UNITED STATES ANTIMONY CORP
10-Ks and 10-Qs
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark
One)
[X]
ANNUAL REPORT UNDER
SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF
1934
For the
fiscal year ended December 31, 2017
[
]
TRANSITION REPORT
UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF
1934
For the
transition period __________
to
__________
Commission
file number 001-08675
UNITED STATES ANTIMONY CORPORATION
(Exact
name of registrant as specified in its charter)
|
Montana
|
|
81-0305822
|
|
(State
or other jurisdiction of incorporation or
organization)
|
|
(I.R.S.
Employer Identification No.)
|
|
P.O.
Box 643, Thompson Falls, Montana
|
59873
|
|
(Address
of principal executive offices)
|
(Zip
Code)
|
Registrant's
telephone number, including area code: (406) 827-3523
Securities
registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None
Securities
registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: Common Stock, par
value $.01 per share
Check
whether the issuer (1) filed all reports required to be filed by
Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the past 12 months
(or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to
file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes ☑ No
☐
Check
if there is no disclosure of delinquent filers in response to Item
405 of Regulation S-K contained in this form and will not be
contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive
proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part
III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.
☑
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 definitions of “large accelerated
filer,” “accelerated filer” and “small
reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange
Act.
|
Large Accelerated
Filer
|
☐
|
Accelerated
Filer
|
☐
|
|
Non-Accelerated
Filer
|
☐
|
Smaller reporting
company
|
☑
|
Yes ☐ No ☑
The
aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates
of the registrant, based on the average bid price of such stock,
was $18,797,116 as of June 30, 2017.
At
April 2, 2018, the registrant had 67,488,153
outstanding shares of par value
$0.01 common stock.
UNITED STATES ANTIMONY CORPORATION
2017 ANNUAL REPORT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
|
PART I
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
ITEM 1.
|
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ITEM 1A.
|
RISK FACTORS
|
|
5
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ITEM 1B.
|
UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
|
|
6
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ITEM 2.
|
DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTIES
|
|
6
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ITEM 3.
|
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
|
|
15
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ITEM 4.
|
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
|
|
15
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PART II
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
ITEM 5.
|
MARKET FOR COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER
MATTERS
|
|
15
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ITEM 6.
|
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
|
|
16
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ITEM 7.
|
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OR PLAN OF
OPERATIONS
|
|
16
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ITEM 7A.
|
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET
|
|
22
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ITEM 7B.
|
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
|
|
22
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ITEM 8.
|
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
|
|
22
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ITEM 9. |
CHANGES
IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON
ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
|
|
22
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ITEM 9A.
|
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
|
|
22
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PART III
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
| ITEM 10. |
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, PROMOTERS AND CONTROL
PERSONS
AND COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(A) OF THE EXCHANGE
ACT
|
|
23
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ITEM 11.
|
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
|
|
26
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ITEM 12. |
SECURITY
OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND
MANAGEMENT
|
|
27
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ITEM 13.
|
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
|
|
29
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ITEM 14.
|
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICE
|
|
29
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PART IV
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
ITEM 15.
|
EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
|
|
30
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SIGNATURES
|
|
33
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CERTIFICATIONS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
|
|
F-1-F-22
|
|
General
General
|
|
|
|
|
|
Explanatory Note
: As used in this
report, the terms "we," "us" and "our" are used to refer to United
States Antimony Corporation and, as the context requires, its
management.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Some of
the information in this Form 10-K contains forward-looking
statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. You
can identify these statements by forward-looking words as "may,"
"will," "expect," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate" and
"continue," or similar words. You should read statements that
contain these words carefully because they:
●
discuss our future
expectations;
●
contain projections
of our future results of operations or of our financial condition;
and
●
state other
"forward-looking" information.
History
United
States Antimony Corporation, or USAC, was incorporated in Montana
in January 1970 to mine and produce antimony products. In December
1983, we suspended antimony mining operations but continued to
produce antimony products from domestic and foreign sources. In
April 1998, we formed United States Antimony SA de CV or USAMSA, to
mine and smelt antimony in Mexico. Bear River Zeolite Company or
BRZ, was incorporated in 2000, and it is mining and producing
zeolite in southeastern Idaho. On August 19, 2005, USAC formed
Antimonio de Mexico, S. A. de C. V. to explore and develop antimony
and silver deposits in Mexico. Our principal business is the
production and sale of antimony, silver, gold, and zeolite
products. On May 16, 2012, we started trading on the NYSE MKT (now
NYSE AMERICAN) under the symbol UAMY.
Antimony Division
Our
antimony smelter and precious metals plant is located in the Burns
Mining District of Sanders County, Montana, approximately 15 miles
west of Thompson Falls, MT. We hold 2 patented mill sites where the
plant is located. We have no "proven reserves" or "probable
reserves" of antimony, as these terms are defined by the Securities
and Exchange Commission. Environmental restrictions preclude mining
at this site.
Mining
was suspended in December 1983, because antimony could be purchased
more economically from foreign sources.
For
2017, and since 1983, we relied on foreign sources for raw
materials, and there are risks of interruption in procurement from
these sources and/or volatile changes in world market prices for
these materials that are not controllable by us. We have developed
sources of antimony in Mexico but we are still depending on foreign
companies for raw material in the future. We expect more raw
materials from our own properties for 2018 and later years. We
continue working with suppliers in North America, Central America,
Europe, Australia, and South America.
We
currently own 100% of the common stock, equipment, and the leases
on real property of United States Antimony, Mexico S.A. de C.V. or
“USAMSA”, which was formed in April 1998. We currently
own 100% of the stock in Antimony de Mexico SA de CV (AM) which
owns the San Miguel concession of the Los Juarez property. USAMSA
has three divisions (1) the Madero smelter in Coahuila, (2) the
Puerto Blanco flotation mill and oxide circuit in Guanajuato that
is ramping up for 2018, and (3) mining properties that include the
Los Juarez mineral deposit with concessions in Queretaro, the
Wadley mining concession in San Luis Potosi, the Soyatal deposits
in Queretaro, and the Guadalupe properties in
Zacatecas.
1
In our
existing operations in Montana, we produce antimony oxide, sodium
antimonate, antimony metal, and precious metals. Antimony oxide is
a fine, white powder that is used primarily in conjunction with a
halogen to form a synergistic flame retardant system for plastics,
rubber, fiberglass, textile goods, paints, coatings and paper.
Antimony oxide is also used as a color fastener in paint, as a
catalyst for production of polyester resins for fibers and film, as
a catalyst for production of polyethylene pthalate in plastic
bottles, as a phosphorescent agent in fluorescent light bulbs, and
as an opacifier for porcelains. Sodium antimonate is primarily used
as a fining agent (degasser) for glass in cathode ray tubes and as
a flame retardant. We also sell antimony metal for use in bearings,
storage batteries and ordnance.
We
estimate (but have not independently confirmed) that our present
share of the domestic market and international market for antimony
oxide products is approximately 4% and less than 1%, respectively.
We are the only significant U.S. producer of antimony products,
while China supplies 92% of the world antimony demand. We believe
we are competitive both domestically and world-wide due to the
following:
●
We have a
reputation for quality products delivered on a timely
basis.
●
We have two of the
three operating antimony smelters in North and Central
America.
●
We are the sole
domestic producer of antimony products.
●
We can ship on
short notice to domestic customers.
●
We are vertically
integrated, with raw materials from our own mines, mills, and
smelter in Mexico, along with the raw materials from exclusive
supply agreements we have with numerous ore and raw material
suppliers.
●
As a vertically
integrated company, we will have more control over our raw material
costs.
Following
is a five year schedule of our antimony sales:
|
Schedule of Antimony Sales
|
|||
|
|
Lbs Metal
|
|
Average
|
|
Year
|
Contained
|
$
|
Price/Lb
|
|
2017
|
1,891,439
|
$
7,588,470
|
$
4.01
|
|
2016
|
2,936,880
|
$
8,744,170
|
$
2.98
|
|
2015
|
2,487,321
|
$
9,863,933
|
$
3.97
|
|
2014
|
1,727,804
|
$
8,132,410
|
$
4.71
|
|
2013
|
1,579,182
|
$
8,375,158
|
$
5.30
|
Concentration of
Sales
:
During
the two years ended December 31, 2017, the following sales were
made to our three largest customers:
|
Sales to
|
For the Year Ended
|
|
|
Largest Customers
|
December 31, 2017
|
December 31, 2016
|
|
Mexichem
Specialty Compounds Inc.
|
$
3,335,046
|
$
2,108,998
|
|
East
Penn Manufacturing Inc
|
512,621
|
1,147,854
|
|
Kohler
Corporation
|
1,928,962
|
1,474,854
|
|
|
$
5,776,629
|
$
4,731,706
|
|
% of Total Revenues
|
56.50
%
|
39.80
%
|
While
the loss of one of our three largest customers would be a problem
in the short term, we have numerous requests from potential buyers
that we cannot fill, and we could quickly, in the present market
conditions, be able to replace the lost sales. Loss of all three of
our largest customers would be more serious and may affect our
profitability.
Marketing:
We
employ full-time marketing personnel and have negotiated various
commission-based sales agreements with other chemical distribution
companies.
Antimony Price Fluctuations:
Our operating results have been,
and will continue to be, related to the market prices of antimony
metal, which have fluctuated widely in recent years. The volatility
of prices is illustrated by the following table, which sets forth
the average prices of antimony metal per pound, as reported by
sources deemed reliable by us.
2
A five
year price range of prices for antimony oxide and antimony metal,
per pound, was as follows:
|
|
USAC SALES
|
|
|
||
|
|
Oxide
|
Metal
|
Combined
|
USA
|
Rotterdam
|
|
|
|
|
(Metal Contained Price)
|
||
|
|
Average
|
Average
|
Average
|
Average
|
Average
|
|
Year
|
Price/Lb
|
Price/Lb
|
Price/Lb
|
Price/Lb
|
Price/Lb
|
|
2017
|
$
3.40
|
$
3.41
|
$
4.01
|
$
3.77
|
$
3.78
|
|
2016
|
$
3.11
|
$
2.62
|
$
2.98
|
$
2.99
|
$
2.94
|
|
2015
|
$
3.34
|
$
3.71
|
$
3.97
|
$
3.41
|
$
3.32
|
|
2014
|
$
4.00
|
$
4.18
|
$
4.71
|
$
4.40
|
$
4.31
|
|
2013
|
$
4.41
|
$
4.69
|
$
5.30
|
$
4.73
|
$
4.78
|
Antimony
metal prices are determined by a number of variables over which we
have no control. These include the availability and price of
imported metals, the quantity of new metal supply, and industrial
demand. If metal prices decline and remain depressed, our revenues
and profitability may be adversely affected.
We use
various antimony raw materials to produce our products. We
currently obtain antimony raw material from sources in Canada and
Mexico.
Zeolite Division
We own
100% of Bear River Zeolite Company, (BRZ), an Idaho corporation
that was incorporated on June 1, 2000. BRZ has a lease with Webster
Farm, L.L.C. that entitles BRZ to surface mine and process zeolite
on property located near Preston, Idaho, in exchange for a royalty
payment. In 2010 the royalty was adjusted to $10 per ton sold. The
current minimum annual royalty is $60,000. In addition, BRZ has
more zeolite on U.S. Bureau of Land Management land. A company
controlled by the estate of Al Dugan, a significant stockholder
and, as such, an affiliate of USAC, receives a payment equal to 3%
of net sales on zeolite products. William Raymond and Nancy Couse
are paid a royalty that varies from $1 to $5 per ton. On a combined
basis, royalties vary from 8%-13%. BRZ has constructed a processing
plant on the property and it has improved its productive capacity.
In addition to
a large
amount of fully depreciated equipment that has been transferred
from the USAC division,
we have spent approximately
$
3,945,000 to purchase and
construct the processing plant as of December 31,
2017.
We have
no "proven reserves" or "probable reserves" of zeolite, as these
terms are defined by the Securities and Exchange
Commission.
"Zeolite"
refers to a group of industrial minerals that consist of hydrated
aluminosilicates that hold cations such as calcium, sodium,
ammonium, various heavy metals, and potassium in their crystal
lattice. Water is loosely held in cavities in the lattice. BRZ
zeolite is regarded as one of the best zeolites in the world due to
its high CEC of approximately 180-220 meq/100 gr., its hardness and
high clinoptilolite content, its absence of clay minerals, and its
low sodium content. BRZ's zeolite deposits’ characteristics
which make the mineral useful for a variety of purposes
including:
●
Soil Amendment and Fertilizer
.
Zeolite has been successfully used to fertilize golf courses,
sports fields, parks and common areas, and high value agricultural
crops
●
Water Filtration
. Zeolite is
used for particulate, heavy metal and ammonium removal in swimming
pools, municipal water systems, fisheries, fish farms, and
aquariums.
●
Sewage Treatment
. Zeolite is
used in sewage treatment plants to remove nitrogen and as a carrier
for microorganisms.
●
Nuclear Waste and Other Environmental
Cleanup
. Zeolite has shown a strong ability to selectively
remove strontium, cesium, radium, uranium, and various other
radioactive isotopes from solution. Zeolite can also be used for
the cleanup of soluble metals such as mercury, chromium, copper,
lead, zinc, arsenic, molybdenum, nickel, cobalt, antimony, calcium,
silver and uranium.
3
●
Odor Control
. A major cause of
odor around cattle, hog, and poultry feed lots is the generation of
the ammonium in urea and manure. The ability of zeolite to absorb
ammonium prevents the formation of ammonia gas, which disperses the
odor.
●
Gas Separation
. Zeolite has
been used for some time to separate gases, to re-oxygenate
downstream water from sewage plants, smelters, pulp and paper
plants, and fish ponds and tanks, and to remove carbon dioxide,
sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide from methane generators as
organic waste, sanitary landfills, municipal sewage systems and
animal waste treatment facilities.
●
Animal Nutrition
. Feeding up to
2% zeolite increases growth rates, decreases conversion rates,
prevents scours, and increases longevity.
●
Miscellaneous Uses
. Other uses
include catalysts, petroleum refining, concrete, solar energy and
heat exchange, desiccants, pellet binding, horse and kitty litter,
floor cleaner and carriers for insecticides, pesticides and
herbicides.
Environmental Matters
Our
exploration, development and production programs conducted in the
United States are subject to local, state and federal regulations
regarding environmental protection. Some of our production and
mining activities are conducted on public lands. We believe that
our current discharge of waste materials from our processing
facilities is in material compliance with environmental regulations
and health and safety standards. The U.S. Forest Service
extensively regulates mining operations conducted in National
Forests. Department of Interior regulations cover mining operations
carried out on most other public lands. All operations by us
involving the exploration for or the production of minerals are
subject to existing laws and regulations relating to exploration
procedures, safety precautions, employee health and safety, air
quality standards, pollution of water sources, waste materials,
odor, noise, dust and other environmental protection requirements
adopted by federal, state and local governmental authorities. We
may be required to prepare and present data to these regulatory
authorities pertaining to the effect or impact that any proposed
exploration for, or production of, minerals may have upon the
environment. Any changes to our reclamation and remediation plans,
which may be required due to changes in state or federal
regulations, could have an adverse effect on our operations. The
range of reasonably possible loss in excess of the amounts accrued,
by site, cannot be reasonably estimated at this time.
We
accrue environmental liabilities when the occurrence of such
liabilities is probable and the costs are reasonably estimable. The
initial accruals for all our sites are based on comprehensive
remediation plans approved by the various regulatory agencies in
connection with permitting or bonding requirements. Our accruals
are further based on presently enacted regulatory requirements and
adjusted only when changes in requirements occur or when we revise
our estimate of costs to comply with existing requirements. As
remediation activity has physically commenced, we have been able to
refine and revise our estimates of costs required to fulfill future
environmental tasks based on contemporaneous cost information,
operating experience, and changes in regulatory requirements. In
instances where costs required to complete our remaining
environmental obligations are clearly determined to be in excess of
the existing accrual, we have adjusted the accrual accordingly.
When regulatory agencies require additional tasks to be performed
in connection with our environmental responsibilities, we evaluate
the costs required to perform those tasks and adjust our accrual
accordingly, as the information becomes available. In all cases,
however, our accrual at year-end is based on the best information
available at that time to develop estimates of environmental
liabilities.
Antimony Processing Site
We have
environmental remediation obligations at our antimony processing
site near Thompson Falls, Montana ("the Stibnite Hill Mine Site").
We are under the regulatory jurisdiction of the U.S. Forest Service
and subject to the operating permit requirements of the Montana
Department of Environmental Quality. At December 31, 2017 and 2016,
we have accrued $100,000 to fulfill our environmental
responsibilities.
BRZ
During
2001, we recorded a reclamation accrual for our BRZ subsidiary,
based on an analysis performed by us and reviewed and approved by
regulatory authorities for environmental bonding purposes. The
accrual of $7,500 represents our estimated costs of reclaiming, in
accordance with regulatory requirements, the acreage disturbed by
our zeolite operations, and remains unchanged at December 31,
2017.
4
General
Reclamation
activities at the Thompson Falls Antimony Plant have proceeded
under supervision of the U.S. Forest Service and Montana Department
of Environmental Quality. We have complied with regulators'
requirements and do not expect the imposition of substantial
additional requirements.
We have
posted cash performance bonds with a bank and the U.S. Forest
Service in connection with our reclamation activities.
We
believe we have accrued adequate reserves to fulfill our
environmental remediation responsibilities as of December 31, 2017.
We have made significant reclamation and remediation progress on
all our properties over thirty years and have complied with
regulatory requirements in our environmental remediation
efforts.
Employees
As of December 31, 2017, we employed 27 full-time employees in
Montana. In addition, we employed 16 people at our zeolite plant in
Idaho, and more than 60 employees at our mining, milling and
smelting operation in Mexico. The number of full-time employees may
vary seasonally. None of our employees are covered by any
collective bargaining agreement.
Other
We hold
no material patents, licenses, franchises or concessions. However,
we consider our antimony processing plants proprietary in
nature.
We are
subject to the requirements of the Federal Mining Safety and Health
Act of 1977, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's
regulations, requirements of the state of Montana and the state of
Idaho, federal and state health and safety statutes and Sanders
County, Montana and Franklin County, Idaho health
ordinances.
There
may be events in the future that we are not able to accurately
predict or over which we have no control. The risk factors listed
below, as well as any cautionary language in this report, provide
examples of risks, uncertainties and events that may cause our
actual results to differ materially from the expectations we
describe in our forward-looking statements.
If we were liquidated, our common
stockholders could lose part, or all, of their
investment
.
In the
event of our dissolution, the proceeds, if any, realized from the
liquidation of our assets will be distributed to our stockholders
only after the satisfaction of the claims of our creditors and
preferred stockholders. The ability of a purchaser of shares to
recover all, or any portion, of the purchase price for the shares,
in that event, will depend on the amount of funds realized and the
claims to be satisfied by those funds.
We may have un-asserted liabilities for environmental
reclamation.
Our
research, development, manufacturing and production processes
involve the controlled use of hazardous materials, and we are
subject to various environmental and occupational safety laws and
regulations governing the use, manufacture, storage, handling, and
disposal of hazardous materials and some waste products. The risk
of accidental contamination or injury from hazardous materials
cannot be completely eliminated. In the event of an accident, we
could be held liable for any damages that result and any liability
could exceed our financial resources. We also have one ongoing
environmental reclamation and remediation projects at our current
production facility in Montana. Adequate financial resources may
not be available to ultimately finish the reclamation activities if
changes in environmental laws and regulations occur, and these
changes could adversely affect our cash flow and profitability. We
do not have environmental liability insurance now, and we do not
expect to be able to obtain insurance at a reasonable cost. If we
incur liability for environmental damages while we are uninsured,
it could have a harmful effect on our financial condition and
results of operations. The range of reasonably possible losses from
our exposure to environmental liabilities in excess of amounts
accrued to date cannot be reasonably estimated at this
time.
We have accruals for asset retirement obligations and environmental
obligations.
We have
accruals totaling $271,572 on our balance sheet at December 31,
2017, for our environmental reclamation responsibilities and
estimated asset retirement obligations. If we are not able to
adequately perform these activities on a timely basis, we could be
subject to fines and penalties from regulatory
agencies.
5
Not
Applicable
ANTIMONY DIVISION
Our
antimony smelter and precious metals plant is located in the Burns
Mining District, Sanders County, Montana, approximately 14 miles
west of Thompson Falls on Montana Highway 471. This highway is
asphalt, and the property is accessed by cars and trucks. The
property includes two five-acre patented mill sites that are owned
in fee-simple by us. The claims are U. S. Antimony Mill Site No. 1
(Mineral Survey 10953) and U. S. Antimony Mill Site No. 2 (Mineral
Survey 10953).
The U.
S. Antimony Mill Sites were used to run a flotation mill and
processing plant for antimony that we mined on adjacent claims that
have been sold. Presently, we run a smelter that includes furnaces
of a proprietary design to produce antimony metal, antimony oxide,
and various other products. We also run a precious metals plant.
The facility includes 6 buildings and our main office. There are no
plans to resume mining on the claims that have been sold or
abandoned, although the mineral rights have been retained on many
of the patented mining claims. The U. S. Forest Service and Montana
Department of Environmental Quality have told us that the
resumption of mining would require an Environmental Impact
Statement, massive cash bonding, and would be followed by years of
law suits. The mill site is serviced with three-phase electricity
from Northwest Power, and water is pumped from a well.
We
claim no reserves on any of these properties.
6
Antimony
mining and milling operations in the U.S. were curtailed during
1983 due to continued declines in the price of antimony. We are
currently purchasing foreign raw antimony materials and producing
our own raw materials from our properties in Mexico. We continue to
produce antimony metal, oxide, sodium antimonite, and precious
metals from our processing facility near Thompson Falls,
Montana.
ANTIMONY MINERAL PROPERTIES
Los Juarez Group
We hold
properties that are collectively called the “Los
Juarez” property, in Queretaro, as follows:
|
1.
|
San
Miguel I and II were purchased by a USAC subsidiary, Antimonio de
Mexico, S. A. de C. V (AM), for $1,480,500. As of December 31,
2017, we have paid for the property, and have incurred significant
permitting costs. The property consists of 40
hectares.
|
|
2.
|
San
Juan I and II are concessions owned by AM and include 466
hectares.
|
|
3.
|
San
Juan III is held by a lease agreement by AM in which we will pay a
10% royalty, based on the net smelter returns from another USAC
Mexican subsidiary, named United States Antimony Mexico, S. A. de
C. V. or USAMSA. It consists of 214 hectares.
|
The
concessions collectively constitute 720 hectares. The claims are
accessed by roads that lead to highways.
7
8
Part of
the USAC Mexican property, including San Miguel I, II and part of
San Juan III, was originally drilled by the Penoles Company in
1970, when antimony metal prices were high. They did not proceed
with the property, due to the complex metallurgy of antimony.
Subsequently, the Mexican Government did additional work and
reported a deposit of mineralized material of 1,000,000 metric tons
(mt) grading 1.8% antimony and 8.1 ounces of silver per metric ton
(opmt) in Consejo de Recursos Minerales (Publicacion
M-4e). Such a report does not qualify as a comprehensive
evaluation, such as a final or bankable feasibility study that
concludes legal and technical viability, and economic feasibility.
The Securities and Exchange Commission does not recognize this
report, and we claim no reserves.
The
mineralized zone is a classic jasperoid-type deposit in the
Cretaceous El Doctor Limestone. The mineralization is confined to
silicified jasperiod pipes intruded upwards into limestone. The
zone strikes north 70 degrees west. The dimension of the deposit is
still conjectural. However, the strike length of the jasperoid is
more than 3,500 meters.
The
mineralization is typically very fine-grained stibnite with silver
and gold. It is primarily sulfide in nature due to its
encapsulation in silica. The mining for many years will be by open
pit methods. Eventually it will be by underground methods. At the
present time, mining has included hauling dump rock and rock from
mine faces.
9
Soyatal Mining District, Pinal De Amoles, Queretaro,
Mexico
Soyatal
Reportedly, the
Soyatal District was the third largest producer of antimony in
Mexico. U. S. Geological Survey Bulletin 960-B, 1948, Donald E.
White, Antimony Deposits of Soyatal District, State of Queretaro,
Mexico records the production from 1905-1943 at 25,600 tons of
antimony metal content. In 1942, the mines produced ore containing
1,737 tons of metal, and in 1943, they produced ore containing
1,864 tons of metal. This mining was performed primarily all by
hand labor, with no compressors or trammers, and the ore was
transported by mules, in sacks, to the railroad. Recoveries were
less than 40% of the values. Mining continued throughout World War
II.
Mr.
White remarks p. 84 and 85, “In the Soyatal Mines, as in
practically all antimony mines, it is difficult to estimate the
reserves, for the following reasons:
●
The individual
deposits are so extremely irregular in size, shape, and grade that
the amount of ore in any one of them is unknown until the ore has
been mined.
●
As only the
relatively high grade shipping ore is recovered, the ore bodies are
not systematically sampled and assayed…The total reserves are
thus unknown and cannot be estimated accurately, but they probably
would suffice to maintain a moderate degree of activity in the
district for at least 10 years. The mines may even contain enough
ore (mineralized deposit) to equal the total past
production.”
Minimal
ore, primarily through hand mining and sorting methods, has
continued at the Soyatal properties since 1943. We do not claim any
reserves at Soyatal as defined by the SEC.
USAMSA Puerto Blanco Flotation Mill, Guanajuato,
Mexico
The
flotation plant has a capacity of 140 metric tons per day. It
includes a 30” x 42” jaw crusher, a 4’x 8’
double-deck screen, a 36” cone crusher, an 8’x
36” Harding type ball mill, and eight No. 24 Denver sub A
type flotation machines, an 8’ disc filter, front end
loaders, tools and other equipment. The flotation circuit is used
for the processing of rock from Los Juarez, Guadalupe, and other
properties. We are in the process of installing a 400 metric ton
per day flotation mill that will be dedicated to processing ore
from our Los Juarez property. The crushing equipment currently in
place is adequate for both flotation mills. An oxide circuit was
added to the plant in 2013 and 2014 to mill oxide ores from Soyatal
and other properties. It includes a vertical shaft impactor, 3 ore
bins, 8 conveyors, a 4’ x 6’ high frequency screen,
jig, 8 standard concentrating tables, 5 pumps, sand screw and two
buildings. The capacity of the oxide circuit is 50 tons per day. We
are presently installing a cyanide leach circuit and settling pond
that will be used to recover precious metals from our Los Juarez
mine. During 2017 and 2016, less than 10% of the mill’s
capacity was utilized.
USAMSA Madero Smelter, Estacion Madero, Parras De La Fuente,
Coahuila, Mexico
USAC,
through its wholly owned subsidiary, USAMSA, owns and operates a
smelting facility at Estacion Madero, in the Municipio of Parras de
la Fuente, Coahuila, Mexico. The property includes 13.48 hectares.
Seventeen small rotating furnaces (SRF’s) and one large
rotating furnace (LRF) with an associated stack and scrubber were
permitted and installed by the end of 2015. Other equipment
includes cooling ducting, dust collectors, scrubber, laboratory,
warehouse, slag vault, stack, jaw crusher, screen, hammer mill, and
a 3.5’ x 8’ rod mill. The plant has a feed capacity of
five to six metric tons of direct shipping ore or concentrates per
day, depending on the quality of the feedstock. If the feedstock is
in the mid-range of 45% antimony, the smelter could produce
approximately 1.8 MM pounds of contained antimony annually.
Concentrates from our flotation plant, and hand-sorted ore from
Mexico sources and other areas, are being processed. During 2017,
we completed the installation of a leach circuit to process
concentrates from the Puerto Blanco cyanide leach plant containing
precious metals from our Los Juarez Mining property. The Madero
production is either sold or shipped to our Montana plant to
produce finished Antimony products and precious metals. Access to
the plant is by road and railroad. Set forth below are location
maps:
10
ZEOLITE DIVISION
Location
This
property is located in the southeast corner of Idaho, approximately
seven miles east of Preston, Idaho, 34 miles north of Logan, Utah,
79 miles south of Pocatello, Idaho, and 100 miles north of
Salt Lake City, Utah.
The
mine is located in the N ½ of section 10 and the W ½ of
section 2, section 3, and the E ½ section 4, Township 15,
Range 40 East of the Boise Meridian, Franklin County, Idaho. The
plant and the initial pit are located on the Webster Farm, L.L.C.,
which is private land.
Transportation
The
property is accessed by seven miles of paved road and about l mile
of gravel road from Preston, Idaho. Preston is near the major
north-south Interstate Highway 15 to Salt Lake City or
Pocatello.
Several
Union Pacific rail sidings may be available to the mine. Bonida is
approximately 25 miles west of the mine and includes acreage out of
town where bulk rock could be stored, possibly in existing silos or
on the ground. Three-phase power is installed at this abandoned
site. Finished goods can also be shipped from the
Franklin County Grain Growers feed mill in the town of Preston on
the Union Pacific Railroad.
The
Burlington Northern Railroad can be accessed at Logan,
Utah.
11
Location
Map
12
Property and Ownership
BRZ
leases 320 acres from the Webster Farm, L.L.C. The term of the
lease is 15 years and it began on March 1, 2010. This includes the
mill site and zeolite in the area of the open pit. The property is
the NW ¼ and W ½ of the SW ¼ of section 3 and the N
½ of the W ¼ of section 10, Township 15 South, Range 40
East of the Boise Meridian, Franklin County, Idaho. The lease
requires a payment of $10.00 per ton plus an additional annual
payment of $10,000 on March 1st of each year. In addition, there
are two other royalty holders. Nick Raymond and the estate of
George Desborough each have a graduated royalty of $1.00 per ton to
$5.00 per ton, depending on the sale price.
The
balance of the property is on Bureau of Land Management property
and includes 480 acres held by 24, 20-acre Placer claims. Should we
drop our lease with Webster Farms LLC., we will retain these placer
claims as follows:
|
BRZ
1 IMC
185308
BRZ
2 IMC
185309
BRZ
3 IMC
185310
BRZ
4 IMC
185311
BRZ
5 IMC
185312
BRZ
6 IMC
185313
BRZ
7 IMC
185314
BRZ
8 IMC
185315
BRZ
9 IMC
185316
BRZ
10 IMC 185317
BRZ
11 IMC 185318
BRZ
12 IMC 185319
|
BRZ
20 IMC 186183
BRZ
21 IMC 186184
BRZ
22 IMC 186185
BRZ
23 IMC 186186
BRZ
24 IMC 186187
BRZ
25 IMC 186188
BRZ
26 IMC 186189
BRZ
27 IMC 186190
BRZ
28 IMC 186191
BRZ
29 IMC 186192
BRZ
30 IMC 186193
BRZ
31 IMC 186194
|
13
Geology
The
deposit is a very thick, sedimentary deposit of zeolitized volcanic
ash of Tertiary age known as the Salt Lake Formation. The
sedimentary interval in which the clinoptilolite occurs is more
than 1000 feet thick in the area. Thick intervals of the zeolite
are separated by thin limestone and sandstone beds deposited in the
freshwater lake where the volcanic ash accumulated.
The
deposit includes an 800- foot mountain. Zeolite can be sampled over
a vertical extent of 800 feet and on more than 700 acres. The
current pit covers more than 3 acres. Despite the
apparent size of the deposit, we claim no
reserves.
Exploration, Development, and Mining
Exploration
has been limited to the examination and sampling of surface
outcrops and mine faces.
Mining Methods
Depending
on the location, the zeolite is overlain by 1 to 12 feet of
zeolite-rich soil. On the ridges, the cover is very little, and in
the draws the soil is thicker. The overburden is stripped using a
tractor dozer, currently a Caterpillar D-8K. It is moved to the toe
of the pit, and will eventually be dozed back over the pit for
reclamation.
Although
near-surface rock is easily ripped, it is more economical to drill
and blast it. Breakage is generally good. Initial benches were 20
to 30 foot, and each bench is accessed by a road.
Haulage
is over approximately 4,000 feet of road on an uphill grade of 2.5%
to the mill. On higher benches, the grade will eventually be
downhill. Caterpillar 769 B rock trucks are being used. They haul
18 to 20 tons per load, and the cycle time is about 30
minutes.
With
the trucks and the other existing equipment, the mine is capable of
producing 80 tons per hour.
MILLING
Primary Crusher
The
primary crushing circuit is a conventional closed circuit,
utilizing a Stephens-Adamson 42” x 12’ apron feeder,
Pioneer 30” x 42” jaw crusher, Nordberg standard
3’ cone crusher, a 5’ by 12’ double
deck Kohlberg screen, and has a self-cleaning dust collector. The
rock is crushed to minus 1 inch and the circuit has a rated
capacity of more than 50 tons per hour.
Dryer
There
are two dryer circuits, one for lines one and two, and one for the
Raymond mill. The dryer circuits include one 50 ton feed bin, and
each dryer has a conveyor bypass around each dryer, a bucket
elevator, and a dry rock bin. The dryers are 25 feet long, 5 feet
in diameter and are fired with propane burners rated at 750,000
BTUs. One self-cleaning bag house services both dryers. Depending
on the wetness of the feed rock, the capacity is in the range of 10
tons per hour per dryer. During most of the year, the dryers are
not run.
Coarse Products Circuit
There
are two lines to produce coarse products:
●
Line 1 is a
closed circuit with a 100 HP vertical shaft impactor and a 5 deck
Midwestern multivibe screen.
●
Line 2 includes a
Jeffries 30” by 24” 60 HP hammer mill in a closed
circuit with two 5’ x 12’ triple deck Midwestern Multi
Vibe high frequency screens. The circuits also include bucket
elevators, (3) 125 ton capacity product silos, a 6 ton capacity
Crust Buster blender, augers, Sweco screens, and dust
collectors.
Fine Products Circuit
The
fine products circuit is in one building and it includes (2)
3.5’ x 10.5’ Derrick 2 deck high frequency (3450 RPM)
screens and various bucket elevators, augers, bins, and Sweco
screens for handling product. Depending on the screening sizes, the
plants can generate approximately 150 tons of granules and 125 tons
of fines per 24-hour day.
14
Raymond Mill Circuit
The
Raymond mill circuit includes a 6058 high-side Raymond mill with a
double whizzer, dust collector, two 100 ton product silos, feed
bin, conveyors, air slide, bucket elevators, and control booth. The
Raymond mill has a rated capacity of more than 10 tons per
hour.
No
director, officer or affiliate of USAC and no owner of record or
beneficial owner of more than 5.0% of our securities or any
associate of any such director, officer or security holder is a
party adverse to USAC or has a material interest adverse to USAC in
reference to pending litigation.
The
information concerning mine safety violations or other regulatory
matters required by section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street
Reform and Consumer Protection Act and Item 104 of Regulation S-K
is included in Exhibit 95 to this Annual Report.
Currently,
our common stock is traded on the NYSE-AMERICAN under the symbol
UAMY. The following table sets forth the range of high and low bid
prices as reported for the periods indicated. The quotations were
taken from a website available to the public, and generally
believed to be accurate. The quoted prices may not necessarily
represent actual transactions.
|
2017
|
High
|
Low
|
|
First
Quarter
|
$
0.52
|
$
0.34
|
|
Second
Quarter
|
0.43
|
0.31
|
|
Third
Quarter
|
0.29
|
0.21
|
|
Fourth
Quarter
|
0.36
|
0.31
|
|
|
|
|
|
2016
|
High
|
Low
|
|
First
Quarter
|
$
0.33
|
$
0.17
|
|
Second
Quarter
|
0.31
|
0.20
|
|
Third
Quarter
|
0.60
|
0.20
|
|
Fourth
Quarter
|
0.47
|
0.22
|
The
approximate number of holders of record of our common stock at
April 2, 2018, is 2,500.
We have
not declared or paid any dividends to our stockholders during the
last five years and do not anticipate paying dividends on our
common stock in the foreseeable future. Instead, we expect to
retain earnings for the operation and expansion of our
business.
In
March of 2016 the Company issued the Board members 550,000 shares
of the Company’s common stock for services provided during
2015 with a value of $137,500.
In
December of 2016, the Company issued Daniel Parks, the
Company’s Chief Financial Officer, 200,000 shares of the
Company’s common stock valued at $54,000 to retain his
services for a two year period. As part of the agreement, Mr.
Parks’ hours worked and normal compensation was
reduced.
During
2016, the Company awarded, but did not issue, common stock with a
value at December 31, 2016, of $168,750 to its Board of Directors
as compensation for their services as directors. In connection with
the issuances, the Company recorded $168,750 in director
compensation expense. In March of 2017, at a price of $0.40 per
share, the directors were issued 421,875 shares for
2016.
15
During
2017, the Company awarded, but did not issue, common stock with a
value at December 31, 2017, of $175,000 to its Board of Directors
as compensation for their services as directors. In connection with
the issuances, the Company recorded $175,000 in director
compensation expense. As of April 2, 2018, the shares had not been
issued to the directors.
Item 6
Selected Financial Data
Not
Applicable.
Item 7
Management's Discussion and Analysis or Plan of
Operations
Certain
matters discussed are forward-looking statements that involve risks
and uncertainties, including the impact of antimony prices and
production volatility, changing market conditions and the
regulatory environment and other risks. Actual results may differ
materially from those projected. These forward-looking statements
represent our judgment as of the date of this filing. We disclaim,
however, any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking
statements.
Overview
Company-wide
For the
year ended December 31, 2017, we incurred a loss of $1,134,394 for
2017 after depreciation and amortization of $968,888, compared to a
loss of $1,309,200 for 2016 after depreciation and amortization of
$999,737, and an income tax provision of $298,138 for our Mexican
operations. Our company-wide EBITDA was a negative $165,506 for
2017, compared to a negative $11,325 for 2016.
Net
non-cash expense items totaled $1,275,000 for 2017 and included
$968,888 for depreciation and amortization, $93,450 for
amortization of debt discount, $175,000 for director compensation
and $37,662 for other items.
Net
non-cash expense items totaled $1,176,608 for 2016 and included
$999,737 for depreciation and amortization, $70,590 for
amortization of debt discount, $54,000 for stock-based
compensation, $168,750 for director compensation and ($116,469) for
other items.
Antimony Sales
During
2017, we saw our average sale price increase by $1.03 per pound to
$4.01 per pound from an average price of $2.98 per pound for 2016.
Due to the loss of our supply of antimony concentrates from
Australia, the volume of antimony sold (metal contained) decreased
from a record of 2,936,880 pounds sold in 2016 to 1,891,439 pounds
sold in 2017, a decrease of 1,045,441pounds. During 2017 our
production and sales from Mexican sources was approximately 530,000
pounds from our mines, and approximately 35,000 pounds from
Australian concentrates. During 2017, the loss of raw material from
Australia saw our gross sales of antimony decrease by $1,155,700
(13%). The antimony division had a negative EBIDTA of $1,094,579
for 2017, compared to a negative EBITDA of $1,131,971 for 2016. Our
loss from antimony decreased from a loss of $2,171,611 in 2016 to a
loss of $1,776,239 in 2017.
In
November of 2017, we renegotiated our sodium antimonite supply
agreement to recognize that antimony prices were in a world-wide
slump, and that our general and administrative costs were a larger
percent of our revenues than they were under the previous
agreement. The new price agreement was implemented in December of
2017, and will result in lower antimony production costs and an
improved cash flow for 2018 and the following years.
Zeolite Sales
Our
sales volume of zeolite in 2017 was 766 tons less than we sold in
2016, a decrease of 6%. Our average sales price decreased by
approximately $5 per ton, from $188 per ton in 2016 per ton to $183
per ton in 2017 (3%). During 2017, total sales of zeolite decreased
by $206,458 from 2016. The zeolite division had EBIDTA of $554,201
for 2017, compared to EBITDA of $447,775 for 2016. Net income
increased from $233,907 in 2016 to $331,472 in 2017, approximately
$98,000.
16
Precious Metals Sales
|
Precious Metals Sales
|
|
|
|
|
|
Silver/Gold
|
|
|
|
|
|
Montana
|
2014
|
2015
|
2016
|
2017
|
|
Ounces
Gold Shipped (Au)
|
64.77
|
89.12
|
108.10
|
107.00
|
|
Ounces
Silver Shipped (Ag)
|
29,480
|
30,421
|
38,123
|
32,021
|
|
Revenues
|
$
461,083
|
$
491,426
|
$
556,650
|
$
480,985
|
|
Australian - Hillgrove
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ounces
Gold Shipped (Au)
|
|
|
496.65
|
90.94
|
|
Revenues
- Gross
|
|
|
$
597,309
|
$
96,471
|
|
Revenues
to Hillgrove
|
|
|
(481,088
)
|
(202,584
)
|
|
Revenues
to USAC
|
|
|
$
116,221
|
$
(106,113
)
|
|
Total Revenues
|
$
461,083
|
$
491,426
|
$
672,871
|
$
374,872
|
Results
of operations by division at December 31, 2017 and 2016 are as
follows:
|
Results of Operations by
Division
|
|
|
|
|
2017
|
2016
|
|
Antimony Division - United States:
|
|
|
|
Revenues
- Antimony (net of discount)
|
$
7,588,470
|
$
8,744,170
|
|
Domestic
cost of sales:
|
|
|
|
Production
costs
|
3,898,097
|
3,274,100
|
|
Depreciation
|
57,761
|
62,863
|
|
Freight
and delivery
|
321,282
|
419,256
|
|
Indirect
production costs
|
328,411
|
272,161
|
|
Direct
sales expense
|
65,652
|
65,652
|
|
Total
domestic antimony cost of sales
|
4,671,203
|
4,094,032
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost
of sales - Mexico
|
|
|
|
Production
costs
|
2,223,663
|
3,480,252
|
|
Depreciation
and amortization
|
623,899
|
678,639
|
|
Freight
and delivery
|
45,461
|
113,412
|
|
Land
lease expense
|
190,116
|
261,154
|
|
Indirect
production costs
|
281,922
|
363,160
|
|
General
and administrative
|
109,582
|
178,048
|
|
Total
Mexico antimony cost of sales
|
3,474,643
|
5,074,665
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
revenues - antimony
|
7,588,470
|
8,744,170
|
|
Total
cost of sales - antimony
|
8,145,846
|
9,168,697
|
|
Total
gross profit (loss) - antimony
|
(557,376
)
|
(424,527
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Precious Metals Division:
|
|
|
|
Revenues
|
374,872
|
672,871
|
|
Cost
of sales:
|
|
|
|
Depreciation
|
64,499
|
44,367
|
|
Total
cost of sales
|
64,499
|
44,367
|
|
Gross
profit - precious metals
|
310,373
|
628,504
|
|
|
|
|
|
Zeolite Division:
|
|
|
|
Revenues
|
2,266,636
|
2,473,094
|
|
Cost
of sales:
|
|
|
|
Production
costs
|
919,876
|
1,210,832
|
|
Depreciation
|
222,729
|
213,868
|
|
Freight
and delivery
|
175,303
|
226,258
|
|
Indirect
production costs
|
176,566
|
178,881
|
|
Royalties
|
235,021
|
258,206
|
|
Direct
sales expense
|
128,738
|
52,375
|
|
Total
cost of sales
|
1,858,233
|
2,140,420
|
|
Gross
profit - zeolite
|
408,403
|
332,674
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
revenues - combined
|
10,229,978
|
11,890,135
|
|
Total
cost of sales - combined
|
10,068,578
|
11,353,484
|
|
Total
gross profit - combined
|
$
161,400
|
$
536,651
|
17
|
Results of Operations by
Division
|
|
|
|
Antimony - Combined USA
|
|
|
|
and Mexico
|
2017
|
2016
|
|
Lbs
of Antimony Metal USA
|
1,326,659
|
1,422,957
|
|
Lbs
of Antimony Metal Mexico:
|
564,780
|
1,513,923
|
|
Total Lbs of Antimony Metal Sold
|
1,891,439
|
2,936,880
|
|
Average
Sales Price/Lb Metal
|
$
4.01
|
$
2.98
|
|
Net loss/Lb Metal
|
$
(0.94
)
|
$
(0.74
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross
antimony revenue - net of discount
|
$
7,588,470
|
$
8,744,170
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost
of sales - domestic
|
(4,671,202
)
|
(4,094,032
)
|
|
Cost
of sales - Mexico
|
(3,474,643
)
|
(5,074,665
)
|
|
Operating
expenses
|
(1,056,862
)
|
(1,265,518
)
|
|
Non-operating
expenses
|
(162,002
)
|
(183,428
)
|
|
Income
tax provision
|
-
|
(298,138
)
|
|
|
(9,364,709
)
|
(10,915,781
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss - antimony
|
(1,776,239
)
|
(2,171,611
)
|
|
Depreciation,&
amortization
|
681,660
|
741,502
|
|
Income
taxes
|
-
|
298,138
|
|
EBITDA - antimony
|
$
(1,094,579
)
|
$
(1,131,971
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Precious Metals
|
|
|
|
Ounces sold
|
|
|
|
Gold
|
107
|
108
|
|
Silver
|
32,021
|
38,123
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross
precious metals revenue
|
$
374,872
|
$
672,871
|
|
Production
costs, royalties, and shipping costs
|
(64,499
)
|
(44,367
)
|
|
Net income - precious metals
|
310,373
|
628,504
|
|
Depreciation
|
64,499
|
44,367
|
|
EBITDA - precious metals
|
$
374,872
|
$
672,871
|
|
|
|
|
|
Zeolite
|
|
|
|
Tons sold
|
12,377
|
13,143
|
|
Average
Sales Price/Ton
|
$
183.13
|
$
188.17
|
|
Net income (Loss)/Ton
|
$
26.78
|
$
17.80
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross
zeolite revenue
|
$
2,266,636
|
$
2,473,094
|
|
Cost
of sales
|
(1,858,234
)
|
(2,140,420
)
|
|
Operating
expenses
|
(64,237
)
|
(87,655
)
|
|
Non-operating
expenses
|
(12,693
)
|
(11,112
)
|
|
Net income - zeolite
|
331,472
|
233,907
|
|
Depreciation
|
222,729
|
213,868
|
|
EBITDA - zeolite
|
$
554,201
|
$
447,775
|
|
|
|
|
|
Company-wide
|
|
|
|
Gross
revenue
|
$
10,229,978
|
$
11,890,135
|
|
Production
costs
|
(10,068,578
)
|
(11,353,484
)
|
|
Operating
expenses
|
(1,121,099
)
|
(1,353,173
)
|
|
Non-operating
expenses
|
(174,695
)
|
(194,540
)
|
|
Income
tax provision
|
-
|
(298,138
)
|
|
Net income (loss)
|
(1,134,394
)
|
(1,309,200
)
|
|
Depreciation,&
amortization
|
968,888
|
999,737
|
|
Income
taxes
|
-
|
298,138
|
|
EBITDA
|
$
(165,506
)
|
$
(11,325
)
|
18
During the two year period ended December 31,
2017, the most significant events affecting our financial
performance were the fluctuation of antimony prices and the
decrease in our sources of antimony raw material. During the first
half of 2016, the price for antimony hit a seven year low, but
recovered to approximately $4.00 per pound by the end of 2017. By
the end of 2016, we stopped the processing of antimony concentrate
for Hillgrove Mines, Ltd., of Australia and started production from
our own mines in Mexico.
There was no production from our
own mines in Mexico, during 2016 due to the processing of
concentrates from Hillgrove. We produced approximately 530,000
pounds from our Mexican properties in 2017. The Puerto Blanco mill
circuits were utilized less than 10% of their capacity. Going
forward, the increased supply of raw material from Mexico and the
metal prices for both antimony and precious metals will be the most
significant factors influencing our
operations. Included in antimony cost of
sales-Mexico are costs of approximately $276,000 and $358,000 for
2017 and 2016, respectively, relating to maintaining our mineral
properties which were idle for 2016 and for a portion of
2017.
The
following are highlights of the significant changes during 2017 and
the two year period then ended:
Antimony:
●
The sale of
antimony during 2017 was 1,891,439 pounds compared to 2,936,880
pounds in 2016, a decrease of 1,045,441 pounds (36%).
●
The average sales
price of antimony during 2016 was $2.98 per pound compared to $4.01
during 2017, an increase of $1.03 per pound (35%). During the
beginning of 2018, the Rotterdam price of antimony is approximately
$3.75 per pound.
●
The metallurgical
problem with the Los Juarez concentrates has been solved with
cyanide and caustic leach plants, and pilot mining, milling, and
smelting will resume. This will put the Puerto Blanco mill in
operation during 2018. During 2017 and 2016, the Puerto Blanco mill
was operating at less than 10% of capacity.
●
The net loss per
pound of antimony was $0.94 in 2017 even though the price increased
$1.03 per pound from 2016. The net loss per pound in 2016 was $0.74
per pound.
●
Our cost of goods sold for antimony decreased
from $9,168,697 in 2016 to $8,145,846 in 2017. This was primarily
due to the decrease in raw material from Australia.
For the years ended December 31, 2017
and 2016, costs of goods sold include operating and non-operating
production costs from Mexico operations.
●
Our cost of
production for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 included
metallurgical testing at Puerto Blanco and Madero, Mexico, and to a
lesser degree, our plant in Thompson Falls, Montana.
●
We are producing
and buying raw materials, which will allow us to ensure a steady
flow of products for sale. Our smelter at Madero, Mexico, was
producing primarily from concentrates from Australia in 2016.
Production from Madero during 2017 was primarily from our own
Mexican properties, and we purchased a significant portion of the
raw materials for our smelter in Montana.
●
We are
proceeding with the testing of the Los Juarez ore in the 100 ton
per day mill at Puerto Blanco. A 400 ton per day flotation mill is
permitted and is partially installed. This mill will be dedicated
to processing rock from the Los Juarez mining property. We have
adequate crushing capacity in place to feed the 450 ton per day
mill and the existing mill.
●
Our principal
smelter, precious metals recovery operation, and our Company
headquarters remain in Montana.
Zeolite:
During
2017, BRZ sold 12,377 tons compared to 13,143 tons in 2016, down
766 tons (6%). BRZ realized a net income of $331,472 in 2017 after
depreciation of $222,729 compared to a net income of $233,907 in
2016 after depreciation of $213,868. Production efficiency at the
plant in Preston, Idaho, increased in 2017 due to repairs and new
equipment. Sales activity in the early part of 2018 includes a
number of new customers.
General
and administrative costs, as reported in our statement of
operations, include fees paid to directors through stock based
compensation, office expenses, and fees to the NYSE AMERICAN, and
other non-operating costs. The combined general and administrative
costs were 5.2%, and 5.7%, of sales for 2017 and 2016,
respectively.
19
The
decrease in professional fees for 2017 (approximately $91,000) was
primarily due to attorney fees of approximately $72,000 paid in
2016 related to our former Investor Relations representative. Our
accounting fees for 2017 related to our annual audit and our
quarterly SEC filings decreased by approximately $15,000 from the
prior year.
Factoring costs
increased in 2017 from approximately $35,000 in 2016 to
approximately $36,000 in 2017.
The
discounts we gave for early payments were approximately $110,000
for both 2017and 2016.
Subsidiaries
The
Company has a 100% investment in two subsidiaries in Mexico, USAMSA
and AM, whose mineral property carrying values were assessed at
December 31, 2017 and 2016 for impairment. Management’s
assessment of the subsidiaries’ fair value was based on their
future benefit to us.
Financial Condition and Liquidity
|
|
2017
|
2016
|
|
Current
assets
|
$
1,562,270
|
$
1,692,555
|
|
Current
liabilities
|
(3,934,726
)
|
(3,382,123
)
|
|
Net
Working Capital
|
$
(2,372,456
)
|
$
(1,689,568
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
provided by operations
|
$
716,705
|
$
425,837
|
|
Cash
used for capital outlay
|
(365,541
)
|
(583,029
)
|
|
Cash
provided (used) by financing:
|
|
|
|
Net
payments (to) from factor
|
(139,519
)
|
136,617
|
|
Proceeds
from notes payable to bank
|
25,248
|
36,645
|
|
Principal
paid on long-term debt
|
(211,529
)
|
(175,238
)
|
|
Checks
issued and payable
|
(7,434
)
|
35,682
|
|
Net
change in cash
|
$
17,930
|
$
(123,486
)
|
Our net
working capital decreased for the year ended December 31, 2017,
from a negative amount of $1,689,568 at the beginning of the year
to a negative amount of $2,372,456 at the end of 2017. Our current
assets decreased primarily due to a decrease in our accounts
receivable, which was partially offset by an increase in our
inventories. Our current liabilities increased by approximately
$550,000 primarily due to an increase in our accounts payable and
the current portion of long-term debt, which were partially offset
by the decrease in our liability for factored accounts receivable.
Capital improvements were paid for with cash and debt.
For the
year ending December 31, 2018, we are planning to finance our
improvements with operating cash flow. Our 2018 improvements are
expected to include improvements related to completing the cyanide
leach circuit at Puerto Blanco.
The
current portion of our long term debt is serviceable from the cash
generated by operations.
Going Concern Consideration
At
December 31, 2017, the Company’s financial statements show
negative working capital of approximately $2.4 million and an
accumulated deficit of approximately $26.5 million. In
addition, the Company has incurred losses for the prior three
years. These factors indicate that there may be doubt
regarding the ability to continue as a going concern for the next
twelve months.
The
continuing losses are principally a result of the Company’s
antimony operations and in particular to the production costs
incurred in Mexico. The other two operating divisions, precious
metals and zeolite, had gross profits of $310,373 and $408,403,
respectively, in 2017.
20
Regarding the
antimony division, in 2016 the Company endured some of the lowest
prices for antimony in the past seven years, with an average sales
price of only $2.98 per pound of metal contained. Prices
improved during 2017 with an average sale price of $4.01. Through
March 2018, our average sale price for antimony is approximately
$4.10 per pound. Additionally, in November 2017, the Company
renegotiated its domestic sodium antimonite supply agreement
resulting in a lower cost for antimony per pound of approximately
$0.44. With the new supply agreement in place, most of the market
increase in antimony prices will result in increased Company cash
flow in 2018 from its antimony division.
In
2017, the Company reduced costs for labor at the Mexico locations
which has resulted in a lower overall production costs in Mexico
which will continue through 2018. The reduction was due to a large
reduction in the work force at the Madero smelter because of the
decrease in antimony concentrates from Hillgrove (see Note 10). In
the fourth quarter 2017, the Company also adjusted operating
approaches at Madero that will likely result in a decrease in
operating costs for fuel, natural gas, electricity, and reagents.
Although total production activity in Mexico decreased in 2017 due
to the lack of Hillgrove concentrates, the Company’s 2018
plan involves ramping up production at its own antimony properties
in Mexico. In addition, a new leach circuit expected to come on
line during 2018 in Mexico will result in more extraction of
precious metals.
In
2017, management implemented wage and other cost reductions at the
corporate level that will keep administrative costs stable in 2018.
The Company expects to continue paying a low cost for propane in
Montana, which in years past has been a major operating
cost.
Over
the past several years, the Company has been able to make required
principal payments on its debt from cash generated from operations
without the need for additional borrowings or selling shares of its
common stock. The Company plans to continue keeping current on its
debt payments in 2018 through cash flows from
operations.
Management believes
that the current circumstances and cost reduction actions taken
will enable the Company to be actively operating for the next
twelve months.
Critical Accounting Estimates
We
have, besides our estimates of the amount of depreciation on our
assets, two critical accounting estimates. The value of our
unprocessed ore in inventory is assessed on assays taken at the
time the ore is delivered, and may vary when the ore is processed
and final settlement is made. Also, the asset recovery obligation
on our balance sheet is based on an estimate of the future cost to
recover and remediate our properties as required by our permits
upon cessation of our operations, and may differ when we cease
operations.
●
The value of
unprocessed ore in our inventory at the Wadley mining concession
and Puerto Blanco mill is based on assays taken at the time the ore
is delivered, and may vary when the ore is processed and final
settlement is made. We assay the ore to estimate the amount of
antimony contained per metric ton, and then make a payment based on
the Rotterdam price of antimony and the % of antimony contained.
Our payment scale incorporates a penalty for ore with a low
percentage of antimony. It is reasonably likely that the initial
assay will differ from the amount of metal recovered from a given
lot. If the initial assay of a lot of ore on hand at the end of a
reporting period were different, it would cause a change in our
reported inventory and accounts payable amounts, but would not
change our reported cost of goods sold or net income amounts. At
December 31, 2017, if we had overestimated the per cent of antimony
in our total inventory of purchased ore by 2.5%, (a 10% correction
to the amount of antimony metal contained if we assayed 25.0%
antimony per metric ton), the amount of our inventory and accounts
payable would be smaller by approximately $1,500. Our net income
would not be affected. Direct shipping ore (DSO) purchased at our
Madero smelter is paid for at a fixed amount at the time of
delivery and assaying, and is not subject to accounting estimates.
The amount of the accounting estimate for purchased ore at our
Puerto Blanco mill is in a constant state of change because the
amount of purchased ore and the per cent of metal contained are
constantly changing. Due to the amount of ore on hand at the end of
a reporting period, as compared to the amount of total assets,
liabilities, equity, and the ore processed during a reporting
period, any change in the amount of estimated metal contained would
likely not result in a material change to our financial
condition.
21
●
The asset
retirement obligation and asset on our balance sheet is based on an
estimate of the future cost to recover and remediate our properties
as required by our permits upon cessation of our operations, and
may differ when we cease operations. At December 31, 2011, we made
an estimate that the cost of the machine and man hours probable to
be needed to put our properties in the condition required by our
permits once we cease operations would be $134,000. For purposes of
the estimate, we used a probable life of 20 years and costs that,
initially, are comparable to rates that we would incur at the
present. We are adding to (an accretion of 6%) the liability each
year, and amortizing the asset over 20 years ($6,700 annually),
which decreases our net income in total each year (by $13,490 for
2017 and $12,155 for 2016). We make periodic reviews of the
remaining life of the mine and other operations, and the estimated
remediation costs upon closure, and adjust our account balances
accordingly. At this time, we think that an adjustment in our asset
recovery obligation is not required, and an adjustment in future
periods would not have a material impact in the year of adjustment,
but would change the amount of the annual accretion and
amortization costs charged to our expenses by an undetermined
amount.
Not
Applicable.
The
consolidated financial statements of the registrant are included
herein on pages F1-F22.
None
Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures
At the
end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K, an
evaluation was carried out under the supervision of and with the
participation of our management, including the Principal Executive
Officer and the Principal Financial Officer of the effectiveness of
the design and operations of our disclosure controls and procedures
(as defined in Rule 13a – 15(e) and Rule 15d – 15(e)
under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this
report. Based on that evaluation, the Principal Executive
Officer and the Principal Financial Officer have concluded that our
disclosure controls and procedures were not effective in ensuring
that: (i) information required to be disclosed by the Company in
reports that it files or submits to the Securities and Exchange
Commission under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed,
summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in
applicable rules and forms and (ii) material information required
to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Exchange Act is
accumulated and communicated to our management, including our CEO
and CFO, as appropriate, to allow for accurate and timely decisions
regarding required disclosure.
Disclosure controls
and procedures were not effective due primarily to material
weaknesses in the Company’s internal control of financial
reporting as discussed below.
Internal control over financial reporting
Management's annual report on internal control over financial
reporting
The
management of USAC is responsible for establishing and maintaining
adequate internal control over financial reporting. This internal
control system has been designed to provide reasonable assurance to
our management and Board of Directors regarding the preparation and
fair presentation of our published financial
statements.
All
internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have
inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to
be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to
financial statement preparation and presentation.
22
The
management of USAC has assessed the effectiveness of our internal
control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017. To make
this assessment, we used the criteria for effective internal
control over financial reporting described in Internal
Control-Integrated Framework (2013), issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission
(COSO).
As a
result of our assessment, we concluded that we have material
weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting as of
December 31, 2017. These weaknesses are as follows:
●
Inadequate
design of internal control over the preparation of the financial
statements and financial reporting processes;
●
Inadequate
monitoring of internal controls over significant accounts and
processes including controls associated with domestic and Mexican
subsidiary operations and the period-end financial reporting
process; and
●
The
absence of proper segregation of duties within significant
processes and ineffective controls over management oversight,
including antifraud programs and controls.
We are
aware of these material weaknesses and will develop procedures to
ensure that independent review of material transactions is
performed. The chief financial officer will develop internal
control measures to mitigate the lack of inadequate documentation
of controls and the monitoring of internal controls over
significant accounts and processes including controls associated
with the period-ending reporting processes, and to mitigate the
segregation of duties within significant accounts and processes and
the absence of controls over management oversight, including
antifraud programs and controls.
We plan
to consult with independent experts when complex transactions are
entered into.
Because
these material weaknesses exist, management has concluded that our
internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017,
is ineffective.
Changes in internal control over financial reporting
There
were no changes in internal control over financial reporting for
the quarter ended December 31, 2017.
Item 10
Directors, Executive Officers, Promoters and Control Persons,
Compliance with
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act
Identification of directors and executive officers at December 31,
2017, is as follows:
|
Name
|
|
Age
|
|
Affiliation
|
|
Expiration of Term
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
John C. Lawrence
|
|
79
|
|
Chairman, President,
|
|
Annual meeting
|
|
|
|
|
|
Director
|
|
|
|
John C. Gustavsen
|
|
69
|
|
First Vice-President
|
|
Annual meeting
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Russell C. Lawrence
|
|
49
|
|
Second Vice-President
|
|
Annual meeting
|
|
|
|
|
|
and Director
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Matthew Keane
|
|
62
|
|
Third Vice-President
|
|
Annual meeting
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Daniel L. Parks
|
|
69
|
|
Chief Financial Officer
|
|
Annual meeting
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Alicia Hill
|
|
36
|
|
Secretary, Controller,
|
|
Annual meeting
|
|
|
|
|
|
and Treasurer
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gary D. Babbitt
|
|
72
|
|
Director
|
|
Annual meeting
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Whitney Ferer
|
|
59
|
|
Director
|
|
Annual meeting
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hart W. Baitis
|
|
68
|
|
Director
|
|
Annual meeting
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jeffrey Wright
|
|
48
|
|
Director
|
|
Annual meeting
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Craig Thomas
|
|
43
|
|
Director
|
|
Annual meeting
|
23
Business Experience of Directors and Executive
Officers
John C. Lawrence
. Mr. Lawrence has been the president and a
director since our inception in 1969. Mr. Lawrence was the
president and a director of AGAU Mines, Inc., our corporate
predecessor. He is a member of the Society of Mining Engineers and
a recipient of the Uuno Sahinen Silver Medallion Award presented by
Butte Tech, University of Montana. He has a vast background in
mining, milling, smelting, chemical processing and oil and
gas.
Gary D. Babbitt
. Mr. Babbitt has experience in the mining
industry with approximately 30 years dealing with joint ventures,
purchases, royalty leases and contracts. He has a working knowledge
of Spanish and has negotiated supply and mining agreements in
Mexico. Mr. Babbitt has a B.A. from the Albertson College of Idaho,
and earned his J.D. from the University of Chicago.
Russell C. Lawrence
. Mr. Lawrence has experience in applied
physics, mining, refining, excavation, electricity, electronics,
and building contracting. He graduated from the University of Idaho
in 1994 with a degree in physics, and worked for the Physics
Department at the University of Idaho for a period of 10 years. He
has also worked as a building contractor and for USAC at the
smelter and laboratory at Thompson Falls, for USAMSA in the
construction and operation of the USAMSA smelter in Mexico, and for
Antimonio de Mexico, S. A. de C. V. at the San Miguel Mine in
Mexico.
Hart W. Baitis.
Mr. Baitis graduated from the University of
Oregon in 1971 with a B.S. in Geology, and was awarded a Ph. D. in
Geology in 1976. He has 35 years of experience as an exploration
geologist in the United States, Canada, Central America, and
Mexico. Mr. Baitis is experienced in numerous geologic environments
and terrains, and has been involved in all phases of exploration,
ranging from field geologist, consultant, management, and
acquisition team director.
Whitney Ferer.
Mr. Ferer was nominated to the board of
USAC in February 2012. He worked for 34 years for Aaron Ferer &
Sons Co. headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, where he was the Vice
President of Operations and Senior Trader, as well Vice
Chairman of the Board of AF&S Co.. He has been involved
in the patenting of various processes for the breakdown of plastics
and metal recovery, and was Vice President of the Lead & Zinc
Division of AF&S. In addition, Mr. Ferer has been
activ
e
in the trading of all
metals, and facilitated the opening of eight offices in the Far
East and China for AF&S. Mr. Ferer has recently opened
his own company W.H. Ferer Co., LLC. He is one of the
largest traders of antimony metal and oxides in the United States
and, additionally, he handles approximately 20-30 elements in
various forms and grades.
Jeffrey D. Wright
. Mr. Wright graduated from North Carolina
University in 1991, and from the University of Southern California,
Marshall School of Business (MBA) in 2004. Mr. Wright was a naval
officer from 1991 through 1996, serving aboard the aircraft carrier
USS Carl Vinson and the destroyer USS John Young. After duty in the
military, Mr. Wright held successively more responsible positions
in the securities and finance industry. From 2011 through 2013 he
was the managing director metals and mining research for Global
Hunter Securities, and he held the same position for H.C.
Wainwright for 2013 through 2015.
Craig W. Thomas.
Mr. Thomas is a professional investor with
fifteen years of investing experience. He is currently
the co-founder of Shareholder Advocates for Value Enhancement and
the managing member of various investment
partnerships. Mr. Thomas is currently a director
of Full House Resorts, Inc. Mr. Thomas earned a B.A. from
Stanford University and an M.B.A. from the Graduate School of
Business at Stanford University.
Alicia Hill.
Ms. Hill was hired by the Company in 2006 as an
accounting assistant, and was eventually promoted to chief
accountant responsible for the recording of transactions for three
companies. In 2011, she was appointed Company Controller,
Secretary, and Treasurer. Ms. Hill has guided the Company through
the listing on the NYSE-MKT, in the addition of a new division in
Mexico, and has been the liaison with the Company’s auditors
through a progressively complicated reporting process.
Daniel L. Parks.
Mr. Parks graduated from the University of
Idaho in 1974 with a B.S. in Accounting, and was licensed as a
certified public accountant in 1976. He worked as an auditor for
Coopers & Lybrand for three years, as controller for a lumber
manufacturing company for one year, and owned his own accounting
practice for thirty years. Mr. Parks was extensively involved in
auditing and financial statement preparation during this
time.
24
John C. Gustaven.
Mr. Gustaven graduated from Rutgers
University in 1970 with a BS in chemistry and started work for
Harshaw Chemical (purchased by Amspec Chemical Corporation), a
major producer of antimony trioxide. Mr. Gustaven took engineering
courses from 1976 through 1980, and became president and treasurer
of the company in 1983. He was promoted CEO in 1990. Mr. Gustaven
designed a new type of production furnace for antimony trioxide
that eventually produced 20 million pounds of antimony trioxide per
year. Mr. Gustaven is conversant in Spanish, Chinese, and other
languages, and travelled to many countries as part of his duties as
president of Amspec Chemical Corporation. Mr. Gustaven came to work
at United States Antimony Corporation in November of
2011.
Matt Keane
. Mr. Keane graduated from Mankato State
University in 1978 with degrees in geography and environmental
studies. Mr. Keane was owner of a construction business and a
retail building supply business before becoming the director of
sales for United States Antimony Corporation in 2000. Mr. Keane has
developed the Company’s growing zeolite sales through Bear
River Zeolite and the increase in the Company’s share of the
domestic market for antimony products.
We are
not aware of any involvement by our directors or executive officers
during the past five years in legal proceedings that are material
to an evaluation of the ability or integrity of any director or
executive officer.
Board Meetings and Committees
Our Board of Directors held
four (4) regular meetings during the 2017 calendar year. Each
incumbent director attended all of the meetings held during the
2017 calendar year, in the aggregate, by the Board and each
committee of the Board of which he was a member.
Our
Board of Directors established an Audit Committee on December 10,
2011. It consists of four members, Gary Babbitt (Chairman), Whitney
Ferer, Jeffrey Wright, and Craig Thomas. None of the Audit
Committee members are involved in our day-to-day financial
management. Jeffrey Wright and Craig Thomas are considered
financial experts.
During
2011, the Board also established a Compensation Committee and a
Nominating Committee.
Board Member Compensation
Following is a summary of fees,
cash payments, stock awards, and other reimbursements to Directors
during the year ended December 31, 2017:
Directors
Compensation
|
Name and Principal Position
|
Fees Earned or paid in Cash
|
Stock Awards
|
Total Fees, Awards, and Other Compensation
|
|
John C. Lawrence, Chairman
|
$
25,000
|
$
25,000
|
|
|
Gary
D. Babbitt, Director
|
$
18,000
|
$
25,000
|
$
43,000
|
|
Russell Lawrence, Director
|
$
25,000
|
$
25,000
|
|
|
Hartmut Baitis, Director
|
$
25,000
|
$
25,000
|
|
|
Whitney Ferer, Director
|
$
25,000
|
$
25,000
|
|
|
Jeffrey Wright, Director
|
$
25,000
|
$
25,000
|
|
|
Craig
Thomas, Director
|
|
$
25,000
|
$
25,000
|
|
Totals
|
$
18,000
|
$
175,000
|
$
193,000
|
Section 16(a)
Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires our directors and
executive officers and the holders of 10% or more of our common
stock to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with
the Securities and Exchange Commission. Officers, directors and
stockholders holding more than 10% of our common stock are required
by the regulation to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a)
forms they have filed. Based solely on our review of copies of
Forms 3, 4 and 5 furnished to us, Mr. Baitis, Mr. Babbitt, Mr.
Ferer, and Mr. Russell Lawrence did not file timely Forms 3, 4 or
Form 5 reports during 2017 and 2016.
25
Code of Ethics
The
Company has adopted a Code of Ethics that applies to the Company's
executive officers and its directors. The Company will provide,
without charge, a copy of the Code of Ethics on the written request
of any person addressed to the Company at: United States Antimony
Corporation, P.O. Box 643, Thompson Falls, MT 59873.
Summary Compensation Table
The
Securities and Exchange Commission requires the following table
setting forth the compensation paid by USAC to its principal
executive officer for fiscal years ended December 31, 2017 and
2016.
|
Name
and Principal Position
|
|
Year
|
Salary
|
Bonus
|
Stock
Awards (2)
|
Total
|
|
John
C. Lawrence,
|
|
2017
|
$
141,000
|
N/A
|
$
25,000
|
$
166,000
|
|
President
and Chief Executive Officer
|
|
2016
|
$
141,000
|
|
$
25,000
|
$
166,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
John
C. Gustaven,
|
|
2017
|
$
100,000
|
N/A
|
|
$
100,000
|
|
Executive
Vice President
|
|
2016
|
$
100,000
|
|
|
$
100,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Russell
Lawrence,
|
|
2017
|
$
110,000
|
N/A
|
$
25,000
|
$
135,000
|
|
Vice
President for Latin America
|
|
2016
|
$
110,000
|
|
$
25,000
|
$
135,000
|
(2)
These figures
represent the fair value, as of the date of issuance, the annual
director's fees for John C. Lawrence and Russell Lawrence payable
in shares of USAC's common stock.
Compensation for
all executive officers, except for the President/CEO position, is
recommended to the compensation committee of the Board of Directors
by the President/CEO. The compensation committee makes the
recommendation for the compensation of the President/CEO. The
compensation committee has identified a peer group of mining
companies to aid in reviewing the President’s compensation
recommendations for executives, and for reviewing the compensation
of the President/CEO. The full Board approves the compensation
amounts recommended by the compensation committee. Currently, the
executive managements’ compensation only includes base salary
and health insurance. The Company does not have annual performance
based salary increases, long term performance based cash
incentives, deferred compensation, retirement benefits, or
disability benefits.
Two
executive officers, the President/CEO and the Vice-President for
the Latin American operations, receive restricted stock awards for
their services as Board members.
The
following table sets forth information concerning the outstanding
equity awards at December 31, 2017, held by our principal executive
officer. There were not any other outstanding equity awards or plan
based awards to officers or directors as of December 31,
2017.
26
|
Outstanding Equity
Awards
at Fiscal Year
End
Awards
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number
of Securities Underlying
Unexercised
Options
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercisable
|
Unexercisable
|
Number of
Securities
Underlying Unexercised
|
Exercise
|
Expiration
|
|
Name
|
#
|
#
|
Unearned
|
Price
|
Date
|
|
John
C. Lawrence
|
250,000
|
0
|
0
|
$
0.25
|
None
|
|
(Chairman
of the Board
of
Directors and Chief
Executive
Officer)
|
|
|
|
|
|
The
following table sets forth information regarding beneficial
ownership of our common stock as of April 2, 2018, by (i) each
person who is known by us to beneficially own more than 5% of our
Series B, C, and D preferred stock or common stock; (ii) each of
our executive officers and directors; and (iii) all of our
executive officers and directors as a group. Unless otherwise
stated, each person's address is c/o United States Antimony
Corporation, P.O. Box 643, 47 Cox Gulch, Thompson Falls, Montana
59873.
27
|
Title
of Class
|
|
Name and Address of Beneficial
Owner
(1)
|
Amount
and Nature of Beneficial Ownership
|
Percent of Class
(1)
|
Percent
of all Voting Stock
|
|
Common
Stock
|
|
Reed
Family Limited Partnership
328
Adams Street
Milton,
MA 02186
|
4,018,335
|
5.95
%
|
5.80
%
|
|
Common
Stock
|
|
The
Dugan Family
c/o
A.W. Dugan
1415
Louisana Street, Suite 3100
Houston,
TX 77002
|
6,362,927
(3)
|
9.43
%
|
9.19
%
|
|
Series
B Preferred
|
|
Excel
Mineral Company
P.O.
Box 3800
Santa
Barbara, CA 93130
|
750,000
(5)
|
100.00
%
|
N/A
|
|
Series
C Preferred
|
|
Richard
A. Woods
59
Penn Circle West
Penn
Plaza Apts.
Pittsburgh,
PA 15206
|
48,305
(4)
|
27.10
%
|
*
|
|
Series
C Preferred
|
|
Dr.
Warren A. Evans
69
Ponfret Landing Road
Brooklyn,
CT 06234
|
32,203
(4)
|
18.10
%
|
*
|
|
Series
C Preferred
|
|
Edward
Robinson
1007
Spruce Street, 1st floor
Philadelphia,
PA 19107
|
32,203
(4)
|
18.10
%
|
*
|
|
Series
C Preferred
|
|
All
Series C Preferred Shareholders as a Group
|
177,904
(4)
|
100.00
%
|
*
|
|
|
|
John
C. Lawrence
|
4,343,607
(2)
|
68.59
%
|
6.27
%
|
|
|
|
Russell
Lawrence
|
343,145
|
5.42
%
|
*
|
|
|
|
Hart
Baitis
|
233,680
|
3.69
%
|
*
|
|
|
|
Garry
Babbitt
|
271,486
|
4.29
%
|
*
|
|
Common
Stock
|
|
Whitney
Ferer
|
162,500
|
2.57
%
|
*
|
|
|
|
Jeffrey
Wright
|
130,320
|
2.06
%
|
*
|
|
|
|
Mathew
Keane
|
10,300
|
0.16
%
|
*
|
|
|
|
Daniel
Parks
|
264,500
|
4.18
%
|
*
|
|
|
|
Craig
Thomas
|
572,711
|
9.04
%
|
*
|
|
Common
Stock
|
|
All
Directors and Executive Officers as a Group
|
6,332,249
|
100.00
%
|
9.16
%
|
|
|
|
John
C. Lawrence
|
1,590,672
(4)
|
90.80
%
|
2.29
%
|
|
Series
D Preferred
|
|
Leo
Jackson
|
102,000
|
5.80
%
|
*
|
|
|
|
Garry
Babbitt
|
58,333
|
3.40
%
|
*
|
|
Series
D Preferred
|
|
All
Series D Preferred Shareholders as a Group
|
1,751,005
(4)
|
100.00
%
|
2.52
%
|
|
|
|
All
Directors and Executive Officers as a Group
|
6,332,249
(2)
|
78.38
%
|
9.16
%
|
|
Common
Stock and Preferred Stock w/ voting rights
|
|
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
|
|
All
preferred Shareholders that are officers or directors
|
1,751,005
(4)
|
21.62
%
|
2.52
%
|
|
Common
and Preferred Voting Stock
|
|
All
Directors and Executive Officers as a Group
|
8,083,254
|
100.00
%
|
11.69
%
|
(1)
Beneficial Ownership is determined in accordance with the
rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission and generally
includes voting or investment power with respect to securities.
Shares of common stock subject to options or warrants currently
exercisable or convertible, or exercisable or convertible within 60
days of April 2, 2018, are deemed outstanding for computing the
percentage of the person holding options or warrants but are not
deemed outstanding for computing the percentage of any other
person. Percentages are based on a total of
67,488,153
shares of common stock, 750,000
shares of Series B Preferred Stock, 177,904 shares of Series C
Preferred Stock, and 1,751,005 shares of Series D Preferred Stock
outstanding on April 2, 2018. Total voting stock of 69,417,062
shares is a total of all the common stock issued, and all of the
Series C and Series D Preferred Stock outstanding at April 2,
2018.
28
(2)
Includes 4,031,107
shares of common stock and 250,000 stock purchase warrants.
Excludes 183,324 shares owned by the estate of Mr. Lawrence's
sister, as to which Mr. Lawrence disclaims beneficial
ownership.
(3)
Includes shares
owned by the estate of Al W. Dugan and shares owned by companies
owned and controlled by the estate of Al W. Dugan. Excludes 183,333
shares owned by Lydia Dugan as to which the estate of Mr. Dugan
disclaims beneficial ownership.
(4)
The outstanding
Series C and Series D preferred shares carry voting rights equal to
the same number of shares of common stock.
(5)
The outstanding
Series B preferred shares carry voting rights only if the Company
is in default in the payment of declared dividends. The Board of
Directors has not declared any dividends as due and payable for the
Series B preferred stock.
Item 13
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
Described
below are transactions during the last two years to which we are a
party and in which any director, executive officer or beneficial
owner of five percent (5%) or more of any class of our voting
securities or relatives of our directors, executive officers or
five percent (5%) beneficial owners has a direct or indirect
material interest.
In
March of 2016 the Company issued the Board members 550,000 shares
of the Company’s common stock at $0.25 per share for services
performed in 2015 with a value of $137,500.
In
December of 2016, the Company issued Daniel Parks, the
Company’s Chief Financial Officer, 200,000 shares of the
Company’s common stock valued at $54,000 to retain his
services for a two year period. As part of the agreement, Mr.
Parks’ hours worked and normal compensation was
reduced.
During
2016, the Company awarded, but did not issue, common stock with a
value at December 31, 2016, of $168,750 to its Board of Directors
as compensation for their services as directors. In connection with
the issuances, the Company recorded $168,750 in director
compensation expense. In March of 2017, at a price of $0.40 per
share, the directors were issued 421,875 shares for
2016.
On
December 31, 2017, the Company awarded shares of unregistered
common stock to be paid to its directors for services during 2017,
having a fair value of $175,000, based on the stock price at the
date declared. The stock has not been issued as of April 2,
2018.
The
Company’s President and Chairman, John Lawrence, rents
equipment and an aircraft to the Company and charges the Company
for lodging and meals provided to consultants, customers and other
parties by an entity that Mr. Lawrence owns. The amount due to Mr.
Lawrence as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 was $22,668 and $14,525,
respectively. Expenses paid to Mr. Lawrence for the years ended
December 31, 2017 and 2016 were $13,603 and $16,791,
respectively.
The
Company's Board of Directors and audit committee reviews and
approves audit and permissible non-audit services performed by
DeCoria, Maichel & Teague P.S., as well as the fees charged by
DeCoria, Maichel & Teague P.S. for such services. In its review
of non-audit service fees and its appointment of DeCoria, Maichel
& Teague P.S. as the Company's independent accountants, the
Board of Directors considered whether the provision of such
services is compatible with maintaining DeCoria, Maichel &
Teague P.S. independence. All of the services provided and fees
charged by DeCoria, Maichel & Teague P.S. in 2017 were
pre-approved by the Board of Directors and its audit
committee.
Audit Fees
The
aggregate fees billed by DeCoria, Maichel & Teague P.S. for
professional services for the audit of the annual financial
statements of the Company and the reviews of the financial
statements included in the Company's quarterly reports on Form 10-Q
for 2017 and 2016 were $119,985 and $134,985, respectively, net of
expenses.
29
Audit-Related Fees
There
were no other fees billed by DeCoria, Maichel & Teague P.S.
during the last three fiscal years for assurance and related
services that were reasonably related to the performance of the
audit or review of the Company's financial statements and not
reported under "Audit Fees" above.
Tax Fees
The
aggregate fees billed by DeCoria, Maichel & Teague P.S. during
the last two fiscal years for professional services rendered by
DeCoria, Maichel & Teague P.S. for tax compliance for 2017 and
2016 were $8,985 and $12,695, respectively.
All Other Fees
There
were no other fees billed by DeCoria, Maichel & Teague P.S.
during the last two fiscal years for products and services provided
by DeCoria, Maichel & Teague P.S
Exhibit Number
Description
3.01
Articles of
Incorporation of USAC, filed as an exhibit to USAC's Form 10-KSB
for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995 (File
No.001-08675), are incorporated herein by this
reference.
Amended and
Restated Bylaws of USAC, filed as an exhibit to amendment No. 2 to
USAC's Form SB-2 Registration Statement (Reg. No. 333-45508) are
incorporated herein by this reference.
3.03
Articles of
Correction of Restated Articles of Incorporation of
USAC.
Articles of
Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of United States
Antimony Corporation, filed as an exhibit to USAC's Form 10-QSB for
the quarter ended September 30, 2002 (File No. 001-08675), are
incorporated herein by this reference.
Key Employees 2000
Stock Plan, filed as an exhibit to USAC's Form S-8 Registration
Statement filed on March 10, 2000 (File No. 333-32216) is
incorporated herein by this reference.
Documents
filed with USAC's Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended
December 31, 1995 (File No. 001-08675), are incorporated herein by
this reference:
10.10
Yellow Jacket
Venture Agreement
10.11
Agreement Between
Excel-Mineral USAC and Bobby C. Hamilton
10.12
Letter
Agreement
10.13
Columbia-Continental
Lease Agreement Revision
10.14
Settlement
Agreement with Excel Mineral Company
10.15
Memorandum
Agreement
10.16
Termination
Agreement
10.17
Amendment to
Assignment of Lease (Geosearch)
10.18
Series
B Stock Certificate to Excel-Mineral Company, Inc.
10.19
Division Order and
Purchase and Sale Agreement
30
10.20
Inventory and Sales
Agreement
10.21
Processing
Agreement
10.22
Release and
settlement agreement between Bobby C. Hamilton and United States
Antimony Corporation
10.23
Columbia-Continental
Lease Agreement
10.24
Release of
Judgment
10.25
Covenant Not to
Execute
10.26
Warrant Agreements
filed as an exhibit to USAC's Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the
year ended December 31, 1996 (File No. 001-08675), are incorporated
herein by this reference
Letter from EPA,
Region 10 filed as an exhibit to USAC's Quarterly Report on Form
10-QSB for the quarter ended September 30, 1997 (File No.
001-08675) is incorporated herein by this reference
Warrant Agreements
filed as an exhibit to USAC's Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the
year ended December 31, 1997 (File No. 001-08675) are incorporated
herein by this reference
Answer,
Counterclaim and Third-Party Complaint filed as an exhibit to
USAC's Quarterly Report on Forms 10-QSB for the quarter ended
September 30, 1998 (File No. 001-08675) is incorporated herein by
this reference
Documents
filed with USAC's Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended
December 31, 1998 (File No. 001-08675), are incorporated herein by
this reference:
Warrant
Issue-Al W. Dugan
Amendment
Agreement
Documents
filed with USAC's Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB for the quarter
ended March 31, 1999 (File No. 001-08675) is incorporated herein by
this reference:
10.33
Warrant
Issue-John C. Lawrence
10.34
PVS
Termination Agreement
Documents
filed as an exhibit to USAC's Form 10-KSB for the year ended
December 31, 1999 (File No. 001-08675) are incorporated herein by
this reference:
Maguire
Settlement Agreement
Warrant
Issue-Carlos Tejada
Warrant
Issue-Al W. Dugan
Memorandum of
Understanding with Geosearch Inc.
Factoring Agreement-Systran Financial Services Company
Mortgage to John C.
Lawrence
Warrant
Issue-Al W. Dugan filed as an exhibit to USAC's Quarterly Report on
Form 10-QSB for the quarter ended March 31, 2000 (File No.
001-08675) is incorporated herein by this reference
31
Agreement between
United States Antimony Corporation and Thomson Kernaghan & Co.,
Ltd. filed as an exhibit to USAC form 10-QSB for the quarter ended
June 30, 2000 (File No. 001-08675) are incorporated herein by this
reference
Settlement
agreement and release of all claims between the Estate of Bobby C.
Hamilton and United States Antimony Corporation filed as an exhibit
to USAC form 10-QSB for the quarter ended June 30, 2000 (File No.
001-08675) are incorporated herein by this reference.
Supply
Contracts with Fortune America Trading Ltd. filed as an exhibit to
USAC form 10-QSB for the quarter ended June 30, 2000 (File No.
001-08675) are incorporated herein by this reference
Amended
and Restated Agreements with Thomson Kernaghan & Co., Ltd,
filed as an exhibit to amendment No. 3 to USAC's Form SB-2
Registration Statement (Reg. No. 333-45508), are incorporated
herein by this reference
Purchase Order from
Kohler Company, filed as an exhibit to amendment No. 4 to USAC's
Form SB-2 Registration Statement (Reg. No. 333-45508) are
incorporated herein by this reference
Documents filed as
an exhibit to USAC's Form 10-QSB for the quarter ended June 30,
2002 (File No. 001-08675) are incorporated herein by this
reference:
Bear
River Zeolite Company Royalty Agreement, dated May 29,
2002
Grant
of Production Royalty, dated June 1, 2002
Assignment of
Common Stock of Bear River Zeolite Company, dated May 29,
2002
Agreement to Issue
Warrants of USA, dated May 29, 2002
Secured
convertible note payable - Delaware Royalty Company dated December
22, 2003*
Convertible note
payable - John C. Lawrence dated December 22, 2003*
Pledge,
Assignment and Security Agreement dated December 22,
2003*
Note
Purchase Agreement dated December 22, 2003*
Code of
Ethics*
Rule
13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications
Certification of
John C. Lawrence*
Section
1350 Certifications
Certification of
John C. Lawrence*
CERCLA
Letter from U.S. Forest Service filed as an exhibit to USAC form
10-QSB for the quarter ended June 30, 2000 (File No. 001-08675) are
incorporated herein by this reference and filed as an exhibit to
USAC's Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 1995 (File No.
1-8675) is incorporated herein by this reference
______________________
* Filed
herewith.
Reports
on Form 8-K
32
SIGNATURES
Pursuant
to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(b) 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.
|
|
UNITED STATES
ANTIMONY CORPORATION
|
|
|
|
|
(Registrant)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date:
April
2, 2018
|
By:
|
/s/
John C.
Lawrence
|
|
|
|
|
John C.
Lawrence
|
|
|
|
|
President,
Director,
and Principal
Executive Officer
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date:
April
2, 2018
|
By:
|
/s/
Daniel L.
Parks
|
|
|
|
|
Daniel L.
Parks
|
|
|
|
|
Chief Financial
Officer
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date:
April
2, 2018
|
By:
|
/s/
Alicia
Hill
|
|
|
|
|
Alicia
Hill
|
|
|
|
|
Controller
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pursuant to the
requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report
has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates
indicated.
|
Date:
April
2, 2018
|
By:
|
/s/
John C.
Lawrence
|
|
|
|
|
John C.
Lawrence
|
|
|
|
|
Director and
President
(Principal
Executive)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date:
April
2, 2018
|
By:
|
/s/
Whitney
Ferer
|
|
|
|
|
Whitney
Ferer
|
|
|
|
|
Director
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date:
April
2, 2018
|
By:
|
/s/
Gary
Babbitt
|
|
|
|
|
Gary
Babbitt
|
|
|
|
|
Director
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date:
April
2, 2018
|
By:
|
/s/
Hart
Baitis
|
|
|
|
|
Hart
Baitis
|
|
|
|
|
Director
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date:
April
2, 2018
|
By:
|
/s/
Russell
Lawrence
|
|
|
|
|
Russell
Lawrence
|
|
|
|
|
Director
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date:
April
2, 2018
|
By:
|
/s/
Jeffrey
Wright
|
|
|
|
|
Jeffrey
Wright
|
|
|
|
|
Director
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date:
April
2, 2018
|
By:
|
/s/
Craig
Thomas
|
|
|
|
|
Craig
Thomas
|
|
|
|
|
Director
|
|
33
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting
Firm
To the shareholders and the board of directors of United States
Antimony Corporation
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of
United States Antimony Corporation and Subsidiaries (the "Company")
as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the related consolidated
statements of operations, changes in stockholders’
equity and cash flows for the years then ended, and the related
notes (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). In
our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of the Company as
of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the results of its
operations and its cash flows for the years then ended, in
conformity with
accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the
Company's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public
accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting
Oversight Board (United States) ("PCAOB") and are required to be
independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S.
federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of
the Securities and Exchange Commission and the
PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the
PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit
to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error
or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged
to perform, anaudit of its internal control over financial
reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an
understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not
for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of
the Company's internal control over financial reporting.
Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of
material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to
error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those
risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis,
evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting
principles used and significant estimates made by management, as
well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial
statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
DeCoria, Maichel & Teague, P.S.
We have served as the Company's independent auditor since
1998.
Spokane, Washington
April 2, 2018
F-1
|
United States Antimony Corporation and Subsidiaries
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2017 and 2016
|
|
|
|
ASSETS
|
|
|
|
|
2017
|
2016
|
|
Current
assets:
|
|
|
|
Cash
and cash equivalents
|
$
27,987
|
$
10,057
|
|
Certificates
of deposit
|
252,298
|
251,641
|
|
Accounts
receivable, net of allowance
|
362,579
|
552,119
|
|
Inventories
|
914,709
|
855,637
|
|
Other
current assets
|
4,697
|
23,101
|
|
Total
current assets
|
1,562,270
|
1,692,555
|
|
|
|
|
|
Properties,
plants and equipment, net
|
15,132,897
|
15,695,966
|
|
Restricted
cash for reclamation bonds
|
63,345
|
63,274
|
|
IVA
receivable and other assets
|
372,742
|
314,203
|
|
Total
assets
|
$
17,131,254
|
$
17,765,998
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
|
|
|
|
Current
liabilities:
|
|
|
|
Checks
issued and payable
|
$
28,248
|
$
35,682
|
|
Accounts
payable
|
2,276,357
|
1,797,251
|
|
Due
to factor
|
10,880
|
150,399
|
|
Accrued
payroll, taxes and interest
|
185,283
|
213,695
|
|
Other
accrued liabilities
|
168,578
|
122,968
|
|
Payables
to related party
|
22,668
|
14,525
|
|
Deferred
revenue
|
60,049
|
78,730
|
|
Notes
payable to bank
|
192,565
|
167,317
|
|
Income
taxes payable (Note 13)
|
443,110
|
410,510
|
|
Long-term
debt, current portion, net of discount
|
546,988
|
391,046
|
|
Total
current liabilities
|
3,934,726
|
3,382,123
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term
debt, net of discount and current portion
|
1,239,126
|
1,472,869
|
|
Hillgrove
advances payable (Note 10)
|
1,134,221
|
1,134,221
|
|
Stock
payable to directors for services
|
175,000
|
168,750
|
|
Asset
retirement obligations and accrued reclamation costs
|
271,572
|
265,782
|
|
Total
liabilities
|
6,754,645
|
6,423,745
|
|
Commitments
and contingencies (Note 4, 10 and 15)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stockholders'
equity:
|
|
|
|
Preferred
stock $0.01 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized:
|
|
|
|
Series
A: -0- shares issued and outstanding
|
-
|
-
|
|
Series
B: 750,000 shares issued and outstanding
|
|
|
|
(liquidation
preference $922,500 and $915,000
|
|
|
|
respectively)
|
7,500
|
7,500
|
|
Series
C: 177,904 shares issued and outstanding
|
|
|
|
(liquidation
preference $97,847 both years)
|
1,779
|
1,779
|
|
Series
D: 1,751,005 shares issued and outstanding
|
|
|
|
(liquidation
preference $4,961,324 and $4,920,178
|
|
|
|
respectively)
|
17,509
|
17,509
|
|
Common
stock, $0.01 par value, 90,000,000 shares authorized;
|
|
|
|
67,488,153
and 67,066,278 shares issued and outstanding,
respectively
|
674,881
|
670,662
|
|
Additional
paid-in capital
|
36,239,264
|
36,074,733
|
|
Accumulated
deficit
|
(26,564,324
)
|
(25,429,930
)
|
|
Total
stockholders' equity
|
10,376,609
|
11,342,253
|
|
Total
liabilities and stockholders' equity
|
$
17,131,254
|
$
17,765,998
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated
financial statements.
F-2
|
United States Antimony Corporation and Subsidiaries
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016
|
|
|
|
|
2017
|
2016
|
|
|
|
|
|
REVENUES
|
$
10,229,978
|
$
11,890,135
|
|
|
|
|
|
COST OF REVENUES
|
10,068,578
|
11,353,484
|
|
|
|
|
|
GROSS PROFIT
|
161,400
|
536,651
|
|
|
|
|
|
OPERATING
EXPENSES:
|
|
|
|
General
and administrative
|
533,506
|
681,487
|
|
Salaries
and benefits
|
371,162
|
483,937
|
|
Hillgrove
advance - earned credit (Note 10)
|
-
|
(120,329
)
|
|
Professional
fees
|
216,431
|
308,078
|
|
TOTAL
OPERATING EXPENSES
|
1,121,099
|
1,353,173
|
|
|
|
|
|
INCOME
(LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS
|
(959,699
)
|
(816,522
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
OTHER
INCOME (EXPENSE):
|
|
|
|
Interest
income
|
873
|
1,437
|
|
Interest
expense
|
(106,975
)
|
(160,795
)
|
|
Factoring
expense
|
(35,993
)
|
(35,182
)
|
|
Foreign
exchange loss
|
(32,600
)
|
-
|
|
TOTAL
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
|
(174,695
)
|
(194,540
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
INCOME
(LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES
|
(1,134,394
)
|
(1,011,062
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
INCOME
TAX PROVISION
|
-
|
(298,138
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
NET INCOME (LOSS)
|
(1,134,394
)
|
(1,309,200
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Preferred
dividends
|
(48,649
)
|
(48,649
)
|
|
Net
income (loss) available to
|
|
|
|
common
stockholders
|
$
(1,183,043
)
|
$
(1,357,849
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
income (loss) per share of
|
|
|
|
common
stock:
|
|
|
|
Basic
and diluted
|
$
(0.02
)
|
$
(0.02
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted
average shares outstanding:
|
|
|
|
Basic
and diluted
|
67,413,025
|
66,781,757
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated
financial statements.
F-3
United States Antimony Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders'
Equity
For the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016
|
|
Total Preferred Stock
|
Common Stock
|
Additional
|
|
|||
|
|
Shares
|
Amount
|
Shares
|
Amount
|
Paid
In Capital
|
Accumulated
Deficit
|
Total
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balances,
December 31, 2015
|
2,678,909
|
$
26,788
|
66,316,278
|
$
663,162
|
$
35,890,733
|
$
(24,120,730
)
|
$
12,459,953
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issuance of common stock to directors for services
|
|
550,000
|
5,500
|
132,000
|
|
137,500
|
|
|
Issuance
of common stock to chief financial officer
|
|
|
200,000
|
2,000
|
52,000
|
|
54,000
|
|
Net
loss
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,309,200
)
|
(1,309,200
)
|
|
Balances,
December 31, 2016
|
2,678,909
|
26,788
|
67,066,278
|
670,662
|
36,074,733
|
(25,429,930
)
|
11,342,253
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issuance of common stock to directors for services
|
|
421,875
|
4,219
|
164,531
|
|
168,750
|
|
|
Net
loss
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,134,394
)
|
(1,134,394
)
|
|
Balances,
December 31, 2017
|
2,678,909
|
$
26,788
|
67,488,153
|
$
674,881
|
$
36,239,264
|
$
(26,564,324
)
|
$
10,376,609
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated
financial statements.
F-4
|
United States Antimony Corporation and Subsidiaries
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
Flows From Operating Activities:
|
2017
|
2016
|
|
Net
income (loss)
|
$
(1,134,394
)
|
$
(1,309,200
)
|
|
Adjustments
to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash
|
|
|
|
provided
by operating activities:
|
|
|
|
Depreciation
and amortization
|
968,888
|
999,737
|
|
Amortization
of debt discount
|
93,450
|
70,590
|
|
Hillgrove
advance earned credit
|
-
|
(120,329
)
|
|
Accretion
of asset retirement obligation
|
5,790
|
5,455
|
|
Common
stock issued for services
|
-
|
54,000
|
|
Common
stock accrued for directors fees
|
175,000
|
168,750
|
|
Foreign
exchange loss
|
32,600
|
-
|
|
Non-cash
miscellaneous income
|
(728
)
|
(1,595
)
|
|
Change
in:
|
|
|
|
Accounts
receivable
|
189,540
|
(129,446
)
|
|
Inventories
|
(59,072
)
|
238,601
|
|
Other
current assets
|
18,404
|
212,356
|
|
IVA
receivable and other assets
|
(58,539
)
|
(296,673
)
|
|
Accounts
payable
|
479,106
|
167,280
|
|
Accrued
payroll, taxes and interest
|
(28,412
)
|
(7,751
)
|
|
Other
accrued liabilities
|
45,610
|
(18,577
)
|
|
Deferred
revenues
|
(18,681
)
|
-
|
|
Income
taxes payable
|
-
|
410,510
|
|
Payables
to related party
|
8,143
|
(17,871
)
|
|
Net
cash provided by operating activities
|
716,705
|
425,837
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
Flows From Investing Activities:
|
|
|
|
Redemption
of reclamation bonds
|
-
|
12,810
|
|
Purchase
of properties, plants and equipment
|
(365,541
)
|
(595,839
)
|
|
Net
cash used by investing activities
|
(365,541
)
|
(583,029
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
Flows From Financing Activities:
|
|
|
|
Net
proceeds (to) from factor
|
(139,519
)
|
136,617
|
|
Proceeds
from notes payable to bank, net
|
25,248
|
36,645
|
|
Principal
payments of long-term debt
|
(211,529
)
|
(175,238
)
|
|
Change
in checks issued and payable
|
(7,434
)
|
35,682
|
|
Net
cash provided (used) by financing activities
|
(333,234
)
|
33,706
|
|
NET
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH
|
|
|
|
AND
CASH EQUIVALENTS
|
17,930
|
(123,486
)
|
|
Cash
and cash equivalents at beginning of year
|
10,057
|
133,543
|
|
Cash
and cash equivalents at end of year
|
$
27,987
|
$
10,057
|
|
|
|
|
|
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
|
|
|
|
Interest
paid in cash (net of amount capitalized)
|
$
14,632
|
$
14,694
|
|
Income
taxes paid in cash
|
-
|
13,090
|
|
Noncash
investing and financing activities:
|
|
|
|
Properties,
plants & equipment acquired with long-term debt
|
40,278
|
42,735
|
|
Imputed
interest capitalized as property, plant and equipment
|
-
|
26,796
|
|
Common
stock payable issued to directors
|
168,750
|
137,500
|
The accompanying notes are an
integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
F-5
United States Antimony Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2017 and 2016
1. Background of Company and Basis of
Presentation
AGAU
Mines, Inc., predecessor of United States Antimony Corporation
("USAC" or "the Company"), was incorporated in June 1968 as a
Delaware corporation to mine gold and silver. USAC was incorporated
in Montana in January 1970 to mine and produce antimony products.
In June 1973, AGAU Mines, Inc. was merged into USAC. In December
1983, the Company suspended its antimony mining operations when it
became possible to purchase antimony raw materials more
economically from foreign sources. The principal business of the
Company has been the production and sale of antimony
products.
During
2000, the Company formed a 75% owned subsidiary, Bear River Zeolite
Company ("BRZ"), to mine and market zeolite and zeolite products
from a mineral deposit in southeastern Idaho. In 2001, an operating
plant was constructed at the zeolite site and zeolite production
and sales commenced. During 2002, the Company acquired the
remaining 25% of BRZ and continued to produce and sell zeolite
products.
During
2005, the Company formed a 100% owned subsidiary, Antimonio de
Mexico S.A. de C.V. (“AM”), to explore and develop
potential antimony properties in Mexico.
During
2006, the Company acquired 100% ownership in United States
Antimony, Mexico S.A. de C.V. (“USAMSA”), which became
a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.
2. Concentrations of Risk
The
Company’s financial instruments that were exposed to
concentrations consist primarily of sales and accounts
receivable.
|
Sales to
|
For the Year Ended
|
|
|
Largest Customers
|
December 31, 2017
|
December 31, 2016
|
|
Mexichem
Specialty Compounds Inc.
|
$
3,335,046
|
$
2,108,998
|
|
East
Penn Manufacturing Inc
|
512,621
|
1,147,854
|
|
Kohler
Corporation
|
1,928,962
|
1,474,854
|
|
|
$
5,776,629
|
$
4,731,706
|
|
% of Total Revenues
|
56.50
%
|
39.80
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
Largest
|
|
|
|
Accounts Receivable
|
December 31, 2017
|
December 31, 2016
|
|
Nutreco
Canada Inc.
|
$
25,657
|
|
|
GE
Lighting
|
|
$
162,582
|
|
Teck
American Inc
|
241,627
|
|
|
Kohler
Corporation
|
|
151,500
|
|
Ralco
Mix Products
|
16,000
|
|
|
|
$
283,284
|
$
314,082
|
|
% of Total Receivables
|
78.10
%
|
83.90
%
|
The
Company's revenues from antimony sales are strongly influenced by
world prices for such commodities, which fluctuate and are affected
by numerous factors beyond the Company's control, including
inflation and worldwide forces of supply and demand. The aggregate
effect of these factors is not possible to predict
accurately.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated
financial statements.
F-6
United States Antimony Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2017 and 2016
3. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Principles of Consolidation
The
Company's consolidated financial statements include the accounts of
BRZ, USAMSA and AM, all wholly-owned subsidiaries. Intercompany
balances and transactions are eliminated in
consolidation.
Use of Estimates
The
preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States of America
requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect
the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during
the reporting period. Significant and critical estimates include
property, plant and equipment depreciation and potential
impairment, metal content of mineral resources, accounts receivable
allowance for uncollectible accounts, deferred income taxes, income
taxes payable, environmental remediation liabilities and asset
retirement obligations. Actual results could differ from those
estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The
Company considers cash in banks and investments with original
maturities of three months or less when purchased to be cash
equivalents.
Restricted Cash
Restricted cash at
December 31, 2017 and 2016 consists of cash held for reclamation
performance bonds, and is held in certificates of deposit with
financial institutions.
Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable
are stated at the amount that management expects to collect from
outstanding balances. Management provides for probable
uncollectible amounts through an allowance for doubtful accounts.
Changes to the allowance for doubtful accounts are based on
management’s judgment, considering historical write-offs,
collections and current credit conditions. Balances which remain
outstanding after management has used reasonable collection efforts
are written off through a charge to the allowance for doubtful
accounts and a credit to the applicable accounts receivable.
Payments received on receivables subsequent to being written off
are considered a bad debt recovery.
Inventories
Inventories at
December 31, 2017 and 2016 consisted of finished antimony products,
antimony metal, antimony concentrates, antimony ore, and finished
zeolite products, and are stated at the lower of first-in,
first-out weighted average cost or estimated net realizable value.
Finished antimony products, antimony metal and finished zeolite
products costs include raw materials, direct labor and processing
facility overhead costs and freight allocated based on production
quantity. Stockpiled ore is carried at the lower of average cost or
net realizable value. Since the Company's antimony inventory is a
commodity with a sales value that is subject to world prices for
antimony that are beyond the Company's control, a significant
change in the world market price of antimony could have a
significant effect on the net realizable value of inventories. The
Company periodically reviews its inventories to identify excess and
obsolete inventories and to estimate reserves for obsolete
inventories as necessary to reflect inventories at net realizable
value.
Translations of Foreign Currencies
All
amounts in the financial statements are presented in U.S. dollars,
which is the functional currency for all of our operations. Foreign
translation gains and losses relating to our Mexican subsidiaries
are recognized as foreign exchange gain or loss in our consolidated
statement of operations.
F-7
United States Antimony Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2017 and 2016
3. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,
continued:
Going Concern
Consideration
At
December 31, 2017, the Company’s financial statements show
negative working capital of approximately $2.4 million and
accumulated deficit of approximately $26.5 million. In
addition, the Company has incurred losses for the prior three
years. These factors indicate that there may be doubt
regarding the ability to continue as a going concern for the next
twelve months.
The
continuing losses are principally a result of the Company’s
antimony operations and in particular to the production costs
incurred in Mexico. The other two operating divisions, precious
metals and zeolite, had gross profits of $310,373 and $408,403,
respectively, in 2017.
Regarding the
antimony division, in 2016 the Company endured some of the lowest
prices for antimony in the past seven years, with an average sales
price of only $2.98 per pound of metal contained. Prices
improved during 2017 with an average sale price of $4.01. Through
March 2018, the average sale price for antimony is approximately
$4.10 per pound. Additionally in November 2017, the Company
renegotiated its domestic sodium antimonite supply agreement
resulting in a lower cost per antimony per pound of approximately
$0.44. With the new supply agreement in place, most of the market
increase in antimony prices will result in increased Company cash
flow in 2018 from its antimony division.
In
2017, the Company reduced costs for labor at the Mexico locations
which has resulted in a lower overall production costs in Mexico
which will continue through 2018. The reduction was due to a large
reduction in the work force at the Madero smelter because of the
decrease in antimony concentrate from Hillgrove (see Note 10). In
the fourth quarter 2017, the Company also adjusted operating
approaches at Madero that will likely result in a decrease in
operating costs for fuel, natural gas, electricity, and reagents.
Although total production activity in Mexico decreased in 2017 due
to the lack of Hillgrove concentrates, the Company’s 2018
plan involves ramping up production at its own antimony properties
in Mexico. In addition, a new leach circuit expected to come on
line during 2018 in Mexico will result in more extraction of
precious metals.
In
2017, management implemented wage and other cost reductions at the
corporate level that will keep administrative costs stable in 2018.
The Company expects to continue paying a low cost for propane in
Montana, which in years past has been a major operating
cost.
Over
the past several years, the Company has been able to make required
principal payments on its debt from cash generated from operations
without the need for additional borrowings or selling shares of its
common stock. The Company plans to continue keeping current on its
debt payments in 2018 through cash flows from
operations.
Management believes
that the current circumstances and cost reduction actions taken
will enable the Company to be actively operating for the next
twelve months.
Mineral Rights
The
costs to obtain the legal right to explore, extract and retain at
least a portion of the benefits from mineral deposits are
capitalized as mineral rights in the year of acquisition. These
capitalized costs are amortized on the statement of operations
using the straight line method over the expected life of the
mineral deposit when placed into production. Mineral rights are
assessed for impairment when facts and circumstances indicate that
the potential for impairment exists. No impairment has been
indicated for the years ended December 31, 2017 or 2016 as a result
of this assessment. Mineral rights are subject to write down in the
period the property is abandoned.
F-8
United States Antimony Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2017 and 2016
3. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,
continued:
Properties, Plants and Equipment
Properties, plants
and equipment are stated at historical cost and are depreciated
using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives of two
to thirty years. Vehicles and office equipment are stated at cost
and are depreciated using the straight-line method over estimated
useful lives of three to twelve years. Maintenance and repairs are
charged to operations as incurred. Betterments of a major nature
are capitalized. Expenditures for new property, plant, equipment,
and improvements that extend the useful life or functionality of
the asset are capitalized. The Company capitalized $405,819 and
$665,370 in plant construction and other capital costs for the
years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. These amounts
include capitalized interest of $0 and $35,305, respectively. When
assets are retired or sold, the costs and related accumulated
depreciation are eliminated from the accounts and any resulting
gain or loss is reflected in operations.
Mineral
properties are amortized over the estimated economic life of the
mineral resource using the straight-line method, based upon
estimated lives of the properties, or the units-of-production
method, based upon estimated units of mineral
resource.
Management of the
Company periodically reviews the net carrying value of all of its
long-lived assets. These reviews consider the net realizable value
of each asset or group to determine whether a permanent impairment
in value has occurred and the need for any asset write-down. An
impairment loss is recognized when the estimated future cash flows
(undiscounted and without interest) expected to result from the use
of an asset are less than the carrying amount of the asset.
Measurement of an impairment loss is based on the estimated fair
value of the asset if the asset is expected to be held and
used.
Exploration and Development
The
Company records exploration costs as operating expenses in the
period they occur, and capitalizes development costs on discrete
mineralized bodies that have proven reserves in compliance with
Securities and Exchange Commission Industry Guide 7, and are in
development or production.
Asset Retirement Obligations and Reclamation Costs
All of
the Company's mining operations are subject to reclamation and
remediation requirements. Minimum standards for mine reclamation
have been established by various governmental agencies. Costs are
estimated based primarily upon environmental and regulatory
requirements and are accrued. The liability for reclamation is
classified as current or noncurrent based on the expected timing of
expenditures. Reclamation differs from an asset retirement
obligation in that no associated asset is recorded in the case of
reclamation liabilities.
It is
reasonably possible that because of uncertainties associated with
defining the nature and extent of environmental contamination,
application of laws and regulations by regulatory authorities, and
changes in remediation technology, the ultimate cost of remediation
and reclamation could change in the future. The Company continually
reviews its accrued liabilities for such remediation and
reclamation costs as evidence becomes available indicating that its
remediation and reclamation liability has changed.
The
Company records the fair value of an asset retirement obligation as
a liability in the period in which the Company incurs a legal
obligation for the retirement of long-lived assets if it is
probable that such costs will be incurred and they are reasonably
estimable. A corresponding asset is also recorded and depreciated
over the life of the assets on a straight line basis. After the
initial measurement of the asset retirement obligation, the
liability will be adjusted to reflect changes in the estimated
future cash flows underlying the obligation. Determination of any
amounts included in determination of fair value is based upon
numerous estimates and assumptions, including future retirement
costs, future inflation rates, and the Company’s
credit-adjusted risk-free interest rates.
F-9
United States Antimony Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2017 and 2016
3. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,
continued:
Revenue Recognition
Sales
of antimony and zeolite products are recorded either upon shipment
or delivery dependent on the term, and when title passes to the
customer. The Company's sales agreements do not provide for product
returns or allowances. Prepayments, which are not common, received
from customers prior to the time that products are processed and
shipped, are recorded as deferred revenue. When the related
products are shipped, the amount recorded as deferred revenue is
recognized as revenue.
Sales
of precious metals are recognized when pervasive evidence of an
arrangement exists, the price is reasonably determinable, the
product has been delivered, no obligations remain, and collection
is reasonably assured.
Common Stock Issued for Consideration Other than Cash
All
transactions in which goods or services are received for the
issuance of shares of the Company’s common stock are
accounted for based on the fair value of the consideration received
or the fair value of the common stock issued, whichever is more
readily determinable.
Income Taxes
Income
taxes are accounted for under the liability method. Under this
method, deferred income tax liabilities or assets are determined at
the end of each period using the tax rate expected to be in effect
when the taxes are actually paid or recovered. A valuation
allowance is recognized on deferred tax assets when it is more
likely than not that some or all of these deferred tax assets will
not be realized.
The
Company applies generally accepted accounting principles for
recognition of uncertainty in income taxes and prescribing a
recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the recognition
and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in
a tax return.
Income (Loss) Per Common Share
Basic
earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income (loss)
available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of
common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per
share is calculated based on the weighted average number of common
shares outstanding during the period plus the effect of potentially
dilutive common stock equivalents, including stock options,
warrants to purchase the Company's common stock and convertible
preferred stock. Management has determined that the calculation of
diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2017,
and 2016, does not add any shares to basic weighted average
shares.
As of
December 31, 2017 and 2016, potentially dilutive common stock
equivalents not included in the calculation of diluted earnings per
share are as follows:
|
|
December 31, 2017
|
December 31, 2016
|
|
Warrants
|
250,000
|
250,000
|
|
Convertible
preferred stock
|
1,751,005
|
1,751,005
|
|
Total
possible dilution
|
2,001,005
|
2,001,005
|
F-10
United States Antimony Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2017 and 2016
3. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,
continued:
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The
Company’s financial instruments include cash and cash
equivalents, certificates of deposits, restricted cash, due to
factor, and long-term debt. The carrying value of these instruments
approximates fair value based on their contractual
terms.
Fair Value Measurements
When
required to measure assets or liabilities at fair value, the
Company uses a fair value hierarchy based on the level of
independent, objective evidence surrounding the inputs used. The
Company determines the level within the fair value hierarchy in
which the fair value measurements in their entirety fall. The
categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based upon the
lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value
measurement. Level 1
uses quoted prices in active markets for
identical assets or liabilities, Level 2 uses significant other
observable inputs, and Level 3 uses significant unobservable
inputs. The amount of the total gains or losses for the period are
included in earnings that are attributable to the change in
unrealized gains or losses relating to those assets and liabilities
still held at the reporting date. The Company has no financial
assets or liabilities that are adjusted to fair value on a
recurring basis.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In May
2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued
Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2014-09 Revenue
Recognition, replacing guidance currently codified in Subtopic
605-10 Revenue Recognition-Overall with various SEC Staff
Accounting Bulletins providing interpretive guidance. The new ASU
establishes a new five step principles-based framework in an effort
to significantly enhance comparability of revenue recognition
practices across entities, industries, jurisdictions, and capital
markets. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14 Revenue
from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the
Effective Date. ASU No. 2015-14 defers the effective date of ASU
No. 2014-09 until annual and interim reporting periods beginning
after December 15, 2017. The Company has performed an assessment of
the impact of implementation of ASU No. 2014-09, and concluded it
will not change the timing of revenue recognition or amounts of
revenue recognized compared to how revenue is recognized under
current policies. ASU No. 2014-09 will require additional
disclosures, where applicable, on (i) contracts with customers,
(ii) significant judgments and changes in judgments in determining
the timing of satisfaction of performance obligations and the
transaction price, and (iii) assets recognized for costs to obtain
or fulfill contracts.
In
February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02 Leases (Topic 842).
The update modifies the classification criteria and requires
lessees to recognize the assets and liabilities on the balance
sheet for most leases. The update is effective for fiscal years
beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted.
The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of
implementing this update on the consolidated financial
statements.
In
August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15 Statement of Cash
Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash
Payments. The update provides guidance on classification for cash
receipts and payments related to eight specific issues. The update
is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017,
and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption
permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of
implementing this update on the consolidated financial
statements.
In
November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18 Statement of Cash
Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash. The update requires that a
statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the
total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as
restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. The update is
effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and
interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption
permitted. The Company does not expect this update to have a
material impact on the consolidation financial
statements.
F-11
United States Antimony Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2017 and 2016
3. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,
continued:
In
January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01 Business Combinations
(Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business. The update
clarifies the definition of a business with the objective of adding
guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions
should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or
businesses. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning
after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal
years. The Company will apply the provisions of the update to
potential future acquisitions occurring after the effective
date.
Other
accounting standards that have been issued or proposed by FASB that
do not require adoption until a future date are not expected to
have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements
upon adoption.
Reclassifications
Certain
reclassifications have been made to conform the prior year’s
data to the current year’s presentation. These
reclassifications have no effect on previously reported operations,
stockholders’ equity or cash flows.
4. Accounts Receivable and Due to Factor
The
Company factors designated trade receivables pursuant to a
factoring agreement with LSC Funding Group L.C., an unrelated
factor (the “Factor”). The agreement is for
a term of one year with automatic renewal for additional one-year
terms. The agreement specifies that eligible trade receivables are
factored with recourse. The performance of all obligations and
payments to the factoring company is personally guaranteed by John
C. Lawrence, the Company’s President and Chairman of the
Board of Directors. Selected trade receivables are submitted to the
factor, and the Company receives 85% of the face value of the
receivable by wire transfer. Upon payment by the customer, the
remainder of the amount due is received from the Factor, less a
one-time servicing fee of 2% for the receivables
factored. This servicing fee is recorded on the
consolidated statement of operations in the period of sale to the
factor.
Trade
receivables assigned to the Factor are carried at the original
invoice amount less an estimate made for doubtful
accounts. Under the terms of the recourse provision, the
Company is required to reimburse the Factor, upon demand, for
factored receivables that are not paid on
time. Accordingly, these receivables are accounted for
as a secured financing arrangement and not as a sale of financial
assets.
Receivables, net of
allowances, are presented as current assets and the amount
potentially due to the Factor is presented as a secured financing
in current liabilities.
|
Accounts Receivble
|
December 31, 2017
|
December 31, 2016
|
|
Accounts
receivable - non-factored
|
$
351,699
|
$
401,720
|
|
Accounts
receivable - factored with recourse
|
10,880
|
150,399
|
|
Accounts
receivable - net
|
$
362,579
|
$
552,119
|
Factoring fees paid
by the Company during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016,
were $35,993 and $35,182, respectively. For the years ended
December 31, 2017 and 2016, net accounts receivable of
approximately $1.70 million and $1.80 million, respectively, were
sold under the agreement.
Proceeds from the
sales were used to fund inventory purchases and operating
expenses.
F-12
United States Antimony Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2017 and 2016
5. Inventories
The
major components of the Company's inventories at December 31, 2017
and 2016 were as follows:
|
|
2017
|
2016
|
|
Antimony
Metal
|
$
-
|
$
112,300
|
|
Antimony
Oxide
|
408,217
|
326,126
|
|
Antimony
Concentrates
|
35,554
|
30,815
|
|
Antimony
Ore
|
187,133
|
181,815
|
|
Total antimony
|
630,904
|
651,056
|
|
Zeolite
|
283,805
|
204,581
|
|
|
$
914,709
|
$
855,637
|
At
December 31, 2017 and 2016, antimony metal consisted principally of
recast metal from antimony-based compounds, and metal purchased
from foreign suppliers. Antimony oxide inventory consisted of
finished product oxide held at the Company's plant. Antimony
concentrates and ore were held primarily at sites in Mexico and are
essentially raw material, carried at cost. At December 31, 2017 and
2016, the antimony inventory in Mexico was valued at net realizable
value. The Company's zeolite inventory consists of salable zeolite
material held at BRZ's Idaho mining and production facility, and is
carried at cost.
6. Properties, Plants and Equipment
The
major components of the Company's properties, plants and equipment
at December 31, 2017 and 2016 are shown below:
|
|
Antimony Segment
|
Zeolite Segment
|
Precious Metals
|
||
|
2017
|
USAC
|
USAMSA
|
BRZ
|
Segment
|
TOTAL
|
|
Plant
& Equipment
|
$
743,767
|
$
7,655,777
|
$
3,577,055
|
$
751,640
|
$
12,728,239
|
|
Buildings
|
247,210
|
900,992
|
349,946
|
|
1,498,148
|
|
Mineral
Rights and Interests
|
-
|
3,793,502
|
3,664
|
|
3,797,166
|
|
Land
& Other
|
3,274,572
|
2,529,294
|
15,310
|
|
5,819,176
|
|
|
4,265,549
|
14,879,565
|
3,945,975
|
751,640
|
23,842,729
|
|
Accumulated
Depreciation
|
(2,577,552
)
|
(3,427,058
)
|
(2,596,356
)
|
(108,866
)
|
(8,709,832
)
|
|
|
$
1,687,997
|
$
11,452,507
|
$
1,349,619
|
$
642,774
|
$
15,132,897
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Antimony Segment
|
Zeolite Segment
|
Precious Metals
|
||
|
2016
|
USAC
|
USAMSA
|
BRZ
|
Segment
|
TOTAL
|
|
Plant
& Equipment
|
$
729,272
|
$
7,598,640
|
$
3,477,260
|
$
565,972
|
$
12,371,144
|
|
Buildings
|
247,210
|
900,992
|
349,946
|
|
1,498,148
|
|
Mineral
Rights and Interests
|
-
|
3,793,502
|
3,664
|
|
3,797,166
|
|
Land
& Other
|
3,274,572
|
2,529,294
|
15,310
|
|
5,819,176
|
|
|
4,251,054
|
14,822,428
|
3,846,180
|
565,972
|
23,485,634
|
|
Accumulated
Depreciation
|
(2,538,257
)
|
(2,836,164
)
|
(2,373,627
)
|
(41,620
)
|
(7,789,668
)
|
|
|
$
1,712,797
|
$
11,986,264
|
$
1,472,553
|
$
524,352
|
$
15,695,966
|
At
December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company had $521,896 and $521,376,
respectively, of assets that were not yet placed in service and
have not yet been depreciated.
F-13
United States Antimony Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2017 and 2016
7. Asset Retirement Obligation and Accrued Reclamation
Costs
Changes
to the asset retirement obligation balance during 2017 and 2016 are
as follows:
|
Asset Retirement Obligation
|
|
|
Balance
December 31, 2015
|
$
152,827
|
|
Accretion
during 2016
|
5,455
|
|
Balance
December 31, 2016
|
158,282
|
|
Accretion
during 2017
|
5,790
|
|
Balance
December 31, 2017
|
$
164,072
|
The
Company’s total asset retirement obligation and accrued
reclamation costs of $271,572 and $265,782, at December 31, 2017
and 2016, respectively, include reclamation obligations for the
Idaho and Montana operations of $107,500.
|
Long-Term
debt at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, is as
follows:
|
December 31,
|
December 31,
|
|
|
2017
|
2016
|
|
Note
payable to First Security Bank, bearing interest at
6%;
|
|
|
|
payable
in monthly installments of $917; maturing
|
|
|
|
September
2018; collateralized by equipment.
|
$
8,054
|
$
18,245
|
|
Note
payable to Cat Financial Services, bearing interest at
6%;
|
|
|
|
payable
in monthly installments of $1,300; maturing
|
|
|
|
August
2019; collateralized by equipment.
|
27,096
|
40,556
|
|
Note
payable to Cat Financial Services, bearing interest at
6%;
|
|
|
|
payable
in monthly installments of $778; maturing
|
|
|
|
December
2022; collateralized by equipment.
|
40,278
|
-
|
|
Note
payable to Wells Fargo Bank, bearing interest at 4%;
|
|
|
|
payable
in monthly installments of $477; maturing
|
|
|
|
December
2016; collateralized by equipment.
|
-
|
473
|
|
Note
payable to De Lage Landen Financial Services,
|
|
|
|
bearing
interest at 3.51%; payable in monthly installments of
$655;
|
|
|
|
maturing
September 2019; collateralized by equipment.
|
13,344
|
20,581
|
|
Note
payable to De Lage Landen Financial Services,
|
|
|
|
bearing
interest at 3.51%; payable in monthly installments of
$655;
|
|
|
|
maturing
December 2019; collateralized by equipment.
|
15,776
|
22,944
|
|
Note
payable to Phyllis Rice, bearing interest
|
|
|
|
at 1%; payable in monthly installments of $2,000; originally
maturing
|
|
|
|
March
2015; collateralized by equipment.
|
14,146
|
14,146
|
|
Obligation
payable for Soyatal Mine, non-interest bearing,
|
|
|
|
annual payments of $100,000 or $200,000 through 2020, net of
discount
|
|
|
|
of
$49,360 and $84,750, respectively
|
715,709
|
776,319
|
|
Obligation
payable for Guadalupe Mine, non-interest bearing,
|
|
|
|
annual payments from $60,000 to $149,078 through 2026, net of
discount
|
|
|
|
of
$309,397 and $367,456, respectively
|
951,711
|
970,651
|
|
|
1,786,114
|
1,863,915
|
|
Less
current portion
|
(546,988
)
|
(391,046
)
|
|
Long-term
portion
|
$
1,239,126
|
$
1,472,869
|
F-14
United States Antimony Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2017 and 2016
8. Long-Term Debt, Continued:
At
December 31, 2017, principal payments on debt are due as
follows:
|
Year Ending December
31,
|
|
|
2018
|
$
546,988
|
|
2019
|
312,150
|
|
2020
|
203,712
|
|
2021
|
115,253
|
|
2022
|
122,178
|
|
Thereafter
|
485,833
|
|
|
$
1,786,114
|
9.
Notes Payable to
Bank
|
At
December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company had the following notes
payable to bank:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
December 31,
|
|
|
2017
|
2016
|
|
Promissory
note payable to First Security Bank of Missoula,
|
|
|
|
bearing
interest at 3.150%, payable on demand, collateralized
|
|
|
|
by
a lien on Certificate of Deposit
|
$
98,863
|
$
76,350
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Promissory
note payable to First Security Bank of Missoula,
|
|
|
|
bearing
interest at 3.150%, payable on demand, collateralized
|
|
|
|
by
a lien on Certificate of Deposit
|
93,702
|
90,967
|
|
Total
notes payable to the bank
|
$
192,565
|
$
167,317
|
These
notes are personally guaranteed by John C. Lawrence the
Company’s President and Chairman of the Board of Directors.
The maximum amount available for borrowing under each note is
$99,998.
10. Hillgrove Advances Payable
On
November 7, 2014, the Company entered into an advance and
concentrate processing agreement with Hillgrove Mines Pty Ltd of
Australia (Hillgrove) by which Hillgrove advanced the Company funds
to be used to expand its smelter in Madero, Mexico, and in Thompson
Falls, Montana, so that they may process antimony and gold
concentrates produced by Hillgrove’s mine in Australia. The
agreement required that the Company construct equipment so that it
can process approximately 200 metric tons of concentrate initially
shipped by Hillgrove. The parties agreed that the equipment will be
owned by the Company. The agreement called for the Company to sell
the final product for Hillgrove, and Hillgrove to have approval
rights of the customers for their products. The agreement allows
the Company to recover its operating costs at a rate approved by
Hillgrove, and to charge a 7.5% processing fee and a 2.0% sales
commission on each sale. The initial term of the agreement is five
years; however, Hillgrove may suspend or terminate the agreement at
its discretion. The Company may terminate the agreement and begin
using the furnaces for their own production if Hillgrove fails to
recommence shipments within 365 days of a suspension
notice.
The
terms of the agreement require payment of the advance upon
Hillgrove’s issuance of a stop notice. Under terms of the
agreement, if a stop order is issued after two years, the repayment
obligation is 81.25% of the funds advanced at that point. As no
stop notice was issued during the initial two year period ended
November 7, 2016, the Company’s obligation to Hillgrove is
81.25% of total advanced funds. Through December 31, 2016,
Hillgrove advanced the Company a total of $1,396,721, resulting in
a net liability of $1,134,221 which is 81.25% of monies advanced.
No funds were advanced in 2017. Based on conversations with
Hillgrove, management does not anticipate receiving a stop notice
in 2018 thus the entire amount is classified as long
term.
F-15
United States Antimony Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2017 and 2016
11. Stockholders'
Equity
Issuance of Common Stock for Cash
The
Company did not issue any common stock for cash in 2017 or
2016.
Issuance of Common Stock for Services to Directors and
Consultants
On
December 31, 2017, the Company awarded shares of unregistered
common stock to be paid to its directors for services during 2017,
having a fair value of $175,000, based on the stock price at the
date declared. The stock has not been issued as of the date of
issuance of these financial statements.
In
December of 2016, the Company issued Daniel Parks, the
Company’s Chief Financial Officer, 200,000 shares of the
Company’s common stock valued at $54,000 to retain his
services for a two year period. As part of the agreement, Mr.
Parks’ hours worked and normal compensation was
reduced.
During
2016, the Company awarded common stock with a fair value at
December 31, 2017 of $168,750 to its Board of Directors as
compensation for their services as directors. In connection with
the issuances, the Company recorded $168,750 as director
compensation expense and accrued stock payable. In March 2017, the
directors were issued 421,875 shares for this award.
Common Stock Warrants
The
Company's Board of Directors has the authority to issue stock
warrants for the purchase of preferred or unregistered common stock
to directors and employees of the Company.
At
December 31, 2017 and 2016, warrants for purchase of 250,000 shares
of the Company’s common stock for $0.25 per share are
outstanding and have no expiration date. These warrants are owned
by the Company’s president.
Preferred Stock
The
Company's Articles of Incorporation authorize 10,000,000 shares of
$0.01 par value preferred stock available for issuance with such
rights and preferences, including liquidation, dividend,
conversion, and voting rights, as the Board of Directors may
determine.
Series B
During
1993, the Board established a Series B preferred stock, consisting
of 750,000 shares. The Series B preferred stock has preference over
the Company's common stock and Series A preferred stock (none of
which are outstanding); has no voting rights (absent default in
payment of declared dividends); and is entitled to cumulative
dividends of $0.01 per share per year, payable if and when declared
by the Board of Directors. During the years ended December 31, 2017
and 2016 the Company recognized $7,500 in Series B preferred stock
dividend. In the event of dissolution or liquidation of the
Company, the preferential amount payable to Series B preferred
stockholders is $1.00 per share plus dividends in arrears. No
dividends have been declared or paid with respect to the Series B
preferred stock. The Series B Preferred stock is no longer
convertible to shares of the Company’s common stock. At
December 31, 2017 and 2016, cumulative dividends in arrears on the
outstanding Series B shares were $172,500 and $165,000,
respectively.
Series C
During
2000, the Board established a Series C preferred stock, consisting
of 205,996 shares. In 2002, 28,092 shares were converted to common
stock and cancelled, leaving 177,904 Series C preferred shares
authorized and outstanding. The Series C preferred stock has
preference over the Company’s common stock and has voting
rights equal to that number of shares outstanding, but no
conversion or dividend rights. In the event of dissolution or
liquidation of the Company, the preferential amount payable to
Series C preferred stockholders is $0.55 per share.
F-16
United States Antimony Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2017 and 2016
11. Stockholders'
Equity, Continued:
Series D
During
2002, the Board established a Series D preferred stock, authorizing
the issuance of up to 2,500,000 shares. The Series D preferred
stock has preference over the Company’s common stock but is
subordinate to the liquidation preferences of the holders of the
Company’s outstanding Series A, Series B and Series C
preferred stock. Series D preferred stock carries voting rights and
is entitled to annual dividends of $0.0235 per share. The dividends
are cumulative and payable after payment and satisfaction of the
Series A, B and C preferred stock dividends. No dividends have been
declared or paid with respect to the Series D preferred stock. At
December 31, 2017 and 2016, the cumulative dividends in arrears on
the 1,751,005 outstanding Series D shares were $583,812 and
$542,664, respectively, payable if and when declared by the Board
of Directors. In the event of dissolution or liquidation of the
Company, the preferential amount payable to Series D preferred
stockholders is $2.50 per share. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the
liquidation preference for Series D preferred stock was $4,961,327
and $4,920,178, respectively. Holders of the Series D preferred
stock have the right, subject to the availability of authorized but
unissued common stock, to convert their shares into shares of the
Company's common stock on a one-to-one basis without payment of
additional consideration and are not redeemable unless by mutual
consent. The majority of Series D preferred shares are held by John
Lawrence, president of the Company.
12. 2000 Stock Plan
In
January 2000, the Company's Board of Directors resolved to create
the United States Antimony Corporation 2000 Stock Plan ("the
Plan"). The purpose of the Plan is to attract and retain the best
available personnel for positions of substantial responsibility and
to provide additional incentive to employees, directors and
consultants to promote the success of the Company's business. The
maximum number of shares of common stock or options to purchase
common stock that may be issued pursuant to the Plan is 500,000. At
December 31, 2017 and 2016, 300,000 shares of the Company's common
stock had been previously issued under the Plan. There were no
issuances under the Plan during 2017 and 2016.
13. Income Taxes
Domestic and
foreign components of income (loss) from operations before income
taxes for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, are as
follows:
|
|
2017
|
2016
|
|
Domestic
|
$
(374,478
)
|
$
(263,652
)
|
|
Foreign
|
(759,916
)
|
(747,410
)
|
|
Total
|
$
(1,134,394
)
|
$
(1,011,062
)
|
F-17
United States Antimony Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2017 and 2016
13. Income Taxes, Continued:
At
December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company had net deferred tax assets
as follows:
|
|
2017
|
2016
|
|
Deferred
tax assets:
|
|
|
|
Foreign
exploration costs
|
$
15,372
|
$
47,011
|
|
Foreign
net operating loss carry forward
|
1,537,420
|
1,309,445
|
|
Domestic
net operating loss carry forward
|
443,100
|
465,145
|
|
Other
|
1,455
|
-
|
|
Deferred
tax assets
|
1,997,347
|
1,821,601
|
|
|
|
|
|
Valuation
allowance (foreign)
|
(1,537,420
)
|
(1,309,445
)
|
|
Valuation
allowance (domestic)
|
(316,793
)
|
(299,522
)
|
|
Total
deferred tax assets
|
143,134
|
212,634
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred
tax liabilities:
|
|
|
|
Property,
plant, and equipment
|
(143,134
)
|
(210,912
)
|
|
Other
|
-
|
(1,722
)
|
|
Total
deferred tax liabilities
|
(143,134
)
|
(212,634
)
|
|
Net
deferred tax assets
|
$
-
|
$
-
|
At
December 31, 2017, the Company has federal net operating loss
(“NOL”) carry forwards of approximately $0.8 million
that expire at various dates between 2026 and 2038. In addition,
the Company has Montana state net operating loss carry forwards of
approximately $3.5 million which expire between 2017 and 2024, and
Idaho state net operating loss carry forwards of approximately $1.5
million, which expire between 2032 and 2038. The Company has
approximately $5.1 million of Mexican net operating loss carry
forwards which expire between 2023 and 2027.
At
December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company had deferred tax assets
arising principally from net operating loss carry forwards for
income tax purposes. As management cannot determine that it is more
likely than not the benefit of the net deferred tax asset will be
realized, a valuation allowance equal to 100% of the net deferred
tax asset has been recorded at December 31, 2017 and
2016.
On
December 22, 2017, the United States enacted the Tax Cuts and Jobs
Act (the "Act") resulting in significant modifications to existing
law. The Company completed the accounting for the effects of the
Act during the quarter ended December 31, 2017. The Company did not
incur any income tax benefit or provision for the year ended
December 31, 2017 as a result of the changes to tax laws and tax
rates under the Act. The Company’s net deferred tax asset was
reduced by approximately $7,000 during the year ended December 31,
2017, which consisted primarily of the re-measurement of federal
deferred tax assets and liabilities from 35% to 21%.
F-18
United States Antimony Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2017 and 2016
13. Income Taxes, Continued:
The
income tax provision differs from the amount of income tax
determined by applying the U.S. federal income tax rate to pretax
loss for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, due to the
following:
|
|
2017
|
2016
|
|
Tax
benefit at federal statutory rate
|
$
(397,038
)
|
$
(353,872
)
|
|
State
income tax effect
|
(34,609
)
|
(21,754
)
|
|
Foreign
income tax effect
|
37,996
|
37,371
|
|
Non-deductible
items
|
930
|
3,263
|
|
Percentage
depletion
|
(58,056
)
|
(40,976
)
|
|
Change
in valuation allowance - Domestic
|
229,462
|
151,745
|
|
Change
in valuation allowance - Foreign
|
227,975
|
224,223
|
|
Impact
on change in federal tax rate
|
(6,660
)
|
-
|
|
Foreign
tax assessment
|
-
|
285,048
|
|
Alternative
minimum tax - Domestic
|
-
|
13,090
|
|
Total
|
$
-
|
$
298,138
|
|
Change
in valuation allowance is comprised of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2017
|
2016
|
|
Domestic
|
|
|
|
Change
in deferred tax asset for current year
|
$
(229,462
)
|
$
(151,745
)
|
|
Adjustment
for prior year tax estimate to actual due to
|
|
|
|
transfer
pricing adjustment for Mexican operations
|
212,146
|
(57,557
)
|
|
|
$
(17,316
)
|
$
(209,302
)
|
|
Foreign
|
|
|
|
Change
in deferred tax asset for current year
|
$
(227,975
)
|
$
(224,223
)
|
|
Adjustment
for impact of tax assessment
|
-
|
285,048
|
|
Impact
on change in foreign exchange rate
|
-
|
421,643
|
|
Adjustment
for prior year tax estimates to actual
|
-
|
724,041
|
|
|
$
(227,975
)
|
$
1,206,509
|
During
the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, there were no material
uncertain tax positions taken by the Company. The Company’s
United States income tax filings are subject to examination for the
years 2015 through 2017, and 2014 through 2017 in Mexico. The
Company charges penalties on assessments to general and
administrative expense and charges interest to interest
expense.
Mexican Tax Assessment
In
2015, the Mexican tax authority (“SAT”) initiated an
audit of the USAMSA’s 2013 income tax return. In October
2016, as a result of its audit, SAT assessed the Company $13.8
million Mexican pesos, which was approximately $666,400 in U.S.
Dollars (“USD”) as of December 31, 2016. Approximately
$285,000 USD of the total assessment is interest and penalties.
SAT’s assessment is based on the disallowance of specific
costs that the Company deducted on the 2013 USAMSA income tax
return. These disallowed costs were incurred by the Company for
USAMSA’s business operations. SAT claims that the costs were
not deductible or were not supported by appropriate documentation.
At December 31, 2017, the assessed amount is approximately $699,000
in U.S dollars.
F-19
United States Antimony Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2017 and 2016
13. Income Taxes, Continued:
Management has
reviewed the assessment notice from SAT and believes numerous
findings have no merit. The Company has engaged accountants and tax
attorneys in Mexico to defend its position.
At
December 31, 2016, management has estimated possible outcomes for
this assessment and concluded the Company will ultimately pay an
amount ranging from 30% to 100% of the total assessment. The 30% is
based on the Company’s agreement with the tax professionals
that the professionals will receive 30% of the amount of tax relief
they are able to achieve. At December 31, 2016, the Company accrued
a potential liability of $410,510 USD of which $285,048 was for
unpaid income taxes, $75,510 was for interest expense, and $49,952
was for penalties. The amount accrued represented
management’s best estimate of the amount that will ultimately
be paid. The outcome could vary from this estimate.
During
2017, the Company filed grievance and legal arguments regarding the
SAT audit and presented arguments to the court in September 2017.
The Company is waiting for the court’s ruling on the matter
and expects resolution in 2018. Based on this status, the Company
concluded that the estimate of potential assessment determined at
December 31, 2016 remains the most likely outcome at December 31,
2017. The December 31, 2016 income tax payable due of $410,510 was
increased by $32,600 due to the change in exchange rate between the
U.S. dollar and Mexican peso. Fluctuation in exchange rates will
have an ongoing impact on the amount the Company will pay in U.S.
dollars.
If an
issue addressed during the SAT audit is resolved in a manner
inconsistent with management expectations, the Company will adjust
its net operating loss carryforward, or accrue any additional
penalties, interest, and tax associated with the audit. The
Company’s tax professionals in Mexico have reviewed and filed
tax returns with the SAT for 2014, 2015, and 2016, and have advised
the Company that they do not expect the Company to have a tax
liability for those years relating to similar issues.
14. Related-Party Transactions
The
Company’s President and Chairman, John Lawrence, rents
equipment and an aircraft to the Company and charges the Company
for lodging and meals provided to consultants, customers and other
parties by an entity that Mr. Lawrence owns. The amount due to Mr.
Lawrence as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 was $22,668 and $14,525,
respectively. Expenses paid to Mr. Lawrence for the years ended
December 31, 2017 and 2016 were $13,603 and $16,791,
respectively.
15. Commitments and Contingencies
In
2005, Antimonio de Mexico, S. A. (“AM”) signed an
option agreement that gives AM the exclusive right to explore and
develop the San Miguel I and San Miguel II concessions for annual
payments. Total payments will not exceed $1,430,344, reduced by
taxes paid. During the year ended 2016 $65,000 was paid and
capitalized as mineral rights in accordance with the
Company’s accounting policies. At December 31, 2017 and 2016,
the Company has made all of the required payments under the
agreement.
In June
of 2013, the Company entered into a lease to mine antimony ore from
concessions located in the Wadley Mining district in Mexico. The
lease calls for a mandatory term of one year and requires payments
of $10,000 plus IVA tax of $1,600 per month. The lease is renewable
each year with a 15 day notice to the lessor, and agreement of
terms. The lease was renewed in June of 2017.
From
time to time, the Company is assessed fines and penalties by the
Mine Safety and Health Administration (“MSHA”). Using
appropriate regulatory channels, management may contest these
proposed assessments. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company
has no accruals relating to such assessments.
F-20
United States Antimony Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2017 and 2016
16. Business Segments
The
Company is currently organized and managed by four segments, which
represent the three operating units: United States antimony
operations, Mexican antimony operations and United States zeolite
operations, and a separate segment for revenue received from the
sale of precious metals recovered from the antimony process. The
Company’s precious metals segment was added as a new
reporting segment in 2016. The precious metals activity has been
reclassified from the antimony segment for 2017 and 2016. The
Company’s
Other operating
costs
include general and administrative expenses, freight
and delivery, and other non-production related costs.
Other income and expense
consists
primarily of interest income and expense and factoring
expense.
The
Madero smelter and Puerto Blanco mill at the Company’s Mexico
operation brings antimony up to an intermediate stage, which is
then shipped to the United States operation for finishing and sales
at the Thompson Falls, Montana plant. The Zeolite operation
produces Zeolite near Preston, Idaho. Almost all of the sales of
products from the United States antimony and Zeolite operations are
to customers in the United States. Precious metal revenues are from
sales to customers in the United States and Canada.
Segment
disclosures regarding sales to major customers and for property,
plant, and equipment are located in Notes 2 and 6,
respectively.
|
Total Assets:
|
December 31, 2017
|
December 31, 2016
|
|
Antimony
|
|
|
|
United
States
|
$
2,510,323
|
$
2,514,306
|
|
Mexico
|
12,073,219
|
12,682,908
|
|
Subtotal
Antimony
|
14,583,542
|
15,197,214
|
|
Precious
Metals
|
642,774
|
524,352
|
|
Zeolite
|
1,904,938
|
2,044,432
|
|
Total
|
$
17,131,254
|
$
17,765,998
|
|
|
For the year ended
|
For the year ended
|
|
Capital expenditures:
|
December 31, 2017
|
December 31, 2016
|
|
Antimony
|
|
|
|
United
States
|
$
32,961
|
$
1,331
|
|
Mexico
|
87,396
|
226,331
|
|
Subtotal
Antimony
|
120,357
|
227,662
|
|
Precious
metals
|
185,668
|
304,412
|
|
Zeolite
|
99,794
|
133,296
|
|
Total
|
$
405,819
|
$
665,370
|
F-21
United States Antimony Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2017 and 2016
16. Business Segments, Continued:
|
Segment Operations for the
|
Antimony
|
Antimony
|
Total
|
Precious
|
Bear River
|
|
|
Year ended December 31, 2017
|
USA
|
Mexico
|
Antimony
|
Metals
|
Zeolite
|
Totals
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
revenues
|
$
7,588,470
|
$
-
|
$
7,588,470
|
$
374,872
|
$
2,266,636
|
$
10,229,978
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation
and amortization
|
57,761
|
623,899
|
681,660
|
64,499
|
222,729
|
968,888
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income
(loss) from operations
|
1,965,573
|
(3,579,810
)
|
(1,614,237
)
|
310,373
|
344,165
|
(959,699
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income
tax expense
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other
income (expense)
|
(35,853
)
|
(126,149
)
|
(162,002
)
|
-
|
(12,693
)
|
(174,695
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NET INCOME (LOSS)
|
$
1,929,720
|
$
(3,705,959
)
|
$
(1,776,239
)
|
$
310,373
|
$
331,472
|
$
(1,134,394
)
|
|
Segment Operations for the
|
Antimony
|
Antimony
|
Total
|
Precious
|
Bear River
|
|
|
Year ended December 31, 2016
|
USA
|
Mexico
|
Antimony
|
Metals
|
Zeolite
|
Totals
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
revenues
|
$
8,740,602
|
$
3,568
|
$
8,744,170
|
$
672,871
|
$
2,473,094
|
$
11,890,135
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation
and amortization
|
62,863
|
678,639
|
741,502
|
44,367
|
213,868
|
999,737
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income
(loss) from operations
|
3,393,787
|
(5,083,832
)
|
(1,690,045
)
|
628,504
|
245,019
|
(816,522
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income
tax expense
|
(13,090
)
|
(285,048
)
|
(298,138
)
|
-
|
-
|
(298,138
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other
income (expense)
|
(34,262
)
|
(149,165
)
|
(183,427
)
|
-
|
(11,113
)
|
(194,540
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NET INCOME (LOSS)
|
$
3,346,435
|
$
(5,518,045
)
|
$
(2,171,610
)
|
$
628,504
|
$
233,906
|
$
(1,309,200
)
|
F-22
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Part IItem 1. Description Of BusinessItem 1A Risk FactorsItem 1B Unresolved Staff CommentsItem 2 Description Of PropertiesItem 3 Legal ProceedingsItem 4 Mine Safety DisclosuresPart IIItem 5 Market For Common Equity and Related Stockholder MattersItem 6 Selected Financial DataItem 7 Management's Discussion and Analysis Or Plan Of OperationsItem 7A Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market RiskItem 8 Financial StatementsItem 9 Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial DisclosureItem 9A Controls and ProceduresPart IIIItem 10 Directors, Executive Officers, Promoters and Control Persons, Compliance with Section 16(a) Of The Exchange ActItem 11 Executive CompensationItem 12 Security Ownership Of Certain Beneficial Owners and ManagementItem 13 Certain Relationships and Related TransactionsItem 14 Principal Accountant Fees and ServicesItem 15. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-kItem 5. Other Events - October 10, 2003