UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 20-F
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REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
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OR |
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| x | ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
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For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010
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OR |
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TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
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OR |
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SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date of event requiring this shell company report
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For the transition period from _____________________ to ____________________
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| Commission file number 0-28528 | |
ALMADEN MINERALS LTD.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
British Columbia, Canada
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
750 West Pender Street, #1103, Vancouver, British Columbia V6C 2T8
(Address of principal executive offices)
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act.
| Title of each class | Name of each exchange on which registered |
| Common Stock without Par Value | NYSE Amex |
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act.
None
(Title of Class)
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act.
None
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report.
55,500,822
1
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
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Yes
x
No
If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
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Yes
x
No
Indicate by check mark weather the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 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.
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Yes
o
No
Indicate by check mark weather the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
o
Accelerated filer
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Non-accelerated filer
x
Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:
U.S. GAAP
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International Financial Reporting Standards as issued Other
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by the International Accounting Standards Board
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If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.
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Item 17
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Item 18
If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
o
Yes
x
No
(APPLICABLE ONLY TO ISSUERS INVOLVED IN BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDS DURING THE PAST FIVE YEARS)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Section 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court.
o
Yes
o
No
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Page
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Glossary of Geologic and Mining Terms
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4
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PART I
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Item 1
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Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers
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14
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Item 2
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Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable
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14
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Item 3
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Key Information
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14
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Item 4
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Information on the Company
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20
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Item 5
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Operating and Financial Review and Prospects
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90
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Item 6
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Directors, Senior Management and Employees
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106
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Item 7
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Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions
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128
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Item 8
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Financial Information
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129
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Item 9
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The Offer and Listing
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130
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Item 10
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Additional Information
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132
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Item 11
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Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
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142
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Item 12
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Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities
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142
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PART II
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Item 13
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Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies
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142
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Item 14
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Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and
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Use of Proceeds
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142
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Item 15
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Controls and Procedures
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142
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Item 16A
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Audit Committee Financial Expert
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143
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Item 16B
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Code of Ethics
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143
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Item 16C
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Principal Accountant Fees and Services
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144
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Item 16D
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Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees
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144
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Item 16E
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Purchase of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
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144
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Item 16F
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Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accounts
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144
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PART III
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Item 17
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Financial Statements
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145
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Item 18
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Financial Statements
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145
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Item 19
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Exhibits
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145
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Signatures
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195
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3
Glossary of Geologic and Mining Terms
Adularia:
A colourless, moderate to low-temperature variety of orthoclase feldspar typically with a relatively high barium content. It is a prominent constituent of low sulphidation epithermal veins.
Alkalic Intrusive:
An igneous rock emplaced below ground level in which the feldspar is dominantly sodic and or potassic.
Alkalinity:
The chemical nature of solutions characterized by a high concentration of hydroxyl ions.
Alteration:
Usually referring to chemical reactions in a rock mass resulting from the passage of hydrothermal fluids.
Andesite
: A dark-coloured, fine-grained extrusive rock that, when porphyritic, contains phenocrysts composed primarily of zoned sodic plagioclase (esp. andesine) and one or more of the mafic minerals (eg. Biotite, horn-blende, pyroxene), with a ground-mass composed generally of the same minerals as the phenocrysts; the extrusive equivalent of
diorite
. Andesite grades into
latite
with increasing alkali feldspar content, and into
dacite
with more alkali feldspar and quartz. It was named by Buch in 1826 from the Andes Mountains, South America.
Anomalous:
A geological feature, often subsurface, distinguished by geological, geochemical or geophysical means, which is detectably different than the general surroundings and is often of potential economic value.
Anomaly:
Any concentration of metal noticeably above or below the average background concentration.
Argillic
: A form of alteration characterised by the alteration of original minerals to clays.
Arsenopyrite
: A sulphide of arsenic and iron with the chemical composition FeAsS.
Assay:
An analysis to determine the presence, absence or quantity of one or more components.
Axis:
An imaginary hinge line about which the fold limbs are bent. The axis of a fold can be at the top or bottom of the fold, can be tilted or horizontal.
Batholith:
An intrusion, usually granitic, which has a large exposed surface area and no observable bottom. Usually associated with orogenic belts.
Bathymetry survey:
A geophysical survey that uses echo sounding to determine water depth.
Breccia:
Rock consisting of more or less angular fragments in a matrix of finer-grained material or cementing material.
Brecciated:
Rock broken up by geological forces.
Bulk sample:
A very large sample, the kind of sample to take from broken rock or of gravels and sands when testing placer deposits.
Calc-silicate:
Calcium-bearing silicate minerals. These minerals are commonly formed as a result of the interaction of molten rock and its derived, hot hydrothermal fluids with very chemically reactive calcium carbonate (limestone). Calc-silicate minerals include garnet, pyroxene, amphibole and epidote. These minerals are commonly described as skarn and are genetically and spatially associated with a wide range of metals
Carbonate replacement deposit:
A style of silver lead zinc mineralization in limestones.
Chert:
A very fine grained siliceous rock. Many limestones contain nodules and thin lenses of chert.
Chip sample:
A sample composed of discontinuous chips taken along a surface across a given line.
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Claim:
That portion of public mineral lands, which a party has staked or marked out in accordance with provincial or state mining laws, to acquire the right to explore for the minerals under the surface.
Clastic:
Consisting of rock material that has been mechanically derived, transported, and deposited. Such material is also called detrital.
Cleavage:
The tendency of a crystal to split, or break, along planes of structural weakness.
Columnar Jointing:
A pattern of jointing that breaks rock into rough, six-sided columns. Such jointing is characteristic of basaltic flows and sills and is believed to result from shrinkage during cooling.
Concordant Bodies:
Intrusive igneous bodies whose contacts are parallel to the bedding of the intruded rock.
Conglomerate:
Rock composed of mostly rounded fragments which are of gravel size or larger in a finer grained matrix.
Craton:
A central stable region common to nearly all continents and composed chiefly of highly metamorphosed Precambrian rocks.
Cretaceous:
Geological time period between 136 and 64 million years ago.
Crystalline:
Means the specimen is made up of one or more groups of crystals.
Cut-off grade:
The minimum grade of mineralization used to establish quantitative and qualitative estimates of total mineralization.
Dacite:
A fine grained acid volcanic rock, similar to rhyolite in which the feldspar is predominantly plagioclase.
Degradation:
The ongoing process of erosion in a stream.
Diabase:
Igneous hypabyssal rocks. The name is applied differently in different parts of the world leading to considerable confusion.
Diagenesis:
The changes that occur in a sediment during and after lithification. These changes include compaction, cementation, replacement, and recrystallization.
Diamond drill:
A type of rotary drill in which the cutting is done by abrasion using diamonds embedded in a matrix rather than by percussion. The drill cuts a core of rock which is recovered in long cylindrical sections.
Dilution:
Results from the mixing in of unwanted gangue or waste rock with the ore during mining.
Dip:
Geological measurement of the angle of maximum slope of planar elements in rocks. Can be applied to beddings, jointing, fault planes, etc.
Discordant Bodies:
Intrusive igneous bodies whose contacts cut across the bedding, or other pre-existing structures, to the intruded rock.
Disseminated deposit
: Deposit in which the mineralization is scattered through a large volume of host rock, sometimes as separate mineral grains, or sometimes along joint or fault surfaces.
Dolomite:
A magnesium bearing limestone usually containing at least 15% magnesium carbonate.
Dunite:
An intrusive, monomineralic, ultramafic rock composed almost completely of magnesian olivine.
Dyke:
A tabular, discordant, intrusive igneous body.
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Earn in:
The right to acquire an interest in a property pursuant to an Option Agreement.
Ejecta:
Pyroclastic material thrown out or ejected by a volcano. It includes ash, volcanic bombs, and lapilli.
Epithermal:
Epithermal deposits are a class of ore deposits that form generally less than 1 km from surface. These deposits, which can host economic quantities of gold, silver, copper, lead and zinc are formed as a result of the precipitation of ore minerals from up-welling hydrothermal fluids. There are several classes of epithermal deposits that are defined on the basis of fluid chemistry and resulting alteration and ore mineralogy. Fluid chemistry is largely controlled by the proximity to igneous intrusive rocks and as a result igneous fluid content.
Extrusive Rock:
Igneous rock that has solidified on the earth’s surface from volcanic action.
Fault
: A fracture in a rock where there had been displacement of the two sides.
Faults:
Breaks in rocks with noticeable movement or displacement of the rocks on either side of the break.
Feasibility study:
A comprehensive study of a mineral deposit in which all geological, engineering, legal, operating, economic, social, environmental and other relevant factors are considered in sufficient detail that it could reasonably serve as the basis for a final decision by a financial institution to finance the development of the deposit for mineral production.
Feldspar:
A group of aluminum silicate minerals closely related in chemical composition and physical properties. There are two major chemical varieties of feldspar: the potassium aluminum, or potash, feldspars and the sodium-calcium-aluminum, or plagioclase, feldspars. The feldspars possess a tetrahedral framework of silicon and oxygen, with the partial substitution of aluminum for the silicon. They make up about 60 percent of the earth’s crust.
Felsic:
Light coloured silicate minerals, mainly quartz and feldspar, or an igneous rock comprised largely of felsic minerals (granite, rhyolite).
Fluid inclusion:
A cavity, with or without negative crystal faces, containing one or two fluid phases, and possibly one or more minute crystals, in a host crystal. If two fluid phases are present, the vapour phase (bubble) may show Brownian motion.
Folds:
Are flexures in bedded or layered rocks. They are formed when forces are applied gradually to rocks over a long period of time.
Fracture:
Breaks in a rock, usually due to intensive folding or faulting.
Gabbro:
A group of dark-colored, basic intrusive igneous rocks composed principally of basic plagioclase (commonly labradorite or bytownite) and clinopyroxene (augite), with or without olivine and orthopyroxene; also, any member of that group. It is the approximate intrusive equivalent of basalt. Apatite and magnetite or ilmenite are common accessory minerals.
Gambusino:
Small miners working without machinery.
Gangue:
Term used to describe worthless minerals or rock waste mixed in with the valuable minerals.
Geochemical Anomaly:
An area of elevated values of a particular element in soil or rock samples collected during the preliminary reconnaissance search for locating favourable metal concentrations that could indicate the presence of surface or drill targets.
Geochemistry:
The study of the chemistry of rocks, minerals, and mineral deposits.
Geophysics:
The study of the physical properties of rocks, minerals, and mineral deposits.
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Gneiss:
A coarse grained metamorphic rock characterized by alternating bands of unlike minerals, commonly light bands of quartz and feldspar and dark bands of mica and hornblende.
Gossan:
The leached and oxidised near surface part of a sulphide mineral deposit, usually consisting largely of hydrated iron oxides left after copper and other minerals have been removed by downward leaching.
Gouge:
The finely ground rock that results from the abrasion along a fault surface.
Grade:
The concentration of each ore metal in a rock sample, usually given as weight percent. Where extremely low concentrations are involved, the concentration may be given in grams per tonne (g/t) or ounces per ton (oz/t). The grade of an ore deposit is calculated, often using sophisticated statistical procedures, as an average of the grades of a very large number of samples collected from throughout the deposit.
Granite:
A coarse grained, plutonic igneous rock that is normally pale pink, pale pink-brown, or pale grey, and composed of quartz, alkali feldspar, micas and accessory minerals.
Granodiorite:
A course grained, plutonic igneous rock that is normally pale grey, and composed of quartz, calc-alkali feldspar, micas and accessory minerals.
Gravity survey:
A geophysical survey which measures the variations of the earth’s gravitational field in order to differentiate between rocks of contrasting specific gravities.
Grid:
A network composed of two sets of uniformly spaced parallel lines, usually intersecting at right angles and forming squares, superimposed on a map, chart, or aerial photograph, to permit identification of ground locations by means of a system or coordinates and to facilitate computation of direction and distance and size of geologic, geochemical or geophysical features.
Hanging wall and Footwall:
Terms used in reference to faults where when mining along a fault, your feet would be in the footwall side of the fault and the other side would be “hanging” over your head.
Hectare:
A square of 100 metres on each side.
Host rock:
The rock within which the ore deposit occurs.
Hydrothermal:
Of or pertaining to hot water, to the action of hot water, or to the products of this action, such as a mineral deposit precipitated from a hot aqueous solution; also, said of the solution itself. “Hydrothermal” is generally used for any hot water, but has been restricted by some to water of magmatic origin.
Igneous:
Means a rock formed by the cooling of molten silicate material.
Ignimbrite:
The rock formed by the widespread deposition and consolidation of ash flows and nues ardentes. The term includes
welded tuff
and nonwelded but recrystallized ash flows.
Indicated
Mineral Resource:
An ‘Indicated Mineral Resource’ is that part of a Mineral Resource for which quantity, grade or quality, densities, shape and physical characteristics, can be estimated with a level of confidence sufficient to allow the appropriate application of technical and economic parametres, to support mine planning and evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit. The estimate is based on detailed and reliable exploration and testing information gathered through appropriate techniques from locations such as out-crops, trenches, pits, workings and drill holes that are spaced closely enough for geological and grade continuity to be reasonably assumed.
Induced polarization (I.P.) method:
The method used to measure various electrical responses to the passage of alternating currents of different frequencies through near-surface rocks or to the passage of pulses of electricity.
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Inferred
Mineral
Resource
:
An ‘Inferred Mineral Resource’ is that part of a Mineral Resource for which quantity and grade or quality can be estimated on the basis of geological evidence and limited sampling and reasonably assumed, but not verified, geological and grade continuity. The estimate is based on limited information and sampling gathered through appropriate techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and drill holes.
Intermediate:
An igneous rock made up of both felsic and mafic minerals (diorite).
Intrusion
: General term for a body of igneous rock formed below the surface.
Intrusive Rock:
Any igneous rock solidified from magma beneath the earth’s surface.
Joint venture agreement:
An agreement where the parties agree to the terms on which a property will be jointly explored, developed, and mined. (See also “Option agreement” and “Earn in”).
Jurassic:
Geological time period between 195 and 136 million years ago.
Kimberlite:
A kimberlite is a pipe-like volcano sourced from deep within the earth under extreme temperatures and pressures. It is the host rock for diamonds and diamond indicator minerals such as kimberlitic ilmenites and garnets.
K-silicate:
Potassium-bearing silicates. Potassium silicates are very common rock-forming minerals, however they are also formed by the interaction of hyrothermal fluids derived from the cooling intrusive rocks that are genetically and spatially associated with porphyry and epithermal deposits. Potassium feldspar (orthoclase) and potassium mica (biotite) are both commonly closely associated with copper-molybdenum ore in porphyry copper deposits.
K-spar:
Potassium feldspar.
Lamprophyre:
A group of dike rocks in which dark minerals occur both as phenocrysts and in the groundmass and light minerals occur in the groundmass. Essential constituents are biotite, hornblende, pyroxene, and feldspar or feldspathoids. Most lamprophyres are highly altered. They are commonly associated with
carbonatites.
Lava:
Means an igneous rock formed by the cooling of molten silicate material which escapes to the earth’s surface or pours out onto the sea floor.
Limestone:
Sedimentary rock that is composed mostly of carbonates, the two most common of which are calcium and magnesium carbonates.
Lithosphere:
The crust and upper mantle, located above the asthenosphere and composing the rigid plates.
Mafic:
A general term used to describe ferromagnesian minerals. Rocks composed mainly of ferromagnesian minerals are correctly termed melanocratic.
Magma:
Naturally occurring molten rock material, generated within the earth and capable of intrusion and extrusion, from which igneous rocks have been derived through solidification and related processes. It may or may not contain suspended solids (such as crystals and rock fragments) and/or gas phases.
Massive:
Implies large mass. Applied in the context of hand specimens of, for example, sulphide ores, it usually means the specimen is composed essentially of sulphides with few, if any, other constituents.
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Measured
Mineral
Resource:
A ‘Measured Mineral Resource’ is that part of a Mineral Resource for which quantity, grade or quality, densities, shape, physical characteristics are so well established that they can be estimated with confidence sufficient to allow the appropriate application of technical and economic parametres, to support production planning and evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit. The estimate is based on detailed and reliable exploration, sampling and testing information gathered through appropriate techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and drill holes that are spaced closely enough to confirm both geological and grade continuity.
Metamorphic:
Means any rock which is altered within the earth’s crust by the effects of heat and/or pressure and/or chemical reactions. Pertains to the process of metamorphism or to its results
.
Metasediment
: A sediment or sedimentary rock that shows evidence of having been subjected to metamorphism.
Metavolcanic:
An informal term for volcanic rocks that show evidence of having been subject to metamorphism.
Mineral claim:
A legal entitlement to minerals in a certain defined area of ground.
Mineral Deposit or Mineralized Material:
A mineralized underground body which has been intersected by sufficient closely spaced drill holes and or underground sampling to support sufficient tonnage and average grade of metal(s) to warrant further exploration-development work. This deposit does not qualify as a commercially mineable ore body (Reserves), as prescribed under Commission standards, until a final and comprehensive economic, technical, and legal feasibility study based upon the test results is concluded
Mineral:
A naturally occurring, inorganic, solid element or compound that possesses an orderly internal arrangement of atoms and a unique set of physical and chemical properties.
Mineral Resource:
A Mineral Resource is a concentration or occurrence of natural, solid, inorganic or fossilized organic material in or on the Earth’s crust in such form and quantity and of such a grade or quality that it has reasonable prospects for economic extraction. The location, quantity, grade, geological characteristics and continuity of a Mineral Resource are known, estimated or interpreted from specific geological evidence and knowledge.
Mineral Reserve
: A Mineral Reserve is the economically mineable part of a Measured or Indicated Mineral Resource demonstrated by at least a Preliminary Feasibility Study. This Study must include adequate information on mining, processing, metallurgical, economic and other relevant factors that demonstrate, at the time of reporting, that economic extraction can be justified. A Mineral Reserve includes diluting materials and allowances for losses that may occur when the material is mined.
Mineralization:
Usually implies minerals of value occurring in rocks.
Monocline:
A structure in which a bed exhibits local steepening of otherwise uniform dip.
National Instrument 43-101:
A
rule developed by the Canadian Securities Administrators and administered by the provincial securities commissions that govern how issuers disclose scientific and technical information about their mineral projects to the public. It covers oral statements as well as written documents and websites. It requires that all disclosure be based on advice by a “qualified person” and in some circumstances that the person be independent of the issuer and the property.
Net profits interest:
A contractual granted right to some portion of the profits after deduction of expenses sometimes expressed as a form of royalty.
Net smelter returns:
Means the amount actually paid to the mine or mill owner from the sale of ore, minerals and other materials or concentrates mined and removed from mineral properties. A royalty based on net smelter returns usually provides cash flow that is free of any operating or capital costs and environmental liabilities.
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Option agreement:
An agreement where the optionee can exercise certain options to acquire or increase an interest in a property by making periodic payments or share issuances or both to the optionor or by exploring, developing or producing from the optionor’s property or both. Usually upon the acquisition of such interest, all operations thereafter are on a joint venture basis.
Ore:
A natural aggregate of one or more minerals which may be mined and sold at a profit, or from which some part may be profitably separated.
Ore reserve:
The measured quantity and grade of all or part of a mineralized body in a mine or undeveloped mineral deposit for which the mineralization is sufficiently defined and measured on three sides to form the basis of at least a preliminary mine production plan for economically viable mining.
Orogeny:
The process of forming mountains by folding and thrusting.
Outcrop:
An in situ exposure of bedrock.
Overburden:
A general term for any material covering or obscuring rocks from view.
oz/t or opt:
Ounces per ton.
Paleozoic:
An era of geologic time, from the end of the Precambrian to the beginning of the Mesozoic, or from about 570 to about 225 million years ago.
Panel Sample
: A large volume/weight continuous rock chip sample collected over a definite area (e.g. 0.25m X 0.50m), and to a uniform depth (e.g. 2.5cm or 1 inch), on a mineral zone. Panel sampling is generally employed in a trenching program to obtain more representative grades particularly of a narrow mineralized structure such as a vein.
Peridotite:
A coarse grained ultramafic rock commonly consisting of olivine and pyroxenes.
Phenocrysts
: An unusually large crystal in a relatively finer grained matrix.
Phonolite
: Any extrusive rock composed of alkali feldspar, mafic minerals and any feldspathoid, such as nepheline, leucite, or sodalite.
Pluton:
Term for an igneous intrusion, usually formed from magma.
Porphyry:
An igneous rock composed of larger crystals set within a finer ground mass.
Preliminary feasibility study/Pre-feasibility study:
A comprehensive study of the viability of a mineral project that has advanced to a stage where the mining method, in the case of underground mining, or the pit configuration, in the case of an open pit, has been established and an effective method of mineral processing has been determined, and includes a financial analysis based on reasonable assumptions of technical, engineering, legal, operating, economic, social and environmental factors and the evaluation of other relevant factors which are sufficient for a qualified person, acting reasonably, to determine if all or part of the mineral resource may be classified as a mineral reserve.
Probable Mineral Reserve
: A ‘Probable Mineral Reserve’ is the economically mineable part of an Indicated, and in some circumstances a Measured Mineral Resource demonstrated by at least a Preliminary Feasibility Study. This Study must include adequate information on mining, processing, metallurgical, economic, and other relevant factors that demonstrate, at the time of reporting, that economic extraction can be justified.
Proven Mineral Reserve
: A 'Proven Mineral Reserve’ is the economically mineable part of a Measured Mineral Resource demonstrated by at least a Preliminary Feasibility Study. This Study must include adequate information on mining, processing, metallurgical, economic, and other relevant factors that demonstrate, at the time of reporting, that economic extraction is justified.
10
Pyroclastic rock:
A rock of volcanic origin consisting of highly variable mixture of rock fragments, cinders and ashes and bits of crystals and glass.
Pyroxenites:
Ultramafic plutonic rock chiefly composed of pyroxene, with accessory hornblende, biotite, or olivine.
Qualified Person:
As defined in National Instrument 43-10, an individual who:
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a)
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is an engineer or geoscientist with at least five years of experience in mineral exploration, mine development or operation or mineral project assessment, or any combination of these;
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b)
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has experience relevant to the subject matter of the mineral project and the technical report and
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c)
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is a member in good standing of a professional association.
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Quartz monzonite:
A course grained, plutonic igneous rock that is normally pale pink, and composed of quartz, alkali feldspar, micas and accessory minerals.
Rare Earth:
A group of rare metallic chemical elements with consecutive atomic numbers of 57 to 71.
Reclamation bond:
A bond usually required by governmental mining regulations when mechanized work on a property is contemplated. Proceeds of the bond are used to reclaim any workings or put right any damage if reclamation undertaken does not satisfy the requirements of the regulations.
Reserve:
That part of a mineral deposit which could be economically extracted or produced at the time of the reserve determination.
Reserves:
A natural aggregate of one or more minerals which, at a specified time and place, may be mined and sold at a profit, or from which some part may be profitably separated.
Reverse circulation drill:
A rotary percussion drill in which the drilling mud and cuttings return to the surface through the drill pipe.
Rhyolite:
The fine grained equivalent of a granite.
Royalty interest:
A royalty, the calculation and payment of which is tied to some production unit such as tonne of concentrate or ounce of gold or silver produced. A common form of royalty interest is based on the net smelter return.
Sample:
Small amount of material that is supposed to be absolutely typical or representative of the object being sampled.
Sandstone:
Composed of sand-sized fragments cemented together. As a rule the fragments contain a high percentage of quartz.
Schist:
A strongly foliated crystalline rock, formed by dynamic metamorphism, that has well-developed parallelism of more than 50% of the minerals present, particularly those of lamellar or elongate prismatic habit, e.g. mica and hornblende.
Sedimentary:
A rock formed from cemented or compacted sediments.
Sediments:
Are composed of the debris resulting from the weathering and breakup of other rocks that have been deposited by or carried to the oceans by rivers, or left over from glacial erosion or sometimes from wind action.
11
Selvage:
A marginal zone, as in a dyke or vein, having some distinctive feature of fabric or composition.
Sericite:
A fine-grained variety of mica occurring in small scales, especially in schists.
Shale:
An argillaceous rock consisting of silt or clay-sized particles cemented together. Most shales are quite soft, because they contain large amounts of clay minerals.
Shear zone:
Where a fault affects a width of rock rather than being a single clean break, the width of affected rock is referred to as the shear zone. The term implies movement, i.e. shearing.
Silicate:
Most rocks are made up of a small number of silicate minerals ranging from quartz (SiO2) to more complex minerals such as orthoclase feldspar (KAlSi3O8) or hornblende (Ca2Na(Mg,Fe)4(Al,Fe,Ti)Si8)22(OH)2).
Sill:
Tabular intrusion which is sandwiched between layers in the host rock.
Skarn:
A thermally altered impure limestone in which material has been added to the original rock. Skarns are generally characterized by the presence of calcium and silica rich minerals. Many skarns contain sulphide minerals which in some cases can be of economic value.
Sonic drill:
A drill used to penetrate soft sediments where the drill advance by means of slow rotations and sonic vibrations. Samples of very soft material can be collected with this system.
Stock:
An igneous intrusive body of unknown depth with a surface exposure of less than 104 square kilometres. The sides, or contacts, of a stock, like those of a batholith, are usually steep and broaden with depth.
Stockwork:
A mineral deposit consisting of a three-dimensional network of closely spaced planar or irregular veinlets.
Strike:
The bearing, or magnetic compass direction, of an imaginary line formed by the intersection of a horizontal plane with any planar surface, most commonly with bedding planes or foliation planes in rocks.
Sulphide minerals
: A mineral compound characterized by the linkage of sulfur with a metal or semimetal; e.g., galena.
Syncline:
A fold in which the bed has been forced down in the middle or up on the sides to form a trough.
Tailings:
Material rejected from a mill after recoverable valuable minerals have been extracted.
Tailings pond:
A pond where tailings are disposed of.
Till:
An unsorted sediment made up of clay, sand and boulders left in the wake of a glaciation.
Tonne:
Metric ton – 1,000 kilograms – equivalent to 1.1023 tons.
Tourmaline:
A group of minerals of general formula (Na,Ca)(Mg,Fe
+2
,Fe
+3
,Al,Li)
3
Al
6
(BO
3
)
3
Si
6
O
18
(OH)
4
; it sometimes contains fluorine in small amounts. Also, any mineral of the tourmaline group. Tourmaline occurs in 3-, 6-, or 9-sided prisms, usually vertically striated, or in compact or columnar masses; it is commonly found as an accessory mineral in granitic pegmatites, and is widely distributed in acid igneous rocks and in metamorphic rocks. It can indicative of alteration associated with porphyry style mineralization
.
Tremolite:
A white to dark-gray monoclinic mineral of the amphibole group: Ca
2
Mg
5
Si
8
O
22
(OH)
2
. It occurs in long blade-shaped or short stout prismatic crystals, and also in columnar or fibrous masses, esp. in metamorphic rocks such as crystalline dolomitic limestone and talc schist. It is a constituent of much commercial talc. alteration — usually referring to chemical reactions in a rock mass resulting from the passage of hydrothermal fluids.
Triassic:
Geological time period between 225 and 195 million years ago.
Tuff :
A finer grained pyroclastic rock made up mostly of ash and other fine grained volcanic material.
Veins:
The mineral deposits that are found filling openings in rocks created by faults or replacing rocks on either side of faults.
Vuggy silica:
In a high sulphidation epithermal environment, the highly acidic waters have dissolved everything but silica resulting in a highly porous and pox marker rock which is a good host for gold deposition. It is an indicator mineralization typical of epithermal rocks.
Waste:
Rock which is not ore. Usually referred to that rock which has to be removed during the normal course of mining in order to get at the ore.
12
Notes Concerning Terminology Related to Resources and Reserves
The terms "mineral resource", "measured mineral resource", "indicated mineral resource", "inferred mineral resource", “mineral reserve”, “probable mineral reserve” and “proven mineral reserve” used in this Annual Report are Canadian mining terms as defined in accordance with National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects under the guidelines set out in the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (the "CIM") Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, adopted by the CIM Council on November 14, 2004 as may be amended from time to time by the CIM. In accordance with Industry Guide 7, Description of Property by Issuers Engaged or to be Engaged in Significant Mining Operations, issued by the U. S. Securities and Exchange Commission, resource is termed “mineralization” or “mineral deposit”.
Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors concerning estimates of Measured and Indicated Resources
This Annual Report uses the terms "measured" and "indicated resources." We advise U.S. investors that while such terms are recognized and permitted under Canadian regulations, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission does not recognize them. U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of the mineral deposits in these categories will ever be converted into reserves.
Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors concerning estimates of Inferred Resources
This Annual Report uses the terms "inferred resources." We advise U.S. investors that while such term is recognized and permitted under Canadian regulations, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission does not recognize it. "Inferred resources" have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian rules estimates of inferred mineral resources may not form the basis of feasibility or other economic studies. U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of an inferred resource exists, or is economically or legally minable.
Glossary of Abbreviations
Ag:
Silver
Ag gm/t:
Silver grade measured in grams per metric tonne
Converts to ounces per ton by dividing by 34.286
Au:
Gold
Au gm/t:
Gold grade measured in grams per metric tonne
Converts to ounces per ton by dividing by 34.286
Ba:
Barium
Co:
Cobalt
CRD:
Carbonate replacement deposit
Cu:
Copper
EIS:
Environmental Impact Statement
Fe:
Iron
gpm:
gallons per minute
gpt:
grams per tonne
g/t:
grams per tonne
IP
: Induced Polarization geophysical survey
Ni:
Nickel
NSR:
net smelter return royalty
opt:
ounces per ton
Oz:
Troy ounce
Pb
: Lead
Pd:
Palladium
PGM:
Platinum group minerals
Pt:
Platinum
S:
Sulphur
tpd:
Tonnes per day
ton:
Short ton (2,000 pounds)
tonne:
Metric ton (1000 kilograms - 2204.62 pounds)
VLF:
Very low frequency electromagnetic geophysical survey
VMS:
Volcanogenic massive sulphide
13
Not applicable
Not applicable
The Company was created by amalgamation under the laws of the Province of British Columbia of its predecessor companies, Almaden Resources Corporation and Fairfield Minerals Ltd., effective December 31, 2001.
The following selected financial data of the Company for Fiscal 2010 and Fiscal 2009 ended December 31st was derived from the consolidated financial statements of the Company included elsewhere in this 20-F Annual Report. The selected financial data should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and other information included elsewhere in this Annual Report.
The consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”). Until December 31, 2008, the Company prepared its consolidated financial statements in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles (“Canadian GAAP”). Effective January 1, 2009 the Company adopted IFRS.
Pursuant to SEC Release No. 33-8567 “First-Time Application of International Financial Reporting Standards”, the Company is only required to include selected financial data prepared in compliance with IFRS extracted or derived from the consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2010 (earlier periods are not required to be included).
Furthermore, pursuant to SEC Release No. 33-8879 “Acceptance from Foreign Private Issuers of Financial Statements Prepared in Accordance with International Reporting Standards Without Reconciliation to U.S. GAAP”, the Company includes selected financial data prepared in compliance with IFRS without reconciliation to U.S. GAAP.
The basis of preparation and transition to IFRS are described in detail Notes 2 and 19, respectively, to our consolidated financial statements.
14
Table No. 1
Selected Financial Data
(expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share data)
|
Year
|
Year
|
|||||||
|
Ended
|
Ended
|
|||||||
|
12/31/2010
|
12/31/2009
|
|||||||
|
Revenues
|
$ | 234 | $ | 2,441 | ||||
|
Net loss
|
(3,465 | ) | (2,286 | ) | ||||
|
Loss per common share
|
(0.07 | ) | (0.05 | ) | ||||
|
Weighted average shares (000)
|
51,188 | 45,847 | ||||||
|
Working capital
|
29,187 | 14,530 | ||||||
|
Mineral properties
|
4,439 | 8,417 | ||||||
|
Net assets
|
35,694 | 25,171 | ||||||
|
Total assets
|
36,343 | 25,659 | ||||||
|
Capital stock
|
62,854 | 50,878 | ||||||
|
Dividends declared per share
|
0 | 0 | ||||||
Canadian/U.S. Dollar Exchange Rates
In this Annual Report, unless otherwise specified, all dollar amounts are expressed in Canadian dollars (CDN$). The Government of Canada permits a floating exchange rate to determine the value of the Canadian dollar against the U.S. dollar (US$)
Table No. 2 sets forth the exchange rate for the Canadian dollars at the end of the five most recent fiscal periods ended at December 31
st
, the average rates for the period, the range of high and low rates and the close for the period. Table No. 3 sets forth the range of high and low rates for each month during the previous six months.
For purposes of this table, the rate of exchange means the noon buying rate in New York City for cable transfers in foreign currencies as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The table sets forth the number of Canadian Dollars required under that formula to buy one U.S. Dollar. The average rate means the average of the exchange rates on the last day of each month during the period.
Table No. 2
Canadian Dollar/U.S. Dollar Exchange Rates for Five Most Recent Financial Years
|
Average
|
High
|
Low
|
Close
|
|||||||||||||
|
Fiscal Year Ended 12/31/2010
|
$ | 1.03 | $ | 1.08 | $ | 1.00 | $ | 1.00 | ||||||||
|
Fiscal Year Ended 12/31/2009
|
1.14 | 1.30 | 1.03 | 1.05 | ||||||||||||
|
Fiscal Year Ended 12/31/2008
|
1.06 | 1.30 | 0.97 | 1.22 | ||||||||||||
|
Fiscal Year Ended 12/31/2007
|
1.07 | 1.19 | 0.92 | 0.99 | ||||||||||||
|
Fiscal Year Ended 12/31/2006
|
1.15 | 1.17 | 1.10 | 1.17 | ||||||||||||
Table No. 3
U.S. Dollar/Canadian Dollar Exchange Rates for Previous Six Months
|
September
2010
|
October
2010
|
November
2010
|
December
2010
|
January
2011
|
February
2011
|
|||||||||||||||||||
|
High
|
$ | 1.05 | $ | 1.03 | $ | 1.03 | $ | 1.02 | $ | 1.00 | $ | 1.00 | ||||||||||||
|
Low
|
1.02 | 1.00 | 1.00 | 1.00 | 0.99 | 0.97 | ||||||||||||||||||
The exchange rate was $0.98 on March 25, 2011.
15
Risk Factors
General Risk Factors Attendant to Resource Exploration and Development
Resource exploration and development is a speculative business, characterized by a number of significant risks including, among other things, unprofitable efforts resulting not only from the failure to discover mineral deposits but from finding mineral deposits which, though present, are insufficient in quantity and quality to return a profit from production. The marketability of minerals acquired or discovered by the Company may be affected by numerous factors which are beyond the control of the Company and which cannot be accurately predicted, such as market fluctuations, the proximity and capacity of milling facilities, mineral markets and processing equipment, and such other factors as government regulations, including regulations relating to royalties, allowable production, importing and exporting of minerals, and environment protection, the combination of which factors may result in the Company not receiving an adequate return on investment capital.
Presently, the Company is in the exploration stage and there is no assurance that a commercially viable ore deposit (a reserve) exists in any of its properties or prospects until further exploration work is done and a comprehensive economic evaluation based upon that work is concluded. The Company retains an inventory of 1,597 ounces of gold from previous production by its predecessor (“Fairfield”) from the Siwash mine on the Elk property. The gold was mined in 1994 and shipped to the smelter in 1996. The gold produced was retained as inventory by Fairfield. Both the Company and its predecessor have financed their operations principally through the sale of equity securities, entering into joint venture arrangements and the sale of its inventory of gold. The recoverability of mineral properties is dependent on the establishment of economically recoverable reserves, the ability of the Company to obtain the necessary financing to complete development and ultimately upon future profitable production or the realization of proceeds from the disposition of the properties.
Uncertainty in Discovering Commercially Mineable Ore Deposits
There is no certainty that the expenditures to be made by the Company in the exploration of its properties and prospects as described herein will result in discoveries of mineralized material in commercial quantities. Most exploration projects do not result in the discovery of commercially mineable ore deposits and no assurance can be given that any particular level of recovery of ore reserves will in fact be realized or that any identified mineral deposit will ever qualify as a commercially mineable (or viable) ore body which can be legally and economically exploited. Estimates of reserves, mineral deposits and production costs can also be affected by such factors as environmental permitting regulations and requirements, weather, environmental factors, unforeseen technical difficulties, unusual or unexpected geological formations and work interruptions. In addition, the grade of ore ultimately mined may differ from that indicated by drilling results. Short term factors relating to ore reserves, such as the need for orderly development of ore bodies or the processing of new or different grades, may also have an adverse effect on mining operations and on the results of operations. There can be no assurance that minerals recovered in small-scale tests will be duplicated in large-scale tests under on-site conditions or in production scale. Material changes in ore reserves, grades, stripping ratios or recovery rates may affect the economic viability of any project.
History of Net Losses, Lack of Cash Flow and Assurance of Profitability
The Company had net losses in a number of years since its date of incorporation. Due to the nature of the Company’s business, there can be no assurance that the Company will be profitable. The Company had net losses of $3,464,652 in Fiscal 2010 and $2,285,959 in Fiscal 2009.
The Company currently has no revenues from operations as all of its properties and prospects are in the exploration stage. There is no assurance that the Company will receive revenues from operations at any time in the near future. During Fiscal 2010 and 2009, the Company had revenue from exploration and drilling contractor services provided to third parties. Otherwise, the Company has had no prior year’s history of earnings or cash flow other than the NSR royalty from the La Trinidad Mine and the bulk sampling on the Elk gold property. Neither the Company nor its predecessor has paid dividends on their shares since incorporation and the Company does not anticipate doing so in the foreseeable future. Historically, the only source of funds available to the Company was through the sale of its equity shares and entering into joint venture agreements. The only source of funds available to the Company’s predecessor was through the sale of its inventory of gold, the sale of its equity shares and entering into joint venture agreements. Any future additional equity financing would cause dilution to current stockholders.
16
Uncertainty of Obtaining Additional Funding Requirements
If the Company’s exploration programs are successful, additional capital will be required for the development of an economic ore body and to place it in commercial production. The only sources of future funds presently available to the Company are the sale of its inventory of gold, sale of equity capital or the offering by the Company of an interest in its properties and prospects to be earned by another party or parties carrying out further development thereof. Failure to obtain additional financing on a timely basis could cause the Company to forfeit its interest in such properties, dilute its interests in the properties and/or reduce or terminate its operations.
Possible Dilution to Present and Prospective Shareholders
The Company’s plan of operation, in part, contemplates the financing of the conduct of its business by the issuance for cash securities of the Company or incurring debt, or a combination of the two. Any transaction involving the issuance of previously authorized but unissued shares of common stock, or securities convertible into common stock, would result in dilution, possibly substantial, to present and prospective holders of common stock. The Company usually seeks joint venture partners to fund in whole or in part exploration projects. This dilutes the Company’s interest in properties it has acquired.
Mineral Prices May Not Support Corporate Profit
The mining industry in general is intensely competitive and there is no assurance that, even if commercial quantities of mineral resources are developed, a profitable market will exist for the sale of same. Factors beyond the control of the Company may affect the marketability of any substances discovered. The price of minerals is volatile over short periods of time, and is affected by numerous factors beyond the control of the Company, including international economic and political trends, expectations of inflation, currency exchange fluctuations, interest rates and global or regional consumption patterns, speculative activities and increased production due to improved mining techniques. Material changes in mineral prices may affect the economic viability of any project.
Environmental Regulations
The current and anticipated future operations of the Company, including development activities and commencement of production on its properties, require permits from various federal, territorial and local governmental authorities and such operations are and will be governed by laws and regulations governing prospecting, development, mining, production, exports, taxes, labor standards, occupational health, waste disposal, toxic substances, land use, environmental protection, mine safety and other matters. Companies engaged in the development and operation of mines and related facilities generally experience increased costs, and delays in production and other schedules as a result of the need to comply with applicable laws, regulations and permits. Such operations and exploration activities are also subject to substantial regulation under these laws by governmental agencies and may require that the Company obtain permits from various governmental agencies. The Company believes it is in substantial compliance with all material laws and regulations which currently apply to its activities. There can be no assurance, however, that all permits which the Company may require for construction of mining facilities and conduct of mining operations will be obtainable on reasonable terms or that such laws and regulations, or that new legislation or modifications to existing legislation, would not have an adverse effect on any exploration or mining project which the Company might undertake.
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 exploration and mining operations may be required to compensate those suffering loss or damage by reason of the mining activities and may have civil or criminal fines or penalties imposed for violation of applicable laws or regulations.
The enactment of new laws or amendments to current laws, regulations and permits governing operations and activities of mining companies, or more stringent implementation thereof, could have a material adverse impact on the Company and cause increases in capital expenditures or production costs or reduction in levels of production at producing properties or require abandonment or delays in development of new mining properties.
17
As a requirement for performing certain exploration activities, the Company has $124,764 on deposit as reclamation bonds for exploration work and site disturbance on the Elk and other prospects in Canada and the United States. These allocated funds have been deposited for the benefit of the Province of British Columbia and the State of Nevada until released upon approval from the Province and State after all necessary reclamation work on the properties has been performed. If the reclamation is more prolonged and requires funds in addition to those already allocated, the Company could be forced to pay for the extra work and it could have a significant negative impact upon the Company’s financial position and operations.
No Guarantee of Title to Mineral Properties
While the Company and its predecessor have investigated title to all of its mineral properties and prospects, and, to the best of its knowledge, title to all of its properties and prospects in which it has the right to acquire or earn an interest are in good standing as of the date of this Annual Report, this should not be construed as a guarantee of title. The properties and prospects may be subject to prior unregistered agreements or transfers unknown to the Company and title may be affected by undetected defects, e.g. defects in staking or acquisition process.
As there are unresolved native land claim issues in British Columbia and the Yukon Territory, the Company’s properties and prospects in these jurisdictions may be affected in the future.
If title is disputed, the Company will have to defend its ownership through the courts, which would likely be an expensive and protracted process and have a negative effect on the Company’s operations and financial condition. In the event of an adverse judgment, the Company could lose its property rights.
Trading Volume
The relatively low trading volume of the Company’s shares reduces the liquidity of an investment in the Company’s shares. Due to the reduced liquidity in the secondary markets, shareholders may find it more difficult to sell their shares.
Volatility of Share Price
Market prices for shares of early stage companies are often volatile. Factors such as announcements of mineral discoveries, exploration and financial results, and other factors could have a significant effect on the price of the Company’s shares.
Material Risk of Dilution Presented by Large Number of Outstanding Share Purchase Options and Warrants
As of March 21, 2011 there were share purchase options outstanding allowing the holders of these options to purchase 4,980,000 shares of common stock and share purchase warrants outstanding allowing the holders to purchase 1,205,499 shares of common stock. Directors and officers of the Company hold 4,295,000 of these share purchase options. An additional 685,000 share purchase options are held by employees and consultants of the Company. Given the fact that as of March 21, 2011 there were 55,876,822 shares of common stock outstanding, the exercise of all of the existing share purchase options and warrants would result in further dilution to the existing shareholders and could depress the price of the Company’s shares. The exercise of all outstanding share purchase options would cause the number of issued and outstanding common shares to rise 8.9%. The exercise of all outstanding share purchase warrants would cause the number of issued and outstanding common shares to rise 2.2%.
No Proven Reserves
The properties and prospects in which the Company has an interest or the properties in which the Company has the right to earn an interest are in the exploratory stage only, are without a known body of ore and are not in commercial production. If the Company does not ultimately find a body of economically recoverable ore, it would either have to acquire additional exploration projects, or terminate is operations.
Uncertainty of Reserves and Mineralization Estimates
There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating proven and probable reserves and mineralization, including many factors beyond the control of the Company. The estimation of reserves and mineralization is a subjective process and the accuracy of any such estimates is a function of the quality of available data and of engineering and geological interpretation and judgement. Results of drilling, metallurgical testing and production and the evaluation of mine plans subsequent to the date of any estimate may justify revision of such estimates. No assurances can be given that the volume and grade of reserves recovered and rates of production will not be less than anticipated. Assumptions about prices are subject to greater uncertainty and metals prices have fluctuated widely in the past. Declines in the market price of base or precious metals also may render reserves or mineralization containing relatively lower grades of ore uneconomic to exploit. Changes in operating and capital costs and other factors including, but not limiting to, short-term operating factors such as the need for sequential development of ore bodies and the processing of new or different ore grades, may materially and adversely affect reserves.
18
Foreign Incorporation and Civil Liabilities
The Company amalgamated under the laws of the Province of British Columbia, Canada. All of the Company’s directors and officers are residents of Canada and substantially all of the Company’s assets and its subsidiaries are located outside the United States. Consequently, it may be difficult for United States investors to effect service of process in the United States upon those directors and officers who are not residents of the United States, or to realize in the United States upon judgements of United States courts predicated upon civil liabilities whether under the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise.
Conflict of Interest
Some of the Company’s directors and officers are directors and officers of other natural resource or mining-related companies. James McInnes also serves as a director of Williams Creek Explorations Limited and Horseshoe Gold Mining Inc. Joseph Montgomery also serves as a director of Infrastructure Materials Corp. Gerald Carlson also serves as a director and President of Windstorm Resources Inc., a director of Copper Ridge Explorations Inc., director of Blue Sky Uranium Corp., director of Tarsis Resources Ltd., director of Panthera Exploration Inc., director of Enertopia Corporation, a director of Fairmont Resources Inc., and director of Pacific Arc Resources Inc. Barry Smee also serves a s a director of Platinum Group Metals Ltd. Marc Blythe also serves as a director and President and Chief Executive Officer of Tarsis Resources Ltd., director of Arcus Development Group Inc. and Inform Resources Ltd. and an officer of Rockhaven Resources Ltd. Mark Brown also serves as a director and CFO of Rare Element Resources Ltd. and Portal Resources Ltd. and CEO and director of Fox Resources Ltd. He also serves as a director of Strategem Capital Inc., Sutter Gold Mining Inc., Animas Resources Ltd. and Avrupa Minerals Ltd. He also serves as a CFO for Pitchstone Exploration Ltd., Tarsis Resources Ltd., and Rye Patch Gold Ltd. These associations may give rise from time to time to conflicts of interest, as a result of which, the Company may miss the opportunity to participate in certain transactions.
Foreign Operations
The Company currently has exploration projects located in Mexico and the United States. The Company’s foreign activities are subject to the risk normally associated with conducting business in foreign countries, including exchange controls and currency fluctuations, limitations on repatriation of earnings, foreign taxation, laws or policies of particular countries, labor practices and disputes, and uncertain political and economic environments, as well as risks of war and civil disturbances, or other risk that could cause exploration or development difficulties or stoppages, restrict the movement of funds or result in the deprivation or loss of contract rights or the taking of property by nationalization or expropriation without fair compensation. Foreign operations could also be adversely impacted by laws and policies of the United States affecting foreign trade, investment and taxation.
Foreign Currency Fluctuations
At the present time, some of the Company’s activities are carried on outside of Canada. Accordingly, it is subject to risks associated with fluctuations of the rate of exchange between the Canadian dollar and foreign currencies.
The Company is currently not engaged in currency hedging to offset any risk of exchange rate fluctuation and currently has no plans to engage in currency hedging.
Operating Hazards and Risks Associated with the Mining Industry
Mining operations generally involve a high degree of risk, which even a combination of experience, knowledge and careful evaluation may not be able to overcome. Hazards such as unusual or unexpected geological formations and other conditions are involved. Operations in which the Company has a direct or indirect interest will be subject to all the hazards and risks normally incidental to exploration, development and production of minerals, any of which could result in work stoppages, damage to or destruction of mines and other producing facilities, damage to or loss of life and property, environmental damage and possible legal liability for any or all damage or loss. The Company may become subject to liability for cave-ins and other hazards for which it cannot insure or against which it may elect not to insure where premium costs are disproportionate to the Company’s perception of the relevant risks. The payment of such insurance premiums and the incurring of such liabilities would reduce the funds available for exploration activities.
19
The Ability to Manage Growth
Should the Company be successful in its efforts to develop its mineral properties or to raise capital for such development or for the development of other mining ventures it will experience significant growth in operations. If this occurs management anticipates that additional expansion will be required in order to continue development. Any expansion of the Company’s business would place further demands on its management, operational capacity and financial resources. The Company anticipates that it will need to recruit qualified personnel in all areas of its operations. There can be no assurance that the Company will be effective in retaining its current personnel or attracting and retaining additional qualified personnel, expanding its operational capacity or otherwise managing growth. The failure to manage growth effectively could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations.
Lack of a Dividend Policy
The Company does not intend to pay cash dividends in the foreseeable future, as any earnings are expected to be retained for use in developing and expanding its business. However, the actual amount of dividends which the Company may pay will remain subject to the discretion of the Company’s Board of Directors and will depend on results of operations, cash requirements and future prospects of the Company and other factors.
Competition
There is competition from other mining exploration companies with operations similar to those of the Company's. Many of the mining companies with which the Company competes have operations and financial strength many times greater than that of the Company. Such competitors could outbid the Company for such projects, equipment or personnel, or produce minerals at a lower cost which would have a negative effect on the Company’s operations and financial condition.
Dependence on Key Personnel
The Company depends highly on the business and technical expertise of its management and key personnel, in particular, Duane Poliquin and Morgan Poliquin. There is little possibility that this dependence will decrease in the near term. As the Company’s operations expand, additional general management resources will be required, especially since the Company encounters risks that are inherent in doing business in several countries. In Fiscal 2007, the Company took out an accidental death insurance policy on Duane Poliquin with a $2,000,000 limit. However, the loss or unavailability of any of its key personnel could have a negative effect on the Company’s ability to operate effectively.
History & Development of the Company
The head office of the Company is located at 750 West Pender Street, Suite 1103, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6C 2T8. The registered and records office of the Company is 1199 West Hastings Street, Suite 950, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6E 3T5.
The contact persons are Duane Poliquin, Chairman and Morgan Poliquin, President. The telephone number is (604) 689-7644. The fax number is (604) 689-7645. The email address is info@almadenminerals.com. The web-site address is www.almadenminerals.com.
The Company was created by amalgamation under the laws of the Province of British Columbia of its predecessor companies, Almaden Resources Corporation and Fairfield Minerals Ltd., effective December 31, 2001. The Company operates under the laws of the
Business Corporations Act (British Columbia).
The Company’s common shares began trading on The Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”) under the symbol “AMM” on February 11, 2002 and on the American Stock Exchange, now the NYSE Amex, under the symbol “AAU” on December 19, 2005. Almaden Resources Corporation’s initial public offering on the Vancouver Stock Exchange was pursuant to a prospectus dated October 10, 1986. The shares of Fairfield Minerals Ltd. began trading on the Vancouver Stock Exchange on July 18, 1986 and on The Toronto Stock Exchange on May 21, 1990.
There have been no public takeover offers by third parties in respect of the Company’s shares and the Company has made no public takeover offers in respect of other company’s shares.
20
Organizational Structure
The Company currently has five wholly-owned subsidiaries that were formed to hold properties in their respective jurisdictions. These subsidiaries are:
|
Jurisdiction
|
Nature of operations
|
||
|
Almaden America Inc.
|
Nevada
|
holding company
|
|
|
Republic Resources Ltd.
|
British Columbia
|
holding company
|
|
|
Almaden de Mexico, S.A. de C.V.
|
Mexico
|
exploration company
|
|
|
Minera Gavilan, S.A. de C.V.
|
Mexico
|
exploration company
|
|
|
Compania Minera Zapata, S.A. de C.V.
|
Mexico
|
exploration company
|
At December 31, 2010, the Company owned a 50% share interest in ATW Resources Ltd. ("ATW"), a company incorporated in the Northwest Territories, Canada on January 6, 1993 and a 16.7% share interest in Tarsis Resources Ltd. (formerly Tarsis Capital Corp.), a company incorporated in Alberta, Canada on October 21, 2005 and continued into British Columbia on June 2, 2008.
Business of the Company
The Company is engaged in the business of the acquisition, exploration and when warranted, development of mineral properties. The Company has property interests in Canada, United States and Mexico. None of the Company's property interests are beyond exploration stage. Presently there is no assurance that any of the Company's mining properties or prospects contain a commercially viable ore body (reserve) until further exploration work is done and final feasibility study based upon such work is concluded. The Company is in the exploration stage and has not generated any revenues from operations.
Company’s Principal Properties
The Company has four principal property interests: (1) the Elk gold, silver property which includes the Siwash Gold deposit in Canada (100% interest), (2) the Tuligtic prospect (100% interest) which includes the Ixtaca zone in Mexico, (3) the Caballo Blanco gold, silver, copper prospect in Mexico (100% interest subject to a sliding scale NSR and a 70% option agreement earn in right by Goldgroup Resources Inc.), and the El Cobre copper-gold prospect (60% interest, JV agreement with Goldgroup Resources Inc. who has a 40% working interest).
Company’s Secondary Properties
The Company’s secondary property interests include the ATW diamond prospect in Canada (net
65.5% property interest), the Merit prospect in Canada (100% interest), the San Carlos prospect in Mexico (100% interest), the Yago prospect in Mexico (100% interest), the Matehuapil prospect in Mexico (100% interest subject to a 60% option agreement earn in right by Golden Minerals Ltd.) and the Caldera prospect in Mexico (100% interest subject to a 60% option agreement earn in right by Windstorm Resources Ltd.
In February 2010, the Bufa prospect in Mexico was sold to Lincoln Mining Corporation subject to a 2% NSR.
The PV prospect in Canada was sold to Consolidated Spire Ventures Ltd. during Fiscal 2006. The MOR, Tim and other prospects in Canada and the Erika prospect in Mexico were sold to Tarsis Resources Ltd. (formerly Tarsis Capital Corp.) during Fiscal 2007 (refer to The MOR Prospect – Canada). During Fiscal 2008, the Ram prospect in Canada was sold to Ross River Minerals Inc. subject to a 2% NSR and the Prospector Mountain prospect was sold to Tarsis Resources Ltd.
The Company has an investigation portfolio of other property holdings in Canada, United States and Mexico that are not considered either principal or secondary properties. The Company determines the category of a property based on exploration which is always subject to change based upon results received.
The Company also entered into a joint venture agreement in Fiscal 2005 with Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (“JOGMEC”) to undertake a regional grassroots exploration program for base metal deposits over a selected area in Mexico. During Fiscal 2007, JOGMEC withdrew from all joint venture activities.
21
Business Overview
Quality Control
The Company employs a strict quality control program for samples taken during its exploration programs. For drilling programs a quality control program is in place which includes the insertion of blanks, field duplicates and certified standards into the sample stream.
Chain of Custody
Samples of rock and drill core and cuttings are sealed by the sampler and kept under control of a qualified person until they are shipped to a laboratory.
Sample Handling
Soil and stream sediment samplers have been trained to industry standard levels of sampling methodology. In general, the Company sieves stream sediment samples to -20 mesh in the field during preparation. Samplers are required to not wear any jewellery or clothing or use equipment which may contaminate the sample. All sample locations are geographically located at the time of sampling using the Global Positioning System. The Company has prepared standardized sample information cards for samplers to record information concerning the sample location, type and medium. Outcrop, float and dump rock samples are collected by geologists who record similarly ordered geologic information relating to the sample taken.
Blanks
Blank material, a sample of crushed and pulverized rock, known to contain very low or non detectable concentration of gold, is inserted as a pulp into the sample stream on an interval of every 20 samples. Blanks are intended to detect possible contamination.
Duplicates
During drill programs the company routinely includes a field duplicate into the sample stream, spaced at 20 sample intervals. Field duplicate samples are splits of drill core or reverse circulation cuttings from the sample interval. The resulting two field duplicate samples are submitted with separate sample numbers “blind” to the assay lab and separately treated as normal samples. The samples are taken randomly with no regard to rock type, geographic position or degree of alteration or mineralization. These field duplicated are then used to detect the cumulative uncertainties associated with the entire sampling and analytical process.
Standards
During drill programs the company routinely includes a field duplicate into the sample stream, spaced at 20 sample intervals. Certified standards are purchased from CDN Resource Labs of Vancouver and are prepared by this professional third party lab according to industry standard and accepted methodologies. Standards are utilized to monitor the accuracy of the laboratory work.
Maintaining properties
The following is a general statement about government requirements for holding mineral properties in the jurisdictions where the Company works.
In Canada, mining law is a provincial or territorial matter. Maintaining a mineral property requires annual assessment work or cash in lieu of work.
In the United States, federal mining laws govern mining claims on federal land, including land administered by the Bureau of Land Management (“BLM”). A payment of US$140 per claim is payable to the BLM by September 1 of each year per twenty acre mining claim. This is filed in advance for the upcoming assessment year.
In Mexico, mining law is a federal matter. The government requires annual assessment work and expenditures per hectare which increase with the size and age of the claim. Land taxes per hectare also have to be paid by January 31 and July 31 each year. Both amounts are subject to inflation accounting and the inflation adjustment number for each fiscal period is published in the official gazette.
22
PRINCIPAL PROPERTY INTEREST IN CANADA
“MAP 1 - CANADA”
The Elk Property – Canada
“MAP 2 - ELK”
The Elk Property contains a known mineral deposit but all current work by the Company on the property is exploratory in nature.
Option to Acquire Interest
Initial staking was undertaken in November 1986 with additions in 1987, 1988, 1989 and 2006. A block comprising 72 units was optioned in October 1988. The Siwash North mining lease was issued in September 1992. Claim acquisition and subsequent work were conducted by Cordilleran Engineering Ltd. for the Company’s predecessor (“Fairfield”) until April 1995 when Fairfield assumed operations. Fairfield amalgamated with Almaden Resources Corporation in February 2002 and the claims were transferred to the amalgamated company Almaden Minerals Ltd.
On February 16, 2011, the Company announced it has entered into an Asset Sale Agreement under which Beanstalk Capital Inc. (“Beanstalk”) will acquire 100% of the Elk gold deposit. Almaden will retain a 2% NSR in the Elk project. Under the terms of the Agreement, Almaden will receive 37 million common shares of Beanstalk. Closing of the transaction is expected in the second quarter 2011 and remains subject to applicable regulatory approvals, including approval of the TSX. As part of the Transaction, Beanstalk will complete a private placement to close concurrently with the Transaction of up to 10,000,000 units (each a “Unit”) at a purchase price of $0.50 per Unit (each Unit consisting of one common share and one whole warrant (“Warrant”) exercisable at $0.75 for three years from the Closing) and up to 3,850,000 common shares in the capital of Beanstalk issued on a flow-through basis (each a “Flow-Through Share”) pursuant to the Income Tax Act (Canada) at a purchase price of $0.65 per Flow-Through Share for aggregate gross proceeds of up to $7,502,500, or in such other amounts and on such other terms as may be determined by Beanstalk. It is anticipated that upon completion of the transaction, Duane Poliquin (Chairman and Director of Almaden) and Morgan Poliquin (CEO and director of Almaden) will be Directors of Beanstalk. Marc Blythe (VP Mining of Almaden) is expected to be President of Beanstalk.
Expenditures to Date
During Fiscal 2010, the Company incurred $2,514,617 of expenditures, primarily on infill and exploration drilling, new camp construction and the completion of a preliminary economic assessment in January 2011. As at December 31, 2010, the Company had deferred costs of $8,760,369 on this property.
Location and Access
The Elk Property consists of 28 contiguous mineral claims comprising 783 cells plus a 15 hectare mining lease located 40 kilometres west of Peachland, British Columbia in the Similkameen Mining Division. The claims were converted to the new computer based cell system in July and August of 2005.
The claims cover forested, gently rolling hills with fair to poor bedrock exposure. The property is accessible by paved highway, 50 kilometres from Westbank, British Columbia, or 50 kilometres from the town of Merritt, British Columbia.
History
The property includes the Siwash Gold Mine, which, between 1992 and 1997, produced 51,460 ounces (1,600,400 gm) of gold at an average grade of 2.78 oz/t (95.32gm/t).
Work conducted on the property from 1986 to 1991 consisted of geological mapping, prospecting, linecutting, soil sampling, geophysics, excavator trenching (8.69 km), diamond drilling (111 holes, 12,524 m) and road construction.
23
During 1992, a bulk sample was extracted from an open pit on the Siwash vein in the Siwash North area. It totalled 2240 tons (2032 tonnes) grading 4.016 ounces/ton (137.7 gm/t) gold. A total of 70 reverse circulation holes were drilled to confirm the vein grade and continuity in the 1993 pit expansion area. Open pit mining was carried out by Wiltech Developments of Kelowna, B.C. under the supervision of Cordilleran Engineering. The ore was shipped to the Noranda smelter in Rouyn, Quebec in November.
In 1993, bulk sampling from the open pit continued with the extraction of 3733 tons (3386 tonnes) of mineralized material grading 3.080 oz/t (105.6 gm/t) gold. The 3.5 by 3.0 metre decline was collared at the 1628m elevation in June and reached the 1570m elevation in October. Test mining stopes were excavated at the 1611 and 1570 levels. Ore from the open pit and underground operations was shipped through the summer and fall to the Asarco smelter in Helena Montana. Eleven reverse circulation holes were drilled to the south of the open pit to provide closer spaced data for the planning of the 1994 open pit expansion.
In 1994, Fairfield received a mining permit, the open pit was expanded to a total size of 458,000 cubic metres and 10,119 tons (9,180 tonnes) of ore grading 2.669 oz/ton (91.51gm/t) gold were extracted. The ore was crushed to minus 6 inches and was shipped to the Asarco Smelter in Helena, Montana. Fairfield received credits for gold, silver and silica. An underground drill program was carried out at ten to twenty metre centres for a total of 2419 metres in 84 NQ holes to help define underground mineable shoots.
During 1995 underground development was completed to the 1511m elevation and longhole and shrinkage mining tests were carried out with shrinkage proving to be the more applicable method. An underground drill program comprising 217 NQ holes at ten metres centres for a total of 7612 metres was undertaken to fully test the area accessible by the existing underground development. Ninety-eight surface NQ diamond drill holes tested the areas beyond the reach of the decline and other targets on the claim group for a total of 4645m. Including all previous drilling, an area of about 340m by 150m had been tested at a hole spacing of less than 20m.
Surface diamond drilling totalling 6946.34 metres in 88 holes was completed on the Siwash mining lease during 1996. Detailed drilling was carried out in the area of the proposed Phase 5.5 open pit at approximately 20 metre centers. Five holes were drilled in the Deep B area down dip from the existing underground development. A new vein, known as the WD zone was outlined by 25 holes. A soil geochemistry anomaly in the Gold Creek West area was examined with five drill holes.
Limited prospecting, environmental monitoring and reclamation were done on the property between 1997 and 1999.
During August 2000, Fairfield completed a twelve-hole 1400-metre drill program on the property which targeted three gold bearing quartz vein systems in the Siwash Mine area. Prospecting in a new logging clearcut one kilometre to the east of the mine area has resulted in the discovery of two northeast trending structures coincident with anomalous gold soil values.
During 2001, a 230-metre trenching program comprising seven trenches was carried out on the claims in the Siwash East and Gold Creek West areas. The trenches were dug to determine the source of gold bearing quartz fragments found on surface and in road cuts. Six trenches in the Siwash East area, located 1.7 km to the east of the Siwash Mine site, exposed quartz veins up to 20cm thick and narrow pyritic fault zones cutting quartz monzonite adjacent to an andesite dyke. The andesite dyke was traced over 150 metres in four trenches with strong alteration and narrow bands of pyritic gouge containing quartz fragments in the immediate vicinity of the dyke. Trench SE01-4 was dug to a depth of 2.5 metres and exposed a steeply dipping quartz vein about 20cm thick. A 0.5 by 0.5 metre panel sample of the same vein taken in the wall of the trench returned 0.635 oz/ton (21.8 gm/t) gold and 0.96 oz/ton (32.9 gm/t) silver. Adjacent trenches 35 metres to the west and 50 metres east exposed the andesite dyke with a strong alteration zone but no quartz veins and weak gold values.
24
Trench GCT01-1 was excavated the Gold Creek West area, 400 metres southwest of the mine site, to further expose a quartz vein discovered earlier in the year by hand trenching. Deeper excavation revealed a discontinuous quartz vein approximately 30cm thick over a length of nine metres hosted in strongly argillically altered quartz monzonite that shows evidence of slumping and deformation. The vein returned a value of 0.598 oz/ton (20.5 gm/t) gold and 1.74 oz/ton (59.6 gm/t) silver from a 0.8 metre by 0.5 metre panel sample.
A comprehensive review of the property database was completed on August 31, 2001 by Leo King, P.Eng., an independent consultant. His report recommends a three stage 9500 metre drill program to further explore the Siwash, Gold Creek West and WD vein systems.
During the 2002 field season twenty six NQ diamond drill holes tested the WD, B Zone, Gold Creek West and Bullion Creek vein systems for a total of 4996m. Seven holes were drilled into the WD zone to test the perimeter of the known shoot. The WD veins were intersected in all holes close to the projected depths. Eleven holes were drilled into the Deep B shoot located immediately below the existing underground development to fill-in the drill spacing to less than 25 metres and to test the perimeter of the known mineralization. Two holes were drilled on the west side of the existing open pit to help determine the feasibility of a pit expansion to the west. The Gold Creek West vein located approximately 450m southwest of the existing open pit was tested with four holes in two 50 metre step-outs to the west of the existing grid. Two holes were drilled into the Bullion Creek structure located 700 metres to the north of the open pit to test a geochemical anomaly.
During Fiscal 2002 the Company purchased a mill for possible use at the Siwash property. The mill, with a rated capacity of 125 tons per day, was purchased for US$75,000 (CDN$118,500). During Fiscal 2003, the mill was dismantled and moved to a storage facility near the property at a cost of $204,766. There has been no feasibility study to justify construction of the mill nor have permits to construct the mill been applied for. The mill was purchased because it would be suitable for processing the Siwash mineralized material and the price was below replacement cost. This low cost could have an impact on project economics. If studies indicate it would not be feasible to install this mill on the Siwash project, the mill will be sold.
Thirty NQ diamond drill holes drilled between August 6 and November 1, 2003 tested the WD Zone for a total of 6570.56m. Seven holes were drilled into the WD vein system to the west of the north-northwest trending RB fault located roughly between 2340E and 2400E.
Twenty five holes were drilled to the east of the RB fault between 2370E and 2670E to extend the known resource. The WD zone(s) were intersected in all but three holes which were terminated before the target depth due to excessive deviation or bad ground conditions. The known zone was extended to 2670E and to a depth of 340m below surface and 380m down dip. Fill-in drilling on sections 2445E, 2495E and 2545E intersected the WD veins at the expected depth however gold grades were not as high as those found on adjacent fences.
The 2004 diamond drill program in the Siwash Gold Mine area was completed in early November for a total of 10,265 metres of NQ drilling in 44 holes. The program extended the known perimeter of the WD zone 150 metres to the east and 100 metres downdip in 50 metre step-outs. Seven holes were drilled into the B zone to test a southwest shoot to depth and to fill in between existing 50 metre intercepts below the existing mine workings. Four holes were drilled to test the Bullion Creek zone over a 100m strike length. All completed holes intersected the projected zones. Two holes were abandoned due to poor ground conditions. Geological interpretation and re-assaying was completed and a summary of composited drill results greater than 10 gm/t-metre Au is listed below.
25
|
Hole
|
Depth
|
Depth
|
Sample
|
True
|
Gold
|
Silver
|
||
|
Number
|
From (m)
|
To (m)
|
Interval(m)
|
Width (m)
|
Zone
|
gm/t
|
gm/t
|
|
|
SND04391
|
55.23
|
55.74
|
0.51
|
0.50
|
B
|
74.83
|
119.25
|
|
|
SND04390
|
55.05
|
55.65
|
0.60
|
0.60
|
B
|
43.40
|
90.68
|
|
|
SND04390
|
55.15
|
68.39
|
13.24
|
13.15
|
B
|
3.11
|
4.71
|
|
|
SND04390
|
43.00
|
68.39
|
25.39
|
24.01
|
B
|
1.76
|
2.58
|
|
|
SND04400
|
297.29
|
297.80
|
0.51
|
0.50
|
B
|
48.12
|
27.14
|
|
|
SND04403
|
337.80
|
338.34
|
0.54
|
0.50
|
B
|
20.26
|
9.64
|
|
|
SND04408
|
192.00
|
192.58
|
0.58
|
0.50
|
B
|
22.14
|
12.64
|
|
|
SND04374
|
50.10
|
53.61
|
3.51
|
3.42
|
Bb
|
8.51
|
32.79
|
|
|
SND04375
|
14.87
|
36.40
|
21.53
|
20.43
|
Bb
|
0.69
|
0.14
|
|
|
SND04390
|
67.39
|
68.41
|
1.02
|
1.00
|
C
|
13.73
|
6.89
|
|
|
SND04369
|
160.55
|
161.20
|
0.65
|
0.50
|
WD
|
24.75
|
44.22
|
|
|
SND04406
|
202.23
|
203.42
|
1.19
|
0.50
|
WD
|
22.81
|
32.61
|
|
|
SND04384
|
155.70
|
156.88
|
1.18
|
1.00
|
WDa
|
61.81
|
99.82
|
|
|
SND04386
|
198.50
|
199.21
|
0.71
|
0.50
|
WDa
|
21.62
|
26.05
|
|
|
SND04367
|
214.63
|
222.74
|
8.11
|
5.79
|
WD2
|
5.97
|
4.81
|
|
|
SND04367
|
214.59
|
215.34
|
0.75
|
0.60
|
WD2
|
20.51
|
14.55
|
|
|
SND04368
|
157.76
|
158.32
|
0.56
|
0.50
|
WD2
|
31.18
|
32.93
|
|
|
SND04372
|
233.00
|
235.60
|
2.60
|
2.22
|
WD2
|
4.80
|
7.56
|
|
|
SND04407
|
179.37
|
179.90
|
0.53
|
0.50
|
WD2
|
20.70
|
53.26
|
|
|
SND04366
|
176.05
|
193.20
|
17.15
|
11.27
|
WD2-3
|
2.39
|
1.85
|
|
|
SND04367
|
222.00
|
222.74
|
0.74
|
0.50
|
WD3
|
31.71
|
31.30
|
|
|
SND04367
|
217.33
|
222.83
|
5.50
|
4.60
|
WD3
|
5.94
|
4.15
|
Water sampling from eight sites around the mine area has been carried out since 1991 to determine changes in element concentrations due to mining and exploration activities. Metal levels in the major creeks have remained well within guideline limits though some minor increases in Cu and Zn have been noted in the sumps and minor creeks in the immediate minesite area. Benthic invertebrate studies were carried out during 2003, 2004 and 2006 which determined that invertebrate populations have not been significantly effected.
The 2005 diamond drill program in the Siwash Gold Mine area of the Elk property was completed in late October for a total of 8,394 metres of NQ drilling in 36 holes
The high grade core of the WD vein system has now been tested at intervals of 25m along strike and 50m down dip. The vein was intersected in all holes and has a drill tested strike length of 710m and down-dip length of 430m. Four holes tested the continuity of the WD to WD3 zones to the south and west of the 2004 drill grid. All four holes intersected the targeted zones.
Five holes were drilled to test the western projection of a gold shoot in the B vein that was outlined during the 2004 drill program below the existing mine workings. The targeted vein was intersected in four of these holes and one hole was not completed due to poor ground conditions. The PC vein, a flat lying vein located above the B vein, returned significant assay results.
Five holes were drilled into the Siwash Lake Zone located 700m south of the B vein to test the continuity of the veins intersected in 1996. The Lake zone (LZ) veins were intersected in all holes and results are listed below.
26
|
Hole
|
From Depth
|
To Depth
|
Sample
|
True
|
Gold
|
Silver
|
|
|
Number
|
(m)
|
(m)
|
Interval (m)
|
Width (m)
|
Zone
|
gm/t
|
gm/t
|
|
SND05410
|
217.31
|
217.89
|
0.58
|
0.50
|
B
|
73.565
|
62.75
|
|
SND05411
|
259.12
|
260.73
|
1.61
|
0.50
|
B
|
16.774
|
26.70
|
|
SND05412
|
269.20
|
269.78
|
0.58
|
0.50
|
B
|
13.662
|
21.78
|
|
SND05424
|
306.36
|
306.87
|
0.51
|
0.50
|
B
|
34.348
|
39.14
|
|
SND05426
|
52.24
|
52.75
|
0.51
|
0.50
|
B
|
31.091
|
67.92
|
|
SND05422
|
25.95
|
26.46
|
0.51
|
0.50
|
B
|
10.395
|
5.85
|
|
SLD05438
|
87.60
|
88.10
|
0.50
|
0.50
|
LZ1
|
10.530
|
19.97
|
|
SLD05439
|
37.30
|
38.29
|
0.99
|
0.75
|
LZ2
|
17.127
|
168.90
|
|
SND05423
|
225.03
|
225.53
|
0.50
|
0.50
|
PC
|
41.425
|
101.81
|
|
SND05411
|
229.64
|
230.22
|
0.58
|
0.50
|
PC2
|
36.214
|
0.00
|
|
SND05413
|
171.36
|
172.36
|
1.00
|
0.50
|
WD
|
13.799
|
37.08
|
|
SND05425
|
120.80
|
121.66
|
0.86
|
0.65
|
WD
|
23.455
|
43.50
|
|
SND05426
|
305.03
|
305.76
|
0.73
|
0.50
|
WD
|
14.264
|
94.58
|
|
SND05427
|
249.23
|
249.97
|
0.74
|
0.50
|
WD
|
46.075
|
86.82
|
|
SND05429
|
195.23
|
196.65
|
1.42
|
0.50
|
WD
|
14.710
|
27.15
|
|
SND05432
|
125.85
|
126.50
|
0.65
|
0.50
|
WD
|
19.083
|
19.64
|
|
SND05434
|
233.48
|
234.05
|
0.57
|
0.50
|
WD
|
14.407
|
30.76
|
|
SND05415
|
280.99
|
281.70
|
0.71
|
0.50
|
WD2
|
21.666
|
26.58
|
|
SND05417
|
249.45
|
249.98
|
0.53
|
0.50
|
WD2
|
16.280
|
90.71
|
|
SND05420
|
169.47
|
170.25
|
0.78
|
0.50
|
WDa
|
15.398
|
35.85
|
|
SND05421
|
228.06
|
228.77
|
0.71
|
0.50
|
WDb
|
90.862
|
127.48
|
|
SND05422
|
258.16
|
259.78
|
1.62
|
0.50
|
WDb
|
10.046
|
11.76
|
|
SND05430
|
135.57
|
136.09
|
0.52
|
0.50
|
WDb
|
16.614
|
25.09
|
The 2006 program consisted of 8,873 metres of diamond drilling in 58 holes. This program focused on testing the near surface continuity and grade of the WD vein, increasing the density of drill hole intersections to 25 by 50 metres to approximately 100 metres below surface. The vein was intersected in all holes and now has been drill tested along strike for 730 metres and down dip for 450 metres.
Also as part of the 2006 program, seventeen holes were drilled on the B Zone. Four of these holes tested the zone at depth and the remainder the area below and to the east of the open pit.
Four holes tested the Siwash East zone located 2 kilometres of the minesite. Quartz veins adjacent to a steeply dipping andesite dyke were intersected but no significant gold results were returned from sampling.
Assaying has been completed and a summary of composite drill results greater than 10 gram-metres gold is listed below. True widths are based on core to vein angles.
27
|
Hole
|
From (m)
|
To (m)
|
Interval (m)
|
True Width (m)
|
Gold (oz/t)
|
Silver (oz/t)
|
Gold (g/t)
|
Silver (g/t)
|
|
SND06451
|
20.49
|
20.79
|
0.30
|
0.30
|
0.418
|
0.087
|
14.33
|
2.98
|
|
SND06453
|
168.12
|
168.42
|
0.30
|
0.26
|
0.869
|
0.612
|
29.79
|
20.98
|
|
SND06454
|
184.18
|
184.48
|
0.30
|
0.30
|
2.932
|
5.746
|
100.53
|
197.01
|
|
SND06456
|
178.15
|
178.45
|
0.30
|
0.28
|
0.871
|
0.671
|
29.86
|
23.01
|
|
SND06459
|
181.25
|
181.55
|
0.30
|
0.28
|
0.316
|
0.700
|
10.83
|
24.00
|
|
SND06461
|
58.52
|
58.82
|
0.30
|
0.28
|
0.547
|
0.146
|
18.75
|
5.01
|
|
SND06462
|
299.31
|
299.81
|
0.50
|
0.48
|
2.125
|
0.642
|
72.86
|
22.01
|
|
SND06463
|
328.99
|
329.49
|
0.50
|
0.47
|
0.724
|
1.167
|
24.82
|
40.01
|
|
SND06463
|
329.49
|
329.99
|
0.50
|
0.43
|
0.618
|
0.467
|
21.19
|
16.01
|
|
SND06464
|
139.03
|
139.28
|
0.25
|
0.22
|
0.403
|
0.204
|
13.82
|
6.99
|
|
SND06467
|
88.92
|
89.26
|
0.34
|
0.31
|
1.158
|
2.100
|
39.70
|
72.00
|
|
SND06467
|
91.45
|
91.91
|
0.46
|
0.25
|
0.342
|
0.671
|
11.73
|
23.01
|
|
SND06468
|
120.67
|
121.27
|
0.60
|
0.23
|
0.525
|
1.896
|
18.00
|
65.01
|
|
SND06469
|
25.72
|
26.18
|
0.46
|
0.45
|
0.325
|
1.837
|
11.14
|
62.98
|
|
SND06470
|
81.55
|
81.85
|
0.30
|
0.26
|
0.448
|
0.437
|
15.36
|
14.98
|
|
SND06471
|
86.58
|
86.91
|
0.33
|
0.32
|
0.421
|
0.437
|
14.43
|
14.98
|
|
SND06472
|
43.03
|
43.63
|
0.60
|
0.52
|
2.232
|
7.233
|
76.53
|
247.99
|
|
SND06472
|
102.90
|
103.20
|
0.30
|
0.29
|
0.865
|
0.612
|
29.66
|
20.98
|
|
SND06473
|
112.75
|
113.08
|
0.33
|
0.23
|
0.442
|
0.962
|
15.15
|
32.98
|
|
SND06473
|
143.37
|
143.67
|
0.30
|
0.24
|
0.394
|
0.175
|
13.51
|
6.00
|
|
SND06475
|
129.10
|
129.51
|
0.41
|
0.35
|
0.361
|
1.721
|
12.38
|
59.01
|
|
SND06477
|
26.31
|
26.70
|
0.39
|
0.30
|
1.315
|
1.896
|
45.09
|
65.01
|
|
SND06479
|
75.65
|
76.01
|
0.36
|
?
|
0.622
|
0.904
|
21.33
|
30.99
|
|
SND06481
|
63.53
|
63.83
|
0.30
|
0.25
|
2.418
|
2.100
|
82.90
|
72.00
|
|
SND06486
|
45.03
|
45.33
|
0.30
|
0.27
|
0.904
|
1.662
|
30.99
|
56.98
|
|
SND06487
|
83.58
|
84.23
|
0.65
|
0.44
|
0.352
|
2.333
|
12.07
|
79.99
|
|
SND06493
|
74.78
|
75.40
|
0.62
|
0.34
|
0.311
|
0.904
|
10.66
|
30.99
|
|
SND06499
|
114.06
|
114.44
|
0.38
|
0.25
|
1.438
|
2.800
|
49.30
|
96.00
|
|
SND06501
|
173.72
|
174.07
|
0.35
|
0.32
|
0.378
|
0.787
|
12.96
|
26.98
|
|
SND06502
|
42.66
|
42.96
|
0.30
|
0.26
|
0.370
|
0.262
|
12.69
|
8.98
|
|
SND06502
|
71.91
|
72.21
|
0.30
|
?
|
2.015
|
3.412
|
69.09
|
116.98
|
Note: m signifies metres; g/t signifies grams per tonne; oz/t signifies ounces per ton.
The qualified person and supervisor for the 2006 exploration drill program was Wojtek Jakubowski, P. Geo., an employee of the Company at the time. All samples were analyzed at Acme Analytical Labs (“Acme”) in Vancouver using wet geochemical, fire assay and metallics techniques. Duplicates, blanks and standards were inserted into the sample stream as part of the Company’s ongoing quality control program at the Elk Deposit. Check assays were carried out by ALS Chemex Labs in Vancouver.
During Fiscal 2007, the Company completed an intensive geological review, involving three senior geologists, of the deposit, resulting in changes to the interpretation of the shape of the orebody. Geologists modeled a total of 25 separate mineralized structures on cross sections and combined these sections to form three dimensional solids using industry standard software. The mineralized solids were grouped geographically into 3 vein sets: B-Veins, WD-Veins and Other veins not related to B or WD. Composites were formed at 0.5 m intervals that honoured the solid boundaries. Semivariograms were produced for structures with sufficient data to model. A block model consisting of blocks 10 m E-W, 2.5 m N-S and 5 m vertical was superimposed over the solids with blocks coded for the percentage of each solid present. Gold grade was interpolated into each block with some proportion of mineralized structure present by ordinary kriging. Blocks were classified as measured, indicated or inferred based on semivariogram parameters and compliance with NI 43-101. Results were presented as grade-tonnage tables for the mineralized portion of the blocks. No external dilution has been applied.
28
CAUTIONARY NOTE TO U.S. INVESTORS CONCERNING ESTIMATES OF MEASURED AND INDICATED RESOURCES
This section uses the term "Measured Resources" and “Indicated Resources”. We advise U.S. investors that while this term is recognized and required by Canadian regulations, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission does not recognize it. The estimation of measured resources and indicated resources involves greater uncertainty as to their existence and economic feasibility than the estimation of proven and probable reserves. US investors are cautioned not to assume that mineral resources in these categories will be converted into reserves
.
CAUTIONARY NOTE TO U.S. INVESTORS CONCERNING ESTIMATES OF INFERRED RESOURCES
This section uses the term "inferred resources". We advise U.S. investors that while this term is recognized and required by Canadian regulations, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission does not recognize it. The estimation of inferred resources involves far greater uncertainty as to their existence and economic viability than the estimation of other categories of resources. US investors are cautioned not to assume that estimates of inferred mineral resources exist, are economically mineable, or will be upgraded into measured or indicated mineral resources.
|
MEASURED
|
INDICATED
|
|||||
|
Au Cutoff
(g/t)
|
Tonnes> Cutoff
(tonnes)
|
Grade>Cutoff
|
Tonnes> Cutoff
(tonnes)
|
Grade>Cutoff
|
||
|
Au (g/t)
|
Contained Ozs.
|
Au (g/t)
|
Contained Ozs.
|
|||
|
1.00
|
320,000
|
11.585
|
119,200
|
581,000
|
8.952
|
167,200
|
|
MEASURED PLUS INDICATED
|
INFERRED
|
|||||
|
Au Cutoff
(g/t)
|
Tonnes> Cutoff
(tonnes)
|
Grade>Cutoff
|
Tonnes> Cutoff
(tonnes)
|
Grade>Cutoff
|
||
|
Au (g/t)
|
Contained Ozs.
|
Au (g/t)
|
Contained Ozs.
|
|||
|
1.00
|
901,000
|
9.887
|
286,400
|
826,000
|
7.949
|
211,100
|
In October 2009, the Company received an updated geological model and 43-101 compliant mineral resource estimate from Lions Gate Geological Consulting Inc. (“LGGC”) for its Elk gold deposit. The new model and resource estimate incorporated drilling results from 2007 not included in the previous estimate prepared by Giroux Consultants Ltd. in April, 2007. A review of the new and historical data resulted in a revised geological model and mineral resource estimate. The new model recognises eight separate vein zones that comprise the B vein system and four separate zones that comprise the WD vein. Almaden's management believes that this new model and resource more accurately reflects the geology of the vein system.
29
|
Cut-off g/t
|
Vein
|
Method
|
Class
|
Tonnage
|
Au g/t
|
Au Ounces
|
|
Open Pit
|
||||||
|
1
|
B&WD
|
Open Pit
|
Measured
|
70,000
|
9.6
|
20,000
|
|
1
|
B&WD
|
Open Pit
|
Indicated
|
550,000
|
5.0
|
90,000
|
|
Measured &
|
||||||
|
1
|
B&WD
|
Open Pit
|
610,000
|
5.5
|
110,000
|
|
|
Indicated
|
||||||
|
1
|
B&WD
|
Open Pit
|
Inferred
|
150,000
|
6.3
|
30,000
|
|
Underground
|
||||||
|
5
|
B&WD
|
Underground
|
Measured
|
50,000
|
19.0
|
30,000
|
|
5
|
B&WD
|
Underground
|
Indicated
|
260,000
|
13.5
|
110,000
|
|
Measured &
|
||||||
|
5
|
B&WD
|
Underground
|
300,000
|
14.4
|
140,000
|
|
|
Indicated
|
||||||
|
5
|
B&WD
|
Underground
|
Inferred
|
620,000
|
12.2
|
240,000
|
|
Open Pit and Underground Combined
|
||||||
|
Open Pit &
|
||||||
|
1 and 5
|
B&WD
|
Measured
|
110,000
|
13.5
|
50,000
|
|
|
Underground
|
||||||
|
Open Pit &
|
||||||
|
1 and 5
|
B&WD
|
Indicated
|
800,000
|
7.7
|
200,000
|
|
|
Underground
|
||||||
|
Open Pit &
|
Measured &
|
|||||
|
1 and 5
|
B&WD
|
920,000
|
8.4
|
250,000
|
||
|
Underground
|
Indicated
|
|||||
|
Open Pit &
|
||||||
|
1 and 5
|
B&WD
|
Inferred
|
780,000
|
11.0
|
270,000
|
|
|
Underground
|
||||||
The Elk project has resource estimate blocks that are both close to surface and may be amendable to open pit mining methods and deeper high grade blocks that may be amenable to underground mining methods. Mr. Gordon Zurowski, P.Eng. of PEG Mining Consultants Inc. (“PEG”) produced a pit shell that LGGC incorporated in the mineral resource estimation tabulations. The input parameters used by PEG for the pit shell do not result from project specific studies but are considered to be reasonable cost assumptions for the style and size of the Elk project. The 2009 mineral resource estimate for the Elk project is declared using 1.0 Au g/t cut-off for blocks that are within the resource estimation pit shell and a 5.0 Au g/t cut-off for blocks below the pit shell. A summary of the 2009 LGGC estimate is provided in table 1. LGGC has reviewed the pit-shell parameters and finds them reasonable for inclusion in the mineral resource estimation.
For purposes of an equitable comparison, LGGC also tabulated the gold grade blocks of the 2009 estimate using a global cut-off of 1 g/t Au which was also used in 2007 (Table 2). The 2009 mineral resource estimate includes a minimum vein thickness of between 1.2 and 1.5 metre wide for the vein solids, resulting in dilution of the more narrow vein intercepts. This dilution, accompanied by an updated geological interpretation of the vein sets, has lowered the grade of some vein intercepts but has resulted in an increased tonnage for the 2009 mineral resource estimation.
|
2009 LGGC Global Resource (1 g/t cutoff)
|
2007 Giroux Global Resource (1 g/t cutoff)
|
|||||
|
Tonnage
|
Grade (g/t)
|
Total Ounces
|
Tonnage
|
Grade (g/t)
|
Total Ounces
|
|
|
Measured
|
170,000
|
9.7
|
50,000
|
320,000
|
11.585
|
119,200
|
|
Indicated
|
1,400,000
|
5.4
|
240,000
|
581,000
|
8.952
|
167,200
|
|
Measured and Indicated
|
1,570,000
|
5.9
|
300,000
|
902,000
|
9.887
|
286,700
|
|
Inferred
|
1,860,000
|
6.0
|
360,000
|
826,000
|
7.949
|
211,100
|
Table
2
: Comparison of 2009 and 2007 Estimates
A complete copy of the report provided by LGGC has been placed on the company's website. The Elk deposit veins are open along strike and to depth. In addition to the B and WD vein systems, there are other known veins and exploration targets on the 15,000 hectare property. The Company’s management believes there is excellent potential to increase the mineral resource at the Elk deposit through further exploration. On May 15
th
, 2008 the Company released results of metallurgical test work performed by G & T Metallurgical Services Ltd. (“G & T”) of Kamloops, an ISO 9001:2000 accredited laboratory, on diamond drill core recovered during the 2007 season.
30
The tests, which examined feed grades between 5 and 47 g/t gold, had average gold recoveries of 95% using gravity plus cyanidation. The company owns mill equipment, presently in storage near the property, which could be an important factor in any future development plans for the project.
Summary of the technical details used by LGGC to complete the 2009 Resource Estimate for the Elk Project:
|
●
|
The Elk gold project is a mesothermal quartz vein gold deposit hosted by the Okanagan Complex Batholith. Two vein systems, the B Vein and the WD Vein have been included in the current resource estimation.
|
|
●
|
The resource estimate reported in this news release was prepared by Susan Lomas, P.Geo., President and Principal Consultant of Lions Gate Geological Consulting Inc., who is the independent Qualified Person (as defined by NI 43-101) and reviewed the geological and analytical information in sufficient detail to support the data incorporated in the resource estimate. The Mineral Resource was completed on September 21
st
, 2009, and was built using GEMS® software and includes gold assay results from 419 surface and 290 underground diamond drill holes.
|
|
●
|
Drill hole spacing is variable throughout the deposit. The B Vein System has a large underground drilled area where the drill hole spacing approaches 10m, and much of the rest of the vein is supported by 25 m spaced drilling while the edges and deeper sections of the veins have between 50m to 100m spaced drill holes. The WD Vein System is typically supported by 35 to 50m spaced drill holes with wider spaced drilling on the edges and deeper sections of the veins. The B and WD Vein Systems were modeled on sections and three dimensional solids were built to tag the assay database and the block model. The solids were built to a minimum down-hole thickness of 1.2 to 1.5m wide so that the vein solids would have a minimum true thickness of between 1.0 and 1.2m thick.
|
|
●
|
There are 9,769 gold assay results in the project database and LGGC tagged 3,432 of them as representing the vein intersections and these were composited to 0.3m and included in the mineral resource estimate. The gold assay results were reviewed for extreme grades and LGGC applied a top gold grade cap to some vein domains and further added a restricted outlier strategy to one of the vein domains to restrict the influence of unusually high gold assays. A total of 35 assays were capped prior to compositing the data. The holes drilled between 2000 and 2007 (the last drill program) were supported by a reasonable QAQC program including blanks, core duplicates and after 2003, Standard Reference Material (purchased from CDN Laboratories) samples were included. Prior to 2000, the entire core sample was shipped for analysis at Acme Laboratories in Vancouver with some check analysis being completed at Chemex Laboratories in Vancouver. LGGC accepts that the gold assay results are reasonable for inclusion in a Mineral Resource Estimation.
|
|
●
|
Blocks in the model measure 2m in height, 5m along the long axis of the vein and 1 m wide. This small block size is supported in the best drilled areas of the deposit and was chosen to support a scoping study on underground mining extraction method for the bulk of the deposit. Potential for open pit extraction is also to be studied for the near surface material.
|
|
●
|
The gold grade composites were interpolated into the block model using inverse distance method to the fourth power. The block model was validated by visual inspection on sections and plans and by geostatistical review.
|
|
●
|
The estimate was classified as Measured, Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resources in accordance with the CIM definition standards for mineral resources and mineral reserves. The classification strategy for the block model considered both the sample spacing and confidence in the geological continuity of the veins.
|
Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Mineral resource estimates do not account for mineability, selectivity, mining loss and dilution. These mineral resource estimates include inferred mineral resources that are normally considered too speculative geologically to have economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves. There is also no certainty that these inferred mineral resources will be converted to measured and indicated mineral resource categories through further drilling, or into mineral reserves once economic considerations are applied.
31
Recent exploration work
In addition, management decided to update metallurgical parameters for the project. Various reports have been commissioned on the project, however all metallurgical studies pre-date the implementation of NI 43-101. In order to achieve NI 43-101 compliance for the metallurgical testwork, fresh diamond drill holes were completed to provide bulk samples for testing. Metallurgical testwork has been carried out under the supervision of Mr. John Follinsbee, P.Eng., of G & T Metallurgical Services Ltd., of Kamloops, BC. And Gary Hawthorn, P.Eng. of Westcoast Mineral Testing Inc. of North Vancouver, BC.
Between August and October, 2007, the Company carried out a diamond drill program on the property, consisting of 2,469 metres of drilling in 9 holes. A summary of the highlights from the assays is presented in the table below:
|
Hole
|
From (m)
|
To (m)
|
Interval (m)
|
Gold (g/t)
|
Gold (opt)
|
|
SND07504
|
36.27
|
36.63
|
0.36
|
2.80
|
0.08
|
|
SND07505
|
151.65
|
152.23
|
0.58
|
14.60
|
0.43
|
|
SND07506
|
191.00
|
194.16
|
3.16
|
45.20
|
1.32
|
|
Including
|
192.10
|
193.16
|
1.06
|
131.00
|
3.82
|
|
SND0707
|
207.60
|
207.98
|
0.38
|
3.80
|
0.11
|
|
SND0708
|
157.16
|
159.66
|
2.50
|
10.30
|
0.30
|
|
Including
|
158.01
|
158.66
|
0.65
|
39.30
|
1.15
|
|
SND0708
|
399.51
|
402.01
|
2.50
|
26.20
|
0.76
|
|
Including
|
400.40
|
401.12
|
0.72
|
90.00
|
2.63
|
|
SND07509
|
31.70
|
31.98
|
0.28
|
30.30
|
0.88
|
|
SND07509
|
42.66
|
42.88
|
0.22
|
28.10
|
0.82
|
|
SND07509
|
212.29
|
214.40
|
2.11
|
22.50
|
0.66
|
|
SND07509
|
219.69
|
220.76
|
1.07
|
8.40
|
0.25
|
|
SND07510
|
218.95
|
219.36
|
0.41
|
38.60
|
1.13
|
|
SND07511
|
143.28
|
143.57
|
0.29
|
15.10
|
0.44
|
|
SND07511
|
178.70
|
179.22
|
0.52
|
27.70
|
0.81
|
|
SND07512
|
52.84
|
53.14
|
0.30
|
9.42
|
0.27
|
The qualified person responsible for supervising the 2007 drill program is Mr. Jim Hylands, B.A.Sc., P.Eng., an independent consultant.
During Fiscal 2008, the Company received a report detailing the metallurgical performance of ore samples from the property. Average gold recoveries of 95% were achieved using a gravity plus cyanidation flowsheet over a range of head grades. The tests, which examined feed grades between 5 and 47 g/t gold, were carried out by G & T Metallurgical Services Ltd. (“G & T”) of Kamloops on diamond drill core recovered during the 2007 season. G & T is an ISO 9001:2000 accredited laboratory and work was conducted under the supervision of Mr. John Folinsbee, P.Eng. A single gravity plus flotation test achieved a gold recovery of 95% also. Additional flotation tests may be necessary to confirm this result is representative of the expected performance of a gravity plus flotation flowsheet. Silver recoveries of 86% were reported using the gravity – cyanide flowsheet, although a silver resource has not yet been calculated for the property
.
32
During Fiscal 2010, the Company conducted a diamond drilling program on the Elk project and commissioned a 43-101 Preliminary Economic Assessment and Resource Update. In 2010, 87 holes were drilled in the resource area for a total of 12,749 metres. In addition, four holes were drilled on the south showing for a total of 300 metres. Brian Alexander, P.Geo., a qualified person under the meaning of National Instrument 43-101, supervised the 2010 exploration program. The analyses reported were carried out at ALS Chemex Laboratories of North Vancouver using industry standard aqua regia, ICP and fire assay techniques. Blanks, field duplicates and certified standards were inserted into the sample stream as part of Almaden’s quality assurance and control program which complies with National Instrument 43-101 requirements. Intervals that returned assays below detection were assigned zero values. Composites were calculated using a cut-off grade of 0.25 g/t gold and with a maximum of 5 metres internal dilution (values below 0.25 g/t). Reported widths are intersection and not true widths. The 2010 drill program was designed to increase the confidence level of the resource and expand the known mineralisation. Below are reported significant intercepts in tabular form from the 2010 drill program.
|
Zone
|
Hole #
|
From (m)
|
To (m)
|
Width (m)
|
Gold (g/t)
|
|
South
|
SSD 10-003
|
46.50
|
55.79
|
9.29
|
0.65
|
|
South
|
SSD 10-003
|
11.80
|
15.00
|
3.20
|
1.14
|
|
South
|
SSD 10-004
|
39.00
|
46.81
|
7.81
|
1.04
|
|
Resource Area
|
SND 10-001
|
13.60
|
14.00
|
0.40
|
4.14
|
|
Resource Area
|
SND 10-002
|
33.00
|
34.34
|
1.34
|
1.12
|
|
Resource Area
|
SND 10-004
|
106.70
|
108.45
|
1.75
|
5.35
|
|
Resource Area
|
SND 10-005
|
63.85
|
65.30
|
1.45
|
3.21
|
|
Resource Area
|
SND 10-005
|
87.80
|
89.60
|
1.80
|
6.76
|
|
Resource Area
|
SND 10-006
|
98.30
|
100.70
|
2.40
|
14.87
|
|
Resource Area
|
SND 10-007
|
79.30
|
85.50
|
6.20
|
0.56
|
|
Resource Area
|
SND 10-008
|
71.95
|
74.50
|
2.55
|
2.44
|
|
Resource Area
|
SND 10-009
|
92.70
|
96.30
|
3.60
|
1.99
|
|
Resource Area
|
SND 10-010
|
94.25
|
105.45
|
11.20
|
0.31
|
|
Resource Area
|
SND 10-010
|
146.10
|
148.30
|
2.20
|
13.08
|
|
Resource Area
|
SND 10-011
|
83.03
|
89.55
|
6.52
|
23.74
|
|
Resource Area
|
including
|
86.30
|
89.55
|
3.25
|
46.70
|
|
Resource Area
|
SND 10-012
|
71.35
|
83.80
|
12.45
|
2.97
|
|
Resource Area
|
including
|
71.35
|
72.40
|
1.05
|
9.31
|
|
Resource Area
|
and
|
78.68
|
83.80
|
5.12
|
5.14
|
|
Resource Area
|
and
|
78.68
|
80.40
|
1.72
|
15.12
|
|
Resource Area
|
SND 10-013
|
56.95
|
66.80
|
9.85
|
1.31
|
|
Resource Area
|
SND 10-013
|
72.20
|
84.60
|
12.40
|
1.51
|
|
Resource Area
|
including
|
72.20
|
76.00
|
3.80
|
5.16
|
|
Resource Area
|
SND 10-014
|
61.00
|
67.25
|
6.25
|
0.73
|
|
Resource Area
|
SND 10-014
|
71.95
|
76.25
|
4.30
|
1.73
|
|
Resource Area
|
SND 10-015
|
78.95
|
83.15
|
4.20
|
1.33
|
|
Resource Area
|
SND 10-015
|
99.77
|
103.25
|
3.48
|
0.81
|
|
Resource Area
|
SND 10-016
|
30.70
|
38.20
|
7.50
|
0.39
|
|
Resource Area
|
SND 10-017
|
94.00
|
95.50
|
1.50
|
26.40
|
|
Resource Area
|
SND 10-018
|
31.15
|
61.00
|
29.85
|
1.46
|
|
Resource Area
|
including
|
40.65
|
42.05
|
1.40
|
11.26
|
|
Resource Area
|
and
|
50.85
|
52.35
|
1.50
|
12.61
|
|
Resource Area
|
SND 10-019
|
43.45
|
54.75
|
11.30
|
0.40
|
|
Resource Area
|
SND 10-019
|
64.20
|
68.20
|
4.00
|
0.52
|
|
Resource Area
|
SND 10-020
|
68.00
|
68.30
|
0.30
|
13.75
|
|
Resource Area
|
SND 10-020
|
100.90
|
104.05
|
3.15
|
1.26
|
33
|
Zone
|
Hole #
|
From (m)
|
To (m)
|
Width (m)
|
Gold (g/t)
|
|
Resource Area
|
SND10-21
|
140.80
|
141.90
|
1.10
|
2.23
|
|
Resource Area
|
SND10-22
|
116.45
|
118.38
|
1.93
|
0.54
|
|
Resource Area
|
SND10-23
|
33.50
|
33.85
|
0.35
|
0.54
|
|
Resource Area
|
SND10-24
|
100.47
|
101.00
|
0.53
|
10.45
|
|
Resource Area
|
SND10-24
|
106.95
|
107.70
|
0.75
|
1.41
|
|
Resource Area
|
SND10-25
|
91.42
|
91.66
|
0.24
|
8.32
|
|
Resource Area
|
SND10-26
|
88.40
|
88.90
|
0.50
|
11.09
|
|
Resource Area
|
SND10-27
|
63.20
|
68.10
|
4.90
|
1.29
|
|
Resource Area
|
SND10-27
|
89.40
|
90.70
|
1.30
|
4.45
|
|
Resource Area
|
SND10-28
|
121.70
|
123.70
|
2.00
|
1.39
|
|
Resource Area
|
SND10-29
|
175.86
|
178.00
|
2.14
|
6.28
|
|
Resource Area
|
SND10-32
|
20.37
|
20.65
|
0.28
|
62.80
|
|
Resource Area
|
SND10-32
|
54.20
|
55.70
|
1.50
|
0.53
|
|
Resource Area
|
SND10-32
|
82.10
|
85.65
|
3.55
|
0.62
|
|
Resource Area
|
SND10-34
|
24.65
|
28.00
|
3.35
|
2.87
|
|
Resource Area
|
SND10-34
|
32.80
|
44.85
|
12.05
|
0.51
|
|
Resource Area
|
SND10-40
|
116.45
|
118.38
|
1.93
|
0.54
|
|
Resource Area
|
SND10-41
|
98.95
|
101.10
|
2.15
|
0.65
|
|
Resource Area
|
SND10-41
|
111.00
|
118.35
|
7.35
|
0.37
|
|
Resource Area
|
SND10-41
|
149.20
|
150.20
|
1.00
|
7.07
|
|
Resource Area
|
SND10-42
|
101.00
|
115.50
|
14.50
|
1.96
|
|
Resource Area
|
including
|
101.00
|
102.80
|
1.80
|
14.57
|
|
Resource Area
|
SND10-43
|
47.50
|
47.60
|
0.10
|
13.35
|
|
Resource Area
|
SND10-44
|
182.15
|
182.90
|
0.75
|
11.93
|
|
Resource Area
|
SND10-45
|
21.60
|
23.45
|
1.85
|
1.66
|
|
Resource Area
|
SND10-45
|
59.10
|
63.17
|
4.07
|
1.33
|
|
Resource Area
|
SND10-46
|
36.27
|
36.50
|
0.23
|
1.76
|
|
Resource Area
|
SND10-47
|
27.90
|
28.10
|
0.20
|
141.50
|
|
Resource Area
|
SND10-47
|
198.40
|
199.90
|
1.50
|
5.46
|
|
Resource Area
|
SND10-48
|
148.80
|
150.20
|
1.40
|
3.20
|
34
35
On January 24,
2011, the Company reported the results of the positive Preliminary Economic Assessment (“PEA”) of the open pit potential the project. The results for the base case (at US$1,000 per troy ounce) indicate a mining project with a 7 year mine life producing 139,000 ounces of gold at estimated cash operating costs of C$528 per troy ounce, initial capital expenditures of C$9.91 MM, pre-tax Internal Rate of Return of 51%, payback of 1.85 years and NPV of C$28.7 MM using a discount rate of 8%. The results for US$1,200 per troy ounce case indicate a mining project with a 9 year mine life producing 297,000 ounces of gold at estimated cash operating costs of C$652 per troy ounce, initial capital expenditures of C$17.5 MM, pre-tax Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 39%, payback of 3.3 years and NPV of C$67.9 MM using a discount rate of 8%.
36
The NI 43-101 compliant PEA was completed by Roger Pooley, (MAusIMM) of SRK Consulting Australasia Pty Ltd. (“SRK”). SRK relied on other authors in the areas of Geology, Resources, and Mineral Processing. Susan Lomas, P.Geo. of Lions Gate Geological Consulting (“LGGC”) prepared an updated National Instrument 43-101 compliant resource. Gary Hawthorn, P.Eng. of Westcoast Mineral Testing Inc. (WCMT) supervised the metallurgical testing and estimated the preliminary capital and operating costs for a treatment plant. Brian Alexander, P.Geo. supervised the 2010 drilling program. A Technical Report entitled “NI 43-101 Technical Report for a Preliminary Economic Assessment on the Elk Gold Project, Merritt, British Columbia, Canada” dated January 14
th
, 2010 was filed at www.sedar.com on January 27, 2011. The experts listed above have written sections of this Technical Report and are acting as the Qualified Person (QP) for those sections.
The PEA did not consider the underground potential of the resource but only the portion of the current resource amenable to open pit mining. The 2010 Mineral Resource Estimate and the PEA study do not include the results of the 2010 drilling at The Company plans to incorporate the 2010 drilling results into an updated mineral resource estimate once all the assay results are received, for the purposes of more advanced studies, including an analysis of the underground potential. The PEA recommends that the Company proceed with a Pre Feasibility Study of the project.
Highlights of the Preliminary Economic Assessment
:
- Average life of mine cash operating cost of C$528 per ounce at US$1,000 per ounce (Base Case) and C$652 at US$1,200 per ounce.
- Estimated start-up capital expenditures of C$9.91 million and life of mine sustaining capital of C$12.18 million (Base Case).
- At US$1,000 per ounce, pre-tax Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 51%, payback of 1.85 years and NPV of C$28.7 MM using a discount rate of 8% (Base Case).
- At US$1,200 per ounce gold, pre-tax Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 39%, payback of 3.3 years and NPV of C$67.9 MM using a discount rate of 8%.
37
|
Project summary
|
Base Case
|
$1200 Case
|
Unit
|
|
Assumed gold price
|
1000
|
1200
|
US$/tr.oz
|
|
Tonnes per day treated
|
500
|
1000
|
tpd
|
|
Life
|
7
|
9
|
years
|
|
Total tonnes treated
|
1.1
|
2.6
|
MT
|
|
Grade
|
4.14
|
3.89
|
g/t
|
|
Waste: Ore ratio
|
16.4
|
30.1
|
|
|
Plant recovery
|
92
|
92
|
%
|
|
Ounces Au produced
|
139,198
|
297,239
|
Tr.oz
|
|
Initial capital expense
|
9.91
|
17.50
|
C$M
|
|
Working and preproduction capital
|
2.27
|
9.60
|
C$M
|
|
Waste mining
|
2.42
|
1.90
|
C$/tonne waste
|
|
Ore mining
|
8.38
|
5.87
|
C$/tonne ore
|
|
Processing
|
20.68
|
14.74
|
C$/tonne ore
|
|
Administration and overheads
|
2.07
|
1.27
|
C$/tonne ore
|
|
Total operating cost
|
70.30
|
78.91
|
C$/tonne / ore
|
|
Pre-tax NPV @ 8%
|
28.7
|
67.9
|
C$M
|
|
Pre-tax IRR
|
51%
|
39%
|
|
|
Max Exposure
|
13.66
|
33.53
|
C$M
|
|
Payback, years from start production
|
1.85
|
3.30
|
years
|
|
ratio, gross earnings: max exposure
|
5.02
|
6.00
|
|
|
ratio, NPV: max exposure
|
2.10
|
2.03
|
Table 1: Project Assumptions and Results for Base and US$1,200 Cases
Economic Parameters and Constraints for the Preliminary Economic Assessment:
The preliminary assessment includes inferred mineral resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves, and there is no certainty that the preliminary assessment will be realized. This mining study and PEA are at a conceptual level where different options can be considered and a broad understanding of the potential project performance can be gained. SRK and Almaden consider this project to be preliminary or “green field” in nature as previous mining activity on the property was largely for exploration purposes and the property has not been the subject of a detailed pre-feasibility study as is defined in NI 43-101. For the base case pit scenario 9% of the resource considered viable in the study are Measured Resources, 73% Indicated and 18% Inferred Resources. For the US$1200 pit scenario 7% of the resource considered viable in the study is based on Measured Resources, 71% on Indicated and 22% on Inferred Resources.
The trial open pit operation that occurred in the 1990s mined a small portion of vein material. The scenario developed as a recommendation for further study is summarised in the following table. Known as the Base Case, it is based on using augmented process equipment that Almaden already owns. This limits the throughput to 500 tpd. The Base Case is a conservative and low risk scenario in the light of the current gold price, and in practice the project could be expanded to mine a much larger part of the known resources if current gold prices are sustained. To show the effect of this, an alternative case known as the US$1200 case was also studied. The US$1200 case assumes that a gold price of US$1200/tr.oz will be maintained for eight years. The mine processing plant production is doubled, to 1,000 tpd. The underground resources declared in Table 3 below are not considered for production in this report. It is believed that if the project proposed goes ahead, then these resources will have a much improved chance of being mined, because access can be gained from within the open pit, and the treatment plant will have been built, and will be ready to accept underground production without further capital expense. This matter can therefore safely be left for consideration at a later time.
38
|
Item
|
Value
|
Unit
|
|
Slope Angle
|
45
|
°
|
|
Mining Costs
|
2.29
|
$/tonne waste
|
|
8.25
|
$/tonne ore
|
|
|
Mining Recovery
|
1.0
|
|
|
Mining Dilution
|
1.1
|
|
|
Processing Cost including G & A
|
22.75
|
$/tonne
|
|
Processing Recovery
|
92
|
%
|
|
Gold price
|
1,000
|
USD
|
|
US Dollar / CAD Dollar exchange rate
|
0.95
|
|
|
Selling Cost
|
2%
|
Of nominal gold sale price
|
Table 2: Base Case Pit Optimisation Parameters
Highlights of Updated Mineral Resource Estimate:
A mineral resource for the Elk Property was estimated by LGGC. Multiple quartz veins were interpreted on north-south trending cross sections. Three-dimensional solids models were built from the sectional interpretations using diamond drill hole data captured through to 2007. Assay gold grades were capped and composited to vein width composites averaging about 1.5 m. Gold grades were estimated into a block model using the inverse-distance method
Table 3:
Mineral Resources for the B and WD Veins at the Elk Project
LGGC directed SRK to produce a pit shell that LGGC incorporated into the resource estimation tabulations using a US$1200 gold price to constrain the blocks into open pit amenable resources reported at a 0.5 g/t Au cut-off. The remaining resources, that may have potential for underground extraction, was reported at a 5.0 g/t Au cut-off and are located below the US$1200 pit shell. Table 3 reports the results of the mineral resource estimation for the B and WD Veins using data available from December 2007.
Geology and Mineral Deposits
Gold-silver mineralization on the Elk Property is hosted by mesothermal pyritiferous quartz veins and pyritiferous altered granite and volcanics. The mineralized features generally trend northeasterly and are thought to be Late Cretaceous or Tertiary in age. To date, mineralization has been located in eight areas of the Elk property: Siwash North, South Showing, Discovery Showing, Lake Zone, End Zone, Great Wall Zone, Elusive Creek, Gold Creek West, WD Zone and the Bullion Creek area.
39
Infrastructure
All major services and labour can be found in Merritt or Westbank, towns accessible by four lane highway to the east and west of the property. There is good road access throughout most of the property by logging roads and a major highway (97C) crosses the northern claims. Single phase power is available at the highway 2km north of the mine site. Cell phone and radio phone communications are available from the mine site.
Planned Work Program – Fiscal 2011, Ending December 31, 2011
Subject to regulatory approval, upon Beanstalk Capital’s closing of the purchase of the Elk project, Beanstalk will be carrying out all future work on the Elk Project.
PRINCIPAL PROPERTIES INTERESTS IN MEXICO
“MAP 3 - MEXICO”
The Tuligtic Prospect – Mexico
“MAP 4 -TULIGTIC”
The Tuligtic (formerly “Santa Maria”) prospect is without known reserves and all current work by the Company on the prospect is exploratory in nature.
Option to Acquire Interest
The prospect was acquired by staking and is owned 100% through the Company’s subsidiary, Compania Minera Zapata, S.A. de C.V.
During Fiscal 2006, the Company entered into an agreement with Pinnacle Mines Ltd. (“Pinnacle”). To earn a 60% interest, Pinnacle had to incur exploration expenditures totalling US$6,000,000 and issue 1,000,000 shares to the Company within six years. During Fiscal 2007, Pinnacle failed to meet the expenditure requirements of the agreement and the Company terminated the agreement.
In Fiscal 2009, the Company entered into an agreement with Antofagasta Minerals. S.C. (“Antofagasta”). To earn a 60% interest, Antofagasta had to incur exploration expenditures totalling US$7,000,000 and make cash payments of US$1,000,000 to the Company by March 23, 2014. On February 16, 2010, the Company announced that Antofagasta had terminated its option to earn an interest in the prospect.
Expenditures to Date
During Fiscal 2010, the Company incurred $1,546,028 in staking and exploration costs on this prospect, primarily on a drill program, IP geophysical surveys and a geochemical soil sampling program. As at December 31, 2010, the Company had deferred costs of $1,580,458 on this prospect.
Location and Access
The Tuligtic project is located roughly one hundred kilometres north of Puebla, Puebla State, Mexico and may be accessed by paved highway from Puebla. Several other paved and unpaved roads provide access to various parts of the prospect from this highway. The centre of the prospect is approximately latitude 19 degrees 42 minutes North and longitude 97 degrees 52 minutes west.
Infrastructure
All major services are found in Puebla. Labour is available in local towns and villages. There is good road access throughout most of the area and major power lines also cross the prospect. A local power line network supplies electricity to villages within the area.*
History and Recent Work
Several limited, superficial historic workings exist on the prospect mainly related to clay mining, however their age is unknown. To the Company’s knowledge, no recent work has been carried out on the prospect other than that done by the Company.
40
In January 2003, a program of geologic mapping, rock, stream silt sampling and induced polarization geophysics was carried out. This program focused on the exposed porphyry intrusive and related skarn bodies but also covered areas of epithermal alteration. Anomalous results were received from rock samples taken from both the porphyry style and epithermal alteration and mineralisation. These results warrant further work. One line of induced polarization geophysics was carried out on the prospect. This work identified a greater than two kilometre wide zone of elevated chargeability response which is coincident with the exposed altered and mineralised intrusive system.
In January and February 2005, a program of further induced polarization geophysics and soil sampling was conducted, further defining the porphyry copper target as an area of high chargeability and elevated copper and molybdenum in soil.
To date 198 chip and grab rock samples have been taken from surface exposures over the entire prospect, including both the porphyry copper-gold and epithermal gold-silver target areas.
In the first quarter of 2008, the Company conducted a program of alteration mapping and stream sediment sampling.
The 2009 drilling program consisted of 2,973.05 metres in seven holes and was operated by Almaden on behalf of and under direct supervision of Antofagasta. Highlights of the drill program include 38 metres of 0.13% copper from 164 to 202 metres and 46 metres of 0.11 copper from 416 to 462 metres in hole DDH-01, 20 metres of 0.17% copper from 94 to 114 metres and 26 metres of 0.14% copper from 316 to 342 metres in hole DDH-02, 58 metres of 0.17% copper from 366 to 424 metres in hole DDH-03 (including 14 metres of 0.27% copper from 410 to 424 metres), 2 metres of 0.63% copper from 18 to 20 metres in hole DDH-04 and 20 metres of 0.11% copper from 276 to 296 metres and 8 metres of 0.13% copper in hole DDH-05. Molybdenum values were anomalous ranging up to 801 ppm (0.08%). Elevated gold values were also encountered including 2 metres of 1.34 g/t from 178-180 metres in hole DDH-01.
In August 2010, the Company reported the results from the first ever drilling on what is now being called the Ixtaca zone within the Company’s 100% owned Tuligtic project located in Puebla State, Mexico. Hole TU-10-1, the first drilled intersected multiple quartz-carbonate-sulphide vein zones over its entire length, averaging 1.01 g/t gold and 48 g/t silver over 302.41 metres from the base of overburden at 47.50 metres depth to the bottom of the hole at 349.91 metres depth. Vein intersections include 0.70 metres of 129 g/t gold and 4288 g/t silver (within an interval of 4.10 metres from 174.5 to 178.6 metres that averaged 25.71 g/t gold and 936 g/t silver). Below are two tables showing the broad intervals of gold-silver mineralisation and the high grade gold-silver vein zones respectively.
The veins are composed of banded fine grained quartz, calcite, rhodochrosite and sulphides which display textures typical of classic low-sulphidation epithermal veins. The Ixtaca zone is a blind drilling discovery as there is very little surface manifestation of the veins. The discovery is the result of the Company’s interpretation of the surface geology and utilising epithermal models of mineralisation.
|
From (m)
|
To (m) Width (m)
|
Gold (g/t)
|
Silver (g/t)
|
Gold Eq. (g/t)
|
Ag/Au
|
||
|
47.50
|
349.91
|
302.41
|
1.01
|
48
|
1.7
|
47
|
|
|
including
|
62.00
|
275.00
|
213.00
|
1.23
|
62
|
2.2
|
51
|
|
and
|
101.00
|
275.00
|
174.00
|
1.49
|
74
|
2.6
|
50
|
|
and
|
225.77
|
271.26
|
45.49
|
1.95
|
69
|
3.0
|
36
|
|
and
|
315.00
|
349.91
|
34.91
|
1.23
|
32
|
1.7
|
26
|
Table 1: Broad Intervals, Ixtaca Zone, Hole TU-10-1
41
|
From (m)
|
To (m) Width (m)
|
Gold (g/t)
|
Silver (g/t)
|
Gold Eq. (g/t)
|
Ag/Au
|
||
|
106.70
|
109.73
|
3.03
|
4.44
|
453
|
11.4
|
102
|
|
|
174.50
|
178.60
|
4.10
|
25.71
|
936
|
40.1
|
36
|
|
|
including
|
174.50
|
176.17
|
1.67
|
60.66
|
2112
|
93.2
|
35
|
|
and
|
174.50
|
175.20
|
0.70
|
129.00
|
4288
|
195.0
|
33
|
|
202.30
|
215.06
|
12.76
|
1.45
|
116
|
3.2
|
80
|
|
|
225.17
|
236.13
|
10.96
|
3.90
|
114
|
5.7
|
29
|
|
|
including
|
225.77
|
233.45
|
7.68
|
5.44
|
136
|
7.5
|
25
|
|
and
|
230.72
|
233.45
|
2.73
|
5.35
|
312
|
10.2
|
58
|
|
and
|
232.62
|
233.45
|
0.83
|
8.30
|
641
|
18.2
|
77
|
|
253.54
|
261.90
|
8.36
|
2.71
|
61
|
3.6
|
22
|
|
|
315.65
|
319.43
|
3.78
|
9.53
|
279
|
13.8
|
29
|
|
|
including
|
315.65
|
317.40
|
1.75
|
17.28
|
527
|
25.4
|
31
|
Hole TU-10-3, from the base of overburden at 21.49 metres to 253.79 metres depth, intersected a 232.30 metre interval that averaged 0.36 g/t gold and 34 g/t silver (0.9 g/t AuEq., 57 g/t AgEq.). Vein intersections include 0.81 metres of 4.3 g/t gold and 721 g/t silver (15.4 g/t AuEq., 1,002 g/t AgEq.) and 0.20 metres of 7.5 g/t gold and 1190 g/t Ag (25.8 g/t AuEq., 1,678 g/t AgEq.). Hole TU-10-2 was drilled away from holes TU-10-1 and TU-10-3 and also intersected vein and zones of veining including 32.69 metres from 172.31 to 205.00 depth of 0.15 g/t gold and 32 g/t silver (0.6 g/t AuEq., 41 g/t AgEq.). Vein intersections in hole TU-10-2 include 1.34 metres of 0.1 g/t gold and 440 g/t silver (6.9 g/t AuEq, 448 g/t AgEq.). Below are tables showing the broad intervals of gold-silver mineralisation and the high grade gold-silver vein zones respectively. Subsequent to the receipt of these analytical results it was clear that more complete sampling of holes TU-10-2 and TU-10-3 was required. TU-10-2 and TU-10-3 were subsequently sampled completely.
|
Hole
|
From (m)
|
To (m)
|
Width (m)
|
Gold (g/t)
|
Silver (g/t)
|
Gold Eq. (g/t)
|
Silver Eq. (g/t)
|
Ag/Au
|
|
|
TU-10-3
|
21.49
|
253.79
|
232.30
|
0.36
|
34
|
0.9
|
58
|
96
|
|
|
TU-10-3
|
including
|
34.20
|
222.00
|
187.80
|
0.42
|
41
|
1.0
|
68
|
98
|
|
TU-10-3
|
and
|
36.75
|
47.61
|
10.86
|
0.61
|
69
|
1.7
|
109
|
114
|
|
TU-10-3
|
and
|
78.97
|
211.04
|
132.07
|
0.49
|
46
|
1.2
|
78
|
95
|
|
TU-10-3
|
and
|
78.97
|
101.00
|
22.03
|
0.54
|
80
|
1.8
|
115
|
150
|
|
TU-10-3
|
including
|
78.97
|
89.00
|
10.03
|
0.80
|
121
|
2.7
|
172
|
151
|
|
TU-10-3
|
and
|
140.90
|
154.36
|
13.46
|
1.02
|
60
|
1.9
|
126
|
59
|
|
TU-10-3
|
and
|
191.95
|
211.04
|
19.09
|
1.12
|
86
|
2.4
|
158
|
77
|
|
TU-10-3
|
and
|
191.95
|
222.00
|
30.05
|
0.77
|
60
|
1.7
|
110
|
78
|
|
TU-10-2
|
172.31
|
205.00
|
32.69
|
0.15
|
32
|
0.6
|
41
|
211
|
|
|
TU-10-2
|
including
|
194.20
|
198.70
|
4.50
|
0.18
|
148
|
2.5
|
159
|
826
|
Table 1: Broad Intervals, Ixtaca Zone, Holes TU-10-2 and TU-10-3
42
|
Hole
|
From (m)
|
To (m)
|
Width (m)
|
Gold (g/t)
|
Silver (g/t)
|
Gold Eq. (g/t)
|
Silver Eq. (g/t)
|
Ag/Au
|
|
TU-10-3
|
78.97
|
79.3
|
0.33
|
3.86
|
378
|
9.7
|
629
|
98
|
|
TU-10-3
|
84.00
|
84.81
|
0.81
|
4.3
|
721
|
15.4
|
1002
|
166
|
|
TU-10-3
|
96.58
|
96.90
|
0.32
|
1.6
|
297
|
6.2
|
403
|
183
|
|
TU-10-3
|
110.16
|
110.47
|
0.31
|
2.2
|
481
|
9.6
|
624
|
219
|
|
TU-10-3
|
128.89
|
129.12
|
0.23
|
3.0
|
370
|
8.7
|
566
|
123
|
|
TU-10-3
|
140.90
|
141.10
|
0.20
|
4.1
|
113
|
5.8
|
378
|
28
|
|
TU-10-3
|
141.55
|
141.75
|
0.20
|
4.0
|
160
|
6.5
|
422
|
40
|
|
TU-10-3
|
142.94
|
144.16
|
1.22
|
2.5
|
113
|
4.3
|
277
|
45
|
|
TU-10-3
|
148.40
|
148.60
|
0.20
|
7.5
|
1190
|
25.8
|
1678
|
158
|
|
TU-10-3
|
152.41
|
152.99
|
0.58
|
5.4
|
111
|
7.1
|
462
|
21
|
|
TU-10-3
|
162.17
|
162.38
|
0.21
|
7.6
|
206
|
10.7
|
697
|
27
|
|
TU-10-3
|
163.18
|
163.44
|
0.26
|
3.9
|
392
|
10.0
|
647
|
100
|
|
TU-10-3
|
204.00
|
211.04
|
7.04
|
2.7
|
226
|
6.1
|
399
|
85
|
|
TU-10-3
|
including 204.00
|
206.65
|
2.65
|
3.6
|
329
|
8.7
|
565
|
91
|
|
TU-10-2
|
56.33
|
56.53
|
0.20
|
0.6
|
64
|
1.6
|
105
|
101
|
|
TU-10-2
|
57.58
|
57.78
|
0.2
|
0.96
|
137
|
3.1
|
199
|
143
|
|
TU-10-2
|
194.46
|
194.68
|
0.22
|
1.1
|
59
|
2.0
|
129
|
54
|
|
TU-10-2
|
197.36
|
198.70
|
1.34
|
0.1
|
440
|
6.9
|
448
|
3570
|
Table 2: High Grade Gold-Silver Intervals, Ixtaca Zone, Holes TU-10-2 and TU-10-3
In November 2010, the Company reported the results of holes TU-10-4 and TU-10-5. Both holes intersected multiple quartz-carbonate-sulphide vein zones over significant widths. Hole TU-10-4 intersected 158.0 metres (from 189.10 to 347.10 metres) averaging 0.94 g/t gold and 61.1 g/t silver (2.2 g/t AuEq and 108 g/t AgEq). Hole TU-10-5 intersected 230.43 metres (from 146.40 to 379.13 metres) averaging 0.51 g/t gold and 42.0 g/t silver (1.3 g/t AuEq and 67 g/t AgEq). Multiple higher grade intervals were also intersected in both holes (including 0.85 m of 8.83 g/t gold and 1337.0 g/t Ag in hole TU-10-4 and 0.52 m of 37.4 g/t Au and 466 g/t Ag in hole TU-10-5). The broad intervals of veining and high grade gold-silver zones are tabularised below.
43
|
Hole #
|
From (m) To (m) Interval (m)
|
Gold (g/t)
|
Silver (g/t)
|
Gold Eq (g/t)
|
Silver Eq (g/t)
|
||
|
TU-10-4
|
38.00 59.30
|
21.30
|
0.66
|
25.2
|
1.2
|
58
|
|
| TU-10-4 | including |
38.00 47.20
|
9.20
|
1.10
|
41.2
|
1.9
|
96
|
|
TU-10-4
|
and
|
38.00 40.40
|
2.40
|
3.09
|
33.9
|
3.8
|
189
|
|
TU-10-4
|
189.10 211.80
|
22.70
|
0.83
|
79.6
|
2.4
|
121
|
|
| TU-10-4 | including |
195.00 203.85
|
8.85
|
1.44
|
154.5
|
4.5
|
226
|
|
TU-10-4
|
and
|
202.90 203.85
|
0.95
|
7.57
|
882.3
|
25.2
|
1261
|
|
TU-10-4
|
229.70 233.80
|
4.10
|
0.75
|
44.1
|
1.6
|
82
|
|
|
TU-10-4
|
240.80 246.80
|
6.00
|
0.19
|
13.1
|
0.4
|
22
|
|
|
TU-10-4
|
252.45 347.10
|
94.65
|
1.33
|
79.9
|
2.9
|
146
|
|
| TU-10-4 | including |
252.45 287.60
|
35.15
|
1.08
|
82.9
|
2.7
|
137
|
|
TU-10-4
|
and
|
262.90 263.75
|
0.85
|
8.83
|
1337.0
|
35.6
|
1778
|
|
TU-10-4
|
and
|
272.70 277.00
|
4.30
|
2.70
|
151.3
|
5.7
|
286
|
|
TU-10-4
|
and
|
282.50 287.60
|
5.10
|
2.44
|
60.3
|
3.6
|
182
|
|
TU-10-4
|
and
|
293.45 347.10
|
53.65
|
1.63
|
86.4
|
3.4
|
168
|
|
TU-10-4
|
and
|
296.20 310.70
|
14.50
|
2.97
|
158.8
|
6.1
|
307
|
|
TU-10-4
|
and
|
322.10 325.30
|
3.20
|
4.21
|
97.3
|
6.2
|
308
|
|
TU-10-4
|
and
|
328.30 329.50
|
1.20
|
2.68
|
198.0
|
6.6
|
332
|
|
TU-10-4
|
and
|
335.50 340.20
|
4.70
|
2.53
|
198.7
|
6.5
|
325
|
|
TU-10-4
|
and
|
343.35 344.70
|
1.35
|
2.01
|
35.6
|
2.7
|
136
|
|
TU-10-4
|
367.90 379.00
|
11.10
|
0.30
|
38.1
|
1.1
|
53
|
|
Table 1: Intervals Hole TU-10-4
44
|
Hole #
|
From (m) To (m) Interval (m)
|
Gold (g/t)
|
Silver (g/t)
|
Gold Eq (g/t)
|
Silver Eq (g/t)
|
||
|
TU-10-5
|
34.40 45.00
|
10.60
|
1.27
|
26.3
|
1.8
|
90
|
|
|
TU-10-5
|
63.20 73.30
|
10.10
|
0.68
|
41.6
|
1.5
|
76
|
|
|
TU-10-5
|
146.40 159.79
|
13.39
|
0.37
|
100.1
|
2.4
|
118
|
|
| TU-10-5 | including |
149.15 150.40
|
1.25
|
2.80
|
706.0
|
16.9
|
846
|
|
TU-10-5
|
178.20 178.45
|
0.25
|
0.65
|
501.0
|
10.7
|
533
|
|
|
TU-10-5
|
183.76 185.05
|
1.29
|
0.21
|
614.7
|
12.5
|
625
|
|
|
TU-10-5
|
199.25 204.66
|
5.41
|
0.18
|
57.4
|
1.3
|
67
|
|
|
TU-10-5
|
213.81 335.91
|
122.10
|
0.74
|
40.9
|
1.6
|
78
|
|
| TU-10-5 | including |
213.81 234.99
|
21.18
|
1.00
|
57.1
|
2.1
|
107
|
|
TU-10-5
|
and
|
227.16 230.06
|
2.90
|
3.78
|
230.2
|
8.4
|
419
|
|
TU-10-5
|
and
|
244.74 250.10
|
5.36
|
0.64
|
41.1
|
1.5
|
73
|
|
TU-10-5
|
and
|
261.26 276.46
|
15.20
|
0.71
|
53.1
|
1.8
|
89
|
|
TU-10-5
|
and
|
261.26 264.15
|
2.89
|
3.04
|
185.1
|
6.7
|
337
|
|
TU-10-5
|
and
|
283.45 335.91
|
52.46
|
1.04
|
51.2
|
2.1
|
103
|
|
TU-10-5
|
and
|
283.45 307.02
|
23.57
|
1.05
|
52.7
|
2.1
|
105
|
|
TU-10-5
|
and
|
295.00 299.74
|
4.74
|
3.50
|
128.1
|
6.1
|
303
|
|
TU-10-5
|
and
|
295.00 295.45
|
0.45
|
14.04
|
366.1
|
21.4
|
1068
|
|
TU-10-5
|
and
|
312.12 335.91
|
23.79
|
1.24
|
59.6
|
2.4
|
122
|
|
TU-10-5
|
and
|
319.16 323.81
|
4.65
|
4.24
|
127.3
|
6.8
|
339
|
|
TU-10-5
|
and
|
321.70 322.53
|
0.83
|
14.30
|
150.0
|
17.3
|
865
|
|
TU-10-5
|
and
|
332.50 334.76
|
2.26
|
2.07
|
197.6
|
6.0
|
301
|
|
TU-10-5
|
342.46 371.03
|
28.57
|
0.56
|
53.7
|
1.6
|
82
|
|
| TU-10-5 | including |
368.84 369.77
|
0.93
|
3.60
|
476.2
|
13.1
|
656
|
|
TU-10-5
|
402.62 403.14
|
0.52
|
37.40
|
466.0
|
46.7
|
2336
|
|
Table 2: Intervals Hole TU-10-5
In November 2010, the Company reported the results from hole TU-10-6, located about 110 metres away (northeast) of holes TU-10-4 and TU-10-5 Hole TU-10-6 was collared with an azimuth of 150 degrees and dip of -50 degrees and intersected multiple quartz-carbonate-sulphide vein zones over significant widths. The entire zone of veining averaged 0.86 g/t gold and 61.7 g/t silver (2.1 g/t AuEq or 105 g/t AgEq) over 126.22 metres (from 295.58 to 421.80 metres). Multiple higher grade intervals were also intersected within this zone including 19.18 metres (from 317.50 to 336.68 metres) of 2.84 g/t gold and 160.2 g/t silver (6.0 g/t AuEq or 302 g/t AgEq). Both the broad intervals of veining and high grade gold-silver zones are tabularised below.
45
|
Hole #
|
From (m) To (m) Interval (m)
|
Gold (g/t)
|
Silver (g/t)
|
Gold Eq (g/t)
|
Silver Eq (g/t)
|
||
|
TU-10-6
|
111.16 111.82
|
0.66
|
0.56
|
62.1
|
1.8
|
90
|
|
|
TU-10-6
|
222.57 233.89
|
11.32
|
0.12
|
22.2
|
0.6
|
28
|
|
|
TU-10-6
|
273.26 277.52
|
4.26
|
1.41
|
130.4
|
4.0
|
201
|
|
|
TU-10-6
|
including |
273.26 275.95
|
2.69
|
2.09
|
202.6
|
6.1
|
307
|
|
TU-10-6
|
295.58 421.80
|
126.22
|
0.86
|
61.7
|
2.1
|
105
|
|
|
TU-10-6
|
including |
295.58 340.65
|
45.07
|
1.38
|
92.3
|
3.2
|
161
|
|
TU-10-6
|
and
|
317.50 336.68
|
19.18
|
2.84
|
160.2
|
6.0
|
302
|
|
TU-10-6
|
and
|
317.50 319.69
|
2.19
|
6.66
|
474.9
|
16.2
|
808
|
|
TU-10-6
|
and
|
331.61 336.68
|
5.07
|
5.45
|
242.4
|
10.3
|
515
|
|
TU-10-6
|
and
|
331.61 333.66
|
2.05
|
9.15
|
310.2
|
15.4
|
768
|
|
TU-10-6
|
and
|
345.47 359.05
|
13.58
|
0.89
|
72.6
|
2.3
|
117
|
|
TU-10-6
|
and
|
379.50 421.80
|
42.30
|
0.77
|
61.2
|
2.0
|
100
|
|
TU-10-6
|
and
|
405.85 412.07
|
6.22
|
2.55
|
209.2
|
6.7
|
336
|
|
TU-10-6
|
and
|
410.87 412.07
|
1.20
|
6.83
|
482.4
|
16.5
|
824
|
Table 1: Intervals Hole TU-10-6
In January 2011, the Company reported all outstanding assay results from its 2010 drilling program (holes TU-10-7 through TU-10-14.
46
|
Hole #
|
From (m)
|
To (m) Interval (m)
|
Gold (g/t)
|
Silver (g/t)
|
AUEQ (g/t)
|
AGEQ (g/t)
|
|
|
TU-10-7
|
37.05
|
53.83
|
16.78
|
0.48
|
24.4
|
1.0
|
48
|
| including |
43.35
|
47.55
|
4.20
|
0.91
|
30.5
|
1.5
|
76
|
|
TU-10-7
|
60.00
|
134.12
|
74.12
|
0.30
|
31.1
|
0.9
|
46
|
| including |
63.00
|
66.60
|
3.60
|
0.71
|
59.5
|
1.9
|
95
|
|
and
|
80.20
|
82.25
|
2.05
|
1.57
|
146.7
|
4.5
|
225
|
|
and
|
92.47
|
93.25
|
0.78
|
1.59
|
393.8
|
9.5
|
473
|
|
TU-10-7
|
139.20
|
162.25
|
23.05
|
0.16
|
15.1
|
0.5
|
23
|
|
TU-10-8
|
85.10
|
109.70
|
24.60
|
0.32
|
38.5
|
1.1
|
55
|
| including |
101.11
|
104.11
|
3.00
|
0.94
|
94.7
|
2.8
|
142
|
|
and
|
107.38
|
109.70
|
2.32
|
1.30
|
127.7
|
3.9
|
193
|
|
TU-10-8
|
117.32
|
135.87
|
18.55
|
0.22
|
24.3
|
0.7
|
35
|
| including |
123.00
|
126.45
|
3.45
|
0.91
|
90.7
|
2.7
|
136
|
|
TU-10-9
|
35.52
|
57.31
|
21.79
|
0.50
|
14.0
|
0.8
|
39
|
|
TU-10-9
|
271.28
|
281.20
|
9.92
|
0.46
|
16.2
|
0.8
|
39
|
|
TU-10-9
|
288.14
|
291.63
|
3.49
|
1.93
|
162.5
|
5.2
|
259
|
|
TU-10-9
|
297.94
|
299.13
|
1.19
|
1.07
|
57.3
|
2.2
|
111
|
|
TU-10-9
|
314.74
|
320.00
|
5.26
|
1.18
|
48.9
|
2.2
|
108
|
|
TU-10-9
|
333.00
|
341.56
|
8.56
|
0.61
|
10.5
|
0.8
|
41
|
|
TU-10-10
|
83.06
|
108.40
|
25.34
|
0.20
|
18.8
|
0.6
|
29
|
| including |
94.02
|
96.10
|
2.08
|
0.97
|
109.3
|
3.2
|
158
|
|
TU-10-10
|
180.50
|
188.50
|
8.00
|
0.22
|
33.5
|
0.9
|
45
|
|
TU-10-10
|
196.46
|
203.43
|
6.97
|
0.15
|
13.7
|
0.4
|
21
|
|
TU-10-10
|
223.49
|
225.29
|
1.80
|
0.26
|
31.1
|
0.9
|
44
|
|
TU-10-10
|
257.60
|
394.52
|
136.92
|
1.47
|
36.3
|
2.2
|
110
|
| including |
257.60
|
301.56
|
43.96
|
3.10
|
62.3
|
4.3
|
217
|
|
and
|
257.60
|
258.54
|
0.94
|
6.74
|
288.5
|
12.5
|
626
|
|
and
|
264.60
|
265.47
|
0.87
|
23.29
|
34.6
|
24.0
|
1199
|
|
and
|
271.72
|
273.43
|
1.71
|
13.11
|
55.6
|
14.2
|
711
|
|
and
|
278.53
|
286.05
|
7.52
|
7.76
|
216.5
|
12.1
|
605
|
|
and
|
335.79
|
341.78
|
5.99
|
3.07
|
163.9
|
6.3
|
317
|
|
and
|
347.90
|
352.26
|
4.36
|
2.83
|
119.8
|
5.2
|
261
|
|
TU-10-10
|
486.70
|
498.00
|
11.30
|
0.51
|
5.1
|
0.6
|
31
|
|
TU-10-11
|
122.70
|
124.20
|
1.50
|
0.65
|
229.8
|
5.2
|
262
|
|
TU-10-11
|
185.09
|
185.64
|
0.55
|
1.13
|
405.7
|
9.2
|
462
|
|
TU-10-11
|
204.98
|
408.63
|
203.65
|
1.01
|
44.3
|
1.9
|
95
|
| including |
255.42
|
338.50
|
83.08
|
1.83
|
77.7
|
3.4
|
169
|
|
and
|
207.82
|
208.40
|
0.58
|
1.27
|
274.5
|
6.8
|
338
|
|
and
|
223.05
|
224.50
|
1.45
|
3.02
|
284.7
|
8.7
|
436
|
|
and
|
241.03
|
242.94
|
1.91
|
6.72
|
551.5
|
17.8
|
888
|
|
and
|
258.68
|
260.45
|
1.77
|
48.98
|
1391.7
|
76.8
|
3841
|
|
and
|
279.23
|
280.63
|
1.40
|
7.82
|
560.3
|
19.0
|
951
|
|
and
|
292.93
|
296.34
|
3.41
|
2.91
|
133.9
|
5.6
|
279
|
|
and
|
303.09
|
306.90
|
3.81
|
2.79
|
113.1
|
5.1
|
253
|
|
and
|
333.85
|
336.36
|
2.51
|
6.30
|
237.1
|
11.0
|
552
|
|
TU-10-12
|
121.62
|
147.80
|
26.18
|
0.08
|
51.8
|
1.1
|
56
|
| including |
132.75
|
133.73
|
0.98
|
0.06
|
1050.0
|
21.1
|
1053
|
|
TU-10-12
|
172.93
|
338.00
|
165.07
|
0.83
|
50.8
|
1.8
|
92
|
| including |
229.44
|
296.20
|
66.76
|
1.65
|
111.4
|
3.9
|
194
|
|
and
|
230.32
|
275.33
|
45.01
|
2.37
|
157.4
|
5.5
|
276
|
|
and
|
234.13
|
236.96
|
2.83
|
10.52
|
685.8
|
24.2
|
1212
|
|
and
|
254.78
|
257.95
|
3.17
|
10.53
|
585.7
|
22.2
|
1112
|
|
TU-10-13
|
64.90
|
89.00
|
24.10
|
1.43
|
99.0
|
3.4
|
171
|
|
TU-10-13
|
193.65
|
201.33
|
7.68
|
0.21
|
19.2
|
0.6
|
30
|
|
TU-10-13
|
212.80
|
213.42
|
0.62
|
2.72
|
269.0
|
8.1
|
405
|
|
TU-10-13
|
289.50
|
289.92
|
0.42
|
6.67
|
304.0
|
12.8
|
638
|
|
TU-10-13
|
420.01
|
420.42
|
0.41
|
5.54
|
35.7
|
6.3
|
313
|
|
TU-10-13
|
426.62
|
427.70
|
1.08
|
1.69
|
37.2
|
2.4
|
122
|
|
TU-10-14
|
113.17
|
298.27
|
185.10
|
0.44
|
27.9
|
1.0
|
50
|
| including |
113.17
|
247.40
|
134.23
|
0.53
|
35.6
|
1.2
|
62
|
|
and
|
188.63
|
206.04
|
17.41
|
2.04
|
149.6
|
5.0
|
252
|
|
and
|
203.30
|
206.04
|
2.74
|
8.17
|
710.1
|
22.4
|
1119
|
47
In March 2011, the Company reported all outstanding assay results from its early 2011 drilling program (holes TU-10-15 through TU-10-17.
|
Hole
|
From (m)
|
To (m) Interval (m)
|
Au (g/t)
|
Ag (g/t)
|
AuEq (g/t)
|
AgEq (g/t)
|
|
|
TU-11-15
|
138.30
|
276.00
|
137.70
|
0.82
|
28.4
|
1.4
|
69
|
|
and
|
138.30
|
150.59
|
12.29
|
6.16
|
40.4
|
7.0
|
348
|
|
and
|
139.70
|
142.00
|
2.30
|
31.46
|
69.4
|
32.8
|
1642
|
|
and
|
197.87
|
200.46
|
2.59
|
1.68
|
148.0
|
4.6
|
232
|
|
and
|
253.66
|
259.86
|
6.20
|
1.29
|
122.5
|
3.7
|
187
|
|
and
|
258.68
|
259.86
|
1.18
|
3.49
|
237.5
|
8.2
|
412
|
|
TU-11-16
|
208.00
|
409.35
|
201.35
|
0.99
|
86.2
|
2.7
|
136
|
|
includes
|
208.00
|
237.19
|
29.19
|
0.67
|
105.7
|
2.8
|
139
|
|
and
|
235.30
|
237.19
|
1.89
|
3.68
|
776.1
|
19.2
|
960
|
|
and
|
256.48
|
286.60
|
30.12
|
1.62
|
187.9
|
5.4
|
269
|
|
and
|
269.28
|
273.68
|
4.40
|
4.33
|
577.3
|
15.9
|
794
|
|
and
|
270.68
|
272.68
|
2.00
|
6.78
|
1038.5
|
27.5
|
1377
|
|
and
|
281.79
|
282.84
|
1.05
|
18.15
|
2250.0
|
63.2
|
3158
|
|
and
|
317.20
|
351.48
|
34.28
|
1.73
|
95.2
|
3.6
|
182
|
|
and
|
326.32
|
329.34
|
3.02
|
6.13
|
601.9
|
18.2
|
909
|
|
and
|
338.91
|
349.10
|
10.19
|
2.85
|
72.4
|
4.3
|
215
|
|
and
|
365.90
|
409.35
|
43.45
|
1.62
|
118.9
|
4.0
|
200
|
|
and
|
374.22
|
378.75
|
4.53
|
4.19
|
280.3
|
9.8
|
490
|
|
and
|
374.22
|
376.83
|
2.61
|
5.74
|
336.9
|
12.5
|
624
|
|
and
|
386.70
|
387.70
|
1.00
|
6.88
|
524.0
|
17.4
|
868
|
|
and
|
395.63
|
409.35
|
13.72
|
1.74
|
138.7
|
4.5
|
226
|
|
and
|
395.63
|
402.99
|
7.36
|
2.46
|
208.2
|
6.6
|
331
|
|
TU-11-16
|
439.00
|
443.00
|
4.00
|
1.11
|
13.0
|
1.4
|
69
|
|
TU-11-17
|
128.00
|
329.00
|
201.00
|
0.55
|
45.7
|
1.5
|
73
|
|
includes
|
149.33
|
253.80
|
104.47
|
0.79
|
77.7
|
2.3
|
117
|
|
and
|
183.38
|
191.14
|
7.76
|
1.46
|
123.3
|
3.9
|
196
|
|
and
|
226.28
|
247.00
|
20.72
|
1.87
|
228.2
|
6.4
|
322
|
|
and
|
238.73
|
253.80
|
15.07
|
1.79
|
260.8
|
7.0
|
350
|
|
and
|
238.73
|
247.00
|
8.27
|
2.68
|
416.9
|
11.0
|
551
|
|
and
|
296.75
|
305.00
|
8.25
|
0.88
|
9.1
|
1.1
|
53
|
All analytical work reported was carried out at ALS Chemex Laboratories of North Vancouver using industry standard aqua regia, ICP and fire assay techniques. Blanks, field duplicates and certified standards were inserted into the sample stream as part of Almaden’s quality assurance and control program which complies with National Instrument 43-101 requirements. Gold equivalent (“AuEq” or “Gold Eq.”) and silver equivalent (“AgEq” or “Silver Eq.”) values were calculated using silver to gold ratios of 50 to 1. Intervals that returned assays below detection were assigned zero values. Metallurgical recoveries and net smelter returns are assumed to be 100% for these calculations. Registered geologist Jim Lunbeck, a QP under the meaning of NI 43-101, will be the QP and project manager of Almaden’s 2011 Ixtaca program. Drilling recommenced at the Ixtaca zone in January 2011.
48
Geology and Mineralization
The project covers an area of intensely altered rocks roughly 5 by 5 kilometres in size. Within this area a field program carried out by the Company identified both a porphyry copper and an epithermal gold target. The copper porphyry target occurs within K-silicate altered intrusive rocks that intrude deformed limestone which is overlain by intensely altered volcanic rocks. Calc-silicate altered limestone occurs in proximity to the intrusive contacts and is associated with skarn-type copper mineralization. Multiple phases make up the intrusive body which has been altered and veined. Stockwork quartz pyrite veining dominates the alteration and is associated with minor copper mineralization. This alteration is observed to overprint earlier potassic alteration.
An induced polarisation geophysical survey was carried out on one line over the exposed stockwork veined intrusive. A further IP geophysical survey was carried out on eight lines, three kilometres in length, spaced 200 metres apart, and centred over the gullies which have cut through the unmineralised ash deposits and exposed the stockwork veined and copper-gold mineralised intrusive rocks. This survey indicated that the exposed mineralization represents a portion of a much larger intrusive hosted system characterised by an elevated chargeability response anomaly which is open in three directions and increasing in tenor with depth. Soil sampling has returned highly anomalous copper, molybdenum, silver and gold in soil samples over areas where the altered and mineralised intrusive rocks are exposed, and elevated chargeability responses have been recorded at surface. The volcanic rocks, which are exposed roughly one kilometre to the south of the outcropping intrusive are also extensively altered. The alteration is considered indicative of the upper parts of an epithermal system and includes replacement silicification and sinter, the precipitate or sediment that was deposited from a hot spring.
Quartz-calcite veins with textural evidence of boiling have been identified outcropping in limestone roughly 100 metres beneath the exposed sinter. Initial sampling of these veins and from float boulders of breccia containing quartz vein fragments have returned anomalous values in gold and silver. The sinter and overlying altered volcanic rocks are anomalous in Hg, As and Sb.
Planned Work Program – Fiscal 2011, Ending December 31, 2011
The Company’s planned exploration program for Fiscal 2011 consists of diamond drilling the Ixtaca zone on 50 metre spaced sections and drill testing other targets on the property with a proposed budget of C$2MM.
The Caballo Blanco Prospect - Mexico
“MAP 5 - CABALLO BLANCO”
The Caballo Blanco prospect is without known reserves and all current work on the prospect is exploratory in nature.
Option to Acquire Interest
In 1996, the Company signed an option to purchase agreement with two private Mexican individuals for the approximately 40,000 acre property. Under the terms of the agreement, to earn a 60% in the property, the Company had to issue a total of 200,000 shares and pay US$500,000 plus value added tax over four and a half years. To earn the remaining 40% interest, the Company had to pay an additional US$500,000 plus value added tax within a year of earning its 60% interest, plus a 2.5% NSR from any production. The Company could have reduced this NSR to 1.5% for a fixed payment of US$2,000,000 plus value added tax payable equally over 10 years.
The agreement was amended in January 2003. To earn a 100% interest, the Company must issue a total of 200,000 shares of its stock and pay US$668,500 plus value added tax by March 6, 2007 (amended) which issue and payment have been made. The underlying owner would also receive a NSR of 2.5% to 1% (“sliding scale NSR”) based on the rate of production. The Company can purchase 50% of this NSR for a fixed payment of US$750,000 plus value added tax.
In Fiscal 2003, the Company entered into an agreement with Comaplex Minerals Corp. (“Comaplex”). To earn a 60% interest, Comaplex was obligated to keep the property in good standing and incur exploration expenditures totalling US$2,000,000 by January 16, 2007. During Fiscal 2006, Comaplex completed the earn-in requirements. In Fiscal 2007, the Company acquired Comaplex’s 60% option interest for US$1,250,000 and made the final payment of US$210,000 plus value added tax to the underlying owner, now holding a 100% interest in the property subject to the sliding scale NSR.
49
Also in April 2007, the Company entered into an option agreement with Canadian Gold Hunter Corp. (“CGH”). To earn a 70% interest, CGH agreed to keep the property in good standing, issue 1,000,000 million shares of CGH to the Company (received), make a US$500,000 payment (received), incur exploration expenditures totalling US$12,000,000 and fund all costs required for the completion of a bankable feasibility study. The Company would be entitled to participate in whatever terms CGH may have negotiated for production financing.
In February 2010, the Company announced that it has agreed to terms with NGEx Resources Inc. (“NGEx”, formerly Canadian Gold Hunter Corp.) and Goldgroup Mining (“Goldgroup”) with respect to its Caballo Blanco project. NGEx and Goldgroup had announced that they had concluded an arrangement whereby Goldgroup could acquire NGEx’s not yet exercised right to acquire a 70% interest in the Caballo Blanco project from Almaden. Almaden has now agreed to this arrangement but under the condition that a portion of the Caballo Blanco project previously known as the “Central Grid zone” or “Central Grid” be separated from that agreement to form the now named “El Cobre Project”, to be owned 60% by Almaden and 40% by Goldgroup. This arrangement is subject to Goldgroup earning its 70% interest in the prospect. Should Goldgroup fail to do so, Goldgroup’s interest in the El Cobre project will be reduced to 20%. Goldgroup has agreed to pay a NSR to NGEx of 1.5% on Goldgroup’s portion of both the El Cobre and Caballo Blanco projects. Both Almaden and Goldgroup will hold a working interest in the El Cobre Project and Almaden will be the operator of exploration programs.
Goldgroup will hold the right to acquire a 70% interest in the portion of the Caballo Blanco property outside that of which comprises the El Cobre project. In 2010 Goldgroup Mining, recently announced a new 43-101 resource for the Cerro La Paila zone of the Caballo Blanco property Almaden’s agreement with Goldgroup (formerly with NGEx) allows for Goldgroup to earn a 70% interest in the Caballo Blanco property by spending US$12,000,000 (not yet completed). Goldgroup will remain responsible for all costs until a bankable feasibility study is presented to Almaden. Almaden shall be entitled to participate in any production financing arranged by Goldgroup on the same terms arranged by Goldgroup.
Expenditures to Date
During Fiscal 2010, the Company incurred $6,146 in exploration costs on the Caballo Blanco prospect which were not recovered. As at December 31, 2010, the Company had deferred costs of $77,161 on this prospect.
Location and Access
The Caballo Blanco project, consisting of mineral concessions, currently comprising about 8,200 hectares, is located in the state of Veracruz about 75 kilometres northwest along the Pan American highway in eastern Mexico from the city of Veracruz.
Infrastructure
The prospective areas of the prospect are all located within 10 kilometres of a paved highway and Mexico’s only nuclear power plant. Veracruz, located 75 kilometres south of the prospect, is a large and well serviced city.
History and Recent Work
The area was staked in 1993 as a new discovery. The Company carried out limited exploration on the property in 1995 with mixed results, and subsequently provided the owner with funding to continue prospecting under a “grubstake” agreement. Further mineralization was found and an option agreement was negotiated. Since 1996, the Company’s efforts have focussed on three distinct areas of alteration and mineralisation known as the Central Grid Zone, Highway Zone and Northern Zone respectively. Most of the work to date has been carried out on the Central Grid and Highway zones. Geological mapping, sampling, geochemical surveys, magnetic and induced polarization (IP) geophysical surveys were carried out, mostly in 1997. A 2,390 metre reverse circulation drill program was carried out by the Company in 1998 on the Central Grid Zone. This drilling intersected both porphyry-style copper-gold mineralization and high-grade gold-silver mineralization in veins apparently spatially peripheral to the porphyry system. In the Highway Zone, soil geochemistry, geologic mapping, and induced polarisation geophysical surveys identified a large altered area containing evidence of a high sulphidation epithermal system. The Northern Zone is a large area of argillic alteration, within which preliminary prospecting and geochemical surveys have identified areas of elevated gold-copper-arsenic in silcified rock. Highly anomalous values have been found in stream silt samples and boulders in streams, and this area is thought to represent a large unexplored high-sulphidation gold system. In 1999, 2000, and early 2001, the Company carried out limited geological, geochemical, and IP surveys. Late in 2000, the Company purchased exploration data and surrounding claims from Lucero Resources Corp. The Company also purchased a small net smelter return royalty on these claims for $1,000 Canadian dollars from Lucero’s successor in early 2003.
50
In Fiscal 2001, the Company’s subsidiary, Minera Gavilan, S.A. de C.V., signed an agreement with Noranda Exploracion Mexico S.A de C.V. (“Noranda”), a subsidiary of Noranda Inc., which was terminated in Fiscal 2002. Noranda carried out geological mapping, some regional geochemical surveying and diamond drilling. Starting in March 2002, Noranda completed 1789 metres of drilling in seven holes, four in the Central Grid area, and three into the Highway Zone area, aimed at porphyry copper targets. At the Company’s expense, two short holes were drilled to test a gold target in the Central Grid part of the property.
Later in Fiscal 2003, Comaplex optioned the property from the Company. Work during 2003 at the Highway and Northern zones consisted of sampling, geologic mapping and induced polarization (IP) geophysics and was complimented by analysis of alteration mineralogy with a PIMA portable infrared spectrometer.
Comaplex started building roads for drilling in mid 2004 but experienced difficulty with construction on the Northern Zone. In November 2004, Comaplex started a 3000 metre drill program to test the Central Grid, Highway and Northern zones of the prospect, the centres of which are located roughly 7 kilometres apart. Drilling was carried out by Comaplex in both 2005 and 2006.
In 2007, the Company conducted a program of geological mapping, geochemical surveys, induced polarization (IP), geophysical surveys and alteration studies. CGH subsequently conducted further geological, geochemical and geophysical survey work as well as road building. Late in 2007, CGH started a diamond drill program which continued until mid 2008. A second phase of drilling with a total of 10,000 metres planned started in late November 2008. Only 3,605.55 metres were drilled in 14 drill holes. In-fill drilling in the La Paila Target encountered predominantly massive to micro-vuggy silica with few intervals of the well developed hydrothermal breccias noted in previous drilling. Gold grades encountered are generally low with the best interval occurring in hole 08CBN-029 where 36.58 metres grade 1.13 g/t gold and 3.7 g/t silver. Other significant values include hole 08CBN-033 where 131.11 metres grade 0.59 g/t gold and 1.4 g/t silver including a 27.4 metre interval grading 1.01 g/t gold and 2.7 g/t silver. Based on 2007-2008 and the 2008-2009 drilling, the best gold grades appear related to north trending structures which probably acted as conduits for fluids creating the hydrothermal breccias and depositing gold. Initial metallurgical bottle roll testing on La Paila target material yielded gold recoveries of 55% or less. More test work is necessary to optimize recoveries. A reconnaissance hole drilled 385 metres north and 105 to 110 metres vertically above anomalous gold values obtained from rock samples in Cerro La Cruz intersected massive, crackle brecciated, largely opaline silica with no gold values. These rocks are believed to represent the cooler, upper most portions of the hydrothermal system. Two holes drilled into the Bandera Sur resistivity anomaly encountered similar massive to weak micro-vuggy, largely opaline silica with no gold values. In Bandera Norte, a single reconnaissance hole drilled at the far east end of the 1200 metre long resistivity anomaly intersected hydrothermal breccias with weakly anomalous gold grading 0.02 g/t Au and 0.3 g/t Ag over 35.05 metres.
In the Pedrero copper-gold target, a single step-out hole collared 250 metres east of 08CBCN-019 returned 137.16 metres grading 0.105% copper and 0.10 g/t gold. The hole continues to demonstrate the presence of a large, underlying copper-gold porphyry system that may extend to Porvenir West and ultimately Porvenir.
Geology and Mineralization
The property occurs in a caldera setting in flat lying volcanic rocks of Miocene age, along the northeastern edge of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt. It is a new discovery, first identified by sampling in acid sulphate altered quartz stockwork veining, in a road cut for the main coastal highway which yielded anomalous gold values. The property covers three large hydrothermal alteration zones called the Central Grid, the Highway Zone, and the Northern Zone. The Central Grid area is the most deeply eroded and demonstrates porphyry Cu-Au, and low sulfidation Au-Ag style mineralization. The centres of the Highway and Northern zones are located roughly 7 kilometres apart. Geologic and alteration mapping in these areas has identified extensive zones of acid-sulphate alteration including quartz alunite and residual or vuggy silica alteration zones. These zones of alteration, developed in flat lying volcanic rocks, are interpreted to represent high sulphidation gold-silver epithermal systems. Mineralogical evidence is interpreted to indicate that minimal erosion has taken place and the hydrothermal systems are mainly preserved.
51
Exploration Results
A geochemical soil survey on a grid that covers roughly 3 kilometres by 3 kilometres in the Central Grid area of the property outlined a number of coincident gold-copper anomalies associated with what appears to be two styles of mineralization within a very large alteration zone. In one area, two creeks contain float rock of porphyry style quartz stockwork veining associated with copper-gold mineralization and K-silicate alteration. A geochemical soil survey outlined a copper anomaly roughly 700 metres by 500 metres, with coincident anomalous gold values. The other style of mineralization, gold-silver-copper-lead quartz stockwork and quartz barite veins, is found in several areas.
Geological mapping found that the anomalous gold values are closely associated with areas of widespread k-silicate alteration and copper staining. The geochemical grid was extended northwards to cover possible extensions to the known highly anomalous values.
An induced polarization and ground magnetic geophysical program over the Central Grid area identified a very broad zone of elevated chargeability enveloping several intense chargeability highs. These chargeability highs are linear in orientation, and are over one km long. Profiles indicate these anomalies extend from surface to significant depths. These linear highs relate spatially to the presence of outcrop and float of quartz-barite-sulfide veining and associated gold soil geochemistry.
A 2,390 metre reverse circulation drill program started in April and was completed in May 1998.
Holes CB-1 and CB-2 were drilled in the porphyry-copper-gold style target.
Hole CB-1 (located at 5100E and 3400N, drilling east at -60
o
, 167.6m deep) intersected a mineralized feldspar porphyry cut by quartz stockwork veining. Chalcopyrite, pyrite and magnetite occur as coatings on fractures and in disseminated form. Bornite is sparsely disseminated. Anomalous results are: from 3m to 167.6m (164.6m) of 0.15% Cu and 0.223 grams/tonne Au, including from 3m to 110m (107m) of 0.18% Cu and 0.254 grams/tonne Au.
Hole CB-2 (located at 5295E and 3400N, drilling west at -50
o
, 193.5m deep) was similar to hole CB-1 but sections of the porphyry are more highly clay altered with quartz stockwork veining containing pyrite chalcopyrite, minor galena and sphalerite. Anomalous results are: from 26m to 193.5m (167.5m) of 0.09% Cu and 0.159 grams/tonne Au, including 96m to 108.2m (12.2m) of 0.13% Cu and 0.322 grams/tonne Au; from 153.9m to 193.5m (39.6m) of 0.15% Cu and 0.394 grams/tonne Au; and the last sample 192m to 193.5m (1.5m) of 0.23% Cu and 0.720 grams/tonne Au.
IP geophysical and soil geochemical anomalies were targeted with the drilling over a roughly 1 by 2.2 kilometre area. The water table was consistently intersected at shallow depths. The water flow encountered in many holes limited the practical depth of drilling with the drilling system employed.
An involved quality control program was employed for the project and included the insertion of blanks, standards and duplicates into the sample stream. Samples were submitted blind to Bondar Clegg/ITS labs of North Vancouver for analysis. Industry standard methods of analysis were employed.
Hole CB-3 was collared into a ground magnetic high at 5545 metres east on line 3295N. The hole, drilling west at -50
o,
passed through 10.7 metres of overburden before intersecting andesite which continued to 153.9 metres, the end of the hole. The andesite is highly altered to hydrothermal magnetite, epidote, chlorite and pyrite. Magnetite and epidote occur as veins and clots throughout the andesite. This style of alteration is similar to magnetite-epidote skarning developed in volcanics adjacent to porphyry Cu-Au deposits elsewhere. Several gold values over 1.52 metre sample widths were elevated with a high of 0.774 grams/tonne Au. This hole was drilled across the assumed dip of the skarned zone and did not penetrate through to an expected andesite/intrusive contact.
52
Hole CB-4 (collared at 5600 East on line 3524N; drilling east at -50
o
) passed through 16.8 metres of overburden before penetrating the same andesite to the end of the hole. The andesite is skarned as in hole CB-3, however at depth in the hole silicification, clay alteration and pyrite associated with quartz-sulfide veining were intersected. Several zones contained anomalous assay results.
Results in Hole CB-4 included 39.62 metres from 96.01m to 135.63 metres that averaged 0.25g/t gold and about 1.0 g/t Ag with 0.15% Cu and 0.10% Pb and 0.18% Zn. This interval included a higher grade section from 96.01 metres to 108.20 metres totalling 12.19 metres averaging 3.8 g/t Au, 23 (g/t) Ag, 0.37% Cu, 0.19% Pb and 0.34% Zn. This section relates to strong veining and included a high of 19.9 g/t Au and 26 g/t Ag over 1.52 metres from 102.1 to 103.63 metres. A further zone of mineralization and veining was intersected from 123.4 to 126.5 metres over 3.10 metres of 1.7 g/t Au, 14 g/t Ag, and 0.11% Cu, 0.21% Pb and 0.35% Zn.
Holes CB-5 and CB-6 were drilled further south on line 2000 N at 5760 E and 5600 E respectively. CB-5 was drilled to the west at -50
o
and CB-6 was drilled east at -50
o
. Both holes collared in similarly altered andesite but at shallow depths penetrated a highly silicified, clay altered and pyritized feldspar porphyry. The porphyry is cross-cut by narrow, dark quartz-pyrite-chalcopyrite veinlets.
Intersections in CB-5 included a 13.72 metres zone of veining, from 21.33 metres to 35.05 metres of 1.8 g/t Au, 31 g/t Ag and 0.10% Cu. A second zone was intersected 48.77 metres from 54.86 to 103.63 metres averaging 0.241 g/t Au and 0.06% Cu. Included in this section is a 19.81 metre zone from 83.82 to 103.63 metres averaging 0.446 g/t Au and 0.11% Cu.
CB-6 intersected similar porphyry style mineralization over 67.05 metres from 35.05 metres to 102.1 metres averaging 0.188 g/t Au and 0.05% Cu. This includes a 13.72 metre section from 35.05 to 48.77 metres averaging 0.361 g/t Au and 0.09% Cu. The results from holes CB-5 and CB-6 indicate that porphyry Au-Cu mineralization exists over 1.4 kilometres to the south of the previously released holes, CB-1 and CB-2. The mineralization is associated with the highly altered feldspar porphyry, an entirely different intrusive rock from that intersected in CB-1 and CB-2.
The remaining holes returned lower but still anomalous gold and copper values.
Fluid inclusion work on drill cuttings from the reverse circulation drilling program in the main grid, identified three stages of quartz with several types of inclusions. The early and late stages of quartz and the inclusion characteristics are diagnostic of a classic copper-gold-porphyry system. The intermediate banded quartz is common only in the shallow porphyry systems of the Maricunga Au belt.
Geological mapping, line cutting and geochemical soil sampling on the Highway Zone extended the gold in soils anomaly to cover an area 2 kilometres long, and up to 400 metres wide. Geological mapping and prospecting of this area has found extensive vuggy silica in float and some outcrops in an area of widespread deep weathering and overburden.
On the Northern Zone, the Company conducted further geochemical stream silt sampling to find the source of anomalous gold values in drainages that contained float with multigram gold values in vuggy silica and breccia. The stream silt sampling and follow up geological mapping and prospecting isolated an area of extensive large angular boulders of vuggy silica and subcrop with anomalous gold values.
In order to test the Central Grid and Highway Zone porphyry targets, Noranda drilled 1,789 metres in seven holes. Four were drilled in the Central Grid looking for the extension of the outcropping copper bearing porphyry and three holes were drilled into the previously undrilled Highway Zone. The report summary states “Despite pervasive K-spar flooding potassic alteration associated with the porphyry in the Central Grid and the huge argillic alteration zone that occurs at the Highway Zone, significant copper mineralization was not found.” Noranda stated the presence of an important gold deposit in the Central Grid area had not been ruled out but possibilities for an open pittable copper porphyry were reduced. On the Highway Zone, very low values of copper were found but drilling did intersect short intervals of elevated gold. Hole CB-02-07, Noranda’s last hole, which was drilled in an area of extensive argillic alteration associated with elevated gold in soil geochemistry had several interesting gold intersections. These included stockwork veining from 51.35 to 84 metres depth within which a 6 metre section averaged 1.42 g/t gold. A sample from 192 to 195 metres depth within a zone of argillic alteration averaged 2.5 g/t gold and the final sample of the hole from 212.0 to 212.5 metres depth returned a gold value of 4.98 g/t gold. The hole was lost at this point due to poor drilling conditions.
53
Two further holes were attempted at the Company’s expense at the end of Noranda’s program, under the supervision of an independent consultant. These were located near reverse circulation Hole CB98-04, from Almaden’s 1998 program, which intersected 12.2 metres of 3.8 grams of gold per tonne. Hole CB-02-08 was drilled east at -50°, parallel to and about thirty metres south of hole 98-4. It intersected fault gouge in the area where the vein was expected. Hole CB-02-09 was located ninety metres north of CB 98-04 and also aimed east at -50°. This hole intersected a mineralized vein zone from 57.3 to 60.0 metres, and from 69.0 metres to 73.0 metres the recovered material contained fragments of quartz vein material that is mineralized with chalcopyrite, galena, and pyrite. The hole was abandoned in bad ground at 73.0 metres, which is a few metres before the expected location of the zone found in hole CB 98-04.
Comaplex’s 2003 program on the Highway zone outlined several prominent areas of alteration and mineralisation. A significant resistivity and chargeability anomaly has resulted from this work over a roughly 5 by 3 kilometre area of acid sulphate alteration characterised by hypogene alunite and vuggy silica.
At the Northern zone, sampling, geologic mapping and PIMA portable infrared spectrometer analyses have defined a roughly 6 by 5 kilometre area of acid sulphate alteration and vuggy silica, including many breccia bodies. Past sampling in these areas by Almaden has returned anomalous gold values, the highest being 11 g/t. The alteration in the Northern zone is very similar to that in the Highway zone, however up until this program very little work had been carried out in this area. Initial sampling by Comaplex returned anomalous gold values from outcrop, the highest being 1 g/t. Outcrop in this area includes breccia bodies containing clasts of vuggy silica. An IP section over the zone outlined a large high resistivity feature.
A drill program that was to have commenced earlier in 2004 was delayed due to additional permitting requirements, shortage of drilling equipment, difficulties in road building and the summer rainy season. Drilling on a portion of the southern Highway zone commenced in November 2004 and shut down for the Christmas season. This work consisted of four holes, three in the Highway Zone (CB-04-02, 03 and 04) and one in the Central Grid area (CB-04-01). To date the drilling on the Highway zone has not tested the principle targets of interest as the holes were drilled to the south of the main vuggy silica bodies, generally found to be the most prospective for gold in high sulphidation systems, in an area of clay dominated alteration. These three holes intersected anomalous gold values in clay altered and silicified volcanics including an interval of 0.22 g/t gold over 16 metres in hole CB-04-03.
Hole CB-04-01 was drilled in the Central Grid area of the property near where two reverse circulation drill holes drilled by Almaden in 1998 intersected porphyry copper-gold mineralization. Hole CB-04-01 was located roughly equidistant from these two holes and intersected a K-silicate and quartz-sulphide veined monzonite body from surface to the end of the hole at 298 metres. The entire length of this hole averaged 0.38 g/t gold and 0.16% copper including two higher grade intervals; 56 metres of 0.84 g/t gold and 0.34% copper from 70 to 128 metres depth and 24 metres from 172 to 194 metres averaging 0.89 g/t gold and 0.28% copper (includes a 10 metre interval averaging 1.7 g/t gold and 0.49% copper). The alteration associated with these intervals (K-silicate alteration including quartz-K-feldspar and chalcopyrite veining and hydrothermal biotite overprinted by quartz-pyrite-chlorite-sericite alteration and veining) is typical of a porphyry copper setting.
Diamond drilling by Comaplex continued in late May 2005. A total of 3 holes totalling 523 metres were drilled from the same setup on the top of Cerro la Cruz in the Northern Zone. A total of 1,500 metres was planned for the program, but further drilling was not possible at the time due to the intensity of the rainy season. In addition Comaplex has reported the drilling was extraordinarily slow and logistically difficult due to the extremely hard and broken nature of the rock. The Northern zone is an area where sampling, geologic mapping and PIMA analyses have defined a large, roughly 6 by 5 kilometre zone of alteration, which includes several areas of massive silicification and vuggy silica, one of which is the Cerro la Cruz area. These areas of massive silicification and vuggy silica are recognized worldwide to be the prospective parts of high-sulphidation gold systems. The Cerro la Cruz area of massive silicification and vuggy silica was the target of drilling in the Northern zone because past sampling on surface has identified significant gold grades in this area.
54
Due to drilling difficulties outlined above, two of the three holes had to be terminated before they reached their intended depths. All three holes encountered more massive silicification that seems to grade with depth into more brecciated and vuggy silica bodies. Hole CB05-1 was vertical and reached a depth of 136.5 metres. This hole encountered largely massive silica to 76 metres at which point more vuggy material was intersected. Hole CB05-2 was drilled to the east (110 Azimuth) and at a dip of -65. This hole also encountered massive and vuggy silica bodies but was lost at the shallow depth of 72 metres. This hole encountered increasing gold values to the end of the hole in both massive and vuggy silica. Hole CB05-03 was drilled at an azimuth of 342 and a dip of -50 and was the only hole completed to its intended depth which was 314 metres. A section of massive and vuggy silica was intersected from the collar to 200 metres where clay altered volcanic rock was encountered to the end of the hole. This entire section (from the top of the hole to 214 metres) averaged 0.7 g/t gold. Within this section a zone of strongly brecciated and vuggy silica was encountered, a 108 metre section of which (from 66 metres to 174 metres depth) averaged 1.14 g/t. This includes a 40 metre section from 74 to 114 metres depth which averaged 2.35 g/t gold.
More massive silica zones with lower gold values appear to cap vuggy and brecciated zones which carry the most significant gold values as evidenced by hole CB05-3. The intersection in this hole indicates the potential for both grade and size in an entirely untested high-sulphidation gold system. It should be emphasized that the Cerro la Cruz area represents one of several massive and vuggy silica zones within the Northern Zone. In addition the Highway zone, located seven kilometres south of the Northern zone, is also an area of high-sulphidation alteration containing zones of massive and vuggy silicification. In both the Highway and Northern zones areas of massive silicification are dominant which, in light of the results of the current drill program, may cap further zones of brecciated and vuggy silica like that encountered at Cerro la Cruz.
During 2006, Comaplex completed 743.8 metres of drilling in three holes (CB06-01, CB06-02 and CB06-03). All three holes were collared in the vicinity of the 2005 drilling, on the top of Cerro la Cruz of the Northern Zone. Two of the holes (CB06-01 and CB06-02) were drilled to test higher grade surface gold mineralization on the south-west and south-east ridges of the summit. Drillhole CB06-03 was collared approximately 100 metres north on the summit ridge of the Cerro La Cruz target and angled towards the highly anomalous gold mineralization in last year’s hole CB05-03 (2.6 g/t gold over 32 metres). Hole CB06-01 intersected 92.65 metres averaging 1.0 grams per tonne from 116 metres depth to the end of the hole (206.65 metres) at which depth the hole was lost due to poor drilling conditions. This intersection included 28.65 metres from 178 metres depth to the end of the hole which averaged 1.8 grams per tonne gold, 18 metres from 178 to 196 metres that averaged 2.3 grams per tonne gold and 8 metres from 186.0 to 192.0 metres averaging 3.7 grams per tonne gold. Hole CB06-01 averaged 0.7 grams per tonne gold over its entire 206.65 metre length. Hole CB06-02 was completed to a depth of 301.14 metres and intersected highly anomalous, but sub 1 gram per tonne gold values which included a 222 metre interval from surface to 222 metres that averaged 0.25 grams per tonne gold. Intervals reported are drill intercepts, rather than calculated true widths.
|
Hole Number
|
From (m)
|
To (m)
|
Interval (m)
|
Gold
(g/t)
|
|
CB06-01
|
0
|
206.65
|
206.65
|
0.7
|
|
Including
|
116.00
|
206.65
|
92.65
|
1.0
|
|
Including
|
178.00
|
206.65
|
28.65
|
1.8
|
|
Including
|
178.00
|
196.00
|
18.00
|
2.3
|
|
Including
|
186.00
|
192.00
|
8.00
|
3.7
|
|
CB06-02
|
0
|
222.00
|
222.00
|
0.2
|
|
CB06-03
|
0
|
230.00
|
230.00
|
0.8
|
|
Including
|
0
|
144.00
|
144.00
|
1.0
|
|
Including
|
0
|
76.00
|
76.00
|
1.7
|
|
Including
|
12.00
|
66.00
|
54.00
|
2.0
|
|
Including
|
36.00
|
62.00
|
26.00
|
2.5
|
The Company’s 2007 work program found a new centre of porphyry style copper-gold mineralization in the Central grid area, about 3 kilometres northwest of the previously known mineralized area. Geological mapping also found alteration in an area between the Highway and Northern zones which may mean the two are connected or one large zone of alteration and mineralization. CGH conducted further surveys which provided more detail for selecting drill targets and prepared access roads to various areas for drilling.
55
On March 6, 2007 and April 14, 2008, the Company reported that it has received partial assay results from CGH from the first two diamond-drill holes completed. Hole 07CBN-002 is the first hole drilled by the CGH in the Cerro la Paila target area (formerly referred to as Cerro la Cruz) of the Northern Zone high-sulphidation gold system, which covers an area of some 20 square km. This hole was drilled at -50 degrees E from a collar in the Cerro la Cruz gold zone about 200 metres SW of the collars of past drill holes 05CB-03, 06CB-01 and 06CB-03.
Diamond drill hole 07CBN-001 was drilled about 3 ½ km. to the south west of Cerro la Paila in the Cerro Bandera part of the Northern Zone. This vertical hole was collared in a structurally disturbed zone and was lost in a strong fault at 109.12 metres.
Assay results for 07CBN-001, 002 and 003 are listed below.
|
Drill Hole
|
Az/Angle
|
Depth (m)
|
Interval (m)
|
Width (m)
|
Au g/t
|
Ag g/t
|
|||
|
07CBN-001
|
-90°
|
109.12
|
31.39-42.06
|
10.67
|
0.005
|
22.8
|
|||
|
including
|
39.01-42.06
|
3.05
|
0.005
|
51.7
|
|||||
|
and
|
106.07-109.12
|
3.05
|
0.009
|
40.7
|
|
07CBN-002
|
090°/-50°
|
293.5
|
29.57-38.71
|
9.14
|
0.10
|
28.3
|
|||||
|
38.71-255.12
|
216.41
|
0.60
|
3.1
|
||||||||
|
and including
|
38.71-104.24
|
65.53
|
0.76
|
3.9
|
|||||||
|
and including
|
85.95-99.27
|
13.32
|
1.03
|
4.1
|
|||||||
|
and including
|
230.73-255.12
|
24.39
|
1.01
|
9.5
|
|||||||
|
08CBN-003
|
090°/-80
|
246.89
|
72.54-154.84
|
82.30
|
1.08
|
2.8
|
|||||
|
including
|
107.59-124.36
|
16.77
|
2.63
|
3.1
|
|||||||
Hole 07CBN-003 is also in the Cerro la Paila target area (formerly referred to as Cerro la Cruz) within the Northern Zone high-sulphidation gold system.
Core holes 08CBN-004 and 08CBN-005 were drilled into the Cerro la Paila gold target.
Complete assay results for 08CBN-004 and 005 are listed below.
|
Drill Hole
|
Az/Angle
|
Depth (m)
|
Interval (m)
|
Width (m)
|
Au g/t
|
Ag g/t
|
|
07CBN-004
|
080°/-80°
|
203.61
|
77.11-171.60
|
94.49
|
2.09
|
1.4
|
|
including
|
128.93-168.55
|
39.62
|
3.93
|
2.3
|
||
|
08CBN-005
|
090°/-80°
|
273.71
|
81.69-212.75
|
131.06
|
0.53
|
1.4
|
|
including
|
84.73-138.07
|
53.34
|
0.79
|
2.3
|
||
|
including
|
113.69-138.07
|
24.38
|
1.08
|
2.0
|
Significant assay results for 07CBN-006 to 011, also in the Cerro la Paila gold target, are listed in the table below:
56
|
Drill Hole
|
Az/Angle
|
Depth (m)
|
Interval (m)**
|
Width (m)**
|
Au g/t
|
Ag g/t
|
|
08CBN-006
|
090°/-50°
|
173.20
|
38.00-48.77
|
10.77
|
0.03
|
425.7
|
|
08CBN-007
|
090°/-70
|
187.45
|
No significant
|
Intersections
|
||
|
08CBN-008*
|
090°/-50°
|
213.66
|
54.86-213.66
|
158.80
|
0.85
|
2.3
|
|
including
|
54.86-135.64
|
80.78
|
1.23
|
3.5
|
||
|
including
|
54.86-74.68
|
19.82
|
2.26
|
3.3
|
||
|
and
|
193.55-213.66
|
20.11
|
0.90
|
1.0
|
||
|
08CBN-009*
|
090°/-50°
|
135.03
|
84.73-135.03
|
50.30
|
0.66
|
5.9
|
|
including
|
118.26-135.03
|
16.77
|
1.35
|
7.1
|
||
|
08CBN-010*
|
090°/-70°
|
22.25
|
No significant
|
Intersections
|
||
|
08CBN-011*
|
270°/-60°
|
189.89
|
99.97-189.89
|
89.92
|
1.11
|
1.4
|
|
including
|
101.49-116.73
|
15.24
|
2.07
|
1.8
|
||
|
and including
|
144.17-177.70
|
33.53
|
1.45
|
1.9
|
|
|
Notes: * Hole lost above planned target depth. **Intervals are core lengths and true widths may be less than reported here.
|
A number of the holes, including 08CBN-012, 013, 014 and 016, were lost in mineralized vuggy silica breccias prior to being completed to their planned depths. Holes 08CBN-014 and 016 were drilled through significant intervals of unmineralized andesite before encountering silica breccias with anomalous gold values and then being lost. The last few samples in each hole had the highest gold grades in the hole. Significant assay results for 07CBN-012 to 017 are listed in the table below.
|
Drill Hole
|
Az/Angle
|
Depth (m)
|
Interval (m)**
|
Width (m)**
|
Au g/t
|
Ag g/t
|
|
08CBN-012*
|
090°/-50°
|
227.08
|
166.12-227.08
|
60.96
|
0.99
|
1.1
|
|
including
|
210.31-227.08
|
16.77***
|
3.15
|
2.9
|
||
|
08CBN-013*
|
090°/-50
|
118.26
|
43.59-118.26
|
74.67
|
0.30
|
2.4
|
|
including
|
89.31-118.26
|
28.95
|
0.54
|
3.9
|
||
|
08CBN-014*
|
270°/-70°
|
103.63
|
99.06-103.63
|
4.57
|
0.25
|
0.5
|
|
08CBN-015
|
090°/-80°
|
157.89
|
124.35-150.27
|
25.92
|
0.87
|
1.4
|
|
including
|
136.55-147.21
|
10.66
|
1.41
|
1.3
|
||
|
08CBN016*
|
120°/-60°
|
201.17
|
195.07-201.17
|
6.10***
|
0.42
|
215.0
|
|
08CBN-017
|
090°/-85°
|
227.99
|
67.97-131.98
|
64.01
|
1.02
|
1.2
|
|
including
|
105.80-122.53
|
16.73
|
2.10
|
1.7
|
Notes: * Hole lost above planned target depth. **Intervals are core lengths and true widths may be less than reported here. *** Intervals had very poor core recovery and grades are unreliable.
Significant assay results for 07CBN-018 & 020 in Cerro la Paila.
|
Drill Hole
|
Az/Angle
|
Depth (m)
|
Interval (m)*
|
Width (m)*
|
Au g/t
|
Ag g/t
|
|
08CBN-018
|
090°/-50°
|
179.83
|
71.63-126.49
|
54.86
|
1.31
|
1.4
|
|
including
|
91.44-105.16
|
13.72
|
3.21
|
3.5
|
||
|
08CBN-020
|
090°/-70
|
199.64
|
97.54-199.64
|
102.1
|
0.19
|
0.5
|
|
including
|
135.64-169.16
|
33.52
|
0.31
|
0.8
|
Significant assay results for 07CBCN-019,021, 022 & 024 in Pedrero.
57
|
Drill Hole
|
Az/Angle
|
Depth (m)
|
Interval (m)*
|
Width (m)*
|
Au g/t
|
Cu%
|
|
08CBCN-019
|
180°/-50°
|
187.45
|
146.30-187.45
|
41.15
|
0.42
|
0.27
|
|
08CBCN-021
|
180°/-50
|
108.20
|
No significant
|
results
|
||
|
08CBCN-022
|
180°/-50°
|
304.19
|
132.89-281.33
|
148.44
|
0.21
|
0.17
|
|
08CBCN-024
|
180°/-50°
|
210.00
|
56.38-89.91
|
33.53
|
0.46
|
0.02
|
Significant assay results for 07CBCN-023,025-028 in Porvenir.
|
Drill Hole
|
Az/Angle
|
Depth (m)
|
Interval (m)*
|
Width (m)*
|
Au g/t
|
Cu %
|
|
08CBCN-023
|
180°/-50°
|
295.13
|
12.19-131.06
|
118.87
|
0.15
|
0.12
|
|
08CBCN-025
|
180°/-75°
|
318.51
|
117.35-163.06
|
45.71
|
0.25
|
0.14
|
|
08CBCN-026
|
180°/-50°
|
349.91
|
94.48-204.21
|
109.73
|
0.27
|
0.17
|
|
08CBCN-027
|
360°/-60°
|
272.80
|
91.44-115.82
|
24.38
|
0.16
|
0.18
|
|
08CBCN-028
|
180°/-75°
|
403.86
|
39.62-403.86
|
364.24
|
0.17
|
0.12
|
*Intervals are core lengths and true widths may be less than reported here.
CGH reported on September 23, 2008 that the initial phase of drilling in the Northern Zone had been completed. Nineteen holes totalling 3,464 metres were drilled. At Cerro la Paila, gold-bearing silica breccias have now been traced by surface sampling and diamond drilling over a north-south distance of 750 metres and up to about 350 metres in an east-west direction. The gold-bearing breccias are up to 150 metres thick; however on many sections the drill holes were abandoned in mineralized silica breccias.
On the Central Grid 2,467 metres were drilled in nine holes to test two targets, Pedrero and Porvenir, which are gold-rich porphyry targets defined by coincident magnetic, I.P. and geochemical anomalies. Pedrero and Porvenir are separated by almost three kilometres and are part of a very large sulphide system as defined by I.P. surveys. Broad intervals of copper-gold mineralization are associated with intensely altered monzodiorite intrusions.
In a November 27, 2008 news release, the Company announced that further diamond drilling had commenced. The planned program is up to 10,000 metres in two phases, with the initial phase being 5,000 metres.
In a February 5, 2009 news release, the Company reported that it had received additional assay results from the Cerro la Paila gold target from operating partner CGH.
|
Drill Hole
|
Az/Angle
|
Depth (m)
|
Interval (m)*
|
Width (m)
*
|
Au g/t
|
Ag g/t
|
|
08CBN-029
|
082°/-75°
|
268.22
|
100.58-137.16
|
36.58
|
1.13
|
3.7
|
|
including
|
112.77-134.11
|
21.34
|
1.33
|
5.2
|
||
|
08CBN-030
|
077°/-71°
|
332.46
|
99.05-114.29
|
15.24
|
0.28
|
21.5
|
|
and
|
147.82-178.30
|
30.48
|
0.38
|
0.7
|
||
|
08CBN-031
|
088°/-57°
|
334.98
|
114.91-180.44
|
65.53
|
0.38
|
2.0
|
|
08CBN-032
|
090°/-75°
|
256.03
|
152.4-249.94
|
97.54
|
0.43
|
1.2
|
|
including
|
152.4-176.78
|
24.38
|
0.63
|
1.0
|
||
|
and including
|
234.70-248.41
|
13.71
|
0.82
|
1.0
|
||
|
08CBN-033
|
088°/-57°
|
246.89
|
86.86-219.46
|
132.60
|
0.58
|
1.4
|
|
including
|
114.3-131.06
|
16.76
|
1.43
|
1.6
|
||
|
and including
|
188.98-204.22
|
15.24
|
1.41
|
3.0
|
*Intervals are core lengths and true widths may be less than reported here.
The 5,682 hectare El Cobre Project, the area formerly known as the Central Grid area, covers copper-gold porphyry mineralization known to exist over a strike length of at least four kilometres. The mineralization is associated with the exposed portions of diorite stocks which have intruded intermediate volcanic rocks. Mineralogic and fluid inclusion studies show conclusively that the gold and copper-gold porphyry-style mineralization at El Cobre is not deeply eroded and great potential exists at depth. More importantly these studies indicate that the mineralization is genetically uniquely like that of some of the Maricunga district gold-copper porphyry systems in Chile.
58
The Company reported that Goldgroup announced the details of a US$8.5 Million 30,000 metre multi-drill diamond and reverse circulation drill and exploration program has been designed to expand and upgrade the current NI 43-101-compliant mineral resource estimate at the La Paila anomaly of the Northern Zone (contained in Goldgroup’s NI 43-101 technical report dated March 22, 2010) and to test other highly prospective areas for mineralization, including targets at the Red Valley and Highway zones. The May 22, 2010 technical report addresses only the La Paila area of the Northern Zone where 32 diamond drill holes have defined a mineral resource of 34.3 million tonnes averaging 0.60 g/t Au (139,000 oz Au indicated and 517,000 oz Au inferred; see Goldgroup 43-101 technical report of March 22, 2010). Many targets on the property, including those in other parts of the Northern Zone, Red Valley and Highway zones, have not been tested by past drilling. Goldgroup also reports that it plans to conduct further ground geophysics, surface sampling, metallurgical testing and the construction of several underground adits, for purposes of bulk sampling and geological mapping, and an environmental impact study.
In December 2010, the Company reported the results contained in a news release of Goldgroup (see Goldgroup news release of December 1, 2010). These results are from the first two reverse circulation (“RC”) drill holes, #10CBRC48 (“48”) and #10CBRC49 (“49”) drilled at the La Paila zone of the Caballo Blanco project and include an interval of 62 metres averaging 0.75 g/t gold (see table below).
|
Hole #
|
From (m)
|
To (m)
|
Length (m)
|
Au (g/t)
|
Ag (g/t)
|
|
48
|
42
|
104
|
62
|
0.44
|
4.67
|
|
48
|
112
|
174
|
62
|
0.75
|
0.76
|
|
49
|
22
|
38
|
16
|
0.67
|
2.75
|
|
49
|
50
|
68
|
18
|
0.38
|
1.90
|
|
49
|
80
|
90
|
10
|
0.29
|
1.22
|
|
49
|
102
|
150
|
48
|
0.53
|
1.35
|
Goldgroup reports that Hole #48 was drilled to confirm the grade from the 32 diamond drill holes drilled in the La Paila zone prior to Goldgroup assuming operating control of Caballo Blanco and to obtain large samples for column leach testing. Goldgroup reported that the results from Hole #48 showed a high degree of correlation to the previous drilling which is used in the current block model resource outlined in the NI 43-101 compliant technical report dated March 22, 2010. Hole #48 was terminated in mineralization above the cut-off grade (0.2g/t) at a depth of 217 metres due to poor drilling conditions in very broken rock. Goldgroup reported that Hole #49 was drilled 50 metres east of known mineralization and that the extent of mineralization in Hole 49 may indicate that the mineralized zone appears to be wider than previously modelled in the La Paila zone.
Goldgroup also reports that additional drill results from this drill program will be forthcoming in the following weeks. Almaden has not reviewed the new data reported in the December 1, 2010 news release of Goldgroup. Goldgroup reports that its Caballo Blanco drill program is being conducted under the direct supervision of Kevin Sullivan, B.Sc., MAusIMM, Goldgroup’s Vice President, Exploration and a qualified person, as defined by NI 43-101. Goldgroup disclosed that Mr. Sullivan reviewed the technical information contained in their news release of December 1, 2010, the data from which is reported in this release of Almaden. Goldgroup used a cut-off grade of 0.2 g/t gold to calculate intersected lengths. Goldgroup also reports that mineral samples from all holes drilled will be used for column leach testing in their newly completed on-site metallurgical facility to re-confirm the prior preliminary work that the mineralized samples can be directly heap leached using run-of-mine rock. Goldgroup reports that drill chips were split on-site and a representative sample bagged and labelled them. The samples were then collected by Inspectorate America Corp. (“Inspectorate”) and transported to their preparation facility at Durango, Mexico where they were dried and crushed to -150 mesh. The rejects remained with Inspectorate while the pulps were air couriered to Inspectorate’s Richmond, BC, Canada facility and analysed for gold by fire assay with Atomic Absorption (“AA”) finish. In addition, a 30 element Inductively Coupled Plasma (“ICP”) analysis (aqua regia digest) was conducted on all samples. Goldgroup reports that a QA/QC program was implemented as part of the sampling procedure for the drill program and that one standard, one blank or one duplicate was inserted per group of 20 samples sent the laboratory.
59
Planned Work Program – Fiscal 2011, Ending December 31, 2011
The Company has no planned 2011 exploration program on the Caballo Blanco prospect with all work being conducted by Goldgroup which is working to earn an interest in the prospect. The Company plans a 2011 exploration program on the El Cobre prospect to include geophysics and drilling with an estimated budget of $500,000 of which the Company is responsible as to 60%.
The ATW Prospect – Canada
This diamond exploration prospect is without known reserves and all current work by the Company on the prospect is exploratory in nature.
Option to Acquire Interest
In Fiscal 1992, these claims were acquired directly by staking and additional claims were acquired from Michael Magrum by ATW Resources Ltd. (“ATW”). The Company owned a 40% share interest in ATW along with Williams Creek Explorations Limited-40% share interest and Troymin Resources Ltd.-20% share interest (now Santoy Resources Ltd.). ATW acts as trustee and these companies are the beneficiaries of a declaration of trust for their respective interest in the prospect. In 1993 the property was optioned to Kennecott Canada Exploration Inc. (“KCEI”). KCEI’s interest reverted back to ATW in 2001. ATW then completed a joint venture agreement with Aberex Minerals Ltd.-15% property interest and SouthernEra Resources Limited-10% property interest. A 2% gross overriding royalty on diamonds produced from TR 107 (a portion of the ATW property) is payable to KCEI. An option granted to KCEI under an agreement made as of November 30, 2001, by the Company, together with all other shareholders of ATW, to acquire a 40% share interest in ATW lapsed unexercised.
In January 2005, the Company and Williams Creek acquired Santoy’s 20% share interest in ATW and now each owns a 50% share interest in ATW. In 2008 ATW acquired the 10% interest owned by SouthernEra through the elimination of debt of $32,086. Williams Creek failed to contribute to the 2008 program and was diluted to a 34.4% interest in the prospect. Harry Winston Diamond Corporation (formerly Aberex Minerals Ltd.) also did not contribute and was diluted to a 6.8% interest in the project. Williams Creek failed to contribute its share interest to the 2009 program and was diluted further to a 30.0% interest in the prospect. Harry Winston Diamond Corporation also did not contribute
in 2009 and 2010 and was diluted further to a 4.5% interest in the project. The Company’s net interest is now
65.5%
Expenditure to Date
During Fiscal 2010, the Company incurred $215,802 in exploration costs, primarily on a diamond drill program. As at December 31, 2010, the Company had deferred costs of $1,110,116 on this prospect.
Location and Access
The ATW property is located roughly equidistant between the Diavik and Snap Lake diamond deposits, on MacKay Lake, Lac de Gras area, Northwest Territories. A winter road to the Diavik and Diamet diamond mines passes through the property.
History and Recent Work
Government geological surveys, widely spaced airborne magnetic surveys and regional mineral exploration programs were carried out in the property area before 1992.
In the summer of 1992, ATW conducted a limited summer till sampling program for diamond indicator minerals, and contracted an airborne magnetic - electromagnetic (EM) survey of the western half of the property. After optioning the property, KCEI conducted several phases of prospecting, till sampling using sonic and reverse circulation drills, ground geophysical surveys, a small helicopter borne magnetic survey, and limited diamond drilling in two programs that totalled 671metres. This work identified a kilometres long train of diamond indicator minerals in glacial till that was followed east under MacKay Lake. Their work also found one kimberlite body, TR107, which contains no diamond indicator minerals, and therefore cannot be the source of the indicator mineral train being followed.
60
Subsequent to the return of the property by KCEI, the joint venture group conducted an airborne magnetic EM survey in 2001 over the five by five kilometre projected source area of the diamond mineral indicator train. This was followed up by ground geophysics which confirmed the presence of four anomalies found by the airborne survey.
These four targets were diamond drilled in the spring of 2002, but no kimberlite was found.
In early 2003, a sonic drill program of 77 holes was completed to further trace the indicator mineral train previously found and to narrow down the possible source area.
During December 2003, surface Magnetometer and HLEM surveys were carried out on the northeast end of MacKay Lake to determine the source of an indicator mineral trend defined by the sonic drill program. Surface gravity, bathymetry and further HLEM survey were carried out over the same area to help outline the indicator mineral source during February of 2004. The gravity and bathymetry surveys grid were extended in April 2004. All the geophysical work carried out in 2003 and 2004 was done by Aurora Geosciences of Yellowknife, NT. The data from the geophysical surveys was reviewed and interpreted by Martin St. Pierre in December of 2004 and nine low to moderate priority drill targets were defined.
A bathymetry (water depth) survey was carried out in mid-2005 over the projected source area of the indicator mineral train as defined by the 2003 sonic drill program.
In early 2006, a planned 77 hole sonic drill program was cut short due to adverse weather and the early closure of the winter ice road required for prospect access. Eight holes were completed during the program and no significant results reported.
In 2008, ATW completed a 38 sonic drill program to obtain more till samples in an attempt to narrow the area of search for the source of the indicator mineral train. This program collected many Kimberlitic Indicator Minerals (KIMs). Subsequent analysis was encouraging.
On March 5, 2009, the YKDFN (“Yellowknife Dene First Nation”) and ATW entered into a forward-looking relationship by signing an Exploration Agreement. In addition to formalizing KYDFN support for ATW’s exploration activities, this agreement provides for mutual ongoing communications prioritization of First Nation business and employment opportunities, and YKDFN participation in on-site archaeological studies and environmental monitoring. Understanding that the complex regulatory framework and the ambiguous nature of consultation in the NWT are discouraging exploration investment, YKDFN and the other Akaitcho Dene first Nations finalized the development of an Exploration Agreement with formal ratification in November 2008. This agreement was designed in collaboration with mineral exploration companies to ensure that projects can proceed with efficiency, clarity and certainty. Containing explicit provisions defining the respective roles and responsibilities of both the First Nation and the company, an Exploration Agreement is a mechanism to dispose of consultation obligations and potentially streamline the regulatory process for any company wishing to explore in Akaitcho Territory.
After review of all geophysical data, targets were selected for a 2009 drill program. Nine diamond drill holes were completed but none intersected kimberlite. During the summer of 2009, further bathymetric surveys were completed and new drill target were selected for a diamond drill program to be conducted early in 2010.
Geology and Mineralization
The property area is within the Slave Structural Province. This terrain was formed in the late Archean with late diastrophism. The oldest known rocks appear to be remobilized granitoids, emplaced in a thick volcano-sedimentary sequence. All of these units were subsequently metamorphosed, deformed and also intruded by other mainly granitoid bodies.
The ATW claims overlay Yellowknife Supergroup rocks of the Slave Craton. These Archean rocks consist of, metasediments (greywacke, pelite, minor quartzite, conglomerate, iron formation, and metavolcanics). Some of these formations give magnetic and electromagnetic responses. Large granitoid bodies intrude these rocks. The Proterozoic MacKenzie dyke swarm dominates the airborne magnetics as long continuous magnetic high responses that traverse the property.
61
Exploration and Drilling Results
Exploration work by KCEI between 1993 and 1998 identified a long diamond indicator mineral train or anomaly in glacial till that extended southeasterly up glacial ice direction. Several geophysical targets were also identified from an airborne magnetometer-EM survey. In 1994, four geophysical targets were drilled, and one of these, TR-107 intersected a kimberlite body, that was not diamondiferous and did not contain diamond indicator minerals. In January 1998, KCEI informed the Company that the main exploration target on the property was the source of the prominent indicator mineral till anomaly. This anomaly contains indicator minerals (garnets and chromites) with chemistry from within the diamond inclusion field suggesting the source will be diamondiferous. This indicator mineral anomaly was been traced to the western edge of MacKay Lake. Reverse circulation (RC) drilling was carried out on the lake ice in early 1998 followed the till anomaly easterly back up the original direction of glacial ice movement towards the anticipated source location. Thirty-three holes for a total of 390 metres drilled at about 100 metre on three lines were completed to sample the till on the lake bottom. The easterly line has four holes 100 metres apart that had elevated counts pyrope garnets (>5) in the basal till, one of these had a very high count of olivines (>50) with elevated values in three holes. The work thus extended the indicator mineral train but no source area was delimited. In 1999, a sonic drill used to sample the till in a fence of holes across the ice movement direction and 13 holes for a total of 479 metres in a single line were drilled about five kilometres up ice direction from the last previous line of RC drill holes. These were essentially devoid of indicator minerals, and so it was concluded that the source area had been narrowed down to a five kilometre by five kilometre area, and that a potential source for the diamond indicator minerals should be looked for between these two lines of holes. Analyses were done at KCEI’s Thunder Bay laboratory, an ISO Guide 25 facility.
ATW’s 1992 airborne survey did not cover this area, so a contract was given in March 2001 to Fugro Airborne Surveys to carry out a survey of the area between these two lines of holes, and also over a small area in a bay of MacKay Lake further down ice on the mineral train where a small magnetic low was outlined on an old (1960s) government magnetic survey of the area. This work outlined two targets with pipe like characteristics and a long dike like structure that is not magnetic indicating it is not caused by a diabase dike. Surface geophysics confirmed the size and strength of the two pipe targets.
In early 2002, results of microprobe analyses performed on indicator minerals from sampling of the glacial dispersion train on the property were received by ATW from Kennecott Canada Inc. Mineral Services Canada Inc. (Mineral Services), a subsidiary of Mineral Services International, reviewed these microprobe results. The following is an excerpt from the summary of the report provided from Mineral Services:
“A prominent kimberlitic indicator dispersion has been traced up-ice in till samples over a distance of 20 km, and was found by drill sampling to continue in MacKay Lake sediments for a further 3 km, leading to geophysical target ATW-02. The available kimberlitic indicator mineral analyses from this, the MacKay Lake dispersion, comprises 74 olivines, 18 orthopyroxenes, 127 clinopyroxenes and 198 garnets, but no kimberlitic ilmenite or chromite. The compositional characteristics of this indicator assemblage show it to be derived from kimberlite source(s) that have entrained predominantly diamond-stable mantle peridotite along a cold cratonic geotherm similar to that defined by garnet peridotite xenoliths in the Diavik kimberlites. Various samples show this indicator assemblage contains from 16 to 20% G10 garnets, with moderate-Cr2O3 G10 garnets well represented. Based on available data, and assuming that these data are representative of the samples from which they are derived, the source kimberlite(s) are predicted to be at least moderately diamond-bearing. A more definitive assessment of their diamond potential cannot currently be made due to the fact that: eclogitic garnet compositions are not reported; the extent to which the available data are representative of the full indicator mineral population present in the tills and sediments or in specific source bodies is not known; and several critical kimberlite-specific mineralization factors have yet to be determined.
Kimberlitic garnet, orthopyroxene and clinopyroxene recovered from a composite core sample of the TR107 kimberlite reveal compositions quite unlike that seen in exploration samples on the rest of the MacKay Lake property. The TR107 kimberlite apparently sampled essentially only graphite-stable mantle peridotite on an elevated geothermal gradient. The kimberlite core sample is assigned zero diamond potential and it manifestly does not correlate with the intrinsically higher diamond potential of the vast majority of kimberlitic indicator minerals recovered from the property.”
62
In April 2002 a program of drilling geophysical anomalies on the project was completed. No kimberlite was found. Three resistivity low anomalies were tested. Two were explained by graphitic conductors. No explanation was found for the third anomaly.
In early 2003, a till sampling program with seventy-seven holes were drilled to recover samples of basal till samples on several lines of hole between the last two lines of till sampling holes described above. This work narrowed down the anticipated source area to a one kilometre by one kilometre square. Both 2002 and 2003 drill programs were supervised by Almaden personnel.
During December 2003, surface Magnetometer and HLEM surveys were carried out on the northeast end of MacKay Lake to determine the source of an indicator mineral trend defined by the sonic drill program. Surface gravity, bathymetry and HLEM survey were carried out over the same area to help outline the indicator mineral source. The gravity and bathymetry surveys grid were extended in April 2004 for a total of 6.5 line km. All the geophysical work carried out in 2003 and 2004 was done by Aurora Geosciences of Yellowknife NT. The data from the geophysical surveys was reviewed and interpreted by Martin St. Pierre in December of 2004 and nine low to moderate priority targets were defined for drilling.
A bathymetry (water depth) survey was carried out in 2005 over the area defined as the source of the indicator minerals. The bathymetry survey was done by boat in August and September of 2005 at 50m line spacing for a total of 282 line kilometres. The data was then provided to Intrepid Geophysics for the reinterpretation of the gravity surveys with the goal of defining drill targets.
In early 2006, a planned 77 hole sonic drill program was cut short due to adverse weather and the early closure of the winter ice road required for prospect access. Eight holes were completed during the program and no significant results reported.
In 2008, ATW completed a sonic drill program to obtain more till samples in an attempt to narrow the area of search for the source of the indicator mineral train.
Drilling was done at 38 sites located on grid lines two hundred metres apart designed to bracket the possible source or sources of the indicator mineral plume. The program was supervised by APEX Geoscience Ltd (APEX). This program successfully cut the plume off to the east and traced KIMs to this area from the west. From the 38 drill sites, a total of 5,742 KIMs and possible KIMs were collected. This total is comprised of 1648 peridotitic garnets, 218 possible eclogitic garnets, 6 possible picroilmenites, 30 chromites, 74 chrome diopsides and 3766 olivines. Peridotitic garnets range from reddish to bright pink and unabraded grains are reported to be common in each sample that contains these garnets. From one to 200 grains were present in a single sample. Eclogitic garnets are present in amounts from 1 to 26 grains in a single concentrate and a few grains have kimberlite on their surface. Chrome diopsides are present in amounts from 1 to 9 grains and some have a patch of kimberlite on surface suggesting short transportation from source. Olivines are the most abundant KIM, with from 1 to 720 grains in samples that had any.
Samples were collected by APEX and sent in sealed containers to Vancouver Indicator Processors for heavy mineral separation. KIM picking was carried out by KIM Dynamics. For quality control purposes, 26% of all observed sample were observed twice by two different observers. Kris Raffle, P.Geo. of APEX a qualified person under the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 supervised the program.
Past electron microprobe analyses of KIMs from the Mackay Lake project found a significant proportion of high interest G10 garnets, however, in 2008 Mineral Services Canada Inc. (MSC) was retained to do a more comprehensive analysis of the KIMs in an attempt to refine the target areas for future exploration. In October 2008, ATW received results from a Mineral Composition and Surface Texture Study conducted by MSC on mineral grains recovered in 2003 and 2008. MSC’s analysis suggests that there could be as many as five distinct kimberlite sources contributing minerals to the Mackay Lake indicator mineral train. The mineral abundance and composition and surface texture data further suggest that these sources may lie within the currently defined mineral train, which extends over an area of approximately 3.5 kilometres by 1.5 kilometres. Three of these sources show the potential to contain diamonds of peridotitic or eclogitic origin. The identification of rare eclogitic garnets with diamond association compositions in this work is encouraging as diamondiferous eclogite can be a significant contributor to the economic potential of kimberlites
63
In January 2009, ATW received the results of a comprehensive reinterpretation of past magnetic, electromagnetic/resistivity and gravity survey data. The reinterpretation was undertaken by Petra Geophysical Consulting Inc. (Petra) on data from previously completed geophysical surveys done in conjunction with the Spring 2008 sonic drilling. This work has identified a number of high-quality targets. A Spring 2009 exploration program included further ground geophysical surveys and diamond drill testing for at least seven of these targets. Further sonic overburden drilling may also be carried out if warranted.
In the summer of 2009 further bathymetric surveys were completed to provide further information about lake bottom conditions and till formation.
Early in 2010, a further diamond drill program was initiated to test some newly selected anomalous areas. No kimberlites were intersected.
In February 2011, the Company commenced a geochemical exploration program at the property. The program will comprise the completion of approximately 134 sonic overburden drill holes. The holes will be drilled within a 3 kilometre by 4 kilometre area of interest that lies at the at the “up ice” terminus of a 20 kilometre long kimberlite indicator mineral (“KIM”) dispersion train. The dispersion train has been traced “up ice” and easterly under MacKay Lake over several campaigns by Almaden and partners. The purpose of the 2011 drill program is to define the “up ice” and lateral extent of the head of the KIM dispersion train under Mackay Lake. Previous sonic drilling campaigns completed during 2003 and 2008 have defined the southern and “up ice” (eastern) cut-off of the dispersion train, resulting in the definition of the present high priority area if interest. Based on the results of winter 2011 exploration, targets will be chosen for diamond drill testing during winter 2012. The 2011, ATW Diamond Project exploration program is being conducted under the supervision of Kristopher J. Raffle, P.Geo., APEX Geoscience Ltd. Mr. Raffle is a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.
Planned Work Program – Fiscal 2011, Ending December 31, 2011
Early in 2011, a program of sonic overburden glacial till sampling was initiated to further refine the anomalous area for future diamond drilling at a budgeted cost of $500,000 of which the Company is responsible for 64.8%.
The Merit Prospect – Canada
The Merit Prospect is without known reserves and all current work by the Company on the prospect is exploratory in nature.
Option to Acquire Interest
The Merit claim group comprises about 1,906.6 hectares (~19 sq. km) and was acquired by staking during 2004 and 2005 and is 100% owned by the Company.
In Fiscal 2006, the Company entered into an agreement with Williams Creek Explorations Limited (“Williams Creek”). To earn a 60% interest in either the Merit and/or Brookmere prospects, Williams Creek had to incur exploration expenditures of $4,000,000 and issue 1,000,000 shares to the Company by December 31, 2012. During 2008, Williams Creek conducted no work due to funding problems and at year end the prospect reverted to the Company.
In Fiscal 2010, the Company entered into an agreement with Sunburst Explorations Inc. (“Sunburst”). To earn a 60% interest in the Merit prospect, Sunburst must incur exploration expenditures of $3,000,000 and issue 700,000 shares to the Company within five years from listing of the stock on the TSX Venture Exchange (“TSX-V”).
Expenditures to Date
During Fiscal 2010, the Company incurred $1,411 maintaining the prospect. As at December 31, 2010, the Company has written down the carrying value of the prospect to $1.
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Location and Access
The prospect is readily accessible by road, 30 kilometres west of Merritt, British Columbia.
History and Recent Work
Pre-acquisition work to September 2004 consisted of prospecting and recon geochemical sampling, based on follow-up of earlier government (BC-RGS) and Company-generated regional gold stream sediment anomalies. Following initial claim staking, in September-October 2004, further similar work was carried out. All of the samples were tested for 36 elements, by Acme Analytical Laboratories in Vancouver, BC.
During 2005 the initial (legacy) claims were converted to electronic (BCGS) grid cell claims, and two additional new cell claims were acquired resulting in a land area expansion from about 1700 hectares to the current 1906.6 hectares on the Merit prospect. The 2005 exploration program comprised further prospecting and recon rock/soil geochemical sampling, a property wide grid soil geochemical survey, limited geological mapping and hand trenching in two mineralized areas – Sullivan Ridge and West Zone.
The rock sample results have identified numerous gold-silver bearing quartz (± calcite) float occurrences, and insitu quartz-carbonate alteration/mineralization along two major northerly (to NNE) - trending structures. Initial Sullivan Ridge grid soil sampling conducted in 2004 over an area of 800 metres by 200 metres on one segment of the main structure has outlined a multi-element anomaly. The main, property wide, grid soil sampling results from 2005 show other discrete areas of elevated gold±arsenic±antimony±mercury. The largest of these (2005) soil anomalies measures 3500 metres long by 300 to 900 metres wide, and is situated between and subparallel to the Sullivan Ridge and West Zone mineral trends.
During 2006, Williams Creek conducted a geological mapping and soil sampling program on the Merit prospect.
During 2007, Williams Creek applied for permits to build roads and drill on the Merit prospect. These permits were obtained too late for the work to be done in the 2007 field season.
During 2008, Williams Creek conducted no work due to funding problems and at year end the prospect reverted to the Company.
During 2009, a brief Induced Polarization survey over Sullivan’s Ridge developed a significant resistivity target that corresponds well with the gold in soil anomaly and significant gold assays previously found in hand trenching.
In 2010 Sunburst Explorations Ltd. carried out a program of IP geophysics and surface geological work at the prospect which defined drill targets which Sunburst plans to test in a proposed 2011 drill program.
Geology and Mineralization
The Merit prospect is underlain dominantly by the northwest trending belt of intermediate to mafic volcanics and minor sediments of the Cretaceous Spences Bridge Group. This assemblage dips gently to the northeast and is locally overlain by Tertiary (Eocene) mafic to felsic volcanics. Major structural features in the local area are north to northeast trending, steeply dipping normal faults. One such feature, situated adjacent to the eastern claim boundary, is a prominent structural break that extends northward for over 40 kilometres through to and beyond the Highland Valley porphyry copper producing district.
Within the claim area, all of the (float and bedrock) mineral occurrences found to date show characteristics of low sulphidation type epithermal veins and breccias.
The main or
El Gordo structure has been traced intermittently along a strike length of 2,700 metres and is highlighted by two segments of exposed alteration and mineralization called Discovery Hill and Sullivan Ridge zones. Both of these zones are characterized by intense iron carbonate-hematitic silica and clay alteration containing elevated to strongly anomalous values of one or more of the epithermal suite trace elements arsenic, antimony, mercury, barium, plus copper and manganese. The more prominent Sullivan Ridge consists of a 10- to 50-metre wide zone that is readily traceable in outcrop and talus over a length of 750 metres. Locally abundant quartz vein and carbonate-quartz breccia occur within the alteration envelope. Grab and trench channel samples of this material from several sites along the zone have yielded anomalous gold and silver analyses. The better gold grades encountered to date are in the northern portion of the Sullivan Ridge Zone, and they occur in veins/breccia that strike northerly versus the NNE trend of the overall structure.
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A second, parallel northerly trending structure has been identified 1.5 kilometres to the west of El Gordo. This structure is characterized by the West Zone quartz vein and rubble train which has been traced over a 350-metre strike length. Initial hand trenching across this zone at three closely spaced intervals has revealed a massive hematitic quartz vein having true widths of 1.5 to 2.5 metres. Eighteen continuous chip and grab samples of the vein and altered wallrock material have returned anomalous gold, silver, copper, arsenic, antimony, barium and mercury analyses.
The nature of the alteration and mineralization found to date at Discovery Hill, Sullivan’s Ridge and West zones, including the presence of high mercury and barium values, suggests that
these zones may represent the upper part of an epithermal system.
Planned Work Program – Fiscal 2011, Ending December 31, 2011
Under terms of the option agreement, Sunburst as operator of the exploration program will conduct the exploration at the Merit project in 2011.
The San Carlos Prospect – Mexico
The San Carlos Prospect is without known reserves and all current work by the Company on the prospect is exploratory in nature. The San Carlos Prospect consists of the San Carlos and San Jose claims located in the State of Tamaulipas in Mexico
Option to Acquire Interest
The prospect is owned through the Company’s subsidiary, Compania Minera Zapata, S.A. de C.V. The San Carlos claim was acquired directly by staking. The San Jose claim, initially held under option, was purchased outright in February 2001 for US$100,000 plus a 2% NSR. During Fiscal 2007, the Company acquired the NSR for US$20,000 and the issuance of a share purchase warrant for a term of three years exercisable at a price of $3.00 per share, with an estimated fair value of $13,000, which expired in Fiscal 2010 unexercised. The Company has a 100% interest in the prospect.
In March 2004, the Company entered into an agreement (the “Hawkeye Option”) with Hawkeye Gold and Diamond Ltd. (“Hawkeye”). In April 2005, the Company signed a revised option agreement with Hawkeye on terms whereby Hawkeye could have earned a 51% interest in the project by paying C$45,475 representing past obligations, issuing a total of 1,250,000 shares to Almaden by April 2008 and incurring exploration expenditures of US$2,000,000 by March 15, 2008 (amended). During Fiscal 2006, Hawkeye terminated its option.
Expenditures to Date
During Fiscal 2010, the Company incurred $254,181 on exploration costs on the prospect, primarily on drilling and the payment of Mexican mining taxes of $51,942, all of which were written off to operations. As at December 31, 2010, the Company has written down the carrying value of the prospect to $1.
Location, Access and Climate
The prospect is located in the state of Tamaulipas, which is in the north-eastern part of Mexico. The town of San Carlos is located roughly in the center of the San Carlos claim block. There is two phase power, telephone service, general supplies and a small hotel in this town.
San Carlos is connected by paved road, and is about 100 kilometres north of the capital of Tamaulipas, Ciudad Victoria. The town of Linares, Nuevo Leon is located approximately 80 kilometres northwest of San Carlos. Intermediate to San Carlos and Linares, and connected by an all season dirt road is the mining district of San Jose.
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The climate is arid and hot. During the summer months temperatures can average greater than 35 degrees centigrade. The duration and timing of the summer rainy season varies considerably; however, rains generally are expected during the months of June, July and August.
The town of San Carlos is approximately a three and one half hour drive from Monterrey which is a major industrial city with a population of about three million people. Ciudad Victoria and Linares are both about a one and one half hour drive from San Carlos and have populations of over 100,000 people. All necessary supplies can be purchased at these towns and labour is abundant.
History and Recent Work
Accurate historic data is difficult to find, however, it appears that up until 1911 copper-gold mining did occur. At that time, the operator was an English company that built a narrow gauge rail line to the property and a small smelter on the property. There is no record of total production at that time. Several attempts were made to establish production on a small scale from these skarn zones as recently as 1950, records are incomplete but indicate 4,067 tons of direct shipping ore that averaged 4.02% copper (Cu) and 11.24 grams/ton gold (Au) was mined during this period. Fairfield was attracted to this area following a review by management of the geological literature on eastern Mexico. The literature indicated that the many of the igneous rocks are alkalic in composition. This is of interest because many large copper-gold deposits are associated with these types of rocks. The literature also described a skarn zone up to five hundred metres wide. The San Jose area was the site of an historic mining camp (Begonia and Santa Helena mines) that was active during the late 1800's and early 1900's. Production from this area was from a number of high-grade copper-gold skarn orebodies. The old workings are reported to be limited to less than 100 metres below surface. There has been only limited exploration, development, and production from that time until the present activity.
Fairfield acquired a large block of ground over the area and then negotiated terms to acquire the San Jose and Begonia claims. The San Jose Claim was subsequently purchased subject to a 2% royalty.
Property scale prospecting and stream sediment sampling were undertaken in May 1998 and February 1999 by Fairfield’s personnel. An airborne magnetometer-electro-magnetic survey was carried out over most of the claim block in April 1999 by Terraquest Ltd. of Mississauga, Ontario. In June 2000 a baseline was cut for geochemical surveying. Assaying and analysis was carried out by Acme Analytical Labs of Vancouver, Canada.
In Fiscal 2001, Aurcana (previous optionee) carried out geological mapping, geochemical surveys, underground mapping and sampling in the Begonia and Santa Helena mine areas, and two phases of geophysical surveys. Targets outlined by this work were drilled in two phases in late 2002 and early in 2003. Further limited geochemical surveys to check a gold anomaly on the eastern edge of the previous grid was also carried out. No further work was carried out by Aurcana.
Hawkeye work
In 2004 Hawkeye carried out a geologic mapping, geochemical and geophysical survey and rock and soil sampling program over the area of anomalous soils identified by Aurcana. This work delineated several areas that are deemed anomalous with respect to gold, silver, lead and zinc responses in soil samples and elevated chargeability responses recorded in the induced polarization geophysical survey carried out.
Hawkeye commenced a drill program in December 2005, which was completed in March 2006. In total, 950 metres were diamond drilled in six holes on the prospect. Drill sample assays were completed by Acme Laboratories of Vancouver and no significant results were reported.
On the basis of the drill results, Hawkeye terminated its option agreement with the Company. Hawkeye’s geological testwork and drilling examined approximately 25% of the prospect. The Company carried out geophysical and geochemical soil surveys in 2008.
Geology and Mineralization
A trend of alkalic intrusive centers has been recognized in eastern Mexico. These rocks generally form distinct, isolated high relief areas and intrude deformed and thrust faulted, dominantly carbonate strata of the eastern extent of the Sierra Madre Oriental mountain range.
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Extrusive and intrusive rocks in the San Carlos area are interpreted to represent the erosional remnant of a denuded shield volcano. The volcanic rocks have been recognized along the margins of a major intrusive complex, and the intrusives are thought to represent shallowly emplaced magmas. The San Jose area is cored by a strongly fractured quartz-microdiorite. To the south of the San Jose area both calc-alkaline and alkaline intrusives occur and have been cut by lamprophyre and phonolite dykes.
Several styles of mineralization are known in the San Carlos district. Manto and vein silver-lead-zinc orebodies hosted in limestone were exploited in the 18
th
century east of the San Jose district at San Nicolas. These orebodies were very important at that time and at one point the town of San Nicolas reportedly had a population of over 10,000. Several grab samples were taken from dump material and exposures in workings. Most of these showings are held by others but are proximal to the San Carlos claim group.
Mineralization in the San Jose district is closely related to intrusive rocks. Copper sulphides and gold are associated with calc-silicate minerals and magnetite (skarn) that have replaced the limestone country rock. Copper sulphides and gold are also associated with extensive K-silicate alteration and veining within the intrusive body, which was considered to present the potential for a porphyry style gold-copper deposit in the intrusive complex. The geologic setting of the San Carlos project bears many similarities to that of the Grasberg and Bingham Canyon porphyry copper-gold-molybdenum deposits where similar intrusive rocks intrude folded limestone strata forming porphyry, skarn mineralization and more distal lead zinc silver mineralization.
Exploration Results
Stream sediment sampling and prospecting along with examination of old workings in the Begonia and Santa Helena areas, when related to the known geology and airborne magnetic survey results, indicated several areas for follow-up with potential for porphyry and skarn related copper gold deposits. The San Jose area has evolved into the main area of interest and this is the focus for further work.
Aurcana Work
A preliminary prospecting and mapping program confirmed the presence of widespread porphyry style alteration, and copper-gold mineralization in the multi-phase intrusive complex. Aurcana’s next program of work was carried out over the San Jose zone and consisted of 1,002 soil samples, ground magnetics and one line of induced polarisation (IP) geophysics, all carried out on a cut grid. The soil survey identified an approximately 1.5 km by 2.0 km area of coincident, elevated copper and molybdenum soil geochemistry, spatially associated with an area of altered and veined intrusive rocks. The copper and molybdenum anomaly remained open to the north and is flanked by elevated Zn, Pb and Mn in soil. This zonation is typical of that seen in many Cu-Au-Mo porphyry systems world-wide. The copper-molybdenum in soil anomaly had a high magnetic response in the ground magnetic geophysical data. In addition to the copper-molybdenum soil anomaly, several Au-Cu soil geochemical anomalies were identified. Of these anomalies, most are associated with known skarn bodies with past copper-gold production but several also constitute new discoveries as they are not spatially associated with known mineralization or past mining.
Detailed mapping and sampling by Aurcana of the La Begonia workings identified a skarn-breccia complex measuring approximately 50 metres by 250 metres. The highly porous and permeable nature of the breccia has permitted oxidation and supergene processes to take place. Within the heavily oxidized, sulphide poor skarn-breccia area, average assay values for continuous channel samples (2 m lengths) were taken. Underground mapping and sampling was also conducted on the Santa Elena Mine, approximately two km north of La Begonia, however access was limited to two stopes due to a high water level in the main access tunnel. While the geological setting at the Santa Elena Mine is similar to La Begonia, the Santa Elena Mine has a lower gold content. It appears that most of the past mining and development was from the oxide horizon. Mapping of the underground workings combined with surface observations identified what appears to be an important structural orientation in the southern portion of the San Jose area. It appears that the gold-copper bearing breccia bodies have formed along north-east trending zones which coincide with several trends identified from results of a soil geochemical survey conducted in late 2001. The significance of this controlling structure and the coincident geochemical trends is the potential to discover additional high-grade breccia-skarn bodies on the property still held.
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The cut grid was extended approximately 1.0 km to the north and provided control to complete a soil geochemical survey. This work, combined with further induced polarization (IP) geophysical surveying and a ground magnetic survey identified a large copper-gold soil anomaly coincident with a chargeability high in the IP results.
In December 2002, Aurcana drilled two diamond drill holes totalling 440 metres to test the Begonia skarn zone. Due to rugged topography, the drill setup was 150 metres from the area of high grade underground sampling. Both holes were from the same setup and did not intersect any sulphide mineralization in the skarn zone in the western end of Begonia.
A second phase of diamond drilling started in February 2003 to test the approximately 1.5 km by 2.5 km area containing the IP anomaly and elevated copper and gold values in soils. Four holes totalling 765 metres were drilled. All holes targeted a depth of approximately 200 metres and all encountered geology indicative of a porphyry system however grades of copper, molybdenum and gold were low.
During its last phase of surface work, Aurcana further defined a gold in soils anomaly at the northeastern edge of the surveyed area. This anomalous area lies over the contact between intrusive rocks and limestone.
Hawkeye work
Hawkeye’s work program was designed to evaluate the potential for Carbonate Replacement Deposits (CRD) style and copper-gold skarn mineralization around the 9 km periphery of the Tertiary intrusion into the thick section of Cretaceous carbonates.
A total of 21 km of Induced Polarization survey was completed using a pole-dipole technique in a six to eight level array at 50 m slope chained intervals.
The results obtained to date have identified six areas of interest underlain by significant Induced Polarization (IP) anomalies (chargeability highs and coincident resistivity highs and lows) and a combination of coincident anomalous soil and rock geochemical responses. The six targets are outlined in the north and eastern parts of the project area within the carbonate sequence at various distances peripheral to the main San Jose monzonite intrusion. Two of the targets are classified as Au-Cu (gold-copper) targets likely associated with proximal and contact skarn and/or fracture mineralization whereas the remaining four are believed to represent more distal carbonate replacement deposit (CRD) style mineralization.
The most widely anomalous element of significance for CRD style mineralization is zinc, forming an intermittent linear north trending band 3 km long and 1.3 km wide. Clusters of moderately anomalous response outline northwest trends up to 1 km long and 100 m wide. One of these anomalies is believed to coincide with the southeastern extension of the smithsonite silicification zone. Manganese and arsenic response are also largely coincident with zinc while silver and lead values are weakly elevated but do form small clusters that are coincident within the outer periphery of the grid.
Hawkeye informed the Company that its 2005/2006 drill program was designed to test for both CRD and skarn type mineralization. The drill program reported no significant results.
The Company’s 2008 program consisted of soil sampling, IP geophysics and a limited sampling and mapping program. The soil sampling and geophysical grid was set up over an area of hydrothermal alteration within a stockwork veined intrusive body. A total of 554 soil samples were taken on a 200 metre by 50 metre grid and IP geophysics was conducted on the 200 metre spaced east west lines. This work identified a broad area of elevated copper and molybdenum in soil now called the main zone and a smaller area to the west, now known as the Lupe zone, of elevated gold, silver, copper, molybdenum in soil and chargeability responses. The Lupe zone is a new discovery and was not identified prior to this 2008 program. The sampling and geophysics conducted over the main zone outlined a 1.5 kilometre by 500 metre zone that remains open to the south, of highly elevated chargeability, magnetic response and copper, molybdenum and gold in values in soils. Argillic altered and quartz-sulphide veined intrusive rocks have been identified in this area. A grab sample taken of outcropping argillic altered and stockwork veined intrusive taken at the northern edge of the main zone returned 0.19% copper. The Lupe zone soil anomaly occurs on top and along the flanks of a ridge which is underlain by a discrete chargeability anomaly interpreted to reflect elevated sulphides. This anomaly is at least 200 metres across along the five lines on two hundred metre spacing.
In 2010 the Company conducted a preliminary diamond drilling program on the prospect. No significant assays were intersected in this program however the Company is still reviewing the data in order to plan a future drilling campaign.
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Planned Work Program – Fiscal 2011, Ending December 31, 2011
The Company’s has no planned exploration program for Fiscal 2011.
The Yago Prospect - Mexico
The Yago prospect is without known reserves and all current work by the Company on the prospect is exploratory in nature.
Option to Acquire Interest
From Fiscal 1997 to Fiscal 2004, the Company acquired a 100% interest in the prospect through staking and purchase agreements.
In February 2007, the Company entered into an agreement with Consolidated Spire Ventures Ltd. (“Spire”). To earn a 60% interest, Spire had to incur exploration expenditures of US$3,500,000 and issue 800,000 shares to the Company over five years. On March 24, 2009 Spire acknowledged they were in default in observing the terms of the agreement and quit claimed and released all interest in the prospect.
In 2009, the Company acquired a 100% interest in claims totalling 12,102 hectares in the Yago / Carretera project area for the sum of US$14,000 and subject to a NSR royalty capped at US$250,000. Almaden’s holdings in the Yago / Carretera area now total 16,980 hectares.
Expenditures to Date
During Fiscal 2010, the Company incurred $62,158 in costs, primarily the payment of Mexican mining taxes of $55,530 all of which were written off to operations. As at December 31, 2010, the Company has written down the carrying value of the prospect to $1.
Location and Access
The Yago prospect is located in the state of Nayarit, on the Pacific Coast of Mexico. The claims encompass the town of Yago, which is located by paved road approximately seven kilometres from Highway 15, which is the major thoroughfare from the United States to Mexico. Yago is located roughly 50 kilometres north of Tepic, the capital of Nayarit.
History and Recent Work
Southern Part:
The assembled claims cover a large alteration zone centered on a northwest trending extensional structure with numerous separate gold veins, many of which had had historic small scale mining operations from numerous old workings. It is believed that this was the first time in many years that all these claims had been assembled into a single property. The separate owners each controlled a part of the main area of interest in the southern part of the property which is a large stockwork zone of chalcedonic banded quartz veins where small scale mining was carried out. Wider veins within the stockwork zone were mined by underground open stopes accessed by adits and by glory holes mined out to surface.
In 1997, soil sampling and geological mapping were carried out on a grid over the southern area of interest. Numerous rock samples were also taken at this time. Encouraging results were followed up by expanding the grid and detailed in fill soil sampling in areas of interest.
In Fiscal 1998, the Company optioned the property to Santoy Resources Ltd. (“Santoy”) who conducted a 975.2 metre drill program late in the year. Results did not meet their expectations and Santoy dropped their option in July 1999.
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During November and December 1999 a program of mapping, sampling and road building was carried out on the project. Work was focussed on the Guadalupe-Tejona-Korina vein system in the southern portion of the project. Samples of ore from recent development and production blasts were also taken from the La Sarda area active operations, roughly seven kilometres north. The La Sarda Prospect had been in continuous production for about 5 years and mining during the option period was to be for the benefit of the current owner but restricted to 150 tonnes per day maximum and to material above the lowest level of workings on the La Sarda vein which is roughly 100 metres below the surface. Mining operations ceased in early 2000.
In March 2000, the Company and its predecessor (“Fairfield”) entered into an agreement where Fairfield could earn 51% of the Company’s interests and rights to the prospect. Fairfield drilled two holes on the southern part of the property with discouraging results, and completed the acquisition of the northern part of the property.
In 2002, the Company optioned the property to Ascot Resources Ltd. The optionee carried out further sampling, geological mapping, induced polarization geophysical surveys and limited diamond drilling. Ascot dropped their option in 2003.
Northern Part:
In this area, the thrust of the Company’s exploration effort was to find new, larger zones of high grade material at greater depths on both the La Sarda and parallel vein zones.
In December 1999 some mapping was carried out on the La Sarda vein. Because the mine and mill were operating without established reserves, production and grade were somewhat erratic. The La Sarda vein had provided most of the production over the previous four or five years. This vein was found by mapping to be just underneath the opaline silica horizon, further indication that only the top portion of this extensive system is exposed.
The La Sarda area active workings were inspected. Four major sub parallel vein systems have been recognized in this area, and three were being actively worked at that time. High grade ore was reported in the active faces of the La Cucaracha vein workings. A sample taken from muck from an ore face returned values of 20.2 grams/tonne Au and 151 grams/tonne silver.
Geology and Mineralization
The assembled claims cover a large alteration zone centered on a northwest trending extensional structure with numerous separate gold veins.
The country rocks in the area are Tertiary andesitic tuffs and flows that are observed to be flat-lying. The alteration zone is characterized by strataform silicification spatially associated with friable argillic alteration dominated by kaolinite with subordinate alunite and cristobalite.
This alteration zone is interpreted to represent the paleowater table of a shallowly-eroded epithermal system. Gold-bearing quartz veins with prominent crustiform, colloform banding and stockwork quartz veining, are exposed beneath the strataform alteration and are the target of the exploration efforts.
Infrastructure
A main railway line crosses the prospect and there are electric powerlines to the town of Yago. The prospect is approximately seven kilometres from Highway 15 and is traversed by numerous gravel roads.
Exploration Results
Southern Part
:
In 1997, a 1 by 1 kilometre grid was cut over the area of intense quartz-adularia veining and float and a soil sampling program was carried out at 50 metre spacing on lines 100 metres apart. Several large multi-line gold-silver-antimony anomalies resulted that extended to the edge of the grid. A follow-up survey was carried out in which the grid was expanded to roughly 1.5 by 2 kilometres. Samples were taken intermediate to anomalous samples taken in the initial program to provide greater detail and to serve as a check on previous sampling. Sampling was also carried out to define the extent of anomalies discovered in the first phase of sampling. The in fill sampling confirmed the results of the previous survey while the additional soil sampling provided better definition of the existing anomalies and resulted in new anomalies which still remain open. This anomaly lies in the central and south-west part of the grid in an area devoid of old workings and remains open in two directions. Veins mapped in this area strike roughly 10 degrees east of north. Emanating from the north-east part of this anomaly is a linear gold-silver-antimony soil anomaly trending approximately 40 degrees east of north. The trend coincides with the attitudes of veins measured in outcrop in the north-east portion of the grid. Several other multi-line gold in soil anomalies resulted from the soil sampling. Antimony and silver for the most part correlate well with gold geochemistry, defining similar trends throughout the grid.
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At the time of soil sampling more than sixty rock samples were taken over the property. These samples were taken from exposures in historic workings and the associated dumps as well as the vein float prevalent over the property. Conventional Fire Assay and ICP techniques were employed on both rock and soil samples.
Several areas of intense banded quartz-adularia veining, stockwork veining and one area of hydrothermal brecciation and silicification were defined which are coincident with areas of anomalous soil geochemistry. The initial geologic data indicates that the veining represents high elevations within a shallowly eroded low-sulfidation epithermal system, of which the paleo-water table is preserved over much of the property. Exploration was designed to seek bonanza vein type mineralization.
Geologic work and road building in the southern Guadalupe-Tejona-Korina area was designed to provide access and investigate areas for future diamond drilling. During the course of this work several new veins and previously unknown historic workings were discovered. In the La Korina area (on the Sagitario claim), the lowest elevation workings, several shafts and adits were discovered in heavy undergrowth. The work completed has enabled the Company to select several sites for drilling in this area. Several banded quartz-adularia veins were discovered in the new road cuts within areas of high gold in soil geochemistry. In one area banded veining was discovered in an area of very high gold soil geochemistry along the La Guadalupe vein trend over 500 metres from known historic workings. These areas and the Korina area were not tested by past drilling and are relatively lower in elevation than the depth tested by past drilling.
This program of work resulted in the definition of several key drill hole locations in the southern Guadalupe-Tejona-Korina area. These locations would test the correct elevations for potential bonanza grades at depth along the strike and intersection of several banded quartz-adularia veins. Road building provided access for these holes. Drill holes were also been designed to test the La Sarda area vein systems to the north including the Cucaracha vein.
Numerous small scale old workings are present on the property.
Hydrothermal alteration mapping and fluid inclusion studies support the conclusion that the present erosion surface represents shallow depths beneath the paleo-water table of the hydrothermal system. The potential for high-grade gold-silver mineralization is expected to extend from surface to significant depths beneath the present surface.
In December 1998, seven (7) widely spaced holes totalling 975.2 metres were completed by Santoy to test epithermal vein targets at depth. Widespread quartz veining and stockwork systems were encountered at depth, many of which correlated well with surface zones.
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|
Widespread anomalous gold, silver and base metal values were obtained from the drilling with the most significant mineralized intervals as follows:
Hole No.
|
From - To (m)
|
Interval (m)
|
Au (g/t)
|
Ag (g/t)
|
|
98-01
(Tejona Vein)
|
53.3 to 54.8
|
1.5
|
0.37
|
24.9
|
|
98-02
(Guadalupe Vein)
|
44.2 to 47.2
67.0 to 70.1
121.9 to 126.4
|
3.0
3.1
4.5
|
0.44
0.51
0.54
|
43.8
15.1
16.7
|
|
98-03
(between Creek & Tejona)
|
38.1 to 54.8
incl.38.1 to 39.6
|
16.7
1.5
|
0.15
0.63
|
22.6
99.8
|
|
98-04
(La Morraya)
|
42.6 to 44.2
|
1.6
|
0.32
|
35.7
|
|
98-05
|
198.1 to 201.1
|
3
|
1.8
|
0.9
|
|
98-06
(Creek Zone)
|
32.0 to 36.5
|
4.5
|
0.13
|
9.4
|
|
98-07
|
No significant values
|
|||
In July 2000, Fairfield began a diamond drilling program on the southern part of the property. Progress was very poor. Drilling commenced with two holes on the Guadalupe vein that would be the most difficult to access if the rainy season were to start early. Hole one did not reach its objective and the core barrel was lost in the hole. Hole two was completed to the planned depth. The program was then terminated. Although the first hole did not reach its targeted vein, another vein was intersected. The projected vein in hole two was also intersected where expected. No significant assays were returned from these holes.
In 2002, Ascot completed a gradient array IP (induced polarization) geophysics survey on the La Sarda and Yago grids. The two large geophysical grids covered three of four principal veins in the La Sarda mine area, and the Guadalupe, La Tejona and La Korina vein systems in the Yago area to the south.
At La Sarda the three northeast-striking veins surveyed to date were mapped very effectively by gradient array IP and traced approximately 200 metres beyond their last known exposures. The data suggest that all three vein structures remain well defined over a strike length of 900 metres and are open for extension to the northeast. In the Yago area, south of La Sarda, the IP data appear more complex. On the west side of the grid geophysics traced the north-south striking Guadalupe vein over a distance of approximately 400 metres and defined a large area of very high resistivity corresponding to the La Tejona and La Korina vein structures.
A total of 1098.2 metres of diamond drilling was completed on the La Sarda vein by Ascot, one hole was lost before reaching the vein target, another hole had lost core through the section where the vein intersection was expected, and the remaining four had low grade values that nevertheless showed good vein width and continuity.
During 2007, Spire conducted a trenching and diamond drilling program in both the Northern and Southern areas of the prospect. Spire updated on the exploration work in their news release of August 17, 2007 which reported that phase 1 drilling was planned for 3,000m but a total of only 945m were drilled before the start of the rainy season in July. Highlights of the drilling program to that date were reported and include the following:
|
Hole
|
From (m)
|
To (m)
|
Width (m)
|
Au (g/t)
|
Ag (g/t)
|
|
DDH-07-M01
|
137.5
|
138.6
|
1.45
|
1.01
|
2.1
|
|
DDH-07-M02
|
100.8
|
101.8
|
1
|
0.24
|
8.5
|
|
DDH-07-S01
|
34.6
|
37
|
2.4
|
0.73
|
152.09
|
|
DDH-07-S03
|
23.1
|
24
|
0.9
|
0.43
|
64.1
|
|
DDH-07-S04
|
36.6
|
37.5
|
0.9
|
1.29
|
49
|
Spire also announced that it completed a trenching program in the Sagitario area of the prospect along with the following highlights of that program:
73
|
Trench
|
Sample Width (m)
|
Gold (g/t)
|
Silver (g/t)
|
|
TS1-1A
|
0.8
|
1.08
|
199
|
|
TS2-1
|
1.1
|
0.89
|
192
|
|
TS2-1
|
1.1
|
2.24
|
551
|
|
TS2-2
|
1.3
|
4.71
|
441
|
|
TS2-3
|
1.8
|
4.13
|
171
|
|
TS2-5
|
0.2
|
1.625
|
25.2
|
Due to market conditions, Spire was not able to fund any exploration in 2008.
In 2009, the Company conducted prospecting and geophysical surveys in the Gallo de Oro (also known as Carretera) are of the prospect where banded quartz veining thought to represent the upper reaches of another epithermal vein system several kilometres west of other veins on the prospect. Forty-five new rock-chip samples of quartz vein material at surface returned gold values from 0.005 to 18.85 g/t gold and less than detection to 871 g/t silver. Earlier in 2009 and IP and soil sampling survey was carried out which helped define the vein system for this surface sampling program. A total of 62 samples have now been taken from the Carretera zone, and these average 2 g/t gold, ranging from 0.005 to 104 g/t gold. The zone of quartz veining has now been expanded to strike length of over 2 kilometres.
Planned Work Program – Fiscal 2011, Ending December 31, 2011
The Company’s planned exploration program for Fiscal 2011 consists of further rock sampling and geophysical surveys, at a budgeted costs of $50,000 in order to better define targets for a drill program later in 2011.
The Matehuapil Prospect - Mexico
The Matehuapil Prospect is without known reserves and all current work by the Company on the prospect is exploratory in nature.
Option to Acquire Interest
In Fiscal 2007, the Company acquired a 100% interest in the Matehuapil claim, subject to a 1% NSR royalty payable to the Mexican government, through the successful bid of approximately $500,000. An initial acquisition payment of $117,572, representing 20% of the purchase price, was paid. The Company was required to put up two bonds (“mineral property deposit”), one in the amount of $446,964 representing four pending instalment payments of 20% each to be paid in six month instalments from the issuance of title and one in the amount of $138,929 to pay for the purchase of the NSR royalty. During 2008 the Company paid the remainder of the purchase price outright. The bond in the amount of $446,964 was returned to the Company.
The Company subsequently entered into an agreement with Apex Silver Mines Limited (“Apex”). To earn a 60% interest, Apex must incur exploration expenditures totalling US$2,600,000 by December 1, 2013 and make cash payments of 3,312,000 Mexican Pesos by July 10, 2009. Apex reorganized under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code and emerged as Golden Minerals Company (“Golden Minerals”).
Expenditures to Date
During Fiscal 2010, the Company incurred $2,187 in exploration costs on the prospect and recovered $3,639 from Golden Minerals. As at December 31, 2010, the Company had deferred costs of $266,074 on this prospect.
Location and Access`
The Matehuapil prospect is located in Zacatecas State, Mexico, about 25 km east of Concepcion del Oro.
Infrastructure
There is road access throughout the prospect and single phase power to villages within the prospect boundary.
History and Recent Work
The prospect was held by the government mining agency which conducted surface work and limited geophysics. Apex has informed Almaden that it has conducted surface work on the prospect. Almaden is to receive technical data from Apex resulting from their work program of 2008 in an annual report.
74
Geology and Mineralization
Almaden has identified silver-lead-zinc mineralisation consisting of oxidized sulphides in a jasperoid developed within carbonate units on the northeastern portion of Matehuapil project area which borders the company’s Santa Isabela project claims. This style of mineralization is interpreted to be associated with carbonate replacement sulphide deposits. The Matehuapil claim is centered on historic lead-zinc silver and copper-gold mines and carbonate replacement and skarn mineralization spatially associated with intrusive rocks.
Planned Work Program – Fiscal 2011, Ending December 31, 2010
The Company has no planned exploration program for Fiscal 2011 with all work being conducted by Golden Minerals which is working to earn an interest in the prospect.
The Caldera Prospect - Mexico
The Caldera Prospect is without known reserves and all current work by the Company on the prospect is exploratory in nature.
Option to Acquire Interest
During Fiscal 2007, the Company acquired the Caldera prospect by staking and has a 100% interest in the prospect. During 2008, additional staking was carried out to cover anomalous areas that were not within the original block stated.
In Fiscal 2010, the Company entered into an agreement with Windstorm Resources Inc. (“Windstorm”). To earn a 60% interest, Windstorm must incur exploration expenditures totalling US$5,000,000 and issue 1,000,000 share to the Company over six years.
Expenditures to Date
During Fiscal 2010, the Company incurred $47,826 in exploration costs primarily on an IP geophysical survey, a geochemical soil sampling program and the payment of $29,920 in Mexican mining taxes. As at December 31, 2010, the Company had deferred costs of $447,491 on this prospect.
Location and Access
The Caldera prospect is located in Puebla State, Mexico, near the town of Libres which is approximately 70 kilometres northeast of Puebla City by the all season paved road.
Infrastructure
There is no infrastructure in place on the prospect.
History and Recent Work
The prospect was discovered by the Company during Fiscal 2007 during a regional exploration program. There is no known history of mineral exploration or mining in the area.
During Fiscal 2009 the Company completed a work program consisting of alteration mapping, prospecting, soil and stream sediment sampling and induced polarization (IP) geophysics that was initiated in Fiscal 2008.
Geology and Mineralization
Hydrothermal alteration typical of high sulphidation epithermal gold-silver environments, including vuggy silica and extensive areas of acid-sulphate alteration, has been identified at the prospect to date over eight kilometres in a northwest-trending window beneath barren, post mineral volcanic rocks. The altered zone is defined by north-south to northwest trending zones of intense argillic and advanced argillic alteration and silicification, including vuggy residual silica. Silicified zones are commonly up to 20 metres wide and locally greater 50 metres wide. Locally, silicified zones are cored by cryptocrystalline alunite and are adjacent to parallel zones of pyrophyllite and dickite. Topaz occurs sporadically at the core of the silicified zones. Kaolinite+/-smectite forms a broad argillic envelope surrounding the silica and advanced argillic alteration.
75
Planned Work Program – Fiscal 2011, Ending December 31, 2011
The Company has no planned exploration program for Fiscal 2011 with all work being conducted by Windstorm which is working to earn an interest in the prospect.
The Logan Property – Canada
The Logan Property is without known reserves.
Interest
The Company owns a 40% carried interest in the property, acquired from its predecessor (“Fairfield”) through amalgamation. The owner of the 60% joint venture interest is required to fund 100% of exploration expenditures until a production decision is made, at which time the Company may elect to pay its proportionate share of future expenditures after the production decision or convert its property interest into a 15% Net Profits Interest. In 2003, the 60% owner agreed to sell its joint venture interest to Expatriate Resources Ltd. (“Expatriate”). To simplify documentation, a new agreement was entered into at this time directly between the Company and Expatriate with all details of the previous agreement remaining the same. In late 2004 Expatriate was restructured into two successor corporate entities, resulting in a transfer of the 60% joint venture interest to one of the successors named Yukon Zinc Corporation.
Expenditures to Date
During Fiscal 2010 the Company incurred no costs on this prospect. As at December 31, 2010, the Company is carrying this property at $1.
Location and Access
The Logan Property comprises 156 claims located 108 kilometres northwest of Watson Lake, Yukon at latitude 60 degrees 30 minutes North and longitude 130 degrees 27 minutes West. The claims are situated 38 kilometres north of the Alaska Highway and 258 kilometres east of Whitehorse. Principal access is by fixed-wing aircraft or helicopter. A 52 kilometre trail originating from Milepost 687 (Km 1105) on the Alaska Highway provides minimum winter access to the property for track-equipped machinery.
History and Recent Work
The initial 36 Logan claims were staked in July and October 1979 to cover showings of zinc-silver-copper-tin mineralization discovered during a reconnaissance prospecting and stream sediment sampling program undertaken by Regional Resources Ltd. (Fairfield’s predecessor). Additional claims (Logan 37-106) were staked at various dates in 1984 and 1986. Property exploration programs including geological mapping, geochemical and geophysical surveys, detailed prospecting and hand trenching were carried out between 1979 and 1985.
In May 1986 the property was transferred to Fairfield and subsequent exploration programs during 1986 to 1988 included diamond drilling (103 holes totalling 16,439 metres of NQ core), excavator trenching (15 trenches totalling 2,412 linear metres), additional soil geochemistry, Induced Polarization geophysical surveys, as well as aerial photography, various ground control surveys, construction of a 700-metre long gravel airstrip, and reclamation work. Most of the drilling was conducted at 100-metre by 50-metre grid spacing.
All of the above work programs were performed or supervised by Cordilleran Engineering Ltd. of Vancouver, Canada. All project sample assays and analyses were performed by Bondar Clegg & Company Ltd. in North Vancouver. In late 1988 an initial mineral resource estimate for the Main Zone deposit was calculated by J.J. Hylands, P.Eng., and M.A. Stammers, FGAC, of Cordilleran Engineering Ltd. However, this estimate was not strictly defined according to Canadian Institute of Mining (CIM) standard resource/reserve classifications.
In early 1989 preliminary metallurgical testing was undertaken on composite samples of drill core assembled from 16 selected intersections of the Main Zone deposit. This work was conducted by Lakefield Research under the direction of Strathcona Mineral Services Ltd. of Toronto, Canada. The results demonstrated that high zinc (93-97%) and silver (85-87%) recoveries are readily achievable from a concentrate grading 50-54% zinc.
76
The project was dormant from 1989 through 2002.
In early 2003 Expatriate purchased a 60% joint venture interest in the property from Energold Minerals Inc. (formerly Total Energold) and became the operator of the project. A baseline environmental survey was conducted in and around the property in advance of further exploration and/or engineering studies. Staking of the LOGAN 107 to 152 and STRIP 1 to 4 mineral claims was completed to cover areas of potential infrastructure. Core storage facilities at the old exploration camp were refurbished and core inventoried for future examination.
In November 2003, Expatriate commissioned Hatch Associates Ltd. (”Hatch”) to complete a resource estimate and data compilation as part of an Independent Technical Report to NI 43-101 standards. Hatch completed this assignment with the assistance of Mr. Gary Giroux, P.Eng., while Hatch’s Qualified Person for this assessment was Mr. Callum Grant, P.Eng. who visited and inspected the property in October 2003. The resource estimation portion of the report was released on March 24, 2004.
CAUTIONARY NOTE TO U.S. INVESTORS CONCERNING ESTIMATES OF INFERRED RESOURCES
This section uses the term “inferred resources”. We advise U.S. investors that while this term is recognized and required by Canadian regulations, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission does not recognize it. “Inferred resources” have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an Inferred Mineral Resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian rules estimates of Inferred Mineral Resources may not form the basis of feasibility or other economic studies.
U.S. INVESTORS ARE CAUTIONED NOT TO ASSUME THAT PART OF ALL OF AN INFERRED RESOURCE EXISTS, OR IS ECONOMICALLY OR LEGALLY MINEABLE.
The published Inferred Resource of 13.08 MT grading 5.10% Zn and 23.7 g/t Ag uses a 3.5% zinc-equivalent cutoff that is based upon metal prices of U.S. 43 cents per pound zinc and US$5.50 per ounce silver, with recoveries of 94% and 64% respectively. The Hatch re-estimation of resources at Logan uses the block model method, with Kriging applied to the assay data from 58 drill holes completed in the Main Zone during 1986-88. The model relies wholly on this historical drill-hole information and does not include any new exploration data. The model is constrained by geologic boundaries to mineralization as interpreted on 23 cross-sections of the Main Zone over a 1.53 km (0.95 mile) strike length. No mineralized intercepts are included from the East or West Zones.
In Fiscal 2006 Yukon Zinc conducted an airborne gravity survey of the property.
Geology and Mineral Deposits
The property is dominantly underlain by granodiorite and pegmatites of the Cretaceous Marker Lake Batholith, which has intruded Lower Cambrian and possibly older metasedimentary rocks. Tertiary andesite dykes, quartz-feldspar monzonite-latite porphyry dykes, quartz veins and breccia bodies are associated with an eight kilometre long east-northeast (ENE) trending mineralized structure. Within this structure, at least three mineral bodies have been identified and named as the Main, West and East Zones.
The Main Zone deposit has been defined by 58 drill intersections, to an average vertical depth of 185 metres (~600 feet). It is contained within a steeply dipping fault bounded tabular body 1100 metres long by 50 to 140 metres wide. Sphalerite with lesser pyrite, arsenopyrite, chalcopyrite, pyrrhotite, silver-bearing lead sulphosalts and cassiterite occur as fracture fillings, disseminations and coarse masses in quartz veins or breccia and silicified hostrock.
Infrastructure
With the exception of the airstrip and connecting network of drillsite access trails, there is no infrastructure in place on the property.
Planned Work Program – Fiscal 2011, Ending December 31, 2011
The Company has no planned exploration program for Fiscal 2010. Yukon Zinc Corporation maintains the property in good standing.
77
The Nicoamen River Prospect – Canada
The Nicoamen River Prospect is without known reserves and all current work by the Company on the prospect is exploratory in nature.
Option to Acquire Interest
The Nicoamen River claim group comprises about 1,945 hectares (19.5 sq. km) and was acquired by staking during 2004 and 2005 and is 100% owned by the Company.
In Fiscal 2006, the Company entered into an agreement with Tanqueray Resources Ltd. (“Tanqueray”). To earn a 60% interest, Tanqueray had to incur exploration expenditures of $4,000,000 and issue 1,000,000 shares to the Company by December 31, 2012. During Fiscal 2007, Tanqueray relinquished its option on the property.
In Fiscal 2007, t he Company entered into an agreement with Zenith Industries Corp. (“Zenith”). To earn a 60% interest, Zenith had to incur exploration expenditures of $4,000,000 by December 31, 2012 and issue 1,000,000 shares to the Company by December 31, 2010. As of December 31, 2008, Zenith abandoned its interest in the prospect.
In Fiscal 2009, the Company entered into an agreement with Fairmont Resources Inc. (“Fairmont”). To earn a 60% interest, Fairmont has to pay the Company $25,000, incur exploration expenditures of $2,000,000 and issue 300,000 common shares to the Company.
Expenditures to Date
During Fiscal 2010 the Company incurred no exploration costs on this prospect. As at December 31, 2010, the Company is carrying the prospect at $1.
Location and Access
The prospect is readily accessible by road, approximately 40 kilometres northeast of the village of Boston Bar on the Trans-Canada Highway in southern British Columbia.
History and Recent Work
Pre-acquisition work during July 2003 and August/October 2004 consisted of prospecting and recon geochemical sampling, based on follow-up of earlier government (BC-RGS) and Company-generated regional gold and arsenic stream sediment anomalies. These programs generated 16 rock, 47 silt, and 15 soil samples. In September 2005 a preliminary property evaluation program was conducted, comprising further prospecting and recon rock/silt geochemical sampling, minor hand trenching, grid and roadcut soil geochemical sampling.
The 2005 program generated an additional 20 rock, 7 silt, and 827 soil samples. All of the samples collected to date (2003-2005) have been tested for 36 elements, by Acme Analytical Laboratories Ltd. in Vancouver, B.C.
The rock sample results have identified several gold bearing quartz float occurrences, and insitu gold-quartz vein mineralization along a major NNW - trending fault structure. The initial grid soil sampling has outlined a main multi-element geochemical anomaly measuring 800 metres by 2000 metres in the Discovery area.
Tanquerary reported to the Company that detailed soil geochemistry conducted in 2006 over sections of the previous soil grid identified five large gold in soil anomaly clusters that will require ground truthing, by prospecting, mapping and excavator trenching. Ground geophysics was also completed.
During 2007 the Company had an independent consultant review work done to date and make recommendations for further work.
During the 2009 field season, Fairmont conducted geological and geophysical surveys.
78
Geology and Mineralization
The dominant rock assemblage underlying the Nicoamen River prospect is the Cretaceous Spius Creek Formation, a basaltic andesite unit. This is the upper part of the Spences Bridge Group which is a broad northwest trending sequence of gently folded volcanics with lesser sediments, dipping shallowly to the northeast. The Spences Bridge Group unconformably overlies older plutonic rocks, mainly granodiorite to diorite of the Permian to Triassic Mount Lytton Complex occupying the southwestern claim area. The Spences Bridge Group is unconformably overlain locally by Eocene Kamloops Group intermediate and felsic volcanics.
The major structural features in the district are steeply dipping normal faults. The Nicoamen River Fault parallels the canyon of Nicoamen River which crosses the claim area from south to north. The Nicoamen West Fault is subparallel to the Nicoamen River Fault and lies along the west boundary of the claims.
Insitu mineralization found to date consists of gold-bearing quartz veins in altered granodiorite at the Discovery Zone, and silica-rich pods or clasts in brecciated quartzofeldspathic rocks at the West Zone (located 2.35 km WNW of the Discovery Zone). The Discovery Zone occurrences have been exposed by a series of small hand trenches in the face of a 130-metre long roadcut in subcrop of variably silicified and/or argillically altered granodiorite. Local ankeritic (possible) and iron/manganese oxide alteration is also present. The occurrences are narrow (<1 - 10 cm) anded chalcedony veins associated with local subparallel shears having a close spatial relation to the Nicoamen River Fault. Both steeply dipping and fairly flat-lying veins occur, with apparent poor continuity. The vein textures and trace element geochemistry are typical of low sulphidation style epithermal mineralization.
Roadcut soil samples collected in the vicinity of both the Discovery and West Zone showings are strongly anomalous in gold, arsenic, antimony and molybdenum. The larger (area) grid soil geochemical anomalies show generally good coincidence amongst these same elements, plus flanking or peripherally situated elevated levels of mercury.
Infrastructure
There is no infrastructure in place on the prospect.
Drilling Results
No drilling has been carried out on the prospect.
Planned Work Program – Fiscal 2011, Ending December 31, 2011
The Company has no planned exploration program for Fiscal 2011 with all work being conducted by Fairmont which is working to earn an interest in the prospect.
The Skoonka Creek Prospect – Canada
The Skoonka Creek (formerly “Sam”) Prospect is without known reserves and all current work by the Company on the prospect is exploratory in nature.
Option to Acquire Interest
The Skoonka Creek prospect was staked by the Company during Fiscal 2003 to Fiscal 2005 and comprises approximately 10,190 hectares.
In Fiscal 2005, the Company executed an option agreement with Strongbow Exploration Inc. (“Strongbow”), whereby Strongbow could earn an initial 51% interest in the prospect by issuing to the Company 600,000 shares and completing exploration expenditures of $2,000,000 prior to December 31, 2008. During Fiscal 2006, Strongbow completed earn-in requirements and a formal joint venture agreement was completed. Subsequent work programs reduced the Company’s interest to approximately 32%.
Expenditures to Date
During Fiscal 2010, the Company incurred no costs on this prospect. As at December 31, 2010, the Company is carrying the prospect at $1.
Location and Access
The prospect is readily accessible by road, 25 kilometres northeast from Lytton, British Columbia, on the Trans-Canada Highway.
79
History and Recent Work
Pre-acquisition work during 2003 consisted of prospecting and recon geochemical sampling based on follow-up of a government (BC-RGS) regional gold stream sediment anomaly. This program generated 22 rock, 41 silt, and 14 soil samples. The 2004 assessment work program included minor access road improvements, further prospecting and recon sampling (25 rocks, 8 silts), approximately 21 line-km of roadcut soil sampling (417 soils), and limited hand trenching at three sites (16 rock chip samples). All of the samples collected to date have been tested for 36 elements, by Acme Analytical Laboratories in Vancouver, BC.
The rock sampling identified variable grade gold and lesser silver mineralization in a number of widely scattered quartz float occurrences, and in two major insitu vein showings named Discovery and JJ.
The soil and stream sediment sampling outlined two broad areas of gold-arsenic-antimony ± mercury enrichment which include and encompass the Discovery and JJ mineral zones.
During 2005 Strongbow expended $668,000 on exploration at Skoonka Creek which consisted of regional and detailed soil geochemical surveys, geological mapping, prospecting and recon rock/silt sampling, ground geophysical surveys, further hand trenching and initial core drilling on the JJ mineral structure and additional nearby geochemical/geophysical targets (Eleven NQ core holes totalling 1258.4 metres of drilling). The 2005 program generated 29 silt, 224 recon rock grab, 29 trench rock channel, 3588 grid soil, and 824 drill core samples. All of the samples were tested for 28 elements by geochemical (ICP or AA) analysis at Global Discovery Laboratories in Vancouver, B.C. Samples that returned gold analyses of greater than 0.2 g/t (and greater than or equal to 0.1 g/t later in the season) were subsequently fire assayed for gold, and those with moderate or high gold grades were additionally subjected to metallic screen assays.
At the JJ Showing area, the 2005 hand trenching has exposed the quartz vein system over a 60-metre strike length. Detailed soil sampling has identified a broad gold and arsenic anomaly, coincident with mineralization. Detailed ground geophysical surveys revealed a linear magnetic low, corresponding to the alteration system surrounding the quartz veins. The drill program completed in October 2005 successfully extended the vein system at depth and along strike.
In the Discovery Showing area, the 2005 detailed grid soil sampling results define a 450-metre long northeast-southwest trending gold anomaly with numerous coincident anomalous rock samples.
The 2005 regional soil grid encompassing 16 square kilometres outlined several additional gold anomalies underlain by prospective andesite host rock. The largest of these, called the Backburn Anomaly, is spatially related to the Discovery area and measures 1500 metres long by 800 metres wide.
During 2006, Strongbow conducted regional and detailed soil geochemical surveys, geological mapping, prospecting, ground geophysical surveys and diamond drilling on the prospect. The program generated 1,500 rock and 4,500 soil geochemical samples. Work was carried out on a number of showings discussed below.
The JJ prospect has a strike length of 700 metres and drill tested epithermal gold mineralization to a depth of at least 250 metres. A ground geophysical survey was carried out.
The Discovery-Backburn Trend is a 3,000 metre long corridor containing a number of mineral showings (Discovery, Backburn, Deadwood, Ember and Zebra). It is located 3,000 metres northeast of the JJ prospect and contains a gold in soil anomaly, characterized by clay and silica altered andesitic fragmental rocks.
The Backburn showing is an area 1,100 metres by 300 metres containing anomalous gold values in soil. A ground geophysical survey was carried out on the Backburn showing. Rock chip and soil samples were collected in this area.
The Ember showing is a 97 metre long quartz vein and breccia system, located at the southern end of the Discovery-Backburn trend. A ground geophysical survey was carried out on the Ember showing. Rock chip and soil samples were collected in this area.
80
The Deadwood showing is a 200 metre long zone in which closely spaced quartz veins are found within andesitic volcanic rocks. Strongbow collected 105 rock grab and chip samples from this zone. A detailed ground magnetic survey was also completed. The Deadwood showing is located at the western end of the Discovery-Backburn Trend.
The Zebra showing is an 1,100 metre by 700 metre area in which elevated gold values have been detected in soil and bedrock samples.
No field work was reported by the operator in 2009 and 2010.
Geology and Mineralization
The prospect area is underlain by a northwest-southeast trending shallowly dipping sequence of intermediate and mafic volcanic rocks of the Cretaceous Spences Bridge Group. Sill-like bodies of feldspar porphyry are also present, and felsic dyke (?) rubble has been noted in a few localities. The ages and relationships of these rocks to the main volcanic assemblage are presently unknown.
Major structural features in the local area are north-south oriented high angle normal faults. Two, east to ENE-trending, vague lineaments in the central property area are discernible from aerial photographs, topographic maps and limited field observations. These easterly striking features are roughly parallel with the main soil geochemical anomaly trends and mineral showings identified to date.
Quartz hosted gold and lesser silver mineralization have been identified in widely scattered float occurrences, and in
t
wo major vein showings. All of these occurrences exhibit compositions and classic textures typical of low sulphidation epithermal veins and breccias. The styles of mineralization include massive multiphase vein, multistage breccia, stockwork veinlet, and pyritic silica-carbonate replacement of hostrock. Disseminated pyrite and specular hematite also occur in both quartz matrix and hostrock clasts at the Discovery Showing. Fluid inclusion studies of two vein rubble samples from the discovery area have reported formation temperatures in the range of <200
o
C to 210
o
C, indicating minimal erosion of the epithermal system at this site.
The (2003) Discovery Showing represents a large but low grade vein breccia zone having an estimated 4.2m true width over which the 2004 channel sampling returned gold analyses ranging from 0.34 g/t to 0.48 g/t, with negligible silver. This zone trends ENE and is subvertical.
The 2005 detailed soil sample grid in the Discovery Showing area defined a 450-metre long NE-SW trending gold anomaly with numerous coincident anomalous rock samples. This anomaly is spatially associated with a silicified and chloritized alteration zone within andesite flows, as well as a feldspar and hornblende-phyric porphyry dyke. The 2005 regional soil grid identified additional gold anomalies underlain by prospective andesite flows, substantially farther out from but also spatially related to the Discovery area. The largest of these gold-in-soil anomalies, named the Backburn Anomaly, covers an area of 1500m by 800m and is coincident with abundant float and subcrop occurrences of brecciated volcanic rocks that are variably oxidized with a quartz-carbonate-chlorite matrix.
The high grade JJ Showing discovered in 2004 is situated about three kilometres to the southwest of the Discovery Vein, on a subparallel ENE structural trend. It consists of a moderately to steeply dipping zone containing two closely spaced veins (Jan & Jodi Veins) and intensely clay altered andesite wallrock having an estimated combined 2m true width. The quartz veins are massive to colloform banded. Nine large-sized channel samples were collected on a staggered pattern across the zone. Weighted average gold assays across the veins and vein zones are as follows:
1. Three samples (R9-R11) across the Jan Vein:
19.28 g/t Au over 1.0m length (0.67m true width)
2. Three samples (R12-R14) across the Jodi Vein:
42.64 g/t Au over 0.93m length (0.62m true width)
3. Sample string R9H-R9-R9F and 0.5m-offset string R14, R14F:
22.77 g/t Au over 3.0m length (2.0m true width)
4. Sample string R9H-R9-R9F and 0.5m-offset sample R13:
28.33 g/t Au over 2.5m length (1.67m true width)
81
These channel samples were taken by or under the close supervision of a registered professional geologist and maintained under his control until delivered to an ISO9001:2000 certified assay analytical laboratory for sample preparation and analysis. Sample locations were marked in the field with flagging and weatherproof tags. A UTM grid location for every site was recorded by GPS unit using NAD 27 datum. Rock sample individual weights ranged from 2.5 to 10 kilograms. The laboratory runs standards and provides resamples at varying intervals for each shipment received. A resample consists of analyzing a second cut (subsample) from the sample pulp(or occasionally the reject portion), and is reported as a rerun (RE) or reject rerun (RRE) on the analysis certificate. At the high grade JJ showing initial gold and silver analyses were by Inductively coupled Plasma- Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) and were later checked by metallics fire assays, with good duplication of results in eight of nine samples, which is very good considering the nugget nature of high grade gold mineralization. These results were also checked by resampling by Strongbow Resources Ltd. Prior to their optioning the property from the Company. The level of quality control increases with the significance of the program, with drill core having more duplicates, blanks, standards and reruns than initial prospecting work.
Further hand trenching and channel sampling (by Strongbow) during 2005 intermittently exposed the JJ vein system over a 60-metre strike length and returned gold grades as follows: of 29 channel samples collected, 28 reported greater than 0.1 g/t including 20 samples greater than 1.0 g/t and 10 samples in excess of 12.0 g/t. The 2005 drill program successfully traced the JJ mineralization over a strike length of 350 metres, to vertical depths of 17.5 to 62 metres below surface, and indicated highly variable gold grades as listed in the Table under Drilling Results. In general, the JJ gold mineralization occurs as two types: (1) high-grade associated with dark grey to black (sulphide/sulphosalt?) layers in banded quartz veins, and (2) low-grade disseminated in argillic-chloritic-pyritic altered volcanic wall rocks.
Infrastructure
There is no infrastructure in place on the prospect.
Drilling Results
During October 2005, Strongbow completed an 11-hole diamond drill program generating 1258.4 metres of NQ2 core (core size – 50.5mm diameter) from the JJ Showing area. The main target for drilling was the coincident geochemical-geophysical anomaly that is interpreted to represent the host structure for high grade gold-quartz veins exposed intermittently by hand trenching along a 60-metre strike length. Seven holes (841m) tested this interpreted target over a strike length of approximately 350 metres. Each of these seven holes intersected alteration and quartz veining typical of low sulphidation epithermal systems. Anomalous assay results from the seven holes which targeted the JJ Showing are summarized in the Table below:
82
|
DDH
|
From
(m)
|
To
(m)
|
Interval
1
(m)
|
Assay
2
(g/t Au)
|
Assay
(g/t Ag)
|
|
SC-003
|
38.60
|
57.59
|
18.99
|
1.38
|
1.61
|
|
Including
|
48.70
|
49.70
|
1.00
|
16.6
|
8.60
|
|
SC-004
|
39.58
|
46.80
|
7.22
|
1.10
|
2.70
|
|
Including
|
39.58
|
41.65
|
2.07
|
2.87
|
2.56
|
|
SC-005
|
34.44
|
36.82
|
2.38
|
4.22
|
4.29
|
|
43.15
|
44.75
|
1.60
|
12.4
|
6.00
|
|
|
78.20
|
79.36
|
1.16
|
4.52
|
5.00
|
|
|
SC-006
|
61.40
|
65.50
|
4.1
|
7.48
|
4.15
|
|
Including
|
64.25
|
65.5
|
1.25
|
16.2
|
5.76
|
|
77.90
|
78.90
|
1.00
|
1.23
|
1.20
|
|
|
SC-007
|
17.85
|
19.05
|
1.20
|
1.27
|
1.92
|
|
20.74
|
24.05
|
3.31
|
26.8
|
28.85
|
|
|
Including
|
20.74
|
22.31
|
1.57
|
54.5
|
56.75
|
|
25.15
|
28.30
|
3.15
|
0.92
|
1.17
|
|
|
SC-008
|
16.90
|
17.70
|
0.80
|
2.87
|
3.75
|
|
28.90
|
41.70
|
12.80
|
20.2
|
14.22
|
|
|
Including
|
28.90
|
29.67
|
0.77
|
28.6
|
10.78
|
|
And
|
32.89
|
35.80
|
2.91
|
51.1
|
46.49
|
|
Including
|
33.65
|
34.95
|
1.30
|
110.4
|
100.46
|
|
And
|
40.95
|
41.70
|
0.75
|
117.1
|
49.20
|
|
SC-009
|
25.70
|
28.90
|
3.20
|
2.04
|
2.41
|
1
Current geological interpretations of the mineralized system are preliminary and therefore true widths of mineralization are uncertain. However the true widths of the reported intervals are estimated to be 90-100% and 50-70% of the reported intervals for holes drilled at -45 degrees and -80 degrees, respectively.
2
All reported assays are uncut.
Hole SC-003 was set up as a 50m step-out to test the western extent of the JJ showing. The hole was oriented at an azimuth of 340° with a -45°dip.
Hole SC-004 was drilled from the same site, and at the same azimuth as SC-003, but at a -80° dip.
Hole SC-005 was drilled at az.326°/dip -45°, as a 50m step-out to the east from the JJ Showing.
Hole SC-006 was drilled under SC-005, at az. 326/dip -80°.
Hole SC-007 was set up 32.5m south of the JJ veins main surface exposure, and drilled at az.335°/dip -45°.
Hole SC-008 was drilled behind SC-007, at az. 340°/dip -80°.
Hole SC-009 is a 300m step-out to the west from the JJ Showing, and was drilled at az. 340°/dip -45°.
The remaining four holes of the program tested additional targets in the vicinity of the JJ Showing:
Hole SC-001 tested the Red Earth Zone, a geochemical target comprising a four-sample soil anomaly located north of the JJ Showing. It was oriented at az. 340°/dip -45°, and encountered fault gouge and breccia with minor gold mineralization from 12.62 to 14.00 m (0.22 to 0.56 g/t Au) and from 15.70 to 18.80 m (0.14 to 0.90 g/t Au).
Hole SC-002 was collared at the same site as SC-001, and was drilled at az. 340°/dip -80°. A zone of minor gold mineralization was intersected between 20.30 and 34.40 m, ranging from 0.40 to 1.12 g/t Au with thin unmineralized bands returning <0.10 g/t Au.
83
Hole SC-010 was drilled north of SC-005 and -006, to test two gold-in-soil anomalies and a weak to moderate VLF geophysical anomaly. This hole was oriented at az. 340°/dip -45°. Weak gold mineralization was encountered from 88.70 to 90.30 m.
Hole SC-011 tested two other gold-in-soil anomalies and the same VLF geophysical anomaly plus a linear magnetic low feature. The hole was drilled at az. 340°/dip -46°. Weak gold mineralization (0.32 g/t Au) was encountered from 77.20 to 78.20 m.
Strongbow’s 2006 program started with a 12 hole, 2,545 metre drill program on the JJ showing in order to follow up the results reported above. This program successfully traced mineralization along strike and down-dip. Results included 6.16 metres of 2.08 g/t gold in hole SC-012 (including 1.73 metres of 5.79 g/t gold), 5.98 metres of 1.42 g/t gold in hole SC-015 (including 0.92 metres of 7.25 g/t gold) and 8 metres of 1.2 g/t gold in hole SC-016 (including 2.83 metres of 2.91 g/t gold).
A second drill program on the JJ showing was completed in November 2006. Over the course of the surface program the bedrock geology of the prospect was mapped and over 4,500 soil and 1,500 rock geochemical samples were collected. Four bedrock gold showings were identified along the length of the DBT including the Deadwood showing. Mineralization at Deadwood consists of narrow (typically <20 cm), closely spaced quartz veins within andesitic volcanic rocks. At the Deadwood showing a total of 105 rock grab and chip samples were collected over a 200 m strike length with 23 samples returning in excess of 1 g/t gold, including the three best samples grading 11.1 g/t gold, 13.2 g/t gold and 13.8 g/t gold. Results from detailed soil sampling were also considered to be encouraging.
In January 2007, Strongbow reported the results from the autumn 2006 drill program. The 6 hole, 2000 metre program tested the JJ vein system to depth. A 20-25 cm well developed quartz vein was encountered in the final two drill holes of this program. Drill holes SC-031 and SC-032 collared at the same set up and azimuth, returned assays of 16.3 g/t Au over 0.23 m and 17.0 g/t Au over 0.5 m, respectively at depths of 120 m and 130 m down dip from surface. The vein was encountered 175 m along strike to the west of drill hole SC-008.
Planned Work Program – Fiscal 2011, Ending December 31, 2011
The Company has been advised by Strongbow who is the operator, that a geological review is planned. The Company intends to participate.
The Viky Prospect - Mexico
The Viky Prospect is without known reserves and all current work by the Company on the prospect is exploratory in nature.
Option to Acquire Interest
The prospect was discovered in Fiscal 2005 during Almaden’s regional exploration program in Central Mexico and is 100% owned by the Company. The property was acquired through staking, although an undivided 100% interest in three small claims located in the vicinity has subsequently been purchased.
In Fiscal 2007, the Company entered into an agreement with Apex Silver Mines Limited (“Apex”). To earn a 60% interest, Apex had to incur exploration expenditures totalling US$5,600,000 and make cash payments of US$1,350,000 to the Company over five years. During Fiscal 2008, Apex abandoned its interest in the prospect.
Expenditures to Date
During Fiscal 2010, the Company incurred $288,496 in exploration costs, primarily on a drill program, which were written off to operations. As at December 31, 2010, the Company was carrying the prospect at $1.
Location and Access
The Viky prospect is located in Coahuila State, Central Mexico.
Infrastructure
There is no infrastructure in place on the prospect.
84
History and Recent Work
During Fiscal 2006, Almaden completed a large program of soil sampling, induced polarization geophysics, prospecting and rock chip sampling on the prospect. Results from the program identified a broad zone of elevated silver, lead and zinc in soil spatially associated with high induced polarization chargeability values at depth.
During 2007, Apex conducted surface mapping and sampling. A magnetic survey was also completed.
In Fiscal 2008, Apex completed a drill program on the property which returned anomalous lead, zinc and silver values.
No work was conducted in Fiscal 2009.
In 2010 the Company conducted a preliminary diamond drilling program on the prospect. No significant assays were intersected in this program however the company is still reviewing the data in order to plan a future drilling campaign.
Geology and Mineralization
The Viky prospect covers an area of replacement silicification which has developed in folded and deformed thinly bedded limestone. The prospect is considered prospective for silver-rich zones within quartz replacement zones and quartz veining as well as silver-lead-zinc sulphide-rich replacement bodies.
Planned Work Program – Fiscal 2011, Ending December 31, 2011
The Company has no planned exploration program for Fiscal 2011.
The Fuego Prospect - Mexico
The Fuego Prospect is without known reserves and all current work by the Company on the prospect is exploratory in nature.
Option to Acquire Interest
During Fiscal 2003, the Company’s subsidiary, Compania Minera Zapata, S.A. de C.V., acquired 100% interest in the prospect by staking.
In February 2004, the Company entered into an agreement (the “Horseshoe Option” with Horseshoe Gold Mining Inc. (“Horseshoe”). To earn an initial 50% interest, Horseshoe had to maintain the property in good standing, incur exploration expenditures totalling US$2,000,000 and issue 1,000,000 shares to the Company by December 31, 2007 (amended). During Fiscal 2008, the Company was informed by Horseshoe that it had relinquished its option on the prospect.
Expenditures to Date
During Fiscal 2010, the Company incurred $21,696 in costs of maintaining the prospect which were written off to operations. As at December 31, 2010, the Company was carrying the prospect at $1.
Location and Access
The prospect is located in south central Oaxaca State, Mexico and is accessible from the city of Oaxaca by paved highway southeast for 114 kilometres to San Pedro Totolapan, then by unpaved road south for 24 kilometres to San Maria Zoquitlan and a further 32 kilometres of rough winding road extending in a southeasterly direction.
Infrastructure
There is no infrastructure within the immediate area of the prospect.
85
History and Recent Work
Limited historic mining was last carried out on the prospect in 1905 from open cuts and small scale, shallow underground openings on at least 3 separate quartz veins.
Horseshoe completed a surface geologic mapping and rock and soil sampling program on the prospect. A small Induced Polarization (IP) geophysical survey was carried out to test the effectiveness of this methodology in identifying vein structures that are not exposed.
Geology and Mineralization
The prospect is a high-level, classic quartz-adularia epithermal vein system. The textures identified, including fine grained silica and electrum banding and bladed calcite, are typical of that associated with epithermal vein systems worldwide. Some limited historic workings exist on one of several banded veins identified within a more than 20 metre wide zone of veining and silicification in volcanic rocks. Banded quartz-adularia veins within the vein system generally dip shallowly and are up to 5 metres wide. In the initial work the parallel vein system has been traced nearly a kilometre along strike. To date 16 grab and chip rock samples have been taken on the property of both banded quartz adularia vein material and silicified volcanic wall rock. Visible gold was recognised in several hand specimens collected on the property which were not sent for analysis. The property has excellent infrastructure and represents an epithermal vein system that has had no known previous modern exploration.
Exploration Results
The El Fuego vein system was first examined and sampled by Almaden during a helicopter-supported reconnaissance exploration project in March 2003. There is no evidence of any recent work on the prospect.
In December 2003, a reconnaissance style, field appraisal that included geological mapping and limited rock sampling was carried out by an independent geologist.
In early 2004, reconnaissance geological mapping, sampling and an Induced Polarization survey gave better definition to the vein. This work identified the known veins as resistivity and chargeability highs. Additional resistivity and chargeability highs were identified in this work which suggests that further veins may exist. In 2004 Horseshoe completed a surface geologic mapping and rock and soil sampling program. This program outlined the main vein zone which has been traced in outcrop roughly 1,000 metres along strike. Along this exposed strike length vein widths vary from 3 to 10 metres. Several parallel veins were identified in outcrop as well.
In 2005 and 2006, Horseshoe completed a diamond drill program on the prospect. In all 15 holes were completed for a total of 2,500 metres of drilling. The drilling program intersected banded quartz-adularia veining within broad zones of silicification. The veins are hosted within a package of felsic crystal and lithic bearing tuffaceous volcanic rocks. Zones of silicification and quartz veining were intersected in all 15 holes drilled which were collared along roughly 700 metres of strike length. The most significant assays from the program are tabularized below. Gold and silver values are reported in grams per tonne (g/t) and the intervals are reported in metres (m).
86
|
Hole #
|
From (m)
|
To (m)
|
Interval (m)
|
Gold (g/t)
|
Silver (g/t)
|
|
Hole 1
|
6.50
|
10.00
|
3.50
|
0.32
|
60.0
|
|
Including
|
6.00
|
6.50
|
0.50
|
0.70
|
180.0
|
|
Hole 2
|
128.07
|
132.20
|
6.13
|
1.00
|
22.0
|
|
Hole 3
|
74.26
|
74.65
|
0.39
|
4.26
|
100.0
|
|
Hole 4
|
138.00
|
141.06
|
3.06
|
0.55
|
9.4
|
|
Hole 5
|
75.04
|
77.70
|
2.66
|
1.10
|
68.5
|
|
Hole 6
|
77.70
|
79.46
|
1.76
|
0.20
|
29.3
|
|
Hole 7
|
63.09
|
63.76
|
0.67
|
0.31
|
27.7
|
|
Hole 10
|
86.30
|
88.00
|
1.70
|
0.24
|
6.8
|
|
Hole 11
|
89.60
|
95.00
|
5.40
|
0.44
|
33.8
|
|
including
|
91.00
|
92.00
|
1.00
|
1.38
|
98.2
|
|
Hole 14
|
97.50
|
97.80
|
0.30
|
0.10
|
142.0
|
|
Hole 14
|
99.00
|
100.00
|
1.00
|
0.91
|
84.3
|
|
Hole 14
|
104.98
|
105.68
|
2.30
|
0.54
|
34.5
|
|
Hole 15
|
115.93
|
118.05
|
2.12
|
0.61
|
59.4
|
|
including
|
116.60
|
117.22
|
0.62
|
1.06
|
63.7
|
These results indicate that the vein system is mineralized over a broad strike and dip extent. Geological, geochemical and petrologic studies carried out on the veins intersected in core indicate that the depths at which the vein has been tested are still quite shallow within the hydrothermal system and relative to where high grades are expected. This is in part due to the vein dipping at a shallower angle than expected.
In addition to diamond drilling along the known extent of the vein system, a geologic mapping, rock-chip and soil sampling program was carried out in January and February 2006 to better define and extend the understanding of the veining and to identify further veins. The soil sampling program defined a gold, silver and antimony in soil anomaly which extends the known trend of gold mineralization by roughly 500 metres.
Planned Work Program – Fiscal 2011, Ending December 31, 2011
The Company has no planned exploration program for 2011. A joint venture partner is being sought for the project.
The Campanario Prospect – Mexico
The Campanario Prospect is without known reserves and all current work by the Company on the prospect is exploratory in nature.
Option to Acquire Interest
The prospect was acquired directly by staking and the Company has a 100% interest. In November 2005, the Company entered into an agreement with Consolidated Spire Ventures Ltd. (“Spire”). To earn a 60% interest, Spire had to incur exploration expenditures of $3,500,000 and issue 500,000 shares to the Company by April 30, 2011. In 2008, the Company terminated the option with Spire for non-performance.
Expenditures to Date
During Fiscal 2010, the Company incurred $8,145 maintaining the prospect which was written off to operations. As at December 31, 2010, the Company was carrying the prospect at $1.
Location and Access
The Campanario property is located near the village of San Miguel del Valle which is located by paved road roughly 25 kilometres southeast of the City of Oaxaca in the State of Oaxaca, Mexico.
87
Infrastructure
There is no infrastructure in the immediate area of the property.
History and Recent Work
The Campanario prospect was identified during a helicopter reconnaissance program in Fiscal 2003 and acquired by the Company by staking. There is no known mining or exploration history in the area of the prospect.
Geology and Mineralization
The property covers several ridges where outcrop and subcrop of a breccia body has been identified. The breccia consists of fragments of various rock types but dominated by fine-grained quartz-feldspar porphyry clasts that are variably sized and shaped. The fragments are silicified, adularised, clay altered and quartz-veined. The matrix of the breccia consists of quartz and pyrite and the breccia itself is extensively crosscut by a stockwork of pyrite-bearing quartz veining. The breccia body has been traced in outcrop to be at least 150 by 150 metres in size however, float of breccia material suggests that the body or bodies of breccia may encompass a much larger area.
Exploration Results
To date only a very preliminary exploration program has been carried on the prospect. Spire completed a further program of rock and soil sampling and geologic mapping and an induced polarization (IP) geophysical survey in order to better define the breccia zone and the soil anomaly. By reason of delays encountered arising from civil unrest has made access to the prospect to conduct exploratory drilling operation impracticable.
Planned Work Program – Fiscal 2011, Ending December 31, 2011
The Company has planned a preliminary diamond drilling program for Fiscal 2011. An estimated budget has not yet been determined.
Nevada Prospects – United States
The Company has acquired four projects in Nevada all of which were acquired through staking, the Willow, Paradise East, BP and MT claims. These properties are all early stage exploration projects.
Ownership
The prospects, discovered during Almaden’s ongoing regional exploration program in Nevada ,are 100% owned by the Company. The properties were acquired through staking.
Expenditures to Date
During Fiscal 2010, the Company incurred $209,759 in acquisition and exploration costs on the prospects.
Location and Access
The projects are all road accessible and located in western, eastern and south-western Nevada.
Infrastructure
There is no infrastructure in place on the prospect.
History and Recent Work
During Fiscal 2008 and 2009, Almaden completed a large program of soil sampling, induced polarization geophysics, prospecting and rock chip sampling on the Willow prospect and a similar but more preliminary program on the Paradise East prospect. Results from the program identified a broad zone of elevated gold, copper and molybdenum in soil spatially associated with high induced polarization chargeability values at depth at Willow.
In 2010 the Company conducted staked the BP project and conducted a preliminary geological mapping and soil sampling program.
88
Geology and Mineralization
At Willow Almaden has completed geologic and alteration mapping, rock sampling, soil sampling and stream sediment sampling. Mapping has outlined a roughly 2 by 2 kilometre area of intense hydrothermal alteration characterised by minerals and features typical of high sulphidation epithermal systems including silicification and brecciation, alunite, kaolinite and dickite. In this area 174 rock samples have been taken with results ranging from 0.005 to 0.29 g/t gold. Soil sampling was conducted on a 200 by 50 metre grid. The 1,297 soil samples collected returned gold values from below detection up to 1.2 g/t gold and averaging 0.024 g/t gold. Several significant areas of greater than 0.1 g/t gold were outlined in this soil sampling program. Stream sediment samples were also taken and returned values from 0.002 g/t gold to a high of 3.4 g/t gold and averaging 0.041 g/t gold. These geochemical results are interpreted to be indicative with top of a high sulphidation gold system. Almaden plans to conduct a preliminary drill program at Willow in 2010.
This early stage project located near the historic Paradise Peak gold mine in central Nevada covers an area of acid sulphate alteration interpreted to represent a high sulphidation system.
The BP claims cover an area of jasperoid and clay alteration developed in an exposed debris flow in lower plate rocks, the geologic succession that hosts many of the important gold deposits in northern Nevada. The alteration and host rocks are typical of that of major Carlin type deposits in Nevada and the prospect is located roughly 30 miles from the Carlin district along the Carlin trend. The prospect is located nearby good access but off roads and no evidence of past work was noted in the area except for several small barite workings. No significant gold values were returned from the reconnaissance sampling however these rock samples did have anomalous trace elements typical of Carlin type systems.
Planned Work Program – Fiscal 2011, Ending December 31, 2011
The Company plans a preliminary drill program at the Willow prospect with a budget of US$150,000 and further surface work on the other prospects, designed to better define future drill targets.
The Tropico Prospect - Mexico
The Tropico Prospect is without known reserves and all current work by the Company on the prospect is exploratory in nature.
Option to Acquire Interest
The Company’s predecessor (“Fairfield”) acquired the claims from a subsidiary of BHP Billiton, for a nominal consideration. The property is subject to a 2.25% net smelter return payable to BHP. In Fiscal 1999, Fairfield optioned the property to Santoy Resources Ltd. (“Santoy”) who earned a 60% interest. Subsequently, the joint venture purchased the Maricela and Tarantula II claims. The prospect was reduced to these claims but in 2007 the El Recodo claim of 21,000 hectares was staked.
During Fiscal 2008 the Company and Santoy entered into an agreement with Skeena Resources Limited (“Skeena”). To earn a 60% interest, Skeena had to maintain the property in good standing, incur exploration expenditures totalling $3,000,000 and issue 1,250,000 shares, 40% to the Company and 60% to Santoy, by March 17, 2012.
In Fiscal 2010, the Company and Santoy sold their 40% interest to Skeena. The Company received 2,560,000 shares of Skeena. The Company retains 40% of a 2% net smelter royalty.
The Bufa Prospect - Mexico
The Bufa Prospect (formerly “Guadalupe”) is without known reserves and all current work by the Company on the prospect is exploratory in nature.
Option to Acquire Interest
During Fiscal 2003, the Company’s subsidiary acquired 100% interest in the La Bufa claim by staking.
In Fiscal 2005, the Company entered into an agreement with Lincoln Gold Corp. (“Lincoln Gold”). To earn a 60% interest Lincoln Gold must incur exploration expenditures of US$3,000,000 and issue 450,000 shares to the Company over five and a half years. If production is achieved, Lincoln Gold must then issue an additional 100,000 shares to the Company. All shares issued will be Restricted Securities under the U.S. Securities Act 1933 and all certificates representing the shares will be endorsed with legends confirming their status as restricted securities.
89
In Fiscal 2007, the Company renegotiated the agreement with Lincoln Gold. To earn a 60% interest Lincoln Gold must now incur exploration expenditures of US$3,500,000 and issue 1,550,000 shares to the Company over four years.
In Fiscal 2009, Lincoln Mining Corporation (previously named LPT Capital Ltd.) (“Lincoln Mining”) acquired all of the outstanding common shares of Lincoln Gold through a previous merger of 0843037 B.C. Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Lincoln Mining, with Lincoln Gold to form the company Lincoln Mining Corporation.
In Fiscal 2010, the Company sold its interest in the Bufa prospect to Lincoln Mining Corporation, Minera Lincoln de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. and Lincoln Gold Corporation (the “Lincoln Entities”) for a total of 6,000,000 common shares of Lincoln Mining. The Company retains a production royalty of 2% NSR.
The Ram Prospect – Canada
The Ram claims were acquired from the Company’s predecessor (“Fairfield”) and were 100% owned by the Company.
In May 2000, Fairfield entered into an agreement (later amended) with Ross River Gold Ltd. (now Ross River Minerals Inc. (“Ross River”) whereby Ross River could have earned a 70% interest in the prospect by incurring $500,000 in exploration expenditures by April 1, 2008 and issuing to the Company a total of 390,000 shares.
In January 2008, the Company completed the sale of the Ram prospect to Ross River for 100,000 shares of Ross River and a 2% NSR.
Operating Results
The following discussion and analysis of the results of operations and the Company’s financial position should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 appearing under Item 17 – Financial Statements and listed under Item 19 – Exhibits.
The Company’s consolidated financial statements are stated in Canadian Dollars.
Transition to International Financial Reporting Standards
As stated in Note 2, these are the Company’s first annual consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS.
The Company adopted IFRS in accordance with IFRS 1, First-time Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS 1). The first date at which IFRS was applied was January 1, 2009 (“Transition Date”). IFRS 1 provides for certain mandatory exceptions and optional exemptions for first-time adopters of IFRS.
IFRS 1 requires that the same policies are applied for all periods presented in the first IFRS financial statements and that those policies comply with IFRSs in effect as at the end of the first IFRS annual reporting period. Accordingly, the opening IFRS statement of financial position, 2009 comparatives and current year financial statements have been prepared using the same policies. The previously presented 2009 Canadian GAAP financial information has been reconciled to the IFRS information as part of this transition note in accordance with the requirements of IFRS 1. Further, the policies applied have been done so on a full retrospective basis unless an alternative treatment is permitted or required by an IFRS 1 election or exception. These are discussed below.
90
Elections upon first-time adoption of IFRS
The IFRS 1 exemptions applied by the Company in the conversion from Canadian GAAP to IFRS are as follows:
|
(a)
|
Business combinations
|
IFRS 1 indicates that a first-time adopter may elect not to apply IFRS 3 (2008)
Business Combinations
retrospectively to business combinations that occurred before the date of transition to IFRS. The Company has elected to apply IFRS 3 (2008) to only those business combinations that occurred on or after the Transition Date and such business combinations have not been restated. As a result of this election, no adjustments were required to the Company’s statement of financial position as at the Transition Date.
|
(b)
|
Share-based payment transactions
|
IFRS 1 encourages, but does not require, first-time adopters to apply IFRS 2
Share-based Payment
to equity instruments that were granted on or before November 7, 2002, or equity instruments that were granted subsequent to November 7, 2002 and vested before the later of the date of transition to IFRS and January 1, 2005. The Company has elected not to apply IFRS 2 to awards that vested prior to the Transition Date.
|
|
Mandatory Exceptions under IFRS
|
The IFRS 1 mandatory exception applied by the Company in the conversion from Canadian GAAP to IFRS is as follows:
|
(c)
|
Estimates
|
In accordance with IFRS 1, an entity’s estimates under IFRS at the date of transition to IFRS must be consistent with estimates made for the same date under previous GAAP unless those estimates were in error. The Company’s IFRS estimates as at the Transition Date are consistent with its Canadian GAAP estimates as at that date.
Reconciliations of Canadian GAAP to IFRS
IFRS 1 requires an entity to reconcile equity and comprehensive income for prior periods presented under Canadian GAAP to IFRSs as of the same date. In addition, an explanation is required for any material adjustments to cash flows to the extent that they exist. The analysis which follows represents the reconciliations from Canadian GAAP to IFRS for the respective periods noted:
|
As at January 1, 2009
|
As at December 31, 2009
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Effect of
|
Effect of
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Transition to
|
Transition to
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
note
|
GAAP
|
IFRS
|
IFRS
|
GAAP
|
IFRS
|
IFRS
|
|||||||||||||||||||
|
ASSETS
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Non-current assets
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Property, plant and equipment
|
$ | 1,013,580 | $ | - | $ | 1,013,580 | $ | 875,101 | $ | - | $ | 875,101 | |||||||||||||
|
Investment
|
1,549,036 | - | 1,549,036 | 1,261,651 | - | 1,261,651 | |||||||||||||||||||
|
Reclamation deposit
|
81,500 | - | 81,500 | 84,000 | - | 84,000 | |||||||||||||||||||
|
Mineral property deposit
|
138,929 | - | 138,929 | 138,929 | - | 138,929 | |||||||||||||||||||
|
Mineral properties
|
8,235,749 | - | 8,235,749 | 8,416,597 | - | 8,416,597 | |||||||||||||||||||
| 11,018,794 | - | 11,018,794 | 10,776,278 | - | 10,776,278 | ||||||||||||||||||||
|
Current assets
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Inventory
|
274,768 | - | 274,768 | 274,768 | - | 274,768 | |||||||||||||||||||
|
Marketable securities
|
340,893 | - | 340,893 | 763,479 | - | 763,479 | |||||||||||||||||||
|
Accounts receivable and
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
prepaid expenses
|
448,675 | - | 448,675 | 702,227 | - | 702,227 | |||||||||||||||||||
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
12,318,950 | - | 12,318,950 | 13,142,671 | - | 13,142,671 | |||||||||||||||||||
| 13,383,286 | - | 13,383,286 | 14,883,145 | - | 14,883,145 | ||||||||||||||||||||
|
TOTAL ASSETS
|
$ | 24,402,080 | $ | - | $ | 24,402,080 | $ | 25,659,423 | $ | - | $ | 25,659,423 | |||||||||||||
91
|
As at January 1, 2009
|
As at December 31, 2009
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Effect of
|
Effect of
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Transition to
|
Transition to
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
note
|
GAAP
|
IFRS
|
IFRS
|
GAAP
|
IFRS
|
IFRS
|
|||||||||||||||||||
|
EQUITY
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Share capital
|
$ | 49,159,392 | $ | - | $ | 49,159,392 | $ | 50,877,609 | $ | - | $ | 50,877,609 | |||||||||||||
|
Reserves
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Equity settled employee
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
benefits
|
19(iv)
|
- | 4,509,023 | 4,509,023 | - | 4,576,523 | 4,576,523 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
Warrants
|
19(iv)
|
- | 176,741 | 176,741 | - | 1,158,726 | 1,158,726 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
Available-for-sale financial
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
assets
|
19(iv)
|
- | (1,358,650 | ) | (1,358,650 | ) | - | (736,359 | ) | (736,359 | ) | ||||||||||||||
|
Contributed surplus
|
19(iv)
|
4,685,764 | (4,685,764 | ) | - | 5,735,249 | (5,735,249 | ) | - | ||||||||||||||||
|
Accumulated other
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
comprehensive income
|
19(iv)
|
(1,358,650 | ) | 1,358,650 | - | (736,359 | ) | 736,359 | - | ||||||||||||||||
|
Deficit
|
(28,419,696 | ) | - | (28,419,696 | ) | (30,705,655 | ) | - | (30,705,655 | ) | |||||||||||||||
| 24,066,810 | - | 24,066,810 | 25,170,844 | - | 25,170,844 | ||||||||||||||||||||
|
LIABILITIES
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Non-current liabilities
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Asset retirement obligation
|
129,332 | - | 129,332 | 135,016 | - | 135,016 | |||||||||||||||||||
|
Current liabilities
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Accounts payable and
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
accrued liabilities
|
205,938 | - | 205,938 | 353,563 | - | 353,563 | |||||||||||||||||||
| 335,270 | - | 335,270 | 488,579 | - | 488,579 | ||||||||||||||||||||
|
TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
|
$ | 24,402,080 | $ | - | $ | 24,402,080 | $ | 25,659,423 | $ | - | $ | 25,659,423 | |||||||||||||
92
|
Reconciliation of Statement of Comprehensive Loss
|
||||||||||||||||
|
Year ended December 31, 2009
|
||||||||||||||||
|
Effect of
|
||||||||||||||||
|
Transition to
|
||||||||||||||||
|
note
|
GAAP
|
IFRS
|
IFRS
|
|||||||||||||
|
Revenue
|
||||||||||||||||
|
Interest income
|
$ | 169,458 | $ | - | $ | 169,458 | ||||||||||
|
Drilling services
|
2,112,832 | - | 2,112,832 | |||||||||||||
|
Other income
|
158,329 | - | 158,329 | |||||||||||||
| 2,440,619 | - | 2,440,619 | ||||||||||||||
|
Expenses
|
||||||||||||||||
|
Drilling services expenses
|
1,218,518 | - | 1,218,518 | |||||||||||||
|
Write-down of interests in mineral properties
|
890,811 | - | 890,811 | |||||||||||||
|
General and administrative expenses (Schedule 1)
|
1,291,253 | - | 1,291,253 | |||||||||||||
|
General exploration expenses
|
665,055 | - | 665,055 | |||||||||||||
|
Stock option compensaiton
|
67,500 | - | 67,500 | |||||||||||||
| 4,133,137 | - | 4,133,137 | ||||||||||||||
| (1,692,518 | ) | - | (1,692,518 | ) | ||||||||||||
|
Loss on equity investment
|
(90,908 | ) | - | (90,908 | ) | |||||||||||
|
Loss on dilution
|
(196,476 | ) | - | (196,476 | ) | |||||||||||
|
Write-down of marketable securities
|
(80,600 | ) | - | (80,600 | ) | |||||||||||
|
Income on mineral property options
|
77,360 | - | 77,360 | |||||||||||||
|
Loss on sale of marketable securities
|
(26,790 | ) | - | (26,790 | ) | |||||||||||
|
Foreign exchange loss
|
(415,755 | ) | - | (415,755 | ) | |||||||||||
|
Loss before income taxes
|
(2,425,687 | ) | - | (2,425,687 | ) | |||||||||||
|
Income tax recovery
|
19 | (v) | 232,728 | (93,000 | ) | 139,728 | ||||||||||
|
Net loss
|
$ | (2,192,959 | ) | $ | - | $ | (2,285,959 | ) | ||||||||
|
Other comprehensive income
|
||||||||||||||||
|
Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale
|
||||||||||||||||
|
financial assets arising during the year
|
596,051 | - | 596,051 | |||||||||||||
|
Reclassification adjustment for gains
|
||||||||||||||||
|
and losses included in net loss
|
26,240 | - | 26,240 | |||||||||||||
|
Other comprehensive income
|
622,291 | - | 622,291 | |||||||||||||
|
Total comprehensive loss
|
$ | (1,570,668 | ) | $ | - | $ | (1,663,668 | ) | ||||||||
93
|
Reconciliation of Cash Flows
|
||||||||||||||||
|
Year ended December 31, 2009
|
||||||||||||||||
|
Effect of
|
||||||||||||||||
|
Transition to
|
||||||||||||||||
|
note
|
GAAP
|
IFRS
|
IFRS
|
|||||||||||||
|
Operating activities
|
||||||||||||||||
|
Net loss
|
19 | (v) | $ | (2,192,959 | ) | $ | (93,000 | ) | $ | (2,285,959 | ) | |||||
|
Items not affecting cash
|
||||||||||||||||
|
Future income tax recovery
|
19 | (v) | (93,000 | ) | 93,000 | - | ||||||||||
|
Loss on equity investment
|
90,908 | - | 90,908 | |||||||||||||
|
Loss on dilution
|
196,476 | - | 196,476 | |||||||||||||
|
Depreciation
|
169,973 | - | 169,973 | |||||||||||||
|
Loss on sale of marketable securities
|
26,790 | - | 26,790 | |||||||||||||
|
Write-down of marketable securities
|
80,600 | - | 80,600 | |||||||||||||
|
Income on mineral property options
|
(77,360 | ) | - | (77,360 | ) | |||||||||||
|
Write-down of interests in mineral properties
|
890,811 | - | 890,811 | |||||||||||||
|
Stock-option compensation
|
67,500 | - | 67,500 | |||||||||||||
|
Change in non-cash working capital components
|
||||||||||||||||
|
Accounts receivable and prepaid expenses
|
(253,552 | ) | - | (253,552 | ) | |||||||||||
|
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
|
147,625 | - | 147,625 | |||||||||||||
| (946,188 | ) | - | (946,188 | ) | ||||||||||||
|
Financing activities
|
||||||||||||||||
|
Issuance of shares, net of share issue costs
|
2,700,202 | - | 2,700,202 | |||||||||||||
|
Investing activities
|
||||||||||||||||
|
Reclamation deposit
|
(2,500 | ) | - | (2,500 | ) | |||||||||||
|
Marketable securities
|
||||||||||||||||
|
Net proceeds
|
103,217 | - | 103,217 | |||||||||||||
|
Property, plant and equipment
|
||||||||||||||||
|
Purchases
|
(31,494 | ) | - | (31,494 | ) | |||||||||||
|
Mineral properties
|
||||||||||||||||
|
Costs
|
(1,119,474 | ) | - | (1,119,474 | ) | |||||||||||
|
Proceeds
|
119,958 | - | 119,958 | |||||||||||||
| (930,293 | ) | - | (930,293 | ) | ||||||||||||
|
Net cash inflow
|
$ | 823,721 | $ | - | $ | 823,721 | ||||||||||
|
Cash and equivalents, beginning of year
|
12,318,950 | - | 12,318,950 | |||||||||||||
|
Cash and equivalents,
|
||||||||||||||||
|
Cash and equivalents, end of year
|
$ | 13,142,671 | $ | - | $ | 13,142,671 | ||||||||||
|
(d)
|
Reclassification within Equity section
|
Under Canadian GAAP, a balance within contributed surplus existed to record the issuance of warrants and equity-settled employee benefits. Upon adoption of IFRS, the balances in these accounts have been reclassified to “Reserves – Equity-settled employee benefits” and “Reserves – Warrants”.
94
In addition, the Company reclassified the balance of the “Accumulated other comprehensive income” account that existed under Canadian GAAP into “Reserves – Available-for-sale financial assets” as certain account terminologies are different under IFRS.
|
(e)
|
Flow-through shares
|
Flow-through shares are a unique Canadian tax incentive which is the subject of specific guidance under Canadian GAAP. Under Canadian GAAP the Company accounted for the issue of flow-through shares in accordance with the provisions of CICA Emerging Issues Committee Abstract 146,
Flow-Through Shares
. At the time of issue, the funds received are recorded as share capital. At the time of the filing of the renunciation of the qualifying flow-through expenditures to investors, the Company recorded a future income tax liability with a charge directly to shareholders’ equity. Also under Canadian GAAP the Company recorded any deferred tax recovery eligible to be recognized to offset the deferred tax charge to equity as a tax recovery in the statements of operations. During fiscal 2009, the Company renounced qualifying expenditures and as a result recorded a charge to equity and corresponding income tax recovery in income in the amount of $93,000.
IFRS does not contain explicit guidance pertaining to this tax incentive. Therefore, the Company has adopted a policy whereby the premium paid for flow-through shares in excess of the market value of the shares without the flow-through features at the time of issue is credited to other liabilities and recognized in income at the time the qualifying expenditures are made (there was no such premium on the flow-through shares issued in 2009). The recognition of the future income tax liability upon renounciation of the flow through expenditures is recorded as income tax expense in the period of renounciation.
Consequently, the Company reversed the $93,000 charge to equity under Canadian GAAP and reclassified this balance to “income tax recovery” in the statement of Comprehensive Loss for the year ended December 31, 2009. There is no impact of this accounting change to the Statement of Financial Position or to the balance of the Deficit or related reserves as at the Transition Date and December 31, 2009.
The Company is in the business of acquiring and exploring mineral properties and prospects in Canada, the United States and Mexico with the aim of developing them to a stage where they can be exploited at a profit or to arrange joint ventures whereby other companies provide, in whole or in part, funding for development and exploitation. At that stage, the Company’s operations would, to some extent, be dependent on the world market prices of any minerals mined. The Company does not have producing properties and operations on its properties and prospects are exploratory searches for mineable deposits.
Fiscal 2010 compared to Fiscal 2009
The Company’s operations during the year ended December 31, 2010 (“Fiscal 2010”) produced a net loss of $3,464,652 or $0.07 per share compared to a net loss of $2,285,959 or $0.05 per share for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009 (“Fiscal 2009”). The increase in net loss was primarily due to the Company not earning other income from drill programs undertaken on behalf of third parties while utilizing the drill to advance its own properties and the non-cash expense of share-based compensation recorded on the grant of stock options. Share-based compensation is directly related to, and fluctuates based on, the number of stock options granted and vested during any period.
95
During Fiscal 2010, the income on mineral property options consisted of the receipt of 6,000,000 shares of Lincoln Mining Corporation with a fair market value on receipt of $1,770,000 pursuant to the sale of the Company’s Bufa prospect and the receipt of 2,560,000 shares of Skeena Resources Ltd. with a fair market value on receipt of $153,600 pursuant to the sale of the Company’s 40% interest in the Tropico prospect. During Fiscal 2009, the income on mineral property options consisted of the receipt of 100,000 shares of Skeena Resources Ltd. pursuant to a 2008 option agreement with a fair market value of $4,000 and the receipt of 200,000 shares of Lincoln Gold Corporation pursuant to a 2007 option agreement with a fair market value of $6,900 and the receipt of British Columbia mining exploration tax credit of $97,348 including interest. Income on mineral property options consists of equity securities and/or cash payments received pursuant to mineral property option agreements and reflect the excess of market value, in the case of the marketable securities, at the time of receipt over the carrying value of the property. During Fiscal 2010, the Company recognized a loss of $151,926 in its equity investment in Tarsis Resources Ltd. (“Tarsis”) compared to a loss of $90,908 in Fiscal 2009. During Fiscal 2010, the Company recognized a loss of $168,449 on the deemed partial dilution of the Company’s investment in Tarsis Resources Ltd. from 27.6% to 16.7%. In Fiscal 2009, the Company recognized a loss of $196,476 on the deemed partial dilution of the Company’s investment from 33.2% to 27.6%. During Fiscal 2009 the Company recognized a permanent impairment in the amount of $80,600. In Fiscal 2010, the loss on the sale of the sale of securities was higher when compared to Fiscal 2009. The Company disposes of its equity securities when, in the view of management, favorable market conditions exist for any of its holdings. During Fiscal 2010, the Company also recognized an income tax recovery of $305,766 from premiums on flow-through share issuances. Also, the fluctuation in the exchange rate for the U.S. and Canadian dollars resulted in a smaller loss on foreign exchange in Fiscal 2010 when compared to Fiscal 2009.
Because the Company is an exploration company, it has no revenue from mining operations. During Fiscal 2010 and 2009, revenue consisted primarily of other income from contract exploration services provided to third parties although revenue was significantly lower during the current year due to the Company not earning other income from drill programs undertaken on behalf of third parties while utilizing the drill to advance its own properties.
General and administrative expenses were $1,493,611 in the year ended December 31, 2010, an increase from $1,291,253 in the year ended December 31, 2009. This increase is primarily due to increases in stock exchange fees and travel and promotion. Stock exchange fees increased due to the increase in the Company’s share price. The Company participated in the Vancouver Resource Investment Conference, the Prospectors and Developers Association Conference in Toronto, the Atlanta Investment Conference, the Khandaker Mining World Institutional Conference in New York, the Casey Research Crisis & Opportunity Summit in Las Vegas, the Agora Financial Symposium and the New Orleans Investment Conference. The Company continued to retain Casey Research for a sponsored profile on the Kitco Casey website and also retained Michael S. Fulp for website sponsorship.
General exploration expenses were $646,358 in the year ended December 31, 2010, comparable to $665,055 in the year ended December 31, 2009.
Significant non-cash items in Fiscal 2010 include income on mineral property options, share-based compensation and write-down of interests in mineral properties. Significant non-cash items in Fiscal 2009 include write-down of interests in mineral properties. Write-downs of interests in mineral properties fluctuate period to period based on management’s evaluation of the carrying value of each mineral property interest held at that time.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Fiscal 2010
At the end of Fiscal 2010, the Company had working capital of $29,187,035 including cash and cash equivalents of $16,087,832 and a short term investment of $2,000,000 compared to working capital of $14,529,582 including cash and cash equivalents of $13,142,671 at December 31, 2009. The increase in working capital and cash and cash equivalents is primarily due to several private placement financings and the exercise of options and warrants. In addition, the market value of the Company’s inventory of gold bullion (1,597 ounces) at December 31, 2010 was $2,268,986 or $1,994,218 above book value as presented in the financial statements. Should the Company dispose of all its marketable securities at one particular time, it may not realize the value stated on its balance sheet. Instead, the Company disposes of equities when favorable market conditions exist for any of its holdings.
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) applicable to a going concern, which assumes that the Company will be able to realize its assets and discharge its liabilities in the normal course of business for the foreseeable future. During the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company incurred a net loss for the year of $3.5 million (2009 - $2.3 million). The continuation of the Company as a going concern is dependent on its ability to obtain necessary financing, to complete its property under development, generate positive cash flows, and ultimately the achievement of profitable operations.
The Company’s cash resources are sufficient to meet its anticipated working capital and mineral exploration requirements for 2011 and 2012. The Company has no long-term debt.
96
Cash used in operating activities during Fiscal 2010 was $1,233,673 compared to $946,188 during Fiscal 2009. Significant non-cash expenses are discussed above.
Cash flows from financing activities during Fiscal 2010 were $11,172,391 compared to $2,700,202 during Fiscal 2009. The source of cash during Fiscal 2010 is from closing several private placement financings and the exercise of options and warrants. The Company also recognized an income tax recovery on premiums on flow-through shares issuances. One private placement consisted of 3,000,000 common shares at a price of $2.50 per share and its over-allotment of 450,000 common shares also at a price of $2.50 per share, one consisted of 1,003,821 common flow-through shares at a price of $1.20 per share with 49,997 broker's warrants entitling the brokers to purchase 49,997 common non-flow-through shares until June 29, 2011 issued to brokers in consideration of their services, and one consisted of 350,000 units at a price of $1.00 per unit. Each unit consists of one common flow-through share and one-half of a non-flow-through warrant with each whole warrant entitling the holder to purchase one additional common share at a price of $1.00 per share until March 16, 2011. 4,375 non-flow-through common shares and 2,625 flow-through common shares were issued to finders in respect of this placement. And one consisted of 81,200 common flow-through shares at a price of $3.50 per share. 895,000 stock options and 740,658 warrants were also exercised during the year. Cash flows from financing activities during Fiscal 2009 were $2,700,202. The source of cash during Fiscal 2009 is from the issuance of shares pursuant to two private placement financings. One consisted of 226,316 units at a price of $0.95 per unit. Each unit consists of one common flow-through share and one-half of a non-flow-through warrant with each whole warrant entitling the holder to purchase one additional common share at a price of $1.15 per share until March 31, 2010. 7,000 non-flow-through common shares were issued to a finder in respect of this placement. The second consisted of 3,060,000 units at a price of $0.85 per share. Each unit consists of one common share and one-half of a warrant with each whole warrant entitling the holder to purchase one additional common share at a price of $1.40 per share until December 17, 2011. 236,000 finder’s warrant entitling the finder to purchase 236,000 units at $0.85 per unit until December 17, 2011 was issued to a finder in respect of this placement. 154,000 stock options were also exercised during Fiscal 2009. Please see the consolidated statements of changes in equity and Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2010 for further details.
Cash used for investing activities during Fiscal 2010 was $6,993,557 compared to $930,293 during Fiscal 2009. During 2010, the Company made investments in mineral properties of $5,478,095 and received $15,000 pursuant to a property option agreement compared to investments in mineral properties of $1,119,474 and recovered $119,958 during Fiscal 2009. During Fiscal 2010, the Company purchased a short-term investment of $2,000,000. Significant investments during Fiscal 2010 include camp construction and a drill program on the Elk gold property in BC ($2,514,617), the staking of additional claims and drilling on the Tuligtic property in Mexico ($1,546,027), a drill program on the ATW diamond property in the Northwest Territories ($215,802) and drill programs undertaken on the San Carlos property ($254,181) and Viky property ($288,496) in Mexico. Investments made in mineral property interests in the comparable period include further evaluation on the ATW diamond property ($399,103), a drill program on the Tuligtic property ($855,200), a geological mapping and sampling program on the Caldera property ($154,765) and further evaluation of the Elk gold property ($322,384). Significant investments during Fiscal 2009 include a drill program on the Tuligtic property in Mexico ($855,200), further evaluation on the ATW diamond property in the Northwest Territories ($399,103), further evaluation of the Elk gold property in B.C. ($322,384) and a geological mapping and sampling program on the Caldera property in Mexico ($154,765). Investments in mineral property interests are net of any proceeds received from option agreements and costs recovered or written-off to operations.
Fiscal 2009
At the end of Fiscal 2009, the Company had working capital of $14,529,582 including cash and cash equivalents of $13,142,671. The increase in working capital and cash and cash equivalents is primarily due to two private placement financings and lower expenditures on mineral properties. In addition, the market value of the Company’s inventory of gold bullion (1,597 ounces) at December 31, 2009 was $1,839,421 or $1,564,653 above book value as presented in the financial statements. The Company was assessed additional mineral tax of $197,233 plus interest of $84,638 by the British Columbia Ministry of Energy and Mines (the “Ministry”). The assessment related to the deductibility of certain expenditures between February 1, 1995 and January 31, 1997. The Company appealed the Ministry’s decision and on July 3, 2009, the Supreme Court of British Columbia made judgement in favour of the Company. The $281,871 the Company paid and expensed in order to reduce the exposure to interest charges was refunded with interest. Costs were also awarded to the Company.
Cash used for operating activities during Fiscal 2009 was $946,188. Significant non-cash expenses are discussed above.
97
Cash flows from financing activities during Fiscal 2009 were $2,700,202. The source of cash during Fiscal 2009 is from the issuance of shares pursuant to two private placement financings. One consisted of 226,316 units at a price of $0.95 per unit. Each unit consists of one common flow-through share and one-half of a non-flow-through warrant with each whole warrant entitling the holder to purchase one additional common share at a price of $1.15 per share until March 31, 2010. 7,000 non-flow-through common shares were issued to a finder in respect of this placement. The second consisted of 3,060,000 units at a price of $0.85 per share. Each unit consists of one common share and one-half of a warrant with each whole warrant entitling the holder to purchase one additional common share at a price of $1.40 per share until December 17, 2011. 236,000 finder’s warrant entitling the finder to purchase 236,000 units at $0.85 per unit until December 17, 2011 was issued to a finder in respect of this placement. 154,000 stock options were also exercised during Fiscal 2009.
Cash used for investing activities during Fiscal 2009 was $930,293. During Fiscal 2009, the Company made investments in mineral properties of $1,119,474 and recovered $119,958. Significant investments during Fiscal 2009 include a drill program on the Tuligtic property in Mexico ($855,200), further evaluation on the ATW diamond property in the Northwest Territories ($399,103), further evaluation of the Elk gold property in B.C. ($322,384) and a geological mapping and sampling program on the Caldera property in Mexico ($154,765).
Research and Development, Patents and Licenses
The Company conducts no Research and Development activities, nor is it dependent upon any patents or licenses.
Trend information
After a long period of low prices, metals rose to record levels and after several corrections, are again near their highs. This appears to be related to demand from large developing nations that are stockpiling metals, securing long term contracts for concentrates and buying up properties and companies with undeveloped deposits. There is uncertainty as to how long this trend will continue, whether competition for resources will decrease or intensify and how any change might affect metal prices. There is uncertainty in currency exchange rates due to economic conditions around the world and how these might affect both costs and profits. There is also uncertainty about the long term effect of events in Japan. These factors require frequent review of plans and budgets against a backdrop of fewer good exploration and development new projects along with the long term shortage of skilled exploration personnel.
Previous merger and acquisition activity in large organizations has slowed, at least in part because there are fewer large companies left and fewer that are vulnerable to takeover. This activity is expected to move down to intermediate and smaller companies with attractive assets. This creates difficulties in valuations for assets in relation to often depressed stock market prices.
In the past year, larger companies divested of non-core assets to reduce their debt burden and juniors that were well financed were seeking to acquire so called advanced properties acquired many of these rather than conduct grassroots exploration. As a result, there are fewer such properties available at a time when there is an appetite to finance such properties. There is a risk that successful promotion will lead to the funding of undeserving projects.
The uncertain times have lead to a need by some cash strapped governments to seek or threaten higher tax and royalty policies while others consider lowering them to attract investment. Globalization, of trade and markets has been more important to the mining than many other industries and because of current conditions these concepts are under question by many vested interest groups. At the same time, environmental groups have successfully lobbied for more wilderness areas and parks where exploration and mining activities are not allowed. Native groups are actively pursuing land claims and there is a rise of militant national and religious groups in many parts of the world. Pressure from such groups can lead to increased regulation and this must be monitored closely to recognize a point where it becomes excessive. Even though metal mining does not have the large output of so called greenhouse gasses as some other industries and despite the unresolved science of and increasing doubt in the claims for global warming, many governments are pursuing regulations and taxes that could raise costs. As more and more stakeholders become interested in mining ventures there is an increasing need to maintain cooperation with valid concerned groups, the most important of which is the local community where the project is.
98
Some of these issues tend to restrict the areas where mineral exploration and development of new mines can occur. This should make areas permissive to exploration more attractive and a previously discerned need for new, good exploration projects based on sound geological work continues. While there is a current interest by the investment community in high potential gold projects, this also seems a good time for assembly of promising base metal project’s in anticipation of increasing demand and prices.
The world may be slow to recover from current economic conditions and a further deterioration of these conditions remains a serious threat. If such deterioration occurs, it is believed that precious metals will continue to be in demand as a store of value.
Off-balance Sheet Arrangements
The Company has no off-balance sheet arrangements other than the lease related to its office premises as disclosed below.
|
Related party transactions
|
A total of $208,100 (2009 - $189,200) was paid to Hawk Mountain Resources Ltd., a company controlled by Duane Poliquin, Chairman of the Board and Director of the Company, for geological consulting services and general and administrative services provided during the year. A total of $Nil (2009 - $3,780) was paid to Smee & Associates Consulting Ltd, a company owned by Barry Smee, a Director of the Company, and his wife, for consulting services provided during the year. A total of $55,875 (2009 - $52,875) was paid to Marc Blythe, the Vice-President-Mining of the Company for technical services during the year. These amounts are included in general exploration and mineral property costs. A total of $60,000 (2009 - $60,000) was paid to Pacific Opportunity Capital Ltd., a company controlled by Mark T. Brown, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, for financial and administrative services during the year. This amount is included in professional fees. During 2010, $33,000 ($2009 - $33,000) was paid to the five non-management directors.
During Fiscal 2010, the Company charged Tarsis Resources Ltd. (formerly Tarsis Capital Corp.) a company with one director and two officers in common with the Company, $54,515 for office rent and various expenses (2009 - $55,189).
Accounts receivable at December 31, 2010 included $433 (2009 - $13,179) owing from related companies. Accounts payable at December 31, 2010 included $Nil (2009 - $Nil) due to related companies.
Tarsis Resources Ltd. has a director, Gerald Carlson, and two officers, Marc G. Blythe and Mark T. Brown, in common with the Company. The Company owns 16.7% of Tarsis’s common shares
.
Windstorm Resources Ltd.’s President and director, Gerald Carlson, is also a director of the Company. The Company also owns common shares in Windstorm. In September, 2010, the Company optioned the Caldera property to Windstorm such that Windstorm may earn a 60% interest in the property by issuing one million common shares to Almaden and completing $5 million in exploration work, both over a six year period, with $150,000 to be spent during the first year of the agreement.
A director of Fairmont Resources Inc. (“Fairmont”), Gerald Carlson, is also a Director of Almaden. On July 30, 2009, Fairmont entered into an option agreement to acquire an initial 51% interest in Almaden’s Nicoamen River Claims located in the Kamloops Mining Division, British Columbia. In order to earn its interest Fairmont agreed to pay $25,000 and incur $300,000 in exploration. Fairmont may acquire an additional 9% interest by issuing a total of 300,000 common shares to Almaden and spending a further $1.7 million on the property, both within a five year period beginning on April 14, 2010.
Almaden owns a 50% interest in ATW Resources Ltd. (“ATW”) which holds title in trust for a mineral property. The Company has two Directors, Duane Poliquin and James McInnes, in common with ATW.
99
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information
This annual report contains forward-looking statements about the Company’s operations and planned future activities within the meaning of the safe harbor for such statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and within the meaning of the Canadian Securities Law. Statements that are not historical fact and relate to predictions, expectations, belief, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events, or future performance may be “forward-looking statements”. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, the items disclosed in risk factors in
Item 3. Key Information.
Contractual Obligations
The Company is obligated under an operating lease for its office premises with the following aggregate minimum lease payments to the expiration of the lease on January 31, 2016. The Company does have government requirements in work and/or taxes to maintain other claims held. The decision to keep or abandon such claims is not contractual but at the discretion of the Company. All other property option payments on the Company’s projects have been assumed by third parties who are earning their interests in the projects. During Fiscal 2007, the Company entered into contracts with the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer (now the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, respectively) for remuneration of $140,000 annually for two years, renewable for two additional successive terms of 24 months. Effective January 1, 2009, remuneration increased to $165,000 annually and the contracts will be renewed for additional successive terms of 24 months. Effective January 1, 2011, remuneration increased to $206,250 annually. During Fiscal 2007, the Company also entered into a Financial, Administrative and Executive Services Agreement with its Chief Financial Officer and a company controlled by him for a term of one year, renewable for additional successive terms of 12 months, for remuneration of $6,000 per month for the first three months and $5,000 per month thereafter. Table No. 4 lists the total contractual obligations as at December 31, 2010 for each period.
Table No. 4
Contractual Obligations of the Company
|
Payments due by period
|
||||||
|
Total
|
less
than 1
year
|
1 – 3
years
|
3 – 5
Years
|
more
than 5
years
|
||
|
Operating lease obligations
|
$370,700
|
$67,000
|
$216,000
|
$87,700
|
-
|
|
|
Executive contracts
|
$825,000
|
$425,000
|
$425,000
|
-
|
-
|
|
|
Financial services contract
|
$240000
|
$60,000
|
$180,000
|
-
|
-
|
|
Contractual obligations of the Company in the above table exclude future option payments required to maintain the Company’s interest in certain mineral properties.
Forward-Looking Statements Safe Harbor
Certain statements contained in this report regarding future operating results or performance or business plans or prospects and any other statements not constituting historical fact are
“forward-looking statements”
subject to the safe harbor created by Section 27A of the Securities Act 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act 1934 and Canadian Securities Law. Where possible, the words
“believe,”
“expect,”
“anticipate,”
“intend,”
“should,”
“will,”
“planned,”
“estimated,”
“potential,”
“goal,”
“outlook,”
and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company, its management, or the Company’s property interests , have been used to identify such forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements reflect only current beliefs and assumptions with respect to future business plans, prospects, decisions and results, and are based on information currently available to the Company. Accordingly, the statements are subject to significant risks, uncertainties and contingencies which could cause the Company’s actual business plans or prospects to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these statements. Such risks, uncertainties and contingencies include, but are not limited to, general economic conditions. Additional factors that could cause the companies’ results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements are described in detail in this report under the heading Risk Factors. Unless required by law the Company does not undertake any obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
100
Significant Accounting Policies
|
(
a)
|
Basis of consolidation
|
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Investments where the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence are accounted for using the equity method. Under this method, the Company’s share of the investee’s earnings or losses is included in operations and its investments therein are adjusted by a like amount. Dividends received from these investments are credited to the investment. The Company’s 16.7% interest in Tarsis Resources Ltd. is accounted for using the equity method.
Inter-company balances and transactions, including unrealised income and expenses arising from inter-company transactions, are eliminated in preparing the consolidated financial statements. Unrealised gains arising from transactions with equity accounted investees are eliminated against the investment to the extent of the Company’s interest in the investee. Unrealised losses are eliminated in the same way as unrealised gains, but only to the extent that there is no evidence of impairment.
|
|
(b)
|
Foreign currencies
|
Transactions in currencies other than the functional currency are recorded at the rates of exchange prevailing on dates of transactions. At each financial position reporting date, monetary assets and liabilities that are denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the rates prevailing at the date of the statement of financial position. Non-monetary items that are measured in terms of historical cost in a foreign currency are not retranslated.
|
|
(c)
|
Financial instruments
|
Financial assets
The Company classifies its financial assets into one of the following categories, depending on the purpose for which the asset was acquired. The Company's accounting policy for each category is as follows:
Fair value through profit or loss -
This category comprises derivatives, or assets acquired or incurred principally for the purpose of selling or repurchasing it in the near term. They are carried in the balance sheet at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in the income statement.
Loans and receivables -
These assets are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market. They are carried at cost less any provision for impairment. Individually significant receivables are considered for impairment when they are past due or when other objective evidence is received that a specific counterparty will default.
Held-to-maturity investments
- These assets are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments and fixed maturities that the Company's management has the positive intention and ability to hold to maturity. These assets are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method. If there is objective evidence that the investment is impaired, determined by reference to external credit ratings and other relevant indicators, the financial asset is measured at the present value of estimated future cash flows. Any changes to the carrying amount of the investment, including impairment losses, are recognized in the income statement.
Available-for-sale
- Non-derivative financial assets not included in the above categories are classified as available-for- sale. They are carried at fair value with changes in fair value recognized directly in equity. Where a decline in the fair value of an available-for-sale financial asset constitutes objective evidence of impairment, the amount of the loss is removed from equity and recognized in the income statement.
All financial assets except for those at fair value through profit or loss are subject to review for impairment at least at each reporting date. Financial assets are impaired when there is any objective evidence that a financial asset or a group of financial assets is impaired. Different criteria to determine impairment are applied for each category of financial assets, which are described above.
101
|
|
Financial liabilities
|
The Company classifies its financial liabilities into one of two categories, depending on the purpose for which the asset was acquired. The Company's accounting policy for each category is as follows:
Fair value through profit or loss
- This category comprises derivatives, or liabilities acquired or incurred principally for the purpose of selling or repurchasing it in the near term. They are carried in the balance sheet at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in the income statement.
Other financial liabilities:
This category includes promissory notes, amounts due to related parties and accounts payables and accrued liabilities, all of which are recognized at amortized cost.
|
(d)
|
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments
|
Cash equivalents include money market instruments which are readily convertible into cash or have maturities at the date of purchase of less than ninety days. Short-term investments include money market instruments with terms to maturity exceeding ninety days.
|
(e)
|
Inventory
|
|
|
Inventory is valued at the lower of the average cost of mining and estimated net realizable value.
|
(f) Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost and are depreciated annually on a declining-balance basis at the following rates:
|
Automotive equipment
|
30%
|
|
Computer hardware and software
|
30%
|
|
Field equipment
|
20%
|
|
Furniture and fixtures
|
20%
|
|
Geological data library
|
20%
|
|
Mill equipment
|
30%
|
|
Drill equipment
|
20%
|
|
Leasehold improvements
|
20% straight-line
|
The Company compares the carrying value of property, plant and equipment to estimated net recoverable amounts, based on estimated future cash flows, to determine whether there is any indication of impairment whenever events or circumstances warrant.
|
(g)
|
Impairment of equipment and intangible assets (excluding goodwill)
|
Equipment and finite life intangible assets are reviewed for impairment if there is any indication that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. If any such indication is present, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine whether impairment exists. Where the asset does not generate cash flows that are independent from other assets, the Company estimates the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs. Any intangible asset with an indefinite useful life is tested for impairment annually and whenever there is an indication that the asset may be impaired.
An asset’s recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value, using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset for which estimates of future cash flows have not been adjusted.
If the recoverable amount of an asset or cash generating unit is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount is reduced to the recoverable amount. Impairment is recognized immediately as additional depreciation. Where an impairment subsequently reverses, the carrying amount is increased to the revised estimate of recoverable amount but only to the extent that this does not exceed the carrying value that would have been determined if no impairment had previously been recognized. A reversal is recognized as a reduction in the depreciation charge for the period.
102
|
(h)
|
Revenue recognition
|
Revenue is recognized to the extent that it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the Company and the revenue can be reliably measured. Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received, excluding discounts, rebates and other sales tax or duty. The following specific recognition criteria must also be met before revenue is recognized:
|
|
Interest income
|
Revenue is recognized as interest accrues (using the effective interest rate, that is, the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash receipts through the expected life of the financial instrument to the net carrying amount of the financial asset).
|
|
Drilling services and other income
|
Revenue from drilling services and other income is recognized upon completion of the services for which the measurement of the consideration can be reasonably assured and the ultimate collection is reasonably assured.
|
(i)
|
Exploration and evaluation
|
The Company is in the exploration stage with respect to its investment in mineral properties and accordingly follows the practice of capitalizing all costs relating to the acquisition of, exploration for and development of mineral claims and crediting all proceeds received for farm-out arrangements or recovery of costs against the cost of the related claims. Such costs include, but are not exclusive to, geological, geophysical studies, exploratory drilling and sampling. At such time as commercial production commences, these costs will be charged to operations on a unit-of-production method based on proven and probable reserves. The aggregate costs related to abandoned mineral claims are charged to operations at the time of any abandonment or when it has been determined that there is evidence of a permanent impairment. An impairment charge relating to a mineral property is subsequently reversed when new exploration results or actual or potential proceeds on sale or farm-out of the property result in a revised estimate of the recoverable amount but only to the extent that this does not exceed the original carrying value of the property that would have resulted if no impairment had been recognized.
The recoverability of amounts shown for exploration and evaluation assets is dependent upon the discovery of economically recoverable reserves, the ability of the Company to obtain financing to complete development of the properties, and on future production or proceeds of disposition.
The Company recognizes in income costs recovered on mineral properties when amounts received or receivable are in excess of the carrying amount.
|
|
Upon transfer of “Exploration and evaluation costs” into “Mine Development”, all subsequent expenditure on the construction, installation or completion of infrastructure facilities is capitalised within “Mine development”. After production starts, all assets included in “Mine development” are transferred to “Producing Mines”.
|
All capitalized exploration and evaluation expenditure is monitored for indications of impairment. Where a potential impairment is indicated, assessments are performed for each area of interest. To the extent that exploration expenditure is not expected to be recovered, it is charged to the results of operations. Exploration areas where reserves have been discovered, but require major capital expenditure before production can begin, are continually evaluated to ensure that commercial quantities of reserves exist or to ensure that additional exploration work is underway as planned.
|
(j)
|
Income taxes
|
Income tax on the profit or loss for the periods presented comprises current and deferred tax. Income tax is recognized in profit or loss except to the extent that it relates to items recognized directly in equity, in which case it is recognized in equity.
Current tax expense is the expected tax payable on the taxable income for the year, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at period end, adjusted for amendments to tax payable with regards to previous years.
103
Deferred tax is recorded using the statement of financial position liability method, providing for temporary differences, between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes. The following temporary differences are not provided for: goodwill not deductible for tax purposes; the initial recognition of assets or liabilities that affect neither accounting or taxable loss; and differences relating to investments in subsidiaries to the extent that they will probably not reverse in the foreseeable future. The amount of deferred tax provided is based on the expected manner of realization or settlement of the carrying amount of assets and liabilities, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date.
A deferred tax asset is recognized only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which the asset can be utilised. To the extent that the Company does not consider it probable that a future tax asset will be recovered, it provides a valuation allowance against that excess.
Additional income taxes that arise from the distribution of dividends are recognized at the same time as the liability to pay the related dividend.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to set off current tax assets against current tax liabilities and when they relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority and the Company intends to settle its current tax assets and liabilities on a net basis.
|
|
(k)
|
Share-based payments
|
The Company grants stock options to buy common shares of the Company to directors, officers, employees and consultants. The board of directors grants such option for periods of up to five years, with vesting periods determined at the sole discretion and at prices equal to the volume weighted average price for the five days immediately preceding the date the options were granted.
|
|
The fair value of the options is measured at grant date, using the Black-Scholes option pricing model,and is recognized over the period that the employees earn the options. The fair value is recognized as an expense with a corresponding increase in equity. The amount recognized as expense is adjusted to reflect the number of share options expected to vest.
|
|
(l)
|
Asset retirement obligation
|
An obligation to incur restoration, rehabilitation and environmental costs arises when environmental disturbance is caused by the exploration, development or ongoing production of a mineral property interest. Such costs arising for the decommissioning of plant and other site preparation work, discounted to their net present value, are provided for and capitalized at the start of each project to the carrying value of the asset, as soon as the obligation to incur such costs arises. Discount rates using a pre-tax rate that reflect the time value of money are used to calculate the net present value. These costs are charged against profit or loss over the economic life of the related asset, through amortization using either the unit-of-production or the straight line method. The related liability is adjusted for each period for the unwinding of the discount rate and for changes to the current market-based discount rate, amount or timing of the underlying cash flows needed to settle the obligation. Costs for restoration of subsequent site damage which is created on an ongoing basis during production are provided for at their net present values and charged against profits as extraction progresses.
The Company has $104,000 of reclamation deposits held with the Ministry of Mines should any other asset retirement obligation arise from its obligations to undertake site reclamation and remediation in connection with its operating activities in British Columbia and $20,764 of reclamation deposits held with the State of Nevada should any asset retirement obligation arise from its obligations to undertake site reclamation and remediation in connection with its operating activities in Nevada.
When the Company enters into an option agreement on its mineral properties, as part of the option agreement, responsibility for any reclamation and remediation becomes the responsibility of the optionee.
104
|
(m)
|
Loss per share
|
The Company presents the basic and diluted loss per share data for its common shares, calculated by dividing the loss attributable to common shareholders of the Company by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted loss per share is determined by adjusting the loss attributable to common shareholders and the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the effects of all dilutive potential common shares.
(n) New accounting standards and interpretations not yet adopted
Certain new accounting standards and interpretations have been published that are not mandatory for the December 31, 2010 reporting period. The following standards are assessed not to have any impact on the Company’s financial statements:
|
●
|
Amendments to IFRS 1
Limited Exemption from Comparative IFRS 7 Disclosures for First-time Adopters
, effective for accounting periods commencing on or after July 1, 2010.
|
|
●
|
IAS 24,
Related Party Disclosure
: effective for accounting periods commencing on or after January 1, 2011;
|
|
●
|
IFRS 9,
Financial Instruments
: effective for accounting periods commencing on or after January 1, 2013;
|
|
●
|
Amendments to IAS 32,
Financial Instruments: Presentation – Classification of Right Issues
; effective for accounting periods commencing on or after February 1, 2010;
|
|
●
|
Amendments to IFRIC 14 –
Prepayments of a Minimum Funding Requirement,
effective for accounting periods commencing on or after January 1, 2011, and;
|
|
●
|
IFRIC 19,
Extinguishing Financial Liabilities with Equity Instruments
: effective for accounting periods commencing on or after July 1, 2010;
|
|
●
|
Amendments to IFRS 7
Financial Instruments: Disclosure from May 2010 Annual Improvements to IFRSs
– effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2011;
|
|
●
|
Amendments to IFRS 7
Financial Instruments: Disclosure for amendments enhancing disclosures about transfers of financial assets
– effective for annual periods beginning on or after July 1, 2011;
|
|
●
|
Amendments to IAS 12
Income Taxes: Limited scope amendment (recovery of underlying assets)
– effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2012.
|
|
(o)
|
Non-current assets held for sale
|
Non-current assets, or disposal groups comprising assets and liabilities, that are expected to be recovered primarily through sale rather than through continuing use, are classified as held for sale. Immediately before classification as held for sale, the assets, or components of a disposal group, are re-measured in accordance with the Company’s accounting policies. Thereafter generally the assets, or disposal group, are measured at the lower of their carrying amount and fair value less cost to sell. Impairment losses on initial classification as held for sale and subsequent gains or losses on re-measurement are recognized in profit or loss. Gains are not recognized in excess of any cumulative impairment loss.
Basis of preparation
A detailed summary of the Company’s basis of preparation is included in Note 2 to the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2010.
|
|
Significant accounting judgments and estimates
|
The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires management to make judgements and estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of expenses during the reporting period. Actual outcomes could differ from these judgements and estimates. The consolidated financial statements include judgements and estimates which, by their nature, are uncertain. The impacts of such judgements and estimates are pervasive throughout the consolidated financial statements, and may require accounting adjustments based on future occurrences. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognized in the period in which the estimate is revised and the revision affects both current and future periods.
105
Significant assumptions about the future and other sources of judgements and estimates that management has made at the statement of financial position date, that could result in a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities, in the event that actual results differ from assumptions made, relate to, but are not limited to, the following:
Critical Judgements
|
o
|
The assessment that the Company has significant influence over the investment which leads to using the equity accounting method for accounting for this investment. In making their judgement, management considered the composition of the Board of Directors of its equity investment in Tarsis Resources Ltd. (“Tarsis”), the common directors and management between Tarsis and the Company and the intercompany transactions and relationship with Tarsis and concluded that significant influence exists.
|
|
o
|
The analysis of the functional currency for each entity of the Company. In concluding that the Canadian dollar is the functional currency of the parent and its subsidiary companies, management considered the currency that mainly influences the cost of providing goods and services in each jurisdiction in which the Company operates. As no single currency was clearly dominant the Company also considered secondary indicators including the currency in which funds from financing activities are denominated and the currency in which funds are retained.
|
Estimates
|
o
|
the recoverability of amounts receivable and prepayments which are included in the consolidated statement of financial position;
|
|
o
|
the carrying value of the marketable securities and the recoverability of the carrying value which are included in the consolidated statement of financial position;
|
|
o
|
the carrying value of the investment, and the estimated annual gains or losses recorded on the investment from income and dilution, and the recoverability of the carrying value which are included in the consolidated statement of financial position;
|
|
o
|
the estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment which are included in the consolidated statement of financial position and the related depreciation included in the consolidated statement of comprehensive loss;
|
|
o
|
the estimated value of the exploration and development costs which is recorded in the statement of financial position;
|
|
o
|
the inputs used in accounting for share purchase option expense in the consolidated statement of comprehensive loss;
|
|
o
|
the provision for income taxes which is included in the consolidation statements of comprehensive loss and composition of deferred income tax assets and liabilities included in the consolidated statement of financial position at December 31, 2010;
|
|
o
|
the inputs used in determining the net present value of the liability for asset retirement obligation included in the consolidated statement of financial position; and
|
|
o
|
the inputs used in determining the various commitments and contingencies accrued in the consolidated statement of financial position;
|
|
o
|
The assessment of indications of impairment of each mineral property and related determination of the net realizable value and write-down of those properties where applicable.
|
Table No. 5 lists the directors and senior management of the Company. The directors have served in their respective capacities since their election and/or appointment and will serve until the next annual general meeting or until a successor is duly elected, unless the office is vacated in accordance with the Articles of the Company. All directors are residents and citizens of Canada.
106
Table No. 5
Directors of the Company
|
Name
|
Age
|
Date First Elected or Appointed
|
|
James Duane Poliquin
James E. McInnes
(1)
John D. McCleary
(2)(3)
Joseph Montgomery
(1)(2)(3)
Morgan Poliquin
Gerald G. Carlson
(1)(2)(3)
Barry W. Smee
Donald Lorimer
(1)
|
70
73
70
83
39
65
65
77
|
February 1, 2002
(4)
February 1, 2002
(4)
February 1, 2002
(4)
February 1, 2002
(4)
February 1, 2002
(4)
February 1, 2002
(4)
July 6, 2006
November 17, 2003
|
(1)
Member of Audit Committee
(2)
Member of Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
(3)
Member of Compensation Committee
(4)
Date of issue of the Certificate of Amalgamation
Duane Poliquin has been a director of Almaden Resources Corporation since September 1980, James E. McInnes since December 1985, Jack McCleary since June 1991 and Morgan Poliquin since June 1999.
Duane Poliquin and James E. McInnes were directors of Fairfield Minerals Ltd. since June 1996, Joseph Montgomery since July 2000 and Gerald G. Carlson since July 1998.
Table No.6 lists the Executive Officers of the Company. The Executive Officers serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors, subject to the terms of executive compensation agreements hereinafter described. All Executive Officers are residents and citizens of Canada.
Table No. 6
Executive Officers of the Company
|
Name
|
Position
|
Age
|
Date First Appointed
|
|
James Duane Poliquin
Morgan Poliquin
Marc G. Blythe
Mark T. Brown
Dione Bitzer
|
Chairman of the Board
President and Chief Executive Officer
Vice-President-Mining
Chief Financial Officer
Controller
and Secretary
|
70
39
41
42
50
|
February 1, 2002
(4)
March 1, 2007
September 5, 2006
November 15, 2007
February 1, 2002
(4)
June 9, 2008
|
(4)
Date of issue of the Certificate of Amalgamation
Duane Poliquin was appointed an Officer of Almaden Resources Corporation in September 1980 and of Fairfield Minerals Ltd. in June 1996. Dione Bitzer was appointed an Officer of Fairfield Minerals Ltd. in March 2001.
Duane Poliquin
is a registered professional geological engineer with over 40 years experience in mineral exploration and he is the founding shareholder of Almaden Resources Corporation. He gained international experience working with major mining companies where he participated in the discovery of several important mineral deposits. Mr. Poliquin has held executive positions and directorships with several junior resource companies over his career and was President of Westley Mines Ltd. when that company discovered the Santa Fe gold deposit in Nevada. Mr. Poliquin spends virtually all of his time on the affairs of the Company.
James E. McInnes
is a retired lawyer and a former geologist with over 40 years experience in mineral exploration and mining law. He has held executive positions with several junior resource companies over his career. Mr. McInnes spend 25% of his time on the affairs of the Company. He also serves as a director of the following companies:
|
a.
|
Williams Creek Explorations Limited, a gold, copper and diamond exploration company listed on the TSX-V.
|
|
b.
|
Horseshoe Gold Mining Inc., a diamond and gold exploration company listed on the TSX-V.
|
107
John D. (Jack) McCleary
is a registered professional geologist with 40 years experience in petroleum and mineral exploration. He has held executive positions with several junior resource companies over his career and for several years was a Vice President of Dominion Securities Ltd. He served as a director and President of Canadian Hydro Developers Inc. until December 1995 at which time he retired and as a director and President of Troymin Resources Ltd. until April 2003 at which time Troymin amalgamated with Santoy Resources Ltd. where he served as a director for 5 years. Mr. McCleary spends less than 5% of his time on the affairs of the Company.
Joseph Montgomery,
Ph.D., P.Eng. is a professional engineer registered with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of B.C. He has over 40 years experience in the mineral industry primarily as a consultant in base and precious metals, industrial metals and gemstones. He is President of Montgomery Consultants Ltd. and is on the Advisory Board of the Canadian Institute of Gemology. He spends less than 10% of his time on the affairs of the Company. Mr. Montgomery also serves as a director of Infrastructure Materials Corp, an industrial materials company listed on the US OTCBB.
Morgan Poliquin
, Ph.D., P.Eng., is a registered professional geological engineer with 16 years experience in mineral exploration since graduating with a B.A.Sc. degree in geological engineering from the University of British Columbia (1994). In 1996 he earned a M.Sc. in geology from the University of Auckland, New Zealand studying geothermal and epithermal deposits in the South Pacific including the Emperor Gold Deposit, Fiji. In 2010, Dr. Poliquin earned his Ph.D. in Geology from the Camborne School of Mines, University of Exeter. He is President and CEO of the Company and oversees corporate matters as well as directing the Company’s exploration program. Dr. Poliquin spends virtually all of his time of the affairs of the Company directing its exploration programs.
Gerald G. Carlson,
Ph.D., P.Eng
,
has been involved in mineral exploration and junior exploration company management for over 30 years. Mr. Carlson has a B.A.Sc. from the University of Toronto, a M.Sc. from Michigan Technological University and Ph. D. from Dartmouth College. He is a past President of AME BC (formerly the B.C. and Yukon Chamber of Mines), President of the Society of Economic Geologists Canada Foundation and a member of the Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia, the Professional Engineers of the Yukon Territory and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy & Petroleum. Mr. Carlson spends less than 5% of his time on the affairs of the Company. He also serves as a director and President of Windstorm Resources Inc., a gold and copper exploration company listed on the TSX-V, and a director of the following companies:
|
a.
|
Blue Sky Uranium Corp., a uranium exploration company listed on the TSX-V.
|
|
b.
|
Copper Ridge Explorations Inc., a mineral exploration company listed on the TSX-V.
|
|
c.
|
Enertopia Corporation, an energy and minerals company listed on the OTC and the CNSX.
|
|
d.
|
Fairmont Resources Inc., a mineral exploration company listed on the TSX-V.
|
|
e.
|
Pacific Arc Resources Inc., a mineral exploration company listed on the TSX-V.
|
Barry W. Smee
is a consulting geochemist based in British Colombia. He obtained a B.Sc. in chemistry and geology from the University of Alberta, and a Ph.D. in geochemistry from the University of New Brunswick. He has designed and managed commercial analytical laboratories and worked in academia, government and industry for over 40 years. He has authored or co-authored over 50 scientific papers on geochemical and quality control topics. Barry formed Smee and Associates Consulting Ltd., a privately owned geochemical consulting company in 1990 through which he has actively promoted the use of Quality Control protocols in mineral exploration, comprehensive due diligence procedures, and the intelligent use of modern geochemical methods. Dr. Smee spends less than 5% of his time on the affairs of the Company. He also serves as a director of Platinum Group Metals Ltd., a platinum exploration company listed on the TSX and NYSE Amex.
Marc G. Blythe,
P.Eng., MBA. has a Master of Business Administration from La Trobe University in Melbourne and a Bachelor of Mining Engineering degree from the Western Australian School of Mines. Mr. Blythe was Corporate Senior Mining Engineer for Placer Dome Inc. based in Vancouver from 2004 until 2006, where he completed internal and external mine evaluation, including advising on potential acquisitions and mining technology implementation. Prior to this, he was a Mine Superintendent and Senior Planning Engineer for Placer Dome based in Kalgoorlie, Australia and a Contract Mine Manager for Western Mining Corporation. Mr. Blythe spends 35% of his time on the affairs of the Company. He also serves as a director and President of Tarsis Resources Ltd., a gold, copper and silver exploration company listed on the TSX-V and a director of the following companies:
108
|
a.
|
Arcus Development Group Inc., a gold exploration company listed on the TSX-V.
|
|
b.
|
Inform Resources Ltd., a gold exploration company listed on the TSX-V.
|
Mr. Blythe also serves as an officer of Rockhaven Resources Ltd., a gold and silver exploration company listed on the TSX-V.
Donald M. Lorimer
retired as a portfolio manager with Odlum Brown Ltd. in 2006. Mr. Lorimer qualified as a Chartered Accountant with Price Waterhouse & Co. and subsequently was a financial executive with Patino Mining Corporation and Little Long Lac Gold Mines Ltd. In 1971 he joined A.E. Ames & Co. and became a director and vice president responsible for corporate and government underwriting in British Columbia. He spends 10% of his time on the affairs of the Company.
Mark T. Brown
is a Chartered Accountant and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce from the University of British Columbia in 1990. Mr. Brown received his Chartered Accountant’s designation in 1993 while working at Price Waterhouse, Chartered Accountants. From 1994 to 1997, he was the controller of two TSE 300 mining companies, one after the other, each of which produced in excess of 100,000 ounces of gold annually. At the end of 1997, Mr. Brown joined Pacific Opportunity Capital Ltd. which was set up to provide business financial support, both administratively and for transactions and negotiations, to public and private emerging companies. Mr. Brown spends approximately 15% of his time on the affairs of the Company. He also serves as a director and CFO of the following companies:
|
a.
|
Rare Element Resources Ltd., a gold and rare earth elements exploration company listed on the TSX-V and NYSE Amex.
|
|
b.
|
Portal Resources Ltd., an oil and gas exploration company listed on the TSX-V.
|
|
c.
|
Avrupa Minerals Ltd., a base metals exploration company listed on the TSX-V.
|
Mr. Brown also serves as a director and CEO of the following company:
|
a.
|
Fox Resources Ltd., a gold exploration company listed on the TSX-V.
|
He also serves as a director of the following companies:
|
a.
|
Strategem Capital Inc., a merchant bank investing in uranium, gold, silver and copper mineral exploration listed on the TSX-V.
|
|
b.
|
Sutter Gold Mining Inc., a gold exploration company listed on the TSX-V.
|
|
c.
|
Animas Resources Ltd., a gold exploration company listed on the TSX-V.
|
Mr. Brown also serves as CFO of the following companies:
|
a.
|
Pitchstone Exloration Ltd., a uranium exploration company listed on the TSX-V.
|
|
b.
|
Rye Patch Gold Ltd., a gold exploration company listed on the TSX-V.
|
|
c.
|
Tarsis Resources Ltd., a mineral exploration company listed on the TSX-V.
|
Dione Bitzer
is a Certified Management Accountant with over 20 years accounting experience with junior exploration companies. She has held executive positions with several junior resource companies. Miss Bitzer spends all of her business time on the affairs of the Company.
109
No director and/or executive officer has been the subject of any order, judgment, or decree of any governmental agency or administrator or of any court or competent jurisdiction, revoking or suspending for cause any license, permit or other authority of such person or of any corporation of which he is a director and/or executive officer, to engage in the securities business or in the sale of a particular security or temporarily or permanently restraining or enjoining any such person or any corporation of which he is an officer or director from engaging in or continuing any conduct, practice, or employment in connection with the purchase or sale of securities, or convicting such person of any felony or misdemeanor involving a security or any aspect of the securities business or of theft or of any felony. Seine River Resources Inc. (now Trinity Plumas Capital Corp.), of which James E. McInnes was a director was subject to a cease-trade order as of July 24, 1996, subject to the submission of overdue documentation, which was revoked on August 8, 1996. Williams Creek Explorations Limited, of which James E. McInnes is a director and Morgan Poliquin was a director and Dione Bitzer was an officer, was subject to a cease-trade order as of July 22, 1999, subject to the submission of overdue documentation, which was revoked on August 5, 1999. Joseph Montgomery was subject to a cease trade order in the securities of Home Ventures Ltd. as of May 23, 1996 for failure to file insider reports, which was revoked on June 14, 1996.
There are no arrangements or understandings with any two or more directors or executive officers pursuant to which he was selected as a director or executive officer. Duane Poliquin, Chairman of the Board and Director, is the father of Morgan Poliquin, President, Chief Executive Officer and Director.
During Fiscal 2008, the Compensation Committee conducted an Executive and Directors Compensation Review which resulted in the recommendations that remuneration of both the Chief Executive Officer (now Chairman) and Chief Operating Officer (now Chief Executive Officer) be increased to $165,000 each annually and all Directors be compensated $5,000 yearly and the Chair of the Audit Committee to be compensated $3,000 yearly, effective January 1, 2009. During 2010, the Compensation Committee conducted a further Executive and Directors Compensation Review which resulted in the recommendations that remuneration of both the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer be increased to $206,250 each annually effective January 1, 2011. There was no increase to Directors or Chair of the Audit Committee compensation. Previously the Company had no formal plan for compensating its directors for their service in their capacity as directors. The Compensation Committee also recommended that, with respect to Director stock options, up to 250,000 options be granted to each non-management Director. Directors are entitled to reimbursement for reasonable travel and other out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with attendance at meetings of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may award special remuneration to any director undertaking any special services on behalf of the Company other than services ordinarily required of a director. Other than indicated below no director received any compensation for his services as a director, including committee participation and/or special assignments.
Total compensation paid by the Company directly and/or indirectly to all directors and executive officers during Fiscal 2010 was $600,530.
110
Table No. 7
Summary Compensation Table
|
Long-Term Compensation
|
||||||||
|
Annual Compensation
|
Awards
|
|||||||
|
Restricted
|
Options/
|
|||||||
|
Name and
|
Fiscal
|
Other Annual
|
Stock
|
SARS
|
LTIP
|
All Other
|
||
|
Principle Position
|
Year
|
Salary
|
Bonus
|
Compensation
|
Awards
|
Granted
|
Payouts
|
Compensation
|
|
(#)
|
||||||||
|
Duane Poliquin
Chairman of the Board & Director
|
2010
2009
2008
|
Nil
Nil
Nil
|
Nil
Nil
Nil
|
Nil
Nil
Nil
|
Nil
Nil
Nil
|
560,000
Nil
100,000
|
Nil
Nil
Nil
|
$208,100
(1)
$189,200
(1)
$171,375
(1)
|
|
James E. McInnes
Director
|
2010
2009
2008
|
Nil
Nil
Nil
|
Nil
Nil
Nil
|
Nil
Nil
Nil
|
Nil
Nil
Nil
|
100,000
Nil
50,000
|
Nil
Nil
Nil
|
$5,000
(2)
$5,000
(2)
Nil
|
|
Jack McCleary
Director
|
2010
2009
2008
|
Nil
Nil
Nil
|
Nil
Nil
Nil
|
Nil
Nil
Nil
|
Nil
Nil
Nil
|
150,000
Nil
100,000
|
Nil
Nil
Nil
|
$5,000
(2)
$5,000
(2)
Nil
|
|
Joseph Montgomery
Director
|
2010
2009
2008
|
Nil
Nil
Nil
|
Nil
Nil
Nil
|
Nil
Nil
Nil
|
Nil
Nil
Nil
|
100,000
Nil
50,000
|
Nil
Nil
Nil
|
$5,000
(2)
$5,000
(2)
Nil
|
|
Morgan Poliquin
President, Director &
Chief Executive Officer
|
2010
2009
2008
|
$165,000
$165,000
$140,000
|
Nil
$8,000
$6,000
|
Nil
Nil
Nil
|
Nil
Nil
Nil
|
550,000
150,000
100,000
|
Nil
Nil
Nil
|
Nil
Nil
Nil
|
|
Gerald G. Carlson
Director
|
2010
2009
2008
|
Nil
Nil
Nil
|
Nil
Nil
Nil
|
Nil
Nil
Nil
|
Nil
Nil
Nil
|
75,000
Nil
50,000
|
Nil
Nil
Nil
|
$5,000
(2)
$5,000
(2)
$5,000
(3)
|
|
Barry W. Smee
Director
|
2010
2009
2008
|
Nil
Nil
Nil
|
Nil
Nil
Nil
|
Nil
Nil
Nil
|
Nil
Nil
Nil
|
100,000
Nil
100,000
|
Nil
Nil
Nil
|
$5,000
(2)
$8,780
(2)(4)
Nil
|
|
Donald M. Lorimer
Director
|
2010
2009
2008
|
Nil
Nil
Nil
|
Nil
Nil
Nil
|
Nil
Nil
Nil
|
Nil
Nil
Nil
|
100,000
50,000
Nil
|
Nil
Nil
Nil
|
$8,000
(2)(5)
$8,000
(2)(5)
Nil
|
|
Marc Blythe
Vice-President-Mining
|
2010
2009
2008
|
Nil
Nil
Nil
|
Nil
Nil
Nil
|
Nil
Nil
Nil
|
Nil
Nil
Nil
|
75,000
Nil
Nil
|
Nil
Nil
Nil
|
$55,875
(6)
$52,875
(6)
$52,375
(6)
|
|
Mark T. Brown
Chief Financial Officer
|
2010
2009
2008
|
Nil
Nil
Nil
|
Nil
Nil
Nil
|
Nil
Nil
Nil
|
Nil
Nil
Nil
|
75,000
Nil
25,000
|
Nil
Nil
Nil
|
$60,000
(7)
$60,000
(7)
$61,000
(7)
|
|
Dione Bitzer
Controller & Secretary
|
2010
2009
2008
|
$72,555
$70,920
$73,245
|
$6,000
$4,000
$3,000
|
Nil
Nil
Nil
|
Nil
Nil
Nil
|
35,000
Nil
25,000
|
Nil
Nil
Nil
|
Nil
Nil
Nil
|
(1)
For geological services provided to the Company and general and administrative services provided by Hawk Mountain Resources Ltd., a company owned by Duane Poliquin and his wife.
(2)
Director’s fees.
(3)
For consulting services provided by KGE Management, a company owned by Gerald G. Carlson and his wife.
(4)
For consulting services provided by Smee & Associates Consulting Ltd., a company owned by Barry Smee and his wife.
(5)
Audit Chairman fee.
(6)
For technical services provided to the Company.
(7)
For financial and administrative services provided by Pacific Opportunity Capital Ltd., a company controlled by Mark T. Brown and his family.
Remuneration for Termination
The Company has the following termination clauses within its executive compensation contracts.
The Executive Compensation Contract dated April 12, 2007 between the Company and Duane Poliquin (“Executive”) and Hawk Mountain Resources Ltd. (“Management Company”) will terminate or may be terminated for any one of the following reasons:
111
|
a)
|
voluntary, upon at least three months prior written notice of termination by the Management Company to the Company; or
|
|
b)
|
by the Company for Cause; or
|
|
c)
|
without Cause, as hereinafter defined in Section 9, upon at least three months prior written notice of termination by the Company to the Management Company; or
|
|
d)
|
upon the death or disability of the Executive, as hereinafter defined in Section 10; or
|
|
e)
|
upon retirement by the Executive.
|
Termination by the Management Company Voluntarily or by the Company for Cause
If the Management Company shall voluntarily terminate the providing the services of the Executive under this Agreement or if the employment of the Management Company is terminated by the Company for Cause, then all compensation and benefits as heretofore provided shall terminate immediately upon the effective date of termination and no special severance compensation will be paid.
Cause to terminate the Management Company’s employment shall mean:
|
a)
|
the repeated and demonstrated failure by the Executive or the Management Company to perform the Executive or the Management Company’s material duties under this Agreement, after demand for substantial performance is delivered by the Company that specifically identifies the manner in which the Company believes the Executive or the Management Company has not substantially performed the Executive or the Management Company’s duties under this Agreement; or
|
|
b)
|
the willful engagement by the Executive or the Management Company in misconduct which is materially njurious to the Company, monetarily or otherwise;
|
|
c)
|
any other willful violation by the Executive or the Management Company of the provisions of this Agreement; or
|
|
d)
|
the Executive or the Management Company is convicted of a criminal offence involving fraud or ishonesty.
|
112
Termination by the Company Without Cause
If the Company shall terminate the Management Company’s employment under this Agreement for any reason except for Cause (as defined in paragraph 8) then, upon the effective date of termination, the Company shall pay the Management Company in one lump sum an amount equal to two (2) times the Management Company’s then current Base Fee. All the benefits provided to the Executive shall be continued as if the Executive was still an Executive of the Company for a period of twelve (12) months from the date of termination or until equal or better benefits are provided by a new employer, whichever shall first occur.
Termination by Death or Disability
If the Executive dies or becomes disabled before the Management Company’s employment are otherwise terminated, the Company shall pay the Management Company, an amount of compensation equal to six (6) months of the Management Company’s then current Base Fee and all the Executive benefits theretofore provided to the Executive shall be continued, for a period of six (6) months from the date of Death or Disability as if the Executive were still the Executive of the Company. If such termination is due to the Executive’s Death, payment shall be made in one lump sum to the Management Company. If such termination is due to the Executive’s Disability, payment shall be made in one lump sum to the Management Company within sixty (60) days of the Executive’s Disability. The compensation provided under this paragraph shall be in addition to that payable from any insurance coverage providing compensation upon Death or Disability.
Termination Following Change in Control
|
(a)
|
For purposes of this Agreement, a Change in Control shall be deemed to have occurred if:
|
113
|
(i)
|
any person or any person and such person’s associates or affiliates, as such terms are defined in the
Securities Act
(British Columbia) (the “Act”), makes a tender, take-over or exchange offer, circulates a proxy to shareholders or takes other steps to effect a takeover of the control of the Company, whether by way of a reverse take-over, formal bid, causing the election or appointment of a majority of directors of the Company or otherwise in any manner whatsoever; or
|
|
(ii)
|
during any period of eighteen (18) consecutive months (not including any period prior to the Date), individuals who at the beginning of such period constituted on the Board of Effective Directors and any new directors, whose appointment by the Board of Directors or nomination for election by the Company’s shareholders was approved by a vote of at least three quarters (3/4) of the Board of Directors then still in office who either were directors at the beginning of the period or whose appointment or nomination for election was previously so approved, cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the Board of Directors; or
|
|
(iii)
|
the acquisition by any person or by any person and such person’s affiliates or associates, as such terms are defined in the Act, and whether directly or indirectly, of common shares of the Company at the time held by such person and such person’s affiliates and associates, totals for the first time, twenty percent (20%) or more of the outstanding common shares of the Company.
|
|
(b)
|
Notwithstanding any other provisions in this Agreement regarding termination, if any of the events described above constituting a Change in Control shall have occurred during the Term or an Extended Term, upon the termination of the Management Company’s services (unless such termination is because of the Executive’s Death or Disability, by the Company for Cause or by the Executive other than for “Good Reason”, as defined below) the Management Company shall be entitled to and will receive no later than the fifteenth (15
th
) day following the date of termination a lump sum severance payment equal to three (3) times the Management Company’s then current Base Fee. In addition, all benefits then applicable to the Executive shall be continued for a period of eighteen (18) months after the date of termination.
|
|
(c)
|
For purposes of this Agreement, “Good Reason” shall mean, without the Executive’s express written consent, any of the following:
|
|
(i)
|
the assignment of the Executive of any duties inconsistent with the status or authority of the
|
Executive’s office, or the Executive’s removal from such position, or a substantial alteration in the nature or status of the Executive’s authorities or responsibilities from those in effect immediately prior to the Change in Control;
|
(ii)
|
a reduction by the Company of the Management Company’s Base Fee as in effect on the date hereof or as the same may have been increased from time to time, or a failure by the Company to increase the Management Company’s Base Fee as provided for herein or at a rate commensurate with that of other key executives of the Company;
|
|
(iii)
|
the relocation of the office of the Company where the Executive is employed at the time of the Change in Control (the “CIC Location”) to a location more than fifty (50) miles away from the CIC Location, or the Company’s requiring the Executive to be based more than fifty (50) miles away from the CIC Location (except for requiring travel on the Company’s business to an extent substantially consistent with the Executive’s business travel obligations prior to the Change in Control);
|
|
(iv)
|
the failure by the Company to continue to provide the Executive with benefits at least as favourable as those enjoyed by the Executive prior to the Change in Control, the taking of any action by the Company which would directly or indirectly materially reduce any of such benefits or deprive the Executive of any material fringe benefit enjoyed by the Executive at the time of the Change in Control, or the failure by the Company to provide the Executive with the number of entitled vacation days to which the Executive has earned on the basis of years of service with the Company; or
|
|
(v)
|
the failure of the Company to obtain a satisfactory agreement from any successor to assume and agree to perform this Agreement or, if the business of the Company for which the Executive’s services are principally performed is sold within two (2) years after a Change in Control, the purchaser of such business shall fail to agree to provide the Executive with the same or a comparable position, duties, salary and benefits as provided to the Executive by the Company immediately prior to the Change in Control.
|
114
Following a Change in Control during the Term, or an Extended Term, the Executive shall be entitled to terminate the Executive’s employment for Good Reason.
|
(d)
|
In the event the Executive is entitled to a severance payment under this Agreement, then in
|
addition to such severance payment, the Management Company shall be entitled to employment search assistance to secure other comparable employment for the Executive for a period not to exceed one (1) year or until such comparable employment is found, whichever is the sooner, with fees for such assistance to be paid by the Company.
The Management Company’s right to receive the aforementioned payment and benefits is expressly contingent upon the signing of a waiver and release satisfactory to the Company which release the Company and its Affiliates from all claims and liabilities arising out of the Executive’s employment and termination and including confidentiality provisions, which waiver and release is satisfactory to the Company with the respect to form, substance and timeliness.
The Executive Employment Contract dated April 12, 2007 between the Company and Morgan Poliquin will terminate or may be terminated for any one of the following reasons:
|
a)
|
voluntary, upon at least three (3) months prior written notice of termination by the Executive to the Company; or
|
|
b)
|
by the Company for Cause; or
|
|
c)
|
without Cause, as hereinafter defined in Section 9, upon at least three (3) months prior written notice of termination by the Company to the Executive; or
|
|
d)
|
upon the death or disability of the Executive, as hereinafter defined in Section 10; or
|
|
e)
|
upon a change of control.
|
Termination by the Executive Voluntarily or by the Company for Cause
If the Executive shall voluntarily terminate employment under this Agreement or if the employment of the Executive is terminated by the Company for Cause, then all compensation and benefits as heretofore provided shall terminate immediately upon the effective date of termination and no special severance compensation will be paid.
Cause to terminate the Executive’s employment shall mean:
|
a)
|
the repeated and demonstrated failure by the Executive to perform the Executive’s material duties under this Agreement, after demand for substantial performance is delivered by the Company that specifically identifies the manner in which the Company believes the Executive has not substantially performed the Executive’s duties under this Agreement; or
|
|
b)
|
the willful engagement by the Executive in misconduct which is materially injurious to the Company, monetarily or otherwise;
|
|
c)
|
any other willful violation by the Executive of the provisions of this Agreement ;or
|
|
d)
|
the Executive is convicted of a criminal offence involving fraud or dishonesty.
|
Termination by the Company Without Cause
If the Company shall terminate the Executive’s employment under this Agreement for any reason except for Cause (as defined in paragraph 8) then, upon the effective date of termination, the Company shall pay the Executive in one lump sum an amount equal to two (2) times the Executive’s then current Base Salary. All the benefits provided to the Executive shall be continued as if the Executive was still an Executive of the Company for a period of twelve (12) months from the date of termination or until equal or better benefits are provided by a new employer, whichever shall first occur.
115
Termination by Death or Disability
If the Executive dies or becomes disabled before the Executive’s employment is otherwise terminated, the Company shall pay the Executive or the Executive’s estate, an amount of compensation equal to six (6) months of the Executive’s then current Base Salary and all the Executive benefits theretofore provided to the Executive shall be continued, for a period of six (6) months from the date of Death or Disability as if the Executive were still the Executive of the Company. If such termination is due to the Executive’s Death, payment shall be made in one lump sum to the Executive’s Designate. If no Executive’s Designate survives the Executive, the entire amount shall be paid to the Executive’s estate within sixty (60) days of the Executive’s death. If such termination is due to the Executive’s Disability, payment shall be made in one lump sum to the Executive within sixty (60) days of the Executive’s Disability. The compensation provided under this paragraph shall be in addition to that payable from any insurance coverage providing compensation upon Death or Disability.
Termination Following Change in Control
|
|
(a)
|
For purposes of this Agreement, a Change in Control shall be deemed to have occurred if:
|
|
|
(i)
|
any person or any person and such person’s associates or affiliates, as such terms are defined in the
Securities Act
(British Columbia) (the “Act”), makes a tender, take-over or exchange offer, circulates a proxy to shareholders or takes other steps to effect a takeover of the control of the Company, whether by way of a reverse take-over, formal bid, causing the election or appointment of a majority of directors of the Company or otherwise in any manner whatsoever; or
|
|
(ii)
|
during any period of eighteen (18) consecutive months (not including any period prior to the Effective Date), individuals who at the beginning of such period constituted on the Board of Directors and any new directors, whose appointment by the Board of Directors or nomination for election by the Company’s shareholders was approved by a vote of at least three quarters (3/4) of the Board of Directors then still in office who either were directors at the beginning of the period or whose appointment or nomination for election was previously so approved, cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the Board of Directors; or
|
|
(iii)
|
the acquisition by any person or by any person and such person’s affiliates or associates, as such terms are defined in the Act, and whether directly or indirectly, of common shares of the Company at the time held by such person and such person’s affiliates and associates, totals for the first time, twenty percent (20%) of more of the outstanding common shares of the Company.
|
|
|
(b)
|
Notwithstanding any other provisions in this Agreement regarding termination, if any of the events described above constituting a Change in Control shall have occurred during the Term or an Extended Term, upon the termination of the Executive’s employment (unless such termination is because of the Executive’s Death or Disability, by the Company for Cause or by the Executive other than for “Good Reason”, as defined below) the Executive shall be entitled to and will receive no later than the fifteenth (15
th
) day following the date of termination a lump sum severance payment equal to three (3) times the Executive’s then current Base Salary. In addition, all benefits then applicable to the Executive shall be continued for a period of eighteen (18) months after the date of termination.
|
|
|
(c)
|
For purposes of this Agreement, “Good Reason” shall mean, without the Executive’s express written consent, any of the following:
|
|
(i)
|
assignment of the Executive of any duties inconsistent with the status or authority of the Executive’s office, or the Executive’s removal from such position, or a substantial alteration in the nature or status of the Executive’s authorities or responsibilities from those in effect immediately prior to the Change in Control;
|
|
|
(ii)
|
a reduction by the Company in the Executive’s Base Salary as in effect on the date hereof or as the same may have been increased from time to time, or a failure by the Company to increase the Executive’s Base Salary as provided for herein or at a rate commensurate with that of other key executives of the Company;
|
|
|
(iii)
|
the relocation of the office of the Company where the Executive is employed at the time of the Change in Control (the “CIC Location”) to a location more than fifty (50) miles away from the CIC Location, or the Company’s requiring the Executive to be based more than fifty (50) miles away from the CIC Location (except for requiring travel on the Company’s business to an extent substantially consistent with the Executive’s business travel obligations prior to the Change in Control);
|
116
|
(iv)
|
the failure by the Company to continue to provide the Executive with benefits at least as favourable as those enjoyed by the Executive prior to the Change in Control, the taking of any action by the Company which would directly or indirectly materially reduce any of such benefits or deprive the Executive of any material fringe benefit enjoyed by the Executive at the time of the Change in Control, or the failure by the Company to provide the Executive with the number of entitled vacation days to which the Executive has earned on the basis of years of service with the Company; or
|
|
(v)
|
the failure of the Company to obtain a satisfactory agreement from any successor to assume and agree to perform this Agreement or, if the business of the Company for which the Executive’s services are principally performed is sold within two (2) years after a Change in Control, the purchaser of such business shall fail to agree to provide the Executive with the same or a comparable position, duties, salary and benefits as provided to the Executive by the Company immediately prior to the Change in Control.
|
Following a Change in Control during the Term, or an Extended Term, the Executive shall be entitled to terminate the Executive’s employment for Good Reason.
|
|
(d)
|
In the event the Executive is entitled to a severance payment under this Agreement, then in addition to such severance payment, the Executive shall be entitled to employment search assistance to secure other comparable employment for a period not to exceed one (1) year or until such comparable employment is found, whichever is the sooner, with fees for such assistance to be paid by the Company.
|
The Executive’s right to receive the aforementioned payment and benefits is expressly contingent upon the signing of a waiver and release satisfactory to the Company which release the Company and its Affiliates from all claims and liabilities arising out of the Executive’s employment and termination and including confidentiality provisions, which waiver and release is satisfactory to the Company with the respect to form, substance and timeliness.
The Financial, Administrative & Executive Services Agreement dated November 15, 2007 between the Company and Pacific Opportunity Capital Ltd. (“Pacific”) and Mark T. Brown (“Executive”) will terminate or may be terminated for any one of the following reasons:
|
●
|
voluntary, upon at least three (3) months prior written notice of termination by the Executive to the Company; or
|
|
●
|
by the Company for Cause
|
Termination by Pacific or the Executive Voluntarily or by the Company for Cause
If Pacific or the Executive shall voluntarily terminate employment under this Agreement or if the employment of the Executive is terminated by the Company for Cause, then all compensation and benefits as heretofore provided shall terminate immediately upon the effective date of termination and no special severance compensation will be paid.
Cause to terminate the Executive’s employment shall mean:
|
a)
|
the repeated and demonstrated failure by the Executive to perform the Executive’s material duties under this Agreement, after demand for substantial performance is delivered by the Company that specifically identifies the manner in which the Company believes the Executive has not substantially performed the Executive’s duties under this Agreement; or
|
|
b)
|
the willful engagement by the Executive in misconduct which is materially injurious to the Company, monetarily or otherwise;
|
|
c)
|
any other willful violation by the Executive of the provisions of this Agreement ;or
|
|
d)
|
the Executive is convicted of a criminal offence involving fraud or dishonesty.
|
117
Termination by Death or Disability
If the Executive dies or becomes disabled before the Executive’s employment is otherwise terminated, the Company shall pay Pacific an amount of compensation equal to three (3) months of the Executives’ then current base salary.
The Executive Employment Contract dated January 1, 2008 between the Company and Dione Bitzer will terminate or may be terminated for any one of the following reasons:
|
●
|
voluntary, upon at least three (3) months prior written notice of termination by the Executive to the Company; or
|
|
●
|
by the Company for Cause; or
|
|
●
|
without Cause, as hereinafter defined in Section 9, upon at least three (3) months prior written notice of termination by the Company to the Executive; or
|
|
●
|
upon the death or disability of the Executive, as hereinafter defined in Section 10; or
|
|
●
|
upon retirement by the Executive.
|
Termination by the Executive Voluntarily or by the Company for Cause
If the Executive shall voluntarily terminate employment under this Agreement or if the employment of the Executive is terminated by the Company for Cause, then all compensation and benefits as heretofore provided shall terminate immediately upon the effective date of termination and no special severance compensation will be paid.
Cause to terminate the Executive’s employment shall mean:
|
a)
|
the repeated and demonstrated failure by the Executive to perform the Executive’s material duties under this Agreement, after demand for substantial performance is delivered by the Company that specifically identifies the manner in which the Company believes the Executive has not substantially performed the Executive’s duties under this Agreement; or
|
|
b)
|
the willful engagement by the Executive in misconduct which is materially injurious to the Company, monetarily or otherwise;
|
|
c)
|
any other willful violation by the Executive of the provisions of this Agreement ;or
|
|
d)
|
the Executive is convicted of a criminal offence involving fraud or dishonesty.
|
Termination by the Company Without Cause
If the Company shall terminate the Executive’s employment under this Agreement for any reason except for Cause (as defined in paragraph 8) then, upon the effective date of termination, the Company shall pay the Executive in one lump sum an amount equal to two (2) times the Executive’s prior year’s Base Salary. All the benefits provided to the Executive shall be continued as if the Executive was still an Executive of the Company for a period of twelve (12) months from the date of termination or until equal or better benefits are provided by a new employer, whichever shall first occur.
Termination by Death or Disability
If the Executive dies or becomes disabled before the Executive’s employment is otherwise terminated, the Company shall pay the Executive or the Executive’s estate, an amount of compensation equal to six (6) months of the Executive’s prior year’s Base Salary and all the Executive benefits theretofore provided to the Executive shall be continued, for a period of six (6) months from the date of Death or Disability as if the Executive were still the Executive of the Company. If such termination is due to the Executive’s Death, payment shall be made in one lump sum to the Executive’s Designate. If no Executive’s Designate survives the Executive, the entire amount shall be paid to the Executive’s estate within sixty (60) days of the Executive’s death. If such termination is due to the Executive’s Disability, payment shall be made in one lump sum to the Executive within sixty (60) days of the Executive’s Disability. The compensation provided under this paragraph shall be in addition to that payable from any insurance coverage providing compensation upon Death or Disability.
118
Termination Following Change in Control
|
(a)
|
For purposes of this Agreement, a Change in Control shall be deemed to have occurred if:
|
|
i.
|
any person or any person and such person’s associates or affiliates, as such terms are defined in the
Securities Act
(British Columbia) (the “Act”), makes a tender, take-over or exchange offer, circulates a proxy to shareholders or takes other steps to effect a takeover of the control of the Company, whether by way of a reverse take-over, formal bid, causing the election or appointment of a majority of directors of the Company or otherwise in any manner whatsoever; or
|
|
ii.
|
during any period of eighteen (18) consecutive months (not including any period prior to the Effective Date), individuals who at the beginning of such period constituted on the Board of Directors and any new directors, whose appointment by the Board of Directors or nomination for election by the Company’s shareholders was approved by a vote of at least three quarters (3/4) of the Board of Directors then still in office who either were directors at the beginning of the period or whose appointment or nomination for election was previously so approved, cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the Board of Directors; or
|
|
iii.
|
the acquisition by any person or by any person and such person’s affiliates or associates, as such terms are defined in the Act, and whether directly or indirectly, of common shares of the Company at the time held by such person and such person’s affiliates and associates, totals for the first time, twenty percent (20%) of more of the outstanding common shares of the Company.
|
|
(b)
|
Notwithstanding any other provisions in this Agreement regarding termination, if any of the events described above constituting a Change in Control shall have occurred during the Term or an Extended Term, upon the termination of the Executive’s employment (unless such termination is because of the Executive’s Death or Disability, by the Company for Cause or by the Executive other than for “Good Reason”, as defined below) the Executive shall be entitled to and will receive no later than the fifteenth (15
th
) day following the date of termination a lump sum severance payment equal to three (3) times the Executive’s prior year’s Base Salary. In addition, all benefits then applicable to the Executive shall be continued for a period of eighteen (18) months after the date of termination.
|
|
(c)
|
For purposes of this Agreement, “Good Reason” shall mean, without the Executive’s express written consent, any of the following:
|
|
a.
|
the assignment of the Executive of any duties inconsistent with the status or authority of the Executive’s office, or the Executive’s removal from such position, or a substantial alteration in the nature or status of the Executive’s authorities or responsibilities from those in effect immediately prior to the Change in Control;
|
|
b.
|
a reduction by the Corporation in the Executive’s Base Salary as in effect on the date hereof or as the same may have been increased from time to time, or a failure by the Company to increase the Executive’s Base Salary as provided for herein or at a rate commensurate with that of other key executives of the Company;
|
|
c.
|
the relocation of the office of the Company where the Executive is employed at the time of the Change in Control (the “CIC Location”) to a location more than fifty (50) miles away from the CIC Location, or the Company’s requiring the Executive to be based more than fifty (50) miles away from the CIC Location (except for requiring travel on the Company’s business to an extent substantially consistent with the Executive’s business travel obligations prior to the Change in Control);
|
|
d.
|
the failure by the Company to continue to provide the Executive with benefits at least as favourable as those enjoyed by the Executive prior to the Change in Control, the taking of any action by the Company which would directly or indirectly materially reduce any of such benefits or deprive the Executive of any material fringe benefit enjoyed by the Executive at the time of the Change in Control, or the failure by the Company to provide the Executive with the number of entitled vacation days to which the Executive has earned on the basis of years of service with the Company; or
|
|
e.
|
the failure of the Company to obtain a satisfactory agreement from any successor to assume and agree to perform this Agreement or, if the business of the Company for which the Executive’s services are principally performed is sold within two (2) years after a Change in Control, the purchaser of such business shall fail to agree to provide the Executive with the same or a comparable position, duties, salary and benefits as provided to the Executive by the Company immediately prior to the Change in Control.
|
119
Following a Change in Control during the Term, or an Extended Term, the Executive shall be entitled to terminate the Executive’s employment for Good Reason.
|
|
(d)
|
In the event the Executive is entitled to a severance payment under this Agreement, then in addition to such severance payment, the Executive shall be entitled to employment search assistance to secure other comparable employment for a period not to exceed one (1) year or until such comparable employment is found, whichever is the sooner, with fees for such assistance to be paid by the Company.
|
The Executive’s right to receive the aforementioned payment and benefits is expressly contingent upon the signing of a waiver and release satisfactory to the Company which release the Company and its Affiliates from all claims and liabilities arising out of the Executive’s employment and termination and including confidentiality provisions, which waiver and release is satisfactory to the Company with the respect to form, substance and timeliness.
Stock options
Incentive stock options to purchase securities from the Company are granted to directors, executive officers, employees and consultants of the Company on terms and conditions acceptable to the regulatory authorities in Canada, notably the Toronto Stock Exchange, and in accordance with the requirements of the applicable Canadian securities commissions’ requirements and regulation.
Incentive stock options previously granted by the Company and its predecessor, which, by the terms of the amalgamation, become options granted by the Company, are not options granted under the Company’s formal stock option plan.
The Company has a formal written stock option plan (“Plan”) which permits the issuance of up to 10% of the Company’s issued share capital from time to time during the term of the Plan and may be granted from time to time provided that incentive stock options in favour of any consultant or person providing investor relations services cannot exceed 2% in any 12 month period. No incentive stock option granted under the Plan is transferable by the optionee other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution, and each incentive stock option is exercisable during the lifetime of the optionee only by such optionee.
The exercise price of all incentive stock options granted under the Plan are determined in accordance with Toronto Stock Exchange guidelines and cannot be less than the Market Price on the date of the grant. Market Price is the volume weighted average trading price of the shares for the five trading days immediately preceding the date of the grant. The maximum term of each incentive stock option is five years. Options granted to consultants or persons providing Investor Relations Activities (as defined in the Plan) shall vest in stages with no more than ¼ of such options being exercisable in any three month period. All options granted during Fiscal 2009 vested on the date granted. Under the requirements of the Toronto Stock Exchange, all unallocated options under the Plan must be approved by the Board of Directors, including a majority of the unrelated directors and by the shareholders every three years after the institution of the Plan. Insiders and affiliates of insiders entitled to receive a benefit under the Plan are not entitled to vote for such approval.
The names and titles of the directors and executive officers of the Company to whom outstanding stock options have been granted and the number of common shares subject to such options as of March 21, 2011 are set forth in Table No. 8, as well as the number of options granted to directors, executive officers, employees and contractors as a group.
120
Table No. 8
Stock Options Outstanding
|
Name
|
Number of Options Outstanding
|
Exercise Price CDN$
|
Expiry Date
|
|
Duane Poliquin,
Chairman of the Board & Director
James E. McInnes,
Director
Jack McCleary
Director
Morgan Poliquin
President, Director &
Chief Executive Officer
Gerald G. Carlson
Director
Joseph Montgomery
Director
Barry Smee
Director
Donald M. Lorimer
Director
Marc Blythe
Vice-President, Mining
Mark T. Brown
Chief Financial Officer
Dione Bitzer
Controller & Secretary
|
450,000
220,000
240,000
100,000
50,000
50,000
50,000
50,000
50,000
100,000
50,000
600,000
500,000
150,000
350,000
100,000
100,000
75,000
50,000
50,000
25,000
50,000
50,000
50,000
150,000
100,000
50,000
50,000
50,000
35,000
100,000
25,000
75,000
100,000
|
$2.50
1.14
1.00
2.22
2.50
0.68
1.14
2.73
2.50
0.92
2.73
2.50
2.32
0.81
1.14
0.92
2.67
2.50
0.68
1.14
2.73
2.50
1.14
2.73
2.50
2.22
2.50
2.22
2.52
0.94
2.68
0.68
1.14
2.50
|
07/06/2011
01/04/2015
06/21/2015
08/27/2015
07/06/2011
12/29/2013
01/04/2015
11/22/2015
07/06/2011
07/16/2015
11/22/2015
07/06/2011
09/10/2012
11/25/2014
01/04/2015
07/16/2015
09/20/2015
07/06/2011
12/29/2013
01/04/2015
11/22/2015
07/06/2011
01/04/2015
11/22/2015
07/06/2011
08/27/2015
07/06/2011
08/27/2015
12/13/2012
04/07/2015
11/15/2012
12/29/2013
01/04/2015
07/06/2011
|
|
Total Directors/Officers (11 persons)
Total Employees/Consultants (5 persons)
Total Directors/Officers/Employees/Consultants
|
4,295,000
685,000
4,980,000
|
||
No funds were set aside or accrued by the Company during Fiscal 2010 to provide pension, retirement or similar benefits for directors or executive officers.
121
Board Practices
This Statement of Board Practices has been approved by the Board.
General
The Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”) and the applicable Canadian securities law and regulation require that the Company comply with National Instrument 58-101 (
Disclosure of Corporate Governance Practices)
or any replacement of that instrument. The Company is also, under applicable Canadian securities law and regulation, required to comply with National Policy 58-201 (
Corporate Governance Guidelines).
National Instrument 58-101 and National Policy 58-201 (for convenience referred to in the aggregate as the “guidelines”) deal with matters such as the constitution and independence of corporate boards, their functions, the effectiveness and education of the board members and other matters. The Company’s statement as to compliance with the guidelines and its approach to corporate governance is set forth below.
Corporate Governance
The Company’s Board and management are committed to the highest standards of corporate governance. The Company’s corporate governance practices are in accordance with the guidelines. The Company is also cognizant of and compliant with various corporate governance requirements in Canada and is in compliance with applicable U.S. requirements.
The Company’s prime objective in directing and managing its business and affairs is to enhance shareholder value. The Company views effective corporate governance as a means of improving corporate performance and accordingly of benefit to the Company and all shareholders.
The Company also believes that director and management honesty and integrity are essential factors in ensuring good and effective corporate governance. To that end the Company’s directors have adopted various codes and policies for the Company, its directors, officers, employees and consultants. The codes and policies adopted to date are as follows: Audit Committee Charter, Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee-Responsibilities and Duties, Compensation Committee-Responsibilities and Duties, Code of Business Ethics, Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for Directors, Communications Policy, Securities Trading Policy, Whistleblowers Policy a Privacy Policy (the “Codes”). The Codes may be viewed on the Company’s website at www.almadenminerals.com. The Codes may also be viewed as filed on EDGAR and SEDAR as an exhibit to the 2005 20-F Annual Report filed with the Commission on March 30, 2006. Any amendments to the Codes or waivers of the provision of any Codes will be posted on the Company’s website within 5 business days of such amendment or waiver.
Executive Officer Position Descriptions
Chairman of the Board (‘Chairman’)
Responsibilities:
|
-
|
Leads the Board and also takes a hands-on role in the Company’s day-to-day management
|
|
-
|
Helps the CEO to oversee all the operational aspects involved in running the Company, including project selection and planning.
|
|
-
|
Takes overall responsibility for the Company’s direction and growth, seeking to generate significant financial gains for the shareholders.
|
|
-
|
Oversees relationships with the communities and stakeholders in the areas where the Company operates, with the intent of ensuring the Company’s activities are of benefit to all.
|
122
Chief Executive Officer (‘CEO’)
Reports to:
The Board of Directors of the Company.
Function:
Provides overall leadership and vision in developing, in concert with the Board, the strategic direction of the Company and in developing the tactics and business plans necessary to increase shareholder value.
Manages the overall business to ensure strategic and business plans are effectively implemented, the results are monitored and reported to the Board and financial and operational objectives are attained.
Authorities, Duties and Responsibilities:
|
(a)
|
General Functions:
|
|
1.
|
Provides effective leadership to the management and the employees of the Company and establishes an effective means of control and co-ordination for all operations and activities.
|
|
2.
|
Fosters a corporate culture that promotes ethical practices, integrity and a positive work climate enabling the Company to attract, retain and motivate a diverse group of quality employees.
|
|
3.
|
Keeps the Board fully informed on the Company`s operational and financial affairs.
|
|
4.
|
Develops and maintains a sound, effective organization structure and plans for capable management succession, progressive employee training and development programs and reports to the Board on these matters.
|
|
5.
|
Ensures that effective communications and appropriate relationships are maintained with the shareholders of the Company and other stakeholders.
|
|
6.
|
Develops capital expenditure plans for approval by the Board.
|
|
7.
|
Turns any strategic plan as may be developed by the Board into a detailed operating plan.
|
|
(b)
|
Strategy and Risks
|
|
1.
|
Develops and recommends to the Board strategic plans to ensure the Company`s profitable growth and overall success. This includes updating and making changes as required and involving the Board in the early stages of developing strategy.
|
|
2.
|
Identifies in conjunction with the other senior officers and appropriate directors the key risks with respect to the Company and its businesses and reviews such risks and strategies for managing them with the Board.
|
|
3.
|
Ensures that the assets of the Company are adequately safeguarded and maintained.
|
|
(c)
|
Exploration and Development
|
Responsible for managing the day to day activities and operating management of the Company and as such shall be responsible for the design, operation and improvement of the systems that create the Company`s exploration and development opportunities. The CEO accordingly shall have the primary responsibility:
|
-
|
To direct and oversee all operational activities of the Company including exploration, development, mining and other such functions.
|
|
-
|
To initiate solutions to the key business challenges of the Company.
|
|
-
|
To participate in sourcing and negotiating financial arrangements for the further expansion and development of the Company including joint ventures, mergers, acquisitions, debt and equity financing.
|
|
-
|
Represent and speak for the Company with shareholders, potential investors and other members of the industry.
|
123
|
(d)
|
Financial Reporting
|
|
|
Oversees the quality and timeliness of financial reporting. Reports to the Board in conjunction with the CFO on the fairness and adequacy of the financial reporting of the Company to its shareholders.
|
Chief Financial Officer (‘CFO’)
Reports to:
The CEO of the Company.
Responsibilities:
|
-
|
Developing, analyzing and reviewing financial data.
|
|
-
|
Reporting on financial performance.
|
|
-
|
Monitoring expenditures and costs.
|
|
-
|
Assisting the CEO and COO in preparing budgets and in the communicating to the analyst and shareholder, community and securities regulators, the financial performance of the Company.
|
|
-
|
Fulfilling the reporting requirements of the securities regulators, stock exchanges and shareholders.
|
|
-
|
Monitoring filing of tax returns and payment of taxes.
|
The CFO shall assist the CEO is establishing effective means of control and co-ordination of the operations and activities of the Company and identifying, in conjunction with the CEO and COO, the key risks with respect to the Company and its business and reviewing with the CEO and COO the strategies for managing such risks and ensuring that the assets of the Company are adequately safeguarded and maintained.
The CFO, in conjunction with the CEO shall design or supervise the design of and implement, maintain and periodically evaluate the effectiveness of internal controls to provide reasonable assurances that the financial statements of the Company are fairly presented in accordance with generally accepted financial standards and principles and that disclosure controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance that material information relating to the financial performance of the Audit Committee.
Controller
Reports to:
The Chairman, the Chief Operating Officer and the Chief Financial Officer
Responsibilities:
The Controller is responsible for:
|
-
|
assisting in developing, analyzing and reviewing financial data;
|
|
-
|
assisting in the reporting on financial performance;
|
|
-
|
assisting in the monitoring expenditures and costs;
|
|
-
|
assisting the CEO, COO and CFO in preparing budgets
|
|
-
|
assisting in fulfilling the reporting requirements of the securities regulators, stock exchanges and shareholders.
|
The Controller shall assist the CEO and CFO in establishing effective means of control and co-ordination of the operations and activities of the Company and identifying, in conjunction with the CEO, COO and CFO the key risks with respect to the Company and its business and reviewing with the CEO, COO and CFO the strategies for managing such risks and ensuring that the assets of the Company are adequately safeguarded and maintained
The Controller in conjunction with the CEO and CFO shall assist in design or supervise the design of and implement, maintain and periodically evaluate the effectiveness of internal controls to provide reasonable assurances that the financial statements of the Company are fairly presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting standards and principles and that disclosure controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance that material information relating to the financial performance of the Company is made known to the CEO, COO and CFO and that any deficiencies are made known to the Audit Committee.
124
Mandate of the Board
The mandate of the Board is to supervise the management of the business and affairs of the Company and to act with a view to the best interests of the Company. In fulfilling its mandate, the Board, among other matters, is responsible for:
|
(a)
|
adopting a strategic planning process and approving, on at least an annual basis, a strategic plan, taking into account the risk and opportunities of the Company’s business;
|
|
(b)
|
identifying the principal risks of the Company’s business and implementing appropriate systems to manage such risks;
|
|
(c)
|
satisfying itself, to the extent reasonably feasible, of the integrity of the CEO and other executive officers (if any) and ensuring that all such officers create a culture of integrity throughout the Company and developing programs of succession planning (including appointing, training and monitoring senior management);
|
|
(d)
|
creating the Company’s internal control and management information systems and creating appropriate policies for matters including communications, securities trading, privacy, audit, whistleblowing and codes of ethical conduct;
|
|
(e)
|
managing its affairs including selecting its Chair, nomination of candidates for election to the Board, constituting committees of the Board and determining director compensation; and
|
|
(f)
|
engaging any necessary internal and/or external advisors.
|
In the Fiscal year ended December 31, 2010 there were seven meetings of the Board. The frequency of meetings as well as the nature of agenda items change, depending upon the state of the Company’s affairs and in light of opportunities or risks which the Company is subject to. Table No. 9 indicates the number of meetings attended by each director.
Table No. 9
Meetings Attended
|
Director
|
Number
|
|
Duane Poliquin
|
7
|
|
James E. McInnes
|
6
|
|
Jack McCleary
|
6
|
|
Joseph Montgomery
|
7
|
|
Morgan Poliquin
|
7
|
|
Gerald G. Carlson
|
5
|
|
Barry W. Smee
|
7
|
|
Donald M. Lorimer
|
7
|
The CEO is the chair of meetings of the Board of directors and is not an independent director. Meetings of the independent members of the Board may be held periodically as convened by the independent Board members. In Fiscal 2010, four meetings of the independent Board members were convened.
In carrying out its mandate, the Board and each committee of the Board, relies primarily on management and its employees to provide it with regular detailed reports on the operations of the Company and its financial position. Certain members of management are also on the Board and provide the Board with direct access to information concerning their areas of responsibility. Management personnel are also regularly asked to attend Board meetings to provide information, answer questions and receive the direction of the Board. The reports and information provided to the Board enable them to monitor and manage the risks associated with the Company’s operations and its compliance with legal and safety requirements, environmental issues and the financial position and liquidity of the Company.
The Board discharges its responsibilities directly and through committees. At regularly scheduled meetings, members of the Board and management discuss the broad range of matters and issues relevant to the Company’s business interests and the Board is responsible for the approval of the Company’s Strategic Plan. In addition, the Board receives reports from management on the Company’s operational and financial performance. Between scheduled meetings, matters requiring Board authorization is effected by means of signed Consent Resolutions.
125
Board Assessment
The Nomination and Corporate Governance Committee reports to the Board periodically on the evaluation of the Board’s performance and that of the individual directors. The Performance of the Chief Executive Officer is evaluated by the Compensation Committee.
Composition of the Board
The guidelines recommend that a board of directors be constituted with a majority of individuals who qualify as independent directors.
In deciding whether a particular director is independent, the Board examined the factual circumstances of each director and considered them in the context of many factors, including the definitions in the guidelines and the requirements and policies of NYSE Amex Company Guide Rules. The proposed Board is composed of seven members. The Board believes that 5 directors would be considered independent-John McCleary, Joseph Montgomery, Gerald Carlson, Barry Smee and Donald Lorimer. The basis for determination of independence is under Canadian securities instrument NI 52-110 and American Stock Exchange Company Guide Rules. Accordingly, the Board is constituted with a majority of individuals who qualify as independent directors. The Company does not have a controlling or significant shareholder. The Board believes that the membership of the Board fairly reflects the investment in the Company by minority shareholders.
The Board, on the advice of the Nomination and Corporate Governance Committee, considers its size and composition to be appropriate and effective for carrying out its responsibilities. However, the Board may consider adding an additional director if a suitable candidate can be found who may bring additional experience or knowledge to the Board.
Board Committees
The Board currently has three committees: the Audit Committee, the Nomination and Corporate Governance Committee and the Compensation Committee. Each member of each committee is an independent director. Each committee is responsible for determining its own rules of procedure and may, from time to time, develop written descriptions for the responsibilities of the chair of such committee. No written descriptions have yet been developed.
Mandates of each of the committees and the Codes undergo review periodically (in some cases mandated as annually) to bring them into line with changing Canadian and U.S. securities and corporate governance requirements and to reflect amendments that may be considered appropriate to make them more effective. Any revisions to the mandates and Codes will available on the Company’s website at www.almadenminerals.com.
Audit Committee
The members of the Audit Committee are Messrs. Donald Lorimer, Joseph Montgomery, Gerald Carlson and James E. McInnes. The Audit Committee has met four (4) times during Fiscal 2010. The full text of the initial Audit Committee Charter was filed as an exhibit to the 2003 20-F Annual Report with the Commission on May 11, 2004. After review, the charter was altered to more properly define the functions of the Audit Committee. The revised charter was filed as an exhibit to the 2005 20-F Annual Report with the Commission on March 30, 2006.
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
The members of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee are John McCleary, Joseph Montgomery and Gerald Carlson. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee has met nil (0) times during Fiscal 2010. The full text of the initial Corporate Governance Charter was filed as an exhibit to the 2003 20-F Annual Report with the Commission on May 11, 2004. After review, the Responsibilities and Duties of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee were altered to more properly define the functions of the Nominating and Corporate Committee. The revised Responsibilities and Duties are filed as an exhibit to the 2005 20-F Annual Report with the Commission on March 30, 2006.
Compensation Committee
The members of the Compensation Committee are John McCleary, Joseph Montgomery and Gerald Carlson. The Compensation Committee has met five (5) times during Fiscal 2010 with John McCleary, Joseph Montgomery and Gerald Carlson attending. The Responsibilities and Duties of the Compensation Committee were filed as an exhibit to the 2005 20-F Annual Report with the Commission on March 30, 2006.
126
Decisions Requiring Board Approval
In addition to those matters which must by law be approved by the Board, management is also required to seek Board approval for any major acquisition, disposition or expenditure. Management is also required to consult with the Board before entering into any venture which is outside of the Company’s existing line of business.
Changes in officers are to be approved by the Board including changes in officers of the Company’s principal operating subsidiaries.
In certain circumstances it may be appropriate for an individual director to engage an outside advisor at the expense of the Company. The engagement of the outside advisor would be subject to the approval of the Nomination and Corporate Governance Committee.
Communications and Investor Relations
The Company has adopted a Communications Policy, the purpose and aim of which is as follows:
|
(a)
|
Controls the communications between the Company and its external stakeholders;
|
|
(b)
|
Complies with its continuous and timely disclosure obligations;
|
|
(c)
|
Avoids selective disclosure of Company information;
|
|
(d)
|
Protects and prevents the improper use or disclosure of material information and confidential information;
|
|
(e)
|
Educates the Company’s personnel on the appropriate use and disclosure of material information and confidential information;
|
|
(f)
|
Fosters and facilitates compliance with applicable laws; and
|
|
(g)
|
Creates formal Disclosure Officers to help achieve the above objectives.
|
In accordance with the Communications Policy of the Company, designated Disclosure Officers receive and respond to shareholder enquiries. Shareholder enquiries and concerns are dealt with promptly by Disclosure Officers of the Company.
Ethical Business Conduct
The Company has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for Directors (“Code”), a Code of Business Ethics (“COBE”), a Securities Trading Policy and a Privacy Policy. Employees and consultants are required as a term of employment to undertake to abide by the COBE. Directors are by law bound to observe the Code adopted by the Board.
All Directors, Officers and Employees (“Individuals”) sign an Annual Certification (“Certification”) stating they have read the Code of Business Ethics policy (“Policy”) of the Company and have complied with such Policy in all respects. The Certification further acknowledges that all members of the Individual’s family, all other persons who live with the Individual and all holding companies and other related entities of the Individual and all such persons or companies acting on behalf of or at the request of any of the foregoing also complied with such Policy. The Certification also states that any violation of such Policy may constitute grounds for immediate suspension or dismissal.
Each director is expected and required by statute to act honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of the Company and to exercise the care, diligence and skill that a reasonably prudent individual would exercise in comparable circumstances and in accordance with the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) and the Company’s Articles.
Employees
The Company currently operates with six persons in Canada, of which two are administrative personnel and four are exploration personnel, some of which are retained on a contractual basis. There are no full time employees in the United States or Mexico. None of the Company’s employees are covered by a collective bargaining agreement. There are no current plans to add any additional personnel, other than independent contractors retained to assist in the exploration of the Company’s mineral properties.
127
Share Ownership
Table No. 10 lists, as of March 21, 2011, directors and executive officers who beneficially own the Company's voting securities and the amount of the Company’s voting securities owned by the directors and executive officers as a group.
Table No. 10
Shareholdings of Directors and Executive Officers
|
Title of
|
Amounts and Nature of
|
Percent of
|
|
|
Class
|
Name of Beneficial Owner
|
Beneficial Ownership
|
Class*
|
|
Common
Common
Common
Common
Common
Common
Common
Common
Common
Common
Common
Common
|
Duane Poliquin
James E. McInnes
Jack McCleary
Morgan Poliquin
Gerald G. Carlson
Joseph Montgomery
Barry Smee
Donald Lorimer
Marc Blythe
Mark T. Brown
Dione Bitzer
Total Directors/Officers
|
3,183,837
(1)
764,580
(2)
627,550
(3)
2,608,197
(4)
208,000
(5)
200,000
(6)
300,000
(7)
147,500
(8)
110,300
(9)
223,750
(10)
121,000
(11)
8,494,714
|
5.60%
1.36%
1.12%
4.52%
0.30%
0.36%
0.53%
0.26%
0.15%
0.40%
0.22%
14.82%
|
|
(1)
|
Of these shares 1,010,000 represent currently exercisable stock options and 69,300 of these shares are held indirectly by Hawk Mountain Resources Ltd., a company owned by Mr. Poliquin and his wife.
|
|
(2)
|
Of these shares 200,000 represent currently exercisable stock options. 239,470 of these shares are held indirectly through Laredo Investments Ltd., private company controlled by Mr. McInnes.
|
|
(3)
|
Of these shares 200,000 represent currently exercisable stock options. 38,500 of these shares are held indirectly by Connemara Resource Ventures Ltd., a company owned by Mr. McCleary.
|
|
(4)
|
Of these shares 1,800,000 represent currently exercisable stock options.
|
(5)
Of these shares 200,000 represent currently exercisable stock options.
(6)
Of these shares 150,000 represent currently exercisable stock options.
|
(7)
|
Of these shares 250,000 represent currently exercisable stock options.
|
|
(8)
|
Of these shares 100,000 represent currently exercisable stock options.
|
|
(9)
|
Of these shares 85,000 represent currently exercisable stock options.
|
|
(10)
|
Of these shares 200,000 represent currently exercisable stock options.
|
|
(11)
|
Of these shares 100,000 represent currently exercisable stock options.
|
*Based on 55,876,822 shares outstanding as of March 21, 2010 and stock options held by each beneficial owner.
|
|
|
The Company is a publicly owned Canadian corporation, the shares of which are owned by residents of the United States, residents of Canada and other foreign residents. To the extent known by the directors and executive officers of the Company, the Company is not directly or indirectly owned or controlled by another corporation. Table No. 11 lists, as of March 21, 2011, the only persons or companies beneficially owning more than 5% of the Company’s voting securities.
Table No. 11
Shareholdings of Beneficial Owners
|
Title of
|
Amounts and Nature of
|
Percent of
|
|
|
Class
|
Name of Beneficial Owner
|
Beneficial Ownership
|
Class*
|
|
Common
|
Duane Poliquin
|
3,183,837
(1)
|
5.60%
|
|
(1)
|
Of these shares 1,010,000 represent currently exercisable stock options. 69,300 of these shares are held indirectly by Hawk Mountain Resources Ltd., a company owned by Mr. Poliquin and his wife.
|
*Based on 55,876,822 shares outstanding as of March 21, 2011 and stock options held by each beneficial owner.
128
Certain geological, technical, professional and general and administrative services were provided to the Company by directors and officers and/or companies controlled by them. These directors and officers and the companies controlled by them are as follows:
|
|
(a) Duane Poliquin operates through the private company Hawk Mountain Resources Ltd.
|
|
|
(b) Barry Smee operates through his private company Smee & Associates Consulting Ltd.
|
|
|
(c) Mark T. Brown operates through his private company Pacific Opportunity Capital Ltd.
|
|
|
(d) Gerald Carlson operates through his private company KGE Management.
|
The costs of such services for Fiscal 2010 ended December 31, 2010 were $268,100, Fiscal 2009 ended December 31, 2009 were $252,980 and Fiscal 2008 ended December 31, 2008 were $237,375.
Certain officers and directors of the Company are also officers or directors of companies with which the Company has agreements and may not be considered at arm's-length to such agreements. However, any agreement or any to be negotiated between the Company and such other companies has been or will be approved by directors of the Company, in accordance with the common law and the provisions of the
B.C. Business Corporations Act
(
British Columbia).
The Company and Williams Creek Explorations Limited are shareholders in ATW Resources Ltd. and hold an interest in the ATW prospect . As confirmed by a declaration of trust dated January 1, 2001, amended January 21, 2004, ATW Resources Ltd. acts as trustee holding the Company’s beneficial 64.8% interest in the project. During Fiscal 2007, the Company sold interests in certain mineral exploration prospects located in the Yukon Territory and Mexico for a total of 3,500,000 common shares of Tarsis. In addition, the Company retained a net smelter royalty equal to 2% of all metals discovered on the properties. During Fiscal 2008, the Company received 500,000 common shares of Tarsis when one of the properties became subject to an option agreement with an arm’s length third party with a commitment by the third party to expend a minimum of $500,000 on the property. Also during Fiscal 2008, the Company sold its interest in the Prospector Mountain prospect in the Yukon Territory for 100,000 shares of Tarsis and a cash payment of $30,000. Almaden retains a 2% net smelter royalty over any mineral produced from the property, however, half of the net smelter royalty may be purchased at any time after production commences for fair value as determined by an independent valuator. Tarsis also agrees to issue 500,000 common shares of Tarsis upon receipt of a positive bankable feasibility study for this prospect.
Other than as disclosed above, there have been no transactions or proposed transactions, which have materially affected or will materially affect the Registrant in which any director, executive officer, or beneficial holder of more that 10% of the outstanding common stock, or any of their respective relatives, spouses, associates or affiliates has had or will have any direct or material indirect interest. As stated above, management believes the transactions referenced above were on terms at least as favorable to the Company as the Company could have obtained from unaffiliated parties.
The financial statements as required under Item 8 are attached hereto and found immediately following the text of this Annual Report.
Legal Proceedings
The original owner of the El Encuentro, Mexico prospect has sued the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, Almaden de Mexico, S.A. de C.V., to have the property returned on grounds that he is not receiving a royalty. He was paid US$100,000 by Eldorado Gold Corporation which was payment in full for the property and retains a net smelter return royalty. The agreement with the original owner does not provide for a royalty if there is no mine in operation. The Company considers the lawsuit trivial and is defending this action.
The Company was assessed additional mineral tax of $197,233 plus interest of $84,638 by the British Columbia Ministry of Energy and Mines (the “Ministry”). The assessment related to the deductibility of certain expenditures between February 1, 1995 and January 31, 1997. In order to reduce the exposure to interest charges, the Company paid and expensed $281,871 which was refunded with interest early in Fiscal 2010 upon management successfully defending its position.
Other than the above, the Company knows of no other material, active or pending legal proceedings against them; nor is the Company involved as a plaintiff in any material proceeding or pending litigation.
129
Other than the above, the Company knows of no active or pending proceedings against anyone that might materially adversely affect an interest of the Company.
Dividends
The Company has not declared any dividends since inception and does not anticipate that it will do so in the foreseeable future. The present policy of the Company is to retain future earnings for use in its operations and the expansion of its business.
Significant Changes
There have been no significant changes of financial condition since the most recent audited financial statements included within this Annual Report.
The Company's common shares trade on The Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSX") in Toronto, Ontario, Canada having the symbol "AMM” and on the NYSE Amex (formerly the American Stock Exchange) in New York, New York, U.S.A. having the symbol “AAU” and CUSIP #020283107.
The Company’s common shares commenced trading on February 11, 2002 on TSX and December 19, 2005 on the American Stock Exchange, now the NYSE Amex.
Table No. 12 lists the high and low prices for the shares of Almaden Minerals Ltd. common stock for the years since listing on the American Stock Exchange, now the NYSE Amex. Table No. 13 lists the high and low prices for shares of Almaden Minerals Ltd. common stock on TSX.
Table No. 12
Almaden Minerals Ltd.
Stock Trading Activity
NYSE Amex
(expressed in US$)
|
Year Ended
|
High
|
Low
|
|
12/31/2010
12/31/2009
12/31/2008
12/31/2007
12/31/2006
|
$5.03
1.34
2.91
3.28
3.30
|
$0.86
0.55
0.39
2.00
1.91
|
Table No. 13
Almaden Minerals Ltd.
Stock Trading Activity
The Toronto Stock Exchange
(expressed in C$)
|
Year Ended
|
High
|
Low
|
|
|
12/31/2010
12/31/2009
12/31/2008
12/31/2007
12/31/2006
|
$5.15
1.37
2.90
3.10
3.70
|
$0.88
0.64
0.44
2.17
2.33
|
|
Table No. 14 lists the quarterly high and low prices for shares of Almaden Minerals Ltd. common stock on NYSE Amex for the two most recent full financial years. Table No. 15 lists the quarterly high and low prices for shares of Almaden Minerals Ltd. common stock on TSX for the two most recent full financial years.
130
Table No. 14
Almaden Minerals Ltd.
Stock Trading Activity
NYSE Amex
(expressed in US$)
|
Quarter Ended
|
High
|
Low
|
|
12/31/2010
09/30/2010
06/30/2010
03/30/2010
12/31/2009
09/30/2009
06/30/2009
03/30/2009
|
$5.03
2.87
1.29
1.29
1.34
0.80
0.94
0.92
|
$2.55
0.86
0.90
0.87
0.67
0.55
0.55
0.58
|
Table No. 15
Almaden Minerals Ltd.
Stock Trading Activity
The Toronto Stock Exchange
(expressed in C$)
|
Quarter Ended
|
High
|
Low
|
|
12/31/2010
|
$5.15
|
$2.60
|
|
09/30/2010
|
2.92
|
0.88
|
|
06/30/2010
|
1.32
|
0.93
|
|
03/31/2010
|
1.34
|
0.91
|
|
12/31/2009
|
1.37
|
0.72
|
|
09/30/2009
|
0.86
|
0.64
|
|
06/30/2009
|
1.00
|
0.69
|
|
03/31/2009
|
1.17
|
0.75
|
Table No. 16 lists the high and low prices for shares of Almaden Minerals Ltd. common stock on NYSE Amex for the most recent six months. Table No. 17 lists the high and low prices for shares of Almaden Minerals Ltd. common stock on TSX for the most recent six months.
Table No. 16
Almaden Minerals Ltd.
Stock Trading Activity
NYSE Amex
(expressed in US$)
|
Month Ended
|
High
|
Low
|
|
|
02/28/2011
01/31/2011
12/31/2010
11/30/2010
10/31/2010
09/30/2010
|
$4.51
5.08
5.03
4.46
3.28
2.87
|
$3.68
3.56
4.12
2.55
2.55
2.14
|
|
131
Table No. 17
Almaden Minerals Ltd.
Stock Trading Activity
The Toronto Stock Exchange
(expressed in C$)
|
Month Ended
|
High
|
Low
|
|
|
02/28/2011
01/31/2011
12/31/2010
11/30/2010
10/31/2010
09/30/2010
|
$4.59
5.17
5.25
4.58
3.36
3.09
|
$3.62
3.40
4.18
2.56
2.54
2.20
|
|
The closing price of the Company’s common stock was $4.18 (US$) on the NYSE Amex and $4.09 (C$) on TSX on February 28, 2011.
In recent years, securities markets in Canada have experienced a high level of price and volume volatility, and the market price of many resource companies, particularly those considered speculative exploration companies, have experienced wide fluctuations in price which have not necessarily been related to operating performance or underlying asset values on prospects of such companies. Exploration for gold and other minerals is considered high risk and highly speculative in the resource industry and the trading market for precious and base metal exploration companies is characteristically volatile, with wide fluctuations of price and volume only in part related to progress of exploration. There can be no assurance that continual fluctuations in the Company’s share price and volume will not occur.
The Company's common stock is issued in registered form and the following information is from the Company’s registrar and transfer agent, Computershare Investor Services Inc. located in Vancouver, British Columbia and Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
On February 28, 2011, the shareholders' list for the Company’s common shares showed 112 registered shareholders and 55,851,832 shares outstanding. 78 of these registered shareholders are U.S. residents, owning 13,451,493 shares representing 24% of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock. 31 of these registered shareholders are Canadian residents, owning 42,393,439 shares representing 76% of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock. 3 of these registered shareholders are of other countries, owning 6,900 shares representing 0% of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock.
Table No. 18 lists changes, if any, in issued shares to March 21, 2010:
Table No. 18
Shares Issued to March 21, 2011
|
Number
|
|
|
Balance, December 31, 2010
|
55,500,822
|
|
For cash on exercise of share purchase warrants
|
276,000
|
|
For cash pursuant to private placement
|
100,000
|
|
Balance, March 21, 2011
|
55,876,822
|
Share purchase warrants
At March 21, 2011, there were non-transferable share purchase warrants outstanding to acquire a total of 1,205,499 shares of the Company's common stock. These share purchase warrants were issued pursuant to private placement financings. If the shares purchase warrants are exercised during the first four months following their issuance, the shares issued will be subject to a hold period imposed by the Toronto Stock Exchange and the Ontario Securities Commission expiring at the end of the four month period.
132
Table No. 19 lists, as of March 21, 2011, share purchase warrants outstanding, the exercise price, and the expiration date of the warrants.
Table No. 19
Outstanding Share Purchase Warrants
|
Amount
|
Exercise Price
|
Expiry Date
|
||
|
C$
|
||||
|
1,180,500
24,999
|
1.40
1.20
|
12/17/2011
06/29/2011
|
||
|
1,205,499
|
||||
Flow-Through Shares
The Company’s common shares are not normally flow-through shares but the Company has issued flow-through shares pursuant to private placements of the Company’s common shares. Flow-through shares differ from other common shares in one aspect only, all other rights of the shareholder remain unchanged. Companies must specifically identify the expenditures associated with the funds raised through the sale of flow-through shares. Companies raising capital through flow-through shares must expend the funds on qualifying natural resources/exploration development in Canada. The tax benefits (depreciation, amortization, etc.) connected with the expenditures flow through to the shareholder rather than corporation. These tax benefits are available only to shareholders residing in Canada. Shareholders residing in the United States and other non-Canadian shareholders, receive no tax benefits through the purchase of flow-through shares.
Memorandum and Articles
At the Annual and Special General meeting of the Company held on May 18, 2005, shareholders passed appropriate resolutions to complete the transition procedures in accordance with the
Business Corporations Act (British Columbia)
, (the “BCBCA”), to increase the number of common shares which the Company is authorized to issue to an unlimited number of common shares and to cancel the Company’s Articles and adopt new Articles to take advantage of provisions of the BCBCA. The BCBCA was adopted in British Columbia on March 29, 2004 replacing the
Company Act
(the “Former Act”). The BCBCA requires the provisions formerly required in the Memorandum to be in the Articles. The BCBCA eliminates the requirement for a Memorandum.
The revised Articles were filed as an exhibit to the 2005 20-F Annual Report with the Commission on March 30, 2006.
The Articles replace the Memorandum and Articles as filed with the Commission on May 17, 2002.
Articles
The Company was formed through the amalgamation of Fairfield Minerals Ltd. and Almaden Resources Corporation effective December 31, 2001 under the
Company Act
of British Columbia (the “Company Act”). On March 29, 2004, British Columbia adopted the
Business Corporations Act (British Columbia)
(the “BCBCA”) to replace the Company Act. Companies registered under the Company Act are required to transition to the BCBCA. At the Annual and Special General meeting of the Company held on May 18, 2005, shareholders passed appropriate resolutions to complete the transition procedures to cancel the Company’s Articles and adopt new Articles, which includes an increase of the number of common shares which the Company is authorized to issue to an unlimited number of common shares. The Company’s new Articles became effective in June 2005 (the “Articles”).
The Articles contain no restrictions on the business the Company may carry on.
Under the Articles, if a director has a disclosable interest in a contract or transaction, such director is liable to account to the Company for any profits that accrue to the director as a result of the contract or transaction unless disclosure is made thereof and the contract or transaction is approved in accordance with the provisions of the BCBCA and a director is not entitled to vote on any director’s resolution to approve that contract or transaction unless all of the directors have a disclosable interest in that contract or transaction, in which case all of those directors may vote on such resolution.
133
A director may hold any office or place of profit with the Company in conjunction with the office of director, and no director shall be disqualified by his office from contracting with the Company. A director or his firm may act in a professional capacity for the Company and he or his firm shall be entitled to remuneration for professional services. A director may become a director or other officer or employee of, or otherwise interested in, any corporation or firm in which the Company may be interested as a shareholder or otherwise. The director shall not be accountable to the Company for any remuneration or other benefits received by him from such other corporation or firm unless the Company in general meeting directs otherwise.
Under the Articles the directors must manage or supervise the management of the business and affairs of the Company and have the authority to exercise all such powers which are not required to be exercised by the shareholders, or as governed by the BCBCA. Under the Articles the directors may, by resolution, create and appoint one or more committees consisting of such member or members of their body as they think fit and may delegate to any such committee such powers of the Board as the Board may designate or prescribe.
The Articles provide that the quorum necessary for the transaction of the business of the directors may be fixed by the directors and if not so fixed shall be a majority of the directors. The continuing directors may, notwithstanding any vacancy in their body, but if and so long as their number is reduced below the number fixed pursuant to the Articles as the necessary quorum of directors, act only for the purpose of increasing the number of directors to that number, or of summoning a general meeting of the Company, but for no other purpose.
The Articles provide that the directors may, on behalf of the Company:
|
●
|
Borrow money in a manner and amount, on any security, from any source and upon any terms and conditions;
|
|
●
|
Issue bonds, debentures, and other debt obligations either outright or as security for any liability or obligation of the Company or any other person;
|
|
●
|
Guarantee the repayment of money by any other person or the performance of any obligation of any other person; and
|
|
●
|
Mortgage, charge, or give other security, on the whole or any part of the property or assets of the Company, both present and future.
|
There are no age limit requirements pertaining to the retirement or non-retirement of directors.
A director need not be a shareholder of the Company.
The Articles provide for the mandatory indemnification of Directors, Officers, former officers and directors, alternate directors, as well as their respective heirs and personal or other legal representatives, or any other person, to the greatest extent permitted by the BCBCA. The indemnification includes the mandatory payment of expenses. The directors may cause the Company to purchase and maintain insurance for the benefit of eligible parties.
The rights, preferences and restrictions attaching to each class of the Company’s shares are as follows:
Common Shares
The authorized share structure consists of an unlimited number of common shares without par value. All the shares of common stock of the Company are of the same class and, once issued, rank equally as to dividends, voting powers, and participation in assets. Holders of common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters to be acted upon by the shareholders. Holders of common stock are entitled to receive such dividends as may be declared from time to time by the Board of Directors, in its discretion, out of funds legally available therefore.
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Upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, holders of common stock are entitled to receive pro rata the assets of Company, if any, remaining after payments of all debts and liabilities. No shares have been issued subject to call or assessment. There are no pre-emptive or conversion rights and no provisions for redemption or purchase for cancellation, surrender, or sinking or purchase funds.
The Directors may by resolution make any changes in the authorized share structure as may be permitted under Section 54 of the BCBCA, and may by resolution of the Directors make or authorize the making of any alterations to the Articles and the notice of articles as may be required by such changes.
The Company may by ordinary resolution, create or vary special rights and restrictions as provided in Section 58 of the BCBCA. No alteration will be valid as to any part of the issued shares of any class unless the holders of all the issued shares of that class consent to the alteration in writing or consent by special separate resolution.
An annual general meeting shall be held once every calendar year at such time (not being more than 15 months after holding the last preceding annual meeting) and place as may be determined by the Directors. The Directors may, as they see fit, to convene an extraordinary general meeting. An extraordinary general meeting, if requisitioned in accordance with the BCBCA, shall be convened by the Directors or, if not convened by the Directors, may be convened by the requisitionists as provided in the BCBCA.
There are no limitations upon the rights to own securities.
There are no provisions that would have the effect of delaying, deferring, or preventing a change in control of the Company.
There is no special ownership threshold above which an ownership position must be disclosed. However, any ownership level above 10% must be disclosed by news release and notices filed in accordance with Canadian Securities Laws and by notices to the Toronto Stock Exchange.
A copy of the Company’s new articles is filed was filed as an exhibit to the 2005 Form 20-F Annual Report with the Commission on March 30, 2006.
Material Contracts
The following is a summary of each material contract, other than contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business, to which we or any member of the group is a party, for the two years preceding the date of this document.
1. Option Agreement dated March 23, 2009 between the Company and Antofagasta Minerals S.A. (“Antofagasta”) whereby Antofagasta has the right to earn a 60% interest in the Tuligtic prospect by spending US$7,000,000 and making cash payments to the Company of US$1,000,000 by March 23, 2014. Antofagasta has the right and option to acquire an additional 15% interest (for an aggregate 75% interest) by funding and delivering a Feasibility Study by March 23, 2016. The full text of the Option Agreement was filed as an exhibit to the Form 6-K with the Commission on March 25, 2009.
2. Release and Quit Claim Agreement dated March 24, 2009 between the Company and Consolidated Spire Ventures Ltd. (“Consolidated Spire”) where Consolidated Spire transfers, quit claims and relinquishes all right, title and option to the Yago prospect. The full text of the Option Agreement was filed as an exhibit to the Form 6-K with the Commission on March 26, 2009.
3. Option Agreement dated July 29, 2009 between the Company and Fairmont Resources Inc. (“Fairmont”) whereby Fairmont has the right to earn a 60% interest in the Nicoamen River prospect by spending $2,000,000 and issuing 300,000 shares of Fairmont to the Company by July 29, 2014 and making cash payments to the Company of $25,000 by July 29, 2010. The full text of the Option Agreement was filed as an exhibit to the Form 6-K with the Commission on July 31, 2009.
4. Contract for the Transfer of Rights between the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Minera Gavilan, S.A. de C.V., and Mr. Martin Soto Moran (“Moran”) where the Company obtained the right to claims which adjoined and now form part of its Yago prospect from Moran. The full text of the Contract for the Transfer of Rights was filed as an exhibit to the Form 6-K with the Commission on September 9, 2009.
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5. Property Purchase Agreement dated November 19, 2009 between the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary Minera Gavilan, S.A. de C.V. and Lincoln Mining Corporation, Lincoln Gold Corporation and Minera Lincoln de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. (“Lincoln”) whereby Lincoln purchased the Company’s 100% interest in the Bufa prospect by issuing 6,000,000 shares of Lincoln to the Company together with a 2% NSR. The full text of the Option Agreement was filed as an exhibit to the Form 6-K with the Commission on December 17, 2009.
6. Memorandum of Agreement dated February 5, 2010 between the Company, Goldgroup Resources Inc. (“Goldgroup”) and NGEx Resources Inc. (“NGEx”) whereby the Company consents to the assignment and transfer of NGEx’s option to acquire an interest in the Caballo Blanco prospect to Goldgroup. The full text of the Option Agreement was filed as an exhibit to the Form 6-K with the Commission on March 18, 2010.
7. Agreement to Purchase Mineral Claims dated February 17, 2010 between the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary Minera Gavilan, S.A. de C.V. and Lincoln Mining Corporation, Lincoln Gold Corporation and Minera Lincoln de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. (“Lincoln”) whereby Lincoln purchased the Company’s 100% interest in the Bufa prospect by issuing 6,000,000 shares of Lincoln to the Company together with a 2% NSR. This agreement replaced the Property Purchase Agreement dated November 19, 2009 (7 above). The full text of the Option Agreement was filed as an exhibit to the Form 6-K with the Commission on February 22, 2010.
8. Purchase Offer dated April 22, 2010 between the Company, Skeena Resources Limited (“Skeena”), Virginia Energy Resources Inc. (“Virginia Energy”) and Minera Cascable SA de CV (“Cascable”) whereby Skeena purchased the Company’s, Virginia Energy’s and Cascable’s 100% interest in the Tropico prospect for a total of
8,000,000 shares of Skeena and 4,000 share purchase warrants. The full text of the Purchase Offer is filed as an exhibit to the 2010 20F Annual Report with the Commission on March 31, 2011.
9. Option Agreement dated May 21, 2010 between the Company and Sunburst Explorations Inc. (“Sunburst”) whereby Sunburst has the right to earn a 60% interest in the Merit prospect by spending $3,000,000 and issuing 700,000 shares of Sunburst to the Company on or before fifteen (15) days from the date upon which the common shares of Sunburst are listed for trading on the TSX Venture Exchange. The full text of the Option Agreement was filed as an exhibit to the Form 6-K with the Commission on June 10, 2010.
9. Option Agreement dated September 3, 2010 between the Company and Windstorm Resources Ltd. (“Windstorm”) whereby Windstorm has the right to earn a 60% interest in the Caldera prospect by spending US$5,000,000 and issuing 1,000,000 shares of Windstorm to the Company by September 16, 2016. The full text of the Option Agreement was filed as an exhibit to the Form 6-K with the Commission on September 8, 2010.
10. Assets Purchase Agreement dated February 11, 2011 between the Company and Beanstalk Capital Inc. (“Beanstalk”) whereby Beanstalk has agreed to purchase 100% of all assets belonging to or usually and ordinarily used in connection with the Elk Gold Project for thirty-seven (37) million shares of Beanstalk. The full text of the Assets Purchase Agreement was filed as an exhibit to the Form 6-K with the Commission on March 11, 2011.
Exchange controls
Except as discussed above, the Company is not aware of any Canadian federal or provincial laws, decrees or regulations that restrict the export or import of capital, including foreign exchange controls, or that affect the remittance of interest, dividends or other payments to non-Canadian holders of the common shares. There are no limitations on the right of non-Canadian owners to hold or vote the common shares imposed by Canadian federal or provincial law or by the charter or other constituent documents of the Company.
The
Investment Canada Act
(the
"IC Ac
t") governs acquisitions of Canadian business by a non-Canadian person or entity. The
IC Act
requires a non-Canadian (as defined in the
IC Ac
t) making an investment to acquire control of a Canadian business, the gross assets of which exceed certain defined threshold levels, to file an application for review with the Investment Review Division of Industry Canada. The
IC Act
provides, among other things, for a review of an investment in the event of acquisition of "control" in certain Canadian businesses in the following circumstances:
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1. If the investor is a non-Canadian and is a national of a country belonging to the North American Free Trade Agreement ("NAFTA") and/or the World Trade Organization ("WTO") ("NAFTA or WTO National"), any direct acquisition having an asset value exceeding $179,000,000 is reviewable. This amount is subject to an annual adjustment on the basis of a prescribed formula in the
IC Act
to reflect inflation and real growth within Canada. This threshold level does not apply in certain sections of Canadian industry, such as uranium, financial services (except insurance), transportation services and cultural services (i.e. the publication, distribution or sale of books, magazines, periodicals (other than printing or typesetting businesses), music in print or machine readable form, radio, television, cable and satellite services; the publication, distribution, sale or exhibition of film or video recordings on audio or video music recordings), to which lower thresholds as prescribed in the
IC Act
are applicable.
2. If the investor is a non-Canadian and is not a NAFTA or WTO National, any direct acquisition having an asset value exceeding $5,000,000 and any indirect acquisition having an asset value exceeding $50,000,000 is reviewable.
3. If the investor is a non-Canadian and is NAFTA or WTO National, an indirect acquisition of control is reviewable if the value of the assets of the business located in Canada represents more than 50% of the asset value of the transaction or the business is involved in uranium, financial services, transportation services or cultural services (as set forth above).
Finally, certain transactions prescribed in the
IC Act
are exempted from review altogether.
In the context of the Company, in essence, three methods of acquiring control of a Canadian business are regulated by the
IC Ac
t: (i) the acquisition of all or substantially all of the assets used in carrying on business in Canada; (ii) the acquisition, directly or indirectly, of voting shares of a Canadian corporation carrying on business in Canada; or (iii) the acquisition of voting shares of an entity which controls, directly or indirectly, another entity carrying on business in Canada.
An acquisition of a majority of the voting shares of a Canadian entity, including a corporation, is deemed to be an acquisition of control under the
IC Ac
t. However, under the
IC Ac
t, there is a rebuttable presumption that control is acquired if one-third of the voting shares of a Canadian corporation or an equivalent undivided interest in the voting shares of such corporation are held by a non-Canadian person or entity. An acquisition of less than one-third of the voting shares of a Canadian corporation is deemed not to be an acquisition of control. An acquisition of less than a majority, but one-third or more, of the voting shares of a Canadian corporation is presumed to be an acquisition of control unless it can be established that, on the acquisition, the Canadian corporation is not, in fact, controlled by the acquirer through the ownership of voting shares. For partnerships, trusts, joint ventures or other unincorporated Canadian entities, an acquisition of less than a majority of the voting interests is deemed not to be an acquisition of control.
In addition, if a Canadian corporation is controlled by a non-Canadian, the acquisition of control of any other Canadian corporation by such corporation may be subject to the prior approval of the Investment Review Division, unless it can be established that the Canadian corporation is not in fact controlled by the acquirer through the ownership of voting shares.
Where an investment is reviewable under the
IC Ac
t, the investment may not be implemented unless it is likely to be of net benefit to Canada. If an applicant is unable to satisfy the Minister responsible for Industry Canada that the investment is likely to be of net benefit to Canada, the applicant may not proceed with the investment. Alternatively, an acquirer may be required to divest control of the Canadian business that is the subject of the investment.
In addition to the foregoing, the
IC Act
provides for formal notification under the
IC Act
of all other acquisitions of control by Canadian businesses by non-Canadian investors. The notification process consists of filing a notification within 30 days following the implementation of an investment, which notification is for information, as opposed to review, purposes.
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Taxation
The following summary of the material Canadian federal income tax consequences generally applicable in respect of the common stock reflects the Company’s opinion. The tax consequences to any particular holder of common stock will vary according to the status of that holder as an individual, trust, corporation or member of a partnership, the jurisdiction in which that holder is subject to taxation, the place where that holder is resident and, generally, according to that holder’s particular circumstances. This summary is applicable only to holders who are resident in the United States, have never been resident in Canada, deal at arm’s length with the Company, hold their common stock as capital property and who will not use or hold the common stock in carrying on business in Canada. Special rules, which are not discussed in this summary, may apply to a United States holder that is an issuer that carries on business in Canada and elsewhere.
This summary is based upon the provisions of the Income Tax Act of Canada and the regulations thereunder (collectively, the "Tax Act" or “ITA”)and the Canada-United States Tax Convention (the “Tax Convention”) as at the date of the Registration Statement and the current administrative practices of Canada Customs and Revenue Agency. This summary does not take into account Provincial income tax consequences.
Each holder should consult his own tax advisor with respect to the income tax consequences applicable to him in his own particular circumstances.
Certain Canadian Federal Income Tax Consequences
The discussion under this heading summarizes the principal Canadian federal income tax consequences of acquiring, holding and disposing of shares of common stock of the Corporation for a shareholder of the Corporation who is not a resident of Canada but is a resident of the United States and who will acquire and hold shares of common stock of the Corporation as capital property for the purposes of the
Income Tax Act
(Canada) (the “Canadian Tax Act”). This summary does not apply to a shareholder who carries on business in Canada through a “permanent establishment” situated in Canada or performs independent personal services in Canada through a fixed base in Canada if the shareholder’s holding in the Corporation is effectively connected with such permanent establishment or fixed base. This summary is based on the provisions of the Canadian Tax Act and the regulations thereunder and on an understanding of the administrative practices of Canada Customs & Revenue Agency, and takes into account all specific proposals to amend the Canadian Tax Act or regulations made by the Minister of Finance of Canada as of the date hereof. It has been assumed that there will be no other relevant amendment of any governing law although no assurance can be given in this respect. This discussion is general only and is not a substitute for independent advice from a shareholder’s own Canadian and U.S. tax advisors.
The provisions of the Canadian Tax Act are subject to income tax treaties to which Canada is a party, including the Canada-United States Income Tax Convention (1980), as amended (the “Convention”).
Dividends on Common Shares and Other Income
Under the Canadian Tax Act, a non-resident of Canada is generally subject to Canadian withholding tax at the rate of 25 percent on dividends paid or deemed to have been paid to him or her by a corporation resident in Canada. The Corporation is responsible for withholding of tax at the source. The Convention limits the rate to 15 percent if the shareholder is a resident of the United States and the dividends are beneficially owned by and paid to such shareholder, and to 5 percent if the shareholder is also a corporation that beneficially owns at least 10 percent of the voting stock of the payor corporation.
The amount of a stock dividend (for tax purposes) would generally be equal to the amount by which the paid up or stated capital of the Corporation had increased by reason of the payment of such dividend. The Corporation will furnish additional tax information to shareholders in the event of such a dividend. Interest paid or deemed to be paid on the Corporation’s debt securities held by non-Canadian residents may also be subject to Canadian withholding tax, depending upon the terms and provisions of such securities and any applicable tax treaty.
The Convention generally exempts from Canadian income tax dividends paid to a religious, scientific, literary, educational or charitable organization or to an organization constituted and operated exclusively to administer a pension, retirement or employee benefit fund or plan, if the organization is a resident of the United States and is exempt from income tax under the laws of the United States.
Dispositions of Common Shares
Under the Canadian Tax Act, a taxpayer’s capital gain or capital loss from a disposition of a share of common stock of the Corporation is the amount, if any, by which his or her proceeds of disposition exceed (or are exceeded by, respectively) the aggregate of his or her adjusted cost base of the share and reasonable expenses of disposition. The capital gain or loss must be computed in Canadian currency using a weighted average adjusted cost base for identical properties. There are special transitional rules to apply capital losses against capital gains that arose in different periods. The amount by which a shareholder’s capital loss exceeds the capital gain in a year may be deducted from a capital gain realized by the shareholder in the three previous years or any subsequent year, subject to certain restrictions in the case of a corporate shareholder.
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Under the Canadian Tax Act, a non-resident of Canada is subject to Canadian tax on taxable capital gains, and may deduct allowable capital losses, realized on a disposition of "taxable Canadian property." Shares of common stock of the Corporation will constitute taxable Canadian property of a shareholder at a particular time if the shareholder used the shares in carrying on business in Canada, or if at any time in the five years immediately preceding the disposition 25% or more of the issued shares of any class or series in the capital stock of the Corporation belonged to one or more persons in a group comprising the shareholder and persons with whom the shareholder and persons with whom the shareholder did not deal at arm’s length and in certain other circumstances.
The Convention relieves United States residents from liability for Canadian tax on capital gains derived on a disposition of shares unless
(a) the value of the shares is derived principally from “real property” in Canada, including the right to explore for or exploit natural resources and rights to amounts computed by reference to production,
(b) the shareholder was resident in Canada for 120 months during any period of 20 consecutive years preceding, and at any time during the 10 years immediately preceding, the disposition and the shares were owned by him when he or she ceased to be resident in Canada, or
(c) the shares formed part of the business property of a “permanent establishment” that the holder has or had in Canada within the 12 months preceding the disposition.
Certain United States Federal Income Tax Consequences
The following is a discussion of material United States federal income tax consequences generally applicable to a U.S. Holder (as defined below) of common shares of the Company. This discussion does not cover any state, local or foreign tax consequences.
The following discussion is based upon the sections of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“the Code”), Treasury Regulations, published Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) rulings, published administrative positions of the IRS and court decisions that are currently applicable, any or all of which could be materially and adversely changed, possible on a retroactive basis, at any time. In addition, the discussion does not consider the potential effects, both adverse and beneficial, or recently proposed legislation which, if enacted, could be applied, possibly on a retroactive basis, at any time. Holders and prospective holders of common shares of the Company are urged to consult their own tax advisors about the federal, state, local, and foreign tax consequences of purchasing, owning and disposing of common shares of the Company.
U.S. Holders
As used herein, a U.S. Holder includes a holder of common shares of the Company who is a citizen or resident of the United States, a corporation (or an entity which has elected to be treated as a corporation under Treasury Regulation Sections 301.7701-3) created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or of any political subdivision thereof, any estate other than a foreign estate (as defined in Section 7701(a)(31)(A) of the Code or, a trust subject to the primary supervision of a court within the United States and control of a United States fiduciary as described in Section 7701(a)(30)(E) of the Code. This summary does not address the tax consequences to, and U.S. Holder does not include, persons subject to special provisions of Federal income tax law, such as tax-exempt organizations, qualified retirement plans, financial institutions, insurance companies, real estate investment trusts, regulated investment companies, broker-dealers, non-resident alien individuals, persons or entities that have a “functional currency” other than the U.S. dollar, shareholders who hold common shares as part of a straddle, hedging or conversion transaction, and shareholders who acquired their common shares through the exercise of employee stock options or otherwise as compensation for services. This summary is limited to U.S. Holders who own common shares as capital assets. This summary does not address the consequences to a person or entity holding an interest in a shareholder of the Company or the consequences to a person of the ownership, exercise or disposition of any options, warrants or other rights to acquire common shares of the Company.
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Distribution on Common Shares of the Company
U.S. Holders receiving dividend distributions (including constructive dividends) with respect to common shares of the Company are required to include in gross income for United States federal income tax purposes the gross amount of such distributions equal to the U.S. dollar value of such distributions on the date of receipt (based on the exchange rate on such date), to the extent that the Company has current or accumulated earnings and profits, without reduction for any Canadian income tax withheld from such distributions. Such Canadian tax withheld may be credited, subject to certain limitations, against the U.S. Holder’s United States federal income tax liability or, alternatively, may be deducted in computing the U.S. Holder’s United States federal taxable income. (See more detailed discussion at “Foreign Tax Credit” below). To the extent that distributions exceed current or accumulated earnings and profits of the Company, they will be treated first as a return of capital up to the U.S. Holder’s adjusted basis in the common shares and thereafter as gain from the sale or exchange of the common shares. Dividend income will be taxed at marginal tax rates applicable to ordinary income while preferential tax rates for long-term capital gains are applicable to a U.S. Holder which is an individual, estate or trust. There are currently no preferential tax rates for long-term capital gains for a U.S. Holder which is a corporation.
In the case of foreign currency received as a dividend that is not converted by the recipient into U.S. dollars on the date of receipt, a U.S. Holder will have a tax basis in the foreign currency equal to its U.S. dollar value on the date of receipt. Gain or loss may be recognized upon a subsequent sale of other disposition of the foreign currency, including the exchange for U.S. dollars.
Dividends paid on the common shares of the Company will not generally be eligible for the dividends received deduction provided to corporations receiving dividends from certain United States corporations. A U.S. Holder which is a corporation may, under certain circumstances, be entitled to a 70% deduction of the United States source portion of dividends received from the Company (unless the Company qualifies as a “foreign personal holding company” or a “passive foreign investment company”, as defined below) if such U.S. Holder owns shares representing at least 10% of the voting power and value of the Company. The availability of this deduction is subject to several complex limitations which are beyond the scope of this discussion.
Foreign Tax Credit
A U.S. Holder who pays (or has withheld from distributions) Canadian income tax with respect to the ownership of common shares of the Company may be entitled, at the option of the U.S. Holder, to either a deduction or a tax credit for such foreign tax paid or withheld. Generally, it will be more advantageous to claim a credit because a credit reduces United States Federal income taxes on a dollar-for-dollar basis, while a deduction merely reduces the taxpayer’s income subject to tax. This election is made on a year-by-year basis and applies to all foreign income taxes (or taxes in lieu of income tax) paid by (or withheld from) the U.S. Holder during the year. There are significant and complex limitations which apply to the credit, among which is the general limitation that the credit cannot exceed the proportionate share of the U.S. Holder’s United States income tax liability that the U.S. Holder’s foreign source income bears to his/her or its worldwide taxable income. The various items of income and deduction must be classified into foreign and domestic sources. Complex rules govern this classification process. In addition, this limitation is calculated separately with respect to specific classes of income such as “passive income”, “high withholding tax interest”, “financial services income”, “shipping income”, and certain other classifications of income. Dividends distributed by the Company will generally constitute “passive income” or, in the case of certain U.S. Holders, “financial services income” for these purposes. The availability of the foreign tax credit and the application of the limitations on the credit are fact specific and holders and prospective holders of common shares of the Company should consult their own tax advisors regarding their individual circumstances.
For individuals whose entire income from sources outside the United States consists of qualified passive income whose the total amount of creditable foreign taxes paid or accrued during the taxable year does not exceed $300 ($600 in the case of a joint return) and for whom an election is made under section 904(j), the limitation on credit does not apply.
Disposition of Common Shares of the Company
A U.S. Holder will recognize gain or loss upon the sale of common shares of the Company equal to the difference, if any, between (I) the amount of cash plus the fair market value of any property received, and (ii) the shareholder’s tax basis in the common shares of the Company. Preferential tax rates apply to long-term capital gains of U.S. Holders which are individuals, estates or trusts. This gain or loss will be capital gain or loss if the common shares are capital assets in the hands of the U.S. Holder, which will be a short-term or long-term capital gain or loss depending upon the holding period of the U.S. Holder. Gains and losses are netted and combined according to special rules in arriving at the overall capital gain or loss for a particular tax year. Deductions for net capital losses are subject to significant limitations. For U.S. Holders which are not corporations, any unused portion of such net capital loss may be carried over to be used in later tax years until such net capital loss is thereby exhausted, but individuals may not carry back capital losses. For U.S. Holders which are corporations (other than corporations subject to Subchapter S of the Code), an unused net capital loss may be carried back three years from the loss year and carried forward five years from the loss year to be offset against capital gains until such net capital loss is thereby exhausted.
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Other Considerations
In the following circumstances, the above sections of the discussion may not describe the United States federal income tax consequences resulting from the holding and disposition of common shares of the Company.
Passive Foreign Investment Company
As a foreign corporation with U.S. Holders, the Company could potentially be treated as a passive foreign investment company (“PFIC”), as defined in Section 1297 of the Code, depending upon the percentage of the Company’s income which is passive, or the percentage of the Company’s assets which are held for the purpose of producing passive income.
Certain United States Income Tax Legislation
The rule governing PFICs can have significant tax effects on U.S. shareholders of foreign corporations. These rules do not apply to non-U.S. shareholders. Section 1297 of the Code defines a PFIC as a corporation that is not formed in the United States and, for any taxable year, either (i) 75% or more of its gross income is “passive income”, which includes interest, dividends and certain rents and royalties or (ii) the average percentage, by fair market value (or, if the company is a controlled foreign corporation or makes an election, by adjusted tax basis), of its assets that produce or are held for the production of “passive income” is 50% or more. The taxation of a US shareholder who owns stock in a PFIC is extremely complex and is therefore beyond the scope of this discussion. U.S. shareholders should consult with their own tax advisors with regards to the impact of these rules.
Controlled Foreign Corporation
If more than 50% of the voting power of all classes of stock entitled to vote is owned, actually or constructively, by citizens or residents of the United States, United States partnerships, corporations or estates or trusts other than foreign estates or trusts, each of whom own actually or constructively 10% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company (“United States Shareholders”) requires the Company would be a “controlled foreign corporation” (CFC). This classification would effect many complex results, one of which certain income of a CFC to be subject to current U.S. tax. The United States generally taxes United States Shareholders of a CFC currently on their pro rata shares of the Subpart F income of the CFC. Such United States Shareholders are generally treated as having received a current distribution out of the CFC’s Subpart F income and are also subject to current U.S. tax on their pro rata shares of the CFC’s earnings invested in U.S. property. The foreign tax credit described above may reduce the U.S. tax on these amounts. In addition, under Section 1248 of the Code, gain from the sale or exchange of shares by a U.S. Holder of common shares of the Corporation which is or was a United States Shareholder at any time during the five-year period ending with the sale or exchange is treated as ordinary income to the extent of earnings and profits of the Company (accumulated only while the shares were held by the United States Shareholder and while the Company was a CFC attributable to the shares sold or exchanged. If a foreign corporation is both a PFIC and a CFC, the foreign corporation generally will not be treated as a PFIC with respect to the United States Shareholders of the CFC. This rule generally will be effective for taxable years of United States Shareholders beginning after 1997 and for taxable years of foreign corporations ending with or within such taxable years of United States Shareholders. The PFIC provisions continue to apply in the case of a PFIC that is also a CFC with respect to the U.S. Holders that are less than 10% shareholders. Because of the complexity of Subpart F, a more detailed review of these rules is outside of the scope of this discussion.
Filing of Information Returns
Under a number of circumstances, United States persons acquiring shares of the Company may be required to file an information return with the Internal Revenue Service Center where they are required to file their tax returns with a duplicate copy to the Internal Revenue Service Center, Philadelphia, PA 19255. In particular, under Section 6046 of the Code, any United States person who becomes the owner, directly or indirectly, of 10% or more of the shares of the Company will be required to file such a return. Other filing requirements may apply, such United States persons should consult their own tax advisors concerning these requirements.
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Documents on Display
Any of the documents referred to above can be viewed at the registered office of the Company located at 1185 West Georgia Street, Suite 1150, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6E 4E6.
This Annual Report and the Company’s recent 6-K filings can be viewed on the U.S. Securities and Exchange EDGAR web-site at www.sec.gov. All regulatory filings in Canada can be viewed on the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR) web-site at www.sedar.com.
Some of the Company’s mineral exploration properties are located outside of Canada. As a Canadian company, Almaden’s cash balances are kept primarily in Canadian funds, while many exploration and property expenses are denominated in United States dollars or the Mexican peso. Therefore, the Company is exposed to some exchange rate risk. The Company considers the amount of risk to be manageable and does not currently, nor is likely in the foreseeable future, conduct hedging to reduce its exchange rate risk. A 10% change in the United States dollar exchange rate relative to the Canadian dollar would change the Company’s net income by $140,000. A 10% change in the Mexican peso exchange rate relative to the Canadian dollar would change the Company’s net income by $220,000.
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
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i.
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Disclosure Controls and Procedures
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We conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or Exchange Act) as of December 31, 2010. This evaluation was conducted under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. Based upon this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of December 31, 2010, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the rules and forms. We also concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in the reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
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ii.
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Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
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Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the Company’s principal executive and principal financial officers and effected by the Company’s board of directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
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The Company’s management’s assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010. In making this assessment, the Company’s management used criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in
Internal Control-Integrated Framework.
Based on its assessment, management concluded that, as of December 31, 2010, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective.
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iii.
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Attestation Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
|
This annual report does not include an attestation report of the Company’s registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by the Company’s registered public accounting firm pursuant to the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit the Company as a non-accelerated filer to provide only management’s report in the Form 20-F Annual Report.
|
iv.
|
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
|
There was no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during 2010 that has materially affected, or that is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
The Company’s Board of Directors has determined that the Company has one audit committee financial expert serving on its audit committee who is independent, as defined by the listing standards of the NYSE Amex (formerly the American Stock Exchange). Mr. Donald Lorimer qualified as a Chartered Accountant with Price Waterhouse & Co. and subsequently was a financial executive with Patino Mining Corporation and Little Long Lac Gold Mines Ltd. In 1971 he joined A.E. Ames & Co. and became a director and vice president responsible for corporate and government underwriting in British Columbia, Canada. Mr. Lorimer retired as a portfolio manager with Odlum Brown Ltd. in 2006.
The Company adopted several codes of conduct, including a Code of Business Ethics, a Code of Business Conduct Ethics for Directors, a Communications Policy and an Audit Committee Charter. These initial codes were filed with the 20-F Annual Report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003 as filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission on May 11, 2004. After review, the Company has adopted revised and new codes as follow: Audit Committee Charter, Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee-Responsibilities and Duties, Compensation Committee-Responsibilities and Duties, Code of Business Ethics, Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for Directors, Communications Policy, Securities Trading Policy, Whistleblowers Policy and a Privacy Policy (the “Codes”). The Codes may be viewed on the Company’s website at www.almadenminerals.com. The Codes may also be viewed as filed on EDGAR and SEDAR as an exhibit to the 2005 20-F Annual Report filed with the Commission on March 30, 2006. Any amendments to the Codes or waivers of the provision of any Codes will be posted on the Company’s website within 5 business days of such amendment or waiver
.
The Company has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for Directors (“Code”), a Code of Business Ethics (“COBE”), a Securities Trading Policy and a Privacy Policy. Employees and consultants are required as a term of employment to undertake to abide by the COBE. Directors are by law bound to observe the Code adopted by the Board.
143
All Directors, Officers and Employees (“Individuals”) sign an Annual Certification (“Certification”) stating they have read the Code of Business Ethics policy (“Policy”) of the Company and have complied with such Policy in all respects. The Certification further acknowledges that all members of the Individual’s family, all other persons who live with the Individual and all holding companies and other related entities of the Individual and all such persons or companies acting on behalf of or at the request of any of the foregoing also complied with such Policy. The Certification also states that any violation of such Policy may constitute grounds for immediate suspension or dismissal.
Each director is expected and required by statute to act honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of the Company and to exercise the care, diligence and skill that a reasonably prudent individual would exercise in comparable circumstances and in accordance with the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) and the Company’s Articles.
Table No. 20 lists the aggregate fees billed or estimated for each of the last two fiscal years for professional services rendered by the principal accountant for the audit of the Company’s annual financial statements or services that are normally provided by the accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for those fiscal years.
Table No. 20
Principal Accountant Fees
|
Years ended December 31
|
||
|
2010
|
2009
|
|
|
Audit fees
|
$139,000
|
$94,000
|
|
Audit--related fees
|
-
|
5,000
|
|
Tax fees
|
19,000
|
19,000
|
|
Other fees
|
-
|
-
|
Fiscal 2010 audit fees relate to the annual audit of the Company’s financial statements, IFRS conversion services, review of IFRS financial statements in first year of adoption and review of the Form 20-F. Fiscal 2010 audit-related fees relate to advisory and other services relating to year-end financial statements. Fiscal 2009 audit fees relate to the annual audit of the Company’s financial statements, effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting and review of the Form 20-F. Fiscal 2009 audit-related fees relate to advisory and other services relating to year-end financial statements. Fiscal 2010 and 2009 tax fees relate to the completion of income tax returns and other tax consulting.
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
144
The Company’s consolidated financial statements are stated in Canadian Dollars (CDN$) and are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the IASB.
The Company has
provided financial statements pursuant to Item 17.
A. The financial statements and notes thereto as required under Item 17 are attached hereto and found immediately following the text of this Annual Report.
Audited Financial Statements
Report of Independent Registered Chartered Accountants, dated March 25, 2011
Consolidated statements of financial position at December 31, 2010, December 31, 2009 and January 1, 2009
Consolidated statements of comprehensive loss for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009
Consolidated statements of changes in equity for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009
Consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009
Summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information
B. Index to Exhibits
|
|
|
|
1.
|
Certificate of Amalgamation
|
|
Amalgamation Agreement
|
|
|
--Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 20-F Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2001,
|
|
|
as filed with the Commission on May 17, 2002--
|
|
|
1.1
|
Articles
|
|
--Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 20-F Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2005,
|
|
|
as filed with the Commission on March 30, 2006--
|
|
|
2.
|
Instruments defining the rights of holders of equity of debt securities being registered
|
|
--Refer to Exhibit No. 1--
|
|
|
3.
|
Voting trust agreements – N/A
|
|
4.
|
Option Agreement dated March 23, 2009 with Antofagasta Minerals S.A.
--Incorporated by reference to the Form 6-K filed with the Commission on March 25, 2009--
|
|
Release and Quit Claim Agreement dated March 24, 2009 with Consolidated Spire Ventures Ltd.
--Incorporated by reference to the Form 6-K filed with the Commission on March 26, 2009--
|
|
|
Option Agreement dated July 29, 2009 with Fairmont Resources Ltd.
--Incorporated by reference to the Form 6-K filed with the Commission on July 31, 2009 --
|
|
|
Contract for the Transfer of Rights with M. Martin Soto Moran
--Incorporated by reference to the Form 6-K filed with the Commission on September 9, 2009--
|
|
|
Property Purchase Agreement dated November 19, 2009 with Lincoln Mining Corporation, Lincoln Gold Corporation and Minera Lincoln de Mexico, S.A. de C.V.
--Incorporated by reference to the Form 6-K filed with the Commission on December 17, 2009--
|
|
|
Memorandum of Agreement dated February 5, 2010 with Goldgroup Resources Inc. and NGEx Resources Inc.
--Incorporated by reference to the Form 6-K filed with the Commission on March 18, 2010
|
|
|
Agreement to Purchase Mineral Claims dated February 17, 2010 with Lincoln Mining Corporation, Lincoln Gold Corporation and Minera Lincoln de Mexico, S.A. de C.V.
--Incorporated by reference to the Form 6-K filed with the Commission on February 22, 2010--
|
|
|
4.1
|
Purchase Offer dated April 22, 2010 with Skeena Resources Limited, Virginia Energy Resources Inc. and Minera Cascabel SA de CV
|
145
|
Option Agreement dated May 21, 2010 with Sunburst Explorations Inc.
--Incorporated by reference to the Form 6-K filed with the Commission on June 10, 2010--
|
|
|
Option Agreement dated September 2, 2010 with Windstorm Resources Ltd.
--Incorporated by reference to the Form 6-K filed with the Commission on September 8, 2010 --
|
|
|
Assets Purchase Agreement dated February 15, 2011 with Beanstalk Capital Inc.
--Incorporated by reference to the Form 6-K filed with the Commission on March 11, 2011--
|
|
|
5.
|
List of foreign patents – N/A
|
|
6.
|
Calculation of earnings per share – N/A
|
|
7.
|
Explanation of calculation of ratios – N/A
|
|
8.
|
List of subsidiaries
|
|
9.
|
Statement pursuant to the instruction to Item 8.A.4, regarding the financial statement filed in registration
|
|
Statements for initial public offerings of securities – N/A
|
|
|
10.
|
Any notice required by Rule 104 of Regulation BTR – N/A
|
|
11
|
Audit Committee Charter
|
|
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee-Duties and Responsibility
|
|
|
Compensation Committee-Responsibilities and Duties
|
|
|
Code of Business Ethics
|
|
|
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for Directors
|
|
|
Communications Policy
|
|
|
Securities Trading Policy
|
|
|
Whistleblower Policy
|
|
|
Privacy Policy
|
|
|
--Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 20-F Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2005,
as filed with the Commission on March 30, 2006
|
|
|
31.1
|
Certification of CEO Pursuant to Securities Exchange Act, Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14 as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
|
|
31.2
|
Certification of CFO Pursuant to Securities Exchange Act, Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14 as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
|
|
32.1
|
|
|
32.2
|
146
Consolidated financial statements of
Almaden Minerals Ltd.
(an exploration stage company)
For the year ended December 31, 2010
147
Almaden Minerals Ltd.
(an exploration stage company)
December 31, 2010
Table of contents
| Report of Independent Registered Chartered Accountants |
1-2
|
|
| Consolidated statements of financial position |
3
|
|
| Consolidated statements of comprehensive loss |
4
|
|
| Consolidated statements of cash flows |
5
|
|
| Consolidated statements of changes in equity |
6
|
|
| Notes to the consolidated financial statements |
7-45
|
|
| Schedule: | ||
|
1.
|
Consolidated schedules of general and administrative expenses
|
46
|
148
|
|
|
|
Deloitte & Touche LLP
2800 -1055 Dunsmuir Street
4 Bentall Centre
P.O. Box 49279
Vancouver BC V7X1P4
Canada
|
|
Tel: 604-669-4466
Fax: 604-685-0395
www.deloitte.ca
|
Report of Independent Registered Chartered Accountants
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Almaden Minerals Ltd.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements of Almaden Minerals Ltd. and subsidiaries (the "Company"), which comprise the consolidated statements of financial position as at December 31,2010, December 31,2009 and January 1,2009 and the consolidated statements of comprehensive loss, changes in equity and cash flows for the years ended December 31,2010 and December 31,2009 and a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information.
Management's Responsibility for the Consolidated Financial Statements
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these consolidated financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board, and for such internal control as management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of consolidated financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
Auditor's Responsibility
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards and the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we comply with ethical requirements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free from material misstatement.
An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditor's judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entity's preparation and fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity's internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements.
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained in our audits is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.
Opinion
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Almaden Minerals Ltd. and subsidiaries as at December 31,2010, December 31,2009 and January 1,2009 and their financial performance and cash flows for the years ended December 31,2010 and December 31,2009 in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.
Membre de / Member of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu
149
Emphasis of Matter
Without qualifying our opinion, we draw attention to Note 1 in the consolidated financial statements which indicates that the Company incurred a net loss of $3.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2010. These conditions, along with other matters as set forth in Note 1, indicate the existence of material uncertainties that may cast significant doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern.
Independent Registered Chartered Accountants
Vancouver, Canada
March 25,2011
150
|
Almaden Minerals Ltd.
|
|
(an exploration stage company)
|
|
Consolidated statements of financial position
|
|
(Expressed in Canadian dollars)
|
|
December 31,
|
December 31,
|
January 1,
|
||||||||||
|
2010
|
2009
|
2009
|
||||||||||
|
(Note 19)
|
(Note 19 ) | |||||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||
|
ASSETS
|
||||||||||||
|
Non-current assets
|
||||||||||||
|
Exploration and evaluation assets (Note 9)
|
4,439,145 | 8,416,597 | 8,235,749 | |||||||||
|
Property, plant and equipment (Note 8)
|
862,725 | 875,101 | 1,013,580 | |||||||||
|
Reclamation deposit
|
124,764 | 84,000 | 81,500 | |||||||||
|
Exploration and evaluation assets deposit (Note 9(h)(vii))
|
138,929 | 138,929 | 138,929 | |||||||||
|
Investments in Associates (Note 7)
|
941,276 | 1,261,651 | 1,549,036 | |||||||||
| 6,506,839 | 10,776,278 | 11,018,794 | ||||||||||
|
Current assets
|
||||||||||||
|
Assets classified as held for sale (Note 20)
|
9,083,633 | - | - | |||||||||
|
Inventory (Note 6)
|
274,768 | 274,768 | 274,768 | |||||||||
|
Short term investment (Note 3(d))
|
2,000,000 | - | - | |||||||||
|
Marketable securities (Note 5)
|
1,851,883 | 763,479 | 340,893 | |||||||||
|
Accounts receivable and prepaid expenses (Note 4)
|
538,400 | 702,227 | 448,675 | |||||||||
|
Cash and cash equivalents (Note 14)
|
16,087,832 | 13,142,671 | 12,318,950 | |||||||||
| 29,836,516 | 14,883,145 | 13,383,286 | ||||||||||
|
TOTAL ASSETS
|
36,343,355 | 25,659,423 | 24,402,080 | |||||||||
|
EQUITY
|
||||||||||||
|
Share Capital (Note 10)
|
62,853,930 | 50,877,609 | 49,159,392 | |||||||||
|
Reserves (Note 10)
|
7,010,251 | 4,998,890 | 3,327,114 | |||||||||
|
Deficit
|
(34,170,307 | ) | (30,705,655 | ) | (28,419,696 | ) | ||||||
| 35,693,874 | 25,170,844 | 24,066,810 | ||||||||||
|
LIABILITIES
|
||||||||||||
|
Non-current
|
||||||||||||
|
Asset retirement obligation (Note 11)
|
- | 135,016 | 129,332 | |||||||||
|
Current liabilities
|
||||||||||||
|
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
|
372,889 | 353,563 | 205,938 | |||||||||
|
Deferred exploration advances payable
|
156,956 | - | - | |||||||||
|
Liabilities directly associated with assets classified as held for sale (Note 20)
|
119,636 | - | - | |||||||||
| 649,481 | 353,563 | 205,938 | ||||||||||
|
TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
|
36,343,355 | 25,659,423 | 24,402,080 | |||||||||
|
Commitments and contingencies (Note 16)
|
||||||||||||
These consolidated financial statements are authorized for issue by the Board of Directors on
March 25, 2011. They are signed on the Company's behalf.
|
/s/Duane Poliquin
|
/s/Donald M. Lorimer
|
|
Director
|
Director
|
151
|
Almaden Minerals Ltd.
|
|
(an exploration stage company)
|
|
Consolidated statements of comprehensive loss
|
|
(Expressed in Canadian dollars)
|
|
Years ended December 31,
|
||||||||
|
2010
|
2009
|
|||||||
|
|
(Note 19)
|
|||||||
| $ | $ | |||||||
|
Revenue
|
||||||||
|
Interest income
|
38,589 | 169,458 | ||||||
|
Drilling services
|
- | 2,112,832 | ||||||
|
Other income
|
195,286 | 158,329 | ||||||
| 233,875 | 2,440,619 | |||||||
|
Expenses (income)
|
||||||||
|
Drilling services expenses
|
1,218,518 | |||||||
|
Write-down of interest in mineral properties
|
725,951 | 890,811 | ||||||
|
Recovery in value of mineral properties
|
(84,323 | ) | - | |||||
|
Income on mineral property options
|
(1,923,430 | ) | (77,360 | ) | ||||
|
General and administrative expenses (Schedule 1)
|
1,493,611 | 1,291,253 | ||||||
|
General exploration expenses
|
646,358 | 665,055 | ||||||
|
Share-based compensation
|
2,108,800 | 67,500 | ||||||
| 2,966,967 | 4,055,777 | |||||||
|
Operating loss
|
(2,733,092 | ) | (1,615,158 | ) | ||||
|
Other income (loss)
|
||||||||
|
Loss on equity investment (Note 7)
|
(151,926 | ) | (90,908 | ) | ||||
|
Loss on dilution of equity investments (Note 7)
|
(168,449 | ) | (196,476 | ) | ||||
|
Write-down of marketable securities (Note 5)
|
- | (80,600 | ) | |||||
|
Loss on sale of marketable securities
|
(556,753 | ) | (26,790 | ) | ||||
|
Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment
|
2,836 | - | ||||||
|
Foreign exchange loss
|
(163,034 | ) | (415,755 | ) | ||||
|
Loss before income taxes
|
(3,770,418 | ) | (2,425,687 | ) | ||||
|
Income tax recovery (Note 15)
|
305,766 | 139,728 | ||||||
|
Net loss for the year
|
(3,464,652 | ) | (2,285,959 | ) | ||||
|
Other comprehensive income
|
||||||||
|
Net change in fair value of available-for-sale financial assets, net of tax of nil
|
149,738 | 596,051 | ||||||
|
Reclassification adjustment relating to available-for-sale financial assets disposed of in the year, net of tax of nil
|
556,753 | 26,240 | ||||||
|
Other comprehensive income for the year
|
706,491 | 622,291 | ||||||
|
Total comprehensive loss for the year
|
(2,758,161 | ) | (1,663,668 | ) | ||||
|
Basic and diluted net loss per share (Note 13)
|
(0.07 | ) | (0.05 | ) | ||||
152
|
Almaden Minerals Ltd.
|
|
(an exploration stage company)
|
|
Consolidated statements of cash flows
|
|
(Expressed in Canadian dollars)
|
|
Years ended December 31,
|
||||||||
|
2010
|
2009
|
|||||||
|
(Note 19)
|
||||||||
| $ | $ | |||||||
|
Operating activities
|
||||||||
|
Net loss for the year
|
(3,464,652 | ) | (2,285,959 | ) | ||||
|
Items not affecting cash
|
||||||||
|
Loss on equity investment
|
151,926 | 90,908 | ||||||
|
Loss on dilution
|
168,449 | 196,476 | ||||||
|
Depreciation
|
189,580 | 169,973 | ||||||
|
Loss on sale of marketable securities
|
556,753 | 26,790 | ||||||
|
Write-down of marketable securities
|
- | 80,600 | ||||||
|
Income on mineral property options
|
(1,923,430 | ) | (77,360 | ) | ||||
|
Write-down of interest in mineral properties
|
725,951 | 890,811 | ||||||
|
Recovery in value of mineral properties
|
(84,323 | ) | - | |||||
|
Share-based payments
|
2,108,800 | 67,500 | ||||||
|
Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment
|
(2,836 | ) | - | |||||
|
Changes in non-cash working capital components
|
||||||||
|
Accounts receivable and prepaid expenses
|
163,827 | (253,552 | ) | |||||
|
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
|
19,326 | 147,625 | ||||||
|
Deferred exploration advances payable
|
156,956 | - | ||||||
|
Net cashed used in operating activities
|
(1,233,673 | ) | (946,188 | ) | ||||
|
Investing activities
|
||||||||
|
Reclamation deposit
|
(40,764 | ) | (2,500 | ) | ||||
|
Short term invesment
|
(2,000,000 | ) | - | |||||
|
Marketable securities
|
||||||||
|
Purchases
|
(1,550 | ) | - | |||||
|
Net proceeds
|
1,009,484 | 103,217 | ||||||
|
Property, plant and equipment
|
||||||||
|
Purchases
|
(502,822 | ) | (31,494 | ) | ||||
|
Net proceeds
|
5,190 | - | ||||||
|
Mineral properties
|
||||||||
|
Costs
|
(5,478,095 | ) | (1,119,474 | ) | ||||
|
Net proceeds
|
15,000 | 119,958 | ||||||
|
Net cash used in investing activities
|
(6,993,557 | ) | (930,293 | ) | ||||
|
Financing activities
|
||||||||
|
Issuance of shares, net of share issue costs
|
11,172,391 | 2,700,202 | ||||||
|
Net cash from financing activities
|
11,172,391 | 2,700,202 | ||||||
|
Net cash inflow
|
2,945,161 | 823,721 | ||||||
|
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year
|
13,142,671 | 12,318,950 | ||||||
|
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year
|
16,087,832 | 13,142,671 | ||||||
|
Supplemental cash and cash equivalents information - Note 14
|
||||||||
|
Interest paid
|
- | - | ||||||
|
Interest received
|
38,589 | 169,458 | ||||||
|
Taxes paid
|
- | - | ||||||
|
Taxes received
|
- | - | ||||||
153
|
Almaden Minerals Ltd.
|
|
(an exploration stage company)
|
|
Consolidated statements of changes in equity
|
|
(Expressed in Canadian dollars)
|
|
Share Capital
|
Reserves
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Equity settled
|
Available-for-
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
employee
|
sale financial
|
Total
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Number of shares
|
Amount
|
benefits
|
Warrants
|
assets
|
reserves
|
Deficit
|
Total
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Balance, January 1, 2009 (Note 19)
|
45,525,829 | 49,159,392 | 4,509,023 | 176,741 | (1,358,650 | ) | 3,327,114 | (28,419,696 | ) | 24,066,810 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Shares issued for cash on exercise of stock options
|
154,000 | 59,752 | - | - | - | - | - | 59,752 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Share-based payments
|
- | - | 67,500 | - | - | 67,500 | - | 67,500 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Private placements
|
3,293,316 | 1,658,465 | - | 981,985 | - | 981,985 | - | 2,640,450 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Total comprehensive loss for the period
|
- | - | - | - | 622,291 | 622,291 | (2,285,959 | ) | (1,663,668 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Balance, December 31, 2009 (Note 19)
|
48,973,145 | 50,877,609 | 4,576,523 | 1,158,726 | (736,359 | ) | 4,998,890 | (30,705,655 | ) | 25,170,844 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Shares issued for cash on exercise of stock options
|
895,000 | 919,500 | - | - | - | - | - | 919,500 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Fair value of share options allocated to shares issued on exercise
|
- | 533,250 | (533,250 | ) | - | - | (533,250 | ) | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Share-based payments
|
- | - | 2,108,800 | - | - | 2,108,800 | - | 2,108,800 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Private placements
|
4,892,021 | 9,234,011 | - | 35,500 | - | 35,500 | - | 9,269,511 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Shares issued for cash on exercise of warrants
|
740,656 | 983,380 | - | - | - | - | - | 983,380 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Fair value of warrants allocated to shares issued on on exercise
|
- | 306,180 | - | (306,180 | ) | - | (306,180 | ) | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Total comprehensive loss for the period
|
- | - | - | - | 706,491 | 706,491 | (3,464,652 | ) | (2,758,161 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Balance, December 31, 2010
|
55,500,822 | 62,853,930 | 6,152,073 | 888,046 | (29,868 | ) | 7,010,251 | (34,170,307 | ) | 35,693,874 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
154
| Almaden Minerals Ltd. |
|
(An exploration stage company)
|
| Notes to the consolidated financial statements |
| For the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2010 |
| Presented in Canadian dollars |
(An exploration stage company)
1. Nature of operations and continuance of operations
Almaden Minerals Ltd. (the “Company” or “Almaden”) is incorporated under the laws of the Province of British Columbia, Canada, and its principal business activity is the exploration of mineral properties. The address of the Company’s registered office is Suite 950 –1199 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6E 3T5. The Company is in the process of exploring its mineral properties and has not yet determined whether these properties contain mineral reserves that are economically recoverable. The recoverability of amounts shown for mineral properties is dependent upon the establishment of a sufficient quantity of economically recoverable reserves, the ability of the Company to obtain necessary financing to complete the development and upon future profitable production or proceeds from the disposition of mineral properties
.
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) applicable to a going concern, which assumes that the Company will be able to realize its assets and discharge its liabilities in the normal course of business for the foreseeable future. During the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company incurred a net loss for the year of $3.5 million (2009 - $2.3 million). At December 31, 2010, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $16.1 million and working capital of $29.1 million. The continuation of the Company as a going concern is dependent on its ability to obtain necessary financing, to complete its property under development, general positive cash flows, and ultimately the achievement of profitable operations. These material uncertainties cash significant doubt upon the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.
2. Basis of preparation
(a) Statement of Compliance and Conversion to International Financial Reporting Standards
The Canadian Accounting Standards Board (“AcSB”) confirmed in February 2008 that International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) will replace Canadian generally accepted accounting principles (“Canadian GAAP”) for publicly accountable enterprises for financial periods beginning on or after January 1, 2011, with the option available to early adopt IFRS from periods beginning on or after January 1, 2009 upon receipt of approval from the Canadian Securities regulatory authorities, which the Company received in May 2010.
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance and compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) and interpretations of the International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (“IFRIC”). These are the Company’s first consolidated annual financial statements presented in accordance with IFRS.
The Company’s consolidated financial statements were previously prepared in accordance with Canadian GAAP. Canadian GAAP differs in some areas from IFRS. In preparing these financial statements, management has amended certain accounting and measurement methods previously applied in the Canadian GAAP financial statements to comply with IFRS. Note 19 contains reconciliations and descriptions of the effect of the transition from Canadian GAAP to IFRS on equity, loss and comprehensive loss along with line-by-line reconciliations of the statements of financial position as at December 31, 2009 and January 1, 2009 and the statement of comprehensive loss for the year ended December 31, 2009.
155
|
Almaden Minerals Ltd.
|
|
(An exploration stage company)
|
|
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
|
|
For the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2010
|
|
Presented in Canadian dollars
|
|
2.
|
Basis of preparation
(Continued)
|
(b) Basis of preparation
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a historical cost basis except for financial instruments classified as available-for-sale that have been measured at fair value.
These consolidated financial statements, including comparatives, have been prepared on the basis of IFRS standards that are published at the time of preparation and that are effective or available for early adoption on December 31, 2010, the Company’s first annual reporting date.
The preparation of these consolidated financial statements resulted in changes to the accounting policies as compared with the most recent annual financial statements prepared under Canadian GAAP. The accounting policies set out below have been applied consistently to all periods presented in these consolidated financial statements. They also have been applied in preparing an opening IFRS balance sheet at January 1, 2009 for the purposes of the transition to IFRS, as required by IFRS 1,
First-Time Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (
IFRS 1). The impact of the transition from Canadian GAAP to IFRS is explained in Note 19.
(c) Functional currency
The presentation currency of the Company and the functional currency of the Company and each of its subsidiaries is the Canadian dollar.
(d) Significant accounting judgments and estimates
The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires management to make judgements and estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of expenses during the reporting period. Actual outcomes could differ from these judgements and estimates. The consolidated financial statements include judgements and estimates which, by their nature, are uncertain. The impacts of such judgements and estimates are pervasive throughout the consolidated financial statements, and may require accounting adjustments based on future occurrences. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognized in the period in which the estimate is revised and the revision affects both current and future periods.
Significant assumptions about the future and other sources of judgements and estimates that management has made at the statement of financial position date, that could result in a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities, in the event that actual results differ from assumptions made, relate to, but are not limited to, the following:
Critical Judgments
|
o
|
The assessment that the Company has significant influence over the investment (Note 7) which results in the use of the equity accounting method for accounting for this investment. In making their judgement, management considered the composition of the Board of Directors of its equity investment in Tarsis Resources Ltd. (“Tarsis”), the common directors and management between Tarsis and the Company and the intercompany transactions and relationship with Tarsis and concluded that significant influence exists.
|
156
|
Almaden Minerals Ltd.
|
|
(An exploration stage company)
|
|
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
|
|
For the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2010
|
|
Presented in Canadian dollars
|
2.
Basis of preparation
(Continued)
|
o
|
The analysis of the functional currency for each entity of the Company. In concluding that the Canadian dollar is the functional currency of the parent and its subsidiary companies, management considered the currency that mainly influences the cost of providing goods and services in each jurisdiction in which the Company operates. As no single currency was clearly dominant the Company also considered secondary indicators including the currency in which funds from financing activities are denominated and the currency in which funds are retained.
|
Estimates
|
o
|
the recoverability of amounts receivable and prepayments which are included in the consolidated statement of financial position;
|
|
o
|
the carrying value of the marketable securities and the recoverability of the carrying value which are included in the consolidated statement of financial position;
|
|
o
|
the carrying value of the investment, and the estimated annual gains or losses recorded on the investment from income and dilution, and the recoverability of the carrying value which are included in the consolidated statement of financial position;
|
|
o
|
the estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment which are included in the consolidated statement of financial position and the related depreciation included in the consolidated statement of comprehensive loss;
|
|
o
|
the estimated value of the exploration and development costs which is recorded in the statement of financial position;
|
|
o
|
the inputs used in accounting for share purchase option expense in the consolidated statement of comprehensive loss;
|
|
o
|
the provision for income taxes which is included in the consolidation statements of comprehensive loss and composition of deferred income tax assets and liabilities included in the consolidated statement of financial position at December 31, 2010;
|
|
o
|
the inputs used in determining the net present value of the liability for asset retirement obligation included in the consolidated statement of financial position; and
|
|
o
|
the inputs used in determining the various commitments and contingencies accrued in the consolidated statement of financial position;
|
|
o
|
the assessment of indications of impairment of each mineral property and related determination of the net realizable value and write-down of those properties where applicable.
|
157
|
Almaden Minerals Ltd.
|
|
(An exploration stage company)
|
|
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
|
|
For the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2010
|
|
Presented in Canadian dollars
|
|
3.
|
Significant accounting policies
|
(
a)
Basis of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries as follows:
|
Jurisdiction
|
Nature of operations
|
||
|
Almaden America Inc.
|
Nevada
|
holding company
|
|
|
Republic Resources Ltd.
|
British Columbia
|
holding company
|
|
|
Almaden de Mexico, S.A. de C.V.
|
Mexico
|
exploration company
|
|
|
Minera Gavilan, S.A. de C.V.
|
Mexico
|
exploration company
|
|
|
Compania Minera Zapata, S.A. de C.V.
|
Mexico
|
exploration company
|
Investments where the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence are accounted for using the equity method. Under this method, the Company’s share of the investee’s earnings or losses is included in operations and its investments therein are adjusted by a like amount. Dividends received from these investments are credited to the investment. The Company’s 16.7% interest in Tarsis Resources Ltd. is accounted for using the equity method. The Company accounts for its interest in jointly controlled assets by recognizing its share of the jointly controlled assets classified according to the nature of the assets.
Inter-company balances and transactions, including unrealised income and expenses arising from inter-company transactions, are eliminated in preparing the consolidated financial statements. Unrealised gains arising from transactions with equity accounted investees are eliminated against the investment to the extent of the Company’s interest in the investee. Unrealised losses are eliminated in the same way as unrealised gains, but only to the extent that there is no evidence of impairment.
(b) Foreign currencies
Transactions in currencies other than the functional currency are recorded at the rates of exchange prevailing on dates of transactions. At each financial position reporting date, monetary assets and liabilities that are denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the rates prevailing at the date of the statement of financial position. Non-monetary items that are measured in terms of historical cost in a foreign currency are not retranslated.
(c) Financial instruments
Financial assets
The Company classifies its financial assets into one of the following categories, depending on the purpose for which the asset was acquired. The Company's accounting policy for each category is as follows:
Fair value through profit or loss -
This category comprises derivatives, or assets acquired or incurred principally for the purpose of selling or repurchasing it in the near term. They are carried in the balance sheet at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in the income statement.
158
|
Almaden Minerals Ltd.
|
|
(An exploration stage company)
|
|
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
|
|
For the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2010
|
|
Presented in Canadian dollars
|
3.
Significant accounting policies
(Continued)
Loans and receivables -
These assets are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market. They are carried at cost less any provision for impairment. Individually significant receivables are considered for impairment when they are past due or when other objective evidence is received that a specific counterparty will default.
Held-to-maturity investments
- These assets are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments and fixed maturities that the Company's management has the positive intention and ability to hold to maturity. These assets are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method. If there is objective evidence that the investment is impaired, determined by reference to external credit ratings and other relevant indicators, the financial asset is measured at the present value of estimated future cash flows. Any changes to the carrying amount of the investment, including impairment losses, are recognized in the income statement.
Available-for-sale
- Non-derivative financial assets not included in the above categories are classified as available-for- sale. They are carried at fair value with changes in fair value recognized directly in equity. Where a decline in the fair value of an available-for-sale financial asset constitutes objective evidence of impairment, the amount of the loss is removed from equity and recognized in the income statement.
All financial assets except for those at fair value through profit or loss are subject to review for impairment at least at each reporting date. Financial assets are impaired when there is any objective evidence that a financial asset or a group of financial assets is impaired. Different criteria to determine impairment are applied for each category of financial assets, which are described above.
Financial liabilities
The Company classifies its financial liabilities into one of two categories, depending on the purpose for which the asset was acquired. The Company's accounting policy for each category is as follows:
Fair value through profit or loss
- This category comprises derivatives, or liabilities acquired or incurred principally for the purpose of selling or repurchasing it in the near term. They are carried in the balance sheet at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in the income statement.
Other financial liabilities:
This category includes promissory notes, amounts due to related parties and accounts payables and accrued liabilities, all of which are recognized at amortized cost.
(d) Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments
Cash equivalents include money market instruments which are readily convertible into cash or have maturities at the date of purchase of less than ninety days. Short-term investments include money market instruments with terms to maturity exceeding ninety days.
(e) Inventory
Inventory is valued at the lower of the average cost of mining and estimated net realizable value.
159
|
Almaden Minerals Ltd.
|
|
(An exploration stage company)
|
|
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
|
|
For the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2010
|
|
Presented in Canadian dollars
|
3.
Significant accounting policies
(Continued)
(f) Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost and are depreciated annually on a declining-balance basis at the following rates:
|
Automotive equipment
|
30%
|
|
Computer hardware and software
|
30%
|
|
Field equipment
|
20%
|
|
Furniture and fixtures
|
20%
|
|
Geological data library
|
20%
|
|
Mill equipment
|
30%
|
|
Drill equipment
|
20%
|
|
Leasehold improvements
|
20% straight-line
|
The Company compares the carrying value of property, plant and equipment to estimated net recoverable amounts, based on estimated future cash flows, to determine whether there is any indication of impairment whenever events or circumstances warrant.
|
|
(g)
|
Impairment of equipment and intangible assets
|
Equipment and finite life intangible assets are reviewed for impairment if there is any indication that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. If any such indication is present, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine whether impairment exists. Where the asset does not generate cash flows that are independent from other assets, the Company estimates the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs. Any intangible asset with an indefinite useful life is tested for impairment annually and whenever there is an indication that the asset may be impaired.
An asset’s recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value, using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset for which estimates of future cash flows have not been adjusted.
If the recoverable amount of an asset or cash generating unit is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount is reduced to the recoverable amount. Impairment is recognized immediately as additional depreciation. Where an impairment subsequently reverses, the carrying amount is increased to the revised estimate of recoverable amount but only to the extent that this does not exceed the carrying value that would have been determined if no impairment had previously been recognized. A reversal is recognized as a reduction in the depreciation charge for the period.
h) Revenue recognition
Revenue is recognized to the extent that it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the Company and the revenue can be reliably measured. Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received, excluding discounts, rebates and other sales tax or duty. The following specific recognition criteria must also be met before revenue is recognized:
160
|
Almaden Minerals Ltd.
|
|
(An exploration stage company)
|
|
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
|
|
For the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2010
|
|
Presented in Canadian dollars
|
|
3.
|
Significant accounting policies
(Continued)
|
Interest income
Revenue is recognized as interest accrues (using the effective interest rate, that is, the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash receipts through the expected life of the financial instrument to the net carrying amount of the financial asset).
Drilling services and other income
Revenue from drilling services and other income is recognized upon completion of the services for which the measurement of the consideration can be reasonably assured and the ultimate collection is reasonably assured.
(i) Exploration and evaluation
The Company is in the exploration stage with respect to its investment in mineral properties and accordingly follows the practice of capitalizing all costs relating to the acquisition of, exploration for and development of mineral claims and crediting all proceeds received for farm-out arrangements or recovery of costs against the cost of the related claims. Such costs include, but are not exclusive to, geological, geophysical studies, exploratory drilling and sampling. At such time as commercial production commences, these costs will be charged to operations on a unit-of-production method based on proven and probable reserves. The aggregate costs related to abandoned mineral claims are charged to operations at the time of any abandonment or when it has been determined that there is evidence of a permanent impairment. An impairment charge relating to a mineral property is subsequently reversed when new exploration results or actual or potential proceeds on sale or farm-out of the property result in a revised estimate of the recoverable amount but only to the extent that this does not exceed the original carrying value of the property that would have resulted if no impairment had been recognized.
The recoverability of amounts shown for exploration and evaluation assets is dependent upon the discovery of economically recoverable reserves, the ability of the Company to obtain financing to complete development of the properties, and on future production or proceeds of disposition.
The Company recognizes in income costs recovered on mineral properties when amounts received or receivable are in excess of the carrying amount.
|
|
Upon transfer of “Exploration and evaluation costs” into “Mine Development”, all subsequent expenditure on the construction, installation or completion of infrastructure facilities is capitalised within “Mine development”. After production starts, all assets included in “Mine development” are transferred to “Producing Mines”.
|
All capitalized exploration and evaluation expenditure is monitored for indications of impairment.
Where a potential impairment is indicated, assessments are performed for each area of interest. To the extent that exploration expenditure is not expected to be recovered, it is charged to the results of operations. Exploration areas where reserves have been discovered, but require major capital expenditure before production can begin, are continually evaluated to ensure that commercial quantities of reserves exist or to ensure that additional exploration work is underway as planned.
161
|
Almaden Minerals Ltd.
|
|
(An exploration stage company)
|
|
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
|
|
For the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2010
|
|
Presented in Canadian dollars
|
3.
Significant accounting policies
(Continued)
(j) Income taxes
Income tax on the profit or loss for the periods presented comprises current and deferred tax. Income tax is recognized in profit or loss except to the extent that it relates to items recognized directly in equity, in which case it is recognized in equity.
Current tax expense is the expected tax payable on the taxable income for the year, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at period end, adjusted for amendments to tax payable with regards to previous years.
Deferred tax is recorded using the statement of financial position liability method, providing for temporary differences, between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes. The following temporary differences are not provided for: goodwill not deductible for tax purposes; the initial recognition of assets or liabilities that affect neither accounting or taxable loss; and differences relating to investments in subsidiaries to the extent that they will probably not reverse in the foreseeable future. The amount of deferred tax provided is based on the expected manner of realization or settlement of the carrying amount of assets and liabilities, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date.
A deferred tax asset is recognized only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which the asset can be utilised. To the extent that the Company does not consider it probable that a future tax asset will be recovered, it provides a valuation allowance against that excess.
Additional income taxes that arise from the distribution of dividends are recognized at the same time as the liability to pay the related dividend.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to set off current tax assets against current tax liabilities and when they relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority and the Company intends to settle its current tax assets and liabilities on a net basis.
(k) Share-based payments
The Company grants stock options to buy common shares of the Company to directors, officers, employees and consultants. The board of directors grants such option for periods of up to five years, with vesting periods determined at the sole discretion of the board and at prices equal to the volume weighted average price for the five days immediately preceding the date the options were granted.
The fair value of the options is measured at grant date, using the Black-Scholes option pricing model,
and is recognized over the period that the employees earn the options. The fair value is recognized as an expense with a corresponding increase in equity. The amount recognized as expense is adjusted to reflect the number of share options expected to vest.
162
|
Almaden Minerals Ltd.
|
|
(An exploration stage company)
|
|
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
|
|
For the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2010
|
|
Presented in Canadian dollars
|
|
3.
|
Significant accounting policies
(Continued)
|
(l) Asset retirement obligation
An obligation to incur restoration, rehabilitation and environmental costs arises when environmental disturbance is caused by the exploration, development or ongoing production of a mineral property interest. Such costs arising for the decommissioning of plant and other site preparation work, discounted to their net present value, are provided for and capitalized at the start of each project to the carrying value of the asset, as soon as the obligation to incur such costs arises. Discount rates using a pre-tax rate that reflect the time value of money are used to calculate the net present value. These costs are charged against profit or loss over the economic life of the related asset, through amortization using either the unit-of-production or the straight line method. The related liability is adjusted for each period for the unwinding of the discount rate and for changes to the current market-based discount rate, amount or timing of the underlying cash flows needed to settle the obligation. Costs for restoration of subsequent site damage which is created on an ongoing basis during production are provided for at their net present values and charged against profits as extraction progresses.
The Company has $104,000 of reclamation deposits held with the Ministry of Mines should any other asset retirement obligation arise from its obligations to undertake site reclamation and remediation in connection with its operating activities in British Columbia and $20,764 of reclamation deposits held with the State of Nevada should any asset retirement obligation arise from its obligations to undertake site reclamation and remediation in connection with its operating activities in Nevada.
When the Company enters into an option agreement on its mineral properties, as part of the option agreement, responsibility for any reclamation and remediation becomes the responsibility of the optionee.
(m) Loss per share
The Company presents the basic and diluted loss per share data for its common shares, calculated by dividing the loss attributable to common shareholders of the Company by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted loss per share is determined by adjusting the loss attributable to common shareholders and the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the effects of all dilutive potential common shares.
(n) Non-current assets held for sale
Non-current assets, or disposal groups comprising assets and liabilities, that are expected to be recovered primarily through sale rather than through continuing use, are classified as held for sale. Immediately before classification as held for sale, the assets, or components of a disposal group, are re-measured in accordance with the Company’s accounting policies. Thereafter generally the assets, or disposal group, are measured at the lower of their carrying amount and fair value less cost to sell. Impairment losses on initial classification as held for sale and subsequent gains or losses on re-measurement are recognized in profit or loss. Gains are not recognized in excess of any cumulative impairment loss.
163
|
Almaden Minerals Ltd.
|
|
(An exploration stage company)
|
|
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
|
|
For the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2010
|
|
Presented in Canadian dollars
|
3.
Significant accounting policies
(Continued)
(o) New accounting standards and interpretations not yet adopted
Certain new accounting standards and interpretations have been published that are not mandatory for the December 31, 2010 reporting period. The following standards are assessed not to have any impact on the Company’s financial statements:
|
·
|
Amendments to IFRS 1
Limited Exemption from Comparative IFRS 7 Disclosures for First-time Adopters -
effective for accounting periods commencing on or after July 1, 2010.
|
|
·
|
IAS 24,
Related Party Disclosure -
effective for accounting periods commencing on or after January 1, 2011;
|
|
·
|
IFRS 9,
Financial Instruments -
effective for accounting periods commencing on or after January 1, 2013;
|
|
·
|
Amendments to IAS 32,
Financial Instruments: Presentation – Classification of Right Issues -
effective for accounting periods commencing on or after February 1, 2010;
|
|
·
|
Amendments to IFRIC 14 –
Prepayments of a Minimum Funding Requirement -
effective for accounting periods commencing on or after January 1, 2011;
|
|
·
|
IFRIC 19,
Extinguishing Financial Liabilities with Equity Instruments -
effective for accounting periods commencing on or after July 1, 2010;
|
|
·
|
Amendments to IFRS 7 Financial
Instruments: Disclosure from May 2010 Annual Improvements to IFRSs
– effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2011;
|
|
·
|
Amendments to IFRS 7
Financial Instruments: Disclosure for amendments enhancing disclosures about transfers of financial assets
– effective for annual periods beginning on or after July 1, 2011;
|
|
·
|
Amendments to IAS 12
Income Taxes: Limited scope amendment (recovery of underlying assets)
– effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2012.
|
4. Accounts receivable and prepaid expenses
Accounts receivable and prepaid expenses consist of the following:
|
December 31,
|
December 31,
|
January 1,
|
|
|
2010
|
2009
|
2009
|
|
|
Accounts receivable
|
$ 327,321
|
$ 678,058
|
$ 448,785
|
|
HST receivable
|
187,300
|
19,306
|
16,305
|
|
Allowance for doubtful accounts
|
(75,030)
|
(75,030)
|
(91,168)
|
|
Prepaid expenses
|
98,809
|
79,893
|
74,753
|
|
$ 538,400
|
$ 702,227
|
$ 448,675
|
164
|
Almaden Minerals Ltd.
|
|
(An exploration stage company)
|
|
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
|
|
For the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2010
|
|
Presented in Canadian dollars
|
5. Marketable securities
Marketable securities consist of equity securities over which the Company does not have control or significant influence. Marketable securities are designated as available for sale and valued at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses due to period end revaluation to fair value, other than those determined to be other than significant or prolonged losses, are recorded as other comprehensive income or loss. During the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company determined that $Nil (2009 - $80,600) of unrealized loss recorded in available-for-sale financial assets was a result of significant or prolonged losses.
|
6.
|
Inventory
|
Inventory consists of 1,597 ounces of gold bullion (2009 – 1,597; January 1, 2009 – 1,597) which is valued at the lower of average cost of mining and estimated net realizable value. The market value of the gold at December 31, 2010 is $2,268,986 (2009 - $1,839,421; January 1, 2009 - $1,722,477).
7. Investments in Associate
Tarsis Resources Ltd.
On July 23, 2007, the Company sold interests in certain mineral exploration properties located in the Yukon Territory and Mexico for a total of 3,500,000 common shares of Tarsis Resources Ltd. (“Tarsis”) resulting in a gain on sale of $969,314 and the recording of an initial investment in Tarsis in the amount of $1,120,000. In addition, Almaden retained a net smelter royalty equal to 2% of all metals discovered on the properties. As per the original agreement, during the year ended December 31, 2008, Almaden received 500,000 common shares of Tarsis when one of the properties became subject to an option agreement with an arm’s length third party with a commitment by the third party to expend a minimum of $500,000 on the property.
In May 2008, the Company sold its interest in the Prospector Mountain property located in the Yukon Territory for 100,000 common shares of Tarsis and a cash payment of $30,000. Almaden retained a 2% net smelter royalty over any minerals produced from the property, however, half of the net smelter royalty may be purchased at any time after production commences for fair value as determined by an independent valuator. Tarsis also agreed to issue 500,000 common shares of Tarsis upon receipt of a bankable feasibility study for the property.
In December 2007, Almaden’s interest in Tarsis was diluted from an initial 41% to 30% resulting in the recognition of a gain on dilution of $436,296. In the year ended December 31, 2008, Almaden’s interest in Tarsis increased from 30% to 33.2%. In the year ended December 31, 2009, Almaden’s
interest in Tarsis decreased from 33.2% to 27.6% resulting in the recognition of a loss on dilution of $196,476. In the year ended December 31, 2010, Almaden’s interest in Tarsis decreased from 27.6% to 16.7% resulting in the recognition of a loss on dilution of $168,449.
Almaden has one director and two officers in common with Tarsis. Almaden is accounting for this investment using the equity accounting method as the Company has determined that significant Influence exists. Almaden has recorded its equity share of Tarsis’ loss during the year ended December 31, 2010 in the amount of $151,926 (2009 - $90,908). The fair value of the investment at December 31, 2010 is $2,214,000 (December 31, 2009 - $738,000; January 1, 2009 - $225,500).
165
|
Almaden Minerals Ltd.
|
|
(An exploration stage company)
|
|
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
|
|
For the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2010
|
|
Presented in Canadian dollars
|
7.
Investments in Associate
(Continued)
During the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company charged Tarsis $54,515 (2009 - $55,189) for office rent and various expenses. These amounts were valued at the exchange amount agreed to
by the parties. The following table summarizes the financial information of Tarsis for its years ended October 31, 2010 and 2009:
|
October 31
|
||||||||
|
2010
|
2009
|
|||||||
|
Total Assets
|
$ | 5,899,166 | $ | 4,835,003 | ||||
|
Total Liabilities
|
$ | 97,732 | $ | 114,468 | ||||
|
Revenue
|
$ | - | $ | - | ||||
|
Loss
|
$ | 1,218,650 | $ | 323,389 | ||||
166
|
Almaden Minerals Ltd.
|
|
(An exploration stage company)
|
|
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
|
|
For the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2010
|
|
Presented in Canadian dollars
|
8. Property, plant and equipment
|
Automotive
|
Furniture
|
Computer
|
Computer
|
Geological
|
Field
|
Mill
|
Leasehold
|
Drill
|
||
|
equip.
|
& fixtures
|
hardware
|
software
|
library
|
equip.
|
equip.
(1)
|
improve.
|
equip.
|
Total
|
|
|
$
|
$
|
$
|
$
|
$
|
$
|
$
|
$
|
$
|
$
|
|
|
Cost
|
||||||||||
|
January 1, 2009
|
371,015
|
130,400
|
258,427
|
80,455
|
65,106
|
331,950
|
323,264
|
27,181
|
476,270
|
2,064,068
|
|
Additions
|
-
|
3,035
|
6,677
|
-
|
-
|
21,783
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
31,495
|
|
December 31, 2009
|
371,015
|
133,435
|
265,104
|
80,455
|
65,106
|
353,733
|
323,264
|
27,181
|
476,270
|
2,095,563
|
|
Additions
|
98,803
|
5,190
|
5,757
|
53,463
|
-
|
55,710
|
-
|
-
|
283,910
|
502,833
|
|
Disposals
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(41,703)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(41,703)
|
|
December 31, 2010
|
469,818
|
138,625
|
270,861
|
133,918
|
65,106
|
367,740
|
323,264
|
27,181
|
760,180
|
2,556,693
|
|
Accumulated Depreciation
|
||||||||||
|
January 1, 2009
|
214,224
|
107,388
|
192,012
|
43,264
|
46,403
|
202,149
|
-
|
18,215
|
226,833
|
1,050,488
|
|
Depreciation
|
47,037
|
4,906
|
20,926
|
11,158
|
3,740
|
28,139
|
-
|
4,180
|
49,888
|
169,974
|
|
December 31, 2009
|
261,261
|
112,294
|
212,938
|
54,422
|
50,143
|
230,288
|
-
|
22,395
|
276,721
|
1,220,462
|
|
Disposals
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(39,338)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(39,338)
|
|
Depreciation
|
47,747
|
4,747
|
16,513
|
15,829
|
2,992
|
29,787
|
-
|
3,664
|
68,301
|
189,580
|
|
December 31, 2010
|
309,008
|
117,041
|
229,451
|
70,251
|
53,135
|
220,737
|
-
|
26,059
|
345,022
|
1,370,704
|
|
Carrying amounts
|
||||||||||
|
January 1, 2009
|
156,791
|
23,012
|
66,415
|
37,191
|
18,703
|
129,801
|
323,264
|
8,966
|
249,437
|
1,013,580
|
|
December 31, 2009
|
109,754
|
21,141
|
52,166
|
26,033
|
14,963
|
123,445
|
323,264
|
4,786
|
199,549
|
875,101
|
|
160,810
|
21,584
|
41,410
|
63,667
|
11,971
|
147,003
|
323,264
|
1,122
|
415,158
|
1,185,989
|
|
|
Reclassified to
Asset Held for Sale
(Note 20)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(323,264)
|
-
|
-
|
(323,264)
|
|
December 31, 2010
|
160,810
|
21,584
|
41,410
|
63,667
|
11,971
|
147,003
|
-
|
1,122
|
415,158
|
862,725
|
167
|
Almaden Minerals Ltd.
|
|
(An exploration stage company)
|
|
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
|
|
For the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2010
|
|
Presented in Canadian dollars
|
|
|
9.
|
Exploration and evaluation assets
|
|
Elk
|
ATW
|
Willow
|
Caballo Blanco
|
El
Cobre
|
Tuligtic
|
San Carlos
|
Caldera
|
Other Properties
|
Total
|
|
|
Mineral properties
|
$
|
$
|
$
|
$
|
$
|
$
|
$
|
$
|
$
|
$
|
|
Opening Balance (December 31, 2009)
|
1,075,694
|
46,451
|
148,254
|
4,321
|
-
|
11,070
|
1
|
50,205
|
354,398
|
1,690,394
|
|
Additions
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
41,988
|
219,989
|
-
|
-
|
138,944
|
400,921
|
|
|
Proceeds from options
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(168,600)
|
(168,600)
|
|
|
Recoveries
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
|
Write-down of deferred
|
||||||||||
|
acquisition costs
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(5,289)
|
(5,289)
|
|
|
Proceeds received from options on
mineral properties in excess of cost -
reclassified to income
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
168,482
|
168,482
|
|
|
Closing Balance (December 31, 2010)
|
1,075,694
|
46,451
|
148,254
|
4,321
|
41,988
|
231,059
|
1
|
50,205
|
487,935
|
2,085,908
|
|
Deferred Exploration Costs
|
||||||||||
|
Opening Balance (December 31, 2009)
|
5,170,058
|
847,863
|
332,610
|
66,694
|
-
|
23,360
|
-
|
372,461
|
( 86,843)
|
6,726,203
|
|
Costs incurred during the period
|
||||||||||
|
Drilling and related costs
|
1,182,922
|
202,601
|
7,406
|
-
|
9,582
|
703,535
|
139,450
|
-
|
158,482
|
2,403,978
|
|
Professional/technical fees
|
425,444
|
9,079
|
5,815
|
4,276
|
61,418
|
93,581
|
10,963
|
9,402
|
58,155
|
678,133
|
|
Claim maintenance/lease cost
|
1,500
|
6,885
|
23,077
|
748
|
6,365
|
61,664
|
51,942
|
29,920
|
139,159
|
321,260
|
|
Geochemical
|
174,893
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
30,449
|
182,933
|
17,642
|
-
|
49,623
|
455,540
|
|
Travel and accommodation
|
54,979
|
-
|
314
|
4,649
|
23,189
|
93,132
|
10,902
|
1,275
|
35,200
|
223,640
|
|
Camp costs
|
188,810
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
188,810
|
|
Truck rental and fuel
|
64,407
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
64,407
|
|
Geology, engineering
|
255,715
|
403
|
-
|
900
|
-
|
18,625
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
275,643
|
|
Salaries and wages
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
16,858
|
98,318
|
21,323
|
2,083
|
49,426
|
188,008
|
|
Supplies and misc.
|
38,169
|
34
|
117
|
-
|
19,921
|
29,491
|
1,959
|
1,426
|
27,101
|
118,218
|
|
Geophysical, geosciences
|
54,310
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7,412
|
41,523
|
-
|
-
|
11,908
|
115,153
|
|
Reclamation, environmental
|
73,468
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
10,694
|
3,236
|
-
|
3,720
|
1,800
|
92,918
|
|
Proceeds from options
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(23,000)
|
(1,770,000)
|
(1,793,000)
|
|
Recoveries
|
-
|
(3,200)
|
-
|
(4,427)
|
(49,044)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(7,243)
|
(63,914)
|
|
Write-down of deferred
|
||||||||||
|
exploration costs
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(254,181)
|
-
|
(466,481)
|
(720,662)
|
|
Proceeds received from options on
mineral properties in excess of cost -
reclassified to income
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1,754,948
|
1,754,948
|
|
Recovery in value of mineral interests
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
33,056
|
-
|
45,950
|
5,317
|
84,323
|
|
|
2,514,617
|
215,802
|
36,729
|
6,146
|
136,844
|
1,359,094
|
-
|
70,776
|
47,395
|
4,387,403
|
|
|
Closing Balance (December 31, 2010)
|
7,684,675
|
1,063,665
|
369,339
|
72,840
|
136,844
|
1,382,454
|
-
|
443,237
|
(39,448)
|
11,113,606
|
|
8,760,369
|
1,110,116
|
517,593
|
77,161
|
178,832
|
1,613,513
|
1
|
493,442
|
448,487
|
13,199,514
|
|
|
Reclassified to Asset Held for Sale
(Note 20)
|
(8,760,369)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(8,760,369)
|
|
-
|
1,110,116
|
517,593
|
77,161
|
178,832
|
1,613,513
|
1
|
493,442
|
448,487
|
4,439,145
|
168
|
Almaden Minerals Ltd.
|
|
(An exploration stage company)
|
|
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
|
|
For the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2010
|
|
Presented in Canadian dollars
|
|
9.
|
Exploration and evaluation assets
(Continued)
|
|
Mineral properties
|
Elk
|
ATW
|
Willow
|
Caballo Blanco
|
Tuligtic
|
San Carlos
|
Caldera
|
Various Other
|
Total
|
|
$
|
$
|
$
|
$
|
$
|
$
|
$
|
$
|
$
|
|
|
Opening Balance (January 1, 2009)
|
1,075,694
|
46,451
|
148,254
|
4,321
|
11,070
|
38,306
|
50,205
|
366,395
|
1,740,696
|
|
Additions
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
79,616
|
79,616
|
|
Proceeds from options
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(20,900)
|
(20,900)
|
|
Recoveries
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
Write-down of deferred
|
|||||||||
|
acquisition costs
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(38,305)
|
-
|
(148,073)
|
(186,378)
|
|
Proceeds received from
options on mineral
properties in excess of cost -
reclassified to income
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
77,360
|
77,360
|
|
Closing Balance (December 31, 2009)
|
1,075,694
|
46,451
|
148,254
|
4,321
|
11,070
|
1
|
50,205
|
354,398
|
1,690,394
|
|
Deferred Exploration Costs
|
|||||||||
|
Opening Balance (January 1, 2009)
|
4,847,674
|
448,760
|
294,417
|
49,632
|
277,339
|
189,709
|
217,696
|
169,826
|
6,495,053
|
|
Costs incurred during the period
|
|||||||||
|
Drilling and related costs
|
-
|
321,217
|
-
|
-
|
421,673
|
-
|
-
|
23,852
|
766,742
|
|
Professional/technical fees
|
107,447
|
5,884
|
-
|
4,062
|
108,414
|
22,040
|
31,198
|
83,957
|
363,002
|
|
Claim maintenance/lease
Cost
|
1,500
|
9,630
|
23,948
|
4,639
|
60,980
|
50,053
|
52,239
|
103,660
|
306,649
|
|
Geochemical
|
1,215
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
43,900
|
1,960
|
12,301
|
24,151
|
83,527
|
|
Travel
|
12,700
|
27
|
-
|
3,162
|
49,048
|
11,325
|
17,474
|
46,364
|
140,100
|
|
Geology, engineering
|
142,473
|
1,687
|
-
|
6,628
|
-
|
-
|
12,000
|
-
|
162,788
|
|
Salaries and wages
|
-
|
-
|
14,186
|
2,727
|
71,207
|
11,009
|
21,051
|
12,251
|
132,431
|
|
Supplies and misc.
|
1,055
|
69
|
59
|
-
|
93,679
|
2,196
|
2,652
|
10,898
|
110,608
|
|
Geophysical
|
21,421
|
60,589
|
-
|
-
|
6,300
|
3,150
|
5,850
|
26,665
|
123,975
|
|
Reclamation, environmental
|
34,573
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
34,573
|
|
Proceeds from options
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(109,958)
|
(109,958)
|
|
Recoveries
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(4,156)
|
(1,109,180)
|
-
|
-
|
(65,518)
|
(1,178,854)
|
|
Write-down of deferred
|
|||||||||
|
exploration costs
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(291,442)
|
-
|
(412,991)
|
(704,433)
|
|
322,384
|
399,103
|
38,193
|
17,062
|
(253,979)
|
(189,709)
|
154,765
|
(256,669)
|
231,150
|
|
|
Closing Balance (December 31, 2009)
|
5,170,058
|
847,863
|
332,610
|
66,694
|
23,360
|
-
|
372,461
|
(86,843)
|
6,726,203
|
|
Total
|
6,245,752
|
894,314
|
480,864
|
71,015
|
34,430
|
1
|
422,666
|
267,555
|
8,416,597
|
169
|
Almaden Minerals Ltd.
|
|
(An exploration stage company)
|
|
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
|
|
For the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2010
|
|
Presented in Canadian dollars
|
|
9.
|
Exploration and evaluation assets
(Continued)
|
The following is a description of the Company’s most significant property interest and related spending commitments:
(a) Elk
The Company acquired a 100% interest in the Elk Mine in southern British Columbia by staking. The Company processed ore from the Siwash Vein in the mid-1990’s on a bulk sampling basis. A National Instrument 43-101 resource report has been completed for the property. Subsequent to December 31, 2010 the Company signed an agreement to sell the Elk property as described in Note 22.
(b) ATW
The Company has a net 65.5% interest in this diamond property in the Northwest Territories through its ownership of shares in ATW Resources Ltd. which holds the mineral claim.
(c) Willow
The Company acquired a 100% interest in the Willow property in Nevada by staking in 2007.
(d) Caballo Blanco
The Company has a 100% interest in the Caballo Blanco property. The underlying owner would also receive a NSR of 2.5% to 1% based on the rate of production. The Company can purchase 50% of this NSR for a fixed payment of US$750,000. During 2007, the Company entered into an agreement with Canadian Gold Hunter Corp., now NGEx Resources Inc. (“NGEx”). To earn a 70% interest, NGEx must make a US$500,000 payment upon signing a formal agreement (received), issue 1,000,000 shares to the Company (received) and incur exploration expenditures totalling US$12,000,000 over six years and fund all costs required for the completion of a bankable feasibility study. In February 2010, the Company agreed to terms with NGEx and Goldgroup Resources Inc. (“Goldgroup”). NGEx and Goldgroup concluded an arrangement whereby Goldgroup could take over NGEx’s (not yet exercised) option agreement to acquire a 70% interest in the prospect from Almaden. Under the terms of the agreement, a portion of the property will be separated from that agreement to form the now named “El Cobre” project, to be owned 60% by Almaden and 40% by Goldgroup. This arrangement is subject to Goldgroup earning its 70% interest in the prospect. Goldgroup has agreed to pay a NSR to NGEx of 1.5% on Goldgroup’s portion of both the El Cobre and Caballo Blanco projects. Both Almaden and Goldgroup will hold a working interest in the El Cobre Project. Almaden will be the operator of the exploration programs.
(e)
Tuligtic
The Company acquired a 100% interest in the Tuligtic property by staking. During 2009, the Company entered into an agreement with Antofagasta Minerals S.A. (“Antofagasta”). To earn a 60% interest in the property, Antofagasta would have to incur exploration expenditures of US$7,000,000 and make payments to Almaden of US$1,000,000 over five years. In February 2010, Antofagasta terminated its option on the property.
170
|
Almaden Minerals Ltd.
|
|
(An exploration stage company)
|
|
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
|
|
For the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2010
|
|
Presented in Canadian dollars
|
|
9.
|
Exploration and evaluation assets
(Continued)
|
(f) San Carlos / San Jose
The Company acquired a 100% interest in the San Carlos claims by staking and purchased a 100% interest in the San Jose claim subject to a 2% NSR. During 2007, the Company purchased the NSR for US$20,000 and issued 25,000 share purchase warrants for a term of three years exercisable at a price of $3.00 per share. During the year ended December 31, 2010 these warrants expired unexercised. The write-down recognized in 2010 is $254,181 (2009 - $329,747).
(g) Caldera
The Company acquired a 100% interest in the Caldera property by staking. During the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company entered into an agreement with Windstorm Resources Inc. ("Windstorm"). To earn a 60% interest in the property, Windstorm would have to incur exploration expenditures of US$5,000,000 and issue 1,000,000 shares to the Company within six years.
(h) Other
(i
)
Nicoamen River
The Company acquired a 100% interest in the Nicoamen River property by staking. During 2009, the Company entered into an agreement with Fairmont Resources Inc. (“Fairmont”). To earn a 60% interest, Fairmont has to incur exploration expenditures of $2,000,000, pay Almaden $25,000 and issue 300,000 shares to the Company within five years from the listing of the stock on the TSX Venture or other Canadian Stock Exchange.
(ii) Skoonka Creek
The Company has a 34.14% interest in the Skoonka Creek gold property.
(iii)
Merit
The Company acquired a 100% interest in the Merit property by staking. During 2010, the Company entered into an agreement with Sunburst Explorations Inc. (“Sunburst”). To earn a 60% interest, Sunburst has to incur exploration expenditures of $3,000,000 and issue 700,000 shares to the Company within five years from the listing of the stock on the TSX Venture Exchange. The write-down recognized in 2010 is $1,411 (2009 - $13,305).
(iv) Yago
The Company acquired a 100% interest in the Tepic claim by staking and purchased a 100% interest in the La Sarda, Guadalupe and Sagitario claims. During 2007, the Company entered into an agreement with Consolidated Spire Ventures Ltd. (“Spire”). To earn a 60% interest, Spire had to incur exploration expenditures totalling $3,500,000 and issue 800,000 shares to the Company over five years. During 2009, the Company terminated Spire’s option to acquire an interest in the property. The write-down recognized in 2010 is 58,327 (2009 - $61,409).
171
|
Almaden Minerals Ltd.
|
|
(An exploration stage company)
|
|
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
|
|
For the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2010
|
|
Presented in Canadian dollars
|
|
9.
|
Exploration and evaluation assets
(Continued)
|
(v)
Bufa
The Company acquired a 100% interest in the Guadalupe claim by staking. During 2005, the Company entered into an agreement with Lincoln Gold Corp. (“Lincoln”). To earn a 60% interest, Lincoln had to incur exploration expenditures of US$3,500,000 and issue 1,550,000 shares to the Company over five years. In February 2010, the Company sold its 100% interest in the property to Lincoln for 6,000,000 common shares of Lincoln to the Company (fair market value on receipt – $1,770,000). The Company retains a 2% NSR.
(vi)
Gallo de Oro
During 2007, the Company acquired a 100% interest in the As de Oro claim for US$50,000. During 2006, the Company entered into an agreement to acquire a 100% interest in the Gallo de Oro claim. To earn its interest, the Company had to pay US$50,000 by October 30, 2009. At December 31, 2009, all of this obligation had been paid. The write-down recognized in 2010 of $3,832 (2009 - $104,580) was related to Gallo de Oro.
(vii)
Matehuapil
During 2007, the Company was successful in its bid to acquire a 100% interest in the Matehuapil claim. An initial payment of $117,572, representing 20% of the purchase price, was paid. The Company was required to put up two bonds (“Mineral property deposit”), one in the amount of $446,964 representing four pending instalment payments of 20% each to be paid in six month instalments from the issuance of title and one in the amount of $138,929 to pay for the purchase of an NSR royalty. During 2008, the Company paid the remainder of the purchase price outright. The bond in the amount of $446,964 was returned to the Company and the bond for the purchase of the NSR royalty will remain in place until the NSR is purchased. The Company subsequently entered into an agreement with Apex Silver Mines Limited, now Golden Minerals Company (“Golden Minerals”). To earn a 60% interest, Golden Minerals must incur exploration expenditures of US$2,600,000 by December 1, 2013 and make cash payments of Mexican pesos $3,312,000 by July 10, 2009 (received).
(viii)
Tropico
During 2008, the Company and its 60% joint venture partner Santoy Resources Ltd. entered into an agreement with Skeena Resources Ltd. (“Skeena”). To earn a 60% interest, Skeena must incur expenditures totalling US$3,000,000 and issue a total of 1,250,000 shares to the joint venture over 5 years. During the year ended December 31, 2010, the joint venture sold its 100% interest in the property to Skeena. The Company received 2,560,000 common shares of Skeena (fair market value on receipt - $153,600). The joint venture retains a 2% NSR interest in the property.
(ix) Other write-downs of interest in mineral properties
In addition, the Company wrote down its interest in other mineral properties in aggregate by $408,200 during the year ended December 31, 2010 (2009 - $377,726).
172
|
Almaden Minerals Ltd.
|
|
(An exploration stage company)
|
|
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
|
|
For the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2010
|
|
Presented in Canadian dollars
|
|
10.
|
Capital and reserves
|
(a)
Authorized share capital
At December 31, 2010, the authorized share capital comprised an unlimited number of common shares. The common shares do not have a par value. All issued shares are fully paid.
(b)
Details of private placement issues of common shares in 2010 and 2009 are asfollows:
The Company issued 81,200 common flow-through shares on October 13, 2010 on a private placement basis at a price of $3.50 per share, after incurring issue costs of $14,175. Cash commissions totalling $8,400 were paid.
The Company issued 3,000,000 common shares on September 22, 2010 on a private placement basis at a price of $2.50 per share. Cash commissions, a corporate finance fee and related expenses totalled $650,500. On September 28, 2010, the Company issued a further 450,000 common shares at a price of $2.50 per share on the closing of the over-allotment option portion of the September 22, 2010 private placement. Cash commissions and expenses totalling $82,045 were paid.
The Company issued 1,003,821 common flow-through shares on June 29, 2010 on a private placement basis at a price of $1.20 per share, after incurring issue costs of $116,712. 49,997 broker’s warrants entitling the brokers to purchase 49,997 shares at $1.20 per shares until June 29, 2011 were issued to brokers in respect of this placement. The fair value of the broker’s warrants of $7,500 was allocated to share capital and reserves for warrants.
The Company issued 350,000 units on March 16, 2010 on a private placement basis at a price of $1.00 per unit, after incurring issue costs of $32,078. Each unit consists of one common flow-through share and one-half of a non-flow-through warrant with each whole warrant entitling the holder to purchase one additional common share at a price of $1.00 per share until March 16, 2011. 4,375 non-flow-through common shares and 2,625 flow-through shares were issued to finders in respect of this placement. The fair value of the warrants issued as part of the private placement of $28,000 was allocated to share capital and reserves for warrants.
The Company issued 3,060,000 units on December 17, 2009 on a private placement basis at a price of $0.85 per share, after incurring issue costs of $169,637. Each unit consists of one common share and one-half of a warrant with each whole warrant entitling the holder to purchase one additional common share at a price of $1.40 per share until December 17, 2011. The fair value of the warrants issued as part of the private placement of $774,560 was allocated to share capital and reserves for warrants. 236,000 finders warrants entitling the finder to purchase 236,000 units at $0.85 per unit until December 17, 2011 were issued to a finder in respect of this placement. The fair value of the finder’s warrant of $146,320 was allocated to share capital and reserves for warrants.
The Company issued 226,316 units on March 31, 2009 on a private placement basis at a price of $0.95 per share, after incurring issue costs of $12,563. Each unit consists of one common flow-through share and one-half of a non-flow-through warrant with each whole warrant entitling the holder to purchase one additional common share at a price of $1.15 per share until March 31, 2010. The fair value of the warrants issued as part of the private placement of $61,105 was allocated to share capital and reserves for warrants. 7,000 non-flow-through common shares were issued to a finder in respect of this placement.
173
|
Almaden Minerals Ltd.
|
|
(An exploration stage company)
|
|
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
|
|
For the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2010
|
|
Presented in Canadian dollars
|
|
10.
|
Capital and reserves
(Continued)
|
|
|
(c)
|
Warrants
|
The continuity of warrants for the period ended December 31, 2010 is as follows:
|
Expiry date
|
Exercise
Price
|
December 31
2009
|
Granted
|
Exercised
|
Expired/
cancelled
|
December 31
2010
|
|
March 20, 2010
|
$ 3.00
|
25,000
|
-
|
-
|
(25,000)
|
-
|
|
September 30, 2010
|
$ 1.15
|
113,158
|
-
|
113,158
|
-
|
-
|
|
December 17, 2011
|
$ 0.85
|
236,000
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
236,000
|
|
December 17, 2011
|
$ 1.40
|
1,648,000
|
-
|
467,500
|
-
|
1,180,500
|
|
March 16, 2011
|
$ 1.25
|
-
|
175,000
|
135,000
|
-
|
40,000
|
|
June 29, 2011
|
$ 1.20
|
-
|
49,997
|
24,998
|
-
|
24,999
|
|
2,022,158
|
224,997
|
(740,658)
|
(25,000)
|
1,481,499
|
||
|
Weighted average
|
||||||
|
exercise price
|
$ 1.34
|
$ 1.24
|
$1.33
|
$ 3.00
|
$ 1.30
|
|
Expiry date
|
Exercise
Price
|
January 1
2009
|
Granted
|
Exercised
|
Expired/
cancelled
|
December 31
2009
|
|
November 14, 2009
|
$1.00
|
86,000
|
(86,000)
|
-
|
||
|
March 20, 2010
|
$ 3.00
|
25,000
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
25,000
|
|
March 31, 2010
|
$ 1.15
|
113,158
|
-
|
-
|
113,158
|
|
|
December 17, 2011
|
$ 0.85
|
236,000
|
-
|
-
|
236,000
|
|
|
December 17, 2011
|
$ 1.40
|
1,648,000
|
-
|
-
|
1,648,000
|
|
|
111,000
|
1,997,158
|
-
|
(86,000)
|
2,022,158
|
||
|
Weighted average
|
||||||
|
exercise price
|
$ 1.45
|
$ 1.32
|
-
|
$ 1.00
|
$ 1.34
|
On March 31, 2010, the Company extended the expiry date of 113,158 warrants for six months. The fair value for these warrants was recalculated on the extension date and an adjustment of $Nil was recorded.
The fair value of the warrants issued June 29, 2010 was estimated at $7,500 using the Black-Scholes option pricing model based on the following weighted average assumptions: risk free interest rate of 1.54%; expected life of 1 year; dividend rate of 0%; and volatility of 58.29%.
The fair value of the warrants issued March 16, 2010 was estimated at $28,000 using the Black-Scholes option pricing model based on the following weighted average assumptions: risk free interest rate of 1.63%; expected life of 1 year; dividend rate of 0%; and volatility of 67.14%.
The fair value of the warrants issued December 17, 2009 was estimated at $920,880 using the Black-Scholes option pricing model based on the following weighted average assumptions: risk free interest rate of 1.36%; expected life of 2 years; dividend rate of 0%; and volatility of 90.75%.
174
|
Almaden Minerals Ltd.
|
|
(An exploration stage company)
|
|
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
|
|
For the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2010
|
|
Presented in Canadian dollars
|
|
10.
|
Capital and reserves
(Continued)
|
The fair value of the warrants issued March 31, 2009 was estimated at $61,105 using the Black-Scholes option pricing model based on the following weighted average assumptions: risk free interest rate of .96%; expected life of 1 year; dividend rate of 0%; and volatility of 109.37%.
(d)
Share purchase option compensation plan
The Company’s stock option plan permits the issuance of options up to a maximum of 10% of the Company’s issued share capital. Stock options issued to any consultant or person providing investor relations services cannot exceed 2% of the issued and outstanding common shares in any twelve month period. At December 31, 2010, the Company had reserved 570,082 stock options that may be granted. The exercise price of any option cannot be less than the volume weighted average trading price of the shares for the five trading days immediately preceding the date of the grant. The maximum term of all options is five years. The Board of Directors determines the term of the option (to a maximum of five years) and the time during which any option may vest. Options granted to consultants or persons providing investor relations services shall vest in stages with no more than 25% of such option being exercisable in any three month period. All options granted during the year ended December 31, 2010 vested on the date granted. The continuity of stock options for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 are as follows:
|
Expiry date
|
Exercise
Price
|
December 31
2009
|
Granted
|
Exercised
|
Expired/
cancelled
|
December 31
2010
|
|
June 17, 2010
|
$ 1.79
|
240,000
|
-
|
-
|
(240,000)
|
-
|
|
September 15, 2010
|
$ 1.07
|
140,000
|
-
|
(140,000)
|
-
|
-
|
|
July 6, 2011
|
$ 2.50
|
1,795,000
|
-
|
(100,000)
|
-
|
1,695,000
|
|
November 22, 2011
|
$ 2.73
|
-
|
100,000
|
-
|
-
|
100,000
|
|
September 10, 2012
|
$ 2.32
|
500,000
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
500,000
|
|
November 15, 2012
|
$ 2.68
|
100,000
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
100,000
|
|
December 13, 2012
|
$ 2.52
|
50,000
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
50,000
|
|
December 13, 2012
|
$ 4.30
|
-
|
25,000
|
-
|
-
|
25,000
|
|
March 17, 2013
|
$ 2.35
|
40,000
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
40,000
|
|
December 29, 2013
|
$ 0.68
|
655,000
|
-
|
(530,000)
|
-
|
125,000
|
|
November 25, 2014
|
$ 0.81
|
150,000
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
150,000
|
|
January 4, 2015
|
$ 1.14
|
-
|
1,140,000
|
(50,000)
|
-
|
1,090,000
|
|
April 7, 2015
|
$ 0.94
|
-
|
75,000
|
(40,000)
|
-
|
35,000
|
|
June 21, 2015
|
$ 1.00
|
-
|
240,000
|
-
|
-
|
240,000
|
|
July 16, 2015
|
$ 0.92
|
-
|
210,000
|
(10,000)
|
-
|
200,000
|
|
August 27, 2015
|
$ 2.22
|
-
|
380,000
|
(25,000)
|
-
|
355,000
|
|
September 20, 2015
|
$ 2.67
|
-
|
100,000
|
-
|
-
|
100,000
|
|
November 22, 2015
|
$ 2.73
|
-
|
175,000
|
-
|
-
|
175,000
|
|
Options outstanding
and exercisable
|
3,670,000
|
2,445,000
|
(895,000)
|
(240,000)
|
4,980,000
|
|
|
Weighted average
|
||||||
|
exercise price
|
$ 1.98
|
$ 1.55
|
$ 1.03
|
$ 1.79
|
$ 1.95
|
175
|
Almaden Minerals Ltd.
|
|
(An exploration stage company)
|
|
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
|
|
For the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2010
|
|
Presented in Canadian dollars
|
|
10.
|
Capital and reserves
(Continued)
|
|
Expiry date
|
Exercise
Price
|
January 1
2009
|
Granted
|
Exercised
|
Expired/
cancelled
|
December 31
2009
|
|
December 1, 2009
|
$ 0.39
|
154,000
|
-
|
(154,000)
|
-
|
-
|
|
December 14, 2009
|
$ 1.67
|
806,000
|
-
|
-
|
(806,000)
|
-
|
|
June 17, 2010
|
$ 1.79
|
240,000
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
240,000
|
|
September 15, 2010
|
$ 1.07
|
140,000
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
140,000
|
|
July 6, 2011
|
$ 2.50
|
1,795,000
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1,795,000
|
|
September 7, 2009
|
$ 2.23
|
25,000
|
-
|
-
|
(25,000)
|
-
|
|
September 10, 2012
|
$ 2.32
|
500,000
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
500,000
|
|
November 15, 2012
|
$ 2.68
|
100,000
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
100,000
|
|
December 14, 2012
|
$ 2.52
|
50,000
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
50,000
|
|
March 17, 2013
|
$ 2.35
|
40,000
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
40,000
|
|
December 29, 2013
|
$ 0.68
|
655,000
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
655,000
|
|
November 25, 2014
|
$ 0.81
|
-
|
150,000
|
150,000
|
||
|
Options outstanding
and exercisable
|
4,505,000
|
150,000
|
(154,000)
|
(831,000)
|
3,670,000
|
|
|
Weighted average
|
||||||
|
exercise price
|
$ 1.93
|
$ 0.81
|
$ 0.39
|
$ 1.70
|
$ 1.98
|
The weighted average grant date fair value of 25,000 stock options granted on December 13, 2010 was $1.67. The fair value of these options was determined on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions: risk free interest rate of 1.70%; expected life of 2 years; expected volatility of 70.94%; and expected dividends of $Nil.
The weighted average grant date fair value of 175,000 stock options granted on November 22, 2010 was $1.85. The fair value of these options was determined on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions: risk free interest rate of 2.24%; expected life of 5 years; expected volatility of 70.18%; and expected dividends of $Nil.
The weighted average grant date fair value of 100,000 stock options granted on November 22, 2010 was $0.86. The fair value of these options was determined on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions: risk free interest rate of 1.70%; expected life of 1 year; expected volatility of 70.47%; and expected dividends of $Nil.
The weighted average grant date fair value of 100,000 stock options granted on September 20, 2010 was $1.56. The fair value of these options was determined on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions: risk free interest rate of 2.00%; expected life of 5 years; expected volatility of 69.44%; and expected dividends of $Nil.
The weighted average grant date fair value of 380,000 stock options granted on August 27, 2010 was $1.19. The fair value of these options was determined on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions: risk free interest rate of 2.00%; expected life of 5 years; expected volatility of 68.86%; and expected dividends of $Nil.
The weighted average grant date fair value of 210,000 stock options granted on July 16, 2010 was $0.52. The fair value of these options was determined on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions: risk free interest rate
176
|
Almaden Minerals Ltd.
|
|
(An exploration stage company)
|
|
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
|
|
For the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2010
|
|
Presented in Canadian dollars
|
10. Capital and reserves (Continued)
of 2.00%; expected life of 5 years; expected volatility of 65.67%; and expected dividends of $Nil.
The weighted average grant date fair value of 240,000 stock options granted on June 21, 2010 was $0.54. The fair value of these options was determined on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions: risk free interest rate of 2.59%; expected life of 5 years; expected volatility of 66.46%; and expected dividends of $Nil.
The weighted average grant date fair value of 75,000 stock options granted on April 7, 2010 was $0.62. The fair value of these options was determined on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions: risk free interest rate of 2.59%; expected life of 4 years; expected volatility of 69.02%; and expected dividends of $Nil.
The weighted average grant date fair value of 1,140,000 stock options granted on January 4, 2010 was $0.67. The fair value of these options was determined on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions: risk free interest rate of 2.59%; expected life of 5 years; expected volatility of 65.27%; and expected dividends of $Nil.
The weighted average grant date fair value of 150,000 stock options granted on November 25, 2009 was $0.45. The fair value of these options was determined on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions: risk free interest rate of 2.12%; expected life of 5 years; expected volatility of 63.74%; and expected dividends of $Nil.
Option pricing models require the input of highly subjective assumptions including the expected price volatility. Changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, and therefore the existing models do not necessarily provide a reliable measure of the fair value of the Company’s share purchase options.
11. Asset retirement obligation
The Company’s asset retirement obligation consists of reclamation costs for the Elk property in British Columbia and is estimated to be settled in 4 years at the earliest. The estimated total undiscounted amount to settle the asset retirement obligation is $152,073. This amount has been discounted using a pre-tax discount rate of 6.25 percent. See also Note 20 Net Assets Held For Sale.
|
December 31,
|
December 31,
|
January 1,
|
||||||||||
|
2010
|
2009
|
2009
|
||||||||||
|
Opening Balance, January 1
|
135,016 | 129,332 | 129,332 | |||||||||
|
- Accretion during the year
|
8,108 | 5,684 | - | |||||||||
|
- Adjustment to estimate
|
(23,488 | ) | - | - | ||||||||
|
- Transferred to Liabilities Held for Sale
|
(119,636 | ) | - | - | ||||||||
| - | 135,016 | 129,332 | ||||||||||
177
|
Almaden Minerals Ltd.
|
|
(An exploration stage company)
|
|
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
|
|
For the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2010
|
|
Presented in Canadian dollars
|
12. Related party transactions and balances
a) Management transactions
The aggregate value of transactions and outstanding balances relating to key management personnel and entities over which they have control or significant influence were as follows for the year ended December 31, 2010:
|
Short-term
employee benefits
$
|
Post-employment
Benefits
|
Other
long-term
benefits
|
Termination
benefits
|
Share-based
payments
$
|
Total
$
|
|
|
Hawk Mountain Resources Ltd.
(i)
|
208,100
|
n/a
|
n/a
|
(iii)
|
396,000
(v)
|
604,100
|
|
Morgan Poliquin
Chief Executive Officer
|
165,000
|
n/a
|
n/a
|
(iii)
|
442,500
(vi)
|
607,500
|
|
Pacific Opportunity Capital Ltd.
(ii)
|
60,000
|
n/a
|
n/a
|
(iv)
|
50,250
(vii)
|
110,250
|
|
Mark Blythe
Vice-President-Mining
|
55,875
|
n/a
|
n/a
|
n/a
|
46,500
(viii)
|
102,375
|
For the year ended December 31, 2009
|
Short-term
Employee
benefits
$
|
Post-employment
Benefits
|
Other
long-term
benefits
|
Termination
benefits
|
Share-based
payments
$
|
Total
$
|
|
|
Hawk Mountain Resources Ltd.
(i)
|
189,200
|
n/a
|
n/a
|
(iii)
|
Nil
|
189,200
|
|
Morgan Poliquin
Chief Executive Officer
|
173,000
|
n/a
|
n/a
|
(iii)
|
67,500
(ix)
|
240,500
|
|
Pacific Opportunity Capital Ltd.
(ii)
|
60,000
|
n/a
|
n/a
|
(iv)
|
Nil
|
60,000
|
|
Mark Blythe
Vice-President-Mining
|
52,875
|
n/a
|
n/a
|
n/a
|
Nil
|
52,875
|
|
(i)
|
Hawk Mountain Resources Ltd., a private company controlled by the Chairman of the Company. The spouse and daughter of the Chairman were also directly paid $10,000 each during 2010 (2009 - $4,000) for marketing and administrative services including website maintenance and updates, market materials coordination, and general administration.
|
|
(ii)
|
Pacific Opportunity Capital Ltd., a company controlled by Mark T. Brown, the Chief Financial Officer of the Company.
|
|
(iii)
|
If terminated without cause, payment of an amount equal to 2 times the then current base compensation; by death, payment of an amount equal to 6 months of the then current base fee; and following a change of control, payment of an amount equal to 3 times the then current base compensation.
|
|
(iv)
|
If terminated by death or disability, payment of an amount equal to 3 months of the then current base fee.
|
178
|
Almaden Minerals Ltd.
|
|
(An exploration stage company)
|
|
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
|
|
For the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2010
|
|
Presented in Canadian dollars
|
12. Related party transactions and balances
(Continued)
|
(v)
|
Comprised of options granted pursuant to the Company’s stock option plan. The value of 220,000 option-based awards at the January 4, 2010 grant date is based on the fair value of the awards ($0.67), the value of 240,000 option-based awards at the June 21, 2010 grant date is based on the fair value of the awards ($0.54) and the value of 100,000 option-based awards at the August 27, 2010 grant date is based on the fair value of the awards ($1.19), all calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. All options vested upon grant.
|
|
(vi)
|
Comprised of options granted pursuant to the Company’s stock option plan. The value of 350,000 option-based awards at the January 4, 2010 grant date is based on the fair value of the awards ($0.67), the value of 100,000 option-based awards at the July 16, 2010 grant date is based on the fair value of the awards ($0.52) and the value of 100,000 option-based awards at the September 20, 2010 grant date is based on the fair value of the awards ($1.56), all calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. All options vested upon grant.
|
|
(vii)
|
Comprised of options granted pursuant to the Company’s stock option plan. The value of 75,000 option-based awards at the January 4, 2010 grant date is based on the fair value of the awards ($0.67) calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. All options vested upon grant.
|
|
(viii)
|
Comprised of options granted pursuant to the Company’s stock option plan. The value of 75,000 option-based awards at the April 7, 2010 grant date is based on the fair value of the awards ($0.62) calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. All options vested upon grant.
|
|
(ix)
|
Comprised of options granted pursuant to the Company’s stock option plan. The value of 150,000 option-based awards at the November 25, 2009 grant date is based on the fair value of the awards ($0.45) calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. All options vested upon grant.
|
b) Directors transactions
During the year ended December 31, 2010, $33,000 (2009 - $33,000) was paid to the 5 non-management Directors.
c) Other related party transactions
i) Tarsis Resources Ltd. (“Tarsis”)
Tarsis has a Director, Gerald Carlson, and two officers, Marc G. Blythe and Mark T. Brown, in common with Almaden, and Almaden owns 17% of Tarsis’s common shares
(see Note 7).
During the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company charged Tarsis $54,515 (2009 - $55,189) for office rent and various expenses. These amounts were valued at the exchange amount agreed to by the parties. At December 31, 2010, Tarsis owed the Company $433 (2009 - $13,179).
ii) Windstorm Resources Ltd. (“Windstorm”)
Windstorm’s President and Director, Gerald Carlson, is also a Director of Almaden. Almaden also owns common shares in Windstorm.
In September 2010, the Company optioned the Caldera property to Windstorm such that Windstorm may earn a 60% interest in the property by issuing one million common shares to Almaden and completing $5 million in exploration work, both over a six year period, with $150,000 to be spent during the first year of the agreement.
179
|
Almaden Minerals Ltd.
|
|
(An exploration stage company)
|
|
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
|
|
For the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2010
|
|
Presented in Canadian dollars
|
12. Related party transactions and balances
(Continued)
c) Other related party transactions
iii) Fairmont Resources Inc. (“Fairmont”)
One of Fairmont’s Directors, Gerald Carlson, is also a Director of Almaden.
On July 30, 2009, Fairmont entered into an option agreement to acquire an initial 51% interest in Almaden’s Nicoamen River Claims located in the Kamloops Mining Division, British Columbia. In order to earn its interest Fairmont agreed to pay $25,000 and incur $300,000 in exploration. Fairmont may acquire an additional 9% interest by issuing a total of 300,000 common shares to Almaden and spending a further $1,7 million on the property, both within a five year period beginning on April 14, 2010.
iv) ATW Resources Ltd. (“ATW”)
Almaden owns a 50% interest in this company which holds title in trust for a mineral property. The Company has two directors, Duane Poliquin and James McInnes, in common with ATW.
|
13.
|
Loss per share
|
Basic and diluted loss per share
The calculation of basic and diluted loss per share for the year ended December 31, 2010 was based on the loss attributable to common shareholders of $3,464,652 (2009 – ($2,285,959) and a weighted average number of common shares outstanding of 51,187,561 (2009 – 45,846,627).
Diluted loss per share did not include the effect of 4,980,000 stock options and 1,481,499 warrants (2009 – 3,670,000 and 2,022,158, respectively) because they are anti-dilutive.
180
|
Almaden Minerals Ltd.
|
|
(An exploration stage company)
|
|
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
|
|
For the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2010
|
|
Presented in Canadian dollars
|
|
14.
|
Supplemental cash flow information
|
Supplemental information regarding non-cash transactions is as follows:
|
December 31,
2010
|
December 31,
2009
(Note 19)
|
|
|
Investing activities
|
||
|
Reversal of equity settled employee benefits
reserve on exercise of options
|
$ 533,250
|
$ -
|
|
Reversal of warrants reserve
on exercise of warrants
|
306,180
|
-
|
|
Fair value of warrants upon completion
of private placement
|
35,550
|
981,985
|
|
Shares received on sale of Tropico
property
|
153,600
|
-
|
|
Shares received on sale of Bufa
property
|
1,770,000
|
-
|
Supplemental information regarding the split between cash and cash equivalents is as follows:
|
December 31,
2010
|
December 31,
2009
(Note 19)
|
January 1, 2009
(Note 19)
|
|
|
Cash
|
$ 3,596,119
|
$ 3,959,526
|
$ 1,206,586
|
|
Government of Canada (T-Bills)
|
4,997,500
|
9,183,145
|
11,112,364
|
|
Bankers Acceptance
|
7,494,213
|
-
|
-
|
|
$ 16,087,832
|
$ 13,142,671
|
$ 12, 318,950
|
181
|
Almaden Minerals Ltd.
|
|
(An exploration stage company)
|
|
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
|
|
For the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2010
|
|
Presented in Canadian dollars
|
15. Income taxes
The Company’s Canadian income tax rate is approximately 28.5% (2009 – 30%) while the Mexico income tax rate is approximately 30%. The provision for income taxes differs from the amounts computed by applying the statutory rates to the loss before tax provision due to the following:
|
2010
|
2009
|
|||||||
|
Statutory rate
|
28.5 | % | 30.0 | % | ||||
|
Income taxes recovered
|
||||||||
|
at the Canadian statutory rate
|
$ | 1,074,569 | $ | 727,700 | ||||
|
Effect of different tax rates in
|
||||||||
|
foreign jurisdiction
|
(6,672 | ) | (26,300 | ) | ||||
|
Non-deductible items
|
(743,281 | ) | (67,911 | ) | ||||
|
Tax recovery on flow-though
|
||||||||
|
shares
|
305,766 | - | ||||||
|
Tax losses not recognized in
|
||||||||
|
period benefit arose & other
|
(324,616 | ) | (633,489 | ) | ||||
|
Reduction in mineral tax liability
|
- | - | ||||||
|
Mineral tax recovery
|
- | 185,690 | ||||||
|
Mexican flat tax
|
- | (45,962 | ) | |||||
| $ | 305,766 | $ | 139,728 | |||||
The approximate tax effects of each type of temporary difference that gives rise to future tax assets are as follows:
|
December 31,
|
December 31,
|
January 1,
|
||||||||||
|
2010
|
2009
|
2009
|
||||||||||
|
Operating and capital loss carryforwar
|
$ | 1,712,000 | $ | 2,131,000 | $ | 2,289,000 | ||||||
|
Canadian and foreign exploration and
|
||||||||||||
|
development expenditures
|
1,248,000 | 1,508,000 | 1,711,000 | |||||||||
|
Asset retirement obligations
|
29,900 | 33,800 | 34,000 | |||||||||
|
Marketable securities
|
30,700 | 131,000 | 319,000 | |||||||||
|
Share issue costs
|
209,000 | 47,000 | 59,000 | |||||||||
|
Property, plant and equipment
|
366,000 | 17,000 | 127,000 | |||||||||
|
Cumulative Eligible Capital
|
18,000 | 19,000 | - | |||||||||
| 3,613,600 | 3,886,800 | 4,539,000 | ||||||||||
|
Valuation allowance
|
(3,613,600 | ) | (3,886,800 | ) | (4,539,000 | ) | ||||||
| $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | |||||||
182
|
Almaden Minerals Ltd.
|
|
(An exploration stage company)
|
|
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
|
|
For the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2010
|
|
Presented in Canadian dollars
|
15.
Income taxes
(Continued)
At December 31, 2010, the Company had operating loss carry forwards available for tax purposes in Canada of $3,437,000 (2009 - $4,223,500) which expire between 2014 and 2029 and in Mexico of $1,937,000 (2009 - $2,978,000) which expire between 2011 and 2020.
16. Commitments and contingencies
|
|
(a)
|
The Company has, in the normal course of business, entered into various long-term contracts which include commitments for future operating payments for the rental of premises as follows:
|
|
2011
|
$ 67,000
|
|
2012
|
67,000
|
|
2013
|
67,000
|
|
2014
|
75,000
|
|
2015
|
81,000
|
|
Thereafter
|
6,700
|
|
$363,700
|
|
|
(b)
|
During 2007, the Company entered into contracts with its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer for remuneration of $206,250 annually (amended), for two years, renewable for two additional successive terms of 24 months.
|
|
|
(c)
|
During 2007, the Company entered into an Agreement with its Chief Financial Officer and a company controlled by him for remuneration of $60,000 annually for a term of one year, renewable for additional successive terms of 12 months.
|
17. Financial instruments
The fair values of the Company’s accounts receivable and accounts payables approximate their carrying values because of the short-term nature of these instruments.
The Company’s financial instruments are exposed to certain financial risks, including currency risk, credit risk, liquidity risk, interest risk and commodity price risk.
(a) Currency risk
The Company’s property interests in Mexico make it subject to foreign currency fluctuations and inflationary pressures which may adversely affect the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows. The Company is affected by changes in exchange rates between the Canadian Dollar and foreign functional currencies. The Company does not invest in foreign currency contracts to mitigate the risks.
A 10% change in the US dollar exchange rate relative to the Canadian dollar would change the Company’s net income by $140,000.
A 10% change in the Mexican peso relative to the Canadian dollar would change the Company’s net income by $220,000.
183
|
Almaden Minerals Ltd.
|
|
(An exploration stage company)
|
|
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
|
|
For the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2010
|
|
Presented in Canadian dollars
|
|
17.
|
Financial instruments
(
Continued)
|
(b) Credit risk
The Company’s cash and cash equivalents are held in large Canadian financial institutions. These investments mature at various dates over the twelve months following the balance sheet date. The Company’s HST and VAT receivables consist primarily of harmonized sales tax due from the federal government of Canada and value-added tax due from the government of Mexico. The Company also has other accounts receivable from various entities including optionees, drilling clients and IVA from the Mexican government.
(c) Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they fall due. The Company manages liquidity risk through the management of its capital structure.
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities are due within twelve months of the balance sheet date.
(d)
Interest rate risk
Interest rate risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market interest rates. The risk that the Company will realize a loss as a result of a decline in the fair value of the short-term investments is limited because these investments, although available for sale, are generally held to maturity.
A 1% change in the interest rate would change the Company’s net income by $150,000.
(e) Commodity price risk
The ability of the Company to explore its mineral properties and the future profitability of the Company are directly related to the market price of gold and other precious metals. The Company has not hedged any of its potential future gold sales. The Company monitors gold prices to determine the appropriate course of action to be taken by the Company.
A 1% change in the price of gold would affect the fair value of the Company’s gold inventory by $22,000.
(f)
Classification of Financial instruments
IFRS 7 establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the input to valuation techniques used to measure fair value as follows:
Level 1 – quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
Level 2 – inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (i.e., as prices) or indirectly (i.e., derived from prices); and
Level 3 – inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs).
184
|
Almaden Minerals Ltd.
|
|
(An exploration stage company)
|
|
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
|
|
For the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2010
|
|
Presented in Canadian dollars
|
|
17.
|
Financial instruments
(
Continued)
|
The following table sets forth the Company’s financial assets measured at fair value by level within the fair value hierarchy.
|
Level 1
|
Level 2
|
Level 3
|
Total
|
|||||
|
Assets:
|
||||||||
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
$
|
16,087,832
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
16,087,832
|
|
Marketable securities
|
1,851,883
|
-
|
-
|
1,851,883
|
||||
|
Short-term investment
|
2,000,000
|
-
|
-
|
2,000,000
|
||||
|
$
|
19,939,715
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
19,939,715
|
18. Management of capital
The Company considers its capital to consist of common shares, stock options and warrants. The Company’s objectives when managing capital are to safeguard the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern in order to pursue the exploration of its mineral properties and to maintain a flexible capital structure which optimizes the costs of capital at an acceptable risk.
The Company manages the capital structure and makes adjustments to it in light of changes in economic conditions and the risk characteristics of the underlying assets. To maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Company may attempt to issue new shares and, acquire or dispose of assets.
In order to maximize ongoing exploration efforts, the Company does not pay out dividends. The Company’s investment policy is to invest its short-term excess cash in highly liquid short-term interest-bearing investments with short term maturities, selected with regards to the expected timing of expenditures from continuing operations.
The Company expects its current capital resources will be sufficient to carry its exploration plans and operations through its current operating period.
19. Transition to International Financial Reporting Standards
As stated in Note 2, these are the Company’s first annual consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS.
The Company adopted IFRS in accordance with IFRS 1, First-time Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS 1). The first date at which IFRS was applied was January 1, 2009 (“Transition Date”). IFRS 1 provides for certain mandatory exceptions and optional exemptions for first-time adopters of IFRS.
IFRS 1 requires that the same policies are applied for all periods presented in the first IFRS financial statements and that those policies comply with IFRSs in effect as at the end of the first IFRS annual reporting period. Accordingly, the opening IFRS statement of financial position, 2009 comparatives and current year financial statements have been prepared using the same policies. The previously presented 2009 Canadian GAAP financial information has been reconciled to the IFRS information as part of this transition note in accordance with the requirements of IFRS 1. Further, the policies applied have been done so on a full retrospective basis unless an alternative treatment is permitted or required by an IFRS 1 election or exception. These are discussed below.
185
|
Almaden Minerals Ltd.
|
|
(An exploration stage company)
|
|
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
|
|
For the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2010
|
|
Presented in Canadian dollars
|
|
19.
|
Transition to International Financial Reporting Standards
(Continued)
|
Elections upon first-time adoption of IFRS
The IFRS 1 exemptions applied by the Company in the conversion from Canadian GAAP to IFRS are as follows:
|
(i)
|
Business combinations
|
IFRS 1 indicates that a first-time adopter may elect not to apply IFRS 3 (2008)
Business Combinations
retrospectively to business combinations that occurred before the date of transition to IFRS. The Company has elected to apply IFRS 3 (2008) to only those business combinations that occurred on or after the Transition Date and such business combinations have not been restated. As a result of this election, no adjustments were required to the Company’s statement of financial position as at the Transition Date.
|
(ii)
|
Share-based payment transactions
|
IFRS 1 encourages, but does not require, first-time adopters to apply IFRS 2
Share-based Payment
to equity instruments that were granted on or before November 7, 2002, or equity instruments that were granted subsequent to November 7, 2002 and vested before the later of the date of transition to IFRS and January 1, 2005. The Company has elected not to apply IFRS 2 to awards that vested prior to the Transition Date.
Mandatory Exceptions under IFRS
The IFRS 1 mandatory exception applied by the Company in the conversion from Canadian GAAP to IFRS is as follows:
|
(iii)
|
Estimates
|
In accordance with IFRS 1, an entity’s estimates under IFRS at the date of transition to IFRS must be consistent with estimates made for the same date under previous GAAP unless those estimates were in error. The Company’s IFRS estimates as at the Transition Date are consistent with its Canadian GAAP estimates as at that date.
186
|
Almaden Minerals Ltd.
|
|
(An exploration stage company)
|
|
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
|
|
For the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2010
|
|
Presented in Canadian dollars
|
|
19.
|
Transition to International Financial Reporting Standards
(Continued)
|
Reconciliations of Canadian GAAP to IFRS
IFRS 1 requires an entity to reconcile equity and comprehensive income for prior periods presented under Canadian GAAP to IFRSs as of the same date. In addition, an explanation is required for any material adjustments to cash flows to the extent that they exist. The analysis which follows represents the reconciliations from Canadian GAAP to IFRS for the respective periods noted:
|
As at January 1, 2009
|
As at December 31, 2009
|
|||||||
|
Effect of
|
Effect of
|
|||||||
|
Transition to
|
Transition to
|
|||||||
|
note
|
GAAP
|
IFRS
|
IFRS
|
GAAP
|
IFRS
|
IFRS
|
||
|
ASSETS
|
||||||||
|
Non-current assets
|
||||||||
|
Property, plant and equipment
|
$ 1,013,580
|
$ -
|
$ 1,013,580
|
$ 875,101
|
$ -
|
$ 875,101
|
||
|
Investment
|
1,549,036
|
-
|
1,549,036
|
1,261,651
|
-
|
1,261,651
|
||
|
Reclamation deposit
|
81,500
|
-
|
81,500
|
84,000
|
-
|
84,000
|
||
|
Mineral property deposit
|
138,929
|
-
|
138,929
|
138,929
|
-
|
138,929
|
||
|
Mineral properties
|
8,235,749
|
-
|
8,235,749
|
8,416,597
|
-
|
8,416,597
|
||
|
11,018,794
|
-
|
11,018,794
|
10,776,278
|
-
|
10,776,278
|
|||
|
Current assets
|
||||||||
|
Inventory
|
274,768
|
-
|
274,768
|
274,768
|
-
|
274,768
|
||
|
Marketable securities
|
340,893
|
-
|
340,893
|
763,479
|
-
|
763,479
|
||
|
Accounts receivable and
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
prepaid expenses
|
448,675
|
-
|
448,675
|
702,227
|
-
|
702,227
|
||
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
12,318,950
|
-
|
12,318,950
|
13,142,671
|
-
|
13,142,671
|
||
|
13,383,286
|
-
|
13,383,286
|
14,883,145
|
-
|
14,883,145
|
|||
|
TOTAL ASSETS
|
$ 24,402,080
|
$ -
|
$ 24,402,080
|
$ 25,659,423
|
$ -
|
$ 25,659,423
|
||
187
|
Almaden Minerals Ltd.
|
|
(An exploration stage company)
|
|
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
|
|
For the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2010
|
|
Presented in Canadian dollars
|
|
19.
|
Transition to International Financial Reporting Standards
(Continued)
|
|
As at January 1, 2009
|
As at December 31, 2009
|
|||||||||
|
Effect of
|
Effect of
|
|||||||||
|
Transition to
|
Transition to
|
|||||||||
|
note
|
GAAP
|
IFRS
|
IFRS
|
GAAP
|
IFRS
|
IFRS
|
||||
|
EQUITY
|
||||||||||
|
Share capital
|
$49,159,392
|
$ -
|
$49,159,392
|
$50,877,609
|
$ -
|
$50,877,609
|
||||
|
Reserves
|
||||||||||
|
Equity settled employee
|
||||||||||
|
Benefits
|
19(iv)
|
-
|
4,509,023
|
4,509,023
|
-
|
4,576,523
|
4,576,523
|
|||
|
Warrants
|
19(iv)
|
-
|
176,741
|
176,741
|
-
|
1,158,726
|
1,158,726
|
|||
|
Available-for-sale financial
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Assets
|
19(iv)
|
-
|
(1,358,650)
|
(1,358,650)
|
-
|
(736,359)
|
(736,359)
|
|||
|
Contributed surplus
|
19(iv)
|
4,685,764
|
(4,685,764)
|
-
|
5,735,249
|
(5,735,249)
|
-
|
|||
|
Accumulated other
|
||||||||||
|
comprehensive income
|
19(iv)
|
(1,358,650)
|
1,358,650
|
-
|
(736,359)
|
736,359
|
-
|
|||
|
Deficit
|
(28,419,696)
|
-
|
(28,419,696)
|
(30,705,655)
|
-
|
(30,705,655)
|
||||
|
24,066,810
|
-
|
24,066,810
|
25,170,844
|
-
|
25,170,844
|
|||||
|
LIABILITIES
|
||||||||||
|
Non-current liabilities
|
||||||||||
|
Asset retirement obligation
|
129,332
|
-
|
129,332
|
135,016
|
-
|
135,016
|
||||
|
Current liabilities
|
||||||||||
|
Accounts payable and
|
||||||||||
|
accrued liabilities
|
205,938
|
-
|
205,938
|
353,563
|
-
|
353,563
|
||||
|
335,270
|
-
|
335,270
|
488,579
|
-
|
488,579
|
|||||
|
TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
|
$24,402,080
|
$ -
|
$24,402,080
|
$25,659,423
|
$ -
|
$25,659,423
|
||||
188
|
Almaden Minerals Ltd.
|
|
(An exploration stage company)
|
|
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
|
|
For the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2010
|
|
Presented in Canadian dollars
|
|
19.
|
Transition to International Financial Reporting Standards
(Continued)
|
|
Reconciliation of Statement of Comprehensive Loss
|
||||
|
Year ended December 31, 2009
|
||||
|
Effect of
|
||||
|
Transition to
|
||||
|
note
|
GAAP
|
IFRS
|
IFRS
|
|
|
Revenue
|
||||
|
Interest income
|
$ 169,458
|
$ -
|
$ 169,458
|
|
|
Drilling services
|
2,112,832
|
-
|
2,112,832
|
|
|
Other income
|
158,329
|
-
|
158,329
|
|
|
|
2,440,619
|
-
|
2,440,619
|
|
|
Expenses
|
||||
|
Drilling services expenses
|
1,218,518
|
-
|
1,218,518
|
|
|
Write-down of interests in mineral properties
|
890,811
|
-
|
890,811
|
|
|
General and administrative expenses (Schedule 1)
|
1,291,253
|
-
|
1,291,253
|
|
|
General exploration expenses
|
665,055
|
-
|
665,055
|
|
|
Stock option compensation
|
67,500
|
-
|
67,500
|
|
|
4,133,137
|
-
|
4,133,137
|
||
|
(1,692,518)
|
-
|
(1,692,518)
|
||
|
Loss on equity investment
|
(90,908)
|
-
|
(90,908)
|
|
|
Loss on dilution
|
(196,476)
|
-
|
(196,476)
|
|
|
Write-down of marketable securities
|
(80,600)
|
-
|
(80,600)
|
|
|
Income on mineral property options
|
77,360
|
-
|
77,360
|
|
|
Loss on sale of marketable securities
|
(26,790)
|
-
|
(26,790)
|
|
|
Foreign exchange loss
|
(415,755)
|
-
|
(415,755)
|
|
|
Loss before income taxes
|
(2,425,687)
|
-
|
(2,425,687)
|
|
|
Income tax recovery
|
19(v)
|
232,728
|
(93,000)
|
139,728
|
|
Net loss
|
$ (2,192,959)
|
$ -
|
$(2,285,959)
|
|
|
Other comprehensive income
|
||||
|
Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale
|
||||
|
financial assets arising during the year
|
596,051
|
-
|
596,051
|
|
|
Reclassification adjustment for gains
|
||||
|
and losses included in net loss
|
26,240
|
-
|
26,240
|
|
|
Other comprehensive income
|
622,291
|
-
|
622,291
|
|
|
Total comprehensive loss
|
$ (1,570,668)
|
$ -
|
$(1,663,668)
|
|
189
|
Almaden Minerals Ltd.
|
|
(An exploration stage company)
|
|
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
|
|
For the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2010
|
|
Presented in Canadian dollars
|
|
19.
|
Transition to International Financial Reporting Standards
(Continued)
|
|
Reconciliation of Cash Flows
|
||||
|
Year ended December 31, 2009
|
||||
|
Effect of
|
||||
|
Transition to
|
||||
|
note
|
GAAP
|
IFRS
|
IFRS
|
|
|
Operating activities
|
||||
|
Net loss
|
19(v)
|
$ (2,192,959)
|
$ (93,000)
|
$ (2,285,959)
|
|
Items not affecting cash
|
||||
|
Future income tax recovery
|
19(v)
|
(93,000)
|
93,000
|
-
|
|
Loss on equity investment
|
90,908
|
-
|
90,908
|
|
|
Loss on dilution
|
196,476
|
-
|
196,476
|
|
|
Depreciation
|
169,973
|
-
|
169,973
|
|
|
Loss on sale of marketable securities
|
26,790
|
-
|
26,790
|
|
|
Write-down of marketable securities
|
80,600
|
-
|
80,600
|
|
|
Income on mineral property options
|
(77,360)
|
-
|
(77,360)
|
|
|
Write-down of interests in mineral properties
|
890,811
|
-
|
890,811
|
|
|
Stock-option compensation
|
67,500
|
-
|
67,500
|
|
|
Change in non-cash working capital components
|
||||
|
Accounts receivable and prepaid expenses
|
(253,552)
|
-
|
(253,552)
|
|
|
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
|
147,625
|
-
|
147,625
|
|
|
(946,188)
|
-
|
(946,188)
|
||
|
Financing activities
|
||||
|
Issuance of shares, net of share issue costs
|
2,700,202
|
-
|
2,700,202
|
|
|
Investing activities
|
||||
|
Reclamation deposit
|
(2,500)
|
-
|
(2,500)
|
|
|
Marketable securities
|
||||
|
Net proceeds
|
103,217
|
-
|
103,217
|
|
|
Property, plant and equipment
|
||||
|
Purchases
|
(31,494)
|
-
|
(31,494)
|
|
|
Mineral properties
|
||||
|
Costs
|
(1,119,474)
|
-
|
(1,119,474)
|
|
|
Proceeds
|
119,958
|
-
|
119,958
|
|
|
(930,293)
|
-
|
(930,293)
|
||
|
Net cash inflow
|
$ 823,721
|
$ -
|
$ 823,721
|
|
|
Cash and equivalents, beginning of year
|
12,318,950
|
-
|
12,318,950
|
|
|
Cash and equivalents,
|
||||
|
Cash and equivalents, end of year
|
$13,142,671
|
$ -
|
$13,142,671
|
|
190
|
Almaden Minerals Ltd.
|
|
(An exploration stage company)
|
|
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
|
|
For the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2010
|
|
Presented in Canadian dollars
|
|
19.
|
Transition to International Financial Reporting Standards
(Continued)
|
(iv)
Reclassification within Equity section
Under Canadian GAAP, a balance within contributed surplus existed to record the issuance of warrants and equity-settled employee benefits. Upon adoption of IFRS, the balances in these accounts have been reclassified to “Reserves – Equity-settled employee benefits” and “Reserves – Warrants”.
In addition, the Company reclassified the balance of the “Accumulated other comprehensive income” account that existed under Canadian GAAP into “Reserves – Available-for-sale financial assets” as certain account terminologies are different under IFRS.
(v)
Flow-through shares
Flow-through shares are a unique Canadian tax incentive which is the subject of specific guidance under Canadian GAAP. Under Canadian GAAP the Company accounted for the issue of flow-through shares in accordance with the provisions of CICA Emerging Issues Committee Abstract 146,
Flow-Through Shares
. At the time of issue, the funds received are recorded as share capital. At the time of the filing of the renunciation of the qualifying flow-through expenditures to investors, the Company recorded a future income tax liability with a charge directly to shareholders’ equity. Also under Canadian GAAP the Company recorded any deferred tax recovery eligible to be recognized to offset the deferred tax charge to equity as a tax recovery in the statement of operations. During fiscal 2009, the Company renounced qualifying expenditures and as a result recorded a charge to equity and corresponding income tax recovery in income in the amount of $93,000.
IFRS does not contain explicit guidance pertaining to this tax incentive. Therefore, the Company has adopted a policy whereby the premium paid for flow-through shares in excess of the market value of the shares without the flow-through features at the time of issue is credited to other liabilities and recognized in income at the time the qualifying expenditures are made (there was no premium on the flow-through shares issued in 2009). The recognition of the future income tax liability upon renunciation of the flow through expenditures is recorded as income tax expense in the period of renunciation.
Consequently, the Company reversed the $93,000 charge to equity under Canadian GAAP and reclassified this balance to “income tax recovery” in the statement of Comprehensive Loss for the year ended December 31, 2009. There is no impact of this accounting change to the Statement of Financial Position or to the balance of the Deficit or related reserves as at the Transition Date and December 31, 2009.
191
|
Almaden Minerals Ltd.
|
|
(An exploration stage company)
|
|
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
|
|
For the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2010
|
|
Presented in Canadian dollars
|
|
20.
|
Assets Classified as Held For Sale
|
In December, 2010, the Board of Directors determined that the Elk Gold Property in British Columbia would be offered for sale. The Company completed a Preliminary Economic Assessment on the project outlining the project’s economic parameters and with recent record gold prices, it was determined that this project should be sold to a group that would likely put the mine into production.
|
December 31, 2010
|
December 31, 2009
|
January 1, 2009
|
||||||||
|
Exploration and evaluation assets held for sale
|
$
|
8,760,369
|
$
|
—
|
$
|
—
|
||||
|
Property, plant and equipment held for sale
|
323,264
|
—
|
—
|
|||||||
|
9,083,633
|
—
|
—
|
||||||||
|
Asset retirement obligation held for sale
|
$
|
(119,636
|
)
|
$
|
—
|
$
|
—
|
|||
21. Segmented information
The Company operates in one reportable operating segment, being the acquisition and exploration of mineral resource properties.
The Company has non-current tangible assets in the following geographic locations:
|
December 31, 2010
|
December 31, 2009
|
January 1, 2009
|
||||||||
|
Canada
|
$
|
2,636,633
|
$
|
7,934,990
|
$
|
8,070,162
|
||||
|
Mexico
|
2,665,237
|
1,356,708
|
1,179,167
|
|||||||
|
$
|
5,301,870
|
$
|
9,291,698
|
$
|
9,249,329
|
|||||
The Company’s revenues arose primarily from interest income on corporate cash reserves and investment income. The Company earns revenue in the following geographic locations as determined by the location of the mineral properties:
|
December 31, 2010
|
December 31, 2009
|
||||||
|
Canada
|
$
|
233,875
|
$
|
288,107
|
|||
|
Mexico
|
—
|
2,152,512
|
|||||
|
$
|
233,875
|
$
|
2,440,619
|
||||
192
|
Almaden Minerals Ltd.
|
|
(An exploration stage company)
|
|
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
|
|
For the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2010
|
|
Presented in Canadian dollars
|
|
22.
|
Subsequent Events
|
a) Sale of the Elk Property
An agreement was signed in February 2011 to sell the Elk Gold Property near Merritt, British Columbia, Canada, to an unrelated third party, Beanstalk Capital Ltd., which is a publically listed Capital Pool Company under the rules of the TSX Venture Exchange, for 37 million common shares at an estimated value of $0.46 per share. The Company retains a 2% NSR royalty.
b) Private Placement
In February, 2011, the Company completed a private placement of 100,000 flow-through common shares at $4.00 per share for gross proceeds of $400,000.
193
|
Almaden Minerals Ltd.
|
Schedule 1
|
|
(an exploration stage company)
|
|
|
Consolidated schedules of general and administrative expenses
|
|
|
(Expressed in Canadian dollars)
|
|
Year ended December 31,
|
|||||||
|
2010
|
2009
|
||||||
|
Professional fees
|
$
|
312,832
|
$
|
273,276
|
|||
|
Office and license
|
275,761
|
257,822
|
|||||
|
Travel and promotion
|
221,665
|
153,121
|
|||||
|
Depreciation
|
189,580
|
169,973
|
|||||
|
Insurance
|
110,884
|
110,968
|
|||||
|
Rent
|
165,126
|
166,426
|
|||||
|
Stock exchange fees
|
124,909
|
68,816
|
|||||
|
Directors fees
|
33,495
|
33,495
|
|||||
|
Regulatory compliance
|
36,816
|
38,855
|
|||||
|
Transfer agent fees
|
22,544
|
18,501
|
|||||
|
1,493,612
|
1,291,253
|
||||||
194
SIGNATURE
The Registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this Annual Report on its behalf.
Almaden Minerals Ltd.
Registrant
|
Date: March 31, 2011
|
By:
|
/s/ Morgan Poliquin | |
| Morgan Poliquin, CEO |
195
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Part IItem 1. Identity Of Directors, Senior Management and AdvisorsItem 2. Offer Statistics and Expected TimetableItem 3. Key InformationItem 4. Information on The CompanyItem Value UnitItem 5. Operating and Financial Review and ProspectsItem 6. Directors, Senior Management and EmployeesItem 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party TransactionsItem 8. Financial InformationItem 9. Offer and Listing Of SecuritiesItem 10. Additional InformationItem 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market RiskItem 12. Description Of Securities Other Than Equity SecuritiesPart IIItem 13. Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and DelinquenciesItem 14. Material Modifications To The Rights Of Securities Holders and Use Of ProceedsItem 15. Controls and ProceduresItem 16A. Audit Committee Financial ExpertItem 16B. Code Of EthicsItem 16C. Principal Accountant Fees and ServicesItem 16D. Exemptions From The Listing Standards For Audit CommitteesItem 16E. Purchases Of Equity Securities By The Issuer and Affiliated PurchasersItem 16F. Change in Registrant S Certifying AccountantPart IIIItem 17. Financial StatementsItem 18. Financial StatementsItem 19. Exhibits