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QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended
September 30,
2025
OR
☐
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from
to
Commission file number
001-35770
CONTANGO ORE, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
27-3431051
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
516 2nd Avenue, Suite 401
Fairbanks
,
Alaska
99701
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip code)
(
907
)
888-4273
(Registrant
’
s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Trading Symbol(s)
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, Par Value $0.01 per share
CTGO
NYSE American
Indicate by check mark whether 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.
Yes
☒
No
☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).
Yes
☒
No
☐
.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” or “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.:
Large accelerated filer
☐
Accelerated filer
☐
Non-accelerated filer
☒
Smaller reporting company
☒
Emerging growth company
☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes
☐
No
☒
The total number of shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, outstanding as of November 13, 202
5 was
14,964,048
.
Common Stock, $
0.01
par value,
45,000,000
shares authorized;
14,962,410
shares issued and
14,959,930
shares outstanding as of September 30, 2025;
12,230,959
shares issued and
12,228,479
shares outstanding as of December 31, 2024
149,622
122,308
Additional paid-in capital
236,796,766
178,270,782
Treasury stock at cost (
2,480
at September 30, 2025; and
2,480
shares at December 31, 2024)
(
48,308
)
(
48,308
)
Accumulated deficit
(
189,088,545
)
(
177,072,137
)
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
47,809,535
1,272,645
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
$
217,659,091
$
133,892,263
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSE
D CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Organization and Business
CORE Alaska , a wholly-owned subsidiary of Contango ORE, Inc. (“CORE” or the “Company”) has a
30.0
% membership interest in the Peak Gold JV. KG Mining (Alaska), Inc. (“KG Mining”), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Kinross Gold Corporation (“Kinross”), a large gold producer with a diverse global portfolio and extensive operating experience in Alaska. Kinross holds a
70.0
% membership interest in the Peak Gold JV and Kinross serves as the manager of the Peak Gold JV and operator of the Manh Choh (as defined below) mines.
The Company conducts its business through the below primary means:
•
its
30.0
% membership interest in the Peak Gold JV, which leases approximately
675,000
acres from the Tetlin Tribal Council and holds approximately
13,000
acres of State of Alaska mining claims (collectively, the “Peak Gold JV Property”), including the Main and North Manh Choh deposits (“Manh Choh” or the “Manh Choh Project”);
•
its wholly-owned subsidiary Contango Mining Canada Inc. (British Columbia), which holds
100
% equity in HighGold Mining Inc., which in turn owns J T Mining, Inc., leasing approximately
21,000
acres (“Johnson Tract” or the “Johnson Tract Project”) from Cook Inlet Region, Inc. (“CIRI”), 125 miles southwest of Anchorage, Alaska;
•
its wholly-owned subsidiary Contango Lucky Shot Alaska, LLC (“LSA”), leasing approximately
8,600
acres of State and patented mining claims (“Lucky Shot” or the “Lucky Shot Property”) in the Willow Mining District, approximately 75 miles north of Anchorage, Alaska;
•
its wholly-owned subsidiary Contango Minerals Alaska, LLC, controlling approximately
145,280
acres of State mining claims, including: (i) approximately
69,780
acres northwest of Peak Gold JV (“Eagle/Hona Property”), (ii) approximately
14,800
acres northeast of Peak Gold JV (“Triple Z Property”), (iii) approximately
52,700
acres in the Richardson district (“Shamrock Property”), and (iv) approximately
8,000
acres near Lucky Shot (“Willow Property”) (collectively, the “Minerals Property”);
•
its wholly-owned subsidiary Avidian Gold Alaska Inc., controlling approximately
11,711
acres of State mining claims and leases, including: (i) approximately
1,021
acres near Fort Knox Gold Mine (“Amanita NE Property”), (ii) approximately
10,690
acres in Valdez Creek Mining District (“Golden Zone Property”), and leasing approximately
3,380
acres near Fort Knox (“Amanita Property”) (collectively, the “Avidian Properties”).
The Johnson Tract Project, Lucky Shot Property, Contango Minerals Properties and Avidian Properties are collectively referred to in these Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements as the “Contango Properties”.
The Company’s Manh Choh Project is in the production stage, while all other projects are in the exploration stage.
2. Basis of Presentation and Reclassification of the Presentation of Income from Equity Investment
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“US GAAP”) for interim financial information, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 8 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all the information and footnotes required by US GAAP for complete annual consolidated financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements have been included. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. The consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated audited financial statements and notes included in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended
D
ecember 31, 2024. The results of operations for the
three months and nine months ended September 30, 2025 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025.
The Company has reclassified the presentation of the “Income from equity investment in Peak Gold, LLC” in its Statement of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024
. The “Income from equity investment in Peak Gold, LLC” was previously presented in “Other Income/(Expense)” and is now presented within income/(loss) from operations on the Statement of Operations. The change in presentation will have no impact on Net Loss for all impacted periods.
The Company’s cash needs going forward will primarily relate to exploration of the Contango Properties, repayment of debt and related interest, and general and administrative expenses of the Company. As of September 30, 2025, the Company has working capital balance of $
12.9
million. During the nine months ended September 30, 2025, the Company generated $
60.2
million from operating activities and increased its cash by $
86.8
million. There are
no
anticipated future cash calls going forward from the Peak Gold JV as the Peak Gold JV operates from the cash flows generated from its operations and has excess cash for distributions. The Company received from the Peak Gold JV $
40.5
million in cash distributions in 2024 and $
87.0
million in cash distributions during the nine months ended September 30, 2025, relating to production at Manh Choh. In total, the Company has received $
127.5
million in cash distributions from the Peak Gold JV since commencing the processing of Manh Choh ore in July 2024. There can be no guarantee that the Peak Gold JV will make future distributions to the Company. The Company believes that distributions are probable and that it will maintain sufficient liquidity to meet its working capital requirements, including repayment obligations of approximately $
3.0
million on the Facility, as defined in Note 13 - Debt, and delivery into its hedge contracts, for the next twelve months from the date of this report. The Company made principal payments on the Facility of $
7.9
million in 2024 and $
29.0
million during the nine months ended September 30, 2025. The Company made a repayment of $
8.5
million on the Facility on October 2, 2025. If there are any unforeseen cash calls and if the Company elects to not fund a portion of its cash calls to the Peak Gold JV, its membership interest in the Peak Gold JV would be diluted. If the Company’s interest in the Peak Gold JV is diluted, the Company may not be able to fully realize its investment in the Peak Gold JV. The ability of the Company to refinance current debt or arrange additional financing in the future will depend, in part, on the prevailing capital market conditions, the results achieved at the Peak Gold JV Property, as well as the market price of metals. The Company cannot be certain that financing will be available to the Company on acceptable terms, if at all.
4. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Please see the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 for a summary of the Company's significant accounting policies, as there have been no changes to the Company's significant accounting polices since the time of that filing, with exception of the following:
Recently issued accounting pronouncements
In December 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update 2023-09 (“ASU 2023-09”), Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures, requiring entities to disclose more detailed information about income tax expense (benefit), significant components of income tax expense (benefit), separate disclosure of income tax expense (benefit) for domestic and foreign jurisdictions and by major jurisdictions. The Company adopted ASU 2023-09 as of January 1, 2025, and the corresponding impacts will be reflected in the annual disclosures connected to income taxes.
The Company has implemented all new accounting pronouncements that are in effect and that may impact its financial statements and does not believe that there are any other new pronouncements that have been issued that might have a material impact on its financial position or results of operations.
Recently issued accounting pronouncements not yet effective
In November 2024, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2024-03 (“ASU 2024-03”), Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income - Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses, requiring disclosure of specified information about certain costs and expenses. ASU 2024-03 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2026. The Company has not early adopted this standard.
5. Investment in the Peak Gold JV
As of
September 30
, 2025
the Company has contributed approximately $
106.2
million to and held a
30.0
% membership interest in the Peak Gold JV. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, the Company received cash distributions of $
33.0
million and $
87.0
million, respectively.
The following table is a roll-forward of the Company’s investment in the Peak Gold JV as of September 30, 2025:
Investment
in Peak Gold, LLC
Investment balance at December 31, 2023
$
28,064,405
Investment in Peak Gold, LLC
15,450,000
Loss from equity investment in Peak Gold, LLC
(
140,253
)
Investment balance at March 31, 2024
$
43,374,152
Investment in Peak Gold, LLC
11,790,000
Loss from equity investment in Peak Gold, LLC
(
695,633
)
Investment balance at June 30, 2024
$
54,468,519
Investment in Peak Gold, LLC
4,050,000
Distributions received from Peak Gold, LLC
(
19,500,000
)
Income from equity investment in Peak Gold, LLC
28,525,857
Investment balance at September 30, 2024
$
67,544,376
Distributions received from Peak Gold, LLC
(
21,000,000
)
Income from equity investment in Peak Gold, LLC
13,979,246
Investment balance at December 31, 2024
$
60,523,622
Distributions received from Peak Gold, LLC
(
24,000,000
)
Income from equity investment in Peak Gold, LLC
22,320,034
Investment balance at March 31, 2025
$
58,843,656
Distributions received from Peak Gold, LLC
(
30,000,000
)
Income from equity investment in Peak Gold, LLC
27,326,184
Investment balance at June 30, 2025
$
56,169,840
Distributions received from Peak Gold, LLC
(
33,000,000
)
Income from equity investment in Peak Gold, LLC
29,533,425
Investment balance at September 30, 2025
$
52,703,265
The following table presents the condensed unaudited results of operations for the Peak Gold JV for the
three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2025 and 2024 in accordance with US GAAP:
Three Months Ended
Three Months Ended
Nine Months Ended
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2025
September 30, 2024
September 30, 2025
September 30, 2024
Revenue
$
194,966,861
$
225,652,092
$
558,259,084
$
225,652,092
Cost of sales
(
79,016,680
)
(
123,803,980
)
(
243,230,899
)
(
123,803,980
)
Gross profit
115,950,181
101,848,112
315,028,185
101,848,112
Other expenses
(
17,505,432
)
(
6,761,923
)
(
51,096,044
)
(
9,548,208
)
Net Income
$
98,444,749
$
95,086,189
$
263,932,141
$
92,299,904
The Peak Gold JV income does not include any provisions related to income taxes as the Peak Gold JV is treated as a partnership for income tax purposes. As of September 30, 2025 and September 30, 2024, the Company's cumulative investment in the Peak Gold JV exceeded its cumulative losses, which allowed the Company to recognize its investment of $
52.7
million and $
67.5
million, respectively.
6. Prepaid Expenses and other assets
The Company has prepaid expenses and other assets of $
869,123
and $
1,114,522
as of September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively. Prepaid expenses primarily relate to prepaid insurance, surety bond deposits, and claim rentals.
A reconciliation of the components of basic and diluted net loss per share of common stock is presented below:
Three Months Ended September 30,
2025
2024
Weighted
Average
Loss
Weighted
Average
Loss
Net Loss
Shares
Per Share
Net Loss
Shares
Per Share
Basic Net Loss per Share:
Net loss attributable to common stockholders
$
(
5,392,948
)
12,378,494
$
(
0.44
)
$
(
9,712,416
)
11,973,992
$
(
0.81
)
Diluted Net Loss per Share:
Net loss attributable to common stock
$
(
5,392,948
)
12,378,494
$
(
0.44
)
$
(
9,712,416
)
11,973,992
$
(
0.81
)
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2025
2024
Weighted
Average
Loss
Weighted
Average
Loss
Net Loss
Shares
Per Share
Net Loss
Shares
Per Share
Basic Net Loss per Share:
Net loss attributable to common stock
$
(
12,016,408
)
12,177,651
$
(
0.99
)
$
(
48,755,408
)
10,447,870
$
(
4.67
)
Diluted Net Loss per Share:
Net loss attributable to common stock
$
(
12,016,408
)
12,177,651
$
(
0.99
)
$
(
48,755,408
)
10,447,870
$
(
4.67
)
The Company uses the two-class method to compute basic earnings per share. Under this method earnings are allocated to common shares and participating securities according to their participation rights in dividends declared and undistributed earnings and divide the income available to each class by the weighted average number of common shares for the period in each class. Unvested restricted stock grants made to our non-employee directors and certain employees are considered participating securities because the shares have the right to receive non-forfeitable dividends. Because the participating shares have no obligation to share in net losses, we do not allocate losses to our common shares in this calculation.
Diluted earnings per share reflect the potential dilutive effect of securities that could share in our earnings. Restricted stock awarded to non-employee directors and certain employees that have not yet vested are considered when computing diluted earnings per share. The Company uses the treasury stock method to determine the dilutive effect of unvested restricted stock. Shares of unvested restricted stock under a stock-based compensation arrangement are considered options for purposes of computing diluted earnings per share and are considered outstanding shares as of the grant date for purposes of computing diluted earnings per share even though their exercise may be contingent upon vesting. Those stock-based awards are included in the diluted earnings per share computation even if the non-employee director and employee may be required to forfeit the stock at some future date, or no shares may ever be issued to the non-employee director and/or employee. Unvested restricted stocks are not included in outstanding common shares in computing basic earnings per share.
Warrants to purchase
678,875
shares of common stock of the Company were outstanding as of September 30, 2025. Options and warrants to purchase
866,875
shares of common stock of the Company were outstanding as of September 30,
2024.
452,730
and
437,089
restricted shares of common stock were unvested as of September 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively. These warrants and unvested restricted shares were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share for the periods where the Company generated a net loss due to being anti-dilutive.
8. Stockholders
’
Equity (Deficit)
ATM Program
The Company may, from time to time, offer and sell shares of its common stock in an aggregate amount of up to $
40,000,000
through its ATM Program. The Company pays the ATM Agent a commission of
2.75
% of the gross proceeds of the Shares sold through it under the Sales Agreement. Pursuant to the Sales Agreement, the Company sold
480,898
shares of common stock during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2025 and
87,815
shares during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2024 for net proceeds of approximately $
9.6
million and $
1.8
million, respectively. $
23
million of the Company's common stock remains available for sale under the ATM Program as of September 30, 2025.
Underwritten Offering - 2024
On June 10, 2024, the Company entered into an underwriting agreement (the "June 2024 Underwriting Agreement") with Canaccord Genuity LLC and Cormark Securities Inc. (collectively, the "June 2024 Underwriters"), relating to the underwritten public offering (the “June 2024 Offering”) of
731,750
units (the "Units") of the Company at a price of $
20.50
per Unit. Each Unit consisted of (i) one share of the Company's common stock and (ii) one-half of one accompanying warrant. Each whole accompanying warrant is exercisable to purchase one share of the Company's common stock at a price of $
26.00
per warrant, exercisable for a period of
36
months. The June 2024 Underwriters agreed to purchase the Units from the Company pursuant to the June 2024 Underwriting Agreement at a price of $
19.37
per Unit, which included a
5.5
% underwriting discount. The fair value of each warrant was estimated as of the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model (Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy) with the following weighted average assumptions used: (i) risk-free interest rate of
4.57
%; (ii) expected life of
3.0
years; (iii) expected volatility of
57.0
%; and (iv) expected dividend yield of
0
%. The net proceeds from the June 2024 Offering were $
13.7
million after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses. The June 2024 Offering was made pursuant to the Company’s effective shelf registration statement on Form S-3. The June 2024 Offering closed on June 12, 2024
.
Underwritten Offering - 2025
On September 25, 2025, the Company sold
1,975,000
shares of common stock and pre-funded warrants to purchase up to
525,000
shares of common stock at an offering price of $
20.00
per share and $
19.99
per pre-funded warrant and received gross proceeds of $
50.0
million before deducting underwriting discounts and offering expenses of $
3.0
million. The offering price of the pre-funded warrant equaled the public offering price per share of the common stock less the $
0.01
per share exercise price of each pre-funded warrant. The September offering was made pursuant to the Company’s effective shelf registration statement on Form S-3.
The issued pre-funded warrants were classified as a component of permanent equity in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as they are freestanding financial instruments that are immediately exercisable, do not embody an obligation for the Company to repurchase its own shares, and permit the holders to receive a fixed number of shares of common stock upon exercise. All of the shares underlying the pre-funded warrants have been included in the weighted-average number of shares of common stock used to calculate net income/loss per share, basic and diluted, attributable to common stockholders as the shares may be issued for little or no consideration, are fully vested, and are exercisable after the original issuance date of the pre-funded warrants. As of September 30, 2025, none of the pre-funded warrants had been exercised.
9. Property &
Equipment
The table below sets forth the book value by type of fixed asset owned by the Company (excludes Peak Gold LLC assets) as well as the estimated useful life:
Asset Type
Estimated
Useful Life
September 30, 2025
December 31, 2024
Mineral properties
N/A - Units of Production
$
48,833,661
$
48,833,661
Land
Not Depreciated
87,737
87,737
Buildings and improvements
20
-
39
1,455,388
1,455,546
Machinery and equipment
3
-
10
441,563
420,171
Vehicles
5
136,037
136,037
Computer and office equipment
5
27,733
39,560
Furniture & fixtures
5
2,270
2,270
Right of use asset
2
87,110
86,952
Less: Accumulated depreciation and
amortization
(
509,133
)
(
362,701
)
Less: Accumulated impairment
(
122,136
)
(
122,136
)
Property & Equipment, net
$
50,440,230
$
50,577,097
10. Stock-Based Compensation
As of September 30, 2025, there were
452,730
shares of unvested restricted common stock outstanding under the Equity Plans. Stock-based compensation expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025 was $
0.8
million and $
2.1
million, respectively. Stock-based compensation expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 was $
0.7
million and $
2.0
million, respectively. The amount of compensation expense recognized does not reflect cash compensation actually received by the individuals during the current period, but rather represents the amount of expense recognized by the Company in accordance with US GAAP.
The remaining shares of restricted stock outstanding will vest between January 2026 and March 2027.
Restricted Stock.
Under the Equity Plans, the Compensation Committee of the Company's board of directors (the “Compensation Committee”) shall determine to what extent, and under what conditions, the participant shall have the right to vote shares of Stock Awards and to receive any dividends or other distributions paid on such shares during the restriction period. The terms and applicable voting and dividend rights are outlined in the individual restricted stock agreements. All restricted stock grants are expensed over the applicable vesting period based on the fair value at the date the stock is granted. The grant date fair value may differ from the fair value on the date the individual’s restricted stock actually vests. The total grant date fair value of the restricted stock granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2025 and September 30, 2024 was $
3.3
million and $
2.6
million, respectively.
As of September 30, 2025, the total compensation cost related to nonvested restricted share awards not yet recognized was $
2,902,487
. The remaining costs are expected to be recognized over the remaining vesting period of the awards.
Below table indicates the unvested restricted stock balance as of September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024:
Number of restricted shares unvested
Balance - January 1, 2025
436,863
Restricted shares granted
302,600
Restricted shares vested
(
286,733
)
Balance - September 30, 2025
452,730
Balance - January 1, 2024
433,528
Restricted shares granted
159,150
Restricted shares vested
(
155,815
)
Balance - December 31, 2024
436,863
Stock Options.
The Company applies the fair value method to account for stock option expense. Under this method, cash flows from the exercise of stock options resulting from tax benefits in excess of recognized cumulative compensation cost (excess tax benefits) are classified as financing cash flows. See Note 4 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies from Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024. There were
no
newly vested stock options for the nine month period ended September 30, 2025 or nine month period ended September 30, 2024. As of September 30, 2025, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock options was
zero
. During the nine months ended September 30, 2025,
100,000
stock options with an exercise price of $
14.50
expired unexercised. As of September 30, 2025, there are
no
stock options outstanding.
11. Commitments and Contingencies
Tetlin Lease
. The Tetlin Lease had an initial
ten-year
term beginning July 2008, and was subsequently extended for an additional
ten years
to July 15, 2028, and for so long thereafter as the Peak Gold JV initiates and continues to conduct mining operations on the Tetlin Lease.
Additionally, should the Peak Gold JV derive revenues from the properties covered under the Tetlin Lease, the Peak Gold JV is required to pay the Tetlin Tribal Council a production net smelter return royalty ranging from
3.0
% to
5.0
%, depending on the type of metal produced and the year of production. In lieu of a $
450,000
cash payment to the Peak Gold JV from the Tetlin Tribal Council to increase its production royalty by
0.75
%, the Peak Gold JV agreed to credit the $
450,000
against future production royalty and advance minimum royalty payments due to the Tetlin Tribal Council under the lease once production began. Production commenced in July 2024 and the Peak Gold JV has continued to satisfy the production royalty obligations pursuant to the terms of the Tetlin Lease.
Gold Exploration
. The Company’s Triple Z, Eagle/Hona, Shamrock, Willow, Golden Zone, Amanita, Amanita NE and Lucky Shot claims are all located on State of Alaska lands. The annual claim rentals on these projects vary based on the age of the claims, and are due and payable in full by November 30 of each year. Annual claims rentals for the 2024-2025 assessment year totaled $
436,258
. The Company paid the current year claim rentals in November 2024. The associated rental expense is amortized over the rental claim period, September 1 through August 31 of each year.
Lucky Shot Property
. With regard to the Lucky Shot Property, the Company will be obligated to pay CRH Funding II PTE. LTD, a Singapore private limited corporation (“CRH”), additional consideration if production on the Lucky Shot Property meets two separate milestone payment thresholds. If the first threshold of (1) an aggregate “mineral resource” equal to
500,000
ounces of gold or (2) production and receipt by the Company of an aggregate of
30,000
ounces of gold (including any silver based on a
1:65
gold to silver ratio) is met, then the Company will pay CRH $
5
million in cash and $
3.75
million in newly issued shares of Contango common stock. If the second threshold of (1) an aggregate “mineral resource” equal to
1,000,000
ounces of gold or (2) production and receipt by the Company of an aggregate of
60,000
ounces of gold (including any silver based on a
1:65
gold to silver ratio) is met, then the Company will pay CRH $
5
million in cash and $
5
million in newly issued shares of Contango common stock. If payable, the additional share consideration will be issued based on the 30-day trading price. See Note 15 - Fair Value Measurement.
Royal Gold Royalties
. Royal Gold Inc. ("Royal Gold"), the former
40
% owner of the Peak Gold JV, currently holds a
3.0
% overriding net smelter return royalty on the Tetlin Lease and certain state mining claims. Royal Gold also holds a
28.0
% net smelter returns silver royalty on all silver produced from a defined area within the Tetlin Lease. The Company received a royalty reimbursement advance of $
1,200,000
from KG Mining for the Company’s share of silver royalty payments due to Royal Gold. If the aggregate amount of silver royalty payments exceeds $
1,200,000
, then beginning with the following calendar quarter at such point, the Company shall receive within 45 days after the last day of each such calendar quarter, an amount equal to the product of (i) the amount of the silver royalty earned by the Company pursuant to the Omnibus Royalty Agreement from and after the point at which the silver royalty became greater than $
1,200,000
and (ii) CORE Alaska's weighted average interest in the Company during such calendar quarter. The Peak Gold JV commenced production in July 2024 and, therefore, the Company has started to drawdown the $
1,200,000
prepayment into income. The Company has recognized $
427,079
in interest and other income during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2025.
CIRI Lease Agreement.
J T Mining Inc. entered into a lease agreement effective May 17, 2019 with CIRI and shall pay the sum of $
150,000
on the fifth through ninth anniversaries of the effective date, provided that J T Mining Inc.'s obligations to make such payments shall terminate on the commencement of Commercial Production as defined under the lease agreement. A Commercial Production decision has not been made to date.
CIRI Exploration Agreement.
J T Mining Inc. entered into an exploration agreement effective July 1, 2023 with CIRI and on each anniversary of the effective date thereafter during the
four year
term shall pay to CIRI an amount equal to $
25,000
as consideration for grant of the rights under the agreement and for the purpose of covering CIRI's administrative costs associated with exploration activities.
Mining Lease and Option to Purchase Agreement Amanita Project.
Avidian Alaska entered into a
15-year
lease agreement with an effective date of July 18, 2015 with Tanya Stolz. Avidian Alaska shall pay minimum annual lease payments as outlined under the schedule in section 4.1 of the lease agreement. Avidian Alaska's obligation for July 18, 2025 was $
100,000
and will increase by $
10,000
per year, with a final payment on July 18, 2030 for $
130,000
.
The minimum payments will be credited against Avidian Alaska's various royalty payment obligations under the agreement and Avidian Alaska is currently in good compliance with such royalty payment obligations.
Employment Agreements
. Mike Clark serves as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer and Secretary and is responsible for performing the functions of the Company’s principal financial officer. Pursuant to his employment agreement (the "CFO Employment Agreement"), Mr. Clark receives a base salary of $
350,000
per annum and is entitled to receive short-term incentive plan and long-term incentive plan bonuses and awards that can be paid in the form of a combination of cash, restricted stock and options, which will be set forth in plans and agreements adopted, or to be adopted, by the Board. He will also receive 12 months of his regular base salary, all bonus amounts paid in the 12 months preceding a termination, and reimbursement for continued group health insurance coverage for 12 months following a termination or the date he becomes eligible for alternative coverage through subsequent employment as severance benefits in the event that his employment with the Company is terminated by the Company other than for just cause or he resigns due to a material, uncured breach of the CFO Employment Agreement by the Company. He is also entitled to enhanced severance benefits if he terminates his employment within 30 days following a change of control (24 months of base salary and bonus amounts). Any payment of severance benefits to him under the CFO Employment Agreement is conditioned on his timely agreement to, and non-revocation of, a full and final release of legal claims in favor of the Company.
Rick Van Nieuwenhuyse serves as the Company’s President & Chief Executive Officer and director. Pursuant to his employment agreement (the “CEO Employment Agreement”). Mr. Van Nieuwenhuyse receives a base salary of $
500,000
per annum and is entitled to receive short-term incentive plan and long-term incentive plan bonuses and awards that can be paid in the form of a combination of cash, restricted stock and options, which will be set forth in plans and agreements adopted, or to be adopted, by the Board. He will also receive 12 months of his regular base salary, all bonus amounts paid in the 12 months preceding a termination, and reimbursement for continued group health insurance coverage for 12 months following a termination or the date he becomes eligible for alternative coverage through subsequent employment as severance benefits in the event that his employment with the Company is terminated by the Company other than for just cause or he resigns due to a material, uncured breach of the CEO Employment Agreement by the Company. He is also entitled to enhanced severance benefits if he terminates his employment within 30 days following a change of control (24 months of base salary and bonus amounts). Any payment of severance benefits to him under the CEO Employment Agreement is conditioned on his timely agreement to, and non-revocation of, a full and final release of legal claims in favor of the Company.
Committee for Safe Communities Complaint.
On October 20, 2023, the Committee for Safe Communities ("CSC"), an Alaskan non-profit corporation inclusive of certain vacation home owners along the Manh Choh ore haul route, formed for the purpose of opposing the Manh Choh project, filed suit in the Superior Court in Fairbanks, Alaska against the State of Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities ("DOT"). The Complaint sought injunctive relief against the DOT with respect to its oversight of the Peak Gold JV's ore haul plan. On May 9, 2025, and at CSC’s request, the Court entered an Order of Dismissal Without Prejudice as to CSC’s one remaining claim, vacated the trial date and closed the case.
Village of Dot Lake Complaint.
On July 1, 2024, the Village of Dot Lake, a federally recognized Indian Tribe, located approximately 50 miles from the Manh Choh mine on the ore haul route along the Alaska Highway ("Dot Lake"), filed a Complaint in the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska against U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (the "Corps") and Lt. General Scott A. Spellmon, in his official capacity as Chief of Engineers and Commanding General of the Corps. The Complaint seeks declaratory and injunctive relief based on the Corps' alleged failure to consult with Dot Lake and to undertake an adequate environmental review with respect to the Corps' issuance in September 2022 of a wetlands disturbance permit in connection with the overall permitting of the Manh Choh mine as to approximately five acres of wetlands located on Tetlin Village land. The Peak Gold JV was not named as a defendant in the Complaint and, on August 20, 2024, moved to intervene in the action, which Dot Lake opposed. On October 10, 2024, the Court granted intervention to the Peak Gold JV. On October 18, 2024, the Peak Gold JV joined the partial motion to dismiss that the Corps filed on August 23, 2024. On March 19, 2025, the Court entered an Order on Motion to Partially Dismiss, which Order dismissed three of the four claims asserted in the Complaint. On April 1, 2025, Dot Lake filed an Amended Complaint which sought to reassert one of the claims that was dismissed without prejudice. On May 2, 2025, the Peak Gold JV filed a Motion to Dismiss this reasserted claim, which motion was granted on July 31, 2025. On September 29, 2025, the Court entered an Order dismissing the action with prejudice based on the Stipulated Dismissal of Action filed by the parties and the Court closed the case.
Cook Inletkeeper, Chickaloon Village Traditional Counsel, Center for Biological Diversity.
On September 10, 2024, the Corps issued to Johnson Tract Mining Inc, (a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company) a permit under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act to construct an access road and improve an existing air strip on the south parcel of the Johnson Tract project. On May 20, 2025, Cook Inletkeeper, Chickaloon Village Traditional Council, Center for Biological Diversity, and an individual plaintiff filed suit in the United States District Court for the District of Alaska against the Corps and related officials, challenging the Corps’ issuance of the Section 404 permit. Plaintiffs seek to vacate the section 404 permit issued and halt mineral exploration on the lands. The complaint alleges that the Corps Environmental Assessment for the Section 404 permit failed to adequately analyze the potential for acid rock drainage and contaminants leaching into the Johnson River and Cook Inlet and the harmful effects of the project on beluga whales at the Cook Inlet. In July 2025, the Company filed a motion to intervene as a defendant in the lawsuit to protect its legal rights under the Section 404 permit, its significant investment in the Johnson Tract, and its mineral exploration lease with CIRI. The Alaska District Court has not issued any rulings or relief and the permit in question is still active and in good standing.
12.
Income Taxes
The Co
mpany recognized a full valuation allowance on its deferred tax asset as of September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024 and has recognized a tax benefit of $
73,202
and expense of $
98,028
for income tax for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, respectively, and expense of $
718,827
and $
718,827
for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively. The effective tax rate was
1.34
% and -
0.82
% for the three and
nine months ended September 30, 2025
, respectively. The effective tax rate was -
7.99
% and -
1.50
% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively. At each reporting period, the Company weighs all positive and negative evidence to determine whether the deferred tax assets are more likely than not to be realized. As a result of this analysis at September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, the Company provided a full valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets. As part of the HighGold acquisition, the Company measured and recorded a net deferred tax liability through acquisition accounting with an offsetting entry to the exploration and evaluation assets. The Company’s deferred tax liability originating from the HighGold acquisition was $
405,023
and $
306,995
, as of September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively. The net deferred tax liability of $
405,023
includes an increase related to exploration costs for the period ended September 30, 2025. The Company reviews its tax positions quarterly for tax uncertainties. The Company did
no
t have any uncertain tax positions as of September 30
, 2025 or December 31, 2024.
13.
Debt
The table below shows the components of Debt, net as of September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024
:
On May 17, 2023, the Company entered into a credit and guarantee agreement (the “Credit Agreement”), by and among CORE Alaska as the borrower, each of the Company, LSA, and Contango Minerals, as guarantors, each of the lenders party thereto from time to time, ING Capital LLC ("ING") as administrative agent for the lenders, and Macquarie Bank Limited ("Macquarie"), as collateral agent for the secured parties. The Credit Agreement provides for a senior secured loan facility (the “Facility”) of up to $
70
million, of which $
65
million is committed in the form of a term loan facility and $
5
million is uncommitted in the form of a liquidity facility. As of September 30, 2025, the Company has drawn $
60
million on the term loan facility and made $
36.9
million in principal repayments, resulting in a balance of $
23.1
million outstanding.
The Credit Agreement is secured by all the assets and properties of the Company and its subsidiaries, including the Company’s
30
% interest in Peak Gold, LLC, but excluding the Company’s equity interests of LSA in respect of the Lucky Shot mine. As a condition precedent to the second borrowing, the Company was required to enter into a series of hedging agreements with ING and Macquarie for the sale of an aggregate of
124,600
ounces of gold production from Manh Choh at a weighted average price of $
2,025
per ounce. On February 18, 2025, the Company amended the Facility to defer $
10.6
million of principal repayments and delivery of
15,000
hedged gold ounces into the first half of 2027 (the "New Repayment Schedule") and extend the maturity date of the Facility from December 31, 2026 to June 30, 2027. The hedge agreements have delivery obligations beginning in July 2024 and ending in June 2027. The Company has delivered
61,700
ounces of gold into the hedging agreements as of September 30, 2025, resulting in a remaining balance of the hedge agreements is
62,900
ounces.
During the first quarter of 2025, the Company sold all gold, purchased from Peak Gold, LLC for $
50.1
million ($
2,880
per oz), at spot price to the lenders and simultaneously locked in a forward price to re-purchase from the lenders on
11,939
ounces of gold related to the April 30, 2025 hedge maturity date (referred to as a “Carry Trade”). The result of the Carry Trade was recognizing a derivative asset of $
2,196,554
, which offset the derivative liability in the financial statements as of March 31, 2025. The Carry Trade was settled on April 30, 2025 with a net payment of approximately $
11.0
million from Contango in exchange for the reduction of
11,939
ounces of gold under the hedge agreement. During the second quarter of 2025, the Company sold all gold purchased from Peak Gold, LLC for $
58.0
million ($
3,265
per oz), at spot price to the lenders and simultaneously locked in a Carry Trade from the lenders on
11,900
ounces of gold related to the July 31, 2025 hedge maturity date. The result of the Carry Trade was to recognize a derivative liability of $
383,496
as of June 30, 2025. The Carry Trade was settled on July 31, 2025 with a net payment of $
15.7
million from Contango in exchange for the reduction of
11,900
ounces of gold under the hedge agreement. During the third quarter of 2025, the Company sold all gold purchased from Peak Gold, LLC for $
57.8
million ($
3,519
per oz), at spot price to the lenders and simultaneously locked in a Carry Trade from the lenders on
13,600
ounces of gold related to the October 31, 2025 hedge maturity date. The result of the Carry Trade was to recognize a derivative asset of $
2,408,633
as of September 30, 2025. The Carry Trade was settled on October 31, 2025 with a net payment of $
22.4
million from Contango in exchange for the reduction of
13,600
ounces of gold under the hedge agreement.
As of October 31, 2025, the hedge agreement balance is
49,300
ounces. See Note 14 - Derivatives and Hedging Activities.
As of September 30, 2025, the Company had
no
unused borrowing commitments, as the schedule for further drawdowns has expired.
The carrying value of the Facility approximates its fair value as it accrues interest based on market interest rates. The Company recognized interest expense totaling $
4.7
million related to this Facility for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 (inclusive of approximately $
2.6
million of contractual interest, and approximately $
2.1
million related to the amortization of the discount and issuance fees). The Company recognized interest expense totaling $
7.2
million related to this debt for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 (inclusive of approximately $
4.3
million of contractual interest, and approximately $
2.9
million related to the amortization of the discount and issuance fees). The effective interest rate of the term loan facility was
10.43
% as of September 30, 2025 and
11.06
% as of December 31, 2024. As of September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, the effective interest rate for the amortization of the discount and issuance costs was
8.5
% and
8.5
%, respectively.
As of September 30, 2025, the Company was in compliance with all of the required debt covenants.
The Company is scheduled to repay $
11.5
million of principal in the next twelve months and the remaining $
11.6
million of principal on a quarterly basis through June 30, 2027. The Company made a repayment of $
8.5
million on the Facility on October 2, 2025.
In connection with entering into the Credit Agreement, the Company entered into a mandate lender arrangement fee letter (the “MLA Fee Letter”) with ING and Macquarie (collectively, the “Mandated Parties”) and a production linked arrangement fee letter (the “PLA Fee Letter”) with ING. Pursuant to the MLA Fee Letter, the Company paid the Mandated Parties on the date of the initial disbursement at the initial closing an upfront fee, calculated based on the principal amount of the Facility. Additionally, the Company paid the Mandated Parties an initial disbursement upfront fee, calculated based on the initial disbursement of $
10
million.
Pursuant to the PLA Fee Letter, the Company will pay ING a production linked arranging fee based on projected total production over the life of the Facility, as well as an agency fee for consideration of acting as administrative agent and collateral agent. During the nine months ended September 30, 2025, the Company incurred $
464,498
as a PLA fee presented as part of interest and finance expense, as of the date of this report these amounts have been fully paid.
Unsecured Convertible Debenture
On April 26, 2022, the Company closed on a $
20,000,000
unsecured convertible debenture (the “Debenture”) with Queen’s Road Capital Investment, Ltd. (“QRC”). The Company used the proceeds from the sale of the Debenture to fund commitments to the Peak Gold JV, the exploration and development at its Lucky Shot Property, and for general corporate purposes.
The Company agreed to an interest rate of
9
%. The interest payment dates are the last business day of July, October, January, and April, prior to November 1, 2025 and thereafter the last business day of March, June, September, and December. The maturity date is May 26, 2028.
The Debenture currently bears interest at
9
% per annum, payable quarterly, with
7
% paid in cash and
2
% paid in shares of common stock issued at the market price at the time of payment based on a 20-day volumetric weighted average price (“VWAP”). QRC may convert the Debenture into common stock at any time at a conversion price of $
30.50
per share (equivalent to
655,738
shares), subject to adjustment. The Company may redeem the Debenture after the third anniversary of issuance at
105
% of par, provided that the market price (based on a 20-day VWAP) of the Company’s common stock is at least
130
% of the conversion price.
In connection with the issuance of the Debenture, the Company agreed to pay an establishment fee of
3
% of the Debenture face amount. In accordance with the terms of the related investment agreement (the "Investment Agreement"), QRC elected to receive the establishment fee in shares of common stock valued at $
24.82
per share, for a total of
24,174
shares. The establishment fee shares were issued to QRC pursuant to an exemption from registration under Regulation S. In connection with the Investment Agreement, QRC entered into an investor rights agreement with the Company in connection with the issuance of the Debenture. The investor rights agreement contains provisions that require QRC and its affiliates, while they own
5
% or more of our outstanding common stock, to standstill, not to participate in any unsolicited or hostile takeover of the Company, not to tender its shares of common stock unless the Company’s board recommends such tender, to vote its shares of common stock in the manner recommended by the Company’s board to its stockholders, and not to transfer its shares of common stock representing more than
0.5
% of outstanding shares without notifying the Company in advance, whereupon the Company will have a right to purchase those shares.
The fair value of the Debenture (Level 2) as of September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024 was approximately $
20.0
million. The Company recognized interest expense totaling $
1.5
million related to this debt for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 (inclusive of approximately $
1.4
million of contractual interest, and approximately $
0.1
million related to the amortization of the discount and issuance fees). The Company recognized interest expense totaling $
1.5
million related to this debt for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 (inclusive of approximately $
1.4
million of contractual interest, and approximately $
0.1
million related to the amortization of the discount and issuance fees). The effective interest rate of the Debenture is the same as the stated interest rate,
9.0
%. The Company reviewed the provisions of the debt agreement to determine if the agreement included any embedded features and concluded that the change of control provisions within the debt agreement met the characteristics of a derivative and required bifurcation and separate accounting. The fair value of the identified derivative was determined to be de minimis at September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024 as the probability of a change of control was negligible as of those dates. For each subsequent reporting period, the Company will evaluate each potential derivative feature to conclude whether or not they qualify for derivative accounting. Any derivatives identified will be recorded at the applicable fair value as of the end of each reporting period.
On August 2, 2023, CORE Alaska, a subsidiary of the Company, pursuant to an ISDA Master Agreement entered into with ING Capital Markets LLC (the “ING ISDA Master Agreement”) and an ISDA Master Agreement entered into with Macquarie Bank Limited (the “Macquarie ISDA Master Agreement”), in accordance with its obligations under the Credit Agreement, entered into a series of hedging agreements with ING Capital LLC and Macquarie Bank Limited for the sale of an aggregate of
124,600
ounces of gold at a weighted average price of $
2,025
per ounce. The hedge agreements, as amended, have delivery obligations beginning in July 2024 and ending in June 2027, and represent approximately
42
% of the Company’s interest in the projected production from the Manh Choh mine over the current anticipated life of the mine.
As of September 30, 2025, the Company had the following outstanding derivatives that were not designated as hedges in qualifying hedging relationships:
Period
Commodity
Volume
Weighted
Average Price
($/oz)
2025
Gold
19,900
$
2,025
2026
Gold
28,000
$
2,025
2027
Gold
15,000
$
1,933
62,900
$
2,003
As of September 30, 2025, the outstanding hedge volume of
62,900
ounces includes
13,600
ounces of gold forward sold under Carry Trade contracts. See Note 13 - Debt.
Fair Values of Derivative Instruments on the Balance Sheet
The table below presents the fair value of the Company’s derivative financial instruments, as well as their classification on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024.
As of September 30, 2025
As of December 31, 2024
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Balance Sheet
Location
Gross
Recognized
Assets /
Liabilities
Gross
Amounts
Offset
Net
Recognized
Assets /
Liabilities
Gross
Recognized
Assets /
Liabilities
Gross
Amounts
Offset
Net
Recognized
Assets /
Liabilities
Commodity Contracts
Derivative contract asset - current
$
2,408,633
$
(
2,408,633
)
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
Commodity Contracts
Derivative contract liability - current
$
(
74,785,975
)
$
2,408,633
$
(
72,377,342
)
$
(
29,076,582
)
$
—
$
(
29,076,582
)
Commodity Contracts
Derivative contract asset - noncurrent
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
Commodity Contracts
Derivative contract liability - noncurrent
$
(
42,297,830
)
$
—
$
(
42,297,830
)
$
(
28,615,525
)
$
—
$
(
28,615,525
)
As of September 30, 2025, the Company has not posted any collateral related to these agreements.
Effect of Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments on the Income Statement
The table below presents the effect of the Company’s derivative financial instruments that are not designated as hedging instruments on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024.
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments under Subtopic 815-20
Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Other Income (Expense)
Amount of Loss
Recognized in Other Income (Expense)
Amount of Loss
Recognized in Other Income (Expense)
Three months ended
September 30, 2025
Three months ended
September 30, 2024
Nine months ended
September 30, 2025
Nine months ended
September 30, 2024
Commodity Contracts
Unrealized loss on derivative contracts
$
(
14,400,655
)
$
(
22,943,019
)
$
(
56,983,065
)
$
(
51,121,840
)
Commodity Contracts
Realized loss on derivative contracts
$
(
15,935,216
)
$
(
5,901,160
)
$
(
26,673,265
)
$
(
5,901,160
)
Total
$
(
30,335,871
)
$
(
28,844,179
)
$
(
83,656,330
)
$
(
57,023,000
)
Credit-risk-related Contingent Features
Cross Default.
The Company has agreements with each of its derivative counterparties that contain a provision that if the Company defaults on any of its indebtedness, including default where repayment of the indebtedness has not been accelerated by the lender, then the Company could also be declared in default on its derivative obligations.
Material adverse change.
Certain of the Company's agreements with its derivative counterparties contain provisions where if a specified event or condition occurs that materially changes the Company's creditworthiness in an adverse manner, the Company may be required to fully collateralize its obligations under the derivative instrument.
Incorporation of loan covenants.
The Company has an agreement with a derivative counterparty that incorporates the loan covenant provisions of the Company's indebtedness with a lender affiliate of the derivative counterparty. Failure to comply with the loan covenant provisions would result in the Company being in default on any derivative instrument obligations covered by the agreement.
Metal Sales
The Company purchases its
30
% share of gold from Peak Gold JV at
1.75
% discount to 5-day VWAP at time of shipment. Beginning with February 25, 2025, the Company sells all purchased quantities of gold to the derivative counterparties (the lenders under the Facility) at spot price less a
0.5
% fee. The Company recorded a gain on metal sales for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025 of $
2.2
million and $
4.3
million, respectively, in “Other Income/(Expense)”. Prior to February 25, 2025, the Company’s sales to the derivative counterparties were limited to only the quantities of gold not delivered into the hedges. The Company recorded a gain on metal sales for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 of $
0.9
million and $
0.9
million, respectively.
The sales are accounted for under FASB Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 610 Other Income and not ASC 606 Revenue from Contracts with Customers since the sales are incidental to the Company's primary contractual obligation and do not constitute the Company's ongoing or central operations.
Beginning with February 25, 2025, to satisfy physical delivery obligations under the existing hedge agreements, the Company entered into agreements with the counterparties to repurchase hedged quantities of gold at a contracted fixed price at each hedge delivery date.
15. Fair Value Measurement
The FASB ASC Topic 820, defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset, or paid to transfer a liability, in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. FASB ASC Topic 820 provides a framework for measuring fair value, establishes a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date and requires consideration of the counterparty’s creditworthiness when valuing certain assets.
The three levels are defined as follows:
Level 1 – Observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities.
Level 2 – Other inputs that are observable directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices in markets that are not active or inputs, which are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.
Level 3 – Unobservable inputs for which there are little or no market data and which the Company makes its own assumptions about how market participants would price the assets and liabilities.
A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Where available, fair value is based on observable market prices or parameters or derived from such prices or parameters. Where observable prices or inputs are not available, valuation models are applied. These valuation techniques involve some level of management estimation and judgment, the degree of which is dependent on the price transparency for the instruments or market and the instrument’s complexity. The Company reflects transfers between the three levels at the beginning of the reporting period in which the availability of observable inputs no longer justifies classification in the original level. There were no transfers between fair value hierarchy levels for the period ended September 30, 2025.
Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
The Company performs fair value measurements on a recurring basis for the following:
Derivative Financial Instruments - Derivative financial instruments are carried at fair value and measured on a recurring basis. The Company's potential derivative financial instruments include features embedded within its convertible debenture with QRC (see Note 13). These measurements were not material to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Commodity Hedges - As discussed in Note 14, the Company has entered into hedge agreements with delivery obligations of gold ounces. The Company utilizes derivative instruments in order to manage exposure to risks associated with fluctuating commodity prices. The derivative hedges are marked-to-market with changes in estimated value driven by forward commodity prices.
Marketable Securities - The Company owns an investment in a publicly traded company, Onyx Gold Corp. ("Onyx"). Changes in the fair value of this investment are recorded through income using quoted prices obtained from securities exchanges.
Contingent Consideration - As discussed in Note 11
,
the Company will be obligated to pay CRH additional consideration if production on the Lucky Shot Property meets two separate milestone payment thresholds. The fair value of the share-based portion of the contingent consideration is measured on a recurring basis, and is driven by the probability of reaching the milestone payment thresholds. The cash portion of the contingent consideration related to that asset acquisition will be recorded when the contingency is resolved.
The following table summarizes the fair value of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities, by level within the fair-value hierarchy:
As of September 30, 2025
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Financial Assets
Marketable securities - noncurrent
$
6,464,700
$
—
$
—
Financial Liabilities
Derivative Liability - current
$
—
$
72,377,342
$
—
Derivative Liability - noncurrent
$
—
$
42,297,830
$
—
Contingent consideration liability - noncurrent
$
—
$
—
$
1,100,480
As of December 31, 2024
Financial Assets
Marketable securities - noncurrent
$
712,375
$
—
$
—
Financial Liabilities
Derivative Liability - current
$
—
$
29,076,582
$
—
Derivative Liability - noncurrent
$
—
$
28,615,525
$
—
Contingent consideration liability - noncurrent
$
—
$
—
$
1,100,480
Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
The Company applies the provisions of the fair value measurement standard on a non-recurring basis to its non-financial assets and liabilities, including mineral properties, business combinations, and asset retirement obligations. These assets and liabilities are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to fair value adjustments if events or changes in certain circumstances indicate that adjustments may be necessary.
On
May 1, 2024
, the Company entered into a definitive arrangement agreement (the “Arrangement Agreement”) by and among the Company, Contango Mining Canada Inc., a corporation organized under the laws of British Columbia and a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, and HighGold, pursuant to which the Company acquired
100
% of the outstanding equity interests of HighGold (the “HighGold Acquisition”) by way of a court approved plan of arrangement under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia). The HighGold Acquisition, which was approved by HighGold shareholders at HighGold’s special meeting held on June 27, 2024, was subsequently approved by the Supreme Court of British Columbia on July 2, 2024.
On July 10, 2024, the Company completed the HighGold Acquisition and, as contemplated by the Arrangement Agreement, each HighGold share of common stock was exchanged for
0.019
shares of Contango common stock. HighGold options were also exchanged, directly or indirectly, for Contango shares of common stock, based on the fair market value of the HighGold options prior to the closing date. Upon closing of the HighGold Acquisition, the Company issued an aggregate of
1,698,887
shares of Contango common stock, with a value of $
33.8
million, to HighGold shareholders in reliance upon an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, pursuant to Section 3(a)(10) of the Securities Act. Such exemption was based on the final order of the Supreme Court of British Columbia issued on July 2, 2024, approving the HighGold Acquisition following a hearing by the court which considered, among other things, the fairness of the HighGold Acquisition to the persons affected. Upon completion of the HighGold Acquisition, existing Contango shareholders own approximately
85.9
% and HighGold shareholders own approximately
14.1
% of the combined company.
Avidian Alaska Acquisition
On
May 1, 2024
, the Company entered into a stock purchase agreement with Avidian Gold Corp. (“Avidian”) pursuant to which the Company agreed to purchase Avidian’s
100
% owned Alaskan subsidiary, Avidian Gold Alaska Inc., for initial consideration of $
2,400,000
, with a contingent payment for up to $
1,000,000
(the “Avidian Alaska Acquisition”).
On
August 6, 2024
, the Company completed the Avidian Alaska Acquisition. The total purchase price of $
2,063,539
consisted of (i) $
400,000
in cash (the “Cash Consideration”) and (ii) $
1,663,539
in shares of Contango common stock, with $
207,945
of such shares withheld at closing and to be paid only upon settlement of a withholding contingency (the “Equity Consideration”). The Cash Consideration shall be paid in the following tranches: (i) a deposit of $
50,000
(paid), (ii) $
150,000
to be paid upon settlement of a withholding contingency ($
50,000
paid on April 2, 2025 and $
100,000
paid on June 10, 2025) and (iii) $
200,000
of the Cash Consideration to be paid on or before the six-month anniversary of the transaction closing date (paid on July 18, 2025). The number of shares of common stock constituting the Equity Consideration, which were issued or will be issued in reliance upon an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act, was determined based on Contango’s 10-day VWAP on the NYSE American immediately prior to the closing date. On July 9, 2025, the $
207,945
balance of the Equity Consideration was paid upon the issuance of
11,216
shares.
17. General and Administrative Expenses
The following table presents the Company's general and administrative expenses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024.
The reportable segments are those operations whose operating results are regularly reviewed by the chief operating decision maker ("CODM") to make decisions about resources to be allocated and assess performance. The Company's CODM is the
President and Chief Executive Officer
and is responsible for the management of the Company. The Company has identified
two
operating segments: (i) Peak Gold JV and (ii) Exploration. The Company's general corporate administration are included within "Corporate and other reconciling items" to reconcile the reportable segments to the consolidated financial statements.
The Company's CODM reviews the results of the Company's exploration projects based on the expenditures associated with the exploration in the regions where the Company's mineral claims are located.
The Peak Gold JV engages in business activities from which the Company recognizes operating income or loss. The CODM uses financial information of the Peak Gold JV, in his evaluation of the performance of the Peak Gold JV and can make decisions regarding resource allocations within the Company.
The Company has identified its relationship with Peak Gold JV as a related party. During the nine months ended September 30, 2025 and the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company has made contributions to the Peak Gold JV and received distributions from it. See note 5 - Investment in the Peak Gold JV. Additionally, the Company purchased gold from Peak Gold JV. See note 13 - Debt. As of September 30, 2025, the Company owes Peak Gold JV $
8.5
million related to these purchases. As of December 31, 2024,
no
amounts were owed to Peak Gold JV. These amounts are non-interest bearing with standard payment terms. For further details on transactions with Peak Gold JV, refer to notes 1 - Organization and Business, 2 - Basis of Presentation, 3 - Liquidity, 11 - Commitments and Contingencies, 14 - Derivatives and Hedging Activities, and 18 - Segments.
The Company holds an investment in marketable securities, consisting of approximately
6
% of the outstanding shares of Onyx. The Company and Onyx share two directors. As of September 30, 2025,
3,500,000
of the shares are freely tradable, while the remaining
1,500,000
are in escrow and are scheduled to be released in two tranches by July 2026. In addition, the Company entered into lock-up agreements with Onyx, whereby the Company requires Onyx's approval if they wish to sell prior to the expiry of July 2026.
Item
2.
Management
’
s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes and other information included in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, previously filed with the SEC.
Cautionary Statement about Forward-Looking Statements
Some of the statements made in this report may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). The words and phrases “should be”, “will be”, “believe”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “forecast”, “goal” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements and express our expectations about future events. Any statement that is not historical fact is a forward -looking statement. These include such matters as:
•
The Company’s financial position;
•
Business strategy, including outsourcing;
•
Meeting the Company's forecasts and budgets;
•
Anticipated capital expenditures and the availability of future financing;
•
Risk in the pricing or timing of hedges the Company has entered into for the production of gold and associated minerals;
•
Prices of gold and associated minerals;
•
Timing and amount of future discoveries (if any) and production of natural resources on the Contango Properties and the Peak Gold JV Property;
•
Operating costs and other expenses;
•
Cash flow and anticipated liquidity;
•
The Company’s ability to fund its business with cash flows from operations and current cash reserves;
•
Prospect development;
•
Operating and legal risks;
•
New governmental laws and regulations; and
•
Pending and future litigation.
Although the Company believes the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, such expectations may not occur. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside of our control, that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from future results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. In addition to the risk factors described in Part II, Item 1A. Risk Factors, of this Form 10-Q and Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors, in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, these factors include among others:
•
Availability and ability to raise capital to fund capital expenditures;
•
Ability to repay indebtedness when due;
•
Ability to retain or maintain capital contributions to, and our relative ownership interest in the Peak Gold JV;
•
Ability to influence management of the Peak Gold JV;
•
Ability to consummate and realize the anticipated benefits of strategic transactions;
•
Potential delays or changes in plans with respect to exploration or development projects or capital expenditures;
•
Operational constraints and delays;
•
Exploration and operational risks associated with the mining industry;
•
Timing and successful discovery of natural resources;
•
Declines and variations in the price of gold and associated minerals, as well as price volatility for natural resources;
•
Availability and costs of material and operating equipment;
Potential mechanical failure or under performance of facilities and equipment;
•
Weather;
•
Ability to find and retain skilled personnel;
•
Worldwide economic conditions;
•
Federal and state legislation and regulation that affects or restricts mining development and activities;
•
Impact of new and potential mining operating and safety standards;
•
Environmental and regulatory, health and safety risks;
•
Uncertainties of any estimates and projections relating to any future production, costs and expenses (including changes in the cost of fuel, power, materials, and supplies);
•
Timely and full receipt of sale proceeds from the sale of any of our mined products (if any);
•
Stock price and interest rate volatility;
•
Actions or inactions of third-parties;
•
Strength and financial resources of competitors;
•
Competition generally and the increasing competitive nature of the mining industry;
•
Expanded rigorous monitoring and testing requirements;
•
Ability to obtain insurance coverage on commercially reasonable terms; and
•
Risks related to title to properties.
You should not unduly rely on these forward-looking statements in this report, as they speak only as of the date of this report. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this report or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. All forward-looking statements included herein are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this section.
2025 Highlights and Recent Developments
Manh Choh Project
In July 2024, the Peak Gold JV commenced processing ore at the Fort Knox facility and on July 8, 2024, the Manh Choh Project achieved a significant milestone and poured its first gold bar, on schedule. In 2024, the Company received $40.5 million in cash distributions from the Peak Gold JV relating to production at Manh Choh, followed by $87.0 million received during the nine months ended September 30, 2025.
During the first quarter of 2025, the Peak Gold JV (on a 100% basis) processed 323,000 tons of ore with an average grade of 0.215 ounces (“oz”) per ton and containing approximately 69,500 oz of gold. Gold recovery averaged 93.5%, resulting in approximately 65,000 oz of recovered gold, of which Contango’s 30% share amounted to 19,500 oz of gold. During the first quarter of 2025, 17,382 oz of gold were delivered to Contango and sold during the period.
During the second quarter of 2025, the Peak Gold JV (on a 100% basis) processed 255,000 tons of ore with an average grade of 0.222 oz per ton and containing approximately 56,000 oz of gold. Gold recovery averaged 93%, resulting in approximately 52,000 oz of recovered gold, of which Contango’s 30% share amounted to 15,700 oz of gold. During the second quarter of 2025, 17,764 oz of gold were delivered to Contango and sold during the period. As of June 30, 2025, 241 oz of gold remained in the Company.
During the third quarter of 2025, the Peak Gold JV (on a 100% basis) processed 287,000 tons of ore with an average grade of 0.214 oz per ton and containing approximately 61,400 oz of gold. Gold recovery averaged 92.5%, resulting in approximately 56,800 oz of recovered gold, of which Contango’s 30% share amounts to approximately 17,000 oz of gold. During the third quarter of 2025, 16,428 oz of gold were delivered to Contango and the Company sold 16,669 oz of during the period, which included 241 oz that was remaining at the end of the second quarter of 2025.
During the third quarter of 2025, the Company continued with ongoing work to permit the underground exploration drift along with baseline environmental and engineering work to support permitting a road and barge landing facility within the Transportation and Port Easements granted to Cook Inlet Regional Inc. (CIRI) the underlying land owner. Field crews started work in July 2025 and finalized the field program in mid-October.
On May 6, 2025, the Company announced that it had completed a Technical Report Summary ("TRS") on the Johnson Tract Project. The TRS summarizes the results of an Initial Assessment (“IA”) of the potential viability for a seven-year life of mine (“LOM”), underground mining operation, utilizing the same direct ship ore (“DSO”) approach as the Manh Choh mine. The TRS was filed on May 12, 2025.
IA HIGHLIGHTS:
•
Pre-Tax net present value discounted at 5% (“NPV
5
”) of $359.0 million
•
Pre-Tax Internal Rate of Return (“IRR”) of 37.4%
•
Post-Tax NPV
5
of $224.5 million with a post-tax IRR of 30.2%
•
Seven-year LOM
•
LOM annual average production of 102,258 gold equivalent ounces ("GEO") at 7.58 grams per tonne ("g/t")
•
Initial Capital costs of $213.6 million, including $36 million for contingency costs
•
Sustaining Capital costs of $61.3 million, including $12.3 million for contingency costs
•
All-In Sustaining Costs ("AISC") estimated at $860 per GEO sold
•
Non-discounted payback period 1.3 years
Lucky Shot Property
Subsequent to quarter end, the Company mobilized a drill rig at the Lucky Shot mine site to commence the first phase of a 15,000-meter underground in-fill drilling program. We expect assay results to start being reported in the first quarter of 2026. This work, along with detailed engineering, hydrology and geotechnical work will form the basis for a feasibility level mine and transportation plan for Lucky Shot, which are targeting to produce 30,000 to 40,000 ounces of gold per year using our Direct Shipping Ore (DSO) approach. We expect to complete the feasibility study in 12 to 18 months and make a production decision in 2027.
Committee for Safe Communities Complaint
On October 20, 2023, the Committee for Safe Communities ("CSC"), an Alaskan non-profit corporation inclusive of certain vacation home owners along the Manh Choh ore haul route, formed for the purpose of opposing the Manh Choh project, filed suit in the Superior Court in Fairbanks, Alaska against the State of Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities ("DOT"). The Complaint sought injunctive relief against the DOT with respect to its oversight of the Peak Gold JV's ore haul plan. On May 9, 2025, and at CSC’s request, the Court entered an Order of Dismissal Without Prejudice as to CSC’s one remaining claim, vacated the trial date and closed the case.
Dot Lake Complaint
On July 1, 2024, the Village of Dot Lake, a federally recognized Indian Tribe, located approximately 50 miles from the Manh Choh mine on the ore haul route along the Alaska Highway ("Dot Lake"), filed a Complaint in the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska against U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (the "Corps") and Lt. General Scott A. Spellmon, in his official capacity as Chief of Engineers and Commanding General of the Corps. The Complaint seeks declaratory and injunctive relief based on the Corps' alleged failure to consult with Dot Lake and to undertake an adequate environmental review with respect to the Corps' issuance in September 2022 of a wetlands disturbance permit in connection with the overall permitting of the Manh Choh mine as to approximately five acres of wetlands located on Tetlin Village land. The Peak Gold JV was not named as a defendant in the Complaint and, on August 20, 2024, moved to intervene in the action, which Dot Lake opposed. On October 10, 2024, the Court granted intervention to the Peak Gold JV. On October 18, 2024, the Peak Gold JV joined the partial motion to dismiss that the Corps filed on August 23, 2024. On March 19, 2025, the Court entered an Order on Motion to Partially Dismiss, which Order dismissed three of the four claims asserted in the Complaint. On April 1, 2025, Dot Lake filed an Amended Complaint which sought to reassert one of the claims that was dismissed without prejudice. On May 2, 2025, the Peak Gold JV filed a Motion to Dismiss this reasserted claim, which motion was granted on July 31, 2025. On September 29, 2025, the Court entered an Order dismissing the action with prejudice based on the Stipulated Dismissal of Action filed by the parties and the Court closed the case.
Cook Inletkeeper, Chickaloon Village Traditional Counsel, Center for Biological Diversity.
On September 10, 2024, the Corps issued to Johnson Tract Mining Inc, (a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company) a permit under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act to construct an access road and improve an existing air strip on the south parcel of the Johnson Tract project. On May 20, 2025, Cook Inletkeeper, Chickaloon Village Traditional Council, Center for Biological Diversity, and an individual plaintiff filed suit in the United States District Court for the District of Alaska against the Corps and related officials,
challenging the Corps’ issuance of the Section 404 permit. Plaintiffs seek to vacate the section 404 permit issued and halt mineral exploration on the lands. The complaint alleges that the Corps Environmental Assessment for the Section 404 permit failed to adequately analyze the potential for acid rock drainage and contaminants leaching into the Johnson River and Cook Inlet and the harmful effects of the project on beluga whales at the Cook Inlet. In July 2025, the Company filed a motion to intervene as a defendant in the lawsuit to protect its legal rights under the Section 404 permit, its significant investment in the Johnson Tract, and its mineral exploration lease with CIRI. The Alaska District Court has not issued any rulings or relief and the permit in question is still active and in good standing. Management expects to be prevail in this litigation.
Index Inclusion
On September 15, 2025, the Company announced that it has been added to the Global Junior Gold Miners Index ("GDXJ"), effective at market close on September 19, 2025, pursuant to the GDXJ's semi-annual review and quarterly rebalance.
Strategy and Asset Management
Partnering with strategic industry participants to expand future exploration work.
As of October 1, 2020, in conjunction with the Kinross Transactions and the signing of the A&R JV LLCA, KG Mining became the manager of the Peak Gold JV (the “Manager”). KG Mining may resign as Manager and can be removed as Manager for a material breach of the A&R JV LLCA, a material failure to perform its obligations as the Manager, a failure to conduct the Peak Gold JV operations in accordance with industry standards and applicable laws, and other limited circumstances. Except as expressly delegated to the Manager, the A&R JV LLCA provides that the JV Management Committee has exclusive authority to determine all management matters related to the Company. The JV Management Committee currently consists of one appointee designated by the Company and two appointees designated by KG Mining. The Representatives designated by each member of the Peak Gold JV vote as a group, and in accordance with their respective membership interests in the Peak Gold JV. Except in the case of certain actions that require approval by unanimous vote of the Representatives, the affirmative vote of a majority of the membership interests in the Peak Gold JV constitutes the action of the JV Management Committee.
Structuring Incentives to Drive Behavior
. The Company believes that equity ownership aligns the interests of the Company’s executives and directors with those of its stockholders. The Company has implemented an equity compensation program for its executive officers and directors (and other persons) that provides an incentive for such officers to achieve the Company’s long-term business objectives. The Company’s equity compensation program includes two forms of long-term incentives: restricted stock and stock options. As of September 30, 2025, the Company’s directors and executives beneficially own approximately 12.3% of the Company’s common stock.
Acquiring exploration properties
. The Company anticipates from time to time acquiring additional properties in Alaska for exploration, subject to the availability of funds. The acquisitions may include leases or similar rights from Alaska Native corporations and/or staking Federal or State of Alaska mining claims. Acquiring additional properties will likely result in additional expense to the Company for minimum royalties, minimum rents and annual exploratory work requirements. The Company is open to strategic partnerships or alliances with other companies as a means to enhance its ability to fund new and existing exploration and development opportunities.
Results of Operations
Three Months Ended
September 30, 202
5 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2024
Claim Rentals Expense.
Claim rental expense primarily consists of State of Alaska rental payments and costs incurred to record annual labor documents. For the three months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, claim rental expense were $0.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively.
Exploration Expense.
Exploration expense for the three months ended September 30, 2025 was $2.0 million compared to $3.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024. Current period exploration expense primarily relates to the permitting process for the underground exploration drift and baseline environmental work at the Johnson Tract Project. The prior period exploration expense related to a 3,000 meter surface drill program at the Johnson Tract Project.
General and Administrative Expense.
General and administrative expense for the three months ended
September 30
, 2025 and 2024 was $2.5 million and $2.6 million, respectively. The Company’s general and administrative expense primarily relates to professional fees, regulatory fees, payroll and stock-based compensation expense. The increase is mainly driven by expenditures carried for marketing and investor relations, increased legal costs and professional fees.
Income from
Equity Investment in the Peak Gold JV
. The income from the Company’s equity investment in the Peak Gold JV for the three months ended September 30, 2025 was $29.5 million compared to income of $28.5 million for the same period in 2024. The Manh Choh Project commenced production in July 2024, which generated income thereafter.
Interest Expense.
For the three months ended September 30, 2025, interest expense was $1.7 million and primarily related to the Queen's Road Capital Investment, Ltd. Debenture (the "Debenture") and interest expense related to the Company’s cumulative $23.1
million net draw-down on the Facility. Prior year interest expense of $3.7 million included interest expense related to the Debenture and interest expense related to the Company's cumulative $58.0 million net draw-down on the Facility (see Note 13 - Debt).
Metal Sales.
For the three months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, the gain on metal sales was $2.2 million and $0.9 million, respectively, and related to excess ounces that were purchased from the Peak Gold JV that were not delivered into the hedges and sold to the derivative counterparties and hedged volumes sold at spot with obligation to repurchase at fixed price before delivering into hedges. The ounces sold during the three months ended September 30, 2025 were 16,669 with an average spot price of $3,647 compared to 12,850 ounces with an average spot price of $2,521 for the three-month period ended September 30, 2024.
Loss on Derivative Contracts.
Loss on derivative contracts for the three months ended September 30, 2025 was comprised of unrealized and realized loss of $14.4 million and $15.9 million, respectively, compared to $22.9 million and $5.9 million, respectively, for the three months ended September 30, 2024. The variance is generated from the valuation of the derivative contracts which was affected by the increase of the spot price and the corresponding impact in the forward curves used to value them and the deliveries completed towards them. The Company delivered 11,900 gold ounces into the derivative contracts for the three-month period ended September 30, 2025. The Company delivered 14,826 gold ounces into the derivative contracts for the three-month period ended September 30, 2024 (see Note 14 - Derivative and Hedging Activities).
Unrealized loss on marketable securities.
For the three months ended September 30, 2025, the unrealized loss on marketable securities was $1.0 million and related to valuation of the Company's investment in Onyx, compared to $0.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024.
Nine months Ended September 30, 2025 Compared to Nine months Ended September 30, 2024
Claim Rentals Expense.
Claim rental expense primarily consists of State of Alaska rental payments and costs incurred to record annual labor documents. For the nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, claim rental expense were $0.3 million and $0.4 million, respectively.
Exploration Expense.
Exploration expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 was $3.5 million compared to $3.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024. Current period exploration expense primarily relates to the permitting process for the underground exploration drift and baseline environmental work at the Johnson Tract Project. The prior period exploration expense related to a 3,000-meter surface drill program at the Johnson Tract Project.
General and Administrative Expense.
General and administrative expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024 was $8.1 million and $7.3 million, respectively. The Company’s general and administrative expense primarily relates to professional fees, regulatory fees, payroll and stock-based compensation expense. The increase is mainly driven by expenditures carried for marketing and investor relations, increased legal costs and professional fees and the Facility restructure.
Income from
Equity Investment in the Peak Gold JV
. The income from the Company’s equity investment in the Peak Gold JV for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 was $79.2 million compared to income of $27.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024. The Manh Choh Project commenced production in July 2024, which generated income for the second half of 2024 and the three quarters of 2025.
Interest Expense.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2025, interest expense was $6.5 million and primarily related to the Debenture and interest expense related to the Company’s cumulative $23.1 million net draw-down on the Facility. Prior year interest expense of $8.6 million included interest expense related to the Debenture and interest expense related to the Company's cumulative $58.0 million net draw-down on the Facility (see Note 13 - Debt).
Metal Sales.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, the gain on metal sales was $4.3 million and $0.9 million, respectively, and related to excess ounces that were purchased from the Peak Gold JV that were not delivered into the hedges and sold to the derivative counterparties and hedged volumes sold at spot with obligation to repurchase at fixed price before delivering into hedges. The ounces sold during the nine months ended September 30, 2025 were 51,574 with an average spot price of $3,300, compared to 12,850 ounces with an average spot price of $2,521 for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2024.
Loss on Derivative Contracts.
Loss on derivative contracts for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 was comprised of unrealized and realized loss of $57.0 million and $26.7 million, respectively, compared to $51.1 million and $6.0 million, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2024. The variance is generated from the valuation of the derivative contracts which was affected by the increase of the spot price and the corresponding impact in the forward curves used to value them and the deliveries completed towards them. The Company delivered 23,839 gold ounces into the derivative contracts for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2025. The Company delivered 14,826 gold ounces into the derivative contracts for the three-month period ended September 30, 2024 (see Note 14 - Derivative and Hedging Activities).
Unrealized gain/(loss) on marketable securities.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2025, the unrealized gain on marketable securities was $5.7 million and related to valuation of the Company's investment in Onyx, compared to a $0.2 million loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2024.
Cash Cost on a By-Product Basis and All-In Sustaining Costs on a By-Product Basis (non-GAAP)
The table below presents reconciliations between the most comparable GAAP measure of total cost of sales to the non-GAAP measures of (i) Cash Cost on a By-product Basis and (ii) AISC on a By-product Basis for the Peak Gold JV operations (Manh Choh) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025.
Cash Cost on a By-product Basis, per Ounce sold and AISC on a By-product Basis, per Ounce sold are measures developed by precious metals companies (including the Silver Institute and the World Gold Council) in an effort to provide a uniform standard for comparison purposes. There can be no assurance, however, that these non-GAAP measures as we report them are the same as those reported by other mining companies.
Cash Cost on a By-product Basis includes all direct and indirect operating cash costs related directly to the physical activities of producing gold, including mining, processing and other plant costs, third-party refining expense, on-site general and administrative costs, royalties and mining production taxes. The value of silver sold is deducted from the total production cost of sales as it is considered residual production, i.e. a by‐product.
AISC on a By-product Basis includes reclamation, sustaining capital, exploration and joint venture partner operator management costs.
Cash Cost on a By-product Basis, per Ounce sold is an important operating statistic that we utilize to measure a mine's operating performance. We use AISC on a By-product Basis, per Ounce sold as a measure of a mine's net cash flow after costs for reclamation and sustaining capital. This is similar to the Cash Cost on a By-product Basis, per Ounce sold measure we report, but also includes reclamation and sustaining capital costs. Current GAAP measures used in the mining industry, such as cost of goods sold, do not capture all the expenditures incurred to discover, develop and sustain gold production. Cash Cost on a By-product Basis, per Ounce sold and AISC on a By-product Basis, per Ounce sold also allow us to benchmark the performance of the Peak Gold JV versus those of our competitors. These statistics are useful in identifying acquisition and investment opportunities as they provide a common tool for measuring the financial performance of other mines with varying geologic, metallurgical and operating characteristics.
Cash Costs on a By-product Basis, per Ounce sold and AISC on a By-product Basis, per Ounce sold are calculated by adjusting production cost of sales, as reported on the interim condensed consolidated statements of operations, as follows:
Three Months
Ended
September 30,
Nine Months
Ended
September 30,
2025
2025
Cash Cost on a By-Product Basis:
Total cost of sales
$
92,875,525
$
285,277,975
Less: silver revenue
(2,244,251
)
(5,329,563
)
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
(13,858,844
)
(42,047,076
)
Total
$
76,772,429
$
237,901,336
Sustaining capital
Sustaining capital - PPE
$
6,638,883
$
11,279,017
Exploration costs
2,261,510
4,458,793
Reclamation and other costs
521,478
1,557,648
JV Partner operator management fee
1,279,565
3,552,846
AISC on a By-Product basis
$
87,473,865
$
258,749,640
Divided by ounces sold
54,760
171,916
Cash Cost on a By-product Basis, per Ounce
$
1,402
$
1,384
AISC on a By-product Basis, per Ounce
$
1,597
$
1,505
Liquidity and Capital Resources
As of September 30, 2025, the Company had approximately $107.0 million of cash.
The Company’s primary cash requirements have been for general and administrative expenses, capital calls from the Peak Gold JV for the Manh Choh Property, repayment of principal and interest related to debt and exploration expenditures on the Johnson Tract Project and Lucky Shot Property. The Company’s sources of cash have been from common stock offerings, the issuance of the Debenture, distributions from the equity investment and the proceeds from the Facility (see Note 5 - Investment in the Peak Gold JV, Note 8 - Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) and Note 13 - Debt, for a discussion of the recent activity).
The Manh Choh Project began production early in the third quarter of 2024 and on July 8, 2024, the Peak Gold JV poured its first gold bar. The Manh Choh Project remains on schedule and ore mining continues along with stockpiling of ore at the Fort Knox facility. Production from the Manh Choh Project has allowed the Peak Gold JV to operate from the cash flows generated from its operations and there are no future anticipated cash calls.
The Company’s cash needs going forward will primarily relate to exploration of the Contango Properties, repayment of debt and related interest and general and administrative expenses of the Company. In the third and fourth quarters of 2024, the Company received cash distributions from the Peak Gold JV relating to production at Manh Choh of $19.5 million and $21.0 million, respectively. In the first, second and third quarters of 2025, the Company received cash distributions totaling $24.0 million, $30.0 million, and $33.0 million, respectively. Although there can be no guarantee that the Peak Gold JV will continue to make distributions to the Company, the Company believes that distributions are probable and that it will maintain sufficient liquidity to meet its working capital requirements, including repayment obligations of approximately $3.0 million on the Facility and delivery into its hedge contracts, for the next twelve months from the date of this report. The Company made a repayment of $8.5 million on the Facility on October 2, 2025.
On September 25, 2025, the Company sold shares of common stock and pre-funded warrants and received gross proceeds of $50.0 million. The Company intends to use the net proceeds of approximately $47.5 million to advance its fully permitted Lucky Shot Project to a mine production decision over the next two years by completing underground and surface-based drilling and underground development work. Proceeds will also be used to advance its Johnson Tract Project, subject to receipt of appropriate permits, by mobilizing all equipment necessary to complete road construction to the planned portal, winterizing the project’s camp for year-round operations, starting construction of an exploration tunnel in order conduct advanced exploration drilling, and completing a feasibility-level mine plan. Any remaining proceeds will also be used for general corporate purposes, including working capital.
Further financing by the Company may include issuances of equity, instruments convertible into equity (such as warrants) or various forms of debt. The Company has issued common stock and other instruments convertible into equity in the past and cannot predict the size or price of any future issuances of common stock or other instruments convertible into equity, and the effect, if any, that such future issuances and sales will have on the market price of the Company’s securities.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
None.
Critical Accounting Estimates
The discussion and analysis of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations is based upon the consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires the Company to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. There were no material changes in the Company’s critical accounting estimates from those that were previously reported in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024.
Available Information
General information about the Company can be found on the Company’s website at www.contangoore.com. Our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K, as well as any amendments and exhibits to those reports, are available free of charge through our website as soon as reasonably practicable after the Company files or furnishes them to the SEC.
Item
3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
As a “smaller reporting company,” the Company is not required to provide this information.
Item
4.
Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.
As required by Rule 13a-15(b) of the Exchange Act, the Company has evaluated, under the supervision and with the participation of its management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, 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 Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this Form 10-Q. Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed by us in reports that the Company files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC. Based upon the evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2025 at the reasonable assurance level.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.
There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during our third fiscal quarter that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.
PART II
—
OTHER INFORMATION
Item
1.
Legal Proceedings
The Company is a 30% owner of the Peak Gold JV, which operates the Manh Choh mine near Tok, Alaska. Ore from the mine is being trucked to the Fort Knox mill for processing via public roadways in state-of-the-art trucks carrying legal loads. Certain owners of vacation homes along the ore haul route and others claiming potential impact have organized a group to oppose the ore haul plan and disrupt the project. These efforts have included administrative appeals of certain state mine permits unrelated to ore haul. To date, those appeals have been unsuccessful.
On October 20, 2023, the Committee for Safe Communities ("CSC"), an Alaskan non-profit corporation inclusive of certain vacation home owners along the Manh Choh ore haul route, formed for the purpose of opposing the Manh Choh project, filed suit in the Superior Court in Fairbanks, Alaska against the State of Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities ("DOT"). The Complaint sought injunctive relief against the DOT with respect to its oversight of the Peak Gold JV's ore haul plan. On May 9, 2025, and at CSC’s request, the Court entered an Order of Dismissal Without Prejudice as to CSC’s one remaining claim, vacated the trial date and closed the case.
On July 1, 2024, the Village of Dot Lake, a federally recognized Indian Tribe, located approximately 50 miles from the Manh Choh mine on the ore haul route along the Alaska Highway ("Dot Lake"), filed a Complaint in the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska against U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (the "Corps") and Lt. General Scott A. Spellmon, in his official capacity as Chief of Engineers and Commanding General of the Corps. The Complaint seeks declaratory and injunctive relief based on the Corps' alleged failure to consult with Dot Lake and to undertake an adequate environmental review with respect to the Corps' issuance in September 2022 of a wetlands disturbance permit in connection with the overall permitting of the Manh Choh mine as to approximately five acres of wetlands located on Tetlin Village land. The Peak Gold JV was not named as a defendant in the Complaint and, on August 20, 2024, moved to intervene in the action, which Dot Lake opposed. On October 10, 2024, the Court granted intervention to the Peak Gold JV. On October 18, 2024, the Peak Gold JV joined the partial motion to dismiss that the Corps filed on August 23, 2024. On March 19, 2025, the Court entered an Order on Motion to Partially Dismiss, which Order dismissed three of the four claims asserted in the Complaint. On April 1, 2025, Dot Lake filed an Amended Complaint which sought to reassert one of the claims that was dismissed without prejudice. On May 2, 2025, the Peak Gold JV filed a Motion to Dismiss this reasserted claim, which motion was granted on July 31, 2025. On September 29, 2025, the Court entered an Order dismissing the action with prejudice based on the Stipulated Dismissal of Action filed by the parties and the Court closed the case.
On September 10, 2024, the Corps issued to Johnson Tract Mining Inc, (a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company) a permit under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act to construct an access road and improve an existing air strip on the south parcel of the Johnson Tract project. On May 20, 2025, Cook Inletkeeper, Chickaloon Village Traditional Council, Center for Biological Diversity, and an individual plaintiff filed suit in the United States District Court for the District of Alaska against the Corps and related officials, challenging the Corps’ issuance of the Section 404 permit. Plaintiffs seek to vacate the section 404 permit issued and halt mineral exploration on the lands. The complaint alleges that the Corps Environmental Assessment for the Section 404 permit failed to adequately analyze the potential for acid rock drainage and contaminants leaching into the Johnson River and Cook Inlet and the harmful effects of the project on beluga whales at the Cook Inlet. In July 2025, the Company filed a motion to intervene as a defendant in the lawsuit to protect its legal rights under the Section 404 permit, its significant investment in the Johnson Tract, and its mineral exploration lease with CIRI. The Alaska District Court has not issued any rulings or relief and the permit in question is still active and in good standing.
Item
1A. Risk Factors
There have been no material changes in our risk factors from those described in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024. Such risks are not the only risks the Company faces. You should carefully consider the risks discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, under the headings “Item 1. Business — Adverse Climate Conditions,” “—Competition,” “— Government Regulation” and “Item 2. Properties—Environmental Regulation and Permitting,” and “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”which risks could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or future results. An investment in the Company is subject to risks inherent in our business and involves a high degree of risk. The trading price of the shares of the Company is affected by the performance of our business relative to, among other things, competition, market conditions and general economic and industry conditions. The value of an investment in the Company may decrease, resulting in a loss.
Item
2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
On July 9, 2025, the Company issued 11,216 shares of Contango common stock to Avidian Gold Corp. (“Avidian”) in satisfaction of the balance of the equity consideration that was due to Avidian in connection with the Company’s purchase of Avidian’s 100% owned
Alaskan subsidiary, Avidian Gold Alaska Inc. The shares were issued in reliance upon an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act.
Other than as described above, there were no sales of unregistered equity securities during the third quarter of 2025.
Item
4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Pursuant to Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Act and Item 104 of Regulation S-K, registrants that are operators, or that have a subsidiary that is an operator, of a coal or other mine in the United States are required to disclose specified information about mine health and safety in their periodic reports. These reporting requirements are based on the safety and health requirements applicable to mines under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (the “Mine Act”) which is administered by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration (“MSHA”).
The Company does not serve as the manager of the Peak Gold JV or operator of the Manh Choh mine, and all of its other projects are in the exploration stage. Accordingly, during the nine months ended September 30, 2025, the Company and its properties or operations were not subject to regulation by MSHA under the Mine Act and, thus, no disclosure is required under Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Act or subpart 104 of Regulation S-K.
Item
5. Other Information
Rule 10b5-1 Trading Plans
On
July 28, 2025
,
Brad Juneau
, a
director
of the Company,
adopted
a “Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” as defined in Item 408(a) of Regulation S-K intended to satisfy the affirmative defense conditions of Rule 10b5-1(c). The arrangement provides for the sale by Mr. Jun
eau of up to
200,000
shares of our common stock, subject to certain conditions. Mr. Juneau’s Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement will commence following the applicable cooling-
off period and expire on April 10, 2026.
On October 15, 2025, before Mr. Juneau’s Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement had commenced and in connection with the closing of the Company’s September underwritten offering and a related lock-up agreement that restricts Mr. Juneau from transferring shares of our common stock for a period of 90 days after closing of the offering, Mr. Juneau
modified
his 10b5-1 trading plan to extend the expiration date from April 10, 2026 to May 15, 2026.
Other than as disclosed above, during the three months ended September 30, 2025, no director or officer of the Company
adopted
or
terminated
a “Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” or “non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement,” as each term is defined in Item 408(a) of Regulation S-K.
The following is a list of exhibits filed as part of this Form 10-Q. Where so indicated, exhibits, which were previously filed, are incorporated herein by reference (File No. 001-35770, unless otherwise indicated).
Financial statements from the Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended September 30, 2025, formatted in Inline XBRL: (i) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets; (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations; (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; (iv) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity; and (v) Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
X
104
Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101).
X
†
Management contract or compensatory plan or agreement
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereto duly authorized.
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