UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 20-F

(   )

REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

OR

(X)	ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016

OR

(  )	TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

OR

(   )

SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Date of event requiring this shell company report

For the transition period from _____________________ to ____________________

Commission file number 001-32702

ALMADEN MINERALS LTD.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

British Columbia, Canada

(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

1333 Johnston Street, #210, Vancouver, British Columbia V6H 3R9

(Address of principal executive offices)

Korm Trieu, ktrieu@almadenminerals.com , 1333 Johnston Street, #210, Vancouver, BC V6H 3R9

(Name, Telephone, E-mail and/or Facsimile number and Address of Company Contact Person)

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act.

Title of each class	Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock without Par Value	NYSE MKT

 

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act.

None

(Title of Class)

Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act.

None

 

Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer's classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report.

89,805,481

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

(   ) Yes  ( X )  No

If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

(   ) Yes  ( X )  No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

 ( X ) Yes  (  )  No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to submit and post such files).

(   )  Yes  (   )  No

As a foreign private issuer that prepares its financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB"), the Registrant is not currently required to submit to the SEC and post on its corporate website Interactive Data Files (as defined by Item 11 of Regulation S-T) pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T. This requirement will apply to the Company for its first annual report for a fiscal period ending on or after December 15, 2017.

Indicate by check mark weather the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer or a non-accelerated filer.  See definition of "accelerated filer and large accelerated filer" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer ( )

Accelerated filer ( )

Non-accelerated filer (X)

 

Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:

 

If "Other" has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.

(    )  Item 17   (   ) Item 18

If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

(   )  Yes  ( X )  No

(APPLICABLE ONLY TO ISSUERS INVOLVED IN BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDS DURING THE PAST FIVE YEARS)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Section 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court.

(   )  Yes  (   )  No

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

Glossary of Geologic and Mining Terms

Adularia:  A colourless, moderate to low-temperature variety of orthoclase feldspar typically with a relatively high barium content.  It is a prominent constituent of low sulphidation epithermal veins.

Alkalic Intrusive:  An igneous rock emplaced below ground level in which the feldspar is dominantly sodic and or potassic.

Alkalinity:  The chemical nature of solutions characterized by a high concentration of hydroxyl ions.

Alteration:  Usually referring to chemical reactions in a rock mass resulting from the passage of hydrothermal fluids.

Andesite :  A dark-coloured, fine-grained extrusive rock that, when porphyritic, contains phenocrysts composed primarily of zoned sodic plagioclase (esp. andesine) and one or more of the mafic minerals (eg. Biotite, horn-blende, pyroxene), with a ground-mass composed generally of the same minerals as the phenocrysts; the extrusive equivalent of diorite .  Andesite grades into latite with increasing alkali feldspar content, and into dacite with more alkali feldspar and quartz.  It was named by Buch in 1826 from the Andes Mountains, South America.

Anomalous:  A geological feature, often subsurface, distinguished by geological, geochemical or geophysical means, which is detectably different than the general surroundings and is often of potential economic value.

Anomaly:  Any concentration of metal noticeably above or below the average background concentration.

Argillic :  A form of alteration characterized by the alteration of original minerals to clays.

Arsenopyrite :  A sulphide of arsenic and iron with the chemical composition FeAsS.

Assay:   An analysis to determine the presence, absence or quantity of one or more components.

Axis:   An imaginary hinge line about which the fold limbs are bent. The axis of a fold can be at the top or bottom of the fold, can be tilted or horizontal.

Batholith:   An intrusion, usually granitic, which has a large exposed surface area and no observable bottom. Usually associated with orogenic belts.

Breccia:   Rock consisting of more or less angular fragments in a matrix of finer-grained material or cementing material.

Brecciated:   Rock broken up by geological forces.

Bulk sample:   A very large sample, the kind of sample to take from broken rock or of gravels and sands when testing placer deposits.

Calc-silicate:   Calcium-bearing silicate minerals. These minerals are commonly formed as a result of the interaction of molten rock and its derived, hot hydrothermal fluids with very chemically reactive calcium carbonate (limestone). Calc-silicate minerals include garnet, pyroxene, amphibole and epidote. These minerals are commonly described as skarn and are genetically and spatially associated with a wide range of metals

Chert:  A very fine grained siliceous rock.  Many limestones contain nodules and thin lenses of chert.

Chip sample:   A sample composed of discontinuous chips taken along a surface across a given line.

Claim:   That portion of public mineral lands, which a party has staked or marked out in accordance with provincial or state mining laws, to acquire the right to explore for the minerals under the surface.

Clastic:  Consisting of rock material that has been mechanically derived, transported, and deposited.  Such material is also called detrital.

 

Cleavage:  The tendency of a crystal to split, or break, along planes of structural weakness.

Concordant Bodies:  Intrusive igneous bodies whose contacts are parallel to the bedding of the intruded rock.

Conglomerate: Rock composed of mostly rounded fragments which are of gravel size or larger in a finer grained matrix.

Craton:  A central stable region common to nearly all continents and composed chiefly of highly metamorphosed Precambrian rocks.

Cretaceous:   Geological time period between 136 and 64 million years ago.

Crystalline:   Means the specimen is made up of one or more groups of crystals.

Cut-off grade:   The minimum grade of mineralization used to establish quantitative and qualitative estimates of total mineralization.

Dacite: A fine grained acid volcanic rock, similar to rhyolite in which the feldspar is predominantly plagioclase.

Degradation:  The ongoing process of erosion in a stream.

Diagenesis:  The changes that occur in a sediment during and after lithification.  These changes include compaction, cementation, replacement, and recrystallization.

Diamond drill:   A type of rotary drill in which the cutting is done by abrasion using diamonds embedded in a matrix rather than by percussion. The drill cuts a core of rock which is recovered in long cylindrical sections.

Dilution:   Results from the mixing in of unwanted gangue or waste rock with the ore during mining.

Dip:   Geological measurement of the angle of maximum slope of planar elements in rocks. Can be applied to beddings, jointing, fault planes, etc.

Discordant Bodies:  Intrusive igneous bodies whose contacts cut across the bedding, or other pre-existing structures, to the intruded rock.

Disseminated deposit :  Deposit in which the mineralization is scattered through a large volume of host rock, sometimes as separate mineral grains, or sometimes along joint or fault surfaces.

Dyke:  A tabular, discordant, intrusive igneous body.

Earn in:  The right to acquire an interest in a property pursuant to an Option Agreement.

Ejecta:  Pyroclastic material thrown out or ejected by a volcano. It includes ash, volcanic bombs, and lapilli.

Epithermal:   Epithermal deposits are a class of ore deposits that form generally less than 1 km from surface. These deposits, which can host economic quantities of gold, silver, copper, lead and zinc are formed as a result of the precipitation of ore minerals from up-welling hydrothermal fluids. There are several classes of epithermal deposits that are defined on the basis of fluid chemistry and resulting alteration and ore mineralogy. Fluid chemistry is largely controlled by the proximity to igneous intrusive rocks and as a result igneous fluid content.

Extrusive Rock:  Igneous rock that has solidified on the earth's surface from volcanic action.

Fault :  A fracture in a rock where there had been displacement of the two sides.

Faults:   Breaks in rocks with noticeable movement or displacement of the rocks on either side of the break.

Feldspar:  A group of aluminum silicate minerals closely related in chemical composition and physical properties.  There are two major chemical varieties of feldspar:  the potassium aluminum, or potash, feldspars and the sodium-calcium-aluminum, or plagioclase, feldspars.  The feldspars possess a tetrahedral framework of silicon and oxygen, with the partial substitution of aluminum for the silicon.  They make up about 60 percent of the earth's crust.

Felsic:   Light colored silicate minerals, mainly quartz and feldspar, or an igneous rock comprised largely of felsic minerals (granite, rhyolite).

Fluid inclusion:  A cavity, with or without negative crystal faces, containing one or two fluid phases, and possibly one or more minute crystals, in a host crystal.  If two fluid phases are present, the vapor phase (bubble) may show Brownian motion.

Folds:   Are flexures in bedded or layered rocks. They are formed when forces are applied gradually to rocks over a long period of time.

Fracture:   Breaks in a rock, usually due to intensive folding or faulting.

Gangue:   Term used to describe worthless minerals or rock waste mixed in with the valuable minerals.

Geochemical Anomaly:  An area of elevated values of a particular element in soil or rock samples collected during the preliminary reconnaissance search for locating favourable metal concentrations that could indicate the presence of surface or drill targets.

Geochemistry:   The study of the chemistry of rocks, minerals, and mineral deposits.

Geophysics:   The study of the physical properties of rocks, minerals, and mineral deposits.

Gouge:   The finely ground rock that results from the abrasion along a fault surface.

Grade:   The concentration of each ore metal in a rock sample, usually given as weight percent. Where extremely low concentrations are involved, the concentration may be given in grams per tonne (g/t) or ounces per ton (oz/t). The grade of an ore deposit is calculated, often using sophisticated statistical procedures, as an average of the grades of a very large number of samples collected from throughout the deposit.

Granite:   A coarse grained, plutonic igneous rock that is normally pale pink, pale pink-brown, or pale grey, and composed of quartz, alkali feldspar, micas and accessory minerals.

Granodiorite:   A course grained, plutonic igneous rock that is normally pale grey, and composed of quartz, calc-alkali feldspar, micas and accessory minerals.

Grid:  A network composed of two sets of uniformly spaced parallel lines, usually intersecting at right angles and forming squares, superimposed on a map, chart, or aerial photograph, to permit identification of ground locations by means of a system or coordinates and to facilitate computation of direction and distance and size of geologic, geochemical or geophysical features.

Hectare:   A square of 100 meters on each side.

Host rock:  The rock within which the ore deposit occurs.

Hydrothermal:  Of or pertaining to hot water, to the action of hot water, or to the products of this action, such as a mineral deposit precipitated from a hot aqueous solution; also, said of the solution itself.  "Hydrothermal" is generally used for any hot water, but has been restricted by some to water of magmatic origin.

Igneous:   Means a rock formed by the cooling of molten silicate material.

Induced polarization (I.P.) method:   The method used to measure various electrical responses to the passage of alternating currents of different frequencies through near-surface rocks or to the passage of pulses of electricity.

Intermediate:   An igneous rock made up of both felsic and mafic minerals (diorite).

Intrusion :  General term for a body of igneous rock formed below the surface.

Intrusive Rock:  Any igneous rock solidified from magma beneath the earth's surface.

Joint venture agreement:   An agreement where the parties agree to the terms on which a property will be jointly explored, developed, and mined. (See also "Option agreement" and "Earn in").

Jurassic:  Geological time period between 195 and 136 million years ago.

Kriging:  (a) A statistical technique employed in calculating grade and tonnage of ore reserves from sampling data.  The data are handled by computer.  (b) A technique for interpolating which honors data points exactly.  An output point is calculated as a linear combination of known data points.  Kriging attempts to produce the best linear unbiased estimate.  Used to interpolate between drill holes.

K-silicate: Potassium-bearing silicates. Potassium silicates are very common rock-forming minerals, however they are also formed by the interaction of hyrothermal fluids derived from the cooling intrusive rocks that are genetically and spatially associated with porphyry and epithermal deposits. Potassium feldspar (orthoclase) and potassium mica (biotite) are both commonly closely associated with copper-molybdenum ore in porphyry copper deposits.

K-spar: Potassium feldspar.

Lava:   Means an igneous rock formed by the cooling of molten silicate material which escapes to the earth's surface or pours out onto the sea floor.

Limestone:   Sedimentary rock that is composed mostly of carbonates, the two most common of which are calcium and magnesium carbonates.

Lithosphere:  The crust and upper mantle, located above the asthenosphere and composing the rigid plates.

Mafic:   A general term used to describe ferromagnesian minerals. Rocks composed mainly of ferromagnesian minerals are correctly termed melanocratic.

Magma:  Naturally occurring molten rock material, generated within the earth and capable of intrusion and extrusion, from which igneous rocks have been derived through solidification and related processes.  It may or may not contain suspended solids (such as crystals and rock fragments) and/or gas phases.

Massive:   Implies large mass. Applied in the context of hand specimens of, for example, sulphide ores, it usually means the specimen is composed essentially of sulphides with few, if any, other constituents.

Metamorphic:   Means any rock which is altered within the earth's crust by the effects of heat and/or pressure and/or chemical reactions.  Pertains to the process of metamorphism or to its results .

Metasediment :  A sediment or sedimentary rock that shows evidence of having been subjected to metamorphism.

Metavolcanic:  An informal term for volcanic rocks that show evidence of having been subject to metamorphism.

Mineral claim:   A legal entitlement to minerals in a certain defined area of ground.

Mineral Deposit or Mineralized Material:  A mineralized underground body which has been intersected by sufficient closely spaced drill holes and/or underground sampling to support sufficient tonnage and average grade of metal(s) to warrant further exploration-development work.  This deposit does not qualify as a commercially mineable ore body (Reserves), as prescribed under Commission standards, until a final and comprehensive economic, technical, and legal feasibility study based upon the test results is concluded.

Mineral:  A naturally occurring, inorganic, solid element or compound that possesses an orderly internal arrangement of atoms and a unique set of physical and chemical properties.

Mineralization:   Usually implies minerals of value occurring in rocks.

National Instrument 43-101 or NI 43-101: A   rule developed by the Canadian Securities Administrators and administered by the provincial securities commissions that govern how issuers disclose scientific and technical information about their mineral projects to the public.  It covers oral statements as well as written documents and websites.  It requires that all disclosure be based on advice by a "qualified person" and in some circumstances that the person be independent of the issuer and the property.

Net profits interest:   A contractual granted right to some portion of the profits after deduction of expenses sometimes expressed as a form of royalty.

Net smelter returns:   Means the amount actually paid to the mine or mill owner from the sale of ore, minerals and other materials or concentrates mined and removed from mineral properties. A royalty based on net smelter returns usually provides cash flow that is free of any operating or capital costs and environmental liabilities.

Option agreement:   An agreement where the optionee can exercise certain options to acquire or increase an interest in a property by making periodic payments or share issuances or both to the optionor or by exploring, developing or producing from the optionor's property or both.  Usually upon the acquisition of such interest, unless it is a 100% interest, all operations thereafter are on a joint venture basis.

Ordinary kriging:  The basic technique of kriging and uses a weighted average of neighboring samples to estimate the 'unknown' value at a given location.  Weights are optimized using the semi-variogram model, the location of the samples and all the relevant inter-relationships between known and unknown values. The technique also provides a "standard error" which may be used to quantify confidence levels.

Ore:   A natural aggregate of one or more minerals which may be mined and sold at a profit, or from which some part may be profitably separated.

Ore reserve:   The measured quantity and grade of all or part of a mineralized body in a mine or undeveloped mineral deposit for which the mineralization is sufficiently defined and measured on three sides to form the basis of at least a preliminary mine production plan for economically viable mining.

Orogeny:   The process of forming mountains by folding and thrusting.

Outcrop:  An in situ exposure of bedrock.

Overburden:   A general term for any material covering or obscuring rocks from view.

oz/t or opt:   Ounces per ton.

Paleozoic:  An era of geologic time, from the end of the Precambrian to the beginning of the Mesozoic, or from about 570 to about 225 million years ago.

Phenocrysts :  An unusually large crystal in a relatively finer grained matrix.

Pluton:   Term for an igneous intrusion, usually formed from magma.

Porphyry:  An igneous rock composed of larger crystals set within a finer ground mass.

 

Pyroclastic rock:   A rock of volcanic origin consisting of highly variable mixture of rock fragments, cinders and ashes and bits of crystals and glass.

Quartz monzonite: A course grained, plutonic igneous rock that is normally pale pink, and composed of quartz, alkali feldspar, micas and accessory minerals.

Rare Earth:  A group of rare metallic chemical elements with consecutive atomic numbers of 57 to 71.

Reclamation bond:   A bond usually required by governmental mining regulations when mechanized work on a property is contemplated. Proceeds of the bond are used to reclaim any workings or put right any damage if reclamation undertaken does not satisfy the requirements of the regulations.

Reserve:  That part of a mineral deposit which could be economically extracted or produced at the time of the reserve determination.

Reserves:  A natural aggregate of one or more minerals which, at a specified time and place, may be mined and sold at a profit, or from which some part may be profitably separated.

Reverse circulation drill:    A rotary percussion drill in which the drilling mud and cuttings return to the surface through the drill pipe.

Rhyolite:   The fine grained equivalent of granite.

Royalty interest:   A royalty, the calculation and payment of which is tied to some production unit such as ton of concentrate or ounce of gold or silver produced. A common form of royalty interest is based on the net smelter return.

Sample:   Small amount of material that is supposed to be absolutely typical or representative of the object being sampled.

Sandstone:  Composed of sand-sized fragments cemented together. As a rule the fragments contain a high percentage of quartz.

Sedimentary: A rock formed from cemented or compacted sediments.

Sediments:   Are composed of the debris resulting from the weathering and breakup of other rocks that have been deposited by or carried to the oceans by rivers, or left over from glacial erosion or sometimes from wind action.

Selvage:  A marginal zone, as in a dyke or vein, having some distinctive feature of fabric or composition.

Sericite:   A fine-grained variety of mica occurring in small scales, especially in schists.

Shale:   An argillaceous rock consisting of silt or clay-sized particles cemented together. Most shales are quite soft, because they contain large amounts of clay minerals.

Silicate:   Most rocks are made up of a small number of silicate minerals ranging from quartz (SiO2) to more complex minerals such as orthoclase feldspar (KAlSi3O8) or hornblende (Ca2Na(Mg,Fe)4(Al,Fe,Ti)Si8)22(OH)2).

Sill:   Tabular intrusion which is sandwiched between layers in the host rock.

Skarn:  A thermally altered impure limestone in which material has been added to the original rock.  Skarns are generally characterized by the presence of calcium and silica rich minerals. Many skarns contain sulphide minerals which in some cases can be of economic value.

 

Stock:  An igneous intrusive body of unknown depth with a surface exposure of less than 104 square kilometres.  The sides, or contacts, of a stock, like those of a batholith, are usually steep and broaden with depth.

Stockwork:   A mineral deposit consisting of a three-dimensional network of closely spaced planar or irregular veinlets.

Strike:  The bearing, or magnetic compass direction, of an imaginary line formed by the intersection of a horizontal plane with any planar surface, most commonly with bedding planes or foliation planes in rocks.

Sulphide minerals :  A mineral compound characterized by the linkage of sulfur with a metal or semimetal; e.g., galena.

Syncline:  A fold in which the bed has been forced down in the middle or up on the sides to form a trough.

Tailings:   Material rejected from a mill after recoverable valuable minerals have been extracted.

Tailings pond:   A pond where tailings are disposed of.

Tonne:   Metric ton – 1,000 kilograms – equivalent to 1.1023 tons.

Triassic: Geological time period between 225 and 195 million years ago.

Tuff:   A finer grained pyroclastic rock made up mostly of ash and other fine grained volcanic material.

Veins:   The mineral deposits that are found filling openings in rocks created by faults or replacing rocks on either side of faults.

Vuggy silica:  In a high sulphidation epithermal environment, the highly acidic waters have dissolved everything but silica resulting in a highly porous and pox marker rock which is a good host for gold deposition. It is an indicator mineralization typical of epithermal rocks.

Waste:   Rock which is not ore. Usually referred to that rock which has to be removed during the normal course of mining in order to get at the ore.

Glossary of Abbreviations

Ag:  Silver

Ag g/t:   Silver grade measured in grams per metric ton

              Converts to ounces per ton by dividing by 34.286

Au:  Gold

Au g/t:   Gold grade measured in grams per metric ton

              Converts to ounces per ton by dividing by 34.286

Cu:  Copper

g/t:    grams per tonne

IP:   Induced Polarization geophysical survey

masl:  meters above sea level

NSR: net smelter returns royalty

Oz:  Troy ounce

QA/QC:  Quality Assurance/Quality Control

tpd: Tonnes per day

ton: Short ton (2,000 pounds)

tonne: Metric ton (1000 kilograms - 2204.62 pounds)

 

 

NOTES CONCERNING TERMINOLOGY RELATED TO RESOURCES AND RESERVES

Please see "CAUTIONARY NOTE TO U.S. INVESTORS REGARDING MINERAL RESOURCE AND MINERAL RESERVE ESTIMATES," below.

The terms "mineral resource", "measured mineral resource", "indicated mineral resource", "inferred mineral resource", "mineral reserve", "probable mineral reserve" and "proven mineral reserve" used in this Annual Report are Canadian mining terms as defined in accordance with National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects under the guidelines set out in the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (the "CIM") Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, adopted by the CIM Council.  On November 14, 2004, November 27, 2010 and May 10, 2014, CIM Council adopted an update to the CIM Definition Standards to reflect the more detailed guidance available and effect certain editorial changes required to maintain consistency with current regulations. This version of the CIM Definition Standards includes further editorial changes required to maintain compatibility with the new version of National Instrument 43-101 which became Canadian law in 2011. The CIM Definition Standards can be viewed on the CIM website at www.cim.org .  In accordance with Industry Guide 7, Description of Property by Issuers Engaged or to be Engaged in Significant Mining Operations, issued by the U. S. Securities and Exchange Commission, a reserve is termed a "mineral deposit".

Definitions

Qualified Person

Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimates and resulting technical reports under NI 43-101 must be prepared by or under the direction of, and dated and signed by, a Qualified Person. A "Qualified Person" means an individual who is an engineer or geoscientist with a university degree, or equivalent accreditation, with at least five years of experience in mineral exploration, mine development or operation or mineral project assessment, or any combination of these; has experience relevant to the subject matter of the mineral project and the technical report; and is a member or licensee in good standing of a professional association. The Qualified Person(s) should be clearly satisfied that they could face their peers and demonstrate competence and relevant experience in the commodity, type of deposit and situation under consideration. If doubt exists, the person must either seek or obtain opinions from other colleagues or demonstrate that he or she has obtained assistance from experts in areas where he or she lacked the necessary expertise. Determination of what constitutes relevant experience can be a difficult area and common sense has to be exercised. For example, in estimating Mineral Resources for vein gold mineralization, experience in a high-nugget, vein-type mineralization such as tin, uranium etc. should be relevant whereas experience in massive base metal deposits may not be. As a second example, for a person to qualify as a Qualified Person in the estimation of Mineral Reserves for alluvial gold deposits, he or she would need to have relevant experience in the evaluation and extraction of such deposits. Experience with placer deposits containing minerals other than gold, may not necessarily provide appropriate relevant experience for gold. In addition to experience in the style of mineralization, a Qualified Person preparing or taking responsibility for Mineral Resource estimates must have sufficient experience in the sampling, assaying, or other property testing techniques that are relevant to the deposit under consideration in order to be aware of problems that could affect the reliability of the data. Some appreciation of extraction and processing techniques applicable to that deposit type might also be important.

Estimation of Mineral Resources is often a team effort, for example, involving one person or team collecting the data and another person or team preparing the Mineral Resource estimate. Within this team, geologists usually occupy the pivotal role. Estimation of Mineral Reserves is almost always a team effort involving a number of technical disciplines, and within this team mining engineers have an important role. Documentation for a Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimate must be compiled by, or under the supervision of, a Qualified Person(s), whether a geologist, mining engineer or member of another discipline. It is recommended that, where there is a clear division of responsibilities within a team, each Qualified Person should accept responsibility for his or her particular contribution. For example, one Qualified Person could accept responsibility for the collection of Mineral Resource data, another for the Mineral Reserve estimation process, another for the mining study, and the project leader could accept responsibility for the overall document. It is important that the Qualified Person accepting overall responsibility for a Mineral Resource and/or Mineral Reserve estimate and supporting documentation, which has been prepared in whole or in part by others, is satisfied that the other contributors are Qualified Persons with respect to the work for which they are taking responsibility and that such persons are provided adequate documentation.

 

 

Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA)

A study, other than a Pre-Feasibility or Feasibility Study, that includes an economic analysis of the potential viability of mineral resources.

Preliminary Feasibility Study (Pre-Feasibility Study)

The CIM Definition Standards requires the completion of a Preliminary Feasibility Study as the minimum prerequisite for the conversion of Mineral Resources to Mineral Reserves.

A Preliminary Feasibility Study is a comprehensive study of a range of options for the technical and economic viability of a mineral project that has advanced to a stage where a preferred mining method, in the case of underground mining, or the pit configuration, in the case of an open pit, is established and an effective method of mineral processing is determined. It includes a financial analysis based on reasonable assumptions on mining, processing, metallurgical, economic, marketing, legal, environmental, social and governmental considerations and the evaluation of any other relevant factors which are sufficient for a Qualified Person, acting reasonably, to determine if all or part of the Mineral Resource may be classified as a Mineral Reserve.

Feasibility Study

A Feasibility Study is a comprehensive technical and economic study of the selected development option for a mineral project that includes appropriately detailed assessments of realistically assumed mining, processing, metallurgical, economic, marketing, legal, environmental, social and governmental considerations together with any other relevant operational factors and detailed financial analysis, that are necessary to demonstrate at the time of reporting that extraction is reasonably justified (economically mineable). The results of the study may reasonably serve as the basis for a final decision by a proponent or financial institution to proceed with, or finance, the development of the project. The confidence level of the study will be higher than that of a Pre-Feasibility Study.

Exploration Information

Exploration information means geological, geophysical, geochemical, sampling, drilling, trenching, analytical testing, assaying, mineralogical, metallurgical and other similar information concerning a particular property that is derived from activities undertaken to locate, investigate, define or delineate a mineral prospect or mineral deposit. It is recognized that in the review and compilation of data on a project or property, previous or historical estimates of tonnage and grade, not meeting the minimum requirement for classification as Mineral Resource, may be encountered. If a Qualified Person reports Exploration Information in the form of tonnage and grade, it must be clearly stated that these estimates are conceptual or order of magnitude and that they do not meet the criteria of a Mineral Resource.

Mineral Resource

Mineral Resources are sub-divided, in order of increasing geological confidence, into Inferred, Indicated and Measured categories. An Inferred Mineral Resource has a lower level of confidence than that applied to an Indicated Mineral Resource. An Indicated Mineral Resource has a higher level of confidence than an Inferred Mineral Resource but has a lower level of confidence than a Measured Mineral Resource. A Mineral Resource is a concentration or occurrence of diamonds, natural solid inorganic material, or natural solid fossilized organic material including base and precious metals, coal, and industrial minerals in or on the Earth's crust in such form and quantity and of such a grade or quality that it has reasonable prospects for economic extraction. The location, quantity, grade, geological characteristics and continuity of a Mineral Resource are known, estimated or interpreted from specific geological evidence and knowledge. The term Mineral Resource covers mineralization and natural material of intrinsic economic interest which has been identified and estimated through exploration and sampling and within which Mineral Reserves may subsequently be defined by the consideration and application of technical, economic, legal, environmental, socio-economic and governmental factors. The phrase "reasonable prospects for economic extraction" implies a judgment by the Qualified Person in respect of the technical and economic factors likely to influence the prospect of economic extraction. A Mineral Resource is an inventory of mineralization that under realistically assumed and justifiable technical and economic conditions might become economically extractable. These assumptions must be presented explicitly in both public and technical reports.

 

 

Inferred Mineral Resource

An "Inferred Mineral Resource" is that part of a Mineral Resource for which quantity and grade or quality can be estimated on the basis of geological evidence and limited sampling and reasonably assumed, but not verified, geological and grade continuity. The estimate is based on limited information and sampling gathered through appropriate techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and drill holes. Due to the uncertainty that may be attached to Inferred Mineral Resources, it cannot be assumed that all or any part of an Inferred Mineral Resource will be upgraded to an Indicated or Measured Mineral Resource as a result of continued exploration. Confidence in the estimate is insufficient to allow the meaningful application of technical and economic parameters or to enable an evaluation of economic viability worthy of public disclosure. Inferred Mineral Resources must be excluded from estimates forming the basis of feasibility or other economic studies.

Indicated Mineral Resource

An "Indicated Mineral Resource" is that part of a Mineral Resource for which quantity, grade or quality, densities, shape and physical characteristics can be estimated with a level of confidence sufficient to allow the appropriate application of technical and economic parameters, to support mine planning and evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit. The estimate is based on detailed and reliable exploration and testing information gathered through appropriate techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and drill holes that are spaced closely enough for geological and grade continuity to be reasonably assumed. Mineralization may be classified as an Indicated Mineral Resource by the Qualified Person when the nature, quality, quantity and distribution of data are such as to allow confident interpretation of the geological framework and to reasonably assume the continuity of mineralization. The Qualified Person must recognize the importance of the Indicated Mineral Resource category to the advancement of the feasibility of the project. An Indicated Mineral Resource estimate is of sufficient quality to support a Preliminary Feasibility Study which can serve as the basis for major development decisions.

Measured Mineral Resource

A "Measured Mineral Resource" is that part of a Mineral Resource for which quantity, grade or quality, densities, shape, and physical characteristics are so well established that they can be estimated with confidence sufficient to allow the appropriate application of technical and economic parameters, to support production planning and evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit. The estimate is based on detailed and reliable exploration, sampling and testing information gathered through appropriate techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and drill holes that are spaced closely enough to confirm both geological and grade continuity. Mineralization or other natural material of economic interest may be classified as a Measured Mineral Resource by the Qualified Person when the nature, quality, quantity and distribution of data are such that the tonnage and grade of the mineralization can be estimated to within close limits and that variation from the estimate would not significantly affect potential economic viability. This category requires a high level of confidence in, and understanding of, the geology and controls of the mineral deposit.

Mineral Reserve

Mineral Reserves are sub-divided in order of increasing confidence into Probable Mineral Reserves and Proven Mineral Reserves. A Probable Mineral Reserve has a lower level of confidence than a Proven Mineral Reserve.

A Mineral Reserve is the economically mineable part of a Measured or Indicated Mineral Resource demonstrated by at least a Preliminary Feasibility Study. This Study must include adequate information on mining, processing, metallurgical, economic and other relevant factors that demonstrate, at the time of reporting, that economic extraction can be justified. A Mineral Reserve includes diluting materials and allowances for losses that may occur when the material is mined. Mineral Reserves are those parts of Mineral Resources which, after the application of all mining factors, result in an estimated tonnage and grade which, in the opinion of the Qualified Person(s) making the estimates, is the basis of an economically viable project after taking account of all relevant processing, metallurgical, economic, marketing, legal, environment, socio-economic and government factors. Mineral Reserves are inclusive of diluting material that will be mined in conjunction with the Mineral Reserves and delivered to the treatment plant or equivalent facility. The term "Mineral Reserve" need not necessarily signify that extraction facilities are in place or operative or that all governmental approvals have been received. It does signify that there are reasonable expectations of such approvals.

 

 

Probable Mineral Reserve

A "Probable Mineral Reserve" is the economically mineable part of an Indicated and, in some circumstances, a Measured Mineral Resource demonstrated by at least a Preliminary Feasibility Study. This Study must include adequate information on mining, processing, metallurgical, economic, and other relevant factors that demonstrate, at the time of reporting, that economic extraction can be justified.

Proven Mineral Reserve

A "Proven Mineral Reserve" is the economically mineable part of a Measured Mineral Resource demonstrated by at least a Preliminary Feasibility Study. This Study must include adequate information on mining, processing, metallurgical, economic, and other relevant factors that demonstrate, at the time of reporting, that economic extraction is justified. Application of the Proven Mineral Reserve category implies that the Qualified Person has the highest degree of confidence in the estimate with the consequent expectation in the minds of the readers of the report. The term should be restricted to that part of the deposit where production planning is taking place and for which any variation in the estimate would not significantly affect potential economic viability.

CAUTIONARY NOTE TO U.S. INVESTORS REGARDING MINERAL RESOURCE AND MINERAL RESERVE ESTIMATES

As used in this Annual Report on Form 20-F, the terms "Mineral Reserve," "Proven Mineral Reserve" and "Probable Mineral Reserve" are Canadian mining terms defined in accordance with NI 43-101 and the CIM Standards. These definitions differ from the definitions in SEC Industry Guide 7 under the U.S. Securities Act. Under SEC Industry Guide 7, a reserve is defined as that part of a mineral deposit which could be economically and legally extracted or produced at the time the reserve determination is made. The terms "Mineral Resource," "Measured Mineral Resource," "Indicated Mineral Resource" and "Inferred Mineral Resource" are defined in and required to be used by NI 43-101.  However, these terms are not defined terms under SEC Industry Guide 7 and are normally not permitted to be used in reports and registration statements filed with the SEC. Investors are cautioned not to assume that all, or any part, of a mineral deposit in these categories will ever be converted into reserves. "Indicated Mineral Resource" and "Inferred Mineral Resource" have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all, or any part, of an Indicated Mineral Resource or an Inferred Mineral Resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian rules, estimates of Inferred Mineral Resources may not form the basis of Feasibility or Preliminary Feasibility studies, except in rare cases. Investors are cautioned not to assume that all, or any part, of an Inferred Mineral Resource exists or is economically or legally mineable. Disclosure of "contained ounces" in a resource is permitted disclosure under Canadian regulations.  However, the SEC normally only permits issuers to report mineralization that does not constitute "reserves" by SEC standards as in place tonnage and grade without reference to unit measures. Accordingly, information contained in this Annual Report on Form 20-F and the exhibits filed herewith or incorporated by reference herein contain descriptions of mineral deposits that may not be comparable to similar information made public by U.S. companies subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements under U.S. federal securities laws and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. Further, the term "mineralized material" as used in this Annual Report on Form 20-F does not indicate "reserves" by SEC standards.  We cannot be certain that mineralized material will ever be confirmed or converted into SEC Industry Guide 7 compliant "reserves". Investors are cautioned not to assume that mineralized material will ever be confirmed or converted into reserves or that mineralized material can be economically or legally extracted.

Conversion Table

Metric / Imperial

1.0 millimeter (mm) = 0.039 inches (in)

1.0 meter (m) = 3.28 feet (ft)

1.0 kilometer (km) = 0.621 miles (mi)

1.0 hectare (ha) = 2.471 acres (ac)

1.0 gram (g) = 0.032 troy ounces (oz)

1.0 metric tonne (t) = 1.102 short tons (ton)

1.0 g/t = 0.029 oz/ton

Unless otherwise indicated, all dollar ($) amounts referred to herein are in Canadian dollars.

 

 

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 20-F of the Registrant, Almaden Minerals Ltd. ("Almaden" or the "Company"), and the exhibits attached hereto that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of U.S. and Canadian securities legislation and the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve risks and uncertainties.  Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to anticipated results and developments in the Company's operations, planned exploration and development of the Company's properties, plans related to the Company's business and other matters that may occur in the future.  These statements relate to analyses and other information that are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management.  Statements concerning Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource estimates may also be deemed to constitute forward-looking statements to the extent that they involve estimates of the mineralization that will be encountered if a property is developed, and in the case of Mineral Reserves, such statements reflect the conclusion based on certain assumptions that the mineral deposit can be economically exploited.  Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "estimates" or "intends", or stating that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" (or the negative and grammatical variations of any of these terms and similar expressions) be taken, occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements.  Forward-looking statements and forward-looking information are based, in part, on assumptions and factors that may change and are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause actual events or results, performance or achievements of the Company to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements and forward-looking information.  Some of the important risks, uncertainties and other factors that could affect forward-looking statements and forward-looking information include, but are not limited to those described further in the sections entitled "ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION - Risk Factors", "ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY - Business Overview", "ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY – Principal Property Interests" and "ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS" and in the exhibits attached to this Annual Report on Form 20-F.  Should one or more of these risks, uncertainties and other factors materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in the Company's forward-looking statements or forward-looking information.  There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements and information.  The forward-looking statements and forward-looking information are based on beliefs, expectations and opinions of the Company's management on the date of this Annual Report on Form 20-F and speak only as of the date hereof and the Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update forward-looking statements or forward-looking information contained herein to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof, except as required by law. For the reasons set forth above, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements and other information contained herein concerning the mining industry and the Company's expectations concerning the mining industry are based on estimates prepared by the Company using data from publicly available sources as well as from market research and industry analysis and on assumptions based on data and knowledge of this industry which the Company believes to be reasonable.  However, this data is inherently imprecise, although generally indicative of relative market positions, market shares and performance characteristics.  While the Company is not aware of any misstatements regarding any mining industry data presented herein, the industry involves risks and uncertainties and is subject to change based on various factors.

Certain historical and forward-looking information contained in this Annual Report on Form 20-F has been provided by, or derived from information provided by, certain persons other than the Company.  Although the Company does not have any knowledge that would indicate that any such information is untrue or incomplete, the Company assumes no responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of such information or the failure by such other persons to disclose events which may have occurred or may affect the completeness or accuracy of such information but which is unknown to the Company.

 

 

Please consult the Company's public filings at www.sec.gov for further, more detailed information concerning these matters.

 

Business Overview

Maintaining properties

The following is a general statement about government requirements for holding mineral properties in the jurisdictions where the Company currently holds material mineral property interests.

In Mexico, mining law is a federal matter.  The government requires annual assessment work and expenditures per hectare which increase with the size and age of the claim.  Under the tax reforms effective January 1, 2014, if a concession holder has not conducted exploration or exploitation activities during a two-year period, the concession holder would have to pay an additional 50% of the taxes payable per hectare if within the last 11 years, and an additional 100% of the taxes payable if after year 12.  Land taxes per hectare also have to be paid by January 31 and July 31 each year.  Both amounts are subject to inflation accounting and the inflation adjustment number for each fiscal period is published in the official gazette.  Under the Mexican Constitution and the mining and environmental laws of Mexico, all mining projects are subject to Federal legal control.  This control is exercised from the exploration phase through the closure phase of a mining project.  Prior to the initiation of exploration activities, concession owners are required to file a notice of commencement of exploration activities in conformity with Mexican Official Norm 120 (NOM-120); prior to initiation of construction activities (and also in some more intrusive exploration activities), mining projects are required to apply for and obtain an environmental impact authorization and a land use permit from the Mexican Federal environmental agency SEMARNAT (Secretaria de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales).  This requires the presentation of an environmental impact manifest and a technical study which deals with the impacts, the environmental mitigation, and habitat compensation to the satisfaction of the authorities having environmental jurisdiction.

Competition

The mineral property exploration and development business, in general, is intensively competitive and there is not any assurance that even if commercial quantities of ore are discovered, a ready market will exist for sale of same. Numerous factors beyond our control may affect the marketability of any substances discovered.  These factors include market fluctuations; the proximity and capacity of natural resource markets and processing equipment; and government regulations, including regulations relating to prices, taxes, royalties, land tenure, land use, importing and exporting of mineral and environmental protection.  The exact effect of these factors cannot be accurately predicted, but the combination of these factors may make it difficult for us to receive an adequate return on investment.

We compete with many companies possessing greater financial resources and technical facilities for the acquisition of mineral concessions, claims, leases and other mineral interests as well as for the recruitment and retention of qualified employees.

Seasonality

The Company's principal project is in central Mexico.  In Mexico, the climate in the project area is marked by dry, cold winters and a distinct rainy season.  The rainy season typically begins in May or June and continues until late September to October.  In most years roads remain passable and exploration can be done throughout the rainy season.  Seasonal changes do not have a material impact on our exploration expenditures.

Exploration Program Protocols

Company's Principal Properties

The Tuligtic Project, which hosts the Company's Ixtaca discovery, is the only project material to the Company. The Tuligtic Project is located in Puebla State, Mexico.

PRINCIPAL PROPERTY INTERESTS

The Tuligtic Property/Project – Mexico

Location and Access

The Ixtaca deposit, the epithermal gold-silver target within the Tuligtic Property, is located 8 km northwest of the town of San Francisco Ixtacamaxtitlán, the county seat of the municipality of Ixtacamaxtitlán, Puebla State.

The project is accessible by driving 40 km east along Highway 119 from Apizaco, an industrial center located approximately 50 km north of Puebla City by two-lane Highway, and then north approximately 2 km along a paved road to the town of Santa Maria.  The trip from Apizaco to site can be driven in approximately 1.5 hours. There is also access to the Property using gravel roads from the northeast via Tezhuitan and Cuyoaco, from the south via Libres and from the northwest via Chignahuapan.  The X icohtencatl Industrial complex lies 30 km southwest by paved road from the Tuligtic Project, and houses agricultural, chemical, biomedical and industrial manufacturing facilities and is serviced by rail.  Puebla, the fourth largest city in Mexico has a population in excess of 4 million people, and includes one of the largest Volkswagen automotive plants outside Germany.

The Topography on the Tuligtic Project is generally moderate to steep hills with incised stream drainages. Elevation   ranges from 2,300 meters (m) above sea level in the south to 2,800 m in the north.  Vegetation is dominantly cactus and pines and the general area is also somewhat cultivated with subsistence vegetables, bean and corn crops.  The Ixtaca Zone exploration area has been previously cleared and logged.  The region has a temperate climate with average temperatures ranging from 19°C in June to 10°C in December.  The area experiences about 600 mm of precipitation annually with the majority falling during the rainy season, between June and September.  Exploration can be conducted year round within the Property.  Electricity is available on the Property as the national electricity grid services nearby towns such as Santa Maria and Zacatepec.  Water for exploration is available from year-round natural springs located at higher elevations above and upstream of the Ixtaca deposit.  The surface rights locally are privately owned and where Almaden is exploring the Company has negotiated surface land use agreements with surface rights landowners.

 

 

 

Geological Setting of the Tuligtic Project and Ixtaca Zone

Within the Tuligtic Project, argillaceous limestone of the Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous Upper Tamaulipas formation is underlain by transitional calcareous clastic rocks including siltstone, grainstone, mudstone, and calcareous shale.  During the Laramide orogeny the carbonate package was intensely deformed into a series of thrust-related east verging anticlines.  Calcareous shale units appear to occupy the cores of the anticlines while the thick bedded limestone/mudstone units occupy the cores of major synclines at the Ixtaca Zone.  These carbonate basement units are crosscut by intensely altered intermediate composition dykes in the Tertiary.  The deformed Mesozoic sedimentary sequence is discordantly overlain by epithermal altered Cenozoic bedded crystal tuff of the upper Coyoltepec subunit.  The Coyoltepec volcanics are locally oxidized and weathered near surface and along structures.

Two styles of alteration and mineralization have been identified in the area: (1) copper-molybdenum porphyry style alteration and mineralization hosted by diorite and quartz-diorite intrusions; (2) silver-gold low-sulphidation epithermal quartz-bladed calcite veins hosted primarily by carbonate rocks and spatially associated with overlying volcanic hosted texturally destructive clay alteration and replacement silicification.

Outcropping porphyry-style alteration and mineralization is observed in the bottoms of several drainages where the altered intrusive complex is exposed in erosional windows beneath post mineral unconsolidated ash deposits.  Multiple late and post mineral intrusive phases have been identified crossing an early intensely altered and quartz-veined medium-grained feldspar phyric diorite named the Principal Porphyry.  Other intrusive types include late and post mineral mafic dykes and an inter-mineral feldspar-quartz phyric diorite.  Late mineral mafic dykes are fine grained and altered to chlorite with accessory pyrite.  Calc-silicate (garnet-clinopyroxene) altered limestone occurs in proximity to the intrusive contacts and is crosscut by late quartz-pyrite veins.  Early biotite alteration of the principal porphyry consists of biotite-orthoclase flooding of the groundmass.  Quartz veins associated with early alteration have irregular boundaries and are interpreted to be representative of A-style porphyry veins.  These are followed by molybdenite veins which are associated with the same wall rock alteration.  Chalcopyrite appears late in the early alteration sequence. Late alteration is characterized by intense zones of muscovite-illite-pyrite overprinting earlier quartz-K-feldspar-pyrite ± chalcopyrite veining and replacing earlier hydrothermal orthoclase and biotite.  Stockwork quartz-pyrite crosscuts the A-style veins and is associated with muscovite-illite alteration of biotite.  The quartz-sericite alteration can be texturally destructive resulting in white friable quartz veined and pyrite rich rock.  Pyrite is observed replacing chalcopyrite and in some instances chalcopyrite remains only as inclusions within late stage pyrite grains.

Epithermal mineralization on the Tuligtic property is considered to have no genetic relationship to the porphyry alteration and mineralization described above.  The epithermal system is unoxidised and well preserved, and there is evidence of a paleosurface as steam heated kaolinite and replacement silica alteration occur at higher elevations where the upper part of the Coyoltepec pyroclastic deposit is preserved.  The veining of Ixtaca epithermal system displays characteristics representative of intermediate and low sulphidation deposits.  These include typical ore and gangue mineralogy (electrum, sphalerite, galena, adularia, carbonates), mineralization dominantly in open space veins (colloform banding, cavity filling).

 

Mineralized hydrothermal breccias showing multiphase development are commonly encountered within the main veins. Hydrothermal silicic/carbonate breccia zones occur within the limestone and dip steeply.  These breccias are dominantly controlled by the main faults.

The Upper Tamaulipas formation, the dykes that crosscut it and the upper Coyoltepec volcanic subunit are the main host rocks to the epithermal vein system at Ixtaca.  In the Main and Ixtaca North zones veining strikes dominantly ENE-WNW (060 degrees) parallel to a major dyke trend and at a very high angle to the N to NNW bedding and fold structures within the limestones.  The veins of the Chemalaco Zone are hosted by the shaley carbonate units and strike to the NNW, dipping to the SSW. In the footwall to Chemalaco Zone a parallel dyke has been identified which is altered and mineralized.  The Chemalaco Zone and the dyke are interpreted to strike parallel to bedding and to core an antiform comprised of calcareous shale.

Studies of mineral assemblages in hand specimen, transmitted and reflected light microscopy and SEM analyses were carried out in order to construct a paragenetic sequence of mineral formation.  This work revealed that veining occurred in three main stages.  The first stage is barren calcite veining.  This is followed by buff brown and pink colloform carbonate and silicate veins containing abundant silver minerals and lower gold.  The third stage of veining contains both gold and silver mineralization.  The dominant gold-bearing mineral is electrum, with varying Au:Ag ratios.  The majority of grains contain 40-60 wt (weight) % gold but a few have down to 20 wt% (Staffurth, 2012).  Gold content occasionally varies within electrum grains, and some larger grains seem to be composed of aggregates of several smaller grains of differing composition (Staffurth, 2012).  Electrum often appears to have been deposited with late galena-clausthalite both of which are found as inclusions or in fractures in pyrite. It is also closely associated with silver minerals such as uytenbogaardtite (Ag ₃ AuS ₂ ).  This mineral is associated with electrum, chalcopyrite, galena, alabandite, silver minerals and quartz in stage three mineralization.  Apart from electrum, the dominant silver bearing minerals are polybasite (-pearceite) and argentian tetrahedrite plus minor acanthite-naumannite, pyrargyrite and stephanite.  They are associated with sulphides or are isolated in gangue minerals.

The vein-related mineralization at Ixtaca does not have hard geologic boundaries.  The mineralized zones are essentially vein zones, the outer boundaries of which are grade boundaries associated with decreased vein density.

History of Past Work

To the Company's knowledge, no modern exploration was carried out on the project prior to Almaden's acquisition of the property area by staking in 2001.  Evidence of historic mining of clay (kaolinite) deposits from surface is evident throughout the property area.  Almaden acquired the initial claims of the Tuligtic Project in 2001 following the identification of surficial clay deposits that were interpreted to represent high-level epithermal alteration.  Subsequent geologic mapping, rock, stream silt, soil sampling and induced polarization (IP) geophysical surveys identified porphyry copper and epithermal gold targets within an approximately 5 x 5 km area of intensely altered rock.

On May 9, 2002 Almaden entered into a joint venture agreement with BHP Billiton World Exploration Inc. (BHP) to undertake exploration in eastern Mexico. Initial helicopter-borne reconnaissance programs were completed in May 2003 and March 2004 on select targets within the joint venture area of interest. The work resulted in the acquisition of five (5) separate properties, in addition to the previously acquired Cerro Grande of the present day Tuligtic Property. Following a review of the initial exploration data, effective January 20, 2005, BHP relinquished its interest in the six properties to Almaden. The joint venture was terminated in 2006.

Later in 2006, the Tuligtic project was optioned to Pinnacle Mines Ltd.  In 2007 this option agreement was terminated.  In 2009 the property was optioned to Antofagasta Minerals S.A. under terms whereby it could earn a 75% interest in the property. In 2009 and 2010 Antofagasta Minerals S.A., under Almaden operation, conducted a geophysical and exploration drilling program on the copper porphyry area of the project. The program consisted of three lines of IP geophysics and 2,522 meters of diamond drilling in six holes.  The IP chargeability results, along with that of previous programs carried out by Almaden, defined a 2 by 2.5 kilometer chargeability high the limits of which are currently only defined to the west and south. The drilling intersected skarn and porphyry copper-molybdenum mineralization in an intrusive complex. Four of the six drill holes were oriented within thirty degrees of north south and located within a 200 by 300 meter area roughly in the central portion of the IP chargeability anomaly. These holes were selected based on intensely altered and quartz-veined porphyry exposed in the drainages in the central portion of the chargeability anomaly. The drilling program encountered sub economic porphyry mineralization. The mineralized intersections, despite being largely in skarn and uneconomic, are considered by the Company to be encouraging for the greater porphyry potential of the system. Antofagasta Minerals S.A. terminated its option on the project in March 2010.

 

In July 2010 Almaden initiated a diamond drilling program on the gold-silver epithermal vein target area of the project located roughly 1 kilometer to the south of the porphyry prospect on the project. The first hole in this program (results announced in August, 2010) intersected a zone of banded carbonate-quartz epithermal veining with gold and silver values. This hole constitutes the discovery of the Ixtaca Zone of veining. The entire hole cut through a vein zone of varying intensity of veining and intersected 302.41m of 1.01 g/t Au & 48 g/t Ag. Within this broad zone of veining several higher grade veins were intersected including 44.35 meters of 2.77 g/t Au and 117.7 g/t Ag.  Immediately after this discovery the Company initiated a follow-up drill program.  Between 2010 and 2013, Almaden's exploration at the Ixtaca Zone of the Tuligtic Property included geologic mapping and prospecting, alteration mineralogic characterization, rock and soil geochemical sampling, ground magnetics, IP and resistivity, Controlled Source Audio-frequency Magnetotelluric (CSAMT), and Controlled Source Induced Polarization (CSIP) geophysical surveys resulting in the identification of several anomalous zones.  Since 2010, a total of 453 exploration diamond drill holes have been drilled at the Tuligtic Gold-Silver Project, totaling 147,892 m.

Present Condition of Project

Geology and Mineral Resources

The Ixtaca deposit is an epithermal gold-silver deposit, mostly hosted by veins in carbonate units (calcareous clastic rocks) and crosscutting pre-mineral altered dykes ("basement rocks") with a minor component of disseminated mineralisation hosted in overlying volcanic rocks.  Wireframes constraining mineralised domains were constructed based on geologic boundaries defined by mineralisation intensity and host rock type.  Higher grade zones occur where there is a greater density of epithermal veining. These higher grade domains have good continuity and are cohesive in nature.

On January 31, 2013, the Company announced a maiden resource on the Ixtaca Zone.  Since that time drilling has been focused on expanding and infilling the known resource base for the PEA which utilised the NI 43-101 Compliant Updated Mineral Resource Estimate released January 22, 2014, performed by Gary Giroux, P.Eng., qualified person under the meaning of NI 43-101, and summarised in Table 1 below.  The data available for the resource estimation consisted of 423 drill holes assayed for gold and silver.  The estimate was constrained by three dimensional solids representing different lithologic and mineralized domains.  Of the total drill holes 400 intersected the mineralized solids and were used to make the resource estimate.  Capping was completed to reduce the effect of outliers within each domain.  Uniform down hole 3 meter composites were produced for each domain and used to produce semi-variograms for each variable.  Grades were interpolated into blocks 10 x 10 x 5 meters in dimension by ordinary kriging.  Specific gravities were determined for each domain from drill core.  Estimated blocks were classified as either Measured, Indicated or Inferred based on drill hole density and grade continuity.

 

Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors concerning estimates of Measured and Indicated Resources

This section uses the terms "measured resources" and "indicated resources".  We advise U.S. investors that while these terms are recognized and required by Canadian regulations, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission does not recognize them.  U.S. Investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of mineral deposits in these categories will ever be converted into reserves.

Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors concerning estimates of Inferred

Resources

This section uses the term "inferred resources". We advise U.S. investors that while this term is recognized and required by Canadian regulations, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission does not recognize it. "Inferred resources" have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an Inferred Mineral Resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian rules, estimates of Inferred Mineral Resources may not form the basis of feasibility or other economic studies. U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that part or all of an inferred resource exists, or is economically or legally mineable .

Table 1: Ixtaca Zone NI 43-101 Measured, Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resource Statement with the Base Case 0.5 g/t AuEq Cut-Off highlighted.  Also shown are the 0.3, 0.7, 1.0 and 2.0 g/t AuEq cut-off results. AuEq calculation based on three year trailing average prices of $1540/oz gold and $30/oz silver.

 

Amended Preliminary Economic Assessment

On January 22, 2016, Almaden filed a NI 43-101 Technical Report titled "Preliminary Economic Assessment of the Ixtaca Project", which provides further detail to its December 9, 2015 press release summarizing the results of integrating the Rock Creek Mill and a smaller, higher grade, payback focused pit on potential mine economics. Almaden subsequently filed an amended technical report on SEDAR on April 13, 2016 (the "Amended PEA"), however the amendments were not material changes and the Report's data, inputs, interpretation, conclusions and results all remain unchanged.

The Amended PEA follows the historical PEAs released in 2014 and 2015 ("Historical PEAs") which evaluated larger throughput development alternatives.  The primary reasons for providing an update to the Historical PEAs were to show the impact of significantly reduced initial capital cost on project economics and, given the significant decrease in precious metals prices, to demonstrate the viability of a mine plan which focuses on the near surface high grade limestone hosted portions of the Ixtaca Zone deposit.

This mine plan is a smaller higher grade scenario than those described in Almaden's Historical PEA studies.  In addition, the Amended PEA incorporates the optioned Rock Creek mill as well as results from various engineering studies related to the project which had been conducted since the Historical PEAs were completed. The Amended PEA incorporates:

·

The same resource model as the Historical PEAs;

·

The Rock Creek Mill, which was optioned by the Company in October, 2015, with average throughput of 7,500 tonnes per day;

·

A smaller, near surface and payback focussed pit;

·

A mine production schedule which targets higher grades earlier;

·

Optimised waste placement and tailings management facilities;

·

A 2% NSR held by Almadex Minerals Limited.

This Amended PEA is preliminary in nature as it includes inferred mineral resources which are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves.  There is no certainty that the Amended PEA forecasts will be realized or that any of the resources will ever be upgraded to reserves. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.

AMENDED PEA HIGHLIGHTS:

The inputs and parameters for the Amended PEA include base case metal prices (US $1150/oz gold and US $16/oz silver).  Highlights of the Amended PEA are summarised below (all values shown are in US Dollars).

·	Pre-tax Net Present Value ("NPV") of $266M at a 5% discount rate and internal rate of return of 39%;

·	After-tax (including new Mexican Mining Duties) NPV(5%) of $166M and internal rate of return of 30%;

·	Total mill feed of 35.5M tonnes and life of mine strip ratio of 5:1;

·	Mine life of 13 years with an average processing rate of 7,500 tonnes per day;

·	Average annual production of 55,660 ounces of gold and 3,754,000 ounces of silver;

·	Estimated pre-production capital of US$100M. Sustaining capital of US$24M;

·	After-Tax Payback of initial capital of 2.6 years.

Production and Processing

The Ixtaca gold-silver project in the Amended PEA is planned as an open pit mining operation using contractor mining. Estimated mining inventory is comprised of 179 million tonnes of rock and 36 million tonnes of mill feed with an average mill feed grade of 0.76 grams per tonne gold and 47 grams per tonne silver.  A total of 724 thousand ounces of gold and 48.8 million ounces of silver would be produced over the 13 year mine life.  The Amended PEA includes the Rock Creek process plant to produce gold and silver doré on site.  The process plant includes conventional crushing, grinding, gravity, flotation, and concentrate leaching. Process reagents will be removed from process plant tailings prior to placement in a tailings management facility ("TMF"). The following table summarizes the production and processing parameters:

* The mill feed tonnes in the mine plan include Inferred Resources.  The reader is cautioned that Inferred Resources are considered too speculative geologically to have economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as Mineral Reserves.  There is no certainty that Inferred Resources will ever be upgraded to Reserves. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.

** The cut-off grade used to calculate the mill feed is NSR>=$20/t. NSR is calculated using the following formula: NSR = [Au(g/t) * Au recovery (%) * 36.55] + [Ag(g/t) * Ag recovery (%) * 0.46]

*** The strip ratio includes 13 million tonnes of stockpiled material not processed in this Amended PEA that averages 0.31 g/t Au and 45 g/t Ag as waste. Should this material be processed the ultimate strip ratio would be 3:1.

Projected Operating Costs (US$)

Economic Results and Sensitivities

A summary of financial outcomes comparing base case metal prices to two alternative metal price situations is presented below.  The Amended PEA base case prices are derived from a combination of spot prices and current common peer usage. The Alternate Case prices represent a discount to the lowest sustained metal prices over the previous three years. The 3 year trailing average prices represent the upside potential should metal prices regain their previous strength.

Summary of Ixtaca Gold-Silver Economic Results and Sensitivities (US$ Million)

The economic results are based on the mill feed tonnages in the selected ultimate pit.  The mill feed tonnages include Inferred Resources.  The reader is cautioned that Inferred Resources are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as Mineral Reserves.  There is no certainty that Inferred Resources will ever be upgraded to Reserves. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.

Rock Management, Environment and Community

Almaden recognises the paramount importance of protecting the environment to facilitate the development of a sustainable project. Knight Piésold Ltd. ("KP") has been retained to help the Company with long lead item studies concerning environmental monitoring, assessment and permitting matters. Almaden established the following environmental objectives for the Project:

·

Protect surface and ground water quality;

·

Incorporate environmental enhancement opportunities into the mine and final reclamation plans;

·

Minimize the project footprint.

In order to achieve these objectives Almaden and KP have instituted the following management strategies towards the submission of a Mexican Environmental Impact Statement.

Water Management

Almaden with KP has developed a comprehensive water monitoring strategy including the commencement of a hydrometric and climate monitoring program, and the drilling of water measurement wells. The latest assessment of regional weather patterns suggest that management of rainfall and runoff from within the project area will provide sufficient water for operations for the Ixtaca mine plan. Currently local communities use existing water supplies that come from natural springs located at higher elevations and upstream of the Ixtaca deposit. Stream flow upstream of the project will be either diverted around or collected, potentially creating a new fresh water supply source for local use, or used for mining and milling processes and before any would be discharged it would be treated to meet environmental guidelines.

 

Management of Rock

The limestone host rock, which constitutes a large portion of the total waste rock, has buffering capacity. Geochemical characterization of site materials has confirmed that waste rock is not expected to be net acid producing.

 

Environmental Monitoring

Groundwater monitoring to ensure compliance with all applicable best management practice (BMP) technologies is a fundamental component of the Project. Flora and fauna studies have been completed.

 

Community

The Ixtaca deposit and any potential mining operation will be located in an area previously logged or cleared. Existing land use in the project area is minimal. The Company has employed up to 70 local people in its drilling program who live local to the Ixtaca deposit. Local employees have made up virtually all the drilling staff, and have been trained on the job. The Company has implemented a comprehensive science based and objective community relations and education program for employees and all local stakeholders to transparently explain the exploration program underway as well as the potential impacts and benefits of any possible future mining operation at Ixtaca.  The Company regards the local communities to be major stakeholders in the Ixtaca deposit's future along with the Company's shareholders. Every effort is being made to create an open and clear dialogue with our stakeholders to ensure that any possible development scenarios that could evolve from the anticipated future studies are properly understood and communicated throughout the course of the Company's exploration and development program. The Company invites all interested parties to visit www.almadenminerals.com to find out more about our community development, education and outreach programs.

 

Metallurgical Gold and Silver Test Work

Almaden has previously reported preliminary metallurgical test results (for details consult Almaden's news release of January 31, 2013, the 2013 Tuligtic Project NI 43-101 Technical Report filed on SEDAR and Edgar, Almaden's news releases of June 15th and September 14th, 2015, and the Amended PEA). These test results show that standard gravity and flotation techniques could result in non-optimised gold and silver recoveries that are roughly equivalent for the limestone domain.  This preliminary test work indicates that leaching the combined gravity/flotation concentrate can be used to produce a silver-gold doré on site.  All geologic domains were tested using whole core composites selected to represent a range of grades.

Subsequent to the publication of the preliminary results, in 2014 and 2015, additional metallurgical work on new whole core composites, carried out at McClelland Laboratories Inc. in Reno, Nevada under the supervision of MMTS, focused on optimizing gravity, rougher flotation and leach results over a broader range of head grades in the limestone unit.  This test work continued to indicate overall process recoveries to average 90% for gold and silver for limestone hosted mineralisation.  Given the preliminary work to date on the minor volcanic and blackshale units, the Amended PEA report assumes recoveries of 90% for silver and 50% for gold.

Qualified Persons, Quality Control and Assurance

The following companies have undertaken work in preparation of the PEA:

·

APEX Geoscience Ltd. (Exploration and Drill data QA/QC)

·

Giroux Consultants Ltd. (Mineral Resource Estimation)

·

Moose Mountain Technical Services (Overall Report Preparation, Mine Plan and Mineral Processing, Infrastructure and Financial Model)

·

Knight Piésold Ltd. (Geotechnical, Environmental, Rock and Tailings Management).

The independent qualified persons responsible for preparing the Ixtaca PEAs are; Jesse Aarsen, P.Eng. and Tracey Meintjes, P.Eng. of MMTS, Ken Embree, P.Eng. of KP, Kris Raffle, P.Geo. of APEX Geoscience Ltd., and Gary Giroux, M.A.Sc., P.Eng. of Giroux Consultants Ltd., all of whom act as independent consultants to the Company, are Qualified Persons as defined by National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101").

QA/QC

The analyses used in the preparation of the mineral resource statement were carried out at ALS Chemex Laboratories of North Vancouver using industry standard analytical techniques.  For gold, samples are first analysed by fire assay and atomic absorption spectroscopy ("AAS").  Samples that return values greater than 10 g/t gold using this technique are then reanalysed by fire assay but with a gravimetric finish.  Silver is first analysed by Inductively Coupled Plasma - Atomic Emission Spectroscopy ("ICP-AES").  Samples that return values greater than 100 g/t silver by ICP-AES are then re analysed by HFHNO3-HCLO4 digestion with HCL leach and ICP-AES finish.  Of these samples those that return silver values greater than 1,500 g/t are further analysed by fire assay with a gravimetric finish.  Blanks, field duplicates and certified standards were inserted into the sample stream as part of Almaden's quality assurance and control program which complies with National Instrument 43-101 requirements.  In addition to the in-house QAQC measures employed by Almaden, Kris Raffle, P.Geo. of APEX Geoscience Ltd., completed an independent review of Almaden's drill hole and QAQC databases.  The review included an audit of approximately 10% of drill core analyses used in the mineral resource estimate.  A total of 10,885 database gold and silver analyses were verified against original analytical certificates.  Similarly, 10% of the original drill collar coordinates and down hole orientation survey files were checked against those recorded in the database; and select drill sites were verified in the field by Kris Raffle, P.Geo.  The QAQC audit included independent review of blank, field duplicate and certified standard analyses.  All QAQC values falling outside the limits of expected variability were flagged and followed through to ensure completion of appropriate reanalyses.  No discrepancies were noted within the drill hole database, and all QAQC failures were dealt with and handled with appropriate reanalyses.  The mineral resource estimate referenced in this press release was prepared by Gary Giroux, P.Eng., an independent Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101.  All drill sections and related assay data from the 2013 drilling program used in the resource estimate have been posted to the Company's website.

 

Pre-Feasibility Study ("PFS") Programs

During 2016, Almaden completed the geotechnical, geomechanical, and hydrologic field programs necessary for completion of a PFS, and also optimized site layout through updated waste placement and facilities locations. In addition, in October 2016 Almaden announced results from it PFS-level metallurgical program. The results reported were on the limestone domain, which represents approximately 90% of the total metal produced under the Amended PEA.

Key parameters and results of the 2016 limestone test work included the following:

·

A limestone sample was collected using 131 meters (659 kilograms) of continuous whole drill core from inside the planned open pit mine with an average sample grade of 0.76 g/t gold and 36 g/t silver. The sample was collected from the planned start-up pit area and represents limestone mill feed grades anticipated in the first 5 years of mining;

·

Optimised gravity concentration conditions have resulted in gravity concentration gold recoveries of approximately 50% and silver recoveries of approximately 30% at a grind size of 75 microns. This is a significant improvement from previous gravity concentration tests. The gravity tests used a lab-scale version of the Falcon gravity concentrators already included in the optioned Rock Creek processing plant;

·

Flotation mass pulls have been reduced (higher grade concentration) to less than 10% while maintaining combined gravity/flotation gold and silver recoveries in excess of 90%;

·

Leach tests on gravity and flotation concentrates are consistently achieving reduced leach reagent consumptions with NaCN consumptions reduced to less than 1.0 kg per tonne of ore and lime consumption reduced to less than 0.2 kg per tonne ore.

The results of the PFS metallurgical program continue to confirm the suitability of the Rock Creek crushing/grinding/gravity/leach processing facilities as well as the assumptions and flowsheet design of the 2016 Amended PEA.

Other PFS-related work underway currently includes environmental baseline monitoring, climate monitoring, water quality sampling and surface water hydrology monitoring.

2016 Exploration

In June, 2016, Almaden announced that it would initiate an exploration drilling program to test additional targets at the Tuligtic property.  From June 2016 to March 28, 2017, the Company completed 33 exploration holes totaling approximately 10,500 metres.  Much of this drilling was focused on new zones of mineralization located within the Amended PEA pit, as well as mineralization located intimate to its boundaries. Summary drill intercepts included the following:

 

 

This drilling demonstrates the continuing expansion of the newly discovered high grade veins in the Ixtaca North Zone, and demonstrates additional resource potential both laterally and at depth. The Company intends to continue its exploration drilling in 2017.

The Ixtaca deposit is one of several exploration targets on the wholly owned Tuligtic property.  The Tuligtic claim covers an area of high level epithermal clay alteration.  The project area is partially covered by volcanic ash deposits which mask underlying alteration, potential vein zones and associated soil responses.  In areas devoid of this covering ash, soil sampling has defined several distinct zones of elevated gold and silver values and trace elements typically associated with epithermal vein systems.  The Ixtaca zone is one of the largest areas of gold/silver soil response but it is also one of the areas with the least ash cover on the project. Management believes that the other altered and geochemically anomalous areas could represent additional zones of underlying quartz-carbonate epithermal veining like the Ixtaca zone.

The potential quantity and grade of these exploration targets is conceptual in nature.  There has been insufficient exploration and/or study to define these exploration targets as a Mineral Resource.  It is uncertain if additional exploration will result in these exploration targets being delineated as a Mineral Resource. The potential quantity and grade of these exploration targets has not been used in the PEA.

Upcoming / Outlook

Almaden has sufficient cash on hand to conduct its development plans for the next fiscal year at Ixtaca. Advanced engineering studies will continue to be the emphasis of this year's work program, as well as preparations necessary to advance permitting activities for the Ixtaca project.  The Company will also continue the exploration drill program to test for additional high grade vein structures immediately adjacent to known mineralisation within and around the Amended PEA pit.

Item 5.     Operating and Financial Review and Prospects

Operating Results

The following discussion and analysis of the results of operations and the Company's financial position should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 appearing under Item 18 – Financial Statements and listed under Item 19 – Exhibits.

The Company's consolidated financial statements are stated in Canadian Dollars and have been prepared in accordance and compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ("IFRS").

The Company is in the business of exploring its principal mineral property in Mexico with the aim of developing it to a stage where it can be exploited at a profit or to arrange joint ventures or other business transactions whereby other companies provide, in whole or in part, funding for development and exploitation. At that stage, the Company's operations would, to some extent, be dependent on the world market prices of any minerals mined. The Company does not have producing properties and operations on its properties.

The Company receives other income from an Administrative Services Agreement with Almadex Minerals Limited.  Under the Agreement, the Company is the sole and exclusive manager of Almadex.  Almadex compensates the Company 30% of the Company's actual monthly cost of rent for any shared facilities, and 30% of any shared personnel's fees and/or wages.  Almadex also pays the Company any reasonable fees or costs incurred on behalf of Almadex by the Company which were approved by Almadex.  The Administrative Services Agreement has an initial 5-year term, with subsequent automatic 1 year renewals unless terminated pursuant to the terms permitted under the Agreement.  The Agreement includes a Change of Control clause.  If either party is subject to a Change of Control during the term of the Agreement, the Agreement shall automatically terminate within 48 hours of the Change of Control unless agreed to in writing by both parties.  The target of the Change of Control shall then pay the other party $2 million as compensation for the unplanned termination of the Company's engagement and significant disruption to the other party's business.  "Change of Control" means the date upon which, without the written concurrence of the target of the Change of Control, any person (as that term is defined in the Securities Act (British Columbia)) makes and does not withdraw a take-over bid (as that term is defined in the Securities Act (British Columbia)) or acquires, directly or indirectly, that number of common shares of the target which equals or exceeds twenty percent (20%) of the then issued common shares of the target.

Fiscal 2016 compared to Fiscal 2015

For the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company recorded a net loss and comprehensive loss of $4,023,504 or $0.05 per share compared to a net loss of $1,477,977 or $0.02 per share for the year ended December 31, 2015.  The increase in net loss of $2,545,527 was primarily a result of the gain recognized in the transfer of spin-out assets to Almadex of $3,115,422 offset by the other comprehensive loss of $333,452 in 2015.

The Company has no revenues from mining operations as it only conducted exploration and development work.  Other income (loss) of $443,504 (2015 – $2,710,588) during the year ended December 31, 2016 consisted mainly of interest income and administrative service fees whereas in 2015, assets spun-out to Almadex generated other sources of income.  Interest income during the year ended December 31, 2016 increased by $246,868 as a result of higher cash balances available for investment.  The administrative service fees in 2016 also increased by $238,374 compared to 2015 as a result of a full year charge whereas in 2015, the Company only earned 5 months of services fees from August 1, 2015 to December 31, 2015.

Operating expenses were $4,467,064 during the year ended December 31, 2016 (2015 - $4,259,713).  The increase operating expenses of $207,351 is mainly the result of higher salaries of $574,494 offset by decreases in professional fees, stock exchange fees, and depreciation as a result of the corporate reorganization completed in 2015.  The increase in salaries was due to the Chairman and the CEO's salaries recorded in salaries and benefits to reflect their functions related to operating a public company rather than general exploration services performed in 2015.  The spin-out transactions in 2015 produced higher operating expenses in professional fees and stock exchange fees.

Fiscal 2015 compared to Fiscal 2014

For the year ended December 31, 2015 ("Fiscal 2015"), the Company recorded a net loss and comprehensive loss of $1,477,977 or $0.02 per share compared to a net loss and comprehensive loss of $14,700,739 or $0.23 per share for the year ended December 31, 2014 ("Fiscal 2014").  The decrease in net loss was primarily a result of a gain on transfer of spin-out assets of $3,115,422 and increased expenses in Fiscal 2014 from impairment charged against its investment in associate of $6,637,288, impairment of exploration and evaluation assets of $2,570,664, and deferred income tax expense of $1,839,482 compared to Fiscal 2015.

 

The Company has no revenue from mining operations as it only conducts exploration and development work.  Other income (loss) of $2,710,588 during Fiscal 2015 consisted mainly of interest income, administrative service fees collected from Almadex and gain on transfer of spin-out assets.  During Fiscal 2014, the Company recorded other loss of $9,496,172 largely due from impairment of exploration and evaluation assets and impairment of investment in associate.  Income sources in Fiscal 2014 came from interest income, office rental fees and a contract drilling program provided to a third party.

During Fiscal 2015, there was income on exploration and evaluation assets of $32,920 as a result of a Canada Revenue Agency refund through a British Columbia Mining Exploration Tax Credit ("BCMETC") from the Merit project in B.C., Canada that was spun out to Almadex.  During Fiscal 2014, there was an income on exploration and evaluation assets of $55,111 as a result of a reduction of the December 2013 accrual to reverse previous years' exploration costs from a CRA review of Almaden's 2010 and 2011 BCMETC claim from various grassroots projects in B.C., Canada.

Operating expenses were $4,259,713 for Fiscal 2015 (Fiscal 2014 - $3,647,013).  The primary increase in operating expenses resulted from higher professional fees paid for the reorganization, capital market advisory services and different levels of investor relations activities.  Directors fees totalling $48,000 were paid during Fiscal 2015 compared to $48,000 during Fiscal 2014.

General exploration expenses of $432,764 were incurred in Fiscal 2015 compared to $592,105 for Fiscal 2014.  These expenditures vary according to management decisions on work to be done on any property.  Given the market conditions at that time, less exploration work was completed to conserve capital and allow the Company to focus on the Tuligtic project.

Significant non-cash items in Fiscal 2015 compared to Fiscal 2014 included impairment of investment in associate, impairment of exploration and evaluation assets, deferred income tax expense, impairment of marketable securities, share-based payments and loss on investment in associate.  During Fiscal 2015, an impairment of investment in associate of $470,700 was recognized (Fiscal 2014 - $6,637,288).  In 2015 it was determined that the decline in value in Gold Mountain's shares was considered to be significant and prolonged, as a result, the Company wrote-down its investment to fair value.  Impairment of exploration and evaluation assets of $97,044 (Fiscal 2014 - $2,570,664) fluctuates period to period based on management's evaluation of the carrying value of each exploration and evaluation asset held at that time.  The deferred income tax recovery of $404,600 (Fiscal 2014 deferred income tax expense - $1,839,482) relates to the Mexican Special Mining Duty ("SMD") associated with the Ixtaca project.  Impairment of marketable securities of $162,000 in Fiscal 2015 (Fiscal 2014 - $405,903) relate to significant or prolonged losses of equity securities held by the Company based on the market value of shares at December 31, 2015.  Share-based payments of $950,740 in Fiscal 2015 (Fiscal 2014 - $565,800) are recognized on the grant of stock options that vested in any period.  During Fiscal 2015 loss on investment in associate of $95,892 (Fiscal 2014 - $135,209) was the recognition of the equity losses in Gold Mountain.  The equity pick up can vary period to period based on the performance of Gold Mountain.

Duane Poliquin was appointed an Officer of Almaden Resources Corporation in September 1980 and of Fairfield Minerals Ltd. in June 1996.

Duane Poliquin is a registered professional geological engineer with over 50 years of experience in mineral exploration and he is the founding shareholder of Almaden Resources Corporation. He gained international experience working with major mining companies where he participated in the discovery of several important mineral deposits.  Mr. Poliquin has held executive positions and directorships with several junior resource companies over his career.  He was founder and President of Westley Mines Ltd. when that company discovered the Santa Fe gold deposit in Nevada.  Mr. Poliquin spends virtually all of his time on the affairs of the Company and Almadex Minerals Limited of which he also serves as Chairman of the Board and a director.

John D. (Jack) McCleary is a registered professional geologist with over 40 years' experience in petroleum and mineral exploration.  He has held executive positions with several junior resource companies over his career and for several years was a Vice President of Dominion Securities Ltd.  He served as a director and President of Canadian Hydro Developers Inc. until December 1995 at which time he retired and as a director and President of Troymin Resources Ltd. until April 2003 at which time Troymin amalgamated with Santoy Resources Ltd. where he served as a director for 5 years.  Mr. McCleary is also a director of Almadex Minerals Limited and spends less than 5% of his time on the affairs of the Company.

Morgan Poliquin is a registered professional geological engineer with over 20 years' experience in mineral exploration since graduating with a B.A.Sc. degree in geological engineering from the University of British Columbia (1994).  In 1996 he earned a M.Sc. in geology from the University of Auckland, New Zealand studying geothermal and epithermal deposits in the South Pacific including the Emperor Gold Deposit, Fiji. In 2010, Dr. Poliquin earned his Ph.D. in Geology from the Camborne School of Mines, University of Exeter.  He is President and CEO of the Company and oversees corporate matters as well as directing the Company's exploration program.  Dr. Poliquin spends virtually all of his time directing the exploration programs and the affairs of the Company in Almaden and Almadex Minerals Limited of which he also serves as President, CEO and a director.

Gerald G. Carlson has been involved in mineral exploration and junior exploration company management for over 40 years.  Mr. Carlson has a B.A.Sc. from the University of Toronto, a M.Sc. from Michigan Technological University and a Ph.D. from Dartmouth College.  He is President, CEO and a director of Pacific Ridge Exploration Ltd., a gold and zinc exploration company listed on the TSX-V.  He is a past President of AME BC (formerly the B.C. and Yukon Chamber of Mines), President of the Society of Economic Geologists Canada Foundation, a Fellow of the Society of Economic Geologists, a member of the Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia, the Professional Engineers of the Yukon Territory and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy & Petroleum.  Mr. Carlson spends less than 5% of his time on the affairs of the Company.

Table No. 7

Summary Compensation Table

					Long-Term Compensation
Annual Compensation					Awards
					Restricted	Options/
Name and	Fiscal			Other Annual	Stock	SARS	LTIP	All Other
Principle Position	Year	Salary (1)	Bonus	Compensation	Awards	Granted	Payouts	Compensation
						(#)
Duane Poliquin Chairman of the Board & Director	2016 2015 2014	$168,000 Nil Nil	Nil Nil Nil	Nil Nil Nil	Nil Nil Nil	550,000 485,000 Nil	Nil Nil Nil	Nil $193,333 (2) $240,000 (2)
Morgan Poliquin President, Chief Executive Officer & Director	2016 2015 2014	$185,500 $231,875 $265,000	$92,750 Nil Nil	Nil Nil Nil	Nil Nil Nil	700,000 965,000 400,000	Nil Nil Nil	Nil Nil Nil
Jack McCleary Director	2016 2015 2014	Nil Nil Nil	Nil Nil Nil	Nil Nil Nil	Nil Nil Nil	218,000 207,000 Nil	Nil Nil Nil	$10,000 (3)(5) $10,000 (3)(5) $10,000 (3)(5)
Joseph Montgomery Former Director (10)	2016 2015 2014	Nil Nil Nil	Nil Nil Nil	Nil Nil Nil	Nil Nil Nil	Nil 145,000 Nil	Nil Nil Nil	$7,000 (3) $7,000 (3) $10,000 (3)(4)
Gerald G. Carlson Director	2016 2015 2014	Nil Nil Nil	Nil Nil Nil	Nil Nil Nil	Nil Nil Nil	100,000 237,000 50,000	Nil Nil Nil	$7,000 (3) $7,000 (3) $7,000 (3)
Barry W. Smee Former Director (8)	2016 2015 2014	Nil Nil Nil	Nil Nil Nil	Nil Nil Nil	Nil Nil Nil	Nil Nil Nil	Nil Nil Nil	Nil $7,000 (3) $7,000 (3)
Mark T. Brown Director,	2016 2015 2014	Nil Nil Nil	Nil Nil Nil	Nil Nil Nil	Nil Nil Nil	68,000 232,000 25,000	Nil Nil Nil	$10,000 (3)(4) $11,200 (3)(4)(6) $7,000 (3)
William J. Worrall Director	2016 2015 2014	Nil Nil Nil	Nil Nil Nil	Nil Nil Nil	Nil Nil Nil	5,000 145,000 Nil	Nil Nil Nil	$7,000 (3) $7,000 (3) $4,550 (3)
James E. McInnes Former Director	2016 2015 2014	Nil Nil Nil	Nil Nil Nil	Nil Nil Nil	Nil Nil Nil	Nil Nil Nil	Nil Nil Nil	Nil Nil $2,450 (3)
David Strang (11) Director	2016	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil	400,000	Nil	Nil
Korm Trieu Chief Financial Officer	2016 2015 2014	$129,500 $161,875 $185,000	$38,850 Nil Nil	Nil Nil Nil	Nil Nil Nil	150,000 145,000 50,000	Nil Nil Nil	Nil Nil Nil
Dione Bitzer Former Controller (9)	2016 2015 2014	Nil Nil $87,500	Nil Nil Nil	Nil Nil Nil	Nil Nil Nil	Nil Nil Nil	Nil Nil Nil	Nil Nil Nil
Douglas McDonald Vice President, Corporate Development	2016 2015 2014	$122,500 $153,125 $48,125 (7)	$18,375 Nil Nil	Nil Nil Nil	Nil Nil Nil	170,000 130,000 150,000	Nil Nil Nil	Nil Nil Nil

Table No. 8

Stock Options Outstanding

Name	Number of  Options Outstanding	Exercise Price CDN$	Expiry Date
Duane Poliquin,	100,000	$1.91	05/04/17
Chairman of the Board & Director	165,000	0.74	08/26/17
	500,000	1.44	06/08/18
	50,000	1.85	09/15/18
	100,000	0.72	12/11/18
	300,000	1.34	07/02/19
Morgan Poliquin	315,000	0.74	08/26/17
President, Director &	500,000	2.31	09/11/17
Chief Executive Officer	700,000	1.44	06/08/18
	300,000	0.72	12/11/18
	250,000	1.04	01/02/19
	150,000	1.32	07/02/19
	350,000	1.34	07/02/19
Jack McCleary	25,000	1.91	05/04/17
Director	100,000	1.44	06/08/18
	68,000	1.91	08/09/18
	50,000	1.85	09/15/18
	207,000	1.35	03/17/19
Gerald G. Carlson	25,000	1.91	05/04/17
Director	115,000	0.74	08/26/17
	50,000	1.44	06/08/18
	50,000	1.85	09/15/18
	72,000	0.72	12/11/18
	50,000	1.04	01/02/19
	50,000	1.34	07/02/19
Mark T. Brown	25,000	1.91	05/04/17
Director	115,000	0.74	08/26/17
	100,000	2.22	11/22/17
	50,000	1.44	06/08/18
	18,000	1.91	08/09/18
	25,000	1.04	01/02/19
	117,000	1.34	07/02/19
William J. Worrall	115,000	0.74	08/26/17
Director	250,000	1.46	06/18/18
	5,000	1.91	08/09/18
	30,000	0.72	12/11/18
David Strang	400,000	1.91	08/09//2018
Director
Korm Trieu	75,000	1.98	06/08/17
Chief Financial Officer	115,000	0.74	08/26/17
	75,000	1.74	04/04/18
	150,000	1.44	06/08/18
	30,000	0.72	12/11/18
	50,000	1.04	01/02/19
Douglas McDonald	100,000	0.74	08/26/17
Vice President, Corporate Development	20,000	1.44	06/08/18
	30,000	0.72	12/11/18
	150,000	1.68	12/11/18
Total Directors/Officers (9 persons)	6,687,000
Total Employees/Consultants (15 persons)	1,368,000
Total Directors/Officers/Employees/Consultants	8,055,000