UNITED STATES
SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-QSB
[X] Quarterly Report Under Section 13 or 15(D) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934
for the quarterly period ended March 31,
2007
[ ] Transition Report Under Section 13 or 15(D) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
for the transition period from _____to
_____
Commission File Number: 0-26407
NORD RESOURCES
CORPORATION
(Name of small business issuer in its charter)
DELAWARE | 85-0212139 |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification |
No.) | |
One West Wetmore Road, Suite 203 | |
Tucson, Arizona | 85705 |
(Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) |
(520) 292-0266 | |
Issuer's telephone number |
Check whether the issuer (1) filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the past 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes[X] No[ ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes[ ] No[X]
State the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common equity, as of the latest practicable date. 34,276,906 shares of common stock as of March 31, 2007.
Transitional Small Business Disclosure Format (check one): Yes[ ] No[X]
NORD RESOURCES CORPORATION
Quarterly Report On Form 10-QSB
For The Quarterly Period Ended
March 31, 2007
INDEX
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This quarterly report on Form 10-QSB contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements in this quarterly report include, among others, statements regarding our capital needs, business plans and expectations. Such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties regarding the market price of copper, availability of funds, government regulations, common share prices, operating costs, capital costs, outcomes of ore reserve development and other factors. Forward-looking statements are made, without limitation, in relation to operating plans, property exploration and development, availability of funds, environmental reclamation, operating costs and permit acquisition. Any statements contained herein that are not statements of historical facts may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as may, will, should, expect, plan, intend, anticipate, believe, estimate, predict, potential or continue, the negative of such terms or other comparable terminology. Actual events or results may differ materially. In evaluating these statements, you should consider various factors, including the risks outlined in our annual report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2006, this quarterly report on Form 10-QSB, and, from time to time, in other reports that we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC). These factors may cause our actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statement. Given these uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.
i
PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
The following unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements of Nord Resources Corporation (the Company) are included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB:
- 1 -
NORD RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
MARCH 31,
2007
(Unaudited)
ASSETS | |||
Current Assets: | |||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 1,123,897 | |
Accounts receivable | 13,788 | ||
Debt issuance costs, net of accumulated amortization | 34,091 | ||
Prepaid expenses and other | 135,703 | ||
Total Current Assets | 1,307,479 | ||
Property and Equipment, at cost: | |||
Property and equipment | 4,004,846 | ||
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization | (1,357,680 | ) | |
Net Property and Equipment | 2,647,166 | ||
Total Assets | $ | 3,954,645 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
F-1
NORD RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
MARCH 31,
2007
(Unaudited)
(Continued)
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS DEFICIT | |||
Current Liabilities: | |||
Accounts payable | $ | 992,204 | |
Accrued expenses | 3,113,222 | ||
Current maturities of long-term debt | 5,778,593 | ||
Current maturity of capital lease obligation | 18,750 | ||
Total Current Liabilities | 9,902,769 | ||
Long-Term Liabilities: | |||
Capital lease obligation, less current maturity | 4,688 | ||
Other | 66,152 | ||
Accrued reclamation costs | 186,675 | ||
Total Long-Term Liabilities | 257,515 | ||
Total Liabilities | 10,160,284 | ||
Commitments and contingencies | |||
Stockholders Deficit: | |||
Common stock: $.01 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized, | |||
34,276,906 shares issued and outstanding | 342,769 | ||
Additional paid-in capital | 85,969,736 | ||
Accumulated deficit | (92,518,144 | ) | |
Total Stockholders Deficit | (6,205,639 | ) | |
Total Liabilities and Stockholders Deficit | $ | 3,954,645 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
F-2
NORD RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH
31, 2007 AND 2006
(Unaudited)
2007 | 2006 | |||||
Net sales | $ | - | $ | - | ||
Operating expenses | 957,901 | 1,497,077 | ||||
Depreciation, depletion and amortization | 20,837 | 20,837 | ||||
Loss from operations | (978,738 | ) | (1,517,914 | ) | ||
Other income (expense): | ||||||
Interest expense | (251,181 | ) | (667,447 | ) | ||
Gain on investments, net | - | 73,759 | ||||
Miscellaneous income | 1,174,436 | 55,816 | ||||
Total other income (expense) | 923,255 | (537,872 | ) | |||
Loss before income taxes | (55,483 | ) | (2,055,786 | ) | ||
Provision for income taxes | - | - | ||||
Net loss | $ | (55,483 | ) | $ | (2,055,786 | ) |
Net Loss Per Basic and Diluted Share of Common Stock: | ||||||
Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding | 34,210,552 | 32,839,805 | ||||
Net loss per share of common stock | $ | (0.00 | ) | $ | (0.06 | ) |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
F-3
NORD RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF
CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS
DEFICIT
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31,
2007
(Unaudited)
Additional | Total | ||||||||||||||
Paid-in | Accumulated | Stockholders | |||||||||||||
Common Stock | Capital | Deficit | Deficit | ||||||||||||
Shares | Amount | ||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2006 | 34,018,043 | $ | 340,181 | $ | 85,563,087 | $ | (92,462,661 | ) | $ | (6,559,393 | ) | ||||
Comprehensive loss: | |||||||||||||||
Net loss | - | - | - | (55,483 | ) | (55,483 | ) | ||||||||
Comprehensive loss | (55,483 | ) | |||||||||||||
Common stock issued for | |||||||||||||||
Coyote Springs | 33,332 | 333 | 36,332 | - | 36,665 | ||||||||||
Common stock issued to settle | |||||||||||||||
claims | 139,880 | 1,399 | 161,601 | - | 163,000 | ||||||||||
Compensation expense from | |||||||||||||||
issuance of stock options | - | - | 37,740 | - | 37,740 | ||||||||||
Common stock issued for | |||||||||||||||
deferred stock units | 25,651 | 256 | (256 | ) | - | - | |||||||||
Compensation from issuance | |||||||||||||||
of deferred stock units | - | - | 35,986 | - | 35,986 | ||||||||||
Warrants issued in connection | |||||||||||||||
with bridge loan | - | - | 85,846 | - | 85,846 | ||||||||||
Common stock issued for | |||||||||||||||
services | 60,000 | 600 | 49,400 | - | 50,000 | ||||||||||
Balance at March 31, 2007 | 34,276,906 | $ | 342,769 | $ | 85,969,736 | $ | (92,518,144 | ) | $ | (6,205,639 | ) |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
F-4
NORD RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH
31, 2007 AND 2006
(Unaudited)
2007 | 2006 | |||||
Cash Flows From Operating Activities: | ||||||
Net loss | $ | (55,483 | ) | $ | (2,055,786 | ) |
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided (used) by operating activities: | ||||||
Depreciation, depletion and amortization | 20,837 | 20,837 | ||||
Accretion expense on accrued reclamation costs | 4,553 | 3,992 | ||||
Amortization of debt issuance costs | 40,909 | 278,795 | ||||
Accretion of discount on debt | 46,825 | 279,055 | ||||
Amortization of deferred compensation | 37,740 | - | ||||
Stock option mark to market adjustment | - | 26,250 | ||||
Copper put options mark to market adjustment | - | 139,553 | ||||
Issuance of stock and deferred stock units for services rendered | 85,986 | 149,615 | ||||
Issuance of stock options for services rendered | - | 229,952 | ||||
Gain on sale of securities held for trading | - | (213,312 | ) | |||
Proceeds from sale of securities held for trading | - | 1,322,150 | ||||
Beneficial conversion feature recorded as interest expense | - | 1,722 | ||||
Changes in assets and liabilities: | ||||||
Accounts receivable | (8,861 | ) | - | |||
Other assets | (104,760 | ) | (124,797 | ) | ||
Accounts payable | (219,186 | ) | 128,779 | |||
Accrued expenses | 265,519 | 243,810 | ||||
Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities | 114,079 | 430,615 | ||||
Cash Flows From Investing Activities: | ||||||
Decrease in restricted cash | - | 126,063 | ||||
Purchase of copper put options | - | (56,252 | ) | |||
Capital expenditures | (18,330 | ) | (31,949 | ) | ||
Net Cash Provided (Used) By Investing Activities | (18,330 | ) | 37,862 | |||
Cash Flows From Financing Activities: | ||||||
Deferred financing costs | - | (65,241 | ) | |||
Proceeds from issuance of notes payable | 25,000 | - | ||||
Principal payments on capital leases | (4,687 | ) | (4,687 | ) | ||
Proceeds from issuance of common stock | - | 82,000 | ||||
Net Cash Provided By Financing Activities | 20,313 | 12,072 | ||||
Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents | 116,062 | 480,549 | ||||
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period | 1,007,835 | 141,197 | ||||
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period | $ | 1,123,897 | $ | 621,746 | ||
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information: | ||||||
Cash paid during the year for: | ||||||
Interest | $ | 158,457 | $ | 100,664 | ||
Income taxes | - | - | ||||
Supplemental Disclosure of Non-cash Investing and Financing Activities: | ||||||
Common stock issued for purchase of property | $ | 36,665 | $ | 29,010 | ||
Stock options issued for purchase of property | - | 36,987 | ||||
Warrants issued in connection with debt facilities | 85,846 | 87,032 | ||||
Common stock issued for settlement of accounts payable | 163,000 | 36,924 | ||||
Debt issuance costs paid through a note payable | 75,000 | - | ||||
Common stock issued in exchange for deferred stock units | 256 | - |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
F-5
NORD RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The accompanying financial information of Nord Resources Corporation (the Company) is prepared in accordance with the rules prescribed for filing condensed interim financial statements and, accordingly, does not include all disclosures that may be necessary for complete financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The disclosures presented are sufficient, in managements opinion, to make the interim information presented not misleading. All adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments which are necessary so as to make the interim information not misleading, have been made. Results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2007 are not necessarily indicative of results of operations that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2007. The Company recommends that this financial information be read in conjunction with the complete consolidated financial statements included in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2006 previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
2. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification of recorded asset amounts or the amount and classification of liabilities that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern. The Companys continuation as a going concern is dependent upon its ability to generate sufficient cash flow to meet its obligations on a timely basis, to obtain additional financing to resume mining operations at Johnson Camp Mine, and to produce copper to sell at a level where the Company becomes profitable. The Companys continued existence is dependent upon its ability to execute its operating plan.
The Companys near term objective is to resume mining and leaching operations at the Johnson Camp Mine, with the view to producing approximately 25 million pounds of copper per year. However, since reactivation of the Johnson Camp Mine is subject to obtaining sufficient financing, the Companys board of directors has not yet made a production decision.
The Company has obtained a feasibility study containing a mine plan for the Johnson Camp Mine dated March 2000, as well as an update to the feasibility study dated October 11, 2005 which has been supplemented by an addendum prepared in June 2006. The updated feasibility study contains an economic assessment of the Johnson Camp Mine based on the mine plan included in the 2000 feasibility study, capital and operating cost estimates as of the third quarter of 2005, and 36 month average copper prices ending on September 30, 2005. At the time the updated feasibility study was completed, the initial capital costs to be incurred within the first two years of start up were expected to exceed $22 million (including working capital). The Company now expects that the initial capital costs will exceed $28 million. Such costs relate primarily to the rehabilitation of solution ponds, refurbishment and a modest expansion of the copper production facility, and the purchase and installation of crushing and conveying equipment. The increase in the Companys capital cost estimate is primarily due to inflation and the fact that the original capital cost estimate was premised in part on the availability of used conveying equipment which is increasingly becoming difficult to find; the Company anticipates that it will have to purchase new conveying equipment during the initial start-up period. The Company estimates that it will
F-6
NORD RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
incur a further $3 million in capital costs in the following two years, which is less than the $9 million in such capital costs that the Company had originally projected due to its intention to defer the construction of a planned leach pad until seven years after the start-up date, as the Company now anticipates that it will be able to accommodate any ore that is mined during the intervening period by expanding one or more of the existing leach pads. These figures do not include estimated reclamation bonding requirements, and do not account for future inflation, interest and other financing costs.
The Company presently does not have sufficient cash or working capital necessary to implement the mine development schedule and commence mining operations. Its ability to commence mining operations will be subject to its obtaining sufficient financing to enable it to fund the necessary initial capital costs, startup operating expenses and working capital. However, the Company believes that the resumption of mining activities at the Johnson Camp mine is warranted based on the relatively high market price of copper. The Company believes that the strengthening market for copper has created an opportunity for it to reactivate the Johnson Camp Mine, despite the anticipated high costs that this will involve.
Funding for the reactivation of the Johnson Camp Mine is expected to come from a combination of equity and debt financing, and the potential exercise of outstanding common stock purchase warrants and options. As discussed in more detail in Note 6, Subsequent Events, the Company has received credit approval from Nedbank Limited (Nedbank) for a $25 million secured term loan credit facility that would be used for the reactivation of the Companys Johnson Camp Mine project in Arizona. The credit facility will be subject to the entering into of a definitive loan agreement between the Company and Nedbank. Draw down under the facility will be subject to certain conditions, including the completion by the Company of a $20 million equity financing within the three month period ending July 12, 2007, payoff of the Companys existing $5 million bridge loan facility with Nedbank and customary conditions to closing.
If management cannot achieve its operating plan because of sales shortfalls or other unfavorable events, the Company may find it necessary to dispose of assets, or undertake other actions as may be appropriate.
3. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
Stock Options
Beginning January 1, 2006, the Company adopted the fair value recognition provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment, using the modified prospective application method. The Company has granted incentive and non-qualified stock options to its directors under terms of its 2006 Stock Incentive Plan. The Company has also granted non-qualified, non-plan stock options, which have been authorized by the Companys board of directors. Stock options are generally granted at an exercise price equal to or greater than the quoted market price on the date of grant.
There are 2,758,332 stock options outstanding at March 31, 2007, of which 2,024,999 are non-qualified, non-plan stock options and 733,333 have been issued pursuant to the Companys 2006 Stock Incentive Plan. The outstanding options expire at various dates from 2007 to 2016.
F-7
NORD RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
The Company did not grant any stock options during the three months ended March 31, 2007. However, it recognized $37,740 in compensation expense related to employee stock options that vest over time. During the three months ended March 31, 2006, the Company granted 675,000 stock options to employees for which $229,952 in compensation expense was recognized.
As summarized in the following table, no stock options were exercised during the three months ended March 31, 2007, and a total of 166,666 stock options either expired or were cancelled in accordance with their respective terms:
Weighted | |||||||
Number of | Average | ||||||
Shares | Exercise Price | ||||||
Options outstanding at December 31, 2006 | 2,924,998 | $ | .79 | ||||
Granted | - | - | |||||
Exercised | - | - | |||||
Cancelled/Expired | (166,666 | ) | .57 | ||||
Options outstanding at March 31, 2007 | 2,758,332 | $ | .80 |
The following table summarizes certain additional information about the Companys total and exercisable stock options outstanding as of March 31, 2007:
Weighted | |||||||||||||
Average | Weighted | ||||||||||||
Remaining | Average | ||||||||||||
Number | Contractual | Exercise | Intrinsic | ||||||||||
Outstanding | Life in Years | Price | Value | ||||||||||
Total stock options | 2,758,332 | 3.9 | $ | .80 | $ | 0 | |||||||
Exercisable stock | |||||||||||||
options | 2,558,332 | 3.5 | .78 | 0 |
The market price of the Companys common stock on March 31, 2007 was $0.70 per share. The weighted average exercise price of the total and exercisable stock options exceeded this amount by $0.10 and $0.08, respectively. Accordingly, the intrinsic value of such stock options was $0 as of March 31, 2007.
The following table summarizes the unvested stock options outstanding as of March 31, 2007:
F-8
NORD RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
Weighted Average | |||||||
Grant Date | |||||||
Number of Shares | Fair Value | ||||||
Non-vested options outstanding at December 31, 2006 | 533,333 | $ | .78 | ||||
Granted | - | - | |||||
Vested | (266,666 | ) | .78 | ||||
Cancelled/Forfeited | (66,667 | ) | .78 | ||||
Non-vested Options outstanding at March 31, 2007 | 200,000 | $ | .78 |
The total grant date fair value of options vested during the three months ended March 31, 2007 was $208,725. The Company recognizes stock option compensation expense on stock options with a graded vesting schedule on a straight line basis over the requisite service period for each separately vesting portion of the award as if the award was, in substance, multiple awards. As of March 31, 2007, 200,000 stock options remain unvested, resulting in $76,695 in compensation expense to be recognized over the following year.
The Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate the fair value of stock options granted. As indicated above, no stock options were granted during the three months ended March 31, 2007. When determining the fair value of stock options, the expected forfeiture rate is based on historical employee turnover rates. The expected term of the options granted is estimated using the formula set forth in Securities and Exchange Commission Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107. The risk-free interest rate is based upon the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the date of grant and, in connection with the adoption of SFAS 123(R), Share-Based Payment, the expected volatility is based on the weighted historical volatility of the Companys common stock and that of its peer group.
As stated above, the Company did not have any stock option grants during the three-month period ended March 31, 2007. The fair values for the stock options granted during the three-month period ended March 31, 2006 were estimated at the respective dates of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions:
Risk-free interest rate | 4.5% | |
Expected life | 2.5 years | |
Expected volatility | 69% | |
Expected dividend yield | 0% |
Deferred Stock Units
During the three months ended March 31, 2007, certain equity-based fees have been paid to the Companys non-executive directors in the form of awards issued pursuant to the Companys 2006 Stock Incentive Plan. The non-executive directors have limited rights, exercisable within applicable time limits, to elect to have any percentage of such awards, and any percentage of cash fees, payable in deferred stock units. Each of the Companys non-executive directors exercised such rights in respect of the equity-based fees payable to him for the three months ended March 31, 2007. Accordingly, during that period, Wade Nesmith, the Companys former Lead Director and the former Chairman of each of the Executive and the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committees, received 16,470 deferred stock units; Douglas
F-9
NORD RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
Hamilton, the Chairman of the Companys Audit Committee received 14,184 deferred stock units; John Cook, the Chairman of the Companys Compensation Committee received 11,525 deferred stock units; and Stephen Seymour received 8,865 deferred stock units. During the three months ended March 31, 2007, the Company recognized expense of $35,986 related to the issuance of deferred stock units to its independent directors. The deferred stock units were granted under the 2006 Deferred Stock Unit Plan. As of March 31, 2007, there were 171,634 deferred stock units outstanding.
Common Stock
During the three months ended March 31, 2007 the Company issued 60,000 shares of fully paid and non-assessable common stock to employees of the Company with a weighted average grant date fair value of $0.83 per share. Stock based compensation related to these awards of $50,000 is included in operating expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2007. During the three months ended March 31, 2006, the Company issued 236,471 shares of fully paid and non-assessable common stock to employees of the Company with a weighted average grant date fair value of $0.63 per share. Stock based compensation related to these awards of $149,615 was included in operating expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2006.
4. BASIC AND DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE
Basic earnings (loss) per common share is computed by dividing net earnings (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings (loss) per share is calculated based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding adjusted for the dilutive effect, if any, of stock options, warrants and other dilutive securities outstanding. Outstanding options, warrants and other dilutive securities to purchase 9,660,360 and 8,232,725 shares of common stock for the three months March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, are not included in the computation of diluted loss per share as the effect of the assumed exercise of these options and warrants would be anti-dilutive.
5. RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
In February 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS No. 155, Accounting for Certain Hybrid Financial Instruments An Amendment of FASB Statements No. 133 and 140. SFAS No. 155 resolves issues addressed in Statement 133 Implementation Issue No. D1, Application of Statement 133 to Beneficial Interests in Securitized Financial Assets. This Statement permits fair value re-measurement for any hybrid financial instrument that contains an embedded derivative that otherwise would require bifurcation. It clarifies which interest-only strips and principal-only strips are not subject to the requirements of Statement 133. It also establishes a requirement to evaluate interests in securitized financial assets, clarifies that concentrations of credit risk in the form of subordination are not embedded derivatives, and amends Statement 140 to eliminate the prohibition on a qualifying special-purpose entity holding a derivative financial instrument that pertains to a beneficial interest other than another derivative financial instrument. SFAS No. 155 is effective for all financial instruments acquired or issued after the beginning of an entitys first fiscal year that begins after September 15, 2006. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of an entitys fiscal year, provided the entity has not yet issued financial statements, including financial statements for any interim period, for
F-10
NORD RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
that fiscal year. The Company adopted this standard beginning January 1, 2007; it has had no material impact on the Companys consolidated financial statements.
In June 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes An Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109. This interpretation clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income tax recognized in an enterprises financial statements in accordance with FASB Statement No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. This interpretation prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. It also provides guidance on de-recognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. This interpretation is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. The Company adopted this standard beginning January 1, 2007; it has had no material impact on the Companys consolidated financial statements.
In June 2006 the FASB issued EITF Issue No. 06-3, How Taxes Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities Should Be Presented in the Income Statement. EITF Issue No. 06-3 applies to any taxes assessed by a governmental authority that is both imposed on and concurrent with a specific revenue-producing transaction between a seller and customer, and may include but is not limited to sales, use, value added and some excise taxes. EITF Issue No. 06-3 requires an entity to disclose if taxes are presented in the income statement on a gross or net basis. Additionally, an entity that reports any such taxes on a gross basis should also disclose the amounts of those taxes in interim and annual financial statements for each period an income statement is presented if those amounts are significant. EITF Issue No. 06-3 applies with respect to any interim and annual reports filed after December 15, 2006. The Company adopted EITF Issue No. 06-3 in January 2007; it has had no material impact on the Companys consolidated financial statements.
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements. SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. This Statement does not require any new fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company plans to adopt this standard beginning January 2008, and does not anticipate it to have a material impact on the Companys consolidated financial statements.
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 158, Employers Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plan-an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88 106, and 132(R). SFAS No. 158 requires an employer to recognize the over-funded or under-funded status of a defined benefit postretirement plan as an asset or liability in its statement of financial position and to recognize changes in that funded status in the year in which the changes occur through comprehensive income. SFAS No. 158 is effective for an issuer of publicly traded securities for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. The Company adopted this standard beginning January 1, 2007; it has had no material impact on the Companys consolidated financial statements.
In September 2006, the SEC issued SAB 108 which was issued to address diversity in practice in quantifying financial statement misstatements and the potential under current practice for the build up of improper amounts on the balance sheet effective for any fiscal year beginning after November 15, 2006.
F-11
NORD RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
The Company adopted this bulletin beginning January 1, 2007; it has had no material impact on the Companys consolidated financial statements.
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities-Including an Amendment of FASB No. 115. SFAS No. 159 permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other assets at fair value. The objective is to improve financial reporting by providing entities with the opportunity to mitigate volatility in reported earnings caused by measuring related assets and liabilities differently without having to apply complex hedge accounting provisions. SFAS No. 159 is effective as of the beginning of an entitys first fiscal year that begins after November 15, 2007. The Company plans to adopt this standard beginning January 2008; at this time, it is uncertain if doing so will have a material impact on the Companys consolidated financial statements.
6. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Engagement of Financial Advisor
In April 2007, the Company engaged a financial advisor in connection with a proposed financing transaction. The engagement is non-binding, except that the Company has agreed to indemnify the financial advisor in connection with the financing transaction and to cover up to $150,000 (Canadian) of the financial advisors transactional expenses.
Project Financing
In April 2007, the Company received credit approval from Nedbank Limited (Nedbank) for a $25 million secured term loan credit facility that would be used by the Company for the reactivation of its Johnson Camp Mine project in Arizona. The credit facility will be subject to entering into a definitive loan agreement between the Company and Nedbank. Draw down under the facility will be subject to certain conditions, including the completion by the Company of a $20 million equity financing within the three month period ending July 12, 2007, pay-off of the Companys existing $5 million bridge loan facility with Nedbank and customary conditions to closing. All amounts advanced under the credit facility will be secured by the Companys assets and will be repaid with interest within a four year period from the first draw down.
In connection with the delivery of a term sheet in respect of the credit facility, the Company has entered into an agreement with Nedbank whereby:
F-12
NORD RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
In consideration of the extension of the maturity date of the Nedbank bridge loan, the Company agreed to pay Nedbank an upfront fee of $100,000 in two tranches: (a) the first tranche of $25,000 was paid upon execution of the extension agreement; and (b) the second tranche of $75,000 will be payable on June 13, 2007, provided that if the bridge loan is fully repaid on or before June 12, 2007, Nedbank will waive the requirement to pay the second tranche. Further, on June 13, 2007, the interest rate payable on the bridge loan will increase from 11% to 13% per annum.
Extension of Maturity Dates of Convertible Notes Dated August 19, 2004 and October 4, 2004
The Company has issued a convertible promissory note to Stephen Seymour dated August 19, 2004 in the principal amount of $66,000, and a convertible promissory note to Ronald Hirsch (collectively with Mr. Seymour, the Lenders) dated October 4, 2004 in the principal amount of $106,000. Each Lender is a director of the Company, and Mr. Hirsch also serves Nord as Chairman of the Board of Directors. The loans evidenced by these convertible notes accrue interest at 10% per annum, and are unsecured.
Pursuant to Amending Agreements between the Company and each Lender effective as of April 30, 2007, these convertible notes have been extended to mature on the earlier of: (a) July 12, 2007, and (b) the closing of (i) a registered equity offering and/or a debt project financing in which the Company raises not less than $25 million, or (ii) a significant corporate transaction in which any person (either alone or together with its affiliates and associates) acquires 51% or more of the Companys common stock, or there is a sale, lease, exchange or other transfer of all or substantially all of the Companys assets or assets valued at $12,000,000 or greater.
Extension of Convertible Note Dated As Of June 29, 2004
Effective June 29, 2004, the Company issued a convertible promissory note to Mr. Hirsch in the amount of $35,000. The debt evidenced by this convertible note accrues interest at 10% per annum and is unsecured.
Pursuant to an Amending Agreement between the Company and Mr. Hirsch effective as of April 30, 2007, this convertible note has been extended to mature on the earlier of: (a) July 12, 2007, and (b) the closing of (i) a registered equity offering and/or a debt project financing in which the Company raises not less than $25 million, or (ii) a significant corporate transaction in which any person (either alone or together with its affiliates and associates) acquires 51% or more of the Companys common stock, or there is a sale, lease, exchange or other transfer of all or substantially all of Companys assets or assets valued at $12,000,000 or greater.
Extension of $600,000 Revolving Line of Credit Facility Dated June 21, 2005
On June 21, 2005, the Company entered into a $600,000 secured revolving line of credit agreement with the Lenders. The line of credit bears interest at a rate equal to M&T Banks prime rate and is collateralized by accounts receivable, inventory, property and equipment, and other assets.
Pursuant to an Amending Agreement effective as of April 30, 2007, the maturity date of the line of credit has been extended to the earlier of: (a) July 12, 2007, and (b) the closing of (i) a registered equity offering and/or a debt project financing in which Nord raises not less than $20 million, or (ii) a significant
F-13
NORD RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
corporate transaction in which any person (either alone or together with its affiliates and associates) acquires 51% or more of the Companys common stock, or there is a sale, lease, exchange or other transfer of all or substantially all of the Companys assets or assets valued at $12,000,000 or greater.
Amendment to Amended Certificate of Incorporation to Increase Authorized Capital
In April 2007, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the filing of an Amendment to the Company’s Amended Certificate of Incorporation to increase the authorized capital from 50,000,000 to 100,000,000 shares of stock, par value $0.01 per share. The Amendment was filed with the Secretary of State for the State of Delaware with effect from May 8, 2007.
F-14
Item 2. Managements Discussion and Analysis
The following discussion of our financial condition, changes in financial condition and results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2007 should be read in conjunction with our unaudited consolidated interim financial statements and related notes for the three months ended March 31, 2007.
The following discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of many factors, including, but not limited to, those set forth below under the heading Risk Factors.
Overview of Our Business
We are in the business of exploring for and developing mineral mining properties. Our principal asset is the Johnson Camp property located in Arizona. The Johnson Camp property includes the Johnson Camp Mine and a production facility that uses the solvent extraction, electrowinning (SX-EW) process. The Johnson Camp Mine is an existing open pit copper mine; it includes two existing open pits, namely the Burro and the Copper Chief bulk mining pits.
We acquired the Johnson Camp Mine from Arimetco, Inc. pursuant to a Sales and Purchase Agreement that had been assigned to us in June 1999 by Summo USA Corporation, the original purchaser, following the completion of certain due diligence work by Summo. Although Arimetco had ceased mining on the property in 1997, we, like Arimetco before us, continued production of copper from ore that had been mined and placed on leach pads until August 2003 when we placed the Johnson Camp Mine on a care and maintenance program due to weak market conditions for copper at that time. Approximately 6.7 million pounds of copper cathode were produced from residual copper in the heaps over the period 1998 to 2003. Currently, the existing Johnson Camp leach dumps are being rinsed in a limited manner with the goal of managing solution inventories.
Our near term objective is to resume mining and leaching operations at the Johnson Camp Mine, with the view to producing approximately 25 million pounds of copper per year. However, since reactivation of the Johnson Camp Mine is subject to obtaining sufficient financing, the board of directors has not yet made a production decision.
We obtained a feasibility study containing a mine plan for the Johnson Camp Mine that was completed by The Winters Company, called Nord Copper Corporation Feasibility Study, Johnson Camp Copper Project, Cochise County, Arizona, dated March 2000. We also obtained an update to the feasibility study prepared by Winters, Dorsey and Company called Johnson Camp Copper Project, Arizona, United States of America, 2005 Feasibility Study, dated October 11, 2005. In June 2006, Winters, Dorsey provided us with an addendum to the 2005 feasibility study. We refer to the 2005 feasibility study and the June 2006 addendum in this quarterly report as the updated feasibility study.
The Winters Company no longer exists. Winters, Dorsey is not a successor company to The Winters Company, but certain authors of the 2000 feasibility study were also involved in the preparation of the updated feasibility study. In preparing the updated feasibility study in 2005 and the addendum thereto in 2006, Winters, Dorsey utilized much of the earlier data contained in the 2000 feasibility study after concluding, in its professional judgment, it was reasonable to adopt and rely on such data.
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The updated feasibility study contains an economic assessment of the Johnson Camp Mine based on the mine plan included in the 2000 feasibility study, capital and operating cost estimates as of the third quarter of 2005, and 36 month average copper prices ending on September 30, 2005 of $1.14 per pound (although our reserve estimates are based on a copper price of $0.90 per pound to maintain consistency with the pit design used in the 2000 feasibility study and adopted by Winters, Dorsey in the updated feasibility study). Winters, Dorsey concluded that resumption of operations at the Johnson Camp Mine in accordance with the mine plan will generate positive discounted cash flows over an eleven year mine life at 8%, 10% and 15% discount rates.
Our mine operating plan calls for an active leach program of newly mined ore and the residual leaching of the existing old dumps. However, before we can resume full mining operations, we will have to complete the mine development schedule outlined in the updated feasibility study.
As discussed below under the heading, Managements Discussion and Analysis Our Plan of Operations, we presently do not have sufficient cash or working capital necessary to implement the mine development schedule and commence mining operations. Our ability to commence mining operations will be subject to, among other things, our obtaining sufficient financing to enable us to fund the necessary initial capital costs and start-up operating expenses and working capital.
We believe the resumption of mining activities at the Johnson Camp mine is warranted based on the recent increase in the market price of copper. The market for copper is cyclical and over the last fifteen years the price of copper has fluctuated between $0.60 and $3.98 per pound. In its most recent cycle the price fell to a low of $0.62 per pound in 1999, due primarily to increased supply with the commissioning of several new mines while demand decreased, largely due to a reduction of consumption in Asia. Although there has been a slight decline in the price of copper over the past twelve months, it remains relatively high: the average price of copper was $3.52 per pound in March 2007 (as reported by the London Metal Exchange). This increase in the price of copper since 1999 is due to an increase in worldwide demand for copper. We believe that the strengthening market for copper has created an opportunity for us to reactivate the Johnson Camp Mine, despite the anticipated high costs that this will involve. However, we caution investors that the market price for copper has historically been cyclical and there is a significant risk that copper prices will not remain at current high levels.
In addition to the Johnson Camp property, we have options to acquire interests in three exploration stage projects, Coyote Springs and the Texas Arizona Mines project, both located in Arizona, and Mimbres located in New Mexico. We are planning to conduct further preliminary exploration activities at the Coyote Springs property, and to initiate preliminary exploration activities on the Mimbres property, to help us determine whether we should exercise the options. Any such exploration activities are subject to the availability of sufficient financing, which cannot be assured. We do not believe that these properties are material to our overall operations at this time.
In addition to reactivating the Johnson Camp Mine, we are also planning on expanding the existing decorative and structural stone operation on the Johnson Camp property within the first year of bringing the Johnson Camp Mine into operation. We are currently leasing this landscape and aggregate rock operation to JC Rock, LLC. Our current contract expires July 31, 2007, and we plan to renew the contract on a short-term basis until we are ready to take over the operation. JC Rock has the right to remove the landscape and aggregate rock from the Johnson Camp property and pays us a royalty of $1.50 per ton, subject to reduction to $1.00 per ton where the wholesale price realized by JC Rock upon resale is less than $6.00 per ton.
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Our Plan of Operations
Our plan of operations is to pursue the financing that will be necessary to enable us to resume mining and leaching operations at the Johnson Camp Mine, with the view to producing approximately 25 million pounds of copper per year. If we are successful in raising this financing, we plan to complete the mine development plan outlined in the updated feasibility study prepared by Winters, Dorsey and Company.
In order to resume full mining operations, we will have to complete the mine development plan outlined in the updated feasibility study. We presently do not have sufficient cash or working capital necessary to implement the mine development plan and commence mining operations.
At the time the updated feasibility study was completed, the initial capital costs to be incurred within the first two years following start-up under our mine development schedule were expected to exceed $22 million (including working capital). We now expect that the initial capital costs will exceed $28 million. Such costs relate primarily to the rehabilitation of solution ponds, refurbishment and a modest expansion of the SW-EX copper production facility, and the purchase and installation of crushing and conveying equipment. The increase in our capital cost estimate is primarily due to inflation and the fact that our original capital cost estimate was premised in part on the availability of used conveying equipment which is increasingly becoming difficult to find; we anticipate that we will have to purchase new conveying equipment during the initial start-up period.
We estimate we will incur a further $3 million in capital costs in the following two years, which is less than the $9 million in such capital costs that we had originally projected due to our intention to defer the construction of a planned leach pad until seven years after the start-up date, as we now anticipate that we will be able to accommodate any ore that is mined during the intervening period by expanding one or more of our existing leach pads. These cost figures do not include estimated reclamation bonding requirements, and do not account for inflation, interest and other financing costs.
Accordingly, our ability to commence mining operations will be subject to our obtaining sufficient financing to enable us to fund the necessary initial capital costs and start-up operation expenses and working capital. In addition, certain permits must be in place before mining operations are commenced.
Once financing and permits are in place, we anticipate it will take approximately three months to complete sufficient rehabilitation of the Johnson Camp Mine to allow the production of copper from the existing heaps, and approximately nine months from the start of construction to begin producing copper from new ore placed on the heaps. Our mine operating plan calls for an active leach program of newly mined ore and the residual leaching of the existing old dumps. We plan to use a mining contractor to mine both the Burro and Copper Chief deposits, and our own employees for remediation activities.
We plan to raise the necessary financing through a combination of debt and equity financing. In April 2007 we received credit approval from Nedbank Limited (Nedbank) for a $25 million secured term loan credit facility that would be used by Nord for the reactivation of Nords Johnson Camp Mine project in Arizona. The credit facility will be subject to entering into a definitive loan agreement between Nord and Nedbank. Draw down under the facility will be subject to certain conditions, including the completion by Nord of a $20 million equity financing within the three-month period ending July 12, 2007, pay-off of Nords existing $5 million bridge loan facility with Nedbank and customary conditions to closing. All amounts advanced under the credit facility will be secured by Nords assets and will be repaid with interest within a four year period from the first draw down.
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There is a substantial risk that we will not be able to obtain the necessary financing on commercially reasonable terms, or at all. In addition to the risk that we do not obtain financing, our business and our ability to realize our business objectives and implement our operating plan is subject to a number of additional risks and uncertainties, including those discussed under the heading Risk Factors. If we fail to obtain the necessary financing, our plan is to continue to maintain the Johnson Camp Mine on care and maintenance status indefinitely.
In addition, we are planning to conduct further preliminary exploration activities at the Coyote Springs property to help us determine whether we should exercise this option. We are also planning to initiate preliminary exploration work on the Mimbres property. Any such exploration activities are subject to the availability of sufficient financing, which cannot be assured. We do not believe that these properties are material to our overall operations at this time.
Results Of Operations Three Months Ended March 31, 2007 and 2006
The following table sets forth our operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2007, as compared with our operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2006.
Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||
Change | |||||||||
(Increase/ | |||||||||
2007 | 2006 | Decrease) | |||||||
(unaudited) | (unaudited) | (unaudited) | |||||||
Net sales | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | |||
Operating expenses | 957,901 | 1,497,077 | (539,176 | ) | |||||
Depreciation, depletion and | |||||||||
amortization | 20,837 | 20,837 | - | ||||||
Loss from operations | (978,738 | ) | (1,517,914 | ) | 539,176 | ||||
Other income (expense): | |||||||||
Interest expense | (251,181 | ) | (667,447 | ) | 416,266 | ||||
Gain on investments, net | - | 73,759 | (73,759 | ) | |||||
Miscellaneous income | 1,174,436 | 55,816 | 1,118,620 | ||||||
Total other income | |||||||||
(expense) | 923,255 | (537,872 | ) | 1,461,127 | |||||
Loss before income taxes | (55,483 | ) | (2,055,786 | ) | 2,000,303 | ||||
Provision for income taxes | - | - | - | ||||||
Net Loss | $ | (55,483 | ) | $ | (2,055,786 | ) | $ | 2,000,303 |
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Net Sales
We did not have any sales during the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006 due to the fact that the Johnson Camp Mine was on a care and maintenance program during these periods.
Operating Expenses
Our operating expenses decreased from $1,497,077 for the three months ended March 31 2006, to $957,901 for the three months ended March 31, 2007. This decrease was due primarily to a $429,112 reduction in professional fees. During the three months ended March 31, 2007, we incurred professional fees primarily in connection with: (a) the negotiation, execution and delivery of our settlement agreement dated March 7, 2007 (the PDM Settlement Agreement) with Platinum Diversified Mining, Inc. (Platinum Diversified Mining) and its direct and indirect subsidiaries, Platinum Diversified Mining USA, Inc. and PDM Merger Corp., in relation to the agreement and plan of merger dated October 23, 2006 (the Merger Agreement) among our company and these parties; (b) the preparation of our recent SEC filings under the Exchange Act; and (c) various activities undertaken to position us to bring the Johnson Camp Mine into production. We had incurred comparatively more professional fees during the three months ended March 31, 2006, primarily due to the intensive efforts undertaken by our management team at that time to bring our company back into compliance with its reporting obligations under the Exchange Act, and to otherwise position our company to pursue its near term objective of reactivating the Johnson Camp Mine.
We also experienced a $369,300 decrease in employment compensation costs during the three months ended March 31, 2007, due primarily to the non-recurring nature of certain stock based compensation expense that we incurred during the three months ended March 31, 2006 in connection with the hiring of senior management. This decrease was partially offset by an increase of $120,642 in directors fees paid to four new directors who were appointed to our board of directors during the first quarter of 2006.
These cost reductions were partially offset by $150,323 in expenses we incurred in our Coyote Springs exploration program that was initiated during the three months ended March 31, 2007.
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
Our depreciation and amortization expense of $20,837 remained the same for the three months ended March 31, 2007, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2006.
Interest Expense
Interest expense is attributable to interest, amortization of debt issuance cost and accretion of warrants issued in conjunction with the loans that we have obtained to fund our operating expenses.
Interest expense decreased by $416,266 for the three months ended March 31, 2007 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2006. This decrease was due primarily to the amortization of debt issuance costs related to our bridge loan from Nedbank and our $600,000 revolving line of credit facility granted by Mr. Hirsch and Mr. Seymour of $40,909 for the three months ended March 31, 2007 as compared to $278,795 for the three months ended March 31, 2006. Additionally, we recorded a decrease of $232,230 in expenses related to the issuance of warrants in conjunction with these transactions for the three months ended March 31, 2007 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2006.
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Miscellaneous Income
Miscellaneous income increased by $1,118,620 for the three months ended March 31, 2007 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2006. This increase was due primarily to $1,100,000 we received from Platinum Diversified Mining pursuant to the PDM Settlement Agreement, which is discussed in more detail below under the heading, Cash and Working Capital - Settlement Agreement with Platinum Diversified Mining.
Net Loss
We experienced a net loss of $55,483 for the three months ended March 31, 2007 as compared to a net loss of $2,055,786 for the three months ended March 31, 2006. The decrease in net loss between these periods is primarily related to:
Liquidity and Financial Resources
Our companys continuation as a going concern is dependent upon our ability to generate sufficient cash flow to meet our obligations on a timely basis, to obtain additional financing to resume mining and processing operations at the Johnson Camp Mine, and to produce copper at a level where we can become profitable, pay off existing debt and provide sufficient funds for general corporate purposes, all of which is uncertain. Our consolidated financial statements contain additional note disclosures to this effect, and do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
Cash and Working Capital
The following table sets forth our cash and working capital as of March 31, 2007 and 2006:
As of | As of | |||||
March 31, 2007 | March 31, 2006 | |||||
Cash reserves | $ | 1,123,897 | $ | $621,746 | ||
Working capital deficiency | $ | (8,595,290 | )(1) | $ | $(5,809,947 | )(2) |
(1) | Includes $5,778,593 in current portion of long-term debt. |
|
(2) | Includes $4,632,104 in current portion long-term debt. |
If we leave the Johnson Camp Mine on care and maintenance status, and we do not incur any extraordinary liabilities, we will incur monthly expenses of approximately $170,000. As discussed below under the heading Cash and Working Capital - Settlement Agreement with Platinum Diversified Mining, we received $1,100,000 from Platinum Diversified Mining on March 7, 2007 pursuant to the PDM Settlement Agreement. We anticipate our current cash to be adequate to cover care and maintenance activities at the Johnson Camp Mine through September 2007, assuming that we are successful in obtaining extensions of, or refinancing, our outstanding indebtedness beyond their current maturities (which cannot be assured). However, it is difficult for us to predict how much of our current cash will be used to further our near term objective of reactivating the Johnson Camp Mine. Accordingly,
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our estimated monthly expenses do not include the significant additional costs that we anticipate that we will have to incur in connection with our ongoing financing activities, or any additional costs that we will have to incur if we proceed with our plan to reactivate the Johnson Camp Mine. As discussed above under the heading, Our Plan of Operations, we expect to incur initial capital costs in excess of $28 million (including working capital) within the first two years of start-up, and a further $3 million (including working capital) in the following two years.
In addition, our anticipated monthly expenses do not include provision for payment of accrued and unpaid expenses of $3,113,222 and accounts payable of $992,204, as of March 31, 2007. The accrued expenses consist primarily of consulting fees, and accrued salaries and bonus for Ronald Hirsch, our Chairman and formerly our Chief Executive Officer, Erland Anderson, our Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, and John Perry our President, CEO and CFO, as well as payroll expenses.
Settlement Agreement with Platinum Diversified Mining
The PDM Settlement Agreement sets forth the terms and conditions of the settlement of the dispute and disagreements between our company and Platinum Diversified Mining arising from the Merger Agreement, which had contemplated the acquisition of our company by Platinum Diversified Mining in an all-cash merger transaction. Under the PDM Settlement Agreement, Platinum Diversified Mining has agreed to pay our company an amount up to $3.6 million (including the initial $1,100,000 payment referred to above) in full and final settlement of all claims and disputes between the parties. The PDM Settlement Agreement provides for monthly payments of $50,000 (the Monthly Payments) by Platinum Diversified Mining to our company commencing on April 1, 2007 and continuing until the earlier of (i) the completion of an acquisition by Platinum Diversified Mining that meets certain prescribed criteria (a Qualifying Acquisition), or (i) the actual liquidation of Platinum Diversified Mining if it has not entered into a letter of intent or agreement in principle to effect a Qualifying Acquisition, or if it has not completed a Qualifying Acquisition, by certain prescribed dates. We have received the first Monthly Payment that was due on April 1, 2007.
If Platinum Diversified Mining completes a Qualifying Acquisition, Platinum Diversified Mining will be required to pay the balance owing on the settlement sum of $3.6 million (the Balance of Settlement Funds), net of the $1,150,000 we have received to date and any other Monthly Payments actually received by our company. The Balance of Settlement Funds will be payable to our company out of certain funds being held in trust (the Trust Funds) as a condition of Platinums listing as a special purpose acquisition corporation on the AIM market (AIM) of the London Stock Exchange. If the Trust Funds are insufficient to pay the Balance of Settlement Funds, Platinum Diversified Mining will be required to pay to our company the greater of: (i) the funds available and (ii) $1 million. Thereafter, PDM will continue to be obligated to make the Monthly Payments, plus interest, until the Balance of Settlement Funds has been paid.
On March 14, 2007, Platinum issued a press release announcing that it had entered into two separate letters of intent on mining projects which, taken in aggregate, it believes would constitute a Qualifying Acquisition eligible for submission to Platinums shareholders for approval. According to Platinums public disclosure record, it will have to be dissolved if it has not affected a Qualifying Acquisition within 18 months following the Admission Date (March 13, 2006). If Platinum is dissolved, it will not be required to pay the Balance of Settlement Funds to our company, and it will be relieved of any further obligations to make payments under the settlement agreement.
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Under the PDM Settlement Agreement, we were also entitled to retain $17,166 in payments made by Platinum Diversified Mining under the Merger Agreement to keep our option on the Coyote Springs property in good standing.
Proposed Nedbank Secured Term Loan Credit Facility; Extension of Nedbank Bridge Loan
We have received credit approval from Nedbank for a $25 million secured term loan credit facility that would be used by our company for the reactivation of the Johnson Camp Mine. The credit facility will be subject to entering into a definitive loan agreement between our company and Nedbank. Draw down under the facility will be subject to certain conditions, including the completion by our company of a $20 million equity financing within the three-month period ending June 13, 2007, pay-off of our existing $5 million bridge loan facility with Nedbank, and customary conditions to closing. All amounts advanced under the credit facility will be secured by our companys assets and will be repaid with interest within a four year period from the first draw down.
In connection with the $25 million secured term loan credit facility, we have entered into an agreement with Nedbank whereby:
In consideration of the extension of the maturity date of the Nedbank bridge loan, we have agreed to pay Nedbank an upfront fee of $100,000 in two tranches: (a) the first tranche of $25,000 was paid upon execution of the extension agreement; and (b) the second tranche of $75,000 will be payable on June 13, 2007, provided that if the bridge loan is fully repaid on or before June 12, 2007, Nedbank will waive the requirement to pay the second tranche. Further, on June 13, 2007, the interest rate payable on the bridge loan will increase from 11% to 13% per annum.
Cash Flows From Operating Activities
Our cash flows from operating activities during the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006 were $114,079 and 430,615, respectively. The Johnson Camp Mine was on a care and maintenance program during these periods. Our cash flows from operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2007 includes $1,117,166 in net proceeds from our settlement with Platinum Diversified Mining (consisting of the initial payment under the PDM Settlement Agreement of $1,100,000 and the additional $17,166 paid by Platinum Diversified Mining to keep our option on the Coyote Springs in good standing).
Cash Flows From Investing Activities
Our cash flows from investing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2007 were ($18,330) due to capital expenditures during the quarter. During the three months ended March 31, 2006 our cash flows from investing activities were 37,862 due primarily to release of restricted cash for the purchase of copper put options and $31,949 in capital expenditures during the quarter.
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Cash Flows From Financing Activities
Our cash flows from financing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2007 was $20,313 compared to $12,072 for the same period in 2006.
In February 2007 we received an additional $100,000 loan from Auramet which has been added to the outstanding principal under the Nedbank bridge loan, and we incurred $75,000 in debt issuance costs associated with the extensions of the Nedbank bridge loan, resulting in $25,000 in proceeds to our company.
Critical Accounting Policies And Estimates
Our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles applied on a consistent basis. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods.
We regularly evaluate the accounting policies and estimates that we use to prepare our consolidated financial statements. In general, managements estimates are based on historical experience, on information from third party professionals, and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the facts and circumstances. Actual results could differ from those estimates made by management.
We believe that our critical accounting policies and estimates include the accounting for marketable securities and long-lived assets, valuation of stock options and warrants, income taxes, reclamation costs, and accounting for legal contingencies.
Marketable Securities
Marketable securities consist of common stock and are stated at market value as determined by the most recently traded price of each security at the balance sheet date. All marketable securities are defined as trading securities or available for sale securities under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 115. Management determines the appropriate classification of its investments in marketable debt and equity securities at the time of each purchase and re-evaluates such determination at each balance sheet date. Securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term are classified as trading securities and unrealized gains and losses are included in earnings. Debt securities, for which our company does not have the intent or ability to hold to maturity, and equity securities are classified as available for sale. Available for sale securities are carried at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, reported as a separate component of stockholders equity. The cost of investments sold is determined on the specific identification or the first-in, first-out method.
Long-Lived Assets
Our company reviews and evaluates its long-lived assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the related carrying amounts may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is measured as the amount by which the asset carrying value exceeds its fair value. Fair value is generally determined using valuation techniques such as estimated future cash flows. An impairment is considered
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to exist if total estimated future cash flows on an undiscounted basis are less than the carrying amount of the asset. An impairment loss is measured and recorded based on discounted estimated future cash flows. Future cash flows for the Johnson Camp Mine include estimates of recoverable pounds of copper, copper prices (considering current and historical prices, price trends and related factors), production rates and costs, capital and reclamation costs as appropriate, all based upon detailed life-of-mine engineering plans and feasibility studies. Assumptions underlying future cash flow estimates are subject to risks and uncertainties. No impairment losses were recorded during the year ended December 31, 2006 and the three months ended March 31, 2007.
Valuation of Stock Options and Warrants
From time to time our company issues stock options and warrants. We use the Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate the fair value of stock options and warrants issued. The Black-Scholes option pricing model utilizes the risk free interest rate on the date of issuance for a term that is equivalent to the expected term of the options and warrants issued, the expected forfeiture rate based on historical employee turnover rates, and the volatility and dividend yield of the underlying common stock.
Income Taxes
Our company uses the liability method to account for income taxes. Under the liability method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax effects of temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and amounts reported in the financial statements. Under applicable accounting rules, we are considered to be unlikely to recognize sufficient operating income to realize the benefit of these assets over time until we have had a reasonable history of net profits, which in some circumstances has been interpreted as requiring at least two consecutive years of net profits. Accordingly, we have recorded a deferred tax valuation allowance in 2007 and prior years to offset the entire deferred tax asset arising from our tax loss carry forward. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized, based upon criteria that include a recent history of demonstrated profits. We will continue to review this valuation allowance and make adjustments as appropriate. Income tax expense consists of the tax payable or refundable for the current period and the change during the period in net deferred tax assets and liabilities. A change of over 50% of our equity ownership will result in a change in ownership as defined in the Internal Revenue Code and underlying regulations, and will have the effect of limiting the availability of the tax loss carry forward.
Reclamation Costs
In August 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations, which established a uniform methodology for accounting for estimated reclamation and abandonment costs. This statement was adopted January 1, 2003, when we recorded the estimated present value of reclamation liabilities and adjusted the carrying amount of the related asset. Reclamation costs are allocated to expense over the life of the related assets and are adjusted for changes resulting from the passage of time and revisions to either the timing or amount of the original present value estimate.
We have estimated our asset retirement obligations using an expected cash flow approach, in which multiple cash flow scenarios were used to reflect a range of possible outcomes. We estimated the aggregate undiscounted obligation to be approximately $400,000 for the Johnson Camp Mine. To calculate the fair value of this obligation, the projected cash flows were discounted at our companys
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estimated credit-adjusted, risk free interest rate of 10%. At March 31, 2007 the recorded value of accrued reclamation costs was $186,675. We will recognize increases to our asset retirement obligation concurrently with the impact of our mining activity, if and when such additional mining activity occurs.
Litigation
Our company is currently subject to various claims and legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. If any adverse decisions or settlements occur, they may have a material adverse effect on our financial position, or results of operations. Litigation, is inherently uncertain and we can make no assurance as to the ultimate outcome or effect.
Recently Issued Accounting Guidance
In February 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 155, Accounting for Certain Hybrid Financial Instruments An Amendment of FASB Statements No. 133 and 140. SFAS No. 155 resolves issues addressed in Statement 133 Implementation Issue No. D1, Application of Statement 133 to Beneficial Interests in Securitized Financial Assets. This Statement permits fair value re-measurement for any hybrid financial instruments that contains an embedded derivative that otherwise would require bifurcation. It clarifies which interest-only strips and principal-only strips are not subject to the requirements of Statement 133. It also establishes a requirement to evaluate interests in securitized financial assets, clarifies that concentrations of credit risk in the form of subordination are not embedded derivatives, and amends Statement 140 to eliminate the prohibition on a qualifying special-purpose entity holding a derivative financial instrument that pertains to a beneficial interest other than another derivative financial instrument. SFAS No. 155 is effective for all financial instruments acquired or issued after the beginning of an entitys first fiscal year that begins after September 15, 2006. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of an entitys fiscal year, provided the entity has not yet issued financial statements, including financial statements for any interim period, for that fiscal year. We adopted the provisions of this standard beginning January 1, 2007; this has had no material impact on our companys consolidated financial statements.
In June 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes An Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109. This interpretation clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income tax recognized in an enterprises financial statements in accordance with FASB Statement No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. This interpretation prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. It also provides guidance on de-recognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. This interpretation is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. We adopted the provisions of this standard January 1, 2007; such adoption has had no material impact on our companys consolidated financial statements.
In June 2006 the FASB issued EITF Issue No. 06-3, How Taxes Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities Should Be Presented in the Income Statement. EITF Issue No. 06-3 applies to any taxes assessed by a governmental authority that is both imposed on and concurrent with a specific revenue-producing transaction between a seller and customer, and may include but is not limited to sales, use, value added and some excise taxes. EITF Issue No. 06-3 requires an entity to disclose if taxes are presented in the income statement on a gross or net basis. Additionally, an entity that reports any such taxes on a gross basis should also disclose the amounts of those taxes in interim and annual financial statements for each period an income statement is presented if those amounts are
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significant. EITF Issue No. 06-3 applies with respect to any interim and annual reports filed after December 15, 2006. We adopted the provisions of EITF Issue No. 06-3 in January 2007; this has had no material impact on our companys consolidated financial statements.
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements. SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. This Statement does not require any new fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years. We plan to adopt this standard beginning January 2008, and we do not anticipate that it will have a material impact on our companys consolidated financial statements.
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 158, Employers Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plan-an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88 106, and 132(R). SFAS No. 158 requires an employer to recognize the over-funded or under-funded status of a defined benefit postretirement plan as an asset or liability in its statement of financial position and to recognize changes in that funded status in the year in which the changes occur through comprehensive income. SFAS No. 158 is effective for an issuer of publicly traded securities for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. We adopted this standard beginning January 1, 2007; it has had no material impact on our companys consolidated financial statements.
In September 2006, the SEC issued SAB 108 which was issued to address diversity in practice in quantifying financial statement misstatements and the potential under current practice for the build up of improper amounts on the balance sheet effective for any fiscal year beginning after November 15, 2006. We adopted this bulletin beginning January 1, 2007; it has had no material impact on our companys consolidated financial statements.
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities-Including an Amendment of FASB No. 115. SFAS No. 159 permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other assets at fair value. The objective is to improve financial reporting by providing entities with the opportunity to mitigate volatility in reported earnings caused by measuring related assets and liabilities differently without having to apply complex hedge accounting provisions. SFAS No. 159 is effective as of the beginning of an entitys first fiscal year that begins after November 15, 2007. The Company plans to adopt this standard beginning January 2008, at this time, it is uncertain if doing so will have a material impact on the Companys consolidated financial statements.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have no off-balance sheet arrangements.
Item 3. Controls and Procedures
Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by our company is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, John Perry, is responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures for our company.
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Our management has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31, 2007 (under the supervision and with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer), pursuant to Rule 13a-15(b) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. As part of such evaluation, management considered the matters discussed below relating to internal control over financial reporting. Based on this evaluation, our companys Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our companys disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of March 31, 2007, due to certain material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting.
The term internal control over financial reporting is defined as a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the registrants principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the registrants board of directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and includes those policies and procedures that:
Until we have sufficient financial resources to add additional personnel to our accounting department, our Chief Financial Officer and only one other person remain responsible for booking of entries in our financial records. We have concluded that this continues to represent a material weakness with respect to our companys internal control over financial reporting.
PART II OTHER INFORMATION
RISK FACTORS
Much of the information included in this quarterly report includes or is based upon estimates, projections or other forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements include any projections or estimates made by us and our management in connection with our business operations. While these forward-looking statements, and any assumptions upon which they are based, are made in good faith and reflect our current judgment regarding the direction of our business, actual results will almost always vary, sometimes materially, from any estimates, predictions, projections, assumptions, or other future performance suggested herein. We undertake no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of such statements.
Such estimates, projections or other forward-looking statements involve various risks and uncertainties as outlined below. We caution readers of this quarterly report that important factors in some cases have
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affected and, in the future, could materially affect actual results and cause actual results to differ materially from the results expressed in any such estimates, projections or other forward-looking statements. In evaluating us, our business and any investment in our business, readers should carefully consider the following factors.
Risks Related to Our Company
We have a history of losses, and expect to incur losses in the future as we currently have no commercial production at the Johnson Camp Mine.
We have a history of losses and expect to incur losses in the future. We had no revenues and net losses of $6,283,878 for the year ended December 31, 2006, and additional net losses of $55,483 during the three months ended March 31, 2007. As of March 31, 2007, we had a working capital deficiency of $8,595,290 (including $5,778,593 representing the current portion of our long-term debt). The Johnson Camp Mine produced copper during the 1975 to 2003 period, but we currently have no commercial production at the Johnson Camp Mine. Accordingly, we expect to continue to incur losses until such time as the Johnson Camp Mine enters into commercial production and generates sufficient revenues to fund our continuing operations. We cannot guarantee that we will successfully bring the Johnson Camp Mine or any of our other properties into commercial production or, if we do, that we will be able to generate sufficient revenues to fund our operations or achieve or sustain profitability.
Our future profitability will depend on the successful reactivation and operation of the Johnson Camp Mine, which cannot be assured.
We are focused on the reactivation of the Johnson Camp Mine. Accordingly we are dependent upon the success of the Johnson Camp Mine as a source of future revenue and profits, if any. We cannot provide any assurance that we will successfully commence mining operations on the Johnson Camp property. Even if we are successful in achieving production, an interruption in operations of the Johnson Camp Mine may have a material adverse impact on our business.
The reactivation of the Johnson Camp Mine and the development of new mining operations on the Johnson Camp property will require the commitment of substantial resources for operating expenses and capital expenditures, which may increase in subsequent years as consultants, personnel and equipment associated with advancing exploration, development and commercial production are added. The amounts and timing of expenditures will depend in part on the progress of ongoing exploration and development, the results of consultants analysis and recommendations, the rate at which operating losses are incurred, the execution of any joint venture agreements with strategic partners, our acquisition of additional properties, and other factors, many of which are beyond our control.
There are numerous activities that need to be completed to facilitate reactivation of the Johnson Camp Mine, including, without limitation, optimizing the mine plan, negotiating contracts for the supply of power, for sale of copper and for shipping, and handling any other infrastructure issues. At the same time, we must recruit and train personnel, and hire and mobilize a mining contractor who will purchase all the required large scale mining equipment we do not already own. There is no certainty that we will be able to retain a suitable mining contractor on a timely basis, if at all, or that we will be able to negotiate supply and sales agreements on terms acceptable to us.
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Most of these activities require significant lead times and must be advanced concurrently. We will be required to manage all of these matters using our existing resources while at the same time expanding our permanent staff and using outside consultants to assist in these matters. Because all of these matters must be completed before any production begins, a failure or delay in the completion of any one of these matters may delay production, possibly indefinitely, at the Johnson Camp Mine. Any delay in the restart process will cause an increase in costs for us and could have a material adverse affect on our financial condition or operations.
Unforeseen conditions may affect our mining and processing efficiency, and we may not be able to execute the leaching operation as planned if we do not maintain proper control of ore grade.
The parameters used in estimating mining and processing efficiency are typically based on testing and experience with previous operations. Various unforeseen conditions can occur that may materially affect the estimates. In particular, unless proper care is taken to ensure that proper ore grade control is employed and that other necessary steps are taken, we may not be able to achieve production forecasts as planned. In addition, our projected production is based on anticipated copper recoveries at the Johnson Camp Mine that are in excess of historical experience, which may result in an overestimation of our mining and processing efficiency.
We may never achieve our production estimates, as they are dependent on a number of assumptions and factors beyond our control.
We have prepared estimates of future copper production. We cannot assure you that we will ever achieve our production estimates or any production at all. Our production estimates depend on, among other things: the accuracy of our reserve estimates; the accuracy of assumptions regarding ore grades and recovery rates; ground conditions and physical characteristics of the mineralization, such as hardness and the presence or absence of particular metallurgical characteristics; the accuracy of estimated rates and costs of mining and processing; and our ability to obtain all permits to proceed with the expansion of our SX-EW plant on the Johnson Camp property. We plan to process the copper mineralization using SX-EW technology. These techniques may not be as efficient or economical as we project, and we may never achieve profitability. Our actual production may vary from our estimates if any of these assumptions prove to be incorrect.
Our operating expenses and capital expenditures will be significant and will likely increase in the future. Our ability to execute our mine plan for the Johnson Camp Mine may be hampered if we are unable to cope with such increases in our operating expenses and capital expenditures.
The reactivation of the Johnson Camp Mine and the development of new mining operations on the Johnson Camp property will require the commitment of substantial resources for operating expenses and capital expenditures, which may increase in subsequent years as consultants, personnel and equipment associated with advancing exploration, development and commercial production are added. The amounts and timing of expenditures will depend in part on the progress of ongoing exploration and development, the results of consultants analysis and recommendations, the rate at which operating losses are incurred, the execution of any joint venture agreements with strategic partners, our acquisition of additional properties, and other factors, many of which are beyond our control.
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Our planned SX-EW operations will require significant amounts of sulfuric acid. A prolonged interruption in the supply of sulfuric acid or a major increase in the price of sulfuric acid may have an adverse effect on our financial condition.
The Johnson Camp Mine will require an average of 36,500 tons of sulfuric acid per year. Sulfuric acid supply for SX-EW projects in the Southwest U.S. is produced primarily as a smelter by-product at smelters in the Southwest U.S. and in Mexico. We hope to negotiate a long term supply contract with the owner of one or more of these smelters for sulfuric acid, however there can be no assurances that we will be successful. Any prolonged interruption in the supply of sulfuric acid, or any significant increase in the costs over those estimated in the updated feasibility study and technical report, may have an adverse impact on our financial condition.
A major increase in our input costs, such as those related to electricity, fuel and reagents, may have an adverse effect on our financial condition.
Our operations are affected by the cost of commodities and goods such as electrical power, fuel and supplies, including tires and reagents. Management prepares its cost and production guidance and other forecasts based on its review of current and estimated future costs. A major increase in any of these costs may have an adverse impact on our financial condition.
Our operations at the Johnson Camp Mine are dependent on certain equipment that may not be available.
We intend to use equipment we already own for operations at the Johnson Camp Mine. However, our mine plan calls for the acquisition or installation of certain additional equipment, including a crusher (which has already been purchased), an overland conveyor system and certain equipment needed to rehabilitate and upgrade the existing SX/EW plant at the Johnson Camp Mine. There can be no assurance that we can source the additional equipment that we require, that the transportation costs of equipment to be relocated to the Johnson Camp Mine will not be higher than anticipated by us, or that such equipment will arrive in good working condition.
Our estimates of reserves are inherently subject to error, particularly since we have no recent operating history on which to base such estimates. Our actual results may differ due to unforeseen events and uncontrollable factors that can have significant adverse impacts.
The Johnson Camp Mine has no recent operating history upon which to base estimates of proven and probable ore reserves and estimates of future cash operating costs. Estimates are, to a large extent, based upon the interpretation of geological data obtained from drill holes and other sampling techniques performed by third parties, the methodologies and results of which we have assumed are reasonable and accurate, which results form the basis for, and constitute a fundamental variable in, the updated feasibility study completed by Winters, Dorsey. Winters, Dorsey derived estimates of cash operating costs based upon information provided by Nord and anticipated tonnage and grades of ore to be mined and processed, the configuration of the ore body, expected recovery rates of the mineral from the ore, comparable facility and equipment operating costs, anticipated climatic conditions and other factors.
As a result, actual cash operating costs and economic returns based upon development of proven and probable ore reserves may differ significantly from those originally estimated. Moreover, significant decreases in actual or expected copper prices may mean reserves, once found, will be uneconomical to
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produce and may have to be restated. Until reserves are actually mined and processed, the quantity of reserves must be considered as estimates only.
Our estimates of reserves are based in large part on sampling data produced by third parties and on amounts of metallurgical testing that are less extensive than normal. In addition, our expected copper recovery rates at the Johnson Camp Mine significantly exceed historical experience at the property. There is no assurance that we will be able to meet these expectations and projections at an operational level.
We caution that our expectations with respect to copper recovery rates significantly exceed historical experience at the Johnson Camp Mine, as we plan to crush the ore to a smaller size with the view to increasing leaching efficiency. In addition, our projections of copper recovery are based on amounts of metallurgical testing that are less extensive than are commonly used in the industry for evaluating oxide copper deposits. Furthermore, our estimates of ore reserves reflect consumption projections for sulfuric acid and other consumable items that were developed using a limited number of samples taken by the former operators of the mine on the Johnson Camp property, which may not be representative of the characteristics of the copper deposits. There is no assurance that we will be able to meet these expectations and projections at an operational level.
Copper recovery rates for approximately 15% of our estimated total reserves may be less than optimal due to the presence of copper sulfide mineralization below the elevation of 4,560 feet.
Copper sulfide minerals are not as amenable to heap leach recovery techniques as copper oxides. Since copper sulfide mineralization is evident below an elevation of 4,560 feet in both the Burro and Copper Chief Pits, we caution that copper recovery rates for ore anticipated to be mined below that elevation (approximately 15% of estimated total ore reserves) may be inhibited. In addition, although the column test on the sample of Abrigo ore taken from an elevation of 4,620 feet which contained 4.49% sulfides exhibited good copper recoveries, the leaching of copper from ore mined at this depth may be less than optimal.
We have evaluated the commercial viability of the Johnson Camp Mine based on an estimate of ore reserves that is premised on a geologic resource model and estimate previously prepared that was based largely on drilling, sampling and assay data that had been developed by Cyprus, Arimetco and Summo, the accuracy of which cannot be assured.
We have evaluated the commercial viability of the Johnson Camp Mine based on an estimate of ore reserves contained in the updated feasibility study. The resource model and estimate previously prepared and used as the basis for the updated feasibility study is based largely on drilling, sampling and assay data that had been developed by the previous operators of Johnson Camp Mine, Cyprus and Arimetco, and by Summo. The validity of the estimates assumes the accuracy of the underlying drill hole electronic database.
We and Winters, Dorsey have conducted additional limited due diligence, such as reviews of historical project geological drill logs and assay certificates that have recently been located, but no additional drilling. However, complete accuracy of the drill hole electronic database cannot be assured.
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Cyprus, Arimetco and Summo used different approaches to drilling, sampling and assay analysis, with the result that their respective results may not be comparable and thereby increase the risk of an over-estimation of ore reserves.
Cyprus Mines Corporation (which owned the Johnson Camp property until 1989, operating under the name Cyprus Johnson Copper Company), Arimetco and Summo used different approaches to drilling, sampling and assay analysis which may not be comparable. In particular, the soluble copper assay techniques used by Arimetco for ore grade estimation is not directly comparable to the soluble copper assay techniques used by Cyprus. The use of two incomparable approaches by Cyprus and Arimetco could have led to inconsistencies in or the skewing of the data underlying our estimates, thereby increasing the risk of an overestimation of ore reserves at Johnson Camp Mine, as well as increasing the risk of a material inaccuracy in the updated feasibility study.
Winters, Dorsey performed limited sampling work at the Johnson Camp Mine, and Winters, Dorsey concluded that it is therefore not possible at this time to verify the entire drill hole electronic database used for the current resource model and ore reserve estimates. Winters, Dorsey has largely assumed the reasonableness and accuracy of the drilling, sampling and assay methodologies and data which constitute a fundamental variable input in the updated feasibility study.
Winters, Dorsey was only able to perform limited sampling work at the Johnson Camp Mine in January and February 2006. Winters, Dorsey concluded that it is not possible for them to verify the entire original drill hole electronic database used for the current mineral resource model and ore reserve estimates because of the following reasons: (i) missing core and cuttings for the Arimetco drilled holes; (ii) missing or limited original core and cuttings logs for the Arimetco drilled holes; (iii) missing core and cuttings for the Cyprus Mines Corporation drilled holes; (iv) check assaying of old reverse circulation drill cuttings for acid soluble copper may be of limited value due to oxidation over the years they have been in storage, and (v) there are no acid soluble copper assays against which to compare the acid soluble assays of the Winters, Dorseys samples. Although the limited sampling done by Winters, Dorsey shows good correlation on average to the existing electronic database, it cannot be completely verified at this time. Consequently, we and Winters, Dorsey have largely assumed the reasonableness and accuracy of the drilling, sampling and assay methodologies and data. Accordingly, there is a risk that results would vary if additional sampling work were undertaken. This, in turn, could adversely impact the current mineral resource model and ore reserve estimates, as well as increase the risk of a material inaccuracy in the updated feasibility study completed by Winters, Dorsey.
Our estimate of ore reserves at the Johnson Camp Mine is based on total copper assays rather than on soluble copper assays, and our expectations with respect to copper recovery are based on results of metallurgical testing that may not be duplicated in larger scale tests under onsite conditions or during production. As a result, there is a risk that we may have over-estimated the amount of recoverable copper.
Our estimate of ore reserves at the Johnson Camp Mine is based on total copper assays rather than soluble copper assays. A reserve estimate based on total copper is an indirect measurement of the amount of copper that is metallurgically available for recovery. There can be no assurance that metallurgical recoveries in small scale laboratory tests will be duplicated in larger scale tests under onsite conditions or during production. Accordingly, there is a risk that we may have over-estimated the amount of recoverable copper.
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We will require additional permits and renewals of permits to reactivate the Johnson Camp Mine, the availability of which cannot be assured.
Although we have secured a number of permits for the restart and operation of the Johnson Camp Mine, we still need to obtain certain permits. Some permits have expired and have been re-applied for, certain permits will be required to be renewed from time to time during the life of the project, and certain permits may be suspended or require additional applications in the event of a significant or substantial change to the Johnson Camp Mine operations or prolonged inactivity. To the extent other approvals are required and not obtained, we may be curtailed or prohibited from commencing or continuing mining operations or from proceeding with planned exploration or development of mineral properties.
We have incurred substantial debt and granted a security interest in our assets. If we are unable to repay our loan when it becomes due, the lender would be entitled to realize upon its security.
We are currently indebted to Nedbank Limited in the amount of $5,000,000. We have issued a secured promissory note to Nedbank Limited that has been amended so that it will now mature on the earlier of July 12, 2007 and the closing by our company of any debt or equity financing, regardless of size. We currently do not have the means to repay the note. In connection with bridge loan financing from Nedbank Limited in the total principal amount of $5,000,000, we have delivered a deed of trust, assignment of rents, security agreement and fixture filing that grants to Nedbank Limited a first priority lien encumbering all of the real and personal property associated with the Johnson Camp property, including patented mining claims, fee lands and unpatented mining claims. Nedbank Limited would be entitled to realize upon the security interest if we are unable to repay or refinance the loan as it becomes due and seize our assets. There is no assurance that we will be able to raise sufficient financing to repay this loan as it becomes due, or upon our ability to refinance the loan on acceptable terms, if at all. We have obtained credit approval from Nedbank Limited for a debt financing facility of up to $25 million for the reactivation of the Johnson Camp Mine. The credit approval is subject to certain conditions precedent described in more detail in this quarterly report, including the company raising a minimum of $20 million in additional financing, which cannot be assured.
We require substantial financing to complete the development and reactivation of the Johnson Camp Mine, the availability of which cannot be assured.
At the time the updated feasibility study was completed, the initial capital costs to be incurred within the first two years of start-up were expected to exceed $22 million (including working capital). We now expect that the initial capital costs will exceed $28 million. We estimate we will incur a further $3 million in capital costs in the following two years. These figures do not include estimated reclamation bonding requirements, and do not account for inflation, interest and other financing costs. The original estimate of the capital costs in relation to the Johnson Camp Mine, as well as the estimated operating costs, were provided by us and reviewed by Winters, Dorsey for inclusion in the updated feasibility study. Those estimates, and our revised estimate of the initial capital costs in the amount of $28 million, may change with our actual experience as our mine plan is implemented. We may therefore require substantial additional financing to carry out our mine plan, and we may be forced to undertake a reverse split (consolidation) of our issued and outstanding shares of common stock in connection with our pursuit of financing alternatives. At the annual and special meeting held on October 18, 2006, our stockholders approved the grant of discretionary authority to our Board of Directors to amend our Amended Certificate of Incorporation to effect a reverse split of our companys common stock at a ratio within the range from one-for-two to one-for-six. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to obtain any additional financing
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on commercially reasonable terms or at all. If we fail to obtain the necessary financing when needed, we may not be able to execute our mine plan and we may be forced to maintain the Johnson Camp Mine on care and maintenance status indefinitely.
Title to the Johnson Camp property may be subject to other claims.
Although we believe we have exercised commercially reasonable due diligence with respect to determining title to properties we own or control, we cannot guarantee that title to these properties will not be challenged or impugned. The Johnson Camp property may be subject to prior unrecorded agreements or transfers or native land claims and title may be affected by undetected defects. There may be valid challenges to the title of the Johnson Camp property which, if successful, could impair development and/or operations.
The Johnson Camp property consists of 59 patented lode mining claims, 102 unpatented lode mining claims and 617 acres of fee simple lands. The copper processing facilities and the Copper Chief and Burro bulk mining pits that serve as focal points for our mine plan are located on the patented mining claims or fee simple parcels. However, we may in the future mine areas that are on unpatented mining claims. Unpatented mining claims are unique property interests, and are generally considered to be subject to greater title risk than other real property interests because the validity of unpatented mining claims is often uncertain. This uncertainty arises, in part, out of the complex federal and state laws and regulations under the United States General Mining Law, including the requirement of a proper physical discovery of a valuable lode mineral within the boundaries of each claim and proper compliance with physical staking requirements. Also, unpatented mining claims are always subject to possible challenges by third parties or validity contests by the Federal government. The validity of an unpatented mining or millsite claim, in terms of both its location and its maintenance, is dependent on strict compliance with a complex body of United States Federal and state statutory and decisional law. In addition, there are few public records that definitively determine the issues of validity and ownership of unpatented mining claims.
We do not insure against all risks, and we may be unable to obtain or maintain insurance to cover the risks associated with our operations at economically feasible premiums. Losses from an uninsured event may cause us to incur significant costs that could have a material adverse effect upon our financial condition.
Our insurance will not cover all the potential risks associated with a mining companys operations. We may also be unable to obtain or maintain insurance to cover these risks at economically feasible premiums. Insurance coverage may not continue to be available or may not be adequate to cover any resulting liability. Moreover, we expect that insurance against risks such as environmental pollution or other hazards as a result of exploration and production may be prohibitively expensive to obtain for a company of our size and financial means. We might also become subject to liability for pollution or other hazards which may not be insured against or which we may elect not to insure against because of premium costs or other reasons. Losses from these events may cause us to incur significant costs that could have a material adverse effect upon our financial condition and results of operations.
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We compete with larger, better capitalized competitors in the mining industry. This may impair our ability to maintain or acquire attractive mining properties, and thereby adversely affect our financial condition.
The mining industry is competitive in all of its phases. We face strong competition from other mining companies in connection with the acquisition of properties producing, or capable of producing, base and precious metals. Many of these companies have greater financial resources, operational experience and technical capabilities than us. As a result of this competition, we may be unable to maintain or acquire attractive mining properties on terms we consider acceptable or at all. Consequently, our revenues, operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.
We are dependent on our key personnel, and the loss of any such personnel could adversely affect our company.
Our success depends on our key executives, Ronald Hirsch, Erland Anderson, John Perry, and key operating personnel at the Johnson Camp Mine, Eric Ivey and Matthew Williams. The loss of the services of one or more of such key personnel could have a material adverse effect on our business. Our ability to manage exploration and development activities, and hence our success, will depend in large part on the efforts of these individuals. We face intense competition for qualified personnel, and we cannot be certain that we will be able to attract and retain such personnel in the future.
If we succeed in reactivating the Johnson Camp Mine, we will have to significantly expand our workforce. We may not be successful in recruiting the necessary personnel, or in managing the new challenges that we will face with any significant growth.
If we obtain sufficient financing to execute on our plan to reactivate the Johnson Camp Mine, we plan to expand our workforce at the Johnson Camp Mine to approximately 60 employees, and hire various contractors. This growth will place substantial demands on our company and our management. Our ability to assimilate new personnel will be critical to our performance. We will be required to recruit additional personnel and to train, motivate and manage employees. We will also have to adopt and implement new systems in all aspects of our operations. We have no assurance that we will be able to recruit the personnel required to execute our programs or to manage these changes successfully.
The actual costs of reclamation are uncertain, and any additional amounts that we are required to spend on reclamation may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.
The costs of reclamation included in the updated feasibility study are estimates only and may not represent the actual amounts which will be required to complete all reclamation activity. It is not possible to determine the exact amount that will be required, and the amount that we will be required to spend could be materially different than current estimates. Reclamation bonds or other forms of financial assurance represent only a portion of the total amount of money that will be spent on reclamation over the life of the Johnson Camp Mine operation. Although Winters, Dorsey has included estimated reclamation amounts provided by us in the updated feasibility study, it will be necessary to revise the planned expenditures, and the operating plan for the mine, in order to fund required reclamation activities. Any additional amounts required to be spent on reclamation may have a material adverse affect on our financial condition and results of operations.
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Our directors and officers may have conflicts of interest, including two of our directors who hold subordinated security interests in our companys assets.
Some of our directors and officers have served as officers and directors for other companies engaged in natural resource exploration and development and may also serve as directors and/or officers of other companies involved in natural resource exploration and development in the future. We do not believe that any of our directors and officers currently have any conflicts of interest of this nature. However, two of our directors, Ronald Hirsch and Stephen Seymour, hold subordinated security interests in our companys assets, as security for loans that they have made to our company. This may potentially give rise to conflicts of interest, particularly if it becomes necessary for them to take steps to preserve or realize upon their security interests.
New legislation, including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, may make it difficult for us to retain or attract officers and directors.
We may be unable to attract and retain qualified officers, directors and members of board committees required to provide for our effective management as a result of the recent and currently proposed changes in the rules and regulations which govern publicly-held companies. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 has resulted in a series of rules and regulations by the Securities and Exchange Commission that increase responsibilities and liabilities of directors and executive officers. The perceived increased personal risk associated with these recent changes together with the risks associated with our business may deter qualified individuals from accepting these roles.
We will be required to evaluate our internal controls over financial reporting under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, which could result in a loss of investor confidence in our financial reports and have an adverse effect on the price of our shares of common stock.
We expect that beginning with our annual report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2007, we will be required to furnish a report by management on our internal controls over financial reporting. Such report will contain, among other matters, an assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, including a statement as to whether or not our internal control over financial reporting is effective. This assessment must include disclosure of any material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting identified by our management. Beginning with our year ending December 31, 2008, the report must also contain a statement that our auditors have issued an attestation report on our managements assessment of such internal controls. Public Company Accounting Oversight Board Auditing Standard No. 2 provides the professional standards and related performance guidance for auditors to attest to, and report on, our managements assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting under Section 404.
We have identified certain material weaknesses in our internal controls over financial reporting that we are in the process of addressing. We cannot be certain that we will be able to complete our evaluation of our internal controls, testing and any required remediation in a timely fashion once we become subject to the requirements mandated by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. During the evaluation and testing process, if we identify one or more material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting, we will be unable to assert that such internal control is effective. If we are unable to assert that our internal control over financial reporting is effective as of December 31, 2007 (or if our auditors are unable to attest that our managements report is fairly stated or they are unable to express an opinion on the effectiveness of our internal controls beginning with our year ending December 31, 2008), we could
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lose investor confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports, which may have a material adverse effect on our stock price.
Failure to comply with the new rules may also make it more difficult for us to obtain certain types of insurance, including director and officer liability insurance, and we may be forced to accept reduced policy limits and coverage and/or incur substantially higher costs to obtain the same or similar coverage. The impact of these events could also make it more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified personnel to serve on our board of directors, on committees of our board of directors, or as executive officers.
We may potentially face shareholder action for our past delinquencies in our SEC Filings.
We are required to file reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These reports include annual reports on Form 10-KSB, quarterly reports on Form 10-QSB, current reports on Form 8-K and proxy statements. Due to financial difficulties, we did not file the reports as required by the 1934 Act with the SEC during 2000 through 2004. Our annual report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2004, filed with the SEC on January 17, 2006, was not timely filed but was intended to provide meaningful disclosure for the years ended December 31, 2000 through 2004. On February 3, 2006, we filed, on a late basis, our outstanding quarterly reports on Form 10-QSB for the first, second and third quarters of 2005. We may be subject to shareholder action due to our lack of timely compliance with reporting requirements under the 1934 Act.
We have a limited market for our securities.
Although certain market makers facilitate trades of our companys common stock on the Pink Sheets LLC, there is currently a limited market for shares of our companys common stock and we cannot be certain that an active market will develop. The lack of an active public market could have a material adverse effect on the price and liquidity of our common stock.
Broker-dealers may be discouraged from effecting transactions in our common shares because they are considered a penny stock and are subject to the penny stock rules.
Rules 15g-1 through 15g-9 promulgated under the Exchange Act impose sales practice and disclosure requirements on certain brokers-dealers who engage in certain transactions involving a penny stock. Subject to certain exceptions, for the purposes relevant to us, penny stock includes any equity security that has a market price of less than $5.00 per share or with an exercise price of less than $5.00 per share. The additional sales practice and disclosure requirements imposed upon broker dealers may discourage broker-dealers from effecting transactions in our shares, which could severely limit the market liquidity of the shares and impede the sale of our shares in the secondary market.
Risks Related to Our Industry
The feasibility of our mine plan is based on certain assumptions about the sustainability of the current price of copper. We may be adversely affected by fluctuations in copper prices.
The value and price of our common shares, our financial results, and our exploration, development and mining activities may be significantly adversely affected by declines in the price of copper and other metals. Copper prices fluctuate widely and are affected by numerous factors beyond our control such as interest rates, exchange rates, inflation or deflation, fluctuation in the value of the United States dollar and foreign currencies, global and regional supply and demand, and the political and economic conditions of
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copper producing countries throughout the world. The aggregate effect of these factors on copper price is impossible to predict. Because mining operations are conducted over a number of years, it may be prudent to continue mining for some periods during which cash flows are temporarily negative for a variety of reasons including a belief that the low price is temporary and/or the greater expense incurred in closing a property permanently.
In addition to adversely affecting our financial condition and our reserve estimates, declining metal prices can impact operations by requiring a reassessment of the commercial feasibility of a particular project. Such a reassessment may be the result of a management decision related to a particular project. Even if the project is ultimately determined to be economically viable, the need to conduct such a reassessment may cause substantial delays in development or may interrupt operations, if any, until the reassessment can be completed.
Our operations will involve the exploration, development and production of copper and other metals, with the attendant risks of damage to or loss of life or property and legal liability. In addition, unforeseen conditions or our failure to ensure ore grade may have a material adverse effect on our estimated processing efficiency and our ability to carry out our planned leaching operations.
Our operations will be subject to all the hazards and risks normally encountered in the exploration, development and production of copper and other base or precious metals, including unusual and unexpected geologic formations, seismic activity, pit-wall failures, flooding and other conditions involved in the drilling and removal of material, any of which could result in damage to, or destruction of, mines and other producing facilities, damage to life or property, environmental damage and legal liability.
The parameters used in estimating mining and processing efficiency are based on testing and experience with previous operations. Various unforeseen conditions can occur that may materially affect the estimates. In particular, unless proper care is taken to ensure that proper ore grade control is employed and that other necessary steps are taken, we may not be able to execute the leaching operation as planned.
Government regulation impacting the mining industry, such as those respecting mining, taxes, labor standards, occupational health and land, may adversely affect our business and planned operations.
Our mining, processing, development and mineral exploration activities, if any, are subject to various laws governing prospecting, mining, development, production, taxes, labor standards and occupational health, mine safety, toxic substances, land use, water use, land claims of local people and other matters. New rules and regulations may be enacted or existing rules and regulations may be applied in such a manner as to limit or curtail our exploration, production or development. Amendments to current laws and regulations governing operations and activities of exploration, development mining and milling or more stringent implementation of these laws could have a material adverse impact on our business and financial condition and cause increases in exploration expenses, capital expenditures or production costs or reduction in levels of production assuming we achieve production or require abandonment or delays in development of new mining properties.
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Certain groups opposed to mining may interfere with our efforts to reactive the Johnson Camp Mine.
In North America there are organizations opposed to mining, particularly open pit mines such as the Johnson Camp Mine. We anticipate that there may be opposition to the restart of operations at the Johnson Camp Mine. We believe our company has the support of representatives from the communities in the immediate vicinity of Johnson Camp Mine including the city of Tucson and the community of Dragoon, and from various levels of government in Arizona having jurisdiction over the Johnson Camp Mine. Although we intend to comply with all environmental laws and permitting obligations in conducting our business, there is still the possibility that those opposed to the operation of the Johnson Camp Mine will attempt to interfere with the restart and operation of the Johnson Camp Mine, whether by legal process, regulatory process or otherwise. Such interference could have an impact on our ability to restart and operate the Johnson Camp Mine in the manner that is most efficient or appropriate, if at all, and any such impact could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Our operations are subject to environmental risks and environmental regulation. Our failure to manage such risks or comply with such regulation will potentially expose us to significant liability.
All phases of our operations, if any, will be subject to Federal, state and local environmental regulation. These regulations mandate, among other things, the maintenance of air and water quality standards and land reclamation. They also set forth limitations on the generation, transportation, storage and disposal of solid and hazardous waste. Environmental legislation is evolving in a manner which we anticipate will require stricter standards and enforcement, increased fines and penalties for non-compliance, more stringent environmental assessments of proposed projects and a heightened degree of responsibility for companies and their officers, directors and employees. Future changes in environmental regulation may adversely affect our operations, if any. Environmental hazards may exist on the Johnson Camp property or on properties which we hold or may acquire in the future that are unknown to us at present and that have been caused by previous or existing owners or operators of the properties.
Failure to comply with applicable laws, regulations and permitting requirements may result in enforcement actions thereunder, including orders issued by regulatory or judicial authorities causing operations to cease or be curtailed, and may include corrective measures requiring capital expenditures, installation of additional equipment, or remedial actions. Parties engaged in mining operations or in the exploration or development of mineral properties may be required to compensate those suffering loss or damage by reason of the mining activities and may have civil or criminal fines or penalties imposed for violations of applicable laws or regulations.
Our failure to contain or adequately deal with hazardous materials may expose us to significant liability for which we may not be insured.
Production, if any, at the Johnson Camp Mine will involve the use of hazardous materials. Should these materials leak or otherwise be discharged from their containment systems, we may become subject to liability for hazards that we may not be insured against or for clean up work that may not be insured.
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Item 1. Legal Proceedings
Other than as set forth below, we know of no material, existing or pending legal proceedings against our company, nor are we involved as a plaintiff in any material proceeding or pending litigation. There are no proceedings in which any of our directors, officers or affiliates, or any registered or beneficial shareholder, is an adverse party or has a material interest adverse to our interest. The outcome of open unresolved legal proceedings is presently indeterminable. Any settlement resulting from resolution of these contingencies will be accounted for in the period of settlement. We do not believe the potential outcome from any legal proceedings that remain unresolved will significantly impact our financial position, operations or cash flows.
Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) Compliance Order and Stipulated Judgment
On September 7, 2002, ADEQ issued a Compliance Order requiring our company to bring the Johnson Camp Mine into compliance with Arizonas aquifer protection laws. Pursuant to the Compliance Order, we entered into a stipulated judgment with ADEQ which assessed civil penalties against us in the amount of $4,325,000. The stipulated judgment can only be entered should a default notice issued pursuant to the Compliance Order not be cured within 60 days after notice is received. The Compliance Order further provides that any future violations of Arizonas aquifer protection laws would subject us to additional civil penalties, including the entry of the stipulated judgment and the assessment of the civil penalties described in the stipulated judgment. We have not received a default notice under the Compliance Order, and the stipulated judgment has not been entered against us.
Settlement Agreement with Platinum Diversified Mining, Inc. and its Subsidiaries
As discussed above under the heading Cash and Working Capital - Settlement Agreement with Platinum Diversified Mining, we have entered into the PDM Settlement Agreement dated March 7, 2007 with Platinum Diversified Mining and its direct and indirect subsidiaries, Platinum Diversified Mining USA, Inc. and PDM Merger Corp., which sets forth the terms and conditions of the settlement of the dispute and disagreements arising from the Merger Agreement dated October 23, 2006 between our company and these parties.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
We issued securities in the following transactions without registering the securities under the Securities Act:
To date, certain equity-based fees have been paid to our non-executive directors in the form of awards issued pursuant to our companys 2006 Stock Incentive Plan. The non-executive directors have limited rights, exercisable within applicable time limits, to elect to have any percentage of such awards, and any percentage of cash fees, payable in deferred stock units. Each of our non-executive directors has exercised such rights in respect of the equity-based fees payable to him for the current year. Our non-executive directors earned the following additional deferred stock units during the three months ended March 31, 2007: Wade Nesmith earned 16,470 deferred stock units, Douglas Hamilton earned 14,184 deferred stock units; John Cook earned 11,525 deferred stock units; and Stephen Seymour earned 8,865 deferred stock units. We issued these securities to the directors, each of whom is an accredited investor, relying on Rule 506 of Regulation D and/or Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
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Mr. Nesmith voluntarily resigned as a director of our company effective March 29, 2007. At the time of his resignation, Mr. Nesmith was Nords Lead Director and the Chairman of Nords Executive Committee. He was also a member of Nords Audit Committee, Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, and Compensation Committee. Upon his resignation, Mr. Nesmith became entitled to receive 64,376 shares of common stock in exchange for the 64,376.651 deferred stock units that he held immediately prior to this resignation. We will be issuing these securities to Mr. Nesmith pursuant to section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
Upon execution and delivery of our Modification Agreement with Nedbank dated February 23, 2007 in relation to our bridge loan from Nedbank, we issued a total of 300,000 warrants exercisable no later than September 30, 2008, of which 174,000 were issued to Nedbank and 126,000 were issued to Auramet Trading. Each warrant entitles the holder to purchase one share of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.66 being an amount equal to the average of the closing price of our common stock (as quoted on Pink Sheets LLC) for the five trading days prior to February 23, 2007. We issued these securities to Nedbank and Auramet Trading, each of whom is an accredited investor, relying on Rule 506 of Regulation D and/or Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
During the first quarter of 2007, we issued 60,000 shares of our common stock valued at $50,000 to John Perry pursuant to his employment agreement. Mr. Perry was recently appointed as our President and Chief Executive Officer, and continues to serve as our Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer until a suitable replacement to fill those offices can be found. We issued these securities to Mr. Perry, an accredited investor, relying on Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
We acquired an exclusive option from Thornwell Rogers, South Branch Resources, LLC, and MRPGEO, LLC in January 2004 to purchase the leasehold rights and mining claims located near Safford in Graham County, Arizona described as Coyote Springs. In March 2007, we issued a total of 33,332 fully paid and non-assessable shares of common stock to Thornwell Rogers and MRPGEO, LLC pursuant to the agreement. We issued these securities to Thornwell Rogers and MRPGEO, LLC, as accredited investors, relying on Rule 506 of Regulation D and/or Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
Subsequent to Nicholas Tintors departure as President and Chief Executive Officer of our company on August 21, 2006, we entered into a settlement agreement with Mr. Tintor dated September 29, 2006. Under the settlement agreement, in consideration of a mutual release of claims, we paid Mr. Tintor a total of $233,000 as follows: we paid $70,000 in cash upon execution of the agreement, and we paid the balance of $163,000 by issuing a total of 139,880 fully paid and non-assessable shares of common stock of our company to Mr. Tintor in January 2007. These shares were issued pursuant to Rule 903 of Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and in compliance with applicable Canadian securities laws.
In January 2007, we issued 25,651 shares of common stock to John Cook, one of our non-executive directors, in exchange for 25,651 deferred stock units. We issued these securities to Mr. Cook pursuant to section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
We have not purchased any of our shares of common stock or other securities since January 1, 2006.
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Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Securities Holders
None.
Item 5. Other Information
In April 2007, our Board of Directors authorized the filing of an amendment to our company’s Amended Certificate of Incorporation to increase our authorized capital from 50,000,000 to 100,000,000 shares of stock, par value $0.01 per share. The amendment was filed with the Secretary of State for the State of Delaware with effect from May 8, 2007. This increase in our company’s authorized capital was approved by our stockholders at the annual meeting held on October 18, 2006.
Item 6. Exhibits
Articles of Incorporation and By-laws
3.1 | Certificate of Incorporation (as amended) of Nord Resources Corporation(1) |
3.2 | Amended and Restated Bylaws of Nord Resources Corporation(2) |
3.3 | Amendment to Amended Certificate of Incorporation(27) |
Instruments defining the rights of security holders, including indentures
4.1 |
Pages from Amended and Restated Bylaws of Nord Resources Corporation defining the rights of holders of equity or debt securities(1) |
4.2 |
Convertible Promissory Note for $35,000 issued by Nord Resources Corporation to Ronald A. Hirsch dated June 29, 2004(1) |
4.3 |
Amendment to Convertible Promissory Note dated June 29, 2004 issued by Nord Resources Corporation to Ronald A. Hirsch effective November 30, 2005(1) |
4.4 |
Convertible Promissory Note for $66,000 issued by Nord Resources Corporation to Stephen D. Seymour dated August 19, 2004(1) |
4.5 |
Amendment to Convertible Promissory Note dated August 19, 2004 issued by Nord Resources Corporation to Stephen D. Seymour effective September 26, 2005(1) |
4.6 |
Second Amendment to Convertible Promissory Note dated August 19, 2004 issued by Nord Resources Corporation to Stephen D. Seymour effective November 30, 2005(1) |
4.7 |
Convertible Promissory Note for $106,000 issued by Nord Resources Corporation to Ronald A. Hirsch dated October 4, 2004(1) |
4.8 |
Amendment to Convertible Promissory Note dated October 4, 2004 issued by Nord Resources Corporation to Ronald A. Hirsch effective September 26, 2005(1) |
4.9 |
Second Amendment to Convertible Promissory Note dated October 4, 2004 issued by Nord Resources Corporation to Ronald A. Hirsch effective November 30, 2005(1) |
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4.10 |
Revolving Line of Credit Agreement, between Nord Resources Corporation and Ronald A. Hirsch and Stephen Seymour dated June 21, 2005(1) |
4.11 |
Security Agreement between Nord Resources Corporation and Ronald A. Hirsch and Stephen Seymour dated June 21, 2005(1) |
4.12 |
Secured Promissory Note ($600,000) between Nord Resources Corporation and Ronald A. Hirsch and Stephen Seymour dated June 21, 2005(1) |
4.13 |
Second Amended and Restated Revolving Line of Credit between Nord Resources Corporation and Ronald A. Hirsch and Stephen Seymour dated November 8, 2005(3) |
4.14 |
Amended and Restated Warrant Certificate issued by Nord Resources Corporation to Auramet Trading, LLC, dated as of October 17, 2005(5) |
4.15 |
Warrant Certificate issued by Nord Resources Corporation to Auramet Trading, LLC, dated April 17, 2006(5) |
4.16 |
Acknowledgement of Ronald A. Hirsch regarding Agreement for Credit Risk Participation dated November, 2005(1) |
4.17 |
Secured Promissory Note for $3,900,000 issued by Nord Resources Corporation to Nedbank Limited dated November 8, 2005(1) |
4.18 |
Deed of Trust, Assignment of Rents, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing among Nord Resources Corporation , First American Title Insurance Company and Nedbank Limited dated November 8, 2005(1) |
4.19 |
Warrant Certificate issued by Nord Resources Corporation to Nedbank Limited, dated May 8, 2006(4) |
4.20 |
Environmental Indemnity Agreement between Nord Resources Corporation and Nedbank Limited dated November, 2005(1) |
4.21 |
Subordination Agreement among Ronald A. Hirsch, Stephen D. Seymour and Nedbank Limited dated November 8, 2005(1) |
4.22 |
Letter from Nord Resources Corporation to Nedbank Limited regarding conditions subsequent, dated November 8, 2005(1) |
4.23 |
Perfection Certificate completed by Nord Resources Corporation for Nedbank Limited, dated November 8, 2005(1) |
4.24 |
Waiver Agreement and Amendment of Promissory Note between Nord Resources Corporation and Nedbank Limited, dated February 6, 2006(3) |
4.25 |
Letter Agreement between Nord Resources Corporation and Nedbank Limited, dated May 5, 2006, extending the maturity date of the Secured Promissory Note dated November 8, 2005 in the principal amount of $3,900,000, to May 15, 2006(4) |
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4.26 |
Letter Agreement between Nord Resources Corporation, Ronald Hirsch and Stephen Seymour, dated May 5, 2006, extending the maturity date indebtedness under the Second Amended and Restated Revolving Line of Credit Agreement, among Nord Resources Corporation and Ronald A. Hirsch and Stephen Seymour dated November 8, 2005(7) |
4.27 |
Modification Agreement between Nord Resources Corporation and Nedbank Limited, dated May 15, 2006(5) |
4.28 |
Warrant Certificate issued by Nord Resources Corporation to Nedbank Limited, dated May 15, 2006(5) |
4.29 |
Warrant Certificate issued by Nord Resources Corporation to Auramet Trading LLC, dated May 15, 2006(5) |
4.30 |
Amended and Restated Secured Promissory Note, dated May 31, 2006, payable to Nedbank Limited in the principal amount of $4,900,000(6) |
4.31 |
First Amendment to Deed of Trust, Assignment of Rents, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing, dated May 31, 2006, among Nord Resources Corporation, First American Title Insurance Company and Nedbank Limited(6) |
4.32 |
Amendment to Subordination Agreement, dated May 31, 2006, made for the benefit of Nedbank Limited by Ronald Hirsch and Stephen Seymour(6) |
4.33 |
Warrant Certificate issued by Nord Resources Corporation to Auramet Trading, LLC, dated May 31, 2006 representing 250,000 common stock purchase warrants(6) |
4.34 |
Letter Agreement between Nord Resources Corporation Nedbank Limited and Auramet Trading, LLC dated August 8, 2006, extending the maturity date of a secured loan in the principal amount of $4,900,000(10) |
4.35 |
Agreement between Nord Resources Corporation, Ronald Hirsch and Stephen Seymour, dated August 14, 2006, extending the maturity date indebtedness under the Second Amended and Restated Revolving Line of Credit Agreement, among Nord Resources Corporation and Ronald A. Hirsch and Stephen Seymour dated November 8, 2005(12) |
4.36 |
Amended and Restated Convertible Promissory Note for $35,000 issued by Nord Resources Corporation to Ronald A. Hirsch dated for reference June 29, 2004(13) |
4.37 |
Amended and Restated Convertible Promissory Note for $66,000 issued by Nord Resources Corporation to Stephen D. Seymour dated for reference August 19, 2004(13) |
4.38 |
Amended and Restated Convertible Promissory Note for $106,000 issued by Nord Resources Corporation to Ronald A. Hirsch dated for reference October 4, 2004(13) |
4.39 |
Agreement between Nord Resources Corporation, Ronald Hirsch and Stephen Seymour, dated August 17, 2006, extending the maturity date indebtedness under the Second Amended and Restated Revolving Line of Credit Agreement, among Nord Resources Corporation and Ronald A. Hirsch and Stephen Seymour dated November 8, 2005(13) |
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4.40 |
Modification Agreement dated September 30, 2006 between Nord Resources Corporation and Nedbank Limited(14) |
4.41 |
Amendment agreement dated September 29, 2006 between Nord Resources Corporation and Stephen Seymour in respect of Amended and Restated Convertible Promissory Note dated for reference August 19, 2004, in the principal amount of $66,000(16) |
4.42 |
Amendment agreement dated September 29, 2006 between Nord Resources Corporation and Ronald Hirsch in respect of Amended and Restated Convertible Promissory Note dated for reference October 4, 2004, in the principal amount of $106,000(16) |
4.43 |
Amendment agreement dated September 29, 2006 between Nord Resources Corporation and Ronald Hirsch in respect of Amended and Restated Convertible Promissory Note dated for reference June 29, 2004, in the principal amount of $35,000(16) |
4.44 |
Amending agreement dated September 29, 2006 among Nord Resources Corporation, Ronald Hirsch and Stephen Seymour in respect of that certain $600,000 Revolving Line of Credit Agreement and that certain Secured Promissory Note, as previously amended, each dated for reference June 21, 2005(16) |
4.45 |
Letter Agreement among Nedbank Limited, Nord Resources Corporation and Auramet Trading, LLC dated for reference December 19, 2006 and executed on December 20, 2006(21) |
4.46 |
Amendment agreement dated December 22, 2006 between Nord Resources Corporation and Stephen Seymour in respect of Amended and Restated Convertible Promissory Note dated for reference August 19, 2004, in the principal amount of $66,000(21) |
4.47 |
Amendment agreement dated December 22, 2006 between Nord Resources Corporation and Ronald Hirsch in respect of Amended and Restated Convertible Promissory Note dated for reference October 4, 2004, in the principal amount of $106,000(21) |
4.48 |
Amendment agreement December 22, 2006 between Nord Resources Corporation and Ronald Hirsch in respect of Amended and Restated Convertible Promissory Note dated for reference June 29, 2004, in the principal amount of $106,000(21) |
4.49 |
Amending agreement dated December 22, 2006 among Nord Resources Corporation, Ronald Hirsch and Stephen Seymour in respect of that certain $600,000 Revolving Line of Credit Agreement and that certain Secured Promissory Note, as previously amended, each dated for reference June 21, 2005(21) |
4.50 |
Letter Agreement among Nedbank Limited, Nord Resources Corporation and Auramet Trading, LLC dated for reference January 11, 2007(22) |
4.51 |
Amendment agreement dated January 15, 2007 between Nord Resources Corporation and Stephen Seymour in respect of Amended and Restated Convertible Promissory Note dated for reference August 19, 2004, in the principal amount of $66,000(22) |
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4.52 |
Amendment agreement dated January 15, 2007 between Nord Resources Corporation and Ronald Hirsch in respect of Amended and Restated Convertible Promissory Note dated for reference October 4, 2004, in the principal amount of $106,000(22) |
4.53 |
Amendment agreement dated January 15, 2007 between Nord Resources Corporation and Ronald Hirsch in respect of Amended and Restated Convertible Promissory Note dated for reference June 29, 2004, in the principal amount of $35,000(22) |
4.54 |
Amending agreement dated January 15, 2007 among Nord Resources Corporation, Ronald Hirsch and Stephen Seymour in respect of that certain $600,000 Revolving Line of Credit Agreement and that certain Secured Promissory Note, as previously amended, each dated for reference June 21, 2005(22) |
4.55 |
Letter Agreement among Nedbank Limited, Nord Resources Corporation and Auramet Trading, LLC dated for reference January 30, 2007(23) |
4.56 |
Amendment agreement dated January 31, 2007 between Nord Resources Corporation and Stephen Seymour in respect of Amended and Restated Convertible Promissory Note dated for reference August 19, 2004, in the principal amount of $66,000(23) |
4.57 |
Amendment agreement dated January 31, 2007 between Nord Resources Corporation and Ronald Hirsch in respect of Amended and Restated Convertible Promissory Note dated for reference October 4, 2004, in the principal amount of $106,000(23) |
4.58 |
Amendment agreement dated January 31, 2007 between Nord Resources Corporation and Ronald Hirsch in respect of Amended and Restated Convertible Promissory Note dated for reference June 29, 2004, in the principal amount of $35,000(23) |
4.59 |
Amending agreement dated January 31, 2007 among Nord Resources Corporation, Ronald Hirsch and Stephen Seymour in respect of that certain $600,000 Revolving Line of Credit Agreement and that certain Secured Promissory Note, as previously amended, each dated for reference June 21, 2005(23) |
4.60 |
Letter Agreement among Nedbank Limited, Nord Resources Corporation and Auramet Trading, LLC dated for reference February 23, 2007(24) |
4.61 |
Modification Agreement between Nedbank Limited and Nord Resources Corporation dated for reference February 23, 2007(24) |
4.62 |
Amendment agreement dated February 23, 2007 between Nord Resources Corporation and Stephen Seymour in respect of Amended and Restated Convertible Promissory Note dated for reference August 19, 2004, in the principal amount of $66,000(24) |
4.63 |
Amendment agreement dated February 23, 2007 between Nord Resources Corporation and Ronald Hirsch in respect of Amended and Restated Convertible Promissory Note dated for reference October 4, 2004, in the principal amount of $106,000(24) |
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4.64 | Amendment agreement dated February 23, 2007 between Nord Resources Corporation and Ronald Hirsch in respect of Amended and Restated Convertible Promissory Note dated for reference June 29, 2004, in the principal amount of $35,000(24) |
4.65 | Amending agreement dated February 23, 2007 among Nord Resources Corporation, Ronald Hirsch and Stephen Seymour in respect of that certain $600,000 Revolving Line of Credit Agreement and that certain Secured Promissory Note, as previously amended, each dated for reference June 21, 2005(24) |
4.66 | |
4.67 | |
4.68 | Amendment agreement dated April 30, 2007 between Nord Resources Corporation and Stephen Seymour in respect of Amended and Restated Convertible Promissory Note dated for reference August 19, 2004, in the principal amount of $66,000(26) |
4.69 | Amendment agreement dated April 30, 2007 between Nord Resources Corporation and Ronald Hirsch in respect of Amended and Restated Convertible Promissory Note dated for reference October 4, 2004, in the principal amount of $106,000(26) |
4.70 | Amendment agreement dated April 30, 2007 between Nord Resources Corporation and Ronald Hirsch in respect of Amended and Restated Convertible Promissory Note dated for reference June 29, 2004, in the principal amount of $35,000(26) |
4.71 | Amending agreement dated April 30, 2007 among Nord Resources Corporation, Ronald Hirsch and Stephen Seymour in respect of that certain $600,000 Revolving Line of Credit Agreement and that certain Secured Promissory Note, as previously amended, each dated for reference June 21, 2005(26) |
Material Contracts
10.1 |
Executive Employment Agreement between Nord Resources Corporation and Ronald A. Hirsch dated January 2, 2004(1) |
10.2 |
Waiver Agreement between Nord Resources Corporation and Ronald A. Hirsch dated February 15, 2006(3) |
10.3 |
Executive Employment Agreement between Nord Resources Corporation and Erland Anderson dated January 2, 2004(1) |
10.4 |
Waiver Agreement and Amendment of Employment Agreement between Nord Resources Corporation and Erland Anderson dated February 15, 2006(3) |
10.5 |
Nord Resources Corporation Stock Option granted to Erland Anderson February 1, 2006(3) |
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10.6 |
Executive Employment Agreement between Nord Resources Corporation and John Perry dated April 18, 2005(1) |
10.7 |
Memorandum of Understanding between Nord Resources Corporation and John Perry regarding employment matters dated March 28, 2005(1) |
10.8 |
Waiver Agreement between Nord Resources Corporation and John Perry dated February 15, 2006(3) |
10.9 |
Letter Agreement between Nord Resources Corporation and Nicholas Tintor regarding employment matters dated February 15, 2006(3) |
10.10 |
Option to Purchase the Coyote Springs property from Thornwell Rogers, South Branch Resources LLC and MRPGEO LLC to Nord Resources Corporation dated January 28, 2004(1) |
10.11 |
First Amendment to Option to Purchase Coyote Springs property among Thornwell Rogers, South Branch Resources LLC, MRPGEO LLC and Nord Resources Corporation dated December 14, 2004(1) |
10.12 |
Second Amendment to the Terms of Agreement, Option to Purchase the Coyote Springs Property, Graham County, Arizona, between Nord Resources Corporation and Thornwell Rogers, South Branch Resources LLC and MRPGEO LLC, dated January 27, 2006(3) |
10.13 |
Option to Purchase the Mimbres Property from Thornwell Rogers, South Branch Resources, LLC and MRPGEO, LLC to Nord Resources Corporation dated June 10, 2004(1) |
10.14 |
Option Agreement between Shirley Bailey and Nord Resources Corporation dated July 19, 2004(1) |
10.15 |
Debt Conversion between Nord Resources Corporation and Thornwell Rogers dated April 16, 2004(1) |
10.16 |
Debt Conversion between Nord Resources Corporation and South Branch Resources LLC dated April 16, 2004(1) |
10.17 |
Debt Conversion between Nord Resources Corporation and MRPGEO, LLC dated April 16, 2004(1) |
10.18 |
Letter dated January 29, 2004 from Peifer, Hanson & Mullins, P.A. to Nord Resources Corporation regarding debt conversion (accepted by NRC), together with draft Debt Conversion Agreement dated February 2004(1) |
10.19 |
Debt Conversion Agreement between Peifer, Hanson and Mullins P.A. and Nord Resources Corporation dated October 25, 2005(1) |
10.20 |
Settlement Agreement and Mutual and General Release between Nord Resources Corporation and Schuler Messersmith Daly & Landsdowne dated October 31, 2004(1) |
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10.21 |
Letters dated February 16, 2004 and October 8, 2004 relating to the consulting arrangement between Nord Resources Corporation and Rex E. Loesby(1) |
10.22 |
Letter dated February 20, 2004 from Nord Resources Corporation to Cognis Corporation regarding debt conversion (accepted by Cognis), together with draft Debt Conversion Agreement(1) |
10.23 |
Debt Conversion Agreement between Nord Resources Corporation and Cognis Corporation effective February 20, 2004(1) |
10.24 |
Consulting Agreement between Nord Resources Corporation and Investor Growth, Inc. dated June 29, 2004(1) |
10.25 |
Settlement Agreement and General Release between Nord Resources Corporation and W. Pierce Carson dated April 22, 2005(1) |
10.26 |
Warrant Certificate issuing 250,000 warrants to W. Pierce Carson dated April 22, 2005(1) |
10.27 |
Amendment No. 1 to Settlement Agreement and Mutual General Release between Nord Resources Corporation and Schuler Messersmith Daly & Landsdowne dated June 30, 2005(1) |
10.28 |
Nord Resources Corporation form of Subscription Agreement (April 2004 private placement)(1) |
10.29 |
Letter dated April 15, 2004, amending the terms of the April 2004 private placement(1) |
10.30 |
Nord Resources Corporation form of Subscription Agreement (July 2004)(1) |
10.31 |
Nord Resources Corporation form of Subscription Agreement for US Investors (2005 private placement)(1) |
10.32 |
Nord Resources Corporation form of Subscription Agreement for Canadian Investors (2005 private placement)(1) |
10.33 |
Nord Resources Corporation form of Warrant Certificate for US Purchasers (2005 private placement)(1) |
10.34 |
Nord Resources Corporation form of Warrant Certificate for Canadian Purchasers (2005 private placement)(1) |
10.35 |
Letter dated October 25, 2005, amending the terms of the 2005 private placement offering(1) |
10.36 |
Letter dated November 15, 2005, amending the terms of the 2005 private placement offering(1) |
10.37 |
Letter dated December 21, 2005, amending the terms of the 2005 private placement offering(1) |
10.38 |
Agreement of Option and Right of First Refusal between Nord Resources Corporation, Ronald Hirsch and Stephen Seymour dated October 14, 2004 (zinc business)(1) |
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10.39 |
Agreement of Assignment and Assumption between Nord Resources Corporation, Ronald Hirsch and Stephen Seymour dated October 14, 2004(1) |
10.40 |
Agreement of Assignment and Assumption between Ronald A. Hirsch and Stephen D. Seymour and TMD Acquisition Corporation dated February 26, 2005(1) |
10.41 |
Final Asset Purchase Agreement between TMD Acquisition Corporation and ASARCO LLC dated March 2005(1) |
10.42 |
Agreement for Purchase and Sale of Waste Rock from the Johnson Camp Mine between Nord Resources Corporation and JC Rock, LLC dated December 23, 2004(1) |
10.43 |
First Amendment to the Agreement for Purchase and Sale of Waste Rock from the Johnson Camp Mine dated December 28, 2004(1) |
10.44 |
Second Amendment to the Agreement for Purchase and Sale of Waste Rock from the Johnson Camp Mine dated May 1, 2005(1) |
10.45 |
Third Amendment to the Agreement for Purchase and Sale of Waste Rock from the Johnson Camp Mine dated June 30, 2005(1) |
10.46 |
Fourth Amendment to the Agreement for Purchase and Sale of Waste Rock from the Johnson Camp Mine dated September 30, 2005(1) |
10.47 |
Fifth Amendment to the Agreement for Purchase and Sale of Waste Rock from the Johnson Camp Mine dated February 28, 2006(3) |
10.48 |
Purchase, Sale and Option Agreement between Nord Resources Corporation and Titanium Resources Group Ltd. effective August 3, 2005(1) |
10.49 |
Rescission Agreement between Nord Resources Corporation and Ronald A. Hirsch dated August 5, 2005 to rescind the exercise of certain stock options(1) |
10.50 |
Office Lease between Issa and Henrietta Hallaq, landlords, and Nord Resources Corporation, tenant, dated January 5, 2006(3) |
10.51 |
Sixth Amendment to the Agreement for Purchase and Sale of Waste Rock from the Johnson Camp Mine dated February 28, 2006(9) |
10.52 |
Confidential Settlement and Release Agreement between Nord Resources Corporation (plaintiff/counter-defendant), and Titanium Resources Group, Ltd. and Edward Wayne Malouf (defendants/counter-plaintiffs) dated August 9, 2006(11) |
10.53 |
Settlement Agreement between Nord Resources Corporation and Nicholas Tintor dated September 29, 2006(15) |
10.54 |
Mutual General Release between Nord Resources Corporation and Nicholas Tintor dated September 29, 2006(15) |
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10.55 |
Third Amendment to the Terms of Agreement, Option to Purchase the Coyote Springs Property, Graham County, Arizona among Nord Resources Corporation, Thornwell Rogers, South Branch Resources, LLC and MRGPEO, LLC dated October 17, 2006(17) |
10.56 |
Second Amendment to the Terms of Agreement, Option to Purchase the Mimbres Property, Grant County, New Mexico among Nord Resources Corporation, Thornwell Rogers, South Branch Resources, LLC and MRGPEO, LLC dated October 17, 2006(17) |
10.57 |
Settlement Agreement dated October 18, 2006, between Nord Resources Corporation and TMD Acquisition Corporation(17) |
10.58 |
Assignment Agreement dated October 18, 2006, between Nord Resources Corporation and TMD Acquisition Corporation(17) |
10.59 |
Amended and Restated Waiver Agreement And Amendment of Employment Agreement between Nord Resources Corporation and Ronald Hirsch dated October 18, 2006(17) |
10.60 |
Amendment of Employment Agreement between Nord Resources Corporation and Erland Anderson dated October 18, 2006(17) |
10.61 |
Amendment of Executive Employment Agreement between Nord Resources Corporation and John Perry dated October 18, 2006(17) |
10.62 |
Indemnification Agreement dated October 18, 2006 by Stephen Seymour, in his personal capacity, and by Stephen Seymour, Kathie Stevens and Louise Seymour, as Trustees U/A dated 7/27/82 FBO Louise Seymour, in favor of Nord Resources Corporation(17) |
10.63 |
Agreement and Plan of Merger dated October 23, 2006 by and among Nord Resources Corporation, Platinum Diversified Mining, Inc., Platinum Diversified Mining USA, Inc. and PDM Merger Corp.(18) |
10.64 |
Voting Agreement dated October 23, 2006 among Nord Resources Corp., Platinum Diversified Mining USA, Inc. and Ronald A. Hirsch(18) |
10.65 |
Voting Agreement dated October 23, 2006 among Nord Resources Corp., Platinum Diversified Mining USA, Inc. and Stephen Seymour(18) |
10.66 |
Deposit Escrow Agreement dated October 23, 2006 among Nord Resources Corp., Platinum Diversified Mining USA, Inc. and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company(18) |
10.67 |
Letter Agreement respecting a performance bonus between Nord Resources Corporation and Ron A. Hirsch dated November 2, 2006(19) |
10.68 |
Letter Agreement respecting a performance bonus between Nord Resources Corporation and Erland A. Anderson dated November 2, 2006(19) |
10.69 |
Letter Agreement respecting a performance bonus between Nord Resources Corporation and John T. Perry dated November 2, 2006(19) |
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10.70 | Amended and Restated Assignment Agreement dated as of October 18, 2006, between Nord Resources Corporation and TMD Acquisition Corporation(20) |
10.71 | Seventh Amendment to the Agreement for Purchase and Sale of Waste Rock from the Johnson Camp Mine dated November 2, 2006(20) |
10.72 | Settlement Agreement dated March 7, 2007 among Nord Resources Corporation, Platinum Diversified Mining, Inc., Platinum Diversified Mining USA, Inc. and PDM Merger Corp.(25) |
10.73 | |
10.74 |
Subsidiaries of the Small Business Issuer
21.1 |
Subsidiaries of Small Business Issuer: |
Name of Subsidiary | Jurisdiction of Incorporation | |
Cochise Aggregates and Materials, Inc. | Nevada |
Certifications
31.1 | |
31.2 | |
32.1 |
Additional Exhibits
99.1 | Nord Resources Corporation 2006 Stock Incentive Plan(8) |
Notes
(1) |
Incorporated by reference from our annual report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2004, filed with the SEC on January 17, 2006. |
(2) |
Incorporated by reference from our current report on Form 8-K dated February 15, 2006, filed with the SEC on February 16, 2006. |
(3) |
Incorporated by reference from our annual report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2005, filed with the SEC on March 28, 2006. |
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(4) |
Incorporated by reference from our current report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on May 11, 2006. |
(5) |
Incorporated by reference from our quarterly report on Form 10-QSB for the quarter ended March 31, 2006, filed with the SEC on May 15, 2006. |
(6) |
Incorporated by reference from our current report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on May 31, 2006. |
(7) |
Incorporated by reference from Amendment No. 1 to our annual report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2005, filed with the SEC on June 30, 2006. |
(8) |
Incorporated by reference from Amendment No. 1 to our preliminary proxy statement on Schedule 14A, filed with the SEC on March 27, 2006. |
(9) |
Incorporated by reference from Amendment No. 2 to our annual report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2005, filed with the SEC on July 21, 2006. |
(10) |
Incorporated by reference from our current report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on August 8, 2006. |
(11) |
Incorporated by reference from our current report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on August 14, 2006. |
(12) |
Incorporated by reference from our quarterly report on Form 10-QSB for the quarter ended June 30, 2006, filed with the SEC on August 14, 2006. |
(13) |
Incorporated by reference Amendment No. 3 to the Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2005, filed with the SEC on August 23, 2006. |
(14) |
Incorporated by reference from our current report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on September 28, 2006. |
(15) |
Incorporated by reference from our current report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on October 2, 2006. |
(16) |
Incorporated by reference from our current report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on October 4, 2006. |
(17) |
Incorporated by reference from our current report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on October 23, 2006. |
(18) |
Incorporated by reference from our current report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on October 25, 2006. |
(19) |
Incorporated by reference from our current report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on November 7, 2006. |
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(20) |
Incorporated by reference from our quarterly report on Form 10-QSB for the quarter ended September 30, 2006, filed with the SEC on November 13, 2006. |
(21) |
Incorporated by reference from our current report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on December 26, 2006. |
(22) |
Incorporated by reference from our current report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on January 16, 2007. |
(23) |
Incorporated by reference from our current report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on February 5, 2007. |
(24) |
Incorporated by reference from our current report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on February 26, 2007. |
(25) |
Incorporated by reference from our annual report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2006, filed with the SEC on March 28, 2007. |
(26) |
Incorporated by reference from our current report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on May 1, 2007. |
(27) |
Filed herewith. |
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SIGNATURES
In accordance with the requirements of the Exchange Act, the registrant caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
NORD RESOURCES CORPORATION | ||
By: | /s/ John T. Perry | |
John T. Perry | ||
President, Chief Executive Officer, | ||
Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and | ||
Treasurer | ||
Date: May 9, 2007 |
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