ITEM 1.BUSINESS
Introduction
NioCorp was incorporated under the laws of the Province of British Columbia under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) on February 27, 1987 under the name “IPC International Prospector Corp.” On May 22, 1991, we changed our name to “Kingston Resources Ltd.” On June 29, 2001, we changed our name to “Butler Developments Corp.” On February 12, 2009, we changed our name to “Butler Resource Corp.” On March 4, 2010, we changed our name to “Quantum Rare Earth Developments Corp.” On March 4, 2013, we changed our name to “NioCorp Developments Ltd.”
NioCorp is a reporting issuer in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, and New Brunswick. Our registered and records office is located at 595 Burrard Street, Suite 2600, Vancouver, British Columbia V7X 1L3 (ATTN: Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP). Our principal executive office is located at 7000 South Yosemite Street, Suite 115, Centennial, Colorado 80112.
Historical Development of the Business
During 2009 and 2010, the Company commenced mineral exploration activities in the Elk Creek, Nebraska area, including negotiations with local landowners for land access agreements. The acquisition of the Elk Creek Property was closed in December 2010 and involved the purchase of all of the issued and outstanding common shares of 0859404 BC Ltd., a private British Columbia company, which in turn held 100% of the issued and outstanding shares of ECRC and was signatory to the option agreements covering the Elk Creek Property area. A new Canadian company, 0886338 BC Ltd. was formed to merge with 0859404 BC Ltd., and this merged entity was subsequently amalgamated into 0896800.
The Company commenced a field exploration program in 2011, which included verification of previous work which was completed on the Elk Creek Property in the 1970s and 1980s, re-assaying of historic drill core, an airborne geophysical survey and the completion of five new diamond drillholes. The available data for the Elk Creek Property was compiled into an updated NI 43-101 resource estimate for the Elk Creek Project, which was issued in April 2012. Additional drilling and NI 43-101 technical reports, including resource updates and PEAs, were completed and issued by the Company in 2014 and 2015.
During fiscal years 2016 and 2017, the Company focused on feasibility study development and, on June 30, 2017, we announced the completion of the 2017 Feasibility Study.
In connection with a review by the OSC, on December 15, 2017, the Company filed a revised 2017 Feasibility Study. This revised study contained no changes to any previously reported numbers or forecasted economic returns of the Elk Creek Project from those contained in the originally filed 2017 Feasibility Study.
During fiscal years 2018 through 2020, Company efforts were directed towards obtaining the financing necessary to advance the Elk Creek Project to construction and operations, and we conducted permitting, engineering and other related activities for the advancement of the Elk Creek Project. During fiscal year 2019, we received the new mine design based on detailed underground engineering conducted by Nordmin. On April 16, 2019, we announced the results of the updated underground mine design and supporting infrastructure, the results of an update to the Elk Creek Project’s mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates, and the 2019 Elk Creek Feasibility Study based on the new mine design. A full NI 43-101 technical report, incorporating the results of the 2019 Elk Creek Feasibility Study, was filed on SEDAR on May 29, 2019 with an effective date of April 16, 2019. Following the issuance of the 2019 Elk Creek Feasibility Study, the Company’s efforts have been focused on obtaining additional permits for the prospective operation at the Elk Creek Project, detailed engineering of the surface and underground facilities and negotiating the follow-on contracts associated with the planned construction of the surface and underground features of the project.
Information regarding the 2019 Elk Creek Feasibility Study is discussed below under Item 2., “Properties.”
Emerging Growth Company Status
We qualify as an “emerging growth company” as defined in Section 101 of the JOBS Act as we do not have more than $1.07 billion in annual gross revenue and did not have such amount as of June 30, 2019, this being the last day of our most recently completed fiscal year.
We may lose our status as an emerging growth company on the last day of our fiscal year during which (i) our annual gross revenue exceeds $1.07 billion or (ii) we issue more than $1.07 billion in non-convertible debt in a three-year period. We will lose our status as an emerging growth company if at any time we are deemed to be a large accelerated filer, as defined in Rule 405 under the Exchange Act. We will lose our status as an emerging growth company on the last day of our fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of the date of our first sale of Common Shares pursuant to an effective registration statement, which is June 30, 2022.
As an emerging growth company under the JOBS Act, we have elected to opt out of the extended transition period for complying with new or revised standards pursuant to Section 107(b) of the JOBS Act. The election is irrevocable.
As an emerging growth company, we are exempt from Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and Section 14A(a) and (b) of the Exchange Act. Such sections are described below:
●Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 requires a public company’s auditor to attest to, and report on, management’s assessment of its internal controls.
●Sections 14A(a) and (b) of the Exchange Act, implemented by Section 951 of the Dodd-Frank Act, require companies to hold shareholder advisory votes on executive compensation and golden parachute compensation.
As long as we qualify as an emerging growth company, we will not be required to comply with the requirements of Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and Section 14A(a) and (b) of the Exchange Act.
Corporate Structure
The Company’s business operations are conducted primarily through ECRC. The below table provides an overview of the Company’s current subsidiaries and their activities.
Business Operations
NioCorp is a mineral exploration company engaged in the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties. NioCorp, through ECRC, is developing a superalloy materials project that, if and when developed, will produce niobium, scandium, and titanium products. Known as the “Elk Creek Project,” it is located near Elk Creek, Nebraska, in the southeast portion of the state.
●Niobium is used to produce various superalloys that are extensively used in high performance aircraft and jet turbines. It also is used in HSLA steel, a stronger steel used in automobiles, bridges, structural systems, buildings, pipelines, and other applications that generally enables those applications to be stronger and lighter in mass. This “lightweighting” benefit often results in environmental benefits, including reduced fuel consumption and material usage, which can result in fewer air emissions.
●Scandium can be combined with aluminum to make super-high-performance alloys with increased strength and improved corrosion resistance. Scandium also is a critical component of advanced solid oxide fuel cells, an environmentally preferred technology for high-reliability, distributed electricity generation.
●Titanium is a component of various superalloys and other applications that are used for aerospace applications, weapons systems, protective armor, medical implants and many others. It also is used in pigments for paper, paint, and plastics.
Our primary business strategy is to advance our Elk Creek Project to commercial production. We are focused on obtaining additional funds to carry out our near-term planned work programs associated with securing the project financing necessary to complete mine development and construction of the Elk Creek Project.
Competitive Business Conditions
There is aggressive competition within the minerals industry to discover and acquire mineral properties considered to have commercial potential. We compete for the opportunity to participate in promising exploration projects with other entities. In addition, we compete with others in efforts to obtain financing to acquire and explore mineral properties, acquire and utilize mineral exploration equipment, and hire qualified mineral exploration personnel. We may compete with other mining companies for mining claims in regions adjacent to our existing claims, or in other parts of the world should we dedicate resources to doing so in the future. These companies may be better capitalized than us and we may have difficulty in expanding our holdings through the staking or acquisition of additional mining claims or other mineral tenures.
In competing for qualified mineral exploration personnel, we may be required to pay compensation or benefits relatively higher than those paid in the past, and the availability of qualified personnel may be limited in high-demand mining periods, such as was the case in past years when the price of gold and other metals was higher than it is now.
Specialized Skill and Knowledge
The Company’s ability to continue to progress the Elk Creek Project will depend on its ability to attract and retain individuals with (among other skills) financial, administrative, engineering, geological and mining skills, and knowledge of our industry and targeted markets. Much of the necessary specialized skills and knowledge required by the Company as a mineral exploration company are available from the Company’s current management team and Board of Directors. The Company retains outside consultants if additional specialized skills and knowledge are required.
Cycles
The mining business is subject to mineral price cycles. The marketability of minerals and mineral concentrates is also affected by worldwide economic cycles. At the present time, weak demand for some minerals in many countries is suppressing commodity prices, although it is difficult to assess how long such trends may continue. Fluctuations in supply and demand in various regions throughout the world are common.
The following table sets forth commodity prices for the last five calendar years for the ferroniobium, scandium trioxide and titanium dioxide products the Company anticipates extracting from its Elk Creek Project. These pricing surveys may not be representative of the pricing that the Company anticipates achieving for its products once commercial production begins from its Elk Creek Project.
(1)Source: Argus Metal Prices, average annual ending price, 2019. Ferro-niobium 65% Niobium content, FOB U.S. warehouse.
(2)Source: USGS Mineral Commodity Summary, 2020. scandium trioxide, 99.99% purity, 5-kilogram lot size.
(3)Source: USGS Mineral Commodity Summary, 2020. Rutile mineral concentrate, bulk, minimum 95% Titanium Dioxide, f.o.b. Australia.
As NioCorp’s mining and exploration business is in the exploration stage, and NioCorp has not yet generated any revenue from the operation of the Elk Creek Project, it is not currently significantly affected by changes in commodity demand and prices, except to the extent that same impact the availability of capital for mineral exploration and development projects. As it does not carry on production activities, NioCorp’s ability to fund ongoing exploration is affected by the availability of financing, which is, in turn, affected by the strength of the economy and other general economic factors.
Economic Dependence
Other than land and mineral right option agreements and the Offtake Agreements, NioCorp’s business is not substantially dependent on any contract such as a contract to sell the major part of its product or services or to purchase the major part of its requirements for goods, services or its raw materials, or any franchise or license or other agreement to use a patent, formula, trade secret, process or trade name upon which its business depends.
Government Regulation
The exploration and development of a mining prospect is subject to regulation by a number of federal and state government authorities. These include the EPA and the USACE as well as the various state and local environmental protection agencies. The regulations address many environmental issues relating to air, soil, and water contamination, and apply to many mining related activities including exploration, mine construction, mineral extraction, ore milling, water use, waste disposal, and use of toxic substances. In addition, we are subject to regulations relating to labor standards, occupational health and safety, mine safety, general land use, export of minerals, and taxation. Many of the regulations require permits or licenses to be obtained, the absence of which and/or inability to obtain such permits or licenses will adversely affect our ability to conduct our exploration, development, and operation activities. The failure to comply with the regulations and terms of permits and licenses may result in fines or other penalties or in revocation of a permit or license or loss of a prospect.
General
While none of the lands on which the Elk Creek Project is proposed to be built are owned by the U.S. Government, mining rights are governed by the General Mining Law of 1872, as amended, which allows for the location of mining claims on certain federal lands upon the discovery of a valuable mineral deposit and compliance with location requirements. The exploration of mining properties and development and operation of mines is governed by both federal and state laws. Federal laws that govern mining claim location and maintenance and mining operations on federal lands are generally administered by the Bureau of Land Management. Additional federal laws, governing mine safety and health, also apply. State laws also require various permits and approvals before exploration, development or production operations can begin. Among other things, a reclamation plan must typically be prepared and approved, with financial assurance provided in the amount of projected reclamation costs. The financial assurance is used to ensure that proper reclamation takes place and will not be released until that time. Local jurisdictions may also impose permitting requirements, such as conditional use permits or zoning approvals.
Environmental Regulation
Our mineral projects are subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations governing protection of the environment. These laws are continually changing and, in general, are becoming more restrictive. The development, operation, closure, and reclamation of mining projects in the U.S. requires numerous notifications, permits, authorizations, and public agency decisions. Compliance with environmental and related laws and regulations requires us to obtain permits issued by regulatory agencies and to file various reports and keep records of our operations. Certain of these permits require periodic renewal or review of their conditions and may be subject to a public review process during which opposition to our proposed operations may be encountered. We are currently operating under various permits for activities connected to mineral exploration, reclamation, and environmental considerations. Our policy is to conduct business in a way that safeguards public health and the environment. We believe that our operations are conducted in material compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Changes to current local, state, or federal laws and regulations in the jurisdictions where we operate could require additional capital expenditures and increased operating and/or reclamation costs. Although we are unable to predict what additional legislation, if any, might be proposed or enacted, additional regulatory requirements could impact the economics of our projects.
Environmental Regulation - U.S. Federal Laws
The Comprehensive Environmental, Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (“CERCLA”), and comparable state statutes, impose strict, joint, and several liability on current and former owners and operators of sites and on persons who disposed of or arranged for the disposal of hazardous substances found at such sites. It is not uncommon for the government to file claims requiring clean-up actions and/or demands for reimbursement for government-incurred clean-up costs or natural resource damages. It is also not uncommon for neighboring landowners and other third parties to file claims for personal injury and property damage allegedly caused by hazardous substances released into the environment. The Federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (“RCRA”), and comparable state statutes, govern the disposal of solid waste and hazardous waste and authorize the imposition of substantial fines and penalties for noncompliance, as well as requirements for corrective actions. CERCLA, RCRA, and comparable state statutes can impose liability for clean-up of sites and disposal of substances found on exploration, mining and processing sites long after activities on such sites have been completed.
The Clean Air Act, as amended (“CAA”), restricts the emission of air pollutants from many sources, including mining and processing activities. Any future mining operations by the Company may produce air emissions, including fugitive dust and other air pollutants from stationary equipment, storage facilities, and the use of mobile sources such as trucks and heavy construction equipment, which are subject to review, monitoring and/or control requirements under the CAA and state air quality laws. New facilities may be required to obtain permits before work can begin, and existing facilities may be required to incur capital costs in order to remain in compliance. In addition, permitting rules may impose limitations on our production levels or result in additional capital expenditures in order to comply with the rules.
The National Environmental Policy Act (“NEPA”) requires federal agencies to integrate environmental considerations into their decision-making processes by evaluating the environmental impacts of their proposed actions, including issuance of permits to mining facilities and assessing alternatives to those actions. If a proposed action could significantly affect the environment, the agency must prepare either a detailed statement known as an Environmental Impact Statement (“EIS”) or a less detailed statement known as an Environmental Assessment (“EA”). The EPA, other federal agencies, and any interested third parties can review and comment on the scope of the EIS or EA and the adequacy of any findings set forth in the draft and final EIS or EA. This process can cause delays in issuance of required permits or result in changes to a project to mitigate its potential environmental impacts, which can in turn impact the economic feasibility of a proposed project.
The Clean Water Act (“CWA”), and comparable state statutes, impose restrictions and controls on the discharge of pollutants into waters of the U.S. The discharge of pollutants into regulated waters is prohibited, except in accordance with the terms of a permit issued by the EPA or an analogous state agency. The CWA regulates storm water from mining facilities and requires a storm water discharge permit or Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan for certain activities. Such a permit requires the regulated facility to monitor and sample storm water run-off from its operations. The CWA and regulations implemented thereunder also prohibit discharges of dredged and fill material in wetlands and other waters of the U.S. unless authorized by an appropriately issued permit. The CWA and comparable state statutes provide for civil, criminal, and administrative penalties for unauthorized discharges of pollutants, and impose liability on parties responsible for those discharges for the costs of cleaning up any environmental damage caused by the release and for natural resource damages resulting from the release.
The Safe Drinking Water Act (“SDWA”) and the Underground Injection Control (“UIC”) program promulgated thereunder, regulate the drilling and operation of subsurface injection wells. The EPA directly administers the UIC program in some states and in others the responsibility for the program has been delegated to the state. The program requires that a permit be obtained before drilling a disposal or injection well. Violation of these regulations and/or contamination of groundwater by mining-related activities may result in fines, penalties, and remediation costs, among other sanctions and liabilities under the SDWA and state laws. In addition, third-party claims may be filed by landowners and other parties claiming damages for alternative water supplies, property damages, and bodily injury.
Environmental Regulation − Nebraska
Nebraska has a well-developed set of environmental regulations and responsible agencies but does not have clearly defined regulations with respect to permitting mines. As such, review of the project and the issuance of permits by Nebraska agencies and regulatory bodies could potentially impact the total time to market for our Elk Creek Project. Other Nebraska regulations govern operating and design standards for the construction and operation of any source of air emissions and landfill operations. Any changes to these laws and regulations could have an adverse impact on our financial performance and results of operations by, for example, requiring changes to operating conditions, technical criteria, fees, or surety requirements. The most stringent permit related to air quality is known as a Prevention of Significant Deterioration (“PSD”) Permit, which requires the applicant to demonstrate compliance with National Ambient Air Quality Standards (“NAAQS”) and Best Available Control Technology (“BACT”) for the control of air emissions. If the facility exceeds the potential to emit thresholds for such a permit and is thus subject to PSD requirements, permanent construction at the project site may not begin until the responsible agency issues the PSD Permit. For facilities in Nebraska with potential emissions below PSD thresholds, a state air construction permit is needed. The state permit also requires a demonstration of compliance with NAAQS but does not require a BACT demonstration and further allows construction at a subject facility to proceed ahead of permit issuance through an established variance process.
Employees
As of September 16, 2020, we employed nine (9) full-time employees and one (1) part-time employee.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements contained in this Form 10-K (including information incorporated by reference herein) are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act, and are intended to be covered by the safe harbor provided for under these sections. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included herein concerning, among other things, planned capital expenditures, future cash flows and borrowings, pursuit of potential acquisition opportunities, our financial position, business strategy and other plans and objectives for future operations, future exploration activities, future mineral resource estimates, and future joint venture arrangements are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are identified by their use of terms and phrases such as “may,” “expect,” “estimate,” “project,” “plan,” “believe,” “intend,” “achievable,” “anticipate,” “will,” “continue,” “potential,” “should,” “could,” and similar terms and phrases.
Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as “expects” or “does not expect,” “is expected,” “anticipates” or “does not anticipate,” “plans,” “estimates” or “intends,” or stating that certain actions, events or results “may,” “could,” “would,” “might,” or “will” be taken, occur, or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation:
●risks related to our ability to operate as a going concern;
●risks related to our requirement of significant additional capital;
●risks related to our limited operating history;
●risks related to changes in economic valuations of the Elk Creek Project, such as net present value calculations, changes or disruptions in the securities markets;
●risks related to our history of losses;
●risks related to cost increases for our exploration and, if warranted, development projects;
●risks related to feasibility study results;
●risks related to mineral exploration and production activities;
●risks related to our lack of mineral production from our properties;
●risks related to the results of our metallurgical testing;
●risks related to the price volatility of commodities;
●risks related to estimates of mineral resources and reserves;
●risks related to changes in mineral resource and reserve estimates;
●risks related to differences in U.S. and Canadian reserve and resource reporting;
●risks related to our exploration activities being unsuccessful;
●risks related to our ability to obtain permits and licenses for production;
●risks related to government and environmental regulations that may increase our costs of doing business or restrict our operations;
●risks related to proposed legislation that may significantly affect the mining industry;
●risks related to land reclamation requirements;
●risks related to competition in the mining industry;
●risks related to the management of the water balance at our Elk Creek Project;
●risks related to equipment and supply shortages;
●risks related to current and future joint ventures and partnerships;
●risks related to our ability to attract qualified management;
●risks related to the ability to enforce judgment against certain of our Directors;
●risks related to claims on the title to our properties;
●risks related to surface access on our properties;
●risks related to potential future litigation;
●risks related to our lack of insurance covering all our operations;
●risks related to the need for resilience in the face of potential impacts from climate change;
●risks related to a disruption in, or failure of, our information technology (“IT”) systems, including those related to cybersecurity;
●risks related to covenants contained in agreements with our secured creditors that may affect our assets;
●risks related to the extent to which our level of indebtedness may impair our ability to obtain additional financing;
●risks related to our status as a “passive foreign investment company” under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended;
●risks related to our Common Shares, including price volatility, lack of dividend payments, dilution and penny stock rules;
●risks related to our status as an “emerging growth company” and the impact of related reduced reporting requirements on our ability to attract investors; and
●risks related to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business plans, financial condition and liquidity.
This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect our forward-looking statements. Some of the important risks and uncertainties that could affect forward-looking statements are described further under the Item 1A.
ITEM 1A.RISK FACTORS
Our business activities are subject to significant risks, including those described below. You should carefully consider these risks. If any of the described risks actually occurs, our business, financial position and results of operations could be materially adversely affected. Such risks are not the only ones we face and additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also affect our business. This report contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including the risks described below. See “Forward-Looking Statements” under Item 1., “Business.”
Risks Related to Our Business
Our ability to operate as a going concern is in doubt.
The audit opinion and notes that accompany our financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2020, disclose that substantial doubt exists as to our ability to continue as a going concern. The financial statements included in this Form 10-K have been prepared under the assumption that we will continue as a going concern. We are an exploration stage company and we have incurred losses since our inception.
We currently have no historical recurring source of revenue and our ability to continue as a going concern is dependent on our ability to raise capital to fund our future exploration and working capital requirements or our ability to profitably execute our business plan. Our plans for the long-term return to and continuation as a going concern include financing our future operations through sales of our Common Shares and/or debt and the potential profitable exploitation of our Elk Creek Project. Additionally, capital markets and general economic conditions in the U.S. and Canada may impose significant obstacles to raising the required funds. These factors raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.
We will require significant additional capital to fund our business plan.
We will be required to expend significant funds to develop our existing properties and to identify and acquire additional properties to diversify our property portfolio. We anticipate that we will be required to make substantial capital expenditures for the development of our Elk Creek Project.
As of June 30, 2020, the Company had cash of $0.3 million and a working capital deficit of $7.7 million, compared to cash of $0.4 million and working capital deficit of $4.8 million on June 30, 2019.
As of June 30, 2020, the Company’s current planned operational needs were approximately $11.0 million through the end of fiscal 2021. From the date of this Form 10-K, we anticipate that we may need to raise approximately $9.5 million - $10.3 million to continue planned operations for the next twelve months. This estimate is net of C$1.5 million received from warrant exercises subsequent to June 30, 2020. This represents general overhead costs, expected costs relating to securing financing necessary for the Elk Creek Project, satisfying outstanding accounts payable, and potential retirement of our short-term debt obligations. Access to additional funds will be utilized to further advance the Elk Creek Project through substantive near-term milestones.
We are actively pursuing such additional sources of debt and equity financing, and while we have been successful in doing so in the past, there can be no assurance we will be able to do so in the future.
Our ability to obtain necessary funding for these purposes, in turn, depends upon a number of factors, including the status of the national and worldwide economy and the price of the products we intend to produce. We may not be successful in obtaining the required financing or, if we can obtain such financing, such financing may not be on terms that are favorable to us.
Our inability to access sufficient capital for our operations could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or prospects. Sales of substantial amounts of securities may have a highly dilutive effect on our ownership or share structure. Sales of a large number of Common Shares in the public markets, or the potential for such sales, could decrease the trading price of the Common Shares and could impair our ability to raise capital through future sales of Common Shares. We have not yet commenced commercial production at any of our properties and, as such, have not generated positive cash flows to date and have no reasonable prospects of doing so unless successful commercial production can be achieved at our Elk Creek Project. We expect to continue to incur negative investing and operating cash flows until such time as we enter into successful commercial production. This will require us to deploy our working capital to fund such negative cash flow and to seek additional sources of financing. There is no assurance that any such financing sources will be available or sufficient to meet our requirements. There is no assurance that we will be able to continue to raise equity capital or to secure additional debt financing, or that we will not continue to incur losses.
We have a limited operating history on which to base an evaluation of our business and prospects.
Since our inception, we have had no revenue from operations. We have no history of producing products from any of our properties. Our Elk Creek Project is in the exploration stage. Advancing our Elk Creek Project from exploration into the development stage will require significant capital and time, and successful commercial production from the Elk Creek Property will be subject to permitting and construction of the mine, processing plants, roads, and other related works and infrastructure. As a result, we are subject to all of the risks associated with developing and establishing new mining operations and business enterprises including:
●the timing and cost, which can be considerable, of further exploration, preparing feasibility studies, permitting, engineering and construction of infrastructure, mining, and processing facilities;
●the availability and costs of drilling equipment, exploration personnel, skilled labor, and mining and processing equipment, if required;
●the availability and cost of appropriate smelting and/or refining arrangements, if required;
●compliance with environmental and other governmental approval and permit requirements;
●the availability of funds to finance exploration, development, permitting, and construction activities, as warranted;
●potential opposition from non-governmental organizations, local groups, or local residents that may delay or prevent development activities;
●potential increases in exploration, construction, and operating costs due to changes in the cost of fuel, power, materials, and supplies; and
●potential shortages of mining, mineral processing, hydrometallurgical, pyrometallurgical, construction, and other facilities-related supplies.
The costs, timing, and complexities of exploration, development, engineering and construction activities may be increased by the location of our properties and competition from other mineral exploration and mining companies. It is common for exploration companies to experience unexpected problems and delays during development, if commenced, including engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning and ramp-up. Accordingly, our activities may not result in profitable operations and we may not succeed in establishing operations or profitably producing products at any of our current or future properties, including our Elk Creek Project.
We have a history of losses and expect to continue to incur losses in the future.
We have incurred losses since inception, have negative cash flow from operating activities, and expect to continue to incur losses in the future. We incurred the following losses from operations during each of the following periods ($000):
●$4,001 for the year ended June 30, 2020;
●$7,336 for the year ended June 30, 2019; and
●$8,497 for the year ended June 30, 2018.
We expect to continue to incur losses unless and until such time as one of our properties enters into commercial production and generates sufficient revenues to fund continuing operations. We recognize that if we are unable to generate significant revenues from 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.
Increased costs could affect our financial condition.
We anticipate that costs at our projects that we may explore or develop will frequently be subject to variation from one year to the next due to a number of factors, such as changing ore grade, metallurgical performance, and revisions to mine plans, if any, in response to the physical shape and location of the ore body. In addition, costs are affected by the price of commodities such as fuel, steel, aluminum, iron, chemicals, natural gas, fresh water, electricity, and government actions such as tariffs. Such commodities are at times subject to volatile price movements, including increases that could make production at certain operations less profitable or not profitable at all. A material increase in costs at any significant location could have a significant effect on our profitability.
Risks Related to Mining and Exploration
Feasibility study results are based on assumptions that are subject to uncertainty and the estimates may not reflect actual capital and operating costs and potential revenues from any potential future production.
Feasibility studies, including the 2019 Elk Creek Feasibility Study, are used to determine the economic viability of a mineral deposit, including estimated capital and operating costs. Generally accepted levels of confidence in the mining industry are plus or minus 15% for feasibility studies. These levels reflect the levels of confidence that exist at the time the study is completed. While these studies are based on the best information available to us for the level of study, we cannot be certain that actual costs will not significantly exceed the estimated cost. While we incorporate what we believe is an appropriate contingency factor in cost estimates to account for this uncertainty, there can be no assurance that the contingency factor is adequate.
The nature of mineral exploration and production activities involves a high degree of risk and the possibility of uninsured losses.
Exploration for and the production of minerals is highly speculative and involves much greater risk than many other businesses. Most exploration programs do not result in the discovery of mineralization, and any mineralization discovered may not be of sufficient quantity or quality to be profitably mined. Our operations are, and any future development or mining operations we may conduct will be, subject to all of the operating hazards and risks normally incident to exploring for and developing mineral properties, such as, but not limited to:
●economically insufficient mineralized material;
●fluctuation in production costs that make production uneconomical;
●labor disputes;
●unanticipated variations in grade and other geologic problems;
●environmental hazards;
●water conditions;
●difficult surface or underground conditions;
●industrial accidents;
●metallurgical, pyrometallurgical, and other processing problems;
●mechanical and equipment performance problems;
●failure of dams, stockpiles, wastewater transportation systems, or impoundments;
●unusual or unexpected rock formations; and
●personal injury, fire, flooding, cave-ins, and landslides.
Any of these risks can materially and adversely affect, among other things, the development of properties, production quantities and rates, costs and expenditures, potential revenues, and production dates. We currently have very limited insurance to guard against some of these risks. If we determine that capitalized costs associated with any of our mineral interests are not likely to be recovered, we would incur a write-down of our investment in these interests. All of these factors may result in losses in relation to amounts spent that are not recoverable, or that result in additional expenses.
We have no history of producing commercial products from our current mineral properties and there can be no assurance that we will successfully establish mining operations or profitably produce minerals.
We have no history of producing commercial products from our current mineral properties. We do not produce commercial products and do not currently generate operating earnings. While we seek to move our Elk Creek Project out of exploration and into development and production, such efforts will be subject to all of the risks associated with establishing new mining operations and business enterprises, including:
●the timing and cost, which are considerable, of the construction of mining and processing facilities;
●the availability and costs of skilled labor and equipment;
●compliance with environmental and other governmental approval and permit requirements;
●the availability of funds to finance construction and development activities;
●potential opposition from non-governmental organizations, local groups, or local residents that may delay or prevent development activities; and
●potential increases in construction and operating costs due to changes in the cost and availability of labor, fuel, power, materials, equipment and supplies, and the time elapsed since the most recent estimates of cost and availability were made.
It is common in new mining and processing operations to experience unexpected problems and delays during engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, and start-up. In addition, our management and workforce will need to be expanded, and sufficient housing and other support systems for our workforce will have to be established. This could result in delays in the commencement of production and increased costs of production. Accordingly, we cannot assure you that our activities will result in profitable operations or that we will successfully establish mining and processing operations.
Results of metallurgical testing by us may not be favorable to, or as expected by, us.
We have completed significant bench, mini-pilot, and pilot scale metallurgical testing on material from the Elk Creek Project and will continue to complete necessary metallurgical testing at the bench, mini-pilot, and pilot scale as the exploration and, if warranted, development of the Elk Creek Project progresses. There can be no assurance that the results of such metallurgical testing will be favorable to, or will be as expected by, us. Furthermore, there can be no certainty that metallurgical recoveries obtained in bench or pilot scale tests will be achieved in either subsequent testing or commercial operations. The development of a complete metallurgical process to produce saleable final products from the Elk Creek Project is a complex and resource-intensive undertaking that may result in overall schedule delays and increased project costs for us.
Price volatility could have dramatic effects on our results of operations and our ability to execute our business plan.
The price of commodities varies on a daily basis. Niobium is a specialty metal and not a commonly traded commodity such as copper, zinc, gold, or iron ore. The price of niobium tends to be set through a limited long-term offtake market, contracted between very few suppliers and purchasers. The world’s largest supplier of niobium, Companhia Brasileira de Metalurgia e Mineração, supplies approximately 85% of the world’s niobium. Any attempt to suppress the price of niobium by such supplier, or an increase in production by any supplier in excess of any increased demand, would have negative consequences on the price of niobium and, potentially, on our value. The price of niobium may also be reduced by the discovery of new niobium deposits, which could not only increase the overall supply of niobium (causing downward pressure on its price) but could draw new firms into the niobium industry that would compete with us.
Scandium trioxide is used in solid oxide fuel cells and has the potential to become a valuable alloy with aluminum in the aerospace and automotive industries. Supply of scandium has been sporadic in recent years, and there are no primary scandium mines in the world at present. Production primarily occurs as a by-product from existing metallurgical plants, primarily in Russia, the Philippines, and China. Our management believes the Elk Creek Project would significantly increase the world’s supply of scandium trioxide. Although the Company’s market studies indicate a positive outlook for demand, there is no assurance at present that the Company could sell all of its production. In addition, the sale of scandium represents a significant portion of the Elk Creek Project revenue; achieving the revenue projected in the Company’s studies is subject to market growth in scandium, which is a developing market with a risk of oversupply and/or undersupply disrupting pricing.
Titanium metal is used in various superalloys and other applications for aerospace applications, armor, and medical implants, and in oxide form is a key component of pigments used in paper, paint, and plastics. The Elk Creek Project would produce a small quantity of titanium dioxide relative to other producers. As a small producer, we would be subject to fluctuations in the price of titanium dioxide that would result from normal variations in supply and demand for this commodity.
Estimates of mineralized material and resources 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 and resources/reserves within the earth using statistical sampling techniques. Estimates of any mineralized material or resources/reserves on any of our properties would be made using samples obtained from appropriately placed trenches, test pits, 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 and resources/reserves. 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.
Any material changes in mineral resource/reserve estimates and grades of mineralization will affect the economic viability of placing a property into production and a property’s return on capital.
Except for the 2019 Elk Creek Feasibility Study, we have not completed feasibility studies on any of our properties and have not commenced actual production. As a result, mineralization resource/reserve estimates may require adjustments or downward revisions. In addition, the grade of ore ultimately mined, if any, may differ from that indicated by our feasibility studies and drill results. Minerals recovered in small scale tests may not be duplicated in large scale tests under on-site conditions or at commercial production scale.
The resource/reserve estimates included in the 2019 Elk Creek Feasibility Study and contained in this Form 10-K have been determined based on assumed future prices, cut-off grades, and operating costs that may prove to be inaccurate. Extended declines in market prices for our products may render portions of our mineralization and resource/reserve estimates uneconomic and may result in reduced reported mineralization or may adversely affect any commercial viability determinations we may reach. Any material reductions in estimates of mineralization, or of our ability to extract this mineralization, could have a material adverse effect on our Common Share price and on the value of our properties.
There are differences in U.S. and Canadian practices for reporting reserves and resources.
Our reserve and resource estimates are not directly comparable to those made in filings subject to SEC reporting and disclosure requirements, as we generally report reserves and resources in accordance with Canadian requirements. These requirements are different from the practices used to report reserve and resource estimates in reports and other materials filed with the SEC. It is Canadian practice to report measured, indicated, and inferred mineral resources, which are generally not permitted in disclosure filed with the SEC by U.S. issuers. In the U.S., mineralization may not be classified as a “reserve” unless the determination has been made that the mineralization could be economically and legally produced or extracted at the time the reserve determination is made. Further, “inferred mineral resources” have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence and as to whether they can be mined legally or economically. Readers of this Form 10-K are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of measured or indicated mineral resources will ever be converted into reserves recognized under the SEC’s Industry Guide 7 reporting requirements.
Accordingly, information concerning descriptions of mineralization, reserves and resources contained in this Form 10-K, or in the documents incorporated herein by reference, may not be comparable to information made public by other U.S. companies subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements of the SEC.
Our exploration activities on our properties may not be commercially successful, which could lead us to abandon our plans to develop our properties and our investments in exploration.
Our long-term success depends on our ability to identify mineral deposits on our existing properties and other properties we may acquire, if any, that we can then develop into commercially viable operations. Mineral exploration is highly speculative in nature, involves many risks, and is frequently non-productive. These risks include unusual or unexpected geologic formations, and the inability to obtain suitable or adequate machinery, equipment, or labor. The success of commodity exploration is determined in part by the following factors:
●the identification of potential mineralization based on surficial analysis;
●availability of government-granted exploration permits;
●the quality of our management and our geological and technical expertise; and
●the capital available for exploration and development work.
Substantial expenditures are required to establish proven and probable reserves through drilling and analysis, to develop metallurgical processes to extract metal, and to develop the mining and processing facilities and infrastructure at any site chosen for mining. Whether a mineral deposit will be commercially viable depends on a number of factors that include, without limitation, the particular attributes of the deposit, such as size, grade, and proximity to infrastructure; commodity prices, which can fluctuate widely; and government regulations, including, without limitation, regulations relating to prices, taxes, royalties, land tenure, land use, importing and exporting of minerals, and environmental protection. We may invest significant capital and resources in exploration activities and may abandon such investments if we are unable to identify commercially exploitable mineral reserves. The decision to abandon a project may have an adverse effect on the market value of our securities and the ability to raise future financing.
We may not be able to obtain or renew all required permits and licenses to place any of our properties into production.
Our current and future operations, including development activities and commencement of production, if warranted, on the Elk Creek Project, require permits from governmental authorities and such operations are and will be governed by laws and regulations governing prospecting, development, mining, production, exports, taxes, labor standards, occupational health, waste disposal, toxic substances, land use, environmental protection, mine safety, and other matters. Companies engaged in mineral property exploration and the development or operation of mines and related facilities generally experience increased costs, as well as delays in production and other schedules as a result of the need to comply with applicable laws, regulations, and permits. We cannot predict if all permits that we may require for continued exploration, development, or construction of mining facilities and conduct of mining operations will be obtainable or renewable on reasonable terms, if at all. Costs related to applying for and obtaining permits and licenses may be prohibitive and could delay our planned exploration and development activities. Failure to comply with applicable laws, regulations, and permitting requirements may result in enforcement actions, including orders issued by regulatory or judicial authorities causing operations to cease or be curtailed, and may include corrective measures requiring capital expenditures, installation of additional equipment, or remedial actions.
Facilities associated with the Elk Creek Project, such as the mine, surface plant, tailings facilities, stockpiles and supporting infrastructure, are likely to either temporarily or permanently impact waterbodies and wetlands that are subject to regulation by the USACE as Waters of the United States (“WOUS”). We believe that we have obtained the necessary USACE permits to construct the project, but changes to the design or layout of the facility may trigger the USACE to require us to obtain and maintain additional permits for the Elk Creek Project. The duration of this permitting exercise is dictated by the USACE and would need to be completed before facilities that would impact WOUS could be constructed. We may experience delays or additional costs in relation to obtaining the necessary permits and these delays and additional costs could negatively affect the economics of the Elk Creek Project and our results of operations.
Parties engaged in mining operations may be required to compensate those suffering loss or damage by reason of the mining activities and may have civil or criminal fines or penalties imposed for violations of applicable laws or regulations. Amendments to current laws, regulations, and permits governing operations and activities of mining companies, or more stringent implementation thereof, could have a material adverse impact on our operations and cause increases in capital expenditures or production costs or reduction in levels of production at producing properties or require abandonment or delays in development of new mining properties.
We are subject to significant governmental regulations that affect our operations and costs of conducting our business.
Our current and future operations, including exploration and, if warranted, development of the Elk Creek Project, are and will be governed by laws and regulations, including:
●laws and regulations governing mineral concession acquisition, prospecting, development, mining, and production;
●laws and regulations related to exports, taxes, and fees;
●labor standards and regulations related to occupational health and mine safety; and
●environmental standards and regulations related to waste disposal, toxic substances, land use reclamation, and environmental protection.
Companies engaged in exploration activities often experience increased costs and delays in production and other schedules as a result of the need to comply with applicable laws, regulations, and permits. Failure to comply with applicable laws, regulations, and permits may result in enforcement actions, including the forfeiture of mineral claims or other mineral tenures, orders issued by regulatory or judicial authorities requiring operations to cease or be curtailed, and may include corrective measures requiring capital expenditures, installation of additional equipment, or costly remedial actions. We may be required to compensate those suffering loss or damage by reason of our mineral exploration activities and may have civil or criminal fines or penalties imposed for violations of such laws, regulations, and permits.
Existing and possible future laws, regulations, and permits governing operations and activities of exploration companies, or more stringent implementation, could have a material adverse impact on our business and cause increases in capital expenditures or require abandonment or delays in exploration. Our Elk Creek Project is located in Nebraska, and while the State does have a comprehensive and modern set of environmental regulations, it does not have specific regulations with respect to permitting or reclaiming mines which could potentially impact the total time to market for the project.
Our activities are subject to environmental laws and regulations that may increase our costs of doing business and restrict our operations.
All phases of our operations are subject to environmental regulation in the jurisdictions in which we operate. Environmental legislation is evolving in a manner that may require stricter standards and enforcement, increased fines and penalties for non-compliance, more stringent environmental assessments of proposed projects, and a heightened degree of responsibility for companies and their officers, directors, and employees. These laws address emissions into the air, discharges into water, management of waste, management of hazardous substances, protection of natural resources, antiquities and endangered species, and reclamation of lands disturbed by mining operations. Compliance with environmental laws and regulations, and future changes in these laws and regulations, may require significant capital outlays and may cause material changes or delays in our operations and future activities. It is possible that future changes in these laws or regulations could have a significant adverse impact on our properties or some portion of our business, causing us to re-evaluate those activities at that time.
Regulations and pending legislation governing issues involving climate change could result in increased operating costs, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.
A number of governments or governmental bodies have introduced or are contemplating legislative and/or regulatory changes in response to concerns about the potential impact of climate change. Legislation and increased regulation regarding climate change could impose significant costs on us, on our future venture partners, if any, and on our suppliers, including costs related to increased energy requirements, capital equipment, environmental monitoring and reporting, and other costs necessary to comply with such regulations. Any adopted future climate change regulations could also negatively impact our ability to compete with companies situated in areas not subject to such limitations. Given the emotion, political significance, and uncertainty surrounding the impact of climate change and how it should be dealt with, we cannot predict how legislation and regulation will affect our financial condition, operating performance, and ability to compete. Furthermore, even without such regulation, increased awareness and any adverse publicity in the global marketplace about potential impacts on climate change by us or other companies in our industry could harm our reputation. The potential physical impacts of climate change on our operations are highly uncertain and could be particular to the geographic circumstances in areas in which we operate and may include changes in rainfall and storm patterns and intensities, water shortages, changing sea levels, and changing temperatures. These impacts may adversely impact the cost, production, and financial performance of our operations.
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;
●treat ground and surface water to achieve water quality standards; and
●reasonably re-establish pre-disturbance landforms 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.
We face intense competition in the mining industry.
The mining industry is intensely competitive in all of its phases. As a result of this competition, some of which is with large established mining companies with substantial capabilities and with greater financial and technical resources than ours, we may be unable to acquire additional properties, if any, or financing on terms we consider acceptable. We also compete with other mining companies in the recruitment and retention of qualified managerial and technical employees. If we are unable to successfully compete for qualified employees, our exploration and development programs may be slowed down or suspended. We compete with other companies that produce our planned commercial products for capital. If we are unable to raise sufficient capital, our exploration and development programs may be jeopardized or we may not be able to acquire, develop, or operate additional mining projects.
Difficulties in water balance management at our Elk Creek Project could negatively affect our potential production and economics at the project.
The Company has conducted three field investigations and two major technical studies into the hydrogeology of the Elk Creek carbonatite, which is the geologic formation which hosts the mineralized material that would be extracted by the Company’s mining operations. The Company expects to encounter significant amounts of water in the carbonatite, which will need to be pumped out of the formation to facilitate a mining operation. Water quality analyses have demonstrated that this water will have elevated temperature and salt content when compared to other water resources in the area. While the Company has developed plans to treat water produced from the mine for use in its operations, there is no guarantee that the permits needed for the treatment of the water or the disposal of the resultant waste products will be issued by the State of Nebraska, nor is there any guarantee that such permits will be issued in a timely fashion. Further, based on such plans, the operations will rely on a water treatment system to achieve zero discharge of wastewater, and there is no guarantee that this system will function as designed or achieve nameplate treatment capacity.
A shortage of equipment and supplies could adversely affect our ability to operate our business.
We are dependent on various supplies and equipment to carry out our mining exploration and, if warranted, project development operations. The shortage of such supplies, equipment, and parts could have a material adverse effect on our ability to carry out our operations and could therefore limit, or increase the cost of, production.
Joint ventures and other partnerships, including offtake arrangements, may expose us to risks.
We have entered into three offtake agreements and one letter of intent related to our Elk Creek Project as well as agreements related to the supply of natural gas and electricity to the project site, and may enter into joint ventures or partnership arrangements, including additional offtake agreements, with other parties in relation to the exploration, development, and production of certain of the properties in which we have an interest. 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, or price fluctuations and termination provisions related to such agreements, could have a material adverse effect on us, the development and production at our properties, including the Elk Creek Project, the joint ventures, if any, 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.
We may experience difficulty attracting and retaining qualified management to meet the needs of our anticipated growth, and the failure to manage our growth effectively could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition.
We are dependent on a relatively small number of key employees, including our Chief Executive Officer. The loss of any officer could have an adverse effect on us. We have no life insurance on any individual, and we may be unable to hire a suitable replacement for them on favorable terms, should that become necessary.
It may be difficult to enforce judgments or bring actions outside the U.S. against us and certain of our directors.
We are a Canadian corporation and, as a result, it may be difficult or impossible for an investor to do the following:
●enforce in courts outside the U.S. judgments obtained in U.S. courts based upon the civil liability provisions of U.S. federal securities laws against these persons and the Company; or
●bring in courts outside the U.S. an original action to enforce liabilities based upon U.S. federal securities laws against these persons and the Company.
Title to our properties may be subject to other claims that could affect our property rights and claims.
There are risks that title to our properties may be challenged or impugned. Our Elk Creek Project is located in Nebraska and may be subject to prior unrecorded agreements or transfers or native land claims, and title may be affected by undetected defects. Our current leases give us an option to purchase the property in order to construct the Elk Creek Project, but the rights of the current owners to sell the property subject to these options may be subject to prior unrecorded or unknown claims to title. We have investigated our rights to explore and exploit the Elk Creek Project resource and, to the best of our knowledge, our rights in relation to lands covering the Elk Creek Project resource are in good standing. However, there may be valid challenges to the title of our properties that, if successful, could impair development and/or operations. Further, our current land agreements are of fixed duration, and expire between January 2021 and May 2040.
We may be unable to secure surface access or purchase required surface rights.
Although the Company acquires the rights to some or all of the minerals in the ground subject to the mineral tenures that it acquires, or has a right to acquire, in some cases it may not thereby acquire any rights to, or ownership of, the surface to the areas covered by such mineral tenures. In such cases, applicable mining laws usually provide for rights of access to the surface for the purpose of carrying on mining activities; however, the enforcement of such rights through the courts can be costly and time consuming. It is necessary to negotiate surface access or to purchase the surface rights if long-term access is required. There can be no guarantee that, despite having the right at law to access the surface and carry on mining activities, we will be able to negotiate satisfactory agreements with any such existing landowners/occupiers for such access or purchase of such surface rights, and therefore we may be unable to carry out planned mining activities. In addition, in circumstances where such access is denied, or no agreement can be reached, we may need to rely on the assistance of local officials or the courts in such jurisdiction the outcomes of which cannot be predicted with any certainty. Our inability to secure surface access or purchase required surface rights could materially and adversely affect our timing, cost, or overall ability to develop any mineral deposits we may locate.
Our properties and operations may be subject to litigation or other claims.
From time to time our properties or operations may be subject to disputes that may result in litigation or other legal claims. We may be required to assert or defend against these claims, which will divert resources and management time from operations. The costs of these claims or adverse filings may have a material effect on our business and results of operations.
We do not currently insure against all the risks and hazards of mineral exploration, development, and mining operations.
Exploration, development, mining, and surface operations involve various hazards, including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, metallurgical and other processing problems, unusual or unexpected rock formations, structural cave-ins or slides, flooding, fires, and periodic interruptions due to inclement or hazardous weather conditions. These risks could result in damage to or destruction of mineral properties, facilities, or other property, personal injury, environmental damage, delays in operations, increased cost of operations, monetary losses, and possible legal liability. We may not be able to obtain insurance to cover these risks at economically feasible premiums or at all. We may elect not to insure where premium costs are disproportionate to our perception of the relevant risks. The payment of such insurance premiums and of such liabilities would reduce the funds available for exploration and production activities.
A disruption in, or failure of our third-party service providers’ IT systems, including those related to cybersecurity, could adversely affect our business operations and financial performance.
We rely on the accuracy, capacity and security of our third-party service providers’ IT systems for the operations of many of our business processes and to comply with regulatory, legal and tax requirements. We are dependent on third parties to provide important IT services relating to, among other things, operational technology at our facilities, human resources, electronic communications and certain finance functions. Despite the security measures that our third-party service providers have implemented, including those related to cybersecurity, their systems could be breached or damaged by computer viruses, natural or man-made incidents or disasters, or unauthorized physical or electronic access. Though our third-party service providers have controls in place, we cannot provide assurance that a cyber-attack will not occur. Furthermore, we may have little or no oversight with respect to security measures employed by third-party service providers, which may ultimately prove to be ineffective at countering threats. Failures of our third-party service providers’ IT systems, whether caused maliciously or inadvertently, may result in the disruption of our business processes, or in the unauthorized release of sensitive, confidential or otherwise protected information or result in the corruption of data, which could adversely affect our business operations and financial performance. In addition, we may be required to incur significant costs to protect against and, if required, remediate the damage caused by such disruptions or system failures in the future.
Risk Related to Our Debt Securities
In the event of certain breaches with our Secured Creditors, our assets may be affected.
We have, in connection with the Smith Credit Agreement and Original Smith Loan (collectively, the “Current Smith Loans”), granted security interests to Mark Smith (the “Secured Creditor”) over all of the assets of the Company in consideration of the debt facilities provided by the Secured Creditor. In the event of certain breaches of the terms of the Current Smith Loans, the Secured Creditor may be entitled to execute on its security interest and seize or retain our assets, including the shares of 0896800 and ECRC, as well as any assets of either subsidiary. Certain rights of the Secured Creditor to execute on its security interests are subject to notice and cure provisions in respect of default by us; however, any such exercise could materially damage our value and our ability to retain or progress development of the Elk Creek Project.
The level of our indebtedness from time to time could impair our ability to obtain additional financing.
From time to time we may enter into transactions to acquire assets or the shares of other companies or to fund development of the Elk Creek Project. These transactions may be financed partially or wholly with debt, which may increase our debt levels above industry standards. Our articles of incorporation do not limit the amount of indebtedness that we may incur. Our indebtedness could impair our ability to obtain additional financing in the future on a timely basis to take advantage of business opportunities that may arise. Our ability to service our debt obligations will depend on our future operations, which are subject to prevailing industry conditions and other factors, many of which are beyond our control.
Risks Related to the Common Shares
We believe that we may be a “passive foreign investment company” for the current taxable year and for one or more future taxable years, which may result in materially adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences for U.S. investors.
We generally will be designated as a “passive foreign investment company” under the meaning of Section 1297 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (a “PFIC”) if, for a tax year, (a) 75% or more of our gross income for such year is “passive income” (generally, dividends, interest, rents, royalties, and gains from the disposition of assets producing passive income) or (b) at least 50% or more of the value of our assets produce, or are held for the production of, passive income, based on the quarterly average of the fair market value of such assets. U.S. shareholders should be aware that we believe we were classified as a PFIC during our tax years ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 and based on current business plans and financial expectations, believe that we may be a PFIC for the current and one or more future taxable years. If we are a PFIC for any taxable year during a U.S. shareholder’s holding period, then such U.S. shareholder generally will be required to treat any gain realized upon a disposition of Common Shares or warrants, or any “excess distribution” received on its Common Shares, as ordinary income, and to pay an interest charge on a portion of such gain or distribution. These consequences will be mitigated with respect to the Common Shares, but not the warrants, if the shareholder makes a timely and effective “qualified electing fund” or “QEF” election or a “mark-to-market” election with respect to the Common Shares. A U.S. shareholder who makes a QEF election generally must include in income on a current basis for U.S. federal income tax purposes its share of our net capital gain and ordinary earnings for any taxable year in which we are a PFIC, whether or not we distribute any amount to our shareholders. A U.S. shareholder who makes a mark-to-market election generally must include as ordinary income each year the excess of the fair market value of the Common Shares over the taxpayer’s basis therein. Each U.S. shareholder should consult its own tax advisors regarding the PFIC rules and the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of Common Shares and warrants.
Our Common Share price may be volatile and as a result you could lose all or part of your investment.
In addition to volatility associated with equity securities in general, the value of your investment could decline due to the impact of any of the following factors upon the market price of the Common Shares:
●Disappointing results from our exploration and/or, if warranted, project development efforts;
●Decline in demand for Common Shares;
●Downward revisions in securities analysts’ estimates or changes in general market conditions;
●Technological innovations by competitors or in competing technologies;
●Investor perception of our industry or our prospects; and
●General economic trends.
In the past fiscal year, the trading price of our stock on the TSX has ranged from a low of C$0.51 to a high of C$0.90. In addition, stock markets in general have experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations, and the market prices of securities have been highly volatile. These fluctuations are often unrelated to operating performance and may adversely affect the market price of the Common Shares. As a result, you may be unable to sell any Common Shares you acquire at a desired price.
We have never paid dividends on the Common Shares.
We have not paid dividends on the Common Shares to date, and we may not be in a position to pay dividends for the foreseeable future. Our ability to pay dividends with respect to the Common Shares will depend on our ability to successfully develop one or more properties and generate earnings from operations. Further, our initial earnings, if any, will likely be retained to finance our operations. Any future dividends on Common Shares will depend upon our earnings, our then-existing financial requirements, and other factors, and will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors.
Investors’ interests in the Company will be diluted and investors may suffer dilution in their net book value per Common Share if we issue additional employee/Director/consultant options or if we sell additional Common Shares to finance our operations.
In order to further expand the Company’s operations and meet our objectives, any additional growth and/or expanded exploration activity will likely need to be financed through sale of and issuance of additional Common Shares, including, but not limited to, raising funds to explore the Elk Creek Project. Furthermore, to finance any acquisition activity, should that activity be properly approved, and depending on the outcome of our exploration programs, we likely will also need to issue additional Common Shares to finance future acquisitions, growth, and/or additional exploration programs of any or all of our projects or to acquire additional properties. We will also in the future grant to some or all of our Directors, officers, and key employees and/or consultants, options to purchase Common Shares as non-cash incentives. The issuance of any equity securities could, and the issuance of any additional Common Shares will, cause our existing shareholders to experience dilution of their ownership interests.
If we issue additional Common 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 the Company will be diluted and investors may suffer dilution in their net book value per Common Share depending on the price at which such securities are sold.
We are subject to the continued listing criteria of the TSX and our failure to satisfy these criteria may result in delisting of the Common Shares.
The Common Shares are currently listed on the TSX. In order to maintain the listing, we must maintain certain financial and share distribution targets, including maintaining a minimum number of public shareholders. In addition to objective standards, the TSX may delist the securities of any issuer if, in the TSX’s opinion, the issuer’s financial condition and/or operating results appear unsatisfactory; if it appears that the extent of public distribution or the aggregate market value of the security has become so reduced as to make continued listing on the TSX inadvisable; if the issuer sells or disposes of principal operating assets or ceases to be an operating company; if an issuer fails to comply with the listing requirements of the TSX; or if any other event occurs or any condition exists which makes continued listing on the TSX, in the opinion of the TSX, inadvisable.
If the TSX delists the Common Shares, investors may face material adverse consequences, including, but not limited to, a lack of a trading market for the Common Shares, reduced liquidity, decreased analyst coverage of the Company, and an inability for us to obtain additional financing to fund our operations.
The issuance of additional Common Shares may negatively impact the trading price of our securities.
We have issued Common Shares in the past and will continue to issue Common Shares to finance our activities in the future. In addition, outstanding options, warrants, and broker warrants to purchase Common Shares may be exercised, resulting in the issuance of additional Common Shares. The issuance by us of additional Common Shares would result in dilution to our shareholders, and even the perception that such an issuance may occur could have a negative impact on the trading price of the Common Shares.
We are an “emerging growth company,” and we cannot be certain if the reduced reporting requirements applicable to emerging growth companies will make our Common Shares less attractive to investors.
We are an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the JOBS Act. For as long as we continue to be an emerging growth company, we may take advantage of exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies, including not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirements of holding a non-binding advisory vote on executive compensation and shareholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. We could be an emerging growth company through June 30, 2022, although circumstances could cause us to lose that status earlier, including if the market value of our Common Shares held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of any December 31 before that time, in which case we would no longer be an emerging growth company as of the following June 30. We cannot predict if investors will find our Common Shares less attractive because we may rely on these exemptions. If some investors find our Common Shares less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our Common Shares and our Common Share price may be more volatile. Under the JOBS Act, emerging growth companies can also delay adopting new or revised accounting standards until such time as those standards apply to private companies. We have irrevocably elected not to avail ourselves of this exemption from new or revised accounting standards and, therefore, will be subject to the same new or revised accounting standards as other public companies that are not emerging growth companies.
Broker-dealers may be discouraged from effecting transactions in Common Shares because they are considered a penny stock and are subject to the penny stock rules.
Our Common Shares are currently considered a “penny stock.” The SEC has adopted Rule 15g-9 which generally defines “penny stock” to be any equity security that has a market price (as defined) less than $5.00 per share or an exercise price of less than $5.00 per share, subject to certain exceptions. The Common Shares are covered by the penny stock rules, which impose additional sales practice requirements on broker-dealers who sell to persons other than established customers and “accredited investors.” The term “accredited investor” refers generally to institutions with assets in excess of $5.0 million or individuals with a net worth in excess of $1.0 million or annual income exceeding $200,000 or $300,000 jointly with their spouse. The penny stock rules require a broker-dealer, prior to a transaction in a penny stock not otherwise exempt from the rules, to deliver a standardized risk disclosure document in a form prepared by the SEC, which provides information about penny stocks and the nature and level of risks in the penny stock market. The broker-dealer also must provide the customer with current bid and offer quotations for the penny stock, the compensation of the broker-dealer and its salesperson in the transaction, and monthly account statements showing the market value of each penny stock held in the customer’s account. The bid and offer quotations, and the broker-dealer and salesperson compensation information, must be given to the customer orally or in writing prior to effecting the transaction and must be given to the customer in writing before or with the customer’s confirmation. In addition, the penny stock rules require that prior to a transaction in a penny stock not otherwise exempt from these rules, the broker-dealer must make a special written determination that the penny stock is a suitable investment for the purchaser and receive the purchaser’s written agreement to the transaction. These disclosure requirements may have the effect of reducing the level of trading activity in the secondary market for the Common Shares. Consequently, these penny stock rules may affect the ability of broker-dealers to trade in the Common Shares.
The COVID-19 pandemic could have an adverse effect on NioCorp’s business plans, financial condition and liquidity.
Although it is not possible to predict the ultimate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including on NioCorp’s business plans, financial position or liquidity, such impacts that may be material include, but are not limited to: (i) inability to obtain necessary licenses or permits due to impacts on the operations of local, state and federal regulatory agencies, (ii) delays in the completion of the mine and surface engineering designs and uncertainty regarding our ability to finalize necessary Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (“EPC”) agreements as a result of disruptions in the businesses of our engineering consultants and key contractors for the Elk Creek Project, (iii) reduced availability and productivity of our employees, (iv) increased operational risks as a result of remote work arrangements, including the potential effects on internal controls, as well as cybersecurity risks and increased vulnerability to security breaches, information technology disruptions and other similar events, (v) a negative impact on our liquidity position, and (vi) increased costs and less ability to access funds under our existing credit facility and the capital markets. The continued spread of COVID-19 has resulted in business travel restrictions and other capital market disruptions. To the extent the duration of any of these conditions extends for a longer period of time, the impact will generally be a more severe adverse impact and could have an adverse impact on our ability to obtain financing, development plans, results of operations, financial position, and cash flows during the current fiscal year. More specifically, during fiscal 2020, travel restrictions have negatively affected the ability of potential investors to conduct their due diligence and has delayed our ability to obtain future financing.
In addition, we cannot predict the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic will have on our customers, suppliers, vendors, and other business partners, and each of their financial conditions; however, any material effect on these parties could adversely impact us. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic may also exacerbate other risks discussed herein, any of which could have a material effect on us. This situation is changing rapidly, and additional impacts may arise that we are not aware of currently.
ITEM 1B.
ITEM 1B.UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
ITEM 2.
ITEM 2.PROPERTIES
Elk Creek Project, Nebraska
Our principal mineral property is the Elk Creek Property, a niobium, scandium and titanium exploration project. The Elk Creek Project does not have any proven or probable reserves under SEC Industry Guide 7 and the Elk Creek Project is exploratory in nature. The below information is in part summarized or extracted from our 2019 Elk Creek Project Feasibility Study.
Mr. Jean-Francois St-Onge, P.Eng, and Mr. Glen Kuntz, P. Geo, both of whom are independent qualified persons as defined in NI 43-101, have reviewed and approved the mineral reserves and mineral resources, respectively, and have verified the data contained in those portions of the Elk Creek Project disclosures relevant to their area of responsibility included in this Form 10-K related to the 2019 Elk Creek Feasibility Study.
Scott Honan, M.Sc., SME-RM, a qualified person as defined in NI 43-101, has supervised the preparation of the scientific and technical information that forms the basis for the Elk Creek Project disclosure in this Form 10-K and has approved the disclosure in this Form 10-K related thereto. Mr. Honan is not independent of the Company, as he is the Chief Operating Officer. The full NI 43-101 technical report, incorporating the results of the 2019 Elk Creek Feasibility Study was filed on SEDAR on May 29, 2019.
Property Description and Location
The Elk Creek Property is a niobium-bearing carbonatite deposit located in Johnson County, southeast Nebraska, USA. In addition to niobium, other elements of economic significance include titanium and scandium. The Elk Creek Property is situated as shown in Figure 1 below and is located within the USGS Tecumseh Quadrangle Nebraska SE (7.5 minute series) mapsheet in Sections 1-6, 9-11; Township 3N; Range 11 and Sections 19-23, 25-36; Township 4N, Range 11, at approximately 40°16’ north and 96°11’ west in the State of Nebraska, in central USA. The Elk Creek Property is approximately 45 miles southeast of Lincoln, Nebraska, the state capital of Nebraska.
Figure 1 - Property Map showing Location of Elk Creek Project
Title and Ownership
The Company currently holds 13 option agreements that are material to the Elk Creek Project and one perpetual easement of a land parcel along the Missouri River. The current optioned land package covers an area of 2,536 acres, and is reflective of the land needed to secure the mining rights with respect to the estimated Mineral Resource along with the land needed for the development and operations of the Elk Creek Project for its proposed 36-year operating life.
Option agreements are between NioCorp’s wholly-owned subsidiary ECRC and the individual landowners. Land ownership for the agreements significant to the Elk Creek Project are listed in Table 1 and shown in Figure 2. Significant agreements are those which have been demonstrated to host mineralized material, or which have the potential to be the site of buildings, facilities or other surface infrastructure.
Table 1: Active Lease Agreements Covering the Elk Creek Project as of August 2020
Source: NioCorp, 2020
Figure 2 - Land Tenure Map as of August 2020
Source: NioCorp, 2020.
The current estimated Mineral Resource is wholly contained within parcels Woltemath003J and Beethe008, and agreements covering both of these properties have been secured. The Company considers these two leases to be the only leases on which the Company’s development of the Elk Creek Project is substantially dependent. Negotiations for additional lands to support various configurations of the surface operations have been completed. The Company believes that the surface plant and facilities associated with the Elk Creek Project could be located in any number of places and would not necessarily need to be sited on lands contiguous with the Beethe008 and Woltemath003J properties.
As part of the exploration option agreements, where required, the Company has also secured surface rights, which allow for access to the land for drilling activities and associated mineral exploration and project development work.
The agreements that involve mineral rights include a 2% NSR royalty attached with the option to purchase (“OTP”). The agreements grant the Company an exclusive right to explore and evaluate the property for the term thereof, with an OTP the surface rights or a combination of the mineral and surface rights at any time during the term. As the Woltemath80S agreement is limited to an OTP for the surface rights only, it does not contain an NSR provision.
Accessibility, Physiography, Climate and Infrastructure
The Elk Creek Property is easily accessible year-round as it is situated approximately 45 miles southeast of Lincoln (State Capital), Nebraska and approximately 68 miles south of Omaha, Nebraska. Access to the site can be completed via road or from one of the regional airports. There are several regular flights to both Lincoln and Omaha; however, the Elk Creek Property is most easily accessible from Lincoln. From Lincoln Municipal Airport, the Elk Creek Property is accessed via paved roads on the main network and a secondary network of gravel roads. The drive from the Lincoln Municipal Airport to the property is typically 1 hour and 15 minutes, and from Omaha’s Eppley Airport the drive is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Southeast Nebraska is situated in a Humid Continental Climate (Dfa) on the Köppen climate classification system. In eastern Nebraska, this climate is generally characterized by hot humid summers and cold winters. Average winter temperatures vary between 13°F to 35°F. Average summer temperatures vary between 64°F to 90°F. Exploration, construction and operational activities may be conducted all year round.
Average monthly precipitation (rain and snowfall) varies between 0.9 and 5.0 inches. Average yearly precipitation is between 31 and 33 inches with an average yearly snowfall of approximately 28 inches. Nebraska is located within an area known for tornadoes which runs through the central U.S. where thunderstorms are common in the spring and summer months. Tornadoes primarily occur during the spring and summer and may occur into the autumn months.
There are several local communities near the Elk Creek Property including Elk Creek and Tecumseh that will provide local housing for the Elk Creek Project. There are a number of other communities within driving distance and the large cities of Lincoln and Omaha are within reasonable driving distance. Mining activities currently taking place in the area are limited to limestone and aggregate operations to support the local cement manufacturing and construction industries.
The Elk Creek Property site has no existing infrastructure except being adjacent to the Nebraska state highway 50 and County Road 721. The Elk Creek Project will be accessed from County Road 721 through a guard gate into the Elk Creek Property.
The Elk Creek Project is expected to incorporate surface and underground infrastructure, as well as tailings storage facilities. The offsite infrastructure is expected to include a new high voltage transmission line constructed by the local utility company and providing power to an on-site primary sub-station and a natural gas pipeline built by the owner of the interstate pipeline. Water used for all on-site process needs and activities will be supplied from mine dewatering activities, local groundwater wells and from a local water utility. See “Feasibility Study” below for additional information regarding proposed infrastructure related to the Elk Creek Project.
The local topography of eastern Nebraska is relatively low-relief with shallow rolling hills intersected by shallow river valleys. Elevation varies from about 1,066 to 1,280 feet above sea level. Bedrock outcrop exposure is nonexistent in the Elk Creek Project area.
The majority of the Elk Creek Project area is used for cultivation of corn and soybeans, along with uses as grazing land. Native vegetation typical of eastern Nebraska is upland tall-grass, prairie and upland deciduous forests.
Geology and Mineralization
Geology
The Nebraska Precambrian basement predominantly comprises granite, diorite, basalt, anorthosite, gneiss, schist and clastic sediments. A series of island arcs sutured onto the Archean continent created the basic framework of the area. This suture left a north-trending intervening boundary zone ancestral to the Nemaha Uplift, providing a pre-existing tectonic framework which controlled the trend of the later Midcontinent Rift System (1.0 to 1.2 billion years ago). The Carbonatite is located at the northeast extremity of the Nemaha Uplift.
The Elk Creek Property includes the Carbonatite that has intruded older Precambrian granitic and low- to medium-grade metamorphic basement rocks. The Carbonatite and Precambrian rocks are believed to be unconformably overlain by approximately 200 m of Paleozoic marine sedimentary rocks of Pennsylvanian age (approximately 299 to 318 million years ago).
As a result of this thick cover, there is no surface outcrop within the Elk Creek Property area of the Carbonatite, which was identified and targeted through magnetic surveys and confirmed through subsequent drilling. The available magnetic data indicates dominant northeast, west-northwest striking lineaments and secondary northwest and north oriented features that mimic the position of regional faults parallel and/or perpendicular to the Nemaha Uplift.
The Elk Creek Carbonatite is an elliptical magmatic body with northwest trending long axis perpendicular to the strike of the 1.1 billion years ago Midcontinent Rift System, near the northern part of the Nemaha uplift. It was first discovered by drilling in 1971 and tentatively identified as a carbonatite on the basis that it resembled rocks of the Fen District of Norway. The definitive confirmation of carbonatite was completed using Rare Earth Element (“REE”), P205 and 87Sr/86Sr isotope analysis. The Carbonatite has also been compared to the Iron Hill carbonatite stock in Gunnison County, Colorado on the basis of similar mineralogy.
The Carbonatite consists predominantly of dolomite, calcite and ankerite, with lesser chlorite, barite, phlogopite, pyrochlore, serpentine, fluorite, sulfides and quartz. It is, however, believed from stratigraphic reconstruction based on drill core observation in the area that the carbonatite is unconformably overlain by approximately 200 m of essentially flat-lying Palaeozoic marine sedimentary rocks, including carbonates, sandstones and shales of Pennsylvanian age (approximately 299 to 318 million years ago).
Current studies suggest that the Carbonatite was emplaced approximately 500 million years ago in response to stress along the Nemaha Uplift boundary predating deposition of the Pennsylvanian sedimentary sequence (approximately 299 to 318 million years ago). However, observations on drill cores from the Elk Creek Project site show that the contact between the Carbonatite body and the Pennsylvanian sediments is a sheared but oxidized contact suggesting that the Carbonatite is intrusive in the Pennsylvanian sequence. Furthermore, both rock types appear to have been affected by at least one main brittle-ductile deformation event resulting in formation of fault structures. Microstructures including sub-vertical and sub-horizontal tension veins, together with related sheared veins and fault planes displaying sub-vertical and sub-horizontal slickensides along drill cores are indications for the presence of extensional and oblique to strike-slip faults. These faults could correspond to the magnetic lineaments present in the area.
Mineralization
The property hosts niobium, titanium, and scandium mineralization as well as rare earth elements and barium mineralization that occurs within the Elk Creek Carbonatite. The current known extents of the Carbonatite unit are approximately 950 m along strike, 300 m wide, and 750 m in dip extent, below the unconformity. Niobium, titanium and scandium are considered the main elements of interest.
The deposit contains significant concentrations of niobium. Based on the metallurgical testwork completed to date at a number of laboratories using QEMSCAN® analysis, the niobium mineralization is known to be fine grained, and that 77% of the niobium occurs in the mineral pyrochlore, while the balance occurs in an iron-titanium-niobium oxide mineral of varying composition.
Within the Elk Creek Carbonatite, a host of other elements exist with varying degrees of concentration. The Company has completed both whole rock analysis and multi-element analysis on all samples for the 2014 drilling program, described below, plus resampling of selected historical core/pulps between 2011 and 2014.
Historical Exploration
Drilling at the Elk Creek Property was conducted in three phases. The first was during the 1970’s and 1980’s by the Molybdenum Company of America (“Molycorp”), the second in 2011 by Quantum (NioCorp under its former name), and the third and latest program from 2014 to 2016 by NioCorp. To date, 129 diamond core holes have been completed for a total of 64,981 m over the entire geological complex. Of these, a total of 48 holes (33,909 m) have been completed to date in the mineralized area and are used in the current Mineral Resource estimate. Five additional holes with a total length 3,353.1 m, were drilled for hydrogeologic and geotechnical purposes. No sampling has been completed of these holes to date and therefore they have not been considered for the Mineral Resource estimate.
All drilling has been completed using a combination of Tricone, Reverse Circulation (“RC”) or Diamond Drilling (“DDH”) in the upper portion of the hole within the Pennsylvanian sediments. All drilling within the underlying Carbonatite has been completed using DDH methods.
Table 2: Summary of Drilling Database within Elk Creek Deposit Area
Source: Nordmin, 2019
Molycorp 1973-1986
Between 1973 and 1974, Molycorp completed six drillholes: EC-1 to EC-4, targeting the Elk Creek anomaly and two other holes outside the Elk Creek anomaly area. Drillholes were typically carried out by RC drilling through the overlying sedimentary rocks and diamond drilling through the Ordovician-Cambrian basement rocks.
Molycorp continued their drill program from 1977 and, in May 1978, Molycorp made its discovery of the current Mineral Resource with drillhole EC-11. EC-11 is located on Section 33, Township 4N, and Range 11. The Carbonatite hosting the Elk Creek Project was intersected at a vertical depth of 203.61 m (668 ft).
Molycorp continued its drilling program through to 1984, which mainly centered on the Elk Creek Project within a radius of roughly 2 km. By 1984, Molycorp had completed 57 drillholes within the Elk Creek gravity anomaly area, which included 25 drillholes over the Elk Creek Project area.
From 1984 to 1986, drilling was focused on the Elk Creek gravity anomaly area. The anomaly area is roughly 7 km in diameter and drilling was conducted on a grid pattern of approximately 610 by 610 m (roughly 2,000 by 2,000 ft.) with some closer spaced drillholes in selected areas.
By 1986, a total of 106 drillholes were completed for a total of approximately 46,797 m (153,532 ft). The deepest hole reached a depth of 1,038 m (3,406 ft) and bottomed in carbonatite.
Quantum, 2010-2011 (NioCorp under its former name)
In April 2011, Quantum conducted a preliminary drill program (three holes) on the Elk Creek deposit and two REE exploration targets (two holes), which have been excluded from the current Mineral Resource estimation, as they do not intersect the Nb2O5 anomaly and are located to the east. The objectives of the drill program over the Elk Creek Property were to verify the presence of higher-grade niobium mineralization at depth, and to infill drill the known niobium deposit in order to upgrade the resource category of the previous resource estimate and expand the known resource. The drill program was also established to collect sufficient sample material for metallurgical characterization and process development studies of the niobium mineralization.
The 2011 program consisted of five inclined drillholes, totaling 3,420 m of NQ size diameter core. Inclusive of this total, three drillholes, totaling 2,318 m were drilled into the known Elk Creek deposit.
NioCorp 2014 to present
NioCorp commenced drilling on the Elk Creek Property using a three-phased program with the aim of increasing the confidence in the 2012 Mineral Resource Estimate from Inferred to Indicated. The three-phased program was originally based on 14 drillholes for approximately 12,150 m (announced in a press release on April 29, 2014), but was subsequently expanded during the program to 18 drillholes for approximately 15,482 m. Three of the 18 drillholes were drilled for the purpose of metallurgical characterization and process development studies. Two of these drillholes, NEC14-MET-01 and NEC14-MET-02 were not assayed, while NEC14-MET-03 was quarter cored with one quarter being assayed and the remainder used for metallurgical testwork. The drilling has been orientated to intersect the geological model from the southwest and northeast (perpendicular to the strike), with the exception of NEC14-011 and NEC14-012, which were oriented southeast and northwest, respectively.
2019 Elk Creek Feasibility Study
During the third quarter of fiscal year 2019, we received and completed our review and analysis of the final proposed mine design based on detailed underground engineering conducted by Nordmin. On April 16, 2019, we announced the results of the updated underground mine design and supporting infrastructure, the results of an update to the Elk Creek Project’s mineral resources and mineral reserve estimate, and the 2019 Elk Creek Feasibility Study based on the new mine design. A full NI 43-101 technical report, incorporating the results of the 2019 Elk Creek Feasibility Study, was filed on SEDAR on May 29, 2019.
Primary changes reflected in the updated mine design include a longer mine life, mining at greater depths to target higher niobium grades in the early years of mining operations, utilizing artificial ground freezing methods to mitigate water inflow during shaft construction, eliminating the active dewatering system that would have consisted of up to 15 large dewatering wells, and replacing a ventilation raise bore with a ventilation shaft to be installed with conventional sinking methods. In addition, the new mine design contemplates treating all water produced during mining operations, and water used in ore processing, on site for use in operations and replacing a brackish water discharge system with a system that produces solid salt that would be impounded on site.
The Elk Creek Project is planned as an underground mining operation using a long-hole stoping mining method and paste backfill, operating with a processing rate of 2,764 tonnes per day. Expected total production over the 36-year mine life includes 168,861 tonnes of payable niobium, 3,410 tonnes of scandium (“Sc2O3”), and 418,841 tonnes of titanium (“TiO2”). Estimated up-front direct capital costs are $760 million, in addition to indirect costs of $185 million, pre-production capital costs of $97 million, an overall contingency of $101 million, and pre-production net revenue credit of $265 million.
Financial Analysis Included in the 2019 Elk Creek Feasibility Study
The metrics reported in the 2019 Elk Creek Feasibility Study are based on the annual cash flow model results. The metrics are on both a pre-tax and after-tax basis, on a 100% equity basis with no Elk Creek Project financing inputs and are in Q1 2019 U.S. constant dollars. Foreign exchange impacts were deemed negligible as most, if not all, costs and revenues are denominated in U.S. dollars.
Key criteria used in the analysis are discussed in detail throughout this section. Principal Project assumptions used are shown summarized below.
Summary of Key Evaluation Metrics and Projected Economic Results Included in the 2019 Elk Creek Feasibility Study
1The term “EBITDA” refers to earnings before interest, taxes depreciation and amortization. See “Non-GAAP Financial Performance Measures” below for a discussion of the use of non-GAAP financial measures.
Operating Cost Estimates Included in the 2019 Elk Creek Feasibility Study
The following LoM unit operating costs include the pre-production and first/last years of production.
Source: Nordmin, 2019. Total may not sum due to rounding.
Capital Cost Estimates Included in the 2019 Elk Creek Feasibility Study
The following table shows the breakout in LoM initial capital and sustaining capital (including closure and reclamation) cost estimates, which total $1,609 million. An overall 9.67% contingency factor has been applied to the initial capital estimate, while a smaller 6.25% contingency was applied to the sustaining capital estimate. The initial capital estimate of $1,143 million will be partially offset by a Gross Pre-production Revenue Credit of $265 million (generated by pre-production product sales), which equates to a net cost of $879 million.
Source: Nordmin 2019. Totals may not sum due to rounding.
Planned Mining Operations
The Elk Creek Project is planned as an underground mining operation using a long-hole stoping mining method and paste backfill, with shaft access to minimize development through water bearing horizons. The mine will utilize jumbo drills for lateral development and tophammer and down-the-hole drills for vertical development and production stoping. Rock bolters will be used for ground support and probe holes will be used to support mine grouting where required. Ore will be remotely mucked from the bottom stope accesses using 14 tonne Load-Haul-Dump units (“LHD”). The LHDs will transport the ore to an ore pass directly or to remuck bays to maximize the efficiency of the stope mucking operations. When needed, a second LHD and a fleet of 40 tonne haul trucks will be used to transport ore from the remuck bays to the grizzly feeding the underground material handling system. Multiple remuck bays are used on each level to avoid interference between the LHD and the haul trucks. The ore is fed through the grizzlys with rock breakers into an underground crusher (the “Primary Crusher”) and via a material handling system to the surface.
Planned Processing Operations
Planned ore process operations include mineral processing, hydrometallurgical processing (“Hydromet”), and pyrometallurgical processing (“Pyromet”) housed in separate buildings.
The mineral processing building will house all of its equipment within a single large building. Ore from the Primary Crusher (located in the underground mine) will be fed to the secondary cone crusher system, operating in closed circuit with a double deck screen. The screen undersize from the cone crusher system will be fed to a high-pressure grinding roll unit (“HPGR”), operating in closed circuit with another double deck screen. The HPGR screen undersize is the comminution product that will report to the Hydromet process.
The Hydromet plant building will be a multi-level engineered steel structure which will house equipment on two levels. Ore from mineral processing will be fed through 15 individual processes required to separate the three recoverable products. The purpose of the Hydromet processing steps is to leach the pay metals into solution using two separate acid leaches (HCl Leach and Sulfuric Acid Bake), remove impurities, separate the three pay metals, and perform precipitation/processing to final solid oxide forms. Outputs from the Hydromet Process include saleable titanium dioxide and scandium trioxide, with niobium pentoxide reporting to the Pyromet plant for final processing. The Hydromet plant will be supported by a Hydrochloric Acid Regeneration plant and a Sulfuric Acid Plant.
The Pyromet building will house most of its equipment within a single building. The purpose of the Pyromet plant is to reduce the niobium pentoxide coming from the Hydromet by converting it into a saleable ferroniobium (“FeNb”) metal. Aluminum shots and iron oxide pellets will be introduced to an electric arc furnace on a continuous basis along with fluxing agents and niobium pentoxide to produce a saleable ferroniobium metal.
Proposed Production Plan and Schedule
Based on the 2019 Elk Creek Feasibility Study, the operating mine life is approximately 36 years with a nominal processing rate of 2,764 tonnes per day. The Elk Creek Project timeline is based on 36 months to mechanical completion after Authorization to Proceed, plus an additional eight months of commissioning and ramp-up to 100% of production capacity for a total of 44 months and assumes no financing constraints. The NioCorp board must approve a construction program and budget before construction of the Elk Creek Project can begin. This approval, along with the receipt of all required governmental permits and approvals and the completion of project financings, will determine whether and when construction of the Elk Creek Project can begin.
Proposed Tailings Storage
The tailings produced by the process plant will consist of filtered water leach residue, calcined excess oxide, and slag. Four TSFs will be constructed sequentially to contain the tailings over the life of the Elk Creek Project and would contain approximately 14.5 million tonnes of tailings. The tailings facilities have been designed to incorporate two independent areas: a composite-lined tailings solids storage area; and an area with double lined containment including a leak collection and recovery system for management of stormwater runoff and drainage from the tailings solids. The TSFs will store predominantly dry (i.e., not in a slurry consistency) tailings from the plant with embankment construction based on a “downstream” construction method. Facility closure is considered in the design.
Proposed Salt Management
The crystalline salt produced as a waste product of heating and evaporating brine from the Reverse Osmosis (“RO”) water treatment plant will be transported by conveyor to the temporary salt staging area and then be transported by truck to the dedicated salt management cells (“SMC”). Two SMCs will be constructed sequentially to contain the salt over the life of the project and would contain approximately 1.63 million cubic meters of salt. The SMCs design will incorporate a composite-lined storage area with double-lined containment including a leak collection and recovery system for management of stormwater runoff and drainage.
Proposed Water Management
For the first several years of construction, the advancement of the shaft and underground workings will require limited dewatering, anticipated to be through lower-level sumping and pumping for surface collection and disposal. Initially, water will be stored in the lined SMC #1 during construction or will be trucked off-site for treatment at a local publicly owned treatment works. Excess water in the SMCs will be spray evaporated within the footprint of the Cell, to avoid the reintroduction of soluble salts into the water treatment system. Temporary on-site storage or off-site shipment and disposal of the crystallizer solid waste may be necessary until construction of SMC #1 is completed.
Once full operations commence, we anticipate a shortfall of approximately 3,700 gpm of operational and processing water, as the underground mine dewatering is only expected to produce 1,000 gpm. To make up this shortfall, we would purchase fresh water from a local utility and from local landowners.
Once tailings begin being deposited in the TSF, internal contact water (from residual moisture in the tailings and precipitation falling within the impoundment footprint) will need to be actively managed. This water will be collected and treated using lime softening to precipitate hydroxide and carbonate solid forms for many of the inorganic constituents. The treated water will be filtered to remove the solids (which will be returned to the TSF for disposal), and the clean water will be pumped to the process plant RO system for further treatment. The clean water from the process plant RO unit will be used in the process plant, and the reject concentrate will be crystallized and deposited into the SMCs.
Power
The local power utility (Omaha Public Power District) will provide power from nearby transmission lines to the site. This will require that an approximate 18-mile transmission line be installed by the utility to provide the site sub-station with the required site power demand. The local power utility will also design and install the main substation that will be owned and maintained by the utility. This infrastructure will be paid back through rate charges on the electrical usage.
Natural Gas
Natural gas, to be used throughout the Elk Creek Project during the construction and operation phases of the project, will be brought to the site via pipeline from the local utility company. NioCorp has a natural gas transportation contract with Tallgrass Energy, which operates the Rockies Express (“REX”) pipeline. Tallgrass will construct a 45 km (28 mile) gas pipeline lateral from the main REX pipeline system in Kansas to the project site. The lateral will be sized to provide a minimum of 27.5 dekatherms of gas per day. Natural gas will be distributed to all on-site facilities utilizing buried high-density polyethylene natural gas distribution pipe. Natural gas piping above ground and located inside of facilities will consist predominately of carbon steel pipe. Maximum on-site pipeline distribution pressure will be 100 psig. Natural gas will be used for facility heating, water heating, and for gas-fired process equipment.
Markets
Market studies for niobium, titanium dioxide and scandium trioxide are an important part of the proposed Elk Creek operation. These commodities, especially niobium and scandium trioxide (scandium), are thinly traded without an established publicly available price discovery mechanism. Hence, detailed third party market studies provide the basis for assumptions used in the economic analysis.
The economic analysis in the 2019 Elk Creek Feasibility Study used the 2019 U.S. dollar base price of $47/kg Nb as the forward-looking price for steel grade (65%) ferroniobium based on published independent third-party reports. The base price is adjusted to a realized price to account for the discount provisions contained in the two ferroniobium offtake agreements that the Company has concluded.
NioCorp engaged OnG Commodities LLC (OnG) to produce a market assessment in April 2017 (OnG, 2017). The study examines current scandium production trends (approximately 20 tons/year) from existing and emerging producers plus an outlook for supply to 2028. The outlook then reviewed the current and emerging applications for scandium including fuel cells, aerospace, industrial and other uses plus and an outlook for demand to 2028. Based on these inputs, OnG provided pricing forecasts and global demand volumes by year to 2028 based estimated production costs and supply-demand balances. The pricing sheet for the OnG Commodities report was updated for NioCorp in 2019 (OnG, 2019).
No formal market study was done for TiO2 during the report period as it only represents 2% of overall revenue in the economic analysis. All market information for titanium and titanium dioxide is derived from USGS Commodity Market Summaries (Bedinger, 2019).
Taxation Rates Included in the 2019 Elk Creek Feasibility Study
Taxes that may be levied on the Elk Creek Project include corporate income tax rates of 21% for Federal and 7.81% for Nebraska. The Elk Creek Project is eligible for federal depletion allowances and credits, as well as various state incentives. The calculated effective income tax rate for the Elk Creek Project is 17.5%.
Design Considerations for Environmental Performance
The new mine design further reinforces the environmental performance of the Elk Creek Project. Together with previously disclosed environmental and process innovations incorporated in the 2017 Feasibility Study, the new mine design now incorporates these following strategies and technologies designed to minimize environmental impacts of operation:
●Zero Process Liquid Discharge: The Elk Creek facility will now operate as a “Zero Process Liquid Discharge” facility, with no releases of process liquids. Instead, both naturally occurring, brackish (slightly salty) water produced during mining operations, and water used in ore processing, will be treated on site for use in operations. A solid salt will be produced from water treatment operations which will be stored on site.
●No Wastewater Discharge to the Missouri River: By treating water on site, the Elk Creek Project no longer needs to transport water for discharge into the Missouri River. This will release the Elk Creek Project from having to obtain a specific National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System water quality discharge permit from the State of Nebraska, or an additional Section 404 permit, or a Section 408 permit from the USACE. The Section 408 permit would have required completion of an Environmental Assessment study, a process that is governed by NEPA and involves review by multiple federal government agencies.
●Additional Protection of Groundwater Resources Through Artificial Ground Freezing: The Elk Creek Project’s new mine design will utilize artificial ground freezing as part of the process of sinking the production and ventilation shafts. Artificial ground freezing creates a temporary frozen barrier that helps to protect groundwater resources in the area while shaft-sinking operations are underway.
●Avoidance of Permanent Impacts to Federally Jurisdictional Waters: We designed the layout of the Elk Creek Project to minimize or avoid permanent impacts to any federally jurisdictional waters and/or wetlands on the property. This reduced the expected environmental impacts and allowed the Elk Creek Project to secure a Clean Water Act Section 404 permit from the USACE under the Nationwide Permit program, a much more efficient and less expensive process than an individual Section 404 permit. No other NEPA-level federal permits are now expected to be required for the Elk Creek Project.
●Recycling of Reagents Used in Mineral Processing: Metallurgical and process breakthroughs that we accomplished in 2016 and 2017 are expected to help reduce the volume of material planned for disposal in the Elk Creek Project’s tailings storage areas. As more of this material is recycled, the environmental footprint of the Elk Creek Project is reduced.
●Utilizing Tailings as Underground Mine Backfill: We plan to fill underground voids concurrently with mining operations using a paste backfill material that contains mine waste material that typically would be stored in above-ground mine tailings storage areas.
Mineral Reserves and Resources
The Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources disclosed below are based on the 2019 Elk Creek Feasibility Study in conformity with generally accepted CIM “Estimation of Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserves Best Practices” guidelines and are reported in accordance with the CIM “Definition Standards - For Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, May 10, 2014.” Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources at the Elk Creek Project as of June 30, 2019 are summarized below in Table 3 and Table 4, respectively.
Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors: The terms Proven Reserve, Probable Reserve, Indicated Resource, and Inferred Resource as described in Tables 3 and 4 below are as defined in Canadian National Instrument 43-101. These terms are not defined under SEC Industry Guide 7 and are not SEC Industry Guide 7 proven and probable reserves. In addition, the estimation of inferred resources involves far greater uncertainty as to their existence and economic viability than the estimation of other categories of resources. U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that estimates of inferred mineral resources exist, are economically minable, or will be upgraded into measured or indicated mineral resources. See “Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors Regarding Mineral Reserve and Resource Estimates” above.
Table 3: Underground Mineral Reserve Estimate for Elk Creek
Source: Nordmin, 2019. All figures are rounded to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimates. Totals may not sum due to rounding.
●Nordmin has reported the mineral reserve based on the mine design, mine plan, and cash-flow model utilizing an average cut-off grade of 0.788% NB2O5 with an NSR of $500/mt.
●Nordmin considers that the mineral reserve is amenable for underground extraction with a processing method to recover FeNb (as the saleable product of Nb2O5), TiO2, and Sc2O3 products.
●The economic assumptions used to define Mineral Reserve cut-off grade are as follows:
○Annual LoM production rate of ~7,220 tonnes of FeNb/annum,
▪Initial elevated five-year production rate ~ 7,351 tonnes of FeNb/annum
○Mining dilution of ~6% was applied to all stopes and development, based on 3% for the primary stopes, 9% for the secondary stopes, and 5% for ore development.
○Mining recoveries of 95% were applied.
○Price assumptions for FeNb, Sc2O3, and TiO2 are based upon independent market analyses for each product.
○Price and cost assumptions are based on the pricing of products at the “mine-gate”, with no additional down-stream costs required. The assumed products are a ferroniobium product (metallic alloy shots 0.65Nb•0.35% Fe), a titanium dioxide product in powder form, and scandium trioxide in powder form.
●The mineral reserve has an average LoM NSR of $538.63 /tonne.
●Nordmin has provided detailed estimates of the expected costs based on the knowledge of the style of mining (underground) and potential processing methods (by third-party qualified persons).
●Mineral Reserve effective date February 19, 2019. The financial model was run post-February 2019, which reflects a total cost of $196.41 versus $189.91 used in the February 19, 2019 Mineral Reserve Details Table above. Nordmin does not consider this a material change.
●Price variances for commodities is based on updated independent market studies versus earlier projected pricing. The updated independent market studies do not have a negative effect on the reserve.
●Nordmin completed a site inspection of the deposit through a subcontractor, Jean-Francois St-Onge, P.Eng., Associate Consulting Specialist - Mining, an appropriate “independent qualified person” as this term is defined in NI 43-101.
Table 4: Mineral Resource Statement for Elk Creek
Source: Nordmin, 2019. All figures are rounded to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimates. Totals may not sum due to rounding.
●Mineral resources are reported inclusive of the mineral reserve. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. All figures are rounded to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimate and have been used to derive sub-totals, totals and weighted averages. Such calculations inherently involve a degree of rounding and consequently introduce a margin of error. Where these occur, Nordmin does not consider them to be material.
●The reporting standard adopted for the reporting of the MRE uses the terminology, definitions and guidelines given in the CIM Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (May 10, 2014) as required by NI 43-101.
●CIM definition standards for mineral resources and mineral reserves (May 2014) defines a mineral resource as:
○“(A) concentration or occurrence of diamonds, natural solid inorganic material, or natural solid fossilized organic material including base and precious metals, coal, and industrial minerals in or on the Earth’s crust in such form and quantity and of such a grade or quality that it has reasonable prospects for economic extraction. The location, quantity, grade, geological characteristics and continuity of a mineral resource are known, estimated or interpreted from specific geological evidence and knowledge”.
●Historical samples have been validated via re-assay programs, and all drilling completed by NioCorp has been subjected to QA/QC. All composites have been capped and then composited where appropriate, and estimates completed used ordinary kriging. The concession is wholly owned by and exploration is operated by NioCorp Developments Ltd.
●The project is amenable to underground longhole open stoping mining methods. Using results from metallurgical test work, suitable underground mining and processing costs, and forecast product pricing Nordmin has reported the mineral resource at an NSR cut-off of US$180/mt.
●Economic Assumptions Used to Define Mineral resource Cut-off Value:
Diluted NSR (US$) = Revenue per block Nb2O5 (diluted) + Revenue per block TiO2 (diluted) + Revenue per block Sc (diluted)
Diluted tonnes per block
●Price assumptions for FeNb, Sc2O3, and TiO2 are based upon independent market analyses for each product.
●Price and cost assumptions are based on the pricing of products at the “mine-gate”, with no additional down-stream costs required. The assumed products are a ferroniobium product (metallic alloy shots 0.65Nb•0.35% Fe), a titanium dioxide product in powder form, and scandium trioxide in powder form.
●The “reasonable prospects for economic extraction” requirement generally implies that the quantity and grade estimates meet certain economic thresholds and that the mineral resources are reported at an appropriate Cut-off Grade (“CoG”), considering extraction scenarios and processing recoveries. Based on this requirement, Nordmin considers that major portions of the project are amenable for underground extraction with a processing method to recover FeNb (as the saleable product of Nb2O5), TiO2, and Sc2O3 products.
●The result of positive indications from the company’s metallurgical testing and development program, titanium (TiO2) and scandium (Sc) were added to the mineral resource Statement in February 2015. Both metals can be recovered with simple additions to the existing process flowsheet and would provide additional revenue streams that would complement the planned production of ferroniobium.
●Nordmin has provided reasonable estimates of the expected costs based on the knowledge of the style of mining (underground) and potential processing methods (by third-party qualified persons).
●Mineral Resource effective date February 19, 2019.
●Nordmin completed a site inspection of the deposit by Glen Kuntz, BSc, P.Geo., Consulting Specialist - Geology/Mining, an appropriate “independent qualified person” as this term is defined in NI 43-101.
Environmental and Social
A number of key permits and environmental management requirements have been identified for the Elk Creek Project, some of which need to be implemented as soon as practicable in order to maintain the proposed Elk Creek Project schedule.
●While not necessarily complex, the timing generally required to complete permitting through any federal regulatory agency requires that NioCorp engage key agencies (in this case the USACE and possibly the EPA) early on in Elk Creek Project development and consider the siting and orientation of facilities carefully to minimize the risk of a protracted National Environmental Policy Act analysis of the Elk Creek Project. At the present time, the company believes that we have completed the major federal permitting actions needed for project construction, although changes to the design or location of project facilities may require that additional federal permits be obtained.
●Construction at the facility will require an air construction permit (the “Air Permit”) from the State of Nebraska. The Air Permit will describe all of the prospective air emissions from the facility and will require the completion of an air quality model that demonstrates compliance with the NAAQS. Permanent construction at the site cannot commence until this Air Permit is issued, although a number of preconstruction activities are allowed under standing NDEE policy. An application for the Air Permit was submitted to the State on July 24, 2019. The NDEE notified the Company that the Air Permit application was administratively complete on July 29, 2019, and that the application was technically complete on September 27, 2019. A draft Air Permit was provided to the Company on March 26, 2020 for courtesy source review and the Company responded with a set of comments and requested changes on April 8, 2020. The NDEE considered the Company’s comments and requested changes before issuing a revised draft Air Permit for a formal 30-day public comment period on April 16, 2020. This comment period closed on May 18, 2020, and final Air Permit was issued by the State of Nebraska on June 2, 2020 for the Elk Creek Project.
●A radioactive materials license will be needed from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (“NDHHS”), Office of Radiological Health. Because of their limited experience with hard rock mining in the State of Nebraska, much less mining that includes Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material, the NDHHS may require additional information and more time to approve the Elk Creek Project under a Broad Scope License. The Company has been working with NDHHS on this aspect of project permitting since 2014.
●Documentation of existing baseline environmental conditions at the Elk Creek Project site was initiated in 2014 and will continue as needed throughout the permitting process.
●Surface water monitoring will continue throughout the permitting process and extend into construction and operations as part of the Environmental Management System and likely State of Nebraska permit requirements.
●A wetland delineation and potential jurisdictional waters assessment was conducted in late 2014 to identify wetland and drainage features within the proposed Elk Creek Project boundary which resulted in a formal JD being issued by the USACE on September 6, 2016. The entire project has been authorized under the non-notifying provisions of Nationwide Permit 12.
●The major land-use authorization for the project was received from Johnson County, Nebraska, on December 24, 2019 in the form of a Special Use Permit for the project. This land-use permit is a necessary precursor to any project-related construction activities.
●Closure costs for the Elk Creek Project have been estimated at just over $44 million, including approximately $13.5 million for reclamation and closure of the TSFs and $16.6 million for plant and building removal and reclamation.
●Community engagement has occurred in parallel with Nebraska field operations and has included public meetings, presentations to public agencies, communications with local and state politicians, meetings with environmental groups, and one-on-one meetings with area landowners.
Other Elk Creek Project Activities
On August 7, 2019, the Company announced the successful production of an Aluminum-Scandium (“AlSc”) master alloy using a metallurgical process that helps to demonstrate a pathway to potential commercial production of the master alloy. The AlSc master alloy was produced at Ames Laboratory’s Materials Preparation Center, located in Ames, Iowa, under the supervision of NioCorp engineers and employing an improved production methodology specified by Tactical Alloys, a firm with over 20 years of experience in the AlSc alloy space. Ames Laboratory is a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory recognized as a world leader in the research and development of rare earth and rare metal materials, such as scandium. NioCorp commercially purchased the scandium used to create the master alloy at Ames Laboratory’s Materials Preparation Center. The alloy production was the second such AlSc master alloy production test run performed by NioCorp and researchers at Ames Laboratory’s Materials Preparation Center.
On October 8, 2019, the Company announced that it signed contracts with the State of Nebraska under the existing Nebraska Advantage program to reduce the Company’s state and local tax liability by as much as $200 million over 10 years, conditional upon meeting the program’s job creation and investment requirements at the Elk Creek Project site. The estimate of the tax benefit under the Nebraska Advantage program is based on calculations and assumptions contained in the Technical Economic Model for the Elk Creek Project, which is summarized in the 2019 Elk Creek Feasibility Study. The economic model estimates project revenues and costs on an undiscounted basis. The actual tax benefit realized upon project execution may be more or less than this estimate.
On October 31, 2019, the Company announced that Cementation USA, part of the Cementation Americas Group (“Cementation”), was selected as the lead EPC contractor for the underground aspects of the Elk Creek Project. Based in Sandy, Utah, Cementation is a mining- and minerals-focused group of companies, delivering both underground and surface solutions for mines and downstream minerals processing facilities worldwide. Cementation specializes in delivering sustainable engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, and operations and maintenance solutions to the mining and minerals industry. Negotiations towards a formal EPC agreement between NioCorp and Cementation are underway, and the Company anticipates that any significant work on the Elk Creek Project pursuant to such agreement will be contingent on obtaining additional project financing, if and when available.
On November 4, 2019, the Company announced that it selected Zachry Group (“Zachry”) as the EPC firm for the surface facilities and associated infrastructure of the Elk Creek Project, subject to the completion of EPC contract negotiations. Based in San Antonio, Texas, and with an engineering office in Omaha, Nebraska, Zachry is a pacesetter in turnkey construction, engineering, maintenance, turnaround, and fabrication services to the chemicals, power, energy, manufacturing and industrial sectors. Zachry has been engaged on the Elk Creek Project since 2014 and is currently working under an Engineering Services Agreement with NioCorp. The Company anticipates that any significant work on the Elk Creek Project pursuant to an EPC agreement with Zachry will be contingent on obtaining sufficient project financing, if and when available.
On November 5, 2019, the Company announced the selection of key contractors - Olsson, DuPont Clean Technologies (“DuPont”), and Veolia Water Technologies (“Veolia”) - to work on the Elk Creek Project in the following capacities:
●Olsson will continue their engagement around project permitting, with personnel based in their Lincoln, Omaha and Denver offices. Olsson has led state and federal permitting efforts for the Elk Creek Project since 2014, including NioCorp’s current effort to obtain the Air Permit for the Elk Creek Project. Olsson’s previous work on the Elk Creek Project included civil engineering, geotech analysis, successful navigation of Army Corps of Engineers permitting programs (Sections 404 and 408 permits), and National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permitting.
●DuPont has been selected to provide engineering and procurement activities related to the Elk Creek Project’s planned sulphuric acid recycling plant. Subject to execution of a formal contract, DuPont will primarily provide its MECS® Air Pollution control solutions, in order to reduce emissions. The Clean Technologies division of DuPont is a global leader in process technology licensing and engineering, offering MECS® critical process equipment, products and services to minimize emissions for the sulfuric acid industry.
●Pennsylvania-based Veolia has been selected by NioCorp to conduct engineering and procurement activities related to the Elk Creek Project’s planned water treatment plant, subject to execution of a formal contract. Veolia is a global leader in water and wastewater treatment with more than 160 years of experience. As a specialized provider of technological solutions and services, from Engineering and Procurement to standard systems, Veolia applies process expertise and industry knowledge to respond to the needs of industrial clients and municipalities.
Between December 2019 and July 2020, the Company secured a series of extended and new OTP agreements that cover the Elk Creek Project’s projected operational needs over the prospective 36-year life of the project. As a result of these efforts and the expiration of certain OTPs that were signed in 2014-2015, the Company currently holds 13 OTPs covering 2,536 acres.
Proposed Activities
Our long-term financing efforts continued through fiscal 2020. However, as noted above under “Recent Corporate Events,” the COVID-19 pandemic has created uncertainty with respect to overall project funding and timelines. As funds become available through the Company’s fundraising efforts, we expect to undertake the following activities:
●Continuation of the Company’s efforts to secure federal, state and local permits;
●Negotiation and completion of EPC agreements;
●Completion of the final detailed engineering for the underground portion of the Elk Creek Project;
●Initiation and completion of final detailed engineering for surface project facilities;
●Construction of natural gas and electrical infrastructure under existing agreements to serve the Elk Creek Project site;
●Initiation of revised mine groundwater investigation and control activities; and
●Initiation of long-lead equipment procurement activities.
Non-GAAP Financial Performance Measures
Non-GAAP financial performance measures are intended to provide additional information only and do not have any standard meaning prescribed by U.S. GAAP. These measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for performance measures prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
The 2019 Elk Creek Feasibility Study uses non-GAAP financial performance measures, such as EBITDA, Averaged Annual EBITDA and Averaged EBITDA Margin, for purposes of projecting the economic results of the Elk Creek Project. We are unable to provide a reconciliation of these forward-looking non-GAAP measures to the most comparable U.S. GAAP financial performance measures because certain information needed to reconcile those non-GAAP measures to the most comparable U.S. GAAP financial performance measures is dependent on future events, some of which are outside the control of the Company, such as FeNb, Sc2O3 and TiO2 prices, interest rates and exchange rates. Moreover, estimating such U.S. GAAP measures with the required precision necessary to provide a meaningful reconciliation is extremely difficult and could not be accomplished without unreasonable effort.
New SEC Disclosure Rules for Registrants Engaged in Mining Operations
In October 2018, the SEC approved final rules requiring comprehensive and detailed disclosure requirements for issuers with material mining operations. The provisions in Industry Guide 7 and Item 102 of Regulation S-K, have been replaced with a new subpart 1300 of Regulation S-K under the United States Securities Act. The Company will be required to comply with these new rules for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022 and thereafter. The changes adopted are intended to align the SEC’s disclosure requirements more closely with global standards as embodied by the Committee for Mineral Reserves International Reporting Standards (“CRIRSCO”), including Canada’s NI 43-101 and CIM Definition Standards. Under the new SEC rules, SEC registrants will be permitted to disclose “mineral resources” even though they reflect a lower level of certainty than mineral reserves. Additionally, under the new SEC rules, mineral resources must be classified as “measured,” “indicated” or “inferred,” terms which have similar definitions in and are required to be disclosed by NI 43-101 for Canadian issuers and are not recognized under SEC Industry Guide 7.
Corporate Headquarters
We lease our principal executive office space at 7000 South Yosemite Street, Suite 115, Centennial, Colorado.
ITEM 3.
ITEM 3.LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
As of September 16, 2020, we are not a party to any legal proceedings that could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition or operating results. Further, to the Company’s knowledge, no such proceedings have been threatened against the Company.
ITEM 4.
ITEM 4.MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Pursuant to Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Act, issuers that are operators, or that have a subsidiary that is an operator, of a coal or other mine in the U.S. are required to disclose specified information about mine health and safety in their periodic reports. These reporting requirements are based on the safety and health requirements applicable to mines under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (the “Mine Act”) which is administered by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration (“MSHA”). During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2020, the Company and its subsidiaries and their properties or operations were not subject to regulation by MSHA under the Mine Act and thus no disclosure is required under Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Act.
PART II
ITEM 5.
ITEM 5.MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASE OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Market Information
The Common Shares were first listed and posted for trading on the Vancouver Stock Exchange on December 1, 1987. On March 9, 2015, the Common Shares commenced trading on the TSX under the trading symbol “NB.” In addition, the Company trades on the U.S. Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board and the OTCQX under the symbol “NIOBF” and on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange as “BR3.”
The over-the-counter market quotations reflect inter-dealer prices without retail mark-up, mark-down or commission and may not reflect actual transactions.
Holders
As of June 30, 2020, we had 8,813 holders of record of the Common Shares.
Dividends
We have not paid any cash dividends on the Common Shares since our inception and do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. We plan to retain our earnings, if any, to provide funds for the expansion of our business.
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
See Equity Compensation Plan Information under Item 12., “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters,” for information on plans approved by our shareholders.
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Company
We did not make any repurchases in the quarter ended June 30, 2020.
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
The following Common Shares were issued pursuant to Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act, in connection with the voluntary conversion of the remaining amount outstanding under the Second Tranche Security and based upon representations and warranties of Lind in connection therewith.
Exchange Controls
There are no governmental laws, decrees, or regulations in Canada that restrict the export or import of capital, including foreign exchange controls, or that affect the remittance of dividends, interest or other payments to non-resident holders of the securities of NioCorp, other than Canadian withholding tax. See “Certain Canadian Federal Income Tax Considerations for U.S. Residents” below.
Certain Canadian Federal Income Tax Considerations for U.S. Residents
The following summarizes certain Canadian federal income tax consequences generally applicable under the Income Tax Act (Canada) and the regulations enacted thereunder (collectively, the “Canadian Tax Act”) and the Canada-U.S. Income Tax Convention (1980) (the “Convention”) to the holding and disposition of Common Shares.
Comment is restricted to holders of Common Shares each of whom, at all material times for the purposes of the Canadian Tax Act and the Convention, (i) is resident solely in the U.S., (ii) is entitled to the benefits of the Convention, (iii) holds all Common Shares as capital property, (iii) holds no Common Shares that are “taxable Canadian property” (as defined in the Canadian Tax Act) of the holder, (iv) deals at arm’s-length with and is not affiliated with NioCorp, (v) does not and is not deemed to use or hold any Common Shares in a business carried on in Canada, and (vi) is not an insurer that carries on business in Canada and elsewhere (each such holder, a “U.S. Resident Holder”).
Certain U.S.-resident entities that are fiscally transparent for U.S. federal income tax purposes (including limited liability companies) may not in all circumstances be regarded by the Canada Revenue Agency (the “CRA”) as entitled to the benefits of the Convention. Members of or holders of an interest in such an entity that holds Common Shares should consult their own tax advisers regarding the extent, if any, to which the CRA will extend the benefits of the Convention to the entity in respect of its Common Shares.
Generally, a holder’s Common Shares will be considered to be capital property of the holder provided that the holder is not a trader or dealer in securities, did not acquire, hold, or dispose of the Common Shares in one or more transactions considered to be an adventure or concern in the nature of trade (i.e. speculation), and does not hold the Common Shares in the course of carrying on a business.
Generally, a holder’s Common Shares will not constitute “taxable Canadian property” of the holder at a particular time at which the Common Shares are listed on a “designated stock exchange” (which currently includes the TSX) unless both of the following conditions are true:
(i)at any time during the 60-month period that ends at the particular time, 25% or more of the issued shares of any class of the capital stock of NioCorp were owned by or belonged to one or any combination of:
a.the holder,
b.persons with whom the holder did not deal at arm’s length, and
c.partnerships in which the holder or a person referred to in clause (B) holds a membership interest directly or indirectly through one or more partnerships, and
(ii)at any time during the 60-month period that ends at the particular time, more than 50% of the fair market value of the Common Shares was derived directly or indirectly from, one or any combination of, real or immovable property situated in Canada, “Canadian resource properties” (as defined in the Canadian Tax Act), “timber resource properties” (as defined in the Canadian Tax Act), or options in respect of, or interests in any of the foregoing, whether or not the property exists.
This summary is based on the current provisions of the Canadian Tax Act and the Convention in effect on the date hereof, all specific proposals to amend the Canadian Tax Act and Convention publicly announced by or on behalf of the Minister of Finance (Canada) on or before the date hereof, and the current published administrative and assessing policies of the CRA. It is assumed that all such amendments will be enacted as currently proposed, and that there will be no other material change to any applicable law or administrative or assessing practice, although no assurance can be given in these respects. Except as otherwise expressly provided, this summary does not take into account any provincial, territorial, or foreign tax considerations, which may differ materially from those set out herein.
This summary is of a general nature only, is not exhaustive of all possible Canadian federal income tax considerations, and is not intended to be and should not be construed as legal or tax advice to any particular U.S. Resident Holder. U.S. Resident Holders are urged to consult their own tax advisers for advice with respect to their particular circumstances. The discussion below is qualified accordingly.
A U.S. Resident Holder who disposes or is deemed to dispose of one or more Common Shares generally should not thereby incur any liability for Canadian federal income tax in respect of any capital gain arising as a consequence of the disposition.
A U.S. Resident Holder to whom NioCorp pays or is deemed to pay a dividend on the holder’s Common Shares will be subject to Canadian withholding tax, and NioCorp will be required to withhold the tax from the dividend and remit it to the CRA for the holder’s account. The rate of withholding tax under the Canadian Tax Act is 25% of the gross amount of the dividend, but should generally be reduced under the Convention to 15% (or, if the U.S. Resident Holder is a company which is the beneficial owner of at least 10% of the voting stock of NioCorp, 5%) of the gross amount of the dividend. For this purpose, a company that is a resident of the U.S. for purposes of the Canadian Tax Act and the Convention and is entitled to the benefits of the Convention shall be considered to own the voting stock of NioCorp owned by an entity that is considered fiscally transparent under the laws of the U.S. and that it is not a resident of Canada, in proportion to the Company’s ownership interest in that entity.
ITEM 6.
ITEM 6.SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
ITEM 7.
ITEM 7.MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) provides information that management believes is relevant to an assessment and understanding of the consolidated financial condition and results of operations of NioCorp and subsidiaries. This item should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements and the notes thereto included in this Form 10-K. Discussions related to fiscal 2019 performance as compared to fiscal 2018 performance can be found in Item 7., “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Consolidated Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2019.
Summary of Consolidated Financial and Operating Performance
The Company’s net loss decreased to $4.0 million for fiscal 2020 from $7.3 million for fiscal 2019. This decrease resulted primarily from lower exploration expenditures and other operating expenses.
During the fiscal years ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company had no revenues. Operating expenses incurred related primarily to performing exploration and feasibility study related activities, as well as the activities necessary to support corporate and shareholder duties, and are detailed in the following table.
Results of Operations (dollars in thousands)
Significant items affecting operating expenses are noted below:
Employee related costs for fiscal 2020 declined slightly as compared to fiscal 2019 primarily due to decreased share-based compensation costs reflecting the timing of Option issuances and the corresponding vesting periods, as well as the number of Options granted and associated fair value calculations, partially offset by the impacts of 2020 employee salary adjustments.
Exploration expenditures decreased in fiscal 2020 as compared to fiscal 2019 reflecting work performed in 2019 to complete the 2019 Elk Creek Feasibility Study, as well as costs incurred to develop the detailed engineering necessary to support the Air Permit application. Fiscal 2020 expenditures primarily related to the ongoing personnel costs, as well as permitting and project advancement activities.
Other operating expenses include investor relations, general office expenditures, stock and proxy expenditures and other miscellaneous costs. Costs decreased in fiscal 2020 as compared to fiscal 2019 primarily due to the 2019 expensing of previously deferred financing costs in conjunction with the release of the 2019 Elk Creek Feasibility Study, declines in share-based compensation costs for board members reflecting the timing of Option issuances and the corresponding vesting periods, and overall declines in Investor Relations expenses.
Other significant items impacting the change in the Company’s net loss are noted below:
Change in financial instrument fair value primarily represents non-cash changes in the periodic market value of the Convertible Security, which is carried at fair value, as well as changes in the market value of the derivative liability component of the Notes. Higher costs in fiscal 2019, as compared to fiscal 2020, reflect the recognition of accrued interest and initial fair market valuations of additional Lind advances in that period.
Foreign exchange (gain) loss is primarily due to changes in the U.S. dollar against the Canadian dollar and the fiscal 2020 loss primarily reflects the impact of a strengthened U.S. dollar as applied to U.S. dollar-denominated debt instruments which are carried on the Canadian parent company books. Foreign exchange loss was minimal during fiscal 2019 as the ending U.S. dollar to Canadian dollar rate remained relatively unchanged from the prior year.
Interest expense increased in fiscal 2020 as compared to fiscal 2019 due to the increased principal amounts outstanding under the Current Smith Loans.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
We have no revenue generating operations from which we can internally generate funds. To date, our ongoing operations have been financed by the sale of our equity securities by way of private placements, convertible securities issuances, and the exercise of incentive stock options and share purchase warrants. We believe that we will be able to secure additional private placement financings in the future, although we cannot predict the size or pricing of any such financings. In addition, we may raise funds through the sale of interests in our mineral properties, although current market conditions and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have reduced the number of potential buyers/acquirers of any such interests.
As of June 30, 2020, the Company had cash of $0.3 million and a working capital deficit of $7.7 million, compared to cash of $0.4 million and working capital deficit of $4.8 million on June 30, 2019. This change in working capital is due to an increase in accounts payable associated with the 2019 Elk Creek Feasibility Study and mine design work.
We expect that the Company will operate at a loss for the foreseeable future. The Company’s current planned operational needs are approximately $11.0 million until June 30, 2021. In addition to outstanding accounts payable and short-term liabilities, our average monthly expenditures are approximately $245,000 per month where approximately $210,000 is for corporate overhead, lease extensions and estimated costs related to securing financing necessary for advancement of the Elk Creek Project. Approximately $35,000 per month is planned for expenditures relating to the advancement of the Elk Creek Project by ECRC. The Company’s ability to continue operations and fund our current work plan is dependent on management’s ability to secure additional financing.
The Company anticipates that it may need to raise $9.5 million to $10.3 million, to continue planned operations for the next twelve months focused on financing and detailed engineering efforts related to the Elk Creek Project. This estimate is net of C$1.5 million received from warrant exercises subsequent to June 30, 2020. Management is actively pursuing such additional sources of debt and equity financing, and while it has been successful in doing so in the past, there can be no assurance it will be able to do so in the future.
Elk Creek Property lease commitments are $41,000 until June 30, 2021, exclusive of costs incurred to exercise or, if necessary, extend our current land and mineral right option agreements, which expire at various times between January 2021 and May 2040. To maintain its currently held properties and fund its currently anticipated general and administrative costs and planned exploration and development activities at the Elk Creek Project for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2021, the Company will likely require additional financing during the current fiscal year. Should such financing not be available in that timeframe, we will be required to reduce our activities and will not be able to carry out all our presently planned activities at the Elk Creek Project.
On October 22, 2019, the Company announced that the remaining principal due under the Second Tranche Security was retired through a Common Share conversion of $200,000 on October 17, 2019. Remaining interest accrued monthly and the final balance was converted to Common Shares on July 9, 2020, the termination date of the agreement.
On January 17, 2020, the Company entered into an amending agreement to the Smith Credit Agreement, increasing the limit of the non-revolving credit facility to $2.5 million from the previous limit of $2.0 million. On April 3, 2020, the Smith Credit Agreement was amended to increase the limit of the non-revolving credit facility to $3.0 million and on June 10, 2020, the Smith Credit Agreement was amended to increase the limit of the non-revolving credit facility to $3.5 million. In addition, on June 10, 2020, the maturity date for loans made under the Smith Credit Agreement was extended to December 15, 2020. In conjunction with the extension of the maturity date for loans made under the Smith Credit Agreement, Mr. Smith agreed to extend the maturity date of the Original Smith Loan to December 15, 2020.
On April 17, 2020, ECRC received a U.S. Small Business Administration Loan (the “SBA Loan”) from American National Bank, pursuant to the Paycheck Protection Program (the “PPP”) established under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”), in the amount of $196,300. The application for these funds required the Company in good faith to certify that the current economic uncertainty made the loan request necessary to support the ongoing operations of the Company. This certification further required the Company to take into account current business activity and the ability to access other sources of liquidity sufficient to support ongoing operations in a manner that is not significantly detrimental to the business. Under the terms of the SBA Loan, the Company may be eligible for full or partial loan forgiveness; however, no assurance is provided that the Company will apply for, or obtain forgiveness for, any portion of the SBA Loan.
We currently have no further funding commitments or arrangements for additional financing at this time (other than the potential exercise of options and warrants) and there is no assurance that we will be able to obtain additional financing on acceptable terms, if at all. There is significant uncertainty that we will be able to secure any additional financing in the current equity or debt markets. The quantity of funds to be raised and the terms of any proposed equity or debt financing that may be undertaken will be negotiated by management as opportunities to raise funds arise. Management intends to pursue funding sources of both debt and equity financing, including but not limited to the issuance of equity securities in the form of Common Shares, warrants, subscription receipts, or any combination thereof in units of the Company pursuant to private placements to accredited investors or pursuant to equity lines of credit or public offerings in the form of underwritten/brokered offerings, at-the-market offerings, registered direct offerings, or other forms of equity financing and public or private issuances of debt securities including secured and unsecured convertible debt instruments or secured debt project financing. Management does not currently know the terms pursuant to which such financings may be completed in the future, but any such financings will be negotiated at arm’s-length. Future financings involving the issuance of equity securities or derivatives thereof will likely be completed at a discount to the then-current market price of the Company’s securities and will likely be dilutive to current shareholders.
Based on the conditions described within, management has concluded and the audit opinion and notes that accompany our financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2020, disclose that substantial doubt exists as to our ability to continue in business. The financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K have been prepared under the assumption that we will continue as a going concern. We are an exploration stage company and we have incurred losses since our inception. We do not have sufficient cash to fund normal operations and meet debt obligations for the next twelve months without deferring payment on certain current liabilities and raising additional funds. The continued spread of COVID-19 has resulted in business travel restrictions and other capital market disruptions. We believe this could have an adverse impact on our ability to obtain financing, development plans, results of operations, financial position, and cash flows during the current fiscal year. More specifically, during fiscal 2020, travel restrictions have negatively affected the ability of potential investors to conduct their due diligence and has delayed our ability to obtain future financing. We believe that the going concern uncertainty cannot be alleviated with confidence until the Company has entered into a business climate where funding of its planned ongoing operating activities is secured.
We have no exposure to any asset-backed commercial paper. Other than cash held by our subsidiaries for their immediate operating needs in Colorado and Nebraska, all of our cash reserves are on deposit with major U.S. and Canadian chartered banks. We do not believe that the credit, liquidity, or market risks with respect thereto have increased as a result of the current market conditions. However, in order to achieve greater security for the preservation of our capital, we have, of necessity, been required to accept lower rates of interest, which has also lowered our potential interest income.
Operating Activities
During the year ended June 30, 2020, the Company’s operating activities consumed $3.0 million of cash (2019: $4.4 million). The cash used in operating activities for fiscal 2020 reflects the Company’s funding of losses of $4.0 million, partially offset by minor non-cash adjustments and changes in working capital items. Overall, fiscal 2020 operational outflows were lower than fiscal 2019, due to costs incurred in 2019 in connection with the completion of the 2019 Elk Creek Feasibility Study. Going forward, the Company’s working capital requirements are expected to increase substantially in connection with the development of the Elk Creek Project.
Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities was $3.0 million in fiscal 2020, compared to $4.7 million in fiscal 2019. Year-over-year changes in financing inflows primarily reflect the timing of individual equity financing events, as discussed in Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, as well as the timing of Lind Agreement funding.
Cash Flow Considerations
The Company has historically relied upon equity financings, and to a lesser degree, debt financings, to satisfy its capital requirements and will continue to depend heavily upon equity capital to finance its activities. The Company may pursue debt financing in the medium term if it is able to procure such financing on terms more favorable than available equity financing; however, there can be no assurance the Company will be able to obtain any required financing in the future on acceptable terms.
The Company has limited financial resources compared to its proposed expenditures, no source of operating income, and no assurance that additional funding will be available to it for current or future projects, although the Company has been successful in the past in financing its activities through the sale of equity securities.
The ability of the Company to arrange additional financing in the future will depend, in part, on the prevailing capital market conditions and its success in developing the Elk Creek Project. Any quoted market for the Common Shares may be subject to market trends generally, notwithstanding any potential success of the Company in creating revenue, cash flows, or earnings, and any depression of the trading price of the Company’s Common Shares could impact its ability to obtain equity financing on acceptable terms.
Historically, the Company has used net proceeds from issuances of Common Shares to provide sufficient funds to meet its near-term exploration and development plans and other contractual obligations when due. However, further development and construction of the Elk Creek Project will require substantial additional capital resources. This includes near-term funding and, ultimately, long-term funding (including debt and equity financing) for Elk Creek Project construction and other costs.
Debt Covenants
The Convertible Security contains financial and non-financial covenants customary for a facility of this size and nature, and includes a financial covenant defining an event of default as all present and future liabilities of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, exclusive of related party loans, for an amount or amounts exceeding C$2.0 million, and which have not been satisfied on time or within 90 days of invoice, or have become prematurely payable as a result of its default or breach. The Company was in compliance with these covenants as of June 30, 2020.
Contractual Obligations
Our contractual obligations at June 30, 2020, are summarized as follows (amounts in thousands):
(1)Amounts represent principal of $4,910 and estimated interest payments of $678, assuming no early extinguishment.
(2)Amounts represent principal of $344 and estimated interest payments of $5.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
The Company does not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.
Environmental
Our mining and exploration activities are subject to various federal and state laws and regulations governing the protection of the environment. 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. As of June 30, 2020 and 2019, we had accrued $48,000 and $83,000, respectively, related to estimated environmental obligations.
Forward-Looking Statements
The foregoing discussion and analysis, as well as certain information contained elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act, and are intended to be covered by the safe harbor created thereby. See the discussion in “Forward-Looking Statements” in Item 1., “Business.”
Accounting Developments
For a discussion of Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements and Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements, see Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Critical Accounting Policies
Listed below are the accounting policies that we believe are critical to our financial statements due to the degree of uncertainty regarding the estimates or assumptions involved and the magnitude of the asset, liability, revenue or expense being reported. Our discussion of financial condition and results of operations is based upon the information reported in our Consolidated Financial Statements. The preparation of these Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires us to make assumptions and estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses, as well as the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of our financial statements. We base our assumptions and estimates on historical experience and various other sources that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from the estimates we calculate due to changes in circumstances, global economics and politics, and general business conditions. A summary of our significant accounting policies is detailed in Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. We have outlined below those policies identified as being critical to the understanding of our business and results of operations and that require the application of significant management judgment.
Carrying Value of Long-Lived Assets
The recoverability of the carrying values of mineral properties is dependent upon economic reserves being discovered or developed on the properties, permitting, financing, start-up, and commercial production from, or the sale/lease of, or other strategic transactions related to these properties. Development and/or start-up of a project will depend on, among other things, management’s ability to raise sufficient capital for these purposes. We assess the carrying cost of our mineral properties for impairment whenever information or circumstances indicate the potential for impairment. This would include events and circumstances such as our inability to obtain all the necessary permits, changes in the legal status of our mineral properties, government actions, the results of exploration activities and technical evaluations and changes in economic conditions, including the price of commodities or input prices. Such evaluations compare estimated future net cash flows with our carrying costs and future obligations on an undiscounted basis. If it is determined that the estimated future undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying value of the property, an impairment loss will be recorded. Where estimates of future net cash flows are not determinable and where other conditions indicate the potential for impairment, management uses available market information and/or third-party valuation experts to assess if the carrying value can be recovered and to estimate fair value.
We review and evaluate our long-lived assets, other than mineral properties, for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the related carrying amounts may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is measured and recorded based on the estimated fair value of the long-lived assets being tested for impairment and their carrying amounts.
Derivative Instruments
All financial instruments that meet the definition of a derivative are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. Changes in the fair value of derivatives are recorded in the Statements of Consolidated Operations. Management applies judgment in estimating the fair value of instruments that are highly sensitive to assumptions such as commodity prices, market volatilities, foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. Variations in these factors could materially affect amounts credited or charged to earnings to reflect the changes in fair value of derivatives.
Income Taxes
We account for income taxes using the liability method, recognizing certain temporary differences between the financial reporting basis of our liabilities and assets and the related income tax basis for such liabilities and assets. This method generates a net deferred income tax liability or asset, as measured by the statutory tax rates in effect. We derive our deferred income tax expense or benefit by recording the change in the net deferred income tax liability or asset balance for the year. With respect to the earnings we derive from the operations of our consolidated subsidiaries, in those situations where the earnings are indefinitely reinvested, no deferred taxes have been provided on the unremitted earnings (including the excess of the carrying value of the net equity of such entities for financial reporting purposes over the tax basis of such equity) of our consolidated subsidiaries.
We are subject to reviews of our income tax filings and other tax payments, and disputes can arise with the taxing authorities over the interpretation of its contracts or laws. We recognize and record potential tax liabilities and record tax liabilities for anticipated tax audit issues in the U.S. and other tax jurisdictions based on our estimate of whether, and the extent to which, additional taxes will be due. We adjust these reserves in light of changing facts and circumstances; however, due to the complexity of some of these uncertainties, the ultimate resolution may result in a payment that is materially different from our current estimate. If our estimate of tax liabilities proves to be different than the ultimate assessment, an additional expense or benefit would result. We recognize interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits in Income tax benefit (expense). In certain jurisdictions, we must pay a portion of the disputed amount to the local government in order to formally appeal the assessment. Such payment is recorded as a receivable if we believe the amount is ultimately recoverable.
Valuation of Deferred Tax Assets
Our deferred income tax assets include certain future tax benefits. We record a valuation allowance against any portion of those deferred income tax assets when we believe, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred income tax asset will not be realized. We review the likelihood that we will realize the benefit of our deferred tax assets and therefore the need for valuation allowances on a quarterly basis, or more frequently if events indicate that a review is required. In determining the requirement for a valuation allowance, the historical and projected financial results of the legal entity or consolidated group recording the net deferred tax asset is considered, along with all other available positive and negative evidence.
Other
The Company has one class of shares, being Common Shares. A summary of outstanding shares, share options, warrants, and convertible debt option as of September 16, 2020, is set out below, on a fully-diluted basis.
1Each exercisable into one Common Share
2Represents estimated maximum Common Shares convertible pursuant to the Company’s private placement of convertible debentures which closed October 22, 2015. Actual Common Shares issued may be impacted by the U.S. dollar to Canadian dollar exchange rate, accrued interest payable and current trading price of the Company’s Common Shares at conversion date.
ITEM 7A.
ITEM 7A.QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Interest rate risk
The Company’s exposure to changes in market interest rates, relates primarily to the Company’s earned interest income on cash deposits and short-term investments. The Company maintains a balance between the liquidity of cash assets and the interest rate return thereon. The carrying amount of financial assets, net of any provisions for losses, represents the Company’s maximum exposure to credit risk.
Foreign currency exchange risk
The company incurs expenditures in both U.S. and Canadian dollars. Canadian dollar expenditures are primarily related to engineering and metallurgical exploration expenses, as well as certain professional services. As a result, currency exchange fluctuations may impact the costs of our operating activities. To reduce this risk, we maintain sufficient cash balances in Canadian dollars to fund expected near-term expenditures.
Commodity price risk
The Company is exposed to commodity price risk related to the elements associated with the Elk Creek Project. A significant decrease in the global demand for these elements may have a material adverse effect on our business. The Elk Creek Project is not in production, and the Company does not currently hold any commodity derivative positions.
ITEM 8.
ITEM 8.FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Quarterly Results
The following is a summary of selected quarterly financial information (unaudited, amounts in thousands, except per share amounts):
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Shareholders and Board of Directors
NioCorp Developments Ltd.
Centennial, Colorado
Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of NioCorp Developments Ltd. (the “Company”) as of June 30, 2020 and 2019, the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 2020, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at June 30, 2020 and 2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 2020, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Going Concern Uncertainty
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has suffered recurring losses from operations, has a working capital deficiency, and has an accumulated deficit. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows and liquidity. These conditions raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s plans in regard to these matters are also described in Note 4. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/ BDO USA, LLP
We have served as the Company's auditor since 2015.
Spokane, Washington
September 16, 2020
NioCorp Developments Ltd.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share data)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
NioCorp Developments Ltd.
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss
(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
NioCorp Developments Ltd.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
NioCorp Developments Ltd.
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity
(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share data)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
NioCorp Developments Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
June 30, 2020
(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share data)
1.DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
NioCorp Developments Ltd. (the “Company”) was incorporated on February 27, 1987 under the laws of the Province of British Columbia and currently operates in one reportable operating segment consisting of exploration and development of mineral deposits in North America, specifically, the Elk Creek Niobium/Scandium/Titanium property (the “Elk Creek Project”) located in Southeastern Nebraska.
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis that contemplates the realization of assets and discharge of liabilities at their carrying values in the normal course of business for the foreseeable future. These financial statements do not reflect any adjustments that may be necessary if the Company is unable to continue as a going concern.
The Company currently earns no operating revenues and will require additional capital in order to advance the Elk Creek Project. These matters raised substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern, and the Company is dependent upon the generation of profits from mineral properties, obtaining additional financing and maintaining continued support from its shareholders and creditors.
2.BASIS OF PREPARATION
a)Basis of Preparation and Consolidation
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles of the U.S. (“U.S. GAAP”). Certain transactions include reference to Canadian dollars (“C$”) where applicable.
These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and the subsidiaries listed in the following table. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.
b)Use of Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of expenses during the reporting period. The Company regularly evaluates estimates and assumptions related to the deferred income tax asset valuations and share-based compensation. The Company bases its estimates and assumptions on current facts, historical experience and various other factors that it believes to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the other sources. The actual results experienced by the Company may differ materially and adversely from the Company’s estimates. To the extent there are material differences between estimates and the actual results, future results of operations will be affected.
3.SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
a)Exploration Stage Enterprise
The Company is in the exploration stage of operation and devotes substantially all of its efforts to acquiring and exploring mining interests that management believes should eventually provide sufficient net profits to sustain the Company’s existence. Until such interests are engaged in commercial production, the Company will continue to seek additional funding to support the completion of its exploration and development activities. The Company’s activities are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, including its ability to secure sufficient funding to continue operations, to obtain proven and probable reserves, to comply with industry regulations and obtain permits necessary for development of the Elk Creek Project, as well as environmental risks and market conditions.
NioCorp Developments Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
June 30, 2020
(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share data)
b)Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, cash in banks, investments in certificates of deposit with original maturities of 90 days or less, and money market funds.
c)Foreign Currency Translation
Functional and reporting currency
Items included in the financial statements of each of the Company’s entities are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates (“the functional currency”). The functional currency of the Company is the Canadian dollar and the functional currency for Elk Creek Resources Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary, is the U.S. dollar.
The reporting currency for these consolidated financial statements is U.S. dollars.
Transactions in foreign currency
Transactions made in a currency other than the functional currency are remeasured to the functional currency at exchange rates at the dates of the transactions. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at the reporting date are remeasured to the functional currency at the exchange rate at that date and non-monetary assets and liabilities are remeasured at historical rates. Foreign currency translation gains and losses are included in profit or loss.
Translation to reporting currency
The results and financial position of entities that have a functional currency different from the reporting currency are translated into the reporting currency as follows:
●Assets and liabilities for each statement of financial position presented are translated at the closing rate at the end of the reporting date.
●Income and expenses for each statement of income are translated at average exchange rates, unless this average is not a reasonable approximation of the cumulative effect of the rates prevailing on the transaction dates, in which case income and expenses are translated at the rate on the dates of the transactions.
●All resulting exchange differences are recognized in other comprehensive income.
d)Mineral Properties
Mineral property acquisition costs, including indirectly related acquisition costs, are capitalized when incurred. Acquisition costs include cash consideration and the fair market value of common shares issued as consideration. Properties acquired under option agreements, whereby payments are made at the sole discretion of the Company, are capitalized as mineral property acquisition costs at such time as the payments are made. Exploration costs are expensed as incurred. When it is determined that a mining deposit can be economically and legally extracted or produced based on established proven and probable reserves under the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) Industry Guide 7, development costs related to such reserves and incurred after such determination will be considered for capitalization. The establishment of proven and probable reserves is based on results of feasibility studies, which indicate whether a property is economically feasible. Upon commencement of commercial production, capitalized costs will be amortized over their estimated useful lives or units of production, whichever is a more reliable measure. Capitalized amounts relating to a property that is abandoned or otherwise considered uneconomic for the foreseeable future are written off.
NioCorp Developments Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
June 30, 2020
(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share data)
The recoverability of the carrying values of mineral properties is dependent upon economic reserves being discovered or developed on the properties, permitting, financing, start-up, and commercial production from, or the sale/lease of, or other strategic transactions related to these properties. Development and/or start-up of a project will depend on, among other things, management’s ability to raise sufficient capital for these purposes. We assess the carrying cost of our mineral properties for impairment whenever information or circumstances indicate the potential for impairment. This would include events and circumstances such as our inability to obtain all the necessary permits, changes in the legal status of our mineral properties, government actions, the results of exploration activities and technical evaluations and changes in economic conditions, including the price of commodities or input prices. Such evaluations compare estimated future net cash flows with our carrying costs and future obligations on an undiscounted basis. If it is determined that the estimated future undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying value of the property, an impairment loss will be recorded. Where estimates of future net cash flows are not determinable and where other conditions indicate the potential for impairment, management uses available market information and/or third-party valuation experts to assess if the carrying value can be recovered and to estimate fair value.
e)Long Lived Assets
Long-lived assets held and used by the Company are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. For purposes of evaluating the recoverability of long-lived assets, the recoverability test is performed using undiscounted net cash flows related to the long-lived assets. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell.
f)Financial Instruments
The Company’s financial instruments consist of cash, receivables, equity securities, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, convertible debt and the related party loan. It is management’s opinion that the Company is not exposed to significant interest, currency or credit risks arising from its financial instruments. The fair values of these instruments approximate their carrying value unless otherwise noted.
g)Concentration of Credit Risk
The financial instrument which potentially subjects the Company to credit risk is cash and cash equivalents, The Company holds investments or maintains available cash primarily in two commercial banks located in Vancouver, British Columbia and Santa Clara, California. As part of its cash management process, the Company regularly monitors the relative credit standing of these institutions.
h)Asset Retirement Obligation
The Company is subject to various government laws and regulations relating to environmental disturbances caused by exploration and evaluation activities. The estimated costs associated with environmental remediation obligations are accrued in the period in which the liability is incurred if it is reasonably estimable or known. Until such time that a project life is established, the Company records the corresponding cost as an exploration stage expense and has accrued $48 related to estimated obligations as of June 30, 2020 (2019 - $83).
Future reclamation and environmental-related expenditures are difficult to estimate in many circumstances due to the early stage nature of the Elk Creek Project, the uncertainties associated with defining the nature and extent of environmental disturbance, the application of laws and regulations by regulatory authorities and changes in reclamation or remediation technology. The Company periodically reviews accrued liabilities for such reclamation and remediation costs as evidence indicating that the liabilities have potentially changed becomes available. Changes in estimates are reflected in the consolidated statement of operations in the period an estimate is revised.
i)Income Taxes
Income taxes are provided based upon the liability method of accounting pursuant to ASC 740-10-25, “Income Taxes - Recognition.” Under the 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 deferred tax assets if management does not believe the Company has met the “more likely than not” standard imposed by ASC 740-10-25-5 to allow recognition of such an asset.
NioCorp Developments Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
June 30, 2020
(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share data)
j)Basic and Diluted Per Share Disclosure
Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. In computing diluted earnings per share, the weighted average number of shares outstanding is adjusted to reflect the effect of potentially dilutive securities. Potentially dilutive shares, such as stock options and warrants, are excluded from the calculation when their inclusion would be anti-dilutive, such as when the exercise price of the instrument exceeds the fair market value of the Company’s common stock and when a net loss is reported. The dilutive effect of convertible debt securities is reflected in the diluted earnings (loss) per share calculation using the if-converted method. Conversion of the debt securities is not assumed for purposes of calculating diluted earnings (loss) per share if the effect is anti-dilutive.
k)Stock Based Compensation
The Company grants stock options to directors, officers, and employees. Option terms and vesting conditions are at the discretion of the Board of Directors. The option exercise price is equal to the closing market price on the Toronto Stock Exchange on the day preceding the date of grant.
The Company estimates the fair value of stock options using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Company recognizes forfeitures as they occur.
l)Recent Accounting Standards
Issued and Adopted
On July 1, 2019, NioCorp adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-02, Leases, which requires the recognition of right-of-use (“ROU”) assets and related liabilities associated with all leases that are not short-term in nature. NioCorp has elected the practical expedient option to use July 1, 2019, the effective date of adoption, as the initial date of transition and not to restate comparative prior periods and to carry forward historical lease classifications. The new standard also provides practical expedients for a company’s ongoing accounting. For those leases with a lease term of 12 months or less, the Company will not recognize ROU assets or lease liabilities. Management reviewed the impact of existing leases at adoption date and determined the resulting changes did not require the recording of any assets or liabilities on NioCorp’s condensed consolidated balance sheets and had no other material impacts on the financial statements. Additionally, the Company concluded that its leases to explore for mineral deposits and rights to use land on which those natural resources are contained are outside the scope of this update.
On July 1, 2019, NioCorp adopted ASU 2018-07, Compensation - Stock Compensation - Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting. This update aimed to simplify the accounting for share-based payments awarded to non-employees for goods or services acquired. The update specifies that the measurement date is the grant date and that awards are required to be measured at fair value. The adoption of this standard had no impacts on the financial statements.
Issued and Not Effective
From time to time, new accounting pronouncements are issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) that are adopted by the Company as of the specified effective date. Unless otherwise discussed, management believes that the impact of recently issued standards did not or will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements upon adoption.
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13 - Fair Value Measurements (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. This update modifies the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements in Topic 820 and eliminates ‘at a minimum’ from the phrase ‘an entity shall disclose at a minimum’ to promote the appropriate exercise of discretion by entities when considering fair value disclosures and to clarify that materiality is an appropriate consideration. The guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. The Company believes that adoption of this guidance will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
NioCorp Developments Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
June 30, 2020
(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share data)
Other recent accounting pronouncements issued by the FASB, including its Emerging Issues Task Force, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the SEC did not or are not believed by management to have a material impact on the Company's present or future consolidated financial statements.
4.GOING CONCERN ISSUES
The Company incurred a loss of $4,001 for the year ended June 30, 2020 (2019 - $7,336 and 2018 - $8,497) and had a working capital deficit and accumulated deficit of $7,674 and $94,686, respectively, as of June 30, 2020. These factors indicate the existence of a material uncertainty that raises substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern.
The Company’s ability to continue operations and fund its expenditures is dependent on management’s ability to secure additional financing. Management is actively pursuing such additional sources of financing, and while it has been successful in doing so in the past, there can be no assurance it will be able to do so in the future. These consolidated financial statements do not give effect to any adjustments required to realize the Company’s assets and discharge its liabilities in other than the normal course of business and at amounts different from those reflected in the accompanying financial statements.
Since March 2020, several measures have been implemented in the United States, Canada, and the rest of the world in response to the increased impact from the novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”). While the impact of COVID-19 is expected to be temporary, the current circumstances are dynamic and the impact on our business operations cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. The continued spread of COVID-19 has resulted in business travel restrictions and other capital market disruptions. More specifically, during fiscal 2020, travel restrictions have negatively affected the ability of potential investors to conduct their due diligence and has delayed our ability to obtain future financing. We believe this could have an adverse impact on our ability to obtain financing, development plans, results of operations, financial position, and cash flows during the current fiscal year.
5.MINERAL INTERESTS
During the year ended June 30, 2011, the Company completed the acquisition of the Elk Creek property through a share exchange agreement with 0859404 BC Ltd, a Canadian company, which owned all the issued and outstanding shares of Elk Creek Resources Corp. ("Elk Creek"). The Company issued 18,990,539 Common Shares to acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of 0859404 BC Ltd. and issued 1,034,348 Common Shares as a finder’s fee with respect to the acquisition. The transaction did not meet the definition of a business acquisition, as set forth in ASC 805, and therefore was accounted for as a purchase of assets. The acquisition price was based on the market value of the Company’s Common Shares on the closing date and total consideration given was C$13,246, including associated deferred tax impacts of C$4,736.
The property interests of Elk Creek consist of a number of prepaid mineral exploration option to purchase agreements and include a pre-determined buyout for permanent ownership of the mineral and/or surface rights. Terms of the agreements require no further significant payments, and the Company may negotiate lease extensions or elect to purchase the mineral and/or surface rights any time. Agreements that allow for the purchase of mineral rights contain provisions whereby the landowners would retain a 2% net smelter return.
6.ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED LIABILITIES
7.CONVERTIBLE DEBT
NioCorp Developments Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
June 30, 2020
(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share data)
Convertible Notes
The Company completed a non-brokered private placement of unsecured convertible promissory notes (the “Notes”), for gross proceeds of $800 (the “Private Placement”) in October 2015. The Notes bear interest at a rate of 8%, payable quarterly in arrears, are non-transferable and have a term of three years from the date of issue. Principal under the Notes is convertible by lenders at any time into, and payable by the Company in, Common Shares of the Company at a conversion price of C$0.97 per Common Share, calculated on conversion or repayment using the then-current Bank of Canada noon exchange rate. Accrued but unpaid interest on the Notes will be convertible by the lender into, and payable by the Company in, Common Shares at a price per Common Share equal to the most recent closing price of the Company’s Common Shares prior to the delivery to the Company of a request to convert interest, or the due date of interest, as applicable, calculated using the then-current Bank of Canada noon exchange rate. Interest, when due, is payable either in cash or Common Shares, at the election of the Company. Effective October 10, 2018, the due date for the Convertible Notes was extended for one year to October 14, 2019, and effective October 10, 2019, the due date was extended for one year to October 14, 2020. All other terms and conditions remained unchanged.
The conversion feature of the debentures meets the definition of a derivative liability instrument because the conversion feature is denominated in a currency other than the Company’s Canadian dollar functional currency and the conversion rate is variable and therefore does not meet the “fixed-for-fixed” criteria outlined in ASC 815-40-15. As a result, the conversion feature of the debentures is required to be recorded as a derivative liability recorded at fair value and marked-to-market each period with the changes in fair value each period being charged or credited to income.
Changes in the Notes balance are comprised of the following:
The changes in the derivative liability related to the conversion feature are as follows:
Lind Partners Convertible Security Funding
NioCorp Developments Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
June 30, 2020
(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share data)
On December 22, 2015, the Company closed a definitive convertible security funding agreement (the "Lind Agreement") with Lind Asset Management IV, LLC (“Lind”). The Lind Agreement includes a $4,500 principal amount, 10% secured convertible security (the “Convertible Security”) and 3,125,000 transferable Common Share purchase warrants (the “Lind Warrants”). The Convertible Security had a term of two years from its date of issuance, and interest was prepaid and added to its principal amount; accordingly, the initial face value of the Convertible Security was $5,400, and the yield of the Convertible Security (if held, unconverted, to maturity) was 10% per annum, or $900. Each Lind Warrant had a term of three years from its date of issuance and entitled the holder to purchase one additional Common Share (a “Lind Warrant Share”) at a price of C$0.72 on or before December 22, 2018. Lind could increase the funding under the Convertible Security by an additional $1,000 during its two-year term. Further, provided certain conditions are met, the Company had the right to call an additional $1,000 under the funding agreement (a “First Tranche Increase”). The Agreement also provides for the issuance of a second Convertible Security on mutual agreement of the Company and Lind, in which Lind would fund up to another US$6.0 million (the “Second Tranche”), which can also be increased by US$1.0 million.
The Convertible Security is convertible into common shares of the Company at a conversion price equal to 85% of the volume weighted average trading price of the common shares (in Canadian dollars) for the five consecutive trading days immediately prior to the date on which the Investor provides the Company with notice of its intention to convert an amount of the Convertible Security from time to time. The issuance of the Convertible Security and the Lind Warrants was completed on a non-brokered private placement basis.
The Company has elected to account for the Convertible Security at fair value. Transaction costs of $214, including a 3% closing fee paid to Lind of $135, were expensed at closing. In addition, the Company recognized $620 in change in financial instrument fair value in the consolidated statement of operations related to fair value of the Lind Warrants at closing. The fair value of the Lind Warrants was estimated based on the Black Scholes pricing model using a risk-free interest rate of 1.30%, an expected dividend yield of 0%, a volatility of 86.58%, and an expected life of 3.0 years.
On February 14, 2017, upon satisfaction of the conditions for the First Tranche Increase, the Company provided notice to Lind to demand the advancement of an additional $1,000 in funding under the Convertible Security pursuant to its right to call. This amount was funded by Lind on March 31, 2017, resulting in an increase in the face amount of the Convertible Security of $1,200 ($1,000 in funding and $200 in implied interest).
On August 10, 2017, Lind provided notice to the Company of its election to advance an additional $1,000 in funding under the Convertible Security pursuant to its right under the Lind Agreement. This amount was funded by Lind in four equal installments, and in total the face value of the Convertible Security was increased by $1,200 ($1,000 in additional funding plus implied interest).
All amounts funded by Lind through August 10, 2017, including implied interest, have been converted to Common Shares as of May 22, 2018.
On January 23, 2018, Lind provided notice to the Company of its election to advance an additional $2,500 in funding under the Convertible Security pursuant to its right under the Lind Agreement. This amount was funded by Lind in three installments, and in total the face value of the Convertible Security was increased by $3,000 ($2,500 in additional funding plus implied interest).
On March 27, 2018, the Company provided notice to Lind of its election to call an additional $1,000 in funding under the Convertible Security pursuant to its right under the Lind Agreement. This amount was funded by Lind on April 5, 2018, and the face amount of the Convertible Security was increased by $1,200 ($1,000 in additional funding and $200 in implied interest).
NioCorp Developments Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
June 30, 2020
(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share data)
On June 27, 2018, the Company signed a definitive convertible security funding agreement (the "Subsequent Lind Agreement") with Lind. Pursuant to the issuance of a convertible security (the “Subsequent Convertible Security” and, together with the Convertible Security, the “Convertible Securities”), a total of $1,000 was funded on July 9, 2018. The Subsequent Lind Agreement replaces the Lind Agreement in respect of the remaining $1,000 funding amount available under the Lind Agreement and accordingly, no further funding will be provided by Lind to the Company under the Lind Agreement. The terms of the Subsequent Convertible Security are substantially similar to the terms governing like securities under the Lind Agreement. As a result, upon payment of the $1,000 in funding by Lind to the Company, the Subsequent Convertible Security was issued in the amount of $1,200 ($1,000 in funding plus implied interest), and the Company issued warrants (“Warrants”) to Lind, as follows:
1Includes implied interest.
2The value of Warrants issued totaled $156, which was expensed to Change in Financial Instrument Fair Value.
3The price to convert one Warrant into one common share of the Company (“Common Share”).
The Lind Agreement contains financial and non-financial covenants customary for a facility of this size and nature, and includes a financial covenant defining an event of default as all present and future liabilities of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, exclusive of related party loans, for an amount or amounts exceeding $2,000, and which have not been satisfied on time or within 90 days of invoice or have become prematurely payable as a result of its default or breach. The Company was in compliance with these covenants as of June 30, 2020.
8.NOTES PAYABLE
Vendor Note
On April 13, 2020, the Company entered into an agreement with a vendor to convert amounts due for services performed to a 28-month note payable at a stated interest rate of 3%. The Company is obligated to make commercially reasonable efforts to make all payments under the payment plan in a timely manner, and any payment not made on or prior to the due date shall bear interest at an increased annual rate of 5% simple interest until paid.
SBA Loan
On April 17, 2020, ECRC received a U.S. Small Business Administration Loan (the “SBA Loan”) from American National Bank, pursuant to the Paycheck Protection Program (the “PPP”) established under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”), in the amount of $196. The application for these funds required the Company in good faith to certify that the current economic uncertainty made the loan request necessary to support the ongoing operations of the Company. This certification further required the Company to take into account current business activity and the ability to access other sources of liquidity sufficient to support ongoing operations in a manner that is not significantly detrimental to the business.
Under the terms of the SBA Loan, the Company may be eligible for full or partial loan forgiveness. The unforgiven portion of the SBA Loan is payable over two years at an annual interest rate of 1%, with a deferral of payments for the first six months. The Company intends to use the proceeds for purposes consistent with the PPP. While the Company currently believes that its use of the loan proceeds will meet the conditions for forgiveness of the loan, there can be no assurance that the Company will be eligible for forgiveness of the loan, in whole or in part.
NioCorp Developments Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
June 30, 2020
(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share data)
9.COMMON STOCK
a)Issuances
Fiscal Year 2019 Issuances
On September 14, 2018, the Company completed the first tranche closing (the “2018 First Tranche Closing”) of a non-brokered private placement (the “September 2018 Offering”) of units (each a “Unit”). The 2018 First Tranche Closing consisted of the issuance of 2,917,587 Units, at a price of C$0.63 per Unit, for gross proceeds of C$1,838. Each Unit issued in connection with the 2018 First Tranche Closing consists of one Common Share and one-half of one Warrant. Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one additional Common Share at a price of C$0.75 until September 14, 2020.
On September 28, 2018, the Company completed the second and final tranche closing (the “2018 Second Tranche Closing”) of the September 2018 Offering. The 2018 Second Tranche Closing consisted of the issuance of 2,057,571 Units, at a price of C$0.63 per Unit, for gross proceeds of C$1,296. Each Unit issued in connection with the 2018 Second Tranche Closing consists of one Common Share and one-half of one Warrant. Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one additional Common Share at a price of C$0.75 until September 28, 2020. Net proceeds from the September 2018 Offering were used by the Company for continued development of NioCorp’s Elk Creek Project and for general corporate purposes. The Company paid cash commissions of C$18 in connection with the September 2018 Offering to brokers outside of the United States.
On April 29, 2019, the Company closed the first tranche (the “2019 First Tranche Closing”) of a non-brokered private placement (the “April 2019 Private Placement”) of Units of the Company. In connection with the 2019 First Tranche Closing, a total of 1,666,664 Units were issued at a price per Unit of C$0.60, for total gross proceeds to the Company of approximately C$1 million.
On May 9, 2019, the Company closed the second and final tranche of the April 2019 Private Placement (the “2019 Second Tranche Closing”) and a total of 1,290,500 Units were issued at a price per Unit of C$0.60, for total gross proceeds to the Company of approximately C$0.8 million.
Each Unit issued pursuant to the April 2019 Private Placement consisted of one Common Share and one-half of one Common Share purchase Warrant. Each full Warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one additional Common Share at a price of C$0.72 for a period of two years from their date of issuance. Proceeds from the April 2019 Private Placement will be used for working capital and general corporate purposes.
Fiscal Year 2018 Issuances
On July 26, 2017, the Company closed a brokered private placement (the “July 2017 Private Placement”) of units (“Units”) of the Company. Under the July 2017 Private Placement, a total of 2,962,500 Units were issued at C$0.65 per Unit, for total gross proceeds to the Company of approximately C$1,926. Each Unit issued under the July 2017 Private Placement consists of one Common Share and one Warrant of the Company. Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one additional Common Share at a price of C$0.79 until July 26, 2021.
The July 2017 Private Placement was brokered by Mackie Research Capital Corporation (the “Agent”). The Company paid the Agent an aggregate cash commission of approximately C$125, equal to 6.5% of the gross proceeds raised under the July 2017 Private Placement. The Company also issued to the Agent 192,562 broker warrants (the “Broker Warrants”), equal to 6.5% of the Units sold pursuant to the July 2017 Private Placement. Each Broker Warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one Common Share at a price of C$0.79 until July 26, 2021. The fair value of the Broker Warrants of $41 was estimated based on the Black Scholes pricing model using a risk-free interest rate of 1.32%, an expected dividend yield of 0%, a volatility of 60.3%, and an expected life of four years. Total cash issue costs including agents’ commission, legal and other fees was $189. Proceeds of the July 2017 Private Placement were used for general working capital purposes and to continue advancement of the Company’s Elk Creek Project.
NioCorp Developments Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
June 30, 2020
(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share data)
On September 5, 2017, the Company entered into a shares-for-debt agreement with Northcott Capital Limited (“Northcott”) whereby NioCorp issued 415,747 Common Shares to settle a debt of C$254 owed to Northcott for past and prospective services through December 2017. Northcott manages NioCorp’s current effort to assemble a debt financing package as part of the Company’s overall Elk Creek Project financing effort. The shares issued to Northcott were priced at C$0.61 per share, which represents a 10% premium over the five-day Volume Weighted Average Price of the Common Shares of C$0.5571 as of the date of the agreement.
b)Stock Options
On November 9, 2017, the Company’s shareholders voted to approve a new Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Long-Term Incentive Plan”) and the granting of incentive securities thereunder until November 9, 2020. Under the Long-Term Incentive Plan, the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) may, in its discretion from time to time, grant stock options (“Options”) and share units (in the form of RSUs and PSUs) to directors, employees and certain other service providers (as defined in the Long-Term Incentive Plan) of the Company and affiliated entities selected by the Board.
Subject to adjustment as described in the Long-Term Incentive Plan, the aggregate number of Common Shares that may be reserved for issuance to participants under the Long-Term Incentive Plan, together with all other security-based compensation arrangements of the Company, including with respect to Options outstanding under the Company’s 2016 Incentive Stock Option Plan, may not exceed 10% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares from time to time, and the Common Shares reserved for issuance upon settlement of share units shall not exceed 5% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares from time to time. The Long-Term Incentive Plan limits the maximum number of Common Shares issued to insiders (as defined under TSX rules for this purpose) within any one-year period, or issuable to insiders at any time, in the aggregate, under all security-based compensation arrangements (including the Long-Term Incentive Plan) to 10% of the then issued and outstanding Common Shares. The Long-Term Incentive Plan also limits the aggregate number of Common Shares that may be reserved for issuance to any one participant under the Long-Term Incentive Plan, together with all other security-based compensation arrangements of the Company, to 5% of the then issued and outstanding Common Shares (on a non-diluted basis). Under the Long-Term Incentive Plan, Options and share units granted to non-employee directors, together with all other equity awards, are limited to an annual equity award value of C$150 per non-employee director. The total value of Options issuable to a non-employee director in a one-year period is limited to C$100. Further, and subject to the adjustment provisions of the Long-Term Incentive Plan, the aggregate number of Common Shares actually issued or transferred by the Company upon the exercise of incentive stock options will not exceed 20,451,895 Common Shares.
The Board has the exclusive power over the granting, amendment, administration or settlement of any award.
Stock option transactions are summarized as follows:
NioCorp Developments Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
June 30, 2020
(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share data)
The following table summarizes the information and assumptions used to determine option costs:
The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at June 30, 2020:
The aggregate intrinsic value in the preceding table represents the total intrinsic value, based on the Company’s closing stock price of C$0.81 as of June 30, 2020, which would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their options as of that date. The total number of in-the-money options vested and exercisable as of June 30, 2020, was 18,589,409. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the year ended June 30, 2020 was C$54.
As of June 30, 2020, there was no unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested share-based compensation arrangements granted.
c)Warrants
Warrant transactions are summarized as follows:
NioCorp Developments Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
June 30, 2020
(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share data)
At June 30, 2020, the Company has outstanding exercisable warrants, as follows:
10.RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS AND BALANCES
The Company has a loan with Mark Smith, President, Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Executive Chairman of NioCorp (the “Original Smith Loan”), that bears an interest rate of 10%, is secured by the Company’s assets pursuant to a concurrently executed general security agreement (the “General Security Agreement”) and is subject to both a 2.5% establishment fee and 2.5% prepayment fee. The principal amount outstanding under the Original Smith Loan is $1,000. On June 10, 2020, Mr. Smith agreed to extend the maturity date of the Original Smith Loan to December 15, 2020.
The Company also has a non-revolving credit facility agreement (the “Smith Credit Agreement”) with an original amount of $2,000 with Mr. Smith. The Smith Credit Agreement bears an interest rate of 10% and drawdowns from the Smith Credit Agreement are subject to a 2.5% establishment fee. Amounts outstanding under the Smith Credit Agreement are secured by all of the Company’s assets pursuant to the General Security Agreement. The Smith Credit Agreement contains financial and non-financial covenants customary for a facility of its size and nature.
On January 17, 2020, the Company entered into an amending agreement to the Smith Credit Agreement, increasing the limit of the non-revolving credit facility to $2,500 from the previous limit of $2,000. On April 3, 2020, the Smith Credit Agreement was amended to increase the limit of the non-revolving credit facility to $3,000 and on June 10, 2020, the Smith Credit Agreement was amended to increase the limit of the non-revolving credit facility to $3,500 and the maturity date for loans made under the Smith Credit Agreement was extended to December 15, 2020.
As of June 30, 2020, the principal amount outstanding under the Smith Credit Agreement was $2,818.
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities as of June 30, 2020, include accrued interest of $450 and origination fees of $58 payable to Mr. Smith under the Original Smith Loan and the Smith Credit Agreement.
On June 20, 2016, the Company announced a joint development agreement (the “Development Agreement”) with IBC Advanced Alloys Corp. (“IBC”) to investigate and develop applications for scandium-containing alloys for multiple downstream markets. In addition to his management duties at NioCorp, Mark Smith is also the Chairman of the IBC Board of Directors. Under the terms of the Development Agreement, each party bears its own costs incurred in development efforts. During the year ended June 30, 2018, the Company supplied IBC with a small quantity of Scandium Trioxide which was used to manufacture several aluminum-scandium alloy ingots. Development of processes to produce master alloy materials using third party labs and potential commercial products is ongoing.
NioCorp Developments Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
June 30, 2020
(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share data)
11.EXPLORATION EXPENDITURES
12.LEASES
The Company has three operating leases with an average remaining life of 17 months as of June 30, 2020. The Company incurred lease costs of $114 and $134 for the years ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The calculated right of use assets and lease liabilities were de minimis.
13.DEFERRED FINANCING COSTS
During the year ended June 30, 2019, the Company issued an updated feasibility study report on the Elk Creek Project. Due to the nature of changes in the underground mining portion of the technical study, the Company elected to expense deferred legal and other professional fees associated with obtaining project debt financing for the Elk Creek Project and a total of $714 was included in other operating expenses for the year ended June 30, 2019. Future financing-related fees will continue to be expensed until a definitive agreement has been approved by the Board.
14.INCOME TAXES
Domestic and foreign components of loss before income taxes for the years ended June 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018 are as follows:
On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “U.S. Tax Act”) was signed into law making significant changes to the U.S. tax code, including a reduction of the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent. During the year ended June 30, 2018, the Canadian statutory tax rate also increased from 26 percent to 27 percent related to provincial law changes in British Columbia. The primary impact of these changes to the Company was a reduction in the deferred tax asset related to mineral interests and net operating loss carryforwards, offset by a corresponding change to the valuation allowance.
NioCorp Developments Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
June 30, 2020
(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share data)
The following table is a reconciliation of income taxes at statutory rates:
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. The significant components of deferred taxes are as follows:
Changes in the valuation allowance are as follows:
The Company establishes a valuation allowance against future income tax assets if, based on available information, it is more likely than not that all of the assets will not be realized. The valuation allowance of $15,394 at June 30, 2020 relates mainly to net operating loss carryforwards in Canada and mineral interest due to deferred exploration expenditures in the United States, where the utilization of such attributes is not more likely than not.
The Company had the following cumulative net operating losses for Canadian and U.S. income tax purposes and these carryforwards will generally expire between 2026 and 2040. As a result of the U.S. Tax Act, U.S. tax losses incurred for tax years commencing in 2018 have no expiration.
NioCorp Developments Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
June 30, 2020
(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share data)
The Company had no unrecognized tax benefits as of June 30, 2020 or 2019. The Company recognizes interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits and penalties in its income tax provision. The Company has not recognized any interest or penalties in the fiscal years presented in these financial statements. The Company is subject to income tax in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and Canada. Certain years remain subject to examination but there are currently no ongoing exams in any taxing jurisdictions.
In addition to the PPP loan previously discussed, the CARES Act, among other things, includes provisions related to refundable payroll tax credits, deferment of employer side social security payments, net operating loss carryback periods, alternative minimum tax credit refunds, modifications to the net interest deduction limitations, increased limitations on qualified charitable contributions, and technical corrections to tax depreciation methods for qualified improvement property. Management believes these provisions of the CARES Act will have no material impacts or benefits on our business.
15.Fair Value Measurements
The Company measures the fair value of financial assets and liabilities based on U.S. GAAP guidance which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements.
The Company classifies financial assets and liabilities as held-for-trading, available-for-sale, held-to-maturity, loans and receivables or other financial liabilities depending on their nature. Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognized at fair value on their initial recognition.
Financial assets and liabilities classified as held-for-trading are measured at fair value, with gains and losses recognized in net income. Financial assets classified as held-to-maturity, loans and receivables, and financial liabilities other than those classified as held-for-trading are measured at amortized cost, using the effective interest method of amortization. Financial assets classified as available-for-sale are measured at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses being recognized in income.
Financial instruments, including receivables, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, and related party loans are carried at amortized cost, which management believes approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments.
The following table presents information about the assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as at June 30, 2020 and 2019, and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques the Company utilized to determine such fair value. In general, fair values determined by Level 1 inputs utilize quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical instruments. Fair values determined by Level 2 inputs utilize data points that are observable such as quoted prices, interest rates, and yield curves. Fair values determined by Level 3 inputs are unobservable data points for the financial instrument, and included situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the instrument:
NioCorp Developments Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
June 30, 2020
(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share data)
The Company measures the fair market value of the Level 3 components using the Black-Scholes model and discounted cash flows, as appropriate. These models were initially prepared by a third party and take into account management’s best estimate of the conversion price of the stock, an estimate of the expected time to conversion, an estimate of the stock’s volatility, and the risk-free rate of return expected for an instrument with a term equal to the duration of the convertible debt.
The derivative liability was valued using a Black-Scholes pricing model with the following inputs:
The following table sets forth a reconciliation of changes in the fair value of the Company’s convertible debt components classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy:
16.COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
NioCorp has the following land, office, facility and equipment lease commitments in place as of June 30, 2020:
ITEM 9.
ITEM 9.CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.
None.
ITEM 9A.
ITEM 9A.CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The management of NioCorp Developments Ltd. has evaluated, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of June 30, 2020.
Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of June 30, 2020, our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act), were effective and designed to provide reasonable assurance that (i) information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and (ii) information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.
The management of NioCorp Developments Ltd., including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures or our internal control over financial reporting will prevent all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met.
Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected.
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Company. Our management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2020. In making this assessment, our management used the criteria set forth in the Internal Control -Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on our management assessment, we have concluded that, as of June 30, 2019, our internal control over financial reporting was effective.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting during the year ended June 30, 2020, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 9B.
ITEM 9B.OTHER INFORMATION
None.
PART III
ITEM 10.
ITEM 10.DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Incorporated by reference from the information in our proxy statement for the 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders or amendment to this annual report on Form 10-K, which we will file with the SEC within 120 days of the end of the fiscal year to which this report relates.
ITEM 11.
ITEM 11.EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Incorporated by reference from the information in our proxy statement for the 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders or amendment to this annual report on Form 10-K, which we will file with the SEC within 120 days of the end of the fiscal year to which this report relates.
ITEM 12.
ITEM 12.SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
Incorporated by reference from the information in our proxy statement for the 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders or amendment to this annual report on Form 10-K, which we will file with the SEC within 120 days of the end of the fiscal year to which this report relates.
ITEM 13.
ITEM 13.CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
Incorporated by reference from the information in our proxy statement for the 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders or amendment to this annual report on Form 10-K, which we will file with the SEC within 120 days of the end of the fiscal year to which this report relates.
ITEM 14.
ITEM 14.PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
Incorporated by reference from the information in our proxy statement for the 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders or amendment to this annual report on Form 10-K, which we will file with the SEC within 120 days of the end of the fiscal year to which this report relates.
PART IV
ITEM 15.
ITEM 15.EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
The following documents are filed as a part of this report:
(a)Financial Statements
(1)The Consolidated Financial Statements, together with the reports thereon of BDO USA, LLP dated September 16, 2020 are included as part of Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” commencing on page 48 above.
Page
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Consolidated Statements of Equity
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(a)Exhibits
Exhibit No.
Title
3.1(1)
Notice of Articles dated April 5, 2016
3.2(1)
Articles, as amended, effective as of January 27, 2015
4.8(6)
Agency Agreement, dated July 26, 2017, between the Company and Mackie
4.9(6)
Form of Subscription Agreement in respect of units of the Company issued in July 2017
4.10(6)
Non-Transferable Broker Warrant Certificate, dated July 26, 2017, in respect of non-transferable broker warrants issued to Mackie
4.11(6)
Warrant Indenture, dated July 26, 2017, between the Company and Computershare Trust Company of Canada
4.21(10)
Convertible Security Funding Agreement, dated June 27, 2018, between the Company and Lind
4.22(10)
Form of Warrant Certificate in respect of warrants issued to Lind (included in Exhibit 4.21)
4.23(11)
Form of Subscription Agreement in respect of units of the Company issued in September 2018
4.24(11)
Warrant Indenture, dated September 14, 2018, between the Company and Computershare Trust Company of Canada
4.25(12)
Form of Subscription Agreement in respect of units of the Company issued in April 2019
4.26(17)
Description of Securities
10.1#(8)
NioCorp Developments Ltd. Long Term Incentive Plan, effective as of November 9, 2017
10.2#(1)
Consulting Agreement, dated May 13, 2014, between the Company and KMSmith, LLC
10.3
Amendment to Contract, dated September 1, 2019, between the Company and KMSmith, LLC
10.4
Contract Assignment and Novation Agreement, dated as of August 31, 2020, among the Company, KMSmith, LLC and 76 Resources, Inc.
10.5(2)**
Offtake Agreement, dated June 13, 2006, between the Company and CMC Cometals, a division of Commercial Metals Company
10.6(7)
Offtake agreement with ThyssenKrupp Metallurgical Products GmbH
10.7**, ***
Beethe008 Extension to Option to Purchase, dated April 29, 2020, among ECRC and Beverly J. Beethe
10.8**, ***
Woltemath 003J Amended and Restated Option to Purchase, dated January 4, 2017, among ECRC and Victor L. and Juanita E. Woltemath
10.9**, ***
Woltemath 003J Extension to Option to Purchase, dated December 23, 2019, among ECRC and Victor L. and Juanita E. Woltemath
10.10(3)
Smith Credit Agreement
10.11(4)
Amending Agreement to Smith Credit Agreement, dated March 20, 2017, between the Company and Mark Smith
10.12(9)
Amending Agreement to Smith Credit Agreement, dated April 6, 2018, between the Company and Mark Smith
10.13(13)
Amending Agreement to Smith Credit Agreement, dated May 31, 2019, between the Company and Mark Smith
10.14(14)
Amending Agreement to Smith Credit Agreement, dated January 17, 2020, between the Company and Mark Smith
10.15(15)
Amending Agreement to Smith Credit Agreement, dated April 3, 2020, between the Company and Mark Smith
10.16(16)
Amending Agreement to Smith Credit Agreement, dated June 10, 2020, between the Company and Mark Smith
10.17(7)
Original Smith Loan
10.18(4)
Amending Agreement to Original Smith Loan, dated March 20, 2017, between the Company and Mark Smith
10.19(9)
Amending Agreement to Original Smith Loan, dated April 6, 2018, between the Company and Mark Smith
10.20(13)
Amending Agreement to Original Smith Loan, dated May 31, 2019, between the Company and Mark Smith
10.21(16)
Amending Agreement to Original Smith Loan, dated June 10, 2020, between the Company and Mark Smith
10.22(5)
Security Agreement, dated June 17, 2015, from the Company to Mark Smith
10.23
Loan Agreement under the SBA Paycheck Protection Program dated April 17, 2020 between ECRC and American National Bank
10.24
Promissory Note under the SBA Paycheck Protection Program dated April 17, 2020 between ECRC and American National Bank
21.1(1)
Subsidiaries of NioCorp Developments Ltd.
23.1
Consent of BDO USA.
23.2
Consent of Mr. Glen Kuntz, P. Geo, Consulting Specialist - Geology/Mining, Nordmin Engineering Ltd.
23.3
Consent of Mr. Jean-Francois St-Onge, P.Eng, Associate Consulting Specialist - Mining, Optimize Group Inc. , subcontractor to Nordmin Engineering Ltd.
31.1
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101.INS(18)
XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH(18)
XBRL Taxonomy Extension - Schema
101.CAL(18)
XBRL Taxonomy Extension - Calculations
101.DEF(18)
XBRL Taxonomy Extension - Definitions
101.LAB(18)
XBRL Taxonomy Extension - Labels
101.PRE(18)
XBRL Taxonomy Extension - Presentations
# Management compensation plan, arrangement or agreement.
** Portions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(10)(iv) of Regulation S-K, which portions will be furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.
*** Certain exhibits to this agreement have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(a)(5) of Regulation S-K. A copy of any omitted exhibit will be furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.
(1)Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Draft Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 377-01354) submitted to the SEC on July 26, 2016 and incorporated herein by reference.
(2)Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-213451) filed with the SEC on September 2, 2016 and incorporated herein by reference.
(3)Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 000-55710) filed with the SEC on January 20, 2017 and incorporated herein by reference.
(4)Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 000-55710) filed with the SEC on March 24, 2017 and incorporated herein by reference.
(5)Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-217272) filed with the SEC on April 12, 2017 and incorporated herein by reference.
(6)Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 000-55710) filed with the SEC on August 1, 2017 and incorporated herein by reference.
(7)Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 000-55710) filed with the SEC on August 29, 2017 and incorporated herein by reference.
(8)Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 000-55710) filed with the SEC on November 13, 2017 and incorporated herein by reference.
(9)Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 000-55710) filed with the SEC on April 9, 2018 and incorporated herein by reference.
(10)Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 000-55710) filed with the SEC on July 2, 2018 and incorporated herein by reference.
(11)Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 000-55710) filed with the SEC on September 18, 2018 and incorporated herein by reference.
(12)Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 000-55710) filed with the SEC on May 2, 2019 and incorporated herein by reference.
(13)Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 000-55710) filed with the SEC on June 5, 2019 and incorporated herein by reference.
(14)Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 000-55710) filed with the SEC on January 17, 2020 and incorporated herein by reference.
(15)Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 000-55710) filed with the SEC on April 3, 2020 and incorporated herein by reference
(16)Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 000-55710) filed with the SEC on June 10, 2020 and incorporated herein by reference.
(17) Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 000-55710) filed with the SEC on September 4, 2019 and incorporated herein by reference.
(18)Submitted Electronically Herewith. Attached as Exhibit 101 to this report are the following formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets at June 30, 2020 and June 30, 2019, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss for the years ended June 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended June 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity for the years ended June 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018, (v) the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
ITEM 16.FORM 10-K SUMMARY
None.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
NIOCORP DEVELOPMENTS LTD.
By: /s/ Neal Shah
Neal Shah
Chief Financial Officer
September 16, 2020
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated on September 16, 2020.
Signature
Title
/s/ Mark A. Smith
President, Chief Executive Officer (Principal
Mark A. Smith
Executive Officer and Authorized U.S. Representative)
and Chairman of the Board of Directors
/s/ Neal Shah
Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and
Neal Shah
Accounting Officer)
/s/ Joseph A. Carrabba
Director
Joseph A. Carrabba
/s/ Michael Morris
Director
Michael Morris
/s/ David C. Beling
Director
David C. Beling
/s/ Anna Castner Wightman
Director
Anna Castner Wightman
/s/ Nilsa Guerrero-Mahon
Director
Nilsa Guerrero-Mahon