ITEM 1. BUSINESS
General
We were incorporated on July 17, 2006 under the laws of British Columbia, Canada under the name Golden Predator Mines Inc. We were incorporated as a wholly owned subsidiary of Energy Metals Corp. for the purpose of holding precious metals and certain specialty metals assets. In order to focus on specialty metals, during February 2009 we transferred most of our precious mineral assets to our then wholly-owned subsidiary Golden Predator Corp. and on March 6, 2009 we completed a spin-out of Golden Predator Corp. to our shareholders. Effective March 12, 2009, we changed our name to EMC Metals Corp. In order to reflect a new emphasis on mining for scandium minerals, effective November 19, 2014, we changed our name to Scandium International Mining Corp.
We are a reporting issuer in the Canadian Provinces of British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario and our common shares are listed for trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the trading symbol “SCY”.
Our head office is located at 1430 Greg Street, Suite 501, Sparks, Nevada 89431. The address of our registered office is 1200 - 750 West Pender Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6C 2T8.
Our focus of operations is the development of the Nyngan Scandium project located in New South Wales, Australia. We also hold a scandium/rare earth minerals property in Norway known as the Tørdal property.
Our plan of operation for the remainder of 2015 is to seek additional funding and to complete a feasibility study on our Nyngan Scandium project. We will also continue to test and develop unique scandium recovery and finishing techniques.
Intercorporate Relationships
The chart below illustrates our corporate structure on December 31, 2014, including our subsidiaries, the jurisdictions of incorporation, and the percentage of voting securities held.
Recent History
Preliminary Economic Assessment
In October of 2014 we obtained an independent report of a preliminary economic assessment of our Nyngan Scandium project entitled “NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Feasibility of the Nyngan Scandium Project” prepared by Larpro Pty Ltd. of Brisbane, Australia. The full report is available on our website. A summary of the report is provided herein under “ITEM 2. PROPERTIES - NYNGAN SCANDIUM PROJECT - Nyngan Preliminary Economic Assessment”.
June 2014 Financing Transaction
On June 24, 2014 SCY entered into a $2.5 million loan facility with Scandium Investments LLC, a company owned by a US private investor group. The proceeds of the 2014 loan were applied to pay a A$1.3 million final payment to Jervois Mining Ltd. (“Jervois”) required for SCY to acquire a 100% interest in the Nyngan Project pursuant to the terms of a settlement agreement with Jervois dated February 2013. The balance of the proceeds of the loan, was applied to repay $1.2 million in maturing debt. The loan from Scandium Investments LLC has a maturity date of December 24, 2015 and bears interest that increases in quarterly increments from 4% to a maximum of 12%.
The $2.5M loan automatically converts into an effective 20% joint venture interest in both our Nyngan and Honeybugle Scandium projects, at such time as the Company meets a funding milestone, defined as raising $3.0 million in equity, during the period from drawdown to loan maturity. This conversion feature can also be triggered at any time, at the lender’s option, prior to the loan maturity date. Once the conversion feature is triggered, the 20% joint venture partner has a carried interest in the project until the Company meets two development milestones as follows: (1) filing a feasibility study on SEDAR, and (2) receiving a mining license on either joint venture property. At such time as the two development milestones are met, the joint venture partner becomes fully participating on development costs thereafter.
Completion of the development milestones by the Company, as described above, activates a second one-time, limited period option for the joint venture partner, to elect to convert their 20% joint venture interest in the project into an equivalent value of the Company’s common shares, at agreed market prices, rather than continue with ownership at the project level.
Repayment of the loan is secured against the Company’s interest in its Australian mineral properties, and the lender has the right to purchase the Australian mineral properties at a price equal to the outstanding loan obligations in certain events of default under the loan agreement.
Nyngan Scandium Project Acquisition
On February 5, 2010, SCY entered into an Exploration Joint Venture Agreement (“JV Agreement”) with Jervois Mining Limited (“Jervois”) of Melbourne, Australia (ASX: JRV) to co-develop the Nyngan scandium property (“Nyngan”), in New South Wales, Australia. The JV Agreement gave SCY the right to earn a 50% interest in a joint venture with Jervois for the purpose of holding and developing Nyngan, provided SCY met certain technical and financial milestones. SCY met all financial requirements and delivered evidence of technical milestone achievement to Jervois on February 24, 2012.
On February 27, 2012, Jervois formally rejected SCY’s claim to have met the earn-in conditions specified in the JV. The parties discussed and successfully reached an agreed settlement in February 2013 that resolved all issues in dispute. The terms of the binding settlement provided for the transfer of 100% ownership and control of the Nyngan Project, including the relevant exploration tenements and surface (freehold) land holdings, to the Company, in return for A$2.6 million in future cash payments. The settlement agreement also applied a production royalty on the Nyngan project of 1.7% of sales for products produced from the site, payable to Jervois. The royalty has a 12 year term from first production date, and a 10 tpa scandium oxide production minimum.
In June of 2014 the Company completed all settlement payments required under its agreement with Jervois. Formal transfer of the Nyngan Project exploration licenses to SCY’s Australian subsidiary is currently underway, with completion anticipated by the end of the second quarter of 2015.
Sale of Springer Mining Company, Plus Other Nevada Mineral Assets
Our primary asset during 2013 and previous was our Springer tungsten mill and mine which we acquired from General Electric Company in 2006, and which has been on care and maintenance since acquisition. SCY entered into an agreement on September 13, 2013 with Americas Bullion Royalty Corp. to sell 100% of the Springer Mining Company, including all its mine, mill, water, and tungsten resource assets for $5 million. This sale agreement also included the Carlin Vanadium property (and resource asset) and the Copper King Tungsten property, all located in Nevada, USA. The sale agreement included an immediate $3.1 million payoff of a matured loan secured by the Springer assets, and a subsequent cash payment of $1.9 million, made November 25th 2013. Formal transfer of ownership and closing documents were executed on December 31, 2013.
As a result of this transaction, SCY has no further mineral assets in Nevada, or in the USA.
Business Operations
Company Summary
We are a mineral exploration and development company that is focused on the development of scandium, rare earth minerals, and other specialty metals, including nickel, cobalt, boron, manganese, tantalum, titanium and zirconium. We have not commenced development of any of our projects, and as a result we are an exploration stage company. We have not established mineral reserves on any of our projects.
Our principal project is the Nyngan Scandium Project located in New South Wales, Australia, which we own 100% of the rights to, including exploration licenses. In April of 2014 we also acquired an exploration license referred to as the Honeybugle property, a prospective scandium exploration property located 24 kilometers from the Nyngan Project.
We also hold 100% of the Tørdal Scandium/REE property exploration licenses located in Norway.
Corporate Objective and Strategy
Our corporate focus is to produce and sell scandium and scandium-based products. None of our current properties has advanced to the development or production stage and we are currently an exploration stage company. In addition we do not currently have reserves on any of our properties. We have, however, completed an independently prepared Preliminary Economic Assessment of the Nyngan Project and are conducting additional technical and assessment work for the purpose of preparing a definitive feasibility study on the development of the scandium resource. Subject to a successful definitive feasibility study, we intend to develop the Nyngan resource for production, with a view to supplying the anticipated future demand for scandium oxide and scandium-content materials. For further information on the Nyngan Project, please refer to “Item 3. Properties - Description of Properties - Nyngan Scandium Project” and “Item 1A.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
In addition to the factors discussed elsewhere in this registration statement, the following are certain material risks and uncertainties that are specific to our industry and properties that could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Risks Associated with the Nyngan Project
There are technical challenges to scandium production that may render the project not economic. There is no assurance that we will demonstrate economic viability on the Nyngan resource. The economics of scandium recovery are known to be challenging. There are very few facilities producing scandium and the existing scandium producers are secretive in their techniques for recovery. In addition, the recovery of scandium product from laterite resources, such as at the Nyngan deposit, has not been demonstrated at an operating facility. The Nyngan processing facility design, if constructed, will be the first of its kind for scandium production. These factors increase the possibility that we will encounter unknown or unanticipated production and processing risks. Should any of these risks become actual, they could increase the cost of production thereby reducing margins on the project or rendering the project uneconomic.
There is no guarantee that we will be able to finance the Nyngan Project for production. Any decision to proceed with production on the Nyngan Project will require significant production financing. Scandium projects are very rare and economic and production uncertainty may limit our ability to attract the required amount of capital to put the project into production. If we are unable to source production financing on commercially viable terms, we may not be able to proceed with the project and may have to write off our investment in the project.
If we are successful at achieving production, we may have difficulty selling Scandium. Scandium is characterized by unreliable supply, resulting in limited development of markets for scandium oxide. Markets may take longer to develop than anticipated, and Nyngan and other potential scandium producers may have to wait for products and applications to create adequate demand. Certain applications may require lengthy certification processes that could delay usage or acceptance. In addition certain scandium applications require very high purity scandium product, which is much more difficult to produce than lower grade product. If we commence production, our inability to supply scandium in sufficient quantities, in a reliable and timely manner, and in the correct quality, could reduce the demand for any scandium produced from our projects and possibly render the project uneconomic.
General Risks Associated with our Mining Activities and Company
We may not receive permits necessary to proceed with the development of a mining project. The development of any of our properties, including the Nyngan Project, will require numerous local and national government approvals, including environmental permits. Our ability to secure all necessary permits required to develop any of our projects is unknown until we make application for such permits. If we cannot obtain all necessary permits, the project cannot be developed, and our investment in the project will likely be lost. Our future market value will likely be significantly reduced to the extent one or more of our projects cannot proceed to the development or production stage due to an inability to secure all required permits.
Mineral Resource Estimates on our properties are subject to uncertainty and may not reflect what may be economically extracted. Resource estimates included for scandium on our Nyngan property are estimates only and no assurances can be given that the estimated levels of scandium minerals will actually be produced or that we will receive the metal prices assumed in determining our resources. Such estimates are expressions of judgment based on knowledge, mining experience, analysis of drilling and exploration results and industry practices. Estimates made at any given time may significantly change when new information becomes available or when parameters that were used for such estimates change. By their nature resource estimates are imprecise and depend, to a certain extent, upon statistical inferences which may ultimately prove unreliable. Furthermore, market price fluctuations in scandium, as well as increased capital or production costs or reduced recovery rates, may limit our ability to establish reserves at some future point on Nyngan, or on any of our properties. The extent to which resources may ultimately be reclassified as proven or probable reserves is dependent upon the demonstration of their profitable recovery. The evaluation of reserves or resources is always influenced by economic and technological factors, which may change over time. Accordingly, current resource estimates on our material properties may never be converted into reserves, or be economically extracted, and we may have to write off such properties or incur a loss on sale of our interest on such properties, which will likely reduce the value of our shares.
Our potential for a competitive advantage in specialty and rare metals production depends on the availability of our technical processing abilities, as currently provided by our Chief Technology Officer. We are dependent upon the personal efforts and commitment of Willem Duyvesteyn, our CTO, a director and significant shareholder of our company, for the continued development of new extractive technologies related to scandium and other rare and specialty metals production. The loss of the services of Mr. Duyvesteyn will likely limit our ability to use or continue the development of such technologies, which would remove the potential competitive and economic benefit of such technologies.
Our operations are subject to losses due to exchange rate fluctuation. We maintain accounts in Canadian and U.S. currency. Our equity financings have to date been priced in Canadian dollars. All of our material projects and non-cash assets are located outside of both Canada and the USA, however, and require regular currency conversions to local currencies where such projects and assets are located. Our operations are accordingly subject to foreign currency fluctuations and such fluctuations may materially affect our financial position and results. We do not engage in currency hedging activities.
We do not currently earn any revenue and without additional funding, we will not be able to carry out our business plan, and if we raise additional funding existing security holders may experience dilution. As an exploration stage mining company, none of our principal properties are in operation and we do not currently earn any revenue. In order to continue our exploration activities and to meet our obligations on the Nyngan Scandium Project, we will need to raise additional funds. Recently, we have relied entirely on the sale of our securities to raise funds for operations. Our ability to continue to raise funds from the sale of our securities is subject to significant uncertainty due to volatility in the mineral exploration marketplace. If we are able to raise funds from the sale of our securities, existing security holders may experience significant dilution of their ownership interests and possibly to the value of their existing securities.
ITEM 2.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors Regarding Resource Estimates
Certain terms used in this section are those used in accordance with the requirements of the securities laws in effect in Canada, which differ from the requirements of U.S. securities laws. Canadian requirements, including NI 43-101, differ significantly from the requirements of the SEC, and resource information contained herein may not be comparable to similar information disclosed by U.S. companies.
In particular, and without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the term “resource” does not equate to the term “reserves”. The requirements of NI 43-101 for identification of “reserves” are not the same as those of the SEC, and reserves reported in compliance with NI 43-101 may not qualify as “reserves” under SEC standards. Under U.S. standards, mineralization may not be classified as a “reserve” unless the determination has been made that the mineralization could be economically and legally produced or extracted at the time the reserve determination is made. We have not established reserves on any of our properties.
The SEC’s disclosure standards normally do not recognize information concerning “measured mineral resources”, “indicated mineral resources” or “inferred mineral resources” or other descriptions of the amount of mineralization in mineral deposits that do not constitute “reserves” by U.S. standards, in documents filed with the SEC. In addition, resources that are classified as “inferred mineral resources” have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an “inferred mineral resource” will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian rules, estimated “inferred mineral resources” may not generally form the basis of feasibility or pre-feasibility studies. Investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of an “inferred mineral resource” exists or is economically or legally mineable.
Disclosure of “contained ounces” in a resource is permitted disclosure under Canadian regulations, however, the SEC normally only permits issuers to report mineralization that does not constitute “reserves” by SEC standards as in-place tonnage and grade without reference to unit measures.
Accordingly, information concerning mineral deposits set forth herein may not be comparable with information presented by companies using only U.S. standards in their public disclosure.
Description of Mineral Projects
Nyngan Scandium Project
Property Description and Location
The Nyngan Project site is located approximately 450 kilometres northwest of Sydney, NSW, Australia and approximately 20 kilometres due west from the town of Nyngan, a rural town of approximately 2900 people. The deposit is located 5 kilometres south of Miandetta, off the Barrier Highway that connects the town of Nyngan to the town of Cobar. The license area can be reached via the paved Barrier Highway, which allows year-round access, but final access to the site itself is reached by clay farm tracks. The general area can be characterized as flat countryside and is classified as agricultural land, used predominantly for wheat farming and livestock grazing. Infrastructure in the area is good, with available water and electric power in close proximity to the property boundaries.
The Nyngan property is classified as an Australia Property for purposes of financial statement segment information.
The scandium resource is hosted within the lateritic zone of the Gilgai Intrusion, one of several Alaskan-type mafic and ultramafic bodies which intrude Cambrian-Ordovician metasediments collectively called the Girilambone Group. The laterite zone, locally up to 40 meters thick, is layered with hematitic clay at the surface followed by limonitic clay, saprolitic clay, weathered bedrock and finally fresh bedrock. The scandium mineralization is concentrated within the hematitic, limonitic, and saprolitic zones with values up to 350 ppm scandium.
The general location of the property is provided in Figure 2 below. The specific location of the exploration licenses that we may earn an interest in are provided in Figure 3 below.
Figure 2: Location of Nyngan Project
Figure 3: Location of the Exploration Licenses
Mineral License Details
The scandium resource is held under Exploration License (EL) 6009 (Block Number 3132, units d, e, j, k and Block no. 3133, unit f) and EL 6096 (Block 3132, unit p, and Block 3133, units l, m, r and s). An Assessment Lease Application is currently pending over the area of these two ELs. The Exploration Licenses allow the license holder to conduct exploration on private land (with landowner consents and signed compensation agreements in place) and public lands not including wildlife reserves, heritage areas or National Parks. The scandium resource is fully enclosed on private agricultural land.
Jervois holds legal title to both the surface and mineral exploration rights on the Nyngan project. These legal rights and all project rights are subject to a binding Settlement Agreement between Jervois and SCY, dated February 5, 2013, in which 100% of all rights to the EL’s, surface rights (freehold land) and project rights are required to be transferred to the Company. The transfer is underway and under process by the relevant NSW State agencies, and is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2015.
The exploration licenses cover 29.25 square kilometers (2,925 hectares). The resource site is located at geographic coordinates MGA zone 55, GDA 94, Lat: - 31.5987, Long: 146.9827, Map Sheets 1:250k - Cobar (SH/55-14) and 1:100k Hermidale (8234).
The project surface rights (freehold) total 750 acres (300 hectares) on a portion of the exploration license area. The freehold property boundaries are defined by standard land survey techniques undertaken by the Lands Department and currently presented in the form of Cadastral Deposited Plans (DP) and Lots. The land associated with the project rights under transfer to SCY is DP 752879, Lots 6 and 7 (Appendix 2, Lots 6 and 7 - Nyngan).
The Company is required to lodge individual A$10,000 environmental bonds with the NSW Mines Department for each license, and must meet total minimum work requirements annually of approximately A$65,000, covering both licenses. Annual property costs to the local Shire Council are under A$1,000 per year.
Royalties attached to the properties include a 1.5% Net Profits Interest royalty to private parties involved with the early exploration on the property, and a 1.7% Net Smelter Returns Royalty payable to Jervois for 12 years after production commences, subject to terms in the settlement agreement. Another revenue royalty is payable to private interests of 0.2%, subject to a US$370k cap. A NSW minerals royalty will also be levied on the project, subject to negotiation, currently 4% on revenue.
Metallurgy Development
The first work phase of the metallurgy development program consisted of detailed metallurgical bench scale testing, and was intended to refine and enhance the Company’s existing material process flow sheet to extract scandium from the resource material. This existing flow sheet, developed by Jervois and external consultants, formed the basis of a preliminary, conceptual engineering report for the processing elements of the project that was completed by Roberts & Schaefer of Salt Lake City, Utah, specifically for use by SCY management.
The Roberts & Schaefer report included capital and operating cost estimates, based on process flow sheets and technical reports previously done for Jervois or SCY on various metallurgical aspects of the resource. These technical/process reports included work done by METCON, the CSIRO, and, and by others, proprietary to or sourced by Jervois or SCY. The bulk of the process applied by Roberts & Schaefer in their Report was defined by bench scale as well as small scale pilot plant work results compiled by others, and a preliminary flow sheet complied by the CSIRO.
This early stage Roberts & Schaefer Report was carried forward into the later metallurgical test work subsequently conducted by Hazen Research and the design work utilized in the SNC- Lavalin economic study presented to management in 2012.
In January 2011, SCY announced results of initial lab test work, independently prepared by Hazen Research, Inc., of Golden, Colorado, USA. These results defined general results involving conventional contained acid leach systems and suggested recoveries from resource of up to 75%. No secondary recoveries were considered in these initial bench-scale tests.
The second phase of the Hazen test work program continued through July, and involved continuous pilot plant testing of the acid leach systems, solvent extraction systems and product finish systems identified by earlier CSIRO work. The overall objectives of the test work program were to define and optimize a process or series of processes that achieves an 80% scandium recovery, lowest possible capital and operating costs, and most benign environmental impact, using standard and accepted processes.
On January 19, 2012 we announced receipt an independent metallurgical test-work report, titled "Purification of Scandium Extracted from Laterite Ore", outlining the results of a number of pilot-scale tests on Nyngan resource material, and estimated recoveries and grades of scandium oxide product. The report was independently prepared by Hazen and is the final in a series of three phases of semi-continuous pilot plant scale test-work completed by Hazen during 2011. Work was finalized in late November.
Highlights of the 2011 Hazen semi-continuous pilot plant test-work are as follows:
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Results of conventional contained sulfuric acid bake and water leach systems, at atmospheric pressure, demonstrated scandium recoveries averaging 75%,
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Results of conventional solvent extraction ("SX") on the pregnant leach solution, demonstrated scandium recoveries exceeding 99%,
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Results on final stage precipitation of scandium oxide, focused on highest combined purity and recovery, demonstrated scandium recoveries of 97.5%, at purity levels of 97.5% Sc2O3. Higher purity levels were achieved at lower recoveries,
·
Overall recovery results were 70% to 80%, based on ore type (limonite or saprolite), and
·
All process assumptions were based on standard and accepted techniques for ore preparation, leaching, solvent extraction and final product preparation.
In late 2011, the Company commissioned test work on high pressure acid leach (HPAL) processes, with both Hazen and SGS-Lakefield (Ontario, Canada). The initial HPAL work was applied to residue from the acid bake process sourced from the earlier Hazen test work, specifically to determine if additional scandium could be effectively recovered in a second pass with a pressure system. Those results were encouraging, and led to later test work in 2012-13 which applied HPAL techniques directly on the laterite resource material. No HPAL research results were included in the report and findings compiled for management by SNC-Lavalin in early 2012. However, the work that subsequently continued on HPAL, after that SNC Report was completed, has been incorporated into current engineering studies and flow sheet strategies for the Nyngan project. Existing HPAL work results were done to bench scale, and not to pilot scale, and are currently being followed up with further test work.
The Company is continuing test work on metallurgy to increase recoveries and final product grades.
In February, 2011 we announced results of a series of laboratory-scale tests investigating the production of scandium-aluminum (“Sc-Al”) alloys directly from aluminum oxide and scandium oxide feed materials, prepared by the CSIRO. The overall objective of this research was to demonstrate and commercialize the production of Sc-Al master alloy using impure scandium oxide as the scandium source, potentially significantly improving the economics of scandium aluminum master alloy production.
Environmental Permitting Work
In April, 2011 SCY announced a general progress report on the project which outlined a series of environmental work steps designed to advance the Environmental Impact Study (“EIS”). Work steps included both ground and surface water assessments, along with other assessments of Aboriginal, ecology, traffic, noise and air quality matters.
All of this work has subsequently been completed, including 8 water bores with ongoing test monitoring equipment, and reports on the various other targeted assessments, without material issues in any area. An aerial photography and contour mapping program was also completed, to support the feasibility study work regarding location of site facilities.
On January 18, 2012 SCY announced that that key elements of environmental site work on the Nyngan Scandium Project have been completed and a Conceptual Project Development Plan (CPDP) submitted to the NSW, Australia state regulators. The CPDP submission forms the basis for an Environmental Impact Study ("EIS"), the foundation environmental document required for a mining permit in the state.
Specific EIS and property work, contained in the CPDP, completed by year end 2011:
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Draft ground water assessment study finalized and submitted to regulators,
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Surface water assessment results favorable, State review ongoing,
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Aboriginal heritage study finalized, no areas of significance,
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Soils study finalized, no issues, and
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Property aerial photography and contour mapping completed, location of site facilities defined.
Continuing EIS work underway:
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License applications (6), for access to groundwater as generated from property water bores have been submitted,
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Flora and fauna studies are ongoing; to date no significant issues have arisen, and
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Traffic, noise and air quality baseline monitoring are ongoing.
The environmental work was performed under direction from R. W. Corkery & Co., (Orange, NSW, Australia), and formed part of the SNC-Lavalin Nyngan economic study.
Nyngan Preliminary Economic Assessment
On October 14, 2014 the Company announced completion of a report on a Preliminary Economic Assessment of the Nyngan project (the “PEA”) entitled, NI 43-101F1 Technical Report on the Feasibility of the Nyngan Scandium Project, dated October 24, 2012. The PEA was prepared by the engineering firm of Larpro Pty Ltd, of Brisbane, Australia, and supported by Mining One of Melbourne, Australia and Rangott Mineral Exploration Pty Ltd of Orange, Australia, and confirms the technical and economic potential of the Nyngan Scandium Project (the “Project”). The PEA has been independently prepared as a technical report on the form prescribed under NI 43-101 and is available for public review on the Company’s website at www.scandiummining.com, on the Canadian public company reporting system SEDAR at www.sedar.com, and on the SEC’s Edgar website at www.sec.gov.
The PEA is preliminary in nature and should not be considered to be a pre-feasibility or feasibility study, as the economics and technical viability of the Project have not been demonstrated at this time. While this PEA does not consider or include any Inferred Mineral Resources, and does include only Measured and Indicated Resources, it remains a preliminary analysis that is not sufficient to enable Project Resources to be categorized as Mineral Reserves. Furthermore, there is no certainty that the PEA will be realized.
We advise U.S. investors that while the terms “measured resources”, “indicated resources” and “inferred resources” are recognized and required by Canadian regulations, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission does not recognize these terms. U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of the material in these categories will be converted into reserves. It should not be assumed that any part of an inferred mineral resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category.
The PEA concludes the Project has the potential to produce 35,975 kilograms of scandium oxide (scandia) per annum, at grades of 97%-99%, generating an after tax cumulative cash flow over a 20 year Project life of $565 million, with an NPV10% of $175 million. The PEA also concludes the project can achieve this financial result with a conventional flow sheet, employing high pressure acid leach (HPAL) and solvent extraction (SX) techniques, which have been modeled and validated from METSIM modeling and bench scale/pilot scale metallurgical test work. Note that mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.
PEA Financial Highlights and Key Assumptions
The PEA concludes the Project has the potential for robust economics, based on a capital estimate supported by conventional process designs. The overall PEA level of accuracy is +/-30%. The PEA is expressed in US dollar (US$) currency, unless otherwise noted. A foreign exchange rate of US$0.90 (1A$=US$0.90) to United States dollars (US$) was applied in all conversions. No escalation for inflation was assumed in cash flows. All cash flows and discounted cash flows (NPVs and IRRs) in this news release are shown on an after tax basis, based on a 30% tax rate.
Highlights and key assumptions are as follows:
Table 1. Nyngan PEA Financial Highlights
The above estimates of capital and operating costs are a component of a number of factors required to complete a preliminary assessment of the economic viability of the project, and there is no guarantee that the company will achieve production from the resource at Nyngan. There are currently no established reserves on the Nyngan Project.
PEA Mineral Resource Estimate
In March of 2010 a NI 43-101 technical report which outlined a resources estimate on the Nyngan Scandium Project was completed. The report, titled, “NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Nyngan Gilgai Scandium Project, Jervois Mining Limited, Nyngan, New South Wales, Australia”, was prepared by or under the supervision of Max Rangott (BSc). The PEA does not alter the existing Nyngan Project resource estimate, established in the 2010 technical report. The NI 43-101 Measured and Indicated scandium resource totals 12 million tonnes at an average grade of 261ppm scandium, from both limonite and saprolite resource material. The cut-off value of 100ppm used in the initial 2010 resource was reviewed as part of the PEA. While the input assumptions to the formula calculations are different from those assumed in 2010, the overall cut-off assumption for the combined limonite and saprolite resource generated by the formula was still considered reasonable, and has not changed.
The PEA assumes that a portion of limonite-only resource, in one particular area of the overall resource, will provide a 20 year mining pit sufficient to supply the processing facility at a rate of 75,000 tpy and an average grade of 371ppm scandium. A 20 year mining pit design was developed from drill hole data in support of this assumption and included in the PEA.
The current Nyngan Project scandium mineral resource is as follows:
Table 2. Nyngan Scandium Resource (1)
(1)
Mineral resources that are not mineral resources do not have demonstrated economic viability.
Note that the terms Measured and Indicated Resources are not terms recognized in the United States under SEC rules and guidelines. See ”Note to U.S. Investors Regarding Resource Estimates” above under “ITEM 2 - PROPERTIES”.
The cut-off level used to define the resource was established using a standard formula that considered scandium pricing, estimated costs of mining and processing, and overall recovery rates, as they pertained to markets and process understanding at the time. Processing methodology assumed acid leaching and solvent extraction systems, and mining assumed a shallow, surface mining operation consistent with drill results on the resource.
PEA Mining and Processing Assumptions
Mining represents a relatively minor part of the overall Project activity, based on a plant feed of 240tpd or 75,000 tonnes per year requirement. Mine production is based on conventional open pit methods, strip ratios of 1.5:1 to 3:1 (overburden/resource), contract mining assumptions and mining activity in campaigns of one month, three times per year, avoiding the wet season. The plant will run continuously, fed from field and plant stockpiles of mined resource, and covered against moisture and weather.
The processing plant operations will size the input material, apply high pressure acid leaching (HPAL) using sulfuric acid, and then recover the liberated scandium using solvent extraction (SX), oxalate precipitation and calcination, to generate a finished scandium oxide product. The output of the plant is forecast at 35,975 kilograms per year, at grades between 97% and 99%, as Sc2O3. Product output will be refined to suitable grade for direct sales to end users, recognizing that grade varies based on application.
Plant tailings will be neutralized with lime to pH 8.5, dewatered, and stored in a permanent tailings facility meeting the environmental requirements of mining permits and NSW State regulators.
PEA Capital Cost Assumptions
Total capital costs for the Project are estimated at $77.4M, and include a 20% contingency. The majority (70%) of the capital cost in the PEA was Australian-sourced, and consequently initially priced in Australian dollars (A$), supported by direct vendor capital pricing. Concrete and steel costs have been estimated from concept drawings, and piping, electrical and instrumentation costs were estimated using standard industry factors. The capital cost estimate is considered to be +/-30% accuracy. Capital costs included in overall cash flow include $2M per year for sustaining capital items ($38M over full PEA term), and $3M in final reclamation costs in year 20. No salvage costs were assumed. On the basis that the resource is adequate for 45 years at the assumed grade, it is unlikely the Project would be closed in year 20 if current assumptions remain viable.
Table 3. PEA Capital Cost Detail
PEA Operating Costs Assumptions
Operating costs were estimated based on metallurgical test work results and METSIM modelling quantities and requirements. The single most significant cost item in operating costs is sulfuric acid, which is used in quantity and requires transport to site. The second most significant cost item is staff/labor cost. Reagents in total represent approximately 57% of total operating cash costs. Quantities were established through METSIM software outputs, and were 100% vendor-priced. The level of accuracy on the operating component costing in the PEA is +/-25%.
Operating cost details in the PEA are as follows:
Table 4. PEA Operating Costs, and Unit Costs Per kg Oxide
PEA Revenue Pricing Assumptions
The price assumption in the PEA is $2,000 per kilogram (kg), as an average price covering all product sold, over various product grades. Current pricing is substantially above these levels, based on small unit quantities and varying grades. The pricing benchmark applied in the PEA was supported by limited current trading and pricing information, our discussions with potential customers, and the understanding that lower prices than scandium trades for today will be necessary to penetrate potential markets with significant sales tonnages in the future.
PEA Sensitivities Analysis
The project is most sensitive to changes in product pricing, and somewhat less sensitive to either operating cost or capital cost changes, as shown below.
Table 5. Profitability Sensitivities to Changes in Key Assumptions
PEA General Assumptions
The PEA is presented on a 100% ownership basis. Potential conversion of an existing loan to the Company into a 20% interest at the project level in the Nyngan Scandium Project is a possibility, but at present the Company retains 100% of the Project.
All cash flows and financial analyses have been presented on a 100% equity basis. No debt leverage has been assumed in providing capital for development. No inflation factors have been applied to future cash flows, making the discounted cash flow performance measures constant dollar figures. Had inflation been applied to future cash flow streams, the NPVs and IRRs would have been higher.
The PEA incorporated considerable metallurgical test work independently prepared for SCY over the previous four years, along with engineering, project design work and economic estimates done previously for SCY management. The PEA also utilized existing environmental and detailed mine planning work previously undertaken on the property, and previously incorporated in prior management studies. The PEA had the benefit of prior flow sheet designs, and results, but it did not compare previous designs. The batch autoclave HPAL design presented in the PEA was the only design considered.
PEA Conclusions and Recommendations
This PEA consolidates a significant amount of metallurgical test work and prior study on the Nyngan Scandium Project. The work demonstrates a viable, conventional process flow sheet utilizing the HPAL leaching process, and good metallurgical recoveries of scandium from the resource. The metallurgical assumptions are supported by various bench and pilot scale independent test work programs that are consistent with known outcomes in other laterite resources. Combined with the capital cost estimate, the Project exhibits robust financial outcomes.
The PEA recommends that project owners proceed to a full feasibility study, including additional test work to confirm certain key process variants. Those recommendations include:
·
Consider test work to support process changes that could reduce capital/operating costs,
·
Conduct a comparative study between batch and continuous autoclave systems,
·
Consider/test certain alternative reagents/techniques in the solvent extraction area,
·
Conduct test work to develop engineering parameters around the materials handling properties of the laterite resource as it relates to optimum sizing for best leach results, and
·
Conduct test work on pumping and settling properties of process slurries.
Nyngan Scandium Project - 2014 Drilling Program
On January 29, 2015 we announced assay results from a 14-hole resource drilling program at the Nyngan Scandium Project in NSW, Australia, conducted in October 2014. The 14 hole-program totaled 655 meters in the existing resource area. The program attempted 2 additional exploration holes, which were abandoned due to difficult drilling conditions. Highlights of the fourteen drill-hole program assay results follow:
·
Average scandium grade of 357ppm over 214 meters (200ppm cut-off),
·
Average scandium grade of 444ppm over 120 meters (300ppm cut-off),
·
Best results: 4 meters @ 795ppm, 5 meters @ 755ppm and 7 meters @ 721ppm,
·
Best individual 1 meter assay was 879ppm,
·
Lithium borate fusion (fusion) assay preparation demonstrated superior result to the traditional four acid method, as used on the resource estimate in 2010, and
·
These new assay results strongly support the average grade and location selected and included in the recently released PEA on the Nyngan project.
Drilling Program Details
The Company conducted and completed a 14-hole drill program in October, focused on a high grade section of the Nyngan property, selected from within the area of the measured and indicated (M&I) resource disclosed in the NI 43-101 technical report filed on SEDAR in March of 2010. This high grade zone of mostly indicated resource was the basis of a 20 year mine plan and scandium grade assumptions used in the recently released PEA on the Nyngan project. This latest drill program was designed to in-fill certain areas to 50 meter centers (from 100 meter centers), and to provide better information on pit limits as defined in the PEA. The program was conducted using a conventional rotary air core drill rig, which captured over five tonnes of chip sample material, for assay, and for fresh resource material to support ongoing metallurgical test work programs. Holes were vertically drilled, so interval widths in the results table below represent true widths.
The Company assayed all 14 new holes with both four acid digestion, and also by fusion digestion techniques, followed in each case by ICP-AES metal assays. The Company notes that fusion digestion results generally deliver higher scandium assays than the four acid digestion method, traditionally used in nickel and cobalt assay work. We believe the fusion technique generates a truer assay result, because acid digestion of scandium within limonite hosted mineralization can be incomplete, particularly at higher grades, and flux digestion by high temperature fusion produces a more homogeneous sample for analysis. We intend to rely on and utilize fusion digestion techniques going forward to support our mine planning and advanced economic and development studies.
The limonite-only assay results presented in the summary table below are based on a 200ppm scandium cut-off value, A saprolite resource underlays the limonite, is generally lower in grade, requires somewhat different processing techniques than limonite for optimal recovery, and is not planned for early extraction and processing by the Company. Each hole in the drill program was completed to bedrock, including both limonite and saprolite resource. Saprolite was present in 13 of the 14 holes drilled.
This application of a higher limonite cut-off value of 200ppm is consistent with the PEA assumptions on initial production from the top layer limonite resource. The results presentation is also consistent with the company focus on an initial pit configuration in a higher grade zone of resource. The area of this recent drill result corresponds to the area delineated by the 20 year PEA operating area, and in fact expands beyond that area.
Assay results were taken over each meter of drilling material, and only continuous intervals have been included in the summary table. Reporting intervals above cut-off were established based on fusion results, and the presentation table then applied those same intervals to both fusion and four acid assays for comparability. The generally higher fusion results generated wider resource intervals above cut-off grade, resulting in inclusion of some below cut-off grade assays into the four acid results presented in the table below.
Detail limonite-only results for each drill hole follows:
The location of the 14 hole drill program is as follows:
Drill Program QAQC standards
SCY employed an independent local geological consulting and drill supervisory team, Rangott Mineral Exploration Pty. Ltd., (RME) of Orange NSW, Australia, to manage the drill work on-site. Bulk samples of drill returns were collected at one meter intervals from a trailer-mounted cyclone and splitter for one reported hole - EMCG-01, and a separate (RME) three-tier riffle splitter was used on site for holes EMCG-09, EMCG-10 and EMCG-16, due to moisture. Assay samples ranged from 0.4 - 4.7 kg in weight. Individual sample identifiers were cross-checked during the process. The individual assay samples were double-bagged and held in RME’s possession while in the field, prior to transport and storage at RME’s office in Orange. RME personnel checked/validated the sequence of sample numbers, and submitted the samples to Australian Laboratory Services’ (“ALS”) laboratory in Orange, NSW. The remainder of bulk samples were sealed in the field in heavy polyethylene bags and transported by RME to a secure site at Orange for long-term storage or further use in metallurgical test work.
ALS/Orange dried and weighed the received assay samples, and pulverized the entire sample to 85% passing 75 microns or better (technique PUL-21). 50 g bags of the pulps were then split off and sent to the ALS laboratory at Stafford in Brisbane, Queensland for analysis. ALS/Brisbane analyzed the pulps for scandium, nickel, cobalt, chromium, iron, magnesium, manganese, aluminum and calcium, using Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES) after a four acid digestion (technique ME-ICP61). The 4-hole results were also repeat-tested, only for scandium, using a lithium borate fusion digestion technique, followed by similar ICP-AES assay. The lower detection limit for scandium using either technique is 1ppm. RME included one commercial standard sample and three high-grade scandium pulps from previously analyzed batches, for quality control; and also included one duplicate sample from each hole in the batch. For internal quality control, ALS/Brisbane added additional standard samples (for repeat analyses), blank samples and duplicate samples to the batch.
Nyngan Scandium Project - Planned Activities for 2015-2016
The following steps are planned for the Nyngan Project during the 2015 and 2016 Calendar years:
·
Complete the transfer of legal title to the exploration licenses, and surface lands from Jervois to the Company;(scheduled for completion in Q1/Q2 of 2015)
·
Conduct in-fill exploration drilling on the property, to enhance resource understanding and supply test work resource material (drilling completed in 2014 involving 657 meters of drilling over 14 drill holes at a cost of approximately $50,000; samples analysis and reporting completed in the first quarter of 2015);
·
Progress metallurgical test work programs to finalize a project flow sheet, utilizing independent laboratory consultants, (scheduled for completion in the second quarter of 2015 at an estimated cost of $400,000);
·
Complete and file an environmental impact assessment (EIS) on the project (scheduled for completion in the third quarter of 2015);
·
Initiate and complete an advanced stage economic study at or better than +/- 20% accuracy level (scheduled for completion by year end 2015);
·
Apply for mining license on property with NSW Mines Department in Q3 2015; and
·
Commence site construction during Q1 2016 (construction completion and operational start-up Q1 2017, estimated construction cost of $77,400,000).
Honeybugle Scandium Property
On April 2, 2014 the Company announced that it had secured a 100% interest in an exploration license (EL 7977) covering 34.7 square kilometers in New South Wales (NSW), Australia referred to as the Honeybugle Scandium Property. The license area is located approximately 24 kilometers west-southwest from SCY’s Nyngan Scandium Project. The license area covers part of the Honeybugle geologic complex, and will carry that name in our future references to the property. The ground was released by the prior holder, and SCY intends to explore the property for scandium and other metals.
The Company currently does not consider the Honeybugle Scandium Property to be a material property at this time. No Reserves are known to exist on the property. The property is classified as an Australian property for purposes of financial statement segment information.
The location of the Honeybugle exploration property is provided below.
Honeybugle Drill Results
On May 7, 2014 the company announced completion of an initial program of 30 air core (AC) drill holes on the property, specifically at the Seaford anomaly, targeting scandium (Sc). Results on 13 of these holes are shown in detail, in the table below. These holes suggest the potential for scandium mineralization on the property similar to our Nyngan Scandium property.
Highlights of initial drilling program results:
·
The highest 3-meter intercept graded 572 ppm scandium (hole EHAC 11)
·
EHAC 11 also generated two additional high grade scandium intercepts, grading 510 ppm and 415 ppm, each over 3 meters,
·
The program identified a 13-hole cluster which was of particular interest;
·
intercepts on these 13 holes averaged 270 ppm scandium over a total 273 meters,
·
at an average continuous thickness of 21 meters per hole,
·
representing a total of 57% (354 meters) of total initial program drilling.
·
The 13 holes produced 29 individual (3-meter) intercepts over 300 ppm, representing 31% of the mineralized intercepts in the 273 meters of interest, and
·
This initial 30-hole AC exploratory drill program generated a total of 620 meters of scandium drill/assay results, over approximately 1 square kilometer on the property.
The detail results of 13 holes in the initial drill program are as follows:
Seaford is characterized by extensive outcrops of dry, iron-rich laterites, allowing for a particularly shallow drill program. Thirty (30) air core (AC) holes on nominal 100-meter spacing were planned, over an area of approximately 1 square kilometer. Four holes were halted in under 10 meters depth, based on thin laterite beds, low scandium grades, and shallow bedrock.
The 13 holes highlighted in the table are grouped together on either side of Coffills Lane, and represent all of the drill locations where meaningful intercept thickness generated scandium grades exceeding 175 ppm. Some of these 13 holes showed significant scandium values on the immediate surface, and alternately, other holes exhibited favorable scandium grades that began at shallow depth. The highest grade Sc sample was found in a 21-24 meter interval (572 ppm), although several holes produced better than 350 ppm Sc intercepts at depths of under 9 meters. The deepest hole (EHAC 7) was drilled to 57 meters, showing good scandium grades over a 12-meter horizon (245 ppm) near the bottom of the hole, from 39 to 51 meters depth. Higher scandium grades were associated with higher iron levels. Holes were drilled to a depth where they contacted the fresh ultramafic bedrock, which generally signaled the end of any scandium enrichment zones.
The drill plan divided Seaford into four sub-areas, 1-4, as highlighted on the map below. Area 1 was relatively higher ground and therefore the least impacted by ground moisture. Consequently this dryer area received the greatest attention, although that had been the general intention in the plan. Area 1 received 17 holes, with 13 presented in detail in the table above. Areas 2-4 were each intended as step-out areas that need to be further examined in the next program. The three step-out areas did not generate results of particular note, although hole locations were not optimal due to ground conditions and access.
·
Area 2 received 3 holes, 60 meters total, and generated Sc grades from 45-75 ppm,
·
Area 3 received 4 holes, 87 meters total, and generated Sc grades from 47-122 ppm,
·
Area 4 received 5 holes, 72 meters total, and generated Sc grades from 60-101 ppm, and
·
The average depth of all of these holes was 18 meters, with the deepest 30 meters.
Initial Drill Program Map
This 13-hole cluster (Area 1) was noted to be in a relatively thick laterite zone which was constrained to the west by contact with metasediments, to the east by fresh ultramafic bedrock, and to some extent in the north by a poor intersection result in hole 30. Area 1 remains somewhat open to the south, with the two southern-most holes (EHAC 9 and EHAC 29) generating some of the best scandium grade intercepts in the area.
The surface and near surface mineralization at this property is an advantage, both in locating areas of interest for future exploration work, and also because of extremely low overburden ratios. This particular characteristic for the Honeybugle property is different to our Nyngan property, where mineralization is typically covered by 10-20 meters of barren alluvium.
Further drilling at Seaford is warranted, based on the results of this introductory and modest program, specifically to the north and south of the existing area 1 drill pattern, along with investigation and select drilling at the other three remaining anomalies on the property.
Qualified Person and Quality Assurance/Quality Control
John Thompson, B.E. (Mining); Vice President - Development at SCY is a qualified person as defined in NI 43-101 and has reviewed the technical information on this property. The drilling, sampling, packaging and transport of the drill samples was carried out to industry standards for QA/QC. SCY employed an independent local geology consulting and drill supervisory team, Rangott Mineral Exploration Pty. Ltd., (RME) of Orange, NSW, Australia, to manage the drill work on-site. Bulk samples of drill returns were collected at one metre intervals from a cyclone mounted on the drilling rig, and a separate three-tier riffle splitter was used on site to obtain 2.0-4.5kg composite samples collected over 3 metre intervals, for assay. Individual sample identifiers were cross-checked during the process. The assay samples were placed in sealed polyweave bags which remained in RME’s possession until the completion of the drilling program, at which time they were transported to RME’s office in Orange. There, the sequence of sample numbers was validated, and the assay samples were immediately submitted to Australian Laboratory Services’ (ALS’) laboratory in Orange. The remnant bulk samples, which were collected in sealed polythene bags, were transported by RME to a local storage unit at Miandetta, for long-term storage.
ALS/Orange dried and weighed the samples, and pulverized the entire sample to 85% passing 75 microns or better (technique PUL-21). These 50g sample bags of pulps were then sent to the ALS laboratory at Stafford in Brisbane, Queensland for analysis. ALS/Brisbane analyzed the pulps for scandium, nickel, cobalt, chromium, iron and magnesium, using Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES) after a four acid (total) digestion (technique ME-ICP61). The lower detection limit for scandium using this technique is 1ppm. For their internal quality control, ALS/Brisbane added 4 standard samples (for 20 repeat analyses), 10 blank samples and 16 duplicate samples to the batch. Please see news release see news release dated May 7, 2014 and available on www.sedar.com for further information on the Honeybugle drill results.
NORWAY SCANDIUM PROPERTY
During 2011 we entered into option agreements with REE Mining AS of Norway, to obtain exploration rights to several properties located in central and southern Norway. Based on exploration results and holding costs, the Tørdal property holding was retained but all other Norway properties were subsequently dropped. The Tørdal agreement was renegotiated to secure a 100% ownership position for SCY. The 90 sq km Tørdal exploration property is prospective for a grouping of specialty metals, and rare earth elements, including scandium, yttrium, tantalum, beryllium, niobium, zirconium, titanium, lithium, nickel and tin.
The Company currently does not consider the Tørdal Scandium/REE property, located in Norway, to be a material property at this time. No Reserves are known to exist on the property. The property is classified as the Norway Property for purposes of financial statement segment information.
The location of the Tørdal exploration property is provided in Figure 4 below.
2012 Tørdal Field Exploration
On February 14, 2013 we announced promising results from field exploration work on the Tørdal property during the summer and fall months of 2012, focussed on scandium-bearing pegmatites. The 2012 work included independent assay results of pegmatite rock samples taken from one specific property area, and also includes an extensive pegmatite mapping program covering approximately 30 sq km. The assay results indicated the presence of high levels of scandium and various rare earth elements (REE’s), including heavy rare earth elements (HREE’s) in particular. Field XRF readings indicated elevated scandium content in hundreds of large and small pegmatite bodies found and mapped in the reconnaissance area.
Highlights of the results of the 2012 field exploration are as follows:
·
Tørdal 2012 assays of pegmatite rocks show presence of both scandium and REE’s,
·
Best scandium assays exceed 1,600 ppm,
·
Promising HREE assay results from pegmatites with gadolinite mineralization,
·
Host rock mineralization points to higher grade scandium or HREE contents,
·
2012 summer exploration program mapped and sampled over 300 pegmatites,
·
A total of 1,940 Niton XRF scandium readings were taken on whole rock samples, and
·
Overall program results at Tørdal are very encouraging and warrant expanded exploration.
Assay Results of Grab Samples at Tørdal
The 2011 summer exploration program on the Tørdal property consisted of reconnaissance, surface soil sampling, and limited pegmatite mapping work in a relatively small area north of the village of Kleppe, in Southern Norway.
As a follow-on from that 2011 program, the company then returned to the same area and conducted a series of ‘blasts’, using small explosive charges to generate whole rock samples on select exposed pegmatites, at the locations of the best soil sample results. The exploration team planned 9 blasts and conducted 8, on 5 different pegmatite bodies, from which they assembled 23 grab samples for analysis and assay by OMAC Laboratories in Ireland. Assay results on these samples were received in Q1 2012-in time to help formulate the 2012 summer/autumn season pegmatite mapping program, conducted on a much wider area.
Independent assay results on 20 of the 23 samples, covering all 5 targeted pegmatites, are shown below.
Assay results are as-reported elemental assay results from OMAC Laboratories, and are not converted to oxide equivalent (REO & Sc2O3). Heavy rare earth elements abbreviated “HREE”; and include Yttrium;Total rare earth elements abbreviated “TREE”.
The numbered assay samples were formed either by random selection of fresh (un-weathered) whole rock material broken loose from individual pegmatite bodies, or alternatively, based on selectively collecting fresh rock material that was clearly (1) garnet-laden, (2) mica-laden, or showed clear visible (3) gadolinite mineralization. Gadolinite is a beryllium and rare earth-bearing mineral with the chemical formula [(Ce,La,Nd,Y)2FeBe2Si2O10]. The intent was to determine from assay results if certain visible mineralization correlated to the presence and concentrations of target elements; specifically scandium, rare earth elements (REE’s), or other metals of interest and value.
The results in the assay table indicate that all of the selected pegmatites contain interesting levels of both REE’s and scandium. In general, all of the pegmatites contained both target elements, while the mica phase appears to hold the higher scandium concentrations with small REE additions, and the gadolinite phase holds the highest REE concentrations and small scandium additions. The presence of garnet material in samples tended to generate interesting but moderate values for both REE’s and scandium. Assay work was designed to identify 30 specific elements, including all 16 REE elements plus scandium, and the relative concentration of heavy REE’s was of particular interest. The mica and garnet grab sample materials had generally only trace levels of thorium and uranium (average <15 ppm), while the gadolinite grab sample materials had thorium levels between 2,500-5,000 ppm, and uranium levels between 500-1,300 ppm. A full table of OMAC assay results related to these 23 sample analyses is available on the Company website at www.scandiummining.com.
Reconnaissance Results - Extended Pegmatite Mapping Program at Tørdal
Following on from the 2011 work and the 2012 assay results, we conducted an expanded 2012 summer work reconnaissance program at both Tørdal and Evje-Iveland, from July through October. The goals of the 2012 program were to develop detailed mapping of outcropping pegmatite fields over a much broader area than the 2011 program, while also conducting field sampling of scandium mineralization on those pegmatites using a hand-held Niton XRF Analyzer.
The 2012 program concentrated on five separate areas (approximately 30 sq km) as can be seen in the map below:
A total of 1,940 Niton XRF readings were logged on whole rock and pegmatite mineral separates, logged against individually mapped and numbered pegmatite bodies. The XRF readings ranged up to +6,000 ppm scandium (on a mineral separate), and averaged 661 ppm on 1,504 total logged readings above the instrument’s 20 ppm detection limit. XRF readings focussed on scandium data collection only, although the team diligently noted the visible presence of gadolinite and amazonite mineralization.
The reader is cautioned that hand-held Niton XRF readings are not the same as laboratory assays, and are not NI 43-101 compliant with regard to estimating resource grades. However, the Company is confident that these data readings are highly useful in confirming and shaping the next stage of the exploration program on this property.
A summary of results by area is as follows:
·
Area 1 (Kleppe); Mapped more than 50 pegmatite bodies. Best average XRF Sc readings from 1,000-1,500 ppm, some very large surface expressions. Gadolinite present.
·
Area 2 (Heftetjern); Partially mapped more than 40 pegmatite bodies, many large surface expressions, green amazonite mineralization. Better XRF Sc readings from 500-1,500 ppm.
·
Area 3 (Solli); Mapped numerous large and small pegmatites. Generally lower XRF Sc readings, ranging 300-700 ppm. Red feldspars, quartz and gadolinite mineralization present.
·
Area 4 (South Kleppsvatn); Partially mapped large area containing more than 80 pegmatites, generally mica-based. Typical XRF Sc readings in the 300-900 ppm range, with some reaching 1,500 ppm Sc.
·
Area 5 (Buvatn); Partially mapped, numerous pegmatite bodies, some very large. Typical XRF Sc readings in the 300-1,000 ppm range. Old feldspar quarries, amonizite mineralization present.
Next Steps in Norway Exploration Program
The Company mapping and sampling work has confirmed that much of the Tørdal property is heavily populated with complex, near-surface pegmatite bodies. Based on hand-held XRF readings and mineralogy, these pegmatites show excellent promise for significant scandium enrichment, particularly within bodies containing micas, and for REE mineralization where the rare earth silicate gadolinite is present. Based on the results of 2012 exploration work, planning for future exploration work is under consideration, but is dependent on the Company’s ability to adequately fund further exploration work. The priority project is the Nyngan Scandium Project, so funding for further exploration in Norway is specifically subject to adequate prior funding of Nyngan.
Qualified Person and Quality Assurance/Quality Control
Sampling methods followed industry quality control standards. Mr. Kjell Nilsen, an independent geologist consultant currently employed by SCY, conducted the reconnaissance and sampling on the property. Individual whole rock grab samples were collected by hand shovel, from areas where blasted material could be seen to have come from blast points on pegmatite bodies. The assayed samples were individually bagged, sealed, logged on the grid map as to location, boxed in a container suitable for mailing, and sent by express mail to OMAC Laboratories Limited in Galway, Ireland for testing. Assay testing on the samples utilized an ICP-MS spectrometer (Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry) to test for numerous elements, specifically scandium. The numerous Niton XRF (X-ray Fluorescence) readings were taken at field locations, logged and identified with individual numbered pegmatites, located on grid maps, by the field geology team. Mr. Willem Duyvesteyn, Chief Technology Officer of SCY, is the Qualified Person who is responsible for the design and conduct of the exploration program, and reviewed the program results.
ITEM 3.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
We are not a party to any pending legal proceedings and, to the best of our knowledge, none of our property or assets are the subject of any pending legal proceedings.
ITEM 4.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
The Company has no active mining operations or dormant mining assets at this time, and has no outstanding mine safety violations or other regulatory safety matters to report.
PART II
ITEM 5.
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANTS’ COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Price Range of Common Shares
The principal market on which our common shares are traded is the Toronto Stock Exchange. Our common shares commenced trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange on April 24, 2008 under the symbol “GP”. Effective March 11, 2009, the common shares were listed and posted for trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol “EMC”. Effective November 28, 2014, the common shares were listed and posted for trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol “SCY”. The following table shows the high and low trading prices and average trading volume of our common shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange for the periods indicated.
Exchange Rates
We maintain our books of account in United States dollars and references to dollar amounts herein are to the lawful currency of the United States except that we are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange and, accordingly, stock price quotes and sales of stock are conducted in Canadian dollars (C$). The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, certain exchange rates based on the noon rate provided by the Bank of Canada. Such rates are the number of Canadian dollars per one (1) U.S. dollar (US$). The high and low exchange rates for each month during the previous six months were as follows:
High
Low
January 2015
1.2717
1.1728
December 2014
1.1643
1.1344
November 2014
1.1427
1.1236
October 2014
1.1289
1.1136
September 2014
1.1208
1.0863
August 2014
1.0982
1.0857
The following table sets out the exchange rate (price of one U.S. dollar in Canadian dollars) information as at each of the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2014.
As of February 20, 2015, there were 80 registered holders of record of the Company’s common shares and an undetermined number of beneficial holders.
Dividends
We have not paid any cash dividends on our common shares since our inception and do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. We plan to retain our earnings, if any, to provide funds for the expansion of our business.
Securities Authorized for Issuance under Compensation Plans
The following table sets forth information as at December 31, 2014 respecting the compensation plans under which shares of the Company’s common stock are authorized to be issued.
Plan Category
Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights
(a)
Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights
(b)
Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a))
(c)
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
15,378,750
C$0.11
14,411,968
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
Nil
nil
nil
Total
15,378,750
C$0.11
14,411,968
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Company and Affiliated Purchasers
Neither the Company nor an affiliated purchaser of the Company purchased common shares of the Company in the quarter ended December 31, 2014.
ITEM 6.
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Not applicable.
ITEM 7.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITIONS AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Overview
Scandium International Mining Corp. is a specialty metals and alloys company focusing on scandium and other specialty metals. We intend to utilize our patented technologies and know-how to maximize opportunities in these and other specialty metals.
The Company was formed in 2006, under the name Golden Predator Mines Inc. As part of a reorganization and spin-out of our precious metals portfolio in March 2009, we changed our name to EMC Metals Corp. In November of 2014, we changed our name to Scandium International Mining Corp and currently trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol “SCY”.
We hold a 100% interest in the Nyngan scandium project in New South Wales, Australia, after settling a protracted legal dispute with our previous partner. We also own the Tørdal (southern Norway) scandium property.
We acquired rights to metallurgical processing know-how as part of the acquisition of The Technology Store (“TTS”) during 2011, which we are utilizing to gain access to a number of specialty metals opportunities.
Our focus during 2014 regarding the Nyngan Project included the issuance of a preliminary economic assessment as well as a small drilling program. The Tordal scandium property was on a care and maintenance basis as we tried to secure additional financing to advance our projects. We also investigated and rejected other specialty metals opportunities.
RESULTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014
Liquidity and Capital Resources
At December 31, 2014, we had working capital (deficit) of ($2,098,426) including cash of $417,386 and current liabilities of $2,573,245 (including a note due in December of 2015 totaling $2,500,000); as compared to a working capital (deficit) of ($1,190,003) including cash of $778,075 at December 31, 2013. The decrease in working capital is due to ongoing drilling and metallurgical testing at the Nyngan Project.
During the year ended December 31, 2014, we received cash of $2,500,000 (2013 - $1,344,874) from the issuance of promissory notes and $Nil (2013 - $650,000) from the issuance of convertible debentures.
At December 31, 2014, we had a total of 15,378,750 (2012 - 14,168,750) stock options exercisable between C$0.05 and C$0.315 (2013 - between C$0.05 and C$0.315) which has the potential upon exercise to generate a total of C$1,725,238 (2013 - C$1,703,313) in cash over the next five years. There is no assurance that these securities will be exercised.
Our continued development is contingent upon our ability to raise sufficient financing both in the short and long term. There are no guarantees that additional sources of funding will be available to us; however, management is committed to pursuing all possible sources of financing in order to execute our business plan.
Our major capital requirement in the next 12 months relates to either repaying or triggering conversion of the $2,500,000 loan liability of a promissory note taken out in June of 2014, by December 2015.
The Company will need additional funding to meet the commitments shown above, and will seek to raise additional equity financing in the short term.
Results of Operations
Quarter ended December 31, 2014
The net loss for the quarter decreased by $1,620,383 to $577,175 from $2,197,558 in the prior year, mainly as a result of the sale of the Springer mine in 2013. Individual items contributing to this decrease are as follows:
Results of Operations for the Year ended December 31, 2014
The net loss for the year decreased by $23,840,943 to $1,849,656 from $25,690,599 in the prior year, mainly as a result of the sale of the Springer Mining Company in the prior year. Individual items contributing to this increase are as follows:
Cash flow discussion for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to December 31, 2013
The cash outflow from operating activities decreased by $512,605 to $1,638,925 (2013 - $2,151,530) due to lower financing charges and lower changes in operating working capital.
Cash flows from investing activities decreased by $5,141,168 to ($1,249,652) (2013 - $3,891,516) due mainly to the funds received on the sale of the Springer Mining Company in 2013.
Cash inflows from financing activities increased by $3,666,014 to $2,520,888 (2013 - $1,145,126) as a result of private placements issued in 2014.
Summary of quarterly results (US$)
Financial Position
Cash
The decrease in cash of $367,689 to $417,386 (2013 - $785,075) results from the preparation of a PEA as well as a drilling program at the Nyngan project.
Property, plant and equipment
Property plant and equipment consists of office furniture and computer equipment at the Sparks, Nevada office. The decrease of $3,834 to $6,444 at December 31, 2014 (2013 - $10,278) is due to the regular amortization of these items.
Mineral interests
Mineral interests have increased by $1,399,520 to $3,012,723 at December 31, 2014 (2013 - $1,613,203) due mainly to the final payment made to secure the Nyngan property in mid-2014. Also annual fees to maintain ownership of the Tordal property in Norway contributed to this increase.
Notes Payable and Accrued Liabilities
Notes payable and accrued liabilities have decreased by $174,368 to $73,245 at December 31, 2014 (2013 - $247,613) due mainly to decreased levels of activity.
Promissory notes and convertible debenture payable (current and long-term)
Current promissory notes payable and convertible debenture increased by $645,125 due to the replacement of a convertible debenture (2013 - $650,000) and a promissory note (2013 - $1,204,875) due in June 2014 with a new promissory note of $2,500,000 maturing in December of 2015.
Capital Stock
Capital stock increased by $1,875,763 to $89,186,471 (2013 - $87,310,708) as a result of the issuance of common shares in the second and third quarter of 2014.
Additional paid-in capital increased by $311,288 to $2,419,615 (2013 - $2,108,327) as a result of the granting of stock options.
Treasury shares remained at $1,264,194 through the 2014 fiscal period.
Off-balance sheet arrangements
At December 31, 2014, we had no material off-balance sheet arrangements such as guarantee contracts, contingent interest in assets transferred to an entity, derivative instruments obligations or any obligations that trigger financing, liquidity, market or credit risk to us.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
Outstanding share data
At February 20, 2015 we had 198,604,790 issued and outstanding common shares, 14,810,000 outstanding stock options at a weighted average exercise price of C$0.11. No warrants are outstanding at February 20, 2015.
Critical Accounting Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting policies requires our management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. These estimates are based on past experience, industry trends and known commitments and events. By their nature, these estimates are subject to measurement uncertainty and the effects on the financial statements of changes in such estimates in future periods could be significant. Actual results will likely differ from those estimates.
Stock-based compensation
We use the Black-Scholes option pricing model to calculate the fair value of stock options and compensatory warrants granted. This model is subject to various assumptions. The assumptions we make will likely change from time to time. At the time the fair value is determined, the methodology that we use is based on historical information, as well as anticipated future events. The assumptions with the greatest impact on fair value are those for estimated stock volatility and for the expected life of the instrument.
Deferred income taxes
We account for tax consequences of the differences in the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and our tax bases using tax rates expected to apply when these temporary differences are expected to be settled. When the deferred realization of income tax assets does not meet the test of being more likely than not to occur, a valuation allowance in the amount of the potential future benefit is taken and no future income tax asset is recognized. We have taken a valuation allowance against all such potential tax assets.
Mineral properties and exploration and development costs
We capitalise the costs of acquiring mineral rights at the date of acquisition. After acquisition, various factors can affect the recoverability of the capitalized costs. Our recoverability evaluation of our mineral properties and equipment is based on market conditions for minerals, underlying mineral resources associated with the assets and future costs that may be required for ultimate realization through mining operations or by sale. We are in an industry that is exposed to a number of risks and uncertainties, including exploration risk, development risk, commodity price risk, operating risk, ownership and political risk, funding and currency risk, as well as environmental risk. Bearing these risks in mind, we have assumed recent world commodity prices will be achievable. We have considered the mineral resource reports by independent engineers on the Nyngan project in considering the recoverability of the carrying costs of the mineral properties. All of these assumptions are potentially subject to change, out of our control, however such changes are not determinable. Accordingly, there is always the potential for a material adjustment to the value assigned to mineral properties and equipment.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
On June 10, 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-10 (ASU 2014-10), Development Stage Entities (Topic 915): Elimination of Certain Financial Reporting Requirements, Including an Amendment to Variable Interest Entities Guidance in Topic 810, Consolidation. ASU 2014-10 eliminates the requirement to present inception-to-date information about income statement line items, cash flows, and equity transactions, and clarifies how entities should disclosure the risks and uncertainties related to their activities. ASU 2014-10 also eliminates an exception provided to development stage entities in Consolidations (ASC Topic 810) for determining whether an entity is a variable interest entity on the basis of the amount of investment equity that is at risk. The presentation and disclosure requirements in Topic 915 will no longer be required for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2014, and the revised consolidation standards will take effect in annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. The Company adopted the provisions of ASU 2014-10 effective for its financial statements for the period ended December 31, 2014, and accordingly, is no longer presenting the inception-to-date financial information and disclosures formerly required.
Accounting Standards Update 2013-05 - Foreign Currency Matters (Topic 830) - Parent’s Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity. This standard provides guidance with respect to the treatment of the cumulative translation adjustment upon the sale of a foreign subsidiary whereby the cumulative translation adjustment associated with that subsidiary are taken into net income of the parent company.
Accounting Standards Update 2013-11 - Income Taxes (Topic 740) - Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carry forward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carry forward Exists. This accounting standard deals with the treatment of tax loss carry forwards. The Company has reviewed this standard and has determined that it has little impact on the presentation of its financial statements.
Accounting Standards Update 2014-15 - Presentation of Financial Statements - Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40). This accounting pronouncement provides guidance in GAAP about management’s responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. In doing so, the amendments should reduce diversity in the timing and content of footnote disclosures. The policy is effective December 15, 2016. The Company is evaluating this guidance and believes it will have little impact on the presentation of its financial statements.
Accounting Standards Update 2014-08 - Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360) Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity. This accounting pronouncement provides guidance on the treatment of Property, Plant and Equipment plus the reporting of discontinued operations and disclosure of disposals of components of an entity. The policy is effective December 15, 2014. The Company is evaluating this guidance and believes it will have little impact on the presentation of its financial statements.
Financial instruments and other risks
Our financial instruments consist of cash, receivables, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, convertible debentures, and promissory notes payable. It is management's opinion that we are not exposed to significant interest, currency or credit risks arising from our financial instruments. The fair values of these financial instruments approximate their carrying values unless otherwise noted. We have our cash primarily in one commercial bank in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
ITEM 7A.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Not applicable.
ITEM 8.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
The Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company and the notes thereto are attached to this report following the signature page and Certifications.
ITEM 9.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
For the fiscal years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, we did not have any disagreement with our accountants on any matter of accounting principles, practices or financial statement disclosure.
ITEM 9A.
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure controls and procedures. The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. The Company’s management, including our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer, evaluated the effectiveness of disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e)) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that as of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company has maintained effective disclosure controls and procedures in all material respects, including those necessary to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports filed or submitted with the SEC (i) is recorded, processed, and reported within the time periods specified by the SEC, and (ii) is accumulated and communicated to management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow for timely decision regarding required disclosure.
Management’s report on internal control over financial reporting. The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act). Management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, using criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued in 1992 by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Even an effective internal control system, no matter how well designed, has inherent limitations, including the possibility of human error and circumvention or overriding of controls and therefore can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to reliable financial reporting. Furthermore, the effectiveness of an internal control system in future periods can change with conditions.
A material weakness is a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the Company’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.
The Company’s management has determined that the internal controls over financial reporting are effective as of December 31, 2014.
Changes in Internal Control. There have been no changes in internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, internal control over financial reporting.
Item 9B.
Item 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
PART III
Information with respect to Items 10 through 14 is set forth in the definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or before April 30, 2015 and is incorporated herein by reference. If the definitive Proxy Statement cannot be filed on or before April 30, 2015, the Company will instead file an amendment to this Form 10-K disclosing the information with respect to Items 10 through 14.
PART IV
ITEM 15.
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENTS SCHEDULES
Financial Statements
The following Consolidated Financial Statements are filed as part of this report.
Exhibits
The following table sets out the exhibits filed herewith or incorporated herein by reference.
* Previously filed as exhibits to the Form 10 filed May 24, 2011 and incorporated herein by reference.
** Previously filed as an exhibit to the Form 10-K/A filed May 1, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference.
*** Previously filed as an exhibit to the Form 10-Q filed August 12, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference.
**** Previously filed as an exhibit to the Form 10-K filed on March 25, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
SCANDIUM INTERNATIONAL MINING CORP.
By:
/s/ George Putnam
George Putnam
President and Principal Executive Officer
Date: February __, 2015
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/ George Putnam
President, Principal Executive Officer, and Director
February __ , 2015
George Putnam
/s/ William Harris
Chairman and Director
February __, 2015
William Harris
/s/ Willem Duyvesteyn
Director
February __, 2015
Willem Duyvesteyn
/s/ Warren Davis
Director
February __, 2015
Warren Davis
/s/ Barry Davies
Director
February __, 2015
Barry Davies
/s/ Edward Dickinson
Principal Accounting Officer and
February __, 2015
Edward Dickinson
Principal Financial Officer
(Formerly EMC Metals Corp.)
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Shareholders and Directors of
Scandium International Mining Corp.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements of Scandium International Mining Corp. (the “Company”), which comprise the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss, cash flows, and changes in stockholders’ equity for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall consolidated 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 Scandium International Mining Corp. as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that Scandium International Mining Corp. will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Scandium International Mining Corp. has suffered recurring losses from operations and has a net capital deficiency. These matters, along with the other matters set forth in Note 1, indicate the existence of material uncertainties that raises substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. Management's plans in regard to these matters are also described in Note 1. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
“DAVIDSON & COMPANY LLP”
Vancouver, Canada
Chartered Accountants
February 20, 2015
Scandium International Mining Corp.
(Formerly EMC Metals Corp.) CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Expressed in US Dollars)
Nature and continuance of operations (Note 1)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
Scandium International Mining Corp.
(Formerly EMC Metals Corp.)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
(Expressed in US Dollars)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
Scandium International Mining Corp.
(Formerly EMC Metals Corp.)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Expressed in US Dollars)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
Scandium International Mining Corp.
(Formerly EMC Metals Corp.)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(Expressed in US Dollars)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
Scandium International Mining Corp. (Formerly EMC Metals Corp.)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014
(Expressed in US Dollars)
1.
NATURE AND CONTINUANCE OF OPERATIONS
Scandium International Mining Corp. (the “Company”), formerly known as EMC Metals Corp., is a specialty metals and alloys company focusing on scandium and other specialty metals.
The Company was incorporated under the laws of the Province of British Columbia, Canada in 2006. The Company currently trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol “SCY”.
Our focus of operations is the exploration and development of our specialty metals assets, including the Nyngan scandium deposit located in New South Wales, Australia and the Tørdal scandium/rare earth minerals deposit in Norway. Prior to January 1, 2014, the Company’s principal asset was the Springer Tungsten mine and mill, held by the Springer Mining Company. On September 13, 2013, the Company signed a binding Letter of Intent to sell 100% of the Springer Mining Company entity, its assets and mineral and water rights to America’s Bullion Royalty Corp. (“AMB”), for $5 million cash. The transaction was closed on December 31, 2013.
The sale also included the transfer of interests in the Company’s Carlin Vanadium property assets and the Copper King property tungsten assets in Nevada to AMB, along with Springer Tungsten.
One of Scandium International Mining Corp.’s directors is also a director of the company that purchased Springer. The common director recused himself from director level voting on all board level decisions related to the sale.
With the completion of the sale of the Tungsten asset, the Company’s focus is on the exploration and evaluation of its specialty metals assets, specifically the Nyngan scandium deposit located in New South Wales, Australia and the Tørdal scandium/rare earth minerals deposit in Norway. In June 2014, the Company made the final installment payment to acquire the Nyngan property. The Company is an exploration stage company and anticipates incurring significant additional expenditures prior to production at any and all of its properties.
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis that contemplates the realization of assets and discharge of liabilities at their carrying values in the normal course of business for the foreseeable future. These financial statements do not reflect any adjustments that may be necessary if the Company is unable to continue as a going concern.
The Company currently earns no operating revenues and will require additional capital in order to advance both the Nyngan and Tørdal properties. The Company’s ability to continue as a going concern is uncertain and is dependent upon the generation of profits from mineral properties, obtaining additional financing and maintaining continued support from its shareholders and creditors. These are material uncertainties that raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. In the event that additional financial support is not received or operating profits are not generated, the carrying values of the Company’s assets may be adversely affected.
2.
BASIS OF PRESENTATION
a)
Basis of presentation
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles of the United States of America (“US GAAP”).
These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, EMC Metals USA Inc., EMC Metals Corp Australia Pty Ltd., Wolfram Jack Mining Corp., The Technology Store, Inc., and Springer Mining Company. The Springer Mining Company was sold on December 31, 2013 with all of its costs being absorbed by the purchaser from September 13 until December 31, 2013. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated on consolidation.
b)
Change in functional and presentation currency
The Company’s expenses and overheads are now primarily being incurred in United States Dollars (“USD”) and it is anticipated that cash flows will continue to be primarily in USD. Accordingly the Company determined that effective January 1, 2013, the functional currency of the Company would change from the Canadian Dollar to the USD for the parent company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. Amounts of $853,400 remaining in accumulated other comprehensive loss pertain to historical translation differences as a result of prior period differences in functional currencies.
c)
Use of estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of expenses during the reporting period. The Company regularly evaluates estimates and assumptions related to the deferred income tax asset valuations, asset impairment, stock-based compensation and loss contingencies. The Company bases its estimates and assumptions on current facts, historical experience and various other factors that it believes to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the other sources. The actual results experienced by the Company may differ materially and adversely from the Company’s estimates. To the extent there are material differences between estimates and the actual results, future results of operations will be affected.
Scandium International Mining Corp. (Formerly EMC Metals Corp.)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014
(Expressed in US Dollars)
2.
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (cont’d…)
d)
Investment in trading securities
The Company’s trading securities are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses included in earnings.
e)
Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost less accumulated amortization, calculated as follows:
Plant and equipment
5% straight line
Building
5% straight line
Computer equipment
30% straight line
Small tools and equipment
20% straight line
Office equipment
20% straight line
Automobile
30% straight line
Leasehold improvements
Over life of the lease
f)
Mineral interests and exploration and development costs
The costs of acquiring mineral rights are capitalized at the date of acquisition. After acquisition, various factors can affect the recoverability of the capitalized costs. If, after review, management concludes that the carrying amount of a mineral interest is impaired, it will be written down to estimated fair value. Exploration costs incurred on mineral interests are expensed as incurred. Development costs incurred on proven and probable reserves will be capitalized. Upon commencement of production, capitalized costs will be amortized using the unit-of-production method over the estimated life of the ore body based on proven and probable reserves (which exclude non-recoverable reserves and anticipated processing losses).
g)
Asset retirement obligations
The Company records the fair value of an asset retirement obligation as a liability in the period in which it incurs a legal obligation associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets that result from the acquisition, construction, development, and/or normal use of the long-lived assets. The Company also records a corresponding asset which is amortized over the life of the asset. Subsequent to the initial measurement of the asset retirement obligation, the obligation is adjusted at the end of each period to reflect the passage of time (accretion expense) and changes in the estimated future cash flows underlying the obligation (asset retirement cost).
h)
Long-lived assets
Long-lived assets held and used by the Company are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. For purposes of evaluating the recoverability of long-lived assets, the recoverability test is performed using undiscounted net cash flows related to the long-lived assets. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell.
i)
Income taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Under the asset and liability method the effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is recognized if it is more likely than not that some part or all of the deferred tax asset will not be recognized.
j)
Loss per share
Basic loss per common share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year. To calculate diluted loss per share, the Company uses the treasury stock method and the if converted method. As at December 31, 2014, there were no warrants (2013 - 3,750,000) and 15,378,750 options (2013 - 14,168,750) outstanding which have not been included in the weighted average number of common shares outstanding as these were anti-dilutive.
k)
Foreign exchange
The Company's functional currency is the USD. Any monetary assets and liabilities that are in a currency other than the USD are translated at the rate prevailing at year end. Revenue and expenses in a foreign currency are translated at rates that approximate those in effect at the time of translation. Gains and losses from translation of foreign currency transactions into USD are included in current results of operations.
Scandium International Mining Corp. (Formerly EMC Metals Corp.)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014
(Expressed in US Dollars)
2.
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (cont’d…)
l)
Stock-based compensation
The Company accounts for stock-based compensation under the provisions of Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) 718, “Compensation-Stock Compensation”. Under the fair value recognition provisions, stock-based compensation expense is measured at the grant date for all stock-based awards to employees and directors and is recognized as an expense over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period. The Black-Scholes option valuation model is used to calculate fair value.
m)
Financial instruments
The Company’s financial instruments consist of cash, restricted cash, receivables, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, convertible debentures and promissory notes payable. It is management's opinion that the Company is not exposed to significant interest, currency or credit risks arising from its financial instruments. The fair values of these financial instruments approximate their carrying values unless otherwise noted. The Company has its cash primarily in one commercial bank in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
n)
Concentration of credit risk
The financial instrument which potentially subjects the Company to concentration of credit risk is cash. The Company maintains cash in bank accounts that, at times, may exceed federally insured limits. As at December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company has exceeded the federally insured limit. The Company has not experienced any losses in such amounts and believes it is not exposed to any significant risks on its cash in bank accounts.
o)
Fair value of financial assets and liabilities
The Company measures the fair value of financial assets and liabilities based on US GAAP guidance which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements.
The Company classifies financial assets and liabilities as held-for-trading, available-for-sale, held-to-maturity, loans and receivables or other financial liabilities depending on their nature. Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognized at fair value on their initial recognition, except for those arising from certain related party transactions which are accounted for at the transferor’s carrying amount or exchange amount.
Financial assets and liabilities classified as held-for-trading are measured at fair value, with gains and losses recognized in net income. Financial assets classified as held-to-maturity, loans and receivables, and financial liabilities other than those classified as held-for-trading are measured at amortized cost, using the effective interest method of amortization. Financial assets classified as available-for-sale are measured at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses being recognized as other comprehensive income until realized, or if an unrealized loss is considered other than temporary, the unrealized loss is recorded in income.
Financial instruments, including receivables, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, convertible debentures and promissory notes payable are carried at amortized cost, which management believes approximates fair value due to the short term nature of these instruments.
The following table presents information about the assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as at December 31, 2014, and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques the Company utilized to determine such fair value. In general, fair values determined by Level 1 inputs utilize quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets. Fair values determined by Level 2 inputs utilize data points that are observable such as quoted prices, interest rates and yield curves. Fair values determined by Level 3 inputs are unobservable data points for the asset or liability, and included situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset:
The fair values of cash are determined through market, observable and corroborated sources.
Scandium International Mining Corp. (Formerly EMC Metals Corp.)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014
(Expressed in US Dollars)
2.
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (cont’d…)
p)
Recently Adopted and Recently Issued Accounting Standards
On June 10, 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-10 (ASU 2014-10), Development Stage Entities (Topic 915): Elimination of Certain Financial Reporting Requirements, including an Amendment to Variable Interest Entities Guidance in Topic 810, Consolidation. ASU 2014-10 eliminates the requirement to present inception-to-date information about income statement line items, cash flows, and equity transactions, and clarifies how entities should disclosure the risks and uncertainties related to their activities. ASU 2014-10 also eliminates an exception provided to development stage entities in Consolidations (ASC Topic 810) for determining whether an entity is a variable interest entity on the basis of the amount of investment equity that is at risk. The presentation and disclosure requirements in Topic 915 will no longer be required for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2014, and the revised consolidation standards will take effect in annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. The Company adopted the provisions of ASU 2014-10 effective for its financial statements for the period ended December 31, 2014, and accordingly, is no longer presenting the inception-to-date financial information and disclosures formerly required.
Accounting Standards Update 2013-05 - Foreign Currency Matters (Topic 830) - Parent’s Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity. This standard provides guidance with respect to the treatment of the cumulative translation adjustment upon the sale of a foreign subsidiary whereby the cumulative translation adjustment associated with that subsidiary are taken into net income of the parent company. The Company has reviewed this standard and has determined that it has little impact on the presentation of its financial statements.
Accounting Standards Update 2013-11 - Income Taxes (Topic 740) - Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carry Forward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carry Forward Exists. This accounting standard deals with the treatment of tax loss carry forwards. The Company has reviewed this standard and has determined that it has little impact on the presentation of its financial statements.
Accounting Standards Update 2014-15 - Presentation of Financial Statements - Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40). This accounting pronouncement provides guidance in GAAP about management’s responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. In doing so, the amendments should reduce diversity in the timing and content of footnote disclosures. The policy is effective December 15, 2016. The Company is evaluating this guidance and believes it will have little impact on the presentation of its financial statements.
Accounting Standards Update 2014-08 - Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360) Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity. This accounting pronouncement provides guidance on the treatment of Property, Plant and Equipment plus the reporting of discontinued operations and disclosure of disposals of components of an entity. The policy is effective December 15, 2014. The Company is evaluating this guidance and believes it will have little impact on the presentation of its financial statements.
3.
RESTRICTED CASH
The Company had a Bank of Montreal letter of credit of up to C$159,400 as a security deposit related to a Vancouver office lease obligation. The letter of credit was returned to the Bank of Montreal in July 2014 and funds were released for use by the Company.
4.
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
During 2013, the Company identified a buyer for its tungsten properties and related plant and mill held by its subsidiary, Springer Mining Company (“Springer”). On September 13, 2013, the Company signed a binding Letter Of Intent (“LOI”) to sell 100% of the Springer Mining Company entity, its assets and mineral and water rights to Americas Bullion Royalty Corp. (“AMB”), for $5 million cash. The transaction was finalized on December 31, 2013.
At the signing of the LOI, AMB paid $3.1 million directly to the existing convertible debt holder to retire a maturing debt plus accumulated interest.
·
Cash paid by AMB to the convertible debt holder paid the debt in full and released the security interest in the Springer property and assets,
·
The cash advanced by AMB formed a new loan, with AMB as lender, as at September 13, 2013,
·
The new loan carried a zero interest rate, and
·
AMB agreed to additionally fund all Springer property carrying costs until the final payment and closing date.
The sale also included the transfer of interests in the Company’s Carlin Vanadium property mineral assets and the Copper King property tungsten assets in Nevada to AMB, along with Springer Tungsten.
Springer was actively involved in the evaluation and re-start of the Company’s tungsten property, located in Pershing County, Nevada. Going forward, the Company has no further assets located in the US or continuing involvement with Springer.
Scandium International Mining Corp. (Formerly EMC Metals Corp.)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014
(Expressed in US Dollars)
4.
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (cont’d…)
A comparison of the Net Loss from discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
5.
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
2014 Continuing Operations
2013 Continuing Operations
Scandium International Mining Corp. (Formerly EMC Metals Corp.)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014
(Expressed in US Dollars)
5.
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (cont’d…)
Land and water rights are in respect of properties in Nevada. The plant and equipment is comprised of the Springer Plant and Mill in Nevada which was sold to AMB as part of the binding LOI signed September 13, 2013.
6.
MINERAL INTERESTS
Title to mineral property interests involves certain inherent risks due to the difficulties of determining the validity of certain claims as well as the potential for problems arising from the frequently ambiguous conveyancing history characteristic of many mineral property interests. The Company has investigated title to all of its mineral property interests and, to the best of its knowledge, title to all of its properties is in good standing.
SCANDIUM PROPERTIES
Nyngan, New South Wales Property
On February 5, 2010, the Company entered in to an earn-in agreement with Jervois Mining Limited (“Jervois”), whereby it would acquire a 50% interest in the Nyngan Scandium property (the “Nyngan Project”) located in New South Wales, Australia. The JV Agreement, as amended, gave the Company the right to earn a 50% interest in a joint venture with Jervois, for the purpose of holding and developing the Nyngan Project. On June 22, 2012, the Company received notice of a lawsuit filed against the Company with regard to the achievement of certain milestones required under the JV Agreement. On February 6, 2013, the Company announced agreement of an out of court settlement to the dispute with Jervois. The terms of the settlement transferred 100% ownership and control of the Nyngan Project to the Company, in return for AUD$2.6 million cash payments and a percentage royalty payable to Jervois on sales of product from the project. A total of $1,108,484 (AUD$1.2 million) was paid in June 2013 as part of the settlement. A total of $1,364,031 (AUD$1.4 million) was paid in June 2014 to fulfill the obligations under the settlement agreement which gives 100% of the property to the Company.
Royalties attached to the Nyngan property include a 1.5% Net Profits Interest royalty to private parties involved with the early exploration on the property, and a 1.7% Net Smelter Returns royalty payable to Jervois for 12 years after production commences, subject to terms in the settlement agreement. Another revenue royalty is payable to private interests of 0.2%, subject to a US$370k cap. A NSW minerals royalty will also be levied on the project, subject to negotiation, currently 4% on revenue.
Scandium International Mining Corp. (Formerly EMC Metals Corp.)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014
(Expressed in US Dollars)
6.
MINERAL INTERESTS (cont’d…)
Tørdal and Evje-Iveland properties, Norway
During 2012 the Company entered into an option agreement with REE Mining AS (“REE”) to earn up to a 100% interest in the Tørdal and Evje-Iveland properties pursuant to which the Company paid $130,000 and issued 1,000,000 common shares valued at $40,000. To earn its interest, the original agreement required the Company to pay REE an additional $500,000, incur $250,000 of exploration work and issue 250,000 common shares upon releasing the second of two full feasibility studies on the two properties. The Company subsequently renegotiated the payments required to earn the interest and the Evje-Iveland property was removed from the option agreement. Pursuant to the amendment, the Company earned a 100% interest in the Tørdal property by paying an additional $35,000 and granting a 1% Net Smelter Return (“NSR”) payable to REE.
Honeybugle property, Australia
In April of 2014 we also acquired an exploration license referred to as the Honeybugle property, a prospective scandium exploration property located 24 kilometers from the Nyngan Project. $69,000 in expenses were incurred in respect of this property.
Hogtuva property, Norway
During 2011 the Company entered into an option agreement with REE to earn a 100% interest in three scandium and beryllium exploration sites in Norway pursuant to which the Company paid $50,000. To earn its interest, the original agreement required the Company to pay REE an additional $100,000 and issue up to 200,000 common shares. During 2013, the Company renegotiated the payments required to earn the interest and removed two of the exploration sites from the agreement.
Pursuant to the amendment, the Company earned a 100% interest in the Hogtuva property in consideration for the $50,000 original payment and the grant of a 1% NSR payable to REE. In early 2014 a decision was made by the Company not to renew its interest in the Hogtuva property and $50,000 in acquisition costs were written off during the year ended December 31, 2013.
TUNGSTEN PROPERTY
Springer Property
On November 21, 2006, the Company acquired all outstanding and issued shares of Springer Mining Company (“Springer”). Included in the assets of Springer and allocated to property, plant and equipment (Note 5) are the Springer Mine and Mill located in Pershing County, Nevada. The Company agreed to sell Springer Mining Company on September 13, 2013 (see Note 4), for $5 million, along with the Copper King Tungsten property and the Carlin Vanadium property. The transaction was completed and fully funded on December 31, 2013.
7.
CONVERTIBLE DEBENTURES
On February 22, 2013, the Company completed a $650,000 loan financing consisting of convertible debentures. The convertible debenture had a maturity date of February 22, 2014 and bore interest at 10% per annum. The lenders had the option to convert the loan into 13,000,000 common shares of the Company. There was no beneficial conversion feature associated with the conversion option. The loan was secured by an interest in the assets of the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, Wolfram Jack Mining Corp., and the Company’s interest in the Hogtuva and Tørdal properties in Norway. This financing was repaid in full in February 2014.
On February 17, 2012, the Company completed a $3,000,000 loan financing consisting of a term loan of $1,000,000 (Note 8), a convertible debenture of $2,000,000 and warrants to acquire 3,000,000 common shares. The convertible debenture had a maturity date of August 15, 2013 and bore interest at 7% per annum. The lender had the option to convert a maximum of $2,000,000 of the principal amount of the loan into 10,000,000 common shares of the Company. The loan was secured by an interest in the assets of the Company’s subsidiary, Springer Mining Company. There was no beneficial conversion feature associated with the conversion option. The warrants were exercisable at C$0.20 per share expiring February 15, 2014. A relative fair value of $217,267 was assigned to the warrants and recorded in additional paid in capital. The Company paid financing costs of $249,827 and also issued 750,000 purchase warrants exercisable at C$0.20 per share expiring February 15, 2014. These warrants were valued at $58,716 with a volatility of 120%, expected life of 2 years, risk free rate of 1.0% and expected dividend yield of 0.0% and recorded in additional paid in capital. The financing costs were allocated between debt and the equity components. This resulted in a convertible debenture carrying amount of $1,663,681 upon deducting a debt discount of $336,319 from the principal balance of $2,000,000. During 2013, the Company recognized $138,627 in accretion through interest expense. This financing was repaid in full on September 13, 2013.
Scandium International Mining Corp. (Formerly EMC Metals Corp.)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014
(Expressed in US Dollars)
8.
PROMISSORY NOTES PAYABLE
Scandium International Mining Corp. (Formerly EMC Metals Corp.)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014
(Expressed in US Dollars)
9.
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
A total of $350,000 from the loan financing completed on February 22, 2013, $579,875 from the loan financing completed on June 24, 2013 and all of the $100,000 financing completed on August 27, 2013, were funded from a combination of Directors, insiders, and independent shareholders. The Company has paid $78,500 in interest to related parties relating to these loans.
The $100,000 loan financing completed in 2013 was from directors and officers. The loan was repaid in full in 2013.
The loan financing completed on February 22, 2013, of which $350,000 was contributed from directors and officers was repaid in the three months ending March 31, 2014.
During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company accrued a consulting fee of $85,000 for one of its directors. There is $59,500 for consulting fees incurred during the year ended December 31, 2014.
During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company granted stock options to directors with a fair value of $133,397. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company did not grant stock options to directors.
10.
CAPITAL STOCK AND ADDITIONAL PAID IN CAPITAL
On August 26, 2014, the Company issued 5,534,411 common shares at a value of C$0.085 per common share for total proceeds of C$470,425.
On July 11, 2014, the Company issued 4,641,236 common shares at a value of C$0.085 per common share for total proceeds of C$394,505.
On June 26, 2014, the Company issued 10,415,396 common shares at a value of C$0.085 per common share for total proceeds of C$885,309.
On April 24, 2014, the Company issued 4,122,150 common shares at a value of C$0.025 per common share for total proceeds of C$103,053.
On March 25, 2014, the Company issued 8,533,260 common shares at a value of C$0.025 per common share for total proceeds of $192,000.
Stock Options and Warrants
The Company established a stock option plan (the “Plan”) under which it is authorized to grant options to executive officers and directors, employees and consultants and the number of options granted under the Plan shall not exceed 15% of the shares outstanding. Under the Plan, the exercise period of the options may not exceed five years from the date of grant and vesting is determined by the Board of Directors.
Stock option and share purchase warrant transactions are summarized as follows:
Scandium International Mining Corp. (Formerly EMC Metals Corp.)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014
(Expressed in US Dollars)
10.
CAPITAL STOCK AND ADDITIONAL PAID IN CAPITAL (cont’d…)
As at December 31, 2014, incentive stock options were outstanding as follows:
(1)
These options expired unexercised.
As at December 31, 2014 the Company’s outstanding and exercisable stock options have an aggregate intrinsic value of $92,525 (2013 - $Nil).
As at December 31, 2014, there were no warrants outstanding.
Stock-based compensation
During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company recognized stock-based compensation of $311,288 (December 31, 2013 - $74,609) in the statement of operations and comprehensive loss as a result of incentive stock options granted and vested in the current period. There were 3,725,000 stock options issued during the year ended December 31, 2014 (December 31, 2013 - 2,100,000).
The weighted average fair value of the options granted in the year was C$0.12 (2013 - C$0.03).
The fair value of all compensatory options and warrants granted is estimated on grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The weighted average assumptions used in calculating the fair values are as follows:
11.
TREASURY STOCK
Treasury shares comprise shares of the Company which cannot be sold without the prior approval of the TSX.
Scandium International Mining Corp. (Formerly EMC Metals Corp.)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014
(Expressed in US Dollars)
12.
SEGMENTED INFORMATION
The Company’s mineral properties are located in Norway and Australia. The Company’s capital assets’ geographic information is as follows:
13.
DEFERRED INCOME TAX
A reconciliation of income taxes at statutory rates with the reported taxes is as follows:
The Canadian income tax rate declined during the year due to changes in the law that reduced corporate income tax rates in Canada/British Columbia.
The significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets that have not been included on the consolidated statement of financial position are as follows;
Scandium International Mining Corp. (Formerly EMC Metals Corp.)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014
(Expressed in US Dollars)
13.
DEFERRED INCOME TAX (cont’d…)
The significant components of the Company’s temporary differences, unused tax credits and unused tax losses that have not been included on the consolidated statement of financial position are as follows:
14.
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE WITH RESPECT TO CASH FLOWS
There were no significant non-cash transactions in the year ended December 31, 2014. For the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company settled promissory notes payable of $3,750,000 by returning the Cosgrave ranch and water rights included in property, plant and equipment with a value of $3,750,000.