UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): March 28, 2016
COMSTOCK MINING INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
Nevada
(State or Other
Jurisdiction of Incorporation)
000-32429
(Commission File Number)
65-0955118
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
1200 American Flat Road, Virginia City, Nevada 89440
(Address of Principal Executive Offices, including Zip Code)
Registrant’s Telephone Number, including Area Code: ( 775) 847-5272
Not Applicable
(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
¨
Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
¨
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
¨
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
¨
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))





Item 1.01. Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.

On March 28, 2016, Comstock Mining Inc. (the “Company”) entered into a Drilling and Development Services for Common Stock Investment Agreement (the "Stock Investment Agreement") between the Company and American Mining & Tunneling, LLC and American Drilling Corp, LLC (collectively "AMT"), pursuant to which the Company agreed to issue up to 9,000,000 shares of the Company's common stock (the "AMT Shares") to AMT, at a value of at least $0.56 per share, in exchange for $5,000,000 in underground mine development, drilling and mining services. When the AMT Shares are issued, they will be restricted shares subject to a six-month holding period by
AMT, during which time the issued AMT Shares may not be sold. The Stock Investment Agreement contains customary representations, warranties and agreements in connection with the issuance of the AMT Shares, and conditions to closing include the Company's obligation to file with NYSE MKT LLC a supplemental listing application relating to the AMT Shares that has been approved by NYSE MKT LLC. The foregoing description of the Stock Investment Agreement is qualified in its entirety by the Stock Investment Agreement, which is incorporated herein by reference and is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.1.

A copy of the Company's press release announcing the Stock Investment Agreement is attached to this report as Exhibit 99.1, and is incorporated herein by reference.


Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.
 
d) Exhibits .
 
10.1
 
Drilling and Development Services for Common Stock Investment Agreement dated March 28, 2016 among Comstock Mining Inc. and American Mining & Tunneling, LLC and American Drilling Corp, LLC.
99.1
 
Press release dated March 29, 2016.








SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
COMSTOCK MINING INC.
 
 
 
 
Date: March 29, 2016
 
By:
 
/s/ Corrado De Gasperis
 
 
 
 
Name: Corrado De Gasperis
Title: President, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Chairman








EXHIBIT INDEX
10.1
 
Drilling and Development Services for Common Stock Investment Agreement dated March 28, 2016 among Comstock Mining Inc. and American Mining & Tunneling, LLC and American Drilling Corp, LLC.
99.1
 
Press release dated March 29, 2016.







Drilling and Development Services for Common Stock Investment Agreement
This Drilling and Development Services for Common Stock Investment Agreement (this “Agreement”) is entered into as of March 28, 2016, by and among Comstock Mining Inc., a Nevada corporation (the “ Company ”), American Mining & Tunneling, LLC and American Drilling Corp, LLC, each of which is a Nevada limited liability company (collectively “ AMT ”).
RECITALS
WHEREAS, the Company has engaged AMT to provide certain drilling services in connection with the Company’s construction of an underground exploration portal, mining infrastructure and development and drilling services (the “ Services ”). The Company would like to engage AMT for the Services on an ongoing basis for the development of the Lucerne and Dayton Mine project or other projects selected by the Company (the “ Future Services ”). This letter confirms the agreement between the Company and AMT to deliver up to 9,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, $0.000666 par value, per share (the “ Common Stock ”), to AMT for its account to be applied toward the cost of the Future Services on the terms set forth herein (the “ Exchanges ”); and
WHEREAS, the Company and AMT estimate that the present value of the 9,000,000 shares of the Common Stock to be delivered pursuant to this Agreement (the “ Exchange Shares ”) is equal to $5,000,000.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises contained herein and other good and sufficient consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which is hereby acknowledged, the Company and AMT hereby agree as follows:
1.      Exchanges .
(a)          Subject to Section 3, settlement of the Exchanges will take place from time to time, at times that are mutually acceptable to the Company and AMT (each, a “ Settlement Date ”).
(b)          On each Settlement Date, the Company will deliver stock certificates representing the Exchange Shares to an address designated in writing by AMT.
2.           Representations, Warranties and Agreements .    
(a)           AMT. In connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, AMT hereby represents, warrants, acknowledges and agrees as follows:
(1)          AMT (i) is a limited liability company duly organized and validly existing under the laws of the jurisdiction in which it is organized, (ii) has all organizational power and authority necessary to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement and consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and (iii) has taken all organizational action necessary to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of

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this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by AMT and is enforceable against AMT in accordance with its terms. Neither the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby by AMT violates or contravenes or will violate or contravene any applicable laws, rules or regulations, any of its organizational documents or any of its material agreements. AMT is not part of any group (as defined in Section 13(d)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “ Exchange Act ”)), that includes any other person, in respect of the Common Stock.
(2)          AMT (i) is not a record or beneficial owner of 5% or more of the outstanding shares of Common Stock (excluding the Exchange Shares) or (ii) on each Settlement Date, will not be a record or beneficial owner of greater than 10% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock (including the Exchange Shares). AMT is not or, at the Settlement Date, will not be a Related Person (as defined in Section 6(i) of this Agreement) or an affiliate of the Company.
(3)          AMT has not acted or been engaged to act as the Company’s finder, broker, solicitor, agent or other person acting in a comparable capacity in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby. Neither AMT nor anyone acting on its behalf has engaged or, prior to any Settlement Date, will engage any finder, broker, solicitor, agent or other person, in a comparable capacity in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby. Neither AMT nor anyone acting on its behalf has received or will receive any commission or remuneration directly or indirectly in connection with or in order to solicit or facilitate each Exchange. There are no contracts, agreements or understandings that would give rise to a valid claim against the Company or AMT for a commission, finder’s fee or other like payment in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby.
(4)          AMT understands that the Exchange Shares have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Securities Act ”) and, accordingly, the Exchange Shares may not be resold, pledged or otherwise transferred without registration under the Securities Act or an exemption therefrom (including, without limitation, transactions meeting the requirements of Rule 144 under the Securities Act) and in accordance with any applicable securities laws of any State of the United States or any other applicable jurisdiction.
(5)          AMT is an “accredited investor” within the meaning of Rule 501(a) under the Securities Act. AMT has sufficient experience in business, financial and investment matters to be able to evaluate the risks involved in the acquisition of the Exchange Shares and to make an informed investment decision with respect to such acquisition and the Exchanges. AMT acknowledges that the Company has not made and will not make any representation regarding the value of the Exchange Shares.
(6)          AMT has (i) reviewed a copy of the Company’s most recent annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, proxy statement on Schedule 14A and current reports on Form 8-K, all as filed or furnished to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (including, without limitation, the disclosures

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regarding risk factors and forward-looking statements contained therein), (ii) had such opportunity as it has deemed adequate to obtain from representatives of the Company such information as is necessary to permit AMT to evaluate the merits and risks of the transactions contemplated hereby and (iii) had full opportunity to consult with legal, tax and other advisors as it has deemed necessary in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby. AMT acknowledges that it has not been provided by the Company with any material nonpublic information, including any information updating the Company’s earnings guidance or business outlook since the Company’s most recent relevant public disclosure.
(7)          AMT acknowledges that it is aware, through the Company’s public disclosure, that (i) the Company has minimal production history and limited capital resources and (ii) the Company may from time to time and at any time issue additional shares of Common Stock.
(8)      AMT acknowledges and agrees that it is acquiring the Exchange Shares as principal for its own account, for investment purposes only, and not with a view to, or for, distribution thereof.
(9)      AMT hereby agrees not to sell the Exchange Shares on or prior to the date that is six months and one day from the applicable Settlement Date. AMT hereby agrees not to sell the Exchange Shares at a per share price of less than $0.56.
(10)      AMT and the Company will enter into AMT’s Standard Services Agreement, in connection with AMT providing the Future Services; provided, that such Standard Services Agreement will be modified to permit the payment of invoices in accordance with this Agreement. The commercial terms, conditions, limitations and requirements of AMT’s engagement (including AMT’s right to terminate the Future Services) will be governed by AMT’s Standard Services Agreements and supplemental engagement letters that are executed and delivered by the Company and AMT. AMT hereby agrees to deliver an invoice to the Company with a notation by AMT indicating that such invoices have been paid full with respect to the Future Services (as such Future Services are performed and invoiced) and the number of Exchange Shares deemed to have paid such invoice (determined by the value of each Exchange Share mutually agreed upon by the Company and AMT in each engagement letter). If the Company terminates its engagement of AMT for the Future Services (in accordance with AMT’s Standard Services Agreement or any supplemental engagement letter thereto) or this Agreement is terminated, AMT hereby agrees to promptly return any Exchange Shares to the Company for no consideration.
(b)           Company. In connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, the Company hereby represents, warrants, acknowledges and agrees as follows:
(1)          The Company (i) is a corporation duly organized and validly existing under the laws of Nevada, (ii) has all organizational power and authority necessary to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement and consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and (iii) has taken all organizational action necessary to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the consummation of the

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transactions contemplated hereby. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the Company and is enforceable against it in accordance with its terms. Neither the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby by the Company violates or contravenes or will violate or contravene any applicable laws, rules or regulations, any of its organizational documents or any of its material agreements.
(2)          The Company acknowledges that the Exchange Shares have not been registered under the Securities Act and, accordingly, the Exchange Shares will be restricted securities within the meaning of the Securities Act and will not be freely transferable by AMT. Any certificates representing the Exchange Shares will bear a restrictive legend under the Securities Act.
(3)          Upon consummation of each Exchange, the Exchange Shares will be (i) duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and (ii) duly listed on the NYSE MKT LLC, subject to official notice of issuance.
(4)          Except as otherwise publicly disclosed, there has been no material change in the number of authorized, issued or reserved shares of Common Stock, or shares of Common Stock held in treasury, since the date of the Company’s most recently filed periodic report under the Exchange Act.
(5)          The Company is current in its reporting obligations under the Exchange Act.
3.           Closing Conditions . The obligations of the Company to issue the Exchange Shares and AMT obligations to accept the Exchange Shares hereunder shall be subject to each of the following conditions being satisfied as of each Settlement Date:
(a)      The Company shall have filed with the NYSE MKT LLC a supplemental listing application relating to the Exchange Shares that shall have been approved by NYSE MKT LLC;
(b)      The representations and warranties of the Company and AMT set forth in this Agreement shall be true and correct as of such Settlement Date; and
(c)      All of the terms, covenants, agreements and conditions of this Agreement to be complied with, performed or satisfied by the Company and AMT on or before such Settlement Date shall have been duly complied with, performed or satisfied on or before such Settlement Date.
4.           Termination . Each of the Company and AMT shall have the unilateral right to terminate this Agreement at any time by giving written notice to that effect to the other party. In the event of a termination of this Agreement pursuant to this Section 4, such termination shall not relieve any party of any liability for such breach hereunder or be deemed to constitute a waiver of any right or remedy for such breach.

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5.           Governing Law . The validity, interpretation, performance and enforcement of this Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of New York (without giving effect to the laws, rules or principles of the State of New York regarding conflicts of laws). Each party agrees that any proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the breach or threatened breach hereof shall be commenced and prosecuted in a court in the State of New York. Each party consents and submits to the non‑exclusive personal jurisdiction of any court in the State of New York in respect of any such proceeding. Each party consents to service of process upon it with respect to any such proceeding by registered mail, return receipt requested, and by any other means permitted by applicable laws and rules. Each party waives any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any such proceeding in any court in the State of New York and any claim that it may now or hereafter have that any such proceeding in any court in the State of New York has been brought in an inconvenient forum. Each party waives trial by jury in any such proceeding.
6.           Miscellaneous .
(a)           Expenses . Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement and regardless of whether the transactions contemplated hereby are completed, each party agrees to pay all expenses, fees and costs (including legal, accounting and consulting expenses) incurred by it in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby.
(b)           Notices. All notices or other communications required or permitted to be given pursuant to this Agreement shall be given by written notice, shall be transmitted by (1) personal delivery, (2) registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, (3) overnight mail by an internationally recognized courier service or (4) by facsimile (followed by registered or certified mail) or other electronic means (including by email with a confirmatory receipt) and shall be addressed to the party at the address set forth in this Agreement and to the attention of the individual who is the signatory hereto.
(c)           Amendments . Any amendment to this Agreement must be set forth in a written instrument which is executed and delivered by or on behalf of each party by an officer of, or authorized representative for, such party. Such amendment shall be effective only to the extent specifically set forth in such written instrument.
(d)           No Waivers . No waiver of any provision hereof shall be binding upon a party unless such waiver is expressly set forth in a written instrument which is executed and delivered by or on behalf of the waiving party by an officer of, or authorized representative for, such party. Such waiver shall be effective only to the extent specifically set forth in such written instrument. Neither the exercise (from time to time and at any time) of, nor the delay or failure (at any time or for any period of time) to exercise, any right or remedy shall constitute a waiver of the right to exercise, or impair, limit or restrict the exercise of, such right or remedy or any other right or remedy at any time and from time to time thereafter. No waiver of any right or remedy shall be deemed to be a waiver of any other right or remedy or shall, except to the extent so waived, impair, limit or restrict the exercise of such right or remedy.

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(e)           Entire Agreement . This Agreement, together with any engagement letter duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company and AMT relating to the provision of the Future Services (including specific drilling objectives and/or development program parameters, the scope and costs of the Future Services, the number of Exchange Shares to be delivered, performance milestones and minimum sales price per Exchange Share or other restrictions on AMT) constitute the entire agreement among the parties concerning the subject matter hereof and supersedes any and all prior representations, understandings and agreements between or among the parties concerning such subject matter.
(f)           Assignment . No party shall assign this Agreement without prior written consent of the other party.
(g)           Headings; Counterparts; Facsimile Signatures . The headings set forth herein have been inserted for convenience of reference only, shall not be considered a part hereof and shall not limit, modify or affect in any way the meaning or interpretation hereof. This Agreement may be signed in any number of counterparts, each of which (when executed and delivered) shall constitute an original instrument, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. This Agreement shall become effective and be deemed to have been executed and delivered by the parties at such time as counterparts shall have been executed and delivered by all the parties, regardless of whether all of the parties have executed the same counterpart. It shall not be necessary when making proof of this Agreement to account for any counterparts other than a sufficient number of counterparts which, when taken together, contain signatures of all of the parties. A facsimile transmission of this Agreement bearing a signature on behalf of a party shall be legal and binding on such party.
(h)           Severability . If any provision hereof shall hereafter be held to be invalid, unenforceable or illegal, in whole or in part, in any jurisdiction under any circumstances for any reason, (1) such provision shall be reformed to the minimum extent necessary to cause such provision to be valid, enforceable and legal while preserving the intent of the parties as expressed in, and the benefits to the parties provided by such provision, or (2) if such provision cannot be so reformed, such provision shall be severed from this Agreement and an equitable adjustment shall be made to this Agreement (including addition of necessary further provisions to this Agreement) so as to give effect to the intent as so expressed and the benefits so provided. Such holding shall not affect or impair the validity, enforceability or legality of such provision in any other jurisdiction or under any other circumstances. Neither such holding nor such reformation nor severance shall affect or impair the legality, validity or enforceability of any other provision hereof.
(i)           Definitions . For purposes of this Agreement, “beneficial ownership” and correlative terms shall have the same meaning as under both Sections 13 and 16 of the Exchange Act and the General Rules and Regulations under the Exchange Act, “Related Person” shall have the same meaning as under Item 404 of Regulation S-K, and “affiliate” and “controlling person” shall have the same meanings as under the Securities Act.

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(j)           Further Assurances . Each party will perform any and all acts and execute any and all documents as may be necessary and proper under the circumstances in order to accomplish the intents and purposes of this Agreement.

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If this letter correctly sets forth our agreement, please so confirm by signing this letter in the space provided below whereupon this letter shall become a binding and enforceable agreement.
Very truly yours,
AMERICAN MINING & TUNNELING, LLC
By:     _/s/ Steve Elloway______________
        Name: Steve Elloway
Title: President, Chief Executive Officer


AMERICAN DRILLING CORP, LLC
By:     _/s/ Steve Elloway______________
        Name: Steve Elloway
Title: President, Chief Executive Officer

Address for Notices:
5340 Grass Valley Rd
Winnemucca, Nevada 89445


AGREED AND ACCEPTED :

COMSTOCK MINING INC.
By:     ___/s/ Corrado F. DeGasperis___________
    Name:     Corrado F. DeGasperis
Title:     President, Chief Executive Officer
    & Director

Address for Notices:
P.O. Box 1118
1200 American Flat Road
Virginia City, Nevada 89440

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Comstock Mining Partners with American Mining for Mining Services
 
Virginia City, NV (March 29, 2016) - Comstock Mining Inc. (the “Company”) (NYSE MKT: LODE) announced today that it has entered into an agreement with its strategic partner, American Mining and Tunneling, LLC and American Drilling Corp, LLC , (together the “American Group”) for $5 million in underground mine development, drilling and mining services. These services will be provided in exchange for the issuance of up to 9,000,000 shares of its common stock, at a value of at least $0.56 per share.

The shares to be issued to the American Group will be issued in exchange for future drilling, mine development and underground mining services in connection with, but not limited to, the Company’s construction of an underground exploration portal, mining infrastructure and development of the Company’s Lucerne and Dayton Mine projects. When such shares are issued, they will be restricted shares subject to a minimum six-month holding period by AMT, during which time the issued shares may not be sold.

Mr. Corrado De Gasperis, President & CEO of Comstock Mining, commented, “We consider the American Group as the best all-around partner for underground drilling and development competencies as we both strengthen our commitments and grow our mutual investment in Nevada mining. By investing with and in us, the collaboration with the American Group has achieved another level of strategic partnering as we position our Nevada-based platform for the next level of performance.”

The Company has previously partnered with the American Group based on their broad underground drilling, development and underground mining expertise and quality services to the mining industry, and especially in North America, with a special focus in Nevada.




Mr. Steve Elloway, President & CEO of American Group, commented, “Our industry is emerging from three tough years of rationalized exploration and underdevelopment. We continue partnering with companies in good jurisdictions, having broad development opportunities and high quality, growth-minded, management teams that have invested in their district and positioned themselves for growth.”

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any shares of the Company’s common stock, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

About Comstock Mining Inc.
Comstock Mining Inc. is a producing, Nevada-based, gold and silver mining company with extensive, contiguous property in the Comstock District and is an emerging leader in sustainable, responsible mining, including concurrent and accelerated reclamations, soil sampling, voluntary air monitoring, cultural asset protection and historical restorations. The Company began acquiring properties in the Comstock District in 2003. Since then, the Company has consolidated a significant portion of the Comstock District, amassed the single largest known repository of historical and current geological data on the Comstock region, secured permits, built an infrastructure and commenced production in 2012. The Company continues acquiring additional properties in the district, expanding its footprint and creating opportunities for further exploration, development and mining. The near-term goal of our business plan is to maximize intrinsic stockholder value realized, per share, by validating qualified resources and reserves (proven and probable) from our first two resource areas, Lucerne and Dayton, and significantly grow the commercial development of our operations through extended, long-lived mine plans that are economically feasible and socially responsible.

About the American Group
American Mining and Tunneling LLC and American Drilling Corp, LLC is a mining services and exploration drilling group headquartered in Spokane Valley, Washington. The Company provides



mine development and construction services to the mining industry ranging from beginning stage exploration to the end of mine life reclamation. International services are provided through its North American divisions in Elko, Nevada, Winnemucca, Nevada, Spokane Valley, Washington and Hermosillo, Mexico. Emphasis at the American Group is on maintaining the highest quality, experienced and professional personnel supported by a safety first companywide culture.

www.AmericanMT.com
www.AmericanDrillingCorp.com

Forward-Looking Statements
Some of the information presented in this press release, including, without limitation, statements with respect to the transaction between the Company and the American Group, strategic plans and industry prospects, and all other information relating to matters that are not historical facts, may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations, which are in turn based on assumptions that we believe are reasonable based on our current knowledge of our business and operations. We have used words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “should,” “will” and variations of such words and similar expressions to identify such forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that actual results will not differ materially. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, without limitation: the receipt and timing of necessary stock exchange, regulatory or other approvals; industry and market conditions affecting the Company and its suppliers; and the other factors detailed from time to time in the reports of the Company filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including those described under “Risk Factors” in the Company’s most recent annual report on Form 10-K. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this communication. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to disseminate any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement contained herein to reflect any change in the Company’s expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.


Contact information for Comstock Mining Inc.:

 
PO Box 1118
Virginia City, NV 89440
 
 
questions@comstockmining.com
 
 
http://www.comstockmining.com
 
Corrado De Gasperis
 
Judd Merrill
President & CEO
 
Chief Financial Officer
Tel (775) 847-4755
 
Tel (775) 847-7325
degasperis@comstockmining.com
 
merrill@comstockmining.com