ITEM 1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
General
We were incorporated in the State of Idaho on August 28, 1968 under the name Silver Crystal Mines, Inc., to engage in the business of exploring for precious metal deposits and advancing them toward production. We ceased exploration activities during the 1990s and became virtually inactive. In December 2003, a group of investors purchased 80-percent of the issued and outstanding common stock from the then-controlling management team. In January 2004, we affected a one-for-four reverse split of our issued and outstanding shares of common stock and increased the number of our authorized shares of common stock to 100 million with a par value of $.001. Unless otherwise indicated, all references herein to shares outstanding and share issuances have been adjusted to give effect to the aforementioned stock split. On February 2, 2004, our name was changed to Timberline Resources Corporation. Since the reorganization, we have been in an exploration stage evaluating, acquiring and exploring mineral prospects with potential for economic deposits of precious and base metals. A prospect is defined as a mining property, the value of which has not been determined by exploration. On August 27, 2008 we reincorporated into the State of Delaware pursuant to a merger agreement approved by our shareholders on August 22, 2008.
In March 2006, we acquired Timberline Drilling, Inc. (“Timberline Drilling”), formerly known as Kettle Drilling, as a wholly-owned subsidiary. Timberline Drilling was formed in 1996 and provides mineral core drilling services to the mining and mineral exploration industries primarily in the western United States.
In July 2007, we closed our purchase of the Butte Highlands Gold Project. In October 2008, we announced that we had agreed to form a 50/50 joint venture with Small Mine Development (“SMD”) at the Butte Highlands project. In July 2009, we finalized the joint venture agreement with Highland Mining, LLC (an affiliate of SMD) (“Highland”) to create Butte Highlands JV, LLC (“BHJV”). Under terms of the joint venture agreement, Timberline will be carried to production by Highland, which will fund all mine development costs and began development in the summer of 2009. Both Timberline’s and Highland’s 50-percent share of costs will be paid out of net proceeds from future mine production.
In June 2010, we closed our acquisition of Staccato Gold Resources Ltd., a Canadian-based resource company (“Staccato Gold”) that was in the business of acquiring, exploring and developing mineral properties with a focus on gold exploration in the dominant gold producing trends in Nevada. As a result of this acquisition, we obtained Staccato’s flagship gold exploration project (“Lookout Mountain”), and several other projects at various stages of exploration in the Battle Mountain/Eureka gold trend in north-central Nevada, along with Staccato Gold’s wholly owned U.S. subsidiary, BH Minerals USA, Inc.
In September 2010, we closed our drilling services operation in Mexico which was operated by our wholly owned Mexican subsidiary, World Wide Exploration, S.A. de C.V. (“World Wide” or “WWE”), and moved substantially all of the assets of WWE to the United States to be available for use by Timberline Drilling.
Unless otherwise indicated, any reference to “Timberline”, or “we”, “us”, “our”, etc. refers to Timberline Resources Corporation and/or all its subsidiaries, including Timberline Drilling and Staccato Gold.
Our Competition
Both the mineral exploration and drilling industries are intensely competitive in all phases. In our mineral exploration activities, we will compete with many companies possessing greater financial resources and technical facilities than us for the acquisition of mineral concessions, claims, leases and other mineral interests as well as for the recruitment and retention of qualified employees. We must overcome significant barriers to enter into the business of mineral exploration as a result of our limited operating history.
Similarly, in our drilling business, our competition includes many companies with significantly greater experience, larger client bases, and substantially greater financial resources. There are significant barriers to entry including large capital requirements and the recruitment and retention of qualified, experienced employees.
We cannot assure you that we will be able to compete in any of our business areas effectively with current or future competitors or that the competitive pressures faced by us will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.
Our Offices and Other Facilities
Timberline currently maintains its administrative office at 101 East Lakeside Ave., Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814. The telephone number is (866) 513-4859 (toll free) or (208) 664-4859. Timberline also maintains a geological staff office at 1112 River St., Elko, NV 89801. Timberline Drilling maintains its administrative office at 2775 Howard Street, Suite 2, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815. Timberline Drilling’s telephone number is 208-665-7211. In addition, Timberline Drilling maintains a shop facility in Coeur d’Alene, ID and an operational facility in Elko, NV.
Our Employees
Timberline, the parent company, is an exploration company and currently has six employees, including certain officers and directors. Management expects to hire staff and additional management as necessary as implementation of our business plan requires.
Our subsidiary, Timberline Drilling, has approximately 130 full-time employees in the U.S. Our Staccato Gold subsidiary does not have any employees. We believe that our relationship with our employees is good.
Regulation
The exploration, drilling and mining industries operate in a legal environment that requires permits to conduct virtually all operations. Thus permits are required by local, state and federal government agencies. Federal agencies that may be involved include: The U.S. Forest Service (USFS), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) and the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). Individual states also have various environmental regulatory bodies, such as Departments of Ecology and so on. Local authorities, usually counties, also have control over mining activity. The various permits address such issues as prospecting, development, production, labor standards, taxes, occupational health and safety, toxic substances, air quality, water use, water discharge, water quality, noise, dust, wildlife impacts, as well as other environmental and socioeconomic issues.
Prior to receiving the necessary permits to explore or mine, the operator must comply with all regulatory requirements imposed by all governmental authorities having jurisdiction over the project area. Very often, in order to obtain the requisite permits, the operator must have its land reclamation, restoration or replacement plans pre-approved. Specifically, the operator must present its plan as to how it intends to restore or replace the affected area. Often all or any of these requirements can cause delays or involve costly studies or alterations of the proposed activity or time frame of operations, in order to mitigate impacts. All of these factors make it more difficult and costly to operate and have a negative and sometimes fatal impact on the viability of the exploration or mining operation. Finally, it is possible that future changes in these laws or regulations could have a significant impact on our business, causing those activities to be economically reevaluated at that time. For a more detailed discussion of governmental and environmental regulatory requirements applicable to our mineral exploration business see the section titled “Description of Properties - Overview of Regulatory, Economic and Environmental Issues” below.
Overview of Our Mineral Exploration Business
Timberline, the parent company, is a mineral exploration company. Mineral exploration is essentially a research activity that does not produce a product. Successful exploration often results in increased project value that can be realized through the optioning or selling of the claimed site to larger companies. As such, we acquire properties which we believe have potential to host economic concentrations of minerals, particularly gold, silver and copper. These acquisitions have and may take the form of unpatented mining claims on federal land, or leasing claims, or private property owned by others. An unpatented mining claim is an interest that can be acquired to the mineral rights on open lands of the federally owned public domain. Claims are staked in accordance with the Mining Law of 1872, recorded with the federal government pursuant to laws and regulations established by the Bureau of Land Management (the Federal agency that administers America’s public lands), and grant the holder of the claim a possessory interest in the mineral rights, subject to the paramount title of the United States.
We will perform basic geological work to identify specific drill targets on the properties, and then collect subsurface samples by drilling to confirm the presence of mineralization (the presence of economic minerals in a specific area or geological formation). We may enter into joint venture agreements with other companies to fund further exploration work. It is our plan to focus on assembling a high quality group of mid-stage mineral (gold, silver, and copper) exploration prospects, using the experience and contacts of the management group. By such prospects, we mean properties that may have been previously identified by third parties, including prior owners such as exploration companies, as mineral prospects with potential for economic mineralization. Often these properties have been sampled, mapped and sometimes drilled, usually with indefinite results. Accordingly, such acquired projects will either have some prior exploration history or will have strong similarity to a recognized geologic ore deposit model. Geographic emphasis will be placed on the western United States.
The focus of our activity has been to acquire properties that we believe to be undervalued; including those that we believe to hold previously unrecognized mineral potential. Properties have been acquired through the location of unpatented mining claims (which allow the claimholder the right to mine the minerals without holding title to the property), or by negotiating lease/option agreements. Our Executive Chairman and Vice-President of Exploration, Paul Dircksen, has experience in evaluating, staking and filing unpatented mining claims, and in negotiating and preparing mineral lease agreements in connection with those mining claims.
The geologic potential and ore deposit models have been defined and specific drill targets identified on the majority of our properties. Our property evaluation process involves using basic geologic fieldwork to perform an initial evaluation of a property. If the evaluation is positive, we seek to acquire it, either by staking unpatented mining claims on open public domain, or by leasing the property from the owner of private property or the owner of unpatented claims. Once acquired, we then typically make a more detailed evaluation of the property. This detailed evaluation involves expenditures for exploration work which may include rock and soil sampling, geologic mapping, geophysics, trenching, drilling, or other means to determine if economic mineralization is present on the property.
Portions of our mineral properties are owned by third parties, and leased to us, as outlined in the following table.
Property Name
Third Party
Number of Claims
Area
Agreements/
Royalties
Butte Highlands
Richardson Family Trust
60 acres
3% to 4% NSR; Annual lease payment of $15,000 through 2012 and $20,000 each year thereafter on October 1. Option to purchase property during lease term for $2,000,000.
Snowstorm
Hecla Mining Company
750 acres
4% NSR
Snowstorm
Snowshoe Mining Company
78 acres
3% NSR
Spencer
Idaho, Department of Lands
Section 6, T12N R36E
640 acres
5% NSR
Lookout Mountain
Rocky Canyon Mining Company
6,368 acres
3.5% NSR royalty + 1.5% NSR royalty capped at $1.5 million (excludes Trevor and Dave claims); 20 year lease term commencing June 1, 2008; annual advanced royalty payment of $72,000.
(Pending legal opinion, additional 2% NSR possible)
Windfall Patents
Century Gold
166 acres
Annual lease payment of $48,000; April 1, 2012 lease term; property may be purchased anytime before February 28, 2012 for $750,000; 4% NSR
All of the leases are contracts with varied terms, all of which provide for us to earn an interest in the property or receive a royalty. For additional information see “Description of Property” below.
Our strategy with properties deemed to be of higher risk or those that would require very large exploration expenditures is to present them to larger companies for joint venture. Our joint venture strategy is intended to maximize the abilities and skills of the management group, conserve capital, and provide superior leverage for investors. If we present a property to a major company and they are not interested, we will continue to seek an interested partner.
For our prospects where drilling costs are reasonable and the likelihood of success seems favorable, we will undertake our own drilling. The target depths, the tenor of mineralization on the surface, and the general geology of the area are all factors that determine the risk as calculated by us in conducting a drilling operation. Mineral exploration is a research and development activity and is, by definition, a high risk business that relies on numerous untested assumptions and variables. Accordingly, we make our decisions on a project by project basis. We do not have any steadfast formula that we apply in determining the reasonableness of drilling costs in comparison to the likelihood of success, i.e. in determining whether success seems “favorable.”
Overview of Timberline Drilling, Incorporated - Our Wholly Owned Subsidiary
In March 2006, Timberline acquired Kettle Drilling, Inc., which in September 2008 changed its name to Timberline Drilling, Inc. Timberline Drilling provides core drilling services to mining and mineral exploration companies, primarily in the western United States, combining state of the art equipment, world-class technical expertise, innovative thinking, and a strong safety record. Timberline Drilling specializes in underground drilling services in support of active mining operations and advanced exploration projects. Working primarily with established companies, its business is less cyclical than that of surface drillers at early-stage exploration sites, where supplies, infrastructure, and project funding are less predictable.
Timberline Drilling has a fleet of 25 drill rigs which generated revenues of approximately $6.6 million in the quarter ending September 30, 2010, raising overall revenue for the 2010 fiscal year to more than $20.7 million, excluding revenue generated by drilling for Timberline Resources in Nevada and Montana.
During the year ended September 30, 2010, due to a difficult operating environment, declining financial results, and increasing country-related risk, we decided to cease the operations of Timberline Drilling’s wholly-owned Mexican subsidiary, World Wide. World Wide’s drill rigs and related assets were moved back to the U.S. where they will be available for use by Timberline Drilling.
Looking ahead to the 2011 fiscal year, the ongoing general economic uncertainty continues to affect the ability of some of our potential clients to raise funds for drilling programs. Our underground drilling operations in support of operating mines continue to perform well in the U.S., and we have seen some increase in requests for surface drilling services as well. Revenues, gross profit and net income at Timberline Drilling increased considerably in comparison to the prior fiscal year, and we expect our revenues and profits to remain somewhat stable for the foreseeable future, with a potential for modest growth should drilling activity increase and commodity prices remain at or near current levels. We also expect to continue to improve our cash flows as management focuses on profitability and customer service at Timberline Drilling. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” below.
The Commodities Market
The prices of gold and silver have fluctuated during the last several years, although the price of gold has risen steadily over the past year. In 2008, gold traded between approximately $690 and $1,025 per ounce, based on the London PM Fix Price. In 2009, gold traded between approximately $810 and $1,212, and in 2010 to date, gold has traded between approximately $1,058 and $1,421 (based on the London PM Fix Price). The price of gold based on the London PM Fix Price closed at $1,389 on December 15, 2010.
In 2008, the price of silver per ounce ranged from approximately $8.80 to $20.90, based on the London Fix Price. In 2009, the price of silver ranged from approximately $10.50 to $19.18 per ounce, and in 2010 to date, silver has traded between approximately $15.14 and $30.50 (based on the London Fix Price). The price of silver based on the London Fix Price closed at $29.06 on December 15, 2010.
Seasonality
Seasonality in Nevada and Montana is not a material factor to our operations. Certain surface exploration work may need to be conducted when there is no snow on the ground but it is not a material issue.
ITEM 1A.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS AND UNCERTAINTIES
An investment in a mine service and an exploration stage mining company with a short history of operations such as ours involves an unusually high amount of risk, both known and unknown, present and potential, including, but not limited to the risks enumerated below.
Failure to successfully address the risks and uncertainties described below would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and/or results of operations, and the trading price of our common stock may decline and investors may lose all or part of their investment. We cannot assure you that we will successfully address these risks or other unknown risks that may affect our business.
Estimates of mineralized material are forward-looking statements inherently subject to error. Although resource estimates require a high degree of assurance in the underlying data when the estimates are made, unforeseen events and uncontrollable factors can have significant adverse or positive impacts on the estimates. Actual results will inherently differ from estimates. The unforeseen events and uncontrollable factors include: geologic uncertainties including inherent sample variability, metal price fluctuations, variations in mining and processing parameters, and adverse changes in environmental or mining laws and regulations. The timing and effects of variances from estimated values cannot be accurately predicted.
Risks Associated With Mining and the Exploration Portion of Our Business
All of our properties are in the exploration or development stage. There is no assurance that we can establish the existence of any mineral reserve on any of our properties in commercially exploitable quantities. Until we can do so, we cannot earn any revenues from these properties and if we do not do so we will lose all of the funds that we expend on exploration. If we do not discover any mineral reserve in a commercially exploitable quantity, the exploration component of our business could fail.
We have not established that any of our mineral properties contain any mineral reserve according to recognized reserve guidelines, nor can there be any assurance that we will be able to do so. A mineral reserve is defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission in its Industry Guide 7 (http://www.sec.gov/divisions/corpfin/forms/industry.htm#secguide7) as that part of a mineral deposit, which could be economically and legally extracted or produced at the time of the reserve determination. The probability of an individual prospect ever having a "reserve" that meets the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission's Industry Guide 7 is extremely remote; in all probability our mineral property does not contain any 'reserve' and any funds that we spend on exploration will probably be lost. Even if we do eventually discover a mineral reserve on one or more of our properties, there can be no assurance that they can be developed into producing mines and extract those minerals. Both mineral exploration and development involve a high degree of risk and few properties which are explored are ultimately developed into producing mines.
The commercial viability of an established mineral deposit will depend on a number of factors including, by way of example, the size, grade and other attributes of the mineral deposit, the proximity of the mineral deposit to infrastructure such as a smelter, roads and a point for shipping, government regulation and market prices. Most of these factors will be beyond our control, and any of them could increase costs and make extraction of any identified mineral deposit unprofitable.
Mineral operations are subject to applicable law and government regulation. Even if we discover a mineral reserve in a commercially exploitable quantity, these laws and regulations could restrict or prohibit the exploitation of that mineral reserve. If we cannot exploit any mineral reserve that we might discover on our properties, our business may fail.
Both mineral exploration and extraction require permits from various foreign, federal, state, provincial and local governmental authorities and are governed by laws and regulations, including those with respect to prospecting, mine development, mineral production, transport, export, taxation, labor standards, occupational health, waste disposal, toxic substances, land use, environmental protection, mine safety and other matters. Regarding our future ground disturbing activity on federal land, we will be required to obtain a permit from the US Forest Service or the Bureau of Land Management prior to commencing exploration. There can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain or maintain any of the permits required for the continued exploration of our mineral properties or for the construction and operation of a mine on our properties at economically viable costs. If we cannot accomplish these objectives, our business could face difficulty and/or fail.
We believe that we are in compliance with all material laws and regulations that currently apply to our activities but there can be no assurance that we can continue to do so. Current laws and regulations could be amended and we might not be able to comply with them, as amended. Further, there can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain or maintain all permits necessary for our future operations, or that we will be able to obtain them on reasonable terms. To the extent such approvals are required and are not obtained, we may be delayed or prohibited from proceeding with planned exploration or development of our mineral properties.
Environmental hazards unknown to us, which have been caused by previous or existing owners or operators of the properties, may exist on the properties in which we hold an interest. In past years we have been engaged in exploration in northern Idaho, which is currently the site of a Federal Superfund cleanup project. Although the Company is no longer involved in this or other areas at present, it is possible that environmental cleanup or other environmental restoration procedures could remain to be completed or mandated by law, causing unpredictable and unexpected liabilities to arise. At the date of this Annual Report, the Company is not aware of any environmental issues or litigation relating to any of its current or former properties.
Future legislation and administrative changes to the mining laws could prevent us from exploring our properties.
New state and U.S. federal laws and regulations, amendments to existing laws and regulations, administrative interpretation of existing laws and regulations, or more stringent enforcement of existing laws and regulations, could have a material adverse impact on our ability to conduct exploration and mining activities. Any change in the regulatory structure making it more expensive to engage in mining activities could cause us to cease operations.
If we establish the existence of a mineral reserve on any of our properties in a commercially exploitable quantity, we will require additional capital in order to develop the property into a producing mine. If we cannot raise this additional capital, we will not be able to exploit the reserve, and our business could fail.
If we do discover mineral reserves in commercially exploitable quantities on any of our properties, we will be required to expend substantial sums of money to establish the extent of the reserve, develop processes to extract it and develop extraction and processing facilities and infrastructure. There can be no assurance that a mineral reserve will be large enough to justify commercial operations, nor can there be any assurance that we will be able to raise the funds required for development on a timely basis. If we cannot raise the necessary capital or complete the necessary facilities and infrastructure, our business may fail.
Land reclamation requirements for our properties may be burdensome and expensive.
Although variable depending on location and the governing authority, land reclamation requirements are generally imposed on mineral exploration companies (as well as companies with mining operations) in order to minimize long term effects of land disturbance.
Reclamation may include requirements to:
•
control dispersion of potentially deleterious effluents; and
•
reasonably re-establish pre-disturbance land forms and vegetation.
In order to carry out reclamation obligations imposed on us in connection with our potential development activities, we must allocate financial resources that might otherwise be spent on further exploration and development programs. We plan to set up a provision for our reclamation obligations on our properties, as appropriate, but this provision may not be adequate. If we are required to carry out unanticipated reclamation work, our financial position could be adversely affected.
Mineral exploration and development is subject to extraordinary operating risks. We do not currently insure against these risks. In the event of a cave-in or similar occurrence, our liability may exceed our resources, which would have an adverse impact on our Company.
Mineral exploration, development and production involve many risks, which even a combination of experience, knowledge and careful evaluation may not be able to overcome. Our operations will be subject to all the hazards and risks inherent in the exploration, development and production of resources, including liability for pollution, cave-ins or similar hazards against which we cannot insure or against which we may elect not to insure. Any such event could result in work stoppages and damage to property, including damage to the environment. We do not currently maintain any insurance coverage against these operating hazards. The payment of any liabilities that arise from any such occurrence would have a material, adverse impact on our Company.
Estimates of mineralized material are subject to evaluation uncertainties that could result in project failure.
Our exploration and future mining operations, if any, are and would be faced with risks associated with being able to accurately predict the quantity and quality of mineralized material within the earth using statistical sampling techniques. Estimates of any mineralized material on any of our properties would be made using samples obtained from appropriately placed trenches, test pits and underground workings and intelligently designed drilling. There is an inherent variability of assays between check and duplicate samples taken adjacent to each other and between sampling points that cannot be reasonably eliminated. Additionally, there also may be unknown geologic details that have not been identified or correctly appreciated at the current level of accumulated knowledge about our properties. This could result in uncertainties that cannot be reasonably eliminated from the process of estimating mineralized material. If these estimates were to prove to be unreliable, we could implement an exploitation plan that may not lead to commercially viable operations in the future.
Mineral prices are subject to dramatic and unpredictable fluctuations.
Other than from our drilling services subsidiaries, we expect to derive revenues, if any, from the eventual extraction and sale of precious and base metals such as gold, silver and copper. The price of those commodities has fluctuated widely in recent years, and is affected by numerous factors beyond our control including international, economic and political trends, expectations of inflation, currency exchange fluctuations, interest rates, global or regional consumptive patterns, speculative activities and increased production due to new extraction developments and improved extraction and production methods. The effect of these factors on the price of base and precious metals, and, therefore, the economic viability of any of our exploration projects, cannot accurately be predicted.
The mining industry is highly competitive and there is no assurance that we will continue to be successful in acquiring mineral claims. If we cannot continue to acquire properties to explore for mineralized material, we may be required to reduce or cease exploration activity and/or operations.
The mineral exploration, development, and production industry is largely un-integrated. We compete with other exploration companies looking for mineral properties and the minerals that can be produced from them. While we compete with other exploration companies in the effort to locate and license mineral properties, we do not compete with them for the removal or sales of mineral products from our properties if we should eventually discover the presence of them in quantities sufficient to make production economically feasible. Readily available markets exist worldwide for the sale of gold and other mineral products. Therefore, we will likely be able to sell any gold or mineral products that we identify and produce.
There are hundreds of public and private companies that are actively engaged in mineral exploration. Furthermore, since the mineral exploration sphere is so diverse and there are virtually no similar exploration companies with a revenue producing drilling subsidiary, it is quite difficult to identify specific primary competitors and make comparisons to our Company. A representative sample of exploration companies that are similar to our Company in size, financial resources and primary objective include such publicly traded mineral exploration companies as Goldrich Mining Company (GRMC), General Moly, Inc. (GMO), Energold Drilling (EGD), Cabo Drilling (CBE), Klondex Mining (KDX) and Mines Management (MGN).
Many of our competitors have greater financial resources and technical facilities. Accordingly, we will attempt to compete primarily through the knowledge and experience of our management. This competition could adversely affect our ability to acquire suitable prospects for exploration in the future. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that we will acquire any interest in additional mineral properties that might yield reserves or result in commercial mining operations.
Third parties may challenge our rights to our mineral properties or the agreements that permit us to explore our properties may expire if we fail to timely renew them and pay the required fees.
In connection with the acquisition of our mineral properties, we sometimes conduct only limited reviews of title and related matters, and obtain certain representations regarding ownership. These limited reviews do not necessarily preclude third parties from challenging our title and, furthermore, our title may be defective. Consequently, there can be no assurance that we hold good and marketable title to all of our mining concessions and mining claims. If any of our concessions or claims were challenged, we could incur significant costs and lose valuable time in defending such a challenge. These costs or an adverse ruling with regards to any challenge of our titles could have a material adverse affect on our financial position or results of operations. There can be no assurance that any such disputes or challenges will be resolved in our favor.
We are not aware of challenges to the location or area of any of our mining claims. There is, however, no guarantee that title to the claims will not be challenged or impugned in the future.
Acquisitions and integration issues may expose us to risks.
Our business strategy includes making targeted acquisitions. Any acquisition that we make may be of a significant size, may change the scale of our business and operations, and may expose us to new geographic, political, operating, financial and geological risks. Our success in our acquisition activities depends on our ability to identify suitable acquisition candidates, negotiate acceptable terms for any such acquisition and integrate the acquired operations successfully with our own. Any acquisitions would be accompanied by risks. For example, there may be significant decreases in commodity prices after we have committed to complete the transaction and have established the purchase price or exchange ratio; a potential materialized property may prove to be below expectations; we may have difficulty integrating and assimilating the operations and personnel of any acquired companies, realizing anticipated synergies and maximizing the financial and strategic position of the combined enterprise and maintaining uniform standards, policies and controls across the organization; the integration of the acquired business or assets may disrupt our ongoing business and its relationships with employees, customers, suppliers and contractors; and the acquired business or assets may have unknown liabilities which may be significant. If we choose to use equity securities as consideration for such an acquisition, existing shareholders may suffer dilution. Alternatively, we may choose to finance any such acquisition with our existing resources. There can be no assurance that the Company would be successful in overcoming these risks or any other problems encountered in connection with such acquisitions.
Joint ventures and other partnerships in relation to our properties may expose us to risks.
We are currently involved in, and may enter into in the future, joint ventures or other partnership arrangements with other parties in relation to the exploration, development and production of certain of the properties in which we have an interest, particularly the Butte Highlands project. Joint ventures can often require unanimous approval of the parties to the joint venture or their representatives for certain fundamental decisions such as an increase or reduction of registered capital, merger, division, dissolution, amendments of constating documents, and the pledge of joint venture assets, which means that each joint venture party may have a veto right with respect to such decisions which could lead to a deadlock in the operations of the joint venture or partnership. Further, we may be unable to exert control over strategic decisions made in respect of such properties. Any failure of such other companies to meet their obligations to us or to third parties, or any disputes with respect to the parties' respective rights and obligations, could have a material adverse effect on the joint ventures or their properties and therefore could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial performance, cash flows and the price of the common shares.
Risks Related To Our Company
We have a limited operating history on which to base an evaluation of our business and prospects.
Although we have been in the business of exploring mineral resource properties since our incorporation in 1968, we were inactive for many years prior to our new management in January 2004. Since January 2004, we have not yet located any mineral reserve. As a result, we have not had any revenues from our exploration division, however we do have a drilling services wholly-owned subsidiary which has generated revenues in past fiscal years and which we expect to generate revenues in the future. In addition, our operating history has been restricted to the acquisition and exploration of our mineral properties and this does not provide a meaningful basis for an evaluation of our prospects if we ever determine that we have a mineral reserve and commence the construction and operation of a mine. Other than through conventional and typical exploration methods and procedures, we have no additional way to evaluate the likelihood of whether our mineral properties contain any mineral reserve or, if they do that they will be operated successfully. We anticipate that we will continue to incur operating costs without realizing any revenues (from exploration) during the period when we are exploring our properties.
During the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010, we (the parent company) had losses of $5,843,114 in connection with the maintenance and exploration of our mineral properties and the operation of our exploration business. We therefore expect to continue to incur significant losses into the foreseeable future. We recognize that if we are unable to generate significant revenues from mining operations and dispositions of our properties, we will not be able to earn profits or continue operations. At this early stage of our operation, we also expect to face the risks, uncertainties, expenses and difficulties frequently encountered by companies at the start up stage of their business development. We cannot be sure that we will be successful in addressing these risks and uncertainties and our failure to do so could have a materially adverse effect on our financial condition. There is no history upon which to base any assumption as to the likelihood that we will prove successful and we can provide investors with no assurance that we will generate any operating revenues or ever achieve profitable operations.
Investors’ interests in our Company will be diluted and investors may suffer dilution in their net book value per share if we issue additional employee/director/consultant options or if we sell additional shares to finance our operations.
We have not generated revenue from exploration since the commencement of our exploration stage in January 2004. In order to further expand our company and meet our objectives, capital funding above that provided through anticipated revenues of our revenue producing subsidiary, any additional growth and/or expanded exploration activity may need to be financed through sale of and issuance of additional shares, including, but not limited to, raising finances to explore our newly acquired South Eureka property. Furthermore, to finance any acquisition activity, should that activity be properly approved, and depending on the outcome of our exploration programs, we may also need to issue additional shares to finance future acquisitions, growth and/or additional exploration programs of any or all of our projects or to acquire additional properties. We may also in the future grant to some or all of our directors, officers, insiders, and key employees options to purchase our common shares as non-cash incentives. The issuance of any equity securities could, and the issuance of any additional shares will, cause our existing shareholders to experience dilution of their ownership interests.
If we issue additional shares or decide to enter into joint ventures with other parties in order to raise financing through the sale of equity securities, investors' interests in our Company will be diluted and investors may suffer dilution in their net book value per share depending on the price at which such securities are sold. As of the date of the filing of this report there are also outstanding 8,050,375 common share purchase warrants (exercisable into 8,050,375 shares of common stock), options granted that are exercisable into 6,093,641 common shares, and debt convertible into 3,333,333 common shares. If all of these were exercised or converted, these would represent approximately 24% of our issued and outstanding shares. If all of these warrants and options are exercised and the underlying shares are issued, such issuance will cause a reduction in the proportionate ownership and voting power of all other shareholders. The dilution may result in a decline in the market price of our shares.
Conflicts of Interest
Certain of our officers and directors may be or become associated with other businesses, including natural resource companies that acquire interests in mineral properties. Such associations may give rise to conflicts of interest from time to time. Our directors are required by Delaware Corporation law to act honestly and in good faith with a view to our best interests and to disclose any interest, which they may have in any of our projects or opportunities. In general, if a conflict of interest arises at a meeting of the board of directors, any director in a conflict will disclose his interest and abstain from voting on such matter or, if he does vote, his vote will not be counted.
We have not adopted any separate formal corporate policy regarding conflicts of interest; however other corporate governance measures have been adopted, such as creating a directors’ audit committee requiring independent directors. Additionally, our Code of Ethics does address areas of possible conflicts of interest. As of the date of filing of this report, we had six independent directors on our board of directors (Jim Moore, Vance Thornsberry, Eric Klepfer, Ron Guill, Robert Martinez, and David Poynton). The Company has formed three committees to ensure our compliance with the requirements of the NYSE Amex. We established an independent audit committee consisting of three independent directors, all of whom were determined to be “financially literate” and one of whom was designated as the “financial expert”. We also formed a compensation committee and a corporate governance and nominating committee, both of which are comprised entirely of independent directors. At this time, we feel that these committees and our Code of Ethics provide sufficient corporate governance for our purposes and will meet the specific requirements of the NYSE Amex.
Dependence on Key Management Employees
The nature of both sides of our business, our ability to continue our exploration and development activities and to develop a competitive edge in the marketplace depends, in large part, on our ability to attract and maintain qualified key management personnel. Competition for such personnel is intense, and there can be no assurance that we will be able to attract and retain such personnel. Our development now and in the future will depend on the efforts of key management figures, such as Randal Hardy, Paul Dircksen, Craig Crowell, or Martin Lanphere. The loss of any of these key people could have a material adverse effect on our business. In this regard, we have attempted to reduce the risk associated with the loss of key personnel and have obtained directors and officers insurance coverage. In addition, we have expanded the provisions of our equity incentive plan so that we can provide incentives for our key personnel.
We may not realize the benefits of the Lookout Mountain and other acquired growth projects.
As part of our strategy, we will continue existing efforts and initiate new efforts to develop gold and other mineral projects. We have a larger number of such projects as a result of the acquisition of Staccato Gold, including the Lookout Mountain project. A number of risks and uncertainties are associated with the development of these types of projects, including political, regulatory, design, construction, labor, operating, technical and technological risks and uncertainties relating to capital and other costs and financing risks. The failure to successfully develop any of these initiatives could have a material adverse effect on our financial position and results of operations.
As part of our business model, we pursue a strategy that may cause us to expend significant resources exploring properties that may not become revenue-producing sites, including the Lookout Mountain project.
Part of our business model is to pursue a strategy which includes significant exploration activities, such as proposed exploration at the Lookout Mountain project. Because of the nature of exploration for precious metals, a property’s exploration potential is not known until a significant amount of geologic information has been generated. We may spend significant resources exploring the Lookout Mountain project and gathering certain geologic information only to determine that the project is not capable of being a revenue-producing property for us.
If our cash flows prove inadequate to service our debt and provide for our other obligations, we may be required to refinance all or a portion of such existing and future debt at terms that are unfavorable to it.
Our ability to make payments on, and refinance, our debt and other obligations and to fund our operations and capital expenditures will depend on our ability to generate substantial operating cash flow. If our cash flows prove inadequate to meet our debt service obligations, we may be required to refinance all or a portion of our existing or future debt or to sell assets or to obtain additional financing. We cannot assure you that any such refinancing or that any such sale of assets or additional financing would be possible on favorable terms, or at all.
We are required to comply with Canadian securities regulations and be subject to additional regulatory scrutiny in Canada.
We are a ‘reporting issuer’ in the provinces of British Columbia and Alberta since completion of the acquisition of Staccato Gold. As a result, we are subject to increased regulatory scrutiny and costs associated with complying with securities legislation in those provinces. For example, we are subject to civil liability for misrepresentations in written disclosure and oral statements. Legislation has been enacted in these provinces which creates a right of action for damages against a reporting issuer, its directors and certain of its officers in the event that the reporting issuer or a person with actual, implied or apparent authority to act or speak on behalf of the reporting issuer releases a document or makes a public oral statement that contains a misrepresentation or the reporting issuer fails to make timely disclosure of a material change. We do not anticipate any particular regulation that would be difficult to comply with. However, failure to comply with regulations may result in civil awards, fines, penalties and orders that could have an adverse effect on us.
Certain Risks Associated with Operation of Our Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Timberline Drilling, Inc.
Our subsidiary derives all of its revenues from companies in the mining exploration and production industry, a historically cyclical industry.
Our subsidiary derives all its revenues from companies in the mining exploration and production industry, a historically cyclical industry. Any prolonged reduction in the overall level of exploration and development activities, can adversely impact our subsidiary in many ways by negatively affecting:
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Its revenues, cash flows and profitability;
•
Its ability to maintain or increase our borrowing capacity;
•
Its ability to obtain additional capital to finance our business and make acquisitions, and the cost of that capital;
•
Its ability to retain skilled drilling personnel whom we would need in the event of an upturn in the demand for
our services; and
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the fair market value of its rig fleet.
Timberline Drilling may be unable to attract and retain qualified, skilled employees necessary to operate its business.
Timberline Drilling’s success depends in large part on its ability to attract and retain skilled and qualified personnel. The inability of Timberline Drilling officers and management to hire, train and retain a sufficient number of qualified employees could impair the ability to manage and maintain our business. Drilling and drilling related work requires skilled employees who can perform physically demanding work. Shortages of qualified personnel are occurring in this industry. As a result of the volatility of the drilling industry and the demanding nature of the work, potential employees may choose to pursue employment in fields that offer a more desirable work environment at wage rates that are competitive with ours. If Timberline Drilling should suffer any material loss of personnel to competitors or management is unable to employ additional or replacement personnel with the requisite level of training and experience to adequately operate its equipment, its operations could be materially and adversely affected. With a reduced pool of workers, it is possible that it will have to raise wage rates to attract workers from other fields and to retain its current employees. If Timberline Drilling is not able to increase its service rates to its customers to compensate for wage-rate increases, its profitability and other results of operations may be adversely affected.
Shortages in equipment and supplies could limit Timberline Drilling’s drilling operations and jeopardize its relations with customers.
The materials and supplies Timberline Drilling uses in its drilling operations include fuels to operate our drilling equipment, drilling mud, drill pipe, drill collars, drill bits and cement. Shortages in equipment supplies could limit its drilling operations and jeopardize its relations with customers. Timberline Drilling does not rely on a single source of supply for any of these items. From time to time there have been shortages of drilling equipment and supplies during periods of high demand, which we believe could reoccur. Shortages could result in increased prices for drilling equipment or supplies that Timberline Drilling may be unable to pass on to customers. In addition, during periods of shortages, the delivery times for equipment and supplies can be substantially longer. Any significant delays in its obtaining drilling equipment or supplies could limit drilling operations and jeopardize our relations with customers. In addition, shortages of drilling equipment or supplies could delay and adversely affect Timberline Drilling’s ability to obtain new contracts for its drills, which could negatively impact its revenues and profitability.
The mining services industry is a competitive industry.
Contract drilling is a highly competitive industry, where numerous competitors tender bids for contracts. Timberline Drilling’s ongoing ability to continue to secure contracts at a profitable level cannot be assured.
Cyclical downturns in the mining industry could negatively impact Timberline Drilling’s business.
The most significant operating risk is the potential downturn in demand for minerals and metals which would directly impact the need for drilling services. To mitigate this risk the Timberline Drilling is exploiting its competitive advantage in underground drilling.
As the mining cycle lengthens and activity levels increase, the requirement for working capital, particularly accounts receivable and inventory, grows. Accounts receivable levels from junior mining companies typically increase. Junior mining companies are heavily dependent on the capital markets and any change in outlook of the mining sector, or lack of success of their exploration activities, can quickly
affect their ability to carry on drilling programs. Timberline Drilling manages this risk by closely monitoring accounts receivable aging and the activity of junior mining companies in the capital markets. Deposits and letters of credit are required in some instances.
Levels of inventory increase from increased revenue activity and, potentially, an increase in activity in remote locations. In the event of a sudden downturn Timberline Drilling may be exposed to inventory carrying costs and possible obsolescence. Furthermore it may be difficult and costly to relocate this inventory to other regions. In order to minimize exposure to this risk, Timberline Drilling works closely with its customers to anticipate and plan for scheduled reductions in their drilling programs.
The availability of an adequate workforce cannot be guaranteed and may affect our ability to timely and profitably fulfill our contracts.
From time to time our industry has experienced a shortage of qualified drillers. The industry has gone through downturns that saw many qualified drillers move to other industries. The demand for similar skilled workers in the mining, oil and gas and construction industries also adds to the shortage of qualified people for the drilling services business.
Timberline Drilling has implemented a number of initiatives to retain existing employees and attract new employees, but cannot guarantee that an adequate workforce will be available in the future to meet Timberline Drilling’s needs.
Reliance on key accounts.
Timberline Drilling has a small number of accounts that make up the majority of overall revenue and gross profits. When a contract expires or is terminated there is no guarantee that Timberline Drilling has sufficient replacement contracts. Timberline Drilling continues to work with its existing client base and is actively pursuing new clients in order to minimize exposure in this area.
Fluctuations in business costs may affect the profitability of long term contracts.
Timberline Drilling may enter into long term contracts with customers at fixed prices. Timberline Drilling’s expenses may vary significantly over a contract period due to fluctuations in the cost of labor, and materials and equipment, consequently creating variations in the profitability of these contracts with fixed prices. Timberline Drilling mitigates this risk by anticipating an escalation in costs when bidding on projects or providing for cost escalation in the contract. However, significant price fluctuations without warning could negatively impact Timberline Drilling’s margins.
Extreme weather conditions in certain areas in which Timberline Drilling operates could impact its operations.
Timberline Drilling has operations in the western United States that are subject to extreme weather conditions which can have a significant impact on its operations. In addition, natural and other disasters could have an adverse impact on Timberline Drilling’s operations.
Risks Associated With Our Common Stock
Our stock price has been volatile and your investment in our common stock could suffer a decline in value.
Our common stock is traded on the NYSE Amex and the TSX Venture Exchange. The market price of our common stock may fluctuate significantly in response to a number of factors, some of which are beyond our control. These factors include price fluctuations of precious metals, government regulations, disputes regarding mining claims, broad stock market fluctuations and economic conditions in the United States and Canada.
We do not intend to pay any dividends on shares of our common stock in the near future.
We do not currently anticipate declaring and paying dividends to our shareholders in the near future, and any future decision as to the payment of dividends will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend upon our earnings, financial position, capital requirements, plans for expansion and such other factors as our board of directors deems relevant. It is our current intention to apply net earnings, if any, in the foreseeable future to finance the growth and development of our business.
ITEM 1B.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Not Applicable.
ITEM 2.
ITEM 2. DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTIES
Summary of Timberline’s Mineral Exploration Prospects
As of December 2010, Timberline has acquired mineral prospects for exploration in Nevada, Montana and Idaho mainly for target commodities of gold, silver, zinc and copper. The prospects are held by both patented and unpatented mining claims owned directly by the Company or through legal agreements conveying exploration and development rights to the Company. Most of our prospects have had a prior exploration history and this is typical in the mineral exploration industry. Most mineral prospects go through several rounds of exploration before an economic ore body is discovered and prior work often eliminates targets or points to new ones. Also, prior operators may have explored under a completely different commodity price structure or technological regime. Mineralization which was uneconomic in the past may be ore grade at current market prices when extracted and processed with modern technology.
Nevada Gold Properties
South Eureka Property (Battle Mountain/Eureka Trend)
Timberline acquired the South Eureka property as part of its acquisition of Staccato Gold Resources Ltd. (“Staccato Gold”) and its wholly owned subsidiary, BH Minerals USA, Inc. (“BH Minerals”), in June 2010. South Eureka comprises an area of approximately 15,000 acres or more than 23 square miles. The property is located approximately 5 miles south of the town of Eureka, Nevada, in the Eureka Mining district within the Battle Mountain - Eureka Trend, also referred to as the Cortez Trend.
The South Eureka property is comprised of 845 unpatented and 15 patented claims and several projects including: Lookout Mountain, Hiero/Syracuse, Windfall Patents, South Ratto, Hoosac/North Amselco, and New York Canyon. Historic open pit mines on the property include: the Windfall pit, the Rustler pit, North and South Paroni pits, and the Lookout Mountain pit. Timberline’s database contains over 274,347 feet of drill information from 538 drill holes that have been completed on the property from 1970 through January 2010.
The South Eureka property has no
known reserves, as defined under SEC Industry Guide 7 of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the proposed program for the property is exploratory in nature.
Property Description
The
South Eureka property
is located in the southern part of the Eureka mining district of Eureka County, Nevada, within T19N, R53E and unsurveyed T17N and T18N, R53E at the southern end of the Cortez Trend (Battle Mountain/Eureka Trend). The South Eureka property is also within the bounds of the United States Geological Survey “USGS”) 1:24,000 scale 7.5 minute topographic series maps of the Pinto Summit and Spring Valley Summit quadrangle.
All unpatented mining claims on the South Eureka property have been located under the General Mining Laws of the United States on US Bureau of Land Management (“BLM”) managed lands.
The Company pays federal and county claim maintenance fees on the South Eureka property. The Federal claim is due to the BLM by September 1st each year, and the remainder is due to Eureka County by November 1st each year. The following table summarizes the claims and royalties for the South Eureka property:
South Eureka Property Claim and Royalty Summary
Property Name
& Agreements/Royalties
Type of Claim
Number of Claims
Area
Lookout Mountain
Mining lease and agreement dated August 22, 2003, and amended on June 1, 2008, between Timberline and Rocky Canyon Mining Company; 3.5% Net Smelter Return (NSR) royalty + 1.5% NSR royalty capped at $1.5 million (excludes Trevor and Dave claims); 20 year lease term commencing June 1, 2008; annual advanced royalty payment of $72,000.
(Pending legal opinion, additional 2% NSR possible)
Unpatented
2,577 hectares
(6,368 acres)
South Ratto
Timberline holds title; 4% NSR
Unpatented
869 hectares
(2,148 acres)
Hoosac/North Amselco
Timberline holds title, under lease to DFH, a subsidiary of Royal Gold.
Timberline currently pays all claim fees.
Hoosac
4% NSR + 2% NSR + 0.75% NSR
Unpatented
580 hectares
(1,434 acres)
Little Rosa
(Hoosac royalty applies)
Patented
North Amselco
4% NSR + 1% NSR + 1.6% NSR + 0.75% NSR
Unpatented
690 hectares
(1,707 acres)
Rambler
(North Amselco royalty applies)
Patented
South Rustler/W-Claims
Claims owned by DFH Co., a subsidiary of Royal Gold, Inc. Draft agreement in place pursuant to which Timberline would acquire the 16 claims, subject to the following royalties: 4% NSR + 2% NSR + 0.75% NSR. The Hoosac/North Amselco lease agreement would then cancel.
Unpatented
112 hectares
(278 acres)
Hiero/Syracuse
Timberline holds title.
(Includes 2 mill sites on Syracuse 1 & 2)
(Pending legal opinion, 2% NSR possible)
Unpatented
765 hectares
(1,892 acres)
Windfall Patents
Mining lease and option agreement between Timberline and Century Gold. Annual lease payment of $48,000; April 1, 2012 lease term; property may be purchased anytime before February 28, 2012 for $750,000; 4% NSR
Patented
67 hectares
(166 acres)
New York Canyon
Timberline holds title; 4% NSR + 1.5% NSR
Unpatented
343 hectares
(847 acres)
Total Unpatented Lode Claims
6,003 hectares
(14,833 acres)
Total Patented Lode Claims
Timberline has the right to explore and develop the Lookout Mountain project subject to a mining lease and agreement dated August 22, 2003 with Rocky Canyon Mining Company, and amended on June 1, 2008. The lease term was extended to 20 years on June 1, 2008, and thereafter for as long as minerals are mined on the project. Advanced royalty payments are $6,000 per month, or $72,000 per annum. The work commitment on the project has been fulfilled. A 3.5% net smelter return royalty, plus a 1.5% net smelter return royalty capped at $1.5 million (excludes Trevor and Dave claims) exists on the project. In addition, a 2% NSR royalty may exist, pending a legal opinion that is forthcoming.
Monthly lease payments of $4,000, or $48,000 per annum, are due to maintain the Windfall Patents in good standing. Staccato has the option to purchase the project for US$750,000 if the option is exercised before February 2012. The term of the agreement extends until April 2012. A 4% net smelter return royalty exists on the project.
The Hiero/Syracuse, South Ratto, and New York Canyon projects are owned by the Company subject to royalty agreements. Net smelter return royalties up to 5.5% exist on the projects. Pending a legal opinion that is forthcoming, the same 2% NSR royalty referenced above may exist on the Hiero/Syracuse project.
The Hoosac/North Amselco project is comprised of the Hoosac, North Amselco, and South Rustler/W-claim groups. The Hoosac and North Amselco claims are owned by the Company and are currently under lease to DFH Co., a subsidiary of Royal Gold, Inc. No payments are due under the lease agreement. The South Rustler/W-Claims are owned by DFH Co. A draft agreement is in place pursuant to which the Company would acquire the South Rustler/W-Claims, and the Hoosac/North Amselco lease agreement would cancel. Net smelter return royalties ranging from 6.75% to 7.35% exist on the projects. Timberline currently pays all of the claim maintenance fees for the Hoosac/North Amselco project.
Accessibility, Physiography, Climate and Infrastructure
The South Eureka property is located 5 miles south and southwest of the town of Eureka, within the southern part of the Eureka Mining district of Eureka County, Nevada. The South Eureka property is located at the southeastern end of the Battle Mountain/Eureka Trend (Cortez Trend) of gold and base-metal deposits in north-central Nevada.
The South Eureka property is situated in north-central Nevada in an area with established mining infrastructure. Transmission power lines serve Eureka from the north. All essential services such as food and lodging are available in Eureka, including the dockage for shipments of heavy equipment. A small airport at Eureka is available for private air transport. Railroad access also is available in the area. The gold mines of north-central Nevada continue to produce a significant portion of the world’s gold, and skilled miners and mining professionals are available in Eureka, and 100 miles to the north in Carlin, Elko, and Spring Creek. Permitting a mining operation in Nevada has been a process with which local, state and federal regulators are very familiar and generally cooperative.
Terrain on the South Eureka property is rugged, with high ridges, steep canyons, and narrow valleys. Elevations range from 7,000 to 9,000 feet. Ridges show abundant bedrock exposures, slopes and valleys are typically covered by soil and alluvium. Sagebrush abounds in lower-elevation areas while juniper and pinion cover the higher elevations. Grasses and shrubs grow on the highest ridge tops. The climate of the project area is semi-arid with the area receiving moderate winter snows and occasional summer thunderstorms, with heavy rain from time to time during otherwise hot and dry summers. In winter, access is not maintained off the paved roads and November snow commonly lingers until April.
U.S. Highway 50 passes to the east of the South Eureka property and access is gained by heading south out of Eureka on the Highway and connecting with unpaved local roads, some of which are periodically maintained by Eureka County. The turnoff for the New York Canyon claim group is about a half mile south of Eureka on U.S. Highway 50 and is an unpaved road running up New York Canyon to the east side of the claim group.
The Windfall group and the northern parts of the Hoosac and Lookout Mountain groups are accessed by the Windfall Canyon Road and its westward extension (the former haul road for the Lookout Mountain Mine), which turns southwest off U.S. Highway 50 approximately 2 miles south of Eureka.
The southern parts of the South Eureka property are accessed by traveling approximately 8 miles south of Eureka on U.S. 50 to South Gate, then 1 mile south-southwest on the Fish Creek Valley road to the unimproved Secret Canyon Road, then northwest to the southern part of the Hoosac bloc. Approximately 2 miles from South Gate on the Fish Creek Valley Road, a turnoff to the west and northwest on the Ratto Canyon Road accesses the southern portion of the Lookout Mountain group. Many dirt tracks within the South Eureka property allow additional access.
Summer temperatures usually consist of many consecutive days of over 90º F (32.2º C), and temperatures can reach as high as 100º F (40.6° C) or more. Winter temperatures generally range from as cold as below 0º F (17.8ºC) to usually in the 20º to 35ºF (-6.67º to 1.7 º C) range. Precipitation amounts vary from year to year, averaging about 10.0 inches (25.4 cm) for the area. Several feet of snow usually accumulate on the property during the winter months.
Historic Exploration
The most significant exploration on the South Eureka property has been the drilling programs mounted over recent years. Such exploration on the South Eureka property spans a period of over twenty years. Drilling on the Hoosac and Windfall blocs date from Norse-Windfall (63 holes, 1970s-1980s), Amselco (8 holes, mid-1980s), Tenneco (18 holes, 1989-1991), Pathfinder (18 holes, 1993) and Pathfinder/Cambior (36 holes, 1995-1997). On the Lookout Mountain claim group, drilling programs began with Amselco (296 holes, 1978-1985) followed by the Windfall group (20 holes, 1986), EFL Gold Company (10 holes, 1990), Barrick (40 holes, 1992-93), and Echo Bay (70 holes, 1994-95). The drilling programs were conducted concurrent with and guided by extensive geologic mapping, geochemical rock and soil sampling programs and air and ground geophysics. Geological mapping and geochemical programs were very successful in discovering target areas characterized by permissive structures and traces of gold with arsenic, antimony, and mercury toxic element anomalies in soil and rock.
The methods of collection and analyses of some historical soil and rock samples were not always available in the data, but it is likely that the samples were collected, documented, prepared and analyzed to the standards of professional diligence and analytical techniques applicable at the time. The importance of a geochemical-geological exploration approach is evidenced by the fact that the drilling of many such anomalies has resulted in significant indications of disseminated gold mineralization. The Windfall, Rustler, and Paroni deposits on the Windfall claims and the Lookout Mountain on the Lookout Mountain group were discovered by drilling soil and rock anomalies in permissive structural and stratigraphic settings. Drill testing of several geochemical anomalies in permissive geological settings has also resulted in the discovery of several promising zones of gold mineralization on the Hoosac, Windfall, and Lookout Mountain claim groups. As yet, these zones have not been fully tested.
Amselco Exploration began exploring the Lookout Mountain project in 1978, conducting an extensive geologic mapping, soil and rock sampling and an initial 15-hole reverse circulation drilling program which tested gold mineralization along the Ratto Ridge Fault and associated geochemical anomalies and jasperoids developed along the N-S trending Ratto Ridge. This drilling discovered significant sediment-hosted disseminated gold mineralization at depth. Amselco drilled 296 holes between 1978 and 1985. Amselco also discovered five other areas along Ratto Ridge which contain partially developed gold resources. These areas are located at South Lookout Mountain, Pinnacle Peak, Triple Junction, South Ratto Ridge, and South Adit. In 1986, while Amselco was in process of becoming BP Minerals, Amselco management decided that the Lookout Mountain deposit was not of further interest even though their geologists reportedly believed the deposit had significant potential. The property was optioned to a joint venture of three companies which then owned Norse-Windfall Mines, the Eureka Venture.
Windfall continued work at Lookout Mountain, drilled 11 exploration holes, and decided that the deposit had a total of 446,246 in place tons with an average grade of 0.12 oz of gold/ton.
In 1990, EFL Gold Mines took bulk samples from the floor of the Lookout Mountain pit. These samples returned assays values ranging from 0.10 to 0.135 oz of gold/ton. EFL also drilled 9 holes, two of which, drilled 500 feet (152 meters) into the floor of the pit, showed both oxide and sulfide gold mineralization.
Barrick (1992-93) completed geologic mapping, took more than 500 soil samples to expand and fill in Amselco’s grid, and drilled in various places, primarily along Ratto Ridge and for a mile or so north of the ridge. Drilling targeted favorable stratigraphy at depth near fault intersections. Barrick discovered that geochemical anomalies are apparently controlled by E-NE and N-NW to NW trending cross structures which intersect the N-S trending Ratto Ridge Fault. Much of the Barrick work focused on the deeper potential in Cambrian Dunderberg Shale east of the Ratto Ridge Fault, and potential in the Devonian Nevada Group, especially the Bartine Limestone west of the fault. Outcrops of Bartine Limestone in the area show weak gold mineralization, strong alteration, and anomalous pathfinder element geochemistry. Barrick drilled 38 holes to a maximum depth of approximately 1,500 feet and encountered several sulfide gold intercepts.
Work by Barrick also included air and ground geophysics, and a stratigraphic and mineralogic geochemical study in conjunction with geologic mapping, developed and prioritized several target areas. Approximately 800 rock samples were collected and had high-quality multi-element analyses run, ICP and graphite furnace analyses at MB Associates in California, and ICP and neutron activation analysis at Activation Laboratories in Canada. Mapping, together with results of the Magmachem geochemistry, indicated that mineralization was apparently strongly controlled by E-NE and N-NW to NW trending cross structures near or at the point they intersect the N-S trending Ratto Ridge Fault and the Cambrian Dunderberg Shale and Hamburg Dolomite. Ultimately, Barrick drilled 40 reverse circulation holes. However, geological and geochemical targets or additional drilling in areas of known mineralization previously discovered by Amselco found insufficient mineralization to meet Barrick’s objectives. It should be noted that the potential for mineralization west of the Ratto Ridge crest has not been explored adequately.
Echo Bay (1993-95) not only worked Ratto Ridge but also acquired additional ground to the north, south, and southwest. They conducted mapping, sampling, and scattered drilling in the area, exploring deep high-grade potential in the Cambrian Dunderberg Shale and Hamburg Dolomite, and testing Devonian Nevada Group targets west of the Ratto Ridge Fault. Echo Bay drilled several promising holes, including drill hole EBR 27 which intersected 110 feet grading 0.043 oz of gold/ton in the Dunderberg, and drill hole EBR-9 which intersected 115 feet grading 0.043 oz of gold/ton in the Nevada Group. Offsets of EBR-9 found 90 feet grading 0.028 oz of gold/ton, and another hole which was lost before reaching planned depth found 45 feet of 0.024 oz of gold/ton. Further offsets of EBR-9 and several widely-spaced holes averaging 2,000 feet deep (EBR 15, 16, 17, 18, and 20) found some anomalous gold along Ratto Ridge but no major intercepts. Eventually, the Echo Bay project totaled 104 RC holes. Faced with depletion of budgets with no significant exploration success, the decline in gold prices and large land payments, Echo Bay decided to drop the property.
On the Windfall, Hoosac, and New York Canyon claim groups, Bill Wilson of the Idaho Mining Corp, then Windfall Venture, later Norse-Windfall, initiated reconnaissance mapping, soil and rock chip sampling, trenching, and drilling in the early 1970s. He noted that the original underground Windfall Mine, which was discovered in 1908 and produced approximately 65,000 tons of ‘invisible gold’ mineralized rock grading 0.368 oz/ton, was a Carlin-type sediment-hosted disseminated gold occurrence. Wilson’s work emphasized the east side of Hamburg Ridge, the Windfall Trend, where he drilled, with conventional air rotary, holes through, and Z-1 through Z-31, Z42, and ZA-1 on the current Windfall group. He drilled holes Z32-41 on the Hoosac group. The drill holes were generally from 50 to 250 feet deep. Six of Wilson’s original forty-three Z-holes intersected gold mineralization exceeding 0.02 oz of gold/ton. This success led to infill drilling and the development of the Windfall open pit mine in 1975, and soon thereafter, the Rustler and Paroni open pit mines. Gold was extracted in a CN heap-leach operation from sanded and silicified dolomite and silicified shale.
No geologic maps exist from this period other than a few maps compiled from USGS work. Although many drill hole location maps are archived in Century Gold files, the coordinates for many drill hole collars are not available, very few collars are visible in the field, and assay data from infill drilling is poorly documented.
Recent Activity
The Company continues to work toward completion of a comprehensive technical work program at its South Eureka property. A large part of the Lookout Mountain project and Windfall Patents project areas have now been mapped and sampled, including a detailed program conducted over the main resource area. The principle objectives of the mapping and sampling program were to characterize offsets along the main mineralized fault zones at Windfall and Lookout Mountain, identify orientations of mineralized cross structures intersecting the main structural zones, and follow up on soil anomalies. The mapping program, combined with surface sampling and acquisition of historic data, has provided a clearer understanding of the structures along Ratto Ridge, as well as identified several significant new exploration target areas.
Over 400 drill holes have been re-logged to ensure geologic consistency with surface mapping, and based on this work, new geologic cross sections and plans have been constructed for the entire Lookout Mountain deposit. Geologic grade shells have also been built, and construction of a 3-D model of the geology, based on the results of historic drill re-logging and mapping efforts, is ongoing. This new work and the updated resource estimate will resolve technical issues identified in the past, and provide Timberline with a plan for advancing the property into the scoping/pre-feasibility study phase following one more round of drilling.
An exploration Plan of Operations has been approved by the BLM and the State Department of Environmental Protection (NDEP) for the Lookout Mountain project. The Plan of Operations calls for approximately 246 acres of disturbance that can be accessed for use in a phased approach, and covers the entire Ratto Ridge structural zone. The Plan of Operations will allow us to complete additional infill, metallurgical, and exploration drilling necessary to advance the development of the Lookout Mountain project.
Scoping Study
Staccato Gold retained SRK Consulting U.S. Inc.
(SRK) to complete a preliminary economic scoping study of the Lookout Mountain project in 2007. The study was not completed when it became evident that more technical data was needed to assess the economics of the project, and that SRK had issues with some of the methodology used in the earlier mineralization estimate. Specifically, SRK identified that grade shells were not used appropriately to limit tons and grade estimation. In addition, SRK is of the opinion that insufficient geological constraints were employed in the resource estimation which could lead to inflated numbers. SRK also believes the density values used in the tonnage calculations were too high, and that in its opinion, additional density determinations are required to improve tonnage calculations in the Lookout Mountain mineralized material estimate.
Technical Work Program
In order to improve understanding of the technical aspects of the project, address the issues noted by SRK, and evaluate the potential of the South Eureka property, Staccato Gold initiated a comprehensive work program in June 2008. The program included geologic modeling that incorporated structural and stratigraphic controls to mineralization, additional density determinations, and new drilling and metallurgical test data. The results of this work will be incorporated into the updated mineralization estimate for the Lookout Mountain project.
The 2005-2007 core drilling program completed by Staccato Gold provided data to better define the higher-grade breccia-hosted gold zones at the Lookout Mountain pit, and discovered new areas of mineralization. The core drilling demonstrated the stratabound nature of the gold mineralization in thick zones of collapse breccia within carbonate rock flanking the Ratto Ridge structural zone. Metallurgical and other technical characteristics of known mineralization at Lookout Mountain have not been thoroughly investigated.
Windfall
Staccato Gold completed a ten hole drill program totaling 8,030 feet at its South Eureka property in October 2009. The drilling program focused on testing the extent of gold mineralization at the Windfall project, which is located approximately 3 miles northeast of the main Lookout Mountain project resource area. The Windfall project is one of several prospective gold projects on the Company’s extensive South Eureka property in Nevada.
Results from the surface mapping program, historic production and geologic maps, and drilling indicate that high grade gold is locally controlled within cross structures cutting the main Windfall fault zone, at the contact between the Hamburg Dolomite and Dunderburg Shale. The recent drill program tested approximately 3,600 feet of the Windfall fault zone with wide spaced drilling. The Windfall fault zone is part of an extensive mineralized structural trend which extends for over 17,000 feet based on historic data.
All holes in the recent exploration program encountered thick intercepts of low grade gold (holes 5-12) or anomalous gold mineralization (holes 13 and 14) within the Windfall fault zone. The offset and exploration holes drilled define the Windfall fault zone as a (150 to 200 foot) thick zone striking roughly north-south and dipping approximately 60 degrees to the east, containing two or more significant zones of mineralization.
Five of the ten holes were drilled as offsets to follow up on the high grade gold intercept drilled in hole 4 (75 feet at 0.153 ounces of gold/ton), and five were drilled as exploratory holes to test the strike and dip extent of the Windfall fault zone. Several thick intercepts of
gold mineralization were returned, including 135 feet at 0.011
ounces of gold/ton in hole 7, 135 feet at 0.016 ounces of gold/ton in hole 8, 115 feet at 0.010 ounces of gold/ton in hole 9, and 100 feet at 0.018 ounces of gold/ton in hole 11.
A secondary hanging wall structure identified by the mapping program was also encountered in drill holes 7, 8, 11, and 13 and is characterized by strong silicification and decalcification of Windfall Formation and Dunderberg shale in the hanging wall side of the fault, and Dunderberg shale and Hamburg Dolomite on the footwall side. Drilling indicates a down to the east offset of the Dunderberg - Hamburg contact. This secondary structure represents an attractive and untested target at depth.
Timberline intends to continue to assess the potential of the prospective Windfall fault zone at depth and on strike along the regional trend, with additional surface mapping, sampling, geophysical surveys, and exploration drilling programs planned for the future.
South Eureka Property Exploration Potential
We are of the opinion that the South Eureka property has excellent potential for continued exploration success both at the deposit scale and on the regional scale. The current Lookout Mountain mineralization is defined over a relatively small area at the north end of a mineralized structural corridor that extends for several thousand feet across the property, and up to 4 to 5 kilometers (2.5 to 3 miles) in strike length. This structure hosts several areas of drill indicated mineralization and the exploration potential in this corridor is strong, as evidenced by historic drilling, and soil and rock geochemical analyses. The Lookout Mountain mineralization itself is open for expansion at depth and along strike, especially to the south. Regionally, several other target areas also exist where historic production and exploration have occurred, but only limited systematic exploration has been conducted.
South Eureka Property Ownership
Staccato amended the Lookout Mountain project lease agreement in June 2008. The lease term was extended to 20 years, and thereafter for as long as minerals are mined on the project. Advanced royalty payments are $72,000 per annum. Pursuant to the amended lease, annual minimum exploration expenditures of $250,000 are required for five years commencing on June 1, 2008, and an additional expenditure of $250,000 is required before June 1, 2016, for a total minimum work commitment of $1,500,000. Exploration expenditures in excess of $250,000 in any year can be accumulated and carried forward and credited to expenditures required in succeeding years. The Company has fulfilled the work commitment on the Lookout Mountain project.
Monthly lease payments of $4,000 are due to maintain the Windfall Patents in good standing. Timberline has the option to purchase the project for $750,000 if the option is exercised before February 2012. The term of the agreement extends until April 2012.
The other projects that comprise the extensive South Eureka property, including the Hiero/Syracuse, South Ratto, New York Canyon, and a large portion of the Hoosac/North Amselco projects, are owned by Timberline subject to underlying royalty agreements. The Company is in the process of consolidating the ownership of a portion of the Hoosac/North Amselco project that is currently held by another party.
South Eureka 2010 Program
Upon receipt of final approval from the BLM, Timberline commenced an aggressive $2,500,000 work program on the South Eureka property. The program objective was designed to obtain sufficient data to complete a NI 43-101 compliant resource estimate, conduct metallurgical studies and tests, and detail map the geology of the property to better understand the controls of mineralization and to outline additional exploration drill targets for testing in 2011. The information generated by this program is expected to be incorporated into a preliminary economic assessment during the year ended September 30, 2011.
The program to achieve these corporate objectives includes:
·
7,500 foot core drill program focused primarily on obtaining core for process metallurgical scoping studies;
·
30,000 foot Reverse Circulation (RC) drill program directed primarily at in-fill and resource definition drilling necessary to complete a NI 43-101 technical report, including a compliant resource, for the Lookout Mountain Project by early March 2011;
·
Drill testing of high grade sulfide/refractory lenses within the oxide resource to better understand the controls and geometry of the sulfide mineralization;
·
Metallurgical testing on core samples to define the heap leach characteristics and process parameters;
·
Channel sampling and bulk sampling within the historic Lookout Mountain pit for bench-scale metallurgical testing;
·
Detailed geologic mapping and sampling to identify and target additional exploration targets on the South Eureka Property but outside of the main Lookout Mountain mineralization area, to be tested during 2011 field season;
As of September 30, 2010 Timberline is on schedule and has one Timberline Drilling core rig and two RC rigs operating on site. The metallurgical scoping study has been formalized, and geologic mapping is on-going. All drilling and geologic mapping will be completed by December 31, 2010, and metallurgical testing commenced in November 2010.
ICBM Project (Cortez/Battle Mountain Trend)
The ICBM Joint Venture Project (Timberline/Barrick) is located in the Battle Mountain Mining District, Lander County, Nevada. The land position consists of 526 hectares (1,300 acres) on BLM administered lands. The drilling to date has demonstrated that mineralization is
present and is localized along the contacts of Cambrian sediments and altered granodiorite. This style of mineralization is being mined at Newmont’s Fortitude/Phoenix complex to the south.
Timberline is the operator of the joint venture, and currently holds a 72% interest in the project, with Barrick Gold holding the remaining interest.
As of September 30, 2010, Timberline does not consider the ICBM prospect to be a material property. No material future expenditures are planned on the prospect at this time.
Evan’s Mine Project (Carlin Trend)
Staccato acquired an option on the Evan’s Mine claims in 2007. The Evan’s claims are located adjacent to Newmont’s Emigrant Springs development project on the Carlin Trend.
Staccato commenced a three-hole 1,370 meter (4,500 foot) core exploration drilling program on the Evan’s Mine property in December 2007, and completed the program in March 2008. No significant gold values were returned, however, anomalous arsenic and mercury were associated with anomalous gold in hole ES-1, and scattered zones of anomalous concentrations of antimony with mercury were present in all holes.
The annual advanced royalty payments on the property were cancelled by agreement with the leaseholder in December 2008. The Company is required to spend a minimum of US$50,000 on exploration annually, or pay US$10,000 cash in lieu of the work commitment, to maintain its ownership interest of the property. Excess exploration expenditures in any year can be carried forward. The term of the lease is for an initial 10 year period, and thereafter for as long as the work commitments are made. An NSR from 1% to 2%, based on the gold price, is due to the original property owner. Staccato’s exploration program expenditures prior to its acquisition by Timberline satisfied the work commitment for several years.
As of September 30, 2010, Timberline does not consider the Evan’s Mine prospect to be a material property. No material future expenditures are planned on the prospect at this time.
Montana Gold Properties
Butte Highlands Gold Project
In July 2007, Timberline closed its purchase of the Butte Highlands Gold Project, including 100-percent ownership of mineral rights, from Butte Highlands Mining Company for $405,000 cash and 108,000 shares of Timberline common stock. The project is located approximately 15 miles south of Butte, Montana in Silverbow County. The property covers 1,142 acres consisting of a combination of patented and unpatented mining claims situated within Sections 31 and 32, Township 1 North, Range 7 West; Sections 5 and 6, Township 1 South, Range 7 West; and Section 1, Township 1 South, Range 8 West, Montana Principal Meridian. The property can be accessed utilizing motor vehicle via State Highway 2 and County and US Forest Service maintained, improved surface roads. The project is within a favorable geologic domain that has hosted several multi-million ounce gold deposits.
In October 2008, the Company announced that it had agreed to form a 50/50 joint venture with Small Mine Development (“SMD”) at the Butte Highlands project. In July 2009, the Company finalized the joint venture agreement with Highland Mining, LLC (“Highland”) (an affiliate of SMD) to create Butte Highlands JV, LLC (“BHJV”). Under terms of the joint venture agreement, Timberline will be carried to production by Highland, which will fund all mine development costs and began development in the summer of 2009. Both Timberline’s and Highland’s 50-percent share of costs will be paid out of proceeds from future mine production. Under the terms of the operating agreement, filed with this Annual Report as Exhibit 10.21, Highland will have preferential rights with respect to distributions until the investment by the Company is deemed equal to the investment by Highland.
BHJV has continued the exploration plan and geologic modeling of the Butte Highlands project with Timberline’s assistance. During the year ended September 30, 2009, a permit to perform additional exploration, consisting of installing an underground exploration ramp to access mineralization for underground drilling, bulk sampling and metallurgical testing was approved by the State of Montana. Upon approval, construction of the underground ramp and associated development on the project began in August 2009. Completion of the underground ramp, underground drilling and bulk sampling will take approximately 12 to 18 months in total. During the year ended September 30, 2010 BHJV submitted an application for an Operating Permit with the state of Montana to commence gold mining operations. BHJV will be conducted or contracted all base line studies to facilitate the permit. The state of Montana has indicated to Timberline that this process and regulatory approval will take approximately 12 to 18 months. Therefore, Timberline expects to transition directly from exploration to gold mining operations.
Highland, our 50/50 joint venture partner on the project, will carry all costs incurred on the project until mining operations commence. The Company expects that the total costs incurred by Highland on the project to reach this milestone will be between $20 million and $24 million.
Butte Highlands Claim Summary
Claim Name(s)
Claim Type
Land Type
Rights
Ownership
BHC 1 thru BHC 61
Unpatented lode
Federal
mineral
100 % Timberline Resources Corp.
MC 1 thru MC 48
Unpatented lode
Federal
mineral
50 % Timberline Resources Corp. (1)
J.B. Thompson
Patented lode
Private
mineral and surface
50 % Timberline Resources Corp. (1)
Main Ripple
Patented lode
Private
mineral and surface
50 % Timberline Resources Corp. (1)
Murphy
Patented lode
Private
mineral and surface
50 % Timberline Resources Corp. (1)
Only Chance
Patented lode
Private
mineral and surface
50 % Timberline Resources Corp. (1)
Purchance
Patented lode
Private
mineral and surface
50 % Timberline Resources Corp. (1)
Red Mountain
Patented lode
Private
mineral and surface
50 % Timberline Resources Corp. (1)
Main Chance
Patented lode
Private
mineral and surface
100 % Richardson Family Trust (2)
Island
Patented lode
Private
mineral and surface
100 % Richardson Family Trust (2)
Atlantic
Patented lode
Private
mineral and surface
100 % Richardson Family Trust (2)
Barnard
Patented lode
Private
mineral and surface
100 % Richardson Family Trust (2)
Pony Placer
Patented Lode
Private
surface
50 % Timberline Resources Corp. (1)
(1) Claims are owned 100% by Butte Highlands JV, LLC, of which Timberline Resources owns a 50% interest.
(2) Timberline holds a lease option agreement on these claims subject to a mining lease/option to purchase agreement dated October 1, 2009.
All of the unpatented claims are exploration lode claims legally located under federal and state guidelines whereas each claim is 600 feet by 1500 feet encompassing 20 acres. Each claim is clearly marked with a 4 inch by 4 inch post or equivalent tree at each corner and a location monument is erected along the center line of the long direction of the claim. All BLM maintenance requirements have been met.
All of the private lands within the Butte Highlands property are historic lode and placer claims which were patented through the U.S. Government patent process. Timberline Resources is responsible for paying yearly BLM maintenance fees on all unpatented mining claims and Montana State property taxes on all patented lands. All associated taxes and fees are paid up to date as of September 30, 2010. Electricity and water are readily available on the property. If necessary, additional electricity requirements may be met by augmenting the currently available electrical supply with generator power.
On October 1, 2009, the Company signed a Mining Lease/Option to Purchase Agreement with the Richardson Family Trust for certain patented claims as detailed in the table above. The Agreement calls for an initial payment of $20,000 with annual payments of $15,000, increasing to $20,000 plus an annual inflation adjustment by October 2013, and remaining at that level thereafter. The Company will pay a 3-4% NSR royalty on any production from the Richardson Family Trust property, based upon the sale price of minerals produced from the property.
Gold mineralization at Butte Highlands is hosted primarily in lower Paleozoic Wolsey shale with higher-grade mineralization occurring within the sediments proximal to diorite sills and dikes. Between 1988 and 1996, prior operators Placer Dome, Battle Mountain, ASARCO, and Orvana Minerals demonstrated the presence of a wide and continuous mineralized zone by drilling 46 core holes (36,835 feet) and 132 reverse-circulation holes (61,338 feet) within the district. The vast majority of this drilling was conducted in the Nevin Hill area which is included in the Timberline property. Best gold intercepts achieved at Butte Highlands include 49.8 feet of 0.651 ounces per ton (oz/t) and 11.5 feet of 1.996 oz/t from surface and 31.0 feet of 1.060 oz/t from underground.
Historic Drilling Highlights (from Surface)
Drill Hole
From
(ft)
To
(ft)
Length
(ft)
Gold
(oz/t)(1)
DDH 88-3
745.0
756.0
11.0
0.110
1,070.0
1,085.0
15.0
0.206
DDH 89-1
1,177.2
1,227.0
49.8
0.651
PD 89-1
1,351.0
1,366.0
15.0
0.340
PD 89-2
1,396.0
1,412.0
16.0
0.135
BH 93-1
885.0
895.0
10.0
0.138
925.0
935.0
10.0
0.319
BH 93-8
1,189.0
1,200.0
11.0
0.131
BH 93-11
758.5
770.0
11.5
0.351
825.0
845.0
20.0
0.114
964.0
978.0
14.0
0.776
BH 93-12
762.5
786.0
23.5
0.548
BH 94-2
1,240.0
1,270.0
30.0
0.214
BH 94-3
1,129.3
1,141.0
11.7
0.255
1,163.4
1,181.0
17.6
0.142
1,312.0
1,325.5
13.5
0.492
1,425.0
1,437.0
12.0
0.276
BH 94-16
1,335.5
1,347.0
11.5
0.165
BH 94-17
1,295.5
1,323.0
27.5
0.268
BH 95-5
1,429.0
1,457.5
28.5
0.338
1,512.5
1,522.5
10.0
0.129
BH 96-1
697.0
722.3
25.3
0.153
754.0
779.5
25.5
0.158
BH 96-5
837.0
849.0
12.0
0.678
902.0
916.0
14.0
0.114
932.5
944.0
11.5
1.996
BH 96-6
1,258.0
1,270.0
12.0
0.142
1,320.0
1,333.0
13.0
0.165
BH 96-8
1,222.0
1,233.0
11.0
0.234
1,287.0
1,307.0
20.0
0.212
BH 96-9
993.0
1,012.0
19.0
0.133
(1)
All values represent either a single interval or were composited using a weighted average based on sample interval length.
The following table includes highlights from past underground drilling programs conducted in the early-1940s.
Historic Drilling Highlights (from Underground)
Drill Hole
From
(ft)
To
(ft)
Length
(ft)
Gold
(oz/t)(1)
BH 40-23
147.0
157.0
10.0*
0.102
205.0
226.0
21.0
0.230
BH 40-24
142.0
173.0
31.0
1.060
BH 40-34
182.0
192.0
10.0*
0.106
BH 40-35
329.5
339.5
10.0*
0.132
BH 40-41
162.0
181.0
19.0
0.280
BH 40-42
224.0
236.0
12.0
0.180
BH 40-43
237.0
249.0
12.0
1.140
BH 40-46
278.0
288.0
10.0*
0.124
307.0
317.0
10.0*
0.558
330.0
340.0
10.0*
0.160
BH 40-47
236.0
262.0
26.0
0.260
BH 40-48
197.0
207.0
10.0*
0.174
BH 40-49
234.0
244.0
10.0*
0.106
(1)
All values represent either a single interval or were composited using a weighted average based on sample interval length.
*
averaged with 0.025 oz/t dilution to reach 10-foot thickness
In 1997, Orvana Minerals used recent and historic drilling data to prepare a report on the Butte Highlands property. The report provided a preliminary technical review of feasibility issues, identifying no fatal flaws to mine development. The report also noted that suitable sites for a mill and tailings pond are present on the property, custom milling at existing nearby facilities was feasible, and access to the deposit could be achieved with a decline from either of two existing portals.
Drilling by Timberline Resources
Four core holes were drilled in 2008 totaling 6,757 feet of drill core. The results were positive, resulting in confirmation and extension of the stratigraphic controlled mineralization to the northwest; and the discovery of an additional zone at depth near the northwest end of the known mineralized extents. The drilling also indicated a potential zone of broader lower grade material within the intrusive which may be amenable to bulk underground mining methods.
In 2009 BHJV completed a five hole core drill program totaling 7,244 feet of drilling. The first three drill holes were drilled to the northwest of the main mineralized body in the hopes of extending mineralization in that area. The first drill hole (BHDDH09-01) encountered mineralization but it appears to be on the outer margins. Two narrow intercepts above 0.1 ounces per ton gold (Au) were encountered. The first was 0.8 feet from 1269.8 feet to 1270.6 feet grading 0.115 ounces per ton Au. The second was 2.5 feet from 1401.1 to 1403.6 feet grading 0.356 ounces per ton Au. The second drill hole (BHDDH09-02) encountered mineralized formation before abruptly intersecting an unexpected fault which removed most of the favorable Wolsey Formation. The third drill hole (BHDDH09-03) encountered the same faulting as in BHDDH09-02 but the entire favorable horizon was removed, consequently no mineralization was encountered in either of the drill holes. The fourth hole (BHDDH09-04) was drilled in the central part of the mineralized area with the intention of infill drilling near known mineralized intercepts. The hole encountered a significant amount of skarn mineralization. Although geologically it appears similar to high grade material, it is lower grade than nearby mineralization. The fifth drill hole (BHDDH09-05) was drilled central to the mineralized area but significantly up dip of the known mineralization. The purpose of this hole was twofold; to supply geotechnical data for the proposed vent raise, and for exploration. Skarn mineralization was encountered although it was lower grade than the down dip zone. One significant intercept of 3.5 feet from 1200.2 feet to 1207.7 feet grading 0.171 opt Au was encountered in the drill hole. When averaged with the next sample, the intercept is 7.8 feet from 1200.2 feet to 1208 feet grading 0.11 ounces per ton Au.
BHJV also initiated a Hydrologic Reverse Circulation Drill program during 2009. The program consisted of five holes completed for a total of 6,695 feet. Data collected during this program was used to model the hydrologic character of the mineralized area.
A seven hole core drilling program was completed during the year ending September, 30 2010. The program had two purposes; one was to infill and expand mineralization within the known area of mineralized material, and the second was to test potential for mineralization to the east, outside the area of known mineralization. Three holes were drilled within the known extents of the mineralized area while four holes
were drilled outside to the east of the known extents. Two of the holes drilled interior to the known mineralized extents had significant intercepts in them. Hole BHDDH10-02 had a 9.7 foot intercept grading 0.383 ounces per ton gold. This intercept is generally carried by a 1.72 foot intercept grading 0.768 ounces per ton. This drill hole had a couple additional shorter intercepts that with further exploration drilling may lead into additional ore zones. The first one is a 3.3 foot intercept grading 0.113 ounces per ton Au and the second is a 2 foot intercept grading 0.269 ounces per ton Au.
Hole BHDDH10-07 had sixteen intercepts greater than 0.029 ounces per ton gold. The overall intercept was 43.2 feet from 959.8 feet to 1003 feet at an average grade of .819 ounces per ton Au including one intercept from 971.9 feet to 974.1 feet of 2.2 feet grading 15.242 ounces per ton Au. There are other intercepts in the drill hole but all are less than 0.1 ounces per ton Au.
There were no minable width significant intercepts in the outside exploration holes. Several short intercepts and intercepts of anomalous material were encountered but nothing of economic interest. Hole number BHDDH10-03 contained an intercept from 938.5 to 939.9 consisting of 1.4 feet grading 0.185 ounces per ton gold. Hole number BHDDH10-04 also contained a short intercept from 708.9 to 709.6 consisting of 0.7 feet grading 0.179 ounces per ton gold. Both of these intercepts were short zones on the contact between intrusive material and the Meagher formation. Although we did not encounter significant ore zone intercepts, strides in understanding the geology and genesis of the Butte Highlands gold mineralization were achieved.
All above mentioned intercept values were calculated using a sample length, weighted average calculation or represent a single sample interval. The following table represents intercepts of interest during Timberline Resources tenure on the project.
As of September 30, 2010, the Company has incurred exploration costs to date of approximately $1,600,000. During the 2011 fiscal year, we do not plan to undertake any significant exploration work on the property. The focus at Butte Highlands in fiscal 2011 will be completion of the underground ramp, underground drilling and bulk sampling by our joint venture partner, Highland.
Highlights from Timberline Resources Drilling
Drill Hole
From
(ft)
To
(ft)
Intercept length
(ft)
Gold
(oz/t)(1)
BHDDH08-01
1335.6
1.4
0.27
BHDDH08-02
1171.4
1178.6
7.2
0.11
BHDDH08-02
1193.7
1196.3
2.6
0.11
BHDDH08-02
0.10
BHDDH08-02
1577.7
1578.5
0.8
0.14
BHDDH08-03
0.62
BHDDH08-03
0.21
including
0.30
including
1272.7
6.3
0.41
BHDDH08-03
0.26
BHDDH08-03
1560.2
1569.2
0.41
BHDDH08-03
0.14
BHDDH09-01
1269.8
1270.6
0.8
0.11
BHDDH09-01
1401.1
1403.6
2.5
0.36
BHDDH09-04
1023.3
1027.3
0.10
BHDDH09-05
1185.4
3.4
0.09
BHDDH09-05
1200.2
7.8
0.11
BHDDH10-02
262.3
9.7
0.38
BHDDH10-02
300.1
303.4
3.3
0.11
BHDDH10-02
319.4
321.4
0.27
BHDDH10-03
938.5
939.9
1.4
0.19
BHDDH10-04
708.9
709.6
0.7
0.20
BHDDH10-07
959.8
43.2
0.82
including
971.9
974.1
2.2
15.24
(1)
All values represent either a single interval or were composited using a weighted average based on sample interval length.
Idaho Copper-Silver Property
The Snowstorm Prospect
The Snowstorm Project is located in north Idaho’s “Silver Valley” and features the Snowstorm Mine, a historic operation that produced 800,000 tons of ore averaging 4-percent copper and 6 ounces per ton (oz/t) silver. Snowstorm mineralization occurred as disseminated copper and silver found in the same Revett Formation quartzites that host the Troy, Rock Creek, and Montanore deposits on the Montana Copper Sulfide Belt, but was of a much higher grade. The Snowstorm property, which is 2 miles northeast of the Lucky Friday Mine near Mullan in Shoshone County, Idaho, lies in the southwest corner of the Montana Copper Sulfide Belt where it overlaps the northeast corner of the Coeur d'Alene Mining District. Timberline controls 100-percent of the Snowstorm Project.
Exploration work has been conducted in the project area for decades. U.S. Borax conducted a program focusing on the nearby Military Gulch area during the 1980s. Later, Silver Mountain Lead Mines, The Bunker Hill Company, and Hecla held the project area and also conducted significant exploration. Timberline has obtained access to most of this data, which represents hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of work. This data was reviewed and assembled to aid in the development of the 2005 exploration program.
In late-2005, Timberline completed a Phase I exploration program at Snowstorm, designed as an initial evaluation of the potential for copper-silver mineralization in Upper Revett quartzite within the large project area. The program consisted of 10 core holes totaling 4,104 feet, drilled at nine widely-spaced sites along the projected mineralized horizon at depths ranging from 149 to 712 feet.
Mineralization was found to occur within the lower unit of the Upper Revett quartzite, with all ten drill holes encountering the quartzite in thicknesses varying from 37 to 57 feet. Although the continuity of the stratigraphy and the mineralized horizon was demonstrated, bulk grades across the horizon were sub-economic, with copper values typically less than 0.3-percent and silver values typically less than 0.25 oz of silver/ton. Much of the mineralization in the shallower intercepts was oxidized with leaching contributing to the lower grades. In the sulfide zones, chalcopyrite was the predominate sulfide rather than bornite or chalcocite. Results of the drilling were reported in the Company’s 8-K report dated January 3, 2006.
Timberline submitted a technical report on the Phase I exploration program at Snowstorm, along with a Phase II exploration proposal, to Hecla as required by an earn-in agreement. Hecla has subsequently elected not to participate in future expenditures at Snowstorm and thus retains a 4-percent net smelter returns (NSR) royalty on any future production from the project. Timberline now controls 100-percent of the Snowstorm prospect.
The mineralized horizon at the Snowstorm Mine was discovered in outcrop and subsequently developed with four adits, each driven at lower elevations to access its nearly vertical structure. The horizon appears to have been offset by a structure near the lowest adit and little systematic exploration has been conducted for this lower portion of the ore body. No stratabound copper-silver deposit has since been discovered that approached the grades of the Snowstorm.
In May 2005, the Company signed a Mineral Lease Agreement with Snowshoe Mining Co. for additional ground adjacent to the Snowstorm project area. The property subject to the Snowshoe Agreement includes the patented claims of Mineral Survey 2224, encompassing an area of approximately 76 acres, just west of the Snowstorm claims. The Agreement calls for an initial payment of $8,000, with annual payments increasing to $15,000 by May 2009, and remaining at that level thereafter. The Company will pay a 3-percent NSR royalty on any production from the Snowshoe property, and will perform a minimum of $10,000 worth of exploration work upon it annually. The work may be performed on or for the benefit of the Snowshoe claims. Hecla previously elected to include the Snowshoe claims within the area of interest, and will consequently receive a 1-percent NSR royalty on any production from the Snowshoe property.
As of September 30, 2010, Timberline does not consider the Snowstorm prospect to be a material property. No material future expenditures are planned on the prospect at this time.
Idaho Gold Property
The Spencer Prospect
The Spencer prospect covers 640 acres on the western end of the Kilgore-Spencer Trend, a northeast-trending belt of rhyolite volcanics known to host epithermal gold-silver mineralization, just south of a privately-held opal mine about nine miles northeast of near the town of Spencer, Idaho. The Company believes that the property has the potential to host both open-pit and underground gold deposits.
The geochemistry at Spencer is consistent with the upper levels of an epithermal system. Although there was considerable interest in the region during the 1980s and 1990s, the Spencer property has never been drill tested.
The Company has performed a phase-one exploration program consisting of reconnaissance-scale geological mapping along with rock chip and soil geochemical sampling. Future work may include more detailed mapping and sampling, and possibly a geophysical survey to help define drill targets.
The Spencer Prospect is held by State of Idaho Department of Lands Mineral Lease No. 9347. The Mineral Lease was issued to a prior Director of Timberline, who assigned it to the Company for consideration of common stock and approximately $3,000 in expenses.
The prospect is located in Section 16, Township 12 North, Range 37 East, in Clark County, Idaho. The lease covers an area of approximately 640 acres and calls for annual payments to the State of Idaho of $640. Royalties on production of previous metals are 5-percent of the gross receipts from the sale of minerals produced, less reasonable transportation, smelting and treatment costs.
As of September 30, 2010, Timberline does not consider the Spenser prospect to be a material property. No future expenditures are planned on the prospect at this time.
Montana Copper-Silver Properties
The Minton Pass, East Bull, Standard Creek, Lucky Luke, Clear Peak and Copper Rock Prospects
In 2004, Timberline acquired four properties on the Montana Copper Sulfide Belt in Lincoln and Sanders counties. All four properties are interpreted as sediment-hosted copper-silver occurrences located in the Revett Formation of the Montana Copper-Silver Belt and are considered early-stage exploration prospects. The properties were held by U.S. Borax and its successor company, Kennecott Exploration, during the 1980s and early-1990s. Timberline has acquired the mapping and sampling data from the U.S. Borax program. There has been no documented activity in these areas since 1992.
In the 1970s and 1980s, major exploration companies identified several copper-silver occurrences within the Montana Copper Sulfide Belt, and successfully outlined three world-class ore bodies, including Troy, Rock Creek and Montanore. These quartzite-hosted deposits are characterized by their lateral extensive size and continuity of mineralization.
Metasedimentary rocks of the Precambrian Belt Supergroup underlie the area. Outcropping rocks consist of a sequence of argillites, siltstones, and quartzites representing the basal portion of the Wallace, St. Regis, and Revett formations, along with the upper portion of the Burke Formation. Locally, these rocks strike northwest with a shallow westerly dip. Major faulting associated with the mineralization is generally north-northwest. Disseminated bornite with secondary chrysocolla and malachite is reported to occur within a specific quartzite horizon of the Revett Formation.
In 2008, Timberline acquired two additional prospects in the same favorable mineralized geology, Clear Peak and Copper Rock. These properties have the same geologic description as the properties described above. Both Clear Peak and Copper Rock were previously explored by Asarco Exploration Company, Inc.
All claims were staked by Timberline and are not subject to any underlying production royalty. All of these claims have been filed with the BLM.
The State of Montana has banned the use of cyanide in mining activities within the state. Cyanide is used in the mining of gold. Since Timberline’s Montana prospects are for silver and copper only, this ban does not affect our plans for this property in Montana.
As of September 30, 2010, Timberline does not consider any of the Minton Pass, East Bull, Standard Creek, Lucky Luke, Clear Peak or Copper Rock prospects to be material properties. No future expenditures are planned on the prospects at this time.
Overview of Regulatory, Economic and Environmental Issues
Hard rock mining and drilling in the United States is a closely regulated industrial activity. Mining and drilling operations are subject to review and approval by a wide variety of agencies at the federal, state and local level. Each level of government requires applications for permits to conduct operations. The approval process always involves consideration of many issues including but not limited to air pollution, water use and discharge, noise issues, and wildlife impacts. Mining operations always involve preparation of an environmental impact statement that examines the probable effect of the proposed site development. Federal agencies that may be involved include: The U.S. Forest Service (USFS), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) and the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). Individual states also have various environmental regulatory bodies, such as Departments of Ecology and so on. Local authorities, usually counties, also have control over mining activity. An example of such regulation is the State of Montana’s recent ban on the use of cyanide in mining activities within the state. Cyanide is used in the mining of gold. However, since some of our prospects in Montana are for silver and copper this ban does not affect those properties. Our Butte Highlands project in Montana is partially on patented ground and is an underground gold prospect. It is anticipated that any production from this property would be shipped to nearby mills for processing as opposed to building our own mills and processing facilities, thus this ban would not affect our plans in Montana. The Elkhorn project is nearby and similar to Butte Highlands and is following a similar plan with public support. We are not aware of any other states that plan to enact similar legislation.
Gold, silver and copper are mined in a wide variety of ways, both in open pit and underground mines. Open pit mines require the gold deposit to be relatively close to the surface. These deposits tend to be low grade (such as 0.01-0.03 ounces per ton gold) and are mined using large, costly earth moving equipment, usually at very high tonnages per day.
Open pit operations for gold usually involve heap leaching as a metallurgical method to remove the gold. Heap leaching involves stacking the ore on pads which are lined with an impenetrable surface, then sprinkling the gold with a weak cyanide solution to extract the gold. The particle impregnated solution is collected and the gold recovered through further processing.
Underground metal mines generally involve higher grade ore bodies. Less tonnage is mined underground, and generally the higher grade ore is processed in a mill or other refining facility. This process results in the accumulation of waste by-products from the washing of the ground ore. Mills require associated tailings ponds to capture waste by-products and treat water used in the milling process.
Capital costs for mine, mill and tailings pond construction can easily run into the hundreds of millions of dollars. These costs are factored into the profitability of a mining operation. Metal mining is sensitive to both cost considerations and to the value of the metal produced. Metals prices are set on a world-wide market and are not controlled by the operators of the mine. Changes in currency values or exchange rates can also impact metals prices. Thus changes in metals prices or operating costs can have a huge impact on the economic viability of a mining operation.
Environmental protection and remediation is an increasingly important part of mineral economics. In some cases, particularly in Montana, with its concern for its grizzly bear population, mining companies have been required to acquire and donate additional land to serve as a substitute habitat for this endangered species.
Estimated future costs of reclamation or restoration of mined land are based principally on legal and regulatory requirements. Reclamation of affected areas after mining operations may cost millions of dollars. Often governmental permitting agencies are requiring multi-million dollar bonds from mining companies prior to granting permits, to insure that reclamation takes place. All environmental mitigation tends to decrease profitability of the mining operation, but these expenses are recognized as a cost of doing business by modern mining and exploration companies.
Mining and exploration activities are subject to various laws and regulations governing the protection of the environment. These laws and regulations are continually changing and are generally becoming more restrictive. We conduct our operations so as to protect the public health and environment and believe our operations are in compliance with applicable laws and regulations in all material respects. We have made, and expect to make in the future, expenditures to comply with such laws and regulations, but cannot predict the full amount of such future expenditures.
Every mining activity has an environmental impact. In order for a proposed mining project to be granted the required governmental permits, mining companies are required to present proposed plans for mitigating this impact. In the United States, where our properties are located, no mine can operate without obtaining a number of permits. These permits address the social, economic, and environmental impacts of the operation and include numerous opportunities for public involvement and comment.
We intend to focus on exploration and discovery of mineral resources, not their production. If we are successful, the ore bodies discovered will be attractive to production companies. The mining industry is, like agriculture, a fundamental component of modern industrial society, and minerals of all sorts are needed to maintain our way of life. If we are successful in finding an attractive ore body, be it gold, silver or copper, sufficient value will be created to reward the Company’s shareholders and allow for all production and reclamation expenses to be paid by the actual producer to whom we convey, assign or joint venture the project.
ITEM 3.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
In January 2009, the Company filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the District of Idaho (the “Court”) against American Drilling, LLC, American Drilling Corporation (along with American Drilling, LLC referred to as “American Drilling”), and Steven Elloway ("Elloway"). Timberline Drilling alleged that when Elloway resigned his employment with the Company, he immediately started American Drilling, and that Elloway and American Drilling had subsequently violated Elloway's Supplemental Income Agreement with Timberline Drilling, which restricted his post-termination competitive activities. In addition to seeking monetary damages, Timberline Drilling asked the Court to issue an injunction to prohibit future improper competition or use of Timberline Drilling trade secrets by Elloway or American Drilling.
In July, 2010, the parties entered into a mutual settlement and release whereby Elloway and American Drilling agreed to pay Timberline $150,000 in exchange for releasing Elloway and American Drilling from the complaint. The parties also mutually agreed to releases from any future litigation by all parties. The payment was made to Timberline in August 2010.
No director, officer or affiliate of Timberline and no owner of record or beneficial owner of more than 5.0% of our securities or any associate of any such director, officer or security holder is a party adverse to Timberline or has a material interest adverse to Timberline in reference to pending litigation.
ITEM 4.
ITEM 4. [REMOVED AND RESERVED]
PART II
ITEM 5.
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS, AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Market Information
Our common stock is listed on the NYSE Amex and is quoted under the trading symbol “TLR”. On June 3, 2010, the Company’s common stock also began trading on the TSX Venture Exchange (“TSX-V”) in Canada and is quoted under the trading symbol “TBR”. The high and low sale prices for our common stock as quoted on the NYSE Amex and the TSX-V were as follows:
On December 15, 2010, the closing sale price for our common stock was $1.02 on the NYSE Amex and $1.02 Cdn. on the TSX-V.
As of December 15, 2010, we had 55,792,938 shares of common stock issued and outstanding, held by approximately 760 registered shareholders. In many cases, shares are registered through intermediaries, making the precise number of shareholders difficult to obtain.
On May 27, 2010, the Company received notification from the NYSE Amex that Timberline had resolved its continued listing deficiencies relating to a notice received on February 13, 2009, such that a compliance period which had been accepted by the NYSE Amex had ended. The Company must maintain compliance with the continued listing standards in the future or risk being subject to delisting procedures again. If we are unable to maintain our listing on the NYSE Amex and are unable to obtain a comparable listing, the liquidity of our common stock could decrease significantly and our ability to raise additional capital through equity or convertible debt could be impaired.
Dividend Policy
We anticipate that we will retain any earnings to support operations and to finance the growth and development of our business. Therefore, we do not expect to pay cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Any further determination to pay cash dividends will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will be dependent on the financial condition, operating results, capital requirements and other factors that our board deems relevant. We have never declared a dividend.
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliates
There were no purchases of our equity securities by us or any of our affiliates during the year ended September 30, 2010.
Stock Incentive Plans
In February 2005, our Board adopted the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan which was approved by a vote of shareholders at our Annual Meeting of Shareholders on September 23, 2005. This plan authorizes the granting of up to 750,000 non-qualified stock options to Officers, Directors, and consultants.
On August 31, 2006, our Board of Directors approved an amendment to the Timberline Resources Corporation 2005 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Amended 2005 Plan”) for the purposes of increasing the total number of shares of common stock that may be issued pursuant to Awards granted under the original 2005 Plan from 750,000 shares to 2,750,000 shares and allowing “Ten Percent Shareholders” (as defined
in the Amended 2005 Plan) to participate in the plan on the same basis of any other participant. The Amended Plan was approved by a vote of shareholders at our Annual Meeting of Shareholders on September 22, 2006.
On August 22, 2008, our shareholders approved a proposal for the increase in the total number of shares of common stock that may be issued pursuant to awards granted under the original 2005 Plan as previously amended. Following the increase, the plan provides for 7,000,000 shares of common stock for awards under the plan.
On May 28, 2010, our shareholders approved a proposal for the increase in the total number of shares of common stock that may be issued pursuant to awards granted under the original 2005 Plan as previously amended. Following the increase, the plan provides for 10,000,000 shares of common stock for awards under the plan.
Equity Compensation Plans
The following summary information is presented as of September 30, 2010.
Number of securities to be
issued upon exercise of
outstanding options,
warrants, and rights
(a)
Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants, and rights
(b)
Number of securities
remaining available
for future issuance
under equity
compensation plans (excluding securities
reflected in column (a))
(c)
Equity compensation plans approved by
security holders(1)
6,203,641(1)
$0.96
1,769,689
Equity compensation plans not
approved by security holders
TOTAL
6,203,641(1)
$0.96
1,769,689
(1) See “Stock Incentive Plans”, above.
As to the options granted to date, there were 1,277,003 options exercised during the year ended September 30, 2010. For the year ended September 30, 2009, 75,000 options were exercised.
Sale of Unregistered Securities
During the year ended September 30, 2010, all transactions in which we have offered and sold unregistered securities pursuant to exemptions under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, have been previously reported on Current Reports on Form 8-K.
ITEM 6.
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Not Applicable.
ITEM 7.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATION
You should read the following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations together with our financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this report. This discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of many factors, including, but not limited to, those set forth under “Risk Factors and Uncertainties” and elsewhere in this document.
Overview
We commenced our exploration stage in January 2004 with the change in the management of the Company. From January 2004 until March 2006, we were strictly a mineral exploration company. Beginning with the management appointments of John Swallow and Paul Dircksen, the addition of Randal Hardy, our acquisition of a drilling services company, the acquisition of Butte Highlands, and the acquisition of Staccato Gold Resources Ltd., we continue to advance our business plan. Prior to our new business model, the addition of new management, the purchase of Timberline Drilling (formerly known as Kettle Drilling), and a more active and focused exploration division, the Company had no reported revenues and accumulated losses.
We achieved significant milestones during 2010. Our acquisition of Staccato Gold Resources Ltd. and its South Eureka Property in Nevada’s Battle Mountain - Eureka gold trend, which includes the Lookout Mountain Project, added an advanced-stage exploration project and other earlier stage exploration opportunities to our portfolio. We have commenced a significant and focused exploration campaign at South Eureka, and we expect to announce an updated gold mineralization estimate in fiscal year 2011.
Our Butte Highlands Joint Venture in Montana continued to make progress during the 2010 fiscal year. The joint venture completed all surface facilities and advanced the underground ramp to the top of the expected mineralization, and we continue to move forward with the remaining underground mine development and permitting activities. Underground definition drilling began subsequent to our fiscal year end, and we anticipate commencement of gold production in early Q1 2012.
Our drilling services subsidiary, Timberline Drilling, was very successful in the United States during 2010, earning approximately $1.7 million in net income in FY2010 and a solid gross margin of 21%. Timberline Drilling also extended its drilling contract with Newmont into 2014 and added other clients with long-term mining projects. We made the decision late in the year to discontinue operations at our Mexican drilling services subsidiary, WWE, and we redeployed WWE’s drilling assets to the United States for potential use by Timberline Drilling.
Drilling Services
Timberline Drilling provides both surface and underground drilling services, with its largest client being Newmont Mining. Timberline Drilling specializes in underground, hard rock core drilling - a niche business that we believe is well-positioned as the industry continues to mature and exploration projects are advanced into producing mines. Our underground focus has provided a solid base of operations during times when a large percentage of the above-ground and more speculative exploration drilling has been cut back and/or delayed due to economic conditions.
In prior fiscal years there was a significant liability on the Company’s balance sheet related to interest and penalties for late payment of payroll taxes for payrolls during the period from October 1, 2007 through May 15, 2008. This liability was generated during a period of substantial company growth when Timberline Drilling’s previous management team used available funds to pay other liabilities of the subsidiary rather than paying the payroll taxes and resulting penalties and interest. The Company repaid all outstanding payroll taxes owing from these periods during the year ending September 30, 2009, and repaid all related IRS penalties and interest during the year ended September 30, 2010. As a result, the IRS has released all liens against Timberline Drilling, and there are no longer any liabilities on the Company’s balance sheet related to unpaid payroll taxes, penalties, or interest. The Company has made timely payments on all payroll taxes since May 15, 2008.
During the year ended September 30, 2010, due to declining operational and financial results, we decided to cease the operations of Timberline Drilling’s wholly-owned Mexican subsidiary, WWE. WWE’s drill rigs and related assets were moved back to the U.S. where they are available for use by Timberline Drilling.
Revenue at Timberline Drilling increased considerably during the past year as a result of increased drilling activity in the United States. The increased drilling activity occurred primarily due to renewed availability of exploration and development capital, improvements in the global economy and higher prices for both gold and silver. Our management team has continued to focus its efforts throughout the past year on managing our expenses in relation to our current rates of revenue to assure sustainable profitability from our drilling entity. While we still believe additional improvements can be made, Timberline Drilling has now achieved six consecutive quarters of profitability.
For fiscal year 2011, we expect demand for our drilling services to increase compared to the prior year, with a corresponding increase in the utilization of our drilling rigs. We expect to generate moderate revenue growth with our largest customer, our other customers, and new customers as we continue to develop relationships and demonstrate excellent performance. We intend to continue to streamline the operations and carefully manage costs in order to generate greater profitability and provide positive cash flow to the parent company. Safety will remain a priority as we expect to continue to operate with no lost-time accidents and to reduce the number of incidents.
Mineral Exploration
As noted above, in June, 2010, the Company acquired Staccato Gold Resources Ltd. and its South Eureka Property in the Nevada’s Battle Mountain - Eureka gold trend, which includes the Lookout Mountain Project, and is one of the largest undeveloped exploration properties in Nevada, encompassing some 23 square miles. Since our acquisition of Staccato, we commenced an aggressive $2,500,000 work program on the South Eureka property. The program objective was designed to obtain sufficient data to complete an updated mineralization estimate, conduct metallurgical studies and tests, and detail map the geology of the property to better understand the controls of mineralization and to outline additional exploration drill targets for testing in 2011. The information generated by this program is expected to be incorporated into a preliminary economic assessment during the year ended September 30, 2011.
As of September 30, 2010 Timberline is on schedule at Lookout Mountain, with one Timberline Drilling core rig and two RC rigs operating on site. The metallurgical scoping study has been formalized, and geologic mapping is on-going. All drilling and geologic mapping will be completed by December 31, 2010, and metallurgical testing commenced in November 2010.
At Butte Highlands, a seven hole core drilling program was completed during the year ending September, 30 2010. The program had two purposes; one was to infill and expand mineralization within the known area of mineralized material, and the second was to test potential for mineralization to the east, outside the area of known mineralization. Three holes were drilled within the known extents of the mineralized
area while four holes were drilled outside to the east of the known extents. Although we did not encounter significant ore zone intercepts, strides in understanding the geology and genesis of the Butte Highlands gold mineralization were achieved.
Timberline is being carried to production and is a 50% joint venture partner in the Butte Highlands Joint Venture. Underground development continues on the project, with underground definition drilling commencing subsequent to September 30, 2010. For the remainder of 2010 and early 2011, work is to continue on up to 6,700 feet of underground ramps, 60,000 feet of underground core and RC drilling, and a 10,000-ton bulk sample, all of which is being funded by the Company’s joint venture partner.
The required application has been submitted for a Hard Rock Operating permit at Butte Highlands, and work is continuing on the other associated permits required for the operation. No material permitting obstacles are expected as the project advances toward targeted production. Surface facilities and infrastructure required for development and production are already in place under the Company’s exploration permit which has been in place since August 2009.
Butte Highlands is expecting to produce gold commencing in early Q1 2012, with the Company’s share expected to be approximately 30,000 ounces of gold per annum over the projected mine life of ten years based upon the preliminary internal operations plan for Butte Highlands. All mine plan information is based on Company internal analysis such that detailed figures are non 43-101 compliant. As part of the current program of work, the Company intends to prepare and file a NI 43-101 Report by the end of June, 2011.
Timberline’s Butte Highlands Joint Venture is the first example of the Company’s strategy to enter into creative structures that move production responsibility to other parties while allowing exposure to gold production, where financing has been provided by a third party with proven expertise in underground mine development and operation. This has been achieved with no dilution to Timberline shareholders. As noted, all expenditures relating to the development of the projected underground mine are being paid by Timberline’s joint venture partner, with a total expected development budget of USD $17 million.
Our management and geologists remain committed to providing exploration and potential for discovery to our investors. Looking ahead, it is the opinion of management that our primary commodity focus should be on gold, and to a lesser extent on silver in the precious metals area. Furthermore, we believe that projects similar to Lookout Mountain and Butte Highlands are a good fit for the current environment and the unique qualifications of our people, drilling subsidiaries and strategic partners.
Results of Operations for Years Ended September 30, 2010 and 2009
Consolidated Results
Our revenues are derived entirely from our drilling subsidiary. Our revenue increase from the previous year was primarily due to an increase in the number of drill rigs in service during the year. The improvement in gross profits compared to the prior year is a function of productivity improvements which have led to higher revenues per foot drilled and higher average footage drilled by each operating drill rig, the implementation of processes and controls that have reduced operating costs, and improved retention of skilled labor.
Our overall consolidated net loss for the year decreased in comparison to the prior year primarily as a result of a greater than $3 million improvement in net income from Timberline Drilling and a reduction in salaries, benefits and professional expenses, offset by a nearly $2 million increase in mineral exploration expenses by the Company.
Timberline Corporate and Exploration Division
The decrease in the after tax net loss for Timberline Corporate and the Exploration division for the year ended September 30, 2010 as compared to the previous year’s after tax net loss is primarily a result of lower stock option expenses, reduced legal and accounting costs, lower interest expense and realization of an income tax benefit, offset by significantly increased expenditures on mineral exploration activities at our Butte Highlands and South Eureka/Lookout Mountain properties. The income tax benefit during the year ended September 30, 2010 arose as a result of a reduction in deferred income tax liabilities assumed upon the acquisition of Staccato Gold Resources Ltd.
Exploration expenses increased significantly from the previous year as a result of exploration drilling undertaken in 2010 at our Butte Highlands property, as well as our acquisition of the South Eureka/Lookout Mountain property in June 2010. Non cash expenses decreased significantly in 2010 compared to the prior year as a result of a reduced value of stock options vesting during the current year.
Timberline Drilling
Timberline Drilling’s increase in revenue is attributable to a significantly higher utilization rate of our drill rigs, primarily due to our major customer increasing the number of drills required and an increase in exploration drilling. Overall the demand for drilling services appears to have stabilized during the past year. Junior resource and exploration stage companies are gaining access to capital for their drilling programs, and, as a result, the overall demand for drilling services, while not as robust as in 2007 and 2008, continues to show signs of improvement. Timberline Drilling has secured several new contracts with exploration stage companies. The improvement in gross profits compared to the prior year is a function of productivity improvements which have led to higher revenues per foot drilled and higher average footage drilled by each operating drill rig, the implementation of processes and controls that have reduced operating costs, and improved retention of skilled labor.
Increased year over year general and administrative expenses at Timberline Drilling reflect an expected increase in overhead costs to support the increased number of operating drill rigs as compared to the previous year. The general and administrative expenses for the year ended September 30, 2009 also included a $350,000 recovery of severance expenses accrued in the prior year. Interest and other expenses decreased considerably in the year ending September 30, 2010 compared to the prior year, as the Company incurred IRS interest charges on unpaid payroll taxes in the prior year.
Discontinued Operations - WWE
During the year ended September 30, 2010, due to declining operational and financial results, we decided to cease the operations of Timberline Drilling’s wholly-owned Mexican subsidiary, WWE. WWE’s drill rigs and related assets were moved back to the U.S. where they are available for use by Timberline Drilling.
Financial Condition and Liquidity
At September 30, 2010, we had assets of $31,268,529 consisting of cash in the amount of $4,638,674; restricted cash of $379,952; accounts receivable in the amount of $908,358; materials and supplies inventory valued at $1,238,369; property, mineral rights, and equipment, net of depreciation of $19,261,510; goodwill related to the acquisition of Timberline Drilling in the amount of $2,808,524; and other assets of $2,033,142.
Disruptions in the current credit and financial markets have had a significant material adverse impact on a number of financial institutions and have limited access to capital and credit for many companies. While access to capital has improved recently, these disruptions could, among other things, make it more difficult for us to obtain, or increase our cost of obtaining, capital and financing for our operations. Our access to additional capital may not be available on terms acceptable to us or at all.
We expect to rely upon the revenues generated by our contract core drilling services subsidiary. While the recent economic instability makes it difficult for the Company’s management to accurately predict revenues from these services into the 2011 fiscal year, management expects that if commodity prices for gold and silver remain at or near the levels seen in fiscal 2010 that our revenues will increase in step with increased demand for drilling services by both our current customers as well as new customers, While we expect cash flows from our contract core drilling services subsidiary to increase in fiscal 2011 if our revenues increase, if cash flows decline or are insufficient to fund our expenditures, our discretionary exploration activities and other operations will either be curtailed significantly or we will be reliant upon equity financings to continue our exploration activities into the future. The current market conditions could make it difficult or impossible for us to raise necessary funds to meet our capital requirements. If we are unable to obtain financing through equity investments, we will seek multiple solutions including, but not limited to, asset sales, credit facilities or debenture issuances.
At September 30, 2010 the Company has working capital of $2,826,737, compared to working capital of $169,452 at September 30, 2009. Management expects to continue to maintain or increase the amount of working capital via continued improvements in operating cash flows at the Company’s drilling subsidiary, monitoring discretionary exploration expenditures, reducing professional and consulting expenses, and potentially obtaining financing through equity investments. Management expects to maintain or improve operating cash flows at the Company’s drilling subsidiary by increasing the utilization rate of our drills and closely managing payroll expenses, supplies inventory levels, and general and administrative costs. We plan to continue exploration programs on our material exploration properties, to fund some exploratory activities and drilling on early-stage properties, and to seek additional acquisition opportunities.
During the year ended September 30, 2010, due to declining operational and financial results, we decided to cease the operations of Timberline Drilling’s wholly-owned Mexican contract core drilling subsidiary, World Wide Exploration. For additional information regarding the operating, investing and financing cash flows associated with our discontinued operations, please refer to Note 16 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements contained in Item 8 of this Annual Report. The closure of our Mexican operations is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s cash flows in future periods.
As a result of our current cash balance, improved performance of our drilling subsidiary and our ability to curtail discretionary exploration expenditures as needed, management believes that it has sufficient working capital to meet the Company’s ongoing operating expenses for the next 12 months. Additional financing may be required if the Company seeks to undertake further property acquisitions or expand its exploration or drilling services operations.
Financing activities
In October 2009, warrants to purchase 1,085,944 common shares of the Company were exercised by warrant holders at a price of $0.50 per common share, for aggregate total proceeds of $542,972. Proceeds from the warrant exercises were used for general working capital and to evaluate merger and acquisition opportunities in mining services and exploration.
In November 2009, the Company initiated a private placement of the Company’s restricted common stock. Under the private placement subscription agreement, the Company could sell up to 3,000,000 units for a total of $3,000,000. The Company reserved the right to increase the amount of the offering in the event that the offering was oversubscribed. Each unit consisted of one share of common stock and one half of one Class A Warrant; with each whole warrant exercisable to acquire one additional share of common stock at an exercise price of $1.50 per share until May 31, 2010 and thereafter at an exercise price of $1.75 per share until March 25, 2011. No registration rights were granted for the shares of common stock or the shares of common stock underlying the warrants. The units were sold for $1.00 each, representing management’s estimate of the fair value of the unit. The Company sold a total of 3,003,400 units for gross proceeds of $3,003,400; with the private placement closing on November 23, 2009. Proceeds from the private placement were used for general working capital and to evaluate merger and acquisition opportunities in mining services and exploration.
On October 31, 2008 the Company entered into a convertible note with Small Mine Development (“SMD”), a company owned by Ron Guill, a director of the Company. The convertible note has a principal amount of $5.0 million and is collateralized by a pledge of all of the stock of Timberline Drilling, Inc., as well as a Deed of Trust covering the Company’s Butte Highlands property in Silver Bow County, Montana (the “Butte Highlands Property”).
The convertible note bears interest at 10% annually, compounded monthly, with interest payments due at maturity on October 31, 2010. The convertible note, including accrued interest, is convertible into common stock by SMD at any time prior to payment of the note in full, at a conversion price of $1.50 per share. Should the Company issue any form of equity security other than the Company’s common stock, SMD may also convert all or any portion of the outstanding amount under the Convertible Term Note into the new form of equity security at the issuance price of the new form of equity security. The convertible note may be prepaid in whole or in part at any time without premium or penalty. If the Company defaults on the convertible note, SMD may declare the convertible note immediately due and payable, and the Company must pay SMD an origination fee in the amount of $50,000.
In June 2010, SMD agreed to extend the maturity date of the convertible note to on or before April 30, 2012. All interest accrued through June 30, 2010 was paid by the Company to SMD at that time. The Company also paid a $50,000 extension fee to SMD in consideration for the extension of the convertible note. The convertible note was also amended to require interest accrued subsequent to June 30, 2010 to be paid by the Company to SMD monthly, rather than accruing interest to maturity. All other terms of the loan were unchanged.
Under the Right of First Refusal, the Company granted SMD a right of first refusal to purchase the Butte Highlands Property on the same terms as those of any bona fide offer from a third-party upon 60 days’ notice from the Company of any such offer. In addition, the Company granted SMD a right to develop the Butte Highlands Property on the same terms as those of any bona fide offer to develop the property from a third-party upon 60 days’ notice from the Company of any such offer.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do not have any off balance sheet arrangements that are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, revenues, results of operations, liquidity or capital expenditures.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
See Note 2 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements contained in Item 8 of this Annual Report for a complete summary of the significant accounting policies used in the presentation of our financial statements. As described in Note 2, we are required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and related disclosures of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses. We believe that our most critical accounting estimates are related to asset impairments, asset retirement obligations, and inventory net realizable value.
Our critical accounting policies and estimates are as follows:
Asset Impairments
Significant property acquisition payments for active exploration properties are capitalized. The evaluation of our mineral properties for impairment is based on market conditions for minerals, underlying mineralized material associated with the properties, and future costs that may be required for ultimate realization through mining operations or by sale. If no mineable ore body is discovered, or market conditions for minerals deteriorate, there is the potential for a material adjustment to the value assigned to mineral properties.
The Company reviews the carrying value of equipment for impairment whenever events and circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable from the estimated future cash flows expected to result from its use and eventual disposition. In cases where undiscounted expected future cash flows are less than the carrying value, an impairment loss is recognized equal to an amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the asset. The factors considered by management in performing this assessment include current operating results, trends and prospects, the manner in which the equipment is used, and the effects of obsolescence, demand, competition, and other economic factors.
Asset Retirement Obligations
The Company has an obligation to reclaim its properties after the surface has been disturbed by exploration methods at the site. As a result we have recorded a liability for the fair value of the reclamation costs we expects to incur in association with our joint venture at the Butte Highlands Gold Project. The Company estimated applicable inflation and credit-adjusted risk-free rates as well as expected reclamation time frames. To the extent that the estimated reclamation costs change, such changes will impact future reclamation expense recorded. A liability is recognized for the present value of estimated environmental remediation (asset retirement obligation) in the period in which the liability is incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. The offsetting balance is charged to the related long-lived asset. Adjustments are made to the liability for changes resulting from passage of time and changes to either the timing or amount of the original present value estimate underlying the obligation.
Materials and Supplies Inventory
Inventories consist primarily of parts, operating supplies, drill rods and drill bits. The Company values its materials and supplies inventory, with the exception of drill rods, at the lower of average cost or market. Drill rods are valued using their average cost less an allowance for rod usage on a per-foot drilled basis. The Company reviews the carrying value of inventory for impairment whenever events and circumstances indicate that materials and supplies inventory may no longer be of use by the Company’s drilling operation. The Company also periodically assesses the per foot allowance for drill rod usage by assessing the net carrying value of rod inventory relative to the operating condition of rod inventory held by the Company. Allowances are recorded for inventory considered to be in excess or obsolete.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
In May 2009, the ASC guidance for subsequent events was updated to establish general standards of accounting for and disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued. This statement is effective for interim and annual periods ending after June 15, 2009. Accordingly, the Company adopted the updated guidance in its quarter ending June 30, 2009. The adoption of this statement did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In June 2009, the ASC guidance for consolidation accounting was updated to require an analysis to determine whether a variable interest gives the entity a controlling financial interest in a variable interest entity. This statement requires an ongoing reassessment and eliminates the quantitative approach previously required for determining whether an entity is the primary beneficiary. This statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after Nov. 15, 2009. Accordingly, the Company will adopt this updated guidance in fiscal year 2011 and is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance on the consolidated financial statements.
In January 2010, the ASC guidance for fair value measurements was updated to require additional disclosures related to movements of assets among Levels 1 and 2 of the three-tier fair value hierarchy. Also, a reconciliation of purchases, sales, issuance, and settlements of anything valued with a Level 3 method is required. Disclosure regarding fair value measurements for each class of assets and liabilities will be required. The updated guidance was adopted by the Company in its quarter ending December 31, 2009, except for disclosures about the activity in Level 3 fair value measurements which are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010, and for interim periods within those fiscal years. Adoption of this updated guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Contractual Obligations
A substantial portion of the Company’s core drill purchases are financed through capital leases. Payments for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010 under these capital leases were $485,473. The following fiscal year payments are due under these leases: $319,482 (2011), $143,939 (2012), $140,683 (2013) and $93,789 (2014).
Timberline Drilling also owns a fleet of vehicles, trucks and fork-lifts, as well as land and a building, for its drilling operations. Other equipment, vehicles and property were financed with notes collateralized by the equipment, vehicles or property. Payments for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010 under these notes were $363,145. The following fiscal year payments are due under these financing arrangements: $508,907 (2011), $322,965 (2012), $315,290 (2013), and $98,668 (2014).
Timberline and its subsidiaries lease office space and storage facilities. All of these facilities, which we believe are adequate for our needs for the foreseeable future, are leased. Under the current leases, we paid rental payments of $205,116 in the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010. The current leases call for the following fiscal year payments: $174,973 (2011), $101,220 (2012), and $34,305 (2013).
For additional information, please refer to Notes 9 and 10 of the consolidated financial statements of the Company, contained in Item 8 of this Annual Report.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Certain information contained in this “Management Discussion and Analysis” constitutes forward looking information and actual results could differ from estimates, expectations or beliefs contained in such statements.
ITEM 7A.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Not Applicable.
ITEM 8.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
TIMBERLINE RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2010 and 2009
Timberline Resources Corporation and Subsidiaries
Contents
Page
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
Report of Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated balance sheets
Consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss)
Consolidated statements of changes in stockholders’ equity
41-42
Consolidated statements of cash flows
43-44
Notes to consolidated financial statements
45-64
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
TIMBERLINE RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2010
NOTE 1 - ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS:
Timberline Resources Corporation (“Timberline” or “the Company”) was incorporated in August of 1968 under the laws of the State of Idaho as Silver Crystal Mines, Inc., for the purpose of exploring for precious metal deposits and advancing them to production.
In 2006, the Company acquired Kettle Drilling, Inc. (“Kettle”) and its Mexican subsidiary, World Wide Exploration S.A. de C.V. (“World Wide”). Kettle provides drilling services to the mining and mineral exploration industries across North America and worldwide. In September 2008, Kettle Drilling, Inc. changed its name to Timberline Drilling Incorporated (“Timberline Drilling”).
On June 2, 2010, the Company acquired Staccato Gold Resources Ltd. (“Staccato”), a Canadian corporation, engaged in the exploration for precious metal deposits and advancing them to production (See Note 7).
NOTE 2 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
a.
Basis of Presentation - This summary of significant accounting policies is presented to assist in understanding the financial statements. The financial statements and notes are representations of the Company’s management, which is responsible for their integrity and objectivity. These accounting policies conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and have been consistently applied in the preparation of the financial statements.
b.
Principles of Consolidation - The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries after elimination of the intercompany accounts and transactions.
c.
Exploration Expenditures - All exploration expenditures are expensed as incurred. Significant property acquisition payments for active exploration properties are capitalized. If no mineable ore body is discovered, previously capitalized costs are expensed in the period the property is abandoned.
d.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments - The Company’s financial instruments include cash, restricted cash, accounts receivable, investments, accounts payable, derivatives and accrued expenses, and are carried at fair value. The carrying value of restricted cash, notes payable, capital leases, customer advances, and convertible note payable to related party approximate fair value based on the contractual terms of those instruments.
e.
Cash Equivalents - For the purposes of the statement of cash flows, the Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Balances are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation up to $250,000 at each financial institution.
f.
Restricted Cash - Restricted cash represents investments in money market funds and are restricted as collateral for bonds held for exploration permits.
g.
Estimates and Assumptions - The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant areas requiring the use of management assumptions and estimates relate to asset impairments, inventory net realizable value and asset retirement obligations. Actual results could differ from these estimates and assumptions and could have a material effect on the Company’s reported financial position and results of operations.
TIMBERLINE RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2010
NOTE 2 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES, (continued):
h.
Investments - Available-for-sale securities are initially recorded at cost and then carried at fair value, with unrealized gains or losses recorded as a component of equity, unless a decline in value of the security is considered other than temporary. Realized gains and losses and other than temporary impairments are recorded in the statement of operations. The Company also has a 50% interest in a joint venture at its Butte Highlands Gold Project (see Note 5). Given that the Company’s 50% interest in the joint venture is carried to production, the Company does not have management control over operating decisions of the joint venture until its joint venture partner’s investment in the project, less $2 million, is recovered by the joint venture partner out of future production; and the Company has no risk of loss from expenses incurred by the joint venture until production, the Company is carrying its investment in the joint venture at cost on its consolidated balance sheet.
i.
Revenue Recognition - The Company recognizes drilling service revenues as the drilling services are provided to the customer based on the actual amount drilled for each contract on a per foot or per hour drilled basis. In some cases, the customer is responsible for mobilization and stand-by costs. Mobilization is charged to a customer when the Company deploys its personnel and equipment to a specific drilling site. Stand-by is charged to a customer when the Company deploys its personnel and equipment to a specific drilling site but, for reasons beyond the Company’s control, drilling activities are not able to take place. Revenue related to reimbursement of mobilization and stand-by costs is recognized in the same period as the costs are incurred by the Company. The specific terms of each drilling job are agreed to by the customer and the Company prior to the commencement of drilling. Contract losses are not recognized as the Company’s agreements with its customers do not put the Company at a risk of loss.
j.
Accounts Receivable - Accounts receivable are carried at original invoice amount less an estimate for doubtful accounts. Management determines the allowance for doubtful accounts by regularly evaluating individual customer receivables and considering a customer’s financial condition, credit history, and current economic conditions. Trade receivables are written off when deemed uncollectible. Recoveries of receivables previously written off are recorded as income when received.
k.
Materials and Supplies Inventory - Inventories consist primarily of parts, operating supplies, drill rods and drill bits. The Company values its materials and supplies inventory, with the exception of drill rods, at the lower of average cost or market. Drill rods are valued using their average cost less an allowance for rod usage on a per foot drilled basis. Allowances are recorded for inventory considered to be in excess or obsolete.
l.
Property and Equipment -- Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation of property and equipment is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which ranges from three to fifteen years. Maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred. Significant improvements are capitalized and depreciated over the useful life of the assets. Gains or losses on disposition or retirement of property and equipment are recognized in operating expenses.
m.
Assets Held under Capital Leases - Assets held under capital leases are recorded at the lower of the net present value of the minimum lease payments or the fair value of the leased assets at the inception of the lease. Amortization expense is computed using the straight-line method over the shorter of the estimated useful lives of the assets or the period of the related lease.
n.
Review of Carrying Value of Property, Mineral Rights and Equipment for Impairment - The Company reviews the carrying value of property, mineral rights and equipment for impairment whenever events and circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable from the estimated future cash flows expected to result from its use and eventual disposition. In cases where undiscounted expected future cash flows are less than the carrying value, an impairment loss is recognized equal to an amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value of assets. The factors considered by management in performing this assessment include current operating results, trends and prospects, the manner in which the property is used,
the effects of obsolescence, demand, competition, and other economic factors. Based on this assessment, it was determined that our East Camp Douglas property was fully impaired at September 30, 2010 and the remaining $35,000 in carrying value was written off to mineral exploration expenses during the year ended September 30, 2010. No other properties were determined to be impaired at September 30, 2010. At September 30, 2009, it
TIMBERLINE RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2010
NOTE 2 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES, (continued):
was determined that our East Camp Douglas, Gold Gate and Long Canyon properties were impaired and $90,000 in carrying values were written off to mineral exploration expenses during the year ended September 30, 2009.
o.
Asset Retirement Obligations - A liability is recognized for the present value of estimated environmental remediation (asset retirement obligation), in the period in which the liability is incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. The offsetting balance is charged to the related long-lived asset. Adjustments are made to the liability for changes resulting from passage of time and changes to either the timing or amount of the original present value estimate underlying the obligation. The Company has an asset retirement obligation associated with its joint venture at the Butte Highlands Gold Project (See Note 12).
p.
Provision for Income Taxes - Income taxes are provided based upon the liability method of accounting. Under this approach, deferred income taxes are recorded to reflect the tax consequences in future years of differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their financial reporting amounts at each year-end. A valuation allowance is recorded against the deferred tax asset if management believes it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized (See Note 13).
q.
Translation of Foreign Currencies - All amounts are presented in US dollars. The Company’s discontinued operations in Mexico are translated at average rates of exchange for the year. The assets and liabilities of the Mexican operation are translated at the exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date. Foreign translation and transaction gains (losses) of $142,654 and $(74,779) for the years ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, have been included in the current period net loss as a component of loss from discontinued operations. The Company also has a Canadian subsidiary that was acquired in June 2010 (See Note 7). The operations of the Canadian subsidiary are translated at average rates of exchange for the year. The assets and liabilities of the Canadian subsidiary are translated at the exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date. Foreign translation and transaction losses from continuing operations of $4,073 and none for the years ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, have been included in the current period net loss as a component of other expense.
r.
Stock-based Compensation - The Company estimates the fair value of its stock based compensation using the Black-Scholes model, which requires the input of some subjective assumptions. These assumptions include estimating the length of time employees will retain their vested stock options before exercising them (“expected life”), the estimated volatility of the Company’s common stock price over the expected term (“volatility”), employee forfeiture rate, the risk-free interest rate and the dividend yield. Changes in the subjective assumptions can materially affect the estimate of fair value of stock-based compensation.
s.
Goodwill - Goodwill relates to the acquisition of Timberline Drilling. At least annually, goodwill is tested for impairment by applying a fair value based test. In assessing the value of goodwill, assets and liabilities are assigned to the reporting units and a discounted expected cash flow analysis is used to determine fair value. There was no impairment loss revealed by this test as of September 30, 2010 or 2009.
t.
Net Loss per Share - Basic EPS is computed as net income (loss) available to common shareholders divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur from common shares issuable through stock options, warrants, and other convertible securities.
The dilutive effect of convertible and outstanding securities as of September 30, 2010 and 2009 is as follows:
Stock options
6,203,641
6,235,168
Warrants
8,050,375
1,337,934
Convertible debt
3,333,333
3,651,944
Total possible dilution
17,587,349
11,225,046
TIMBERLINE RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2010
NOTE 2 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES, (continued):
At September 30, 2010 and 2009, the effect of the Company’s outstanding options and common stock equivalents would have been anti-dilutive. Accordingly, only basic EPS is presented.
u.
Derivative Instruments -The Company follows established accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, and for hedging activities. Those standards require that an entity recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities in the balance sheet and measure those instruments at fair value. The Company does not use derivative instruments to hedge exposures to cash flow, market or foreign currency risks. For a derivative not designated as a hedging instrument, the gain or loss is recognized in the statement of operations in the period of change.
v.
New Accounting Pronouncements - In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) was updated to establish a framework for measuring fair value and expand disclosure about fair value measurements, but does not require any new fair value measurements. Effective October 1, 2008, the Company adopted the updated guidance for our financial assets and financial liabilities without a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In February 2008, the FASB issued an update to the guidance which delayed the effective date for non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008. Effective October 1, 2009, the Company adopted the updated guidance for non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities without a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In December 2007, the ASC guidance for business combinations was updated to provide new guidance for recognizing and measuring identifiable assets and goodwill acquired, liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquisition. The updated guidance also provides disclosure requirements to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. Effective October 1, 2009, the Company adopted the updated guidance for business combinations.
In December 2007, the ASC guidance for non-controlling interests was updated to establish accounting and reporting standards for minority interests, which will be re-characterized as non-controlling interests and classified as a component of equity. The updated guidance requires retroactive adoption of the presentation and disclosure requirements for existing minority interests. The updated guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008 and interim periods within those fiscal years. Effective October 1, 2009 the Company adopted the updated guidance without a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In March 2008, the ASC guidance for derivatives and hedging was updated to require enhanced disclosures about an entity’s derivative and hedging activities and thereby improve the transparency of financial reporting. The updated guidance is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008, with early application encouraged. The updated guidance encourages, but does not require, comparative disclosures for earlier periods at initial adoption. Effective October 1, 2009 the Company adopted the updated guidance without a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In May 2008, the ASC guidance identifying the sources of accounting principles and the framework for selecting the principles to be used in the preparation of financial statements of nongovernmental entities that are presented in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States was updated. The guidance was effective November 15, 2008 and its adoption did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In May 2009, the ASC guidance for subsequent events was updated to establish general standards of accounting for and disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued. This statement is effective for interim and annual periods ending after June 15, 2009. Accordingly, the Company adopted the updated guidance in its quarter ending June 30, 2009. The adoption of this statement did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
TIMBERLINE RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2010
NOTE 2 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES, (continued):
In June 2009, the ASC guidance for consolidation accounting was updated to require an analysis to determine whether a variable interest gives the entity a controlling financial interest in a variable interest entity. This statement requires an ongoing reassessment and eliminates the quantitative approach previously required for determining whether an entity is the primary beneficiary. This statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after Nov. 15, 2009. Accordingly, the Company will adopt this updated guidance in fiscal year 2011 and is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance on the consolidated financial statements.
In January 2010, the ASC guidance for fair value measurements was updated to require additional disclosures related to movements of assets among Levels 1 and 2 of the three-tier fair value hierarchy. Also, a reconciliation of purchases, sales, issuance, and settlements of anything valued with a Level 3 method is required. Disclosure regarding fair value measurements for each class of assets and liabilities will be required. The updated guidance was adopted by the Company in its quarter ending December 31, 2009, except for disclosures about the activity in Level 3 fair value measurements which are effective for fiscal years beginning
after December 15, 2010, and for interim periods within those fiscal years. Adoption of this updated guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
w.
Reclassifications - Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2009 financial statements in order to conform to the 2010 presentation. These reclassifications have no effect on net loss, total assets or accumulated deficit as previously reported.
NOTE 3 - FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS:
Effective October 1, 2008 for financial assets and liabilities, and October 1, 2009 for non-financial assets and liabilities, the Company has adopted expanded disclosure requirements to include the following information for each major category of assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring or non recurring basis:
a.
the fair value measurement;
b.
the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements in their entirety fall, segregating fair value measurements using quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1), significant other observable inputs (Level 2), and significant unobservable inputs (Level 3);
c.
for fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3), a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances, separately presenting changes during the period attributable to the following:
1)
total gains or losses for the period (realized and unrealized), segregating those gains or losses included in earnings (or changes in net assets), and a description of where those gains or losses included in earnings (or changes in net assets) are reported in the statement of income (or activities);
2)
the amount of these gains or losses attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to those assets liabilities still held at the reporting period date and a description of where those unrealized gains or losses are reported;
3)
purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements (net); and
4)
transfers in and/or out of Level 3.
TIMBERLINE RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2010
NOTE 3 - FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS, (continued):
The table below sets forth our financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and the fair value calculation input hierarchy level that we have determined applies to each asset and liability category.
NOTE 4 - PROPERTY, MINERAL RIGHTS AND EQUIPMENT:
The following is a summary of property, mineral rights and equipment and accumulated depreciation at September 30, 2010 and 2009:
Expected
Useful Lives
(years)
Equipment and vehicles
5-10
$
10,307,144
$
9,312,806
Office equipment and furniture
3-10
236,688
261,664
Land
-
114,188
51,477
Mineral rights
-
12,162,342
47,000
Asset retirement cost
-
250,089
-
Building and leasehold improvements
5-15
349,813
149,377
Total property, mineral rights and
equipment
23,420,264
9,822,324
Less accumulated depreciation
(4,158,754)
(3,519,793)
Property, mineral rights and
equipment, net
$
19,261,510
$
6,302,531
Property and equipment includes assets (primarily core drills and related equipment) held under capital leases of $1,612,443 and $1,592,273 at September 30, 2010 and 2009. Related amortization of assets held under capital leases included in accumulated depreciation was $422,813 and $509,920 at September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively (See Note 9).
Depreciation expense for the years ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 was $1,504,057 and $1,367,192, respectively.
During the years ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, the Company acquired $100,000 and $104,220 in equipment and vehicles in exchange for other current assets.
During the year ended September 30, 2009, the Company transferred its Butte Highlands land, valued at $621,000 to the Butte Highlands Joint Venture, LLC (“BHJV”) in return for a 50% carried interest in BHJV (See Note 5).
NOTE 5 - INVESTMENT IN JOINT VENTURE:
In July 2009, the Company entered into a Joint Venture Operating Agreement with Highland Mining, LLC (“Highland”), an entity controlled by Ronald Guill, a director of the Company. The joint venture entity, Butte Highlands JV, LLC (“BHJV”) was created for the purpose of developing and mining the Butte Highlands Gold Project. As a result of its contribution of the Company’s 100% interest in the Butte Highlands Gold Project, carried on its balance sheet at the original purchase price of the Butte Highlands project ($621,000) to BHJV, the Company
TIMBERLINE RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2010
NOTE 5 - INVESTMENT IN JOINT VENTURE, (continued):
holds a 50% interest in BHJV. Under terms of the agreement, the Company will be carried to production by Highland, which will fund all future project exploration and mine development costs.
Under the operating agreement for BHJV, Highland will contribute property and fund all future mine development costs at Butte Highlands. Both the Company’s and Highlands’s share of development costs will be paid from proceeds of future mine production. The BHJV operating agreement stipulates that Highland shall appoint a manager of BHJV and that Highland will manage BHJV until such time as all mine development costs, less $2 million, are distributed to Highland out of the proceeds from future mine production.
NOTE 6 - AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE EQUITY SECURITY:
Available-for-sale equity security is comprised of 2,980,000 shares of common stock in Rae Wallace Mining Company (“RWMC”), which have been valued as described below. The following table summarizes the Company’s available-for-sale equity security:
Management has determined the best measure of fair value to be the bid price of RWMC stock as quoted by the market maker in the stock as of September 30, 2010, which was $0.17 per share. At September 30, 2009, the Company recorded its investment at its cost of $50,000, which management believed approximated its fair value at that time.
RWMC is also a related party to the Company (See Note 11).
NOTE 7 - ACQUISITION OF STACCATO GOLD RESOURCES LTD.:
On June 2, 2010, the Company completed its acquisition of all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Staccato Gold Resources Ltd. (“Staccato”), by way of a court approved Plan of Arrangement under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) in accordance with the terms of an Arrangement Agreement, dated March 22, 2010, by and between the Company and Staccato. The acquisition was also approved by the Timberline stockholders and Staccato’s securityholders. Staccato was a publicly held Canadian corporation engaged in the exploration of precious metals properties in Nevada. Timberline acquired Staccato in order to further the exploration and development of mineral properties owned or leased by Staccato, as well as to increase the working capital of the Company.
This transaction was accounted for as a business combination. The Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Staccato in consideration for the issuance of one share of common stock of the Company for every seven common shares of Staccato and $0.0001 in cash for each common share of Staccato. In addition, the Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding warrants to purchase common shares of Staccato and options to purchase common shares of Staccato, after giving effect to the exercise and cancellation of certain options immediately prior to closing, in consideration for the issuance by the Company of a warrant to purchase one share of common stock of the Company for every seven Staccato warrants or an option to purchase one share of common stock of the Company for every seven Staccato options, as applicable. Pre-acquisition Timberline shareholders own approximately 74% of the issued and outstanding common stock of the Company as of the acquisition date and former Staccato shareholders own approximately 26%. On a fully diluted basis, Timberline is owned 71% by pre-acquisition Timberline shareholders and 29% by former Staccato shareholders as of the acquisition date.
TIMBERLINE RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2010
NOTE 7 - ACQUISITION OF STACCATO GOLD RESOURCES LTD., (continued):
The purchase price of the transaction was $15,435,199, consisting of the issuance of 14,301,380 shares of Timberline common stock valued at $14,444,394; 6,352,437 warrants to purchase one share of Timberline common stock valued at $889,341; 102,143 options to purchase one share of Timberline common stock valued at $64,429; and cash of $37,035. The Company incurred $214,477 in expenses related to the acquisition, $205,541 of which are
included in professional fees expense, $5,800 are included in mineral exploration expenses and $3,136 are included in other general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statement of operations.
Timberline’s common stock issued as consideration was valued based upon the closing price of $1.01 per share of our common stock on the NYSE Amex on June 2, 2010. The warrants and options that were issued as consideration were valued on that date using the Black-Scholes pricing model, based upon the following principal assumptions:
Warrants
Options
Risk-free interest rate
0.38%
0.22% - 1.30%
Dividend yield
N/A
N/A
Volatility factor
106.1%
57.7% - 121.6%
Remaining to expiry date - warrants (weighted average)
Expected term - options
1.13 years
0.60 - 2.90 years
The purchase price allocation of the acquisition is summarized as follows:
Purchase price:
Shares issued on acquisition
$
14,444,394
Warrants
889,341
Options
64,429
Cash
37,035
$
15,435,199
Net assets acquired:
Cash and cash equivalents
$
4,458,068
Other current assets
69,684
Restricted cash
54,258
Mineral rights and equipment, net
12,113,342
Deferred income taxes
(1,260,153)
$
15,435,199
The consolidated statement of operations of the Company for the year ended September 30, 2010 includes expenses incurred by Staccato of $1,277,744 and no revenue since the acquisition date.
The unaudited pro forma financial information below represents the combined results of the Company’s operations as if the Staccato acquisition had occurred at the beginning of the periods presented. The unaudited pro forma financial information is presented for informational purposes only and is not indicative of the results of operations that would have occurred if the acquisition had taken place at the beginning of the periods presented, nor is it indicative of future operating results. The unaudited pro forma loss from operations, net loss and net loss per share available to common stockholders, basic and diluted, for the year ended September 30, 2010 includes non-recurring severance and professional expenses incurred by Staccato in the amount of $1,622,248.
TIMBERLINE RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2010
NOTE 8 - CUSTOMER ADVANCES:
During the year ended September 30, 2009, Newmont USA Limited (“Newmont”) provided an advance payment for drilling services of $1,000,000 to the Company and extended its contract with the Company through February 2011. The advance is to be repaid by twenty monthly payments of $50,000 beginning May 15, 2009 and ending December 15, 2010. The advance was provided pursuant to a contract change order which did not contain any provisions for interest or prepayment penalties, nor any specified right of offset. As of September 30, 2010 and September 30, 2009, customer advances were $150,000 and $750,000, respectively. $0 and $150,000 of the remaining customer advance balance was classified as a long-term liability as of September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
NOTE 9 - CAPITAL LEASES:
The Company finances a substantial portion of its core drilling equipment purchases through capital leases. Future minimum lease payments at September 30, 2010 for the related obligations under capital leases were:
Year Ending September 30,
$
319,482
143,939
140,683
93,789
Total minimum lease payments
697,893
Less amount representing interest
(68,631)
Present value of minimum lease payments
629,262
Less obligations due within one year
(287,946)
Obligations under capital leases, due after one year
$
341,316
NOTE 10 - LONG TERM DEBT:
Long term debt at September 30, 2010 and 2009 consists of the following:
Notes payable to various lenders for vehicles and
equipment, in monthly payments totaling $26,098
per month, at rates ranging from 0.0% to 10.0%
with a weighted average interest rate of approximately
6.5%. The notes are collateralized by vehicles, equipment, and accounts receivable.
$
1,125,853
$
396,958
Less current portion
(444,884)
(159,320)
$
680,969
$
237,638
Debt outstanding will mature as follows:
Year ending September 30,
$
444,884
286,308
297,849
96,812
Total
$
1,125,853
TIMBERLINE RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2010
NOTE 11 - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS:
Information regarding related party notes payable is as follows at September 30, 2010 and 2009:
Small Mine Development, LLC
$
5,000,000
$
5,000,000
Accrued interest on note payable to
Small Mine Development, LLC
$
41,667
$
477,916
Related party interest expense
$
556,625
$
477,916
On October 31, 2008, the Company entered into a series of agreements in connection with a $5 million loan from Small Mine Development, LLC (“SMD”). The loan documents included: a convertible note (the “Convertible Term Note”), a credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”), a collateral assignment and pledge of stock and security agreement (the “Pledge Agreement”), a security agreement (the “Security Agreement”) and a right of first refusal over the Company’s Butte Highlands property (the “Right of First Refusal”).
The Convertible Term Note has a principal amount of $5.0 million and is collateralized pursuant to the Security Agreement by a pledge of all of the stock of Timberline Drilling, Inc., pursuant to the Pledge Agreement, as well as a Deed of Trust covering the Company’s Butte Highlands property in Silver Bow county, Montana (the “Butte Highlands Property”).
Pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement, the Convertible Term Note bears interest at 10% annually, compounded monthly, with interest payments due at maturity on October 31, 2010. The Convertible Term Note, including accrued interest, is convertible into common stock by SMD at any time prior to payment of the note in full, at a conversion price of $1.50 per share. Should the Company issue any form of equity security other than the Company’s common stock, SMD may also convert all or any portion of the outstanding amount under the Convertible Term Note into the new form of equity security at the issuance price of the new form of equity security. Management analyzed the conversion features contained in this note considering the guidance provided in the ASC for derivatives and hedging. Management’s conclusion was that these convertible features are conventional convertible instruments and thus would qualify for equity classification. As conventional convertible instruments, the embedded conversion options qualify for the scope exception provided in the guidance for derivatives and hedging, and therefore would not be bifurcated from the host instrument.
The Convertible Term Note was scheduled to be repaid on or before October 31, 2010, including interest due at maturity. In June 2010, SMD agreed to extend the Maturity Date of the Convertible Term Note to on or before April 30, 2012. All interest accrued through June 30, 2010 was paid by the Company to SMD at that time. The Company also paid a $50,000 extension fee to SMD in consideration for the extension of the Convertible Term Note. The extension fee has been recorded as a deferred financing cost and is being amortized over the life of the loan. The Convertible Term Note was also amended to require interest accrued subsequent to June 30, 2010 to be paid by the Company to SMD monthly, rather than accruing interest to maturity. All other terms of the loan were unchanged. The Company has accounted for the extension of the Maturity Date as a loan modification.
The Convertible Term Note may be prepaid in whole or in part at any time without premium or penalty. If the Company defaults on the Convertible Term Note or any of the related agreements, SMD may declare the Convertible Term Note immediately due and payable, and the Company must pay SMD an origination fee in the amount of $50,000.
Under the Right of First Refusal, the Company granted SMD a right of first refusal to purchase the Butte Highlands Property on the same terms as those of any bona fide offer from a third-party upon 60 days’ notice from the Company of any such offer. In addition, the Company granted SMD a right to develop the Butte Highlands Property on the same terms as those of any bona fide offer to develop the property from a third-party upon 60 days’ notice from the Company of any such offer.
TIMBERLINE RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2010
NOTE 11 - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS, (continued):
Butte Highlands Joint Venture Agreement
On July 22, 2009, the Company entered into an Operating Agreement with Highland Mining, LLC (“Highland”), an affiliate of SMD, to form a 50/50 joint venture for development and mining of the Company’s Butte Highlands Gold Project. Under the terms of the operating agreement, the Company will contribute its Butte Highlands property to BHJV for a deemed value of $2 million, and Highland will contribute property and fund all future mine development costs. Both the Company’s and Highland’s share of costs will be paid out of proceeds from future mine production.
Mr. Guill, a director of the Company and an owner of Highland, will be the manager of BHJV until such time as all mine development costs less $2 million are distributed to Highland. At that time, a management committee will be formed with equal representation from Highland and the Company. Under the terms of the Operating Agreement, Highland will have preferential rights with respect to distributions until the investment by the Company is deemed equal to the investment by Highland.
During the years ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, Timberline Drilling, our wholly owned subsidiary, provided $106,763 and $431,184, respectively, in core drilling services to BHJV at the Butte Highlands Gold Project.
At September 30, 2010 and 2009, the Company has a receivable from BHJV for expenses incurred on behalf of BHJV in the amount of $30,571 and $167,073, respectively. This amount is included in prepaid expenses and other assets on the consolidated balance sheets at September 30, 2010 and 2009.
Swallow Consulting Agreement
In December 2009 the Company entered into an agreement with John Swallow, a former director and former executive of the Company, to provide advisory services as needed and requested by the Company through June 30, 2010. In exchange for these services the Company paid Mr. Swallow $170,000.
Rae Wallace Mining Company
The Company is an affiliate of Rae Wallace Mining Company (“RWMC”), as it holds approximately 18% of the issued and outstanding stock of RWMC as of September 30, 2010.
In May 2010, the Company entered into an agreement with RWMC to provide bridge loan financing. An unsecured loan for $100,000 was made by the Company to RWMC, with an annual interest rate of 12%, due August 31, 2010. In July 2010 the entire loan balance was repaid, along with $2,467 of interest accrued up to the date of repayment, and the loan agreement was cancelled.
NOTE 12 - ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATION:
The Company has an asset retirement obligation (“ARO”) associated with the underground exploration program at the Butte Highlands Gold Project being performed by BHJV (see Note 5). The ARO resulted from the reclamation and remediation requirements of the Montana Department of Environmental Quality as outlined in the Company’s permit to carry out the exploration program.
Estimated reclamation costs were discounted using a credit adjusted risk-free interest rate of 5% from the time the Company expects to pay the retirement obligation to the time it incurred the obligation, which is estimated at 12 years.
TIMBERLINE RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2010
NOTE 12 - ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATION, (continued):
The following table summarizes activity in the Company’s ARO.
NOTE 13 - INCOME TAXES:
Significant components of income tax benefit for the years ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 are as follows:
Current:
Federal
$
-
$
-
State
-
-
Discontinued operations
-
145,089
Total current income tax benefit
-
145,089
Deferred:
Federal
408,031
-
Foreign
-
-
Total deferred income tax provision
408,031
-
Total income tax benefit
$
408,031
$
145,089
The components of the Company’s deferred taxes are as follows:
Net deferred tax asset:
Exploration costs
$
860,000
$
539,500
Property, mineral rights and equipment
(275,000)
(219,000)
Bad debt reserve
-
106,000
Intangible expenses
(167,000)
(72,000)
Foreign intangible expenses
(230,000)
-
Share based compensation
1,787,000
1,522,000
Foreign income tax credit carryforwards
443,000
442,800
Federal net operating losses
8,920,000
7,120,000
Foreign net operating losses
1,878,000
-
Total net deferred tax asset
13,216,000
9,439,300
Valuation allowance
(13,216,000)
(9,439,300)
Deferred tax asset
$
-
$
-
BH Minerals USA, Inc.
Net deferred tax liability:
Property, mineral rights and equipment
(3,684,122)
-
Exploration costs
396,000
-
Federal net operating losses
2,436,000
-
Total deferred tax liability
(852,122)
-
Deferred tax liability
$
852,122
$
-
TIMBERLINE RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2010
NOTE 13 - INCOME TAXES, (continued):
The federal income taxes of the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, BH Minerals USA, Inc., are not consolidated with those of the rest of the Company since BH Minerals USA, Inc. is wholly owned by the Company’s Canadian subsidiary, Staccato Gold Resources Ltd.
As management of the Company cannot determine that it is more likely than not that the Company will realize the benefit of the net deferred tax asset, a valuation allowance equal to 100% of the net deferred tax asset has been recorded at September 30, 2010 and 2009.
Net loss before income taxes for the years ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 are as follows:
Current:
Domestic
$
(4,494,555)
$
(7,098,117)
Foreign
(1,664,304)
(355,600)
$
(6,158,859)
$
(7,453,717)
(1)
Includes tax loss carryforwards, foreign current income taxes, non-deductible insurance premiums, non-deductible meals and entertainment, and non-deductible penalties
The Company has concluded that the guidance regarding accounting for uncertainty in income taxes had no significant impact on our results of operations or financial position as of September 30, 2010 or 2009. Therefore, we do not have an accrual for uncertain tax positions as of September 30, 2010 or 2009. As a result, tabular reconciliation of beginning and ending balances would not be meaningful. If interest and penalties were to be assessed, we would charge interest to interest expense, and penalties to other operating expense. It is not anticipated that unrecognized tax benefits would significantly increase or decrease within 12 months of the reporting date.
At September 30, 2010, the Company has federal net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $28,700,000 which will expire in fiscal years ending September 30, 2017 through September 30, 2030. $21,617,000 of state net operating loss carryforwards will expire in fiscal years ending September 30, 2011 through September 30, 2030.
At September 30, 2010 the Company had $443,000 of foreign tax credit carryforwards which expire in 2012 and 2013. The Company also has approximately $6,000,000 in net operating loss carryforwards in Canada which will expire in fiscal years ending September 30, 2026 through September 30, 2030.
For the year ended September 30, 2010, the acquisition of Staccato Gold Resources Ltd. had a significant impact on our deferred tax position. The acquisition added a net deferred tax liability of $852,122 related to the purchase accounting.
TIMBERLINE RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2010
NOTE 13 - INCOME TAXES, (continued):
The Tax Reform Act of 1986 substantially changed the rules relative to the use of net operating loss and general business credit carryforwards in the event of an “ownership change” of a corporation. Due to the change in ownership in 2004, the Company is restricted in the future use of net operating losses generated before the ownership change. As of September 30, 2010, this limitation is applicable to accumulated federal net operating losses of approximately $2,040,000.
Certain estimates for income tax for the year ended September 30, 2009 used in calculating income tax for the year ended September 30, 2010 have been revised to reflect the actual amounts per the tax returns filed with federal and state tax authorities. These revisions had no effect on the current or prior year income tax provision (benefit), or deferred tax assets or liabilities.
NOTE 14 - COMMON STOCK, WARRANTS AND PREFERRED STOCK:
Private Placement
In November 2009, the Company initiated a private placement of the Company’s common stock. Under the private placement subscription agreement, the Company could sell up to 3,000,000 units at a price of $1.00 per unit for a total of $3,000,000. The Company reserved the right to increase the amount of the offering in the event that the offering was oversubscribed. Each unit consisted of one share of common stock and one half of one Class A Warrant; with each whole warrant exercisable to acquire one additional share of common stock at an exercise price of $1.50 per share until May 31, 2010, and thereafter at an exercise price of $1.75 per share until March 25, 2011. No registration rights were granted for the shares of common stock or the shares of common stock underlying the warrants. The units were sold for $1.00 each, representing management’s estimate of the fair value of the unit. The Company sold a total of 3,003,400 units for gross proceeds of $3,003,400 and the placement closed on November 23, 2009. The Company incurred $196,238 in expenses with respect to the offering, resulting in net proceeds of $2,807,162. In connection with the offering, the Company also issued 196,238 warrants, with the same terms of exercise as described above, to brokers acting as agents for the private placement valued at $129,517. The value of the 1,697,938 issued warrants, using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with a risk free interest rate of 0.29%, stock price on the date of closing of $1.18, volatility of 153.4%, dividend yield of 0% and an expected life equal to the term of the warrants, was $1,120,441.
Warrant Repricing
In September 2009, the Company amended the terms of the Company’s outstanding warrants to encourage warrant holders to exercise their warrants. At September 30, 2009, the Company had 1,337,934 warrants outstanding with an exercise price of $3.50 and expiration dates between September 30, 2009 and October 11, 2009. In order to induce the exercise of the warrants, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized that the exercise price of the warrants be reduced. The amended exercise price for each warrant was $0.50. Additionally, to permit holders of the warrants adequate time to contemplate the repricing, the expiration dates of the warrants was extended until October 16, 2009. 1,085,944 of the 1,337,934 outstanding warrants were exercised by warrant holders on or before October 16, 2009, generating proceeds to the Company of $542,972.
Acquisition of Staccato Gold Resources Ltd.
In June 2010, as part of the Company’s acquisition of Staccato, 6,352,437 warrants were issued in exchange for outstanding Staccato warrants at the June 2, 2010 acquisition date. The warrants have an exercise price of $3.34 and have terms expiring between July 4, 2011 and August 16, 2011. The value of the 6,352,437 issued warrants, using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with a risk free interest rate of 0.38%, stock price on the date of closing the Staccato acquisition of $1.01, volatility of 106.1%, dividend yield of 0% and an expected life equal to the term of the warrants, was $889,341. This value was included as part of the cost of the acquisition (see Note 7).
TIMBERLINE RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2010
NOTE 14 - COMMON STOCK, WARRANTS AND PREFERRED STOCK, (continued):
Stock Issued on Conversion of Short Term Convertible Note
In October 2008, the Company entered into a short-term convertible note (the “Short-Term Convertible Note”) with Ronald and Stacey Guill in connection with a loan for $5 million. The Short-Term Convertible Note principal automatically converted into 5,555,556 shares of Company stock (valued at $0.90 per share) upon approval of the issuance of the additional shares for listing by the NYSE Amex. Regulatory approval was received in December 2008.
Stock Issued for Settlement of Put Option
In return for providing bridge loan financing to the Company during the year ended September 30, 2008, the lender received 160,000 shares of common stock of the Company. In addition, the lender received a put option for the 160,000 shares of common stock issued, exercisable ninety days from the maturity date of the bridge loan, to put some or all of the 160,000 common shares back to the Company at a redemption price of $2.00 per share.
During the year ended September 30, 2009, the lender indicated its intention to exercise the put option and return the shares to the Company. The Company and the lender agreed that the Company would issue an additional 535,652 shares of common stock, valued at the trailing 30 day average closing price of the Company’s stock of $0.46 per share, to the lender in lieu of settling the option with a cash payment. These shares were issued in March 2009 and a loss on the derivative of $154,064 was recorded in the consolidated statement of operations for the year ending September 30, 2009.
Stock Issued for Settlement of Offering Costs Arising from the Proposed Acquisition of SMD
In October 2008, the Company and Ronald Guill mutually agreed by written consent to terminate the Stock Purchase Agreement previously entered into between the Company and Mr. Guill in February 2008, which would have provided for the purchase by the Company of all of Mr. Guill’s membership interests in SMD. The Company had engaged a full service investment banking and institutional securities firm to render an opinion to the Company’s Board as to whether the consideration to be paid by the Company for the membership interests of SMD was fair, from a financial point of view. The Company also engaged this firm to arrange for financing of the acquisition of SMD’s membership interests. All fees to be paid by the Company for these services were contemplated to be paid out of proceeds raised during the financing.
Subsequent to the termination of the acquisition of SMD and the failure of the investment banking firm to arrange financing, an invoice was received by the Company from the investment banking firm for the provision of the fairness opinion, as well as legal fees incurred by the firm during the course of the financing. The total amount charged for the services provided was $923,957. In July 2009, the Company agreed to satisfy the outstanding invoice by payment of $50,000 in cash and issuance of 950,000 common shares of the Company subject to approval by the NYSE Amex. The Stock Settlement and Release Agreement (the “Agreement”) between the Company and the investment banking firm was finalized in July 2009. As a result of the Agreement, the total expense incurred by the Company was $396,750, comprised of the $50,000 in cash and $346,750, equal to the fair market value of the 950,000 shares of the Company as of the date of the Agreement. This expense has been included in professional fees in the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended September 30, 2009.
Stock Issued for Services
During the years ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, 36,500 and 229,000 shares of common stock, respectively, were issued to employees and directors of the Company as incentive bonuses under the Company’s 2005 Equity Incentive Plan (amended).
TIMBERLINE RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2010
NOTE 14 - COMMON STOCK, WARRANTS AND PREFERRED STOCK (continued):
Warrants
The following is a summary of the Company’s warrants outstanding:
Shares
Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
Outstanding at September 30, 2008
2,301,734
$
2.45
Issued
Exercised
Expired
(963,800)
(1.00)
Outstanding at September 30, 2009
1,337,934
0.50(2)
Issued
1,697,938
1.75
Issued on acquisition of Staccato Gold Resources Ltd.
6,352,437
3.34
Exercised
(1,085,944)
0.50
Expired
(251,990)
(0.50)
Outstanding at September 30, 2010(1)
8,050,375
$
3.00
(1) These warrants expire as follows:
Warrants
Price
Expiration Date
1,697,938
$1.75
March 25, 2011
2,485,488
$3.34
July 4, 2011
1,744,500
$3.34
July 18, 2011
1,362,857
$3.34
August 9, 2011
759,592
$3.34
August 16, 2011
8,050,375
(2)
In September 2009, the Company amended the terms of its outstanding warrants to encourage holders to exercise their warrants. As a result, the exercise price of the warrants outstanding at September 30, 2009 was amended from $3.50 per warrant to $0.50, and the expiration date was extended from September 30, 2009 to October 16, 2009. 1,085,944 of these warrants were exercised during the year ended September 30, 2010 and the remaining 251,990 expired.
Preferred Stock
Timberline is authorized to issue up to 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $.01 par value. The Board of Directors of Timberline is authorized to issue the preferred stock from time to time in series, and is further authorized to establish such series, to fix and determine the variations in the relative rights and preferences as between series, to fix voting rights, if any, for each series, and to allow for the conversion of preferred stock into Common Stock.
TIMBERLINE RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2010
NOTE 15 - STOCK OPTIONS:
The Company has established the 2005 Equity Incentive Plan (as amended by shareholders of the Company on May 28, 2010) to authorize the granting of up to 10,000,000 stock options to employees, directors and consultants. Upon exercise of options, shares are issued from the available authorized shares of the Company. Option awards are generally granted with an exercise price equal to the fair value of the Company’s stock at the date of grant. The fair value of each option award was estimated on the date of grant using the assumptions noted in the following table.
Expected volatility
57.7% -129.7%
105.2% - 122.6%
Weighted-average volatility
126.5%
111.5%
Expected dividends
-
-
Expected term (in years)
0.6 - 3.0
2.0 - 3.0
Risk-free rate
0.22% - 1.38%
1.02% - 1.49%
Expected forfeiture rate
0% - 10%
10%
The following is a summary of the Company’s options issued under the Stock Incentive Plan:
Shares
Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
Outstanding at September 30, 2008
3,917,502
$
2.65
Granted
4,678,500
0.41
Exercised
(75,000)
(0.80)
Expired
(2,285,834)
(2.83)
Outstanding at September 30, 2009
6,235,168
$
0.92
Exercisable at September 30, 2009
4,005,933
$
1.02
Weighted average fair value of options granted during the
year ended September 30, 2009
$
0.31
Outstanding at September 30, 2009
6,235,168
$
0.92
Granted(1)
1,587,143
0.89
Exercised
(1,277,003)
(0.44)
Expired and forfeited
(341,667)
(1.94)
Outstanding at September 30, 2010
6,203,641
$
0.96
Exercisable at September 30, 2010
5,459,648
$
1.04
Weighted average fair value of options granted during the
year ended September 30, 2010
$
0.56
(1)
Includes 102,143 options issued to holders of Staccato Gold Resources stock options pursuant to the agreement for the acquisition of Staccato Gold Resources Ltd by the Company.
TIMBERLINE RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2010
NOTE 15 - STOCK OPTIONS, (continued):
The average remaining contractual term of the options outstanding and exercisable at September 30, 2010 was 3.42 and 3.45 years, respectively. The average remaining contractual term of the options outstanding and exercisable at September 30, 2009 was 3.97 and 3.89 years, respectively. Of the options exercised, 301,668 were on a cashless basis resulting in the issuance of 201,394 shares based on the current price of the Company’s stock on the date of exercise. The Company received $442,941 from the exercise of the remaining 975,335 options. Options exercised during the year ending September 30, 2009 were exercised on a cashless basis, resulting in the issuance of 35,000 shares based on the current price of the Company’s stock on the date of exercise. The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised during the year ending September 30, 2010 and 2009 was $779,546 and $52,500, respectively.
Total compensation cost charged against operations under the plan for employees was $840,780 and $1,609,093 for the year ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. These costs are classified under salaries and benefits expense. Total compensation cost charged against operations under the plan for directors and consultants was $627,294 and $464,953 for the year ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. These costs are classified under other general and administrative expenses.
As of September 30, 2010, total unrecognized compensation expense related to options was $153,892 and the related weighted-average period over which it is expected to be recognized is approximately 0.27 years. The aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding and exercisable as of September 30, 2010, before applicable income taxes, was $3,072,670 and $2,452,076, respectively, based on our closing price of $1.17 per common share at September 30, 2010.
NOTE 16 - DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS:
In September 2010, the Company ceased its drilling service operations in Mexico and moved all of the serviceable assets in Mexico to the United States for future use. The results of operations for the Company’s Mexican subsidiary, World Wide Exploration, have been reported in discontinued operations for all periods presented.
The following table details selected financial information included in the loss from discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of operations for the years ended September 30, 2010 and 2009:
Revenues
$
1,978,270
$
4,331,005
Cost of revenues
(2,850,142)
(3,879,272)
Operating expenses
(428,549)
(698,016)
Severance expense
(106,579)
-
Write-down of property and equipment held for sale
(132,993)
-
Write-down of inventory held for sale
(229,026)
-
Foreign exchange gain (loss)
142,654
(74,779)
Interest income
4,069
17,601
Interest expense
(1,265)
(20,760)
Other income
5,909
-
Income tax benefit
-
145,089
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax
$
(1,617,652)
$
(179,132)
The consolidated balance sheet of the Company at September 30, 2010 has assets held for sale of $319,291 which includes $228,641 in inventory and $90,650 in property and equipment resulting from the discontinued operations.
TIMBERLINE RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2010
NOTE 16 - DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, (continued):
Cash flows from discontinued operations, included in the Company’s consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ending September 30, 2010 and 2009 are as follows:
NOTE 17 - SEGMENT INFORMATION:
The Company has two operating segments at September 30, 2010 and 2009: drilling revenues from Timberline Drilling, and Timberline Resource’s exploration activities. As a result of the closure of our drilling service operations in Mexico during the year ended September 30, 2010, segment information for the periods presented in the table below has been adjusted to reflect the discontinued operations.
Segment information for the years ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 is as follows:
Separate management of each segment is required because each business unit is subject to different marketing, production, and technology strategies.
TIMBERLINE RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2010
NOTE 17 - SEGMENT INFORMATION, (continued):
During the years ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, revenue from transactions with one customer amounted to 10% or more of our consolidated revenues. Newmont accounted for revenue of $19,283,298 and $11,888,386 for the years ending September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
The assets of Timberline Resources are located in the United States. The assets of Timberline Drilling are also located in the United States and their revenues are derived from drilling contracts in the United States. Timberline Resources is not an operating entity at this point insofar as they are not generating revenues from the sales of their properties, but they are actively exploring several properties for their mining potential.
NOTE 18 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:
Real Estate Lease Commitments
The Company has real estate lease commitments related to its main office in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, facilities in Butte, Montana and Eureka, Nevada, and offices and a shop of Timberline Drilling in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Total office and storage rental expense aggregated $205,116 and $284,015 for the years ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
Annual lease obligations until the termination of the leases are as follows:
For the year ending September 30,
$174,973
$101,220
$ 34,305
$ -
$ -
Environmental Contingencies
The Company has, in past years, been engaged in mining in northern Idaho, which is currently the site of a federal Superfund cleanup project. Although the Company is no longer involved in mining in this or other areas at present, the possibility exists that environmental cleanup or other environmental restoration procedures could remain to be completed or mandated by law, causing unpredictable and unexpected liabilities to arise. At the date of these financial statements, the Company is not aware of any environmental issues or litigation relating to any of its current or former properties.
ITEM 9.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
ITEM 9A.
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
At the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K, an evaluation was carried out under the supervision of and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, Randal Hardy (“CEO/CFO”) and Chief Accounting Officer, Craig Crowell, (“CAO”), of the effectiveness of the design and operations of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a - 15(e) and Rule 15d - 15(e) under the Exchange Act). Based on that evaluation the CEO/CFO and the CAO have concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were adequately designed and effective in ensuring that: (i) information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that it files or submits to the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in applicable rules and forms and (ii) material information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our CEO/CFO and CAO, as appropriate, to allow for accurate and timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Internal Control over Financial Reporting
The management of Timberline is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Company (including its consolidated subsidiaries) and all related information appearing in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:
1.
pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets;
2.
provide reasonable assurance that the transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with the authorization of management and/or of our Board of Directors; and
3.
provide reasonable assurance regarding the prevention or timely detection of any unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on our financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness in future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Management conducted an evaluation of the design and operation of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2010 based on the criteria in a framework developed by the Company’s management pursuant to and in compliance with the principles and framework of the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. This evaluation included review of the documentation of controls, evaluation of the design effectiveness of controls, walkthroughs of the operating effectiveness of controls and a conclusion on this evaluation. Based on this evaluation, management has concluded that the Company's internal control over financial reporting was effective as of September 30, 2010.
This Report does not include an attestation report of the Company’s registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by our registered public accounting firm pursuant to Section 404(c) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, as amended, which permit us as an issuer that is neither a “large accelerated filer” or an “accelerated filer” to provide only management’s report in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Changes in Internal Controls over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f)), that occurred during the Company’s fourth fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2010 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 9B.
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
PART III
ITEM 10.
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Reference is made to the information set forth under the captions “Election of Directors” and “Executive Officers” in our definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange commission pursuant to Regulation 14A, which information is incorporated by reference to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
ITEM 11.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Reference is made to the information set forth under the captions “Election of Directors” and “Executive Officers” in our definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange commission pursuant to Regulation 14A, which information is incorporated by reference to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
ITEM 12.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDERS MATTERS
Reference is made to the information set forth under the captions “Security Ownership of Principal Shareholders and Management” in our definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange commission pursuant to Regulation 14A, which information is incorporated by reference to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
ITEM 13.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
Reference is made to the information set forth under the caption “Certain Transactions” in our definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange commission pursuant to Regulation 14A, which information is incorporated by reference to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
ITEM 14.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
Reference is made to the information set forth under the captions “Audit Committee Report” in our definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange commission pursuant to Regulation 14A, which information is incorporated by reference to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
PART IV
ITEM 15.
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
Documents Filed as Part of Report
Financial Statements
The following Consolidated Financial Statements of the Corporation are filed as part of this report:
1.
Report of Registered Public Accounting Firm dated December 16, 2010.
2.
Consolidated Balance Sheets-At September 30, 2010 and 2009.
3.
Consolidated Statements of Operations-Years ended September 30, 2010 and 2009.
4.
Consolidated Statements of changes in Stockholders’ Equity-Years ended September 30, 2010 and 2009.
5.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows-Years ended September 30, 2010 and 2009.
6.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
See ”Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data”.
Exhibit No.
Description of Document
3.1
Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant (9)
3.2
By-Laws of the Registrant (9)
4.1
Specimen of the Common Stock Certificate (1)
4.2
Form of Warrant for November 2009 Private Placement
4.3
Convertible Note between the Company and Ron and Stacey Guill (10)
4.4
Term Note between the Company and Small Mine Development, LLC (10)
10.1
Hecla Agreement//Joint Venture Agreement for Snowstorm, Idaho (1)
10.2
Snowshoe Mining Co. Lease//Mineral Lease Property at Snowstorm, Idaho (1)
10.3
Western Goldfields, Inc. Lease//Mineral Lease with Western Goldfields, Inc./Claim at the Snowstorm Project, Idaho (1)
10.4
P. Dircksen Agreement/Current Consulting Agreement (1)
10.5
2005 Equity Incentive Plan approved at the September 23, 2005 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (1)
10.6
2/1/06 Memorandum of Royalty Deed and Agreement between Hecla Mining Co. and the Registrant (2)
10.7
2/1/06 Quitclaim Deed and Assignment between Hecla Mining Co. and the Registrant (3)
10.8
Amended 2005 Equity Incentive Plan approved at the September 22, 2006 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (4)
10.9
5/1/06, Employment Agreement with VP Paul Dircksen (5)
10.10
Assignment and Assumption Agreement dated July 19, 2007 between the Registrant and Butte Highlands Mining Company (6)
10.11
Promissory Note, dated June 27, 2008, entered into between Timberline Resources Corporation and Auramet Trading, LLC.(7)
10.12
Severance Agreement, dated March 10, 2008 among Timberline Resources Corporation, Douglas Kettle and David and Margaret Deeds.(7)
10.13
Amendment No. 1 to Timberline Resources Corporation’s Amended 2005 Equity Incentive Plan (8)
10.14
Agreement and Plan of Merger between Timberline Resources Corporation, an Idaho corporation ,and Timberline Resources Corporation, a Delaware corporation, date August 22, 2008 (9)
10.15
Pledge Agreement between the Company and Ron and Stacey Guill. (10)
10.16
Security Agreement between the Company and Ron and Stacey Guill.(10)
10.17
Credit Agreement between the Company and Small Mine Development, LLC. (10)
10.18
Pledge Agreement between the Company and Small Mine Development, LLC. (10)
10.19
Right of First Refusal between the Company and Small Mine Development, LLC. (10)
10.20
Settlement Agreement with John Swallow, dated October 5, 2009
10.21
Operating Agreement with Highland Mining, LLC, dated July 22, 2009 (Note that parts of this agreement have been redacted pursuant to a Confidential Treatment Request filed with the Commission concurrently herewith)
10.22
Settlement Agreement with Jefferies & Co. dated July 14, 2009
10.23
Amended Employment Agreement of Mr. Paul Dircksen, dated December 29, 2008 (11)
10.24
Amended Employment Agreement of Mr. Randal Hardy dated December 29, 2008 (11)
10.25
Amended Employment Agreement of Mr. John Swallow dated December 29, 2008 (11)
10.26
Arrangement Agreement between the Company and Staccato Gold dated March 22, 2010 (12)
10.27
Form of Support Agreement between the Company and officers and directors of Staccato Gold (12)
10.28
Loan Amendment Agreement between the Company and Small Mine Development, LLC dated June 21, 2010 (13)
Code of Ethics (2)
List of Subsidiaries
23.1
Consent of Decoria, Maichel & Teague
31.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14 of the Exchange Act)
31.2
Certification of Chief Accounting Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14 of the Exchange Act)
32.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. 1350)
32.2
Certification of Chief Accounting Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. 1350)
(1) Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 10SB as filed with the Securities Exchange Commission on September 29, 2005.
(2) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Form 8-K as filed with the Securities Exchange Commission on February 6, 2006.
(3) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 8-K as filed with the Securities Exchange Commission on February 6, 2006.
(4) Incorporated by reference Exhibit A to the Company’s Schedule DEF14A (Proxy Statement) as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 8, 2006
(5) Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 10KSB as filed with the Securities Exchange Commission on January 16, 2007.
(6) Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 8-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 23, 2007.
(7) Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 8-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 3, 2008..
(8) Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 8-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 26, 2008.
(9) Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 8-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 29, 2008.
(10) Incorporated by reference to Ron and Stacey Guill’s Schedule 13-D as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 24, 2008.
(11) Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 8-K as filed with the Securities ane Exchange Commission on January 12, 2009.
(12) Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form,8-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 29, 2010.
(13) Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 10-Q as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 11, 2010.
SIGNATURES
In accordance with Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the registrant caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized:
TIMBERLINE RESOURCES CORPORATION
/s/ Randal Hardy
Randal Hardy
Chief Executive Officer, Chief
Financial Officer and Director
(Principal Executive and, Financial
Officer)
December 17, 2010
/s/ Craig Crowell
Craig Crowell
Chief Accounting Officer (Principal
Accounting Officer)
December 17, 2010
In accordance with the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, this Annual Report on Form 10-K was signed by the following persons in the capacities on the dates stated:
/s/ Randal Hardy
Randal Hardy
Chief Executive Officer, Chief
Financial Officer and Director
(Principal Executive and Financial Officer)
December 17, 2010
/s/ Craig Crowell
Craig Crowell
Chief Accounting Officer (Principal
Accounting Officer)
December 17, 2010
/s/ Paul Dircksen
Paul Dircksen
Director, Executive Chairman of the Board, and Vice-President, Exploration
December 17, 2010
/s/ Vance Thornsberry
Vance Thornsberry
Director
December 17, 2010
/s/ Eric Klepfer
Eric Klepfer
Director
December 17, 2010
/s/ Ron Guill
Ron Guill
Director
December 17, 2010
/s/ James H. Moore
James H. Moore
Director
December 17, 2010
/s/ Robert Martinez
Robert Martinez
Director
December 17, 2010
/s/ David Poynton
David Poynton
Director
December 17, 2010