of the Code, any gain recognized on the sale or other taxable disposition of Common Shares (including an indirect disposition of the stock of any Subsidiary PFIC), and any “excess distribution” received on Common Shares or with respect to the stock of a Subsidiary PFIC, must be ratably allocated to each day in a Non-Electing U.S. Holder’s holding period for the respective Common Shares. The amount of any such gain or excess distribution allocated to the tax year of disposition or distribution of the excess distribution and to years before the entity became a PFIC, if any, would be taxed as ordinary income (and not eligible for certain preferred rates). The amounts allocated to any other tax year would be subject to U.S. federal income tax at the highest tax rate applicable to ordinary income in each such year, and an interest charge would be imposed on the tax liability for each such year, calculated as if such tax liability had been due in each such year. A Non-Electing U.S. Holder that is not a corporation must treat any such interest paid as “personal interest,” which is not deductible.
If the Company is a PFIC for any tax year during which a Non-Electing U.S. Holder holds Common Shares, the Company will continue to be treated as a PFIC with respect to such Non-Electing U.S. Holder, regardless of whether the Company ceases to be a PFIC in one or more subsequent tax years. A Non-Electing U.S. Holder may terminate this deemed PFIC status by electing to recognize gain (which will be taxed under the rules of Section 1291 of the Code discussed above), but not loss, as if such Common Shares were sold on the last day of the last tax year for which the Company was a PFIC.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 135 |
| Table of Contents |
QEF Election
A U.S. Holder that makes a timely and effective QEF Election for the first tax year in which the holding period of its Common Shares begins generally will not be subject to the rules of Section 1291 of the Code discussed above with respect to its Common Shares. A U.S. Holder that makes a timely and effective QEF Election will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on such U.S. Holder’s pro rata share of (a) the net capital gain of the Company, which will be taxed as long-term capital gain to such U.S. Holder, and (b) the ordinary earnings of the Company, which will be taxed as ordinary income to such U.S. Holder. Generally, “net capital gain” is the excess of (a) net long-term capital gain over (b) net short-term capital loss, and “ordinary earnings” are the excess of (a) “earnings and profits” over (b) net capital gain. A U.S. Holder that makes a QEF Election will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on such amounts for each tax year in which the Company is a PFIC, regardless of whether such amounts are actually distributed to such U.S. Holder by the Company. However, for any tax year in which the Company is a PFIC and has no net income or gain, U.S. Holders that have made a QEF Election would not have any income inclusions as a result of the QEF Election. If a U.S. Holder that made a QEF Election has an income inclusion, such a U.S. Holder may, subject to certain limitations, elect to defer payment of current U.S. federal income tax on such amounts, subject to an interest charge. If such U.S. Holder is not a corporation, any such interest paid will be treated as “personal interest,” which is not deductible.
A U.S. Holder that makes a timely and effective QEF Election with respect to the Company generally (a) may receive a tax-free distribution from the Company to the extent that such distribution represents “earnings and profits” of the Company that were previously included in income by the U.S. Holder because of such QEF Election and (b) will adjust such U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the Common Shares to reflect the amount included in income or allowed as a tax-free distribution because of such QEF Election. In addition, a U.S. Holder that makes a QEF Election generally will recognize capital gain or loss on the sale or other taxable disposition of Common Shares.
The procedure for making a QEF Election, and the U.S. federal income tax consequences of making a QEF Election, will depend on whether such QEF Election is timely. A QEF Election will be treated as “timely” if such QEF Election is made for the first year in the U.S. Holder’s holding period for the Common Shares in which the Company was a PFIC. A U.S. Holder may make a timely QEF Election by filing the appropriate QEF Election documents at the time such U.S. Holder files a U.S. federal income tax return for such year. If a U.S. Holder does not make a timely and effective QEF Election for the first year in the U.S. Holder’s holding period for the Common Shares, the U.S. Holder may still be able to make a timely and effective QEF Election in a subsequent year if such U.S. Holder meets certain requirements and makes a “purging” election to recognize gain (which will be taxed under the rules of Section 1291 of the Code discussed above) as if such Common Shares were sold for their fair market value on the day the QEF Election is effective. If a U.S. Holder makes a QEF Election but does not make a “purging” election to recognize gain as discussed in the preceding sentence, then such U.S. Holder shall be subject to the QEF Election rules and shall continue to be subject to tax under the rules of Section 1291 discussed above with respect to its Common Shares. If a U.S. Holder owns PFIC stock indirectly through another PFIC, separate QEF Elections must be made for the PFIC in which the U.S. Holder is a direct shareholder and the Subsidiary PFIC for the QEF rules to apply to both PFICs.
A QEF Election will apply to the tax year for which such QEF Election is timely made and to all subsequent tax years, unless such QEF Election is invalidated or terminated or the IRS consents to revocation of such QEF Election. If a U.S. Holder makes a QEF Election and, in a subsequent tax year, the Company ceases to be a PFIC, the QEF Election will remain in effect (although it will not be applicable) during those tax years in which the Company is not a PFIC. Accordingly, if the Company becomes a PFIC in another subsequent tax year, the QEF Election will be effective and the U.S. Holder will be subject to the QEF rules described above during any subsequent tax year in which the Company qualifies as a PFIC.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 136 |
| Table of Contents |
A U.S. Holder makes a QEF Election by attaching a completed IRS Form 8621, including a PFIC Annual Information Statement, to a timely filed United States federal income tax return. However, if the Company does not provide the required information with regard to the Company or any of its Subsidiary PFICs, U.S. Holders will not be able to make a QEF Election for such entity and will continue to be subject to the rules of Section 1291 of the Code discussed above that apply to Non-Electing U.S. Holders with respect to the taxation of gains and excess distributions.
Mark-to-Market Election
A U.S. Holder may make a Mark-to-Market Election only if the Common Shares are marketable stock. The Common Shares generally will be “marketable stock” if the Common Shares are regularly traded on (a) a national securities exchange that is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, (b) the national market system established pursuant to section 11A of the U.S. Exchange Act, or (c) a foreign securities exchange that is regulated or supervised by a governmental authority of the country in which the market is located, provided that (i) such foreign exchange has trading volume, listing, financial disclosure, and surveillance requirements, and meets other requirements and the laws of the country in which such foreign exchange is located, together with the rules of such foreign exchange, ensure that such requirements are actually enforced and (ii) the rules of such foreign exchange effectively promote active trading of listed stocks. If such stock is traded on such a qualified exchange or other market, such stock generally will be “regularly traded” for any calendar year during which such stock is traded, other than in de minimis quantities, on at least 15 days during each calendar quarter. Provided that the Common Shares are “regularly traded” as described in the preceding sentence, the Common Shares are expected to be marketable stock. However, each U.S. Holder should consult its own tax advisor in this matter.
A U.S. Holder that makes a Mark-to-Market Election with respect to its Common Shares generally will not be subject to the rules of Section 1291 of the Code discussed above with respect to such Common Shares. However, if a U.S. Holder does not make a Mark-to-Market Election beginning in the first tax year of such U.S. Holder’s holding period for the Common Shares for which the Company is a PFIC and such U.S. Holder has not made a timely QEF Election, the rules of Section 1291 of the Code discussed above will apply to certain dispositions of, and distributions on, the Common Shares.
A U.S. Holder that makes a Mark-to-Market Election will include in ordinary income, for each tax year in which the Company is a PFIC, an amount equal to the excess, if any, of (a) the fair market value of the Common Shares, as of the close of such tax year over (b) such U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in such Common Shares. A U.S. Holder that makes a Mark-to-Market Election will be allowed a deduction in an amount equal to the excess, if any, of (a) such U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in the Common Shares, over (b) the fair market value of such Common Shares (but only to the extent of the net amount of previously included income as a result of the Mark-to-Market Election for prior tax years).
A U.S. Holder that makes a Mark-to-Market Election generally also will adjust such U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the Common Shares to reflect the amount included in gross income or allowed as a deduction because of such Mark-to-Market Election. In addition, upon a sale or other taxable disposition of Common Shares, a U.S. Holder that makes a Mark-to-Market Election will recognize ordinary income or ordinary loss (not to exceed the excess, if any, of (a) the amount included in ordinary income because of such Mark-to-Market Election for prior tax years over (b) the amount allowed as a deduction because of such Mark-to-Market Election for prior tax years). Losses that exceed this limitation are subject to the rules generally applicable to losses provided in the Code and Treasury Regulations.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 137 |
| Table of Contents |
A U.S. Holder makes a Mark-to-Market Election by attaching a completed IRS Form 8621 to a timely filed United States federal income tax return. A Mark-to-Market Election applies to the tax year in which such Mark-to-Market Election is made and to each subsequent tax year, unless the Common Shares cease to be “marketable stock” or the IRS consents to revocation of such election. Each U.S. Holder should consult its own tax advisors regarding the availability of, and procedure for making, a Mark-to-Market Election.
Although a U.S. Holder may be eligible to make a Mark-to-Market Election with respect to the Common Shares, no such election may be made with respect to the stock of any Subsidiary PFIC that a U.S. Holder is treated as owning, because such stock is not marketable. Hence, the Mark-to-Market Election will not be effective to avoid the application of the default rules of Section 1291 of the Code described above with respect to deemed dispositions of Subsidiary PFIC stock or excess distributions from a Subsidiary PFIC to its shareholder.
Other PFIC Rules
Under Section 1291(f) of the Code, the IRS has issued proposed Treasury Regulations that, subject to certain exceptions, would cause a U.S. Holder that had not made a timely QEF Election to recognize gain (but not loss) upon certain transfers of Common Shares that would otherwise be tax-deferred (e.g., gifts and exchanges pursuant to corporate reorganizations). However, the specific U.S. federal income tax consequences to a U.S. Holder may vary based on the manner in which Common Shares are transferred.
Certain additional adverse rules may apply with respect to a U.S. Holder if the Company is a PFIC, regardless of whether such U.S. Holder makes a QEF Election. For example, under Section 1298(b)(6) of the Code, a U.S. Holder that uses Common Shares as security for a loan will, except as may be provided in Treasury Regulations, be treated as having made a taxable disposition of such Common Shares.
Special rules also apply to the amount of foreign tax credit that a U.S. Holder may claim on a distribution from a PFIC. Subject to such special rules, foreign taxes paid with respect to any distribution in respect of stock in a PFIC are generally eligible for the foreign tax credit. The rules relating to distributions by a PFIC and their eligibility for the foreign tax credit are complicated, and a U.S. Holder should consult with its own tax advisors regarding the availability of the foreign tax credit with respect to distributions by a PFIC.
The PFIC rules are complex, and each U.S. Holder should consult its own tax advisors regarding the PFIC rules and how the PFIC rules may affect the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of Common Shares.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 138 |
| Table of Contents |
General Rules Applicable to the Ownership and Disposition of Common Shares
The following discussion describes the general rules applicable to the ownership and disposition of the Common Shares but is subject in its entirety to the special rules described above under the heading “Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules.”
Distributions on Common Shares
A U.S. Holder that receives a distribution, including a constructive distribution, with respect to a Common Share will be required to include the amount of such distribution in gross income as a dividend (without reduction for any Canadian income tax withheld from such distribution) to the extent of the current and accumulated “earnings and profits” of the Company, as computed for U.S. federal income tax purposes. A dividend generally will be taxed to a U.S. Holder at ordinary income tax rates if the Company is a PFIC for the tax year of such distribution or the preceding tax year. To the extent that a distribution exceeds the current and accumulated “earnings and profits” of the Company, such distribution will be treated first as a tax-free return of capital to the extent of a U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the Common Shares and thereafter as gain from the sale or exchange of such Common Shares. (See “Sale or Other Taxable Disposition of Common Shares” below). However, the Company may not maintain the calculations of its earnings and profits in accordance with U.S. federal income tax principles, and each U.S. Holder may have to assume that any distribution by the Company with respect to the Common Shares will constitute ordinary dividend income. Dividends received on Common Shares by corporate U.S. Holders generally will not be eligible for the “dividends received deduction.” Subject to applicable limitations and provided the Company is eligible for the benefits of the Canada-U.S. Tax Convention or the Common Shares are readily tradable on a United States securities market, dividends paid by the Company to non-corporate U.S. Holders, including individuals, generally will be eligible for the preferential tax rates applicable to long-term capital gains for dividends, provided certain holding period and other conditions are satisfied, including that the Company not be classified as a PFIC in the tax year of distribution or in the preceding tax year. The dividend rules are complex, and each U.S. Holder should consult its own tax advisors regarding the application of such rules.
Sale or Other Taxable Disposition of Common Shares
Upon the sale or other taxable disposition of Common Shares, a U.S. Holder generally will recognize capital gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between the U.S. dollar value of cash received plus the fair market value of any property received and such U.S. Holder’s tax basis in such Common Shares sold or otherwise disposed of. A U.S. Holder’s tax basis in Common Shares generally will be such holder’s U.S. dollar cost for such Common Shares. Gain or loss recognized on such sale or other disposition generally will be long-term capital gain or loss if, at the time of the sale or other disposition, the Common Shares have been held for more than one year.
Preferential tax rates currently apply to long-term capital gain of a U.S. Holder that is an individual, estate, or trust. There are currently no preferential tax rates for long-term capital gain of a U.S. Holder that is a corporation. Deductions for capital losses are subject to significant limitations under the Code.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 139 |
| Table of Contents |
Additional Considerations
Receipt of Foreign Currency
The amount of any distribution paid to a U.S. Holder in foreign currency, or on the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of Common Shares, generally will be equal to the U.S. dollar value of such foreign currency based on the exchange rate applicable on the date of receipt (regardless of whether such foreign currency is converted into U.S. dollars at that time). A U.S. Holder will have a basis in the foreign currency equal to its U.S. dollar value on the date of receipt. Any U.S. Holder who converts or otherwise disposes of the foreign currency after the date of receipt may have a foreign currency exchange gain or loss that would be treated as ordinary income or loss, and generally will be U.S. source income or loss for foreign tax credit purposes. Different rules apply to U.S. Holders who use the accrual method of tax accounting. Each U.S. Holder should consult its own U.S. tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of receiving, owning, and disposing of foreign currency.
Foreign Tax Credit
Subject to the PFIC rules discussed above, a U.S. Holder that pays (whether directly or through withholding) Canadian income tax with respect to dividends paid on the Common Shares generally will be entitled, at the election of such U.S. Holder, to receive either a deduction or a credit for such Canadian income tax. Generally, a credit will reduce a U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability on a dollar-for-dollar basis, whereas a deduction will reduce a U.S. Holder’s income that is subject to U.S. federal income tax. This election is made on a year-by-year basis and applies to all foreign taxes paid (whether directly or through withholding) by a U.S. Holder during a year. The foreign tax credit rules are complex and involve the application of rules that depend on a U.S. Holder’s particular circumstances. Accordingly, each U.S. Holder should consult its own U.S. tax advisors regarding the foreign tax credit rules.
Backup Withholding and Information Reporting
Under U.S. federal income tax law, certain categories of U.S. Holders must file information returns with respect to their investment in, or involvement in, a foreign corporation. For example, U.S. return disclosure obligations (and related penalties) are imposed on individuals who are U.S. Holders that hold certain specified foreign financial assets in excess of certain thresholds. The definition of specified foreign financial assets includes not only financial accounts maintained in foreign financial institutions, but also, unless held in accounts maintained by a financial institution, any stock or security issued by a non-U.S. person, any financial instrument or contract held for investment that has an issuer or counterparty other than a U.S. person and any interest in a foreign entity. U.S. Holders may be subject to these reporting requirements unless their Common Shares are held in an account at certain financial institutions. Penalties for failure to file certain of these information returns are substantial. U.S. Holders should consult with their own tax advisors regarding the requirements of filing information returns, including the requirement to file an IRS Form 8938.
Payments made within the U.S., or by a U.S. payor or U.S. middleman, of dividends on, and proceeds arising from the sale or other taxable disposition of, Common Shares will generally be subject to information reporting and backup withholding tax if a U.S. Holder (a) fails to furnish such U.S. Holder’s correct U.S. taxpayer identification number (generally on Form W-9), (b) furnishes an incorrect U.S. taxpayer identification number, (c) is notified by the IRS that such U.S. Holder has previously failed to properly report items subject to backup withholding tax, or (d) fails to certify, under penalty of perjury, that such U.S. Holder has furnished its correct U.S. taxpayer identification number and that the IRS has not notified such U.S. Holder that it is subject to backup withholding tax. However, certain exempt persons generally are excluded from these information reporting and backup withholding rules. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld under the U.S. backup withholding tax rules will be allowed as a credit against a U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, if any, or will be refunded, if such U.S. Holder furnishes required information to the IRS in a timely manner.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 140 |
| Table of Contents |
The discussion of reporting requirements set forth above is not intended to constitute a complete description of all reporting requirements that may apply to a U.S. Holder. A failure to satisfy certain reporting requirements may result in an extension of the time period during which the IRS can assess a tax and, under certain circumstances, such an extension may apply to assessments of amounts unrelated to any unsatisfied reporting requirement. Each U.S. Holder should consult its own tax advisors regarding the information reporting and backup withholding rules.
THE ABOVE SUMMARY IS NOT INTENDED TO CONSTITUTE A COMPLETE ANALYSIS OF ALL TAX CONSIDERATIONS APPLICABLE TO U.S. HOLDERS WITH RESPECT TO THE ACQUISITION, OWNERSHIP, AND DISPOSITION OF COMMON SHARES. U.S. HOLDERS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS AS TO THE TAX CONSIDERATIONS APPLICABLE TO THEM IN THEIR OWN PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES.
Certain Canadian Federal Income Tax Considerations
A brief description of certain provisions of the tax treaty between Canada and the United States is included below, together with a brief outline of certain taxes, including withholding provisions, to which United States security holders are subject under existing laws and regulations of Canada. The consequences, if any, of provincial, state and local taxes are not considered.
The following information is general, and security holders should seek the advice of their own tax advisors, tax counsel or accountants with respect to the applicability or effect on their own individual circumstances of the matters referred to herein and of any provincial, state, or local taxes.
The discussion under this heading summarizes the principal Canadian federal income tax consequences of acquiring, holding and disposing of shares of common stock of Canagold for a shareholder of Canagold who is not a resident of Canada but is a resident of the United States and who will acquire and hold shares of common stock of Canagold as capital property for the purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the “Canadian Tax Act”). This summary does not apply to a shareholder who carries on business in Canada through a “permanent establishment” situated in Canada or performs independent personal services in Canada through a fixed base in Canada if the shareholder’s holding in Canagold is effectively connected with such permanent establishment or fixed base. This summary is based on the provisions of the Canadian Income Tax Act and the regulations thereunder and on an understanding of the administrative practices of Canada Revenue Agency, and takes into account all specific proposals to amend the Canadian Tax Act or regulations made by the Minister of Finance of Canada as of the date hereof. It has been assumed that there will be no other relevant amendment of any governing law although no assurance can be given in this respect. This discussion is general only and is not a substitute for independent advice from a shareholder’s own Canadian and U.S. tax advisors.
The provisions of the Canadian Tax Act are subject to income tax treaties to which Canada is a party, including the Canada-United States Income Tax Convention (1980), as amended (the “Convention”).
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 141 |
| Table of Contents |
Dividends on Common Shares and Other Income
Under the Canadian Tax Act, a non-resident of Canada is generally subject to Canadian withholding tax at the rate of 25 percent on dividends paid or deemed to have been paid to him or her by a corporation resident in Canada. The Convention limits the rate to 15 percent if the shareholder is a resident of the United States and the dividends are beneficially owned by and paid to such shareholder, and to 5 percent if the shareholder is also a corporation that beneficially owns at least 10 percent of the voting stock of the payor corporation.
The amount of a stock dividend (for tax purposes) would generally be equal to the amount by which the paid up or stated capital of Canagold had increased by reason of the payment of such dividend. Canagold will furnish additional tax information to shareholders in the event of such a dividend. Interest paid or deemed to be paid on Canagold’s debt securities held by non-Canadian residents may also be subject to Canadian withholding tax, depending upon the terms and provisions of such securities and any applicable tax treaty.
The Convention generally exempts from Canadian income tax dividends paid to a religious, scientific, literary, educational or charitable organization or to an organization operated exclusively to administer or provide pension, retirement or employee benefit fund, if the organization is a resident of the United States and is generally exempt from income tax under the laws of the United States provided it is not carrying on a trade or business.
Dispositions of Common Shares
Under the Canadian Tax Act, subject to certain restrictions, a taxpayer’s capital gain or capital loss from a disposition of a share of common stock of Canagold is the amount, if any, by which his or her proceeds of disposition exceed (or are exceeded by, respectively) the aggregate of his or her adjusted cost base of the share and reasonable expenses of disposition. The capital gain or loss must be computed in Canadian currency using a weighted average adjusted cost base for identical properties. Fifty percent of the capital gains net of losses are included in income. The amount by which a shareholder’s capital loss exceeds the capital gain in a year may be deducted from a capital gain realized by the shareholder in the three previous years or any subsequent year, subject to certain restrictions in the case of a corporate shareholder.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 142 |
| Table of Contents |
Under the Canadian Tax Act, a non-resident of Canada is subject to Canadian tax on taxable capital gains, and may deduct allowable capital losses, realized on a disposition of “taxable Canadian property”. Shares of common stock of Canagold will constitute taxable Canadian property of a shareholder at a particular time if the shareholder used the shares in carrying on business in Canada, or if at any time in the five years immediately preceding the disposition 25% or more of the issued shares of any class or series in the capital stock of Canagold belonged to one or more persons in a group comprising the shareholder and persons with whom the shareholder and persons with whom the shareholder did not deal at arm’s length and in certain other circumstances.
The Convention relieves United States residents from liability for Canadian tax on capital gains derived on a disposition of shares unless:
(a) the value of the shares is derived principally from “real property” in Canada, including the right to explore for or exploit natural resources and rights to amounts computed by reference to production;
(b) the shareholder was resident in Canada for 120 months during any period of 20 consecutive years preceding the disposition, and at any time during the 10 years immediately preceding, the disposition and the shares were owned by him or her when he or she ceased to be resident in Canada; or
(c) the shares formed part of the business property of a “permanent establishment” that the holder has or had in Canada within the 12 months preceding the disposition.
10.F Dividends and Paying Agents
Not applicable.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 143 |
| Table of Contents |
Not applicable.
We are subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act and file reports and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy any of our reports and other information at, and obtain copies upon payment of prescribed fees from, the Public Reference Room maintained by the SEC at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. In addition, the SEC maintains a Website that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the SEC at http://www.sec.gov. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330.
We are required to file reports and other information with the securities commissions in Canada. You are invited to read and copy any reports, statements or other information, other than confidential filings, that we file with the provincial securities commissions. These filings are also electronically available from the Canadian System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (“SEDAR”) (www.sedar.com), the Canadian equivalent of the SEC’s electronic document gathering and retrieval system.
We “incorporate by reference” information that we file with the SEC, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is an important part of this Form 20-F and more recent information automatically updates and supersedes more dated information contained or incorporated by reference in this Form 20-F.
As a foreign private issuer, we are exempt from the rules under the Exchange Act prescribing the furnishing and content of proxy statements to shareholders.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 144 |
| Table of Contents |
We will provide without charge to each person, including any beneficial owner, to whom a copy of this Annual Report on Form 20-F has been delivered, on the written or oral request of such person, a copy of any or all documents referred to above which have been or may be incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 20-F (not including exhibits to such incorporated information that are not specifically incorporated by reference into such information). Requests for such copies should be directed to us at the following address: Suite #1250 – 625 Howe Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6C 2T6. Canagold is required to file financial statements and other information with the Securities Commission in each of the Provinces of Canada, except Quebec, electronically through SEDAR which can be viewed at www.sedar.com.
Not applicable.
ITEM 11. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Canagold’s audited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB, and all dollar amounts are expressed in United States dollars unless otherwise indicated.
Quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk are provided in Canagold’s audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2022 and the notes thereto.
Item 3.D provides information concerning risk factors.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 145 |
| Table of Contents |
Management of Capital
Canagold is an exploration stage company and this involves a high degree of risk. Canagold has not determined whether its mineral property interests contain reserves of ore and currently has not earned any revenues from its mineral property interests and, therefore, does not generate cash flows from operations. Canagold’s primary source of funds comes from the issuance of share capital and proceeds from debt. The Company has generated cash inflows from the disposition of marketable securities Canagold is not subject to any externally imposed capital requirements.
Canagold defines its capital as debt and share capital. Capital requirements are driven by Canagold’s exploration activities on its mineral property interests. To effectively manage Canagold’s capital requirements, Canagold has a planning and budgeting process in place to ensure that adequate funds are available to meet its strategic goals. Canagold monitors actual expenses to budget on all exploration projects and overhead to manage costs, commitments and exploration activities.
Canagold has in the past invested its capital in liquid investments to obtain adequate returns. The investment decision is based on cash management to ensure working capital is available to meet Canagold’s short-term obligations while maximizing liquidity and returns of unused capital.
Although Canagold has been successful at raising funds in the past through the issuance of share capital, it is uncertain whether it will be able to continue this financing in the future. Canagold will continue to rely on debt and equity financings to meet its commitments as they become due, to continue exploration work on its mineral property interests, and to meet its administrative overhead costs for the coming periods.
There were no changes in Canagold’s approach to capital management during the year ended December 31, 2022.
Management of Financial Risk
Canagold is exposed in varying degrees to a variety of financial instrument related risks, including credit risk, liquidity risk, and market risk which includes foreign currency risk, interest rate risk and other price risk. The types of risk exposure and the way in which such exposure is managed are provided as follows.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 146 |
| Table of Contents |
The fair value hierarchy categorizes financial instruments measured at fair value at one of three levels according to the reliability of the inputs used to estimate fair values. The fair value of assets and liabilities included in Level 1 are determined by reference to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities. Assets and liabilities in Level 2 are valued using inputs other than quoted prices for which all significant inputs are based on observable market data. Level 3 valuations are based on inputs that are not based on observable market data.
The fair values of Canagold’s receivables and accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate their carrying values due to the short terms to maturity. Cash and certain marketable securities are measured at fair values using Level 1 inputs. Other marketable securities are measured using Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. Deferred royalty and lease liabilities are measured using Level 2 inputs.
| (a) | Credit risk: |
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| Credit risk is the risk of potential loss to Canagold if the counterparty to a financial instrument fails to meet its contractual obligations.
Canagold’s credit risk is primarily attributable to its liquid financial assets including cash. Canagold limits exposure to credit risk on liquid financial assets through maintaining its cash with high-credit quality Canadian financial institutions.
Management has reviewed the items comprising the accounts receivable balance which may include amounts receivable from certain related parties, and determined that all accounts are collectible; accordingly there has been no allowance for doubtful accounts recorded. |
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| (b) | Liquidity risk: |
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| Liquidity risk is the risk that Canagold will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they become due. |
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| Canagold ensures that there is sufficient capital in order to meet short-term business requirements, after taking into account Canagold’s holdings of cash and its ability to raise equity financings. As at December 31, 2022, the Company had a working capital (current assets less current liabilities) of $4.4 million (2021 – $2.6 million). Canagold has sufficient funding to meet its short-term liabilities and administrative overhead costs, and to maintain its mineral property interests in 2023. |
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 147 |
| Table of Contents |
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| The following schedule provides the contractual obligations related to the deferred royalty payments and lease liability payments as at December 31, 2022 and 2021: |
| Accounts payable and accrued liabilities are due in less than 90 days, and the notes payable, if any, are due on demand. | |
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| (c) | Market risk: |
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| The significant market risk exposures to which Canagold is exposed are foreign currency risk, interest rate risk and other price risk. |
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| (i) | Foreign currency risk: |
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| Certain of Canagold’s mineral property interests and operations are in Canada. Most of its operating expenses are incurred in Canadian dollars. Fluctuations in the Canadian dollar would affect Canagold’s consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) as its functional currency is the Canadian dollar, and fluctuations in the U.S. dollar would impact its cumulative translation adjustment as its consolidated financial statements are presented in U.S. dollars. |
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 148 |
| Table of Contents |
Canagold is exposed to currency risk for its U.S. dollar equivalent of assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars as follows:
Based upon the above net exposure as at December 31, 2022 and assuming all other variables remain constant, a 10% (2021 - 10%) depreciation or appreciation of the U.S. dollar relative to the Canadian dollar could result in a decrease (increase) of approximately $426,000 (2021 - $218,000) in the cumulative translation adjustment in the Company’s shareholders’ equity.
Canagold has not entered into any agreements or purchased any instruments to hedge possible currency risks at this time.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 149 |
| Table of Contents |
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| (ii) | Interest rate risk: |
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| In respect of financial assets, Canagold’s policy is to invest cash at floating rates of interest in cash equivalents, in order to maintain liquidity, while achieving a satisfactory return. Fluctuations in interest rates impact on the value of cash equivalents. Interest rate risk is not significant to Canagold as it has no cash equivalents at period-end and the promissory notes receivable and notes payable, if any, are stated at fixed interest rates. |
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| (iii) | Other price risk: |
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| Other price risk is the risk that the value of a financial instrument will fluctuate as a result of changes in market and commodity prices.
Canagold’s other price risk includes equity price risk, whereby investment in marketable securities is held for trading financial assets with fluctuations in quoted market prices recorded at FVTPL. There is no separately quoted market value for Canagold’s investments in the shares of certain strategic investments.
As certain of the Company’s marketable securities are carried at market value and are directly affected by fluctuations in value of the underlying securities, the Company considers its financial performance and cash flows could be materially affected by such changes in the future value of the Company’s marketable securities. Based upon the net exposure as at December 31, 2022 and assuming all other variables remain constant, a net increase or decrease of 75% (2021 - 75%) in the market prices of the underlying securities would increase or decrease respectively net (loss) income by $641,000 (2021 - $975,000). |
ITEM 12. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES
A. – D.
Not Applicable.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 150 |
| Table of Contents |
ITEM 13. DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES
None.
ITEM 14. MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS
14.A - D
None.
14.E Use of Proceeds
Not Applicable.
ITEM 15. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
A. Disclosure Controls and Procedures
At the end of the period covered by this report, an evaluation was carried out under the supervision of and with the participation of Canagold’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), of the effectiveness of the design and operations of Canagold’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a – 15(e) and Rule 15d – 15(e) under the Exchange Act). Based on that evaluation the CEO and the CFO have concluded that as of the end of the period covered by this report, Canagold’s disclosure controls and procedures were adequately designed and effective to give reasonable assurance that: (i) information required to be disclosed by Canagold in reports that it files or submits to the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in applicable rules and forms; and (ii) material information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to Canagold’s management, including its CEO and CFO, as appropriate, to allow for accurate and timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 151 |
| Table of Contents |
B. Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Canagold’s management, including the CEO and CFO, does not expect that its disclosure controls and procedures or internal controls and procedures 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 a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits 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 Canagold have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the control. The design of any system of controls also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions; over time, control may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected. Canagold’s controls include policies and procedures that:
| - | pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of Canagold; |
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| - | provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with IFRS; |
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| - | provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of Canagold’s assets that could have a material effect on the annual financial statements or interim financial statements; and |
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| - | statement of management’s responsibility for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. |
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 152 |
| Table of Contents |
Management conducted an evaluation of the design and operation of Canagold’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022 based on the criteria in a framework developed by Canagold’s management pursuant to and in compliance with the SEC’s Guidance Regarding Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting Under Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Release No. 33-8810 and based on the criteria set forth in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO 2013 framework). This evaluation included review of the documentation of controls, evaluation of the design effectiveness of controls, testing of the operating effectiveness of controls and a conclusion on this evaluation. Based upon its assessment, management, including Canagold’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that, as of December 31, 2022, Canagold’s internal control over financial reporting was effective.
C. Attestation Report of the Registered Public Accounting Firm
This Annual Report on Form 20-F does not include an attestation report of our independent registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by our independent registered public accounting firm pursuant to Section 404(c) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended, which provides that issuers that are not an “accelerated filer” or “large accelerated filer” are exempt from the requirement to provide an auditor attestation report.
D. Changes in Internal Controls over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in Canagold’s internal controls over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation described above that occurred during the period covered by this annual report that has materially affected or is reasonably likely to materially affect Canagold’s internal control over financial reporting.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 153 |
| Table of Contents |
16A. Audit Committee Financial Expert
Canagold’s Board of Directors has determined that Mr. Andrew Trow qualifies as an audit committee financial expert (as defined in Item 407(d)(5)(ii) of Regulation S-K under the Exchange Act) and is independent (as determined under Exchange Act Rule 10A-3 and Section 803A of the NYSE American Company Guide).
Canagold has adopted a formal written code of ethics as posted on its website at https://www.canagoldresources.com/_resources/governance/Code-of-Ethics.pdf?v=0.752.
Directors, including the director/employee of Canagold, are subject to the laws of the Province of British Columbia, Canada, whereby they are required to act honestly, in good faith and in the best interests of Canagold. Also, Canagold’s legal counsel is available to the management of Canagold to provide a high standard of due care in the activities of Canagold and to provide guidance when needed.
Canagold expects all directors, officers and employees to abide by the following code of ethics which have been communicated to them:
| - | act with honesty and integrity and in an ethical manner resolve any actual or apparent conflicts of interest between personal and professional relationships; |
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| - | ensure that any public filings or announcements, whether they are statutory or regulatory filings or other documents submitted for public disclosure and communication, are accurate, complete, fair, timely and understandable in all material respects, taking into consideration applicable standards and regulations; |
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| - | comply with applicable laws, rules and regulations; and |
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| - | prompt internal reporting of any violations, whether actual or potential, in the code of ethics. |
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, Canagold did not substantively amend, waive or implicitly waive any provision of the Code with respect to any of the directors, officers or employees subject to it.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 154 |
| Table of Contents |
16.C Principal Accountant Fees and Services
The following table discloses accounting fees and services of Canagold:
(Stated in terms of Canadian dollars)
| Type of Services Rendered |
| 2022 Fiscal Year (CAD$) |
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| (a) Audit Fees |
| $ | 78,000 |
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| $ | 55,000 |
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| (b) Audit-Related Fees |
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| (c) Tax Fees |
| $ | 7,000 |
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| $ | 5,000 |
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| (d) All Other Fees |
| Nil |
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Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 155 |
| Table of Contents |
At an Audit Committee meeting held in March 2023, the Audit Committee pre-approved all services to be performed by the auditors including certain non-audit services requested by management for the 2023 fiscal year until the next Audit Committee meeting concerning the financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023, which services are not prohibited services under the independence requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission or professional standards in Canada or the United States.
The Audit Committee pre-approves all non-audit services to be performed by the auditor in accordance with the Audit Committee Charter. There were no hours expended on the principal accountant’s engagement to audit Canagold’s financial statements for the most recent fiscal year that were attributed to work performed by persons other than the principal accountant’s full-time, permanent employees.
16.D Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees
Not applicable.
16.E Purchases of Equity Securities by the Company and Affiliated Purchasers
None.
16.F Change in Company’s Certifying Accountant
None.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
| 156 |
| Table of Contents |
Not applicable.
Pursuant to Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, issuers that are operators, or that have a subsidiary that is an operator, of a coal or other mine in the United States are required to disclose in their periodic reports filed with the SEC information regarding specified health and safety violations, orders and citations, related assessments and legal actions, and mining-related fatalities with respect to mining operations and properties in the United States that are subject to regulation by the Federal Mine Safety and Health Administration (“MSHA”) under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (the “Mine Act”). During the year ended December 31, 2021, Canagold had no mines in the United States that were subject to regulation by the MSHA under the Mine Act.
16I. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions That Prevent Inspections
Not applicable.
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
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Not Applicable
The consolidated financial statements of Canagold have been prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB, and all dollar amounts are expressed in United States dollars unless otherwise indicated.
The following financial statements and related schedules are included in this Item:
| Financial Statements |
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| Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm dated March 24, 2023
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| 102-106
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Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
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Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
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SIGNATURE
Canagold hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this Annual Report on its behalf.
DATED at Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, as of April 28, 2023.
| CANAGOLD RESOURCES LTD. | ||
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| Per: |
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| /s/ Catalin Kilofliski | ||
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| Catalin Kilofliski, Chief Executive Officer |
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
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CANAGOLD RESOURCES LTD.
Consolidated Financial Statements
(expressed in United States dollars)
Years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020
Canagold Resources Ltd.
Form 20-F
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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
TO THE SHAREHOLDERS AND DIRECTORS OF CANAGOLD RESOURCES LTD.
Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position of Canagold Resources Ltd. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, and the related consolidated statements of comprehensive loss, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, 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 as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”), as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.
Material Uncertainty Related to Going Concern
Without modifying our opinion, we draw attention to Note 1 of the consolidated financial statements, which indicates that the Company has a net loss of $2.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 and as at that date, an accumulated deficit of $52.8 million. As stated in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, this condition, along with other matters as set forth in Note 1, indicate that a material uncertainty exists that casts substantial doubt on the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.
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.
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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 consolidated 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 consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. We determined that there are no critical audit matters.
Chartered Professional Accountants
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2008.
Vancouver, Canada
March 24, 2023
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Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
(expressed in thousands of United States dollars)
Nature of operations and going concern (Note 1)
Subsequent events (Note 17)
Commitments (Note 14)
Refer to the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
Approved on behalf of the Board:
| /s/ Sofia Bianchi |
| /s/ Andrew Trow |
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| Director |
| Director |
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CANAGOLD RESOURCES LTD.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss
(expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts)
Refer to the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
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CANAGOLD RESOURCES LTD.
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity
(expressed in thousands of United States dollars)
Refer to the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
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CANAGOLD RESOURCES LTD.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(expressed in thousands of United States dollars)
Refer to the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
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CANAGOLD RESOURCES LTD.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(expressed in thousands of United States dollars)
Refer to the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
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| CANAGOLD RESOURCES LTD. Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements For the Years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 (tabular dollar amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts) |
1. Nature of Operations and Going Concern
Canagold Resources Ltd. (the “Company”), a company incorporated under the laws of British Columbia on January 22, 1987, is in the mineral exploration business and has not yet determined whether its mineral property interests contain reserves. The recoverability of amounts capitalized for mineral property interests is dependent upon the existence of reserves in its mineral property interests, the ability of the Company to arrange appropriate financing and receive necessary permitting for the exploration and development of its mineral property interests, and upon future profitable production or proceeds from the disposition thereof. The address of the Company’s registered office is #910 – 800 West Pender Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6C 2V6 and its principal place of business is #1250 – 625 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6C 2T6.
The Company has no operating revenues, has incurred a significant net loss of $2.7 million in 2022 (2021 - $1.8 million and 2020 - $1.7 million) and has a deficit of $52.8 million as at December 31, 2022 (2021 - $51.1 million and 2020 - $49.3 million).In addition, the Company has negative cash flows from operations. These consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which assumes the realization of assets and repayment of liabilities in the normal course of business. The Company’s ability to continue as a going concern is dependent on the ability of the Company to raise debt or equity financings, and the attainment of profitable operations. Management continues to find opportunities to raise the necessary capital to meet its planned business objectives and continues to seek financing opportunities. There can be no assurance that management’s plans will be successful. These matters indicate the existence of material uncertainties that cast substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. These consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments to the recoverability and classification of recorded asset amounts and classification of liabilities that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern, and such adjustments could be material.
2. Basis of Presentation
(a) Statement of compliance:
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”), as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”).
(b) Approval of consolidated financial statements:
These consolidated financial statements were approved by the Company’s Board of Directors on March 17, 2023.
(c) Basis of presentation:
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a historical cost basis except for certain financial instruments which are measured at fair value, as disclosed in Note 5. In addition, these consolidated financial statements have been prepared using the accrual basis of accounting, except for cash flow information.
(d) Functional currency and presentation currency:
The functional currency of the Company and its subsidiaries is the Canadian dollar, and accounts denominated in currencies other than the Canadian dollar have been translated as follows:
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2. Basis of Presentation (continued)
(d) Functional currency and presentation currency: (continued)
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| · | Monetary assets and liabilities at the exchange rate at the consolidated statement of financial position date; |
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| · | Non-monetary assets and liabilities at the historical exchange rates, unless such items are carried at fair value, in which case they are translated at the date when the fair value was determined; |
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| · | Shareholders’ equity items at historical exchange rates; and |
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| · | Revenue and expense items at the rate of exchange on the transaction date. |
The Company’s presentation currency is the United States dollar. For presentation purposes, all amounts are translated from the Canadian dollar functional currency to the United States dollar presentation currency for each period. Statement of financial position accounts, with the exception of equity, are translated using the exchange rate at the end of each reporting period, transactions on the statement of comprehensive loss are recorded at the average rate of exchange during the period, and equity accounts are translated using historical actual exchange rates.
Exchange gains and losses arising from translation to the Company’s presentation currency are recorded as a cumulative translation adjustment in other comprehensive income (loss), which is included in accumulated other comprehensive loss.
(e) Critical accounting estimates and judgments:
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRS requires management to make estimates, assumptions and judgments that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements along with the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period. Actual results may differ from these estimates and, as such, estimates and judgments and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions are recognized in the period in which the estimates are revised and in any future periods affected.
Significant areas requiring the use of management estimates relate to determining the recoverability of mineral property interests and receivables, valuation of certain marketable securities, accrued site remediation, amount of flow-through obligations, incremental borrowing rate for leases entered into, and the variables used in the determination of the fair value of stock options granted and finder’s fees warrants issued or modified. While management believes the estimates are reasonable, actual results could differ from those estimates and could impact future results of operations and cash flows.
The Company applies judgment in assessing the functional currency of each entity consolidated in these consolidated financial statements. The functional currency of the Company and its subsidiaries is determined using the currency of the primary economic environment in which that entity operates.
For right of use assets and lease liability, the Company applies judgment in determining whether the contract contains an identified asset, whether they have the right to control the asset, and the lease term. The lease term is based on considering facts and circumstances, both qualitative and quantitative, that can create an economic incentive to exercise renewal options. Management considers all facts and circumstances that create an economic incentive to exercise an extension option, or not to exercise a termination option.
The Company applies judgment in assessing whether material uncertainties exist that would cast substantial doubt as to whether the Company could continue as a going concern.
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2. Basis of Presentation (continued)
(e) Critical accounting estimates and judgments: (continued)
The Company is required to spend proceeds received from the issuance of flow-through shares on qualifying resources expenditures. The Company is also entitled to refundable mining tax credits on qualified resource expenditures incurred in Canada. Differences in judgment between management and regulatory authorities with respect to qualified expenditures may result in disallowed expenditures by the tax authorities. Any amount disallowed may result in the Company’s required expenditures not being fulfilled or refundable tax credits not being recoverable. The Company accrues for refundable mining tax credits when management is reasonably assured that the amount is collectable.
At the end of each reporting period, the Company assesses each of its mineral resource properties to determine whether any indication of impairment exists. Judgment is required in determining whether indicators of impairment exist, including factors such as: the period for which the Company has the right to explore; expected renewals of exploration rights; whether substantive expenditures on further exploration and evaluation of resource properties are budgeted or planned; and results of exploration and evaluation activities on the exploration and evaluation assets.
3. Significant Accounting Policies
The accounting policies set out below have been applied consistently to all periods presented in these consolidated financial statements.
(a) Basis of consolidation:
These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries including New Polaris Gold Mines Ltd. (Canada) and American Innovative Minerals LLC (“AIM”) (USA). The financial statements of subsidiaries are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date control commences until the date control ceases. All significant intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated on consolidation.
Control is achieved when the Company is exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the investee and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the investee.
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3. Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
(b) Financial instruments:
(i) Financial assets:
Initial recognition and measurement
A financial asset is measured initially at fair value plus, for an item not at fair value through profit or loss, transaction costs that are directly attributable to its acquisition or issue. On initial recognition, a financial asset is classified as measured at amortized cost or fair value through profit or loss. A financial asset is measured at amortized cost if it meets the conditions that: (i) the asset is held within a business model whose objective is to hold assets to collect contractual cash flows; (ii) the contractual terms of the financial asset give rise on specified dates to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding; and (iii) is not designated as fair value through profit or loss.
Subsequent measurement
The subsequent measurement of financial assets depends on their classification as follows:
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
Financial assets measured at fair value through profit and loss are carried in the consolidated statements of financial position at fair value with changes in fair value therein, recognized in profit or loss. Associated transaction costs are recognized in profit or loss in the period in which it arises.
Financial assets measured at amortized cost
A financial asset is subsequently measured at amortized cost, using the effective interest method.
(ii) Derecognition:
A financial asset or, where applicable a part of a financial asset or part of a group of similar financial assets is derecognized when:
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| · | The Company has transferred its rights to receive cash flows from the asset or has assumed an obligation to pay the received cash flows in full without material delay to a third party under a ‘pass-through’ arrangement; and either: (a) the Company has transferred substantially all the risks and rewards of the asset, or (b) the Company has neither transferred nor retained substantially all the risks and rewards of the asset, but has transferred control of the asset. |
(iii) Financial liabilities:
Financial liabilities are recognized when the Company becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the financial instrument. A financial liability is derecognized when it is extinguished, discharged, cancelled or when it expires. Financial liabilities are classified as either financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss or financial liabilities subsequently measured at amortized cost. All interest-related charges are reported in profit or loss within interest expense, if applicable.
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3. Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
(b) Financial instruments: (continued)
(iv) Fair value hierarchy
The Company categorizes financial instruments measured at fair value at one of three levels according to the reliability of the inputs used to estimate fair values. The fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities included in Level 1 are determined by reference to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities. Financial assets and liabilities in Level 2 are valued using inputs other than quoted prices for which all significant inputs are based on observable market data. Level 3 valuations are based on inputs that are not based on observable market data.
(c) Impairment of non-financial assets:
The carrying amounts of non-current assets are tested for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. If there are indicators of impairment, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment. An impairment loss is recognized for the amount by which the asset’s carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount and is recorded as an expense in profit or loss.
The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s “fair value less costs to sell” for the asset’s highest and best use, and “value-in-use”. Where the asset does not generate cash flows that are independent from other assets, the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs is determined. “Fair value less costs to sell” is the price that would be received to sell an asset in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date less incremental costs directly attributable to disposal of the asset, excluding financing costs and income tax expenses. For mining assets this would generally be determined based on the present value of the estimated future cash flows arising from the continued development, use or eventual disposal of the asset. In assessing these cash flows and discounting them to the present value, assumptions used are those that an independent market participant would consider appropriate. In assessing “value-in-use”, the estimated future cash flows expected to arise from the continuing use of the assets in their present form and from their disposal are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and risks specific to the asset.
For the purposes of impairment testing, mineral property interests are allocated to cash-generating units to which the exploration or development activity relates. Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the asset (or cash-generating unit) is increased to the revised estimate of its recoverable amount, but so that the increased carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognized for the asset (or cash-generating unit) in prior periods. A reversal of an impairment loss is recognized immediately in profit or loss.
(d) Mineral property interests:
All costs related to investments in mineral property interests are capitalized on a property-by-property basis. Such costs include mineral property acquisition costs and exploration and development expenditures, net of any recoveries. The costs related to a mineral property from which there is production, together with the costs of mining equipment, will be amortized using the unit-of-production method. When there is little prospect of further work on a property being carried out by the Company or its partners or when a property is abandoned or when the capitalized costs are not considered to be economically recoverable, the related property costs are written down to the amount recoverable.
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3. Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
(d) Mineral property interests: (continued)
From time to time, the Company may acquire or dispose of a mineral property interest pursuant to the terms of a property option agreement. As the property options are exercisable entirely at the discretion of the optionee, the amounts payable or receivable are not recorded. Property option payments are recorded as property costs or recoveries when the payments are made or received. Proceeds received on the sale or property option of the Company’s property interest is recorded as a reduction of the mineral property cost. The Company recognizes in income those costs that are recovered on mineral property interests when amounts received or receivable are in excess of the carrying amount.
The amounts shown for mineral property interests represent costs incurred to date and include advance net smelter return (“NSR”) royalties, less recoveries and write-downs, and are not intended to reflect present or future values.
(e) Equipment:
Leasehold improvements, office equipment and furnishings, and right-of-use assets are recorded at cost, and are amortized as follows:
| Leasehold improvements | Straight line over lease term |
| Office equipment | Double declining rate of 30% |
| Office furnishings | Double declining rate of 20% |
| Right-of-use | Straight line over lease term |
Additions during the year are amortized on a pro-rated basis.
(f) Proceeds on unit offerings:
Proceeds received on the issuance of units, consisting of common shares and warrants, are first allocated to the fair value of the common shares with any residual value then allocated to warrants. Consideration received on the exercise of warrants is recorded as share capital and any related reserve for share-based payments is transferred to share capital. Upon expiry of the warrants, the recorded fair value of the warrants is transferred from the reserve for share-based payments to deficit.
(g) Non-monetary transactions:
Common shares issued for consideration other than cash are valued based on the fair market value of the goods or services received and if not determinable, the common shares are valued at their quoted market price at the date of issuance.
(h) Flow-through common shares:
The Company will, from time to time, issue flow-through common shares to finance a portion of its exploration program. Pursuant to the terms of the flow-through share agreements, these shares transfer the tax deductibility of qualifying resource expenditures to investors. On issuance, the Company bifurcates the flow-through shares into: (i) a flow-through share premium equal to the excess, if any, which investors pay for the flow-through common share over the market price of common shares on closing date and which is recognized as a liability; and (ii) share capital. Upon expenses being incurred, the Company derecognizes the liability and recognizes a deferred tax liability or tax recovery for the amount of tax reduction renounced to the shareholders.
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3. Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
(h) Flow-through common shares: (continued)
Proceeds received from the issuance of flow-through shares are restricted to be used only for Canadian resource property exploration expenditures within a two-year period. The portion of the proceeds received but not yet expended at the end of the Company’s period is disclosed separately as flow-through share proceeds.
The Company may also be subject to a Part XII.6 tax on flow-through proceeds renounced under the Look-back Rule, in accordance with the Government of Canada flow-through regulations. When applicable, this tax is accrued as a finance expense until paid.
(i) Share-based payments:
The Company has a stock option plan that is described in Note 10(c). Share-based payments to employees are measured at the fair value of the instruments issued and amortized over the vesting periods. Share-based payments to non-employees are measured at the fair value of the goods or services received or the fair value of the equity instruments issued, if it is determined the fair value of the goods or services cannot be reliably measured, and are recorded at the date the goods or services are received. The offset to the recorded cost is to the reserve for share-based payments. Consideration received on the exercise of stock options is recorded as share capital and the related reserve for share-based payments is transferred to share capital. Upon expiry, the recorded fair value is transferred from reserve for share-based payments to deficit.
The Company has a share appreciation rights plan, which provides stock option holders the right to receive the number of common shares that are equal in value to the intrinsic value of the stock options at the date of exercise. Amounts transferred from the reserve for share-based payment to share capital are based on the ratio of shares actually issued to the number of stock options originally granted. The remainder is transferred to deficit.
(j) Environmental rehabilitation:
The Company recognizes liabilities for statutory, contractual, constructive, or legal obligations associated with the retirement of mineral property interests and equipment, when those obligations result from the acquisition, construction, development, or normal operation of the assets. The net present value of future rehabilitation cost estimates arising from the decommissioning of plant and other site preparation work is capitalized to mining assets along with a corresponding increase in the rehabilitation provision in the period incurred. Discount rates using a pre-tax rate that reflect the time value of money are used to calculate the net present value. The rehabilitation asset is depreciated on the same basis as mining assets.
The Company’s estimates of reclamation costs could change as a result of changes in regulatory requirements, discount rates and assumptions regarding the amount and timing of the future expenditures. These changes are recorded directly to mining assets with a corresponding entry to the rehabilitation provision. The Company’s estimates are reviewed annually for changes in regulatory requirements, discount rates, effects of inflation and changes in estimates.
Changes in the net present value, excluding changes in the Company’s estimates of reclamation costs, are charged to profit or loss for the period.
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3. Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
(j) Environmental rehabilitation: (continued)
The net present value of restoration costs arising from subsequent site damage that is incurred on an ongoing basis during production are charged to profit or loss in the period incurred.
The costs of rehabilitation projects that were included in the rehabilitation provision are recorded against the provision as incurred. The cost of ongoing current programs to prevent and control pollution is charged against profit or loss as incurred.
(k) Earnings (loss) per share:
Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing the net income (loss) for the period by the weighted average number of common sharesoutstanding during the period. The treasury stock method is used to calculate diluted earnings (loss) per common share amounts. Under the treasury stock method, the weighted average number of common shares outstanding used for the calculation of the diluted per common share amount assumes that the proceeds to be received on the exercise of dilutive share options and warrants are used to repurchase common shares at the average market price during the period. In the Company’s case, diluted loss per share presented is the same as basic loss per share as the effect of outstanding options and warrants in the loss per common share calculation would be anti-dilutive.
(l) Provisions:
Provisions are recorded when a present legal or constructive obligation exists as a result of past events where it is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation, and a reliable estimate of the amount of the obligation can be made.
The amount recognized as a provision is the best estimate of the consideration required to settle the present obligation at the consolidated statement of financial position date, taking into account the risks and uncertainties surrounding the obligation. Where a provision is measured using the cash flows estimated to settle the present obligation, its carrying amount is the present value of those cash flows. When some or all of the economic benefits required to settle a provision are expected to be recovered from a third party, the receivable is recognized as an asset if it is virtually certain that reimbursement will be received and the amount receivable can be measured reliably.
(m) Income taxes:
The Company follows the asset and liability method for accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, and losses carried forward. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using substantively 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 profit or loss in the period that includes the substantive enactment date. Deferred tax assets are recognized to the extent that recovery is considered probable.
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3. Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
(n) Right-of-use asset and lease liability:
The Company assesses whether a contract is or contains a lease, at inception of a contract. The Company recognizes a right-of-use asset (“ROU asset”) and a corresponding lease liability with respect to all lease arrangements in which it is the lessee, at the commencement of the lease, with the following exceptions:
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| (i) | The Company has elected not to recognize ROU assets and liabilities for leases where the total lease term is less than or equal to 12 months; or |
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| (ii) | For leases of low value. |
The payments for such leases are recognized in the consolidated statements of loss and comprehensive loss over the lease term.
The ROU asset is initially measured based on the present value of lease payments, lease payments made at or before the commencement day, and any initial direct costs. They are subsequently measured at cost less accumulated amortization and impairment losses. The ROU asset is depreciated over the shorter of the lease term or the useful life of the underlying asset. The ROU asset is subject to testing for impairment if there is an indicator of impairment.
The lease liability is initially measured at the present value of lease payments that are not paid at the commencement date, discounted by using the rate implicit in the lease. If this rate cannot be readily determined, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate. Lease payments include fixed payments less any lease incentives and any variable lease payments where variability depends on an index or rate. When the lease contains an extension or purchase option that the Company considers reasonably certain to be exercised, the cost of the option is included in the lease payments.
Variable lease payments that do not depend on an index or rate are not included in the measurement of the ROU asset and lease liability. The related payments are recognized as an expense in the period in which the triggering event occurs and are included in the consolidated statements of loss and comprehensive loss.
(o) Mining exploration tax recoveries:
The Company recognizes mining exploration tax recoveries in the period in which there is reasonable expectation, based on management’s estimate, of receiving a refund. The amount of refundable mining tax credits receivable is subject to review and approval by the taxation authorities and is adjusted for in the period when such approval is confirmed.
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4. Management of Capital
The Company is an exploration stage company and this involves a high degree of risk. The Company has not determined whether its mineral property interests contain reserves of ore and currently has not earned any revenues from its mineral property interests and, therefore, does not generate cash flows from operations. The Company’s primary source of funds comes from the issuance of share capital and proceeds from debt. The Company has generated cash inflows from the disposition of marketable securities. The Company is not subject to any externally imposed capital requirements.
The Company defines its capital as debt and share capital. Capital requirements are driven by the Company’s exploration activities on its mineral property interests. To effectively manage the Company’s capital requirements, the Company has a planning and budgeting process in place to ensure that adequate funds are available to meet its strategic goals. The Company monitors actual expenses to budget on all exploration projects and overhead to manage costs, commitments and exploration activities.
The Company has in the past invested its capital in liquid investments to obtain adequate returns. The investment decision is based on cash management to ensure working capital is available to meet the Company’s short-term obligations while maximizing liquidity and returns of unused capital.
Although the Company has been successful at raising funds in the past through the issuance of share capital, it is uncertain whether it will be able to continue this financing in the future. The Company will continue to rely on debt and equity financings to meet its commitments as they become due, to continue exploration work on its mineral property interests, and to meet its administrative overhead costs for the coming periods.
There were no changes in the Company’s approach to capital management during the year ended December 31, 2022.
5. Management of Financial Risk
The Company has classified its financial instruments under IFRS 9 Financial Instruments (“IFRS 9”) as follows:
|
|
| IFRS 9 |
| Financial Assets |
|
|
| Cash |
| Fair value through profit or loss (“FVTPL”) |
| Marketable securities |
| FVTPL |
| Receivables |
| Amortized cost |
|
| ||
| Financial Liability |
| |
| Accounts payable and accrued liabilities |
| Amortized cost |
| Deferred royalty liability |
| Amortized cost |
| Lease liability |
| Amortized cost |
| 178 |
| Table of Contents |
| CANAGOLD RESOURCES LTD. Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements For the Years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 (tabular dollar amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts) |
5. Management of Financial Risk (continued)
The fair values of the Company’s receivables and accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate their carrying values due to the short terms to maturity. Cash and certain marketable securities are measured at fair values using Level 1 inputs. Other marketable securities are measured using Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. Deferred royalty and lease liabilities are measured using Level 2 inputs. There were no transfers between levels 1, 2 or 3 during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021.
The Company is exposed in varying degrees to a variety of financial instrument related risks, including credit risk, liquidity risk and market risk which includes foreign currency risk, interest rate risk and other price risk. The types of risk exposure and the way in which such exposure is managed are provided as follows.
(a) Credit risk:
Credit risk is the risk of potential loss to the Company if the counterparty to a financial instrument fails to meet its contractual obligations.
The Company’s credit risk is primarily attributable to its liquid financial assets including cash. The Company limits exposure to credit risk on liquid financial assets through maintaining its cash with high-credit quality Canadian financial institutions.
To reduce credit risk, the Company regularly reviews the collectability of its amounts receivable, which may include amounts receivable from certain related parties, and records an expected credit loss based on its best estimate of potentially uncollectible amounts. Management believes that the credit risk with respect to these financial instruments is remote.
The financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to credit risk comprise cash and certain amounts receivable, the carrying value of which represents the Company’s maximum exposure to credit risk.
(b) Liquidity risk:
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they become due.
The Company ensures that there is sufficient capital in order to meet short-term business requirements, after taking into account the Company’s holdings of cash and its ability to raise equity financings. As at December 31, 2022, the Company had a working capital (current assets less current liabilities) of $4.4 million (2021 - $2.6 million). The Company has sufficient funding to meet its short-term liabilities and administrative overhead costs, and to maintain its mineral property interests in 2023.
| 179 |
| Table of Contents |
| CANAGOLD RESOURCES LTD. Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements For the Years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 (tabular dollar amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts) |
5. Management of Financial Risk (continued)
(b) Liquidity risk: (continued)
The following schedule provides the contractual obligations related to the deferred royalty and lease liability payments (Notes 9(b) and (c)) as at December 31, 2022 and 2021:
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
| Payments due by Period |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Payments due by Period |
|
|
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
| (CAD$000) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| (US$000) |
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
| Less than |
|
|
|
|
|
| After |
|
|
|
| Less than |
|
|
|
|
|
| After |
| ||||||||||||||||
|
|
| Total |
|
| 1 year |
|
| 1-3 years |
|
| 3-5 years |
|
| 5 years |
|
| Total |
|
| 1 year |
|
| 1-3 years |
|
| 3-5 years |
|
| 5 years |
| ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||||
| Basic office lease |
| $ | 406 |
|
| $ | 85 |
|
| $ | 173 |
|
| $ | 148 |
|
| $ | - |
|
| $ | - |
|
| $ | - |
|
| $ | - |
|
| $ | - |
|
| $ | - |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Advance royalty payments |
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| 215 |
|
|
| 35 |
|
|
| 105 |
|
|
| 75 |
|
|
| - |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Total, December 31, 2022 |
| $ | 406 |
|
| $ | 85 |
|
| $ | 173 |
|
| $ | 148 |
|
| $ | - |
|
| $ | 215 |
|
| $ | 35 |
|
| $ | 105 |
|
| $ | 75 |
|
| $ | - |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Basic office lease |
| $ | 28 |
|
| $ | 28 |
|
| $ | - |
|
| $ | - |
|
| $ | - |
|
| $ | - |
|
| $ | - |
|
| $ | - |
|
| $ | - |
|
| $ | - |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Advance royalty payments |
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| 250 |
|
|
| 35 |
|
|
| 105 |
|
|
| 105 |
|
|
| 5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Total, December 31, 2021 |
| $ | 28 |
|
| $ | 28 |
|
| $ | - |
|
| $ | - |
|
| $ | - |
|
| $ | 250 |
|
| $ | 35 |
|
| $ | 105 |
|
| $ | 105 |
|
| $ | 5 |
|
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities are due in less than 90 days.
| 180 |
| Table of Contents |
| CANAGOLD RESOURCES LTD. Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements For the Years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 (tabular dollar amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts) |
5. Management of Financial Risk (continued)
(c) Market risk:
The significant market risk exposures to which the Company is exposed are foreign currency risk, interest rate risk and other price risk.
(i) Foreign currency risk:
Certain of the Company’s mineral property interests and operations are in Canada. Most of its operating expenses are incurred in Canadian dollars. Fluctuations in the Canadian dollar would affect the Company’s consolidated statements of comprehensive loss as its functional currency is the Canadian dollar, and fluctuations in the U.S. dollar would impact its cumulative translation adjustment as its consolidated financial statements are presented in U.S. dollars.
The Company is exposed to currency risk for its U.S. dollar equivalent of assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars as follows:
Based upon the above net exposure as at December 31, 2022 and assuming all other variables remain constant, a 10% (2021 - 10%) depreciation or appreciation of the U.S. dollar relative to the Canadian dollar could result in a decrease (increase) of approximately $426,000 (2021 - $218,000) in the cumulative translation adjustment in the Company’s shareholders’ equity.
The Company has not entered into any agreements or purchased any instruments to hedge possible currency risks at this time.
| 181 |
| Table of Contents |
| CANAGOLD RESOURCES LTD. Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements For the Years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 (tabular dollar amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts) |
5. Management of Financial Risk (continued)
(ii) Interest rate risk:
In respect of financial assets, the Company’s policy is to invest excess cash at floating rates of interest in cash equivalents, in order to maintain liquidity, while achieving a satisfactory return. Fluctuations in interest rates impact on the value of cash equivalents. The Company’s investments in guaranteed investment certificates bear a fixed rate and are cashable at any time prior to maturity date. Interest rate risk is not significant to the Company as it has no cash equivalents and no interest-bearing debt at period-end.
(c) Market risk:
(iii) Other price risk:
Other price risk is the risk that the value of a financial instrument will fluctuate as a result of changes in market prices.
The Company’s other price risk includes equity price risk, whereby investment in marketable securities are held for trading financial assets with fluctuations in quoted market prices recorded at FVTPL. There is no separately quoted market value for the Company’s investments in the shares of certain strategic investments.
As certain of the Company’s marketable securities are carried at market value and are directly affected by fluctuations in value of the underlying securities, the Company considers its financial performance and cash flows could be materially affected by such changes in the future value of the Company’s marketable securities. Based upon the net exposure as at December 31, 2022 and assuming all other variables remain constant, a net increase or decrease of 75% (2021 - 75%) in the market prices of the underlying securities would increase or decrease respectively net (loss) income by $641,000 (2021 - $975,000).
6. Marketable Securities
| 182 |
| Table of Contents |
| CANAGOLD RESOURCES LTD. Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements For the Years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 (tabular dollar amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts) |
7. Mineral Property Interests
| 183 |
| Table of Contents |
| CANAGOLD RESOURCES LTD. Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements For the Years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 (tabular dollar amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts) |
7. Mineral Property Interests (continued)
| 184 |
| Table of Contents |
| CANAGOLD RESOURCES LTD. Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements For the Years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 (tabular dollar amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts) |
7. Mineral Property Interests (continued)
(a) Canada:
(i) New Polaris (British Columbia):
The New Polaris property, which is located in the Atlin Mining Division, British Columbia, is 100% owned by the Company subject to a 15% net profit interest which may be reduced to a 10% net profit interest within one year of commercial production by issuing 150,000 common shares to Rembrandt Gold Mines Ltd. Acquisition costs at December 31, 2022 include a reclamation bond for $224,000 (2021 - $218,000).
(ii) Windfall Hills (British Columbia):
The Company owns 100% undivided interests in two adjacent gold properties (Uduk Lake and Dunn properties) located in British Columbia. The Uduk Lake properties are subject to a 1.5% NSR production royalty that can be purchased for CAD$1 million and another 3% NSR production royalty. The Dunn properties are subject to a 2% NSR royalty which can be reduced to 1% NSR royalty for $500,000.
(iii) Princeton (British Columbia):
In December 2018 and then as amended in June 2019, the Company entered into a property option agreement jointly with Universal Copper Ltd. (formerly, Tasca Resources Ltd.) (“Universal”) and an individual. In October 2020, the Company assigned its interest in the property option agreement for the Princeton property to Damara Gold Corp. (“Damara”). Pursuant to the assignment, Damara issued 9.9% of its outstanding common shares to the Company on closing of the assignment at a fair value of $228,500. After reducing the carrying value of the property to $nil by recording a $228,000 recovery to the mineral property, the Company recorded mineral property option income of $500 for the year ended December 31, 2020. Subject to the exercise of the option by December 31, 2022, the Company’s aggregate ownership in the capital of Damara shall increase to 19.9% which Damara did exercise by the issuance of 9.8 million Damara shares to the Company at a fair value of $588,800 which was recorded as mineral property option income for the year ended December 31, 2021.
(iv) Hard Cash and Nigel (Nunavut):
In November 2018, the Company entered into a property option agreement with Silver Range Resources Ltd. (“Silver Range”) whereby the Company had an option to earn a 100% undivided interest in the Hard Cash and Nigel properties by paying CAD$150,000 in cash and issuing 1.5 million common shares to Silver Range over a four year period.
In 2020, the Company terminated the property option agreement, and accordingly indicators of impairment existed leading to a test of recoverable amount which resulted in an impairment loss of $1.1 million. A value in use calculation is not applicable as the Company does not have any expected cash flows from the property option agreement at this stage. In estimating the fair value less costs of disposal, management did not have observable or unobservable input to estimate the recoverable amount greater than $nil. As this valuation technique requires management’s judgment and estimates of recoverable amount, it is classified as Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
| 185 |
| Table of Contents |
| CANAGOLD RESOURCES LTD. Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements For the Years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 (tabular dollar amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts) |
7. Mineral Property Interests (continued)
(b) United States:
(i) Fondaway Canyon (Nevada):
On March 20, 2017, the Company closed the Membership Interest Purchase Agreement with AIM (the “Membership Agreement”) whereby the Company acquired 100% legal and beneficial interests in mineral properties located in Nevada, Idaho and Utah (USA) for a total cash purchase price of $2 million in cash and honouring pre-existing NSRs. Certain of the mineral properties are subject to royalties. For the Fondaway Canyon project, it bears both a 3% NSR and a 2% NSR. The 3% NSR has a buyout provision for an original amount of $600,000 which is subject to advance royalty payments of $35,000 per year by July 15th of each year until a gross total of $600,000 has been paid at which time the NSR is bought out a balance of $425,000 with a fair value of $183,000 was outstanding upon the closing of the Membership Agreement; a balance of $215,000 remains payable as at December 31, 2022 (2021 - $250,000). The 2% NSR has a buyout provision of either $2 million in cash or 19.99% interest of a public entity which owns AIM if AIM were to close an initial public offering of at least $5 million.
On October 16, 2019, the Company signed a binding Letter Agreement with Getchell Gold Corp. (“Getchell”) which was later superseded by the Option Agreement for the Acquisition of Fondaway Canyon and Dixie Comstock Properties on January 3, 2020, whereby Getchell has an option for four years to acquire 100% of the Fondaway Canyon and Dixie Comstock properties located in Churchill County, Nevada (both subject to a 2% NSR) for $4 million in total compensation to the Company, comprised of $2 million in cash and $2 million in shares of Getchell. Payment terms by Getchell are as follows:
|
|
| Cash |
|
|
|
| US$ equivalent in Getchell Shares |
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
| At signing of agreement |
| $ | 100 |
|
| (received in 2020) |
| $ | 100 |
|
| (received in 2020 with fair value of $104,600) | |
| 1st anniversary |
|
| 100 |
|
| (received in 2020) |
|
| 200 |
|
| (received in 2020 with fair value of $208,400) | |
| 2nd anniversary |
|
| 100 |
|
| (received in 2021) |
|
| 300 |
|
| (received in 2021 with fair value of $259,000) | |
| 3rd anniversary |
|
| 100 |
|
| (received in 2022) |
|
| 400 |
|
| (received in 2022 with fair value of $376,000) | |
| 4th anniversary |
|
| 1,600 |
|
|
|
|
| 1,000 |
|
|
| |
|
|
| $ | 2,000 |
|
|
|
| $ | 2,000 |
|
|
| |
The option includes minimum annual work commitments of $1.45 million on the properties. Getchell must also honor the pre-existing NSR and advance royalty commitments related to the properties, and grant the Company a 2% NSR on the Fondaway Canyon and Dixie Comstock properties of which half (1%) can be bought for $1 million per property.
(ii) Corral Canyon (Nevada):
In 2018, the Company staked 92 mining claims in Nevada, USA.
| 186 |
| Table of Contents |
| CANAGOLD RESOURCES LTD. Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements For the Years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 (tabular dollar amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts) |
7. Mineral Property Interests (continued)
(b) United States: (continued)
(iii) Silver King (Nevada):
In October 2018, the Company entered into a property option agreement for its Silver King property with Brownstone Ventures (US) Inc. (“Brownstone”) whereby Brownstone has an option to earn a 100% undivided interest by paying $240,000 in cash over a 10 year period with early option exercise payment of $120,000. The Company will retain a 2% NSR of which a 1% NSR can be acquired by Brownstone for $1 million. The Company received $12,000 cash in 2022 (2021 - $12,000) which was recognized as mineral property option income.
(iv) Lightning Tree (Idaho):
On September 10, 2020, the Company entered into an option agreement in the form of a definitive mineral property purchase agreement for its Lightning Tree property located in Lemhi County, Idaho, with Ophir Gold Corp. (“Ophir”), whereby Ophir shall acquire a 100% undivided interest in the property. In order to acquire the property, over a three-year period, Ophir shall pay to the Company a total of CAD$137,500 in cash over a three-year period and issue 2.5 million common shares and 2.5 million warrants over a two-year period, and shall incur aggregate exploration expenditures of at least $4 million over a three-year period. The Company will retain a 2.5% NSR of which a 1% NSR can be acquired by Ophir for CAD$1 million. If Ophir fails to file a NI 43-101 compliant resource on the Lightning Tree property within three years, the property will not be conveyed to Ophir. In 2022, the Company received CAD$50,000 cash (2021 - CAD$25,000). In 2021 the Company received 1.25 million shares with a fair value of $159,600 and 1.25 million warrants with a fair value of $5,000, all of which were recognized as mineral property option income.
(v) Hot Springs Point (Nevada):
In July 2022, the Company entered into a Real Estate Purchase and Sale Agreement for the Hot Springs Point property located in Eureka County, Nevada, with a third party (the “Purchaser”), whereby the Purchaser acquired a 100% interest for $480,000 (received). The Purchaser also grants a 3% NSR to the Company. The entire amount received was recognized in mineral property option income as a gain as Hot Springs book value on acquisition day by the Company was $nil; Hot Springs being incidental to the Fondaway Canyon property when they were acquired together.
| 187 |
| Table of Contents |
| CANAGOLD RESOURCES LTD. Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements For the Years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 (tabular dollar amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts) |
7. Mineral Property Interests (continued)
(c) Expenditure options:
As at December 31, 2022, to maintain the Company’s interest and/or to fully exercise the options under various property agreements covering its properties, the Company must make payments as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
|
|
| Cash |
|
| Cash |
|
| Annual |
|
| Number of |
| ||||
|
|
| Payments |
|
| Payments |
|
| Payments |
|
| Shares |
| ||||
|
|
| (CADS$000) |
|
| (US$000) |
|
| (US$000) |
|
|
| |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
| New Polaris (Note 7(a)(i)): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
| Net profit interest reduction or buydown |
| $ | - |
|
| $ | - |
|
| $ | - |
|
|
| 150,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Fondaway Canyon (Note 7(b)(i)): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Advance royalty payment for buyout of 3% net smelter return (1) |
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| 35 |
|
|
| - |
|
| Buyout provision for net smelter return of 2% (2) |
|
| - |
|
|
| 2,000 |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Windfall Hills (Note 7(a)(ii)): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Buyout provision for net smelter return of 1.5% |
|
| 1,000 |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
| Reduction of net smelter return of 2% to 1% |
|
| - |
|
|
| 500 |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| $ | 1,000 |
|
| $ | 2,500 |
|
| $ | 35 |
|
|
| 150,000 |
|
|
| (1) | Advance royalty payments of $215,000 remain payable as at December 31, 2022 with annual payments of $35,000. Pursuant to the option agreement, Getchell will be obligated to pay the annual advance royalty (Note 7b)(i)). |
|
|
|
|
|
| (2) | The 2% NSR has a buyout provision of either $2 million in cash or 19.99% interest of a public entity which owns AIM if AIM were to close an initial public offering of at least $5 million. |
These amounts may be reduced in the future as the Company determines which mineral property interests to continue to explore and which to abandon.
(d) Title to mineral property interests:
The Company has diligently investigated rights of ownership of all of its mineral property interests/ concessions and, to the best of its knowledge, all agreements relating to such ownership rights are in good standing. However, all properties and concessions may be subject to prior claims, agreements or transfers, and rights of ownership may be affected by undetected defects.
(e) Realization of assets:
The Company’s investment in and expenditures on its mineral property interests comprise a significant portion of the Company’s assets. Realization of the Company’s investment in these assets is dependent on establishing legal ownership of the mineral properties, on the attainment of successful commercial production or from the proceeds of their disposal. The recoverability of the amounts shown for mineral property interests is dependent upon the existence of reserves, the ability of the Company to obtain necessary financing to complete the development of the properties, and upon future profitable production or proceeds from the disposition thereof.
| 188 |
| Table of Contents |
| CANAGOLD RESOURCES LTD. Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements For the Years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 (tabular dollar amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts) |
7. Mineral Property Interests (continued)
(f) Environmental:
Environmental legislation is becoming increasingly stringent and costs and expenses of regulatory compliance are increasing. The impact of new and future environmental legislation of the Company’s operation may cause additional expenses and restrictions.
If the restrictions adversely affect the scope of exploration and development on the mineral properties, the potential for production on the property may be diminished or negated.
The Company is subject to the laws and regulations relating to environmental matters in all jurisdictions in which it operates, including provisions relating to property reclamation, discharge of hazardous materials and other matters. The Company may also be held liable should environmental problems be discovered that were caused by former owners and operators of its current properties and former properties in which it has previously had an interest. The Company is not aware of any existing environmental problems related to any of its current or former mineral property interests that may result in material liability to the Company.
8. Equipment
The Company had a lease agreement for its headquarter office space in Vancouver, British Columbia. Its office lease term ended in July 2022 and a new office lease term started in September 2022 for a different office. The lease was set up as a right-of-use asset under the IFRS rules and 6.60% discount rate was used.
| 189 |
| Table of Contents |
| CANAGOLD RESOURCES LTD. Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements For the Years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 (tabular dollar amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts) |
9. Liabilities
(a) Flow Through Premium Liability
On October 28, 2021, the Company closed a private placement for 10.6 million flow through common shares at CAD$0.50 per share for gross proceeds of CAD$5.3 million. The fair value of the shares was CAD$0.46 per share, resulting in the recognition of a flow through premium liability of CAD$0.04 per share for a total of CAD$425,700.
On December 30, 2021, the Company closed a private placement for 560,000 flow through common shares at CAD$0.50 per share for gross proceeds of CAD$280,000. The fair value of the shares was CAD$0.37 per share, resulting in the recognition of a flow through premium liability of CAD$0.13 per share for a total of CAD$72,800.
On January 19, 2022, the Company closed a private placement for 4.05 million flow through common shares at CAD$0.50 per share for gross proceeds of CAD$2.03 million. The fair value of the shares was CAD$0.39 per share, resulting in the recognition of a flow through premium liability of CAD$0.11 per share for a total of CAD$445,500.
On October 19, 2022, the Company closed a private placement for 4.7 million flow through common shares at CAD$0.32 per share for gross proceeds of CAD$1.5 million. The fair value of the shares was CAD$0.26 per share, resulting in the recognition of a flow through premium liability of CAD$0.06 per share for a total of CAD$282,000.
In connection with the flow through common shares issued during the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company has an obligation to incur qualified expenditures of CAD$229,000 by the 2023 fiscal year.
In connection with the flow through common shares issued during the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company has an obligation to incur qualified expenditures of CAD$2.2 million by the 2022 fiscal year. This obligation was fulfilled as at December 31, 2022.
| 190 |
| Table of Contents |
| CANAGOLD RESOURCES LTD. Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements For the Years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 (tabular dollar amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts) |
9. Liabilities (continued)
(b) Deferred Royalty Liability
The 3% NSR for the Fondaway Canyon project (Note 7(b)(i)) has a buyout provision for an original amount of $600,000. The buyout amount is subject to advance royalty payments of $35,000 per year by July 15th of each year until the full gross total of $600,000 has been paid. The remaining balance was $425,000 at the closing of the Membership Agreement in March 2017. The $425,000 was discounted to a fair value of $183,000 in 2017 using a discount rate of 18%. The liability is being accreted over time as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Balance, December 31, 2020 |
| $ | 151 |
|
| Add: |
|
|
|
|
| Accretion |
|
| 26 |
|
| Less: |
|
|
|
|
| Advance royalty payment |
|
| (35 | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Balance, December 31, 2021 |
|
| 142 |
|
| Add: |
|
|
|
|
| Accretion |
|
| 24 |
|
| Less: |
|
|
|
|
| Advance royalty payment |
|
| (35 | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Balance, December 31, 2022 |
| $ | 131 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Current portion (1) |
| $ | 35 |
|
| Long term portion |
|
| 96 |
|
| Balance, December 31, 2022 |
| $ | 131 |
|
|
| (1) | Pursuant to the option agreement, Getchell will be obligated to pay the annual advance royalty (Note 7(b)(i)). Getchell paid an annual advance royalty of $35,000 in July 2022 and July 2021. |
| 191 |
| Table of Contents |
| CANAGOLD RESOURCES LTD. Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements For the Years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 (tabular dollar amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts) |
9. Liabilities (continued)
(c) Lease Liability
The continuity of the lease liability for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 is as follows:
(d) Loans Payable
On June 28, 2022, the Company arranged a loan for CAD$25,000 from a company controlled by a former director. The loan bore interest at a rate of 9% per annum, and the entire loan amount of CAD$25,000 was fully repaid on July 14, 2022 along with interest of CAD$99.
On August 15, 2022, the Company entered into a Bridge Loan Agreement with Sun Valley Investments AG (“Sun Valley”), which is currently a 40.06% control person of the Company for CAD$2.5 million bearing an interest rate of 5.5% per annum. The bridge loan was applied as an advance payment for the standby guaranty for the rights offering (Note 10(b)(i)) and extinguished in December 2022 when Sun Valley purchased 20,352,577 common shares. The Company paid Sun Valley a total of CAD$46,336 in interest and a total of CAD$178,085 in fees (accounted as share issuance expense part of the Shareholder Equity) pursuant to the Standby Guaranty Agreement.
| 192 |
| Table of Contents |
| CANAGOLD RESOURCES LTD. Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements For the Years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 (tabular dollar amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts) |
10. Share Capital
(a) Authorized:
The authorized share capital of the Company is comprised of an unlimited number of common shares without par value.
(b) Issued:
(i) In November 2022, the Company proceeded with a rights offering whereby shareholders of the Company received one right for each common share held. Each two rights entitled holders to subscribe for one common share at a price of CAD$0.175. The Company closed the offering on December 16, 2022 and issued 25.3M common share for total gross proceeds of CAD$4.4 million. The Company also entered into a standby guaranty agreement with Sun Valley whereby Sun Valley shall purchase common shares issuable under the rights offering which remain unsubscribed under the basic subscription privilege and the additional subscription privilege. In August 2022, the Company obtained a bridge loan of CAD$2.5 million from Sun Valley as an advance payment for the standby guaranty (Note 9(d)). Pursuant to the standby guaranty agreement, Canagold issued 20.4M common shares to Sun Valley. From the CAD$3.6 million gross proceeds received from Sun Valley, the Company deducted a total of CAD$2.5 million to pay back and terminate the $2.5M loan provided by Sun Valley in August 2022 plus accrued interest of CAD$46,336, and a total of CAD$178,085 in fees pursuant to the standby guaranty agreement.
On October 19, 2022, the Company closed a private placement for 4.7 million flow through common shares at a price of CAD$0.32 per share for gross proceeds of CAD$1.5 million. The fair value of the shares was CAD$0.26 per share, resulting in the recognition of a flow through premium liability of CAD$0.06 per share for a total of CAD$282,000.
(ii) In December 2021 and January 2022, the Company closed a private placement in two tranches totalling 4.61 million flow through common shares at a price of CAD$0.50 per share for gross proceeds of CAD$2.3 million. On December 30, 2021, the Company closed the first tranche for 560,000 flow through shares for gross proceeds of CAD$280,000. On January 18, 2022, the Company closed the second tranche for 4.05 million flow through shares for gross proceeds of CAD$2.03 million.
On October 28, 2021, the Company closed a brokered private placement with Red Cloud Securities Inc. (“Red Cloud”) for 10.6 million flow through common shares at a price of CAD$0.50 per share for gross proceeds of CAD$5.3 million. Finders’ fees were comprised of CAD$253,555 in cash and 638,510 broker warrants with each broker warrant exercisable to acquire one non flow through common share at an exercise price of CAD$0.75 until October 28, 2023.
In 2021, stock options for 650,000 shares were exercised for proceeds of $204,100 and $179,700 was reallocated from reserve for share-based payments to share capital. Stock options for 210,000 common shares were cancelled for the exercise of share appreciation rights for 104,884 common shares at a fair value of CAD$0.68 per share. Also warrants for 301,624 common shares were exercised for proceeds of $72,000, and $33,100 was reallocated from reserve for share-based payments to share capital.
| 193 |
| Table of Contents |
| CANAGOLD RESOURCES LTD. Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements For the Years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 (tabular dollar amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts) |
10. Share Capital (continued)
(b) Issued: (continued)
(iii) In October and November 2020, the Company closed a private placement in two tranches totaling 21 million units at a price of CAD$0.40 per unit for gross proceeds of CAD$8.4 million with each unit comprised of one common share and one-half of one common share purchase warrant; each whole warrant is exercisable to acquire one common share at an exercise price of CAD$0.65 per share for a period of two years. On October 7, 2020, the Company closed the first tranche for 8 million units for gross proceeds of CAD$3.2 million. On November 12, 2020, the Company closed the second tranche for 13 million units for gross proceeds of CAD$5.2 million; the second tranche received interested and disinterested shareholder approvals at the Company’s special general meeting held on October 19, 2020. Finders’ fees included CAD$176,400 in cash and 385,200 warrants with the same terms as the underlying warrants in the private placement. If the closing market price of the common shares is at a price equal to or greater than CAD$1.00 for a period of 10 consecutive trading days on the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”), the Company will have the right to accelerate the expiry date of the warrants by giving written notice to the warrant holders that the warrants will expire on the date that is not less than 30 days from the date notice is provided by the Company to the warrant holders.
In 2020, stock options for 576,000 shares were exercised for proceeds of $138,000 and $98,000 was reallocated from reserve for share-based payments to share capital.
Stock options for 280,000 common shares were cancelled for the exercise of share appreciation rights for 143,303 common shares at a fair value of CAD$0.55 per share.
(c) Stock option plan:
The Company has a stock option plan that allows it to grant stock options to its directors, officers, employees, and consultants to acquire up to 17,311,919. The exercise price of each stock option cannot be lower than the last recorded sale of a board lot on the TSX during the trading day immediately preceding the date of granting or, if there was no such date, the high/low average price for the common shares on the TSX based on the last five trading days before the date of the grant. Stock options have a maximum term of ten years and terminate 30 days following the termination of the optionee’s employment, except in the case of death, in which case they terminate one year after the event. Vesting of stock options is made at the discretion of the board at the time the stock options are granted.
At the discretion of the board, certain stock option grants provide the holder the right to receive the number of common shares, valued at the quoted market price at the time of exercise of the stock options, that represent the share appreciation since granting the stock options.
| 194 |
| Table of Contents |
| CANAGOLD RESOURCES LTD. Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements For the Years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 (tabular dollar amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts) |
10. Share Capital (continued)
(c) Stock option plan: (continued)
The continuity of outstanding stock options for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 is as follows:
|
|
| 2022 |
|
| 2021 |
|
| 2020 |
| |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
| Weighted |
|
|
|
| Weighted |
|
|
|
| Weighted |
| |||||||||
|
|
|
|
| average |
|
|
|
| average |
|
|
|
| average |
| |||||||||
|
|
|
|
| exercise |
|
|
|
| exercise |
|
|
|
| exercise |
| |||||||||
|
|
| Number |
|
| price |
|
| Number |
|
| price |
|
| Number |
|
| price |
| ||||||
|
|
| of Shares |
|
| (CAD$) |
|
| of Shares |
|
| (CAD$) |
|
| of Shares |
|
| (CAD$) |
| ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||
| Outstanding balance, beginning of year |
|
| 6,665,000 |
|
| $ | 0.48 |
|
|
| 3,210,000 |
|
| $ | 0.42 |
|
|
| 3,550,000 |
|
| $ | 0.37 |
|
| Granted |
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| 4,315,000 |
|
| $ | 0.50 |
|
|
| 840,000 |
|
| $ | 0.50 |
|
| Exercised |
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| (650,000 | ) |
| $ | 0.39 |
|
|
| (576,000 | ) |
| $ | 0.31 |
|
| Cancelled |
|
| - |
|
| $ | 0.00 |
|
|
| (210,000 | ) |
| $ | 0.40 |
|
|
| (280,000 | ) |
| $ | 0.30 |
|
| Forfeited |
|
| (4,020,000 | ) |
| $ | 0.46 |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| (140,000 | ) |
| $ | 0.39 |
|
| Expired |
|
| (410,000 | ) |
| $ | 0.50 |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| (184,000 | ) |
| $ | 0.42 |
|
| Outstanding balance, end of year |
|
| 2,235,000 |
|
| $ | 0.49 |
|
|
| 6,665,000 |
|
| $ | 0.48 |
|
|
| 3,210,000 |
|
| $ | 0.42 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Exercise price range |
|
|
|
|
| $0.30 - $0.52 |
|
|
|
|
|
| $0.25 - $0.55 |
|
|
|
|
|
| $0.25 - $0.55 |
| |||
In 2022, the weighted average share price for the stock option exercise is N/A (2021 - CAD$0.54 and 2020 - $0.66)
The following table summarizes information about stock options exercisable and outstanding at December 31, 2022 and 2021:
|
|
|
|
|
| Options Outstanding |
|
|
|
|
|
| Options Exercisable |
|
|
| |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
| Weighted |
|
| Weighted |
|
|
|
| Weighted |
|
| Weighted |
| |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Average |
|
| Average |
|
|
|
|
| Average |
|
| Average |
| |||||||
| Exercise |
|
| Number |
|
| Remaining |
|
| Exercise |
|
| Number |
|
| Remaining |
|
| Exercise |
| |||||||
| Prices |
|
| Outstanding at |
|
| Contractual Life |
|
| Prices |
|
| Exercisable at |
|
| Contractual Life |
|
| Prices |
| |||||||
| (CAD$) |
|
| Dec 31, 2022 |
|
| (Number of Years) |
|
| (CAD$) |
|
| Dec 31, 2022 |
|
| (Number of Years) |
|
| (CAD$) |
| |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||
| $ | 0.40 |
|
|
| 160,000 |
|
|
| 0.49 |
|
| $ | 0.40 |
|
|
| 160,000 |
|
|
| 0.49 |
|
| $ | 0.40 |
|
| $ | 0.52 |
|
|
| 215,000 |
|
|
| 0.53 |
|
| $ | 0.52 |
|
|
| 161,250 |
|
|
| 0.53 |
|
| $ | 0.52 |
|
| $ | 0.30 |
|
|
| 80,000 |
|
|
| 1.49 |
|
| $ | 0.30 |
|
|
| 80,000 |
|
|
| 1.49 |
|
| $ | 0.30 |
|
| $ | 0.50 |
|
|
| 180,000 |
|
|
| 2.49 |
|
| $ | 0.50 |
|
|
| 180,000 |
|
|
| 2.49 |
|
| $ | 0.50 |
|
| $ | 0.50 |
|
|
| 1,100,000 |
|
|
| 3.48 |
|
| $ | 0.50 |
|
|
| 1,100,000 |
|
|
| 3.48 |
|
| $ | 0.50 |
|
| $ | 0.52 |
|
|
| 500,000 |
|
|
| 3.53 |
|
| $ | 0.52 |
|
|
| 375,000 |
|
|
| 3.53 |
|
| $ | 0.52 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 2,235,000 |
|
|
| 2.84 |
|
| $ | 0.49 |
|
|
| 2,056,250 |
|
|
| 2.86 |
|
| $ | 0.49 |
|
| 195 |
| Table of Contents |
| CANAGOLD RESOURCES LTD. Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements For the Years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 (tabular dollar amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts) |
10. Share Capital (continued)
(c) Stock option plan: (continued)
|
|
|
|
|
| Options Outstanding |
|
|
|
|
|
| Options Exercisable |
|
|
| |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
| Weighted |
|
| Weighted |
|
|
|
| Weighted |
|
| Weighted |
| |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Average |
|
| Average |
|
|
|
|
| Average |
|
| Average |
| |||||||
| Exercise |
|
| Number |
|
| Remaining |
|
| Exercise |
|
| Number |
|
| Remaining |
|
| Exercise |
| |||||||
| Prices |
|
| Outstanding at |
|
| Contractual Life |
|
| Prices |
|
| Exercisable at |
|
| Contractual Life |
|
| Prices |
| |||||||
| (CAD$) |
|
| Dec 31, 2021 |
|
| (Number of Years) |
|
| (CAD$) |
|
| Dec 31, 2021 |
|
| (Number of Years) |
|
| (CAD$) |
| |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||
| $ | 0.50 |
|
|
| 410,000 |
|
|
| 0.42 |
|
| $ | 0.50 |
|
|
| 410,000 |
|
|
| 0.42 |
|
| $ | 0.50 |
|
| $ | 0.40 |
|
|
| 520,000 |
|
|
| 1.49 |
|
| $ | 0.40 |
|
|
| 520,000 |
|
|
| 1.49 |
|
| $ | 0.40 |
|
| $ | 0.52 |
|
|
| 215,000 |
|
|
| 1.53 |
|
| $ | 0.52 |
|
|
| 53,750 |
|
|
| 1.53 |
|
| $ | 0.52 |
|
| $ | 0.30 |
|
|
| 100,000 |
|
|
| 1.86 |
|
| $ | 0.30 |
|
|
| 100,000 |
|
|
| 1.86 |
|
| $ | 0.30 |
|
| $ | 0.25 |
|
|
| 100,000 |
|
|
| 1.86 |
|
| $ | 0.25 |
|
|
| 100,000 |
|
|
| 1.86 |
|
| $ | 0.25 |
|
| $ | 0.40 |
|
|
| 60,000 |
|
|
| 2.22 |
|
| $ | 0.40 |
|
|
| 60,000 |
|
|
| 2.22 |
|
| $ | 0.40 |
|
| $ | 0.30 |
|
|
| 400,000 |
|
|
| 2.49 |
|
| $ | 0.30 |
|
|
| 400,000 |
|
|
| 2.49 |
|
| $ | 0.30 |
|
| $ | 0.50 |
|
|
| 680,000 |
|
|
| 3.49 |
|
| $ | 0.50 |
|
|
| 680,000 |
|
|
| 3.49 |
|
| $ | 0.50 |
|
| $ | 0.55 |
|
|
| 80,000 |
|
|
| 3.63 |
|
| $ | 0.55 |
|
|
| 60,000 |
|
|
| 3.63 |
|
| $ | 0.55 |
|
| $ | 0.50 |
|
|
| 3,600,000 |
|
|
| 4.48 |
|
| $ | 0.50 |
|
|
| 1,800,000 |
|
|
| 4.48 |
|
| $ | 0.50 |
|
| $ | 0.52 |
|
|
| 500,000 |
|
|
| 4.53 |
|
| $ | 0.52 |
|
|
| 125,000 |
|
|
| 4.53 |
|
| $ | 0.52 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 6,665,000 |
|
|
| 3.58 |
|
| $ | 0.48 |
|
|
| 4,308,750 |
|
|
| 3.19 |
|
| $ | 0.46 |
|
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company recognized share-based payments of $154,000 (2021 - $974,000 and 2020 - $170,000), net of forfeitures, based on the fair value of stock options that were earned by the provision of services during the period. Share-based payments are segregated between directors and officers, employees and consultants, as applicable, as follows:
|
|
| 2022 |
|
| 2021 |
|
| 2020 |
| |||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
| Directors and officers |
| $ | 159 |
|
| $ | 929 |
|
| $ | 148 |
|
| Employees |
|
| 1 |
|
|
| 12 |
|
|
| 3 |
|
| Consultants |
|
| (6 | ) |
|
| 33 |
|
|
| 19 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| $ | 154 |
|
| $ | 974 |
|
| $ | 170 |
|
| 196 |
| Table of Contents |
| CANAGOLD RESOURCES LTD. Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements For the Years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 (tabular dollar amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts) |
10. Share Capital (continued)
(c) Stock option plan: (continued)
The weighted average fair value of stock options granted and the weighted average assumptions used to calculate share-based payments for stock option grants are estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model as follows:
|
|
| 2022 |
|
| 2021 |
|
| 2020 |
| |||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
| Number of stock options granted |
|
| - |
|
|
| 4,315,000 |
|
|
| 840,000 |
|
| Fair value of stock options granted (CAD$) |
|
| n/a |
|
| $ | 0.38 |
|
| $ | 0.31 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Market price of shares on grant date (CAD$) |
|
| n/a |
|
| $ | 0.49 |
|
| $ | 0.48 |
|
| Pre-vest forfeiture rate |
|
| n/a |
|
|
| 13.04 | % |
|
| 13.27 | % |
| Risk-free interest rate |
|
| n/a |
|
|
| 0.78 | % |
|
| 0.33 | % |
| Expected dividend yield |
|
| n/a |
|
|
| 0 | % |
|
| 0 | % |
| Expected stock price volatility |
|
| n/a |
|
|
| 129 | % |
|
| 94 | % |
| Expected option life in years |
|
| n/a |
|
|
| 3.83 |
|
|
| 3.98 |
|
Expected stock price volatility is based on the historical price volatility of the Company’s common shares. The risk-free interest rate assumption is based on yield curves on Canadian government zero-coupon bonds with a remaining term equal to the stock options’ expected life. The Company uses historical data to estimate option exercise, forfeiture and employee termination within the valuation model. The Company has not paid and does not anticipate paying dividends on its common shares.
In fiscal 2020, the Company granted the following stock options:
|
| · | 760,000 stock options to directors, officers and employees with an exercise price of CAD$0.50 and an expiry date of June 29, 2025, and which are subject to vesting provisions in which 25% of the options vest immediately on the grant date and 25% vest every six months thereafter; and |
|
| · | 80,000 stock options to a director with an exercise price of CAD$0.55 and an expiry date of August 19, 2025, and which are subject to vesting provisions in which 25% of the options vest immediately on the grant date and 25% vest every six months thereafter. |
| 197 |
| Table of Contents |
| CANAGOLD RESOURCES LTD. Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements For the Years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 (tabular dollar amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts) |
10. Share Capital (continued)
(c) Stock option plan: (continued)
In fiscal 2021, the Company granted the following stock options:
|
| · | 3.6 million stock options to directors, officers and employees with an exercise price of CAD$0.50 and an expiry date of June 24, 2026, and which are subject to vesting provisions in which 25% of the options vest immediately on the grant date and 25% vest every six months thereafter; and |
|
|
|
|
|
| · | 715,000 stock options to an officer and a consultant with an exercise price of CAD$0.52 of which 500,000 stock options have an expiry date of July 12, 2026 and 215,000 stock option with an expiry date of July 12, 2023, and which are subject to vesting provisions in which 25% of the options vest immediately on the grant date and 25% vest every six months thereafter. |
(d) Warrants:
At December 31, 2022, the Company had outstanding warrants as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||||||
| Exercise Prices (CAD$) |
|
| Expiry Dates |
| Outstanding at December 31, 2021 |
|
| Issued |
|
| Exercised |
|
| Expired |
|
| Outstanding at December 31, 2022 |
| ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||
| $ | 0.65 |
|
| October 7, 2022 (2) |
|
| 4,000,000 |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| (4,000,000 | ) |
|
| - |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| $ | 0.65 |
|
| November 12, 2022 (2) |
|
| 6,500,000 |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| (6,500,000 | ) |
|
| - |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| $ | 0.65 |
|
| November 12, 2022 (2), (3) |
|
| 385,200 |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| (385,200 | ) |
|
| - |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| $ | 0.75 |
|
| October 28, 2023 (4) |
|
| 638,510 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| 638,510 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 11,523,710 |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| (10,885,200 | ) |
|
| 638,510 |
|
At December 31, 2021, the Company had outstanding warrants as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||||||
| Exercise Prices (CAD$) |
|
| Expiry Dates |
| Outstanding at December 31, 2020 |
|
| Issued |
|
| Exercised |
|
| Expired |
|
| Outstanding at December 31, 2021 |
| ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||
| $ | 0.30 |
|
| July 23, 2021 (1) |
|
| 301,624 |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| (301,624 | ) |
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| $ | 0.65 |
|
| October 7, 2022 (2) |
|
| 4,000,000 |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| 4,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| $ | 0.65 |
|
| November 12, 2022 (2) |
|
| 6,500,000 |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| 6,500,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| $ | 0.65 |
|
| November 12, 2022 (2), (3) |
|
| 385,200 |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| 385,200 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| $ | 0.75 |
|
| October 28, 2023 (4) |
|
| - |
|
|
| 638,510 |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| 638,510 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 11,186,824 |
|
|
| 638,510 |
|
|
| (301,624 | ) |
|
| - |
|
|
| 11,523,710 |
|
| 198 |
| Table of Contents |
| CANAGOLD RESOURCES LTD. Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements For the Years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 (tabular dollar amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts) |
10. Share Capital (continued)
(d) Warrants: (continued)
At December 31, 2020, the Company had outstanding warrants as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||||||
| Exercise Prices (CAD$) |
|
| Expiry Dates |
| Outstanding at December 31, 2019 |
|
| Issued |
|
| Exercised |
|
| Expired |
|
| Outstanding at December 31, 2020 |
| ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||
| $ | 0.30 |
|
| July 23, 2021 (1) |
|
| 301,624 |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| 301,624 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| $ | 0.65 |
|
| October 7, 2022 (2) |
|
| - |
|
|
| 4,000,000 |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| 4,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| $ | 0.65 |
|
| November 12, 2022 (2) |
|
| - |
|
|
| 6,500,000 |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| 6,500,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| $ | 0.65 |
|
| November 12, 2022 (2), (3) |
|
| - |
|
|
| 385,200 |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| 385,200 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 301,624 |
|
|
| 10,885,200 |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| 11,186,824 |
|
|
| (1) | As these warrants are agent’s warrants, a fair value of $33,110 was originally recorded as share issuance expense as applied to share capital with a corresponding credit to reserve for share-based payments calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions: volatility 89%, risk-free rate 1.44%, expected life 2 years, and expected dividend yield 0%. |
|
|
|
|
|
| (2) | If the closing market price of the common shares is at a price equal to or greater than CAD$1.00 for a period of 10 consecutive trading days on the TSX, the Company will have the right to accelerate the expiry date of the warrants by giving written notice to the warrant holders that the warrants will expire on the date that is not less than 30 days from the date notice is provided by the Company to the warrant holders. |
|
|
|
|
|
| (3) | As these warrants are agent’s warrants, a fair value of $126,560 was originally recorded as share issuance expense as applied to share capital with a corresponding credit to reserve for share-based payments calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions: volatility 105%, risk-free rate 0.26%, expected life 2 years, and expected dividend yield 0%. |
|
|
|
|
|
| (4) | As these warrants are agent’s warrants, a fair value of $152,360 was originally recorded as share issuance expense as applied to share capital with a corresponding credit to reserve for share-based payments calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions: volatility 153%, risk-free rate 1%, expected life 2 years, and expected dividend yield 0%. |
In 2022, the weighted average share price for the warrant exercise is CAD$nil (2021 - $0.63 and 2020 - n/a).
| 199 |
| Table of Contents |
| CANAGOLD RESOURCES LTD. Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements For the Years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 (tabular dollar amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts) |
10. Share Capital (continued)
(e) Common shares reserved for issuance:
|
|
| Number of Shares |
| |||||||||
|
|
| December 31, |
| |||||||||
|
|
| 2022 |
|
| 2021 |
|
| 2020 |
| |||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
| Stock options (Note 10(c)) |
|
| 2,235,000 |
|
|
| 6,665,000 |
|
|
| 3,210,000 |
|
| Warrants (Note 10(d)) |
|
| 638,510 |
|
|
| 11,523,710 |
|
|
| 11,186,824 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Balance |
|
| 2,873,510 |
|
|
| 18,188,710 |
|
|
| 14,396,824 |
|
11. Corporate Development and General and Administrative
| 200 |
| Table of Contents |
| CANAGOLD RESOURCES LTD. Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements For the Years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 (tabular dollar amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts) |
12. Related Party Transactions
Key management includes directors (executive and non-executive) and senior management. The compensation paid or payable to key management is disclosed in the table below.
Except as disclosed elsewhere in the consolidated financial statements, the Company had the following general and administrative costs with related parties during the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020:
|
|
| Years ended December 31, |
|
| Net balance receivable (payable) as at December 31, |
| ||||||||||||||
|
|
| 2022 |
|
| 2021 |
|
| 2020 |
|
| 2022 |
|
| 2021 |
| |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
| Key management compensation: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
| Executive salaries and remuneration (1) |
| $ | 647 |
|
| $ | 567 |
|
| $ | 562 |
|
| $ | 106 |
|
| $ | 126 |
|
| Severance |
|
| 191 |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
| Directors fees |
|
| 70 |
|
|
| 26 |
|
|
| 33 |
|
|
| 57 |
|
|
| - |
|
| Share-based payments |
|
| 154 |
|
|
| 929 |
|
|
| 148 |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
|
| $ | 1,062 |
|
| $ | 1,522 |
|
| $ | 743 |
|
| $ | 163 |
|
| $ | 126 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Net office, sundry, rent and salary allocations recovered from (incurred to) company sharing a common director (2) |
| $ | 1 |
|
| $ | 8 |
|
| $ | 5 |
|
| $ | 1 |
|
| $ | 1 |
|
|
| (1) | Includes key management compensation which is included in employee and director remuneration, mineral property interests, and corporate development. |
|
|
|
|
|
| (2) | The company is Aztec Minerals Corp., which shared one common director until July 2022. |
The above transactions are incurred in the normal course of business.
Note 9(d) provides further details regarding a demand loan with a former director and bridge loan from Sun Valley.
| 201 |
| Table of Contents |
| CANAGOLD RESOURCES LTD. Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements For the Years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 (tabular dollar amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts) |
13. Segment Disclosures
The Company has one operating segment, being mineral exploration, with assets located in Canada and the United States, as follows:
|
|
| December 31, 2022 |
|
| December 31, 2021 |
| ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
| Canada |
|
| USA |
|
| Total |
|
| Canada |
|
| USA |
|
| Total |
| ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||
| Mineral property interests |
| $ | 23,708 |
|
| $ | 2,569 |
|
| $ | 26,277 |
|
| $ | 20,341 |
|
| $ | 3,440 |
|
| $ | 23,781 |
|
| Mineral property deposits |
|
| 166 |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| 166 |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
| Equipment |
|
| 374 |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| 374 |
|
|
| 44 |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| 44 |
|
14. Commitments
In February 2017, the Company entered into an office lease arrangement for a term of five years with a commencement date of August 1, 2017 which ended on July 31, 2022.
In January 2022, the Company entered into an office lease arrangement for a term of five years with a commencement date of September 1, 2022. The basic rent per year is CAD$84,700 for years 1 to 2, CAD$87,300 for years 3 to 4, and CAD$89,900 for year 5. As at September 30, 2022, the Company is committed to the following payments for base rent at its corporate head office in Vancouver, BC, as follows:
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| Amount |
| |
|
|
| (CAD$000) |
| |
| Year: |
|
|
| |
| 2023 |
| $ | 85 |
|
| 2024 |
| $ | 86 |
|
| 2025 |
| $ | 87 |
|
| 2026 |
| $ | 88 |
|
| 2027 |
| $ | 60 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| $ | 406 |
|
For the Fondaway Canyon project, the 3% NSR has a buyout provision which is subject to advance royalty payments of $35,000 per year by July 15th of each year until a gross total of $600,000 has been paid at which time the NSR is bought out. A balance of $215,000 remains payable as at December 31, 2022 (Notes 7(b)(i) and 9(b)).
| 202 |
| Table of Contents |
| CANAGOLD RESOURCES LTD. Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements For the Years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 (tabular dollar amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts) |
15. Deferred Income Taxes
(a) A reconciliation of income tax provision computed at Canadian statutory rates to the reported income tax provision is provided as follows:
|
|
| 2022 |
|
| 2021 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
| Net loss for the year |
| $ | (1,306 | ) |
| $ | (1,832 | ) |
| Canadian statutory tax rate |
|
| 27.00 | % |
|
| 27.00 | % |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Income tax benefit computed at statutory rates |
|
| (353 | ) |
|
| (495 | ) |
| Differences between Canadian and foreign tax rates |
|
| - |
|
|
| 2 |
|
| Temporary differences |
|
| 889 |
|
|
| (333 | ) |
| Items not taxable/deductible for income tax purposes |
|
| (155 | ) |
|
| 208 |
|
| Tax losses and tax offsets not recognized |
|
| 52 |
|
|
| (282 | ) |
| Under (over) provided in prior years |
|
| 864 |
|
|
| 900 |
|
| Impact of foreign exchange |
|
| 102 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Deferred income tax expense |
| $ | 1,399 |
|
| $ | - |
|
Effective January 1, 2018, the Canadian federal corporate tax rate is 15% and the British Columbia provincial tax rate is 12% for a total Canadian statutory tax rate of 27%.
(b) The tax effected items that give rise to significant portions of the deferred income tax assets and deferred income tax liabilities at December 31, 2022 and 2021 are presented below:
|
|
| December 31, |
| |||||
|
|
| 2022 |
|
| 2021 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
| Deferred tax assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
| Non-capital losses carried forward |
| $ | 520 |
|
| $ | 719 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Deferred tax liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Book value of marketable securities |
|
|
|
|
|
| - |
|
| Book value over tax value of mineral properties |
|
| (1,919 | ) |
|
| (719 | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Net deferred tax assets |
| $ | (1,399 | ) |
| $ | - |
|
| 203 |
| Table of Contents |
| CANAGOLD RESOURCES LTD. Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements For the Years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 (tabular dollar amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts) |
15. Deferred Income Taxes (continued)
(c) The Company recognizes tax benefits on losses or other deductible amounts where the probable criteria for the recognition of deferred tax assets have been met. The Company’s unrecognized deductible temporary differences and unused tax losses for which no deferred tax asset is recognized consist of the following amounts:
|
|
| December 31, |
| |||||
|
|
| 2022 |
|
| 2021 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
| Non-capital losses |
| $ | 12,048 |
|
| $ | 7,803 |
|
| Marketable securities |
|
| 211 |
|
|
| 115 |
|
| Share issue costs |
|
| 689 |
|
|
| 548 |
|
| Unrealized foreign exchange |
|
| 257 |
|
|
| 163 |
|
| Tax value over book value of mineral properties |
|
| - |
|
|
| 4,480 |
|
| Tax value over book value of equipment |
|
| 1,664 |
|
|
| 1,409 |
|
| Unrecognized deductible temporary differences |
| $ | 14,869 |
|
| $ | 14,518 |
|
As at December 31, 2022, the Company’s unrecognized unused non-capital losses have the following expiry dates:
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
| 2026 |
| $ | 53 |
|
| 2027 |
|
| 227 |
|
| 2028 |
|
| - |
|
| 2029 |
|
| - |
|
| 2030 |
|
| 458 |
|
| 2031 |
|
| 783 |
|
| 2032 |
|
| 840 |
|
| 2033 |
|
| 274 |
|
| 2034 |
|
| 819 |
|
| 2035 |
|
| 1,021 |
|
| 2036 |
|
| - |
|
| 2037 |
|
| 1,897 |
|
| 2038 |
|
| 803 |
|
| 2039 |
|
| 789 |
|
| 2040 |
|
| 799 |
|
| 2041 |
|
| 1,330 |
|
| 2042 |
|
| 1,545 |
|
| No date of expiry |
|
| 929 |
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| $ | 12,567 |
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(d) In addition to corporate income taxes, the Company is also subject to other provincial and federal mining and sales taxes. The $1.1 million receivables amount reported on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position of the Company is comprised of taxes receivable from the Canadian tax authorities (federal GST credits and British Columbia mineral tax credits). Although the Company has been successful in the past with applications for these credits, there is a risk that the tax claims may be denied or reduced by the tax authorities.
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| Table of Contents |
| CANAGOLD RESOURCES LTD. Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements For the Years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 (tabular dollar amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts) |
16. COVID-19
In 2022, the coronavirus global pandemic (“COVID-19”) affected the global economy as well as caused volatility in the global financial markets. The full impact of COVID-19 on the global economy remains uncertain and continued adverse affects of COVID-19 remain a risk. The extent to which COVID-19 may impact the Company’s business will depend on developments such as the geographic spread of the disease, the duration of the outbreak, vaccination rates, travel restrictions and social distancing, business closures or business disruptions, and the effectiveness of actions taken in Canada, the United States and other countries to contain and treat the disease. It is not possible to reliably estimate the length or severity of these developments and their financial impact to the date of approval of these consolidated financial statements.
17. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Subsequent to the year ended December 31, 2022, 460,000 stock options at a weighted average exercise price of CAD$0.47 expired unexercised.
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| CANAGOLD RESOURCES LTD. Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements For the Years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 (tabular dollar amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts) |
| HEAD OFFICE | #1250 – 625 Howe Street Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6C 2T6
Telephone: (604) 685-9700 Facsimile: (604) 685-9744
Website: www.canagoldresources.com |
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| DIRECTORS | Sofia Bianchi Carmen Letton Andrew Trow Kadri Dagdelen Michael Doyle |
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| OFFICERS | Catalin Kilofliski ~ Chief Executive Officer Michael Doyle ~ Chief Technical Officer Garry Biles ~ President and Chief Operating Officer Troy Gill ~ Vice President (Exploration) Knox Henderson – Vice President (Corporate Development) Mihai Draguleasa ~ Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary |
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| REGISTRAR AND TRANSFER AGENT | Computershare Investor Services Inc. 3rd Floor, 510 Burrard Street Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6C 3B9 |
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| AUDITORS | Smythe LLP #1700 – 475 Howe Street Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6C 2B3 |
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| SOLICITORS AND REGISTERED OFFICE | Maxis Law Corporation #910 – 800 West Pender Street Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6C 2V6 |
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| SHARES LISTED | Trading Symbols TSX: CCM OTC-QB: CRCUF DBFrankfurt: CAN |
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EXHIBIT 2-1
DESCRIPTION OF REGISTERED SECURITIES
The Company is authorized to issue an unlimited number of common shares without par value.
All common shares of the Company rank equally as to dividends, voting powers and participation in assets and in all other respects. Each share carries one vote per share at meetings of the shareholders of the Company. There are no indentures or agreements limiting the payment of dividends and there are no conversion rights, special liquidation rights, pre-emptive rights or subscription rights attached to the common shares. The shares presently issued are not subject to any calls or assessments.
EXHIBIT 8-1
LIST OF MATERIAL SUBSIDIARIES
Canagold carries on its business in large part through its subsidiaries. Canagold has a number of direct or indirect wholly or majority owned subsidiaries as follows:
New Polaris Gold Mines Ltd. (“New Polaris”) (formerly Golden Angus Mines Ltd. - name change effective April 21, 1997) is a corporation formed through the amalgamation of 2820684 Canada Inc. (“2820684”), a former wholly‑owned subsidiary of Canagold incorporated under the Canada Business Corporation Act on May 13, 1992, and Suntac Minerals Inc. Canagold owns 100% of the issued and outstanding shares.
AIM U.S. Holdings Corp. is a corporation duly incorporated in the State of Nevada, USA, on March 14, 2017. Canagold owns 100% of its issued and outstanding shares.
American Innovative Minerals, LLC (“AIM”) is a limited liability company existing pursuant to the laws of Nevada, USA, on January 20, 2011. Canagold owns 100% membership interest in AIM.
EXHIBIT 12.1
CERTIFICATIONS
I, Catalin Kilofliski, certify that:
| 1. | I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of Canagold Resources Ltd.; |
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| 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; |
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| 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 Canagold as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; |
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| 4. | Canagold’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 Canagold and have: |
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| 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 Canagold, 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; |
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| 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; |
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| c. | Evaluated the effectiveness of Canagold’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 |
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| d. | Disclosed in this report any change in Canagold’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, Canagold’s internal control over financial reporting; and |
| 5. | Canagold’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to Canagold’s auditors and the audit committee of Canagold’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): |
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| 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 Canagold’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and |
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| b. | Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in Canagold’s internal control over financial reporting. |
DATED at Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, as of April 28, 2023.
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| /s/ Catalin Kilofliski |
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| Catalin Kilofliski, Chief Executive Officer |
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EXHIBIT 12.2
CERTIFICATIONS
I, Mihai Draguleasa, certify that:
| 1. | I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of Canagold Resources Ltd.; |
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| 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; |
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| 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 Canagold as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; |
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| 4. | Canagold’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 Canagold and have: |
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| 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 Canagold, 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; |
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| 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; |
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| c. | Evaluated the effectiveness of Canagold’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 |
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| d. | Disclosed in this report any change in Canagold’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, Canagold’s internal control over financial reporting; and |
| 5. | Canagold’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to Canagold’s auditors and the audit committee of Canagold’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): |
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| 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 Canagold’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and |
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| b. | Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in Canagold’s internal control over financial reporting. |
DATED at Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, as of April 28, 2023.
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| /s/ Mihai Draguleasa |
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| Mihai Draguleasa, Chief Financial Officer |
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EXHIBIT 13.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to
Title 18, United States Code, Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to
Section 906 of The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
I, Catalin Kilofliski, Chief Executive Officer of Canagold Resources Ltd. ("Canagold"), certify, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, that, to the best of my knowledge:
| 1. | The Annual Report on Form 20-F of Canagold Resources Ltd. for the year ended December 31, 2021 (the "Report") fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m(a) or 78o(d)); and |
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| 2. | The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Canagold. |
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| /s/ Catalin Kilofliski |
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| Vancouver, Canada April 28, 2023 | Catalin Kilofliski Chief Executive Officer |
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A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to Canagold and will be retained by Canagold and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.
EXHIBIT 13.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to
Title 18, United States Code, Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to
Section 906 of The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
I, Mihai Draguleasa, Chief Financial Officer of Canagold Resources Ltd. ("Canagold"), certify, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, that, to the best of my knowledge:
| 1. | The Annual Report on Form 20-F of Canagold Resources Ltd. for the year ended December 31, 2022 (the "Report") fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m(a) or 78o(d)); and |
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| 2. | The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Canagold. |
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| by: | /s/ Mihai Draguleasa |
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| Vancouver, Canada April 28, 2023 | Mihai Draguleasa Chief Financial Officer |
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A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to Canagold and will be retained by Canagold and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.