Item 1. Business
Except as otherwise indicated by the context, references in this Annual Report on Form 10-K to “we,” “us” and “our” are to the consolidated business of the Registrant and PGPI.
We conduct our operations in Lithia, Florida, from an office in the home of our chief executive officer and we intend to open an office in Ensenada, Mexico. The present office is occupied at no charge to us. There is no rental agreement for the use of this office. If rent were charged for this space, the amount would be insignificant.
Background.
Originally, on July 16, 1984, we were organized as Lucky Seven Gas and Minerals, Inc., under the laws of the State of Pennsylvania. On June 24, 1996, our name was changed to Lucky Seven Gold Mines, Inc. On January 13, 1998, American Precious Metals, Inc. was formed, under the laws of the State of Delaware. On March 16, 1998, we merged into American Precious Metals, Inc., the surviving corporation. On November 13, 2000, our name was changed to American Global Enterprises, Inc. and on December 21, 2000, our name was changed again to American International Ventures, Inc.
Prior Business Activities.
During 2002, we developed a plan of operations to seek, identify and, if successful, acquire a portfolio of undervalued or sub-economic but prospective mineral properties in the United States, principally gold properties that could be enhanced by performing limited exploratory work on the property. We would then attempt to identify a joint venture partner to further develop the property or otherwise sell the property to an industry participant.
Pursuant to our then business plan, we acquired twenty eight (28) patented mining claims on the Bruner property located in Nye County, Nevada.
In September 2005, we completed an Exploration and Option to Enter Joint Venture Agreement with Electrum Resources LLC relating to the Bruner property, which agreement was terminated in January 2007. In April 2009, we completed a Property Option Agreement with Patriot Gold Corp., an unaffiliated third party, in which we granted an exclusive option to the Bruner Property (the “Bruner Option”), for eight annual payments totaling $315,000.00 and a balloon payment due to us in April 2016, in the amount of $1,185,000. In addition, we retained a 1.5% net smelter reserve (“NSR”) wherein Patriot Gold has the option to purchase 1% of the NSR for an additional $500,000. Patriot Gold has $55,000 due April 1, 2014, $60,000 due April 1, 2015 and $1,185,000 due April 1, 2016.
Then, we determined to expand our business purpose to seek other business opportunities to review and analyze for purposes of effecting a merger, acquisition or other business combination with an operating company business.
In October 2007, we amended our Certificate of Incorporation to increase our authorized shares of common stock from 50,000,000 shares to 400,000,000 shares.
Share Exchange with Placer Gold Prospecting, Inc.
On March 23, 2012, we closed on the Share Exchange Agreement with the shareholders of Placer Gold Prospecting, Inc. (PGPI) pursuant to which we acquired all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of PGPI. The transaction was treated as a reverse merger for accounting purposes. See our Form 8-K/A filed on July 9, 2013 for a more detailed discussion of the Share Exchange Agreement.
Other Business Activity.
As reported in our Form 8-K filed February 8, 2013, effective January 23, 2013, the Company executed a lease agreement to conduct mining operations and other related activities at Section 20-00-00.00 Plot Number 29Z-0-P-1 at Ejido 18 de Marzo, in the City of Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico.
As reported in our Form 8-K filed March 15, 2013, effective March 13, 2013, AIVN executed a lease agreement to conduct mining operations and other related activities on approximately 24 hectors, at the plot number 28 Northwest of Ejido 18 de Marzo, in the city of Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico. Effective March 7, 2013, AIVN incorporated a variable capital corporation in the city of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, by the name of AIVN de Mexico the registrant’s treating said incorporation of AIVN de Mexico as a subsidiary. The primary purpose of said creation of AIVN de Mexico shall be to conduct mining operations and other related activities. We began mining operations on our pilot plant in May 2013.
As reported on our Form 8-K filed on April 24, 2013, effective March 23, 2012, our Board of Directors approved and recommended that the company’s 2012 Stock Option Plan and the proposed action be submitted to a vote of its shareholders. The record date established by the Board of Directors was October 22, 2012. A majority of stockholders approved the 2012 Stock Option Plan on November 9, 2012.
Description of Placer Gold Prospecting, Inc.’s Business
For purposes of this section entitled “Description of Placer Gold Prospecting, Inc.’s Business” only, all references to “we,” “us,” or “our” or “PGPI” refers to PGPI prior to the effectiveness of the Share Exchange.
On January 25, 2012, PGPI was incorporated in the State of Florida, for the purpose of mining exploration. It has acquired mining claims for approximately 4,050 acres of land, primarily in Nevada, with the intent of reactivating the historical mines that produced gold and silver until shut down in 1942 because of World War II. There is no guarantee that such properties will produce gold or silver in the future or that these properties may have already been depleted, as they were previously mined.
At this time, our primary focus is on gold and silver properties. Gold and silver properties are wasting assets. They eventually become depleted or uneconomical to continue mining. Currently, we have not produced any gold or silver from our properties. We are in the exploration stage and potential investors should be aware of the difficulties normally encountered by enterprises in the exploration stage. Our ability to become and remain profitable over the long term depends on our ability to finalize the design, permit, development and profitable extraction and recovery of mineral resources beyond our current planned mine life. If our ability to expand the operations beyond their current planned mined lives doesn’t occur we may seek to acquire other precious and base metals properties beyond our current properties. The acquisition of precious and base metals properties and their exploration and development are subject to intense competition. Companies with greater financial resources, larger staff, more experience and more equipment for exploration and development may be in a better position than us to compete for such mineral properties.
Below is a list of the claims which PGPI acquired prior to March 23, 2012, the date of reverse acquisition.
Name of Claim
Acres
Date Acquired
El Tule
3,070.00
March 14, 2012
Capatola
55.50
March 8, 2012
Indian Mine
122.00
March 14, 2012
Gypsy Mine
160.00
February 18, 2012
Stud Horse Mine
41.26
March 14, 2012
TNT Mine
41.26
March 14, 2012
Bullfrog Mine
100.00
February 17, 2012
Virgilia Mine
60.00
February 17, 2012
Reward Monster Mine
80.00
February 20, 2012
The following is a list of claims acquired after March 23, 2012:
Name of Claim
Acres
Date Acquired
Turner Ranch
39.73
May 3, 2012
Bullfrog #3s
May 15, 2012
American Metallic Mine
20.7
May 9, 2012
Placeritas Mine
April 30, 2012
Golden Eagle #2
742.3
July 2, 2012
North Star
Aug 2, 2012
Sale of Mining Claims during Fiscal 2014.
During fiscal year to 2014, we sold certain mining claims to Gold Mining USA, Inc. (OTC -PINK: GMUI) (“GMU”). On February 4, 2014, the Company completed the sale of certain mining claims to GMU in exchange for 5 million shares of common stock of GMU. The Company reserved a 3% net smelter return on the claims. The claims consist of four unpatented claims and are part of eight claims held by the Company known as the “Gypsy Gold Mine.” In addition, on June 16, 2014, the Company completed the sale of additional unpatented mining claims to GMU in exchange for 1.5 million shares of common stock of GMU and the Company also reserved a 3% net smelter return. The mining claims consist of twenty two unpatented claims known as “El Tutle/Rich Gulch” and remaining four unpatented claims which are part of the “Gypsy Gold Mine” claims. All of the claims are located in Douglas County, Nevada
Under the February 2014 agreement, the parties further agreed that GMU has the option to purchase the remaining four unpatented claims (part of the Gypsy Gold Mine) in exchange for GMU purchasing a convertible debenture in the amount of $1,000,000 from the Company within six months from the closing of the original transaction (“Debenture”). Under the current June agreement, the Company included these four unpatented mining claims as part of the above described transaction, and the parties agreed that the stock consideration (1.5 million shares of common stock of GMU) satisfied the obligation to purchase the Debenture as required under the January 2014 agreement.
15 miles from the town of Tularosa New Mexico, and is accessible through HWY 54.ZZZZ
#1 Mining Operation Disclosure Stud Mine
(1) Location: The Stud mine is located in township 6 north, range 34 east, and encompasses the SW1/4, and SE1/4 of section 17. This mine is located 5.3 miles from the town of Luning Nevada just off HWY 95/3.
(2) Description of claim: The Stud mine consists of two 20 acre unpatented mining claims. The annual assessment fee for the two mining claims is $280.
(3) History of Previous Operations: Little is known about the previous operations of the Stud mine other than it was surrounded by many adits and shafts, and its location is close to Camp Douglas which was a hot spot for mining activity back in the early 19th century.
(4) (i) The Stud mine (subsurface) and open cut deposit is currently slated for future exploration, and is not actively being mined by our company. Our company acquired these two mining claims in March of 2012 from the Eureka Mining Company for the purpose of further mineral exploration and development. This property is without known reserves and the proposed program is exploratory in nature.
(ii) The Stud mine does not currently have any equipment on site.
(5) The Camp Douglas 7 l/2-minute quadrangle is located just to the southwest of the town of Mina at the eastern end of the Excelsior Mountains. The quadrangle includes one peak over 8500 feet (2590 m). Thunder Mountain, in the central part of the ores, has a maximum elevation of 7990 (2635 m). Two mining districts, Douglas (Camp Douglas) and Silver Dyke are present in the quadrangle.
Mining in the area began in 1893, and a significant amount of tungsten ore was mined at Silver Dyke during, and after World War I, mining at Silver Dyke "was carried on by lessors as recently as 1972.
The geology of the area has been described by Ferguson, Muller, and Cathcart (1954), and Muller and Ferguson (1939). Vanderburg (l937), and Hill (1915) described the geology and mineral deposits of Camp Douglas, and Kerr (1936) has reported on the tungsten mineralization at Silver Dyke. Nielsen (l963) mapped two small portions of the quadrangle during his study of the Pilot Mountains, 10 km to the east. Speed (l977a) has named two new formations (the Mina and Gold Range Formations) which have type areas within the quadrangle.
Rock names used in these past reports are based on megascopic and thin-section estimates of rock and mineral content. For aphanitic porphyritic igneous rocks, the rock names are predominantly based on phenocryst mineralogy, and may vary somewhat from rock names based on chemical analyses. Phenncryst contents were visually estimated from thin sections and stained slabs. Precious metal values are reported in ozfton; the conversion factor to gm/metric ton (ppm) is 34.286.
#2 Mining Operation Disclosure T.N.T. Mine
(1) Location: The T.N.T. mine is located in township 6 north, range 34 east, and encompasses the SW1/4, and SE1/4 of section 29. This mine is located 18 miles from Coadale Nevada off HWY 95/82.
(2) Description of claim: The Bruner mine consists of two 20 acre un-patented mining claims. The annual assessment fee for the two mining claims is $280.
(3) History of Previous Operations: Little is known about the previous operations of the T.N.T. mine other than it was surrounded by many adits and shafts, and its location is close to Camp Douglas which was a hot spot for mining activity back in the early 19th century.
(4) (i) The T.N.T. mine (subsurface) deposit is currently slated for future exploration, and is not actively being mind by our company. Our company acquired these two mining claims back in March of 2012 from the Eureka Mining Company for the purpose of further mineral exploration and development. This property is without known reserves and the proposed program is exploratory in nature.
(ii) The T.N.T. mine does not currently have any equipment on site.
(5) The Camp Douglas 7 l/2-minute quadrangle is located just to the southwest of the town of Mina at the eastern end of the Excelsior Mountains. The quadrangle includes one peak over 8500 feet (2590 m). and Thunder Mountain, in the central part of the ores, has a maximum elevation of 7990 (2635 m). Two mining districts, Douglas (Camp Douglas) and Silver Dyke are present in the quadrangle.
Mining in the area was begun in 1893, and a significant amount of tungsten ore was mined at Silver Dyke during and after World War I; mining at Silver Dyke "was carried on by lessees as recently as 1972.
The geology of the area has been described by Ferguson, Muller, and Cathcart (1954), and Muller and Ferguson (1939). Vanderburg (l937), and Hill (1915) described the geology and mineral deposits of Camp Douglas, and Kerr (1936) has reported on the tungsten mineralization at Silver Dyke. Nielsen (l963) mapped two small portions of the quadrangle during his study of the Pilot Mountains, 10 km to the east. Speed (l977a) has named two new formations (the Mina and Gold Range Formations) which have type areas within the quadrangle.
Rock names used in these past reports are based on megascopic and thin-section estimates of rock and mineral content. For aphanitic porphyritic igneous rocks, the rock names are predominantly based on phenocryst mineralogy, and may vary somewhat from rock names based on chemical analyses. Phenncryst contents were visually estimated from thin sections and stained slabs. Precious metal values are reported in ozfton; the conversion factor to gm/metric ton (ppm) is 34.286.
#3 Mining Operation Disclosure Bruner Mine
(1) Location: The Bruner mine is located in township 14 north, range 37 east, and encompasses the SE1/4 of section 14, section 23 NE1/4, section 13 SW1/4, and section 24 NE1/4. The Bruner mine is located 76 miles from the town of Fallon Nevada of HWY 361. The Bruner property consists of 28 patented mining claims.
The Bruner was optioned in 2008 to Patriot Gold in Las Vegas who makes annual payments to the Company which are current. The payoff balance on this mine is due in 2016 in the amount of $1,185,000. The Bruner Mine is currently being explored by Patriot Gold under a drilling program being conducted by Canamex, under a buying agreement with Patriot Gold.
(3) History of Previous Operations: The original operators at the Bruner Property are unknown. Prospecting at the property began in the early 1900's while mining was occurring on other properties located to the west. However, modern exploration of the property began in 1983 and included the following work. In 1983, Kennecott Minerals Company drilled fifteen RC holes on the property. In 1988-1990, Newmont Exploration Ltd. drilled approximately 10 RC holes; conducted detailed geologic mapping, geochemical surveys, and air and ground magnetic surveys, and ground radiometric surveys. In 1990-1995, Miramar Mining Corp. drilled 5 RC holes and conducted BLEG (bulk leach extractable gold) sampling and air photo interpretation. BLEG sampling involves a large sample of soil or rock that is leached using cyanide to determine gold and silver content down to a detection limit of as little as 1.0 part per billion.
(4) (i) The Bruner mine is currently being optioned to Patriot Gold until 2016. In 2003 and 2004, the Company completed an exploration program consisting of geologic mapping, surface geochemical sampling, and a ground magnetics and CSMT geophysical surveys to help identify pediment covered faults that could host gold/silver mineralization.
Geologic mapping of rocks exposed in the western portion of the claims shows several small quartz bearing structures trending northwest and dipping steeply to the northeast. These small structures may indicate larger veins at depth.
Interpretation of the geophysical surveys shows numerous northwest and north-south trending magnetic lows associated with faults. Magnetic lows are an occurrence that may be indicative of a destruction of magnetic minerals by later hydrothermal (hot water) fluids that have come up along these faults. These hydrothermal fluids may in turn have carried and deposited precious metals such as gold and/or silver.
During May and June of 2004, the Company conducted a limited diamond drill program in the Duluth area of the Bruner claims designed to follow up reverse air circulation drilling previously conducted on the property in the 1980's. During this period, the Company also performed surface geological mapping, and sampling in the area. The Company drilled five holes for a total of 767 linear feet. The cost of the program was approximately $68,000. The Company’s results were similar to previous drilling results on the property. Gold values greater than 0.02 oz/ton were detected in all of the five holes that were drilled. Hole 181 contained a 14.3 foot interval that ran 0.079 oz Au/ton including a three foot interval that ran 0.257 oz Au/ton, hole 182 contained a 20.3 foot interval that ran 0.061 oz Au/ton, and hole 184 contained a 28.0 foot interval that ran 0.078 oz Au/ton including a 5.5 foot interval that ran 0.335 oz Au/ton.
On September 23, 2005, the Company completed an Exploration and Option to Enter Joint Venture Agreement (“Agreement”) with Electrum Resources LLC (“Electrum”) relating to the Bruner property. Please refer to the Company’s Form 8-K filing with Securities and Exchange Commission on September 29, 2005 for a more detailed description of the transaction with Electrum. In late May 2006, Electrum commenced a 9 hole exploratory drilling program on the Bruner property which targeted deeper prospects on the property. The drill program encountered several short intervals of relatively low grade gold mineralization with no zones of the high grade mineralization. Based on the results of the drill program, on January 18, 2007, Electrum terminated the joint venture arrangement with the Company.
On April 3, 2009, the Company completed a Property Option Agreement with Patriot Gold Corp., an unaffiliated third party (“Patriot Gold”), to acquire the exclusive option to the Bruner Property. Patriot Gold paid the Company the sum of $30,000 at closing. In order to earn its option to the property, Patriot Gold is required to make the following annual property option payments on April 1; $35,000 in 2010, $40,000 in 2011, $45,000 in 2012, $50,000 in 2013, $55,000 in 2014, $60,000 in 2015, and $1,185,000 in 2016. Upon meeting the conditions of the agreement, Patriot Gold shall be entitled to an undivided 100% right, title and interest in and to the Property subject to a 1.5% Net Smelter Return (“NSR”) royalty payable to the Company and a 2% NSR payable to the former Property owner. Patriot Gold may purchase 1% of the Company’s 1.5% NSR royalty for an additional payment of $500,000 under certain conditions. The agreement is terminable under certain conditions, including at the option of Patriot. Patriot has made the annual property option payments of through fiscal year ended May 31, 2013.
(ii) The Bruner property does not have any equipment on site at this time. Surface improvements as stated above are drill holes. Power is brought on site via generators.
5) The Bruner mining district is underlain by a sequence of intermediate to felsic Tertiary volcanic rocks. A volcanic center, the origin of major volcanic activity, is thought to underlay the district. The exposed stratigraphic section measures over 2,500 feet in thickness. The "Duluth Tuff", a variably crystal rich ash flow tuff, is the host for gold and silver mineralization. Two generations of intrusive rocks have been described within the district. Ore in the Bruner district is hosted by vuggy fractured quartz-adularia (potassium-rich alternation mineral) -veined and/or stock worked tuff. Mineralization is primarily fault controlled, although some disseminated values do occur.
#4 Mining Operation Disclosure Capatola Mines
(1) Location: The Capatola mine is located in sections 7 and 12 of township 13 north, and ranges 27 and 28 east. The mine encompasses the NE1/4 of section 12, and the NW1/4 of section 7. Access to the mine is via a dirt and gravel road located off Nevada State Highway 95 south, and is located 18 miles south of Yerington Nevada.
(2) Description of claim: The Capatola mine consists of two unpatented mining claims, and one patented (fee simple) property. Our company is required to pay an annual assessment fee of $280.00 per year, and a small secured property tax on the patented portion of land owned by the Company. The property and claims were acquired from Eureka Mining Co. for $20,000.00 in April of 2012, and the purchase closed after the reverse acquisition of Placer Gold Prospecting, Inc. by American International Ventures, Inc.
(3) History of Previous Operations: The Capatola and Capatola extension are both occurrence mines without any information of past production, however from a site visit one can tell right away that mining has occurred here due to the amount of earth that has been moved, and adits that are present.
(4) (i) The Capatola and Capatola Extension open cast mines are presently not being mined, and has been set aside for further exploration at a different point of time. This property is without known reserves and at this time is still exploratory in nature.
(ii) At this time there is no equipment on the property.
(5) Mesozoic metamorphic rocks older than the major granitic intrusive bodies of the Sierra Nevada bathelith are widely distributed in the area of the three counties. The metamorphic rocks occur in roof pendants and septa surrounded by the younger granitic rock. Fossil evidence indicates that the metamorphic rocks are predominantly Late Triassic and Early Jurassic in age. The metamorphic rocks occur in relatively small areas, generally only a few miles in extent, although the argest, on the west slope of the southern Pine Nut Mountains, may be as large as 20 miles long and 6 miles wide.
These pregranitic rocks are metamorphosed partly as a result of heat from and deformation by granitic intrusion. Rocks of the larger masses of metamorphic rocks are less thoroughly recrystallized and metamorphosed than those of the smaller and thinner masses. Generally the metamorphic rocks are in the low and medium grades of metamorphism. In the larger masses, the rocks, especially siltstones and shale’s, appear to be not very affected.
In the pregranitic sequence, metavolcanic rocks are slightly more abundant than metasedimentary rocks. Commonly, the rocks are intimately interbedded, and the two fold division on the geologic map into metavolcanic and metasedimentary rocks is based on the dominant lithologic type in a given area.
Paragraph (b) (5) does not apply as this property we are currently in the exploration phase and no proven or probable reserves have been established at this time.
#5 Mining Operation Disclosure Beatty (Barrick) Bullfrog
(1) Location: The Beatty (Barrick) Bullfrog mine is located in section 4 of township 12 south, range 46 east and covers the SE1/4 of section 4. Access to the mine is via a good dirt and gravel road located off Nevada State Highway 374 south approximately 7 miles from the town of Beatty, NV.
(2) Description of claim: The Beatty (Barrick) Bullfrog mine consist of five (5) five unpatented mining claims that our company is required to pay an annual assessment of $700 on per year. The claims were acquired by Placer Gold Prospecting, Inc. from MHW Mining Co. in February/March of 2012.
(3) History of Previous Operations: The Beatty (Barrick) Bullfrog mine was worked from the early 1990's to 1995 when under the control of Barrick mining. The company mined the deposit as an open pit operation, and processed the ore close to the mine.
(4) (i) The Beatty (Barrick) Bullfrog open pit mine is presently not being mined, and has been set aside for further exploration at a different point of time. Our company retained the services of Aurum Exploration to conduct a short geological summary on the property back in March of 2012, and since then no further work has taken place. This property is without known reserves and at this time is still exploratory in nature.
(ii) At this time there is no equipment on the property.
(5) The Bullfrog Hills are at the western edge of the southwestern Nevada volcanic field.
Extensionally faulted volcanic rocks, ranging in age from about 13.3 million years to about 7.6 million years, overlie the region's paleozoic sedimentary rocks. The prevailing rocks, which contain the ore deposits, are a series of rhyolitic lava flows that built to a combined thickness of about 8,000 feet (2,400 m) above the more ancient rock. After the flows ceased, tectonic stresses fractured the area into many separate fault blocks. Most of these blocks tilt to the east, and the horizontal of individual flows shows clearly on their western within the blocks, the ore deposits tend to occur in nearly vertical mineralized faults or fault zones in the rhyolite. Most of the lodes in the Bullfrog Hills are not simple veins but rather fissure zones with many stringers of vein material.
Subsequent Bullfrog and Turner Ranch Property Acquisitions
(1) Location: Our patented mill (fee simple) site is located in section 6, township 12 south, range 47 east in the SW1/4 of the section, and the Bullfrog extensions are located in two different locations. The first extension property of the Bullfrog mine is located in section 15, township 12 south, range 46 east in the NW1/4. The second portion of the Bullfrog mine is located in township 12, ranges 46 east, and encompasses the entire section of 12.
(2) Description of claim: The Bullfrog mine extensions and Turner Ranch mill site consists of one parcel 40 acres in size that is patented (fee simple) and seven mining claims. The annual assessment fee for the seven mining claims is $7,700 per year. Privet property tax on the Turner Ranch is $405.73.
(3) History of Previous Operations: The Bullfrog extensions are a part of the Beatty (Barrick) Bullfrog mine, and were worked alongside the main Beatty (Barrick) Bullfrog mine from the early 1990's to 1995 when under the control of Barrick mining. The company mined the deposit as an open pit operation, and processed the ore close to the mine.
(4) (i) The Bullfrog mine is presently not operational, and has been set aside for further exploration at a different point of time. This property is without known reserves and at this time is still exploratory in nature.
(ii) There is a Dresser 570 payloader, forklift and Volvo semi truck with a 40’ trailer at or near the property. A 24’ x 60’ mobile office was purchased for the property, but has not been delivered or set up as of this report.
(iii) The Turner Ranch mill property has an office on site, water, and power via the local Beatty utilities district. The site also has a Dresser 570 wheel loader, and commercial fork lift. The mineral claims which are located close to the Mill (1 mile) have no equipment on site.
(5) The Bullfrog Hills are at the western edge of the southwestern Nevada volcanic field.
Subsequent Acquisition of the Golden Eagle Placers.
Golden Eagle Placers Mine
(1) Location: The Golden Eagle Placers mine is located in township 35 north, range 34 east, and encompasses the entire section 29. The Golden Eagle mine is located 27.8 miles from the town of Winnemucca, Nevada off HYW 80/Jungo RD.
(2) Description of claim: The Golden Eagle mine consists of 704 acres of patented (fee simple). The annual tax on this property is $146. The property was purchased by American International Ventures, Inc. subsequent to the reverse acquisition of Placer Gold Prospecting, Inc. for $601,000.00 in cash, note, and Company shares.
(3) History of Previous Operations: The Golden Eagle mine was previously worked back in the 1930's by a large group of miners. The site has an extensive amount of shafts, adits, and tailings that were left by the early group of miners that were in search of gold.
(4) (i) The Golden Eagle mine is an open cast surface deposit with additional subsurface workings. Our company retained the services of Aurum Exploration, and AMEC during the acquisition of this property to obtain all necessary permits and conduct geological evaluations. AMEC is currently working on obtaining all permits for mining and roadways with the assistance of Aurum Exploration. Over $250,000 has been spent on the construction of roads leading to the mine, and excavation of two settling ponds. At this time the property is without known reserves and the proposed program is exploratory in nature.
(ii) The Golden Eagle mine has a 2 bedroom house and office, well, gates, and water truck at the site.
5) Gold mineralization is thought to have occurred during periods of fracture and breccia controlled chalcedony sulfide mineralization. Oxidation appears to be related to a deep, wide spread acid leaching event, and by descending supergene fluids along the East Fault.
The Vortex Zone, bordering the south end of the Brimstone Zone, is hosted in rocks similar to those at Brimstone, but overprinted with extensive hydrothermal brecciation. Alteration in the Vortex Zone is primarily strong silicification capped with hydrothermal argillic and subordinate acid leach alteration. Mineralization in the Vortex Zone is thought to be related to several pulses of fracturing and hydrothermal brecciation, plus quartz and chalcedonic veining. Vortex is bounded on the east by the East Fault, and is open to the north, west, and south and at depth.
American Metallic Mine
(1) Location: The American Metallic mine is located in township 4 south, range 42 east, and encompasses the N1/2 NW1/4 NW1/4 of section 2. The mine is 36 miles from the town of Tonopah Nevada of HWY 95 S.
(2) Description of claim: The American Metallic mine consists of 20 acres of un-patented land. The annual assessment for this property is $140
(3) History of Previous Operations: The American Metallic mine was previously worked back in the 1890's by a large number of miners that traveled from the mines in California. The site has an extensive amount of shafts, adits, and tailings that were left by the early group of miners that were in search of gold.
(4) (i) The American Metallic mine is an open cast surface deposit with additional subsurface workings. At this time the property is without known reserves and the proposed program is exploratory in nature.
(5) Extensionally faulted volcanic rocks, ranging in age from about 13.3 million years to about 7.6 million years, overlie the region's Paleozoic sedimentary rocks. The prevailing rocks, which contain the ore deposits, are a series of rhyolitic lava flows that built to a combined thickness of about 8,000 feet (2,400 m) above the more ancient rock. After the flows ceased, tectonic stresses fractured the area into many separate fault blocks. Most of these blocks tilt to the east, and the horizontal banding of individual flows shows clearly on their western scarps. Within the blocks, the ore deposits tend to occur in nearly vertical mineralized faults or fault zones in the rhyolite. Most of the lodes in the Bullfrog Hills are not simple veins but rather fissure zones with many stringers of vein material.
Placeritas Mines
(1) Location: The Placeritas mines are located in township 33 north, range 30 east, and encompasses portions of section 19 and 31. The mine is 75 miles from the town of Lovelock Nevada of HWY 80 W.
(2) Description of claim: The Placeritas mines consists of 200 acres of unpatented land. The annual assessment for this property is $1560.
(3) History of Previous Operations: The Placeritas mines were previously worked back in the 1870's by a large number of prospectors that origins are unknown. The site has an extensive amount of adits, and tailings that were left by the group of prospectors that were in search of gold.
(4) (i) The Placeritas mines are an open cast surface deposit with additional subsurface workings. At this time the property is without known reserves and the proposed program is exploratory in nature.
(5} The ore body is a sulphide quartz vein carrying gold and silver, associated with fractures in a diabasic dike. Primary minerals are quartz, pyrite, tetrahedrite (argentiferous), galena, sphalerite, chalcopyrite and native gold. Secondary enrichment appears to have yielded covellite, chalcocite, stephanite, and argentite. After deposition of most of the quartz and sulphides, reopening of the fracture permitted the deposition of additional quartz, together with tourmaline and some more sulphides. The solutions are thought to have come from a neighboring granodiorite stock, and the deposits are regarded as mesothermal or possibly hypothermal.
Subsequent Acquisition of Claims in Baja California, Mexico.
In January 2013, the Company leased certain claims from the mother of the current President of the Company’s Mexican subsidiary which covers 22.5 acres, in Baja California, Mexico for a period of five (5) years. The lease provides a payment of $300 per month. These claims are known as the “Mother Lode” claims. In addition, effective March 13, 2013, the Company executed a lease agreement to conduct mining operations and other related activities on approximately twenty four (24) hectares, at the plot number 28 Northwest of Ejido 18 de Marzo, in the City of Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico (the “Property”). The owner of the Property is Tito Calas Zarate.
The principal provisions of the agreement include:
(1) Term - Four (4) Years;
(2) Rental Payment - $200.00 (US) per month;
(3) Lease Rights - Assignable by the Company;
(4) Improvements - Improvements made by the Company are for the benefit of the Owner;
(5) Maintenance and Repairs - The property must be maintained by the Company to at least its current condition;
(6) Option to Purchase - During the term, the Company has the first option to negotiate and purchase the property.
Description of our Current Business
Since the acquisition of PGPI, our operations have focused on planning, developing and operating past producing precious metal properties and mines. Specifically, we are now a gold and silver exploration and extraction company, operating primarily in the Baja California through our subsidiary AIVN de Mexico. In addition to our interest in the Bruner Option and the mining claims in Nevada, we also lease certain mining claims in the Baja California, Mexico. The main focus of current activity has been on mining claims in Baja California, Mexico. During June 2013, we commenced limited operations on the mining claims known as the Mother Lode which we acquired in early calendar year 2013. These claims have both placer and hard rock geological characteristics, and we began a pilot program to mine the placer portion of the claim in June 2013. A problem with our mining permit caused us to suspend mining in May 2014. We are addressing this problem and expect to resume mining before the end of our third fiscal quarter 2015. We mine the placer material using heavy equipment and then process the material through a wash mill located on the premises. We purchased a majority of the necessary heavy equipment and mill in 2012. We have not established any proven or probable reserves on this property. In addition, the Company currently is seeking to obtain additional claims in Baja California, Mexico.
We currently have four full time employees located in Mexico, including the President of our Mexican subsidiary, and three part time employees in the United States consisting of our Chief Executive Officer, President and Chief Operating Officer.
Types of Claims
* a patented mining claim is a mineral claim originally staked on land owned by in the United States Government, where all its associated mineral rights have been secured by the claimant from the U.S. Government in compliance with the laws and procedures relating to such claims, and title to the surface of the claim and the minerals beneath the surface have been transferred from the U.S. Government to the claimant. Annual mining claim assessment work is not required, and the claim is taxable real estate.
* an unpatented mining claim is a mineral claim staked on federal, state or, in the case of severed mineral rights, private land to which a deed from the U.S. Government or other mineral title owner has not been received by the claimant. Unpatented claims give the claimant the exclusive right to explore for and to develop the underlying minerals and use the surface for such purpose. However, the claimant does not own title to either the minerals or the surface, and the claim is subject to annual assessment work requirements and the payment of annual rental fees which are established by the governing authority of the land on which the claim is located. The claim may or may not be subject to production royalties payable to that governing authority.
Exploration Business and Operations
Initially, we intended to permit and reactivate the mining claims acquired in the reverse acquisition. As of today, the Company plans to sell or joint venture most of its mining properties in Nevada and obtain a mining permit for the Golden Eagle claims or joint venture. Funding to complete the construction and start production at the Golden Eagle is estimated to be $500,000, including $200,000 for plans and permits, including environmental, $ 50,000 for site improvements (road construction) and $250,000 for installation of wash plant and equipment. We presently do not have the funds available and there can be no assurance we will be able to obtain the necessary funds.
The Company doesn’t expect to conduct any mining operations in Nevada during the fiscal year ended May 31, 2015 and there can be no assurance the Company will be able to sell or have the financing to complete the permitting of the Golden Eagle or ever mine in Nevada.
We have accumulated substantial losses and our auditor has issued to us a going concern opinion. We expect to continue to incur losses unless and until we generate sufficient revenue from production to fund continuing operations including exploration and development costs. We expect such losses or the monthly burn rate to be in the range of $40,000 to $60,000. There is no assurance we will be profitable for any quarterly or annual period. We anticipate we will need to raise approximately $5,000,000 to $7,000,000 in the next 12 months to fund our planned exploration expenditures, debt service and general working capital requirements. We plan to raise the financing through debt and/or equity placements. Failure to raise needed financing could result in us having to scale back or discontinue exploration activities or some or all of our business operations.
Our Industry
The Gold Market. The market for gold is large, liquid and global. Gold continues to see demand in the jewelry, industrial and health science industries; however, gold’s main demand comes in the form of safe haven investment. From economic, political and social uncertainty to a hedge against inflation, gold is, and has long been, considered by many a commodity of refuge from concerns with fiat currencies and their corresponding economies.
The World Gold Council (“WGC”), a leading international gold industry research organization, published on its website that total gold demand for the fourth quarter of 2011 rose 21% to 1,017 metric tonnes (a metric tonne is equal to 2,204.6 pounds) year-on-year. Of this increase, investment demand posted the largest segment increase, more than offsetting the decline in gold jewelry demand. Due to the volatility of the price of gold, however, there is no guarantee that total gold demand will continue to grow at comparable rates in the future.
The Silver Market. Unlike the gold market, demand within the silver market has been predominantly for fabrication - mainly industrial application, photography and jewelry - with investment making up only a small portion of total yearly demand.
Government and Environmental Regulation
Our mining, processing operations and exploration activities are subject to various laws and regulations governing: (i) the protection of the environment, (ii) exploration, (iii) mine safety, development and production, (iv) exports,(v) taxes, (vi) labor standards, (vii) occupational health, (viii) waste disposal, (ix) toxic substances, (x) water rights, (xi) explosives and (xii) other matters. New laws and regulations, amendments to existing laws and regulations or more stringent implementation of existing laws and regulations could have a material adverse impact on us, increase costs, cause a reduction in levels of, or suspension of, production and/or delay or prevent the development of new mining properties.
The governmental agencies and regulators tasked with implementing and enforcing the above laws and regulations include the Bureau of Land Management, the Mine Safety and Health Administration, the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
We believe we are currently in compliance in all material respects with all applicable environmental laws and regulations. Such compliance requires significant expenditures and increases mine development and operating costs. Mining is subject to potential risks and liabilities associated with pollution of the environment and the disposal of waste products occurring as a result of mineral exploration and production. Environmental liability may result from mining activities conducted by others prior to our ownership of a property. To the extent we are subject to uninsured environmental liabilities, the payment of such liabilities would reduce our otherwise available earnings and could have a material adverse effect on our business plan.
Licenses and Permits
Our operations require licenses and permits from various governmental authorities. We believe we hold all material licenses and permits required under applicable laws and regulations and believe we are presently complying in all material respects with the terms of such licenses and permits. However, such licenses and permits are subject to change in various circumstances. There can be no guarantee that we will be able to obtain or maintain all necessary licenses and permits that may be required to explore and develop our properties, commence construction or operation of mining facilities and properties under exploration or development or to maintain continued operations that economically justify the cost.
Mine Safety and Health Administration Regulations
Pursuant to Section 1503(a) of the recently enacted Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, issuers that are operators, or that have a subsidiary that is an operator, of a coal or other mine in the United States are required to disclose in their periodic reports filed with the SEC information regarding specified health and safety violations, orders and citations, related assessments and legal actions, and mining-related fatalities. At the present time we do not plan any operations in 2014/15 in Nevada.
Competition
Because the life of a mine is limited by its mineral reserves, we are continually seeking to replace and expand our reserves through the exploration of existing properties as well as through acquisitions of interests in new properties or of interests in companies which own such properties. We encounter competition from other mining companies in connection with the acquisition of properties and with the engaging and maintaining of qualified industry experienced personnel. This competition may increase the cost of acquiring suitable properties and retaining qualified industry experienced personnel.
The Share Exchange
On March 23, 2012, we (as buyer) entered into, and closed on, a Share Exchange Agreement (the “Exchange Agreement”) with the shareholders of Placer Gold Prospecting, Inc. (“PGPI”), a Florida corporation, pursuant to which we acquired all 162,350,000 outstanding shares of common stock of PGPI in exchange for 162,350,000 shares of our common stock (the “Share Exchange”). Immediately prior to the Exchange Agreement, we had 19,354,044 shares of common stock issued and outstanding.
The transaction has been accounted for as a reverse recapitalization, a procedure that treats the transaction as though PGPI had acquired AIVN. Under the accounting for a reverse recapitalization, the assets and liabilities of AIVN were recorded on the books of the continuing company, and the stockholders' equity accounts of AIVN were reorganized to reflect the terms of the Share Exchange. No goodwill or other intangible asset was recognized.
After closing of the Share Exchange, the former shareholders of PGPI now own approximately 89% of our common stock and we own 100% of PGPI. PGPI is in the business of mining exploration and acquisition.
Jack Wagenti, our CEO, executed the Exchange Agreement on our behalf. Mr. Wagenti was a founder, CEO and director of PGPI, and also owned 25 million shares of common stock of PGPI (approx. 16%) at the time of the closing of the Share Exchange (the “Closing”). Frederick Dunne, Jr., one of our directors as of Closing, owned 1,000,000 shares of common stock of PGPI (less than 1%) as of the closing. Arthur Ackerman, one of our directors as of closing, owned 6,000,000 shares of common stock of PGPI (approximately 3.6%) as of the closing.
After giving effect to the Share Exchange, there were 181,695,044 shares of our common stock outstanding, of which approximately 89% are held by the former shareholders of PGPI. Prior to the Share Exchange, we were a shell company with no business operations. As a result of the Share Exchange, we are no longer considered a shell company and there was a change in control of the Company.
The issuance of the shares of our common stock pursuant to the Share Exchange, was made in reliance upon an exemption from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), pursuant to Regulation D promulgated thereunder. As such, the shares of our common stock may not be offered or sold unless they are registered under the Securities Act or an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act is available.
Item 1A.
Item 1A. Risk Factors.
Risk Factors
Disclosure Regarding Cautionary Statements.
Forward Looking Statements. Certain of the statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K includes "forward looking statements" within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended ("Exchange Act"). All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this Form 10-K regarding the Company's financial position, business strategy, and plans and objectives of management for future operations and capital expenditures, and other matters, are forward looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon management's expectations of future events. Although we believe the expectations reflected in such forward looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurances that such expectations will prove to be correct. Additional statements concerning important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations ("Cautionary Statements") are disclosed below in the Cautionary Statements section and elsewhere in this Form 10-K. All written and oral forward looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf subsequent to the date of this Form 10-K are expressly qualified in their entirety by the Cautionary Statements.
Cautionary Statements. Certain risks and uncertainties are inherent in the Company's business. In addition to other information contained in this Form 10-K, the following Cautionary Statements should be considered when evaluating the forward-looking statements contained in this Form 10-K:
YOU SHOULD CAREFULLY CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING FACTORS, IN ADDITION TO THE OTHER INFORMATION INCLUDED ELSEWHERE IN THIS CURRENT REPORT AND THE DOCUMENTS THAT WE HAVE FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. UNLESS THE CONTEXT REQUIRES OTHERWISE, THE USE OF THE COMPANIES, THE COMBINED COMPANY, “US,” OR “WE” REFERS TO THE COMBINED COMPANY OF PGPI AND US AFTER GIVING EFFECT TO THE SHARE EXCHANGE. WE HAVE DISCUSSED ALL KNOWN MATERIAL RISKS, HOWEVER, ANY RISKS NOT PRESENTLY KNOWN TO US, IF THEY MATERIALIZE, ALSO MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT US AND OUR STOCK PRICE.
Our business is to engage in exploration and production activities in the precious minerals mining industry, which is a highly speculative activity. An investment in our securities involves a high degree of risk. You should not invest in our securities if you cannot afford to lose your entire investment. In deciding whether you should invest in our securities, you should carefully consider the following information together with all of the other information contained in this Current Report. Any of the following risk factors can cause our business, prospects, financial condition or results of operations to suffer and you to lose all or part of your investment.
Risks Related to Our Business and Financial Condition
Estimates of mineralized material are based on interpretation and assumptions and may yield less mineral production under actual conditions than is currently estimated.
There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of mineralized material such as gold and silver, including many factors beyond our control and no assurance can be given that the recovery of mineralized material will be realized. In general, estimates of mineralized material are based upon a number of factors and assumptions made as of the date on which the estimates were determined, including:
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geological and engineering estimates that have inherent uncertainties and the assumed effects of regulation by governmental agencies;
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the judgment of the engineers preparing the estimates;
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estimates of future metals prices and operating costs;
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the quality and quantity of available data;
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the interpretation of that data; and
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the accuracy of various mandated economic assumptions, all of which may vary considerably from actual results.
Until mineralized material is actually mined and processed, it must be considered an estimate only. These estimates are imprecise and depend on geological interpretation and statistical inferences drawn from drilling and sampling analysis, which may prove to be unreliable. We cannot assure you that these mineralized material estimates will be accurate or that this mineralized material can be mined or processed profitably. Any material changes in estimates of mineralized material will affect the economic viability of placing a property into production and such property’s return on capital. There can be no assurance that minerals recovered in small scale metallurgical tests will be recovered at production scale.
We may have difficulty meeting our current and future capital requirements.
Our management and our board of directors monitor our overall costs and expenses and, if necessary, adjust our programs and planned expenditures in an attempt to ensure we have sufficient operating capital. We continue to evaluate our costs and planned expenditures for our on-going development and care and maintenance efforts at our mineral properties. The continued development and care and maintenance of our mineral properties will require significant amounts of additional capital. As a result, we may need to explore raising additional capital during fiscal 2014 and beyond so that we can continue to fully fund our planned activities. Our ability to obtain this financing will depend upon, among other things, the price of gold and the industry’s perception of its future price. The extraordinary conditions in the global financial and capital markets have currently limited the availability of this funding. Therefore, availability of funding is dependent largely upon factors outside of our control, and cannot be accurately predicted. If the disruptions in the global financial and capital markets continue, debt or equity financing may not be available to us on acceptable terms, if at all. If we are unable to fund future operations by way of financing, including public or private offerings of equity or debt securities, our business, financial condition and exploration activities will be adversely impacted.
We anticipate that our expected near term and long term financing requirements to continue our operations and to implement our exploration plans is as follows: five to seven million. At this time, we do not have any arrangements for such financing and there can be no assurance we will acquire such financing.
As an “emerging growth company” under the JOBS Act, we are permitted to rely on exemptions from certain disclosure requirements.
We qualify as an “emerging growth company” under the JOBS Act. As a result, we are permitted to, and intend to, rely on exemptions from certain disclosure requirements. For so long as we are an emerging growth company, we will not be required to:
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have an auditor report on our internal controls over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act;
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submit certain executive compensation matters to shareholder advisory votes, such as “say-on-pay” and “say-on-frequency;” and
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disclose certain executive compensation related items such as the correlation between executive compensation and performance and comparisons of the Chief Executive’s compensation to median employee compensation.
In addition, Section 107 of the JOBS Act also provides that an emerging growth company can take advantage of the extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act for complying with new or revised accounting standards. In other words, an emerging growth company can delay the adoption of certain accounting standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies. We have elected to take advantage of the benefits of this extended transition period. Our financial statements may therefore not be comparable to those of companies that comply with such new or revised accounting standards.
We will remain an “emerging growth company” for up to five years, or until the earliest of (i) the last day of the first fiscal year in which our total annual gross revenues exceed $1 billion, (ii) the date that we become a “large accelerated filer” as defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which would occur if the market value of our ordinary shares that is held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of the last business day of our most recently completed second fiscal quarter or (iii) the date on which we have issued more than $1 billion in non-convertible debt during the preceding three year period.
Until such time, however, we cannot predict if investors will find our common stock less attractive because we may rely on these exemptions. If some investors find our common stock less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our common stock and our stock price may be more volatile.
The volatility of the price of gold or silver could adversely affect our future operations and, if warranted, our ability to develop our properties.
The potential for profitability of our operations, the value of our properties and our ability to raise funding to conduct continued exploration and development, if warranted, are directly related to the market prices of gold, silver and other precious metals. The prices of such metals fluctuate widely and are affected by numerous factors beyond our control, including interest rates, expectations for inflation, speculation, currency values (in particular the strength of the U.S. dollar), global and regional demand, political and economic conditions and production costs in major metal producing regions of the world. The price of gold may also have a significant influence on the market price of our common stock and the value of our properties. Our decision to put a mine into production and to commit the funds necessary for that purpose must be made long before the first revenue from production would be received. A decrease in the prices of gold or silver may prevent our property from being economically mined or result in the write-off of assets whose value is impaired as a result of lower gold, zinc, lead, copper or silver prices. The prices of gold and silver is affected by numerous factors beyond our control, including inflation, fluctuation of the United States dollar and foreign currencies, global and regional demand, the sale of gold and silver by central banks, and the political and economic conditions of major gold and silver producing countries throughout the world.
We are in the exploration stage and the nature of mineral exploration and production activities involves a high degree of risk and the possibility of uninsured losses.
We have a limited operating history and must be considered in the exploration stage. Our operations will be subject to all the risks inherent in the establishment of a developing enterprise and the uncertainties arising from the absence of a significant operating history. We are in the exploration stage and potential investors should be aware of the difficulties normally encountered by enterprises in the exploration stage. If our business plan is not successful, and we are not able to operate profitably, investors may lose some or all of their investment in our company.
Exploration for and the production of minerals is highly speculative and involves greater risk than many other businesses. Many 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 development of mineral properties, such as, but not limited to:
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Economically insufficient mineralized material;
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Fluctuation in production costs that make mining uneconomical;
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Labor disputes;
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Unanticipated variations in grade and other geologic problems;
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Environmental hazards;
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Water conditions;
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Difficult surface or underground conditions;
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Industrial accidents;
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Metallurgic and other processing problems;
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Mechanical and equipment performance problems;
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Failure of pit walls or dams;
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Unusual or unexpected rock formations;
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Personal injury, fire, flooding, cave-ins and landslides; and
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Decrease in the value of mineralized material due to lower gold or silver prices.
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 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 which are not recoverable, or result in additional expenses.
Difficult conditions in the global capital markets and the economy generally may materially adversely affect our business and results of operations, and we do not expect these conditions to improve in the near future.
Our results of operations are materially affected by conditions in the domestic capital markets and the economy generally. The stress experienced by domestic capital markets that began in the second half of 2007 has continued and substantially increased into the present. Recently, concerns over inflation, energy costs, geopolitical issues, the availability and cost of credit, the U.S. mortgage market and a declining real estate market in the U.S. have contributed to increased volatility and diminished expectation for the economy and the markets going forward. These factors, combined with volatile gold and silver prices, declining business and consumer confidence and increased unemployment, have precipitated an economic slowdown and fears of a continued recession. In addition, the fixed-income markets are experiencing a period of extreme volatility which has negatively impacted market liquidity conditions. These factors can affect the value of our mining claims and our ability to acquire necessary financing for our exploration and operating activities.
Title to our properties may be challenged or defective.
Our planned future operations and exploration activities may require amendments to our currently approved permits from various governmental authorities. Our operations are and will continue to be governed by laws and regulations governing prospecting, mineral exploration, exports, taxes, labor standards, occupational health, waste disposal, toxic substances, land use, environmental protection, mine safety, mining royalties and other matters. There can be no assurance that we will be able to acquire all required licenses, permits, amendments or property rights on reasonable terms or in a timely manner, or at all, and that such terms will not be adversely changed, that required extensions will be granted, or that the issuance of such licenses, permits or property rights will not be challenged by third parties.
We attempt to confirm the validity of our rights of title to, or contract rights with respect to, each mineral property in which we have a material interest. However, we cannot guarantee that title to our properties will not be challenged. Our mineral properties may be subject to prior unregistered agreements, interests or native land claims, and title may be affected by undetected defects. There may be valid challenges to the title of any of the claims comprising our mineral properties that, if successful, could impair possible development and/or operations with respect to such properties in the future. Challenges to permits or property rights, whether successful or unsuccessful; changes to the terms of permits or property rights; or a failure to comply with the terms of any permits or property rights that have been obtained, could have a material adverse effect on our business by delaying or preventing or making continued operations economically unfeasible.
We are subject to complex environmental and other regulatory risks, which could expose us to significant liability and delay, and potentially the suspension or termination of our development efforts.
Compliance with environmental quality requirements and reclamation laws imposed by federal, state, provincial, and local governmental authorities may:
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require significant capital outlays;
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materially affect the economics of a given property;
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cause material changes or delays in our intended activities; and
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potentially expose us to lawsuits.
These regulations mandate, among other things, the maintenance of air and water quality standards and land reclamation. They also set forth limitations on the generation, transportation, storage and disposal of solid and hazardous waste. Applicable authorities may require us to prepare and present data pertaining to the effect or impact that any proposed exploration for or production of minerals may have upon the environment. The requirements imposed by any such authorities may be costly, time consuming, and may delay operations. Future legislation and regulations designed to protect the environment, as well as future interpretations of existing laws and regulations, may require substantial increases in equipment and operating costs and delays, interruptions, or a termination of operations. We cannot accurately predict or estimate the impact of any such future laws or regulations, or future interpretations of existing laws and regulations, on our operations.
Historic mining activities have occurred on certain of our properties. If such historic activities have resulted in releases or threatened releases of regulated substances to the environment, potential for liability may exist under federal or state remediation statutes. Such liability would include remediating any damage that we may have caused, including costs for removing or remediating the release and damage to natural resources, including ground water, as well as the payment of fines and penalties. Except as discussed in our periodic filings with the SEC, we are not aware of any such claims under these statutes at this time, and cannot predict whether any such claims will be asserted in the future.
We may produce air emissions and pollutions that could fall under the jurisdiction of U.S. federal laws.
Under the U.S. Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, mining companies may incur costs for generating, transporting, treating, storing, or disposing of hazardous waste, as well as for closure and post-closure maintenance once they have completed mining activities on a property. Our mining operations may produce air emissions, including fugitive dust and other air pollutants, from stationary equipment, storage facilities, and the use of mobile sources such as trucks and heavy construction equipment which are subject to review, monitoring and/or control requirements under the Federal Clean Air Act and state air quality laws. Permitting rules may impose limitations on our production levels or create additional capital expenditures in order to comply with the rules.
Legislation has been proposed that would significantly affect the mining industry.
Periodically, members of the U.S. Congress have introduced bills which would supplant or alter the provisions of the General Mining Law of 1872, which governs the unpatented claims that we control with respect to our U.S. properties. One such amendment has become law and has imposed a moratorium on the patenting of mining claims, which reduced the security of title provided by unpatented claims such as those on our U.S. properties. If additional legislation is enacted, it could substantially increase the cost of holding unpatented mining claims by requiring payment of royalties, and could significantly impair our ability to develop mineral estimates on unpatented mining claims. Such bills have proposed, among other things, to make permanent the patent moratorium, to impose a federal royalty on production from unpatented mining claims and to declare certain lands as unsuitable for mining. Although it is impossible to predict at this time what royalties may be imposed in the future, the imposition of such royalties could adversely affect the potential for development of such mining claims, and the economics of existing operating mines on federal unpatented mining claims. Passage of such legislation could adversely affect our business.
Our operations are subject to permitting requirements which could require us to delay, suspend or terminate our operations on our mining properties.
Our operations, including on-going exploration drilling programs, require permits from the state and federal governments, including permits for the use of water and for drilling wells for water. We may be unable to obtain these permits in a timely manner, on reasonable terms or on terms that provide us sufficient resources to develop our properties, or at all. Even if we are able to obtain such permits, the time required by the permitting process can be significant. If we cannot obtain or maintain the necessary permits, or if there is a delay in receiving these permits, our timetable and business plan for exploration of our properties will be adversely affected, which may in turn adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
Through May 31, 2015, we expect to incur approximately $160,000 in permitting costs. There can be no assurance we will be able to acquire the funding needed.
We may face a shortage of water.
Water is essential in all phases of the exploration, development and operation of mineral properties. With the nature of our operations, water is used in such processes as exploration, drilling, testing, dust suppression, milling and tailings disposal. The lack of available water and the cost of acquisition may make an otherwise viable project economically impossible to complete.
Global climate change is an international concern, and could impact our ability to conduct future operations.
Global climate change is an international issue and receives an enormous amount of publicity. We would expect that the imposition of international treaties or federal, state or local laws or regulations pertaining to mandatory reductions in energy consumption or emissions of greenhouse gasses could affect the feasibility of our mining projects and increase our operating costs.
Because access to the mineral property may be restricted by inclement weather or other hazards, we may be delayed in our development efforts.
We are subject to risks and hazards, including environmental hazards, the encountering of unusual or unexpected geological formations, cave-ins, flooding, earthquakes and periodic interruptions due to inclement or hazardous weather conditions. As a result, access to our mineral properties may be restricted during parts of the year. During the winter months, heavy snowfall can make it difficult to undertake work programs. Frequent inclement weather in the winter months can make development and mining activities difficult for short periods of time.
We may face a shortage of supplies, equipment and materials.
The mineral industry has experienced from time to time shortages of certain supplies, equipment and materials necessary in the exploration, evaluation, development and production of mineral deposits. The prices at which such supplies and materials are available have also greatly increased. Our planned operations could be subject to delays due to such shortages and further price escalations could increase our costs for such supplies, equipment and materials. Our experience and that of others in the industry is that suppliers are often unable to meet contractual obligations for supplies, equipment, materials, and services, and that alternate sources of supply do not exist.
The market for obtaining desirable properties, investment capital, and outside engineers and consultants is highly competitive.
Presently, we employ a limited number of full-time employees, utilize outside consultants, and in large part rely on the personal efforts of our officers and directors. Our success will depend, in part, upon the ability to attract and retain qualified outside engineers and other professionals to develop and operate our mineral properties, in addition to obtaining investment capital to conduct our mining operations. We believe that we will be able to attract competent employees and consultants, but no assurance can be given that we will be successful in this regard as competition for these professionals is highly competitive. If we are unable to engage and retain the necessary personnel, our business would be materially and adversely affected.
We depend upon a limited number of personnel and the loss of any of these individuals could adversely affect our business.
If any of our current executive employees were to die, become disabled or leave our company, we would be forced to identify and retain individuals to replace them. Messrs. Jack Wagenti, Simon Shainburg, Jerry Scott, Frederick Dunne, Jr. and Arthur Ackerman are our critical employees at this time. In addition to the executives, we rely heavily on a several staff people that have extensive knowledge of our properties and mine plans. There is no assurance that we can find suitable individuals to replace them or to add to our employee base if that becomes necessary. We are entirely dependent on these individuals as our critical personnel at this time. We have no life insurance on any of our employees, and we may be unable to hire a suitable replacement for them on favorable terms, should that become necessary.
We have incurred substantial losses since our inception and may never be profitable.
Since its formation on January 25, 2012, Placer has incurred substantial losses and AIVN has accumulated substantial losses during its existence. In addition, we presently have no revenue. During the reporting period ended May 31, 2014, we had limited revenues from operations and have reported an operating loss from inception of approximately $6,800,000. We expect to continue to incur losses unless and until we generate sufficient revenue from production to fund continuing operations including exploration and development costs. We expect such losses or the monthly burn rate to be in the range of $40,000 to $60,000. There is no assurance we will be profitable for any quarterly or annual period. Our failure to report profits may adversely affect the price of our common stock and you may lose all or part of your investment.
Our executive management has limited experience in managing a public company registered with the SEC and as such compliance with compliance with the SEC rules will be time consuming, difficult and costly.
Our executive officers have limited experience managing a public company. Thus, it will be time consuming, difficult and costly for us to develop and implement the internal controls and reporting procedures required by the SEC. We may need to hire additional financial reporting, internal control, and other finance staff in order to develop and implement appropriate internal controls and reporting procedures.
Some of our executive management have other business activities in which they are engaged concurrently with our operations and therefore may not devote 100% of their business time to our business.
Some of our executive officers may engage in other business activities thereby failing to devote all of their business time to our business. Nevertheless, such officers have agreed to devote no less than full time (or up to thirty (30) hours per week) to our operations.
We currently have not entered into forward sales, commodity, derivatives or hedging arrangements with respect to our gold production and as a result we are exposed to the impact of any significant decrease in the gold and silver prices.
Currently, we have produced gold from our pilot plant in Baja California. We have not entered into forward sales, commodity, derivative or hedging arrangements to establish a price in advance for the sale of future production, although we may do so in the future. As a result, we may realize the benefit of any short-term increase in the gold price, but we are not protected against decreases in gold and silver prices, and if gold and silver prices decrease significantly, our expected future revenues may be materially adversely affected.
Our ability to become and remain profitable over the long term will depend on our ability to identify, explore and develop our current and additional properties.
Gold and silver properties are wasting assets. They eventually become depleted or uneconomical to continue mining. Currently, we have not produced any gold or silver from our properties. We are in the exploration stage and potential investors should be aware of the difficulties normally encountered by enterprises in the exploration stage. Our ability to become and remain profitable over the long term depends on our ability to finalize the design, permit, development and profitable extraction and recovery of mineral resources beyond our current planned mine life. If our ability to expand the operations beyond their current planned mined lives doesn’t occur we may seek to acquire other precious and base metals properties beyond our current properties. The acquisition of precious and base metals properties and their exploration and development are subject to intense competition. Companies with greater financial resources, larger staff, more experience and more equipment for exploration and development may be in a better position than us to compete for such mineral properties. If we are unable to find, develop, and economically mine new properties, we most likely will not be profitable on a long term basis and the price of our common stock may suffer.
Since we have a very limited operating history, investors have little basis to evaluate our ability to operate.
Our activities to date have been focused on raising financing, exploring our properties and preparing those properties for production. Although some of our mine and concentrating facilities have previously operated, these operations were carried out under different ownership and, as a consequence we face all of the risks commonly encountered by other businesses that lack an established operating history, including the need for additional capital and personnel and intense competition. There is no assurance that our business plan will be successful.
The construction of our mines and optimization and continued operation of our mills are subject to all of the risks inherent in construction, start-up and operations.
These risks include potential delays, cost overruns, shortages of material or labor, construction defects, breakdowns and injuries to persons and property. We expect to engage self-employed personnel, subcontractors and material suppliers in connection with the construction and development of our mine projects. While we anticipate taking all measures which we deem reasonable and prudent in connection with construction of the mines and the operation of the mills, there is no assurance that the risks described above will not cause delays or cost overruns in connection with such construction or operation. Any delays would postpone our anticipated receipt of revenue and adversely affect our operations, which in turn may adversely affect the price of our stock.
We do not insure against all of the risks to which we may be subject in our operations.
While we currently maintain insurance against general commercial liability claims and the physical assets at our projects, we do not maintain insurance to cover all of the potential risks associated with our operations. We might be subject to liability for environmental, pollution or other hazards associated with mineral exploration and development, which risks may not be insured against, which may exceed the limits of our insurance coverage, or which we may elect not to insure against because of premium costs or other reasons. We may also not be insured against interruptions to our operations. Losses from these or other events may cause us to incur significant costs which could materially adversely affect our financial condition and our ability to fund activities on our property. A significant loss could force us to reduce or terminate our operations.
We may require significant additional capital to fund our business plan.
We will be required to expend significant funds to determine if proven and probable mineral reserves exist at some of our properties, to continue exploration and if warranted, develop our existing properties and to identify and acquire additional properties to diversify our property portfolio. There can be no assurance that any of the development properties we now hold, or which we may acquire, will contain a commercial ore reserve, and therefore, no assurance that we will ever generate a positive cash flow from the sale of production on such properties. In addition, once we decide to place a property into production, risks still exist that the amount and grade of the reserves may be significantly less than predicted. We have spent and will be required to continue to expend significant amounts of capital for drilling, geological and geochemical analysis, assaying and feasibility studies with regard to the results of our exploration. We may not benefit from these investments if we are unable to identify commercially exploitable mineralized material.
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 prices of gold and other precious and base metals. Capital markets worldwide have been adversely affected by substantial losses by financial institutions, in turn caused by investments in asset-backed securities. 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. Failure to obtain such additional financing could result in delay or indefinite postponement of further mining operations or exploration and development and the possible partial or total loss of our potential interest in our properties.
We have already expended significant capital to explore and identify the best properties for development. We currently have no plans to acquire any new properties at this time, as we have already developed an adequate portfolio and currently have the Golden Eagle acquisition under development. We have already developed the necessary water supply to insure the planned production at the development site.
In addition, we have the mining equipment and started a pilot program on placer claims in Baja California, Mexico. There can be no assurance we will be able to obtain funding for the acquisition of additional claims in Baja California, Mexico. Our future anticipated capital requirements will primarily be for permitting and mining in the amount of eight to ten million. We presently do not have funding available and there can be no assurance we will be able to get funding..
We may need additional capital, and the sale of additional shares or other equity securities could result in additional dilution to our stockholders.
In the future, we may raise capital for our mining operations by issuing equity securities, resulting in the dilution of the ownership interests of our present stockholders. Any future issuance of our equity securities may dilute then-current stockholders’ ownership percentages and could also result in a decrease in the fair market value of our equity securities, because our assets would be owned by a larger pool of outstanding equity. We may need to raise additional capital through public or private offerings of our common stock or other securities that are convertible into or exercisable for our common or preferred stock. We may also issue such securities in connection with hiring or retaining employees and consultants (including stock options issued under our equity incentive plans), as payment to providers of goods and services, in connection with future acquisitions or for other business purposes. Such issuances may have a further dilutive effect. Also, the future issuance of any such additional shares of common stock or other securities may create downward pressure on the trading price of our common stock. There can be no assurance that any such future issuances will not be at a price (or exercise prices) below the price at which shares of the common stock are then traded.
Our operating costs could be adversely affected by inflationary pressures especially to labor and fuel costs.
The global economy is currently in a period of high commodity prices and as a result, the mining industry is attempting to increase production. This has caused significant upward price pressures in the operating costs of mining companies especially in the area of skilled labor. The skilled labor needed by the mining industry is in tight supply and its cost is increasing. Many of our competitors have lower costs and their mines are located in better locations that may give them a competitive advantage in employee hiring and retention.
The cost of fuel to operate machinery and generate electricity is closely correlated to the price of oil and energy. Over the past two (2) years, the price of oil has risen significantly and has increased the operating cost of mines dependent on fuel to run their business. Continued upward price pressures in our operating costs may cause us to generate significantly less operating cash flows than expected which would have an adverse impact to our business.
We will continue to incur losses for the foreseeable future.
Prior to completion of the development and pre-production stage, we anticipate that we will incur increased operating expenses without realizing any revenues. We expect to incur continuing and significant losses until such time as we achieve commercial production from our mining operations on our mineral claims. As a result of continuing losses, we may exhaust all of our resources and be unable to complete development of our planned mining operations. Our accumulated deficit will continue to increase as we continue to incur losses. We may not be able to generate profits or continue operations if we are unable to generate significant revenues from future mining of the mineral claims and our business will most likely fail. We expect such losses or the monthly burn rate to be in the range of $ 40,000 to $60,000.
Risks Related To Our Common Stock
There currently is only a minimal public market for our Common Stock. Failure to develop or maintain a trading market could negatively affect the value of our Common Stock and make it difficult or impossible for you to sell your shares.
There currently is only a minimal public market for shares of our Common Stock and an active market may never develop. Our Common Stock is quoted on the OTC Markets. The OTC Markets is a thinly traded market and lacks the liquidity of certain other public markets with which some investors may have more experience. We may not ever be able to satisfy the listing requirements for our Common Stock to be listed on an exchange, which are often a more widely-traded and liquid market. Some, but not all, of the factors which may delay or prevent the listing of our Common Stock on a more widely-traded and liquid market include the following: our stockholders’ equity may be insufficient; the market value of our outstanding securities may be too low; our net income from operations may be too low; our Common Stock may not be sufficiently widely held; we may not be able to secure market makers for our Common Stock; and we may fail to meet the rules and requirements mandated by the several exchanges and markets to have our Common Stock listed.
We cannot assure you that the Common Stock will become liquid or that it will be listed on a securities exchange.
Until our Common Stock is listed on a national securities exchange such as the New York Stock Exchange or the Nasdaq Stock Market, we expect our Common Stock to remain eligible for quotation on the OTC Markets. In those venues, however, an investor may find it difficult to obtain accurate quotations as to the market value of our Common Stock. In addition, if we fail to meet the criteria set forth in SEC regulations, various requirements would be imposed by law on broker-dealers who sell our securities to persons other than established customers and accredited investors. Consequently, such regulations may deter broker-dealers from recommending or selling our Common Stock, which may further affect the liquidity of the Common Stock. This would also make it more difficult for us to raise capital.
The application of the “penny stock” rules could adversely affect the market price of our common shares and increase your transaction costs to sell those shares.
The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) has adopted rule 3a51-1 which establishes the definition of a “penny stock,” for the purposes relevant to us, as any equity security that has a market price of less than $5.00 per share or with an exercise price of less than $5.00 per share, subject to certain exceptions. For any transaction involving a penny stock, unless exempt, Rule 15g-9 requires:
·
that a broker or dealer approve a person’s account for transactions in penny stocks, and
·
the broker or dealer receive from the investor a written agreement to the transaction, setting forth the identity and quantity of the penny stock to be purchased.
In order to approve a person’s account for transactions in penny stocks, the broker or dealer must:
·
obtain financial information and investment experience objectives of the person, and
·
make a reasonable determination that the transactions in penny stocks are suitable for that person and the person has sufficient knowledge and experience in financial matters to be capable of evaluating the risks of transactions in penny stocks.
The broker or dealer must also deliver, prior to any transaction in a penny stock, a disclosure schedule prescribed by the SEC relating to the penny stock market, which, in highlight form:
·
sets forth the basis on which the broker or dealer made the suitability determination and
·
that the broker or dealer received a signed, written agreement from the investor prior to the transaction.
Generally, brokers may be less willing to execute transactions in securities subject to the “penny stock” rules. This may make it more difficult for investors to dispose of our common stock and cause a decline in the market value of our stock.
The market price for our common shares is particularly volatile given our status as a relatively unknown company with a small and thinly traded public float, limited operating history and lack of profits which could lead to wide fluctuations in our share price. You may be unable to sell your common shares at or above your purchase price, which may result in substantial losses to you.
The market for our common shares is characterized by significant price volatility when compared to seasoned issuers, and we expect that our share price will continue to be more volatile than a seasoned issuer for the indefinite future. The volatility in our share price is attributable to a number of factors. First, as noted above, our common shares are sporadically and thinly traded. As a consequence of this lack of liquidity, the trading of relatively small quantities of shares by our shareholders may disproportionately influence the price of those shares in either direction. The price for our shares could, for example, decline precipitously in the event that a large number of our common shares are sold on the market without commensurate demand, as compared to a seasoned issuer which could better absorb those sales without adverse impact on its share price. Secondly, we are a speculative or “risky” investment due to our limited operating history and lack of profits to date, and uncertainty of future market acceptance for our potential products and services. As a consequence of this enhanced risk, more risk-adverse investors may, under the fear of losing all or most of their investment in the event of negative news or lack of progress, be more inclined to sell their shares on the market more quickly and at greater discounts than would be the case with the stock of a seasoned issuer. Many of these factors are beyond our control and may decrease the market price of our common shares, regardless of our operating performance. We cannot make any predictions or projections as to what the prevailing market price for our common shares will be at any time, including as to whether our common shares will sustain their current market prices, or as to what effect that the sale of shares or the availability of common shares for sale at any time will have on the prevailing market price.
We do not pay dividends on our Common Stock.
We have not paid any dividends on our common stock and do not anticipate paying dividends in the foreseeable future. We plan to retain earnings, if any, to finance the development and expansion of our business.
Failure To Achieve And Maintain Effective Internal Controls In Accordance With Section 404 Of The Sarbanes-Oxley Act Of 2002 Could Have A Material Adverse Effect On Our Business And Stock Price.
Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“the Sarbanes-Oxley Act”) requires that we establish and maintain an adequate internal control structure and procedures for financial reporting and include a report of management on our internal control over financial reporting in our annual report on Form 10-K. That report must contain an assessment by management of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting and must include disclosure of any material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting that we have identified.
Rule 144 Related Risk.
The SEC adopted amendments to Rule 144 which became effective on February 15, 2008 that apply to securities acquired both before and after that date. Under these amendments, a person who has beneficially owned restricted shares of our common stock for at least six months would be entitled to sell their securities provided that: (i) such person is not deemed to have been one of our affiliates at the time of, or at any time during the three months preceding a sale, (ii) we are subject to the Exchange Act periodic reporting requirements for at least 90 days before the sale and (iii) if the sale occurs prior to satisfaction of a one-year holding period, we provide current information at the time of sale.
Persons who have beneficially owned restricted shares of our common stock for at least six months but who are our affiliates at the time of, or at any time during the three months preceding a sale, would be subject to additional restrictions, by which such person would be entitled to sell within any three-month period only a number of securities that does not exceed the greater of either of the following:
·
1% of the total number of securities of the same class then outstanding; or
·
the average weekly trading volume of such securities during the four calendar weeks preceding the filing of a notice on Form 144 with respect to the sale;
provided, in each case, that we are subject to the Exchange Act periodic reporting requirements for at least three months before the sale. Such sales by affiliates must also comply with the manner of sale, current public information and notice provisions of Rule 144.
Restrictions on the reliance of Rule 144 by Shell Companies or former Shell Companies.
Historically, the SEC staff has taken the position that Rule 144 is not available for the resale of securities initially issued by companies that are, or previously were, blank check companies, like us. The SEC has codified and expanded this position in the amendments discussed above by prohibiting the use of Rule 144 for resale of securities issued by any shell companies (other than business combination related shell companies) or any issuer that has been at any time previously a shell company. The SEC has provided an important exception to this prohibition, however, if the following conditions are met:
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The issuer of the securities that was formerly a shell company has ceased to be a shell company,
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The issuer of the securities is subject to the reporting requirements of Section 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act,
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The issuer of the securities has filed all Exchange Act reports and material required to be filed, as applicable, during the preceding 12 months (or such shorter period that the issuer was required to file such reports and materials), other than Current Reports on Form 8-K; and
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At least one year has elapsed from the time that the issuer filed current comprehensive disclosure with the SEC reflecting its status as an entity that is not a shell company.
As a result, it is likely that pursuant to Rule 144, stockholders who receive our restricted securities in a business combination will not be able to sell our shares without registration until one year after we have completed our initial business combination.
Item 1B.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
We are a smaller reporting company as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and are not required to provide the information under this item.
Item 2.
Item 2. Properties.
See our mining properties in Item 1 Business. In addition, we lease office space from our President at no charge to us under an oral arrangement between the parties.
Item 3.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings.
Except as stated below, the Company is not presently a party to any material litigation nor, to the knowledge of Management, is any litigation threatened against the Company, which may materially affect the business of the Company or its assets.
Pending Litigation.
1. American International Ventures, Inc v. You Export, Inc. a/k/a Easy Export, Inc. and Fernando Rojas Case No.: 37-2014-00001664-CU-CO-CTL
The Complaint has been filed in February 2014 against the defendants based on breach of contract, breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing, unjust enrichment and theft in connection with certain equipment of the Company. Service was obtained on the Defendants on June 24, 24, 2014 and Proof of Service was filed with the Superior Court of California, County of San Diego on July 18, 2014. As of this date, the Defendants have not filed a response and the Company is proceeding to obtain a Default Judgment against the Defendants.
2. American International Adventure, Inc. v. Aurum Mining Exploration, Michael Coates and Brandon Nash. Case No.: 34-2014-00162583
The Complaint was filed in the Superior Court of California, Civil Division of Sacramento County on April 25, 2014 against the defendants based on breach of contract, breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing, unjust enrichment and theft in connection with certain equipment of the Company. In June of 2014 the parties were served. As of this date no response has been filed and the Company is in the process of obtaining a Default Judgment.
3. American International Ventures, Inc. vs. Tucker White:
The Complaint was filed with the United State District Court for the District of New Jersey in March of 2014. The Defendant was served on March 27, 2014. An Order to Show Cause for a Temporary Restraining Order and Preliminary Injunction to prevent the transfer of stock was filed in April 4, 2014. The Order to Show Cause was argued in April of 2014 in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey in Newark, New Jersey and the requests of the Plaintiff were granted. A cash Bond in the amount of $10,000.00 to guarantee the sincerity of American International Venture, Inc.’s Complaint was provided by the company. On September 4, 2014 all issues raised by the Complaint were satisfied by the Defendant and the matter was dismissed without prejudice and the $10,000.00 Bond was returned.
Item 4.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.
Mining operations and properties in the United States are subject to regulation by the Federal Mine Safety and Health Administration (“MSHA”) under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (the “Mine Act”). Pursuant to Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (the “Dodd-Frank Act”), issuers are required to disclose specified health and safety violations, orders and citations, related assessments and legal actions, and mining-related fatalities.
During the period ended May 31, 2014, we did not conduct mining operations nor maintain any mining properties in the US. Consequently we were not subject to any health or safety violations, orders and citations, related assessments and legal actions, and mining-related fatalities during the period ended May 31, 2014.
PART II
Item 5.
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
Market Information OTC Markets
Our common stock currently trades on the OTC Markets under the symbol “AIVN”. The table below sets forth, for the fiscal quarters indicated, the high and low bid prices per share of our common stock as reflected on the pink sheets. The quotations represent inter-dealer prices without adjustment for retail markups, markdowns or commissions, and may not necessarily represent actual transactions.
Due to the price of our common stock, as well as the fact that we are not listed on NASDAQ or a national securities exchange, our stock is characterized as a “penny stock” under applicable securities regulations. Our stock will therefore be subject to rules adopted by the SEC regulating broker-dealer practices in connection with transactions in penny stocks. The broker or dealer proposing to effect a transaction in a penny stock must furnish the customer a document containing information prescribed by the SEC and obtain from the customer an executed acknowledgement of receipt of that document. The broker or dealer must also provide the customer with pricing information regarding the security prior to the transaction and with the written confirmation of the transaction. The broker or dealer must also disclose the aggregate amount of any compensation received or receivable by him in connection with such transaction prior to consummating the transaction and with the written confirmation of the trade. The broker or dealer must also send an account statement to each customer for which he has executed a transaction in a penny stock each month in which such security is held for the customer’s account. The existence of these rules may have an effect on the price of our stock, and the willingness of certain brokers to effect transactions in our stock.
Transfer Agent
Interwest Transfer Company, Inc. (“Interwest”) is our transfer agent for our common stock. The principal office of Interwest is located at 1981 Murray Holladay Road, Suite 100, Salt Lake City, UT 84117 and its telephone number is (801) 272-9294.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
On March 23, 2012, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the 2012 Stock Option Plan (the “Plan”), which was approved by the shareholders on November 9, 2012. Members of the Board of Directors each received five hundred thousand (500,000) options to purchase Company common stock at an option price of $0.36 for a total of one million five hundred thousand. (1,500,000).
Recent Sales of Unregistered Equity Securities.
During the twelve months ending May 31, 2014, we issued 1,200,000 shares of common stock as follows:
·
750,000 common shares to our three Directors for services rendered in fiscal year 2013.
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250,000 common shares to our attorney for services.
·
200,000 common shares under a consulting agreement.
Each investor was an accredited investor and agreed to hold such shares for investment purposes. In addition, the shares issued to the investor contained a restricted legend. All of the securities issuances referred to above were exempt from registration pursuant to Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Act”) or the rules and regulations promulgated there under, including Regulation D and Rule 701.
Issuer Repurchases of Equity Securities
None.
Issuer Repurchases of Equity Securities
None.
Item 6.
Item 6. Selected Financial Data.
Not applicable.
Item 7.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Management’s discussion and analysis of financial position, changes in financial condition and results of operations is provided as a supplement to the accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes to help provide an understanding of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.
Overview
At this time, our primary focus is on gold and silver properties. Gold and silver properties are wasting assets. They eventually become depleted or uneconomical to continue mining. Currently, we have produced relatively small amounts of gold or silver from our properties. We are in the exploration stage and potential investors should be aware of the difficulties normally encountered by enterprises in the exploration stage. Our ability to become and remain profitable over the long term depends on our ability to finalize the design, permit, development and profitable extraction and recovery of mineral resources beyond our current planned mine life. If our ability to expand the operations beyond their current planned mined lives does not occur we may seek to acquire other precious and base metals properties beyond our current properties. The acquisition of precious and base metals properties and their exploration and development are subject to intense competition. Companies with greater financial resources, larger staff, more experience and more equipment for exploration and development may be in a better position than us to compete for such mineral properties.
During the current fiscal year, our Mexican subsidiary (AIVN de Mexico) began mining operations at our Mexican mining claims. Sales from these operations amounted to $228,709 during the year. A problem with our mining permit caused us to suspend mining early in 2014. We are addressing this problem and expect to resume mining before the end of the second quarter 2014.
We are considered an exploration stage company for accounting purposes because we have not demonstrated the existence of proven or probable reserves. In accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, all expenditures for exploration and evaluation of our properties have been expensed as incurred. Furthermore, unless our mineralized material is classified as proven or probable reserves, substantially all expenditures have been or will be expensed as incurred. Since substantially all of our expenditures, except those related to mining in Mexico, have been expensed and we expect to expense significant expenditures during the fiscal year 2014, most of our investment in mining properties does not appear as an asset on our balance sheet.
We must obtain additional financing to continue our operations. There can be no guarantee that we will be able to obtain additional funding on terms that are favorable to the Company or at all. As an exploration stage company, the Company has no current ability to generate revenue and no plans to do so in the foreseeable future. Our assets consist of cash, prepaid expenses, equipment and certain mineral property interests. There can be no assurance that we will obtain sufficient funding to continue operations, or if we do receive funding to generate revenues in the future or to operate profitably in the future. These conditions raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.
Results of Operations.
Revenue
The Company had revenues of $228,709 during the year ended May 31, 2014, as described above. We had no revenue during the year ended May 31, 2013.
We anticipate earning revenues for the next fiscal year. However, we can provide no assurance that we will obtain additional funding to optimize our potential.
Cost of Goods Sold
Cost of goods sold is comprised of the mining operating costs in Mexico. As the mining operations commenced early in the current fiscal year and then terminated during the same year, we do not feel that the operations were efficient.
Operating expenses
We incurred operating expenses in the amount of $632,621 during the year ended May 31, 2014, compared with $5,897,868 in the year ended May 31, 2013. The significant reduction reflects lower equity based compensation, and a sharp reduction in the use of equity securities to pay for services.
Interest Expense
Interest expense for the year ended May 31, 2014 was $52,257, compared with $26,212 in the previous year. The increase reflects the full year effect of debt securities issued during the previous year.
Provision for Income Taxes
The Company incurred losses in the year ended May 31, 2013 and, consequently, no provision was required for income taxes. Losses were incurred in the current fiscal year also, but because some of the costs incurred in Mexico were not deductable for Mexican income taxes, a tax provision of $49,760 was made for this year. We do not expect this result to occur in the future.
Other Income
During the year ended May 31, 2014, the Company had other income of $55,005 which represents the payment received under the Option Agreement with Patriot Gold. The Company received a comparable $ 50,000 payment in the period ended May 31, 2013. During the year ended May 31, 2014 the Company also had $407,250 from the revaluation of warrants classified as liabilities. A similar benefit ($461,550) occurred in the year ended May 31, 2013.
Net Loss
The Company incurred a net loss of $246,397 for the year ended May 31, 2014 as compared to a net loss of $5,412,534 for the year ended May 31, 2013.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
As shown in the accompanying financial statements, we have experienced losses since Inception (January 25, 2012), and as of May 31, 2014, have a working capital deficit of $622,800, recurring negative cash flows from operations, and presently do not have sufficient resources to meet our outstanding liabilities or accomplish our objectives during the next twelve months.
As of the fiscal year ended May 31, 2014, we had total assets of $1,868,068, including net fixed assets of $474,360, and mining claims of $1,321,707. Our current liabilities totaled $689,801; our long term debt was $27,392; there was a $135,000 warrant liability; and stockholders' equity amounted to $1,015,125.
Our audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2014 are contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K. The accompanying Report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm includes an explanatory paragraph that describes substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. Our present plans to overcome these difficulties, the realization of which cannot be assured, include, but are not limited to, continuing efforts to raise new funding in the public and private markets, and to sell some or all of our assets.
There is no assurance that commercially viable mineral deposits exist in sufficient amounts in our areas of exploration to justify exploitation. Further exploration will be required before a final evaluation as to the economic and legal feasibility of the mining rights we own can occur. Because we are still in the exploration stage, we have no revenues and have had only losses since our inception. We have made no commitments for capital expenditures over the next 12 months.
Depending on market conditions and the options available to us, we may attempt to enter into a joint venture with an operating company on the Nevada claims, or we may seek equity or debt financing (including borrowing from commercial lenders) or we may consider a sale of the Company or its assets.
We do not intend to hire any additional employees at this time. All of the work related to our business will be conducted by our current employees and independent contractors. To the extent we receive funding, this is likely to change.
All of the Company’s plans are predicated on the Company’s ability to raise sufficient capital to implement and complete such plan, which we cannot assure will occur in a timely manner, on terms acceptable to the Company, or at all. Because the exploration phase of our business plan is essentially a research and development activity, the results of our exploration activities will have a significant effect on our future business model. This model can change substantially based upon our exploration activities, liquidity position or other factors. Accordingly, estimating expenditures is an imprecise process, made even more so by the unpredictable nature of our business plan. We believe it would, therefore, not be helpful to estimate beyond the next 12 months. Even these estimates are subject to change depending on our ability to raise additional capital and execute our business plan in accordance with our estimates.
For the period ended May 31, 2014, we raised a total of $321,000 through equity transactions and borrowings, partly from officers and directors. At this time, we cannot provide investors with any assurance that we will be able to raise sufficient funding from sales of our common stock or through sales of additional convertible promissory notes or otherwise to meet our obligations over the next 12 months.
Recent Events
As reported on our Form 8-K filed on October 10, 2014, on October 9, 2014, the Company appointed Joshua (Simon) Shainberg as President of the Company.
Item 7A.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
Not Applicable.
Item 8.
Item 8. Financial Statements
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
American International Ventures, Inc.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of American International Ventures, Inc. and subsidiary (an exploration stage company) as of May 31, 2014 and 2013 and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders’ deficit and cash flows for the years then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, 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. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of American International Ventures, Inc. and subsidiary at May 31, 2014 and 2013, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the years then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that American International Ventures, Inc. and subsidiary will continue as a going concern. As more fully described in Note 4, at May 31, 2014 the Company had no established source of revenues, a working capital deficit of $622,711 and had accumulated losses at May 31, 2014 of $5,871,988. These conditions raise substantial doubt about the ability of the Company to continue as a going concern. Management’s plans in regards to these matters are also described in Note 4. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments to reflect the possible future effects on the recoverability and classification of assets or the amounts and classification of liabilities that may result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
/s/ John Scrudato CPA
Califon, New Jersey
September 26, 2014
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of financial statements.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL VENTURES, INC.
(An Exploration Stage Company)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
May 31, 2014
Note 1. ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS
Organization
On March 23, 2012 the Company entered into a Share Exchange Agreement with the shareholders of Placer Gold Prospecting, Inc. (Placer) under which 163,250,000 shares of Company common stock was exchanged for an equal number of shares of Placer common stock. This share exchange agreement was treated as a reverse recapitalization, under which the legal acquiree (Placer) was treated as the accounting acquiror and the equity accounts of the Company were adjusted to reflect a reorganization. Inasmuch as Placer was treated as the accounting acquiror, whenever historical financial information is presented, it will be Placer information. Placer was organized January 25, 2012.
Business
The Company is in the business of mining for precious metals. It is currently an exploration stage company as set forth in Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Industry Guide #7 and, accordingly, expenses all exploration costs until proven and probable reserves are established.
The Company formed a subsidiary in Mexico (AIVN de Mexico) during 2013 to exploit mining claims it has acquired in the Mexican state of Baja, California. The Company acquired an 85% interest in this subsidiary, with the other 15% owned by officers of the subsidiary.
Basis of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiary. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Note 2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
a. Cash
For purposes of the Statement of Cash Flows, the Company considers all short-term debt securities purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
b. Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The carrying amounts of the Company’s financial instruments, which include cash equivalents, accounts payable and accrued expenses, and notes payable, approximate their fair values at May 31, 2014.
c. Income (Loss) Per Share
Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing the net income (loss) available to common shareholders for the period by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during that period. During periods in which a net loss has occurred, outstanding options, warrants, and convertible notes are excluded from the calculation of weighted average number of shares outstanding as their inclusion would be antidilutive.
d. Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with current accounting guidance, which requires the use of the “liability method”. Accordingly, deferred tax liabilities and assets are determined based on differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities, using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. Current income taxes are based on the income that is currently taxable.
AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL VENTURES, INC.
(An Exploration Stage Company)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
May 31, 2014
Note 2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
e. Marketable Securities
Marketable securities, when owned, are classified as available-for-sale and are carried at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on these securities are recognized as increases or decreases in accumulated other comprehensive income.
f. Fixed Assets
Fixed assets are recorded at cost. Depreciation is computed using the straight line method, with useful lives of seven years for mining equipment and five years for vehicles.
g. Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect certain reported amounts and disclosures. Accordingly, actual results could differ from those estimates.
h. Advertising Costs
The Company expenses advertising costs when the advertisement occurs. There was no advertising expense during the years ended May 31, 2014 or 2013.
i. Segment Reporting
The Company is organized in one reporting and accountable segment.
j. Recognition of Revenue
Revenue is realized from product sales. Recognition occurs upon shipment to customers, and where the following criteria are met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; delivery has occurred; the sales price is fixed or determinable; and collectability is reasonably assured. Additional revenue from royalties is recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exits; the amount due is fixed or determinable; and collectability is reasonably assured.
k. Stock Based Compensation
The cost of equity instruments issued to non-employees in return for goods and services is measured by the fair value of the goods or services received or fair value of the equity instruments issued, whichever is the more readily determinable. The cost of employee services received in exchange for equity instruments is based on the grant date fair value of the equity instruments issued.
l. Exploration Stage Accounting
The Company is an exploration stage company, as defined in pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and Industry Guide #7 of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Generally accepted accounting principles govern the recognition of revenue by an exploration stage enterprise and the accounting for costs and expenses. From formation (January 25, 2012) to May 31, 2014, the Company has been in the exploration stage and all its efforts have been devoted to acquiring mining claims, mapping, and assaying. Revenue has been realized beginning with the year ended May 31, 2014 from sales of product by AIVN de Mexico. In addition, the Company realized property option payments of $55,005 during the year ended May 31, 2014 and $50,000 during the year ended May 31, 2013 - see Note 7.
m. Investments in Mining Claims
Mining claims held for development are recorded at the cost of the claims, plus related acquisition costs. These costs will be amortized when extraction begins.
AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL VENTURES, INC.
(An Exploration Stage Company)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
May 31, 2014
Note 2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
n. Mine Development Costs
Mine development costs include engineering and metallurgical studies, and other related costs to delineate an ore body, the removal of overburden to initially expose an ore body at open pit surface mines and the building of access ways, shafts, lateral access, drifts, ramps and other infrastructure at underground mines. Costs incurred at a mine site before proven reserves have been established are expensed as mine development costs. At the point proven reserves have been established at a mine site, such costs will be capitalized and will be written off as depletion expense as the minerals are extracted.
As of May 31, 2014, none of the mine concessions met the requirements for proven reserves; development costs are therefore expensed.
o. Impairment
The Company performs a review for potential impairment of long-lived assets whenever an event or change in circumstances indicates that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable.
p. Foreign Currency Translation
The assets of the Mexican subsidiary are in Mexico. The Mexican subsidiary depends on the ability of the parent company to raise cash which is transferred to the subsidiary to meet its operating cash needs. Therefore, the Company's management has determined that the functional currency of the Mexican subsidiary is the US dollar. Since that is the case, the Company remeasures its subsidiary financial statements in US dollars. Any gains or losses are reflected on the Statements of Operations.
The accounts of the Mexican subsidiary are remeasured in US dollars as follows:
(a) Monetary assets and liabilities are translated based on the rates of exchange in effect at balance sheet dates.
(b) Non-monetary assets, liabilities, and equity accounts are translated at the exchange rates prevailing at the times of acquisition of assets, assumption of liabilities or equity investments.
(c) Revenues and expenses are translated at the average exchange rates for each period, except for charges for amortization and depreciation of non-monetary assets which are translated at the rates associated with the assets.
q. New Accounting Pronouncements
The Company does not believe the adoption of recently issued pronouncements will have a significant effect on Company results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.
Note 3. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
During the year ended May 31, 2014, the Company issued 1,500,000 shares of Company stock valued at $179,993 to its directors.
During the year ended May 31, 2014, the Company borrowed $60,000 from the Company president and his wife (see Note 9), issuing convertible notes in return. In addition, it received advances of $76,000 from the Company president and one other director; of this amount, $18,000 was repaid during the year.
The president of AIVN de Mexico owns the land where AIVN de Mexico has its mining camp. The Company paid $9,800 during the year in rent.
AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL VENTURES, INC.
(An Exploration Stage Company)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
May 31, 2014
Note 4. GOING CONCERN AND LIQUIDITY
As shown in the accompanying financial statements, the Company has experienced losses since its formation totaling $5,889,795, and presently does not have sufficient resources to meet its outstanding liabilities or accomplish its objectives during the next twelve months. This lack of liquidity raises substantial doubt about the ability of the Company to continue as a going concern. Management's current plans to overcome this problem, the realization of which cannot be assured, include development of the Company's Mexican mining claims and securing financing to support these development plans.
Note 5. MINING CLAIMS
The main activity of the Company will be the exploitation of mineral resources from its mining claims. Since its inception, the Company has acquired mining claims, listed below, and is currently exploring these claims and expects to begin exploiting them during the next year. Mining began in June 2013 on a claim acquired by AIVN de Mexico and sales of $228,709 were realized from this activity during the current year. Licensing problems with this mine occurred early in 2014 and mining was suspended. Resolution of these problems is expected shortly at which time the Company will resume mining at this claim.
Mine
Type
Acres
Acquisition Date
Capatola
Patented
15.5
3/8/12
Capatola
Unpatented
3/8/12
Stud #1 #2
Unpatented
41.3
3/14/12
TNT #1 & #2
Unpatented
41.3
3/14/12
El Tule Canyon
Unpatented
3,070
3/14/12
Bull Frog (Gold Valley)
Unpatented
3/2/12
Gypsy
Unpatented
3/2/12
Reward Monster
Unpatented
3/2/12
Virgilia
Patented
3/2/12
Indian Mines
Patented
3/14/12
Placeritas
Unpatented
4/30/12
Turner Ranch (Bull Frog #2)
Patented
39.3
4/30/12
American Metallic
Unpatented
20.7
5/9/12
Bullfrog #3
Unpatented
5/15/12
Golden Eagle
Patented
702.3
6/3/12
Golden Eagle
Unpatented
6/3/12
North Star
Unpatented
8/2/12
Title to the 40 acre North Star claim has not been perfected. The Company is pursuing the matter through legal means and expects resolution shortly. As noted above, this claim was acquired August 2, 2012 in return for 50,000 shares of Company common stock, valued at $21,500.
AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL VENTURES, INC.
(An Exploration Stage Company)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
May 31, 2014
Note 6. ESCROW AND OTHER ADVANCES
During April 2012, the Company entered into two contracts to acquire mining claims, which had not closed as of May 31, 2012. To secure these transactions, the Company made advances against one contract and made escrow deposits for the other contract.
The transaction for which escrow deposits were made closed on June 3, 2012, involving the purchase of a 742.3 acre parcel for $1,000 in cash, a $100,000 promissory note and 2,000,000 shares of Company common stock valued at $500,000. The second proposed acquisition did not close because of problems with the seller's title. The Company refused to make scheduled payments on this contract and forfeited deposits previously made. These deposits consisted of cash of $28,000, 250,000 shares of Company common stock, valued at $55,000, and 250,000 warrants to purchase Company common stock, which were valued at $35,000.
Note 7. PROPERTY OPTION AGREEMENT
On April 1, 2009, the Company entered into a Property Option Agreement with Patriot Gold Corporation (“Patriot”) whereby Patriot may acquire an undivided right in the Company’s patented Bruner claim, subject to an existing 2% net smelter return in favor of the prior property owners and a 1.5% net smelter return reserved by the Company. The option requires annual payments to the Company ranging from $45,000 to $60,000, due on or before April 1 of each year, with a final payment of $1,185,000 due on or before April 1, 2016, for a total payment amount of $1,500,000. A payment of $55,005 was received during the current year. Patriot also has the right to prepay all of the scheduled option payments, at which time it would acquire a 100% interest in the property. It also has the right until thirty days after beginning mine construction to purchase from the Company the 1.5% net smelting right for $500,000. During the option period, Patriot has the right of access to enter upon and take possession of and prospect, explore and develop the property in such manner as Patriot in its sole discretion may deem advisable, subject to certain conditions. The option is terminable at any time by Patriot.
Note 8. NOTES PAYABLE
As part of the consideration for the acquisition of certain mining claims, the Company issued promissory notes, as follows:
Claim
Current
Portion
Long - Term
Term of Note
Note for acquisition of Turner Ranch mining claim
$ 252,000
-
Principal due on April 30, 2015, with interest at 5% per annum
Note for acquisition of Golden Eagle #2 mining claim
72,096
-
Principal due February 1, 2015; the debt is non-interest bearing but interest has been imputed @16%; payments of $874 are due each month with the balance due at maturity.
Equipment financing lease
11,884
27,392
Principal on 6.55% equipment lease is due June 1, 2017
Convertible notes
130,000
-
All notes are due August 31, 2014 and bear interest @ 16% - see Note 9.
Total notes payable
$465,980
$ 27,392
AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL VENTURES, INC.
(An Exploration Stage Company)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
May 31, 2014
Note 8. NOTES PAYABLE (continued)
The following is a table of payment requirements associated with this debt:
Fiscal Year Ended
May 31, 2015
465,980
May 31, 2016
12,685
May 31, 2017
13,539
May 31, 2018
1,168
$493,372
Note 9. CONVERTIBLE NOTES
The Company has approved a $1,250,000 Convertible Note Issuance, convertible into Company common stock at $.20 per share. Through May 31, 2014, the Company had borrowed $130,000 under eleven promissory notes. Seven of the notes were borrowings from the Company president and his wife (see Note 3). The notes bear interest at 16% and are all due August 31, 2014 (see Note 16). All of these notes were extended at maturity; the new due date for each is ongoing.
Note 10. WARRANT LIABILITY
During the year ended May 31, 2013, the Company issued 2,715,000 warrants to an investment banker, which had "full-ratchet anti-dilution protection" . In accordance with pronouncements of the FASB, these warrants were initially valued at $1,004,550 and have been classified as a liability. They are periodically revalued by use of a Black Scholes valuation model. Changes in the value are recorded on the statement of operations. During the year ended May 31, 2014, the value was reduced by $407,250. A similar change in value of $461,550 was recorded in the year ended May 31, 2013.
Note 11. STOCK OPTIONS
In January 2005, the Board of Directors approved a stock option plan under which options to purchase 2,000,000 shares of common stock could be issued to key employees and key consultants as determined by the Board of Directors. Options issued prior to March 23, 2012 continue to be obligations of the Company. During 2005, 1,800,000 options were issued to five directors and a consultant of the Company, all of which were immediately vested. Each option allows the recipient to purchase shares at an exercise price of $.10 per share. An additional 300,000 options were granted to the then Company President during the year ended May 31, 2006 at an exercise price of $.17 per share, all of which have vested. The value of all of these options was expensed in prior years. On January 10, 2007, one of the option recipients resigned and, under the terms of the plan, his 300,000 options were terminated July 10, 2007. During the year ended May 31, 2009, two of the directors resigned and 600,000 options were cancelled on May 29, 2011, in accordance with the terms of the grants.
During the year ended May 31, 2010, the Company modified the exercise price and extended the exercise period for the 1,500,000 options that remained outstanding at that time. In addition, 200,000 options were issued to new directors on September 29, 2009. These additional options have fully vested. The value of the modification and of the additional options has been expensed in the year the modification and grant occurred.
During fiscal year 2013, the Company shareholders adopted the 2012 option plan, approved in accordance with Delaware Corporation General Law, by which the Board can issue 5,000,000 options to purchase common stock. Under the plan, 1,500,000 options were granted during the year ended May 31, 2013.
The fair value of options granted under these plans was estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes valuation model.
AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL VENTURES, INC.
(An Exploration Stage Company)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
May 31, 2014
Note 11. STOCK OPTIONS (continued)
The assumptions used in developing the fair value were as follows:
Stock volatility
178.52%
Expected life
5 Years
Dividends
None
Risk free rate
1.49%
The following is a summary of options activity during the years ended May 31, 2014 and 2013:
Weighted
Number
Average
of
Exercise
Options
Price
Options outstanding at May 31, 2012
1,400,000
$.05
Options granted during fiscal 2013
1,500,000
$.36
Options exercised or cancelled during fiscal 2013
-
-
Options outstanding and exercisable at May 31, 2013
2,900,000
$.21
Options granted during fiscal 2014
-
-
Options exercised or cancelled during fiscal 2014
-
-
Options outstanding and exercisable at May 31, 2014
2,900,000
$.21
Weighted average remaining life of outstanding options - years
1.92
Note 12. WARRANTS
There were 7,530,000 warrants outstanding at May 31, 2014, as detailed below:
Number of
Exercise
Weight Life
Warrants
Price
(In Years)
4,815,000
$1.00
.33
2,715,000
.125
3.06
Each of the warrants listed first above have provisions allowing the Company to redeem it for $.00001 per warrant on 30 days notice.
Note 13. RENTALS UNDER OPERATING LEASES
The Company conducts its U.S. operations from the home of one of its officers. There is no rental agreement for the use of the office. If rent were charged, the amount would be insignificant. Operations in Mexico are conducted without charge from the home of an employee. If rent was charged, it would be insignificant.
The Company has no operating leases with noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year.
AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL VENTURES, INC.
(An Exploration Stage Company)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
May 31, 2014
Note 14. INCOME TAXES
The Company has experienced losses during most years since its inception. As a result, it has incurred no Federal income tax. The Internal Revenue Code allows net operating losses (NOL’s) to be carried forward and applied against future profits for a period of twenty years; an NOL of $3,294,789 had accumulated at May 31, 2014 on U.S. operations and has been carried forward. The potential tax benefit of the NOL’s has been recognized on the books of the Company, but offset by a valuation allowance. If not used, the carryforwards will expire as detailed below.
Year Ended
May 31,
Amount
$102,907
154,637
72,578
28,123
124,157
137,570
80,079
161,194
217,636
156,448
55,133
32,333
8,065
230,874
1,605,369
127,686
Under current accounting guidance, recognition of deferred tax assets is permitted unless it is more likely than not that the assets will not be realized. The Company has recorded deferred tax assets using statutory rates, as presented below. The valuation reserve increased by $19,152 during the year ended May 31, 2014.
Total
Deferred Tax Assets
$ 494,218
Realization Allowance
(494,218)
Balance Recognized
$ -
The effective tax rate is as follows:
Statutory Federal Rate
15%
Effect of Valuation Allowance
(15%)
Effective Rate
0%
The financial statements include a charge for income tax of AIVN de Mexico, despite the fact that the Mexican company sustained losses during the current fiscal year. Costs incurred by the Mexican subsidiary include costs that are deductable for income tax purposes in Mexico and some that are not so deductable. As a result, there was a taxable profit.
AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL VENTURES, INC.
(An Exploration Stage Company)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
May 31, 2014
Note 15. SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOWS INFORMATION
The Company made cash payments for interest of $61,460 and $12,600 during the years ended May 31, 2014 and 2013. The Company did not make cash payments for income taxes during either of those years.
The following non-cash financing and investing activities took place during the year ended May 31, 2014:
On January 20, 2014, the Company sold portions of the Gypsy mining claim for 5,000,000 shares of restricted stock of the buyer. That stock in a new development stage company was deemed of little value and a nominal value of $5,000 was assigned to it. There was no cost associated with the mining claim, so the gain reflected in these financial statements is identical to the value assigned to the securities received as consideration for the sale.
The Company issued 1,800,000 common shares to directors, a consultant, and an attorney in return for services. The shares were valued at $228,982.
During the year ended May 31, 2013, the Company closed escrow on a claim acquisition that involved 2,000,000 shares of company stock.
The following additional non-cash investing activities took place during the year ended May 31, 2013:
The Company financed the acquisition of a mining claim with 50,000 shares of stock, valued at $21,500.
The Company refinanced an existing $60,000 payable stemming from a prior year fixed asset acquisition with a five year, 6.55% equipment lease.
The Company partially financed the acquisition of a fixed asset through the issuance of a convertible note.
Note 16. FIXED ASSETS
Fixed assets are located in both the U.S. and in Mexico. Assets are recorded at cost. Depreciation is provided by the straight line method, employing useful lives of seven years for mining equipment and five years for vehicles.
Balances at May 31, 2014 and 2013 are presented below:
Net Change
Vehicles
$150,039
$127,468
$ 22,571
Mining equipment
502,400
498,977
3,423
Office furniture and equipment
30,022
30,022
-
Total assets
682,461
656,467
25,994
Accumulated depreciation
208,101
98,687
109,414
$474,360
$557,780
$(83,420)
Note 17. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On June 16, 2014, the Company sold the El Tule Canyon mining claim and the remainder of the Gypsy claim for 1,500,000 shares of restricted common stock of the buyer, bringing to 6,500,000 the number of shares of the buyer now owned (see Note 15).
On August 31, 2014, the Company defaulted on its obligation for $130,000 of convertible notes (see Note 9).
On October 9, 2014, Mr. Joshua (Simon) Shainberg was appointed President of the Company (See Part II, Item 10. Directors. Executive Officers. Promoters and Control Persons).
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
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer (the same individual) , we undertook an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on this evaluation, our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer have concluded that such disclosure controls and procedures were not effective to ensure (a) that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms and (b) that information required to be disclosed is accumulated and communicated to management to allow timely decisions regarding disclosure.
Internal Controls over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company’s board of directors, management, and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit the preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In making its assessment, our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, used the criteria set forth in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). Our management has concluded that internal control over financial reporting was not effective as of May 31, 2014.
There were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting during the fiscal period ended May 31, 2014 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.
This annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal period ended May 31, 2014 does not include an auditor attestation report on our internal controls over financial reporting inasmuch as no attestation report was required under the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission applicable to us as in effect at that time.
Item 9B.
Item 9B. Other Information.
None.
PART III
Item 10.
Item 10. Directors. Executive Officers. Promoters and Control Persons.
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS.
The following table sets forth the names and ages of each of the persons designated to become members of the Board of Directors and Executive Officers effective upon closing of the Share Exchange
Name
Age
Positions and Offices to be Held
Jack Wagenti
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer,
Chief Financial Officer; Secretary; Treasurer;
Joshua (Simon) Shainberg
President
Jerry Scott
Chief Operating Officer
Frederick Dunne, Jr.
Director
Arthur deWitt Ackerman
Director
Eduardo Lino Boullosa Alvarez
President AIVN de Mexico the Company’s Subsidiary
The directors named above will serve until the first annual meeting of our stockholders following completion of the Share Exchange or until their respective successors have been appointed and duly qualified. Thereafter, directors will be elected for one-year terms at the annual stockholders’ meeting. Officers will hold their positions at the pleasure of the board of directors, absent any employment agreement. There is no arrangement or understanding between any of the directors or officers and any other person pursuant to which any director or officer was or is to be selected as a director or officer, and there is no arrangement, plan or understanding as to whether non-management shareholders will exercise their voting rights to continue to elect the current directors to our board. There are also no arrangements, agreements or understandings between non-management shareholders and management under which non-management shareholders may directly or indirectly participate in or influence the management of our affairs.
Jack Wagenti (77 ) was previously elected Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of US Precious Metals, Inc. in December 2007 and subsequently resigned in October 2008. Mr. Wagenti had been Chief Financial Officer/Secretary/Treasurer from May of 2002 until the December 2007 appointment. Mr. Wagenti was appointed again in August 2010 as Chairman of the Board, Secretary Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of US Precious Metals, Inc. Mr. Wagenti resigned all positions in US Precious Metals, Inc. November 30, 2011. Mr. Wagenti has been Director of International Power Group since October of 2004 and resigned September 2008. From 1996 to May 2009, Mr. Wagenti has served in varying capacities of American International Ventures, Inc., a company trading on the Over the Counter Bulletin Board and Pink Sheet market. Mr. Wagenti resigned as a Director in May of 2009 as a Director of American International Ventures, Inc. Mr. Wagenti was reappointed to the board of American International Ventures, Inc. February 6, 2012 and all then present Officers and Directors resigned. Mr. Wagenti serves full time as interim Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary Treasurer and Chairman of the Board for American International Ventures, Inc. with no salary. Mr. Wagenti’s experience in developing and growing companies led to the conclusion he should serve as a director of the Company.
Retired Major Jerry D. Scott (77) attended three (3) years of college at the University of Omaha & Mankato State Teachers college. Mr. Scott than entered the Air Force in 1958 and attained officer status by completing the cadet program. Mr. Scott flew on a Strategic Air Command crew as a Radar Navigator for 5 years in B-47's and 8 years in B-52's, which instilled in Jerry the need to be surrounded by and committed to professional and responsible individuals, all dedicated to accomplishing a common goal. Major Scott reluctantly retired as a regular Major after a tour in Vietnam with a medical disability and henceforth, entered the construction industry in 1973 and that has continued right up until today. Mr. Scott is planning, permitting and
developing the set-up and infrastructure, such as mining camps, heavy equipment service and dispatch, pilot plant operations and all the necessary mining facilities in order to operate Placer Gold Prospecting projects for extraction of gold and silver ore at its Nevada mining sites. Mr. Scott is the President of Gold Construction, Inc., the Nevada Construction company set by Mr. Scott and his son to develop the Placer Gold Prospecting home base mining facilities in Beatty, Nevada. Mr. Scott also is Chief Operating Officer of American International Venture, Inc.
Joshua (Simon) Shainberg (58) has been the principal of JFK Oil Terminal Corp., which owns a 6 acre oil terminal in Berwick, Pennsylvania. In his capacity as principal, he facilitated all aspects of the oil terminal acquisition. During the same period, he has been principal of Exploration Solutions, LLC, where he participated in numerous real estate projects and various corporate finance projects. Mr. Shainberg also has an extensive background in corporate finance projects.
In 1999, Mr. Shainberg was named a co-defendant in an action by the Securities and Exchange Commission, in the U.S. District of the Eastern District of New York, alleging securities of violations of Section 17(a) of the Securities Act and Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5 thereunder. On January 13, 2016, the District Court entered a judgment against Mr. Shainberg permanently barring him from future violations under Section 17(a) of the Securities Act and Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5 thereunder. Mr. Shainberg paid $50,000.00 in fines and restitution. In addition, as a result of such action, Mr. Shainberg is permanently barred from any association with a broker-dealer.
Frederick R. Dunne, Jr. (70) is managing member of Dunne & Associates, LLC, a law firm in Kearny, New Jersey. Mr. Dunne received his BA from Niagara University 1966 and his JD from Seton Hall University 1970. Mr. Dunne was admitted as an Attorney at Law in the State of New Jersey on November 28, 1972; to the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey on November 28,1972; to the State of New York on May 15, 1984; to the United States District Court for the District of Colorado on May 19, 1997; to the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit on October 28, 1998; to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York on March 14, 2000 and the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York on March14, 2000. Mr. Dunne has served many elected or appointed positions in Kearny, North Arlington, and Hudson County. Mr. Dunne was President West Hudson Bar Association, Chairman St. Benedict's Alumni Fund and St. Benedict's Prep Reunion Committee and Fund Raising. Mr. Dunne’s experience in corporate matters led to the conclusion he should serve as a director of the Company.
Arthur deWitt Ackerman (73) has been involved with entrepreneurial endeavors and sales for most of his career. From 1967-1980 Mr. Ackerman had a successful career with Home Life of New York where he was a member of the Hall of Fame and a Charter member of the Top of the Round Table. In 1982 Mr. Ackerman co- founded a Wall Street based gold exploration and money management group. Since 1980 Mr. Ackerman has been an investment banker for resource and technology companies, raising over $50,000,000 for early stage companies. Mr. Ackerman is also an angel investor in resource, technology and renewable energy companies, and in a LEEDS community in the Mohave Desert which will incorporate hydroponic farming, water production, solar power generation, and residential and resort facilities. Mr. Ackerman is a Director of Beech Tree Labs, Inc. and The Mohave National Preserve Conservancy. Mr. Ackerman is also a member of the Board of Advisors of TrakLok Corp. Mr. Ackerman’s experience in raising funds for developing and growing companies led to the conclusion he should serve as a director of the Company.
Eduardo "Lalo" Lino Boullosa, Jr. (43) is a third generation miner. His grandfather, and Eduardo Sr. were all miners who worked the El Alamo Mining District, in Baja California since the 1920's. He works with his twin brother Manolo Lino Boullosa, who is an employee of our Mexican subsidiary.
The Boullosa family owns the property where AIVN de Mexico has its mining camp and also leases other lands in the area. The Motherlode Mine is also a family heirloom and has been handed down to the twins who operate the mine for AIVN de Mexico. Lalo is President of AIVN de Mexico and the Boullosa family owns 10% of the company and American International Ventures, Inc. owns 90%.
Mr. Boullosa has been working in mining since he was 10 years old. He has lived at EL Alamo most of his life and remembers starting to work for his father when he was 10 years old. In the early years he learning everything there was to know about gold mining. Lalo can run every piece of mining equipment, is certified with explosives and carried a license for 15 years while working for his father. He was instrumental in building the mining camp, setting up the plant and helping to develop his mining crew. He trained everyone who works for AIVN de Mexico, except his brother Manolo, who needed no training and is the mine manager. After 32 years of mining, Lalo's experience and know how has made him the leader of AIVN de Mexico.
There are no written or oral agreements with any of the above named management to receive compensation.
All executive officers are elected by the Board and hold office until the next Annual Meeting of stockholders and until their successors are elected and qualify.
Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings
Except as otherwise stated herein, to the knowledge of the Company, none of its executive officers or directors has been personally involved in any of the following:
(1) A petition under the Federal bankruptcy laws or any state insolvency law was filed by or against, or a receiver, fiscal agent or similar officer was appointed by a court for the business or property of such person, or any partnership in which he was a general partner at or within two years before the time of such filing, or any corporation or business association of which he was an executive officer at or within two years before the time of such filing;
(2) Such person was convicted in a criminal proceeding or is a named subject of a pending criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations and other minor offenses);
(3) Such person was the subject of any order, judgment, or decree, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, of any court of competent jurisdiction, permanently or temporarily enjoining him from, or otherwise limiting, the following activities:
(i)
Acting as a futures commission merchant, introducing broker, commodity trading advisor, commodity pool operator, floor broker, leverage transaction merchant, any other person regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, or an associated person of any of the foregoing, or as an investment adviser, underwriter, broker or dealer in securities, or as an affiliated person, director or employee of any investment company, bank, savings and loan association or insurance company, or engaging in or continuing any conduct or practice in connection with such activity;
(ii)
Engaging in any type of business practice; or
(iii)
Engaging in any activity in connection with the purchase or sale of any security or commodity or in connection with any violation of Federal or State securities laws or Federal commodities laws;
(4) Such person was the subject of any order, judgment or decree, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, of any Federal or State authority barring, suspending or otherwise limiting for more than 60 days the right of such person to engage in any activity described in paragraph (f)(3)(i) of this section, or to be associated with persons engaged in any such activity;
(5) Such person was found by a court of competent jurisdiction in a civil action or by the Commission to have violated any Federal or State securities law, and the judgment in such civil action or finding by the Commission has not been subsequently reversed, suspended, or vacated;
Item 11.
Item 11. Executive Compensation.
The following table provides certain information for the fiscal period ended May 31, 2014 concerning compensation earned for services rendered in all capacities by our named executive officers during year ended May 31, 2014 and the period ended May 31, 2013
Employment Agreements
Except as stated herein, the Company does not have an employment agreement with its executive officers. On October 9, 2014, the Company appointed Mr. Joshua (Simon) Shainberg as the Company’s President. The parties have agreed that during Mr. Shainberg’s tenure as President of the Company he will not receive or accrue any compensation or other remuneration in connection with his role with the Company.
Discussion of Director Compensation
During the year ended May 31, 2014, the Company issued 1,500,000 shares of Company stock valued at $179,993 to its directors. Except for equity awards, the Company did not pay any director compensation during the fiscal period ended May 31, 2014. The Company may begin to compensate its directors at some time in the future.
OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT MAY 31, 2014.
SECURITIES TO BE
ISSUED UPON
EXERCISE OF
OUTSTANDING OPTIONS
WEIGHTED
AVERAGE
EXERCISE
PRICE
OF OPTIONS
REMAINING
AVAILABLE
OPTIONS FOR
FUTURE
ISSUANCE
Equity compensation plan approved by
security holders
2,900,000
$.21
4,100,000
Item 12.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
The following table sets forth, as of the date of September 10, 2014, the stock ownership of each person known by the Company to be the beneficial owner of five percent or more of the Company's Common Stock, each executive officer and director individually and all executive officers and directors of the Company as a group as of such date. No other class of voting securities is outstanding. Each person is believed to have sole voting and investment power over the shares except as noted. Unless otherwise indicated, the beneficial owner has sole voting and investment power. The following information is based upon 207,020,044 shares of common stock of the Company which are issued and outstanding as of September 10, 2014. Except as otherwise noted, the address for each party is 15122 Tealrise Way, Lithia, Florida 33547, the address of the Company.
Name and
Amount and
Address of
Nature of
Beneficial
Beneficial
Percent
Title of Class
Owner
Owner (1)
of Class
Common
Jack Wagenti (2)
15,612,392
7.54%
Common
Lino Manolo Boullosa Alvarez (3)
500,000
0.24%
Common
Jerry Scott (4)
1,100,000
0.53%
Common
Frederick R. Dunne, Jr. (5)
1,250,000
0.06%
Common
Arthur deWitt Ackerman (6)
6,250,000
3.02%
Common
Golds Gold Group LLC (7)
63,700,000
30.77%
Common (8)
Officers and Directors as a group (5 persons)
24,712,392
11.39%
(1) “Beneficial ownership" means having or sharing, directly or indirectly (i) voting power, which includes the power to vote or to direct the voting, or (ii) investment power, which includes the power to dispose or to direct the disposition, of shares of the common stock of an issuer. The definition of beneficial ownership includes shares underlying options or warrants to purchase common stock, or other securities convertible into common stock, that currently are exercisable or convertible or that will become exercisable or convertible within 60 days. Unless otherwise indicated, the beneficial owner has sole voting and investment power.
(2) Mr. Wagenti is Chairman, and Interim CEO, CFO of the Company. The amount includes 15,362,392 shares held by Mr. Wagenti’s spouse.
(3) Mr. Alvarez is President of AIVN de Mexico the parent Company’s subsidy.
(4) Mr. Scott is Chief Operating Officer of the Company.
(5) Mr. Dunne is a Director of the Company.
(6) Mr. Ackerman is a Director of the Company.
(7) The address for Golds Gold Group LLC is 1 Mapp Street, 3rd Floor, Belize City, Belize.
Item 13.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions.
During the year ended May 31, 2014, the Company issued 1,500,000 shares of Company stock valued at $179,993 to its directors.
On March 23, 2012, we closed on the Share Exchange Agreement with the shareholders of Placer Gold Prospecting, Inc. (PGPI) pursuant to which we acquired all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of PGPI. The transaction was treated as a reverse merger for accounting purposes. Jack Wagenti, our President, CEO and director executed the Exchange Agreement on our behalf. Mr. Wagenti was a founder, CEO and director of PGPI. At the time of closing, he owned 25 million shares of common stock of PGPI (approx. 16%) and in exchange he received 25 million shares of our common stock under the Exchange Agreement. Frederick Dunne, Jr., one of our directors, owned 1,000,000 shares of common stock of PGPI (less than 1%) at the time of closing, and in exchange he received 1,000,000 shares of our common stock under the Exchange Agreement. Arthur Ackerman, one of our directors as of Closing, owned 6,000,000 shares of common stock of PGPI (approx 3.6%) as of the time of closing and in exchange he received 6,000,000 shares of our common stock under the Exchange Agreement.
During the year ended May 31, 2013, the Company issued 1,100,000 shares of Company stock valued at $416,000 and awarded 1,500,000 options valued at $495,000, to its directors.
The Company also issued 150,000 shares, valued at $45,000 to a director for services.
The Company also issued 50,000 shares to the Company’s former President in conjunction with the acquisition of a mining claim.
The president of AIVN de Mexico owns the land where AIVN de Mexico has its mining camp. The Company paid $9,800 during the year in rent.
During the period from January 25, 2012 (date of formation) to March 23, 2012, PGPI issued 38,500,000 shares to founders, of which 27,100,000 were to officers and directors. These shares were assigned no value since they were issued on the date of formation of Company, prior to the Company acquiring assets.
On February 2012, PGPI issued 100,000,000 shares were issued to Golds Gold Group, LLC making it the controlling shareholder of the Company. Consideration for the issuance of these shares was five separate mining claims. These claims were assigned no value on the books of the Company, which was the value on the books of the contributing company, as this transaction was between companies under common control.
During the twelve months ending May 31, 2014, we issued 1,200,000 shares of common stock as follows:
·
750,000 common shares to our three Directors for services rendered in fiscal year 2013.
·
250,000 common shares to our attorney for services.
·
200,000 common shares under a consulting agreement.
Code of Ethics
The Company has adopted a code of ethics. The code of ethics is attached as Exhibit 14 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the period ended May 31, 2009. The Code applies to its principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions.
Item 14.
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services.
The following table sets forth fees billed to us by the principal accountants to the Company for professional services rendered for the year ended May 31, 2014 and 2013:
Fee Category
Year
Ended
5/31/14
Year
Ended
5/31/13
Audit Fees
$ 29,595
$ 37,692
Audit Related Fees
Tax Fees
All Other Fees
Total Fees
$ 30,195
$ 38,292
Audit Fees
Audit fees consist of fees billed for professional services rendered for the audit of our financial statements and review of interim consolidated financial statements included in quarterly reports and services that are normally provided by the principal accountants in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements.
Audit Related Fees
Audit related fees consist of fees billed for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of our consolidated financial statements and are not reported under “Audit Fees.”
Tax Fees
Tax Fees consist of fees billed for professional services for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning. These services include preparation of federal and state income tax returns.
All Other Fees
All other fees consist of fees for product and services other than the services reported above.
Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures
Prior to engaging its accountants to perform a particular service, the Company’s Board of Directors obtains an estimate for the service to be performed. All of the services described above were approved by the Board of Directors in accordance with its procedures.
PART IV
Item 15.
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.
Exhibits required by Regulation S-K, Item 601.
Exhibit Number
Description of Exhibit
3.1
Articles of Incorporation, incorporated by reference to Form 10SB12G filed November 8, 1999
3.2
By-laws, incorporated by reference to Form 10SB12G filed November 8, 1999
4.1
Stock Certificate Specimen, , incorporated by reference to Form 10SB12G filed November 8, 1999
4.2
Stock Option Plan, filed with Form 8-K/A on June 3, 2013
10.1
Share Exchange Agreement*
10.2
Property Option Agreement with Patriot Gold Corp.*
10.3
Daal LLC Agreement Golden Eagle *
10.4
Tucker White Agreement Golden Eagle *
10.5
Turner Ranch Agreement*
10.6
Gypsy Gold Mine Purchase Contract dated January 20 2014 by and between the Company and Gold Mining USA, Inc. filed with Form 8-K on February 8, 2014.
10.7
Gypsy/El Tule/Rich Gulch Gold Mining Claims Purchase Contract dated June 16, 2014 by and between the Company and Gold Mining USA, Inc. filed with Form 8-K on June 24, 2014.
Code of Ethics, incorporated by reference to Form 10-K filed November 11, 2009
21.1
Subsidiaries
31.1
Certificate of the Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2
Certificate of the Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1
Certificate of the Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
* Previously filed as an exhibit to Form 8-K/A filed on November 9, 2012
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Company has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Registrant:
AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL VENTURES, INC.
By: /s/ Jack Wagenti
___________________________________
Jack Wagenti
Chairman, Principal Executive Officer and
Principal Financial Officer
Date: October 15, 2014
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 and on the dates indicated.
Signature
Title
Date
/s/ Arthur DeWitt Ackerman
October 15, 2014
Arthur DeWitt Ackerman
Director
/s/ Fred Dunne, Jr.
October 15, 2014
Fred Dunne, Jr.
Director
/s/ Jack Wagenti
October 15, 2014
Jack Wagenti
Chairman, Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer