Nevada Canyon Gold Corp 10-K for FY2022
Nevada Canyon Gold Corp. (NGLD)
About this 10-K
Nevada Canyon Gold Corp filed this 10-K on March 27, 2023, covering the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 (FY2022).
Headline figures
Fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, as reported in this filing, compared with the same period a year earlier where the filing states it.
- Net loss
- $1.56M
- compared with a net loss of $692.57K a year earlier
UNITED STATES
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Washington, D.C. 20549
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table of contents
CAUTIONARY NOTE ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
The information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K includes some statements that are not purely historical and that are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and as such, may involve risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, expectations of the business environment in which we operate, perceived opportunities in the market and statements regarding our mission and vision. In addition, any statements that refer to projections, forecasts or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking statements. You can generally identify forward-looking statements as statements containing the words “anticipates,” “believes,” “continue,” “could,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “may,” “might,” “plans,” “possible,” “potential,” “predicts,” “projects,” “seeks,” “should,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions, or the negatives of such terms, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking.
Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained herein are based on various assumptions, many of which are based, in turn, upon further assumptions. Our expectations, beliefs and forward-looking statements are expressed in good faith on the basis of management’s views and assumptions as of the time the statements are made, but there can be no assurance that management’s expectations, beliefs or projections will result or be achieved or accomplished.
In addition to other factors and matters discussed elsewhere herein, the following are important factors that, in our view, could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements: technological advances, impact of competition, dependence on key personnel and the need to attract new management, effectiveness of cost and marketing efforts, acceptances of products, ability to expand markets and the availability of capital or other funding on terms satisfactory to us. We disclaim any obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof.
For a discussion of the risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that could affect our future events, developments or results, you should carefully review the “Risk Factors” set forth under “Item 1. Description of Business”. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the future events, developments or results described by our forward-looking statements herein could turn to be materially different from those we discuss or imply.
PART I
Item 1. Description of Business
Organization
Nevada Canyon Gold Corp., (the “Company”) was originally incorporated on February 27, 2014, in the state of Nevada as Tech Foundry Ventures. On July 8, 2016, the Company changed its name to Nevada Canyon Gold Corp., in order to reflect its current business and strategy.
We are a US-based natural resource company headquartered in Reno, Nevada. The Company has a large, strategic land position and royalties, in multiple projects, within some of Nevada’s highest-grade historical mining districts. Majority of the Company’s projects and royalties (collectively, the “Projects”) are located within the state of Nevada which is rated as one of the best places to explore and mine in the world. The Projects all have excellent year around access, with good infrastructure in proven and active mining districts.
We have never been party to any bankruptcy, receivership or similar proceeding, nor have we undergone any material reclassification, merger, consolidation, purchase or sale of a significant amount of assets not in the ordinary course of business.
Our principal business, executive, and registered statutory office is located at 316 California Avenue, Suite 543, Reno, NV 89509 and our telephone number is (888) 909-5548, fax is (888) 909-1033 and email contact is info@nevadacanyongold.com. Our website address is www.nevadacanyongold.com.
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Business
Nevada Canyon has a three-fold business model: (1) Exploration project accelerator; (2) mineral royalty acquisitions; and (3) precious-metals streaming.
● An exploration project accelerator means finding under-valued or distressed assets, providing initial investment capital for geological and exploration work, then selling the assets to other mining companies for premium returns without large capital expenditures. In this model, Nevada Canyon retains a royalty, recovers its costs, and avoids the high cost of putting mines into production. This can create short term upside value in these assets at very low risk while retaining a long-term royalty at a very low-cost basis. Nevada Canyon’s geological team discovers, interprets, and builds the geological models, then increases the land package through additional land acquisitions. The mineral resources are increased and upgraded, followed by the sale to larger mining companies.
● Nevada Canyon’s second business model is the acquisition of mineral property royalties (net smelter royalties or “NSR’s”). The Company plans to generate revenue from selling mineral properties to mining companies while retaining a long-term royalty for the life of the mine. This business model also includes the purchase of existing royalties from third parties as well as optioned sales of properties that provide ongoing revenue and eventual royalties. Nevada Canyon will stake and/or assemble drill-ready land packages for mining companies to explore and develop, then sell those claims while retaining a royalty. Nevada Canyon will also option exploration properties to mining or exploration companies for staged payments to the Company while retaining a royalty. Lastly, Nevada Canyon will also acquire royalties related to producing or near-term producing properties with close proximity to producing mines.
● The Company’s third business model is a precious-metals streaming company. A precious-metals streaming company provides up-front capital for mine development in exchange for a percentage of the precious metals output at a below-market cost, in some instances up to an 80% discount to market. Nevada Canyon can then sell what it receives from its partners at market prices and retain the difference as profit.
Nevada Canyon has identified numerous gold and silver streaming opportunities and is not tied to the performance of any one producer. Most importantly, streaming companies are instant beneficiaries of rising physical metal prices. For example, the average cash cost per gold equivalent ounce (“GEO”) is $400 for Nevada based on comparable operating streaming Companies. This offers investors cost predictability, direct leverage to increasing precious metals prices and in a high-quality asset base within Nevada. This portion of our business model offers investors commodity price leverage and exploration upside but with a much lower risk profile than a traditional mining company.
Nevada Canyon management (“Management”) has vast contacts within the mining industry and extensive experience in mineral property acquisitions and divestures with over 30 years-experience operating in Nevada. This enables us the unique ability to assemble valuable land packages near producing mines, which can then be sold to the mine operators while retaining a life-of-mine royalty. Nevada Canyon can generate near-term revenue through mineral property sales and generate long-term revenue through life-of-mine royalties. This strategy allows for the bypass of risk and the expense of exploration programs and/ or large production capital costs while keeping our overhead low.
We believe this multi-level business model is a significant improvement on the typical project generator/joint venture model. It allows the Company to maintain a large portfolio of properties and generate significant deal flow. Shareholder value is highly leveraged to the price of gold. As prices increase, we anticipate seeing growth in the value of our properties, the cash flow from our option portfolio, our equity investments in mid-tier/junior companies, and a higher market valuation on our growing royalty portfolio and the blue sky of our exploration programs. We also hope this revenue generating, low overhead type business model will also allow Nevada Canyon the ability to provide a potential dividend distribution to its shareholders.
As of the date of this Annual report on Form 10-K, our mineral property interests are comprised of the Lazy Claims Property, the Loman Property, and the Agai-Pah Property located in Mineral County, Nevada, the Swales Property located in Elko County, Nevada, and the Belshazzar Property located in Quartzburg mining district, Boise County, Idaho. In addition, we acquired a 2% net smelter returns royalty (“NSR”) on the Palmetto Project, located in Esmeralda County, Nevada, and have an option to acquire 100% interest of Target Minerals, Inc’s (“Target”) 1% production royalty on the Olinghouse Project, located in the Olinghouse Mining District, Washoe County, Nevada.
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Lazy Claims Property
On August 2, 2017, we entered into an exploration lease agreement (the “Lazy Claims Agreement”) with Tarsis Resources US Inc. (“Tarsis”), a Nevada corporation, to lease rights to three Lazy claims totaling 60 acres (the “Lazy Claims”). The term of the Lazy Claims Agreement is ten years and is subject to extension for an additional two consecutive 10-year terms. Full consideration of the Lazy Claims Agreement consists of the following: an initial cash payment of $1,000 to Tarsis, which we paid upon the execution of the Lazy Claims Agreement, with $2,000 payable to Tarsis on each subsequent anniversary of the effective date. We agreed to pay Tarsis a 2% production royalty (the “Lazy Claims Royalty”) based on the gross returns from the production and sale of minerals from the Lazy Claims Property. Should the Lazy Claims Royalty payments to Tarsis be in excess of $2,000 per year, we will not be required to pay a $2,000 annual minimum payment. As of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we retain our leasing rights to the Lazy Claims.
Location and means of access
The Lazy Claims consist of three claims (60 acres) and are located within the Walker Lane shear zone, a 60-mile-wide structural corridor extending in a southeast direction from Reno, Nevada. The Project is located in Mineral County, Nevada, with year-round access and established infrastructure, 18 miles southeast of Hawthorne, NV via U.S. Highway 95.
Geology
The US Geological Survey has mapped the area and has published the results as Miscellaneous Field Studies maps, MF 1485 and MF 1486. Mapped units include Paleozoic metasediments, Mesozoic sediments and intrusions, and Cenozoic volcanic rocks and porphyry intrusions. Like most of the Walker Lane, the area has a strong system of N50W- trending, normal and strike-slip faults along with a series of generally NE-trending thrust faults. The area has seen prospecting since the late 1800’s and contains hundreds of prospect pits and adits that explore various styles of base and precious metal mineralization.
The published USGS geologic quadrangle map for the Pamlico mine area, (MF 1485, MF 1486, Oldow, 1985), shows the eastern portion of the Lazy Claims project area underlain by a thick, undivided sequence of folded and faulted Mesozoic and or Paleozoic volcanic and sedimentary rocks. The western portion of the project is underlain by Jurassic- to Triassic-age Sunrise and Gabbs Formations comprising interbedded limestones and calcareous mudstones. Locally, black Tertiary basalt caps the older rocks. The structural fabric is dominated by NW-trending, Walker Lane structures and by an older N70o E fabric, several phases of strongly altered and locally mineralized intrusive rocks as well as zones of jasperoids and strong silicification has been identified.
Mineralization
Previous work on the project has identified the following discrete zones of mineralization: (1) the Lazy Man gold zone which is a structurally-controlled, intrusion-related gold deposit that produced about 1,200 oz Au from NW-trending, high grade zones partially hosted by altered rhyolite dikes, (2) areas of strong vuggy silica alteration in both intrusive porphyritic rocks and volcanic agglomerates particularly in the footwall of the Lazy Man zone, (3) a large area of barite and copper mineralization with intense bleaching east of the gold zone, (4) strong copper showings to the southeast of the gold zone, (5) the Loman antimony mine to the southwest of the gold zone, (6) skarn zones to the west of the gold zone, (7) a large zone of strong IP response to the west of the gold zone, and (8) a pyrrhotite porphyry intrusion west of the gold zone.
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Exploration history
The Lazy Claims cover several past-producing small-scale high-grade mines, altered and mineralized zones discovered by geological compilations and mapping of the historical workings, discovered by the previous exploration on the Project. The previous sampling on the project has revealed the presence of copper, bismuth, and antimony as well as pervasive lower grade gold mineralization, cut by vein structures (some previously mined) of higher grade gold. Previous induced polarization surveys also denoted the presence of significant coincident I.P. anomalies. Below is a summary of previous exploration of identified mineralized areas within the properties.
Lazy Man Mine
The main structure that the mine workings explore has an N35oW trend and dips about 60o to the southwest. The vein was discovered in 1933 by a local prospector. The mine is credited with historic production of about 1,200 ounces of gold from 2,800 feet (853 m) of underground workings. The three main shafts explore about 1,000 feet (304 m) of strike length on the vein, and the shafts extend to a maximum depth of 300 feet (91 m). The workings have been mapped and sampled in some detail by Congdon and Carey in 1974, and many multi-ounce gold values are noted in the remaining vein material. One 4.9 foot-long (1.5 m) sample from a cross cut on the 300 level contained 2.2 oz Au/ton (68.4g/t). The high-grade veins occur within a broader zone of intense quartz-sericite alteration, which has previously been mapped as rhyolite. Most of the mine dumps are composed of this “rhyolite”, and Congdon and Carey measured approximately 8,000 tons of this material containing from 0.09 to 0.21 oz Au/ton (3.07 to 7.1 g/t Au). Gold occurs in iron oxide-filled fractures along with druzy quartz veinlets, and there is occasionally visible gold. Detailed mapping around the old workings of the Lazy Man mine has delineated a zone of intense acid-leaching in intrusive porphyritic rocks and volcanic agglomerates primarily in the footwall of the vein. The rock now has a porous and vuggy appearance; this style of alteration is interpreted to be “Vuggy Silica” alteration that is typical of the upper levels of high-sulfidation ore deposits. Surrounding the vuggy silica zone is a zone of strong argillic alteration. Recent work has discovered previously unrecognized mineralized zones east of and parallel to the Lazy Man vein that contain silicified, brecciated outcrops assaying 2.26 g/t Au and 8,150 ppm As. These zones have been traced for over 1,200 feet (365 m) and are up to 60 feet (18 m) wide.
Exploration program
In 2020 we completed a portion of the Phase I exploration program on the Lazy Claims Property, which consisted of reconnaissance prospecting, geological mapping, surface trenching, and relocating historical workings. Completion of the Phase I program was initially scheduled for spring of 2021, however, due to the continued restrictions associated with COVID-19 pandemic, the phase was put on hold. The Company intends to resume Phase I later in 2023. Phase I program will provide accurate modern data to assist in the planning of the Phase II drill program.
Loman Property
In December 2019 we acquired 27 unpatented mining claims for a total of $10,395 (the “Loman Property”). Due to certain regulatory restrictions associated with COVID-19 pandemic, the Company was required to delay the re-registration of the Loman Property claims into the Company’s name. The Loman claims were transferred and re-registered into the Company’s name in the fourth quarter of the fiscal 2021.
Location and means of access
The Loman Property is located in Mineral County, Nevada, within the Walker Lane shear zone, a 60-mile-wide structural corridor extending in a southeast direction from Reno, Nevada, located 20 miles southeast of Hawthorne, Nevada, along U.S. Highway 95. The project has excellent year-round access and infrastructure within Mineral County, one of the most pro-mining counties and highest-grade gold districts of Nevada.
The Loman Property consists of 27 unpatented mining claims having a combined area of approximately 540 acres. The Loman Property covers several past producing small-scale high-grade gold and copper mines, altered and mineralized zones discovered by previous geological compilations and mapping of the historical workings. Historical sampling on the project has revealed the presence of copper, bismuth, and antimony as well as pervasive lower grade gold mineralization, cut by vein structures (some previously mined) of higher-grade gold. Previous geophysical surveys also denoted the presence of significant coincident I.P. and magnetic anomalies. These factors clearly demonstrate the potential of this relatively unexplored project for the discovery of gold mineralization.
The Loman Property is located near several past producing mines including the Bodie, Aurora, Borealis, Pamlico, Evening Star, Mabel, Mindoro and Camp Douglas Mines. Held by private interests for most of its history, the Loman Property remains very underexplored with a potential for new discoveries on several exploration targets with multiple zones.
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Exploration program
In 2020 we completed a portion of our Phase I program that consisted of reconnaissance prospecting, geological mapping, surface trenching, relocating historical workings and ground based geophysical surveying. Completion of the Phase I program will provide accurate modern data to assist in the planning of the Phase II drill program. Phase I was initially expected continue in the spring 2021, with Phase II to begin shortly after the compilation of the Phase I results. Due to the restrictions associated with COVID-19 pandemic, Phase I was put on hold and the Company plans to resume it later in 2023.
Agai-Pah Property
On May 19, 2021, we entered into an exploration lease with option to purchase agreement (the “Agai-Pah Property Agreement”) with MSM Resource, L.L.C., (“MSM”) a Nevada limited liability Corporation on the Agai-Pah Property, consisting of 20 unpatented mining claims totaling 400 acres (the “Agai-Pah Property”). Alan Day, the managing member of MSM, is a director of the Company and a related party.
The term of the Agai-Pah Property Agreement commenced on May 19, 2021, and continues for ten years, subject to the Company’s right to extend the Agai-Pah Property Agreement for two additional terms of ten years each, and subject to the Company’s option to purchase the Property.
Full consideration of the Agai-Pah Property Agreement consists of the following: (i) an initial cash payment of $20,000 to be paid within 90 days from the execution of the Agai-Pah Property Agreement on May 19, 2021 (the “Effective Date”), and (ii) annual payments of $20,000 to be paid on the anniversary of the Effective Date while the Agai-Pah Property Agreement remains in effect.
The Company has the exclusive option and right to acquire 100% ownership of the Agai-Pah Property (the “Agai-Pah Purchase Option”). To exercise the Agai-Pah Purchase Option, the Company will be required to pay $750,000 (the “Agai-Pah Purchase Price”). The Agai-Pah Purchase Price can be paid in either cash and/or equity of the Company, or a combination thereof, at the election of MSM. The annual payments paid by the Company to MSM, shall not be applied or credited against the Purchase Price. The Company made the initial cash payment of $20,000 on November 6, 2021, pursuant to a verbal extension granted to the Company by MSM, and made the first $20,000 anniversary payment on June 20, 2022.
Location and means of access
The Agai-Pah Property consists of 20 unpatented mining claims with a combined area of 162 hectares (400 acres). The Property is located in the northwestern portion of the Gillis Range, within the Buckley Mining District, in Mineral County, Nevada, 13 miles north-east of the town of Hawthorne, and 22 miles SW of the Rawhide Mine. The Property is within the Walker Lane shear zone, a 60-mile-wide structural corridor extending in a southeast direction from Reno, Nevada. The project has excellent year-round access and infrastructure within Mineral County, Nevada.
Geology and Mineralization
The property is underlain by meta-volcanic rocks of the Permo-Triassic Excelsior Formation. The local stratigraphy consists of interbedded volcanics, conglomerate and occasional limestone lenses that have been altered through metamorphisim to hornfelsic greenstones and localized calcsilicate and marble skarns. The area is cross-cut by a large northwest to southeast structural trend, with the mineralization occurring along this trend and along skarn contacts.
Mineralization occurs as hydrothermal alteration and veining along structures and along contacts with carbonate rocks. Silver, lead, copper and gold are found within clay altered shears, quartz veins and hornfeslic scarns. In the west central portion of the property, a quartz vein is exposed within a small open pit which exhibits visible chlorargyrite (AgCl) with assay values to 1.76% silver.
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Exploration history
The Agai-Pah property contains numerous historical workings consisting of underground workings with multi-level vertical shafts, several adits at different sub-levels, declines and a number of prospects pits that dig along structures. An existing road network provide access to the numerous historical workings. Historical sampling on the project has revealed the presence of silver, copper, gold, lead, zinc, barium and barite. There have been at least two periods of mining on the property, with the first in the early 1900’s, and then later in the late 1980’s. The early 1900’s, work consisted of excavation of at least 15 adits, 5 vertical shafts, declines and numerous prospects pits that dig along structures.
The second episode of mining took place in the late 1980s when a small pit was excavated, and ore material was mined and transported approximately 2 miles to the west to a small heap leach. During this time about two kilometers of roads were built, several large trenches were completed, and a number of shallow drill holes (12+) were drilled. All the drill holes noted during this historical work were vertical and most were drilled in the hanging wall of the ore-bearing structures. An extensive sampling program was undertaken in early 1988, evidenced by aluminum sample tags widely spaced in the areas of alteration. No historical data has been found from any of this historical exploration work.
Exploration program
Due to the restrictions associated with COVID-19 pandemic, the Company has yet to start any exploration activities on the Agai-Pah Property. The Company plans to start with Phase I exploration program later in 2023. Phase I of the exploration program on the Agai-Pah Property, will consist of reconnaissance prospecting, geological mapping, surface trenching, and relocating historical workings. Once completed, the Phase I program will provide accurate modern data to assist in the planning of the Phase II exploration program. Phase II will consist of a ground-based geophysical survey and final compilation of all the Phase I results.
Belshazzar Property
On June 4, 2021, we entered into an exploration lease with option to purchase agreement (the “Belshazzar Property Agreement”) with Belshazzar Holdings, L.L.C., (“BH”) a Nevada limited liability Corporation on the Belshazzar Property, consisting of ten unpatented lode mining claims and seven unpatented placer mineral claim totaling 200 acres (the “Belshazzar Property”). Alan Day, the managing member of BH, is a director of the Company and a related party.
The term of the Belshazzar Property Agreement commenced on June 4, 2021, and continues for ten years, subject to the Company’s right to extend the Belshazzar Property Agreement for two additional terms of ten years each, and subject to the Company’s option to purchase the Belshazzar Property.
Full consideration of the Belshazzar Property Agreement consists of the following: (i) an initial cash payment of $20,000 to be paid within 90 days from the execution of the Belshazzar Property Agreement on June 4, 2021 (the “effective date”), and (ii) annual payments of $20,000 to be paid on the anniversary of the Effective Date while the Belshazzar Property Agreement remains in effect.
The Company has the exclusive option and right to acquire 100% ownership of the Belshazzar Property (the “Belshazzar Purchase Option”). To exercise the Belshazzar Purchase Option, the Company will be required to pay $800,000 (the “Belshazzar Purchase Price”). The Belshazzar Purchase Price can be paid in either cash and/or equity of the Company, or a combination thereof, at the election of BH. The annual payments paid by the Company to BH, shall not be applied or credited against the Belshazzar Purchase Price. The Belshazzar Property is subject to a 1% Gross Returns Royalty payable to the property owner, from the commencement of commercial production subject to certain terms. The Company made the initial cash payment of $20,000 on November 6, 2021, pursuant to a verbal extension granted to the Company by BH, and made the first $20,000 anniversary payment on June 20, 2022.
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Location and means of access
The Belshazzar Property consists of 10 unpatented mineral claims and 7 placer mineral claims in a combined area of approximately 200 acres situated along the upper reaches of Fall Creek within the Quartzburg mining district. The Belshazzar Property is accessed via 16 miles of mostly gravel road from Idaho City, with year-round access. The Quartzburg district is in the western part of a larger mining region known as the Boise Basin, which produced over 2.8 million troy ounces of gold from placer and lode mines (Anderson, 1947).
Geology and Mineralization
The Boise Basin is underlain by Cretaceous-age plutonic rocks of the Idaho Batholith, consisting chiefly of biotite granodiorite and muscovite-biotite granite. Stocks of platonic rocks of Eocene age, including diorite, quartz monzodiorite, hornblende-biotite granodiorite, gabbro and biotite granite have intruded into the Idaho Batholith.
The Belshazzar and Mountain Chief mines are situated at opposite ends of a northeast-striking, mineralized shear zone in Cretaceous biotite granodiorite of the Idaho Batholith. Three roughly parallel fissure veins have been identified within this shear zone, with the Belshazzar being the central and most prominent. The Centennial vein lies 680 feet to the south and has received only a limited amount of underground development work from the Belshazzar mine. A third vein is located approximately 600 feet to the north of the Belshazzar vein and has seen only limited prospecting from the surface.
Exploration history
The Belshazzar Property hosts the past producing Belshazzar mine. Approximately 3,000 feet of underground workings consisting of several adits at different levels, sub-levels with connecting vertical shafts and milling facilities. By 1914, the Belshazzar mine had its own boarding house, bunk house, barn, assay office, blacksmith shops, sawmill and IO-stamp mill. Construction of a new mill was completed in 1924. A 1,700-foot-long aerial tramway connected ore bins at the No. 2 portal with the mill on Fall Creek (Quinn, 1914) remains of a tram terminal can still be seen at the No. 2 portal and at the site of the original mill (Dan Turmes, Idaho Dept. of Environmental Quality, 2008) The last known production from the Belshazzar mine was reported in 1941 (Mitchell, 2008). Exact production figures for the mine are not available.
As early as 1914, “high grade specimen rock” was being reported from the Belshazzar mine (Quinn 1914), this material was found in the drift on the No. 3 level. A reported (Campbell,1927) “nugget” which yielded $245 in gold, equivalent at the time to almost 12 ounces. During 1928, it was noted that “some remark ably rich segregations of native gold” had been found in a section of the vein between the 401 and No. 3 levels. Several hand-sorted lots of this material contained between 48 and 435 ounces of gold, and one single specimen of pure metal reportedly weighed 105 ounces (Mitchell, 2008). Some of the ore was so rich that it was shipped directly to the assay office in Boise without treatment. Most of the specimen gold found at the Belshazzar was probably melted down, as few specimens are known to have survived from the active mining period ending in 1931.
In recent years, a “ waste” rock dump located near the portal of the mine’s 401-foot level has, with the aid of modern metal detectors, produced hundreds of wire gold specimens, ranging from microscopic in size to over 20 troy ounces. Total recent gold specimen production to-date is unknown but is probably well in excess of 800 ounces of gold
Exploration program
Due to the restrictions associated with COVID-19 pandemic, the Company has yet to start any exploration activities on the Belshazzar Property. The Company plans to start with Phase I exploration program later in 2023. Phase I of the exploration program on the Belshazzar Property, will consist of reconnaissance prospecting, geological mapping, surface trenching, and relocating historical workings. Once completed, the Phase I program will provide accurate modern data to assist in the planning of the Phase II exploration program. Phase II will consist of a ground-based geophysical survey and final compilation of all the Phase I results.
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Swales Property
On December 27, 2021, we entered into an exploration lease with option to purchase agreement (the “Swales Property Agreement”) with Mr. W. Wright Parks III., (“Mr. Parks”) on the Swales Property, consisting of 40 unpatented lode mining claims totaling 800 acres (the “Swales Property”).
The term of the Agreement commenced on December 27, 2021, and continues for ten years, subject to the Company’s right to extend the Swales Property Agreement for two additional terms of ten years each, and subject to the Company’s option to purchase the Swales Property.
Full consideration of the Swales Property Agreement consists of the following: (i) an initial cash payment of $20,000 to be paid within 90 days from the execution of the Belshazzar Agreement on December 27, 2021 (the “effective date”), and (ii) annual payments of $20,000 to be paid on the anniversary of the Effective Date while the Swales Property Agreement remains in effect.
The Company has the exclusive option and right to acquire 100% ownership of the Swales Property (the “Swales Purchase Option”). To exercise the Swales Purchase Option, the Company will be required to pay $750,000 (the “Swales Purchase Price”). The Swales Purchase Price can be paid in either cash and/or equity of the Company, or a combination thereof, at the election of Mr. Parks. The annual payments paid by the Company to Mr. Parks, shall not be applied or credited against the Swales Purchase Price. The Company made the initial cash payment of $20,000 on January 15, 2022, and accrued $20,000 which were payable on the first anniversary of the Swales Property Agreement. The Company made the first anniversary payment on March 14, 2023.
Location and means of access
The Swales Property consists of 40 unpatented mining claims with a combined area of 800 acres. The Swales Property is located within the Carlin Trend, one of the richest mining districts in the world, and home to some of the largest gold mines in the US. The property is approximately 13 miles northeast of Nevada Gold Mine’s Gold Quarry Mine and 16 miles east southeast of Nevada Gold Mine’s Goldstrike Mine, all of which are located along the gold rich Carlin Trend. There are currently eight producing gold mines within the Carlin Trend. Collectively, these mines have to date produced over 100 million ounces of gold (Nevada Bureau of Mines 2019) and still contain more than 21 million ounces of gold reserves (Nevada Gold Mines, LLC Carlin Complex 2020). The Swales Property has excellent year-round access and infrastructure within Elko County, one of the most pro-mining counties in the pro-mining states and highest-grade gold districts of Nevada.
Geology and Mineralization
Geologically, the Swales Property is underlain by Upper plate Ordovician Vinini Formation (upper plate of the Roberts Mountains thrust) with windows of Lower plate Mississippian to Silurian Roberts Mountains Formation limestone (Lower plate of Roberts Mountains thrust), the ideal host rocks for a Carlin type gold deposit. These rocks have been intruded by Tertiary rocks identified as Monzonite porphyry to the west of the property with many prospects and historic mining. Much of the property is covered by alluvium, but silicified, iron stained jasperoids are found throughout the property where outcrops are exposed. Small gold anomalies occur in the upper plate rocks at Swales Mountain which suggests the possibility of more extensive deposits in the Roberts Mountains Formation where it lies concealed by gravels or in the broken rock within the Roberts Mountains thrust.
Exploration history
The Swales Property contains numerous historical workings consisting of prospects pits that dig along structures found throughout the property where outcrops are exposed. The Swales Property is located within the Carlin Trend, one of the richest mining districts in the world, and home to some of the largest gold mines in the USA. There are currently eight producing gold mines within the Carlin Trend. Collectively, these mines have to date produced over 100 million ounces of gold (Nevada Bureau of Mines 2019) and still contain more than 21 million ounces of gold reserves. (Nevada Gold Mines, LLC Carlin Complex 2020) The Swales Property has excellent year-round access and infrastructure within Elko County, one of the most pro-mining counties in the pro-mining states and highest-grade gold districts of Nevada.
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Exploration program
Due to the restrictions associated with COVID-19 pandemic, the Company has yet to start any exploration activities on the Swales Property. The Company plans to start with Phase I exploration program later in 2023. Phase I of the exploration program on the Swales Property, will consist of reconnaissance prospecting, geological mapping, surface trenching, and relocating historical workings. Once completed, the Phase I program will provide accurate modern data to assist in the planning of the Phase II exploration program. Phase II will consist of a ground-based geophysical survey and final compilation of all the Phase I results.
Olinghouse Project
On December 17, 2021, our wholly-owned subsidiary, Nevada Canyon, LLC, entered into an Option to Purchase Agreement (the “Olinghouse Agreement”) with Target Minerals, Inc (“Target”), to acquire 100% interest of Target’s 1% production royalty on the Olinghouse Project.
The Company has the exclusive right and option (the “Olinghouse Purchase Option”), exercisable at any time during the Olinghouse Option Period, as further defined below, at its sole discretion, to acquire 100% of a 1% production royalty from the net smelter returns on all minerals and products produced from certain properties comprising the Olinghouse Project.
The term of the Olinghouse Purchase Option shall be the later of one year, or 60 days after the date on which the Company delivers to Target a written notice to exercise the Olinghouse Purchase Option, subject to further extension if Target’s conditions to closing are not fully satisfied or otherwise waived by the Company. Full consideration of the Olinghouse Agreement consists of the following: (i) an initial cash option payment of $200,000 payable upon execution of the Agreement, which the Company paid on December 18, 2021, and (ii) purchase price (the “Olinghouse Purchase Price”) which shall be paid by the Company to Target in either cash or common shares of the Company, the determination of which shall be as follows:
| ● | if the Company’s 10-day volume weighted average price (“VWAP”) Calculation is less than $1.25 per share, the Olinghouse Purchase Price shall be paid in cash; or | |
| ● | if the Company’s 10-day VWAP Calculation is more than $1.25 per share, the Olinghouse Purchase Price shall be paid in the form of 2,000,000 Shares of the Company’s common stock. |
On December 23, 2022, the Company and Target agreed to extend the Olinghouse Purchase Option for an additional one-year term, expiring on December 17, 2023, for a one-time cash payment of $40,000.
Location and means of access
The Olinghouse Project is located approximately 30 miles east of Reno, Nevada in the Olinghouse mining district. The project has excellent year-round access via state roads with existing infrastructures in place.
Exploration history
The Olinghouse property was operated by Alta Gold in the late 1990’s and had a Feasibility Study completed in 1997. The mine went into production in 1999, however, due to historically low gold prices combined with a substantial debt load, Alta Gold went bankrupt shortly thereafter, in late 2000.
| Classification | Ton (000’s) | Au/ton oz | Au oz | |||||||
| Indicated 0.010 Au/ton cut-off | 18,244 | 0.0381 | 695,128 | |||||||
| Total Au oz | 695,128 | |||||||||
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The historic geologic resource as outlined in the above table is from the 1997 Alta Gold Feasibility Study based on over 600 drill holes collared at 100 ft centers. The historic geologic resource contained 18,244,830 tons (695,128 ounces) of gold at an average grade of 0.0381 oz/ton gold at an 0.01 oz/ton cut-off. The Olinghouse Project has had no modern exploration since the Alta Gold bankruptcy in 2000. The historical mineralized resource is open at depth and along strike, with excellent potential to increase the historical mineralized resources.
Nevada Canyon considers this historical estimate to be reliable and relevant, however it is not treating this historic estimate as current compliant mineral resources.
The Olinghouse Project’s current owner is Lake Mountain Mining LLC (“LMM”), a private Nevada company. LMM is currently reviewing its financing plans for additional exploration, required permitting, economic studies and various capital expenditures towards a production re-start decision in the near future.
Palmetto Project
On January 27, 2022, the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Nevada Canyon, LLC, entered into a Royalty Purchase Agreement (the “Royalty Agreement”) with Smooth Rock Ventures, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Smooth Rock Ventures Corp. (“Smooth Rock”), to acquire a 2% net smelter returns royalty (“NSR”) on the Palmetto Project (the “Palmetto Project”), located in Esmeralda County, Nevada. Alan Day, the Company’s director, is also a director and CEO of Smooth Rock.
To acquire the 2% NSR on the Palmetto Project, Nevada Canyon agreed to pay Smooth Rock a one-time cash payment of $350,000, which was paid on February 7, 2022.
Location and means of access
The Palmetto Project, consists of 116 unpatented mining claims totaling 2,217 acres located in Esmeralda County, Nevada, within the southern portion of the Walker Lane gold trend.
Exploration history
The Palmetto Project’s owner, Smooth Rock Ventures Corp (“Smooth Rock”), engaged WSP Canada Inc. to complete a current resource estimation of the Palmetto Project (Palmetto Resource Estimation and Technical Report, McCracken, October 20, 2020) using drill data up to October 2017 and applying certain economic constraints. The current mineral resource statement was updated by WSP to reflect a change in gold pricing and an adjustment in the mining costs in the generation of the constraining pit shells.
The table below summarizes the pit constrained resource estimation at the 0.15 g/t gold cut-off and remaining underground resource estimation at the 2.0 g/t gold cut-off.
| Classification | Tonnes (000’s) | Au g/t | Ag g/t | Au oz. | Ag oz. | |||||||||||||||
| Inferred (Pit) | 9,397 | 0.93 | 6.38 | 281,581 | 1,926,652 | |||||||||||||||
| Inferred (U/G) | 170 | 2.76 | 17.51 | 11,114 | 95,926 | |||||||||||||||
| Total inferred | 9,567 | 0.96 | 6.58 | 296,695 | 2,022,578 | |||||||||||||||
The above mineral resource estimation was completed using NI 43-101 standards of practice and classified as an inferred resource.
The Palmetto Project has had significant exploration work completed to date by Newmont Gold, Phelps Dodge Corp, Cambior Inc., Romarco Minerals, Curran Corp., Amselco Minerals, Escape Gold Group Inc., and most recently by ML Gold Corp. To date, 173 drill holes totaling 43,940 meters have been completed on several targets within the Palmetto Project. The initial “Discovery Hole” was drilled by Phelps Dodge in 1988, and bonanza gold-silver veins were subsequently drilled by Romarco Minerals in 1997-2002.
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There are several additional mineralized zones hosting significant grades within close proximity to the inferred resource zones. These zones have yet to be included in the resource estimate due to drilling density. Smooth Rock sees these areas having immediate potential to significantly increase the overall resource on the Palmetto Project by increasing the drilling density between mineralized shells. Evidence suggests that there is significant potential to expand the resource in multiple directions.
Exploration program
On February 22, 2021, Smooth Rock commenced an initial four-hole diamond drill program. The program was designed to expand the current resource by drilling the mineralized zones laterally and at depth, to extend the present known mineralization. Drilling also targeted the high-grade feeder chutes contained in deformation corridors, paralleling the main structural trends, and explored other areas of the Palmetto project outside of the inferred resource area.
Highlights included drill hole SRV 21-01 returning 31.4 g/t Au over 6.5 meters, including 44.3g/t Au over 0.8 meters, and 122.5 g/t Au over 1.1 meters from a depth of approximately 85 meters. Drill hole SRV 21-02 returned 1.73 g/t Au over 2.8 meters, at a depth starting at 102.4 meters.
The 2021 drill results align with Smooth Rock’s interpreted geological model, based on the compilation of all historical data from previous drilling and exploration programs. The information from the compilation and interpretation of the 2021 drill program greatly aided in acceleration of drilling, geological mapping and understanding of the gold mineralization at the Palmetto Project.
In May 2022, Smooth Rock began a drill program, which was designed to expand the current resource by extending the known mineralized zones laterally and at depth. Drilling targeted the high-grade feeder chutes and explored other areas of the project outside of the inferred resource area. The drill program was hampered by drill rig breakdowns, extensive technical drilling issues with ground water, loose broken ground, and the inability of the drill crew to successfully mud any of the holes in order to reach the drill holes’ targeted depths. A total of seven holes were drilled, with none of the seven holes achieving their targeted depths, two of the seven holes drilled were abandoned before hitting bedrock. Consequently, the Smooth Rock ended the drill program early with only a total drilled footage of 2,095 feet (638.5m) of a planned 5,000-7,500-foot drill program.
Highlight of the 2022 drill program included the drill hole SRV 22-09, which returned 10.98 g/t Au over 9.2 meters, from a depth of 88.4 meters, including 18.87 g/t Au over 4.6 meters, from a depth of 89.9 meters. This drill hole was drilled over 32 meters west northwest of drill hole SRV 21-01, demonstrating the continuity and flat lying nature of the gold mineralization.
Smooth Rock is planning a follow up drill program in early 2023, subject to drill contractor availability.
Competition
The mineral exploration business is an extremely competitive industry. We are competing with many other exploration companies looking for minerals. We are one of the smallest exploration companies and a very small participant in the mineral exploration business. Being a junior mineral exploration company, we compete with other similar companies for financing and joint venture partners, and for resources such as professional geologists, camp staff, helicopters, and mineral exploration contractors and supplies. We do not represent a competitive presence in the industry.
Raw Materials
The raw materials for our exploration programs include camp equipment, hand exploration tools, sample bags, first aid supplies, groceries, and propane. All of these types of materials are readily available from a variety of local suppliers.
Dependence on Customers
As a junior exploration company, we have no customers.
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Trademarks and Patents
We have no intellectual property such as patents or trademarks and, other than the obligations under the exploration lease agreement with Tarsis Resources US Inc. and the Royalty Agreement with Smooth Rock, no royalty agreements or labor contracts.
Need for Any Government Approval of Principal Products or Services
Our exploration activities on our exploration projects may require permits from the BLM and several other governmental agencies. We may be unable to obtain these permits in a timely manner, on reasonable terms, or at all. If we cannot obtain or maintain the necessary permits, or if there is a delay in receiving these permits, our timetable and business plan for exploration of our exploration claims will be adversely affected. Furthermore, the mining business is subject to various levels of government controls and regulations, which are supplemented and revised from time to time. We cannot predict what additional legislation or revisions might be proposed that could affect our business or when any proposals, if enacted, might become effective. Such changes, however, could require more operating capital and expenditures and could prevent or delay some of our operations.
The various levels of government controls and regulations address, among other things, the environmental impact of mining and mineral processing operations. For mining and processing, legislation and regulations in various jurisdictions establish performance standards, air and water quality emission standards and other design or operational requirements for various components of operations, including health and safety standards. Legislation and regulations also establish requirements for decommissioning, reclaiming and rehabilitating mining properties following the cessation of operations, and may require that some former mining properties be managed for long periods of time. As we are not mining or processing, and are unlikely to do so for some years, we have not investigated these regulations.
None of the exploration work that we have completed to date requires an environmental permit, however, we must ensure timely repair of any damage done to the land during exploration.
We believe that we are in substantial compliance with all material government controls and regulations on the Lazy Claims Property and on the Loman Property.
Research and Development
We have not spent any money on research and development activities.
Employees
At the present time, we do not have any employees other than our sole officer who devotes his time as needed to our business and expects to continue devoting approximately 10 hours per week in 2023.
Legal Proceedings
We are not involved in any legal proceedings nor are we aware of any pending or threatened litigation against us. Neither our sole officer nor our directors are party to any legal proceeding or litigation. None of our directors or our sole officer has been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor relating to securities or performance in corporate office.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
We are subject to those financial risks generally associated with early-stage enterprises. Since we have sustained losses since inception, we will require financing to fund our development activities and to support our operations and will independently seek additional financing. However, we may be unable to obtain such financing. We are also subject to risk factors specific to our business strategy and the mining and exploration industry.
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RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH OUR COMPANY AND INDUSTRY
The following are certain risk factors that could affect our business, financial position, results of operations or cash flows. These risk factors should be considered along with the forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K because these factors could cause our actual results or financial condition to differ materially from those projected in forward-looking statements. The following discussion is not an all-inclusive listing of risks, although we believe these are the more material risks that we face. If any of the following occur, our business, financial position, results of operations or cash flows could be negatively affected. We caution the reader to keep these risk factors in mind and refrain from attributing undue certainty to any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this Annual Report.
We own passive interests in mining properties, and it is difficult if not impossible for us to ensure properties are developed or operated in our best interest
Aside from properties controlled within our exploration project accelerator, we are not and will not be directly involved in the exploration, development and production of minerals from, or the continued operation of, the mineral projects underlying royalties, streams and similar interests that are or may be held by us. The exploration, development and operation of such properties is determined and carried out by third party owners and operators and any revenue that may be derived from our asset portfolio will be based on any production by such owners and operators. Third party owners and operators will generally have the power to determine the manner in which the properties are exploited, including decisions regarding feasibility, exploration and development of such properties or decisions to commence, continue or reduce, or suspend or discontinue production from a property.
The interests of third-party owners and operators and our interests may not always be aligned. As an example, it will usually be in our interest to advance development and production on properties as rapidly as possible, in order to maximize near-term cash flow, while third party owners and operators may take a more cautious approach to development, as they are exposed to risk on the cost of exploration, development and operations. Likewise, it may be in the interest of owners and operators to invest in the development of, and emphasize production from, projects or areas of a project that are not subject to royalties, streams or similar interests that are or may be held by us.
Our inability to control or influence the exploration, development or operations for the properties in which we hold or may hold royalties, streams and similar interests may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, the owners or operators may take action contrary to our policies or objectives; be unable or unwilling to fulfill their obligations under their agreements with us; or experience financial, operational or other difficulties, including insolvency, which could limit the owner or operator’s ability to advance such properties or perform its obligations under arrangements with us.
We may not be entitled to any compensation if the properties in which we hold or may hold royalties, streams and similar interests discontinue exploration, development or operations on a temporary or permanent basis.
The owners or operators of the projects in which we hold interests may, from time to time, announce transactions, including the sale or transfer of the projects or of the operator itself, over which we have little or no control. If such transactions are completed, it may result in a new operator, which may or may not explore, develop or operate the project in a similar manner to the current operator, which may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. The effect of any such transaction on us may be difficult or impossible to predict.
None of our royalty and other interests are on currently producing properties and these and any future royalty, streaming or similar interests we acquire, particularly on development stage properties, are subject to the risk that they may never achieve production.
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None of the properties underlying our royalty and other interests are in production nor do they have established mineral reserves. These and any future royalty, streaming or similar interests we acquire may not achieve production or produce any revenues. While the discovery of gold deposits may result in substantial rewards, few properties that are explored are ultimately developed into producing mines. Major expenditures may be required to locate and establish mineral reserves, to develop metallurgical processes and to construct mining and processing facilities at a particular site. It is impossible to ensure that exploration or development programs planned by the owners or operators of the properties underlying royalties, streams and similar interests that are or may be held by us will result in profitable commercial mining operations. Whether a mineral deposit will be commercially viable depends on several factors, including cash costs associated with extraction and processing; the particular attributes of the deposit, such as size, grade and proximity to infrastructure; mineral prices, which are highly cyclical; government regulations, including regulations relating to prices, taxes, royalties, land tenure, land use and environmental protection; and political stability. The exact effect of these factors cannot be accurately predicted but the combination of these factors may result in one or more of the properties underlying our current or future interests not receiving an adequate return on invested capital. Accordingly, there can be no assurance the properties underlying our current or future interests will be brought into a state of commercial production.
The failure of any of the properties underlying our interests to achieve production on schedule or at all would have a material adverse effect on our asset carrying values or the other benefits we expect to realize from our royalties and other interests or the acquisition of royalty interests, and potentially our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
We have limited or no access to data or the operations underlying our existing or future royalty and other interests
We are not, and will not be, the owner or operator of any such properties underlying our existing or future royalties, streams and similar interests and have no input in the exploration, development or operation of such properties. Consequently, we have limited or no access to related exploration, development or operational data or to the properties themselves. This could affect our ability to assess the value of such interest. This could also result in delays in cash flow from that anticipated by us, based on the stage of development of the properties underlying our existing or future royalties and similar interests. Our entitlement to payments in relation to such interests may be calculated by the royalty payors in a manner different from our projections and we may not have rights of audit with respect to such interests. In addition, some royalties, streams or similar interests may be subject to confidentiality arrangements that govern the disclosure of information with regard to such interests and, as a result, we may not be in a position to publicly disclose related non-public information. The limited access to data and disclosure regarding the exploration, development and production of minerals from, or the continued operation of, the properties in which we have an interest may restrict our ability to assess value, which may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. We attempt to mitigate this risk by building relationships with various owners, operators and counterparties, in order to encourage information sharing which we believe increases transparency.
We are subject to many of the risks faced by the owners and operators of our existing or future royalty and other interests
To the extent that they relate to the exploration, development and production of minerals from, or the continued operation of, the properties in which we hold or may hold royalties, streams or similar interests, we will be subject to the risk factors applicable to the owners and operators of such mines or projects.
Mineral exploration, development and production generally involves a high degree of risk. Such operations are subject to all of the hazards and risks normally encountered in the exploration, development and production of metals, including weather related events, unusual and unexpected geology formations, seismic activity, environmental hazards and the discharge of toxic chemicals, explosions and other conditions involved in the drilling, blasting and removal of material, any of which could result in damage to, or destruction of, mines and other producing facilities, damage to property, injury or loss of life, environmental damage, work stoppages, delays in exploration, development and production, increased production costs and possible legal liability. Any of these hazards and risks and other acts of God could shut down such activities temporarily or permanently. Mineral exploration, development and production is subject to hazards such as equipment failure or failure of retaining dams around tailings disposal areas, which may result in environmental pollution and consequent liability for the owners or operators thereof. The exploration for, and development, mining and processing of, mineral deposits involve significant risks that even a combination of careful evaluation, experience and knowledge may not eliminate.
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We may fund future acquisitions or other material transactions with equity or debt financings which could increase our debt service, further leverage our assets and/or result in dilution to existing shareholders
In the ordinary course of business, we engage in a continual review of opportunities to acquire royalties, streams or similar interests, to establish new royalties, streams or similar interests on operating mines, to create new royalties, streams or similar interests through financing mine development or exploration, or to acquire companies that hold royalty interests. We currently, and generally at any time, have acquisition opportunities in various stages of active review, including, for example, our engagement of consultants and advisors to analyze particular opportunities, analysis of technical, financial, legal and other confidential information, submission of indications of interest and term sheets, participation in preliminary discussions and negotiations and involvement as a bidder in competitive processes. We may consider obtaining debt commitments for acquisition financing. In the event that we choose to raise debt capital to finance any acquisition, our leverage may be increased. We also could issue common shares to fund acquisitions. Issuances of common shares could dilute existing shareholders and may reduce some or all of our per share financial measures.
Any such acquisition could be material to us. All transactions include risks associated with our ability to negotiate acceptable terms with counterparties. In addition, any such acquisition or other transaction may have other transaction-specific risks associated with it, including risks related to the completion of the transaction, the project, its operators, or the jurisdictions in which the project is located, and other risks discussed in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. There can be no assurance that any acquisitions completed will ultimately benefit us.
The volatility in gold and other commodity prices may have an adverse impact on the value of our royalty interests
The value of our royalty interests and the potential future development of the projects underlying our interests are directly related to the market price of gold and other commodity prices. Market prices may fluctuate widely and are affected by numerous factors beyond our control or that of any mining company, including metal supply, industrial and jewelry fabrication, investment demand, central banking economic policy, expectations with respect to the rate of inflation, the relative strength of the dollar and other currencies, interest rates, gold purchases, sales and loans by central banks, forward sales by metal producers, global or regional political, trade, economic or banking conditions, and a number of other factors.
Volatility in gold prices is demonstrated by its annual high and low prices over the past decade as reported by the London Bullion Market Association:
| Gold | ||||||||
| ($/ounce) | ||||||||
| Calendar Year | High | Low | ||||||
| 2012 - 2013 | $ | 1,792 | $ | 1,192 | ||||
| 2014 - 2015 | $ | 1,385 | $ | 1,049 | ||||
| 2016 - 2017 | $ | 1,366 | $ | 1,077 | ||||
| 2018 - 2019 | $ | 1,355 | $ | 1,178 | ||||
| 2019 - 2020 | $ | 1,536 | $ | 1,287 | ||||
| 2020 - 2021 | $ | 2,067 | $ | 1,472 | ||||
| 2021 - 2022 | $ | 2,039 | $ | 1,629 | ||||
Declines in market prices could cause an operator to cease or slowdown exploration and development activities, reduce, suspend or terminate production from an operating project or construction work at a development project which would negatively impact our ability to obtain revenues from our interests in the future. A price decline may result in a material and adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Our future growth is to a large extent dependent on our acquisition strategy and our ability to identify and negotiate the purchase of additional assets
As part of our business strategy, we will seek to purchase or otherwise acquire gold and other precious metal royalties, streams or similar interests from third party natural resource companies and others. In pursuit of such opportunities, we may fail to select appropriate acquisition targets or negotiate acceptable arrangements, including arrangements to finance acquisitions. There can be no assurance that we will be able to identify and complete any acquisition, transaction or business arrangement that we pursue on favorable terms or at all, or that any acquisition, transaction or business arrangement completed will ultimately benefit us.
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If we are unable to continually identify and acquire additional assets on terms that are favorable to us, our business, results of operations and financial condition may be materially adversely affected.
Our operating results and ability to generate revenue could be adversely impacted if we experience challenges with our existing assets, including our royalty interests
Problems concerning the existence, validity, enforceability, terms or geographic extent of our royalty interests could adversely affect our business and revenues, and our interests may similarly be materially and adversely impacted by change of control, bankruptcy or the insolvency of operators.
Defects in or disputes relating to the royalty interests we hold or acquire may prevent us from realizing the anticipated benefits from these interests and could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. Material changes could also occur that may adversely affect management’s estimate of the carrying value of our royalty interests and could result in impairment charges. While we seek to confirm the existence, validity, enforceability, terms and geographic extent of the royalty interests we acquire, there can be no assurance that disputes or other problems concerning these and other matters or other problems will not arise. Confirming these matters is complex and is subject to the application of the laws of each jurisdiction to the particular circumstances of each parcel of mining property and to the agreement reflecting the royalty interest. Similarly, in many jurisdictions, royalty interests are contractual in nature, rather than interests in land, and therefore may be subject to risks resulting from change of control, bankruptcy or insolvency of operators, and our royalty interests could be materially restricted or set aside through judicial or administrative proceedings. We often do not have the protection of security interests that could help us recover all or part of our investment in a royalty interest in the event of an operator’s bankruptcy or insolvency.
Operators may interpret our existing or future royalty or other interests in a manner adverse to us or otherwise may not abide by their contractual obligations, and we could be forced to take legal action to enforce our contractual rights.
Royalty interests are generally subject to uncertainties and complexities arising from the application of contract and property laws in the jurisdictions where the mining projects are located. Operators and other parties to the agreements governing our existing or future royalty or other interests may interpret our interests in a manner adverse to us or otherwise may not abide by their contractual obligations, and we could be forced to take legal action to enforce our contractual rights. We may or may not be successful in enforcing our contractual rights, and our revenues relating to any challenged royalty interests may be delayed, curtailed or eliminated during the pendency of any such dispute or in the event our position is not upheld, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. Disputes could arise challenging, among other things, methods for calculating the royalty interest, various rights of the operator or third parties in or to the royalty interest or the underlying property, the obligations of a current or former operator to make payments on royalty interests, and various defects or ambiguities in the agreement governing a royalty interest.
We depend on the services of our Chief Executive Officer, management and other key employees and the loss of any key employee coupled with an inability to replace the key employee could harm our operating results
We believe that our success depends on the continued service of our key executive management personnel. We are entirely dependent on the efforts of Jeffrey Cocks, our president, CEO, CFO, and director, and our new directors, Mr. Day and Mr. List. The loss of services of key members of management or other key employees could disrupt the conduct of our business and jeopardize our ability to maintain our competitive position in the industry. From time to time, we may also need to identify and retain additional skilled management and specialized technical personnel to efficiently operate our business. The number of persons skilled in the acquisition, exploration and development of royalty interests is limited and there is competition for such persons. Recruiting and retaining qualified executive management and other key employees is critical to our success and there can be no assurance of such success. If we are not successful in attracting and retaining qualified personnel, our ability to execute our business model and growth strategy could be affected, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
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Certain of our directors and officers also serve as directors and officers of other companies in the mining sector, which may cause them to have conflicts of interest
Certain of our directors and officers also serve as directors and officers of, or have significant shareholdings in, other companies involved in natural resources investment, exploration, development and production and, to the extent that such other companies may engage in transactions or participate in the same ventures in which we participate, or in transactions or ventures in which we may seek to participate, they may have a conflict of interest in negotiating and concluding terms with respect to such participation. In cases where our directors and officers have an interest in other companies, such other companies may also compete with us for the acquisition of royalties, streams or similar interests. Such potential conflicts of interests of our directors and officers may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Our limited operating history makes our business prospects extremely speculative
Nevada Canyon is an exploration company and has no history of operations, mining or refining mineral products. As such, we are subject to many risks common to such enterprises, including under-capitalization, cash shortages, limitations with respect to personnel, financial and other resources and lack of revenues. There is no assurance that we will be successful in achieving a return on an investment for investors in the Common Shares and Nevada Canyon’s likelihood of success must be considered in light of its early stage of operations.
There can be no assurance that our properties or any property we may obtain in the future will be successfully placed into production, produce minerals in commercial quantities or otherwise generate operating earnings. Advancing projects from the exploration stage into development and commercial production requires significant capital and time and will be subject to the successful completion of further technical studies, permitting requirements and the construction of mines, processing plants, roads and related works and infrastructure. We will continue to incur losses until mining-related operations successfully reach commercial production levels and generate sufficient revenue to fund continuing operations.
We will likely need additional capital in order to finance our business plans and there is no guarantee we will have access to that capital on favorable terms, or at all
Part of our business plan is to focus on exploring for minerals and we intend to use our working capital to carry out such exploration. Other than the current cash, and our investment in WRR shares, we have no secured source of financing, including, but not limited to, operating cash flow and no assurance that acceptable additional funding will be available to it for the further exploration and development of our projects. We have incurred net losses in the past and likely will incur losses in the future and will continue to incur losses until and unless we can derive sufficient revenues from our mineral projects. These conditions, including other factors described herein, create a material uncertainty regarding our ability to continue as a going concern.
It is likely that the development and exploration of our assets will require substantial additional financing. Further exploration and development of or assets and/or other properties acquired by us may be dependent upon our ability to obtain acceptable financing through equity or debt, and there can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain adequate financing in the future or that the terms of such financing will be acceptable. Failure to obtain such additional financing could result in the delay or indefinite postponement of further exploration and development of our projects and we may become unable to carry out our business objectives.
We currently rely on only a limited number of properties and our inability to increase and diversify our assets could harm our operating results
Our material property interests consist of the Loman Property, the Swales Property and the Agai Pah Silver Property all of which are located in Nevada and the Belshazzar Property which is located in Idaho. As a result, unless we acquire additional property interests and diversify our asset base, any adverse developments affecting these properties would have a material adverse effect upon us and would materially and adversely affect the potential mineral resource production, profitability, financial performance and results of our operations. While we may seek to acquire additional mineral properties in accordance with our business objectives, there can be no assurance that we will be able to identify suitable additional mineral properties or, if we do identify suitable properties, that we will have sufficient financial resources to acquire such properties or that such properties will be available on terms acceptable to us or at all and that we will be able to successfully develop such properties and bring such properties into commercial production.
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The properties in which we hold interests are all in the early stages of exploration and development and, as such, they may never produce sufficient income to be profitable to us
We are a junior exploration company focused primarily on the acquisition, exploration and development of mineral properties located in Nevada. Our properties have no established mineral reserves due to the early stage of exploration at this time. Any reference to potential quantities and/or grade is conceptual in nature, as there has been insufficient exploration to define any mineral resource and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in the determination of any mineral resource. Quantities and/or grade described in this Annual Report should not be interpreted as assurances of a potential resource or reserve, or of potential future mine life or of the profitability of future operations.
The exploration and development of mineral deposits involves a high degree of financial risk over a significant period of time. Few properties that are explored are ultimately developed into producing mines and there is no assurance that any of our projects can be mined profitably. Substantial expenditures are required to establish mineral resources and reserves through drilling, to develop metallurgical processes to extract the metal from the ore and in the case of new properties, to develop the mining and processing facilities and infrastructure at any site chosen for mining. It is impossible to ensure that our current exploration and development programs will result in profitable commercial mining operations. Our profitability will be, in part, directly related to the cost and success of its exploration and development programs, which may be affected by a number of factors. Substantial expenditures are required to establish mineral resources and reserves that are sufficient to support commercial mining operations and to construct, complete and install mining and processing facilities on those properties that are actually developed.
No assurance can be given that any particular level of recovery of minerals will be realized or that any potential quantities and/or grade will ever qualify as a mineral resource or reserve, or that any such mineral resource or reserve will ever qualify as a commercially mineable (or viable) deposit which can be legally and economically exploited.
Where expenditures on a property have not led to the discovery of mineral resources or reserves, incurred expenditures will generally not be recoverable.
LAND TITLE AND ROYALTY RISKS
There are many uncertainties, including, but not limited to, title matters; as a result, any defects in title could cause us to lose certain rights in the properties we own
There are uncertainties as to title matters in the mining industry. Any defects in title could cause us to lose rights in our mineral properties and jeopardize our business operations. Our mineral property interests currently consist of unpatented mining claims located on lands administered by the United States’ Department of Interior’s Bureau of Land Management (the “BLM”), Nevada State Office to which we only have possessory title. Because title to unpatented mining claims is subject to inherent uncertainties, it is difficult to determine conclusively the ownership of such claims. These uncertainties relate to such things as sufficiency of mineral discovery, proper location and posting and marking of boundaries, proper and timely payment of annual BLM claim maintenance fees, the existence and terms of royalties, and possible conflicts with other claims not determinable from descriptions of record.
The present status of our unpatented mining claims located on public lands allows us the right to mine and remove valuable minerals, such as precious and base metals, from the claims conditioned upon applicable environmental reviews and permitting programs. We are also allowed to use the surface of the land solely for purposes related to mining and processing the mineral-bearing ores. However, legal ownership of the land remains with the United States. We remain at risk that the mining claims may be forfeited either to the United States or to rival private claimants due to failure to comply with statutory requirements. Prior to 1993, a mining claim locator who was able to prove the discovery of valuable, locatable minerals on a mining claim, and to meet all other applicable federal and state requirements and procedures pertaining to the location and maintenance of federal unpatented mining claims, had the right to prosecute a patent application to secure fee title to the mining claim from the federal government. The right to pursue a patent, however, has been subject to a moratorium since October 1993, through federal legislation restricting the BLM from accepting any new mineral patent applications. If we do not obtain fee title to our unpatented mining claims, there can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain compensation in connection with the forfeiture of such claims.
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Pending federal legislation may materially curtail or in some cases eliminate certain rights we have in our assets
In recent years, members of the United States Congress have repeatedly introduced bills which would supplant or alter the provisions of the General Mining Act of 1872, a United States federal law that authorizes and governs prospecting and mining for economic minerals, such as gold, platinum, and silver, on federal public lands. Such bills have proposed, among other things, to either eliminate the right to a mineral patent, impose a federal royalty on production from unpatented mining claims, render certain federal lands unavailable for the location of unpatented mining claims, afford greater public involvement in the mine permitting process, provide for citizen suits, and impose new and stringent environmental operating standards and mined land reclamation requirements in addition to those already in effect. Such proposed legislation could change the cost of holding unpatented mining claims and could significantly impact our ability to develop mineralized material on unpatented mining claims. Currently, all of our mining claims are on unpatented claims. Although we cannot predict what legislative changes might occur, the enactment of these proposed bills could adversely affect the potential for development of our mining claims, the economics of any mines that we bring into operation on federal unpatented mining claims, and as a result, adversely affect our financial performance.
Challenges to our mineral property interests may have adverse effects on assets including, but not limited to, a reduction in our interest, diverting valuable resources and management time, and a requirement that we compensate other persons
There may be challenges to title to the mineral properties in which we hold a material interest. If there are title defects with respect to any properties, we might be required to compensate other persons or to reduce our interest in the affected property. Furthermore, in any such case, the investigation and resolution of these issues would divert our management’s time from ongoing exploration and development programs. Title insurance generally is not available for mining claims in the U.S. and our ability to ensure that we have obtained secure claim to individual mineral properties may be limited. We may be subject to prior unregistered liens, agreements, transfers or claims, including native land claims and title may be affected by, among other things, undetected defects. In addition, we may be unable to operate the properties as permitted or to enforce our rights with respect to our properties. The failure to comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including a failure to pay taxes or annual BLM claim maintenance fees may invalidate title to portions of our properties. We may incur significant costs related to defending the title to our properties. A successful claim contesting title to a property may cause us to compensate other persons, or to reduce our interest in the affected property or to lose our rights to explore and, if warranted, develop that property. This could result in us not being compensated for our prior expenditures relating to the property. Also, in any such case, the investigation and resolution of title issues would divert management’s time from ongoing exploration and, if warranted, development programs.
We could face expensive and time consuming challenges related to defects in title
The ownership and validity or title of unpatented mining claims and concessions can at times be uncertain and may be contested. We also may not have, or may not be able to obtain, all necessary surface rights to develop a property. We have taken reasonable measures, in accordance with industry standards for properties at the same stage of exploration as that of our properties, to ensure proper title to our properties. However, there is no guarantee that title to any of our properties will not be challenged or impugned.
Interpretations of royalty agreements and unfulfilled contractual obligations of certain third parties that we rely on could force us to take legal action that would be expensive and time consuming
Royalty interests in our properties, and any other royalty interests in respect of our properties which may come into existence, may be subject to uncertainties and complexities arising from the application of contract and property laws in the jurisdictions where the mining projects are located. Operators and other parties to the agreements governing the royalty interests in Nevada, or other royalty interests, may interpret their interests in a manner adverse to us, and we could be forced to take legal action to enforce our rights. Challenges to the terms of the royalty interests in Nevada or the existence of other royalties could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. Disputes could arise with respect to, among other things:
| ● | The existence or geographic extent of the royalty interests; |
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| ● | The methods for calculating royalties; | |
| ● | Third party claims to the same royalty interest or to the property on which a royalty interest exists, or the existence of additional royalties on the same property; | |
| ● | Various rights of the operator or third parties in or to a royalty interest; | |
| ● | Production and other thresholds and caps applicable to payments of royalty interests; | |
| ● | The obligation of an operator to make payments on royalty interests; | |
| ● | Various defects or ambiguities in the agreement governing a royalty interest; and | |
| ● | Disputes over the interpretation of buy-back rights. |
Breaches of contracts with third parties could result in expensive litigation
Parties to contracts do not always honor contractual terms and contracts themselves may be subject to interpretation or technical defects. Accordingly, there may be instances where we would be forced to take legal action to enforce our contractual rights. Such litigation may be time consuming and costly and there is no guarantee of success. Any pending proceedings or actions or any decisions determined adversely to us may have a material and adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition.
Our exploration operations are highly regulated and our inability to comply with certain regulations would have a material adverse effect on our operations.
Our exploration operations are subject to government legislation, policies and controls relating to prospecting, development, production, environmental protection, including plant and animal species, and more specifically including the greater sage-grouse, mining taxes and labor standards. In order for us to carry out our activities, various licenses and permits must be obtained and kept current. There is no guarantee that the Company’s licenses and permits will be granted, or that once granted will be maintained and extended. In addition, the terms and conditions of such licenses or permits could be changed and there can be no assurances that any application to renew any existing licenses will be approved. There can be no assurance that all permits that we require will be obtainable on reasonable terms, or at all. Delays or a failure to obtain such permits, or a failure to comply with the terms of any such permits that we have obtained, could have a material adverse impact on us We may be required to contribute to the cost of providing the required infrastructure to facilitate the development of our properties and will also have to obtain and comply with permits and licenses that may contain specific conditions concerning operating procedures, water use, waste disposal, spills, environmental studies, abandonment and restoration plans and financial assurances. There can be no assurance that we will be able to comply with any such conditions and non-compliance with such conditions may result in the loss of certain of our permits and licenses on properties, which may have a material adverse effect on us. Future taxation of mining operators, and the timing thereof, cannot be predicted with certainty so planning must be undertaken using present conditions and best estimates of any potential future changes. There is no certainty that such planning will be effective to mitigate adverse consequences of future taxation on us.
The volatility of the global financial markets may have a negative effect on our ability to raise money which could harm our operating results.
Recent global financial conditions have been characterized by increased volatility and access to public financing, particularly for junior mineral exploration companies, has been negatively impacted. These conditions, which include potential disruptions due to a U.S. Government shutdown, may affect our ability to obtain equity or debt financing in the future on terms favorable to us or at all.
Market events and conditions, including the disruptions in the international credit markets and other financial systems, in China, Japan and Europe, along with political instability in the Middle East and Russia and falling currency prices expressed in United States dollars have resulted in commodity prices remaining volatile. These conditions have also caused a loss of confidence in global credit markets, excluding the United States, resulting in the collapse of, and government intervention in, major banks, financial institutions and insurers and creating a climate of greater volatility, tighter regulations, less liquidity, widening credit spreads, less price transparency, increased credit losses and tighter credit conditions. Notwithstanding various actions by governments, concerns about the general condition of the capital markets, financial instruments, banks and investment banks, insurers and other financial institutions caused the broader credit markets to be volatile and interest rates to remain at historical lows. These events are illustrative of the effect that events beyond the Company’s control may have on commodity prices. Access to public financing has been negatively impacted by sovereign debt concerns in Europe and emerging markets, as well as concerns over global growth rates and conditions. If such conditions continue, our operations could be negatively impacted.
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Global financial conditions could suddenly and rapidly destabilize in response to future events, as government authorities may have limited resources to respond to future crises. Future crises may be precipitated by any number of causes, including natural disasters, pandemics (including the COVID-19 pandemic), geopolitical instability, changes to energy prices or sovereign defaults.
Any sudden or rapid destabilization of global economic conditions could negatively impact our ability to obtain equity or debt financing or make other suitable financing arrangements. Increased levels of volatility and market turmoil can adversely impact our operations and the value and the price of the Common Stock of the Company could be adversely affected.
Changes in the market price of gold, silver and other metals, which in the past has fluctuated widely, will affect the profitability of our operations and financial condition.
Our profitability and long-term viability depend, in large part, upon the market price of gold, copper, silver and other metals and minerals which may be produced from our mineral claims, and from which we may derive revenues under any agreement we may enter into with a company that conducts mining operations on our claims. The market price of gold and other metals is volatile and is impacted by numerous factors beyond our control, including:
| ● | sales by central banks and other holders, speculators and producers of gold and other metals in response to any of the below factors. | |
| ● | the relative strength of the U.S. dollar and certain other currencies; | |
| ● | interest rates; | |
| ● | global or regional political, financial, or economic conditions; | |
| ● | supply and demand for jewelry and industrial products containing metals; and | |
| ● | expectations with respect to the rate of inflation; |
A material decrease in the market price of gold and other metals could affect the commercial viability of our mineral claims and any of our future anticipated development and production assumptions if any. Lower gold prices could also adversely affect our ability to finance future development of our mining claims, all of which would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. There can be no assurance that the market price of gold and other metals will remain at current levels or that such prices will improve.
Many of our assumptions regarding our operating results are based on mineral resource estimates by third parties; if those estimates are materially inaccurate for any reason, our actual operating results could also be materially effected.
Mineral resource estimates will be based upon geological data supplied by our personnel, confirmed and calculated by independent qualified persons (geologists and engineers). These estimates are inherently subject to uncertainty and are based on geological interpretations and inferences drawn from drilling results and sampling analyses and may require revision based on further exploration or development work. The estimation of mineral resources may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-political, marketing, or other relevant issues. As a result of the foregoing, there may be material differences between actual and estimated mineral reserves, which may impact the viability of our projects and have a material impact on us.
The grade of mineralization which may ultimately be mined may differ from the indicated by drilling results and such differences could be material. The quantity and resulting valuation of mineral reserves and mineral resources may also vary depending on, among other things, mineral prices (which may render mineral reserves and mineral resources uneconomic), cut-off grades applied and estimates of future operating costs (which may be inaccurate). Production can be affected by such factors as permitting regulations and requirements, weather, environmental factors, unforeseen technical difficulties, unusual or unexpected geological formations and work interruptions. Any material change in quantity of mineral resources, mineral reserves, grade, or stripping ratio may also affect the economic viability of any project undertaken by us. In addition, there can be no assurance that mineral recoveries in small scale, and/or pilot laboratory tests will be duplicated in a larger scale test under on-site conditions or during production. To the extent that we are unable to mine and produce as expected and estimated, our business may be materially and adversely affected.
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There is no certainty that any of the mineral resources identified on any of our properties will be realized, that any mineral resources will ever be upgraded to mineral reserves, that any anticipated level of recovery of minerals will in fact be realized, or that an identified mineral reserve or mineral resource will ever qualify as a commercially mineable (or viable) deposit which can be legally and economically exploited. Until a deposit is actually mined and processed, the quantity of mineral resources and mineral reserves and grades must be considered as estimates only, and investors are cautioned that we may ultimately never realize production on any of its properties.
We may not be able to obtain adequate insurance coverage, or coverage at all, in order to insure us against the risks of our operations; any uninsured or underinsured losses could have a negative impact on our operating results.
Our business is subject to a number of risks and hazards generally, including adverse environmental conditions, industrial accidents, labor disputes, unusual or unexpected geological conditions, ground or slope failures, cave-ins, changes in the regulatory environment, natural phenomena such as inclement weather conditions, floods and earthquakes. Such occurrences could result in damage to mineral properties or production facilities, personal injury or death, environmental damage to our properties or the properties of others, delays in the ability to undertake exploration, monetary losses and possible legal liability.
We do not currently have insurance and currently do not have any plans to obtain insurance. Insurance against certain risks, including those related to environmental matters or other hazards resulting from exploration, is generally not available to us or to other companies within the mining industry. In addition, we do not carry business interruption insurance relating to our mineral claims. Accordingly, delays in returning to any future exploration could produce severe near-term impact on our business. Any losses from these events may result in significant costs that could have a material adverse effect on our financial performance, financial position and results of operations.
In conducting our operations, we are required to comply with certain health and safety rules which can be expensive and time consuming.
Our operations are subject to various health and safety laws and regulations that impose various duties on the Company in respect of its operations, relating to, among other things, worker safety and the surrounding communities. These laws and regulations also grant the relevant authorities broad powers to, among other things, close unsafe operations and order corrective action relating to health and safety matters. The costs associated with the compliance with such health and safety laws and regulations may be substantial and any amendments to such laws and regulations, or more stringent implementation thereof, could cause additional expenditure or impose restrictions on, or suspensions of, our operations. We expect to make significant expenditures to comply with the extensive laws and regulations governing the protection of the environment, waste disposal, worker safety, mine development and protection of endangered and other special status species, and, to the extent reasonably practicable, to create social and economic benefit in the surrounding communities near our mineral properties, but there can be no guarantee that these expenditures will ensure our compliance with applicable laws and regulations and any non-compliance may have a material and adverse effect on us.
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The costs of compliance with environmental laws and obtaining and maintaining environmental permits and governmental approvals required for construction and/or operation, which currently are significant, may increase in the future and could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, future results, and cash flow; any non-compliance with such laws or regulations may result in the imposition of liabilities which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, future results, and cash flow.
All phases of our operations are subject to environmental regulation in the jurisdictions in which we operate, certain of which are set forth below. Environmental legislation is evolving in a manner which may result in stricter standards and enforcement, increased fines and penalties for non-compliance, more stringent environmental assessments of proposed projects and a heightened degree of responsibility for companies and their officers, directors and employees. These laws address emissions into the air, discharges into water, management of waste, management of hazardous substances, protection of natural resources, antiquities and endangered species and reclamation of lands disturbed by mining operations. The costs associated with compliance with such laws and regulations are substantial. Compliance with environmental laws and regulations and future changes in these laws and regulations may require significant capital outlays and may cause material changes or delays in our operations and future activities. It is possible that future laws, regulations, or more restrictive interpretations of current laws and regulations by governmental authorities could have a significant adverse impact on our properties or some portion of our business, causing us to re-evaluate those activities at that time.
U.S. Federal Laws: CERCLA, and comparable state statutes, impose strict, joint and several liabilities 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, for reimbursement for government-incurred cleanup costs, or for 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. 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.
CAA, as amended restricts the emission of air pollutants from many sources, including mining and processing activities. Our mining operations 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.
NEPA requires federal agencies to integrate environmental considerations into their decision-making processes by evaluating the environmental impacts of their proposed actions, including issuances 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 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 Environmental Impact Statement (“EIS”) and the adequacy of and findings set forth in the draft and final EIS. This process can cause delays in the 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.
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 from 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 materials 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.
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 SDWA 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.
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Nevada Laws: At the state level, mining operations in Nevada are also regulated by the Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Division of Environmental Protection. Nevada state law requires mine operators to hold Nevada Water Pollution Control Permits, which dictate operating controls and closure and post-closure requirements directed at protecting surface and ground water.
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.
Our industry is highly competitive and we will be at a competitive disadvantage for assets and financial resources relative to larger, better funded companies in the same space.
The mining industry is highly competitive in all of its phases, both domestically and internationally. Our ability to acquire properties and develop mineral resources and reserves in the future will depend not only on our ability to develop our present properties, but also on our ability to select and acquire suitable producing properties or prospects for mineral exploration, of which there is a limited supply. We may be at a competitive disadvantage in acquiring additional mining properties because we must compete with other individuals and companies, many of which have greater financial resources, operational experience and technical capabilities than us. We may also encounter competition from other mining companies in our efforts to hire experienced mining professionals. Competition could adversely affect our ability to attract necessary funding or acquire suitable producing properties or prospects for mineral exploration in the future. Competition for services and equipment could result in delays if such services or equipment cannot be obtained in a timely manner due to inadequate availability and could also cause scheduling difficulties and cost increases due to the need to coordinate the availability of services or equipment. Any of the foregoing effects of competition could materially increase project development, exploration or construction costs, result in project delays and generally and adversely affect us and our business and prospects.
The price of our Common Stock depends on many factors that could materially change or fluctuate resulting in volatility and unpredictability.
The market price of the Common Stock could be subject to significant fluctuations due to various factors and events, including any regulatory or economic changes affecting the Company’s operations, variations in the Company’s operating results, developments in the Company’s business or its competitors, or changes in market sentiment towards the Common Stock. Investors should be aware that the value of the Common Stock may be volatile and investors may, on disposing of the Common Stock, realize less than their original investment or may lose their entire investment.
The Company’s operating results and prospects from time to time may be below the expectations of market analysts and investors. In addition, stock markets from time to time suffer significant price and volume fluctuations that affect the market price of the securities listed thereon and which may be unrelated to the Company’s operating performance. These factors include macroeconomic developments and political environments in North America and globally and market perceptions of the attractiveness of particular industries. As at the date hereof, there remains a significant amount of uncertainty and economic disruption caused by COVID-19 that has increased market and share price volatility and had a catastrophic impact on access to capital and liquidity. Any of these events could result in a decline in the market price of the Common Stock. The Common Stock may, therefore, not be suitable as a short-term investment. In addition, the market price of the Common Stock may not reflect the underlying value of the Company’s net assets. The price at which the Common Stock will be traded and the price at which investors may realize their shares will be influenced by a large number of factors, some specific to the Company and its proposed operations, and some which may affect the business sectors in which the Company operate, including the pervasive and ongoing impact of COVID-19. Such factors could also include the performance of the Company’s operations, variations in operating results, announcements by the Company (i.e. disappointing results of exploratory drilling, the incurrence of environmental liabilities or other material developments), announcements of material developments by the Company’s competitors, involvement in litigation, large purchases or sales of the Common Stock, liquidity or the absence of liquidity in the Common Stock, limited trading volume, the prices of gold and other precious metals, legislative or regulatory changes relating to the business of the Company, the Company’s ability to raise additional funds, other material events and general financial market and economic conditions. In the event that the occurrence of any of these events causes the price of the Common Stock to decrease, investors may be forced to sell their shares at a loss.
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The failure of our current or future strategic partners and joint venture partners to meet their obligations could have a material adverse effect on our operating results.
We may in the future enter into partnerships, option agreements and/or joint ventures as a means of acquiring additional property interests or to fully exploit the exploration and production potential of its assets. The failure of any partner to meet its obligations to us or other third parties, or any disputes with respect to third parties’ respective rights and obligations, could have a material adverse effect on our rights under such agreements. We may also be unable to exert direct influence over strategic decisions made in respect of properties that are subject to the terms of these agreements, which may have a materially adverse impact on the strategic value of the underlying mineral claims. Furthermore, in the event we are unable to meet our obligations or share of costs incurred under agreements to which it is a party, the Company may have its property interests subject to such agreements reduced as a result or face the termination of such agreements.
We sell additional equity and/or issue additional equity in order to acquire additional assets; any issuance of equity could result in significant dilution to our existing shareholders.
We believe that we are adequately financed to carry out our exploration and development plans for the next 12-month period. However, financing the development of a mining operation through to production, should feasibility studies show it is recommended, would be expensive and we would require additional capital to fund development and exploration programs and potential acquisitions. We cannot predict the size of future issuances of Common Stock or the issuance of debt instruments or other securities convertible into Common Stock in connection with any such financing. Likewise, we cannot predict the effect, if any, that future issuances and sales of our securities will have on the market price of its Common Stock. If we raise additional funds by issuing additional equity securities, such financing may substantially dilute the interests of existing shareholders. Sales of a substantial number of shares of Common Stock, or the availability of such Common Stock for sale, could adversely affect prevailing market prices for our securities and a securityholder’s interest in us.
Because the climate has an effect on our operations and the ability for our assets, present or future, to maximize their potential, the impact of climate change and expensive regulations related to climate change could have a material adverse effect on our operations.
Climate change could have an adverse impact on our operations. The potential physical impacts of climate change on our 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 changes in climate could have an impact on the cost of development or production on Nevada Canyon’s mines and adversely affect the financial performance of its operations.
Regulations and pending legislation governing issues involving climate change could result in increased operating costs, which could have material adverse effect on our business. A number of governments or governmental bodies have introduced or are contemplating regulatory changes in response to climate and its potential impacts. Legislation and increased regulation regarding climate change could impose significant costs on us, our venture partners and our suppliers, including costs related to increased energy requirements, capital equipment, environmental monitoring and reporting and other costs to comply with such regulations. Any adopted climate change regulations could also negatively impact our ability to compete with companies situated in areas not subject to such regulations. Given the emotion, political significance and uncertainty around the impact of climate change and how it should be dealt with, we cannot predict how legislation and regulation will affect its 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 us or other companies in the natural resources industry could harm our reputation.
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Through no fault of our own, we could be involved in expensive and time consuming litigation that could have a material adverse effect on our operations.
We may become involved in disputes with other parties in the future which may result in litigation. The results of litigation cannot be predicted with certainty. If we are unable to resolve these disputes favorably, it may have a material adverse impact on the ability to carry out our business plan.
Influence of third-party stakeholders
Some of the lands in which we hold an interest, or the exploration equipment and roads or other means of access in which we intend to utilize in carrying out our work programs or general business mandates, may be subject to interests or claims by third party individuals, groups or companies. In the event that such third parties assert any claims, our work programs may be delayed even if such claims are not meritorious. Such delays may result in significant financial loss and loss of opportunity for us.
Expense and time consuming internal financial controls may or may not be effective in ensuring that transactions are authorized and properly recorded and reported; any inadvertent failure of our internal financial controls could result in undue time, resources and expense that could harm our operating results.
Internal controls over financial reporting are procedures designed to provide reasonable assurance that transactions are properly authorized, assets are safeguarded against unauthorized or improper use, and transactions are properly recorded and reported. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, and not absolute, assurance with respect to the reliability of financial reporting and financial statement preparation. Though we intend to put into place a system of internal controls appropriate for its size, and reflective of its level of operations, there are limited internal controls currently in place. We have a very limited history of operations and has not made any assessment as to the effectiveness of its internal controls. If we identify material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting, if we are unable to comply with the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act in a timely manner or assert that our internal control over financial reporting is effective, or if our independent registered public accounting firm is unable to express an opinion as to the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting when required, investors may lose confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports and the market price of the Common Stock could be negatively affected. We also could become subject to investigations by the stock exchange on which the securities are listed, the Commission, or other regulatory authorities, which could require additional financial and management resources.
Risks Relating to our Common Stock
An active market in which investors can resell their Common Stock may not develop which could adversely affect an investor’s ability to sell their Common Stock.
We cannot predict the extent to which an active market for our Common Stock will develop or be sustained, or how the development of such a market might affect the market price of our Common Stock. Even if a trading market develops, investors may not be able to resell their Common Stock at or above the initial acquisition price. Investors are cautioned that if an active market for our Common Stock does not arise, investors may not be able to resell their Common Stock or may be forced to do so at a loss.
The market price of our Common Stock will likely be volatile as significant price fluctuations are common in what the Securities and Exchange Commission deems is a “penny stock.”
The trading price of the stock and the price at which we may sell stock in the future are subject to fluctuations in response to any of the following:
| ● | Limited trading volume in the Common Stock; | |
| ● | Quarterly variations in operating results; | |
| ● | Involvement in litigation; | |
| ● | General financial market conditions; | |
| ● | The prices of gold and other precious metals; |
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| ● | Announcements by us of, for example, disappointing results of exploratory drilling, the incurrence of environmental liabilities or other material developments; | |
| ● | Announcements by us of, for example, disappointing results of exploratory drilling, the incurrence of environmental liabilities or other material developments; | |
| ● | Announcements of material developments by our competitors; | |
| ● | Our ability to raise additional funds; | |
| ● | Changes in government regulations; and | |
| ● | Other material events. |
In the event that the occurrence of any of these events causes the price of our Common Stock to decrease, investors may be forced to sell their shares at a loss.
Currently authorized and future issuances of Preferred Stock, which rank senior to our Common Stock for the purposes of dividends and liquidating distributions will, and any future issuances of debt securities, which would rank senior to our Common Stock upon our bankruptcy or liquidation may, adversely affect the level of return you may be able to achieve from an investment in our Common Stock.
Currently Authorized Preferred Stock may have preference on bankruptcy over the Common Stock and holders of potentially future issued Preferred Stock are entitled to receive from the assets of the Company in priority to the holders of Common Stock on a liquidation, dissolution, winding up or other distribution of assets of the Company. In the future, we may attempt to increase our capital resources by offering debt securities or additional Preferred Stock. Upon a potential bankruptcy or liquidation, holders of our debt securities or Preferred Stock, and lenders with respect to other borrowings we may make, may receive distributions of our available assets prior to any distributions being made to holders of our Common Stock. Because our decision to issue debt securities or Preferred Stock in any future offering, or borrow money from lenders, will depend in part on market conditions and other factors beyond our control, we cannot predict or estimate the amount, timing or nature of any such future offerings or borrowings. Holders of our Common Stock must bear the risk that any future offerings we conduct or borrowings we make may adversely affect the level of return they may be able to achieve from an investment in our Common Stock, upon bankruptcy or otherwise.
Our Common Stock is subject to penny stock rules making it more difficult to trade our Common Stock, all of which would adversely affect the value of the Common Stock.
The Commission has adopted rules that regulate broker-dealer practices in connection with transactions in penny stocks. Penny Stocks are generally equity securities with a price per share of less than $5.00, other than securities registered on certain national securities exchanges or authorized for quotation on certain automated quotation systems, 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, before effecting a transaction in a penny stock not otherwise exempt from those rules, to deliver a standardized risk disclosure document containing specified information. In addition, the penny stock rules require that, before effecting any such transaction in a penny stock not otherwise exempt from those rules, a broker-dealer must make a special written determination that the penny stock is a suitable investment for the purchaser and receive (i) the purchaser’s written acknowledgment of the receipt of a risk disclosure statement; (ii) a written agreement to transactions involving penny stocks; and (iii) a signed and dated copy of a written suitability statement. These disclosure requirements may have the effect of reducing the trading activity in the secondary market for our Common Stock, and therefore shareholders may have difficulty selling their Common Stock.
FINRA sales practice requirements may limit a shareholder’s ability to buy and sell our stock.
In addition to the “penny stock” rules described above, FINRA has adopted rules that require that in recommending and investment to a customer, a broker-dealer must have reasonable grounds for believing that the investment is suitable for that customer. Prior to recommending speculative, low-priced securities to their non-institutional customers, broker-dealers must make reasonable efforts to obtain information about the customer’s financial status, tax status, investment objectives and other information. The FINRA requirements may make it more difficult for broker-dealers to recommend that their customers buy our Common Stock, which may have the effect of reducing the level of trading activity in our Common Stock. As a result, fewer broker-dealers may be willing to make a market in our common stock, reducing a shareholder’s ability to resell our Common Stock.
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Our management has broad discretion as to the use of certain of the net proceeds generated from our equity financing, which means that investors will need to rely on the judgment of our management regarding the use of proceeds.
Our management has broad discretion in the application of the net proceeds designated to fund our capital expenditures on existing mineral properties, acquire additional acreage leaseholds, acquire additional producing properties and associated leaseholds, or for general corporate purposes, which are subject to change in the future, and which may change in response to the proceeds raised pursuant to the Purchase Rights or exercise of the Warrants, if any. Accordingly, you will have to rely upon the judgment of our management with respect to the use of these proceeds. Our management may spend a portion or all of the net proceeds from any equity financing in ways that holders of our Common Stock may not desire or that may not yield a significant return or any return at all. The failure by our management to apply these funds effectively could harm our business. Pending their use, we may also invest the net proceeds from this Offering in a manner that does not produce income or that loses value.
We are a reporting issuer under the Exchange Act and we are considered a smaller reporting company and are exempt from certain disclosure requirements, which could make our Common Stock less attractive to potential investors
Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act defines a “smaller reporting company” as an issuer that is not an investment company, an asset-backed issuer, or a majority-owned subsidiary of a parent that is not a smaller reporting company and that:
● Had a public float of less than US$250 million as of the last business day of its most recently completed second fiscal quarter, computed by multiplying the aggregate worldwide number of shares of its voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates by the price at which the common equity was last sold, or the average of the bid and asked prices of common equity, in the principal market for the common equity; or
● In the case of initial registration statement under the Securities Act, or the Exchange Act, for shares of its common equity, had a public float of less than US$250 million as of a date within 30 days of the date of the filing of the registration statement, computed by multiplying the aggregate worldwide number of such shares held by non-affiliates before the registration plus, in the case of a Securities Act registration statement, the number of such shares included in the registration statement by the estimated public offering price of the shares; or
● In the case of an issuer whose public float as calculated under the foregoing paragraphs of this definition was zero or less than $700 million, had annual revenues of less than US$100 million during the most recently completed fiscal year for which audited financial statements are available
We believe that we are a smaller reporting company, and as such that we are not required and may not include a Compensation Discussion and Analysis section in our proxy statements; we will provide only two years of financial statements; and we need not provide the table of selected financial data. We also will have other “scaled” disclosure requirements that are less comprehensive than issuers that are not smaller reporting companies. These “scaled” disclosure requirements make our Common Stock less attractive to potential investors, which could make it more difficult for our shareholders to sell their Units.
We are taxed as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes which means we will be subject to a material amount of entity-level taxation which would reduce and/or eliminate cash that otherwise may be used to make dividends.
We will pay U.S. federal income tax on our tax income at the corporate tax rate, which is currently a maximum of 21%, and will pay state and local income tax at varying rates, including the Nevada Net Proceeds Tax. Distributions will generally be taxed again as corporate dividends (to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits), and no income, gains, losses, deductions, or credits will flow through to you. In addition, changes in current state law may subject us to additional entity-level taxation by individual states. Because of state budget deficits and other reasons, several states are evaluating ways to subject corporations to additional forms of taxation. We will be subject to a material amount of entity-level taxation, which will result in a material reduction in the anticipated cash flow and after-tax return to our shareholders.
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A non-US holder of our Common Stock, Warrants, or Warrant Shares will be treated as having income that is “effectively connected” with a United States trade or business upon the sale or disposition of our Common Stock, Warrants, or Warrant Shares unless (i) our Common Stock is regularly traded on an established securities market and (ii) the non-U.S. holder did not meet certain ownership thresholds during the applicable testing period.
A non-US holder of our Common Stock, Warrants, or Warrant Shares generally will incur U.S. Federal income tax on any gain realized upon a sale or other disposition of our Common Stock to the extent our Common Stock constitutes a “United States real property interest” (“USRPI”), under the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act of 1980 (“FIRPTA”). A USRPI includes stock in a “United States real property holding corporation.” We are and expect to continue to be for the foreseeable future, a “United States real property holding corporation.”
Under FIRPTA, a non-U.S. holder is taxed on any gain realized upon a sale or other disposition of a USRPI as if such gain were “effectively connected” with a United States trade or business of the non-U.S. holder. A non-U.S. holder thus will be taxed on such a gain at the same graduated rates generally applicable to U.S. persons. In addition, a non-U.S. holder would have to file a U.S. federal income tax return reporting that gain. A non-U.S. holder that is a foreign corporation and not entitled to treaty relief or exemption also may be subject to the 30% branch profits tax on such gain.
However, if our Common Stock and Warrant Shares are regularly traded on an established securities market (the “Regularly Traded Exception”), then gains realized upon a sale or other disposition of our Common Stock or Warrant Shares will not be treated as gains from the sale of a USRPI, as long as the non-U.S. holder did not own: (i) more than 5% of our Common Stock at any time during the five-year period preceding the sale or other disposition or, if shorter, the non-U.S. holder’s holding period for its Common Stock; (ii) Warrants with a fair market value on the date acquired by such holder greater than the fair market value on that date of 5% of our Common Stock; or (iii) aggregate equity securities of the Company with a fair market value on the date acquired in excess of 5% of the fair market value of the Common Stock on such date. Our Common Stock currently trades on the OTC Pinks. At this time, it is uncertain whether our Common Stock will continue to be considered as being regularly traded on an established securities market in the U.S. Accordingly, we can provide no assurances that the Common Stock, Warrants or Warrant Shares will meet the Regularly Traded Exception at the time a non-U.S. holder purchases such securities or sells, exchanges, or otherwise disposes of such securities. In the event that our Common Stock or Warrant Shares do not meet the Regularly Traded Exception, then gains recognized by a non-U.S. holder upon a sale or other disposition of our Common Stock or Warrant Shares will be subject to tax under FIRPTA unless an exemption applies. Since the Warrants are not expected to be listed on a securities market, the Warrants are unlikely to qualify for the Regularly Traded Exception. The foregoing summary is qualified in its entirety by the discussion contained herein under the heading “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations for U.S. Holders and Non-U.S. Holders.”
Our ability to utilize our net operating loss carryforwards and certain other tax attributes may be limited which would effect our ability to take full advantage of the tax benefits of carryforwards.
Under Section 382 and related provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), if a corporation undergoes an “ownership change” (generally defined as a greater than 50% change (by value) in its equity ownership over a three-year period), the corporation’s ability to use its pre-change net operating loss carryforwards and other pre-change tax attributes to offset its post-change income may be limited. We may in the future experience, an “ownership change.” Thus, our ability to utilize carryforwards of our net operating losses and other tax attributes to reduce future tax liabilities may be substantially restricted. At this time, we have not completed a study to assess whether an ownership change under Section 382 of the Code may occur in the foreseeable future, or whether there have been due to the costs and complexities associated with such a study. Therefore, we may not be able to take full advantage of these carryforwards for federal or state tax purposes.
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The tax treatment of corporations or an investment in our Common Stock, Warrants or Warrants Shares could be subject to potential legislative, judicial or administrative changes and differing interpretations, possibly on a retroactive basis.
The present U.S. federal income tax treatment of corporations, including us, or an investment in our Common Stock, Warrants and Warrant Shares may be modified by administrative, legislative or judicial interpretation at any time. For example, from time to time, members of Congress and the President propose and consider substantive changes to the existing U.S. federal income tax laws that affect corporations. Any modification to the U.S. federal income tax laws and interpretations thereof may or may not be retroactively applied and could make it more difficult or impossible to meet our cash flow needs for operations, acquisitions or other purposes. We are unable to predict whether any of these changes or other proposals will be enacted. However, it is possible that a change in law could affect us, and any such changes could negatively impact the value of an investment in our Common Stock, Warrants or Warrant Shares.
For all of the foregoing reasons and others set forth herein, an investment in our securities in any market that may develop in the future involves a high degree of risk.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
Item 2. Properties
We hold no real property. Our executive, administrative and operating office is provided to us at no cost by our CEO and President, Mr. Cocks, and is located at 316 California Avenue, Suite 543, Reno, NV 89509. We do not have a written lease agreement with Mr. Cocks or with the property landlord. Our officer and directors will work remotely from Canada and/or the United States and intend to visit the Reno office every six weeks.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
We are not a party to any legal proceedings.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Our common stock is quoted under the symbol NGLD on the OTC Link alternative trading system on the OTC Pink marketplace. Prior to January 26, 2015, our stock was quoted under the symbol TRYV. The table below presents the range of high and low bid quotes of our common stock for each quarter for the last two fiscal years as reported by the OTC Markets Group Inc. The bid prices represent inter-dealer quotations, without adjustments for retail mark-ups, markdowns or commissions and may not necessarily represent actual transactions.
High & Low Bids
| Period ended | High | Low | ||||||
| December 31, 2022 | $ | 0.651 | $ | 0.35 | ||||
| September 30, 202 | $ | 0.67 | $ | 0.60 | ||||
| June 30, 2022 | $ | 0.80 | $ | 0.51 | ||||
| March 31, 2022 | $ | 1.05 | $ | 0.51 | ||||
| December 31, 2021 | $ | 0.98 | $ | 0.3531 | ||||
| September 30, 2021 | $ | 0.90 | $ | 0.32 | ||||
| June 30, 2021 | $ | 0.81 | $ | 0.345 | ||||
| March 31, 2021 | $ | 0.51 | $ | 0.13 | ||||
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Common Stock Currently Outstanding
As of March 27, 2023, we had 11,077,394 shares of our common stock outstanding.
Holders
As of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we had 49 stockholders of record of our common stock.
Dividends
We have not declared any cash dividends on our common stock since our inception and do not anticipate paying any dividends in the foreseeable future. We plan to retain future earnings, if any, for use in our business. Any decisions as to future payments of dividends will depend on our earnings and financial position and such other facts, as our Director deems relevant.
Transfer Agent
Our independent stock transfer agent is Globex Transfer, LLC, with an address at 780 Deltona Blvd., Suite 202, Deltona, FL 32725; their phone number is (813) 344-4490.
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
On November 7, 2022, the Company issued a total of 2,392,301 shares of its common stock at $0.375 per share on conversion of the notes payable the Company issued to its debt holders as part of its $1,000,000 financing the Company announced on September 13, 2021. The Shares were issued pursuant to the provisions of Rule 506(b) of Regulation D of the Act, as the note holders confirmed their qualification as “accredited investors” as that term is defined under Regulation D of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Act”).
Additional Information
Copies of our annual reports on Form 10−K, quarterly reports on Form 10−Q, current reports on Form 8−K, and any amendments to those reports, are available free of charge on the Internet at www.sec.gov. All statements made in any of our filings, including all forward-looking statements, are made as of the date of the document, in which the statement is included, and we do not assume or undertake any obligation to update any of those statements or documents unless we are required to do so by law.
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
Not required under Regulation S-K for “smaller reporting companies.”
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K constitute “forward-looking statements”. These statements, identified by words such as “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “should,” “expect” and similar expressions include our expectations and objectives regarding our future financial position, operating results and business strategy. These statements reflect the current views of management with respect to future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from those described in the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include those set forth under this caption “Management’s Discussion and Analysis” and elsewhere in this Form 10-K. We do not intend to update the forward-looking information to reflect actual results or changes in the factors affecting such forward-looking information. We advise you to carefully review the reports and documents we file from time to time with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).
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Results of Operations
General
The inclusion of supplementary analytical and related information herein may require us to make estimates and assumptions to enable us to fairly present, in all material respects, our analysis of trends and expectations with respect to our results of operations and financial position taken as a whole. Actual results may vary from the estimates and assumptions we make.
Results of Operation
| Years ended December 31, | Changes between | |||||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | the periods | ||||||||||
| Operating expenses | ||||||||||||
| Exploration expenses | $ | 20,758 | $ | 15,482 | $ | 5,276 | ||||||
| General and administrative expenses | 164,927 | 60,582 | 104,345 | |||||||||
| Professional fees | 99,249 | 40,220 | 59,029 | |||||||||
| Director compensation | 988,471 | - | 988,471 | |||||||||
| Transfer agent and filing fees | 14,521 | 10,849 | 3,672 | |||||||||
| Total operating expenses | (1,287,926 | ) | (127,133 | ) | 1,160,793 | |||||||
| Other items | ||||||||||||
| Accrued interest expense | (10,812 | ) | (4,936 | ) | 5,876 | |||||||
| Accretion expense | (719,462 | ) | (94,404 | ) | 625,058 | |||||||
| Fair value gain on equity investments | 241,513 | (474,287 | ) | 715,800 | ||||||||
| Realized gain on investments | 211,530 | 315 | 211,215 | |||||||||
| Foreign exchange gain/(loss) | (978 | ) | 7,119 | 8,097 | ||||||||
| Interest income | 10,080 | 755 | 9,325 | |||||||||
| Net loss | $ | (1,556,055 | ) | $ | (692,571 | ) | $ | 863,484 | ||||
Revenues
Due to the exploration rather than the production nature of our business, we did not have any revenue associated with our business activities; furthermore, we do not expect to have significant operating revenue in the foreseeable future.
Operating expenses
Our operating expenses increased by $1,160,793, or 913%, to $1,287,926 for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to $127,133 we incurred for the year ended December 31, 2021. This change was associated with $988,471 in director compensation we recorded on the par-value shares that we sold to our three directors on December 30, 2021, and was further increased by $59,029 change in our professional fees from $40,220 we incurred during the year ended December 31, 2021, to $99,249 we incurred during the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase in professional fees was mainly associated with $51,725 we incurred on account of Rangeland Carbon Credit Royalties Streaming Opportunity Analysis which was commissioned by Carbon Canyon, and which was completed in the fourth quarter of the Company’s fiscal 2022. Our general and administrative expenses increased from $60,582 we incurred during the year ended December 31, 2021, to $164,927 we incurred during the year ended December 31, 2022. This change was mostly associated with our increased investor relations and advertising activities, which during the year ended December 31, 2022, amounted to $57,648, as compared to $23,758 in the comparative period, with $50,726 we incurred in consulting fees, an increase of $19,452, as compared to $31,274 we incurred during the comparative 2021 fiscal year, and with $39,250 we incurred in fees for arranging a financing, which as of December 31, 2022, did not close, and therefore we expensed these costs during the year ended December 31, 2022. Our transfer agent and filing fees increased by $3,672 from $10,849 we incurred during the year ended December 31, 2021, to $14,521 we incurred during the year ended December 31, 2022. In addition, we incurred $20,758 in mineral exploration fees, an increase of $5,276, as compared to $15,482 we incurred in the comparative period ended December 31, 2021. These fees were associated with the annual mining claim fees we paid to the BLM.
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Other Items
During the year ended December 31, 2022, we recognized $241,513 gain on fair value of equity investments (2021 – $474,287 loss). The gain resulted from revaluation of WRR Shares from CAD$0.24 per share at December 31, 2021, to CAD$0.415 per WRR Share on December 31, 2022, and to a smaller degree from fluctuation of exchange rates between the US and Canadian dollars. We earned $10,080 in interest revenue (2021 - $755). Since part of funds generated from the sale of equity investments are held in Canadian dollars, we incurred $978 loss associated with fluctuation of foreign exchange rates (2021 - $7,119 gain). During the year ended December 31, 2022, we recorded $211,530 gain (2021 - $315) on equity investments which was associated with the sale of 1,171,000 WRR Shares for net proceeds of $614,656 (2021 – 3,500 WRR Shares for net proceeds of $2,152). In addition, we recorded $719,462 accretion expense associated with the beneficial conversion discount we recognized on convertible notes payable we issued in September and October of 2021 (2021 - $94,404) and $10,812 in accrued interest on the convertible notes payable that have reached their maturity. During the year ended December 31, 2021 we recorded $4,936 in accrued interest expense associated with conversion of the previously non-interest-bearing advance for a total of $15,064 we owed to a third-party into a convertible promissory note for a total of $20,000.
Net Loss
At December 31, 2022, our loss increased by $863,484 from $692,571 we incurred during the year ended December 31, 2021, to $1,556,055 we incurred during the year ended December 31, 2022. This change mainly resulted from $988,471 in director compensation we recorded during the year ended December 31, 2022 (2021 - $Nil), and $719,462 accretion expense associated with the beneficial conversion discount we recognized on convertible notes payable we issued in September and October of 2021 (2021 - $94,404), which were in part offset by $241,513 gain on revaluation of our equity investments in WRR Shares, as opposed to $474,287 loss we recognized in the comparative period, and $211,530 gain we recognized on the sale of WRR Shares during the same period (2021 - $315).
Liquidity and Capital Resources
| Working capital | December 31, 2022 | December 31, 2021 | ||||||
| Current assets | $ | 1,011,847 | $ | 1,442,670 | ||||
| Current liabilities | 1,321,994 | 1,791,539 | ||||||
| Working capital deficit | $ | (310,147 | ) | $ | (348,869 | ) | ||
As of December 31, 2022, we had a cash balance of $1,007,018 and a working capital deficit of $310,147 with cash flows used in operations totaling $429,919 for the year then ended. During the year ended December 31, 2022, our operations were funded with $614,656 cash we generated from the sales of our equity investments and $980,000 we raised through convertible notes payable during the year ended December 31, 2021. We used $266,119 to redeem convertible notes payable and interest accrued thereon, as some of our note holders chose not to convert the notes payable we issued to them.
We did not generate sufficient cash flows from our operating activities to satisfy our cash requirements for the year ended December 31, 2022. There is no assurance that we will be able to generate sufficient cash from our operations to repay the amounts owing under these notes and advances payable, or to service our other debt obligations.
To provide us with the necessary capital to accomplish our plan of operation we intend to seek additional financing in the form of equity or debt. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in our efforts to raise additional capital. If we are unable to secure additional capital through equity or debt financing, we may choose to sell all or part of our investment in WRR.
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Cash Flow
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||||
| Cash flows used in operating activities | $ | (429,919 | ) | $ | (222,230 | ) | ||
| Cash flows provided by/(used in) investing activities | 164,656 | (237,848 | ) | |||||
| Cash flows provided by/(used in) financing activities | (147,605 | ) | 980,000 | |||||
| Effects of foreign currency exchange on cash | (978 | ) | 7,119 | |||||
| Net increase/(decrease) in cash during the year | $ | (413,846 | ) | $ | 527,041 | |||
Net cash used in operating activities
Our net cash used in operating activities increased by $207,689, or 93%, to $429,919 for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared with $222,230 for the year ended December 31, 2021. During the year ended December 31, 2022, we used $408,074 to cover our cash operating costs, this amount was comprised of $1,556,055 in net loss, reduced by non-cash transactions of $1,147,981; $11,822 to decrease our accounts payable and accrued liabilities, and $27,000 to decrease amounts due to our related parties. These uses of cash were in part offset by $16,977 decrease to our prepaid expenses.
Our net cash used in operating activities increased by $177,721, or 399%, to $222,230 for the year ended December 31, 2021, compared with $44,509 for the year ended December 31, 2020. During the year ended December 31, 2021, we used $126,378 to cover our cash operating costs, $98,000 to repay founder advances which were payable on demand, and $20,523 to prepay some of our future operating costs; these uses of cash were offset by increase in our accounts payable of $22,671.
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used by operating activities
During the year ended December 31, 2022, we recognized $453,043 gain on revaluation of fair value of equity investments associated with WRR Shares. In addition, we recognized $978 loss on foreign exchange fluctuations associated with cash we held in high-interest savings account at a major Canadian bank, recorded $719,462 in accretion expense associated with the discount on the convertible notes payable we issued in September and October 2021, and accrued $10,812 in interest expense on the convertible notes that had reached their maturity. In addition, we recorded $988,471 in director compensation associated with the par-value shares we issued to our directors on December 30, 2021. We also used $118,699 cash to pay interest accrued on convertible notes payable.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, we recognized $473,972 loss on revaluation of fair value of equity investments associated with WRR Shares and WRR Warrants which resulted from the fluctuation in share prices and foreign exchange rates. Since our equity investments are held in CAD$, we recorded $7,119 gain resulting from the fluctuation of foreign exchange rates during the year. In addition, we recorded $94,404 accretion expense associated with the discount on the convertible notes payable we issued in September and October 2021, and recorded $4,936 accrued interest expense associated with conversion of the previously non-interest-bearing advance for a total of $15,064 we owed to a third-party into a convertible promissory note for a total of $20,000.
Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities
During the year ended December 31, 2022, we generated $614,656 from the sale of 1,171,083 WRR Shares. During the same period, we used $450,000 to acquire our mineral property interests.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, we generated $2,152 from the sale of 21,000 WRR Shares. During the same period, we used $240,000 to acquire our mineral property interests.
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Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities
During the year ended December 31, 2022, we received $400 from the sale of 4,000,000 par-value shares to two of our directors, which shares were considered sold on December 30, 2021, however, we received cash payment from the directors subsequent to December 31, 2021. During the same period, we redeemed a total of $147,420 in notes payable, which reached their maturity. In addition, we repaid $585 we owed to WRR.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, we received $980,000 on issuance of convertible notes payable due 12 months from the issuance date (the “Notes”). The Notes accrue interest at a rate of 15% per annum and are unsecured. At the option of the Note Holder, the Company may either (i) pay the interest quarterly in arrears, or (ii) allow the interest to accrue until the Maturity Date. In addition, at the Company’s sole discretion, the Company may either (i) repay the principal amount of the Notes on the Maturity Date, or (ii) commencing one month from the issue date repay 1/12 of the outstanding principal amount of the Notes in any given month until the Maturity Date. At the option of the Note Holder the Notes can be converted into the Shares of the Company at a conversion price equal to the lesser of (i) $0.375 per Share, or (ii) a 25% discount to the price per Share in a qualified public offering that occurs subsequent to the sale of the Notes and results in gross offering proceeds to the Company of at least $5,000,000.
Going Concern
At December 31, 2022, we had a working capital deficit of $310,147 and cash on hand of $1,007,018, which is sufficient enough to support our current plan of operations for the next 12-month period. Our equity investments include 511,750 WRR Shares (3,070,500 pre-roll back WRR Shares). We have been using WRR Shares and are planning to continue to use them as a source of additional cash inflow. To support our operations beyond the 12-month period we may require additional funds; therefore, we continue to actively pursue other means of financing our operations through equity and/or debt financing. There can be no assurance that we will be able to procure funds sufficient to support our day-to-day operations and exploration programs. If operating difficulties or other factors (many of which are beyond our control) delay our realization of revenues or cash flows from operations, we may be limited in our ability to pursue our business plan. Moreover, if our resources from obtaining additional capital or cash flows from operations, once we commence them, do not satisfy our operational needs or if unexpected expenses arise due to unanticipated pressures or if we decide to expand our business plan beyond its currently anticipated level or otherwise, we will require additional financing to fund our operations, in addition to anticipated cash generated from our operations. Additional financing might not be available on terms favorable to us, or at all. If adequate funds were not available or were not available on acceptable terms, our ability to fund our operations, take advantage of unanticipated opportunities, develop or enhance our business or otherwise respond to competitive pressures would be significantly limited. In a worst-case scenario, we might not be able to fund our operations or to remain in business, which could result in a total loss of our stockholders’ investment. If we raise additional funds through the issuance of equity or convertible debt securities, the percentage ownership of our stockholders would be reduced, and these newly issued securities might have rights, preferences or privileges senior to those of existing stockholders.
Impact of Inflation
We believe that inflation has had a negligible effect on operations over the past fiscal year.
Capital Expenditures
During the year ended December 31, 2022, we used $20,000 to make an initial cash payment to acquire Swales Property, $20,000 to make the first anniversary payment on Agai-Pah Property, and further $20,000 to make the first anniversary payment on Belshazzar Property. In addition, we made a $350,000 one-time cash payment to acquire 2% NSR on Palmetto Project, and paid $40,000 to extend the Olinghouse Purchase Option for an additional one-year term.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, we used $20,000 to make and initial cash payment to acquire Agai-Pah Property, $20,000 to make and initial cash payment to acquire Belshazzar Property, and made a $200,000 initial cash option payment to acquire an Olinghouse Purchase Option.
| 35 |
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
None.
Pronouncements
We have implemented all new accounting pronouncements that are in effect, and that may impact our financial statements and do not believe that there are any other new accounting pronouncements that have been issued that might have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
As a “smaller reporting company” as defined by Item 10 of Regulation S-K, we are not required to provide information required by this item.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Our audited financial statements are set forth in this Annual Report beginning on page F-1.
NEVADA CANYON GOLD CORP.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2022 AND 2021
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
| 36 |
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the shareholders and the board of directors of Nevada Canyon Gold Corp.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Nevada Canyon Gold Corp. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows, for the years then ended, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the 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 then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Going Concern
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 1 to the financial statements, the Company has limited liquidity and has not completed its efforts to establish a source of revenue sufficient to cover operating costs over an extended period of time. These factors raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s plans in this regard are described in Note 1. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the 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 in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. 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 in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the 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 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 financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
| F-1 |
Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
| Critical Audit Matter | How the Matter was Addressed in the Audit | ||
| Assessment of Mineral property interests for potential impairment indicators | The primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter included: | ||
| As described in Note 2 to the financial statements, management reviews and evaluates the net carrying value of mineral property interests for impairment upon the occurrence of events or changes in circumstances that indicate that the related carrying amounts may not be recoverable. If deemed necessary based on this review and evaluation, management performs a test for impairment. | ● | Evaluation of the Company’s identification of significant events or changes in circumstances that have occurred indicating the underlying mineral property interests may not be recoverable by performing an independent assessment. | |
| ● | Discussion with management of future business plans for the mineral property interests | ||
| In its review and evaluation, management determined that there were no indicators that the carrying amount of mineral property interests, which has a carrying value of $720,395 as of December 31, 2022, may not be recoverable. | ● | Ensuring key assumptions were consistent with evidence obtained in other areas of the audit. | |
| We identified the assessment of unproved mineral properties for potential impairment indicators as a critical audit matter due to the materiality of the balance, the high degree of auditor judgment and an increased level of effort when performing audit procedures to evaluate the reasonableness of management’s assumptions in determining whether indicators of impairment are present. | |||
/s/ DMCL LLP
CHARTERED PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANTS
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2015
March 27, 2023
| F-2 |
Nevada Canyon Gold Corp.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Presented in US Dollars)
| December 31, 2022 | December 31, 2021 | |||||||
| ASSETS | ||||||||
| Current Assets | ||||||||
| Cash | $ | $ | ||||||
| Prepaid expenses | ||||||||
| Total Current Assets | ||||||||
| Equity investment | ||||||||
| Mineral property interests | ||||||||
| TOTAL ASSETS | $ | $ | ||||||
| LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | ||||||||
| Current Liabilities | ||||||||
| Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | $ | $ | ||||||
| Related party advances | ||||||||
| Notes and advances payable | ||||||||
| Convertible notes payable | ||||||||
| Total Liabilities | ||||||||
| Stockholders’ Equity | ||||||||
| Preferred Stock: Authorized preferred shares, $ par, issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 | ||||||||
| Common Stock: Authorized common shares, $ par, and issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively | ||||||||
| Additional paid-in capital | ||||||||
| Retained deficit | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Total Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit) | ||||||||
| TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | $ | $ | ||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
| F-3 |
Nevada Canyon Gold Corp.
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Presented in US Dollars)
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||||
| For the year ended December 31, | ||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||||
| Operating expenses | ||||||||
| Exploration expenses | $ | $ | ||||||
| General and administrative expenses | ||||||||
| Professional fees | ||||||||
| Director compensation | ||||||||
| Transfer agent and filing fees | ||||||||
| Total operating expenses | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Other items | ||||||||
| Accretion expense | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Accrued interest | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Fair value gain/(loss) on equity investments | ( | ) | ||||||
| Foreign exchange gain/(loss) | ( | ) | ||||||
| Interest income | ||||||||
| Realized gain on equity investments | ||||||||
| Net and comprehensive loss | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||
| Net loss per common share - basic and diluted | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||
| Weighted average number of common shares outstanding: | ||||||||
| Basic and Diluted | ||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
| F-4 |
Nevada Canyon Gold Corp.
Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity
(Presented in US Dollars)
| Shares | Amount | Capital | Deficit | Equity | ||||||||||||||||
| Common Stock | Additional Paid-in | Accumulated | Total Stockholders’ | |||||||||||||||||
| Shares | Amount | Capital | Deficit | Equity | ||||||||||||||||
| Balance, December 31, 2020 | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Beneficial conversion of convertible notes | - | |||||||||||||||||||
| Common stock retired | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Common stock issued | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss for the year ended December 31, 2021 | - | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||
| Balance, December 31, 2021 | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Balance | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Shares issued on conversion of convertible notes | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Director compensation | - | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss for the year ended December 31, 2022 | - | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||
| Net loss for the year ended | - | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||
| Balance, December 31, 2022 | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
| F-5 |
Nevada Canyon Gold Corp.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow
(Presented in US Dollars)
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||||
| For the year ended December 31, | ||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||||
| OPERATING ACTIVITIES: | ||||||||
| Cash flows used in operating activities | ||||||||
| Net loss | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||
| Adjustment to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: | ||||||||
| Director compensation | ||||||||
| Fair value loss/(gain) on equity investments | ( | ) | ||||||
| Interest payments made | ( | ) | ||||||
| Accretion of convertible debt | ||||||||
| Accrued interest | ||||||||
| Foreign exchange loss/(gain) | ( | ) | ||||||
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | ||||||||
| Accounts payable | ( | ) | ||||||
| Related party payable | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Prepaid expenses | ( | ) | ||||||
| Net cashed used in operating activities | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| INVESTING ACTIVITIES | ||||||||
| Sale of equity investments | ||||||||
| Acquisition of mineral property interests | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | ( | ) | ||||||
| FINANCING ACTIVITIES | ||||||||
| Cash received on subscription to shares | ||||||||
| Notes and advances payable | ( | ) | ||||||
| Convertible notes payable | ( | ) | ||||||
| Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | ( | ) | ||||||
| Effects of foreign currency exchange on cash | ( | ) | ||||||
| Net increase (decrease) in cash | ( | ) | ||||||
| Cash, at beginning | ||||||||
| Cash, at end | $ | $ | ||||||
| Supplemental cash flow information: | ||||||||
| Cash paid for interest | $ | ( | ) | $ | ||||
| Cash received for interest | $ | $ | ||||||
| Cash paid for income taxes | $ | $ | ||||||
| Significant non-cash transactions: | ||||||||
| Fair value gain (loss) on equity investments | $ | $ | ( | ) | ||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
| F-6 |
NEVADA CANYON GOLD CORP.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 2022 AND 2021
NOTE 1 - NATURE OF BUSINESS
Nevada
Canyon Gold Corp. (the “Company”) was incorporated under the laws of the state of
Going Concern
The Company’s consolidated financial statements are prepared using accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) applicable to a going concern, which contemplates the realization of assets and liquidation of liabilities in the normal course of business. The Company is a mineral exploration company and has not generated or realized any revenues from its business operations. The ability of the Company to continue as a going concern is dependent on the Company obtaining adequate capital to fund operating losses until it becomes profitable. If the Company is unable to obtain adequate capital, it could be forced to cease operations.
The outcome of these matters cannot be predicted with any certainty at this time and raises substantial doubt that the Company will be able to continue as a going concern. These consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments to the amounts and classifications of assets and liabilities that may be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern. Management intends to obtain additional funding by borrowing funds, and/or a private placement of common stock.
NOTE 2 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation
These consolidated financial statements and related notes are presented in accordance with GAAP, and are presented in United States dollars.
Principles of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Nevada Canyon LLC and Canyon Carbon LLC. On consolidation, all intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated.
Use of Estimates and Assumptions
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect certain reported amounts and disclosures. Accordingly, actual results could differ from those estimates. The Company regularly evaluates estimates and assumptions related to the fair value of director compensation, impairment of its interest in mineral properties, and deferred income tax asset valuation allowances. The Company bases its estimates and assumptions on current facts, historical experience and various other factors that it believes to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities and the accrual of costs and expenses that are not readily apparent from other sources. The actual results experienced by the Company may differ materially and adversely from the Company’s estimates. To the extent there are material differences between the estimates and the actual results, future results of operations will be affected.
| F-7 |
Basis of Accounting
The Company’s consolidated financial statements are prepared using the accrual method of accounting, except for cash flow information.
Deferred Stock Issuance Costs
The Company capitalizes, within other assets, certain legal, accounting and other third-party fees that are directly related to the Company’s in-process equity financings until such financings are consummated. After consummation of the equity financing, these costs are recorded as a reduction of the proceeds received as a result of the offering. Should a planned equity financing be abandoned, terminated or significantly delayed, the deferred offering costs are immediately written off to operating expenses. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, there were no deferred offering costs recorded on the balance sheet.
Equity Offering
In
September 2022, the Company filed an offering statement on Form 1-A with the Securities and Exchange Commission in relation to an offer
to sell up to units of the Company’s common stock, with each unit comprised of one common share (a “common share”),
and one common share purchase warrant (a “warrant”) to purchase one additional common share (a “warrant share”)
at an exercise price of US$
Equity Investments
Equity investments are classified as available for sale and are stated at fair market value. Unrealized gains and losses are recognized in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations.
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes under the liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amounts expected to be realized.
The Company assesses all material positions taken in any income tax return, including all significant uncertain positions, in all tax years that are still subject to assessment or challenge by relevant taxing authorities. Assessing an uncertain tax position begins with the initial determination of the position’s sustainability and is measured at the largest amount of benefit that has a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. As of each balance sheet date, unresolved uncertain tax positions must be reassessed, and the Company will determine whether (i) the factors underlying the sustainability assertion have changed and (ii) the amount of the recognized tax benefit is still appropriate. The recognition and measurement of tax benefits requires significant judgment. Judgments concerning the recognition and measurement of a tax benefit might change as new information becomes available.
The Company’s basic income/loss per share (“EPS”) is calculated by dividing its net income/loss available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period, excluding unvested portion of restricted stock with performance conditions.
| F-8 |
The Company’s diluted EPS is calculated by dividing its net income/loss available to common shareholders by the diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period. The diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding is the basic weighted number of shares adjusted for any potentially dilutive debt or equity. Restricted stock with performance conditions is only included in the diluted EPS calculation to the extent that performance conditions have been met at the measurement date. Dilutive effect of the restricted stock is determined using the treasury stock method.
At December 31, 2022, the Company had shares that were issued but restricted under -year lock-up and vesting agreements with shareholders. These shares vest in equal annual installments over a -year term; during which term the shareholders agreed not to sell, directly or indirectly, or enter into any other transactions involving the Company’s common shares regardless if the shares have vested or not. As at December 31, 2022, shares have vested however, remained locked up but were included in basic EPS from the vesting date of December 30, 2022.
SCHEDULE OF ANTI-DILUTIVE SECURITIES EXCLUDED FROM COMPUTATION OF EARNINGS PER SHARE
| December 31, 2022 | December 31, 2021 | |||||||
| Convertible Notes Payable | ||||||||
| Restricted Stock | ||||||||
| Total Possible Dilutive Shares | ||||||||
For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, the effect of the Company’s outstanding restricted stock and convertible notes would have been anti-dilutive and therefore they are excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The Company’s financial instruments include cash, equity investment, accounts payable, related party payables, notes payable. The carrying value of these financial instruments approximates their fair value based on their short-term nature. The Company is not exposed to significant interest, exchange or credit risk arising from these financial instruments.
The fair value hierarchy under US GAAP is based on the following three levels of inputs, of which the first two are considered observable and the last unobservable:
| Level 1: | Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; |
| Level 2: | Observable inputs other than Level I, quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active prices whose inputs are observable or whose significant value drivers are observable; and |
| Level 3: | Assets and liabilities whose significant value drivers are unobservable by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. |
Certain assets and liabilities are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis; that is, the instruments are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to fair value adjustments only in certain circumstances (for example, when there is evidence of impairment). There were no assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis during the periods ended December 31, 2022 and 2021.
Cash and equity investment are measured at fair value using level 1 inputs.
Stock-Based Compensation
For equity awards, such as stock options, total compensation cost is based on the grant date fair value and for liability awards, such as stock appreciation rights, total compensation cost is based on the settlement value. The Company recognizes stock-based compensation expense for all awards over the service period required to earn the award, which is the shorter of the vesting period or the time period an employee becomes eligible to retain the award at retirement.
| F-9 |
Mining Interests and Mineral Exploration Expenditures
Exploration costs are expensed in the period in which they occur. The Company capitalizes costs for acquiring and leasing mining properties and expenses costs to maintain mineral rights as incurred. Should a property reach the production stage, capitalized costs would be amortized using the units-of-production method based on periodic estimates of ore reserves.
Impairment of Long-lived Assets
The Company periodically reviews its long-lived assets to determine if any events or changes in circumstances have transpired which indicate that the carrying value of its assets may not be recoverable. The Company determines impairment by comparing the undiscounted net future cash flows estimated to be generated by its assets to their respective carrying amounts. If impairment is deemed to exist, the assets will be written down to fair value.
Convertible Debt with Beneficial Conversion Feature
The Company accounts for beneficial conversion options (“BCF”) embedded in convertible notes in accordance with ASC 470-20. ASC 470-20 generally requires companies to recognize an embedded beneficial conversion feature present in a convertible instrument separately at issuance by allocating a portion of the proceeds equal to the intrinsic value of that feature to additional paid-in capital, resulting in a discount on the convertible instrument. This discount on convertible debt is accreted from the date on which the BCF is first recognized through the stated maturity date. The intrinsic value is calculated at the commitment date being the difference between the conversion price and the fair value of the common stock or other securities into which the security is convertible, multiplied by the number of shares into which the security is convertible. If the intrinsic value of the BCF is greater than the proceeds allocated to the convertible instrument, the amount of the discount assigned to the beneficial conversion feature shall be limited to the amount of the proceeds allocated to the convertible instrument.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
The Company has implemented all new accounting pronouncements that are in effect and that may impact its financial statements and does not believe that there are any other new accounting pronouncements that have been issued that might have a material impact on its financial position or results of operations.
NOTE 3 – RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Amounts due to related parties at December 31, 2022 and 2021:
SCHEDULE OF RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
| December 31, 2022 | December 31, 2021 | |||||||
| Amounts due to the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) (a) | $ | $ | ||||||
| Amounts due to a company controlled by the CEO (a) | ||||||||
| Amounts due to a former director(b) | ||||||||
| Amounts due to a company controlled by the former director (b) | ||||||||
| Amounts due from a director for shares | ( | ) | ||||||
| Amounts due from a director for shares | ( | ) | ||||||
| Related party payables | $ | $ | ||||||
| (a) | |
| (b) |
| F-10 |
During the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company had the following transactions with its related parties.
SCHEDULE OF TRANSACTIONS WITH ITS RELATED PARTIES
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||||
| Year ended December 31, | ||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||||
| Compensation incurred with CEO and director | $ | $ | ||||||
| Compensation incurred to a director | ||||||||
| Compensation incurred to a director | ||||||||
| Consulting fees paid to a company controlled by the CEO an director | ||||||||
| Related party transactions | $ | $ | ||||||
On
December 30, 2021, the Company issued a total of shares of common stock to the Company’s directors (the “Director
Shares”). The Director Shares were issued at par value for a total consideration of $
The Company analyzed the issuance of the Director Shares pursuant to the guidance available in ASC 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation. Based on the guidance, the Company determined that the directors are nonemployees of the Company, however, since they were appointed to the board positions that are expected to be filled by another person whom the shareholders will elect when the current term expires, and the Directors are not expected to provide any additional services, the Director Shares must be accounted for in the same manner as an award granted to an employee. Therefore, the Director Shares are to be valued at the fair market value and the compensation must be recorded as the services are provided over a vesting period of three years. The Company determined the fair market value of the shares to be $ per share, the grant date to be March 18, 2022, the date the Lock-up Agreements were agreed to by the board of directors and the beneficiaries, and the service period commencing on March 18, 2022.
As at December 31, 2022, the total compensation cost related to nonvested Director Shares not yet recognized was $. The total weighted-average period over which the total compensation cost related to nonvested Director Shares not yet recognized are expected to be recognized was years.
NOTE 4 – ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED LIABILITIES
SCHEDULE OF ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED LIABILITIES
| December 31, 2022 | December 31, 2021 | |||||||
| Trade payables | $ | $ | ||||||
| Accrued liabilities | ||||||||
| Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | $ | $ | ||||||
NOTE 5 – MINERAL PROPERTY INTERESTS
As
of December 31, 2022, the Company’s mineral property interests are comprised of the Lazy Claims Property, the Loman Property, and
the Agai-Pah Property located in Mineral County, Nevada, the Swales Property located in Elko County, Nevada, and the Belshazzar Property
located in Quartzburg mining district, Boise County, Idaho. In addition, the Company acquired an option to acquire
| F-11 |
Lazy Claims Property
On
August 2, 2017, the Company entered into an exploration lease agreement (the “Lazy Claims Agreement”) with Tarsis Resources
US Inc. (“Tarsis”), a Nevada corporation, to lease the Lazy Claims, consisting of three claims.
During
the year ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company paid $
Loman Property
In
December 2019 the Company acquired
During
the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company paid $
Agai-Pah Property
On
May 19, 2021, the Company entered into exploration lease with option to purchase agreement (the “Agai-Pah Property Agreement”)
with MSM Resource, L.L.C., (“MSM”) a
Full
consideration of the Agai-Pah Property Agreement consists of the following: (i) an initial cash payment of $
During
the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company paid $
Belshazzar Property
On
June 4, 2021, the Company entered exploration lease with option to purchase agreement (the “Belshazzar Property Agreement”)
with Belshazzar Holdings, L.L.C., (“BH”) a
| F-12 |
Full
consideration of the Belshazzar Property Agreement consists of the following: (i) an initial cash payment of $
During
the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company paid $
Swales Property
On
December 27, 2021, the Company entered into exploration lease with option to purchase agreement (the “Swales Property Agreement”)
with Mr. W. Wright Parks III., (“Mr. Parks”) on
Full
consideration of the Swales Property Agreement consists of the following: (i) an initial cash payment of $
During
the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company paid $
Olinghouse Project
On
December 17, 2021, the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Nevada Canyon, LLC, entered into an Option to Purchase Agreement (the
“Olinghouse Agreement”) with Target Minerals, Inc (“Target”), a private
| F-13 |
The
Company has the exclusive right and option (the “Olinghouse Purchase Option”), exercisable at any time during
The
term of the Olinghouse Purchase Option shall be the later of one year, or 60 days after the date on which the Company delivers to Target
a written notice to exercise the Olinghouse Purchase Option, subject to further extension if Target’s conditions to closing are
not fully satisfied or otherwise waived by the Company. Full consideration of the Olinghouse Agreement consists of the following: (i)
an initial cash option payment of $
| ● | if the Company’s 10-day volume weighted average price (“VWAP”) Calculation is less than $ per share, the Olinghouse Purchase Price shall be paid in cash; or | |
| ● | if the Company’s 10-day VWAP Calculation is more than $ per share, the Olinghouse Purchase Price shall be paid in the form of Shares of the Company’s common stock. |
On
December 23, 2022, the Company and Target agreed to extend the Olinghouse Purchase Option for an additional one-year term, expiring on
December 17, 2023, for a one-time cash payment of $
During the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company did not incur any additional expenses associated with the Olinghouse Project.
Palmetto Project
On
January 27, 2022,
To
acquire the
During the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company did not incur any additional expenses associated with the Palmetto Project.
NOTE 6 – EQUITY INVESTMENT
As
at December 31, 2022, the Company’s equity investments consist of common shares of Walker River Resources Corp. (“WRR”),
(2021 - shares and warrants to acquire an additional
During
the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company exercised its WRR Warrants, which were expiring on July 18, 2022, and acquired an additional
At
December 31, 2022, the fair market value of the equity investment was calculated to be $
During
the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company sold WRR Shares (2021 – WRR Shares) for net proceeds of $
| F-14 |
The
revaluation of the equity investment in WRR resulted in $
NOTE 7 – NOTES AND ADVANCES PAYABLE
At
December 31, 2022, the Company’s liability under notes and advances payable consisted of $
During
the year ended December 31, 2021, as part of the Company’s convertible promissory notes financing (Note 8), one of the Company’s
existing debt holders agreed to convert $
NOTE 8 – CONVERTIBLE NOTES PAYABLE
During
the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company received $
The
convertible promissory notes (the “Notes”) were due in twelve months after their issuances (the “Maturity Date”)
and accrued interest at a rate of
At
the initial recognition, the Company determined the embedded beneficial conversion feature present in the Notes to be $
The table below provides the details of the Notes at the time of their issuance:
SCHEDULE OF CONVERTIBLE NOTE PAYABLE
| Principal | Fair Value on Commitment Date | Number of Shares to be issued based on $0.375/Share | Intrinsic Value of Beneficial Conversion Feature | Discount recorded as part of Additional Paid-in Capital | Implied Interest | |||||||||||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | $ | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| $ | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||
| F-15 |
During
the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company recorded $
The table below provides the details of the extinguishment of debt under the Notes:
| Principal | Interest accrued up to the date of extinguishment | Balance owed at the date of extinguishment | Cash payments made | Common shares issued on conversion at $0.375/share | ||||||||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||
NOTE 9 – STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
The
Company was formed with one class of common stock, $ par value and is authorized to issue common shares and one class
of preferred stock, $ par value and is authorized to issue preferred shares. Voting rights are not cumulative and, therefore,
the holders of more than
Equity transactions during the year ended December 31, 2022
On
October 31, 2022, the Company received notices from its convertible note holders requesting to convert a total of $
Equity transactions during the year ended December 31, 2021
On December 30, 2021, the Company’s former director tendered for cancellation shares of common stock and a major shareholder tendered shares of common stock. As a result, a total of shares of common stock were cancelled and returned to the Company’s treasury to a status of authorized but unissued (Note 3).
On
December 30, 2021, the Company issued a total of shares of common stock to the Company’s directors. These shares were
issued at par value for a total cash consideration of $
Warrants and Options
During the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company did not have any warrants or options issued and exercisable.
NOTE 10 – INCOME TAXES
A reconciliation of the expected income tax expense to the actual income tax expense is as follows:
SCHEDULE OF RECONCILIATION OF EXPECTED INCOME TAX EXPENSE
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||||
| Net income before tax | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||
| Statutory tax rate | % | % | ||||||
| Expected income tax recovery at statutory rate | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Non-deductible expenditures | ||||||||
| Change in valuation allowance | ||||||||
| Total income tax expense | $ | $ | ||||||
| F-16 |
The Company has the following deductible temporary differences:
SCHEDULE OF DEFERRED TAX ASSETS
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||||
| Deferred income tax assets | ||||||||
| Marketable securities | $ | $ | ||||||
| Non-capital loss carry-forward | ||||||||
| Total deferred income tax assets | ||||||||
| Deferred income tax liabilities | ||||||||
| Convertible notes | ( | ) | ||||||
| Marketable securities | ( | ) | ||||||
| Less: Valuation allowance | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Net deferred income tax assets | $ | $ | ||||||
At
December 31, 2022, the Company had federal and state net operating loss carry forwards of approximately $
The Company has evaluated all tax positions for open years and has concluded that they have no material unrecognized tax benefits or penalties. It is not anticipated that unrecognized tax benefits would significantly increase or decrease within 12 months of the reporting date. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense and penalties within operating expenses. The Company’s federal income tax returns for fiscal years 2020 through 2022 remain open and subject to examination. Tax attributes from prior years can be adjusted during an IRS audit.
NOTE 11 – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On February 24, 2023, the Company, entered into a consulting agreement with the Company’s newly appointed Vice President of Operations. The Company agreed to issue shares of its common stock for the services. The shares will vest on a quarterly basis over the two-year term of the agreement, beginning March 1, 2023.
On
February 24, 2023, the Company entered into two separate consulting agreements with consultants in exchange for a total of
shares of its common stock.
| F-17 |
Item 9. Controls and Procedures
(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.
Disclosure controls and procedures are designed with an objective of ensuring that information required to be disclosed in our periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, such as this Annual Report on Form 10-K, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Disclosure controls are also designed with an objective of ensuring that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our chief executive officer, in order to allow timely consideration regarding required disclosures.
The evaluation of our disclosure controls by our principal executive officer included a review of the controls’ objectives and design, the operation of the controls, and the effect of the controls on the information presented in this Annual Report. Our management, including our chief executive officer, does not expect that disclosure controls can or will prevent or detect all errors and all fraud, if any. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Also, projections of any evaluation of the disclosure controls and procedures to future periods are subject to the risk that the disclosure controls and procedures may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
As of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer has concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2022, were not effective in providing timely material information which is required to be included in our periodic reports filed with the SEC as of the end of the period covering this report and to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. There have been no material changes in our internal controls over financial reporting or in other factors that could materially affect, or are reasonably likely to affect, our internal controls over financial reporting for the year ended December 31, 2022.
(b) Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Company in accordance with Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Our internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the (i) effectiveness and efficiency of operations, (ii) reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and (iii) compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Our internal controls framework is based on the criteria set forth in the Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Based on an assessment of the Company’s internal control procedures over financial reporting for the year ended December 31, 2022, management believes that the internal control over financial reporting is not effective. We have identified current material weaknesses considering the nature and extent of our current operations and any risks or errors in financial reporting under current operations. In the view of management, the Company does not have adequate segregation of duties in the handling of its financial reporting due to a limited number of personnel.
This Annual Report does not include an attestation report of the Company’s registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by the Company’s registered public accounting firm pursuant to temporary rules of the SEC that permit the Company to provide only management’s report in this Annual Report.
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(c) Changes in Internal Controls
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred for the year ended December 31, 2022, that had materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Item 9B. Other Information
None.
PART III
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Our directors serve until his or her successor is elected and qualified. Our directors elect our officers to a term of one (1) year and they serve until their successors are duly elected and qualified, or until they are removed from office. The board of directors has no nominating or compensation committees.
The name, age, and position of our present officer and directors are set forth below:
| Name | Age | Title(s) | ||
| Jeffrey Cocks | 60 | Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, Principal Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Principal Financial Officer, Principal Accounting Officer and Secretary | ||
| Alan Day | 58 | Director
| ||
| Robert F. List | 86 | Director | ||
| Ryan McMillan | 38 | Vice President of Operations |
Jeffrey Cocks has held his offices/positions since February 28, 2014, and we expect him to hold his offices/positions at least until the next annual meeting of our shareholders.
Alan Day and Robert F. List were appointed to the board of directors on November 17, 2021, and we expect them to hold their offices/positions at least until the next annual meeting of our shareholders.
Ryan McMillan was appointed Vice President of Operations on March 1, 2023, and we expect him to hold his office/position at least until the next annual meeting of our shareholders.
Mr. Jeffrey Cocks, Chairman, President, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary
Jeffrey Cocks is our Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and Secretary and has served in that capacity since February 28, 2014. From August 1996 to the present, Mr. Cocks has served as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of West Isle Ventures, Ltd., a Canadian company that provides consulting services to start-ups and other companies. Mr. Cocks also serves on the board of director and audit committee of Carson River Ventures Corp. which are traded on the Canadian Stock Exchange. Mr. Cocks has over 25 years of experience in consulting, sales, marketing, product development and branding as well as corporate compliance in the executive offices including overseeing his company’s accounting, compliance and finance departments and as a director of several public companies in both the United States and Canada. Mr. Cocks holds a certificate from Simon Frasier University in its securities program.
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Mr. Alan Day, Director
Mr. Day was appointed to our board of directors on November 17, 2021. Mr. Day has an extensive financial, operational and administrative background with over 30 years’ experience of exploration and mining experience with a focus on precious metals, copper and nickel. He has held senior project management roles in exploration, mining as well as environmental remediation programs. Mr. Day’s company, Mineral Exploration Services, Ltd. was formed in 1998 to serve the mining industry in property acquisitions and divestures, claim locating, complete exploration services, including geological consulting and project management. Mr. Day received a B.S. in Geology and a B.A. in
Mr. Robert (Bob) F. List, Director
Mr. List was appointed to our board of directors on November 17, 2021. Mr. List brings a wealth of Nevada knowledge, experience, contacts, and long-standing relationships to the Company. He served as the Governor of Nevada from 1979-1983. Prior to being elected Governor, he served as district attorney of Carson City and 8 years as Attorney General of Nevada. He was Chairman of both the Western Governors Association and the Conference of Western Attorney Generals. Mr. List has been appointed to numerous boards and commissions in the administrations of Presidents Nixon, Ford, Reagan, and George H.W. Bush, including the National Public Lands Advisory Council. He has served as a director for several private and public companies. Mr. List currently is Of Counsel to the Las Vegas law firm Jolley Urga Woodbury and Holthus, specializing in natural resources, finance, gaming, regulatory and administrative law. He is a member of the Bar Associations of Nevada and the District of Columbia. Mr. List received his B.S. from Utah State University and his LL.B and J.D. law degrees from the University of California and Hastings College of Law.
Mr. Ryan McMillan, Vice President of Operations
Mr. McMillan was appointed our Vice President of Operations on March 1, 2023. Since August 2012, Mr. McMillan has served as a private consultant engaged in business structuring, advising on multi-national corporate mergers, acquisitions, corporate finance and restructuring (debt workouts, debt-equity swaps and capital restructuring), recapitalization (arranging new debt and equity financing) and creating exit strategies—primarily utilizing traditional IPO’s and Alternative Public Offerings. Prior thereto from September 2011 to July 2012, Mr. McMillan worked as Director of Business Development for a private company based in Los Angeles, CA where he was responsible for financial model design, attracting new customers in both new and existing market places, and M&A transactions. In 2007, Mr. McMillan joined a San Diego-based private equity firm engaged in $1 to 3 million seed financing for non-industry specific startups, as an Associate in the company’s Capital Market’s Division. Mr. McMillan’s primary duties involved identifying and interacting with the emerging companies that partnered with the firm, investor relations, which included raising new forms of private capital and developing advisory leads. Mr. McMillan attended University of Arizona where he studied Regional Development with an emphasis in Business.
Possible Potential Conflicts
Our common stock is quoted on the OTC Link alternative trading system on the OTC Pink marketplace, which does not have director independence requirements.
No member of management will be required by us to work on a full-time basis. Accordingly, certain conflicts of interest may arise between us and our officer and directors in that they may have other business interests in the future to which they devote their attention, and they may be expected to continue to do so although management time must also be devoted to our business. As a result, conflicts of interest may arise that can be resolved only through the exercise of such judgment as is consistent with each officer’s and director’s understanding of his fiduciary duties to us. In the course of other business activities, they may become aware of business opportunities that may be appropriate for presentation to us, as well as the other entities with which they are affiliated with. As such, there may be conflicts of interest in determining to which entity a particular business opportunity should be presented. In an effort to reduce or minimize any conflicts, Messrs. Cocks, Day, List, and McMillan have orally agreed that any opportunities that are presented to them in the United States will be directed to the Company and that any opportunities presented to them in Canada will be available for their other business interests.
| 39 |
We cannot provide assurances that our efforts to eliminate the potential impact of conflicts of interest will be effective.
Currently, we have three directors and an officer and will seek to add additional officer(s) and/or director(s) as and when the proper personnel is located, and terms of employment are mutually negotiated and agreed, and we have sufficient capital resources and cash flow to make such offers.
We cannot provide assurances that our efforts to eliminate the potential impact of conflicts of interest will be effective.
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
On February 28, 2014, we adopted a Code of Ethics and Business Conduct which is applicable to our future employees and which also includes a Code of Ethics for our chief executive officer and principal financial officer and any persons performing similar functions. A code of ethics is a written standard designed to deter wrongdoing and to promote:
| ● | honest and ethical conduct; | |
| ● | full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in regulatory filings and public statements; | |
| ● | compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations; | |
| ● | the prompt reporting violation of the code; and | |
| ● | accountability for adherence to the code. |
A copy of our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as Exhibit 14.1 to our registration statement.
Board of Directors
Our directors hold office until the completion of their term of office, which is not longer than one year, or until a successor(s) have been elected. We reimburse our directors for their services with shares of our Common Stock, we may also compensate them for their role as officers, which compensation may be in form of cash or equity.
Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings
During the past ten years, no present director, executive officer or person nominated to become a director or an executive officer of us:
| (1) | had a petition under the federal bankruptcy laws or any state insolvency law filed by or against, or a receiver, fiscal agent or similar officer appointed by a court for the business or property of such person, or any partnership in which he was a general partner at or within two years before the time of such filing, or any corporation or business association of which he was an executive officer at or within two years before the time of such filing; | |
| (2) | was convicted in a criminal proceeding or subject to a pending criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations and other minor offenses); | |
| (3) | was subject to any order, judgment or decree, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, of any court of competent jurisdiction, permanently or temporarily enjoining him from or otherwise limiting his involvement in any of the following activities: |
| i. | acting as a futures commission merchant, introducing broker, commodity trading advisor commodity pool operator, floor broker, leverage transaction merchant, any other person regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, or an associated person of any of the foregoing, or as an investment adviser, underwriter, broker or dealer in securities, or as an affiliated person, director or employee of any investment company, bank, savings and loan association or insurance company, or engaging in or continuing any conduct or practice in connection with such activity; | |
| ii. | engaging in any type of business practice; or |
| 40 |
| iii. | engaging in any activity in connection with the purchase or sale of any security or commodity or in connection with any violation of federal or state securities laws or federal commodities laws; or |
| (4) | was the subject of any order, judgment or decree, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, of a federal or state authority barring, suspending or otherwise limiting for more than 60 days the right of such person to engage in any activity described in paragraph (3) (i), above, or to be associated with persons engaged in any such activity; or | |
| (5) | was found by a court of competent jurisdiction (in a civil action), the Securities and Exchange Commission or the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to have violated a federal or state securities or commodities law, and for which the judgment has not been reversed, suspended or vacated. |
Committees of the Board of Directors
Concurrent with having sufficient members and resources, our board of directors will establish an audit committee and a compensation committee. We believe that we will need a minimum of five directors to have effective committee systems. The audit committee will review the results and scope of the audit and other services provided by the independent auditors and review and evaluate the system of internal controls. The compensation committee will manage any stock option plan we may establish and review and recommend compensation arrangements for the officers. No final determination has yet been made as to the memberships of these committees or when we will have sufficient members to establish committees. See “Executive Compensation” hereinafter.
We will reimburse all directors for any expenses incurred in attending directors’ meetings provided that we have the resources to pay these fees. We will consider applying for officers and directors’ liability insurance at such time when we have the resources to do so.
Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our executive officers and directors, and persons who beneficially own more than 10% of our equity securities (collectively, the “Reporting Persons”), to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the SEC. Under the SEC regulations, Reporting Persons are required to provide us with copies of all forms that they file pursuant to Section 16(a). To our knowledge, based solely upon review of the copies of such reports received or written representations from the reporting persons, we believe that during the period covered by this Annual Report, our directors, executive officers and persons who own more than 10% of our common stock complied with all Section 16(a) filing requirements.
| 41 |
Item 11. Executive Compensation
The following table shows, for the years ended December 31, 2022, and 2021, compensation awarded to, paid to, or earned by, our Chief Executive Officer (the “Named Executive Officer”) and directors.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
Name and principal position | Year | Salary ($) | Bonus ($) | Stock Awards ($) | Option Awards ($) | Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($) | Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings ($) | All Other Compensation ($) | Total ($) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Jeffrey Cocks,(1) CEO, CFO and | 2022 | - | - | 330,039 | - | - | - | 20,000 | 350,039 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Director | 2021 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Michael Levine,(2) | 2022 | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Former Director | 2021 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Alan Day,(1,3) | 2022 | - | - | 493,824 | - | - | - | - | 493,824 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Director | 2021 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Robert List,(1,3) | 2022 | - | - | 164,608 | - | - | - | - | 164,608 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Director | 2021 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (1) | We have no formal employment arrangements with Messrs. Cocks, Day, and List at this time. Messrs. Cocks’ Day’s, and List’s compensation has not been fixed or based on any percentage calculations. | |
| (2) | Mr. Levine has been a director and founder of the Company since its inception in February 2014. Mr. Levine stepped down from the Board of Directors on November 17, 2021. | |
| (3) | Messrs. List and Day were appointed to the Company’s board of directors on November 17, 2021. |
Grants of Plan-Based Awards
We currently do not have any equity compensation plans.
On December 30, 2021, the Company issued a total of 6,005,000 shares of common stock to the Company’s directors (the “Director Shares”). The Director Shares were issued at par value for a total consideration of $601. In addition to the regular restrictive legend, the release of the Director Shares is subject to the terms and conditions included in a 3-year lock-up and vesting agreement, which contemplates that the Director Shares are to be issued in equal annual installments over a 3-year term, during which term the shareholders agreed not to sell, directly or indirectly, or enter into any other transactions involving the Company’s common shares.
The Company analyzed the issuance of the Director Shares pursuant to the guidance available in ASC 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation. Based on the guidance, the Company determined that the directors are nonemployees of the Company, however, since they were appointed to the board positions that are expected to be filled by another person whom the shareholders will elect when the current term expires, and the Directors are not expected to provide any additional services, the Director Shares must be accounted for in the same manner as an award granted to an employee. Therefore, the Director Shares are to be valued at the fair market value and the compensation must be recorded as the services are provided over a vesting period of 3 years. The Company determined the grant date to be the date the lock-up agreements were agreed to by the board of directors and the beneficiaries. As at December 31, 2022, the Company recorded $988,471 in director compensation associated with the services provided by the directors during the year ended December 31, 2022 (2021 - $Nil).
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End Table
None. We do not have any equity award compensation plans.
Director Compensation
Other than the compensation set out in the table above, we have not paid compensation to our directors.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
The following table sets forth, as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the total number of shares owned beneficially by our officer and directors, individually and as a group, and the present owners of 5% or more of our total outstanding shares. The shareholders listed below have direct ownership of their shares and possess sole voting and dispositive power with respect to the shares. As of March 27, 2023, we had 11,077,394 shares of common stock outstanding of which 7,000,000 was held by three shareholders.
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There are no pending or anticipated arrangements that may cause a change in control.
| Title of Class | Name of Beneficial Owner | Amount of Beneficial Ownership | Nature of Beneficial Ownership | Percent of Class | ||||||||
| Security Ownership of Management | ||||||||||||
| Common Stock | Jeffrey Cocks | 3,000,000 | Direct and beneficial (1) | 27.1 | % | |||||||
| Common Stock | Robert F. List | 1,000,000 | Beneficial (2) | 9.0 | % | |||||||
| Common Stock | Alan Day | 3,000,000 | Direct (3) | 27.1 | % | |||||||
| Common Stock | Ryan McMillan | 83,333 | Direct | 0.8 | % | |||||||
| All Officers and Directors as a Group | 7,083,333 | 64.0 | % | |||||||||
| Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners (more than 5%) | ||||||||||||
| Common Stock | Jeffrey Cocks | 3,000,000 | Direct and beneficial (1) | 27.1 | % | |||||||
| Common Stock | Robert F. List | 1,000,000 | Beneficial (2) | 9.0 | % | |||||||
| Common Stock | Alan Day | 3,000,000 | Direct (3) | 27.1 | % | |||||||
| (1) | 2,005,000 shares listed as beneficially owned by Jeffrey Cocks were issued in the name of 071663 BC Ltd., a company managed by Mr. Cocks. In addition to the regular restrictive legend, these shares are subject to the terms and conditions included in a 3-year lock-up and vesting agreement effective December 30, 2021, which contemplates that the shares are to be issued in equal annual installments over a 3-year term, during which term the shareholder will not sell, directly or indirectly, or enter into any other transactions involving these shares.
| |
| (2) | The Shares were issued in the name of List Family Trust Dated May 26, 2004, managed by Mr. List. In addition to the regular restrictive legend, these shares are subject to the terms and conditions included in a 3-year lock-up and vesting agreement effective December 30, 2021, which contemplates that the shares are to be issued in equal annual installments over a 3-year term, during which term the shareholder will not sell, directly or indirectly, or enter into any other transactions involving these shares.
| |
| (3) | In addition to the regular restrictive legend, the shares held by Mr. Day are subject to the terms and conditions included in a 3-year lock-up and vesting agreement effective December 30, 2021, which contemplates that the shares are to be issued in equal annual installments over a 3-year term, during which term the shareholder will not sell, directly or indirectly, or enter into any other transactions involving these shares. |
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Our promoters are Mr. Cocks, our chairman, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and secretary, Mr. List and Mr. Day, our directors, and Mr. McMillan, our VP of Operations.
Our office and mailing address is 316 California Avenue, Suite 543, Reno, NV 89509.
Our officers and directors are required to commit time to our affairs and, accordingly, may have conflicts of interest in allocating management time among various business activities. In the course of other business activities, they may become aware of business opportunities that may be appropriate for presentation to us, as well as the other entities with which they are affiliated. As such, there may be conflicts of interest in determining to which entity a particular business opportunity should be presented.
In an effort to resolve such potential conflicts of interest, our officers and directors have orally agreed that any opportunities in the United States, that they are aware of independently or directly through their association with us (as opposed to disclosure to them of such business opportunities by management or consultants associated with other entities) would be presented by them solely to us.
On December 30, 2021, the Company issued 2,005,000 shares of the common stock to a private company of which Mr. Jeffrey Cocks is sole director of, 1,000,000 shares of the common stock to List Family Trust Dated May 26, 2004, which is managed by Mr. List, and 3,000,000 shares of the Common stock to Mr. Alan Day. These shares were issued at par value for a total cash consideration of $601.
| 43 |
On March 18, 2022, the Company and Messrs. Cocks, Day and List, entered into 3-year lock-up and vesting agreements (the “Lock-up Agreements”), which contemplate that the Director Shares will vest in equal annual installments over a 3-year term; during which term the directors agreed not to sell, directly or indirectly, or enter into any other transactions involving the Company’s common shares regardless if the shares have vested or not.
On May 19, 2021, we entered into an exploration lease with option to purchase agreement with MSM Resource, L.L.C., (“MSM”) a Nevada limited liability Corporation on the Agai-Pah Property, consisting of 20 unpatented mining claims totaling 400 acres. Mr. Alan Day, the Company’s director, is a managing member of MSM. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company made the first $20,000 anniversary payment for the Agai-Pah Property.
On June 4, 2021, we entered into an exploration lease with option to purchase agreement with Belshazzar Holdings, L.L.C., (“BH”) a Nevada limited liability Corporation on the Belshazzar Property, consisting of ten unpatented lode mining claims and seven unpatented placer mineral claim totaling 200 acres. Mr. Alan Day, the Company’s director, is a managing member of BH. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company made the first $20,000 anniversary payment for the Belshazzar Holdings.
On January 27, 2022, our wholly-owned subsidiary, Nevada Canyon, LLC, entered into a Royalty Purchase Agreement with Smooth Rock Ventures, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Smooth Rock Ventures Corp. (“Smooth Rock”), to acquire a 2% net smelter returns royalty on the Palmetto Project. Mr. Alan Day, the Company’s director, is also a director and CEO of Smooth Rock. The Company made a one-time cash payment of $350,000, on February 7, 2022.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company paid $20,000 in consulting fees to West Isle Ventures, a company wholly-owned by Mr. Jeff Cocks, the Company’s director, CEO and CFO.
Aside from the transactions noted above and in Item 11 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we had no other related party transactions, or any other transactions or relationships required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 404 of Regulation S-K.
With regard to any future related party transaction, we plan to fully disclose any and all related party transactions, including, but not limited to, the following:
| ● | disclose such transactions in prospectuses, where required; | |
| ● | disclose in any and all filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, where required; | |
| ● | obtain disinterested directors’ consent, where required; and | |
| ● | obtain shareholder consent, where required. |
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
During the last two fiscal years, the Company’s independent auditors have billed for their services as set forth below:
| December 31, 2022 | December 31, 2021 | |||||||
| Audit fees | $ | 35,000 | $ | 26,500 | ||||
| Audit-related fees | $ | 1,000 | $ | - | ||||
| Tax fees | $ | 1,800 | $ | 1,200 | ||||
| All other fees | $ | - | $ | - | ||||
Pre-Approval Policy
Our directors pre-approve all services provided by our auditors. Prior to the engagement of our auditor, for any non-audit or non-audit related services, our directors must conclude that such services are compatible with the independence of our auditors.
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PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
EXHIBITS
The following exhibits are filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, pursuant to Item 601 of Regulation S-K.
| (1) | Incorporated by reference herein from the Form 8-K filed by the Company on December 22, 2015. | |
| (2) | Incorporated by reference herein from the Form 8-K filed by the Company on June 8, 2017. | |
| (3) | Incorporated by reference herein from the Form 8-K filed by the Company on July 7, 2017. | |
| (4) | Incorporated by reference herein from the Form 8-K filed by the Company on August 7, 2017. | |
| (5) | Incorporated by reference herein from the Form 10-K filed by the Company on March 15, 2016. | |
| (6) | Incorporated by reference herein from the Form S-1 filed by the Company on May 19, 2014. | |
| (7) | Incorporated by reference herein from the Form 8-K filed by the Company on July 12, 2018. | |
| (8) | Incorporated by reference herein from the Form 8-K filed by the Company on May 19, 2021. | |
| (9) | Incorporated by reference herein from the Form 8-K filed by the Company on June 7, 2021. | |
| (10) | Incorporated by reference herein from the Form 8-K filed by the Company on September 13, 2021. | |
| (11) | Incorporated by reference herein from the Form 8-K filed by the Company on December 21, 2021. | |
| (12) | Incorporated by reference herein from the Form 8-K filed by the Company on December 28, 2021. | |
| (13) | Incorporated by reference herein from the Form 8-K filed by the Company on December 30, 2021. | |
| (14) | Incorporated by reference herein from the Form 8-K filed by the Company on February 1, 2022. | |
| (15) | Incorporated by reference herein from the Form 8-K/A filed by the Company on March 25, 2022. | |
| (16) | Incorporated by reference herein from the Form 8-K filed by the Company on February 27, 2023. | |
| * | Filed herewith. |
| 45 |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
| NEVADA CANYON GOLD CORP. | |
| March 27, 2023 | /s/ Jeffrey A. Cocks |
Jeffrey A. Cocks Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Accounting Officer) |
In accordance with the Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
| March 27, 2023 | /s/ Jeffrey A. Cocks |
Jeffrey A. Cocks Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Accounting Officer) and Director | |
| March 27, 2023 | /s/ Alan Day |
Alan Day Director | |
| March 27, 2023 | /s/ Robert F. List |
Robert F. List Director |
| 46 |
Exhibit 21.1
LIST OF SIGNIFICANT SUBSIDIARIES
| Subsidiary Name | State of Incorporation | |
| Nevada Canyon LLC | Nevada | |
| Canyon Carbon LLC | Nevada |
Exhibit 31.1
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 (a) OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, Jeffrey A. Cocks, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Financial Officer of Nevada Canyon Gold Corp., certify that:
1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Nevada Canyon Gold Corp. (the “registrant”);
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 annual report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements and other financial information included in this annual report fairly presents in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report;
4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) for the registrant and have:
(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, is made known to us by others within the entity, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal controls over financial reporting; and
5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal controls over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s Board of Directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal controls over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal controls over financial reporting.
| Dated: March 27, 2023 | /s/ Jeffrey A. Cocks |
| Jeffrey A. Cocks | |
Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer), | |
| Chief Financial Officer, (Principal Accounting Officer) |
Exhibit 32.1
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-oxley act of 2002
In connection with the Annual Report of Nevada Canyon Gold Corp. (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or about the date hereof (“Report”), I, Jeffrey A. Cocks, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as enacted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to my knowledge:
1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
| Dated: March 27, 2023 | /s/ Jeffrey A. Cocks |
| Jeffrey A. Cocks | |
Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer), | |
| Chief Financial Officer, (Principal Accounting Officer) |