NexGen Energy Ltd 40-F for FY2022
NexGen Energy Ltd. (NXE)
About this 40-F
NexGen Energy Ltd filed this 40-F on February 24, 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
- 56.59M CAD
- compared with a net loss of 119.09M CAD a year earlier
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EXCHANGE |
(a) |
Annual Information Form for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022; |
(b) |
Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022; and |
(c) |
Audited Consolidated Financial Statements for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021. The Company’s Audited Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. Therefore, they are not comparable in all respects to financial statements of United States companies that are prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles. |
RESOURCE AND RESERVES ESTIMATES
Unless otherwise indicated, all resource and reserve estimates included in the documents incorporated by reference into this Annual Report have been prepared in accordance with Canadian National Instrument 43-101 (“NI 43-101”) and the Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy Classification System. Canadian standards, including NI 43-101, differ significantly from the requirements of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC” or the “Commission”), and resource information contained in the documents incorporated by reference into this Annual Report may not be comparable to similar information disclosed by U.S. companies. Accordingly, information concerning mineral deposits in this Annual Report may not be comparable with information made public by companies that report in accordance with United States standards.
ADDITIONAL DISCLOSURE
Certifications and Disclosure Regarding Controls and Procedures.
| (a) | Certifications. See Exhibits 99.4, 99.5, 99.6 and 99.7 to this Annual Report on Form 40-F. |
| (b) | Disclosure Controls and Procedures. As of the end of NexGen’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, an evaluation of the effectiveness of NexGen’s “disclosure controls and procedures” (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) was carried out by NexGen’s management, with the participation of its principal executive officer and principal financial officer. Based upon that evaluation, NexGen’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that as of the end of that fiscal year, NexGen’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by NexGen in reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is (i) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) rules and forms and (ii) accumulated and communicated to NexGen’s management, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officers, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. |
It should be noted that while NexGen’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer believe that NexGen’s disclosure controls and procedures provide a reasonable level of assurance that they are effective, they do not expect that NexGen’s disclosure controls and procedures or internal control over financial reporting will prevent all errors or fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived or operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met.
| (c) | Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. For management’s report on internal control over financial reporting, see “Disclosure Controls and Internal Control Over Financial Reporting – Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting” in NexGen’s Management Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2022 attached as Exhibit 99.2 to this Annual Report on Form 40-F and incorporated by reference herein. |
| (d) | Attestation Report of the Registered Public Accounting Firm. The required disclosure is included in the Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on NexGen’s internal control over financial reporting that accompanies NexGen’s Audited Consolidated Financial Statements for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, filed as Exhibit 99.3 to this Annual Report on Form 40-F. |
| (e) | Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, no changes were made in NexGen’s internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect NexGen’s internal control over financial reporting. |
Notices Pursuant to Regulation BTR
None.
Audit Committee Financial Expert
NexGen’s board of directors has determined that each of Trevor Thiele, Christopher McFadden, Richard Patricio and Warren Gilman, members of NexGen’s audit committee, is “independent” as that term is defined in the rules of the NYSE New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) and that Mr. Thiele qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” (as such term is defined in Form 40-F).
Code of Ethics
NexGen has adopted a Code of Ethics that meets the definition of a “code of ethics” set forth in Form 40-F, and that applies to NexGen’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, and persons performing similar functions.
The Code of Ethics is available for viewing on NexGen’s website at http://www.nexgenenergy.ca/corporate/corporate-governance/, and is available in print to any shareholder who requests it. Requests for copies of the Code of Ethics should be made by contacting: Investor Relations by phone at (604) 428-4112 or by e-mail at tmcpherson@nxe-energy.ca.
If any amendment to the Code of Ethics is made, or if any waiver from the provisions thereof is granted, NexGen may elect to disclose the information about such amendment or waiver required by Form 40-F to be disclosed, by posting such disclosure on NexGen’s website, which may be accessed at www.nexgenenergy.ca.
Principal Accountant Fees and Services
The required disclosure is included under the headings “Audit Committee Disclosure – External Auditor Service Fees (By Category)” in NexGen’s Annual Information Form for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, filed as Exhibit 99.1 to this Annual Report.
Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures.
| (a) | NexGen’s audit committee pre-approves all audit and non-audit services provided to NexGen by its external auditor, KPMG LLP. Also see “Audit Committee Disclosure – Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures” in NexGen’s Annual Information Form for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, filed as Exhibit 99.1 to this Annual Report on Form 40-F. |
| (b) | Of the fees reported in Exhibit 99.1 to this Annual Report on Form 40-F under the heading “Audit Committee Disclosure – External Auditor Service Fees (By Category)”, none of the fees billed by KPMG LLP were approved by NexGen’s audit committee pursuant to the de minimis exception provided by Section (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X. |
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
NexGen does not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on its financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that is material to investors.
Cash Requirements
The required disclosure is included under the headings “Liquidity and Capital Resources” and “Contractual Obligations and Commitments” in NexGen’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2022, filed as Exhibit 99.2 to this Annual Report on Form 40-F.
Identification of the Audit Committee.
We have a separately designated standing audit committee established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Exchange Act. The members of the audit committee are Christopher McFadden, Richard Patricio, Warren Gilman and Trevor Thiele.
Mine Safety Disclosure
Not applicable.
Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections
Not applicable.
Recovery of Erroneously Awarded Compensation
Not applicable.
NYSE Statement of Governance Differences
As a Canadian corporation listed on the NYSE, we are not required to comply with certain NYSE corporate governance standards, so long as we comply with Canadian and TSX corporate governance requirements. In order to claim such an exemption, however, we are required to disclose any significant differences between our corporate governance practices and those required to be followed by U.S. domestic issuers under the NYSE corporate governance standards. We have prepared a summary of the significant ways in which our corporate governance practices differ from those required to be followed by U.S. domestic companies under the NYSE’s corporate governance standards, and that summary is available for viewing on our website at:
http://www.nexgenenergy.ca/_resources/governance/Statement-of-Significant Differences.pdf
UNDERTAKING AND CONSENT TO SERVICE OF PROCESS
| A. | Undertaking. |
We undertake to make available, in person or by telephone, representatives to respond to inquiries made by the Commission staff, and to furnish promptly, when requested to do so by the Commission staff, information relating to: the securities registered pursuant to Form 40-F; the securities in relation to which the obligation to file an annual report on Form 40-F arises; or transactions in said securities.
| B. | Consent to Service of Process. |
We have previously filed a Form F-X in connection with the class of securities in relation to which the obligation to file this report arises.
Any change to the name or address of our agent for service shall be communicated promptly to the Commission by an amendment to the Form F-X referencing our file number.
EXHIBITS
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Exchange Act, the registrant certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 40-F and has duly caused this annual report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on February 24, 2023.
| NexGen Energy Ltd. | ||
| By: /s/ Harpreet Dhaliwal | ||
| Name: Harpreet Dhaliwal | ||
| Title: Chief Financial Officer | ||
Exhibit 99.1
ANNUAL INFORMATION FORM
FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2022
February 24, 2023
Table of Contents
| ABOUT THIS ANNUAL INFORMATION FORM |
3 | |||
| ABOUT NEXGEN |
5 | |||
| GENERAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE BUSINESS |
6 | |||
| DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS |
11 | |||
| DETAILS OF THE ROOK I PROJECT |
12 | |||
| RISK FACTORS |
33 | |||
| DIVIDENDS |
39 | |||
| DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STRUCTURE |
39 | |||
| MARKET FOR SECURITIES AND TRADING PRICE AND VOLUME |
40 | |||
| PRIOR SALES |
40 | |||
| DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS |
41 | |||
| AUDIT COMMITTEE DISCLOSURE |
43 | |||
| LEGAL PROCEEDINGS AND REGULATORY ACTIONS |
45 | |||
| INTEREST OF MANAGEMENT AND OTHERS IN MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS |
45 | |||
| TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR |
45 | |||
| MATERIAL CONTRACTS |
46 | |||
| INTERESTS OF EXPERTS |
46 | |||
| ADDITIONAL INFORMATION |
46 | |||
| SCHEDULE “A” AUDIT COMMITTEE CHARTER |
A-1 | |||
ABOUT THIS ANNUAL INFORMATION FORM
In this annual information form (“AIF”), except as otherwise required by the context, reference to the “Corporation” or “NexGen” means, collectively, NexGen Energy Ltd. and its subsidiaries. All information contained in this AIF is at December 31, 2022, being the date of the Corporation’s most recently completed financial year, unless otherwise stated.
This AIF has been prepared in accordance with Canadian securities laws and contains information regarding NexGen’s history, business, mineral reserves and resources, the regulatory environment in which NexGen conducts business, the risks that NexGen faces as well as other important information for the Shareholders.
This AIF incorporates by reference NexGen’s management discussion and analysis (“MD&A”) for the year ended December 31, 2022 and accompanying audited consolidated financial statements which are available under the Corporation’s profile on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) and on EDGAR (www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml) as an exhibit to the Corporation’s Form 40-F.
Financial Information
Unless otherwise specified in this AIF, all references to “dollars” or to “$” or to “C$” are to Canadian dollars and all references to “US dollars” or to “US$” are to United States of America dollars. Financial information is derived from consolidated financial statements that have been prepared in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information and Statements
This AIF contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information and statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to planned exploration and development activities, the future interpretation of geological information, the cost and results of exploration and development activities, future financings, the future price of uranium and requirements for additional capital. Generally, forward-looking information and statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “plans”, “expects”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates”, or “believes”, or the negative connotation thereof or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will be taken”, “occur” or “be achieved” or the negative connotation thereof.
Forward-looking information and statements are based on the then current expectations, beliefs, assumptions, estimates and forecasts about NexGen’s business and the industry and markets in which it operates. Forward- looking information and statements are made based upon numerous assumptions, including among others, that the results of planned exploration and development activities are as anticipated and on time, the price of uranium, the cost of planned exploration and development activities, there will be limited changes in any project parameters as plans continue to be refined, that financing will be available if and when needed and on reasonable terms, that third-party contractors, equipment, supplies and governmental and other approvals required to conduct NexGen’s planned exploration and development activities will be available on reasonable terms and in a timely manner, that there will be no revocation of government approvals and that general business, economic, competitive, social, and political conditions will not change in a material adverse manner. Although the assumptions made by the Corporation in providing forward-looking information or making forward- looking statements are considered reasonable by management at the time, there can be no assurance that such assumptions will prove to be accurate.
Forward-looking information and statements also involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results, performances and achievements of NexGen to differ materially from any projections of results, performances and achievements of NexGen expressed or implied by such forward- looking information or statements, including, among others, negative operating cash flow and dependence on third-party financing, uncertainty of additional financing, price of uranium, the appeal of alternate sources of energy, exploration risks, uninsurable risks, reliance upon key management and other personnel, imprecision of mineral resource estimates, potential cost overruns on any development, changes in climate or increases in environmental regulation, aboriginal title and consultation issues, deficiencies in the Corporation’s title to its properties, information security and cyber threats, failure to manage conflicts of interest, failure to obtain or maintain required permits and licenses, changes in laws, regulations and policy, competition for resources and financing, volatility in market price of the Corporation’s shares, and other factors discussed or referred to in this AIF under “Risk Factors”.
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Although NexGen has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information or statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended.
There can be no assurance that such information or statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information or statements. The forward-looking information and statements contained in this AIF are made as of the date of this AIF and, accordingly, are subject to change after such date. NexGen does not undertake to update or reissue forward-looking information as a result of new information or events except as required by applicable securities laws.
Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors
This AIF has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the securities laws in effect in Canada, which differ materially from the requirements of United States securities laws applicable to U.S. companies. Information concerning NexGen’s mineral properties has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of Canadian securities laws, which differ in material respects from the requirements of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) applicable to domestic United States issuers. Accordingly, the disclosure in this AIF regarding the Corporation’s mineral properties is not comparable to the disclosure of United States issuers subject to the SEC’s mining disclosure requirements.
Technical Disclosure
All scientific and technical information in this AIF has been reviewed and approved by Mr. Kevin Small, P.Eng., Senior Vice President, Engineering and Operations, and Mr. Jason Craven, P.Geo., Exploration Manager for NexGen. Each of Mr. Small and Mr. Craven is a qualified person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“NI 43-101”). Mr. Craven has verified the sampling, analytical, and test data underlying the information or opinions contained herein by reviewing original data certificates and monitoring all of the data collection protocols.
For details of the Rook I Project, including the key assumptions, parameters and methods used to estimate the updated feasibility study (the “Feasibility Study”) please refer to the technical report entitled Arrow Deposit, Rook I Project, Saskatchewan, NI 43-101 Technical Report on Feasibility Study dated March 10, 2021 (the “Rook I FS Technical Report”). The Rook I FS Technical Report is filed under the Corporation’s profile on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) and EDGAR (www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml) but shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this AIF.
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ABOUT NEXGEN
NexGen Energy Ltd. is engaged in uranium development and exploration. The Corporation’s head office is located at Suite 3150-1021 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6E 0C3 and its registered office is located at 25th Floor, 700 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V7Y 1B3. NexGen’s website address is https://www.nexgenenergy.ca
NexGen was incorporated on March 8, 2011 under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) (the “BCBCA”) as “Clermont Capital Inc.” and changed its name to “NexGen Energy Ltd.” on April 19, 2013.
The Corporation’s common shares (the “Shares”) trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”) and the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) under the symbol “NXE”, and on the Australian Securities Exchange (the “ASX”) in the form of Chess Depositary Instruments (“CDIs”) under the symbol “NXG”.
NexGen is a reporting issuer in all provinces and territories of Canada. The Shares are also registered under the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and NexGen files periodic reports with the SEC. NexGen was admitted to the official list of the ASX as an “ASX Foreign Exempt Listing”.
NexGen’s Corporate Structure
NexGen does not have any material subsidiaries. An organizational chart for NexGen as at December 31, 2022 is as follows:
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GENERAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE BUSINESS
Overview
NexGen is a British Columbia corporation with a focus on developing into production the 100% owned Rook I Project (the “Rook I Project”) located in the southwestern Athabasca Basin of Saskatchewan, Canada. NexGen has a highly experienced team of uranium industry professionals with a successful track record in the discovery of uranium deposits and in the development of projects from discovery to production. NexGen also owns a portfolio of highly prospective uranium properties in the southwestern Athabasca Basin of Saskatchewan, Canada.
The Rook I Project is the location of the Corporation’s Arrow Deposit discovery in February 2014. The Arrow Deposit has: Measured Mineral Resources of 2.18 million tonnes (Mt) at an average grade of 4.35% U3O8 containing 210 M lbs of U3O8; Indicated Mineral Resources of 1.57 Mt at an average grade of 1.36% U3O8 containing 47 M lbs of U3O8;; for a total of 3.75 Mt grading 3.10% U3O8 containing 257 M lbs U3O8. The Probable Mineral Reserves were estimated at 240 M lbs U3O8 contained in 4.6Mt grading 2.37% U3O8. Details of all such resources and reserves can be found in the Rook I FS Technical Report.
The Corporation has also intersected numerous other mineralized zones on trend from the Arrow Deposit along the Patterson Corridor on the Rook I Project, which are subject to further exploration before economic potential can be assessed. The Rook I Project consists of thirty-two (32) contiguous mineral claims totaling 35,065 hectares.
History
Year Ended December 31, 2020
Project Development
During the year, the Corporation progressed the Feasibility Study through the impacts of Covid-19 and all workflows continued in light of the health and economic climate.
Permitting, Regulatory and Engagement
On February 20, 2020, NexGen received a Record of Decision from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (the “CNSC”) with respect to the CNSC’s Decision on the scope of an environmental assessment for the proposed Project. The Record of Decision confirmed, among other things, the CNSC’s receipt of the April 29, 2019 submission of the Project Description and that the Rook I Project will be subject to Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012, with no additional factors. The Record of Decision confirmed that the applicable environmental assessment (the “EA”) will be required to consider Indigenous traditional and community knowledge, and that NexGen is required to prepare a draft environmental impact statement (“EIS”) in concordance with the Generic Guidelines for the Preparation of an Environmental Impact Assessment pursuant to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012.
During 2020, work advanced on the EA for the Rook I Project, with continued technical, modelling and assessment work conducted in support of the development of the draft EIS submission. Similarly, work advanced on the licence application with the CNSC under the Nuclear Safety and Control Act in order to obtain a Licence to Prepare Site and Construction for the Rook I Project.
In 2020, the Corporation progressed engagement activities with the communities in proximity to the Rook I Project, as per the Study Agreements (as defined below) entered into with four Indigenous groups in the second half of 2019. In addition, during 2020, the Corporation executed a funding agreement with Ya’thi Nene Lands and Resources (YNLR) to undertake a Traditional Knowledge, Land Use Occupancy (TKLUO) study for incorporation into the draft EIS.
The Corporation continued to engage with the respective JWG (as defined below) to support the inclusion of each community’s traditional knowledge throughout the EA process and commenced incorporating information from the traditional land use study into the EA. The Corporation provided funding for all aspects of the above including the JWG to review and independently confirm all studies for inclusion into the EA.
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Further, the Corporation commenced negotiating those impact or mutual benefit agreements that the Corporation agreed to negotiate in the Study Agreements (each, a “Benefit Agreement”) with communities within proximity to the Rook I Project. The Benefit Agreement negotiations were well advanced with the majority of the communities during 2020.
Financings
US$30 Million Financing
On May 27, 2020, the Corporation completed a financing with Queen’s Road Capital Ltd. (“QRC”) raising an aggregate US$30 million, comprising US$15 million of Shares issued at a price per share of C$1.80 for an aggregate of 11,611,667 Shares, and US$15 million aggregate principal amount of 7.5% unsecured convertible debentures (the “2020 Debentures”) which are convertible into Shares at a conversion price of C$2.34. The Corporation also issued 348,350 Shares at a price of C$1.80 for the establishment fees of the 2020 Debentures, and 180,270 Shares at a deemed price of $1.97 for a consent fee to the holders of the Debentures (as defined below) that were outstanding at the time.
The 2020 Debentures bear interest at the rate of 7.5% per annum and have a five-year term ending on May 27, 2025 (the “Maturity Date”). The 2020 Debentures are convertible at the holder’s option into Shares at a price of $2.34 per share. Two-thirds of the interest (5% per annum) is payable in cash, while one-third (2.5% per annum) is payable in Shares issuable at a price equal to the 20-day volume weighted average trading price (“VWAP”) on the exchange on which the Shares are trading that has the greatest trading volume, ending on the day prior to the date such interest payment is due. The Corporation will be entitled, on or after the third anniversary of the date of the issuance of the 7.5% Debentures, at any time that the 20-day VWAP on the TSX exceeds 130% of the conversion price of $2.34 per Share, to redeem the 2020 Debentures at par plus accrued and unpaid interest.
Exploration
No field-based exploration activity occurred in 2020. On June 5, 2020, the Saskatchewan Ministry of Energy and Resources granted mineral assessment relief in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The relief waved expenditure requirements for the current term and subsequent 12 months for mineral claims and leases that were active on March 18, 2020; the date in which a state of emergency was declared in Saskatchewan. The relief period granted by the Saskatchewan Ministry of Energy and Resources extended the good standing date on most mineral claims for an additional 2 years. The mineral dispositions that make up the Rook I Project are in good standing until at least June 14, 2039.
Corporate
COVID-19 Pandemic
At the commencement of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Corporation had postponed “yet to commence” work programs related to the Feasibility Study and an EA for the Rook I Project, with previously commenced “in progress” work programs (including environmental monitoring and community programs) continuing where the Corporation concluded that the function was not impacted by the applicable health authority guidelines. During the third quarter of 2020, the Corporation’s workflows that had been temporarily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic for the Feasibility Study and EA resumed in what the Corporation believes is an orderly and safe manner.
Year Ended December 31, 2021
Project Development
On February 22, 2021, the Corporation announced positive results from its Feasibility Study for the Rook I Project. Details of the Feasibility Study, including an updated mineral resource estimate and an updated mineral reserve estimate, are provided in the Rook I FS Technical Report in respect of the Rook I Project.
For details of the Rook I Project, including the key assumptions, parameters and methods used to estimate the Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves that are the subject of the Feasibility Study, please refer to the Rook I FS Technical Report dated 10 March 2021. The Rook I FS Technical Report is filed under the Corporation’s profile on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) and EDGAR (www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml).
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The Front-End Engineering and Design (the “FEED”) proposals for the Rook I Project were received, evaluated and the contract awarded to Hatch Ltd. early in the fourth quarter. The FEED scope of work is expected to advance overall engineering to a 40-45% level of completion and includes an associated cost estimate, and defined long-lead procurement actions, and further refines execution planning to prepare the Rook I Project for the pending construction stage.
Concurrently, field work was completed in support of the FEED, which consisted of the following two components:
| 1. | surface studies to confirm near-surface geotechnical conditions in locations of surface infrastructure and assess potential borrow pit locations to support the completion of the FEED, detailed engineering, and execution planning; and |
| 2. | diamond drilling to confirm rock mass characteristics proximal to the planned underground Life-of-Mine (“LOM”) infrastructure and Underground Tailings Management Facility (“UGTMF”). |
The field work associated with the surface studies encompassed 18 sonic drill holes with various geophysical testing and piezometer installations, and the excavation of 93 tests pits ± plate load testing. 72 of the test pits and all 18 of the sonic boreholes were dedicated to confirming the subsurface conditions beneath proposed surface infrastructure, such as the mine terrace, waste and ore storage stockpiles, the airstrip, access road, and various ancillary structures. The remaining 21 test pits evaluated potential borrow source materials.
The drilling of seven HQ diamond drill holes for a total of 5,076.45 metres (“m”) was completed as part of the 2021 program. All holes were geotechnically logged, nested VWP were installed in three holes, and four holes were sampled for geomechanical characterization. Point load testing, density measurements, and acoustic televiewer surveys were completed on all holes. Hydraulic packer testing was performed on all holes to measure water conductivity in various rock units and along structures. Results confirmed the rock mass within and proximal to the UGTMF and LOM infrastructure to be competent, largely unaltered and structureless, and measured to have low hydraulic conductivity which are all beneficial geotechnical and hydrogeological properties for the development and maintenance of underground infrastructure. The drilling validated the current design of LOM infrastructure and the final design of an UGTMF.
Permitting, Regulatory and Engagement
During 2021, work advanced on the EA for the Rook I Project, with continued technical, modelling and assessment work conducted in support of the development of the draft EIS submission.
Similarly, work advanced on the licence application in order to obtain a Uranium Mine and Mill Licence from the CNSC for the Rook I Project.
The Corporation continued its engagement with the communities within the proximity to the Rook I Project, as per the Study Agreements entered into with four Indigenous groups in Q4 2019. In 2021, the Corporation signed Benefit Agreements with the Birch Narrows Dene Nation (the “BNDN”) and the Buffalo River Dene Nation (the “BRDN”) covering all phases of the Rook I Project including closure.
The Rook I Project is located within the traditional territory of BRDN and BNDN. The Benefit Agreements define the environmental, cultural, economic, employment and other benefits to be provided to the BRDN and BNDN by NexGen in respect of the Rook I Project and confirm the consent and support of both BRDN and BNDN for the Rook I Project throughout its complete lifecycle, including reclamation. The Benefit Agreements were negotiated and developed in alignment with the Study Agreements. Under similar Study Agreements the Corporation continued to advance Benefit Agreement negotiations with the CRDN and the MN-S.
Exploration
On January 27, 2022, the Corporation announced the results of its 2021 exploration drilling program which focused on regional grassroots exploration targets at the SW2 Property.
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Financings
Conversion of US$120 Million Convertible Debentures into Equity
On February 18 and February 23, 2021, the Corporation received notice that the registered holders of US$120 million aggregate principal amount of debentures had elected to convert their debentures into Shares pursuant to the terms of the trust indentures governing the debentures. The registered holders of the debentures were affiliates of CEF Holdings Limited (“CEF”) and its shareholders. The debentures consisted of US$60 million aggregate principal amount of 7.5% unsecured convertible debentures issued by the Corporation in 2016 (the “2016 Debentures”) and US$60 million aggregate principal amount of 7.5% unsecured convertible debentures issued by the Corporation in 2017 (the “2017 Debentures” and, together with the 2016 Debentures, the “Debentures”), and were due to mature on July 22, 2022.
Under their terms, the Debentures are convertible into Shares at a price of US$2.3261 for the 2016 Debentures and US$2.6919 for the 2017 Debentures. An aggregate of 48,083,335 Shares were issued in connection with the conversion of the principal amount of the Debentures. Upon issuance, CEF’s percentage ownership of the issued and outstanding Shares increased from ~8.7% to ~18.7%. In addition, the Corporation is required to pay the interest that accrued on the Debentures prior to conversion, which it paid by issuing an aggregate of 177,045 Shares to CEF, such number of shares being calculated in accordance with the terms of the relevant trust indenture governing the Debentures.
The Corporation and the investors in the Debentures entered into an investor rights agreement dated July 21, 2017, which provides for, among other things, provisions relating to a director nominee (that will apply until such time the investors hold less than 15% of the Shares) and provisions relating to voting alignment, standstill and transfer restriction covenants (that will apply until such time as the investors hold less than 10% of the Shares) or until there is a change of control of the Corporation. See the “Material Contracts” section of this AIF.
Short Form Prospectus Financing
On February 25, 2021, NexGen entered into an agreement with a syndicate of underwriters led by BMO Capital Markets and Canaccord Genuity Corp. (collectively, the “Underwriters”) under which the Underwriters agreed to buy on a bought deal basis 33,400,000 Shares at a price of $4.50 per Share for gross proceeds of approximately $150 million (the “Offering”). The Corporation also granted the Underwriters an option, exercisable at $4.50 per Share for a period of 30 days following the Offering to purchase up to an additional 5,010,000 Shares to cover over-allotments, if any (the “Over-Allotment Option”). The Offering closed on March 11, 2021 and the Over-Allotment Option closed on March 16, 2021, for total gross proceeds of $172.8 million.
ASX Listing
On July 2, 2021, the Corporation’s Shares commenced trading as CDIs on the ASX under the symbol “NXG”. As part of the ASX listing, the Corporation issued 400,000 Shares, represented by CDIs, to Australian investors for total gross proceeds of $2.1 million.
Corporate
COVID-19 Pandemic
To date, the Corporation’s operations and ability to raise funds have not been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Corporation has implemented proper COVID-19 protocols at each of its locations that are in line with the respective regional health authorities COVID-19 guidelines.
Inaugural Sustainability Report
On October 26, 2021, the Corporation announced the publication of its inaugural Sustainability Report highlighting its progress, initiatives, and commitments in the areas of health, safety, environmental, social and governance management for the calendar year 2020.
Change in Management
On April 1, 2021, Harpreet Dhaliwal was appointed to the position of Chief Financial Officer.
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Year Ended December 31, 2022
Project Development
During the year, the Corporation continued to advance FEED programs inline with it’s objectives.
Permitting, Regulatory and Engagement
Impact Benefit Agreement with Clearwater River Dene Nation
On April 25, 2022, the Corporation announced the signing of a Benefit Agreement with the Clearwater River Dene Nation (the “CRDN”) which related to the environmental, cultural, economic, employment and other benefits to be provided to the CRDN by the Corporation in respect of the Rook I Project, and confirmed the consent and support of the CRDN for the Rook I Project.
Submission of the Rook I Project Environmental Impact Study
On June 21, 2022, the Corporation announced that it completed the submission of its draft EIS to the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment (“ENV”) and the CNSC. The EIS submission included letters of support for the Rook I Project from each of the CRDN, the BNDN, and the BRDN, which all have also endorsed the Rook I Project through the execution of Benefit Agreements with NexGen.
The submission of the draft EIS follows the provincial and federal EA processes that commenced in April 2019 following regulatory acceptance of NexGen’s Project Description. On July 12, 2022, the CNSC announced their acceptance of the draft EIS which followed a 30-day period during which the CNSC conducted a conformance review of the EIS submission. Completion of the CNSC conformance marked the formal commencement of the 90-day federal technical and public EIS review period.
ENV technical review of the draft EIS advanced in parallel to the CNSC review with all technical review comments from the ENV received by NexGen on September 22, 2022.
On December 1, 2022, the Corporation announced the receipt of federal technical and public review comments. NexGen has commenced a review of comments and response activities, and is advancing the preparation of the final EIS for submission in accordance with respective provincial (ENV) and federal (CNSC) EA processes.
Exploration
On July 28, 2022, the Corporation announced the results of its 2021 regional exploration drilling program at the Rook I Project, including intersections of mineralization in AR-21-268 (Below Arrow) and RK-21-140 (Camp East). On the same date, NexGen also announced the commencement of a 2022 exploration drill program focused on regional exploration targets at the Rook I Project and an extensive geophysical program over high priority areas (SW1, SW2, and SW3 properties) of NexGen’s mineral tenure in the southwest Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan.
Corporate
Up-listing to the New York Stock Exchange
On March 4, 2022, the Shares were up-listed from the NYSE American and commenced trading on the NYSE under the symbol “NXE”.
Sustainability Report
On November 3, 2022, the Corporation announced the publication of its second Sustainability Report highlighting its progress, initiatives, and commitments in the areas of health, safety, environmental, social and governance management for the calendar year 2021, establishing the groundwork for the Corporation to prepare its next Sustainability Report in accordance with Global Reporting Initiative (“GRI”) standards.
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COVID-19 Pandemic
To date, the Corporation’s operations and ability to raise funds have not been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Corporation has implemented proper COVID-19 protocols at each of its locations that are in line with the respective regional health authorities COVID-19 guidelines.
Subsequent to December 31, 2022
On January 6, 2023, NexGen established a $250 million at-the-market equity program (“ATM Program”) pursuant to the terms of an equity distribution agreement with Virtu ITG Canada Corp., as Canadian agent, and Virtu Americas LLC, as U.S. agent (together, the “Agents”). The ATM Program will be effective until the earlier of the sale of all of the Shares issuable pursuant to the ATM Program and January 29, 2025, unless terminated prior to such date by the Corporation or the Agents.
On January 31, 2023, NexGen appointed Mr. Ivan Mullany to its Board of Directors.
On February 8, 2023, the Corporation announced the commencement of a 2023 exploration drill program to systematically test priority conductors that have been highlighted by its 2022 drilling results, as well as geophysical survey results that identified drill-ready stacked anomalies. The Corporation also announced plans for a geophysical program in 2023 for drill target generation across high priority areas of NexGen’s mineral tenure (SW1, SW2 and SW3) in the southwest Athabasca Basin, and the use of muon tomography as part of its 2023 program.
DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS
General
The principal business activity of the Corporation has been, and continues to be, the development of the Rook I Project, and the exploration of its highly prospective portfolio of uranium properties, located in the southwestern section of the Athabasca Basin of Saskatchewan, Canada.
Principal Products
The Corporation is in the mineral development and exploration business, does not have any marketable products at this time and is not distributing any products at this time. In addition, the Corporation does not know when or if certain of its properties will reach the development stage and if so, what the estimated costs would be to reach commercial production.
Specialized Skill and Knowledge
The Corporation’s business requires specialized skill and knowledge in the areas of geology, mineral development and exploration, business negotiations, accounting and management. To date, the Corporation has been able to locate and retain such employees and consultants and believes it will continue to be able to do so. See “Risk Factors – Reliance upon Key Management and Other Personnel” below.
Competitive Conditions
The mineral development and exploration business is a competitive business. The Corporation competes with numerous other companies and individuals who may have greater financial resources in the search for and the acquisition of personnel, contractors, funding and attractive mineral properties. As a result of this competition, the Corporation may be unable to obtain additional capital or other types of financing on acceptable terms or at all, acquire properties of interest or retain qualified personnel and/or contractors. See “Risk Factors – Competition”.
Environmental Protection
The Corporation’s exploration and development activities are subject to various levels of federal and provincial laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment. If needed, the Corporation will make and will continue to make expenditures to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations. New environmental laws and regulations, amendments to existing laws and regulations, or more stringent implementations of existing laws and regulations could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation by potentially increasing capital and/or operating costs. See “Risk Factors – Environmental and Other Regulatory Requirements”.
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Employees
As at December 31, 2022, the Corporation had 56 full time employees. The operations of the Corporation are managed by its directors and officers. NexGen engages consultants from time to time in the areas of mineral exploration and development geology and business negotiations and management. See “Risk Factors – Reliance upon Key Management and Other Personnel”.
Business or Seasonal Cycles
Due to the excellent infrastructure in the Athabasca Basin area of Saskatchewan, Canada, exploration can be carried out year-round. Prospecting, mapping, and surface bedrock sampling activities are however limited by snow cover during the period from approximately December to May.
Economic Dependence
The Corporation’s business is not substantially dependent on any contract upon which its business depends. It is not expected that the Corporation’s business will be affected in the current financial year by the renegotiation or termination of any contracts or sub-contracts.
Foreign Operations
The Corporation’s principal assets are located in the Province of Saskatchewan. The Corporation is not dependent on any foreign operations.
Social and Environmental Policies
The Corporation is committed to carrying out all of its activities in an ethical manner that prioritizes health and safety, recognizes the concerns of indigenous peoples, communities, local stakeholders and preserves the natural environment. The Corporation ensures that all employees are trained and instructed in their assigned tasks and that safety procedures are followed at all times. The importance of ethical behavior and preservation of the natural environment is stressed to all employees and contractors, and all are charged with monitoring operations to ensure they are being carried out in an environmentally-friendly manner. The Corporation ensures that it will work with and consult local communities, indigenous peoples and stakeholders, recognizing this practice as a benefit to all. To this end, the Corporation regularly engages with stakeholders and in the case of indigenous communities, provides frequent updates before and during program activity.
DETAILS OF THE ROOK I PROJECT
On February 22, 2021, the Corporation announced positive results from the Feasibility Study for the Rook I Project. Details of the Feasibility Study, including an updated mineral resource estimate and an updated mineral reserve estimate, are provided in the Rook I FS Technical Report.
The information contained in this AIF report regarding the Rook I Project, including the below details, has been derived from the Rook I FS Technical Report (Arrow Deposit, Rook I Project, Saskatchewan, NI 43-101 Technical Report on Feasibility Study dated 10 March 2021 and authored by Mr. Mark Hatton, P.Eng., Stantec Consulting Ltd; Mr. Paul O’Hara, P.Eng., Wood Canada Limited; and Mr. Mark Mathisen, C.P.G., Roscoe Postle Associates (USA) Ltd. (now a part of SLR International Corporation), and was filed on March 10, 2021), is subject to certain assumptions, qualifications and procedures described in the Rook I FS Technical Report and is qualified in its entirety by the full text of the Rook I FS Technical Report. Reference should be made to the full text of the Rook I FS Technical Report, but the Rook I FS Technical Report shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this AIF.
Project Description, Location and Access
The Rook I Project is located in northwest Saskatchewan, approximately 40 km east of the Alberta–Saskatchewan border, 150 km north of the town of La Loche, and 640 km northwest of the city of Saskatoon. The Rook I Project can be accessed via all-weather gravel, Highway 955, which travels north-south approximately 8 km west of the Arrow Deposit. From Highway 955, a 13 km long all-weather, single-lane road provides access to the western portion of the Rook I Project, including the Arrow Deposit area.
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The Rook I Project will take place in a region with a sub-arctic climate typical of mid-latitude continental areas. It is expected that mining activities will be conducted on a year-round basis.
The topography of the Rook I Project area is variable. Drumlins and lakes / wetlands dominate the northwest and southeast parts of the project area, respectively; and lowland lakes, rivers, and muskegs dominate the central part of the project area. The northwest part of the project area lies over portions of Patterson Lake and Forrest Lake, which are two of the largest waterbodies within 100 km of the Rook I Project. Elevations range from 583 m above sea level (“masl”) on drumlins, to 480 masl in lowland lakes. The elevation of Patterson Lake is 499 masl.
The Rook I Project is covered by boreal forest common to the Canadian Shield. Bedrock outcrops are very rare, but are known to exist in areas of the eastern half of the project area.
The Property consists of 32 contiguous mineral claims with a total area of 35,065 ha. All claims are 100% owned by NexGen.
Six of the 32 claims are subject to a 2% net smelter return (“NSR”) royalty payable to Advance Royalty Corporation (“ARC”), and a 10% production carried interest with Terra Ventures Inc. (“Terra”). The NSR may be reduced to 1% upon payment of $1.0 million to ARC. The Arrow Deposit is located outside of these six claims.
As of December 6, 2012, mineral dispositions are defined as electronic mineral claims parcels within the Mineral Administration Registry Saskatchewan (“MARS”) using a Geographical Information System (“GIS”). MARS is a web-based, electronic tenure system used for issuing and administrating mineral permits, claims, and leases. Mineral claims are acquired via electronic map staking, and administration of the dispositions is also web-based.
As of the effective date of the Rook I FS Technical Report, all 32 mineral claims comprising the Rook I property are in good standing with expiry dates between June 2040 and June 2043, and are all registered in the name of NexGen.
Surface rights are distinct from subsurface or mineral rights. The Rook I Project is located on provincial Crown land; as the owner, the Province of Saskatchewan can grant surface rights under the authority of the Forest Resources Management Act and the Provincial Lands Act. Granting surface rights for the purpose of accessing the land to extract minerals is done by issuing a mineral surface lease subject to the Crown Resource Land Regulations. Mineral surface leases have a 33-year maximum term which may be extended, as necessary.
NexGen does not currently hold surface rights of the project area. Surface rights are obtained after the ministerial review and approval of the EA, and the successful negotiation of a mineral surface lease agreement with the Province of Saskatchewan.
History
The Geological Survey of Canada in 1961 included the Rook I property as part of a larger area.
From 1968 to 1970, Wainoco Oil and Chemicals Ltd. completed airborne magnetic and radiometric surveys, and geochemical sampling programs. No structures or anomalies of interest were detected.
In 1974, Uranerz Exploration and Mining Ltd. completed geological mapping, prospecting, and lake sediment sampling around the property.
From 1976 to 1982, Canadian Occidental Petroleum Ltd. and other companies (e.g., Saskatchewan Mining and Development Corporation (SMDC, now Cameco)) completed airborne INPUT EM surveys. These surveys detected numerous conductors, many of which were subject to ground surveys prior to drilling.
Airborne magnetic-radiometric surveys were also completed and followed up on with prospecting, geological mapping, lake sediment surveys, and some soil and rock geochemical sampling. Few anomalies were found, other than those that were already located during the airborne and ground EM survey.
From 2005 to 2008, Titan Uranium Inc. (“Titan”) carried out airborne time-domain EM surveys using MEGATEM and Versatile Time Domain Electromagnetic (“VTEM”) systems, which detected numerous strong EM anomalies. A ground MaxMin II survey conducted in 2008 confirmed the airborne anomalies.
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In 2012, pursuant to a mineral property acquisition agreement between Mega Uranium Ltd. (“Mega”) and Titan dated February 1, 2012, Mega acquired all nine dispositions comprising the Rook I Project. A gravity survey was completed over 60% of S-113921 through S-113933, which defined several regional features and some additional local smaller scale features. Simultaneously, Mega sampled organic-rich soils and prospected the same area. No soil geochemical anomalies or radioactive boulders were found.
In 2012, NexGen acquired Mega’s interest in the Rook I property.
Geological Setting, Mineralization and Deposit Types
The Rook I property is located along the southwestern rim of the Athabasca Basin, a large Paleoproterozoic-aged, flat-lying, intracontinental, fluvial, redbed sedimentary basin that covers much of northern Saskatchewan and part of northern Alberta. The Athabasca Basin is ovular at surface, with approximate dimensions of 450 km × 200 km. It reaches a maximum thickness of approximately 1,500 m near its centre.
The southwest portion of the Athabasca Basin is overlain by the flat-lying Phanerozoic stratigraphy of the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin, including the carbonate-rich rocks of the Lower to Middle Devonian Elk Point Group, Lower Cretaceous Manville Group sandstones and mudstones, moderately lithified diamictites, and Quaternary unconsolidated sediments.
South of the Athabasca Basin, where Athabasca sandstone cover becomes thin, paleo-valley fill and debris flow sandstones of the Devonian La Loche / Contact Rapids formation (Alberta) or Meadow Lake (Saskatchewan) formation unconformably overlie the basement rocks.
The Paleoproterozoic basement rocks of the Taltson Domain unconformably underlies the Athabasca Basin and the Phanerozoic stratigraphy within the extents of the Rook I property. The crystalline basement rocks comprise a spectrum of variably altered mafic to ultramafic, intermediate, and local alkaline rock types. The most abundant basement lithologies consist of gneissic, metasomatized-feldspar-rich granitoid rocks, and dioritic to quartz dioritic and quartz monzodioritic gneiss, with lesser granodioritic and tonalitic gneiss.
Mineralization occurs at the following seven locations on the property, and is exclusively hosted in basement lithologies below the unconformity that is overlain by the Athabasca Supergroup.
| ● | Arrow Deposit |
| ● | South Arrow Discovery |
| ● | Harpoon occurrence |
| ● | Bow occurrence |
| ● | Cannon occurrence |
| ● | Camp East occurrence |
| ● | Area A occurrence |
Of the seven mineralized locations, the Arrow Deposit has undergone the most investigation.
The Arrow Deposit is currently interpreted as being hosted chiefly in variably altered porphyroblastic quartz-flooded quartz-feldspar-garnet-biotite (± graphite) gneiss. Mineralization at the Arrow Deposit is defined by an area comprised of several steeply dipping shears that have been labelled as the A0, A1, A2, A3, A4, and A5 shears. The A0 through A5 shears locally host high-grade (“HG”) uranium mineralization.
The Arrow Deposit is considered to be an example of a basement-hosted, vein type uranium deposit.
Exploration
Since acquiring the Rook I property in December 2012, and prior to the effective date of the Rook I FS Technical Report, NexGen carried out exploration activities consisting of the following.
| ● | Ground gravity surveys |
| ● | Ground direct current (DC) resistivity and induced polarization surveys |
| ● | Airborne magnetic-radiometric- very low frequency (VLF) survey |
| ● | Airborne VTEM survey |
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| ● | Airborne Z-Axis Tipper electromagnetic (ZTEM) survey |
| ● | Airborne gravity survey |
| ● | Radon-in-water geochemical survey |
| ● | Ground radiometric and boulder prospecting program. |
Geophysical surveys and surface sampling identified a series of sub-parallel, southwest-northeast trends with locally coincident anomalies across multiple exploration methods. The trends were interpreted to be steeply dipping to sub-vertical with responses indicating structural disruption and associated alteration. Most trends have a relatively continuous strike length across the extent of the property, approximately 9 km each, while some are segmented and less developed causing their electromagnetic signatures to lapse and resume. Underlying geological setting means that targets include both unconformity and basement-hosted uranium mineralization. Emphasis was placed on basement mineralization proximal to the margin of the Athabasca Basin. NexGen noted several target areas for drill testing that were first investigated in the fall of 2013. A review of drill results is discussed below.
Subsequent to the effective date of the Rook I FS Technical Report, NexGen has carried out a ground gravity survey on central and eastern portions of the property. Anomalously low values coincident with conductors, interpreted as a proxy for altered basement rock, have provided new drill-ready target areas that will be tested in 2023 and future programs.
Drilling
As of the effective date of the Rook I FS Technical Report, NexGen and its predecessors had drilled 754 holes totalling 380,051 m. From 2013 to the effective date of the Rook I FS Technical Report, NexGen drilled 716 holes totaling 374,917m.
Three types of drill core samples are collected at site for geochemical analysis and uranium assay.
| ● | One-metre and 0.5-metre samples taken over intervals of elevated radioactivity, and one metre or two metres beyond radioactivity. |
| ● | Point samples taken at nominal spacings of five metres or 50 m for infill holes, which is meant to be representative of the interval or of a particular rock unit. |
| ● | Composite samples in the Devonian and Athabasca sandstone units where one-centimetre long pieces are taken and spaced throughout sample intervals ranging from one metre to 10 m long. |
NexGen also conducted diamond drilling programs to test several targets on the Rook I property, which resulted in the discovery of the Arrow Deposit in drill hole AR-14-001 (formerly known as RK-14-21) in February 2014.
Mineralization at the Arrow Deposit is defined by an area comprising the A0 through A5 shears, which locally host HG uranium mineralization. The mineralized area is 315 m wide, with an overall strike of 980 m. Mineralization is noted to occur 100 m below surface, and it extends to a depth of 980 m. The individual shear zones vary in thickness from 2 m to 60 m. The Arrow Deposit is open in most directions and at depth.
Regional drilling completed by NexGen from 2015–2019 along the Patterson conductive corridor identified new uranium discoveries at the Harpoon, Bow, Cannon, Camp East, and Area A occurrences, and the South Arrow Discovery.
Subsequent to the effective date of the Rook I FS Technical Report, the Corporation successfully completed its 2021 exploration drilling program which focused on regional exploration targets at the Rook I property. The Rook I property is host to numerous electromagnetic (“EM”) conductors and structural corridors with high priority exploration targets within a 10 km radius of the Arrow Deposit, including along the Patterson Lake Corridor, which hosts the Arrow Deposit.
The 2021 exploration program completed 18 drill holes for a total of 10,849.04 m, of which 6,400.31 m targeted electromagnetic conductors (conductors) that neighbour the one hosting Arrow and 4,448.73 m targeted significantly below the current Arrow Deposit.
| ● | AR-21-268 (“Below Arrow”) intersected 8.5 m of total composite mineralization, including 6.5 m up to 3,530 counts per second (cps) from 1,128.5 to 1,135.0 m downhole. This intersection is located approximately 230 m below and SE of the current defined mineralized domains at Arrow. |
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| ● | RK-21-140 (Camp East Target on the Patterson Corridor) intersected anomalous radioactivity up to 1,380 cps from 166.0 to 167.0 m downhole. Finely disseminated uraninite was intersected with associated hematite and sericite alteration in a silicified orthogneiss. |
| ● | Drilling on the Derkson and Derkson West conductors intersected intervals of brittle structural disruption and hydrothermal alteration consistent with those recognized in uranium bearing systems. Hole RK-21-136 (Derkson West target) intersected 0.5 m of anomalous radioactivity up to 3,100 cps from 166.5 to 167.0 m downhole. |
Further details on the 2021 Exploration drill results can be found in the News Release dated January 27, 2022 and filed under the Corporation’s profile on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) and EDGAR (www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml).
The 2022 drill program tested structural corridors with intersections exhibiting favourable features indicative of uranium bearing systems, including strong alteration, reactivated brittle fault zones, and local dravite clay coated fractures. Results indicate these structural corridors lie along significant rheological/lithological contrasts interpreted as potential hosts for uranium mineralization. The program completed 11,784.7 m in 35 drill holes (including 6 restarts relating to casing issues) within the following five (5) structural corridors: Patterson Corridor, Derkson West, Derkson, PLC East, and Mirror.
Sampling, Analysis and Data Verification
Sample Preparation Methods
On-site sample preparation consists of geological technicians splitting cores under the supervision of geologists. One-half of the core is placed in plastic sample bags pre-marked with the sample number, along with a sample number tag. The other half is returned to the core box and stored at the core storage area located near the logging facility on the project site. The bags containing the split samples are then placed in lidded buckets to be transported by NexGen personnel to SRC Geoanalytical Laboratories (“SRC”), a wholly independent laboratory in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
NexGen personnel perform full core bulk density measurements using standard laboratory techniques. In mineralized zones, average bulk density is measured from samples at 2.5 m intervals, where possible (i.e., approximately 20% of all mineralized samples). In order for density to be correlated with uranium grades across the data set, each density sample directly correlates with a sample sent to SRC for assay.
Samples are also collected for clay mineral identification using infrared spectroscopy in areas of clay alteration. Samples are typically collected at five-metre intervals and consist of centimetre-long pieces of core selected by a geologist.
Security
As each hole is being drilled, drilling contractor personnel place the core in wooden boxes at the drill site and seal core boxes with screwed-on wooden lids. Core is then delivered to the Rook I Project core processing facility by the contractor twice daily. Only the contractor and NexGen geological staff are authorized to be at drill sites and in the core processing facility. After logging, sampling, and shipment preparation, samples are transported directly from the project site to SRC by NexGen staff.
SRC places a large emphasis on confidentiality and data security. Appropriate steps are taken to protect the integrity of samples at all processing stages. Access to the SRC premises is restricted by an electronic security system and patrolled by security guards 24 hours a day.
After the completion of analyses, data is sent securely via electronic transmission to NexGen. These results are provided as a series of PDFs and an Excel spreadsheet.
Assaying and Analytical Procedures
SRC crushes each sample until 60% is capable of passing -10 mesh. It is then riffle-split to a 200 g sample, with the remainder retained as coarse reject. The 200 g sample is then milled to 90% passing -140 mesh.
All samples are analyzed at SRC by ICP-OES or ICP-MS for 64 elements including uranium. Samples with low radioactivity are analyzed using ICP-MS. Samples with anomalous radioactivity are analyzed using ICP-OES. Partial and total digestion runs are completed for most samples. For partial digestion, an aliquot of each sample is digested in HNO3/HCl for one hour at 95 °C, and then diluted using de-ionized water. For the total digestion, an aliquot of each sample is heated in a mixture of HF/HNO3/HClO4 until completely dried, and the residue dissolved in dilute HNO3.
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For uranium assays, an aliquot of sample pulp is completely digested in concentrated HCl:HNO3, and then dissolved in dilute HNO3 before being analyzed using ICP-OES. For boron, an aliquot of pulp is fused in a mixture of NaO2/NaCO3 in a muffle oven. The fused melt is dissolved in de-ionized water before being analyzed using ICP-OES.
Selected samples are also analyzed for gold, platinum, and palladium using traditional fire assay methods.
Quality Control Measures
NexGen’s quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) program includes the following.
| ● | Standard reference materials (SRM) to determine accuracy. |
| ● | Duplicate samples to determine precision / repeatability. |
| ● | Blank samples to screen for cross-contamination between samples during preparation and analyses. |
The QA/QC program used at the Arrow Deposit includes the insertion of SRMs, blanks, and duplicates into the sample stream at the frequency summarized in the table below.
Laboratory QA/QC Protocols
| QA/QC Type |
Insertion Frequency |
Acceptance Criteria | ||
|
Blank |
1 in 50 |
Assay > 10% detection limit | ||
|
Field Duplicate |
1 in 50 |
Relative Difference ≤ ±20% | ||
|
SRM |
1 in 50 |
95% of samples ≤ ±2 Std. Dev ≤ 1% of samples ≥ ±3 Std. Dev |
Results from the QA/QC samples are continually tracked by NexGen as certificates for each sample batch are received. If QA/QC samples of a sample batch pass within acceptable limits, the results of the sample batch are imported into the master database.
Data Verification Procedures
The Qualified Person’s (QP) data verification steps included site visits during which RPA, now part of SLR International Corporation (SLR), personnel reviewed core handling, logging, sample preparation and analytical protocols, density measurement system, and storage procedures. The QP also reviewed the Leapfrog model parameters and geological interpretation, reviewed how drill hole collar locations are defined, inspected the use of directional drilling methods, observed the data management system, obtained a copy of the master database, and obtained SRC laboratory certificates for all drilling assays.
A review of the database indicated no significant issues. A separate review of the assay table determined minimal errors, and all are most likely due to rounding. Limitations were not placed on the QP’s data verification process.
Mineral Processing and Metallurgical Testing
NexGen conducted a metallurgical test program in 2018, which included a bench test program, a pilot plant, and paste backfill testing. Test work samples comprised three composite samples, consisting of low grade (“LG”), medium grade (“MG”), and high grade (“HG”) material, and ten samples of localized deposit areas.
Completed bench test work included the following.
| ● | Quantitative evaluation of materials by scanning electron microscopy (QEMSCAN), potential acid generation |
| ● | SAGDesignTM and Bond ball mill index |
| ● | Batch leach |
| ● | Optimization leaching |
| ● | Confirmation and variability |
| ● | Settling |
| ● | Solvent extraction (SX) |
| ● | Separating funnel shakeout |
| ● | Stripping |
| ● | Gypsum precipitation |
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| ● | YC precipitation |
| ● | Preliminary sulfide flotation |
| ● | Diagnostic gravity separation |
Additionally, two pilot leaching tests were performed in 2018 using two different feed samples.
In 2019, a series of tests were carried out to advance the process design. These tests were carried out at the SRC facilities and included the following. Wood’s qualified person was involved in the design of the metallurgical test program, including the pilot program, review of the results and their use in the mineral process design. Wood’s qualified person visited the metallurgical test facilities.
| ● | Bench-scale testing to recover uranium from gypsum (June 2019). |
| ● | Trade-off study / test work of dewatering and washing technologies using belt filters (July 2019). |
| ● | Trade-off study / test work of dewatering and washing technologies using centrifuges (August 2019). |
An advanced phase of the paste backfill testing program was conducted in 2019 using drill core samples from the pilot plant program. Geotechnical and geochemical evaluations were performed to validate the mine / mill design, and results will be used in for the Rook I Project’s EA. Test work included investigating the following.
| ● | Particle size distribution |
| ● | Whole rock analysis |
| ● | Mineralogy |
| ● | Static yield stress |
| ● | Rheology |
| ● | Transportable moisture limit |
| ● | Uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) |
| ● | Process water analysis |
| ● | Tailings and kinetic tests |
The Rook I FS Technical Report assumes a metallurgical steady state uranium recovery of 97.6%. This value was determined based on the results of pilot plant test work, and by compiling the performance of unit operation uranium recoveries. Pilot leach testing results indicated uranium extractions of 99.3%. The washing efficiency in the counter current decantation was greater than 99.6%. All other unit operations in the pilot testing had uranium recoveries of greater than 99.6%.
The QEMSCAN analysis identified that there were no primary molybdenum-bearing minerals present. However, molybdenum did occur in chalcopyrite and galena solid solutions. Similarly, there were no arsenic-bearing minerals identified. No major deleterious elements have been identified to date that would affect the process.
Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve Estimates
Mineral Resource Estimation
The Mineral Resource estimate for the Rook I Project was based on results from 521 diamond drill holes. It was reported using a $50/lb U3O8 price, at a cut-off grade of 0.25% U3O8.
| ● | Measured Mineral Resources total 2.18 million tonnes (“Mt”) at an average grade of 4.35% U3O8, for a total of 209.6 million pounds (“Mlb”) of U3O8. |
| ● | Indicated Mineral Resources total 1.57 Mt at an average grade of 1.36% U3O8, for a total of 47.1 Mlb U3O8. |
| ● | Inferred Mineral Resources total 4.40 Mt at an average grade of 0.83% U3O8, for a total of 80.7 Mlb U3O8. |
The effective date of the Mineral Resource estimate is July 19, 2019. From July 19, 2019 to the effective date of the Rook I FS Technical Report, no additional exploration drilling occurred at the Arrow Deposit. In the QP’s opinion, as noted in the Rook I FS Technical Report, the Mineral Resource estimate remained current as of the effective date of Rook I FS Technical Report. Estimated block model grades are based on chemical assays only. The Mineral Resources were estimated by NexGen and audited by RPA, now part of SLR International Corporation (SLR). Mineral Resources are inclusive of Mineral Reserves. The QP noted, per the Rook I FS Technical Report, that the deposit is open in many directions.
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The Arrow Deposit Mineral Resource estimate is based on the results of surface diamond drilling campaigns conducted from 2014–2019. The Mineral Resources of the Arrow Deposit are classified as Measured, Indicated, and Inferred based on drill hole spacing and apparent continuity of mineralization, as summarized in the following table:
Mineral Resource Estimate – 19 July 2019
| Classification | Zone |
Tonnage (t) |
Grade (% U3O8) |
Contained Metal (lb U3O8) | ||||
|
Measured |
A2-LG | 920,000 | 0.79 | 16,000,000 | ||||
| A2-HG | 441,000 | 16.65 | 161,900,000 | |||||
| A3-LG | 821,000 | 1.75 | 31,700,000 | |||||
| Measured Total |
– | 2,183,000 | 4.35 | 209,600,000 | ||||
|
Indicated |
A2-LG | 700,000 | 0.79 | 12,200,000 | ||||
| A2-HG | 56,000 | 9.92 | 12,300,000 | |||||
| A3-LG | 815,000 | 1.26 | 22,700,000 | |||||
| Indicated Total |
– | 1,572,000 | 1.36 | 47,100,000 | ||||
|
Measured + Indicated |
A2-LG | 1,620,000 | 0.79 | 28,100,000 | ||||
| A2-HG | 497,000 | 15.90 | 174,200,000 | |||||
| A3-LG | 1,637,000 | 1.51 | 54,400,000 | |||||
| Measured + Indicated Total |
– | 3,754,000 | 3.10 | 256,700,000 | ||||
|
Inferred |
A1 | 1,557,000 | 0.69 | 23,700,000 | ||||
| A2-LG | 863,000 | 0.61 | 11,500,000 | |||||
| A2-HG | 3,000 | 10.95 | 600,000 | |||||
| A3-LG | 1,207,000 | 1.12 | 29,800,000 | |||||
| A4 | 769,000 | 0.89 | 15,000,000 | |||||
| Inferred Total |
– | 4,399,000 | 0.83 | 80,700,000 |
Notes:
| 1. | CIM (2014) definitions were followed for Mineral Resources. |
| 2. | Mineral Resources are reported at a cut-off grade of 0.25% U3O8. |
| 3. | Mineral Resources are estimated using a long-term uranium price of US$50/lb U3O8 and estimated mining costs. |
| 4. | A minimum thickness of one metre was used. |
| 5. | Tonnes are based on bulk density weighting. |
| 6. | Mineral Resources are inclusive of Mineral Reserves. |
| 7. | Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. |
| 8. | Numbers may not sum due to rounding. |
| 9. | HG = High Grade, LG = Low Grade. |
Per the Rook I FS Technical Report, the QP reviewed the geology, structure, and mineralization of the Arrow Deposit based on the results of 566 diamond drill holes. The QP also audited three-dimensional (“3D”) wireframe models developed by NexGen, which represent 0.05% U3O8 grade envelopes with a minimum thickness of one metre.
Of the 566 holes completed, 45 drill holes were drilled on the South Arrow Discovery and were not used for the purposes of the Mineral Resource estimate. The wireframe models representing the Arrow Deposit mineralized zones are intersected in 418 of 566 drill holes. The updated 2019 Mineral Resource estimate does not account for HG domains within A3, which were accounted for in the previous 2017 Mineral Resource estimates. The A3-HG domains were found to be of relatively LG, with average grades just above the HG modelling threshold of 5% U3O8; after the 2019 infill drilling, the variability of grades was better handled with ordinary kriging (“OK”), where the locally varying mean, in conjunction with the density of data, counters grade smearing.
Based on 5,850 dry bulk density determinations for the Arrow Deposit, NexGen developed a formula that relates bulk density to grade. This formula was used to assign a density value to each assay. Bulk density values were then used to weight the grade estimation and convert volume to tonnage.
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High grade values were capped, and their influence was further restricted during the block estimation process. High grade outliers were capped at 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 8%, 10%, 15%, 25%, and 30% U3O8, depending on the domain. This resulted in 428 capped assay values. No outlier assay values were identified in the HG domains. Therefore, no capping was applied to the assays as each HG domain dataset was determined to be stationary and appropriate for interpolation, with the exclusion of the A2-HG8, which was capped at 30% U3O8.
Variable density and grade multiplied by density (“GxD”) were interpolated using OK in the A2-HG domains (excluding A2-HG6 and A2-HG8), the A2-LG domain that envelopes a HG domain, and two large A3-LG domains (301 and 312). Inverse distance squared (ID2) was used on all remaining mineralized domains. Estimates used a minimum of one to three composites per block estimate, to a maximum of 50 composites per block estimate. The majority of the domains used a maximum of two composites per drill hole.
Sample selection criteria were based on sensitivity testing that compared the estimated block means of each domain to the composited mean. Unsampled intervals and samples below the detection limit within the domains were assigned a grade of zero and considered to be internal dilution. Hard boundaries were used to limit the use of composites between domains. Block grade was derived by dividing the interpolated GxD value by the interpolated density value for each block.
The block model was validated by swath plots, volumetric comparison, visual inspection, and statistical comparison. The average block grade at zero cut-off was compared to the average of the composited assay data to ensure that there was no global bias.
Per the Rook I FS Technical Report, the QP was not aware of any environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-economic, marketing, political, or other relevant factors that could materially affect the Mineral Resource estimate other than what has been described in the Rook I FS Technical Report.
Mineral Reserve Estimation
The vertical extent of the Mineral Reserves extends from approximately 320 m below surface to 680 m below surface.
Based on the cut-off grade assessment, an incremental cut-off grade of 0.30% U3O8 was applied as the input parameter for designing stopes. This cut-off grade was applied at the level of stoping solids, after inclusion of waste and fill dilution. The Mineral Reserves are limited to the A2 and A3 veins within the Arrow Deposit.
A nominal amount of material between 0.03% U3O8 (the regulatory limit between benign waste and mineralized material) and 0.26% U3O8 (which is uneconomic to process) has been included in the mine plan, in addition to 88,100 tonnes of waste used to commission the mill and to keep the mill feed grade below 5.0%.
The Rook I Project assumes that both transverse stope and longitudinal retreat stope mining methods would be used. The assumed mining rate is nominally 1,300 tonnes per day (t/d). A total planned dilution of approximately 24% is projected for the longhole stopes. The unplanned or overbreak dilution is estimated at 12% total.
Fill dilution will occur when mining next to fill walls and mucking on fill floors; a 4% fill dilution was applied to secondary transverse stopes only, and a 1% fill dilution was applied to secondary longitudinal stopes. Extraction (mining recovery) is estimated at a combined 95.5% for longhole mining and ore development.
The Mineral Reserve estimate is reported using the 2014 CIM Definition Standards. The effective date of the Mineral Reserve estimate is 21 January 2021. The table below summarizes Mineral Reserves based on a US$50/lb uranium price at a cut-off grade of 0.30% U3O8.
Factors that may affect the Mineral Reserve estimate include the following.
| ● | Commodity price assumptions. |
| ● | Changes in local interpretations of mineralization geometry and continuity of mineralization zones. |
| ● | Changes to geotechnical, hydrogeological, and metallurgical recovery assumptions. |
| ● | Input factors used to assess stope dilution. |
| ● | Assumptions that facilities such as the UGTMF can be permitted. |
| ● | Assumptions regarding social, permitting, and environmental conditions. |
| ● | Additional infill or step out drilling. |
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Mineral Reserve Estimate
| Classification | Recovered Ore Tonnes (thousands) | U3O8 Grade (%) | U3O8 lb (millions) | |||
| Proven |
0 | 0 | 0 | |||
| Probable |
4,575 | 2.37% | 239.6 | |||
| Total |
4,575 | 2.37% | 239.6 |
Notes:
| 1. | CIM definitions were followed for Mineral Reserves. |
| 2. | Mineral Reserves are reported with an effective date of 21 January 2021. |
| 3. | Mineral Reserves include transverse and longitudinal stopes, ore development, marginal ore, special waste, and a nominal amount of waste required for mill ramp-up and grade control. |
| 4. | Stopes were estimated at a cut-off grade of 0.30% U3O8. |
| 5. | Marginal ore is material between 0.26% U3O8 and 0.30% U3O8 that must be extracted to access mining areas. |
| 6. | Special waste in material between 0.03% and 0.26% U3O8 that must be extracted to access mining areas. 0.03% U3O8 is the limit for what is considered benign waste and material that must be treated and stockpiled in an engineered facility. |
| 7. | Mineral Reserves are estimated using a long-term metal price of US$50/lb U3O8, and a 0.75 US$/C$ exchange rate (C$1.00 = US$0.75). The cost to ship the YC product to a refinery is considered to be included in the metal price. |
| 8. | A minimum mining width of 3.0 m was applied for all longhole stopes. |
| 9. | Mineral Reserves are estimated using a combined underground (UG) mining recovery of 95.5% and total dilution (planned and unplanned) of 33.8%. |
| 10. | The density varies according to the U3O8 grade in the block model. Waste density is 2.464 t/m3. |
| 11. | Numbers may not add due to rounding. |
Mining Operations
Based on the Rook I FS Technical Report, access to the underground (“UG”) Arrow Deposit will be via two shafts, an 8.0 m diameter Production Shaft (intake air) and a 5.5 m diameter Exhaust Shaft (second egress). Access to the working will be from the Production Shaft with stations on 500 and 590 Levels. Levels will be spaced 30 m apart UG and will be connected via an internal ramp.
Production will be via a conventional longhole mining. The longhole mining methods and mine design discussed in this section were chosen to optimize safety performance, reduce worker exposure to physical hazards and radiation, maximize Mineral Resource extraction, and increase operational flexibility and productivity by achieving simultaneous production from multiple mining fronts.
The estimated mill capacity is targeted at 1,300 tonnes per day (t/d) of ore. To realize this target, the mine plan will include longhole production on four separate mining blocks, with multiple stopes available per block. The estimated production rates of the stopes range from 250 t/d to 300 t/d. This will require approximately five stopes to be active to achieve 1,300 t/d, which will be feasible with that many stopes available. The grades will vary by mining block; this will facilitate the ability to provide a more consistent grade to the process plant with four active blocks. Production profile and head grade from UG are shown in the following figure.
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Underground Production Profile with Grade (U3O8)
The tailings produced by the mill will be returned UG as either cemented paste backfill for the production stopes or as cemented paste tailings into stopes that will be created for this purpose. The UGTMF will be located on the north side of the deposit and will consist of approximately 97 waste stopes and related development.
The mining method will make use of mechanized equipment and conventional processes widely employed in the global mining industry.
Shaft sinking will occur through a variety of stable and unstable strata, including water saturated overburden, Devonian Sandstone, Cretaceous Shales and Athabasca Sandstones, and finally into the basement rocks. These domains consist of poor to very poor-quality rock masses; however, once these have been temporarily artificially frozen for shaft construction, these are not anticipated to be problematic. A 600 mm hydrostatic lining is considered to be the minimum practicable thickness for lining against a freeze wall. As such, a 600 mm liner will be installed to 175 m in the Production Shaft and 217 m in the Exhaust Shaft. To prevent migration of water down the back of the liner and into the shaft, a grout seal will be placed at the base of the hydrostatic pressure resisting liner.
The minimum distance between the shallowest mine excavation and the unconformity is approximately 250 m. This drastically reduces the risks associated with the crown pillar and therefore has not been investigated in detail.
The processing of uranium ore will generate several forms of waste. A portion of the waste will be used for paste backfill. The remainder will be permanently stored in purpose-built excavations / chambers in the footwall (“FW”) of the deposit, in an area that is interpreted to have relatively minimal alteration or fault or shear structures. The Rook I FS Technical Report proposes the UGTMF will consist of 97 waste stopes, each approximately 25 m wide by 25 m long by 60 m high. The excavations will be arranged in a regular pattern with a minimum of 15 m pillars between openings. The first waste stopes will be located on the 500 Level and the top of the excavations will be approximately 250 m below the unconformity.
Backfill of mined stopes is planned to use a combination of process waste, cement, potential fillers (such as fly ash), and water. The creation of paste tailings is directly proportional to the amount of material processed through the plant. For each tonne of processed material, 0.82 m3 of paste tailings will be created, along with 0.32 m3 of combined waste precipitates. Based on a steady-state production rate, the total fill produced will be nominally 373,100 m3 per year for paste tailings, and 145,600 m3 per year for combined precipitates. Tailings not used for paste backfill will be stored in the UGTMF.
The Arrow Deposit is planned to be accessed via two shafts. Both shafts will be located in the FW of the deposit. The first shaft will be used as a Production Shaft, and for transportation of personnel and materials into the mine and will be sunk to a depth of 650 m below surface. The Production Shaft will have divided compartments so that fresh air that comes into contact with ore being skipped to surface will be immediately exhausted within the mine. The Production Shaft will have a permanent headframe and hoisting house. The second shaft will be used as an exhaust ventilation shaft. The Exhaust Shaft will be sunk to a depth of 533 m below surface and will be equipped with a secondary emergency escapeway system.
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Thirteen levels, spaced at 30 m intervals sill to sill, are planned for the Arrow Deposit. Lateral development will be concentrated in the first four years to establish the production areas, the UGTMF areas, UG infrastructure and the permanent ventilation system. In addition to the lateral development, there will be an internal ramp system that will connect all mining levels.
Mine dewatering will be completed using a clean water system on the 500 Level. The 500 Level sumps will be capable of collecting and removing all strata and operational process water from the mine infrastructure, ongoing development, operational stopes, shaft inflow, and pastefill seepage. Run-of-mine water will decant through membranes; the clean water will be pumped to surface while the residual solids and water will be collected and placed into the ore handling system.
Transverse stope mining will be used in areas of wider stopes (generally greater than 12 m), while longitudinal retreat stope mining will be used in areas of thinner stope widths. Transverse longhole mining will be completed using primary and secondary stoping sequences to avoid leaving pillars. The order in which stopes are extracted will be largely driven by the head grade, with the overarching goal of processing 30 Mlb of U3O8 annually. Primary stopes will be recovered first, followed by primary stopes on two vertical levels above, and then secondary stopes on the original level.
Two separate vertical mining blocks (the Upper Block and Lower Block) will be established, and within each vertical block, the A2 and A3 veins can be mined independently. Mining activities will commence from both the Upper Block and Lower Block, and in the A2 and A3 veins, for a total of four separate production areas. A fifth production block will be created below the 620 Level.
The ore handling system will begin with load-haul-dump (“LHD”) units loading muck in transverse and longitudinal retreat stopes. The LHDs will tram muck to centrally located ore and waste passes. The bottom of the ore pass will be located on 590 Level, where a control system will direct ore on to a grizzly equipped with a remotely operated rock breaker. The grizzly openings will be 400 mm by 450 mm. The sized ore will be loaded onto a conveyor on the 620 Level and hauled to the shaft for skip loading.
There will be two separate waste handling systems. The waste from the UGTMF will report to a rockbreaker on the 500 Level, near the Production Shaft. The sized waste rock will be loaded onto the 620 Level conveyor and hauled to the shaft for skip loading. The second waste handling system will be located near the ore body and will handle all remaining lateral development. The system will be identical to the ore handing system.
The ventilation system is designed as a predominately negative or “pull” system. Fresh air will be distributed throughout the mine from the 500 and 590 Level shaft stations from the Production Shaft and internal ramp. The auxiliary ventilation system will utilize both flow-through and extraction ventilation to exhaust contaminated air from localized areas to return air drifts and raises.
The Rook I mine will be developed using a high degree of equipment mechanization. Each of the main pieces of equipment will have remote operating capability, and in some cases will be autonomous to reduce radiation exposure. A raisebore machine will be used for development of ore and waste passes, and internal ventilation raises.
The mobile equipment UG will be captive in the mine. The maintenance facility will be equipped to repair and service all captive equipment for the life of the operation.
Processing and Recovery Operations
The process plant design developed by Wood for the Rook I Project is based on the metallurgical testing and on the latest unit processes successfully used in uranium process plants across the world, including plants in northern Saskatchewan. The design of tailings preparation has been improved to facilitate a more reliable tailings deposition strategy through the paste plant. The process plant will consist of the following.
| ● | Ore sorting |
| ● | Grinding |
| ● | Leaching |
| ● | Liquid-solid separation via counter current decantation and clarification |
| ● | SX |
| ● | Gypsum precipitation and washing |
| ● | YC precipitation and washing |
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| ● | YC drying, calcining and packaging |
| ● | Tailings preparation and paste tailings plant |
| ● | Effluent treatment |
Plant throughput will be 1,300 t/d and design production will be 30 Mlb U3O8 per annum. It is expected that a 3-month ramp-up period will be required to reach design throughput.
Water from the settling pond and fresh water from Patterson Lake will be fed to the process plant to provide the process requirements. The amount of water recycled from the settling pond has been further optimized to reduce the amount of fresh water required by using settling pond water for counter current decantation (“CCD”) wash water and using belt filter filtrate for paste process water.
The major reagents required will include sulphur, sulphuric acid, unslaked lime, hydrogen peroxide, flocculant, kerosene, tertiary amine, isodecanol, sodium carbonate, magnesia, barium chloride and ferric sulphate.
The process plant will require approximately 7.4 megawatts (MW) of power to operate at full capacity. The paste plant will require approximately 0.9 MW of power.
Infrastructure, Permitting and Compliance Activities
Project Infrastructure
The key infrastructure contemplated for the Rook I Project includes the following.
| ● | UG mine with two vertical shafts. |
| ● | UG infrastructure, including material handling systems, maintenance facilities, fuel bay, explosives magazine, ventilation, paste backfill and paste tailings distribution system, electrical and communications facilities, UG water supply, dewatering facilities. |
| ● | UGTMF. |
| ● | Surface support infrastructure for the mine, including headframe and hoist facilities, surface explosives magazine, and ventilation fans. |
| ● | Surface support infrastructure for the mill, including process plant, SX plant, effluent treatment plant, and acid plant. |
| ● | Site support infrastructure, including accommodation camp, Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) facilities, LNG power plant, mine and mill dry facilities, analytical and metallurgical laboratory and maintenance, warehouse and security buildings. |
| ● | Surface ore storage stockpile facility. |
| ● | Waste rock storage facilities for potentially acid generating (PAG), non-potentially acid generating (NPAG) and special waste materials. |
| ● | Water management facilities, including: two site water runoff ponds, six contact water process ponds, a PAG stockpile runoff collection pond, and conveyance and diversion structures. |
| ● | Domestic / industrial waste management areas. |
| ● | Airstrip. |
| ● | LNG power plant. |
From a study completed during the prefeasibility study, it was determined that the NexGen Rook I site would be powered by an on-site generation plant due to a lack of existing power infrastructure and a high cost for the installation of a new transmission line. An LNG power plant was progressed during the preparation of the Rook I FS Technical Report with a power requirement of 26.5 MW based on a nominal demand of 24.1 MW. An N+1 design is planned, with eight generators operating at 3.3 MW and one standby unit. The plant design includes LNG storage and filling facilities with the fuel being trucked to the site.
Ore and Special Waste Stockpiles
There will be an ore stockpile consisting of four piles of differing grades. Each pile will be approximately 6,500 m3.
It is estimated that about 1% of the waste rock brought to surface will be mineralized but will not contain high enough grade to be processed through the mill economically, and therefore is not stockpiled in the ore stockpile area. This material
24
is stored in the special waste rock stockpile area with an anticipated pile volume of 60,000 m3. The special waste will be processed during normal operations, to ensure the mill head grade remains below the 5% U3O8 design limit. The remaining special waste will be processed at end of mine life, with the resultant tailing being deposited UG in the UGTMF chambers.
Both the ore and special waste stockpiles will be dual lined with high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and will be self-contained facilities capable of holding a full probable maximum precipitation (“PMP”) 24-hour event.
Environmental Studies
NexGen commenced collection of baseline data in 2015, with the majority of field studies commencing in 2018. Where necessary, some studies continued into 2019 and 2020 to complete the baseline data and information collection requirements, with some work ongoing into 2021. At the time of the Rook I FS Technical Report, NexGen had undertaken sufficient baseline data collection to complete a comprehensive EA.
Waste Rock Management Facility
Approximately 5.9 Mm3 of waste rock will be generated over the course of the LOM. Of this total, 4.6 Mm3 (78%) is PAG and 1.3 Mm3 is NPAG. The PAG and NPAG waste rock will have separate storage areas. The PAG and NPAG waste rock will be stockpiled with 2H:1V side slopes and the top of the finished stockpile will tie into the hill to the south; the overall height will not exceed the highest nearby topography. The PAG storage area will be HDPE lined and the NPAG storage area will not be lined.
Water Management
The water management infrastructure has been designed to maximize the diversion of non-contact surface runoff water away from the general site footprint and developed features. Precipitation events and snow melt runoff that come in contact with disturbed infrastructure areas, or potential contact zones, are captured, collected, and directed to respective impound areas identified as site runoff ponds or collection areas.
All ponds and pads containing mineralized or radiologically contaminated material have been designed to accommodate a PMP 24-hour event. These areas are self-contained in that the initial precipitation events are contained within the feature itself. The initial precipitation event does not exit elsewhere until pumped. These contained waters are tested before release to the environment based on regulatory requirement; water that does not meet specification will report to the effluent treatment plant for treatment.
The capture zones for Site Runoff Pond #1 have potential contact with mineralized or radiologically contaminated material. Site Runoff Pond #1 is designed to capture a PMP 24-hour event. Draw down is by sump pump to the site settling pond.
Site Runoff Pond #2 is designed to capture a 1:100 year 24-hour precipitation event. The pond contents will be tested, and if suitable for release, will be released to environment. If tested and not suitable for release, pond contents will be pumped to the site settling pond. In the case of a PMP 24-hour precipitation event, Site Runoff Pond #2 will capture and collect runoff to full capacity of the pond, prior to overflowing additional precipitation to the west bermed runoff collection area.
Six contact water storage ponds are planned, including four fill-test-release monitoring ponds for treated effluent, one contingency pond, and one feed settling pond. Each monitoring pond and the contingency pond is sized for 5,000 m3 of capacity and will maintain 1 m of freeboard as contingency for a PMP 24-hour event. The feed settling pond will have a capacity of 16,000 m3 with 1 m freeboard. Approximately 1,100 m3 of the settling pond capacity is reserved for a 1:100 year 24-hour precipitation event which includes runoff collecting immediately surrounding the Production Shaft and in the pipe containment corridor.
All other water conveyance and containment structures have been designed to accommodate a 1:100 year 24-hour precipitation event as well as the anticipated volumes of water generated under routine and non-routine operating conditions.
Closure and Reclamation Planning
Following the completion of mining and milling activities, a detailed decommissioning plan will be developed in accordance with provincial and federal regulations and guidelines. Once finalized, the plan and an application for approval to decommission will be submitted to provincial and federal authorities. Following approval, decommissioning activities will commence.
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Decommissioning will be preceded by the orderly cessation of operations and transition of the operation into a safe inactive state. Production mining will be completed, and active mining areas backfilled and secured. The mill processing circuits will be systematically shut down, flushed, and cleaned. Surface facilities, infrastructure, and equipment will be cleaned, as necessary, scanned, and prepared for decommissioning.
Wherever practicable, surface and UG infrastructure, equipment, and materials not required during the decommissioning phase and which meet radiological criteria for off-site removal will be salvaged, sold, or transferred off-site for recycling or disposal. Remaining infrastructure, equipment and materials will undergo final decommissioning on-site.
Permitting
There are several federal and provincial regulatory approvals required for a new uranium mine and mill development. Federally, under the authority of the Nuclear Safety Control Act, proponents wishing to carry out uranium mining and milling must first obtain a licence from the federal nuclear regulator, the CNSC. The CNSC licensing process is in progress. Before the CNSC can make a licensing decision, proponents are required to undergo an EA of the proposed project. As the Rook I Project falls under both federal and provincial jurisdictions for an EA, each of the CNSC and the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment – Environmental Assessment Branch will require an EA prior to project approval.
On July 12, 2022 the CNSC announced their acceptance of the draft EIS which followed a 30-day period during which the CNSC conducted a conformance review of the EIS submission. Completion of the CNSC conformance marked the formal commencement of the 90-day federal public and technical EIS review period.
Provincial review of the draft EIS advanced in parallel to the CNSC review with technical review comments from the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment provided to NexGen on September 22, 2022. The CNSC public and technical review concluded on October 12, 2022.
On December 1, 2022, the Corporation announced it had received all federal technical and public review comments and provincial technical review comments on the Rook I draft EIS.
As licensing applications are in progress, any findings, including any notable issues that could materially impact NexGen’s ability to extract the Mineral Resources, were not available for inclusion in the Rook I FS Technical Report. Furthermore, no recommendations from the EA or licensing processes for future monitoring and/or management of environmental and social aspects of the Rook I Project were not available for inclusion in the Rook I FS Technical Report.
Social or Community Impacts
NexGen has engaged regularly and established relationships with local communities and Indigenous groups since 2013. Community and Indigenous engagement have evolved since the submission of the 2018 Technical Report. Engagement mechanisms have included notification letters, meetings with leadership, establishing joint working groups (“JWGs”) for detailed discussions, and providing funding for traditional land use studies. The engagement process will continue throughout the EA and licensing processes.
In Q4 2019, NexGen entered into Study Agreements (the “Study Agreements”) with the following four Indigenous groups.
| ● | Clearwater River Dene Nation |
| ● | Métis Nation – Saskatchewan (MN-S), including as on behalf of the Locals of MN-S Northern Region II |
| ● | Birch Narrows Dene Nation |
| ● | Buffalo River Dene Nation |
The Study Agreements provide a framework for working collaboratively to advance the EA and exchange information that will be used to inform the Crown as the Crown undertakes its Duty to Consult.
The Study Agreements provide funding to each Indigenous group and outline a collaborative process for formal engagement to support the inclusion of Indigenous knowledge in the EA. The Study Agreements also outline processes for identifying potential effects to Indigenous rights, treaty rights, and socio-economic interests, and avoidance and accommodation measures in relation to the Rook I Project.
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Capital and Operating Costs
Capital Cost Estimates
The estimate meets the classification standard for a Class 3 estimate as defined by Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering (“AACE”) International and has an intended accuracy of ±15%. The estimate is reported in Q4 2020 Canadian dollars. The table below outlines the estimated capital cost for supplying, constructing, and pre-commissioning the Rook I Project, and is inclusive of the early works activities.
Mining capital costs primarily comprise the following areas: shaft sinking, lateral mine development, and stationary mine infrastructure. Mine mobile equipment is assumed to be purchased on a lease-to-own basis, with the costs incurred in the lease payments. Process plant costs include the construction of the entirety of the process plant facility. Infrastructure costs include provision for the LNG power plant, as well as site preparation, permanent camp, maintenance shop, fuel storage, administration and dry facility, water treatment systems, airstrip, and site roads. Indirect costs include temporary construction facilities, construction services and supplies, and construction management (“CM”) costs, construction equipment, freight, Owner’s costs, and contingency.
NexGen is preparing a pre-commitment early works program that will encompass all scheduled activities planned for Year-4 Month 1 through Month 6. This plan will advance certain elements of the overall scope and mitigate project risks. The program includes work and the associated costs that NexGen intends on expending prior to an FID.
The scope of the pre-commitment early works program includes the following (at a high level).
| ● | Clearing and grubbing. |
| ● | Site levelling and road construction. |
| ● | Batch plant construction. |
| ● | Initial camp construction. |
| ● | Shaft-sinking preparations, including freeze hole drilling, freeze plant installation, and sinking plant installations). |
The pre-commitment early works are estimated in the Rook I FS Technical Report to cost approximately $157.9 million.
Total Capital Cost Estimate
| Description | Units | Cost | ||||||||
| Pre-commitment early works |
$ million | 157.9 | ||||||||
| Project Capital |
||||||||||
| UG Mining |
$ million | 240.0 | ||||||||
| Processing |
$ million | 216.4 | ||||||||
| Site Development |
$ million | 27.7 | ||||||||
| On-Site / Off-Site Infrastructure |
$ million | 118.9 | ||||||||
| Subtotal Project Direct Costs |
$ million | 602.9 | ||||||||
| Project indirect costs |
$ million | 326.5 | ||||||||
| Project Owner’s Costs |
$ million | 97.9 | ||||||||
| Subtotal Project Direct and Indirect Costs |
$ million | 1,027.2 | ||||||||
| Project Contingency |
$ million | 114.8 | ||||||||
| Total Project Capital |
$ million | 1142.0 | ||||||||
| Pre-production Capital Cost (Pre-Commitment & Project) |
$ million | 1,299.9 | ||||||||
| Sustaining |
$ million | 362.4 | ||||||||
| Closure |
$ million | 69.5 | ||||||||
|
Total |
$ million | 1,731.8 | ||||||||
Notes:
| 1. | Pre-commitment capital costs include contingency. |
| 2. | Totals may not sum due to rounding. |
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Sustaining capital incorporates all capital expenditures after the pre-production period of Year –4, Year -3, Year -2, and Year -1. Reclamation costs of $78.6 million have been included in Years 12 through Year 16, less $9.1 million in salvage value.
Operating Cost Estimates
Operating cost estimates were developed in the Rook I FS Technical Report to present annual costs for production. Unit costs are expressed as $/tonne processed and $/lb U3O8. Operating costs were allocated to either mining, process, tailings facility and paste plant, or general and administration (G&A). LOM operating costs are estimated to be $1,769.8 million. LOM operating costs are summarized in the table below.
UG mining occurs during Year -2 to Year 11 (note in Year -2 and Year -1, UG mining costs are capitalized). UG mining begins with capital development in Year -2 and the capitalized development continues through the LOM.
Operating Cost Estimate Summary (Year 1 to Year 11 inclusive)
| Description | LOM Cost
($ million) |
Average Annual
($ million) |
Unit Cost
($/t processed) |
Unit Cost
($/lb U3O8) | ||||
|
Mining |
691.3 | 64.6 | 151.09 | 2.96 | ||||
|
Processing |
647.0 | 60.5 | 141.41 | 2.77 | ||||
|
Tailing Facility and Paste Plant |
144.0 | 13.5 | 31.46 | 0.62 | ||||
|
General and administration |
287.5 | 26.9 | 62.84 | 1.23 | ||||
|
Total |
1,769.8 | 165.4 | 386.80 | 7.58 | ||||
Notes:
| 1. | Totals may not sum due to rounding. |
| 2. | Average annual cost based on 10.7 years |
G&A costs include labour, camp and catering costs, flights to and from site, insurance premiums, general maintenance of the surface buildings, and marketing and accounting functions. Allowances were included for reimbursable fees paid to the CNSC.
Economic Analysis
The results of the economic analysis in the Rook I FS Technical Report represent forward-looking information that is subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those presented here. Forward-looking statements in the Rook I FS Technical Report include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to future uranium prices, estimation of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, estimated mine production and uranium recovered, estimated capital and operating costs, and estimated cash flows generated from the planned mine production. Actual results may be affected by the following.
| ● | Differences in estimated initial capital costs and development time from what has been assumed in the Rook I FS Technical Report. |
| ● | Unexpected variations in quantity of ore, grade, or recovery rates, or presence of deleterious elements that would affect the process plant or waste disposal. |
| ● | Unexpected geotechnical and hydrogeological conditions from what was assumed in the mine designs, including water management during construction, mine operations, and post mine closure. |
| ● | Differences in the timing and quantity of estimated future uranium production, costs of future uranium production, sustaining capital requirements, future operating costs, assumed currency exchange rate, requirements for additional capital, unexpected failure of plant, or equipment or processes not operating as anticipated. |
| ● | Changes in government regulation of mining operations, environment, and taxes. |
| ● | Unexpected social risks, higher closure costs and unanticipated closure requirements, mineral title disputes or delays to obtaining surface access to the property. |
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If additional mining, technical, and engineering studies are conducted, these may alter the project assumptions presented in the Rook I FS Technical Report and may result in changes to the calendar timelines and the information and statements contained in the Rook I FS Technical Report.
Development and licensing approvals are not currently in place, and statutory permits, including environmental permits, are required to be granted prior to mine commencement.
The economic analysis in the Rook I FS Technical Report did not include any estimates involving the Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves.
The Rook I Project has been evaluated using discounted cash flow analysis. Cash inflows consist of annual revenue projections. Cash outflows consist of project capital expenditures, sustaining capital costs, operating costs, taxes, royalties, and commitments to other stakeholders. These are subtracted from revenues to arrive at the annual cash projections.
Cash flows are taken to occur at the mid point of each period. To reflect the time value of money, annual cash flow projections are discounted to the Rook I Project valuation date using the yearly discount rate. The discount rate appropriate to a specific project can depend on many factors, including the type of commodity, the cost of capital to the project, and the level of project risks (e.g., market risk, environmental risk, technical risk, and political risk) in comparison to the expected return from the equity and money markets.
The base case discount rate for the Rook I FS Technical Report is 8%. The discounted present values of the cash flows are summed to arrive at the Rook I Project’s NPV. In addition to the NPV, the IRR and the payback period are also calculated. The IRR is defined as the discount rate that results in an NPV equal to zero. The payback period is calculated as the time required to achieve positive cumulative cash flow for the Rook I Project from the start of production.
Taxes and depreciation for the Rook I Project were modelled based on input from NexGen, as well as a review of the Guideline: Uranium Royalty System, Government of Saskatchewan, June 2014. In addition, NexGen has opening balances of Canadian Exploration Expense (“CEE”) and operating losses that were applied in the tax model.
On a pre-tax basis, the NPV at 8% is $5,577.0 million, the IRR is 64.9%, and the assumed payback period is 0.8 years. On a post-tax basis, the NPV at 8% is $3,465.0 million, the IRR is 52.4% and the assumed payback period is 0.9 years.
A summary of the LOM cashflow is provided in the following table and “Undiscounted After-Tax Cash Flow” figure, each taken from the Rook I FS Technical Report.
LOM Cashflow Forecast Summary Table
| Description | Units | Value | ||||||||||||
|
Gross revenue |
$ million | 15,573.2 | ||||||||||||
|
Less: transportation |
$ million | 0 | ||||||||||||
|
NSR |
$ million | 15,573.2 | ||||||||||||
|
Less: provincial revenue royalties |
$ million | (1,129.1) | ||||||||||||
|
Net revenue |
$ million | 14,444.1 | ||||||||||||
|
Less: total operating costs |
$ million | (1,769.8) | ||||||||||||
|
Operating cash flow |
$ million | 12,674.3 | ||||||||||||
|
Less: capital costs |
$ million | (1,573.9) | ||||||||||||
|
Pre-tax cash flow |
$ million | 11,100.4 | ||||||||||||
|
Less: provincial profit royalties |
$ million | (1,683.5) | ||||||||||||
|
Less: taxes |
$ million | (2,404.5) | ||||||||||||
|
Post-tax cash flow |
$ million | 7,012.4 | ||||||||||||
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Undiscounted After-Tax Cash Flow
The following table summarizes the economic results of the Rook I FS Technical Report, with the NPV at 8% base case highlighted.
2021 Feasibility Study Forecast Economic Results
| Description | Units | Value | ||||||
| Pre-Tax | ||||||||
| NPV at 8% |
$ million | 5,577 | ||||||
| NPV at 10% |
$ million | 4,745 | ||||||
| NPV at 12% |
$ million | 4,051 | ||||||
| Internal rate of return |
% | 64.9% | ||||||
| Payback period |
Years | 0.8 | ||||||
| After-Tax | ||||||||
| NPV at 8% |
$ million | 3,465 | ||||||
| NPV at 10% |
$ million | 2,930 | ||||||
| NPV at 12% |
$ million | 2,484 | ||||||
| Internal rate of return |
% | 52.4% | ||||||
| Payback period |
Years | 0.9 | ||||||
Note: Payback period is calculated from the start of production
Sensitivity Analysis
The cash flow model was tested for sensitivity to variances regarding the following.
| ● | Head grade |
| ● | Process recovery |
| ● | Uranium price |
| ● | Overall operating costs |
| ● | Overall capital costs |
| ● | Labour costs |
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| ● | Reagent costs |
| ● | CAD to USD exchange rate |
The figure below illustrates the results of the sensitivity analysis. The anticipated Rook I Project cash flow is most sensitive to fluctuations in the price of uranium, head grade, and process recovery. YC is primarily traded in US dollars, whereas capital and operating costs for the Rook I Project are primarily priced in Canadian dollars. Therefore, the CAD to USD exchange rate may significantly influence project economics.
Sensitivity Analysis
Risks and Opportunities
NexGen and its lead consultants assessed critical areas of the Rook I Project and identified risks associated with the technical and cost assumptions used. The main risks identified in the Rook I Project include: assumptions around the prevalence of mineralized material in areas designated for mine infrastructure, assumptions around ground freezing and overall shaft development, adverse ground conditions as they relate to planned mining excavations, material handling systems unable to meet planned and peak production, commissioning of the UGTMF being slower than anticipated resulting in delays to first production, regulatory risks around permitting, and stakeholder engagement, and risks around cost escalation and project execution.
NexGen and its lead consultants performed an opportunities analysis. Opportunities that were recognized included: a potential expansion of Mineral Resources, and corresponding extension of the mine operating life, improvements to the mine extraction factor, reduction in mining operating costs and improved safety by considering remote or autonomous mining equipment, reductions in mining and process water usage through recycling, finalize the site water management philosophy and optimize the required infrastructure, consider heat recovery opportunities from the acid plant and power plant, evaluate alternative energy options including renewables and connecting to a provincial grid, and advancing critical early works construction packages to streamline overall project execution.
Interpretation and Conclusions
Under the assumptions presented in the Rook I FS Technical Report, the Rook I Project indicates positive economics. The anticipated Rook I Project cash flow is most sensitive to the price of uranium, head grade, and process recovery. The Canadian dollar to United States dollar exchange rate significantly influences Rook I Project economics.
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Exploration, Development and Production Recommendations
Development and Production
Due to the positive, robust economics, it is recommended in the Rook I FS Technical Report to advance the Rook I Project to the next phase of engineering. The recommended development path is to continue to advance the EA and licensing efforts while concurrently advancing key activities that will provide further project definition and reduce project execution timeline risks. Associated project risks are manageable and identified opportunities can provide enhanced economic value.
Engineering and field investigations should be advanced in support increased certainty of costs and project timelines in preparation for permit approvals and a FID.
The recommendations proposed are presented as a two-phase work program. Portions of the second recommended work phase are dependent on information generated in the first phase. The Phase 1 recommendations are projected to require a budget of $9–10.5 million to complete. The Phase 2 recommendations are estimated at $30–35 million.
This following subsections list the programs that are recommended for the next stage of engineering work for the Rook I Project.
Phase 1
Site Investigations
It is recommended in the Rook I FS Technical Report that NexGen proceeds with site investigations to support basic engineering, including the following.
| ● | Detailed materials characteristics and quantification assessment to confirm borrow source locations and available volumes of aggregates. |
| ● | Drill hole investigations of nuisance mineralization observed in the FW of Arrow proximal to LOM infrastructure, the quartz vein observed in GAR-18-013 (Exhaust Shaft pilot hole), and the northern extents of the UGTMF. |
| ● | Hydrogeological studies to increase NexGen’s understanding of the impact of groundwater on the UG mine and mine dewatering requirements. |
| ● | Investigate near surface and subsurface conditions in the area of proposed surface infrastructure, focusing on the Mine Terrace and Waste Rock Storage Facility. |
The total estimated project cost in the Rook I FS Technical Report for the geotechnical, geomechanical, hydrological and surface material assessment is $8–9 million.
Process Plant Optimizations
The following studies are proposed in the Rook I FS Technical Report:
| ● | Loaded strip acid recovery |
| ● | Gypsum belt filter optimization |
| ● | YC particle size enhancement |
| ● | YC belt filter optimization |
| ● | Clarifier optimization |
| ● | Paste plant optimization |
| ● | Geo-metallurgical characterization |
| ● | Mine water pre-treatment technology |
The total estimated cost in the Rook I FS Technical Report for this program is $1.0–1.5 million.
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Phase 2
Engineering
It is recommended in the Rook I FS Technical Report that NexGen proceeds to basic engineering. Basic engineering design forms the basis for later successful completion of the detailed engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning work, and further provides NexGen valuable information to finalize internal discussion and evaluation of the feasibility of the Rook I Project. The work will include the following.
| ● | Complete engineering to a 40–45% level of completion, in alignment with the AACE Class 2 estimate requirements. |
| ● | Develop Request for Proposal (RFP) packages for construction level quotations. |
| ● | Fully define long-lead procurement items and initiate procurement process for critical path items. |
| ● | Develop a Class 2 capital cost (CAPEX) estimate that will form the control budget for the Rook I Project. |
| ● | Develop a Level 4 Implementation Schedule for the Rook I Project. |
The total estimated in the Rook I FS Technical Report cost for basic engineering is $30–35 million.
Exploration
Current focus of exploration is on areas near possible future infrastructure to maximize economic viability of any newly identified resources and provide streamlined supply for eventual mill capacity. Once these areas are fully tested there will be a shift to geologically high priority targets across the Rook I Project.
Activities will include drilling of advanced targets while also completing geophysical surveys to create more drill-ready targets elsewhere. In conjunction, these methods will systematically evaluate the Rook I Project for additional uranium mineralization. Costs of such activity will vary based on methods used and amount of drilling completed.
RISK FACTORS
The operations of the Corporation are speculative due to the high-risk nature of its business which is the exploration of mining properties. These are not the only risks and uncertainties that NexGen faces. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to the Corporation or that the Corporation currently considers immaterial may also impair its business operations. These risk factors could materially affect the Corporation’s future operating results and could cause actual events to differ materially from those described in forward- looking statements relating to the Corporation.
Negative Operating Cash Flow and Dependence on Third-Party Financing
The Corporation has no source of operating cash flow and there can be no assurance that the Corporation will ever achieve profitability. Accordingly, the Corporation is dependent on third-party financing to continue exploration activities on the Corporation’s properties, maintain capacity and satisfy contractual obligations. Accordingly, the amount and timing of expenditures depends on the Corporation’s cash reserves and access to third-party financing. Failure to obtain such additional financing could result in delay or indefinite postponement of further exploration and development of the Corporation’s properties, including the Rook I Project, or require the Corporation to sell one or more of its properties (or an interest therein). In particular, there can be no assurance that the Corporation will have achieved profitability prior to the Maturity Date and may be required to finance the repayment of all or a part of the principal amount of the 2020 Debentures. Failure to repay the 2020 Debentures in accordance with the terms thereof would have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s financial position.
Uncertainty of Additional Financing
As stated above, the Corporation is dependent on third-party financing, whether through debt, equity, or other means. Although the Corporation has been successful in raising funds to date, there is no assurance that the Corporation will be successful in obtaining required financing in the future or that such financing will be available on terms acceptable to the Corporation. The Corporation’s access to third-party financing depends on several factors including the price of uranium, the results of ongoing exploration, the Corporation’s obligations under the 2020 Debentures, a claim against the Corporation, a significant event disrupting the Corporation’s business or uranium industry generally, or other factors may make it difficult or impossible to obtain financing through debt, equity, or other means on favourable terms, or at all. As previously stated, failure to obtain such additional financing could result in delay or indefinite postponement of further exploration and development of the Corporation’s properties, including the Rook I Project, or require the Corporation to sell one or more of its properties (or an interest therein).
33
The Price of Uranium and Alternate Sources of Energy
The price of the Corporation’s securities is highly sensitive to fluctuations in the price of uranium. Historically, the fluctuations in these prices have been, and are expected to continue to be, affected by numerous factors beyond the Corporation’s control. Such factors include, among others: demand for nuclear power; political and economic conditions in uranium producing and consuming countries; public and political response to a nuclear accident; improvements in nuclear reactor efficiencies; reprocessing of used reactor fuel and the re-enrichment of depleted uranium tails; sales of excess inventories by governments and industry participants; and production levels and production costs in key uranium producing countries.
In addition, nuclear energy competes with other sources of energy like oil, natural gas, coal and hydroelectricity. These sources are somewhat interchangeable with nuclear energy, particularly over the longer term. If lower prices of oil, natural gas, coal and hydroelectricity are sustained over time, it may result in lower demand for uranium concentrates and uranium conversion services, which, among other things, could lead to lower uranium prices. Growth of the uranium and nuclear power industry will also depend on continuing and growing public support for nuclear technology to generate electricity. Unique political, technological and environmental factors affect the nuclear industry, exposing it to the risk of public opinion, which could have a negative effect on the demand for nuclear power and increase the regulation of the nuclear power industry. An accident at a nuclear reactor anywhere in the world could affect acceptance of nuclear energy and the future prospects for nuclear generation.
All of the above factors could have a material and adverse effect on the Corporation’s ability to obtain the required financing in the future or to obtain such financing on terms acceptable to the Corporation, resulting in material and adverse effects on its exploration and development programs, cash flow and financial condition.
Exploration Risks
Exploration for mineral resources involves a high degree of risk and few properties that are explored are ultimately developed into producing mines. The risks and uncertainties inherent in exploration activities include but are not limited to: general economic, market and business conditions; the regulatory process and actions; failure to obtain necessary permits and approvals; technical issues; new legislation; competitive and general economic factors and conditions; the uncertainties resulting from potential delays or changes in plans; the occurrence of unexpected events; and, management’s capacity to execute and implement its future plans. There is also no assurance that even if commercial quantities of ore are discovered that it will be developed and brought into commercial production. The commercial viability of a mineral deposit once discovered is also dependent upon a number of factors, most of which factors are beyond the control of the Corporation and may result in the Corporation not receiving adequate return on investment capital.
Uninsurable Risks
Mining operations generally involve a high degree of risk. Exploration, development and production operations on mineral properties involve numerous risks, including but not limited to unexpected or unusual geological operating conditions, seismic activity, rock bursts, cave-ins, fires, floods, landslides, earthquakes and other environmental occurrences, and political and social instability, any of which could result in damage to, or destruction of, life or property, environmental damage and possible legal liability. Although the Corporation believes that appropriate precautions to mitigate these risks are being taken, operations are subject to hazards such as equipment failure or failure of structures, which may result in environmental pollution and consequent liability. It is not always possible to obtain insurance against all such risks and the Corporation may decide not to insure against certain risks because of high premiums or other reasons. Should such liabilities arise, they could reduce or eliminate the Corporation’s future profitability and result in increasing costs and a decline in the value of the Shares. While the Corporation may obtain insurance against certain risks in such amounts as it considers adequate, the nature of these risks is such that liabilities could exceed policy limits or be excluded from coverage. The potential costs that could be associated with any liabilities not covered by insurance or in excess of insurance coverage may cause substantial delays and require significant capital outlays, thereby adversely affecting the Corporation’s business and financial condition.
34
Reliance upon Key Management and Other Personnel
The Corporation relies on the specialized skills of management in the areas of mineral exploration, geology, project development and business negotiations and management. The loss of any of these individuals could have an adverse affect on the Corporation. The Corporation does not currently maintain key-man life insurance on any of its key employees. In addition, as the Corporation’s business activity continues to grow, it will require additional key financial, administrative and qualified technical personnel. Although the Corporation believes that it will be successful in attracting, retaining and training qualified personnel, there can be no assurance of such success. If it is not successful in attracting, retaining and training qualified personnel, the efficiency of the Corporation’s business could be affected, which could have an adverse impact on its future cash flows, earnings, results of operation and financial condition.
Imprecision of Mineral Reserve and Resource Estimates
Mineral reserve and resource figures are estimates, and no assurances can be given that the estimated levels of uranium will be produced. Such estimates are expressions of judgment based on knowledge, mining experience, analysis of drilling results and industry practices. Valid estimates made at a given time may significantly change when new information becomes available. While the Corporation believes that its mineral resource estimate is well established and reflects management’s best estimates, by their nature, mineral resource estimates are imprecise and depend, to a certain extent, upon geological assumptions based on limited data, and statistical inferences which may ultimately prove unreliable. Should the Corporation encounter mineralization or formations different from those predicted by past sampling and drilling, resource estimates may have to be adjusted.
These are not the only risks and uncertainties that NexGen faces. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to the Corporation or that the Corporation currently considers immaterial may also impair its business operations. These risk factors could materially affect the Corporation’s future operating results and could cause actual events to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements relating to the Corporation.
Pending Assay Results
Due to the nature of uranium and immediate visibility of radioactive content, in the interest of good disclosure practices it is the Corporation’s practice to measure the natural gamma radiation of all core using a Radiation Solutions Inc. RS-120 gamma-ray handheld scintillometer as soon as practicable and immediately announce the results thereof by news release. After core has been appropriately handled and logged, samples are dispatched for testing. Assay results historically are generally received between 30 and 120 days after receipt of samples by the laboratory. The total count gamma readings using the scintillometer may not be directly or uniformly related to uranium grades of the sample measured and are only a preliminary indication of the presence of radioactive minerals. Core interval measurements and true thicknesses are not determined until assay results are received. There can be no assurance that assay results, once received, will confirm the previously announced scintillometer readings.
Climate Change
The exploration, development and future operations of NexGen’s properties may be adversely affected by climate change. Governments are moving to introduce climate change legislation and treaties at all levels of government. Changes to the climate, such as increased greenhouse gases and diminishing energy and water resources, may affect the cost and profitability of developing the Corporation’s properties. The scientific community has predicted an increase, over time, in the frequency and severity of extraordinary or catastrophic natural phenomena as a result of climate change. The Corporation can provide no assurance that NexGen will be able to predict, respond to, measure, monitor or manage the risks posed as a result. Physical climate change events, and the trend toward more stringent regulations aimed at reducing the effects of climate change, could impact the Corporation’s decision to pursue future opportunities, which could have an adverse effect on the business and future operations. There is no assurance that efforts to mitigate the risks of climate changes will be effective and that the physical risks of climate change will not have an adverse effect on the Corporation’s operations and profitability.
35
Aboriginal Title and Consultation Issues
Aboriginal and treaty rights in Canada, as well as related consultation issues, may impact the Corporation’s ability to conduct exploration, development and mining activities at its mineral properties in Saskatchewan. The Corporation’s properties are located within areas subject to First Nation treaty rights and asserted aboriginal rights and title of the Métis, including an outstanding land claim that encompasses a large portion of northern Saskatchewan and Alberta. The legal requirements associated with aboriginal and treaty rights in Canada, including aboriginal title and land claims, are complex and constantly evolving. While the decision of the Supreme Court of Canada in Tsilhqot’in Nation v. British Columbia (2014 SCC 44) provided additional clarity in relation to the scope and content of aboriginal title in Canada, there remains considerable uncertainty about how aboriginal title claims will be reconciled with other interests in land. For example, the Tsilhqot’in decision did not fully address the impacts of a declaration of aboriginal title on third-party interests, including holders of mineral rights, within aboriginal title lands. The federal government has also recently introduced proposed legislation to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Canada, the impacts of which may not be fully understood for some time. Developing and maintaining strong relationships with First Nations and Métis people is a matter of paramount importance to the Corporation. However, there can be no assurance that aboriginal and treaty rights claims and related consultation issues, including outstanding land claims, will not arise on or impact the Corporation’s mineral properties. These legal requirements and the risk of Indigenous Peoples’ opposition may increase our operating costs and affect our ability to carry on our business. See “Legal Proceedings and Regulatory Actions”.
Title to Properties
NexGen has diligently investigated all title matters concerning the ownership of all mineral claims and plans to do so for all new claims and rights to be acquired. While to the best of its knowledge, titles to NexGen’s mineral properties are in good standing, this should not be construed as a guarantee of title. NexGen’s mineral properties may be affected by undetected defects in title, such as the reduction in size of the mineral titles and other third-party claims affecting NexGen’s interests. Maintenance of such interests is subject to ongoing compliance with the terms governing such mineral titles. Mineral properties sometimes contain claims or transfer histories that examiners cannot verify. A successful claim that NexGen does not have title to any of its mineral properties could cause NexGen to lose any rights to explore, develop and mine any minerals on that property, without compensation for its prior expenditures relating to such property.
Information Systems and Cyber Security
The Corporation’s information systems are vulnerable to an increasing threat of continually evolving cybersecurity risks. Unauthorized parties may attempt to gain access to these systems or the Corporation’s information through fraud or other means of deception. The Corporation’s operations depend, in part, on how well the Corporation and those entities with which it does business, protect networks, equipment, information technology systems and software against damage from a number of threats. The failure of information systems or a component of information systems could, depending on the nature of any such failure, adversely impact the Corporations reputation and results of operations.
Although to date the Corporation has not experienced any material losses relating to cyber-attacks or other information security breaches, there can be no assurance that the Corporation will not incur such losses in the future. The Corporation’s risk and exposure to these matters cannot be fully mitigated because of, among other things, the evolving nature of these threats. As a result, cyber security and the continued development and enhancement of controls, processes and practices designed to protect systems, computers, software, data and networks from attack, damage or unauthorized access remain a priority.
Conflicts of Interest
Directors and officers of NexGen are and may become directors of other public companies, or hold significant shareholdings in other mineral resource companies. The directors and officers of NexGen are required by law to, at all times, act honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of NexGen. In the event that any such director has a material interest in a material contract or transaction of NexGen that is subject to review and approval by the Board, such director is required to disclose such conflict to the Board and abstain from voting on any resolution in respect of such contract or transaction. NexGen and its directors will monitor and manage conflicts of interests in compliance with applicable laws.
36
Permits and Licences
NexGen’s exploration and development activities are subject to receiving and maintaining licenses, approvals and permits (collectively, “permits”) from appropriate governmental and non-governmental authorities. NexGen may be unable to obtain on a timely basis or on reasonable terms or maintain in the future all necessary permits to explore and develop its properties, commence construction or operating of mining facilities and properties. Delays may occur in obtaining necessary renewals or modifications of permits for NexGen’s existing activities, additional permits for existing or future operations and activities, or additional or amended permits associated with new legislation. Such permits will be subject to changes in rules, regulations and/or new legislation and in various operating circumstances. There can be no assurance that NexGen will be able to obtain all necessary permits required to carry out planned exploration, development and mining operations at any of its projects or that such necessary permits may not be refused or revoked in the future.
Development and operation of NexGen’s Rook I Project requires approval from various governmental and non- governmental authorities in Canada. There can be no assurance that all future permits that NexGen requires for its operations at Rook I will be obtainable on reasonable terms, or at all. Delay or a failure to obtain required permits would materially affect NexGen’s business.
Environmental and Other Regulatory Requirements
Environmental and other regulatory requirements affect the current and future operations of NexGen, including exploration and development activities, require permits from various federal and local governmental authorities and such operations are and will be governed by laws and regulations governing prospecting, development, mining, production, exports, taxes, labour standards, occupational health, waste disposal, toxic substances, land use, environmental protection, mine safety and other matters. NexGen believes it is in substantial compliance with all material laws and regulations which currently apply to its activities. Companies engaged in the development and operation of mines and related facilities often experience increased costs, along with delays in production and other schedules, as a result of the need to comply with applicable laws, regulations and permits.
Additional permits and studies, which may include environmental impact studies conducted before permits can be obtained, may be necessary prior to operation of NexGen’s mineral properties. There can be no assurance that NexGen will be able to obtain or maintain all necessary permits that may be required to commence construction, development or operation of mining facilities at NexGen’s mineral properties on terms which enable operations to be conducted at economically justifiable costs. Further, such additional permits and studies may require significant capital outlays, impacting NexGen’s earning power, or cause material changes in its intended activities.
Failure to comply with applicable laws, regulations, and permitting requirements may result in enforcement actions, including orders issued by regulatory or judicial authorities causing operations to cease or be curtailed, and may include corrective measures requiring capital expenditures, installation of additional equipment, or remedial actions. Parties engaged in mining operations may be required to compensate those suffering loss or damage by reason of the mining activities and may have civil or criminal fines or penalties imposed for violations of applicable laws or regulations and, in particular, environmental laws.
Past or ongoing violations of mining or environmental laws could provide a basis to revoke existing permits or to deny the issuance of additional permits. In addition, evolving reclamation or environmental concerns may threaten NexGen’s ability to renew existing permits or obtain new permits in connection with future development, expansions and operations.
Amendments to current laws, regulations and permits governing operations and activities of mining companies, or more stringent implementation thereof, could have a material adverse impact on NexGen and cause increases in capital expenditures or production costs or reductions in levels of production at producing properties or require abandonment or delays in development of new mining properties.
37
Political Regulatory Risks
Any changes in government policy may result in changes to laws affecting ownership of assets, mining policies, monetary policies, taxation, rates of exchange, environmental regulations, labour relations and return of capital. Any such changes may affect both NexGen’s ability to undertake exploration and development activities in respect of present and future properties in the manner currently contemplated, and its ability to continue to explore, develop and operate those properties in which it has an interest or in respect of which it has obtained exploration and development rights to date. The possibility that future governments may adopt substantially different policies, which might extend to expropriation of assets, cannot be ruled out.
Competition
The mineral exploration business is a competitive business. The Corporation competes with numerous other companies and individuals who may have greater financial resources in the search for and the acquisition of personnel, funding and attractive mineral properties. As a result of this competition, the Corporation may be unable to obtain additional capital or other types of financing on acceptable terms or at all, acquire properties of interest or retain qualified personnel.
Trading Price and Volatility of Shares
The trading price of the Shares may be subject to large fluctuations. The trading price of the Shares may increase or decrease in response to a number of events and factors, including: the price of metals and minerals including the price of uranium; the Corporation’s operating performance and the performance of competitors and other similar companies; exploration and development of the Corporation’s properties; the public’s reaction to the Corporation’s press releases, other public announcements and the Corporation’s filings with the various securities regulatory authorities; changes in earnings estimates or recommendations by research analysts who track the Shares or the shares of other companies in the resource sector; changes in general economic conditions; the volume of Shares publicly traded; the arrival or departure of key personnel; and acquisitions, strategic alliances or joint ventures involving the Corporation or its competitors.
In addition, the market price of the Shares is affected by many variables not directly related to the Corporation’s success and not within the Corporation’s control, including: developments that affect the market for all resource sector shares; the breadth of the public market for the Shares; and the attractiveness of alternative investments. In addition, securities markets have recently experienced an extreme level of price and volume volatility, and the market price of securities of many companies has experienced wide fluctuations which have not necessarily been related to the operating performance, underlying asset values or prospects of such companies. As a result of these and other factors, the Corporation’s share price may be volatile in the future and may decline below the price at which an investor acquired its shares. Accordingly, investors may not be able to sell their securities at or above their acquisition cost.
General Inflationary Pressures
General inflationary pressures may affect labour and other costs, which could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s financial condition, results of operations and the capital expenditures required to advance the Corporation’s business plans. There can be no assurance that any governmental action taken to control inflationary or deflationary cycles will be effective or whether any governmental action may contribute to economic uncertainty. Governmental action to address inflation or deflation may also affect currency values. Accordingly, inflation and any governmental response thereto may have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s business, results of operations, cash flow, financial condition and the price of the Common Shares.
Potential Dilution from Future Financings
Additional financing needed to continue funding the exploration, development and operation of the Corporation’s properties may require the issuance of additional securities of the Corporation. The issuance of additional securities and the exercise of Share purchase warrants, stock options and other convertible securities will result in dilution of the equity interests of any persons who are or may become holders of Shares.
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Negative Impacts by an Outbreak of Infectious Disease or Pandemic
An outbreak of infectious disease, pandemic or a similar public health threat, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and the response thereto, could adversely impact the Corporation, both operationally and financially. The global response to the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in, among other things, border closures, severe travel restrictions and extreme fluctuations in financial and commodity markets. Additional measures may be implemented by one or more governments around the world in jurisdictions where the Corporation operates. Labour shortages due to illness, Corporation or government-imposed isolation programs, or restrictions on the movement of personnel or possible supply chain disruptions could result in a reduction or interruption of the Corporation’s operations, including operational shutdowns or suspensions. The inability to continue ongoing exploration and development work could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s future cash flows, earnings, results of operations and financial condition. The extent to which COVID-19 and any other pandemic or public health crisis impacts the Corporation’s business, affairs, operations, financial condition, liquidity, availability of credit and results of operations will depend on future developments that are highly uncertain and cannot be accurately predicted, including new information which may emerge concerning the severity of and the actions required to contain the COVID-19 pandemic or remedy its impact, among others.
Loss of Foreign Private Issuer Status in the Future
The Corporation may in the future lose its foreign private issuer status if a majority of the Shares are owned of record in the United States and the Corporation fails to meet the additional requirements necessary to avoid loss of foreign private issuer status. The regulatory and compliance costs to the Corporation under U.S. federal securities laws as a U.S. domestic issuer may be significantly more than the costs the Corporation incurs as a Canadian foreign private issuer eligible to use a multi-jurisdictional disclosure system (the “MJDS”) adopted in the United States and Canada. If the Corporation is not a foreign private issuer, it would not be eligible to use the MJDS or other foreign issuer forms and would be required to file periodic and current reports and registration statements on U.S. domestic issuer forms with the SEC, which are more detailed and extensive than the forms available to a foreign private issuer.
DIVIDENDS
Although not restricted from doing so, the Corporation has not paid any dividends since incorporation and the Corporation does not expect to pay dividends in the foreseeable future. Payment of dividends in the future will be made at the discretion of the Corporation’s board of directors based upon, among other things, cash flow, the results of operations and financial condition of the Corporation, the need for funds to finance ongoing operations and such other considerations as the board of directors considers relevant.
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STRUCTURE
The authorized capital of NexGen consists of an unlimited number of Shares and an unlimited number of preferred shares. As at December 31, 2022, there were 482,530,145 Shares and no preferred shares issued and outstanding. As of the date hereof, there are 487,085,104 Shares and no preferred shares issued and outstanding.
Holders of Shares are entitled to receive notice of meetings of shareholders of the Corporation, to attend and to cast one vote per Share at all such meetings. Holders of the Shares are entitled to receive, on a pro rata basis, such dividends if, as and when declared by the Corporation’s board of directors. In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Corporation or other distribution of the assets of the Corporation among holders of Shares for the purposes of winding-up its affairs, the holders of Shares will be entitled, subject to the rights of the holders of any other class or series of shares ranking senior to the Shares, to receive on a pro rata basis the remaining property or assets of the Corporation available for distribution, after the payment of debts and other liabilities. The Shares do not have attached to them any conversion, exchange rights, exercise, redemption or retraction provisions.
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MARKET FOR SECURITIES AND TRADING PRICE AND VOLUME
The Shares are listed and posted for trading on the TSX and the NYSE under the symbol “NXE” and trade as CDIs on the ASX under the symbol “NXG”. The following table sets forth the high and low trading prices and trading volumes of the Shares on the TSX, NYSE and ASX on a monthly basis for the financial year ended December 31, 2022:
|
Month |
High TSX (C$)
|
Low TSX (C$)
|
Volume TSX
|
High NYSE (US$)
|
Low NYSE (US$)
|
Volume NYSE(
|
High ASX (AUD$)
|
Low ASX (AUD$)
|
Volume ASX
| |||||||||
|
January |
6.21 | 4.77 | 44,180,771 | 4.86 | 3.71 | 53,393,389 | 6.74 | 5.21 | 81,993 | |||||||||
|
February |
6.73 | 5.04 | 39,444,736 | 5.30 | 3.96 | 33,066,736 | 6.90 | 5.68 | 1,483,127 | |||||||||
|
March |
7.34 | 6.48 | 49,578,773 | 5.85 | 5.08 | 62,693,164 | 7.99 | 6.85 | 147,391 | |||||||||
|
April |
7.95 | 6.32 | 38,066,736 | 6.33 | 4.93 | 54,346,571 | 8.90 | 6.98 | 2,061,343 | |||||||||
|
May |
6.50 | 5.06 | 40,785,707 | 5.12 | 3.88 | 64,191,033 | 7.15 | 5.69 | 2,014,555 | |||||||||
|
June |
6.43 | 4.55 | 32,344,333 | 5.12 | 3.51 | 73,268,434 | 7.35 | 5.21 | 629,054 | |||||||||
|
July |
5.58 | 4.55 | 21,106,642 | 4.36 | 3.50 | 33,255,404 | 6.14 | 5.20 | 312,727 | |||||||||
|
August |
5.84 | 4.67 | 27,399,235 | 4.44 | 3.58 | 45,705,879 | 6.55 | 5.22 | 71,809 | |||||||||
|
September |
6.07 | 4.79 | 27,114,509 | 4.65 | 3.50 | 64,198,865 | 6.80 | 5.46 | 455,492 | |||||||||
|
October |
5.79 | 5.00 | 28,066,745 | 4.25 | 3.58 | 66,898,819 | 6.60 | 5.69 | 44,934 | |||||||||
|
November |
6.38 | 5.47 | 28,368,763 | 4.74 | 3.98 | 56,046,040 | 6.87 | 6.08 | 51,784 | |||||||||
|
December |
6.14 | 5.43 | 30,108,810 | 4.56 | 3.96 | 47,338,389 | 7.08 | 6.01 | 37,256 | |||||||||
The price of the Shares as quoted by the TSX at the close of business on December 30, 2022 (being the last trading day in 2022) was CAD$5.99 and at the close of business on February 23, 2023 was CAD$5.63. The price of the Shares as quoted by the NYSE at the close of business on December 30, 2022 was USD$4.43 and at the close of business on February 23, 2023 was USD$4.17. The price of the Shares as quoted by the ASX at the close of business on December 30, 2022 was AUD$6.65 and at the close of business on February 23, 2023 was AUD$6.45.
PRIOR SALES
The following table sets forth the securities of the Corporation that were issued during the financial year ended December 31, 2022, but not listed or quoted on a marketplace:
| Issue or Grant Date |
Type of Security |
Conversion / Exercise Price per Security ($) |
Number of Securities |
Maturity / Expiry Date |
| |||||
| January 18, 2022 |
Stock Options(1) | 5.76 | 94,277 | January 18, 2027 | ||||||
| August 17, 2022 |
Stock Options(2) | 5.31 | 3,640,000 | August 17, 2027 | ||||||
| October 4, 2022 |
Stock Options(1) | 5.41 | 55,452 | October 4, 2027 | ||||||
| December 18, 2022 |
Stock Options(2) | 5.57 | 5,955,000 | December 18, 2027 | ||||||
Notes:
| (1) | Stock options have a term of five (5) years and vest one half annually, commencing one year after the grant date. |
| (2) | Stock options have a term of five (5) years and vest one third annually, commencing on the grant date. |
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DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
The following table sets forth the name, province/state and country of residence, position(s) held with the Corporation and principal occupation during the five (5) preceding years of each person who is a director and/or an executive officer of the Corporation as at the date hereof.
| Name and Province/State and Country of Residence(1) |
Position with NexGen and Employment for the Past Five Years
| |
|
Leigh Curyer(4), British Columbia, Canada |
President, CEO and Director of NexGen (April 19, 2013 to present); CEO and Director of NexGen’s predecessor (2011 to April 2013); Director and Chairman of IsoEnergy Ltd. (February 2016 to present); and Partner, Head of Corporate Development of Accord Nuclear Resources Management (2008 to 2011). | |
|
Chris McFadden(2)(4), Brighton, Australia |
Director of NexGen (April 19, 2013 to present); Chairman of NexGen (May 22, 2014 to present); Director of IsoEnergy Ltd. (April 2016 to present); President and CEO of NxGold Ltd. (February 2017 to March 2020); Business Development Manager, Newcrest Mining Limited (August 2015 to January 2017); Head of Commercial, Strategy and Corporate Development Tigers Realm Coal Limited (2013 to July 2015); General Manager, Business Development of Tigers Realm Minerals Pty Ltd. (2010 to 2013). | |
|
Richard Patricio(2)(3), Ontario, Canada |
Director of NexGen (April 19, 2013 to present); President and CEO of Mega Uranium Ltd. (March 2015 to present) and Executive Vice President (2005 to 2015); Director of IsoEnergy Ltd. (April 2016 to present); CEO of Pinetree Capital Ltd. (February 2015 to April 2016); Vice-President, Legal and Corporate Affairs, Pinetree Capital Ltd. (investment firm) (2005 to February 2015). | |
|
Trevor Thiele(2)(3), Tennyson, Australia |
Director of NexGen (April 19, 2013 to present); Director of NexGen’s predecessor (2011 to April 2013); Director of IsoEnergy Ltd. (April 2016 to present). | |
|
Warren Gilman(2)(4), Hong Kong |
Director of NexGen (July 2017 to present); Chairman and CEO of Queen’s Road Central Capital Ltd. (2019 to present); Chairman of Queen’s Road Capital Investment Ltd. (August 2019 to present); Director of Los Andes Copper (August 2021 to present); Director of Gold Royalty Corp. (March 2021 to present); Director of Chaarat Gold Holdings Limited (2019 to 2022); Director of Aurania Resources Ltd. (2019 to 2022); Director of Niobec Inc (2014 to 2019); Chairman and CEO of CEF Holdings (May 2011 to 2019); Managing Director and Head of Asia Pacific Region for Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (February 2002 to May 2011). | |
|
Sybil Veenman(3), Ontario, Canada |
Director of NexGen (August 27, 2018 to present); Director Royal Gold Inc. (January 2017 to present); Director of Major Drilling International Inc. (December 2019 to present); Director IAMGOLD Corporation (December 2015 to May 2021); Director Noront Resources Ltd. (August 2015 to February 2020); General Counsel of Barrick Gold Corporation (July 2010 to September 2014). | |
|
Karri Howlett(4), Saskatchewan, Canada |
Director of NexGen (August 27, 2018 to present); Director of Gold Royalty Corp. (February 2022 – present); Director of Saskatchewan Power Corporation (February 13, 2013 to May 2021); President and Director of RESPEC Consulting Inc. (July 1, 2018 to March 21, 2019); President and Director of North Rim Exploration (November 2, 2009 to July 1, 2018); President of Karri Howlett Consulting Inc. (November 2006 – present). | |
|
Brad Wall, Saskatchewan, Canada |
Director of NexGen (March 21, 2019 to present); Director of Maxim Power Corp. (May 13, 2019 to present); Director of Whitecap Resources Inc. (July 30, 2019 to present); Director Dye and Durham (August 2020 to present); President of Flying W Consulting Inc. (November 2007 to present); Premier for the Province of Saskatchewan (November 2007 to February 2018). | |
|
Don J Roberts, Hong Kong |
Director of NexGen (June 10, 2021 to present); Director of Queen’s Road Capital Investment Ltd (February 2020); Director of CK Life Sciences International (Holdings) Inc. (July 2020 to present); Director of Hong Kong Electric Investments Ltd (December 2013 to present); and Director of CK Asset Holdings Ltd (March 2017 to present). | |
|
Ivan Mullany, Ontario, Canada |
Director of NexGen (January 2023 to present); Senior Vice President Projects of Newmont Corporation (May 2019 to December 2022); Senior Vice President Technical Services of Goldcorp Inc. (August 2017 to May 2019), Global Director Mining & Mineral Processing of Hatch Ltd. (August 2015 to July 2017) | |
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| Name and Province/State and Country of Residence(1) |
Position with NexGen and Employment for the Past Five Years
| |
|
Travis McPherson, British Columbia, Canada |
Chief Commercial Officer of NexGen (January 2023 – present), Senior Vice President, Corporate Development of NexGen (2020 to 2022); Vice President, Corporate Development of NexGen (2017 to 2019); Manager, Investor Relations of NexGen (2015 to 2017) and Consultant to NexGen (2014 to 2015). | |
|
Kevin Small, Ontario, Canada |
Senior Vice President Engineering and Operations of NexGen (August 2022 to present), Operations Manager Sprott Mining (2021 to August 2022), President and CEO of Jerritt Canyon Gold (2020 to 2021), Vice President & General Manager of Jerritt Canyon Gold (2019 to 2020), Director of Mine Operations of RNC Minerals Beta Hunt Mine WA (2016 to 2019) | |
|
Gillian McCombie, British Columbia, Canada |
Vice President of Human Resources of NexGen (2019 to present); Vice-President of Human Resources of Capstone Mining (2013 to 2018); Director of Human Resources of Capstone Mining (2011 to 2013); and Director of Human Resources of TELUS (2007 to 2011). | |
|
Harpreet Dhaliwal, British Columbia, Canada |
Chief Financial Officer of NexGen (April 1, 2021 to present); and Chief Financial Officer of Leagold Mining Corp. (Aug 2016 to March 2020). | |
Notes:
| (1) | The information as to place of residence and principal occupation is not within the knowledge of the management of NexGen and has been furnished by the respective directors and officers of NexGen |
| (2) | Member of the Audit Committee |
| (3) | Member of the Compensation Committee and Nominations and Governance Committee |
| (4) | Member of the Sustainability Committee |
Directors are elected at each annual meeting of NexGen’s shareholders and serve as such until the next annual meeting or until their successors are elected or appointed.
The directors and executive officers of NexGen, as a group, beneficially own, directly or indirectly, or exercise control or direction over 27,115,765 Shares, representing approximately 5.6% of the total number of Shares outstanding before giving effect to the exercise of options to purchase Shares held by such directors and executive officers. The statement as to the number of Shares beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, or over which control or direction is exercised by the directors and executive officers of NexGen as a group (i) is based upon information obtained from SEDI (the System for Electronic Disclosure by Insiders database) as at the date hereof and (ii) does not include Shares held by CEF and certain other investors, which Shares are subject to voting alignment provisions under the terms of the investor rights agreement disclosed under the “Material Contracts” section of this AIF (and summarized under the “General Development of the Business” section).
Cease Trade Orders, Bankruptcies, Penalties and Sanctions
To the knowledge of the Corporation, no director, executive officer or promoter of the Corporation is, or within ten years prior to the date hereof has been, a director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer of any company (including the Corporation) that, (i) was subject to a cease trade order, an order similar to a cease trade order or an order that denied the relevant company access to any exemption under securities legislation, that was in effect for a period of more than 30 consecutive days, that was issued while the director or executive officer was acting in the capacity as director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer; or (ii) was subject to a cease trade order, an order similar to a cease trade order or an order that denied the relevant Corporation access to any exemption under securities legislation, that was in effect for a period of more than 30 consecutive days, that was issued after the director or executive officer ceased to be a director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer and which resulted from an event that occurred while that person was acting in the capacity as director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer.
To the knowledge of the Corporation, no director, executive officer or promoter of the Corporation, or a shareholder holding a sufficient number of securities of the Corporation to affect materially control of the Corporation, (i) is, or within ten (10) years prior to the date hereof has been, a director or executive officer of any company (including the Corporation) that, while that person was acting in that capacity, or within a year of that person ceasing to act in that capacity, became bankrupt, made a proposal under any legislation relating to bankruptcy or insolvency or was subject to or instituted any proceedings, arrangement or compromise with creditors or had a receiver, receiver manager or trustee appointed to hold its assets, or
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(ii) has, within ten years prior to the date hereof, become bankrupt, made a proposal under any legislation relating to bankruptcy or insolvency, or become subject to or instituted any proceedings, arrangement or compromise with creditors, or had a receiver, receiver manager or trustee appointed to hold the assets of the director, executive officer or shareholder.
To the knowledge of the Corporation, no director, executive officer or promoter of the Corporation, or a shareholder holding a sufficient number of securities of the Corporation to affect materially the control of the Corporation, has been subject to (i) any penalties or sanctions imposed by a court relating to securities legislation or by a securities regulatory authority or has entered into a settlement agreement with a securities regulatory authority; or (ii) any other penalties or sanctions imposed by a court or regulatory body that would likely be considered important to a reasonable investor in making an investment decision.
Conflicts of Interest
To the best of the Corporation’s knowledge, and other than as disclosed in this AIF, there are no known existing or potential conflicts of interest between NexGen and any director or officer of NexGen, except that certain of the directors and officers serve as directors and officers of other public companies, and therefore it is possible that a conflict may arise between their duties as a director or officer of NexGen and their duties as a director or officer of such other companies. See “Risk Factors — Conflicts of Interest”.
AUDIT COMMITTEE DISCLOSURE
The Audit Committee has the responsibility of, among other things: recommending the Corporation’s independent auditor to the Board of Directors, determining the extent of involvement of the independent auditor in reviewing unaudited quarter financial results, evaluating the qualifications, performance and independence of the independent auditor; reviewing and recommending approval of the Board of Directors of the Corporation’s annual and quarter financial results and management’s discussion and analysis and overseeing the establishment of “whistle-blower” and related procedures. A copy of the Audit Committee Charter is attached hereto as Schedule “A”.
Composition of the Audit Committee
The Audit Committee currently comprises Messrs. Thiele (Chair), Gilman, McFadden and Patricio. All of the members of the Audit Committee are independent and financially literate, in each case, as defined under National Instrument 52-110 – Audit Committees (“NI 52-110”). A general description of the education and experience of each Audit Committee member which is relevant to the performance of his responsibilities as an Audit Committee member is contained in their respective biographies set out below:
Christopher McFadden, Chairman of the Board of Directors
Mr. McFadden is a lawyer with 24 years’ experience in exploration and mining. Mr. McFadden was most recently the President and Chief Executive Officer of NxGold Ltd. from February 2017 to March 2020. Previously, Mr. McFadden was the Manager, Business Development at Newcrest Mining Limited and the Head of Commercial, Strategy and Corporate Development for Tigers Realm Coal Limited, which is listed on the ASX. Additionally, Mr. McFadden was General Manager, Business Development of Tigers Realm Minerals Pty Ltd. Prior to commencing with the Tigers Realm Group of companies in 2010 he was a Commercial General Manager with Rio Tinto’s exploration division with responsibility for gaining entry into new projects either by negotiation with government or joint venture partners or through acquisition. Mr. McFadden has extensive international experience in managing large and complex transactions and has a broad knowledge of all aspects of project evaluation and negotiating project entry in challenging and varied environments. Mr. McFadden holds a combined law/commerce degree from Melbourne University and a MBA from Monash University.
Richard Patricio, Director
In March 2015, Mr. Patricio was appointed Chief Executive Officer and President of Mega Uranium Ltd., having been its Executive Vice-President since 2005. From February 2015 to April 2016, Mr. Patricio was the Chief Executive Officer of Pinetree Capital Ltd., having been its Vice-President, Corporate and Legal Affairs since 2005. Previously, Mr. Patricio worked as in-house General Counsel for a senior TSX-listed manufacturing company. Prior to that, Mr. Patricio practiced law at Osler LLP in Toronto where he focused on mergers and acquisitions, securities law and general corporate matters.
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Mr. Patricio has built a number of mining companies with global operations and holds senior officer and director positions in several companies listed on stock exchanges in Toronto, Australia, London and New York. Mr. Patricio received his law degree from Osgoode Hall and was called to the Ontario bar in 2000.
Trevor Thiele, Director
Mr. Thiele has over 30 years’ experience in senior finance roles in medium to large Australian ASX listed companies. He has been Chief Financial Officer for companies involved in the Agribusiness sector (Elders and ABB Grain Ltd, Rural Services Division) and the Biotechnology sector (Bionomics Limited). In these roles, he combined his technical accounting and financial skills with commercial expertise thereby substantially contributing to the growth of each of these businesses. During this time, Mr. Thiele was actively involved in IPOs, capital raisings, corporate restructures, mergers and acquisitions, refinancing and joint ventures. Mr. Thiele holds a Bachelor of Arts in Accountancy from the University of South Australia and he is a member of Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand.
Warren Gilman, Director
In 2019, Mr. Gilman was appointed Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Queen’s Road Central Capital Ltd. and Chairman of Queen’s Road Capital Investment Ltd. (previously known as Lithion Energy Ltd.). From 2011 to 2019, Mr. Gilman was the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of CEF Holdings Ltd. Prior to joining CEF, Mr. Gilman was Vice Chairman of CIBC World Markets. Mr. Gilman was previously Managing Director and Head of Asia Pacific Region for CIBC for 10 years where he was responsible for all CIBC’s activities across Asia. Mr. Gilman is a mining engineer who co-founded CIBC’s Global Mining Group in 1988. During Mr. Gilman’s 26 years with CIBC, he ran the mining team in Canada, Australia and Asia and worked in the Toronto, Sydney, Perth, Shanghai and Hong Kong offices of CIBC. Mr. Gilman has acted as advisor to the largest mining companies in the world including BHP, Rio Tinto, Anglo American, Noranda, Falconbridge, Sumitomo Corp., China Minmetals, Jinchuan and Zijin and has been responsible for some of the largest equity capital markets financings in Canadian mining history. Mr. Gilman currently holds director positions in several companies listed on the stock exchanges in Toronto, New York, and London. Mr. Gilman received his B.Sc. in Mining Engineering at Queen’s University and his MBA from the Ivey Business School at Western University.
Audit Committee Oversight
At no time since the commencement of NexGen’s most recently completed financial year have any recommendations by the Audit Committee respecting the appointment and/or compensation of NexGen’s external auditors not been adopted by the Board.
Reliance on Certain Exemptions
At no time since the commencement of the Corporation’s most recently completed financial year has the Corporation relied on the exemption in Section 2.4 of NI 52-110 (De Minimis Non-Audit Services); Section 3.2 (Initial Public Offerings); Section 3.4 (Events Outside Control of Member); Section 3.5(Death, Disability or Resignation of Audit Committee Member); an exemption from NI 52-110, in whole or in part, granted under Part 8 (Exemptions) of NI 52-110; the exemption in subsection 3.3(2) (Controlled Companies) or section 3.6 (Temporary Exemption for Limited and Exceptional Circumstances); or section 3.8 (Acquisition of Financial Literacy).
Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures
Pursuant to the terms of the Audit Committee Charter, the Audit Committee shall pre-approve all audit and non-audit services to be provided to NexGen by the external auditor.
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External Auditor Service Fees (By Category)
The aggregate fees billed by the external auditors, KPMG LLP, in each of the last two (2) financial years are as follows:
| Financial Year Ending |
Audit Fees(1,5) |
Audit- Related Fees(2) |
Tax Fees(3) |
All Other Fees(4) | ||||
| 2021 |
$330,610 | Nil | $5,489 | Nil | ||||
| 2022 |
$491,752 | Nil | Nil | Nil |
Notes:
| (1) | In 2022, $103,090 (2021 - $80,250) of this amount related to IsoEnergy Ltd., a TSXV listed company. NexGen owned 50.1% of the outstanding common shares of IsoEnergy Ltd. as at December 31, 2022. |
| (2) | The aggregate fees for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of the Corporation’s financial statements which are not included under the heading “Audit Fees” |
| (3) | The aggregate fees for professional services rendered for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning |
| (4) | The aggregate fees for products and services other than as set forth under the headings “Audit Fees”, “Audit Related Fees” and “Tax Fees” |
| (5) | $121,965 of this amount in 2022 related to audit services performed in connection with securities filings. |
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS AND REGULATORY ACTIONS
On September 9, 2020, the MN-S filed a Statement of Claim against the Corporation in the Saskatchewan Court of Queen’s Bench (the “Action”) relating to the negotiation of a Benefit Agreement. The Statement of Claim alleges that the Corporation breached the Study Agreement between the Corporation and the MN-S by failing to negotiate a Benefit Agreement in good faith by the target date of June 30, 2020. The Statement of Claim does not quantify any damages sought by the MN-S.
On October 14, 2020, the Corporation filed its Statement of Defence in the Action. The Statement of Defence states that the Corporation has always acted in good faith with a view to furthering the objectives of the Study Agreement and formalizing a Benefit Agreement with the MN-S, and remains committed to doing so. The Statement of Defence denies that the Corporation breached any contractual or common law duty and states that the MN-S has not suffered any damages.
On November 17, 2020, the MN-S filed a Notice of Application (“Injunction Application”), seeking an injunction to prevent the Corporation from filing its draft EIS for the Rook I Project pending resolution of the Action. On July 12, 2021, the Court of Queen’s Bench for Saskatchewan dismissed the Injunction Application.
The underlying Action is still pending, but no steps have been taken by MN-S to advance the Action since dismissal of the Injunction Application.
The Corporation remains committed to concluding a Benefit Agreement with the MN-S.
INTEREST OF MANAGEMENT AND OTHERS IN MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS
Other than as described below and elsewhere in this AIF, no director, executive officer or person or company that beneficially owns, or controls or directs, directly or indirectly, more than 10% of the Shares of the Corporation or any associate or affiliate of any such person or company, has or had any material interest, direct or indirect, in any transaction either within the three most recently completed financial years or during the current financial year that has materially affected or is reasonably expected to materially affect the Corporation.
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
The transfer agent and registrar for the Shares in Canada is Computershare Investor Services Inc. at its principal offices in Vancouver, British Columbia and Toronto, Ontario. The co-transfer agent and registrar for the Shares in the United States of America is Computershare Trust Company, N.A. in Louisville, KY. The co-transfer agent and registrar for the CDIs in Australia is Computershare Investor Services Pty Limited in Perth, Western Australia.
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MATERIAL CONTRACTS
The only material contracts entered into by the Corporation within the financial year ended December 31, 2022, or before such time that are still in effect, other than in the ordinary course of business, are as follows:
| ● | The Shareholder Rights Plan Agreement dated April 22, 2017 between the Corporation and Computershare Investor Services Inc., as amended and restated on April 22, 2020. |
| ● | The Trust Indenture dated May 27, 2020 between the Corporation and Computershare Trust Company of Canada with respect to the issuance of the 2020 Debentures. |
| ● | The Investor Rights Agreement dated July 21, 2017 between the Corporation, CEF, and certain other investors. |
Copies of the above material contracts are available under the Corporation’s profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
INTERESTS OF EXPERTS
KPMG LLP, Chartered Accountants, provided an auditors report dated February 23, 2023 in respect of the Corporation’s financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2022. KPMG LLP are the auditors of the Corporation and have confirmed with respect to the Corporation that they are independent within the meaning of the relevant rules and related interpretations prescribed by the relevant professional bodies in Canada and any applicable legislation or regulations.
Mr. Kevin Small, P.Eng., Senior Vice President, Engineering and Operations, and Mr. Jason Craven, P.Geo., Exploration Manager for NexGen, who are each a “Qualified Person” within the meaning of this term in NI 43-101, has reviewed and approved sections of this AIF that are of a scientific or technical nature. To the knowledge of NexGen, each of Messrs. Small and Craven is the registered or beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of less than one percent of the outstanding Shares.
The Rook I FS Technical Report was authored by Mr. Mark Hatton, P.Eng., Stantec Consulting Ltd; Mr. Paul O’Hara, P.Eng., Wood Canada Limited; and Mr. Mark Mathisen, C.P.G., Roscoe Postle Associates (USA) Ltd. (now a part of SLR International Corporation). Each of Messrs. Hatton, O’Hara and Mathisen, and Stantec Consulting Ltd, Wood Canada Limited and Roscoe Postle Associates (USA) Ltd. were independent in accordance with the requirements of NI 43-101.
To the knowledge of NexGen as of the date hereof, each of Messrs. Hatton, O’Hara and Mathisen, and Stantec Consulting Ltd, Wood Canada Limited and Roscoe Postle Associates (USA) Ltd. (now a part of SLR International Corporation) and each of their respective partners, employees and consultants who participated in the preparation of the Rook I FS Technical Report, or who were in a position to influence the outcome of such reports, are the registered or beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of less than one percent of the outstanding Shares.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Additional information relating to the Corporation can be found on SEDAR at www.sedar.com; or on NexGen’s website at www.nexgenenergy.ca. Additional information, including directors’ and officers’ remuneration and indebtedness, principal holders of the Corporation’s securities and securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans is contained in the management information circular of the Corporation dated May 9, 2022, which is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Additional financial information is provided in the Corporation’s audited consolidated financial statements and management’s discussion and analysis for the financial year ended December 31, 2022.
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SCHEDULE “A”
AUDIT COMMITTEE CHARTER
I. ROLE AND OBJECTIVES
The Audit Committee is a committee of the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of NexGen Energy Ltd. (the “Corporation”) to which the Board has delegated certain oversight responsibilities relating to the Corporation’s financial statements, external auditors, risk management, compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and management information technology. In this Charter, the Corporation and all entities controlled by the Corporation are collectively referred to as “NexGen”.
The objectives of the Audit Committee are to maintain oversight of:
| (a) | the Corporation’s accounting and financial reporting processes |
| (b) | the audits of the Corporation’s financial statements; |
| (c) | the integrity of the Corporation’s financial statements, the reporting process and its internal control over financial reporting; |
| (d) | the reports, qualifications, independence and performance of the Corporation’s external auditor; |
| (e) | the performance of the Corporation’s internal audit function; |
| (f) | the Corporation’s risk identification, assessment and management program; |
| (g) | the Corporation’s compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements; |
| (h) | the Corporation’s management of information technology related to financial reporting and financial controls; and |
| (i) | the maintenance of open channels of communication among management of the Corporation, the external auditors and the Board. |
II. MEMBERSHIP AND POLICIES
The Board, based on recommendation from the Nomination and Governance Committee, will appoint or reappoint members of the Audit Committee. Each member shall serve until his or her successor is appointed unless the member resigns, is removed or ceases to be a director. The Board of Directors may fill a vacancy that occurs in the Committee at any time.
The Audit Committee must be composed of not less than three (3) members of the Board, each of whom must be independent pursuant to the rules and regulations of all applicable stock exchanges and United States and Canadian securities laws and regulations.
No member of the Audit Committee may have participated in the preparation of the financial statements of the Corporation or any of its then-current subsidiaries at any time during the immediately prior three years.
Each member of the Audit Committee must be financially literate, as determined by the Board, and be able to read and understand fundamental financial statements, including the Corporation’s balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement. Additionally, at least one member of the Audit Committee must have accounting or related financial management expertise, as determined by the Board. A person who is an “audit committee financial expert” as defined in Item 407(d)(5)(ii) of Regulation S-K may be presumed to have accounting or related financial management expertise.
No member of the Audit Committee may serve simultaneously on the audit committee of more than two other public companies without prior approval of the Board.
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The Board, in consultation with the Nomination and Governance Committee, will appoint or reappoint the Chair of the Audit Committee from amongst its members.
The Audit Committee may at any time retain outside financial, legal or other advisors as it determines necessary to carry out its duties, at the expense of the Corporation. The Corporation shall provide for appropriate funding, as determined by the Audit Committee in its capacity as a committee of the Board, for payment of: (i) compensation to the external auditor for the purpose of preparing or issuing an audit report or performing other audit, review or attestation services for the Corporation, (ii) compensation to any advisors employed by the Audit Committee, and
(iii) ordinary administrative expenses of the Audit Committee that are necessary or appropriate in carrying out its duties.
In discharging its duties under this Charter, the Audit Committee may investigate any matter brought to its attention and will have access to all books, records, facilities and personnel, may conduct meetings or interview any officer or employee, the Corporation’s legal counsel, external auditors and consultants, and may invite any such persons to attend any part of any meeting of the Audit Committee.
The Audit Committee has neither the duty nor the responsibility to conduct audit, accounting or legal reviews, or to ensure that the Corporation’s financial statements are complete, accurate and in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”); rather, management is responsible for the financial reporting process, internal review process, and the preparation of the Corporation’s financial statements in accordance with IFRS, and the Corporation’s external auditor is responsible for auditing those financial statements.
III. SUBCOMMITTEES
The Audit Committee may, in its discretion, delegate any of its responsibilities that it is permitted by law to delegate, to the Chair or a subcommittee of the Audit Committee.
IV. FUNCTIONS
A. Financial Statements, the Reporting Process and Internal Controls over Financial Reporting
The Audit Committee will meet with management and the external auditor to review and discuss annual and quarterly financial statements, management’s discussion and analyses (“MD&A”), any earnings press releases, other financial disclosures and earnings guidance provided to analysts and rating agencies, and determine whether to recommend the approval of such documents to the Board and will produce the audit committee report required to accompany the annual financial statements.
| (a) | In connection with these procedures, the Audit Committee will, as applicable and without limitation review and discuss with management and the external auditor: |
| i. | the information to be included in the Corporation’s financial statements and other financial disclosures which require approval by the Board including the Corporation’s annual and quarterly financial statements, notes thereto, MD&A and any earnings press releases or earnings guidance provided to analysis and rating agencies, paying particular attention to any use of “pro forma”, “adjusted” and “non-GAAP” information, and ensuring that adequate procedures are in place for the review of the Corporation’s public disclosure of financial information extracted or derived from the financial statements; |
| ii. | any significant financial reporting issues, including major issues regarding accounting principles and financial statement presentations, identified during the reporting period; |
| iii. | any change in accounting policies, or selection or application of accounting principles, and their impact on the Corporation’s financial results and disclosure; |
| iv. | all significant estimates and judgments, significant risks and uncertainties made in connection with the preparation of the Corporation’s financial statements that may have a material impact to the financial statements; |
| v. | any significant deficiencies or material weaknesses identified by management or the external auditor, compensating or mitigating controls and the final assessment and impact of such deficiencies or material |
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| weaknesses on disclosure; |
| vi. | any major issues as to the adequacy of the internal controls and any special audit steps adopted in light of material internal control deficiencies; |
| vii. | significant adjustments identified by management or the external auditor and the assessment of associated internal control deficiencies, as applicable; |
| viii. | any unresolved issues between management and the external auditor that could materially impact the financial statements and other financial disclosures; |
| ix. | any material correspondence with regulators, government agencies, any employee or whistleblower complaints and other reports of non-compliance which raise issues regarding the Corporation’s financial statements or accounting policies and significant changes in regulations which may have a material impact on the Corporation’s financial statements; |
| x. | the effect of regulatory and accounting initiatives, as well as any off-balance sheet structures; |
| xi. | significant matters of concern respecting audits and financial reporting processes, including any illegal acts, that have been identified in the course of the preparation or audit of the Corporation’s financial statements; and |
| xii. | any analyses prepared by management and/or the external auditor setting forth significant financial reporting issues and judgments made in connection with the preparation of financial statements including analyses of the effects of IFRS on the financial statements. |
| (b) | In connection with the annual audit of the Corporation’s financial statements, the Audit Committee will review with the external auditor: |
| i. | prior to commencement of the annual audit, plans, scope, staffing, engagement terms and proposed fees; |
| ii. | reports or opinions to be rendered in connection with the audit including the external auditor’s review or audit findings report including alternative treatment of significant financial information within IFRS that have been discussed with management and the associated impact on disclosure; and |
| iii. | the adequacy of internal controls, any audit problems or difficulties, including: |
| a) | any restrictions on the scope of the external auditor’s activities or on access to requested information; |
| b) | any significant disagreements with management, and management’s response (including discussion among management, the external auditor and, as necessary, internal and external legal counsel); |
| c) | any litigation, claim or contingency, including tax assessments and claims, that could have a material impact on the financial position of the Corporation; and |
| d) | the impact on current or potential future disclosures. |
In connection with its review of the annual audited financial statements and quarterly financial statements, the Audit Committee will also review any significant concerns raised during the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) certifications with respect to the financial statements and NexGen’s disclosure controls and internal controls. In particular, the Audit Committee will review with the CEO, CFO and external auditor: (i) all significant deficiencies, material weaknesses or significant changes in the design or operation of NexGen’s internal control over financial reporting that could adversely affect the Corporation’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information required to be disclosed by the Corporation in the reports that it files or submits under applicable securities laws, within the required time periods; and (ii) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management of NexGen or other employees who have a significant role in NexGen’s internal control over financial reporting. In addition, the Audit Committee will review with the CEO and CFO, NexGen’s disclosure controls and procedures and at least annually will review management’s conclusions about the efficacy of disclosure controls and procedures, including any significant deficiencies, material
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weaknesses or material non-compliance with disclosure controls and procedures.
The Audit Committee will also maintain a Whistleblower Policy, including procedures for the:
| (a) | receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters; and |
| (b) | confidential, anonymous submissions of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters. |
B. The External Auditor
The Audit Committee, in its capacity as a committee of the Board, is directly responsible for overseeing the relationship, reports, qualifications, independence and performance of the external auditor and audit services by other registered public accounting firms engaged by the Corporation. The Audit Committee has responsibility to take, or recommend that the Board take, appropriate action to oversee the independence of the external auditor. The Audit Committee shall have the authority and responsibility to recommend the appointment and the revocation of the appointment of the external auditors engaged for the purpose of preparing or issuing an audit report or performing other audit, review or attest services, and to fix their remuneration.
The external auditor will report directly to the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee’s appointment of the external auditor is subject to annual approval by the shareholders.
With respect to the external auditor, the Audit Committee is responsible for:
| (a) | the appointment, termination, compensation, retention and oversight of the work of the external auditor engaged by the Corporation for the purpose of preparing or issuing an audit report or performing other audit, review or attest services for the Corporation, including the review and approval of the terms of the external auditors annual engagement letter and the proposed fees; |
| (b) | resolution of disagreements or disputes between management and the external auditor regarding financial reporting for audit, review or attestation services; |
| (c) | pre-approval of all audit services and legally permissible non-audit services to be provided by the external auditors considering the potential impact of such services on the independence of external auditors and, subject to any de minimis exemption available under applicable laws. Such approval of non-audit services can be given either specifically or pursuant to pre-approval policies and procedures adopted by the committee including the delegation of this ability to one or more members of the Audit Committee to the extent permitted by applicable law, provided that any pre- approvals granted pursuant to any such delegation may not delegate Audit Committee responsibilities to management of the Corporation, and must be reported to the full Audit Committee at the first scheduled meeting of the Audit Committee following such pre-approval; |
| (d) | obtaining and reviewing, at least annually, a written report by the external auditor describing the external auditor’s internal quality-control procedures, any material issues raised by the most recent internal quality-control review, or peer review, of the firm, or by any inquiry or investigation by governmental or professional authorities, within the preceding five years, respecting one or more independent audits carried out by the firm, and any steps taken to deal with any such issues and all relationships between the external auditors and the Corporation; |
| (e) | obtaining a formal written statement delineating all relationships between the auditor and the Corporation, consistent with The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board Rule 3526, and discussing any disclosed relationships or services with the auditor and how they may impact the objectivity and independence of the auditor; |
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| (f) | review of the external auditor which assesses three key factors of audit quality for the Audit Committee to consider and assess including: independence, objectivity and professional skepticism; quality of the engagement team; and quality of communications and interactions with the external auditor. A written comprehensive review of the external auditor to be considered if required each year and completed at least every five (5) years which will include an: |
| i. | assessment of quality of services and sufficiency of resources provided by the external auditor; |
| ii. | assessment of auditor independence, objectivity and professional skepticism, including the review and evaluation of the lead partner of the external auditor; |
| iii. | assessment of value of services provided by the external auditor; |
| iv. | assessment of written input from external auditor summarizing: |
| a) | background of firm, size, resources, geographical coverage, relevant industry experience, including reputational challenges, systemic audit quality issues identified by Canadian Public Accountability Board (“CPAB”) and Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”) in public reports; |
| b) | industry experience of the audit team and plans for training and development of the team; |
| c) | how the external auditor demonstrated objectivity and professional skepticism during the audit; |
| d) | how the firm and team met all criteria for independence including identification of all relationships that the external auditor has with the Corporation and its affiliates and steps taken to address possible institutional threats; |
| e) | involvement of engagement quality control review (“EQCR”) partner and significant concerns raised by the EQCR partner; |
| f) | matters raised to national office or specialists during the review; |
| g) | significant disagreements between management and the external auditors and steps taken to resolve such disagreements; |
| h) | satisfaction with communication and cooperation with management and the Audit Committee; and |
| i) | findings and firm responses to reviews of the Corporation by CPAB and PCAOB; |
| v. | communication of the results of the comprehensive review of the external auditor to the Board and recommending that the Board take appropriate action, in response to the review, as required. It is understood that the Audit Committee may recommend tendering the external auditor engagement at their discretion. In addition to rotation of the EQCR partner as required by law, the Audit Committee, together with the Board, will also consider whether it is necessary to periodically rotate the external audit firm itself. It will be at the discretion of the Audit Committee if the incumbent external auditor is invited to participate in the tendering process; and; |
| vi. | setting clear hiring policies for the Corporation regarding partners and employees and former partners and employees of the present and former external auditor of the Corporation. Before any such partner or employee is offered employment by the Corporation, prior approval from the Chair of the Audit Committee must be received and a one year grace period must pass from the date any work was last completed on an audit engagement before an external auditor employee can be considered for contract or employment by the Corporation. |
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| C. | Risk Management |
The Audit Committee, in its capacity as a committee of the Board, is directly responsible for overseeing the risk identification, assessment and management program of the Corporation by discussing guidelines and policies to govern the process by which risk is identified, assessed and managed. At least annually, in conjunction with senior management, internal counsel and,
as necessary, external counsel and the Corporation’s external auditors, the Audit Committee will review the following:
| (a) | the Corporation’s method of reviewing significant risks inherent in NexGen’s business, assets, facilities, and strategic directions, including the Corporation’s risk management and evaluation process; |
| (b) | discuss guidelines and policies with respect to risk assessment and risk management, including the Corporation’s major financial risk exposures and the steps management has taken to monitor and control such exposures. The Audit Committee is not required to be the sole body responsible for risk assessment and management, but, as stated above, the committee must discuss guidelines and policies to govern the process by which risk assessment and management is undertaken. |
| (c) | the major financial risk exposures and steps management has taken to monitor and manage such exposures; |
| (d) | the Corporation’s annual insurance report including its risk retention philosophy and resulting uninsured exposure, if any, including corporate liability protection programs for directors and officers; |
| (e) | the Corporation’s loss prevention policies, risk management programs, disaster response and recovery programs in the context of operational considerations; and |
| (f) | other risk management matters from time to time as the Audit Committee may consider appropriate or the Board may specifically direct. |
| D. | Internal Audit Review |
| (a) | review and discuss the responsibilities, functions and performance of the Corporation’s internal audit function, including internal audit plans, budget, staffing and the scope and results of internal audits; |
| (b) | ensure the reporting lines between the Audit Committee and the internal auditors are clearly understood and utilized; and |
| (c) | review and discuss any reports by management regarding the effectiveness of, or any deficiencies in, the design or operation of internal controls and any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Corporation’s internal controls. |
| E. | Additional Duties and Responsibilities |
The Audit Committee will also:
| (a) | report regularly to the Board on its discussions and actions, including any significant issues or concerns that arise at its meetings and discussion of the responsibilities, budget and staffing of the listed Corporation’s internal audit function, and shall make recommendations to the Board as appropriate; |
| (b) | meet separately, and periodically, with management, internal auditors, the external auditor and, as is appropriate, internal and external legal counsel and independent advisors in respect of issues not elsewhere listed concerning any other audit, finance or risk matter; |
| (c) | review the appointment of the CFO and any other key financial executives who are involved in the financial reporting process; |
| (d) | review the Corporation’s information technology practices as they relate to financial reporting; |
| (e) | annually review Directors’ and Officers’ Liability Insurance Coverage; |
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| (f) | from time to time, discuss staffing levels and competencies of the finance team with the external auditor; |
| (g) | review incidents, alleged or otherwise, as reported by whistleblowers, management, the external auditor, internal or external counsel or otherwise, of fraud, illegal acts or conflicts of interest and establish procedures for receipt, treatment and retention of records of incident investigations; |
| (h) | facilitate information sharing with other committees of the Board as required to address matters of mutual interest or concern in respect of the Corporation’s financial reporting; |
| (i) | assist Board oversight in respect of issues not elsewhere listed concerning the integrity of the Corporation’s financial statements, the Corporation’s compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, the independent auditor’s qualifications and independence, the performance of the external auditors, and the performance of the internal audit function; and |
| (j) | have the authority and responsibility to recommend the appointment and the revocation of the appointment of registered public accounting firms (in addition to the external auditors) engaged for the purpose of preparing or issuing an audit report or performing other audit, review or attest services, and to fix their remuneration. |
In addition, the Audit Committee will perform such other functions as are assigned by law and on the instructions of the Board.
| V. | MEETINGS |
The Audit Committee will meet quarterly, or more frequently at the discretion of the members of the Audit Committee, as circumstances require.
Notice of each meeting of the Audit Committee will be given to each member and, if applicable, to the external auditors. The notice will:
| (a) | be in writing (which may be communicated by fax or email); |
| (b) | be accompanied by an agenda that states the nature of the business to be transacted at the meeting in reasonable detail; |
| (c) | include copies of documentation to be considered at the meeting and reasonably sufficient time to review documentation; and |
| (d) | be given at least 48 hours preceding the time stipulated for the meeting, unless notice is waived by the Audit Committee members. |
A quorum for a meeting of the Audit Committee is a majority of the members present in person, by video conference, webcast or telephone.
If the Chair is not present at a meeting of the Audit Committee, a Chair will be selected from among the members present. The Chair will not have a second or deciding vote in the event of an equality of votes.
At each meeting, the Audit Committee will meet “in-camera”, without management or external auditors present, and will periodically, and at least annually, meet in separate sessions with the lead partner of the external auditor and periodically with the internal auditor (or persons responsible for the internal audit function).
The Audit Committee may invite others to attend any part of any meeting of the Audit Committee as it deems appropriate. This includes other directors, members of management, any employee, the Corporation’s internal or external legal counsel, external auditors, advisors and consultants.
Minutes will be kept of all meetings of the Audit Committee. The minutes will include copies of all resolutions passed at each meeting, will be maintained with the Corporation’s records, and will be available for review by members of the Audit Committee, the Board, and the external auditor.
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| VI. | OTHER MATTERS |
| A. | Review of Charter |
The Audit Committee shall review and reassess the adequacy of this Charter at least annually or otherwise, as it deems appropriate, and propose recommended changes to the Nomination and Governance Committee.
| B. | Reporting |
The Audit Committee shall report to the Board activities and recommendations of each Audit Committee meeting and review with the Board any issues that arise with respect to the quality or integrity of the Corporation’s financial statements, the Corporation’s compliance with legal or regulatory requirements, the performance and independence of the Corporation’s external auditors, management information technology with respect to financial reporting matters, risk management and communication between the parties identified above.
| C. | Evaluation |
The Audit Committee’s performance shall be evaluated annually by the Nomination and Governance Committee and the Board as part of the Board assessment process established by the Nomination and Governance Committee and the Board.
This Charter was last approved by the Board of Directors on April 20, 2022.
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Exhibit 99.2
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2022
(expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except as noted)
CONTENTS
| Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information |
4 | |||
| Business Overview |
5 | |||
| 2022 Highlights |
5 | |||
| Operations Outlook |
11 | |||
| Health, Safety and Environment |
11 | |||
| Financial Results |
12 | |||
| Financial Position Summary |
15 | |||
| Liquidity and Capital Resources |
15 | |||
| Capital Management |
17 | |||
| Contractual Obligations and Commitments |
18 | |||
| Summary of Quarterly Results |
18 | |||
| Summary of Selected Annual Financial Results |
19 | |||
| Related Party Transactions |
20 | |||
| Outstanding Share Data |
20 | |||
| Outstanding Convertible Debentures |
20 | |||
| Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements |
21 | |||
| Segment Information |
21 | |||
| Accounting Policy Overview |
21 | |||
| Critical Accounting Policies and Judgements |
21 | |||
| Key Sources of Estimation Uncertainty |
21 | |||
| Changes in Accounting Policies including Initial Adoption |
22 | |||
| Financial Instruments and Risk Management |
22 | |||
| Risk Factors |
22 | |||
| Financial Risks |
22 | |||
| Other Risk Factors |
24 | |||
| Disclosure Controls and Internal Control Over Financial Reporting |
28 | |||
| Disclosure Controls and Procedures |
28 | |||
| Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting |
28 | |||
| Technical Disclosure |
29 | |||
| Approval |
29 | |||
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NexGen Energy Ltd.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2022
(expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except as noted)
This Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) was prepared as of February 24, 2023 and provides an analysis of the financial and operating results of NexGen Energy Ltd (“NexGen” or “the Company”) for the year ended December 31, 2022. Additional information regarding NexGen, including its Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2022, as well as other information filed with the Canadian, US and Australian securities regulatory authorities, is available under the Company’s profile on the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (“SEDAR”) at www.sedar.com, on the Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval (“EDGAR”) at www.edgar.gov, and on the Australian Stock Exchange (“ASX”) at www.asx.com.au, respectively. All monetary amounts are in thousands of Canadian dollars unless otherwise specified.
The following discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations of NexGen should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 (the “Annual Financial Statements”) and the related notes, which have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”).
In accordance with IFRS, IsoEnergy Ltd.’s (“IsoEnergy”) financial results are consolidated with those of NexGen, including in this MD&A. However, IsoEnergy is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the ticker symbol “ISO” and has its own management, directors, internal control processes and financial budgets and finances its own operations. Further information regarding IsoEnergy is available under its own profile on www.sedar.com.
Management is responsible for the Annual Financial Statements and this MD&A. The Audit Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) reviews and recommends for approval to the Board, who then review and approve, the Annual Financial Statements and this MD&A. This MD&A contains forward-looking information. Please see the section, “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information” for a discussion of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions used to develop the Company’s forward-looking information.
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NexGen Energy Ltd.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2022
(expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except as noted)
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
This MD&A contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information and statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to planned exploration and development activities, the future interpretation of geological information, the cost and results of exploration and development activities, future financings, the future price of uranium and requirements for additional capital.
Generally, but not always, forward-looking information and statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “plans”, “expects”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates”, or “believes” or the negative connotation thereof or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will be taken”, “occur” or “be achieved” or the negative connotation thereof.
Forward-looking information and statements are based on the then current expectations, beliefs, assumptions, estimates and forecasts about NexGen’s business and the industry and markets in which it operates. Forward-looking information and statements are made based upon numerous assumptions, including among others the results of planned exploration and development activities are as anticipated; the price of uranium; the cost of planned exploration and development activities; that financing will be available if and when needed and on reasonable terms; that financial, uranium and other markets will not be adversely affected by a global pandemic (including COVID-19); that third-party contractors, equipment, supplies and governmental and other approvals required to conduct NexGen’s planned exploration and development activities will be available on reasonable terms and in a timely manner and that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner; the expectations regarding mineral reserves and mineral resources; realization of mineral reserves and mineral resource estimates; and results, estimates, assumptions and forecasts in the Rook I FS Technical Report (as defined below); the use of proceeds from financing activities, including the ATM Program (as defined below); and whether any proceeds will be raised pursuant to the ATM Program. Although the assumptions made by the Company in providing forward looking information or making forward looking statements are considered reasonable by management at the time, there can be no assurance that such assumptions will prove to be accurate.
Forward-looking information and statements also involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results, performances and achievements of NexGen to differ materially from any projections of results, performances and achievements of NexGen expressed or implied by such forward-looking information or statements, including, among others, negative operating cash flow and dependence on third-party financing, uncertainty of the availability of additional financing, the risk that pending assay results will not confirm previously announced preliminary results, imprecision of mineral resource estimates, the appeal of alternate sources of energy and sustained low uranium prices, aboriginal title and consultation issues, exploration and development risks, reliance upon key management and other personnel, deficiencies in the Company’s title to its properties, uninsurable risks, failure to manage conflicts of interest, failure to obtain or maintain required permits and licenses, changes in laws, regulations and policy, competition for resources,; and financing and other factors discussed or referred to in the Company’s most recent Annual Information Form under “Risk Factors”.
Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information or implied by forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended.
There can be no assurance that forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. The forward-looking information and statements contained in this MD&A are made as of the date of this MD&A and, accordingly, are subject to change after such date. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or reissue forward-looking information as a result of new information or events except as required by applicable securities laws.
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NexGen Energy Ltd.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2022
(expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except as noted)
BUSINESS OVERVIEW
NexGen is a British Columbia corporation with a focus on developing into production the 100% owned Rook I Project (“Rook I Project” or the “Project”) located in the southwestern Athabasca Basin of Saskatchewan, Canada. NexGen has a highly experienced team of uranium industry professionals with a successful track record in the discovery of uranium deposits and in the development of projects from discovery to production. NexGen also owns a portfolio of highly prospective exploration uranium properties in the southwestern Athabasca Basin of Saskatchewan, Canada.
The Rook I Project is the location of the Company’s Arrow Deposit discovery in February 2014. The Arrow Deposit has Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources totalling 3.75 million tonnes (“Mt”) grading 3.10% U3O8 containing 257 million (“M”) lbs U3O8. The Probable Mineral Reserves were estimated at 240 M lbs U3O8 contained in 4.6Mt grading 2.37% U3O8. See “Feasibility Study” below.
The Company has also intersected numerous other mineralized zones on trend from Arrow along the Patterson Corridor on Rook I which are subject to further exploration before economic potential can be assessed. The Rook I Project consists of thirty-two (32) contiguous mineral claims totaling 35,065 hectares.
The Company is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (the “TSX”) and the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) under the symbol “NXE”, and on the ASX under the symbol “NXG”.
The Company currently holds 50.1% of the outstanding common shares of IsoEnergy.
2022 HIGHLIGHTS
Corporate
On March 4, 2022, the Company up-listed from the NYSE American LLC to the NYSE and continued to trade under the symbol “NXE”.
On November 3, 2022, the Company announced the publication of its 2021 Sustainability Report highlighting the specific programs, initiatives, and organizational frameworks that NexGen has created or expanded upon to demonstrate the seamless integration of sustainability across all areas of the Company.
On January 6, 2023, NexGen established an at-the-market equity program (“ATM Program”) which allows it to issue up to $250 million of common shares in the Company to the public, from time to time, at its discretion. The ATM Program is designed to provide NexGen with additional financing flexibility which may be used in conjunction with other funding sources.
On January 31, 2023, NexGen appointed Mr. Ivan Mullany to its Board of Directors.
Operational
Engagement
On April 25, 2022, the Company announced the signing of an impact benefit agreement (“IBA”) with the Clearwater River Dene Nation (the “CRDN”) which related to the environmental, cultural, economic, employment and other benefits to be provided to the CRDN by the Company in respect of the Rook I Project, and confirmed the consent and support of the CRDN for the Rook I Project.
5
NexGen Energy Ltd.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2022
(expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except as noted)
Permitting
On June 21, 2022, the Company announced that it completed the submission of its draft environmental impact study (“EIS”) to the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment (“ENV”) and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (the “CNSC”). The EIS submission included letters of support for the Rook I Project from each of the CRDN, Birch Narrows Dene Nation (the “BNDN”), and Buffalo River Dene Nation (the “BRDN”), which all have also endorsed the Rook I Project through the execution of benefit agreements with NexGen.
The submission of the draft EIS follows the Provincial and Federal environmental assessment (“EA”) processes that commenced in April 2019 following regulatory acceptance of NexGen’s Project Description. On July 12, 2022, the CNSC announced their acceptance of the draft EIS which followed a 30-day period during which the CNSC conducted a conformance review of the EIS submission. Completion of the CNSC conformance marked the formal commencement of the 90-day Federal technical and public EIS review period.
ENV technical review of the draft EIS advanced in parallel to the CNSC review with all technical review comments from the ENV received by NexGen on September 22, 2022.
On December 1, 2022, the Company announced the receipt of Federal technical and public review comments. NexGen has commenced a review of comments and response activities, and is advancing the preparation of the final EIS for submission in accordance with respective Provincial (ENV) and Federal (CNSC) EA processes.
Front End Engineering Design (“FEED”)
During the period, NexGen advanced the FEED for the Project. This work began in the fourth quarter of 2021 and the Company continues to advance the Rook I Project through the detailed engineering and procurement phases.
Exploration
On July 28, 2022, the Company announced the results of its 2021 regional exploration drilling program at the Rook I Project, including intersections of uranium mineralization in AR-21-268 (“Below Arrow”) and RK-21-140 (“Camp East’).
On the same date, NexGen also announced the commencement of a 2022 exploration drill program focused on regional exploration targets at the Rook I Project and an extensive geophysical program over high priority areas (SW1, SW2, and SW3 properties) of NexGen’s mineral tenure in the southwest Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan.
On February 8, 2023, the Company announced the commencement of a 2023 exploration drill program to systematically test priority conductors that have been highlighted by its 2022 drilling results, as well as geophysical survey results that identified drill-ready stacked anomalies. The Company also announced plans for a substantial geophysical program in 2023 for drill target generation across high priority areas of NexGen’s mineral tenure (SW1, SW2 and SW3) in the southwest Athabasca Basin, and the use of muon tomography as part of its 2023 program.
6
NexGen Energy Ltd.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2022
(expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except as noted)
Operations Review – Rook I Project
Project Development
In Q1 2021, NexGen completed an independent feasibility study (“FS”) and issued a news release outlining the results on February 22, 2021. The FS validated the previous stage engineering, produced a Class 3 (AACE) capital and operating cost estimate that are summarized in the National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“NI 43-101”) technical report entitled “Arrow Deposit, Rook I Project, Saskatchewan, Nl 43-101 Technical Report on Feasibility Study dated March 10, 2021” (the “Rook 1 FS Technical Report”), and it supports the EA process and licensing application activities. The FS is based on an initial 10.7 year mine life, however the Company is seeking permitting and licensing approvals for a 24 year mine operating life.
Feasibility Study
The Rook I FS Technical Report includes updated Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource estimates for the Arrow Deposit. The information contained in this MD&A regarding the Rook I Project has been derived from the Rook I FS Technical Report, is subject to certain assumptions, qualifications and procedures described in the Rook I FS Technical Report and is qualified in its entirety by the full text of the Rook I FS Technical Report. Reference should be made to the full text of the Rook I FS Technical Report.
Highlights
Summary of Arrow Deposit Feasibility Study(1)
| U3O8 Price used in Economic Model(2) | $50/lb (Base Case) | $60/lb(3) | ||
| After-Tax NPV @ 8% | $3.47 Billion | $4.40 Billion | ||
| After-Tax Internal Rate of Return (IRR) | 52.4% | 59.5% | ||
| After-Tax Payback | 0.9 Year | 0.8 Year | ||
| Pre-Commitment Early Works Capital | $158 Million | $158 Million | ||
| Project Execution Capital | $1,142 Million | $1,142 Million | ||
| Total Initial Capital Costs (“CAPEX”) | $1,300 Million | $1,300 Million | ||
| Average Annual Production (Years 1-5) | 28.8 M lbs U3O8 | 28.8 M lbs U3O8 | ||
| Average Annual After-Tax Net Cash Flow (Years 1-5) | $1,038 Million | $1,255 Million | ||
| Average Annual Production (Life of Mine) | 21.7 M lbs U3O8 | 21.7 M lbs U3O8 | ||
| Average Annual After -Tax Net Cash Flow (Life of Mine) | $763 Million | $929 Million | ||
| Nominal Mill Capacity | 1,300 tonnes per day | 1,300 tonnes per day | ||
| Average Annual Mill Feed Grade | 2.37% U3O8 | 2.37% U3O8 | ||
| Mine Life | 10.7 Years | 10.7 Years | ||
| Average Annual Operating Cost (“OPEX”, Life of Mine) | $ 7.58 (US$5.69)/lb U3O8 | $ 7.58 (US$5.69)/lb U3O8 |
| 1) | The economic analysis was based on the timing of a final investment decision (“FID”) and does not include the Pre-Commitment Early Works Capital, which are costs NexGen intends on expending prior to the FID. Pre-Commitment Early Works scope includes site preparation, and the supporting infrastructure (concrete batch plant, Phase I camp accommodations and bulk fuel storage) required to support full Project Execution Capital. |
| 2) | FS Base Case analysis in the FS is based on CAD $1.00 = US $0.75. |
7
NexGen Energy Ltd.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2022
(expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except as noted)
| 3) | For illustrative purposes, an alternative to the Base Case analysis in the FS using $60/lb U308 is shown. Analysis is based on CAD $1.00 = US $0.75. See below “Economic Results” for further discussion on the sensitivity analysis in the FS. |
Mineral Resources
The updated Mineral Resource estimate has an effective date of June 19, 2019 and builds upon the Mineral Resource estimate used in the Company’s previously released pre-feasibility study by incorporating additional holes drilled in 2018 and 2019. The updated Mineral Resource estimate is principally comprised of Measured Mineral Resources of 209.6 M lbs of U3O8 contained in 2,183 kt grading 4.35% U3O8 as well as, Indicated Mineral Resources of 47.1 M lbs of U3O8 contained in 1,572 kt grading 1.36% U3O8, and Inferred Mineral Resources of 80.7 M lbs of U3O8 contained in 4,399 kt grading 0.83% U3O8, summarized in the table below.
Arrow Deposit Mineral Resource Estimate
| FS Mineral Resource | ||||||
| Structure | Tonnage (k tonnes) |
Grade (U3O8%) |
Contained Metal (U3O8 M lb)
| |||
| Measured | ||||||
| A2 LG |
920 | 0.79 | 16.0 | |||
| A2 HG |
441 | 16.65 | 161.9 | |||
| A3 LG |
821 | 1.75 | 31.7 | |||
| Total: |
2,183 | 4.35 | 209.6 | |||
|
Indicated | ||||||
| A2 LG |
700 | 0.79 | 12.2 | |||
| A2 HG |
56 | 9.92 | 12.3 | |||
| A3 LG |
815 | 1.26 | 22.7 | |||
| Total: |
1,572 | 1.36 | 47.1 | |||
|
Measured and Indicated | ||||||
| A2 LG |
1,620 | 0.79 | 28.1 | |||
| A2 HG |
497 | 15.9 | 174.2 | |||
| A3 LG |
1,637 | 1.51 | 54.4 | |||
| Total: |
3,754 | 3.1 | 256.7 | |||
|
Inferred | ||||||
| A1 LG |
1,557 | 0.69 | 23.7 | |||
| A2 LG |
863 | 0.61 | 11.5 | |||
| A2 HG |
3 | 10.95 | 0.6 | |||
| A3 LG |
1,207 | 1.12 | 29.8 | |||
|
A4 LG |
769 | 0.89 | 15.0 | |||
| Total: |
4,399 | 0.83 | 80.7 | |||
Notes:
| 1. | CIM Definition Standards were followed for Mineral Resources. Mineral Resources are reported inclusive of Mineral Reserves. |
| 2. | Mineral Resources are reported at a cut-off grade of 0.25% U3O8 based on a long-term price of US$50 per lb U3O8 and estimated costs. |
| 3. | A minimum mining width of 1.0 m was used. |
| 4. | The effective date of Mineral Resources is June 19, 2019 |
| 5. | Numbers may not add due to rounding. |
| 6. | Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economics. |
8
NexGen Energy Ltd.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2022
(expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except as noted)
Mineral Reserves
The Rook I FS Technical Report defines Probable Mineral Reserves of 239.6 M lbs of U3O8 contained in 4,575 kt grading 2.37% U3O8 from the Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources, summarized in the table below. The Probable Mineral Reserves include diluting materials and allowances for losses which may occur when material is mined. Although a majority of the Mineral Reserves are based on Measured Mineral Resources, it was decided to allocate 100% of the Mineral Reserves to the Probable Mineral Reserves category (as opposed to the Proven Mineral Reserves category), due to the Rook I Project currently being in a development stage.
Arrow Probable Mineral Reserves
| Probable Mineral Reserves | ||||||
| Structure |
Tonnage (k tonnes) |
Grade (U3O8%) |
Contained Metal (U3O8 M lb) | |||
|
A2 |
2,594 | 3.32% | 190.0 | |||
|
A3 |
1,982 | 1.13% | 49.5 | |||
|
Total |
4,575 | 2.37% | 239.6 | |||
Notes:
| 1. | CIM definitions were followed for Mineral Reserves. |
| 2. | Mineral Reserves are reported with an effective date of January 21, 2021. |
| 3. | Mineral Reserves include transverse and longitudinal stopes, ore development, marginal ore, special waste and a nominal amount of waste required for mill ramp-up and grade control. |
| 4. | Stopes were estimated at a cut-off grade of 0.30% U3O8. |
| 5. | Marginal ore is material between 0.26% U3O8 and 0.30% U3O8 that must be extracted to access mining areas. |
| 6. | Special waste in material between 0.03% and 0.26% U3O8 that must be extracted to access mining areas. 0.03% U3O8 is the limit for what is considered benign waste and material that must be treated and stockpiled in an engineered facility. |
| 7. | Mineral Reserves are estimated using a long-term metal price of US$50 per pound U3O8, and a 0.75 US$/C$ exchange rate (C$1.00 = US$0.75). The cost to ship the yellow cake product to a refinery is considered to be included in the metal price. |
| 8. | A minimum mining width of 3.0 m was applied for all long hole stopes. |
| 9. | Mineral Reserves are estimated using a combined underground mining recovery of 95.5% and total dilution (planned and unplanned) of 33.8%. |
| 10. | The density varies according to the U3O8 grade in the block model. Waste density is 2.464 t/m3. |
| 11. | Numbers may not add due to rounding. |
Economic Results
The Rook I FS Technical Report was based on a uranium price estimate of US$50/lb U3O8 per pound, net of yellow cake transportation fees and a fixed USD:CAD conversion rate of 0.75 (the “Base Case”).
The economic analysis is based on the timing of a final investment decision (“FID”), and it does not include the pre-commitment early works capital costs, which are costs NexGen intends, in part or entirely, on expending prior to the FID. The pre-commitment early works scope includes preparing the site, completing initial freeze hole drilling, and building the supporting infrastructure (i.e., concrete batch plant, Phase I camp accommodations, and bulk fuel storage) required for the Rook I Project. Under the Rook I FS Technical Report, costs for the pre-commitment early works total an estimated $158 million.
The Rook I FS Technical Report returned an after-tax NPV@8% of $3.47 billion and an IRR of 52.4% for the Base Case. The economic model was subjected to a sensitivity analysis to determine the effects of changing metals prices, grade, metal recovery, exchange rate, OPEX, CAPEX, labour and reagent costs. The NPV is most sensitive to metals prices, grade, metal recovery, and exchange rate and not as sensitive to OPEX, CAPEX, labour or reagent costs. The sensitivity of the after-tax NPV and IRR are summarized in the following table using the price of uranium as the dependent variable.
9
NexGen Energy Ltd.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2022
(expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except as noted)
NPV and IRR Sensitivity to Uranium Price
| Uranium Price (US$/lb U3O8) | After-Tax NPV | After-Tax IRR | ||
| $100/lb U3O8 |
$8.13 Billion | 81.6% | ||
| $90/lb U3O8 |
$7.20 Billion | 76.8% | ||
| $80/lb U3O8 |
$6.27 Billion | 71.5% | ||
| $70/lb U3O8 |
$5.33 Billion | 65.8% | ||
| $60/lb U3O8 |
$4.40 Billion | 59.5% | ||
| $50/lb U3O8 (Base Case) |
$3.47 Billion | 52.4% | ||
| $40/lb U3O8 |
$2.53 Billion | 44.0% |
Permitting, Regulatory, and Engagement
During the quarter, positive work advanced on the Company’s review of comments and response activities on the draft EIS, and the preparation of the final EIS for submission to the ENV and CNSC. The Company intends to submit responses to all comments in Q1 2023.
Similarly, work advanced on the licence application in order to obtain a Uranium Mine and Mill Licence from the CNSC for the Project.
The Company is continuing its longstanding engagement with the communities within the proximity to the Rook I Project, as per the study agreements entered into with four Indigenous groups in Q4 2019 (the “Study Agreements”). The Study Agreements provide the following:
| ● | a framework for working collaboratively to advance the EA and exchange information that will be used to inform the Crown as it undertakes its duty to consult; |
| ● | funding to each Indigenous group and outline a collaborative process for formal engagement to support the inclusion of Indigenous knowledge in the EA; and |
| ● | outline processes for identifying potential effects to Indigenous rights, treaty rights, and socio-economic interests, and determining avoidance and accommodation measures in relation to the Rook I Project. |
The Company and the Indigenous communities have a demonstrated commitment to engagement through Joint Working Groups (“JWGs”) to support the inclusion of each community’s traditional knowledge throughout the EA process, including incorporating traditional land use and dietary studies undertaken by each of the respective communities. The Company has and will continue to provide funding for all aspects of the above, including the JWGs, and to lead, review and independently confirm the Traditional Land Use studies for inclusion into the EA. Further, the Study Agreements confirm that the parties will negotiate impact benefit agreements or mutual benefit agreements (each, a “Benefit Agreement”) in good faith.
During 2021, the Company signed Benefit Agreements with each of the BRDN and the BNDN covering all phases of the Rook I Project. In Q2 2022, the Company signed a Benefit Agreement with the CRDN.
10
NexGen Energy Ltd.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2022
(expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except as noted)
OPERATIONS OUTLOOK
The Company intends to advance the development of the Rook I Project as outlined in the Rook I FS Technical Report. The work will include:
| ● | completing the FEED by advancing overall engineering to an average of 40-45% level of completion, that will form the control budget, and define the detailed project execution plan and schedule (Level 3 Schedule); and |
| ● | conducting site confirmation and process plant optimization studies to support the FEED program and subsequent detailed engineering stages in 2023. |
Through 2023, the Company will continue to advance the EA and licensing activities towards the submission of the final EIS and licensing application in order to obtain a Uranium Mine and Mill License from the CNSC, and continue engagement with regulators and communities.
HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT
NexGen places the health and safety of its people as the highest priority and is committed to sustainable development in a safe and responsible manner. NexGen recognizes that the long-term sustainability of its business is dependent upon elite stewardship in the protection of the environment, protection of its people and the careful management of the exploration, development, and extraction of mineral resources.
Management is focused on optimizing its strong culture of safety, which includes equipping people with the tools, training, and mindset to result in constant safety awareness. NexGen strives for an incident-free workplace, while also recognizing the need for emergency preparedness. The Company has a site-specific emergency response plan and conducts periodic exercises followed by critical analysis that evaluates the response and recommends improvements. This plan is reviewed annually.
NexGen takes a proactive and long-term approach to risk management that supports investment in the practices needed to be successful and meet commitments.
The Company has implemented comprehensive COVID-19 protocols at each of its locations that are in line with the respective regional health authorities’ guidelines.
11
NexGen Energy Ltd.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2022
(expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except as noted)
FINANCIAL RESULTS
Financial results for the three months and year ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 (Unaudited)
| $000s | Three months Dec 31, 2022 |
Three months Dec 31, 2021 |
Year ended Dec 31, 2022 |
Year ended Dec 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||
| Salaries, benefits, and director’s fees |
$ | 3,646 | $ | 4,288 | $ | 9,306 | $ | 10,352 | ||||||||
| Office, administrative, and travel |
2,946 | 783 | 7,853 | 3,325 | ||||||||||||
| Professional fees and insurance |
2,196 | 1,877 | 5,661 | 3,983 | ||||||||||||
| Depreciation |
455 | 534 | 1,814 | 2,126 | ||||||||||||
| Share-based payments |
11,580 | 13,106 | 35,146 | 31,389 | ||||||||||||
| $ | 20,823 | $ | 20,588 | $ | 59,780 | $ | 51,175 | |||||||||
| Finance income |
(1,149) | (246) | (2,787) | (910) | ||||||||||||
| Mark to market loss (gain) on convertible debentures |
(56) | (1,718) | 2,863 | 75,123 | ||||||||||||
| Interest expense on convertible debentures |
590 | 490 | 2,179 | 3,729 | ||||||||||||
| Interest on lease liabilities |
47 | 60 | 207 | 265 | ||||||||||||
| Loss (gain) on sale of assets |
- | 15 | 85 | (3,595) | ||||||||||||
| Foreign exchange loss (gain) |
178 | 69 | (1,017) | 68 | ||||||||||||
| Other income |
- | - | - | (29) | ||||||||||||
| Loss before taxes |
$ | 20,433 | $ | 19,258 | $ | 61,310 | $ | 125,826 | ||||||||
| Deferred income tax (recovery) expense |
(278) | (152) | (1,042) | 1,122 | ||||||||||||
| Net loss |
$ | 20,155 | $ | 19,106 | $ | 60,268 | $ | 126,948 | ||||||||
| Basic and diluted loss per share attributable to NexGen shareholders |
$ | 0.05 | $ | 0.03 | $ | 0.12 | $ | 0.26 | ||||||||
Three months ended December 31, 2022 versus three months ended December 31, 2021
During the three months ended December 31, 2022 (the “Current Quarter”), NexGen recorded a net loss of $20.2 million or $0.05 loss per share attributable to NexGen shareholders compared to the three months ended December 31, 2021 (the “Comparative Quarter”) with a net loss of $19.1 million or $0.03 loss per share attributable to NexGen shareholders, representing an increase in net loss of $1.1 million quarter over quarter. The increase in net loss was primarily due to the following:
| ● | Salaries, benefits, and directors’ fees remained relatively consistent. |
| ● | Office, administrative, and travel costs increased by $2.2 million in the Current Quarter compared to the Comparative Quarter. The increase is primarily related to increased travel (in line with relaxing Covid-19 guidelines), implementation of a new enterprise resource planning system, and an overall increase in costs in line with increased operational activity compared to the Comparative Quarter. |
| ● | Professional fees and insurance increased by $0.3 million from $1.9 million in the Comparative Quarter to $2.2 million in the Current Quarter primarily due to increased insurance premiums, recruiting costs for new staff to support the Rook I Project and IsoEnergy’s business development initiatives. |
| ● | Share based compensation decreased $1.5 million from $13.1 million during the Comparative Quarter to $11.6 million in the Current Quarter. The decrease is primarily due to a lower number of stock options granted during the period compared to the Comparative Quarter. |
12
NexGen Energy Ltd.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2022
(expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except as noted)
| ● | The Company recognized a mark-to-market gain on convertible debentures of $0.1 million during the Current Quarter compared to a mark-to-market gain of $1.7 million during the Comparative Quarter. Mark-to-market gains and losses result from the fair value re-measurement of the convertible debentures at each reporting date, with any changes in the fair value being recognized in loss and comprehensive loss for the period. The mark-to-market gain for the Current Quarter is due mainly to a decrease in IsoEnergy’s share price, offset by an increase in the Company’s share price during the Current Quarter. |
| ● | Deferred income tax recovery is comparable in the Current Quarter versus the Comparative Quarter. Changes in deferred income tax recovery or expense is due to the release of the flow-through share premium liability offset by the renunciation of flow-through share expenditures in IsoEnergy. |
Year ended December 31, 2022 versus year ended December 31, 2021
During the year ended December 31, 2022 (the “Current Year”), NexGen recorded a net loss of $60.3 million or $0.12 loss per share attributable to NexGen shareholders compared to the year ended December 31, 2021 (the “Comparative Year”) with a net loss of $126.9 million or $0.26 loss per share attributable to NexGen shareholders, representing a decrease in net loss of $66.6 million. The decrease in net loss was primarily due to the following:
| ● | Salaries, benefits and directors’ fees remained relatively consistent. The Comparative Year included the financial impact of the departure of IsoEnergy’s former CEO. |
| ● | Office, administrative and travel costs increased by $4.5 million in the Current Year compared to the Comparative Year. The increase is primarily related to additional travel (in line with relaxing Covid-19 guidelines), implementation of a new enterprise resource planning system, an overall increase in costs in line with increased operational activity, and IsoEnergy costs related to marketing, shareholder communications, and the expansion of its executive team. |
| ● | Professional fees and insurance increased by $1.7 million from $4.0 million in the Comparative Year to $5.7 million in the Current Year due to increased insurance costs and additional recruiting costs for new staff to support the Rook I Project and IsoEnergy’s business development initiatives. |
| ● | Share based compensation increased $3.7 million from $31.4 million during the Comparative Year to $35.1 million in the Current Year. The increase is mainly due to the increased amortization of Black Scholes grant values in the Current Year for the stock options granted in NexGen and IsoEnergy in 2021 and 2022 compared to the amortization of the Black Scholes grant values in the Comparative Year. |
| ● | The Company recognized a mark-to-market loss on convertible debentures of $2.9 million during the Current Year compared to a mark-to-market loss of $75.1 million during the Comparative Year. Mark-to-market gains and losses result from the fair value re-measurement of the convertible debentures at each reporting date, with any changes in the fair value being recognized in loss and comprehensive loss for the year. The mark-to-market loss is lower in the Current Year due to a decrease in IsoEnergy’s share price offset by an increase in the Company’s share price, while the Comparative Year had an increase in both share prices. |
13
NexGen Energy Ltd.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2022
(expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except as noted)
| ● | Interest expense on the convertible debentures decreased by $1.5 million from $3.7 million in the Comparative Year to $2.2 million in the Current Year due to the conversion of US$120 million aggregate principal of unsecured convertible debentures issued by the Company in 2016 and 2017 (the “2016 and 2017 Convertible Debentures”) in the first quarter of 2021 offset by the closing of the 2022 IsoEnergy Debentures (as defined below) in the fourth quarter of 2022. |
| ● | Finance income increased by $1.9 million in the Current Year from $0.9 million during the Comparative Year to $2.8 million in the Current Year due to increased interest rates on cash. |
| ● | Gain on sale of assets in the Comparative Year related to IsoEnergy selling its Clover, Gemini, Tower, and Mountain Lake uranium properties. Total proceeds on the sale were $3.7 million, and the cost of the properties was $0.1 million, resulting in a gain on sale of assets of $3.6 million. |
| ● | Foreign exchange gain for the Current Year was $1.0 million compared to the Comparative Year loss of $0.1 million, representing a foreign exchange gain increase of $1.1 million. The increase relates to foreign exchange rate fluctuations realized on US dollar denominated transactions and payments translated into Canadian dollars in addition to unrealized foreign exchange rate fluctuations on US dollar cash and accounts payable balances held on each reporting period. |
| ● | Deferred income tax decreased by $2.1 million from a $1.1 million expense in the Comparative Year to $1.0 million recovery in the Current Year. The difference is mainly due to the resulting deferred income tax expense from the gain on the sale of assets by IsoEnergy and the increased flow through share expenditures in IsoEnergy in the Comparative Year. |
14
NexGen Energy Ltd.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2022
(expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except as noted)
Financial Position Summary
Statement of financial position summary as at December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 (Audited)
|
|
||||||||
| $000s | December 31, 2022 | December 31, 2021 | ||||||
|
|
||||||||
| Current assets |
||||||||
| Cash |
$ | 134,447 | $ | 201,804 | ||||
| Marketable securities |
5,775 | 9,315 | ||||||
| Amounts receivable |
1,801 | 1,178 | ||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other |
2,165 | 1,028 | ||||||
|
|
||||||||
| 144,188 | 213,325 | |||||||
| Non-current assets |
||||||||
| Exploration and evaluation assets |
405,248 | 326,543 | ||||||
| Equipment |
5,048 | 6,619 | ||||||
| Deposits |
76 | 76 | ||||||
|
|
||||||||
| Total assets |
$ | 554,560 | $ | 546,563 | ||||
| Current liabilities |
||||||||
| Trade and other payables |
$ | 13,723 | $ | 7,499 | ||||
| Lease liabilities |
775 | 706 | ||||||
| Flow-through share premium liability |
2,069 | - | ||||||
|
|
||||||||
| 16,567 | 8,205 | |||||||
| Non-current liabilities |
||||||||
| Convertible debentures |
80,021 | 72,011 | ||||||
| Long-term lease liabilities |
1,688 | 2,463 | ||||||
| Deferred income tax liabilities |
867 | 2,536 | ||||||
|
|
||||||||
| Total liabilities |
99,143 | 85,215 | ||||||
|
|
||||||||
| Equity |
||||||||
| Equity attributable to NexGen Energy Ltd. Shareholders |
417,876 | 433,608 | ||||||
| Non-controlling interests |
37,541 | 27,740 | ||||||
| Total shareholders’ equity |
$ | 455,417 | $ | 461,348 | ||||
|
|
||||||||
Liquidity and Capital Resources
In January 2023, NexGen established the ATM Program which allows it to issue up to $250 million of common shares in the Company to the public, from time to time, at its discretion. The ATM Program is designed to provide NexGen with additional financing flexibility which may be used in conjunction with other funding sources.
The ATM Program will be effective until the earlier of the sale of all of the common shares issuable pursuant to the ATM Program and January 29, 2025, unless terminated prior to such date.
The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the ATM Program, to fund the continued optimal development and further exploration of its mineral properties, including the Rook I Project, and for general corporate purposes.
On March 11, 2021 and March 16, 2021, NexGen closed a bought deal equity offering (“the Offering”) for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $150.3 million and the associated over-allotment option (the “Over-Allotment Option”) for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $22.5 million, for total gross proceeds of approximately $172.8 million. The Company intends to apply the net proceeds of the Offering
15
NexGen Energy Ltd.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2022
(expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except as noted)
and Over-Allotment Option towards the development of the Rook I Project, including site investigations, process plant optimizations and engineering, pre-commitment early works, and for general working capital. The following table sets forth a comparison of the disclosure regarding NexGen’s estimated use of proceeds in its final short form prospectus dated March 8, 2021, which is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, and its actual use of such funds as at December 31, 2022:
| $000s | Estimated Use of Net Proceeds | Actual Use of Net Proceeds | ||||||
| Development of Rook I Project |
||||||||
| Site Investigation |
$ 9,000 | $ 8,367 | ||||||
| Process Plant Optimizations |
1,500 | 1,145 | ||||||
| Engineering1 |
35,000 | 35,448 | ||||||
| Permitting and other development costs1 |
- | 3,860 | ||||||
| Pre-Commitment Early Works1 |
94,500 | - | ||||||
| General working capital |
23,290 | 20,895 | ||||||
| Exploration1 |
- | 3,181 | ||||||
| Total2 |
$ 163,290 | $ 72,896 | ||||||
1The Company has re-allocated funds originally planned for the pre-commitment early works into other Rook I development costs including engineering, permitting and other development costs for advancing the EA and licensing activities, and the exploration of other mineral properties. There is no resulting impact on its ability to achieve its business objectives and milestones.
2The net proceeds of the Offering and the Over-Allotment Option reflect the aggregate gross proceeds of $172.8 million after deducting underwriters’ fees and transaction expenses of $9.5 million.
NexGen had a working capital surplus of $127.6 million as at December 31, 2022 (December 31, 2021 – $205.1 million). The Company currently has sufficient cash to fund its current operating and administration costs.
The decrease in working capital of $77.5 million from December 31, 2021 to December 31, 2022 was primarily attributable to expenditure to advance the Rook I Project together with the funding of operational and administration costs.
The net change in cash position during the Current Quarter compared to September 30, 2022 was a decrease of $6.1 million, attributable to the following components of the statement of cash flows:
| ● | NexGen’s operating outflow before working capital adjustments was $7.6 million during the Current Quarter (Comparative Quarter – outflow of $6.8 million) due to increased operational costs in the Current Quarter. |
| ● | Investing activities used $19.3 million in the Current Quarter, associated primarily with the development of the Rook I Project (Comparative Quarter – outflow of $25.0 million). |
| ● | Financing activities had an inflow of $19.5 million in the Current Quarter (Comparative Quarter – inflow of $6.8 million) primarily due to the issue of the 2022 IsoEnergy Debentures and a private placement of IsoEnergy common shares and the exercise of options in the Company net of the lease payments. |
16
NexGen Energy Ltd.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2022
(expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except as noted)
The net change in cash position during the Current Year compared to the Comparative Year was a decrease of $67.4 million, attributable to the following components of the statement of cash flows:
| ● | NexGen’s operating outflow before working capital adjustments was $20.0 million during the Current Year (Comparative Year – outflow of $16.8 million) due to increased operational costs in the Current Year. |
| ● | Investing activities used $68.1 million in the Current Year, associated primarily with the development of the Rook I Project and IsoEnergy’s exploration activities (Comparative Year – outflow of $46.7 million). |
| ● | Financing activities generated $19.9 million in the Current Year (Comparative Year – inflow of $191.4 million), primarily due to proceeds from the 2022 IsoEnergy’ Debentures and a private placement of IsoEnergy common shares, and the exercise of options net of the lease and interest payments. The Comparative Year included the Offering and Over-Allotment Option for net proceeds of $163.3 million that did not occur in the Current Year, in addition to proceeds from the exercise of stock options and warrants of $31.0 million, net of lease and interest payments. |
Since the establishment of the ATM Program on January 6, 2023, 4,494,959 shares have been issued at a weighted average price of $6.23 per share for gross proceeds of $28.0 million less commissions of $280 million for net proceeds of $ 27.7 million.
Capital Management
The Company manages its capital structure, and adjusts it, based on the funds available to the Company, to support the acquisition, exploration and evaluation of assets. To effectively manage the entity’s capital requirements, the Company has in place a planning, budgeting and forecasting process to help determine the funds required to ensure the Company has the appropriate liquidity to meet its operating and growth objectives.
In the management of capital, the Company considers all components of equity and debt, net of cash, and is dependent on third-party financing, whether through debt, equity, or other means. Although the Company has been successful in raising funds to date, there is no assurance that the Company will be successful in obtaining the required financing in the future or that such financing will be available on terms acceptable to the Company.
The properties in which the Company currently has an interest are in the exploration and development stage. As such, the Company has historically relied on the equity markets to fund its activities. The Company will continue to assess new properties and seek to acquire an interest in additional properties if it determines that there is sufficient geologic or economic potential and if it has adequate financial resources to do so.
As discussed in the section above entitled “Liquidity and Capital Resources”, the Company completed the Offering and Over-Allotment Option, raising gross proceeds of approximately $172.8 million in the period ended March 31, 2021. In addition, the Company established the ATM Program in January 2023 to raise gross proceeds of up to $250 million. The Company holds sufficient US dollars to make all interest payments due under the convertible debentures until maturity.
The Company is not subject to externally imposed capital requirements. There were no changes in the Company’s approach to capital management during the period ended December 31, 2022.
17
NexGen Energy Ltd.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2022
(expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except as noted)
Contractual Obligations and Commitments
Significant Undiscounted Obligations and Commitments as at December 31, 2022
| $000s | Less than 1 year |
1 to 3 years |
4 to 5 years |
Over 5 years |
Total | |||||||||||||||
| Trade and other payables |
$ | 13,723 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 13,723 | ||||||||||
| Convertible debenture |
- | 74,884 | 5,137 | - | 80,021 | |||||||||||||||
| Lease liabilities |
1,346 | 2,574 | - | - | 3,920 | |||||||||||||||
| $ | 15,069 | $ | 77,458 | $ | 5,137 | $ | - | $ | 97,664 | |||||||||||
Summary of Quarterly Results
Summary of Quarterly Results (Unaudited)
| For the three months ended | ||||||||||||||||
| Dec 31, | Sept 30, | June 30, | Mar 31, | |||||||||||||
| ($000s except per share amounts) | 2022 | 2022 | 2022 | 2022 | ||||||||||||
| Finance income |
1,149 | 896 | 491 | 251 | ||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) |
(20,155) | (27,298) | 17,585 | (30,402) | ||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) for the period attributable to shareholders of NexGen Energy Ltd. |
(22,505) | (21,895) | 13,484 | (25,673) | ||||||||||||
| Basic earnings (loss) per share |
(0.05) | (0.05) | 0.03 | (0.05) | ||||||||||||
| Diluted loss per share |
(0.05) | (0.05) | (0.02) | (0.05) | ||||||||||||
| For the three months ended | ||||||||||||||||
| Dec 31, | Sept 30, | June 30, | Mar 31, | |||||||||||||
| ($000s except per share amounts) | 2021 | 2021 | 2021 | 2021 | ||||||||||||
| Finance income |
246 | 259 | 280 | 125 | ||||||||||||
| Net loss |
(19,106) | (19,929) | (19,799) | (68,116) | ||||||||||||
| Net loss for the period attributable to shareholders of NexGen Energy Ltd. |
(16,276) | (17,827) | (18,894) | (66,090) | ||||||||||||
| Basic earnings (loss) per share |
(0.03) | (0.04) | (0.04) | (0.17) | ||||||||||||
| Diluted loss per share |
(0.03) | (0.04) | (0.04) | (0.17) | ||||||||||||
18
NexGen Energy Ltd.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2022
(expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except as noted)
Summary of Selected Annual Financial Results
Summary of Select Annual Financials Results (Audited)
| ($000s except per share amounts) | December 31, 2022 |
December 31, 2021 |
December 31, 2020 |
|||||||||
| Total Revenue |
- | - | - | |||||||||
| Net loss for the year |
60,268 | 126,948 | 114,490 | |||||||||
| Comprehensive loss for the year |
63,198 | 122,213 | 116,618 | |||||||||
| Net loss for the year attributable to shareholders of NexGen Energy Ltd. |
56,587 | 119,087 | 109,828 | |||||||||
| Basic net loss per share attributable to shareholders of NexGen Energy Ltd. |
0.12 | 0.26 | 0.30 | |||||||||
| Diluted loss per share attributable to shareholders of NexGen Energy Ltd. |
0.12 | 0.26 | 0.30 | |||||||||
| Total Assets |
554,560 | 546,563 | 357,392 | |||||||||
| Total Liabilities |
99,143 | 85,215 | 238,140 | |||||||||
| Dividends declared |
- | - | - | |||||||||
NexGen does not derive any revenue from its operations except for interest income from its cash. Its primary focus is the development of the Rook I Project, in addition to the acquisition, exploration, evaluation and development of resource properties.
The significant fluctuations in loss are mainly the result of mark-to-market losses recognized on the fair value re-valuation of the convertible debentures at each quarter driven primarily by the increase in share price, with any changes in the fair value being recognized in the loss for the quarter, and the Black Scholes valuation of the share based compensation.
Interest income recorded as finance income has fluctuated depending on cash balances available to generate interest and the earned rate of interest.
The loss per period has also fluctuated depending on the Company’s activity level and periodic variances in certain items. Quarterly periods are therefore not comparable due to the nature and timing of exploration and development activities.
The increase in total assets year over year coincides with the exploration, evaluation and development of NexGen’s resource properties, and the timing of equity offerings.
The increase in total liabilities in 2022 compared to 2021 is primarily due to the issue of the 2022 IsoEnergy Debentures. The decrease in total liabilities in 2021 compared to 2020 is due to the conversion of the 2016 and 2017 Convertible Debentures in 2021.
19
NexGen Energy Ltd.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2022
(expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except as noted)
Related Party Transactions
Compensation of Key Management and Directors
| Three months ended December 31, |
Twelve months ended December 31, |
|||||||||||||||
| $000s | 2022 | 2021 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||||
| Short-term compensation(1) |
$ | 2,386 | $ | 2,820 | $ | 5,379 | $ | 6,214 | ||||||||
| Share-based payments(2) |
9,475 | 11,349 | 32,210 | 29,231 | ||||||||||||
| Consulting fees(3)(4) |
32 | 70 | 231 | 212 | ||||||||||||
| $ | 11,893 | $ | 14,239 | $ | 37,820 | $ | 35,657 | |||||||||
(1) Short-term compensation to key management personnel for the three months and year ended December 31, 2022 amounted to $2,386 and $5,379 (2021 - $2,820 and $6,214) of which $2,310 and $5,148 (2021 - $2,859 and $5,954) was expensed and included in salaries, benefits and directors’ fees on the statement of net loss and comprehensive loss. The remaining $76 and $231 (2021 – $39 recovery and $260) was capitalized to exploration and evaluation assets, respectively.
(2) Share-based payments to key management personnel for the three months and year ended December 31, 2022 amounted to $9,475 and $32,210 (2021 - $11,349 and $29,231) of which $9,647 and $31,826 (2021 - $11,387 and $28,766) was expensed and a recovery of $172 and an expense of $384 (2021 - $38 recovery and $465) was capitalized to exploration and evaluation assets, respectively.
(3) The Company used consulting services from Flying W Consulting Inc., which is associated with Brad Wall, a Director of the Company in relation to advice on corporate matters for the three months and year ended December 31, 2022 amounting to $32 and $130 (2021 - $32 and $130) pursuant to a consulting contract providing for a monthly service fee of $11 and terminable upon three months’ notice.
(4) The Company used additional consulting services from Weymark Consulting Ltd., which is associated with Ryan Weymark, who was an employee of the Company for a portion of the year, in relation to various studies for the three months and year ended December 31, 2022 amounting to $nil and $101 (2021 - $40 and $82) pursuant to a consulting contract based on an hourly rate and terminable at any time, respectively.
As at December 31, 2022, there was $43 (December 31, 2021 - $58) included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities owing to its directors and officers for compensation.
Outstanding Share Data
The authorized capital of NexGen consists of an unlimited number of common shares and an unlimited number of preferred shares. As at February 24, 2023, there were 487,085,104 common shares, 50,078,890 stock options with exercise prices ranging between $1.59 and $6.55 and no preferred shares issued and outstanding.
Outstanding Convertible Debentures
On May 27, 2020, the Company completed a private placement for aggregate gross proceeds of US$30 million (the “2020 Financing”) comprised of: (a) 11,611,667 common shares at a price of CAD$1.80 per share, for gross proceeds of US$15 million; and (b) US$15 million in aggregate principal amount of 7.5% unsecured convertible debentures (the “2020 Debentures”) with Queen’s Road Capital Investments Ltd. (“QRC”). As at February 24, 2023, US$15 million of principal of the 2020 Debentures remain outstanding.
On August 18, 2020, IsoEnergy entered into an agreement with QRC for gross proceeds of US$6 million in connection with a private placement of 8.5% unsecured convertible debentures (the “2020 IsoEnergy Debentures”). The 2020 IsoEnergy Debentures are convertible at the holder’s option at a conversion price of CAD$0.88 into a maximum of 9,206,311 common shares of IsoEnergy. As at February 24, 2023, US$6 million of principal of the 2020 IsoEnergy Debentures remain outstanding.
On December 6, 2022, IsoEnergy entered into an agreement with QRC for gross proceeds of US$4 million in connection with a private placement of 10.0% unsecured convertible debentures (the “2022 IsoEnergy Debentures”). The 2022 IsoEnergy Debentures are convertible at the holder’s option at a conversion price
20
NexGen Energy Ltd.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2022
(expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except as noted)
of CAD$4.33 into a maximum of 1,464,281 common shares of IsoEnergy. As at February 24, 2023, US$4 million of principal of the 2022 IsoEnergy Debentures remain outstanding.
|
Convertible |
Principal | Conversion Price | Type of shares issuable upon conversion |
Number of shares issuable upon conversion |
||||||||||||
| 2020 Debentures |
US$15 million | $2.34 | Common shares of NexGen |
8,685,256(1) | ||||||||||||
| 2020 IsoEnergy Debentures |
US$6 million | $0.88 | Common shares of IsoEnergy |
9,206,311(2) | ||||||||||||
| 2022 IsoEnergy Debentures |
US$4 million | $4.33 | Common shares of IsoEnergy |
1,251,640(1) | ||||||||||||
| (1) | Converted to Canadian dollars using closing foreign exchange rate of 1.3549 on February 23, 2023. |
| (2) | Using the closing foreign exchange rate of 1.3549 on February 23, 2023 results in 9,237,959 shares which exceeds the maximum of 9,206,311. |
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
NexGen has not entered into any material off-balance sheet arrangements such as guarantee contracts, contingent interests in assets transferred to unconsolidated entities, derivative instrument obligations, or with respect to any obligations under a variable interest entity arrangement.
SEGMENT INFORMATION
The Company operates in one reportable segment, being the acquisition, exploration and development of uranium properties. All of the Company’s non-current assets are located in Canada.
ACCOUNTING POLICY OVERVIEW
Critical Accounting Policies and Judgements
The critical judgements that the Company’s management has made in the process of applying the Company’s accounting policies, apart from those involving estimations, that have the most significant effect on the amounts recognized in the Company’s consolidated financial statements include impairment of exploration and evaluation assets, deferred income taxes, convertible debentures, and share-based payments. Refer to the Annual Financial Statements for further detail of the Company’s Critical Accounting Estimates.
Key Sources of Estimation Uncertainty
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and related notes to the consolidated financial statements. Estimates and assumptions are continuously evaluated and are based on management’s experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.
The significant assumptions about the future and other major sources of estimation uncertainty as at the end of the reporting period that have a significant risk of resulting in a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of the Company’s assets and liabilities include impairment of exploration and evaluation assets, deferred income taxes, convertible debentures, and share-based payments. Refer to the Annual Financial Statements for further detail of the Company’s Critical Accounting Estimates.
21
NexGen Energy Ltd.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2022
(expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except as noted)
Changes in Accounting Policies including Initial Adoption
The Company has had no significant changes in accounting policies. Refer to the Annual Financial Statements for further details of the Company’s changes in accounting policies.
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND RISK MANAGEMENT
The Company’s financial instruments consist of cash, amounts receivables, accounts payable and accrued liabilities and convertible debentures.
Financial instruments measured at fair value are classified into one of three levels in the fair value hierarchy according to the relative reliability of the inputs used to estimate the fair values.
The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are:
| ● | Level 1 – unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities |
| ● | Level 2 – inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability either directly or indirectly; and |
| ● | Level 3 – inputs that are not based on observable market data. |
The fair values of the Company’s cash, amounts receivables, and accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate their carrying values due to their short-term nature.
The marketable securities are re-measured at fair value at each reporting date with any change in fair value recognized other comprehensive income. The marketable securities are classified as Level 1.
The convertible debentures are re-measured at fair value at each reporting date with any change in fair value recognized in profit or loss with the exception that under IFRS 9, the change in fair value that is attributable to change in credit risk is presented in other comprehensive income. The convertible debentures are classified as Level 2.
Risk Factors
Readers of this Management’s Discussion and Analysis should give careful consideration to the information included or incorporated by reference in this document and the Company’s Annual Financial Statements and related notes for the year ended December 31, 2022. For further details of risk factors, please refer to the most recent Annual Information Form dated February 24, 2023 filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, the Annual Financial Statements, and the below discussions.
Financial Risks
The Company is exposed to varying degrees of a variety of financial instrument related risks. The Board approves and monitors the risk management processes, inclusive of counterparty limits, controlling and reporting structures. The type of risk exposure and the way in which such exposure is managed is provided as follows:
Credit Risk
Credit risk is the risk that one party to a financial instrument will fail to discharge an obligation and cause the other party to incur a financial loss. Financial instruments potentially subject to credit risk are cash and amounts receivable. The Company holds cash with large Canadian banks. The Company’s amounts receivable consists of input tax credits receivable from the Government of Canada and interest accrued on cash. Accordingly, the Company does not believe it is subject to significant credit risk.
22
NexGen Energy Ltd.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2022
(expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except as noted)
The Company’s maximum exposure to credit risk is as follows:
| December 31, 2022 | December 31, 2021 | |||||||
| Cash |
$ | 134,447 | $ | 201,804 | ||||
| Amounts receivable |
1,801 | 1,178 | ||||||
| $ | 136,248 | $ | 202,982 | |||||
Liquidity Risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that an entity will encounter difficulty in raising funds to meet commitments associated with financial instruments. Liquidity requirements are managed based on expected cash flows to ensure that there is sufficient capital to meet short-term obligations. The Company’s approach to managing liquidity risk is to ensure that it will have sufficient liquidity to meet liabilities when due. As at December 31, 2022, NexGen had cash of $134,447 to settle current liabilities of $16,567.
Foreign Currency Risk
The functional currency of the Company and its subsidiaries is the Canadian dollar. The Company is affected by currency transaction risk and currency translation risk. Consequently, fluctuations of the Canadian dollar in relation to other currencies impact the fair value of financial assets, liabilities and operating results. Financial assets and liabilities subject to currency translation risk primarily includes US dollar denominated cash, US dollar accounts payable, 2020 Debentures, 2020 IsoEnergy Debentures, and 2022 IsoEnergy Debentures. The Company maintains Canadian and US dollar bank accounts in Canada.
The Company is exposed to foreign exchange risk on its US dollar denominated 2020 Debentures, 2020 IsoEnergy Debentures, and 2022 IsoEnergy Debentures. At maturity the US$25 million principal amount of the 2020 Debentures, 2020 IsoEnergy Debentures, and 2022 IsoEnergy Debentures is due in full, and prior to maturity, at a premium upon the occurrence of certain events. The Company holds sufficient US dollars to make all cash interest payments due under the 2020 Debentures, 2020 IsoEnergy Debentures, and 2022 IsoEnergy Debentures until maturity but not to pay the principal amount. Accordingly, the Company is subject to risks associated with fluctuations in the Canadian/US dollar exchange rate that may make the 2020 Debentures, 2020 IsoEnergy Debentures, and 2022 IsoEnergy Debentures more costly to repay.
As at December 31, 2022, the Company’s US dollar net financial liabilities were US$46,085. Thus a 10% change in the Canadian dollar versus the US dollar exchange rates would give rise to a $6,242 change in loss and comprehensive loss.
The Company has not entered into any agreements or purchased any instruments to hedge possible currency risks at this time.
Equity and Commodity Price Risk
The Company is exposed to price risk with respect to commodity and equity prices. Equity price risk is defined as the potential adverse impact on the Company’s earnings due to movements in individual equity prices or general movements in the level of the stock market. Accordingly, significant movements in share price may affect the valuation of the Marketable Securities and Convertible Debentures which may adversely impact the Company’s earnings.
Commodity price risk is defined as the potential adverse impact on earnings and economic value due to commodity price movements and volatility. Future declines in commodity prices may impact the valuation of long-lived assets. The Company closely monitors commodity prices of uranium, individual equity movements, and the stock market to determine the appropriate course of action, if any, to be taken by the Company.
23
NexGen Energy Ltd.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2022
(expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except as noted)
Interest Rate Risk
Interest rate risk is the risk that the future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate due to changes in market interest rates. The Company holds its cash in bank accounts that earn variable interest rates. Due to the short-term nature of these financial instruments, fluctuations in market rates do not have a significant impact on the estimated fair value of the Company’s cash balances as of December 31, 2022. The Company manages interest rate risk by maintaining an investment policy for short-term investments. This policy focuses primarily on preservation of capital and liquidity. The Company monitors the investments it makes and is satisfied with the credit rating of its banks. The 2020 Debentures, 2020 IsoEnergy Debentures, and 2022 IsoEnergy Debentures in an aggregate principal amount of US$25 million, carry fixed interest rates of 7.5%, 8.5%, and 10.0% respectively and are not subject to interest rate fluctuations.
Other Risk Factors
The operations of the Company are speculative due to the high-risk nature of its business which is the exploration of mining properties. For a comprehensive list of the risks and uncertainties facing the Company, please see “Risk Factors” in the Company’s most recent annual information form and below under “Industry and Economic Factors that May Affect the Business”. These are not the only risks and uncertainties that NexGen faces. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to the Company or that the Company currently considers immaterial may also impair its business operations. These risk factors could materially affect the Company’s future operating results and could cause actual events to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements relating to the Company.
During 2020, the World Health Organization declared a global pandemic known as COVID-19 and governments around the world enacted measures to combat the spread of the virus. The duration and impact of the COVID-19 outbreak is not known at this time, but the risks to the Company may include, but are not limited to, delays in the previously disclosed timelines and activity levels associated with the Company’s baseline engineering, environmental assessment and the ability to raise funds through debt and equity markets. To date, the Company’s operations and ability to raise funds have not been significantly impacted. The Company has implemented proper COVID-19 protocols at each of its locations that are in line with the respective regional health authorities COVID-19 guidelines.
Negative Impacts by an Outbreak of Infectious Disease or Pandemic
An outbreak of infectious disease, pandemic or a similar public health threat, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and the response thereto, could adversely impact the Company, both operationally and financially. The global response to the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in, among other things, border closures, severe travel restrictions and extreme fluctuations in financial and commodity markets. Additional measures may be implemented by one or more governments around the world in jurisdictions where the Company operates. Labour shortages due to illness, Company or government-imposed isolation programs, or restrictions on the movement of personnel or possible supply chain disruptions could result in a reduction or interruption of the Company’s operations, including operational shutdowns or suspensions. The inability to continue ongoing exploration and development work could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s future cash flows, earnings, results of operations and financial condition. The extent to which COVID-19 and any other pandemic or public health crisis impacts the Company’s business, affairs, operations, financial condition, liquidity, availability of credit and results of operations will depend on future developments that are highly uncertain and cannot be accurately predicted, including new information which may emerge concerning the severity of and the actions required to contain the COVID-19 pandemic or remedy its impact, among others.
24
NexGen Energy Ltd.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2022
(expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except as noted)
Negative Operating Cash Flow and Dependence on Third Party Financing
The Company has no source of operating cash flow and there can be no assurance that the Company will ever achieve profitability. Accordingly, the Company is dependent on third-party financing to continue exploration activities on the Company’s properties, maintain capacity and satisfy contractual obligations. Accordingly, the amount and timing of expenditures depends on the Company’s cash reserves and access to third-party financing. Failure to obtain such additional financing could result in delay or indefinite postponement of further exploration and development of the Company’s properties, including the Rook I Project, or require the Company to sell one or more of its properties (or an interest therein). In particular, there can be no assurance that the Company will have achieved profitability prior to the maturity date and may be required to finance the repayment of all or a part of the principal amount of the Convertible Debentures. Failure to repay the Convertible Debentures in accordance with the terms thereof would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position.
Uncertainty of Additional Financing
As stated above, the Company is dependent on third-party financing, whether through debt, equity, or other means. Although the Company has been successful in raising funds to date, there is no assurance that the Company will be successful in obtaining required financing in the future or that such financing will be available on terms acceptable to the Company. The Company’s access to third-party financing depends on several factors including the price of uranium, the results of ongoing exploration, the Company’s obligations under the convertible debentures, a claim against the Company, a significant event disrupting the Company’s business or uranium industry generally, or other factors may make it difficult or impossible to obtain financing through debt, equity, or other means on favourable terms, or at all. As previously stated, failure to obtain such additional financing could result in delay or indefinite postponement of further exploration and development of the Company’s properties, including the Rook I Project, or require the Company to sell one or more of its properties (or an interest therein).
The Price of Uranium Price and Alternate Sources of Energy
The price of the Company’s securities is highly sensitive to fluctuations in the price of uranium. Historically, the fluctuations in these prices have been, and are expected to continue to be, affected by numerous factors beyond the Company’s control. Such factors include, among others: demand for nuclear power; political and economic conditions in uranium producing and consuming countries; public and political response to a nuclear accident; improvements in nuclear reactor efficiencies; reprocessing of used reactor fuel and the re-enrichment of depleted uranium tails; sales of excess inventories by governments and industry participants; and production levels and production costs in key uranium producing countries.
In addition, nuclear energy competes with other sources of energy like oil, natural gas, coal and hydroelectricity. These sources are somewhat interchangeable with nuclear energy, particularly over the longer term. If lower prices of oil, natural gas, coal and hydroelectricity are sustained over time, it may result in lower demand for uranium concentrates and uranium conversion services, which, among other things, could lead to lower uranium prices. Growth of the uranium and nuclear power industry will also depend on continuing and growing public support for nuclear technology to generate electricity. Unique political, technological and environmental factors affect the nuclear industry, exposing it to the risk of public opinion, which could have a negative effect on the demand for nuclear power and increase the regulation of the nuclear power industry. An accident at a nuclear reactor anywhere in the world could affect acceptance of nuclear energy and the future prospects for nuclear generation.
25
NexGen Energy Ltd.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2022
(expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except as noted)
All of the above factors could have a material and adverse effect on the Company’s ability to obtain the required financing in the future or to obtain such financing on terms acceptable to the Company, resulting in material and adverse effects on its exploration and development programs, cash flow and financial condition.
Exploration Risks
Exploration for mineral resources involves a high degree of risk and few properties that are explored are ultimately developed into producing mines. The risks and uncertainties inherent in exploration activities include but are not limited to: general economic, market and business conditions, the regulatory process and actions, failure to obtain necessary permits and approvals, technical issues, new legislation, competitive and general economic factors and conditions, the uncertainties resulting from potential delays or changes in plans, the occurrence of unexpected events and management’s capacity to execute and implement its future plans. There is also no assurance that even if commercial quantities of ore are discovered that it will be developed and brought into commercial production. The commercial viability of a mineral deposit once discovered is also dependent upon a number of factors, most of which factors are beyond the control of the Company and may result in the Company not receiving adequate return on investment capital.
Uninsurable Risks
Mining operations generally involve a high degree of risk. Exploration, development and production operations on mineral properties involve numerous risks, including but not limited to unexpected or unusual geological operating conditions, seismic activity, rock bursts, cave-ins, fires, floods, landslides, earthquakes and other environmental occurrences, and political and social instability, any of which could result in damage to, or destruction of life or property, environmental damage and possible legal liability. Although the Company believes that appropriate precautions to mitigate these risks are being taken, operations are subject to hazards such as equipment failure or failure of structures, which may result in environmental pollution and consequent liability. It is not always possible to obtain insurance against all such risks and the Company may decide not to insure against certain risks because of high premiums or other reasons. Should such liabilities arise, they could reduce or eliminate the Company’s future profitability and result in increasing costs and a decline in the value of the common shares. While the Company may obtain insurance against certain risks in such amounts as it considers adequate, the nature of these risks is such that liabilities could exceed policy limits or be excluded from coverage. The potential costs that could be associated with any liabilities not covered by insurance or in excess of insurance coverage may cause substantial delays and require significant capital outlays, thereby adversely affecting the Company’s business and financial condition.
Reliance upon Key Management and Other Personnel
The Company relies on the specialized skills of management in the areas of mineral exploration, geology and business negotiations and management. The loss of any of these individuals could have an adverse effect on the Company. The Company does not currently maintain key-man life insurance on any of its key employees. In addition, as the Company’s business activity continues to grow, it will require additional key financial, administrative and qualified technical personnel. Although the Company believes that it will be successful in attracting, retaining and training qualified personnel, there can be no assurance of such success. If it is not successful in attracting, retaining and training qualified personnel, the efficiency of the Company’s business could be affected, which could have an adverse impact on its future cash flows, earnings, results of operation and financial condition.
26
NexGen Energy Ltd.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2022
(expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except as noted)
Imprecision of Mineral Resource Estimates
Mineral Resource figures are estimates, and no assurances can be given that the estimated levels of uranium will be produced. Such estimates are expressions of judgment based on knowledge, mining experience, analysis of drilling results and industry practices. Valid estimates made at a given time may significantly change when new information becomes available. While the Company believes that its Mineral Resource estimate is well established and reflects management’s best estimates, by their nature, Mineral Resource estimates are imprecise and depend, to a certain extent, upon statistical inferences which may ultimately prove unreliable. Should the Company encounter mineralization or formations different from those predicted by past sampling and drilling, resource estimates may have to be adjusted.
These are not the only risks and uncertainties that NexGen faces. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to the Company or that the Company currently considers immaterial may also impair its business operations. These risk factors could materially affect the Company’s future operating results and could cause actual events to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements relating to the Company.
General Inflationary Pressures
General inflationary pressures may affect labour and other costs, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations and the capital expenditures required to advance the Company’s business plans. There can be no assurance that any governmental action taken to control inflationary or deflationary cycles will be effective or whether any governmental action may contribute to economic uncertainty. Governmental action to address inflation or deflation may also affect currency values. Accordingly, inflation and any governmental response thereto may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations, cash flow, financial condition and the price of the common shares.
Industry and Economic Factors that May Affect the Business
The business of mining for minerals involves a high degree of risk. NexGen is an exploration and development company and is subject to risks and challenges similar to companies in a comparable stage and industry. These risks include, but are not limited to, the challenges of securing adequate capital, exploration, development and operational risks inherent in the mining industry; changes in government policies and regulations; the ability to obtain the necessary permitting; as well as global economic and uranium price volatility; all of which are uncertain.
The underlying value of the Company’s exploration and evaluation assets is dependent upon the existence and economic recovery of mineral reserves and is subject to, but not limited to, the risks and challenges identified above. Changes in future conditions could require material write-downs of the carrying value of the Company’s exploration and evaluation assets.
In particular, the Company does not generate revenue. As a result, the Company continues to be dependent on third-party financing to continue exploration and development activities on the Company’s properties, maintain capacity and satisfy contractual obligations including servicing the interest payments due on the convertible debentures and repaying the principal amount thereof at maturity (or sooner in the event of redemption in accordance with the terms of the convertible debentures). Accordingly, the Company’s future performance will be most affected by its access to financing, whether debt, equity or other means.
27
NexGen Energy Ltd.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2022
(expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except as noted)
Access to such financing, in turn, is affected by general economic conditions, the price of uranium, exploration risks and the other factors described in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in the Company’s most recent annual information form.
For further information on Risk Factors, refer to those set forth in the Company’s Annual Information Form dated February 24, 2023, filed under the Company’s profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com on EDGAR at www.sec.gov.
DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Disclosure controls and procedures have been designed to provide reasonable assurance that all relevant information required to be disclosed by the Company is accumulated and communicated to senior management as appropriate and recorded, processed, summarized and reported to allow timely decisions with respect to required disclosure, including in its annual filings, interim filings or other reports filed or submitted by it under securities legislation.
The Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures and, as defined in the rules of the US Securities and Exchange Commission and the Canadian Securities Administrators, as at December 31, 2022. Based on this evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as at December 31, 2022.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
The Company’s management, including its CEO and CFO, is responsible for establishing and maintaining internal control over financial reporting, and conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on the Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
Based on this evaluation, management concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2022. There have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the year that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is intended to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of the Company’s financial reporting for external purposes in accordance with IFRS, as issued by the IASB. The Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, believe that any control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, they cannot provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been prevented or detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by unauthorized override of the control. The design of any systems of controls also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all
28
NexGen Energy Ltd.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2022
(expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except as noted)
potential future conditions. Accordingly, because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.
KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm that audited and reported on the Company’s consolidated financial statements, has issued an attestation report on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022. The attestation report is included in the Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on NexGen’s internal control over financial reporting that accompanies the Company’s Annual Financial Statements.
TECHNICAL DISCLOSURE
All scientific and technical information in this MD&A is derived from the Company’s Rook I FS Technical Report. For details of the Rook I Project, including the key assumptions, parameters and methods used to estimate the updated Mineral Resource, please refer to the Rook I FS Technical Report filed under the Company’s profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov.
All scientific and technical information in this MD&A has been reviewed and approved by Mr. Kevin Small, P.Eng., Senior Vice President, Operations and Engineering, and Mr. Jason Craven, P.Geo., Manager, Exploration for NexGen. Each of Mr. Small and Mr. Craven is a qualified person for the purposes of NI 43-101. Mr. Craven has verified the sampling, analytical, and test data underlying the information or opinions contained herein by reviewing original data certificates and monitoring all of the data collection protocols.
Natural gamma radiation in drill core reported in this MD&A was measured in counts per second (cps) using a Radiation Solutions Inc. RS-120 gamma-ray scintillometer. The reader is cautioned that total count gamma readings may not be directly or uniformly related to uranium grades of the rock sample measured; they should be used only as a preliminary indication of the presence of radioactive minerals.
All references in this MD&A to “Mineral Resource”, “Inferred Mineral Resource”, “Indicated Mineral Resource”, “Measured Mineral Resource”, “Mineral Reserve”, “Proven Mineral Reserve” and “Probable Mineral Reserve” have the meanings ascribed to those terms by the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum, as the CIM Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves adopted by CIM Council, as amended. The requirements of NI 43-101 are different than Securities and Exchange Commission disclosure requirements applicable to mineral reserves and mineral disclosure. Therefore, disclosure relating to Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources contained herein is not comparable to disclosure by issuers required to comply with Securities and Exchange Commission disclosure requirements.
APPROVAL
The Board approved the disclosure contained in this MD&A. A copy of this MD&A will be provided to anyone who requests it and can be located, along with additional information, including the Company’s current annual information form, on the Company’s profile on SEDAR’s website at www.sedar.com, on EDGAR at www.sec.gov, on the ASX at www.asx.com.au or by contacting the Company’s Corporate Secretary, located at Suite 3150, 1021 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC V6E 0C3 or at (604) 428-4112.
29
| /s/ Leigh Curyer |
/s/ Harpreet Dhaliwal | |
| Leigh Curyer |
Harpreet Dhaliwal | |
| President and Chief Executive Officer |
Chief Financial Officer | |
| Vancouver, Canada |
||
| February 24, 2023 |
||
 |
||||
| KPMG LLP Chartered Professional Accountants PO Box 10426 777 Dunsmuir Street Vancouver BC V7Y 1K3 Canada |
Telephone (604) 691-3000 Fax (604) 691-3031 Internet www.kpmg.ca | |||
|
||||
| ` |
KPMG LLP Chartered Professional Accountants PO Box 10426 777 Dunsmuir Street Vancouver BC V7Y 1K3 Canada |
Telephone (604) 691-3000 Fax (604) 691-3031 Internet www.kpmg.ca | ||
As at December 31, 2022 |
As at December 31, 2021 | |||||||
Assets |
||||||||
Current assets |
||||||||
Cash |
$ |
$ | ||||||
Marketable securities (Note 5) |
||||||||
Amounts receivable |
||||||||
Prepaid expenses and other assets |
||||||||
Non-current assets |
||||||||
Exploration and evaluation assets (Note 6) |
||||||||
Property and equipment (Note 7) |
||||||||
Deposits |
||||||||
Total assets |
$ |
$ | ||||||
Liabilities |
||||||||
Current liabilities |
||||||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities |
$ |
$ | ||||||
Lease liabilities (Note 10) |
||||||||
Flow-through share premium liability (Note 8) |
||||||||
Non-current liabilities |
||||||||
Convertible debentures (Note 9) |
||||||||
Long-term lease liabilities (Note 10) |
||||||||
Deferred income tax liabilities (Note 17) |
||||||||
Total liabilities |
$ |
$ | ||||||
Equity |
||||||||
Share capital (Note 11) |
$ |
$ | ||||||
Reserves (Note 11) |
||||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income |
||||||||
Accumulated deficit |
( |
( |
||||||
Equity attributable to NexGen Energy Ltd. shareholders |
||||||||
Non-controlling interests (Note 16) |
||||||||
Total equity |
||||||||
Total liabilities and equity |
$ |
$ | ||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. |
December 31, |
||||||||
2022 |
2021 | |||||||
| Expenses |
||||||||
| Salaries, benefits and directors’ fees |
$ |
$ | |
|||||
| Office, administrative, and travel |
||||||||
| Professional fees and insurance |
||||||||
| Depreciation (Note 7) |
||||||||
| Share-based payments (Note 11) |
||||||||
| Finance income |
( |
( |
||||||
| Mark-to-market |
||||||||
| Interest expense on convertible debentures (Note 9) |
||||||||
| Interest on lease liabilities (Note 10) |
||||||||
| Loss (gain) on sale of assets (Note 5, 6) |
( |
|||||||
| Foreign exchange (gain) loss |
( |
|||||||
| Other income |
( |
|||||||
| Loss before taxes |
||||||||
| Deferred income tax (recovery) expense (Note 17) |
( |
|||||||
| Net loss |
||||||||
| Items that may not be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss: |
||||||||
| Change in fair value of convertible debentures attributable to the change in credit risk (Note 9) |
( |
|||||||
| Change in fair value of marketable securities (Note 5) |
( |
|||||||
| Deferred income tax expense (recovery) (Note 17) |
( |
|||||||
| Net comprehensive loss |
$ |
$ | ||||||
| Net loss attributable to: |
||||||||
| Shareholders of NexGen Energy Ltd. |
$ |
$ | ||||||
| Non-controlling interests |
||||||||
$ |
$ | |||||||
| Net comprehensive loss attributable to: |
||||||||
| Shareholders of NexGen Energy Ltd. |
$ |
$ | ||||||
| Non-controlling interests |
||||||||
$ |
$ | |||||||
| Loss per share attributable to NexGen Energy Ltd. shareholders |
||||||||
| Basic and diluted loss per share |
$ |
$ | ||||||
| Weighted average common shares outstanding |
||||||||
| Basic and diluted |
||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. |
December 31, |
||||||||
| 2022 |
2021 | |||||||
| Net loss for the year: |
$ |
( |
$ | ( |
||||
| Adjust for: |
||||||||
| Depreciation (Note 7) |
||||||||
| Share-based payments (Note 11) |
||||||||
| Mark-to-market |
||||||||
| Interest expense on convertible debentures (Note 9) |
||||||||
| Interest on lease liabilities (Note 10) |
||||||||
| Deferred income tax (recovery) expense (Note 17) |
( |
|||||||
| Unrealized foreign exchange (gain) loss |
( |
|||||||
| Loss (gain) on sale of assets (Note 6, 5) |
( |
|||||||
| Other non-cash items |
( |
|||||||
| Operating cash flows before working capital |
( |
( |
||||||
| Changes in working capital items: |
||||||||
| Amounts receivable |
( |
( |
||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other |
( |
( |
||||||
| Accounts payable and accrued liabilities |
||||||||
| Cash used in operating activities |
$ |
( |
$ | ( |
||||
| Expenditures on exploration and evaluation assets (Note 6) |
( |
( |
||||||
| Proceeds on sale of assets |
||||||||
| Acquisition of equipment, net of disposals |
( |
( |
||||||
| Deposits |
||||||||
| Cash used in investing activities |
$ |
( |
$ | ( |
||||
| Proceeds from bought-deal financing, net of share issuance costs (Note 11) |
||||||||
| Proceeds from common share issuance on ASX, net of share issuance costs (Note 11) |
||||||||
| Shares issued from IsoEnergy Ltd. for cash from private placements, net of share issuance costs |
||||||||
| Issuance of convertible debentures from IsoEnergy Ltd., net of issue costs (Note 9) |
||||||||
| Proceeds from exercise of options and warrants (Note 11) |
||||||||
| Payment of lease liabilities (Note 10) |
( |
( |
||||||
| Interest paid on convertible debentures (Note 9) |
( |
( |
||||||
| Cash provided by financing activities |
$ |
$ | ||||||
| Foreign exchange gain (loss) on cash |
( |
|||||||
| (Decrease) increase in cash |
$ |
( |
$ | |||||
| Cash, beginning of year |
||||||||
| (Decrease) increase in cash |
( |
|||||||
| Cash, end of year |
$ |
$ | ||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. |
4 |
Share Capital |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common Shares |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Number |
Amount |
Reserves |
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) |
Accumulated Deficit |
Attributable to shareholder’s of NexGen Energy Ltd. |
Non- controlling interests |
Total |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2020 |
$ |
$ |
$ |
( |
$ |
( |
$ |
$ |
$ |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share-based payments (Note 11) |
- |
- |
- |
- |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares issued on exercise of stock options (Note 11) |
( |
- |
- |
- |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares issued on converted debentures (Note 9) |
- |
- |
- |
- |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares issued for convertible debentures |
- |
- |
- |
- |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares issued on bought-deal financing, net of share issue costs (Note 11) |
- |
- |
- |
- |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares issued on ASX, net of share issue costs (Note 11) |
- |
- |
- |
- |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares issued for the Rook 1 property development (Note 11) |
( |
- |
- |
- |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ownership changes relating to non-controlling interests |
- |
- |
- |
- |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss for the year |
- |
- |
- |
- |
( |
( |
( |
( |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reclass accumulated other comprehensive income related to converted debentures (Note 9) |
- |
- |
- |
( |
- |
- |
- |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income |
- |
- |
- |
- |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2021 |
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
( |
$ |
$ |
$ |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2021 |
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
( |
$ |
$ |
$ |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share-based payments (Note 11) |
- |
- |
- |
- |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares issued on exercise of stock options (Note 11) |
( |
- |
- |
- |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares issued for convertible debenture interest payments (Note 9) |
- |
- |
- |
- |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ownership changes relating to non-controlling interests |
- |
- |
- |
- |
( |
( |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss for the year |
- |
- |
- |
- |
( |
( |
( |
( |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive loss |
- |
- |
- |
( |
- |
( |
( |
( |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2022 |
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
( |
$ |
$ |
$ |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. |
5 |
1. |
REPORTING ENTITY |
2. |
NATURE OF OPERATIONS |
3. |
BASIS OF PREPARATION |
(i) |
Impairment |
(ii) |
Share-based payments |
(iii) |
Convertible debentures |
(i) |
Deferred tax assets |
(ii) |
Exploration and evaluation assets |
4. |
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES |
(a) |
Functional and presentation currency |
(b) |
Consolidation |
Name of Subsidiary |
Percentage Ownership as at December 31, 2022 |
Percentage Ownership as at December 31, 2021 | ||
NXE Energy Royalty Ltd. |
||||
NXE Energy SW1 Ltd. |
||||
NXE Energy SW3 Ltd. |
||||
IsoEnergy Ltd. |
(c) |
Cash |
(d) |
Exploration and evaluation assets |
(e) |
Equipment |
(i) |
Recognition and measurement |
(ii) |
Subsequent costs |
(iii) |
Depreciation |
- |
Computing equipment |
|||||
- |
Software |
|||||
- |
Field equipment |
|||||
- |
Leasehold improvements |
|||||
- |
Road |
|||||
- |
Lease right-of-use |
|||||
- |
Vehicles |
(iv) |
Disposal |
(f) |
Leases |
● |
The contract involves the use of an identified asset. This may be specific, explicitly or implicitly, and should be physically distinct or represent substantially all of the capacity of a physically distinct asset. If the supplier has a substantive substitution right, then the asset is not identified; |
● |
The Company has the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefit from use of the asset throughout the period of use; and |
● |
The Company has the right to direct the use of the asset. The Company has this right when it has the decision-making rights that are most relevant to changing how and for what purpose the asset is used. |
(g) |
Impairment |
(h) |
Decommissioning and restoration provisions |
(i) |
Share capital |
(j) |
Share-based payments |
(k) |
Flow-through shares |
(l) |
Loss per share |
(m) |
Income taxes |
(n) |
Financial instruments |
(i) |
Classification |
| Financial assets/liabilities |
Classification |
|||
| Cash |
|
|||
| Amounts receivable |
|
|||
| Marketable securities |
|
|||
| Accounts payable and accrued liabilities |
|
|||
| Convertible debentures |
|
(ii) |
Measurement |
(iii) |
Impairment of financial assets at amortized cost |
(iv) |
Derecognition |
(o) |
Future accounting pronouncements |
5. |
MARKETABLE SECURITIES |
Disposition of Properties |
||||
Marketable securities received |
$ | |||
Cash |
||||
Proceeds – disposition of properties |
||||
Cost – disposition of properties |
( |
|||
Gain on sale of assets |
$ |
● |
If the uranium spot price reaches US$50 per pound, IsoEnergy will receive an additional $ |
● |
If the uranium spot price reaches US$75 per pound, IsoEnergy will receive an additional $ |
● |
If the uranium spot price reaches US$100 per pound, IsoEnergy will receive an additional $ |
Disposition of Properties |
||||
Marketable securities received |
$ | |
||
Cash |
||||
Proceeds – disposition of properties |
||||
Cost – disposition of properties |
( |
|||
Gain on sale of assets |
$ |
6. |
EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION ASSETS |
(a) |
Rook I Project |
(b) |
Other Athabasca Basin Properties |
(c) |
IsoEnergy Properties |
Rook I |
Other Athabasca Basin Properties |
IsoEnergy Properties |
Total |
||||||||||||||||
Acquisition cost |
|||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2021 |
$ |
$ |
|||||||||||||||||
Additions |
|||||||||||||||||||
Dispositions |
( |
( |
|||||||||||||||||
Balance as at December 31, 2022 |
$ |
$ |
|||||||||||||||||
Deferred exploration costs |
|||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2021 |
$ |
$ |
|||||||||||||||||
Additions: |
|||||||||||||||||||
General exploration and drilling |
|||||||||||||||||||
Environmental, permitting, and engagement |
|||||||||||||||||||
Technical, engineering and design |
|||||||||||||||||||
Geochemistry and assays |
|||||||||||||||||||
Geological and geophysical |
|||||||||||||||||||
Labour and wages |
|||||||||||||||||||
Share-based payments (Note 11) |
|||||||||||||||||||
Travel |
|||||||||||||||||||
Total Additions |
|||||||||||||||||||
Balance as at December 31, 2022 |
$ |
$ |
|||||||||||||||||
Total costs, December 31, 2022 |
$ |
$ |
|||||||||||||||||
Rook I |
Other Athabasca Basin Properties |
IsoEnergy Properties |
Total |
||||||||||||||||
Acquisition cost |
|||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2020 |
$ | $ | |||||||||||||||||
Additions |
|||||||||||||||||||
Dispositions |
( |
( |
|||||||||||||||||
Balance as at December 31, 2021 |
$ |
$ |
|||||||||||||||||
Deferred exploration costs |
|||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2020 |
|||||||||||||||||||
Additions: |
|||||||||||||||||||
General exploration and drilling |
|||||||||||||||||||
Environmental, permitting, and engagement |
|||||||||||||||||||
Technical, engineering and design |
|||||||||||||||||||
Geochemistry and assays |
|||||||||||||||||||
Geological and geophysical |
|||||||||||||||||||
Labour and wages |
|||||||||||||||||||
Share-based payments (Note 11) |
|||||||||||||||||||
Travel |
|||||||||||||||||||
Total Additions |
|||||||||||||||||||
Balance as at December 31, 2021 |
$ |
$ |
|||||||||||||||||
Total costs, December 31, 2021 |
$ |
$ |
|||||||||||||||||
7. |
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT |
Computer Equipment |
Software |
Field equipment and Vehicles |
Office, Furniture and Leasehold Improvements |
Road |
Total |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| At December 31, 2020 |
$ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reclassification |
- | - | ( |
- | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Additions |
- | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Disposals |
- | - | ( |
- | ( |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| At December 31, 2021 |
$ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Additions |
- | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance as at December 31, 2022 |
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accumulated Depreciation |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| At December 31, 2020 |
$ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reclassification |
- | - | ( |
- | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Disposals |
- | - | - | ( |
- | ( |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| At December 31, 2021 |
$ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance as at December 31, 2022 |
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net book value at December 31, 2021 |
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net book value at December 31, 2022 |
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
8. |
FLOW-THROUGH SHARE PREMIUM LIABILITY |
2022 |
2021 |
|||||||
| Balance, beginning of year |
$ |
$ |
||||||
| Liability incurred on flow-through shares issued |
||||||||
| Settlement of flow-though share liability on expenditures |
( |
|||||||
| Balance, end of year |
$ |
$ |
|
|||||
9. |
CONVERTIBLE DEBENTURES |
2016 Debentures |
2017 Debentures |
2020 Debentures |
IsoEnergy 2020 Debentures |
IsoEnergy 2022 Debentures |
Total |
|||||||||||||||||||
| Fair value at December 31, 2020 |
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
- |
$ |
|||||||||||||||||
| Fair value adjustment |
- | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Settlement with shares |
( |
( |
- | - | - | ( |
||||||||||||||||||
| Fair value at December 31, 2021 |
$ |
- |
$ |
- |
$ |
$ |
$ |
- |
$ |
|||||||||||||||
| Fair value on issuance |
- | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Fair value adjustment |
- | - | ( |
( |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Fair Value at December 31, 2022 |
$ |
- |
$ |
- |
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2022 |
December 31, 2021 | |||||||
| Volatility |
||||||||
| Expected life in years |
||||||||
| Risk free interest rate |
||||||||
| Expected dividend yield |
||||||||
| Credit spread |
||||||||
| Underlying share price of the Company |
$ |
$ |
||||||
| Conversion exercise price |
$ |
$ |
||||||
| Exchange rate (C$:US$) |
$ |
$ |
||||||
December 31, 2022 |
December 31, 2021 | |||||||
| Volatility |
||||||||
| Expected life in years |
||||||||
| Risk free interest rate |
||||||||
| Expected dividend yield |
||||||||
| Credit spread |
||||||||
| Underlying share price of IsoEnergy |
$ |
$ |
||||||
| Conversion exercise price |
$ |
$ |
||||||
| Exchange rate (C$:US$) |
$ |
$ |
||||||
December 31, 2022 |
December 6, 2022 | |||||||
| Volatility |
||||||||
| Expected life in years |
||||||||
| Risk free interest rate |
||||||||
| Expected dividend yield |
||||||||
| Credit spread |
||||||||
| Underlying share price of IsoEnergy |
$ |
$ |
||||||
| Conversion exercise price |
$ |
$ |
||||||
| Exchange rate (C$:US$) |
$ |
$ |
||||||
10. |
LEASES |
(a) |
Right-of-use |
December 31, 2022 |
December 31, 2021 | |||||||
Right-of-use |
$ |
$ |
||||||
Additions |
||||||||
Disposals |
( |
|||||||
Depreciation |
( |
( |
||||||
Balance, end of period |
$ |
$ |
||||||
(b) |
Lease liabilities |
December 31, 2022 |
December 31, 2021 | |||||||
Lease liabilities, beginning of period |
$ |
$ |
||||||
Terminations |
( |
|||||||
Interest expense on lease liabilities |
||||||||
Payment of lease liabilities |
( |
( |
||||||
Balance, end of period |
$ |
$ |
||||||
Current portion |
||||||||
Non-current portion |
||||||||
Balance, end of period |
$ |
$ |
||||||
(c) |
Amounts relating to short-term and variable leases |
Year ended December 31, |
||||||||
2022 |
2021 | |||||||
| Expense relating to short-term leases |
$ |
$ |
||||||
| Expense relating to variable lease payments |
$ |
$ |
||||||
11. |
SHARE CAPITAL |
(a) |
Authorized capital |
(b) |
Share options |
Options outstanding |
Weighted average exercise price (C$) | |||||||
At December 31, 2020 |
$ |
|||||||
Granted |
||||||||
Exercised |
( |
|||||||
Expired |
( |
|||||||
Forfeited |
( |
|||||||
At December 31, 2021 |
$ |
|||||||
Granted |
||||||||
Exercised |
( |
|||||||
Expired |
( |
|||||||
Forfeited |
( |
|||||||
At December 31, 2022 – Outstanding |
$ |
|||||||
At December 31, 2022 – Exercisable |
$ |
|||||||
Number of share options outstanding |
Number of share options exercisable |
Exercise prices (C$) |
Remaining contractual life (years) |
Expiry date | ||||||||||
| - | ||||||||||||||
| - | ||||||||||||||
For the year ended | ||||||||
December 31, 2022 |
December 31, 2021 | |||||||
Expected stock price volatility |
||||||||
Expected life of options |
||||||||
Risk free interest rate |
||||||||
Expected forfeitures |
||||||||
Expected dividend yield |
||||||||
Weighted average fair value per option granted in period |
$ |
$ |
||||||
Weighted average exercise price |
$ |
$ |
||||||
12. |
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION |
a) |
Schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities: |
Year ended December 31 |
||||||||
2022 |
2021 | |||||||
Capitalized share-based payments |
$ |
|
||||||
Exploration and evaluation asset expenditures included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities |
||||||||
Interest expense included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities |
||||||||
Share consideration on sale of properties (Note 5) |
- |
|||||||
13. |
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS |
For the year ended December 31 |
||||||||
2022 |
2021 | |||||||
Short-term compensation (1) |
$ |
$ |
||||||
Share-based payments (2) |
||||||||
Consulting fees (3) (4) |
||||||||
$ |
$ |
|||||||
14. |
CAPITAL MANAGEMENT |
December 31, 2022 |
December 31, 2021 | |||||||
| Equity |
$ |
$ |
||||||
| Convertible debentures (Note 9) |
||||||||
| Less: Cash |
( |
( |
||||||
$ |
$ |
|||||||
15. |
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND RISK MANAGEMENT |
● |
Level 1 – unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities |
● |
Level 2 – inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability either directly or indirectly; and |
● |
Level 3 – inputs that are not based on observable market data. |
December 31, 2022 |
December 31, 2021 |
|||||||
| Cash |
$ |
$ |
||||||
| Amounts receivable |
||||||||
$ |
$ |
|||||||
Less than 1 year |
1 to 3 years |
4 to 5 years |
Over 5 years |
Total | ||||||||||||||||
Trade and other payables |
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
|||||||||||||||
Convertible debentures (Note 9) |
||||||||||||||||||||
Lease liabilities (Note 10) |
||||||||||||||||||||
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
||||||||||||||||
16. |
NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS |
2022 |
2021 | |||||||
Cash |
$ |
$ | ||||||
Other current assets |
||||||||
Marketable securities |
||||||||
Non-current assets |
||||||||
Total assets |
$ |
$ | ||||||
Current liabilities |
||||||||
Non-current liabilities |
||||||||
Total liabilities |
$ |
$ | |
|||||
Loss from operations |
$ |
$ | ||||||
Loss and comprehensive loss |
$ |
$ | ||||||
Net cash flow from operating activities |
( |
( |
||||||
Net cash flow from investing activities |
( |
( |
||||||
Net cash flow from financing activities |
||||||||
Net increase (decrease) in cash |
$ |
$ | ( |
|||||
17. |
INCOME TAXES |
2022 |
2021 | |||||||
Net loss for the year |
$ |
( |
$ | ( |
||||
Statutory rate |
||||||||
Expected income tax recovery |
$ |
( |
$ | ( |
||||
Permanent differences |
||||||||
Impact of flow-through shares |
||||||||
Impact of (gain) loss recognized in other comprehensive income |
( |
|||||||
Impact of loss on convertible debt |
||||||||
Change in unrecognized deductible temporary differences |
||||||||
Other |
( |
|||||||
Deferred income tax expense (recovery) |
$ |
( |
$ | |||||
2022 |
2021 | |||||||
Deferred income tax expense (recovery) |
$ |
( |
$ | |||||
Total |
$ |
( |
$ | |
||||
2022 |
2021 | |||||||
Change in fair value of convertible debentures attributable to the change in credit risk |
$ |
$ | ( |
|||||
Change in fair value of marketable securities |
( |
|||||||
Total |
$ |
$ | |
|||||
2022 |
2021 | |||||||
Exploration and evaluation assets |
$ |
$ | ||||||
Convertible debentures |
||||||||
Non-capital losses |
( |
( |
||||||
Share issuance costs |
( |
( |
||||||
Equipment |
( |
( |
||||||
Marketable securities |
||||||||
Net deferred tax liabilities |
$ |
$ | |
|||||
2022 |
2021 | |||||||
Opening balance |
$ |
$ | ||||||
Recognized in income tax expense |
( |
|||||||
Recognized in OCI/equity |
( |
|||||||
Net deferred tax liabilities |
$ |
$ | ||||||
Temporary Differences |
2022 |
Expiry Date Range |
2021 |
Expiry Date Range | ||||||||
Non-capital losses available for future periods |
$ |
$ | |
|||||||||
Share issuance costs |
- |
- | ||||||||||
Equipment |
- |
- | ||||||||||
Donations |
||||||||||||
18. |
SEGMENTED INFORMATION |
19. |
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS |
EXHIBIT 99.4
CERTIFICATION REQUIRED BY RULE 13a-14(a) OR RULE 15d-14(a) UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
I, Leigh R. Curyer, certify that:
| 1. | I have reviewed this annual report on Form 40-F of NexGen Energy Ltd.; |
| 2. | Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; |
| 3. | Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the issuer as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; |
| 4. | The issuer’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 issuer 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 issuer, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; |
| (b) | Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; |
| (c) | Evaluated the effectiveness of the issuer’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 issuer’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the issuer’s internal control over financial reporting; and |
| 5. | The issuer’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the issuer’s auditors and the audit committee of the issuer’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): |
| (a) | All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the issuer’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 issuer’s internal control over financial reporting. |
Date: February 24, 2023
| /s/ Leigh R. Curyer | ||
|
| ||
| Name: | Leigh R. Curyer | |
| Title: | Chief Executive Officer | |
EXHIBIT 99.5
CERTIFICATION REQUIRED BY RULE 13a-14(a) OR RULE 15d-14(a) UNDER THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
I, Harpreet Dhaliwal, certify that:
| 1. | I have reviewed this annual report on Form 40-F of NexGen Energy Ltd.; |
| 2. | Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; |
| 3. | Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the issuer as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; |
| 4. | The issuer’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 issuer 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 issuer, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; |
| (b) | Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; |
| (c) | Evaluated the effectiveness of the issuer’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 issuer’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the issuer’s internal control over financial reporting; and |
| 5. | The issuer’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the issuer’s auditors and the audit committee of the issuer’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): |
| (a) | All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the issuer’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 issuer’s internal control over financial reporting. |
Date: February 24, 2023
| /s/ Harpreet Dhaliwal | ||
|
| ||
| Name: | Harpreet Dhaliwal | |
| Title: | Chief Financial Officer | |
Exhibit 99.6
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 NexGen Energy Ltd. (the “Company”) on Form 40-F for the year ended December 31, 2022, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Leigh R. Curyer, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to the best of 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 represents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of the operations of the Company. |
Date: February 24, 2023
| /s/ Leigh R. Curyer | ||
|
|
||
| Leigh R. Curyer | ||
| Chief Executive Officer |
Exhibit 99.7
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 NexGen Energy Ltd. (the “Company”) on Form 40-F for the year ended December 31, 2022, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Harpreet Dhaliwal, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to the best of 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 represents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of the operations of the Company. |
Date: February 24, 2023
| /s/ Harpreet Dhaliwal | ||
|
|
||
| Harpreet Dhaliwal | ||
| Chief Financial Officer |
Exhibit 99.8
| KPMG LLP Chartered Professional Accountants PO Box 10426 777 Dunsmuir Street Vancouver BC V7Y 1K3 Canada |
Telephone (604) 691-3000 Fax (604) 691-3031 Internet www.kpmg.ca |
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors
NexGen Energy Ltd.
We consent to the use of:
| • | our report dated February 24, 2023 on the consolidated financial statements of NexGen Energy Ltd. (the “Entity”) which comprise the consolidated statements of financial position as at December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the related consolidated statements of net loss and comprehensive loss, changes in equity and cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2022, and the related notes (collectively the “consolidated financial statements”), and |
| • | our report dated February 24, 2023 on the effectiveness of the Entity’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022 |
each of which is included in the Annual Report on Form 40-F of the Entity for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.
We also consent to the incorporation by reference of such reports in the Registration Statement (No. 333-266575) on Form F-10/A of the Entity.
//s// KPMG LLP
Chartered Professional Accountants
February 24, 2023
Vancouver, Canada
KPMG LLP, an Ontario limited liability partnership and member firm of the KPMG global organization of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Limited, a private English company limited by guarantee. KPMG Canada provides services to KPMG LLP.
Exhibit 99.9
|
NexGen Energy Ltd. Head Office 3150 – 1021 West Hastings Street Vancouver, BC, V6E 0C3 Tel: 604.428.4112 Fax: 604.259.0321
Saskatoon Office Suite 200, 475-2nd Ave S Saskatoon SK, S7K 1P4 Tel: 306 954 2275 |
In connection with the Annual Report on Form 40-F of NexGen Energy Ltd. (the “Annual Report”) for the year ended December 31, 2022, I, Kevin Small, P.Eng., Senior Vice President of Engineering and Operations for NexGen Energy Ltd., hereby consent to the references in the Annual Report and in NexGen Energy Ltd.’s Registration Statement on Form F-10 (File No. 333-266575) (the “Registration Statement”) to my name, and the inclusion and incorporation by reference in the Annual Report and in the Registration Statement of the information prepared by me, that I supervised the preparation of or reviewed or approved by me that is of scientific or technical nature and all other references to such information included or incorporated by reference in the Annual Report and in the Registration Statement.
I also consent to the use of my name, including as an expert or “qualified person,” in connection with the Annual Report and the Registration Statement.
| Dated: February 24, 2023 |
| /s/ Kevin Small |
| Kevin Small, P. Eng. |
Exhibit 99.10
|
|
NexGen Energy Ltd. Head Office 3150 – 1021 West Hastings Street Vancouver, BC, V6E 0C3 Tel: 604.428.4112 Fax: 604.259.0321
Saskatoon Office Suite 200, 475-2nd Ave S Saskatoon SK, S7K 1P4 Tel: 306 954 2275 |
In connection with the Annual Report on Form 40-F of NexGen Energy Ltd. (the “Annual Report”) for the year ended December 31, 2022, I, Jason Craven, P.Geo., Exploration Manager for NexGen Energy Ltd., hereby consent to the references in the Annual Report and in NexGen Energy Ltd.’s Registration Statement on Form F-10 (File No. 333-266575) (the “Registration Statement”) to my name, and the inclusion and incorporation by reference in the Annual Report and in the Registration Statement of the information prepared by me, that I supervised the preparation of or reviewed or approved by me that is of scientific or technical nature and all other references to such information included or incorporated by reference in the Annual Report and in the Registration Statement.
I also consent to the use of my name, including as an expert or “qualified person,” in connection with the Annual Report and the Registration Statement.
| Dated: February 24, 2023 |
| /s/ Jason Craven |
| Jason Craven, P. Geo. |
Exhibit 99.11
To: NexGen Energy Ltd.
In connection with the Annual Report on Form 40-F of NexGen Energy Ltd. (the “Annual Report”) for the year ended December 31, 2022, I, Mark Hatton, P. Eng., hereby consent to the references in the Annual Report and in NexGen Energy Ltd.’s Registration Statement on Form F-10 (File No. 333-266575) (the “Registration Statement”), to my name and to the inclusion and incorporation by reference in the Annual Report and Registration Statement of extracts from or summaries of sections for which I am responsible in the report entitled “Arrow Deposit, Rook I Project, Saskatchewan, NI 43-101 Technical Report on Feasibility Study”, with an effective date of February 22, 2021, and as amended and restated on March 10, 2021.
| Dated: February 24, 2023 |
| /s/ Mark Hatton |
| Mark Hatton, P. Eng. |
Exhibit 99.12
To: NexGen Energy Ltd.
In connection with the Annual Report on Form 40-F of NexGen Energy Ltd. (the “Annual Report”) for the year ended December 31, 2022, I, Paul O’Hara, P.Eng., hereby consent to the references in the Annual Report and in NexGen Energy Ltd.’s Registration Statement on Form F-10 (File No. 333-266575) (the “Registration Statement”), to my name and to the inclusion and incorporation by reference in the Annual Report and Registration Statement of extracts from or summaries of sections for which I am responsible in the report entitled “Arrow Deposit, Rook I Project, Saskatchewan, NI 43-101 Technical Report on Feasibility Study”, with an effective date of February 22, 2021, and as amended and restated on March 10, 2021.
| Dated: February 24, 2023 |
| /s/ Paul O’Hara |
| Paul O’Hara, P. Eng. |
Exhibit 99.13
To: NexGen Energy Ltd.
In connection with the Annual Report on Form 40-F of NexGen Energy Ltd. (the “Annual Report”) for the year ended December 31, 2022, I, Mark B. Mathisen, C.P.G., hereby consent to the references in the Annual Report and in NexGen Energy Ltd.’s Registration Statement on Form F-10 (File No. 333-266575) (the “Registration Statement”), to my name and to the inclusion and incorporation by reference in the Annual Report and Registration Statement of extracts from or summaries of sections for which I am responsible in the report entitled “Arrow Deposit, Rook I Project, Saskatchewan, NI 43-101 Technical Report on Feasibility Study”, with an effective date of February 22, 2021, and as amended and restated on March 10, 2021.
| Dated: February 24, 2023 |
| /s/ Mark B. Mathisen |
| Mark B. Mathisen, C.P.G. |
Exhibit 99.14
Code of Ethics
NexGen’s Commitment
REPUTATION AND VALUES
The reputation of NexGen Energy Ltd. (the “Corporation”) and all its affiliated entities, other than those controlled entities that have securities listed on a securities exchange and are subject to their own corporate governance standards and policies, (collectively, “NexGen”) is one of its most important assets. The Corporation’s reputation is built through the conduct of directors, officers, employees, consultants, contractors, and agents (collectively, “Personnel”) in the dealings on behalf of NexGen. NexGen expects its reputation to be beyond reproach, and one that all stakeholders can be proud of. NexGen’s reputation is built on the following core values and beliefs:
| 1. | Honesty - Transparent and clear with self and others; open to giving and receiving feedback; |
| 2. | Resilience – Agile and entrepreneurial – nimble with the structure to pivot. NexGen is committed to the long-term; |
| 3. | Respect – Treat others in the way we want to be treated and without judgement; |
| 4. | Accountability – Clear in our expectations, open, we have ownership of our work and execute with excellence. |
NEXGEN’S CODE OF ETHICS (the “Code”)
NexGen expects and requires its Personnel to:
| • | Behave honestly and ethically. |
| • | Act with integrity. |
| • | When acting on behalf of NexGen, afford those with whom you encounter respect and courtesy. |
| • | Maintain confidentiality, where required, to ensure the protection of corporate, personal and third party information. |
| • | Take responsible steps to avoid any conflicts of interest, either real or perceived. |
| • | Behave in ways which uphold and reflect NexGen’s values. |
| • | Never use one’s power or status in an effort to gain undue benefit or advantage over others. |
| • | Respectful in every way with communities and the environment. |
| • | Always comply with the law and relevant rules and regulations. |
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COMPLIANCE WITH THE CODE
The Code reflects NexGen’s commitment to the highest standards of governance and ethics. As such, Personnel are required to:
| • | comply with the Code; |
| • | assist and co-operate with audits and investigations related to the Code and other polices of the Corporation; and |
| • | promptly report violations of the code. |
The Code is designed to foster a consistent and high standard of ethical behavior by NexGen’s Personnel and is NexGen’s guide in its relationships with internal and external parties. All Personnel are expected to conduct themselves by, and be familiar with, the Code. Any violation of the Code can result in disciplinary action, including dismissal. It is the Corporation’s responsibility to ensure that any individuals who report violations of this Code are treated fairly and with respect.
SOME EXAMPLES OF THE APPLICATION OF OUR CODE OF ETHICS: CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
Our Responsibilities
Personnel may experience situations during the course of their employment that represent a conflict of interest. A conflict of interest exists whenever individual interests interfere or conflict (or even appear to interfere or conflict) with the interests of NexGen in a way that may adversely influence Personnel’s objectivity, ability to perform NexGen work effectively, or the exercise of sound, ethical business judgment. Conflicts of interest can also arise when Personnel, or a member of his or her family, receive improper personal benefits as a result of his or her position at NexGen. No Personnel should improperly benefit, directly or indirectly, from his or her status as Personnel of NexGen, or from any decision or action by NexGen where he or she is in a position to influence.
By way of example, a conflict of interest may arise if any Personnel:
| • | has a material personal interest in a transaction or agreement involving NexGen; |
| • | accepts a loan, or a guarantee of an obligation, from NexGen; |
| • | accepts a gift, service, payment or other benefit (other than a nominal gift) from a competitor, supplier or customer of NexGen, or any person, entity or organization with which NexGen does business or seeks or expects to do business; |
| • | lends to, borrows from, or has a material interest in a competitor, supplier or customer of NexGen, or any entity or organization with which NexGen does business or seeks or expects to do business (other than routine investments in publicly traded companies or borrowing from financial institutions); |
| • | knowingly competes with NexGen or diverts a business opportunity from NexGen; |
| • | serves as an officer, director, employee, consultant or in any management capacity in an entity or organization with which NexGen does business or seeks or expects to do business (other than routine business involving immaterial amounts, in which the individual has no decision-making or other role); |
| • | has a material interest in an entity or organization with which NexGen does business or seeks or expects to do business; or |
| • | participates in a venture in which NexGen has expressed an interest. |
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Personnel are expected to use common sense and good judgment in deciding whether a potential conflict of interest may exist. In the event of a potential conflict of interest, Personnel should notify the Corporation and clear any potential conflicts in writing.
GIFTS, BENEFITS AND ENTERTAINMENT
Our Responsibilities
Personnel at NexGen are expected to act responsibly and with integrity when making a decision on whether to accept the offer of a gift, benefit or entertainment. Gifts should not be accepted if they could be reasonably considered to be extravagant for an individual in the position of the recipient, and Personnel must avoid the appearance and the act of improperly influencing business relationships with the organizations or individuals with whom they deal. If there is any doubt in a Personnel’s mind about any gift, the Personnel should discuss it with his or her supervisor.
Personnel shall not furnish, on behalf of NexGen, expensive gifts or provide excessive benefits to other persons. The direct or indirect use of NexGen’s funds, goods or services as contributions to political parties, campaigns or candidates of election to any level of government requires approval of a senior executive officer of the Corporation.
HONESTY, INTEGRITY AND THE LAW
Our Responsibilities
Personnel are expected to act honestly, with integrity and to comply with the law at all times. Dishonest, unethical or illegal behavior will have a negative impact on NexGen and its reputation. Compliance with both the letter and spirit of all laws, rules and regulations applicable to NexGen’s business is critical to its reputation and continued success. All Personnel must respect and obey the laws of the cities, provinces, states and countries in which we operate and avoid even the appearance of impropriety. Personnel who fail to comply with this Code and applicable laws will be subject to disciplinary measures, up to and including dismissal.
HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT
Our Responsibilities
NexGen demonstrates its accountability in the areas of health, safety and the environment (“HSE”) by managing risk and complying with HSE laws and regulations. All Personnel are expected to make health and safety a top priority. NexGen believes environmental responsibility, a safe and healthy workplace, and reliable operations are integral to generating benefits for our investors, stakeholders, Personnel and the communities where we operate. NexGen has procedures in place that instigate a rigorous program to minimize and mitigate the impact to the environment.
PERSONNEL RELATIONS
Our Responsibilities
All Personnel of NexGen shall be treated with respect and dignity. NexGen is an equal opportunity employer and shall not permit its Personnel to discriminate against Personnel or potential directors, officers or employees on the basis of race, ancestry, national/ethnic/place of origin, color, religion/religious beliefs, age, sex/gender, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, disability, class of persons, source of income, or pardoned conviction, or any other characteristic protected by United States law, Canadian or provincial laws and regulations, as applicable.
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NexGen will make reasonable accommodations for its Personnel in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. NexGen is committed to actions and policies to ensure fair employment, including equal treatment in hiring, promoting, training, compensation, termination and corrective action and will not tolerate discrimination.
PUBLIC RELATIONS
Our Responsibilities
Unless Personnel are specifically authorized to represent NexGen to the media, they may not respond to media inquiries or requests for information. This includes newspapers, magazines, trade publications, radio and television as well as any other external sources requesting information about NexGen. Any media contact on any topic should be immediately referred to the designated spokespersons identified in the Corporation’s Disclosure Policy. Personnel must be careful not to disclose confidential, personal or business information through public or casual discussions with the media or others.
OUTSIDE BUSINESS ACTIVITIES
Our Responsibilities
Personnel may not take for themselves personally opportunities that are discovered through the use of NexGen assets, information or position. Personnel may not participate in outside business or financial activities that compete directly with NexGen. Personnel may not use NexGen assets or information or their position with NexGen at any time, for personal gain. Personnel owe a duty to NexGen to advance its legitimate business interests when the opportunity to do so arises.
It is expected that Personnel will not participate in an outside business that distract the performance of their role and function at NexGen as governed by their employment agreement, or businesses that supply services or has business dealings with NexGen where there is a possibility of preferential treatment being received by virtue of the Personnel’s position.
FAIR DEALING
Our Responsibilities
Each Personnel should deal fairly with NexGen’s customers, suppliers, competitors and Personnel, and should not take unfair advantage of anyone through manipulation, concealment, abuse of privileged information, misrepresentation of material facts, or any other unfair dealing practice.
PRIVACY AND CONFIDENTIALITY
Our Responsibilities
The protection of information and confidentiality is extremely important to NexGen, regardless of whether it is personal or corporate. Personnel are expected, and should expect, that personally identifiable information be treated with respect and protected from collection or disclosure without consent and the Corporation complies with applicable legislation governing the protection of personal information. Moreover, we are required to preserve and protect the confidentiality of corporate initiatives and intellectual property as well as business and operational plans. Personnel should exercise care when discussing what may be considered confidential or private information with other Personnel or outside parties.
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INTEGRITY OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Our Responsibilities
Stakeholders must be provided with accurate, up-to-date financial information in order to make informed decisions. Many NexGen Personnel contribute directly to various reporting processes that impact the integrity and accuracy of financial information, statements and management reports. All Personnel have a responsibility to ensure that financial records accurately reflect financial transactions. Adequate controls must be maintained to ensure the accuracy of financial reporting. The books and records of the Corporation must reflect in reasonable detail its transactions in a timely, fair and accurate manner to, among other things, permit the preparation of accurate financial statements in accordance with applicable generally accepted accounting principles and maintain recorded accountability for assets and liabilities. All Personnel responsible for maintaining the Corporation’s financial records must maintain the accuracy of asset and liability records by comparing the records to the existing assets and liabilities at reasonable intervals, and appropriate action must be taken with respect to any differences. All business transactions in which Personnel have participated must be properly authorized, properly recorded and supported by accurate documentation in reasonable detail. Any intentional misrepresentations, regardless of size, are a clear contravention of this Code and bring into question the integrity of the Personnel as well as the Corporation itself. These situations are taken extremely seriously by the Corporation and will be promptly dealt with.
DISCLOSURE MATTERS
Our Responsibilities
The Corporation is required to provide full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in the reports and documents that it files with, or submits to, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, the British Columbia Securities Commission and other Canadian securities regulatory authorities, the Toronto Stock Exchange, the New York Stock Exchange, and the Australian Securities Exchange as well in other public communications made by the Corporation. Many Personnel contribute directly to the preparation of the Corporation’s public disclosures or provide information as part of the process. All such Personnel must ensure that the disclosures are prepared, and information is provided honestly, accurately, and in compliance with the Corporation’s various disclosure controls and procedures.
No information may be concealed from the Corporation’s external auditors, the Board of Directors of the Corporation, or the audit committee of the Board of Directors. It is illegal to fraudulently influence, coerce, manipulate or mislead an external auditor who is auditing the Corporation’s financial statements.
INSIDER TRADING / MISUSE OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Our Responsibilities
All non-public information about NexGen or its partners should be considered confidential information. To use non-public information for personal financial benefit or to “tip” others who might make an investment decision on the basis of this information is not only unethical but also illegal. This includes but is not limited to shares or securities which the Corporation is evaluating, or is studying, as a possible acquisition or joint venture partner or with whom a major contract may be concluded. Use or disclosure of such information can result in civil or criminal penalties, for both the individuals involved and the Corporation. If you have any questions, please consult the Insider Trading Policy Administrator identified in the Corporation’s Insider Trading and Reporting Policy.
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PROTECTION AND USE OF NEXGEN ASSETS
Our Responsibilities
All Personnel should protect and promote the responsible use of NexGen’s assets and resources and ensure their efficient use. Theft, carelessness and waste have a direct impact on the Corporation’s profitability. Any suspected incidents of fraud or theft should be immediately reported for investigation.
NexGen assets, such as proprietary information, funds, materials, supplies, products, computers, software, facilities and other assets owned or leased by NexGen or that are otherwise in NexGen’s possession may only be used for legitimate business purposes. NexGen assets must only be used for legitimate business purposes and may never be used for illegal purposes.
Proprietary information includes any information that is not generally known to the public or would be helpful to our competitors. Examples of proprietary information are geological data and results, development and business plans, and Personnel information. The obligation to use proprietary information for legitimate business purposes only continues even after Personnel leave NexGen. Confidential information, including all non-public information that might be of use to competitors or harmful to NexGen if disclosed, must not be disclosed except when disclosure is authorized or legally mandated.
WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT AND RELATIONSHIPS
Our Responsibilities
Personnel are expected to conduct themselves in a professional and courteous manner with their peers and coworkers as part of the fulfillment of their work responsibilities and day-to- day relationships. Any report of violation of this standard will be investigated and may result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal. Conversely, filing of frivolous or false reports will also be investigated and could result in disciplinary action.
WORKPLACE VIOLENCE
Our Responsibilities
The workplace must be free from violent behavior. Threatening, intimidating or aggressive behavior, as well as bullying, subjecting to ridicule or other similar behavior toward fellow Personnel or others in the workplace will not be tolerated. No weapons of any kind will be tolerated in the workplace unless such are required for property security purposes and then only after written authorization from an officer of the Corporation.
WORKPLACE HARASSMENT
Our Responsibilities
NexGen is committed to maintaining a working environment free from unlawful harassment. All Personnel must treat each other in a manner free from verbal or physical harassment. The Corporation is committed to providing a work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. Harassment is against the law, and it will not be tolerated from any person in the workplace.
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NexGen is committed to maintaining a work environment where Personnel feel free to report any irregularities they witness or become aware of regarding any legal or regulatory matter, accounting, internal controls, auditing, or violations of this Code, without the fear of retribution, retaliation, or inaction. If Personnel observe or become aware of an actual or potential violation of this Code or of any law, rule or regulation, whether committed by Personnel or by others associated with NexGen, it is the individual’s responsibility to report the circumstances and to cooperate with any investigation by the Corporation. This Code is designed to provide an atmosphere of open communication for compliance issues and to ensure that an individual acting in good faith has the means to report actual or potential violations. If Personnel are unsure about the best course of action to take with respect to a particular situation, the individual is encouraged to seek guidance, using the procedures set forth in the Corporation’s Whistleblower Policy. Individuals who become aware of, or have any questions with respect to, any violation or potential violation of any law, rule or regulation or of this Code, or have any concerns with respect to accounting, internal controls or auditing matters, are required to promptly report it in accordance with the Corporation’s Whistleblower Policy. Any reports submitted hereunder and thereunder will be promptly and thoroughly investigated and addressed in accordance with the Whistleblower Policy.
There will be no reprisals against Personnel for good faith reporting of compliance concerns or violations. Open communication of issues and concerns without fear of retribution or retaliation is vital to the successful implementation of this Code.
WAIVERS AND AMENDMENTS
Our Responsibilities
Any waivers of this Code for directors or officers may be made only by the Board of Directors. Waivers in respect of employees, consultants, contractors or agents may be given by the Chief Executive Officer who shall report any waivers given to the Board of Directors at its next meeting.
Amendments to or waivers of the provisions in this Code will be promptly publicly disclosed in accordance with applicable laws and regulations and stock exchange rules.
This Policy was last approved by the Board of Directors on December 31, 2021.
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