COMSTOCK MINING INC.
10-Ks and 10-Qs
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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
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x
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QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
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For the Quarterly Period Ended
March 31, 2014
or
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¨
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TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
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For the transition period from ______________ to ______________
Commission File No. 001-35200
COMSTOCK MINING INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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NEVADA
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
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1040
(Primary Standard Industrial
Classification Code Number)
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65-0955118
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
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||
P.O. Box 1118
Virginia City, NV 89440
(Address of principal executive offices)
(775) 847-5272
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
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
x
No
¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted 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 and post such files). Yes
x
No
¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer
¨
Accelerated filer
x
Non-accelerated filer
¨
Smaller reporting company
¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes
o
No
x
The number of shares of Common Stock, $0.000666 par value, of the registrant outstanding at
April 25, 2014
was 74,011,212.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements contained in this report on Form 10-Q are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which are intended to be covered by the safe harbors created thereby. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking statements. The words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “project,” “plan,” “should,” “intend,” “may,” “will,” “would,” “potential” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements, but are not the exclusive means of doing so. Forward-looking statements include statements about matters such as: future prices and sales of, and demand for, our products; future industry and market conditions; future changes in our exploration activities, production capacity and operations; future exploration, production, operating and overhead costs; operational and management restructuring activities (including implementation of methodologies and changes in the board of directors); future employment and contributions of personnel; tax and interest rates; capital expenditures and their impact on us; nature and timing of restructuring charges and the impact thereof; productivity, business process, rationalization, investment, acquisition, consulting, operational, tax, financial and capital projects and initiatives; contingencies; environmental compliance and changes in the regulatory environment; and future working capital, costs, revenues, business opportunities, debt levels, cash flows, margins, earnings and growth.
These statements are based on assumptions and assessments made by our management in light of their experience and their perception of historical and current trends, current conditions, possible future developments and other factors they believe to be appropriate. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees, representations or warranties and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, developments and business decisions to differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements. Some of those risks and uncertainties include the risk factors set forth in this report and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013,
and the following: current global economic and capital market uncertainties; the speculative nature of gold or mineral exploration, including risks of diminishing quantities or grades of qualified resources and reserves; operational or technical difficulties in connection with exploration or mining activities; contests over our title to properties; potential dilution to our stockholders from the conversion of securities that are convertible into or exercisable for shares of our common stock; potential inability to continue to comply with government regulations; adoption of or changes in legislation or regulations adversely affecting our businesses; permitting constraints or delays, business opportunities that may be presented to, or pursued by, us; changes in the United States or other monetary or fiscal policies or regulations; interruptions in our production capabilities due to unexpected equipment failures; fluctuation of prices for gold or certain other commodities (such as silver, zinc, cyanide, water, diesel fuel, and electricity); changes in generally accepted accounting principles; geopolitical events; potential inability to implement our business strategies; potential inability to grow revenues organically; potential inability to attract and retain key personnel; interruptions in delivery of critical supplies, equipment, and raw materials due to credit or other limitations imposed by vendors; assertion of claims, lawsuits and proceedings against us; potential inability to maintain an effective system of internal controls over financial reporting; potential inability or failure to timely file periodic reports with the SEC; potential inability to maintain the listing of our securities on any securities exchange or market; and work stoppages or other labor difficulties. Occurrence of such events or circumstances could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows or the market price of our securities. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements by or attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these factors. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement.
2
COMSTOCK MINING INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(UNAUDITED)
|
March 31,
2014 |
December 31,
2013 |
||||||
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ASSETS
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|||||||
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CURRENT ASSETS:
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|||||||
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Cash and cash equivalents
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$
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2,602,944
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$
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2,409,446
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|
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Accounts receivable
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268,484
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14,629
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|||
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Inventories
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1,370,994
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591,961
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|||
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Stockpiles and mineralized material on leach pads
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618,370
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547,480
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|||
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Prepaid expenses and other current assets
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2,632,135
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2,396,747
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|||
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Total current assets
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7,492,927
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5,960,263
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|||
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MINERAL RIGHTS AND PROPERTIES, Net
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7,436,780
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7,470,780
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|||
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PROPERTIES, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, Net
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25,625,027
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25,275,440
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|||
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RECLAMATION BOND DEPOSIT
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2,742,804
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2,742,804
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|||
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RETIREMENT OBLIGATION ASSET
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2,240,551
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2,491,956
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|||
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OTHER ASSETS
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52,283
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58,753
|
|
|||
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TOTAL ASSETS
|
$
|
45,590,372
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$
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43,999,996
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LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
|
|||||||
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CURRENT LIABILITIES:
|
|||||||
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Accounts payable
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$
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2,754,706
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$
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3,131,029
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Accrued expenses
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6,416,916
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7,043,335
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Long-term debt obligations and capital lease – current portion
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7,825,106
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2,675,800
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Derivative liabilities
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653,638
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250,000
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|||
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Total current liabilities
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17,650,366
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13,100,164
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|||
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LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
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|||||||
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Long-term debt and capital lease obligations
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5,633,048
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5,231,674
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|||
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Long-term reclamation liability
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5,510,382
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5,424,410
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Total long-term liabilities
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11,143,430
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10,656,084
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Total liabilities
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28,793,796
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23,756,248
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|||
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COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
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STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
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|||||||
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Common stock, $.000666 par value, 3,950,000,000 shares authorized, 72,292,324 and 70,188,937 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively
|
48,078
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46,746
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|||
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Convertible Preferred Stock; 50,000,000 shares authorized
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|||||||
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7.5% Series A-1 convertible preferred stock; $.000666 par value, 1,500,000 shares authorized; 24,362 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively
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16
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16
|
|
|||
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7.5% Series A-2 convertible preferred stock, $.000666 par value, 250,000 shares authorized; 1,610 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively
|
1
|
|
1
|
|
|||
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7.5% Series B convertible preferred stock, $.000666 par value, 600,000 shares authorized; 23,013 and 24,193 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively
|
15
|
|
16
|
|
|||
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Additional paid-in capital
|
199,543,780
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|
199,167,304
|
|
|||
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Accumulated deficit
|
(182,795,314
|
)
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(178,970,335
|
)
|
|||
|
Total stockholders’ equity
|
16,796,576
|
|
20,243,748
|
|
|||
|
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
|
$
|
45,590,372
|
|
$
|
43,999,996
|
|
|
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
3
COMSTOCK MINING INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(UNAUDITED)
|
Three Months Ended
March 31, |
|||||||
|
2014
|
2013
|
||||||
|
REVENUE - MINING
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$
|
5,606,064
|
|
$
|
3,667,922
|
|
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REVENUE - HOTEL
|
157,397
|
|
121,844
|
|
|||
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Total revenues
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5,763,461
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|
3,789,766
|
|
|||
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COST AND EXPENSES
|
|||||||
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Costs applicable to mining revenue
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4,762,901
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|
3,836,097
|
|
|||
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Hospitality operating costs
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286,299
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|
206,341
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|
|||
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Reclamation and exploration
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1,925,955
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2,088,863
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|
|||
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General and administrative
|
2,191,970
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3,396,625
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|
|||
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Total cost and expenses
|
9,167,125
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|
9,527,926
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|
|||
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LOSS FROM OPERATIONS
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(3,403,664
|
)
|
(5,738,160
|
)
|
|||
|
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
|
|||||||
|
Change in fair value of derivatives
|
(235,207
|
)
|
437,814
|
|
|||
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Interest expense
|
(186,330
|
)
|
(463,436
|
)
|
|||
|
Interest and other income
|
222
|
|
750
|
|
|||
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Total other income (expense), net
|
(421,315
|
)
|
(24,872
|
)
|
|||
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NET LOSS
|
(3,824,979
|
)
|
(5,763,032
|
)
|
|||
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INCOME TAXES
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|||
|
NET LOSS
|
(3,824,979
|
)
|
(5,763,032
|
)
|
|||
|
DIVIDENDS ON CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK
|
(1,061,609
|
)
|
(1,034,307
|
)
|
|||
|
NET LOSS AVAILABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS
|
$
|
(4,886,588
|
)
|
$
|
(6,797,339
|
)
|
|
|
Net loss per common share – basic
|
$
|
(0.07
|
)
|
$
|
(0.13
|
)
|
|
|
Net loss per common share – diluted
|
$
|
(0.07
|
)
|
$
|
(0.13
|
)
|
|
|
Weighted average common shares outstanding — basic
|
71,808,908
|
|
51,666,399
|
|
|||
|
Weighted average common shares outstanding — diluted
|
71,808,908
|
|
51,666,399
|
|
|||
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
4
|
COMSTOCK MINING INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(UNAUDITED)
|
|||||||
|
Three Months Ended
March 31, |
|||||||
|
2014
|
2013
|
||||||
|
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
|
|||||||
|
Net loss
|
$
|
(3,824,979
|
)
|
$
|
(5,763,032
|
)
|
|
|
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
|
|||||||
|
Depreciation, amortization and depletion
|
1,640,309
|
|
1,083,169
|
|
|||
|
Stock payments and stock-based compensation
|
615,491
|
|
644,534
|
|
|||
|
Accretion of reclamation liability
|
85,972
|
|
73,206
|
|
|||
|
Loss on sale of properties, plant, and equipment
|
45,499
|
|
1,015,496
|
|
|||
|
Amortization of debt discounts and issuance costs
|
92,638
|
|
382,420
|
|
|||
|
Net change in fair values of derivatives
|
403,638
|
|
(437,814
|
)
|
|||
|
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
|
|||||||
|
Accounts receivable
|
(219,836
|
)
|
(1,331,083
|
)
|
|||
|
Inventories
|
(779,033
|
)
|
(606,690
|
)
|
|||
|
Stockpiles and mineralized material on leach pads
|
(70,890
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)
|
(593,342
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)
|
|||
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Prepaid expenses and other current assets
|
(191,724
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)
|
37,831
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|
|||
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Other assets
|
6,470
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|
6,470
|
|
|||
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Accounts payable
|
75,230
|
|
49,489
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|
|||
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Accrued expenses and other liabilities
|
(263,859
|
)
|
(170,210
|
)
|
|||
|
NET CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES
|
(2,385,074
|
)
|
(5,609,556
|
)
|
|||
|
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
|
|||||||
|
Proceeds from sale of properties, plant and equipment
|
159,310
|
|
571,820
|
|
|||
|
Purchase of mineral rights and properties, plant and equipment
|
(1,142,784
|
)
|
(202,386
|
)
|
|||
|
Increase in reclamation bond deposit
|
(300,000
|
)
|
(350,000
|
)
|
|||
|
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES
|
(1,283,474
|
)
|
19,434
|
|
|||
|
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
|
|||||||
|
Principal payments on long-term debt and capital lease obligations
|
(764,243
|
)
|
(528,252
|
)
|
|||
|
Proceeds from long-term debt obligations
|
4,626,289
|
|
—
|
|
|||
|
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock
|
—
|
|
10,000,000
|
|
|||
|
Common stock issuance costs
|
—
|
|
(261,647
|
)
|
|||
|
NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES
|
3,862,046
|
|
9,210,101
|
|
|||
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INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
|
193,498
|
|
3,619,979
|
|
|||
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CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD
|
2,409,446
|
|
5,973,079
|
|
|||
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CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD
|
$
|
2,602,944
|
|
$
|
9,593,058
|
|
|
|
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
|
|||||||
|
Cash paid for interest
|
$
|
179,475
|
|
$
|
81,016
|
|
|
|
(Continued)
|
|
||||||
5
|
COMSTOCK MINING INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)
|
|||||||
|
Three Months Ended
March 31, |
|||||||
|
2014
|
2013
|
||||||
|
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities:
|
|||||||
|
Conversion of convertible preferred stock to common stock (par value)
|
$
|
1
|
|
$
|
2
|
|
|
|
Reclamation bond deposit included in accrued expenses and other liabilities
|
700,000
|
|
1,700,000
|
|
|||
|
Settlement of long-term debt obligations from gold transfers
|
—
|
|
1,965,726
|
|
|||
|
Settlement of long-term debt obligations through transfer of properties, plant and equipment
|
—
|
|
1,028,180
|
|
|||
|
Issuance of common stock for settlement of long-term debt obligations
|
—
|
|
25,000
|
|
|||
|
Dividends paid in common stock (par value)
|
767
|
|
639
|
|
|||
|
Issuance of long-term debt obligations for purchase of mineral rights and properties, plant and equipment
|
1,314,644
|
|
—
|
|
|||
|
Vested restricted common stock (par value)
|
67
|
|
72
|
|
|||
|
Properties, plant and equipment purchases in current liabilities
|
420,676
|
|
73,824
|
|
|||
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
6
COMSTOCK MINING INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED
MARCH 31, 2014
(UNAUDITED)
1. Interim Financial Statements
The interim condensed consolidated financial statements of Comstock Mining Inc. ("Comstock", "Company", "we" or "us") have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In our opinion, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the
three
month period ended
March 31, 2014
, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending
December 31, 2014
. For further information, refer to the financial statements and footnotes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2013
.
The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America which contemplate continuation of the Company as a going concern.
During the three months ended
March 31, 2014
, the Company shipped
4,546
ounces of gold, resulting in recognized revenue of approximately
$5.6 million
. During the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company shipped
49,292
ounces of silver, resulting in sales of approximately
$1.0 million
. Silver is accounted for as a by-product credit in costs applicable to mining revenue for financial reporting purposes.
The Company has recurring net losses from operations and an accumulated deficit of
$182.8 million
as of
March 31, 2014
.
Liquidity and Management Plans
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming the Company will continue as a going concern. The Company was an exploration company for most of its existence and transitioned into production in the Lucerne Mine late in 2012, and accordingly, has incurred net operating losses and negative cash flows from operations every year since inception. During 2013, the Company's first full year of production, it was limited, by permit, to up to
1 million
tons of stacked and processed mineralized material. In late November 2013, the Company modified the permit, increasing the limit to up to
4 million
tons per annum, and accordingly, the Company's current business plans reflect increased production, reduced costs and improved efficiencies, and generating prospective, positive cash flows.
The Company has recurring net losses from operations and an accumulated deficit of $182.8 million as of March 31, 2014.
At
March 31, 2014
, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $
2.6 million
. The Company incurred an operating loss of
$3.8 million
and used cash flows in operations of
$2.4 million
for the
three
months ended
March 31, 2014
. The Company’s current capital resources include cash and cash equivalents and other working capital resources, cash generated through operations, and existing financing arrangements. The Company has financed its exploration and start up activities principally from the sale of equity securities and from debt financing. While the Company has been successful in the past in obtaining the necessary capital to support its operations, including registered equity financings from its existing shelf registration, borrowings, or other means, there is no assurance that the Company will be able to obtain additional equity capital or other financing, if needed. The Company received a commitment from a significant investor in March 2014 that it would provide the necessary level of financial support to enable the Company to pay its debts as they become due through March 31, 2015. Accordingly, the Company believes it will have sufficient funds to sustain its operations during the next 12 months as a result of the sources of funding detailed above.
Future production rates and gold prices below management’s expectations would adversely affect the Company’s results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. If the Company was unable to obtain any necessary additional funds, this could have an immediate material adverse effect on liquidity. In such case, the Company could be required to limit or discontinue certain business plans, activities or operations, reduce or delay certain capital expenditures or sell certain assets or businesses. There can be no assurance that the Company would be able to take any such actions on favorable terms, in a timely manner or at all.
7
The Company’s recurring losses and negative cash flow from operations require an ongoing assessment of its ability to continue as a going concern. The consolidated financial statements included in this report do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
Use of Estimates
In preparing financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles, we are required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and revenues and expenditures during the reported periods. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates. Estimates may include those pertaining to valuation of inventories, stockpiles and mineralized material on leach pads, the estimated useful lives and valuation of plant and equipment, mineral rights, deferred tax assets, convertible preferred stock, derivative assets and liabilities, reclamation liabilities, stock-based compensation and payments, and contingent liabilities.
Derivative Liabilities
Derivative liabilities are recorded at fair value when issued and the subsequent change in fair value each period is recorded in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. We do not hold or issue any derivative financial instruments for speculative trading purposes.
The Company manages its exposure to changes in gold market prices by entering into various derivative contracts including gold forward contracts, gold call option contracts, and gold collar option contracts currently with open written calls and purchased puts. Depending on the specific nature of each of the derivative contracts, the changes in the fair value are recognized as either a component of revenue or other income (expense) in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.
The Company has contingent debt obligation payment derivatives whereby it may be required to make additional future cash payments for some of its debt obligations. The changes in the fair value of these contingent debt obligation liabilities are recognized as a component of other income (expense) in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.
Comprehensive Income
The only component of comprehensive loss for the
three
months ended
March 31, 2014
and
2013
, was the net loss.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
There have been no recently issued accounting pronouncements through the date of this report that we believe will have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
2. Inventories, Stockpiles and Mineralized Material on Leach Pads
Inventories, stockpiles and mineralized materials on leach pads consisted of the following:
|
March 31,
2014 |
December 31,
2013 |
||||||
|
In-process
|
$
|
1,174,660
|
|
$
|
591,961
|
|
|
|
Finished goods
|
196,334
|
|
—
|
|
|||
|
Total inventories
|
$
|
1,370,994
|
|
$
|
591,961
|
|
|
|
Stockpiles
|
$
|
88,579
|
|
$
|
45,455
|
|
|
|
Mineralized material on leach pads
|
529,791
|
|
502,025
|
|
|||
|
Total stockpiles and mineralized material on leach pads
|
$
|
618,370
|
|
$
|
547,480
|
|
|
|
Total
|
$
|
1,989,364
|
|
$
|
1,139,441
|
|
|
8
3. Properties, Plant and Equipment
During the
three
months ended
March 31, 2014
, the Company made capital expenditures totaling approximately
$0.6 million
, primarily for the design and construction of the heap leach expansion and related infrastructure upgrades. The Company also incurred debt obligations to acquire mining vehicles and equipment with a cost of
$1.3 million
during the three months ended March 31, 2014.
During the
three
months ended
March 31, 2014
, the Company sold vehicles previously used in mining operations with a gross book value of
$405,699
for a net loss of $
45,499
. The loss is included in general and administrative expenses in the condensed consolidated statement of operations.
4. Derivative Financial Instruments
Derivative financial instruments consisted of the following:
|
March 31,
|
December 31,
|
||||||
|
Derivative Type
|
2014
|
|
2013
|
||||
|
Derivative liabilities
|
|
||||||
|
Gold collar options (written calls and purchased puts)
|
$
|
116,155
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
Contingent debt obligation payment
|
369,052
|
|
|
250,000
|
|
||
|
Gold call options and forwards
|
168,431
|
|
—
|
|
|||
|
Total derivative liabilities
|
$
|
653,638
|
|
|
$
|
250,000
|
|
Gold Collar Options -
On February 11, 2014, the
Company entered into written call and purchased put gold collar options contracts in connection with the Auramet Revolving Credit Facility transaction (see footnote 6). The premiums received for the written gold calls equaled the premiums paid to purchase the gold puts resulting in no net cash consideration from the Company on the transaction date. The gold calls and puts have various expiration dates through December 2014. The average strike price of the written gold call contracts is approximately
$1,375
per ounce and covers a total of
4,600
ounces. The average strike price of the purchased gold put contracts is approximately
$1,120
per ounce and covers a total of
4,600
ounces. During the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company recognized a net loss on the change in fair value of the gold collar options of
$116,155
included as components of change in fair value of derivatives in the condensed consolidated statement of operations.
Contingent Debt Obligation Payment Derivative -
On February 11, 2014, the
Company agreed to pay certain debt issuance costs in connection with the Auramet Revolving Credit Facility transaction (see footnote 6) via the issuance of
137,105
shares of common stock with an estimated grant date fair value of
$274,210
. With respect to
63,505
of such shares issued to Auramet, the Company agreed to make an additional payment to Auramet equal to the difference between
$123,835
and sales proceeds received from the sale of such shares of common stock. As of March 31, 2014 the liability associated with the terms of this agreement was
$19,052
. During the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company recognized a loss on the change in the fair value of this obligation of
$19,052
included as a component of change in fair value of derivatives in the condensed consolidated statement of operations.
Gold Call Option and Forward Derivatives -
During the quarter ended March 31, 2014, the Company entered into separate gold forward and call option derivative contracts related to future gold sales with its primary customer. Premiums received at the inception of written gold call options are recorded as a liability and totaled
$168,431
at March 31, 2014. The Company recognized a gain of
$29,625
and a loss of
$198,056
on the change in fair value of the gold forward and call option derivatives, respectively, during the quarter ended March 31, 2014. The recognized gains and losses were included as a component of mining revenues as the contracts relate to gold sales. The gold forward and call option derivative contracts outstanding at March 31, 2014 covered a total of
3,800
and
4,600
gold ounces with an average price of
$1,299
and
$1,284
per ounce, respectively, and are expected to settle or expire within six months.
9
During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company entered into an agreement to issue
1,000,000
shares of our common stock for a
$2,000,000
principal payment on its Golden Goose debt obligation. As part of the agreement, the Company agreed to make an additional payment to the noteholder on December 31, 2014 equal to the difference between
$2,000,000
and the cash proceeds received from the noteholder’s subsequent sale of the common stock shares issued plus the value of any remaining unsold shares held by the noteholder on December 15, 2014. The value of the remaining unsold shares held by the noteholder will be determined based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock on December 15, 2014 multiplied by the number of remaining unsold shares as of December 15, 2014. We determined the contingent obligation to make an additional payment to ultimately satisfy the debt obligation was a derivative liability. The derivative's fair value was
$350,000
at March 31, 2014 and
$250,000
at December 31, 2013. The recognized loss on the change in fair value of the derivative liability for the three months ended March 31, 2014 was
$100,000
and was included as a component of change in fair value of derivatives in the condensed consolidated statement of operations.
5. Long-Term Reclamation Liability and Retirement Obligation Asset
Following is a reconciliation of the aggregate reclamation liability associated with our reclamation plan for our mining projects:
|
March 31,
2014 |
December 31,
2013 |
||||||
|
Long-term reclamation liability — beginning of period
|
$
|
5,424,410
|
|
$
|
4,597,156
|
|
|
|
Additional obligations incurred
|
—
|
|
531,770
|
|
|||
|
Accretion of reclamation liability
|
85,972
|
|
295,484
|
|
|||
|
Long-term reclamation liability — end of period
|
$
|
5,510,382
|
|
$
|
5,424,410
|
|
|
Following is a reconciliation of the aggregate retirement obligation asset associated with our reclamation plan for our mining projects:
|
March 31,
2014 |
December 31,
2013 |
||||||
|
Retirement obligation asset — beginning of period
|
$
|
2,491,956
|
|
$
|
2,803,318
|
|
|
|
Additional obligations incurred
|
—
|
|
531,770
|
|
|||
|
Amortization of retirement obligation asset
|
(251,405
|
)
|
(843,132
|
)
|
|||
|
Retirement obligation asset — end of period
|
$
|
2,240,551
|
|
$
|
2,491,956
|
|
|
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations consisted of the following:
10
|
Note Description
|
March 31,
2014 |
December 31,
2013 |
|||||
|
Note Payable (Auramet Facility)
|
$
|
5,000,000
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
|
Note Payable (Caterpillar Equipment)
|
1,426,398
|
|
1,863,193
|
|
|||
|
Note Payable (Caterpillar Equipment)
|
420,342
|
|
448,402
|
|
|||
|
Note Payable (Caterpillar Equipment)
|
1,280,144
|
|
—
|
|
|||
|
Note Payable (Dayton Resource Area)
|
62,500
|
|
125,000
|
|
|||
|
Note Payable (Donovan Property)
|
602,649
|
|
611,870
|
|
|||
|
Note Payable (Gold Hill Hotel)
|
292,012
|
|
296,496
|
|
|||
|
Note Payable (White House)
|
290,529
|
|
291,811
|
|
|||
|
Note Payable (Railroad & Gold Property)
|
217,584
|
|
220,618
|
|
|||
|
Notes Payable - Other
|
398,663
|
|
403,278
|
|
|||
|
Capital Lease Obligations
|
3,467,333
|
|
3,646,806
|
|
|||
|
Subtotal
|
13,458,154
|
|
7,907,474
|
|
|||
|
Less current portion
|
(7,825,106
|
)
|
(2,675,800
|
)
|
|||
|
Long-term portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations
|
$
|
5,633,048
|
|
$
|
5,231,674
|
|
|
Long-Term Debt Obligations
On February 11, 2014, the Company entered into a new
$5 million
revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) with Auramet International, LLC ("Auramet"), pursuant to which the Company may have borrowings up to
$5 million
outstanding at any given time. The proceeds of the Revolving Credit Facility have been or will be used for working capital, including production ramp up and preparations for expansion of the Lucerne Mine, including targeted drilling on the east side of the Lucerne Resource area. Interest is payable at
9.5%
per annum, and was paid in advance on the closing date of the Revolving Credit Facility. The indebtedness under the Revolving Credit Facility is secured by a security interest in certain real estate owned by the Company within the Company’s starter mine and a first priority security interest in all personal property of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary Comstock Mining LLC, subject to any existing or future Permitted Liens (as defined under the Revolving Credit Facility). Provided that no default has occurred and is continuing, and the Company has already repaid the principal amount of borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility in an amount of not less than
$1,000,000
, the Company has the option until October 6, 2014 to re-borrow funds under the Revolving Credit Facility. The Revolving Credit Facility contains a covenant that requires the Company to maintain a minimum liquidity balance of
$1 million
(including cash and cash equivalents, plus
90%
of the value of any doré that has been picked up by a secured carrier but not yet paid for, as of any date of determination). The Revolving Credit Facility additionally contains customary representations, warranties, affirmative covenants, negative covenants, and events of default, as well as conditions to borrowings. On February 12, 2014, the Company drew the entire line representing cash proceeds of approximately
$4.6 million
, net of prepaid interest and fees of approximately
$0.4 million
recognized as a component of prepaid assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheets and amortized over the life of the payment terms using the effective interest rate method. In addition, the Company paid Auramet additional loan fees of approximately
$0.3 million
via the issuance of
137,105
shares of common stock included as a component of prepaid assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The Company further agreed to make additional loan fee payments if the value of
63,505
of such shares of common stock issued to Auramet is less than
$123,835
on August 8, 2014. This resulted in the recognition of a contingent debt obligation payment derivative (see footnote 4). The Revolving Credit Facility will be repaid through
14
semi-monthly cash payments of
$357,143
beginning August 8, 2014 and ending February 6, 2015. As of March 31, 2014 there were no additional funds available to the Company under the Revolving Credit Facility.
On March 26, 2014, the Company entered into
two
notes payable agreements with Caterpillar in the amount of $
1,280,144
for the purchase of mining vehicles and equipment, the recourse with respect to which is limited solely to such vehicles and equipment. The notes bear interest rate at
4.7%
and are payable in monthly installments of
$15,553
and
$13,754
, respectively, with final remaining principal payments due on March 26, 2018. In addition we financed a mining vehicle with a costs of
$34,500
included in other notes payable.
In addition to the above, the Company made timely payments on all of its other outstanding obligations within the normal course of business.
11
7. Stockholders’ Equity
During the
three
months ended
March 31, 2014
, the Company issued
715,140
shares of common stock from the conversion of
1,180
shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock. There were no conversion of A-1 or A-2 Preferred Shares during the three months ended
March 31, 2014
.
On January 1, 2014 the Company declared and issued
1,151,142
shares of common stock at par value as dividends on outstanding shares of convertible preferred stock.
The Company issued
100,000
shares of restricted stock vested under the 2011 Equity Incentive Plan for the
three
months ended
March 31, 2014
.
During the three months ended
March 31, 2014
, the Company entered into agreements to purchase
two
additional properties for a total purchase price of
$2.0 million
. Total consideration transferred by the Company included cash payments of
$30,000
and
980,000
common stock shares. The Company has guaranteed that the sellers will receive total consideration for shares issued of
$1.96 million
by June 30, 2015. Titles to the properties will not transfer until full consideration is received; therefore, as of
March 31, 2014
, the seller has not performed under the agreement. Accordingly, the related properties and equity issued were not given accounting consideration in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.
8. Fair Value Measurements
The fair value of a financial instrument is the amount that could be received upon the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Fair value measurements do not include transaction costs. A fair value hierarchy is used to prioritize the quality and reliability of the information used to determine fair values. Categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The fair value hierarchy is defined into the following three categories:
Level 1: Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2: Observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs corroborated by market data.
Level 3: Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.
The following table presents our liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
|
|
|
Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2014
|
|||||||||||||
|
Total
|
Quoted
Prices
in Active
Markets
(Level 1)
|
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
|
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
|
||||||||||||
|
Liabilities:
|
|||||||||||||||
|
Gold collar options (written calls and purchased puts)
|
$
|
116,155
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
116,155
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|||
|
Contingent debt obligation payment
|
369,052
|
|
—
|
|
369,052
|
|
—
|
|
|||||||
|
Gold Call options and forwards
|
168,431
|
|
—
|
|
168,431
|
|
—
|
|
|||||||
|
Total Liabilities
|
$
|
653,638
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
653,638
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|||
The following table presents our liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
12
|
|
|
Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2013
|
|||||||||||||
|
Total
|
Quoted
Prices
in Active
Markets
(Level 1)
|
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
|
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
|
||||||||||||
|
Liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
|
Contingent debt obligation payment
|
$
|
250,000
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
250,000
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|||
|
Total Liabilities
|
$
|
250,000
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
250,000
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|||
We had no assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis at
March 31, 2014
and
December 31, 2013
. During the
three
months ended
March 31, 2014
and twelve months ended
December 31, 2013
, there were no transfers of assets or liabilities between Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3.
Following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for the Company’s financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy.
Contingent debt obligation payment derivative
- The Company’s contingent debt obligation payment derivative is valued based on a Black-Scholes model with various observable inputs. These inputs include contractual terms, stock price, volatility, dividend yield, and risk free interest rates. This derivative is classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy.
Gold call option, forward, and collar options
- The Company’s gold forward, call options, and gold collar derivatives are valued based on a Black-Scholes model with various observable inputs. These inputs include contractual terms, gold market prices, volatility of gold prices, and risk free interest rates. These derivatives are classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy.
9. Net Loss Per Common Share
Basic loss per share is computed by dividing net loss available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted loss per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if stock options, warrants, and convertible securities were exercised or converted into common stock. Diluted loss per share equals basic loss per share as the effect of including dilutive securities in the calculation would be antidilutive.
The following is a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator used in the basic and diluted computation of net loss per share:
13
|
Three Months Ended
March 31, |
|||||||
|
2014
|
2013
|
||||||
|
Numerator:
|
|||||||
|
Net loss
|
$
|
(3,824,979
|
)
|
$
|
(5,763,032
|
)
|
|
|
Preferred stock dividends
|
(1,061,609
|
)
|
(1,034,307
|
)
|
|||
|
Loss available to common shareholders
|
$
|
(4,886,588
|
)
|
$
|
(6,797,339
|
)
|
|
|
Denominator:
|
|||||||
|
Basic weighted average shares outstanding
|
71,808,908
|
|
51,666,399
|
|
|||
|
Effect of dilutive securities
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|||
|
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding
|
71,808,908
|
|
51,666,399
|
|
|||
|
Net loss per common share:
|
|||||||
|
Basic
|
$
|
(0.07
|
)
|
$
|
(0.13
|
)
|
|
|
Diluted
|
$
|
(0.07
|
)
|
$
|
(0.13
|
)
|
|
The following table includes the number of common stock equivalent shares that are not included in the computation of diluted loss per share, because the Company has a net loss and the inclusion of such shares would be antidilutive or certain performance conditions have not been achieved.
|
|
March 31,
|
||||
|
|
2014
|
2013
|
|||
|
Convertible preferred stock
|
53,947,036
|
|
58,804,748
|
|
|
|
Stock Options and Warrants
|
783,500
|
|
1,758,500
|
|
|
|
Restricted stock
|
3,485,600
|
|
4,691,200
|
|
|
|
|
58,216,136
|
|
65,254,448
|
|
|
10. Commitments and Contingencies
The Company has minimum third party lease obligations with certain of its mineral properties and related party leases. Minimum annual third party lease payments payable are $
52,400
and related party lease payments payable are
$880,500
. For most of the mineral properties and leases, the Company is subject to a range of royalty obligations from
0.5%
to
6%
of net smelter revenues from minerals produced on the properties. Certain factors that will influence the amount of the royalties include ounces extracted and prices of gold.
Included in the related party leases is an operating agreement with Northern Comstock, LLC; a related party and an entity controlled by a member of the Board of Directors. The terms of this agreement provide that the Company will make a total of
$34.5 million
in annual payments of
$862,500
, in the form of either cash or Series A-1 preferred stock. The operating agreement requires these payments, at least annually, through October 2049. At
March 31, 2014
,
$31.05 million
remained due and may be prepaid without penalty.
The Company’s mining and exploration activities are subject to various laws and regulations governing the protection of the environment. These laws and regulations are continually changing and are generally becoming more restrictive. The Company conducts its operations so as to protect the public health and environment and believes its operations are in compliance with applicable laws and regulations in all material respects. The Company has made, and expects to make in the future, expenditures to comply with such laws and regulations, but cannot predict the full amount of such future expenditures.
From time to time, we are involved in lawsuits, claims, investigations and proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of business. There are no matters pending that we expect to have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
14
11. Segment Reporting
Our management organizes the Company into
two
operating segments, mining and hospitality. Our mining segment consists of all activities and expenditures associated with mining. Our hospitality segment consists of hotel rooms, cottages, restaurant, bar and other services provided by Gold Hill Hotel. We evaluate the performance of our operating segments based on operating income (loss). All intercompany transactions have been eliminated, and intersegment revenues are not significant. Financial information relating to our reportable operating segments and reconciliation to the consolidated totals is as follows:
|
Three Months Ended
March 31, |
|||||||
|
2014
|
2013
|
||||||
|
Revenue
|
|||||||
|
Mining
|
$
|
5,606,064
|
|
$
|
3,667,922
|
|
|
|
Hospitality
|
157,397
|
|
121,844
|
|
|||
|
Total revenue
|
5,763,461
|
|
3,789,766
|
|
|||
|
Cost and Expenses
|
|||||||
|
Mining
|
(8,880,826
|
)
|
(9,321,585
|
)
|
|||
|
Hospitality
|
(286,299
|
)
|
(206,341
|
)
|
|||
|
Total cost and expenses
|
(9,167,125
|
)
|
(9,527,926
|
)
|
|||
|
Operating Income (Loss)
|
|||||||
|
Mining
|
(3,274,762
|
)
|
(5,653,663
|
)
|
|||
|
Hospitality
|
(128,902
|
)
|
(84,497
|
)
|
|||
|
Total loss from operations
|
(3,403,664
|
)
|
(5,738,160
|
)
|
|||
|
Other income (expense), net
|
(421,315
|
)
|
(24,872
|
)
|
|||
|
Net loss
|
$
|
(3,824,979
|
)
|
$
|
(5,763,032
|
)
|
|
|
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
|
|||||||
|
Mining
|
$
|
1,604,648
|
|
$
|
1,050,751
|
|
|
|
Hospitality
|
35,661
|
|
32,418
|
|
|||
|
Total depreciation, amortization and depletion
|
$
|
1,640,309
|
|
$
|
1,083,169
|
|
|
|
Capital Expenditures
|
|||||||
|
Mining
|
$
|
1,859,842
|
|
$
|
128,562
|
|
|
|
Hospitality
|
83,477
|
|
—
|
|
|||
|
Total capital expenditures
|
$
|
1,943,319
|
|
$
|
128,562
|
|
|
|
As of March 31,
|
As of December 31,
|
||||||
|
2014
|
2013
|
||||||
|
Assets
|
|||||||
|
Mining
|
$
|
44,406,196
|
|
$
|
42,841,452
|
|
|
|
Hospitality
|
1,184,176
|
|
1,158,544
|
|
|||
|
$
|
45,590,372
|
|
$
|
43,999,996
|
|
||
15
12. Subsequent Events
From April 1, 2014 through
April 25, 2014
, no preferred shareholders converted shares of convertible preferred stock into common shares.
On April 11, 2014 the Company increased the surety bond by
$1.15 million
as required by the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Mining and Reclamation.
16
The following discussion provides information that we believe is relevant to an assessment and understanding of the consolidated results of operations and financial condition of the Company. It should be read in conjunction with the condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes also included in this Form 10-Q and our Annual Report on Form 10-K as of, and for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2013
.
The following discussion addresses matters we consider important for an understanding of our financial condition and results of operations as of and for the three month period ended
March 31, 2014
, as well as our future results.
Overview
The Company is a producing Nevada-based, gold and silver mining company with extensive, contiguous property in the historic Comstock and Silver City mining districts (collectively, the “Comstock District”). The Comstock District is located within the western portion of the Basin and Range Province of Nevada, between Reno and Carson City. The Company began acquiring properties and developing projects in the Comstock District in 2003. Since then, the Company has consolidated a substantial portion of the historic Comstock District, secured permits, built an infrastructure and brought exploration projects into production.
Because of the Comstock District’s historical significance, the geology is well known and has been extensively studied by the Company, our advisors and many independent researchers. We have expanded our understanding of the geology of the project area through vigorous surface mapping and drill hole logging. The volume of geologic data is immense, and thus far the reliability has been excellent, particularly in the various Lucerne Mine areas. We have amassed a large library of historic data and detailed surface mapping of Comstock District properties and continue to obtain historic information from private and public sources. We use such data in conjunction with information obtained from our current mining operations, to target geological prospective exploration areas and plan exploratory drilling programs.
Our Lucerne Resource area is located in Storey County, Nevada, approximately three miles south of Virginia City and 30 miles southeast of Reno. Our Dayton Resource area, is located in Lyon County, Nevada, approximately six miles south of Virginia City. Access to the properties is by State Route 342, a paved highway.
Our business plan is to deliver stockholder value by validating qualified resources (measured and indicated) and reserves (proven and probable) of at least 3,250,000 gold equivalent ounces from our first two resource areas, Lucerne and Dayton; and significantly grow the commercial development of our operations through coordinated district wide plans that are economically feasible and socially responsible. The Company has already met the first three intermediate resource validation objectives by validating measured and indicated resources containing more than 2,000,000 gold equivalent ounces. The Company achieved initial production and held its first pour of gold and silver on September 29, 2012 and produced more than 20,000 gold equivalent ounces in 2013. The Company has developed a mine plan intended to increase the annual production rates to approximately 40,000 gold equivalent ounces.
We continue acquiring additional properties in the Comstock District, expanding our footprint and creating opportunities for exploration and mining. The Company now owns or controls approximately 7,447 acres of mining claims and parcels in the Comstock and Silver City Districts. The acreage is comprised of approximately 1,376 acres of patented claims (private lands) and surface parcels (private lands) and approximately 6,071 acres of unpatented mining claims, which the Bureau of Land Management (“BLM”) administers.
Current Projects
The Company’s headquarters, mine operations and heap leach processing facility are in Storey County, Nevada, at 1200 American Flat Road, approximately three miles south of Virginia City, Nevada and 30 miles southeast of Reno, Nevada. The Company has focused development to date on the Lucerne Resource Area (including the east-side target within this area), the Dayton Resource Area and the Spring Valley exploration target. We also plan on focusing future exploration on the Northern Extension, Northern Targets, and Occidental Target Areas subsequent to the exploration and development of Lucerne, Dayton and Spring Valley. Production is currently active in the Lucerne Mine.
17
Exploration
The Company’s continues to evaluate high priority targets, including in the nearer term, the East Side of the Lucerne and Dayton Resource Areas and also the Spring Valley Target Area. Future programs would include the Occidental, Oest and the Northern Target areas.
The proposed evaluation of the East Side Target areas includes continuing infill drilling, metallurgical testing and geotechnical analysis to confirm the mineral potential and expand the mine plan on the East Side of State Route 342. In addition, the Company is designing a new phase of exploration drilling to include its highest-potential targets, including scoping studies of the Chute Zone in the Lucerne Resource area and plans for expanded exploration and development drilling in the Dayton Resource area that will allow for proper mineral assessment and mine plan development. The drill program is currently being expanded with approximately 100,000 feet of reverse circulation and 20,000 feet of core drilling, for both Lucerne and Dayton, planned at an investment of approximately $7 million.
The Company completed a successful phase of exploration drilling in Spring Valley in 2012. The drilling in the northern portion of Spring Valley was partially predicated to confirm buried mineralization by drilling specific magnetic geophysical anomalies that had similar magnetic signatures as defined by mineralized drill holes, drilled prior to the geophysical surface survey. The drill program is currently being expanded to test the full extent of the geophysical target with approximately 35,000 feet of reverse circulation and 5,000 feet of core drilling planned at an investment of approximately $2 million.
The total 2014-2015, drilling programs, including Lucerne, Dayton and Spring Valley would represent approximately 135,000 feet of reverse circulation drilling, and approximately 25,000 feet of core drilling at a total investment of approximately $9 million. The drilling would be planned to start in the latter half of 2014.
Production
For the first quarter of 2014, the Company poured 4,546 ounces of gold and 49,292 ounces of silver, as compared to 2,261 ounces of gold and 15,599 ounces of silver in the first quarter of 2013, an increase of over
100%
for gold ounces produced and over
215%
for silver ounces produced when compared to the comparable quarter in 2013. The Company mined approximately 950,000 tons of material (mineralized material and waste) as it continued transitioning into higher-grade segments of the mine plan while expeditiously moving through some higher stripping ratios. Total mineralized material delivered to the leach pad was over 205,000 tons and represented some of the highest gold and silver grades crushed to date. The weighted average for the quarter was .024 ounces per ton gold and .345 ounces per ton silver, with an average in the month of March 2014 exceeding .034 ounces of gold per ton and over .50 ounces of silver per ton.
The Company averaged over
409
gold equivalent ounces poured per week in the first quarter of
2014
. During the quarter ended
March 31, 2014
, the Company crushed and stacked approximately
205,686
dry tons of mineralized material. Throughout this period, the recovery of gold and silver continues, but the most effective economic recovery of gold and silver takes between 45 to 60 days to complete. The Company has recovered 70% of the estimated recoverable gold and 48% of the estimated recoverable silver from the portion of the heap under leach the longest. Preliminary laboratory metallurgical test results suggest that ultimate heap leach recovery will meet or exceed the estimated ounces of recoverable gold and silver.
Throughout the first
three
months of
2014
, the Company realized an average price of
$1,251.39
price per ounce of gold and a
$20.73
average sales price per ounce of silver. In comparison, commodity market prices in the first
three
months of
2014
averaged
$1,293.67
per ounce of gold and
$20.49
per ounce of silver.
Our Comstock exploration activities include open pit gold and silver test mining. As defined by the Securities Exchange Commission (“SEC”) Industry Guide 7, we have not yet established any proven or probable reserves at our Comstock Lode Project.
Operating Costs
During the first
three
months of
2014
, actual Lucerne Mine costs applicable to mining revenue were approximately
$5.8 million
,
$4.8 million
net of silver credits. Cost applicable to mining revenue include mining and processing labor, maintenance, drilling and blasting and assaying costs associated with higher production rates and higher absorbed inventory costing associated with costs incurred in advance of achieving the targeted production rate, including the planned increases in 2014. Costs applicable to mining revenue for the first
three
months of
2014
, also include $1.3 million of depreciation.
18
During the
first
quarter, the Company continued reducing costs applicable to mining, targeting over $6 million in reductions for 2014, as compared to 2013. The Company has already realized annual savings of approximately $1 million from reduced staffing in crushing, related maintenance, mining and administrative cost reductions with further opportunities in drilling, blasting, logistics and administration. Costs applicable to mining have been reduced over the past five quarters, with first quarter costs of sales, on a cost per ounce basis, at the lowest since inception, at slightly over $1,000 per ounce.
2014 Outlook
Through the end of 2013, the Company began transitioning into production at higher rates and grades with lower sustainable costs. The recently acquired permit now allows processing rates of up to 4 million tons of mineralized material to be placed on the leach pad per annum, and the Company’s 2014 business plan calls for processing at the rate of 40,000 gold equivalent ounces. This expected 2014 production rate is double the 2013 rate. Two additional cells were constructed in 2013 and stacking on these cells has already commenced. The Company is also fully permitted to add an additional cell when needed.
Under our current mine plan, we anticipate doubling the rate of ounces produced when compared to 2013, for both gold and silver, targeting a production rate of 40,000 gold equivalent ounces in 2014. These increases come with lower costs applicable to mining due to focused cost reduction efforts, as well as lower non-mining operating expenses. Once stabilized at the 40,000 ounce per annum run rate, the operating expenses per ounce mined will be significantly lower. The Company expects cash costs per ounce of gold mined of less than $750 per ounce. The Company updated its financial analysis for the Lucerne Mine and anticipates annual operating expenses, including all mining and processing costs, of less than $25 million per annum, a more than a $6 million reduction over prior year 2013. The Company has also identified $3.5 million of cost reductions in all other non-mining activities, including general, administrative and environmental areas.
Recent Developments
From April 1, 2014 through
April 25, 2014
, no preferred shareholders converted shares of convertible preferred stock into common shares.
Land and Mineral Right Purchases
We will continue to increase our footprint in the Comstock District through strategic acquisitions. We consider the historic Comstock district central to our growth strategy. The following acquisitions described below were completed in the first quarter of 2014.
On February 26, 2014, the Company entered into an agreement to purchase 78 Acres adjacent to its processing facility on American Flat Road, Storey County, Nevada. The purchase price of $1,107,000 comprised of a $20,000 cash payment and $1,087,000 in Company restricted common stock. No transfer of deed will take place prior to Seller receiving the proceeds from the sale of shares. On March 7, 2014, the Company issued 543,500 restricted shares of common stock to Dan and Caroline Salzwimmer towards the purchase of this property. Escrow is scheduled to close on June 30, 2015.
On February 26, 2014, the Company entered into an agreement to purchase buildings and mining claims adjacent to its processing facility on American Flat Road, Storey County, Nevada. The purchase price of $893,000 comprised of a $20,000 cash payment and $873,000 in Company restricted common stock. No transfer of deed will take place prior to Seller receiving the proceeds from the sale of shares. On March 7, 2014, the Company issued 436,500 restricted shares of common stock to Dan and Caroline Salzwimmer towards the purchase of this property. Escrow is scheduled to close on June 30, 2015.
Comparative Financial Information
The Company has two operating segments; mining and hospitality. As we continue to focus on the increased productivity of our mining operations, our hospitality segment has become immaterial to our consolidated financial position, results of operations, and cash flows for the
three
months ended
March 31, 2014
.
19
The comparative financial information is reflected in the following table:
Three Months Ended:
|
March 31, 2014
|
March 31, 2013
|
Change
|
|||||||||
|
Revenue - Mining
|
$
|
5,606,064
|
|
$
|
3,667,922
|
|
$
|
1,938,142
|
|
||
|
Revenue - Hospitality
|
157,397
|
|
121,844
|
|
35,553
|
|
|||||
|
Cost applicable to mining revenue
|
4,762,901
|
|
3,836,097
|
|
926,804
|
|
|||||
|
Hospitality operating costs
|
286,299
|
|
206,341
|
|
79,958
|
|
|||||
|
Reclamation and exploration expenses
|
1,925,955
|
|
2,088,863
|
|
(162,908
|
)
|
|||||
|
General and administrative
|
2,191,970
|
|
3,396,625
|
|
(1,204,655
|
)
|
|||||
|
Loss from operations
|
(3,403,664
|
)
|
(5,738,160
|
)
|
(3,363,133
|
)
|
|||||
|
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
|
|||||||||||
|
Change in fair value of derivatives
|
(235,207
|
)
|
437,814
|
|
(673,021
|
)
|
|||||
|
Interest expense
|
(186,330
|
)
|
(463,436
|
)
|
277,106
|
|
|||||
|
Interest income
|
222
|
|
750
|
|
(528
|
)
|
|||||
|
Net loss
|
$
|
(3,824,979
|
)
|
$
|
(5,763,032
|
)
|
$
|
1,938,053
|
|
||
Mining revenue in the
first
quarter of
2014
was
$5.6 million
. We also produced and sold
$1.0 million
worth of silver in the in the
first
quarter of
2014
. Silver is accounted for as a by-product credit in costs applicable to mining revenue for financial reporting purposes. The increase of
$1.9 million
from the
first
quarter of 2013 to the
first
quarter of
2014
resulted from increased ounces sold of approximately
2,285
ounces of gold, over
100%
increase and
33,693
of silver, over
215%
increase. This increase was offset by lower average gold prices in the first quarter of 2014, of $1,293.67 per ounce, as compared to the first quarter of 2013, of $1,630.47 per ounce.
Throughout the first
three
months of
2014
, the Company realized an average price of
$1,251.39
price per ounce of gold and a
$20.73
average sales price per ounce of silver. In comparison, commodity market prices in the first
three
months of
2014
averaged
$1,293.67
per ounce of gold and
$20.49
per ounce of silver.
Costs applicable to mining revenue were approximately
$4.8 million
and
$3.8 million
for quarters ended
March 31, 2014
, and
March 31, 2013
, respectively. The increase of
$0.9 million
from the
first
quarter of 2013 to the
first
quarter of
2014
resulted from the increased production rate. Although production doubled from the first quarter of 2013 to the first quarter of 2014, costs increased only 24%. This was achieved by production stabilization efforts put in place over 2013 and by efficiencies gained as the Company eliminated redundant costs associated with the temporary use of longer haul routes in the first quarter of 2013.
General and administrative expenses, inclusive of professional and consulting fees, decreased by
$1.2 million
or approximately
35%
compared to the period ended
March 31, 2013
. The decrease is primarily the result of lower stock-based compensation expense and lower legal and administrative costs.
Interest expense decreased by
$277 thousand
, or approximately
60%
for the three months ended
March 31, 2014
, from the three months ended
March 31, 2013
, primarily due to reductions in debt obligations outstanding for the 2012 equipment financing (Caterpillar Equipment Facility) and revolving 2012 debt facility (Auramet Facility). The 2012 Auramet Facility was settled full in the second quarter of 2013. During the three months ended
March 31, 2014
, we incurred additional financing obligations of approximately $6.3 million, including $5.0 million associated with the 2014 Auramet Facility, somewhat offset by reducing other outstanding debt balances by $0.8 million..
Net loss was
$3,824,979
and
$5,763,032
for the quarters ended
March 31, 2014
and 2013, respectively. The decrease of
$1,938,053
or
34%
, was primarily the result of increased production along with activities focused on costs savings in crushing, related maintenance, mining and administrative.
20
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Total current assets were
$7.5 million
at
March 31, 2014
. Cash and cash equivalents on hand at
March 31, 2014
totaled
$2.6 million
. Inventories, stockpiles, and mineralized material on leach pad totaled $
2.0 million
, including
$196 thousand
in finished goods. In February 2014, the Company entered into a
$5 million
revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) with Auramet International, LLC, pursuant to which the Company may borrow up to
$5 million
outstanding at any one time. The Company also reduced its operating costs by entering into two notes payable agreements with Caterpillar in the amount of
$1,280,144
for the purchase of mining vehicles and equipment eliminating higher rental costs. The Company believes it has the ability to make its debt payments within the normal course of business for at least next twelve months.
Net cash used in operating activities for the
three
months ended
March 31, 2014
was approximately
$2.4 million
as compared to a use of
$5.6 million
for the
three
months ended
March 31, 2013
. Our use of cash in the first
three
months of
2014
was primarily from operating losses associated with higher mining costs relative to revenue due to a relatively higher ratio of waste to ore, somewhat offset by increase grade and less ore crushed for the first quarter.
Net cash used in investing activities for the
three
months ended
March 31, 2014
was
$1.3 million
, primarily as the result of
$1.1 million
purchase of mining vehicles and bond increases of
0.3 million
offset by
$0.2 million
of proceeds from the sale of equipment previously used in our mining activities.
Net cash provided by financing activities for the
three
months ended
March 31, 2014
, was
$3.9 million
, comprised of proceeds of
$4.6 million
from the revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) with Auramet International, LLC, partially off-set by the pay-down of our long-term debt obligations of approximately
$0.8 million
. Net cash provided by financing activities for
three
months ended
March 31, 2013
, was
$9.2 million
comprised of net proceeds of approximately $9.7 million from the sale of securities through a public offering of 5,000,000 shares of our common stock at a price of $2.00 per share partially off-set by the pay-down of our long-term debt obligations of approximately $0.5 million.
The Company was an exploration company for most of its existence and transitioned into production in the Lucerne Mine late in 2012, and accordingly, has incurred net operating losses and negative cash flows from operations every year since inception. During 2013, the Company's first full year of production, it was limited, by permit, to up to
1 million
tons of stacked and processed mineralized material. In late November 2013, the Company modified the permit, increasing the limit to up to
4 million
tons per annum, and accordingly, the Company's current business plans reflect increased production, reduced costs and improved efficiencies, and generating prospective, positive cash flows. The Company continues reducing costs applicable to mining, targeting over $6 million in reductions for 2014, as compared to 2013. The Company has already realized annual savings of approximately $1 million from reduced staffing in crushing, related maintenance, mining and administrative cost reductions with further opportunities in drilling, blasting, logistics and administration. The Company's 2014 goal remains the doubling the rate of year over year production ounces and increasing cash flow, while reducing costs and achieving a cash cost applicable to mining of less than $750 per ounce.
The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming the Company will continue as a going concern. The Company was an exploration company for most of its existence and recently transitioned into production in the Lucerne Mine, and accordingly, has incurred net operating losses and negative cash flows from operations since inception. At
March 31, 2014
, the Company has cash and cash equivalents of
$2.6 million
. For the
three
months ended
March 31, 2014
, the Company incurred an operating loss of
$3.4 million
, used
$2.4 million
of cash in operations, and used $764 thousand for debt repayments. The Company continues its efforts to increase production, reduce costs and working capital needs, improve efficiencies, and maximize funds available for working capital. The Company’s current capital resources include cash and cash equivalents and other working capital resources, cash generated through operations, and existing financing arrangements. The Company’s certificate of incorporation permits it to incur indebtedness for money borrowed of up to $5 million at the discretion of the Board of Directors. The Company entered into a $5 million Revolving Credit Facility and drew down approximately $4.6 million in February 2014. The Company has financed its activities principally from the sale of equity securities and from debt financing. While the Company has been successful in the past in obtaining the necessary capital to support its operations, including registered equity financings from its existing shelf registration, borrowings, or other means, there is no assurance that the Company will be able to obtain additional equity capital or other financing, if needed. The Company received a commitment from a significant investor in March 2014 that it would provide the necessary level of financial support to enable the Company to pay its debts as they become due through March 31, 2015. Accordingly, the Company believes it will have sufficient funds to sustain its operations during the next 12 months as a result of the sources of funding detailed above.
21
Future production rates and gold prices below management’s expectations would adversely affect the Company’s results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. If the Company was unable to obtain any necessary additional funds, this could have an immediate material adverse effect on liquidity. In such case, the Company could be required to limit or discontinue certain business plans, activities or operations, reduce or delay certain capital expenditures or sell certain assets or businesses. There can be no assurance that the Company would be able to take any such actions on favorable terms, in a timely manner or at all.
The Company’s recurring losses and negative cash flow from operations require an ongoing assessment of our ability to continue as a going concern. The unaudited consolidated financial statements included in this report do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
The Revolving Credit Facility with Auramet International, LLC, contains a covenant that requires the Company to maintain a minimum liquidity balance of
$1 million
(including cash and cash equivalents, plus
90%
of the value of any doré that has been picked up by a secured carrier but not yet paid for, as of any date of determination). The Revolving Credit Facility additionally contains customary representations, warranties, affirmative covenants, negative covenants, and events of default, as well as conditions to borrowings. The Company is in compliance with all required covenants.
For the remainder of 2014, we plan on spending up to $3.3 million in capital expenditures, primarily for expansion of the Lucerne Mine, including targeted drilling on the east side of the Lucerne Resource area. We also plan to pay down an additional $6 million in debt obligations, including $3.9 million on the Auramet Facility. The Auramet Facility will be repaid through bi-weekly payments of $357,143 commencing August 2014.
Critical Accounting Policies And Estimates
There have not been any material changes to the critical accounting policies and estimates previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2013
.
ITEM 3.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Metal Price –
Changes in the market price of gold may significantly affect our profitability and cash flow. Gold prices fluctuate widely due to factors such as; demand, global mine production levels, investor sentiment, central bank reserves, and the value of the U.S. dollar.
I
n the
first
quarter of
2014
Gold Bullion prices averaged approximately
$1,293.67
per ounce, up from a quarterly low close of
$1,221
on
January 8, 2014
. Gold has fluctuated from that low to a high of
$1,385
during the quarter. Silver prices averaged
$20.49
per ounce, also gaining from quarterly lows of
$19.27
on
February 3, 2014
to a high of over
$22.05
per ounce during the
first
quarter. The outlook for these markets remains mixed, driven primarily by uncertainty over U.S. fiscal and monetary policy.
With the exception of the above, there have been no material changes in the market risks discussed in Item 7A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
three
months ending
March 31, 2014
.
22
A. Disclosure
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, management performed, with the participation of our Principal Executive Officer (who also serves as our Principal Financial Officer), an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchange Act”). Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the Exchange Act and SEC’s rules, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Principal Executive, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of disclosure controls and procedures, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of the controls and procedures. Accordingly, even effective disclosure controls and procedures can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving their control objectives. Our Principal Executive Officer concluded that, as of
March 31, 2014
, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
B. Internal Control over Financial Reporting
No change in our internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13(a)-15 occurred during the fiscal quarter ended
March 31, 2014
, that materially affected or is reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.
23
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings.
From time to time, we are involved in lawsuits, claims, investigations and proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of business. There are no matters pending or threatened that we expect to have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
There have not been any material changes to the risk factors previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2013
.
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.
The Company issued
137,105
shares of common stock for total consideration of
$274,120
for the payment of Auramet loan origination fees during the three months ended
March 31, 2014
.
No underwriters were involved in the foregoing issuances of securities. The offers, sales and issuances of the securities described above were deemed to be exempt from registration under the Securities Act in reliance upon Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act. The issuance of stock that was exempt under Section 4(a)(2) was a private offering to an accredited investor within the meaning of Rule 501 of Regulation D of the Securities Act. The recipient of securities in this transaction had adequate access, through business or other relationships, to information about us.
Item 3.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities.
None.
Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosure.
Pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, and Item 104 of Regulation S-K, we are required to disclose items believed to be violations of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (the “Mine Act”), any health and safety standard, or any regulation, as administered by the Federal Mine Safety and Health Administration (“MSHA”).
During the
three
months ended
March 31, 2014
, we have not received notice from MSHA of any potential violations reportable under the Mine Safety Act.
Item 5.
Other Information.
None.
Item 6.
Exhibits.
(a) The following documents are filed as part of this Report:
(1) Financial statements filed as part of this Report:
24
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2) Exhibits filed as part of this Report:
|
Exhibit
Number
|
Exhibit
|
|
|
31
|
Certification of Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a), promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
|
|
|
32
|
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
|
|
|
101
|
Interactive Data File (Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2014, furnished in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language)).
|
|
|
Attached as Exhibit 101 to this report are the following documents formatted in XBRL: (i) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 and (iv) the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged as blocks of text. Users of this data are advised pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T that this interactive data file is deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, is deemed not filed for purposes of section 18 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, and otherwise is not subject to liability under these sections.
|
||
SIGNATURES
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 thereunto duly authorized.
|
COMSTOCK MINING, INC.
|
||
|
(Registrant)
|
||
|
Date: April 28, 2014
|
By:
|
/s/ Corrado De Gasperis
|
|
Name: Corrado De Gasperis
|
||
|
Title: President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer)
|
||
25
Exhibit Index
|
Exhibit
Number
|
Exhibit
|
|
|
31
|
Certification of Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a), promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
|
|
|
32
|
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
|
|
|
101
|
Interactive Data File (Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2014, furnished in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language)).
|
|
26
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Part I Financial InformationItem 1. Financial StatementsItem 2. Management S Discussion and Analysis Of Financial Condition and Results Of OperationsItem 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market RiskItem 4. Controls and ProceduresPart II - Other InformationItem 1. Legal ProceedingsItem 1A. Risk FactorsItem 2. Unregistered Sales Of Equity Securities and Use Of ProceedsItem 3. Defaults Upon Senior SecuritiesItem 4. Mine Safety DisclosureItem 5. Other InformationItem 6. Exhibits