UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
 
x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Quarterly Period Ended June 30, 2016
or
 
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from ______________ to ______________

Commission File No. 001-35200

COMSTOCK MINING INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
NEVADA
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
1040
(Primary Standard Industrial
Classification Code Number)
 
65-0955118
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
P.O. Box 1118
Virginia City, NV 89440
(Address of principal executive offices)
(775) 847-5272
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes   x   No   ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes   x   No   ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer   ¨         Accelerated filer   ¨
Non-accelerated filer   ¨       Smaller reporting company   x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes  o  No  x
The number of shares of Common Stock, $0.000666 par value, of the registrant outstanding at August 2, 2016 was 183,293,252 .
 




TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 

Cautionary Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements contained in this report on Form 10-Q are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which are intended to be covered by the safe harbors created thereby. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking statements. The words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “project,” “plan,” “should,” “intend,” “may,” “will,” “would,” “potential” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements, but are not the exclusive means of doing so. Forward-looking statements include statements about matters such as: future prices and sales of, and demand for, our products; future industry and market conditions; future changes in our exploration activities, production capacity and operations; future delays or disruptions in construction or production; future exploration, production, operating and overhead costs; future employment and contributions of personnel; and management; tax and interest rates; capital expenditures; nature and timing of restructuring charges and the impact thereof; productivity, business processes, rationalization and other, operational initiatives; investments, acquisition, consulting, operational, tax, financial and capital projects and initiatives; contingencies; environmental compliance and changes in the regulatory environment; and future working capital, costs, revenues, business opportunities, debt levels, cash flows, margins, earnings and growth.

These statements are based on assumptions and assessments made by our management in light of their experience and their perception of historical and current trends, current conditions, possible future developments and other factors they believe to be appropriate. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees, representations or warranties and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, developments and business decisions to differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements.  Some of those risks and uncertainties include the risk factors set forth in this report and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, and the following: current global economic and capital market uncertainties; the speculative nature of gold or mineral exploration, including risks of diminishing quantities or grades of qualified resources and reserves; operational or technical difficulties in connection with exploration or mining activities; contests over our title to properties; potential dilution to our stockholders from the conversion of securities that are convertible into or exercisable for shares of our common stock; potential inability to continue to comply with government regulations; adoption of or changes in legislation or regulations adversely affecting our businesses; permitting rejections, constraints or delays; business opportunities that may be presented to, or pursued by, us; changes in the United States or other monetary or fiscal policies or regulations; interruptions in our production capabilities; unexpected equipment failures; fluctuation of prices for gold or certain other commodities (such as silver, zinc, cyanide, water, diesel fuel and electricity); changes in generally accepted accounting principles; geopolitical events; potential inability to implement our business strategies; potential inability to grow revenues organically; potential inability to attract and retain key personnel; interruptions in delivery of critical supplies, equipment and raw materials; assertion of claims, lawsuits and proceedings against us; potential inability to maintain an effective system of internal controls over financial reporting; potential inability or failure to timely file periodic reports with the SEC; potential inability to maintain the listing of our securities on any securities exchange or market; and work stoppages or other labor difficulties. Occurrence of such events or circumstances could have a material effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows or the market price of our securities. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements by or attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these factors. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement.

2



PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
COMSTOCK MINING INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(UNAUDITED)
 
June 30,
2016
 
December 31,
2015
ASSETS
 
 
 
CURRENT ASSETS:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
823,724

 
$
1,663,170

Accounts receivable

 
24,642

Inventories (Note 2)
151,379

 
450,951

Stockpiles and mineralized material on leach pads (Note 2)
343,543

 
1,322,211

Assets held for sale, Net (Note 4)
4,297,926

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets (Note 3)
4,646,875

 
2,188,053

Total current assets
10,263,447

 
5,649,027

MINERAL RIGHTS AND PROPERTIES, Net
7,205,081

 
7,205,081

PROPERTIES, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, Net (Note 4)
17,039,473

 
26,596,859

RECLAMATION BOND DEPOSIT
2,622,544

 
2,642,804

RETIREMENT OBLIGATION ASSET (Note 5)
692,123

 
1,107,120

OTHER ASSETS
12,000

 
12,000

TOTAL ASSETS
$
37,834,668

 
$
43,212,891

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
 
 
 
Accounts payable
$
932,441

 
$
1,964,371

Accrued expenses (Note 6)
1,254,005

 
1,639,526

Long-term debt and capital lease obligations – current portion (Note 7)
6,498,515

 
8,538,336

Total current liabilities
8,684,961

 
12,142,233

LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
 
 
 
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations (Note 7)
2,069,920

 
4,759,213

Long-term reclamation liability (Note 5)
6,920,458

 
6,827,568

Other liabilities
693,359

 
724,407

Total long-term liabilities
9,683,737

 
12,311,188

Total liabilities
18,368,698

 
24,453,421

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 11)


 


STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
 
 
 
Common stock, $.000666 par value, 3,950,000,000 shares authorized, 182,125,752  and 159,917,711   shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2016  and December 31, 2015 , respectively
121,296

 
106,505

Additional paid-in capital
225,314,388

 
217,716,500

Accumulated deficit
(205,969,714
)
 
(199,063,535
)
Total stockholders’ equity
19,465,970

 
18,759,470

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
$
37,834,668

 
$
43,212,891


See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

3



COMSTOCK MINING INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(UNAUDITED)
 
Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 
2016
 
2015
REVENUES
 
 
 
Revenue - mining
$
1,457,991

 
$
5,442,027

Revenue - real estate
33,285

 
46,264

Total revenues
1,491,276

 
5,488,291

 
 
 
 
COST AND EXPENSES
 
 
 
Costs applicable to mining revenue
1,262,316

 
3,219,831

Real estate operating costs
92,324

 
61,267

Exploration and mine development
810,916

 
530,660

Mine claims and costs
273,877

 
293,163

Environmental and reclamation
357,238

 
388,790

Land and road development
20,904

 
862,246

General and administrative
942,028

 
1,311,329

Total cost and expenses
3,759,603

 
6,667,286

 
 
 
 
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS
(2,268,327
)
 
(1,178,995
)
 
 
 
 
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
 
 
 
Interest expense
(216,358
)
 
(330,451
)
Other income (expense), net
(370,099
)
 

Total other income (expense), net
(586,457
)
 
(330,451
)
 
 
 
 
NET INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES
(2,854,784
)
 
(1,509,446
)
 
 
 
 
INCOME TAXES

 

 
 
 
 
NET INCOME (LOSS)
(2,854,784
)
 
(1,509,446
)
 
 
 
 
DIVIDENDS ON CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK

 
(965,164
)
 
 
 
 
NET INCOME (LOSS) AVAILABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS
$
(2,854,784
)
 
$
(2,474,610
)
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss) per common share – basic
$
(0.02
)
 
$
(0.03
)
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss) per common share – diluted
$
(0.02
)
 
$
(0.03
)
 
 
 
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding — basic
176,737,416

 
82,540,600

 
 
 
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding — diluted
176,737,416

 
82,540,600


See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.




4



COMSTOCK MINING INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(UNAUDITED)
 
Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
 
2016
 
2015
REVENUES
 
 
 
Revenue - mining
$
3,438,755

 
$
11,369,201

Revenue - real estate
73,042

 
156,507

Total revenues
3,511,797

 
11,525,708

 
 
 
 
COST AND EXPENSES
 
 
 
Costs applicable to mining revenue
2,678,237

 
6,937,743

Real estate operating costs
144,753

 
261,294

Exploration and mine development
3,438,508

 
1,133,854

Mine claims and costs
570,310

 
714,227

Environmental and reclamation
729,934

 
1,011,944

Land and road development
20,904

 
862,246

General and administrative
2,027,136

 
3,457,234

Total cost and expenses
9,609,782

 
14,378,542

 
 
 
 
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS
(6,097,985
)
 
(2,852,834
)
 
 
 
 
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
 
 
 
Interest expense
(438,095
)
 
(554,124
)
Other income (expense), net
(370,099
)
 
3,186,626

 
 
 
 
Total other income (expense), net
(808,194
)
 
2,632,502

 
 
 
 
NET INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES
(6,906,179
)
 
(220,332
)
 
 
 
 
INCOME TAXES

 

 
 
 
 
NET INCOME (LOSS)
(6,906,179
)
 
(220,332
)
 
 
 
 
DIVIDENDS ON CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK

 
(1,883,996
)
 
 
 
 
NET INCOME (LOSS) AVAILABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS
$
(6,906,179
)
 
$
(2,104,328
)
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss) per common share – basic
$
(0.04
)
 
$
(0.03
)
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss) per common share – diluted
$
(0.04
)
 
$
(0.03
)
 
 
 
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding — basic
170,075,960

 
82,515,428

 
 
 
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding — diluted
170,075,960

 
82,515,428


See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

5



COMSTOCK MINING INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)
 
Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
 
2016
 
2015
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
$
(6,906,179
)
 
$
(220,332
)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation, amortization and depletion
3,355,178

 
3,836,092

Stock payments and stock-based compensation
336,964

 
44,400

Accretion of reclamation liability
92,890

 
130,653

Gain on sale of properties, plant, and equipment
(583,462
)
 
77,579

Amortization of debt discounts and issuance costs
182,471

 
315,735

Payment of interest expense and sales tax with common stock
183,900

 

Loss on payment of debt obligation with common stock
150,166

 

Net change in fair values of derivatives

 
74,271

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
Accounts receivable
24,642

 
263,453

Inventories
299,572

 
83,511

Stockpiles and mineralized material on leach pads
978,668

 
(105,213
)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
(1,051,816
)
 
(690,599
)
Other assets

 
12,941

Accounts payable
168,923

 
(625,432
)
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
(416,569
)
 
(2,828,946
)
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES
(3,184,652
)
 
368,113

INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
Proceeds from sale of properties, plant and equipment
1,858,511

 
117,065

Purchase of mineral rights and properties, plant and equipment
(258,075
)
 
(3,750,271
)
Decrease/(increase) in reclamation bond deposit
20,260

 
(100,000
)
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES
1,620,696

 
(3,733,206
)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
Principal payments on long-term debt and capital lease obligations
(3,654,240
)
 
(4,579,697
)
Proceeds from long-term debt obligations
925,000

 
9,419,392

Proceeds from the issuance of common stock
4,025,000

 

Common stock issuance costs
(571,250
)
 

NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES
724,510

 
4,839,695

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
(839,446
)
 
1,474,602

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD
1,663,170

 
5,308,804

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD
$
823,724

 
$
6,783,406

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
 
 
 
Cash paid for interest
$
321,405

 
$
507,592

 
 
 
(Continued)


6



COMSTOCK MINING INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)
 
Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
 
2016
 
2015
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities:
 
 
 
Additions to reclamation liability and retirement obligation asset
$

 
$
659,295

Issuance of common stock for properties, plant and equipment
$

 
$
16,049

Issuance of common stock for settlement of long-term debt obligations
$
4,140,029

 
$

Dividends paid in common stock (par value)
$

 
$
1,723

Issuance of long-term debt obligations for purchase of mineral rights and properties, plant and equipment
$

 
$
197,515

Vested restricted common stock (par value)
$
36

 
$
40

Properties, plant and equipment purchases in accounts payable
$

 
$
42,693

Property transferred in satisfaction of accounts payable
$
1,100,000

 
$


See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

7



COMSTOCK MINING INC.
 
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30, 2016 (UNAUDITED)

1. Interim Financial Statements
 
Basis of Presentation

The interim condensed consolidated financial statements of Comstock Mining Inc. ("Comstock", the "Company", "we", "our" or "us") have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In our opinion, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three and six month period ended June 30, 2016 , are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2016 . For further information, refer to the financial statements and footnotes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 .

During the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 , the Company shipped 1,255 and 2,957 ounces of gold, respectively, resulting in recognized revenue of approximately $1.5 million and $3.4 million , respectively. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 , the Company shipped 22,131 and 51,569 ounces of silver, respectively, for approximately $0.4 million and $0.7 million , respectively. Silver is accounted for as a by-product credit in costs applicable to mining revenue for financial reporting purposes.
 
Liquidity and Management Plans
 
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern, which considers the realization of assets and discharge of liabilities in the normal course of business and does not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of uncertainties noted below.

The Company has recurring net losses from operations and an accumulated deficit of $206.0 million at June 30, 2016 . For the six -month period ended June 30, 2016 , the Company recognized a net loss of $6.9 million and used cash in operations of $3.2 million . As of June 30, 2016 , the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $0.8 million , current assets of $10.3 million and current liabilities of $8.7 million , resulting in current assets in excess of current liabilities of approximately $1.6 million . On March 31, 2016, the Company completed an underwritten public offering of 10,000,000 shares of its common stock. Gross proceeds to the Company from this offering were approximately $3.5 million before deducting underwriting commissions and other offering expenses paid by the Company. On April 13, 2016, the Company also completed the sale of an additional 1,500,000 shares of the Company's common stock for additional gross proceeds of approximately $525,000 .

The Company’s current capital resources include cash and cash equivalents and other working capital resources, cash generated through operations, assets held for sale and existing financing arrangements including a lease financing agreement and the previously drawn revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) with Auramet International, LLC (“Auramet”). The Revolving Credit Facility was fully paid on April 1, 2016, from part of the proceeds from the sale of the Company’s common stock on March 31, 2016. Under the Revolving Credit Facility, the Company may have borrowings of up to $10 million outstanding at any given time, subject to satisfying certain conditions and obtaining certain consents. The Revolving Credit Facility has a maturity of April 28, 2018, and allows for re-advances on the facility up to the $10 million availability. The Company has financed its exploration, development and start up activities principally from the sale of equity securities and, to a lesser extent, debt financing. While the Company has been successful in the past in obtaining the necessary capital to support its operations, including registered equity financings from its existing shelf registration, borrowings or other means, there is no assurance that the Company will be able to obtain additional equity capital or other financing, if needed.

Effective June 28, 2016, the Company entered into a sales agreement with respect to an at-the-market offering program ("ATM Agreement") pursuant to which the Company may offer and sell, from time to time at its sole discretion, shares of its common stock, having an aggregate offering price of up to $5.0 million. The Company pays the sales agent a commission of 2.5% of the gross proceeds from the sale of such shares. The Company is not obligated to make any sales of shares under the ATM Agreement, and if it elects to make any sales, the Company can set a minimum sales price for the shares. As of June 30, 2016, no shares had been sold pursuant to the ATM Agreement.


8



The Company believes that it will have sufficient funds to sustain its operations during the next 12 months as a result of the sources of funding described above.

Future production rates and gold prices below management’s expectations would adversely affect the Company’s results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. If the Company was unable to obtain any necessary additional funds, this could have an immediate material effect on liquidity and could raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. In such case, the Company could be required to limit or discontinue certain business plans, activities or operations, reduce or delay certain capital expenditures or sell certain assets or businesses. There can be no assurance that the Company would be able to take any of such actions on favorable terms, in a timely manner or at all.

Use of Estimates
 
In preparing financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles, we are required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and revenues and expenditures during the reported periods. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates. Estimates may include those pertaining to valuation of inventories, stockpiles and mineralized material on leach pads, the estimated useful lives and valuation of plant and equipment, mineral rights, deferred tax assets, derivative assets and liabilities, reclamation liabilities, stock-based compensation and payments, and contingent liabilities.

Comprehensive Income
 
The only component of comprehensive loss for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 , was net loss.

Income Taxes

We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities based on differences between the consolidated financial statement carrying amounts and tax bases of certain recorded assets and liabilities and for tax loss carryforwards. Realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon our ability to generate sufficient future taxable earnings. Where it is more likely than not that the deferred tax asset will not be realized, we have provided a full valuation allowance. The Company has provided a full valuation allowance at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , for its net deferred tax assets as it cannot conclude it is more likely than not that they will be realized.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
     
In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718). This standard is intended to simplify the accounting for several aspects of the accounting for equity-based compensation, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-09 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that adopting this new accounting guidance will have on its consolidated results of operations and financial position.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. Topic 842 affects any entity that enters into a lease, with some specified scope exceptions. For public business entities, the amendments in this update are effective for financial statements issued for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those annual periods. Early application is permitted for all entities. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this standard on its consolidated financial statements, which will require right of use assets and lease liabilities be recorded in the consolidated balance sheet for operating leases.


9



In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, which introduces a new five-step revenue recognition model in which an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This ASU also requires disclosures sufficient to enable users to understand the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers, including qualitative and quantitative disclosures about contracts with customers, significant judgments and changes in judgments, and assets recognized from the costs to obtain or fulfill a contract. This standard was originally effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which defers the effective date of ASU 2014-09 for all entities by one year to annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. Earlier application is permitted only as of annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-10, Revenue from Contracts with Customers - Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing, which is an amendment that clarifies the following two aspects of the new five-step revenue recognition model: identifying performance obligations and the licensing implementation guidance. The effective date and transition requirements for the amendments in this update are the same as ASU 2015-014. The Company is currently evaluating the new guidance to determine the impact it will have on its consolidated financial statements.

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior period consolidated financial statements to conform to the current period presentation. The Company reclassified its asset retirement obligation expenses from Mining Claims Cost to Environmental and Reclamation line item in the consolidated statements of operations. As a result of this change, Mining Claims Cost line item was reduced by $364,092 and $707,134 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, respectively, and Environmental and Reclamation increased by such amounts.


2. Inventories, Stockpiles and Mineralized Material on Leach Pads
 
Inventories, stockpiles and mineralized materials on leach pads consisted of the following:
 
 
June 30, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
In-process
$
151,379

 
$
249,130

Finished goods

 
201,821

Total inventories
$
151,379

 
$
450,951

 
 
 
 
Mineralized material on leach pads
$
343,543

 
$
1,322,211

Total stockpiles and mineralized material on leach pads
$
343,543

 
$
1,322,211

Total
$
494,922

 
$
1,773,162

 

3. Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets

Prepaid expenses and other current assets consisted of the following:

 
June 30, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
Land and property deposits
$
1,387,855

 
$
1,169,285

Lease obligation deposits
1,759,764

 
231,000

Other
1,499,256

 
787,768

Total prepaid expenses and other current assets
$
4,646,875

 
$
2,188,053





10



4. Properties, Plant and Equipment

The Company sold land and equipment with a book value of approximately $2.4 million during the six months ended June 30, 2016 , and recorded a gain on the sale of that land and equipment totaling $0.6 million . As of June 30, 2016, $0.7 million of the proceeds associated with sale had not yet been collected and is recognized as prepaid expenses and other current assets on the balance sheet.

During the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 , the Company recognized depreciation expense of $1.5 million and $2.9 million , respectively. Depreciation expense for the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2015, was $1.6 million and $3.2 million , respectively.

Assets Held For Sale

During the second quarter of 2016, the Company committed to a plan to sell certain mining equipment and land and buildings. As of June 30, 2016 , the Company had assets with a net book value of $4.3 million that met the criteria to be held for sale. Those criteria specify that the asset must be available for immediate sale in its present condition (subject only to terms that are usual and customary for sales of such assets) and the sale of the asset must be probable, and its transfer expected to qualify for recognition as a completed sale, within one year, with certain exceptions.

5. Long-Term Reclamation Liability and Retirement Obligation Asset
 
Following is a reconciliation of the aggregate reclamation liability associated with our reclamation plan for our mining projects:

 
June 30, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
Long-term reclamation liability — beginning of period
$
6,827,568

 
$
5,908,700

Additional obligations incurred

 
659,295

Accretion of reclamation liability
92,890

 
259,573

Long-term reclamation liability — end of period
$
6,920,458

 
$
6,827,568

 
Following is a reconciliation of the aggregate retirement obligation asset associated with our reclamation plan for our mining projects:
 
 
June 30, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
Retirement obligation asset — beginning of period
$
1,107,120

 
$
1,619,101

Additional obligations incurred

 
659,295

Amortization of retirement obligation asset
(414,997
)
 
(1,171,276
)
Retirement obligation asset — end of period
$
692,123

 
$
1,107,120


6. Accrued Expenses

Accrued expenses consisted of the following:
 
 
June 30, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
Accrued Board of Directors fees
$
349,000

 
$
251,000

Accrued production royalties
149,035

 
120,332

Accrued payroll
137,607

 
174,640

Accrued vendor liabilities
97,389

 
633,282

 Accrued personal property tax

 
115,907

 Other accrued expenses
520,974

 
344,365

 Total accrued expenses
$
1,254,005

 
$
1,639,526



11




7. Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations
 
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations consisted of the following:
 
Note Description
June 30, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
Note Payable - Caterpillar Equipment Consolidated 1)
$
3,677,254

 
$

Note Payable - Caterpillar Equipment 1)

 
2,679,723

Capital Lease Obligation - Caterpillar Equipment 1)

 
1,652,934

Lease Obligation - Varilease
2,674,972

 
3,556,479

Note Payable - V&T
494,968

 
750,000

Note Payable - Donovan Property
357,845

 
414,389

Note Payable - White House
278,318

 
281,139

Note Payable - Daney Ranch Property
275,849

 
1,139,834

Note Payable - Gold Hill Hotel
249,306

 
259,173

Note Payable - Dayton Property "Golden Goose"
175,741

 
489,212

Note Payable - Railroad & Gold Property
95,154

 
110,725

Capital Lease Obligation - Kimball
60,582

 
104,522

Notes Payable - Other
228,446

 
259,419

Note Payable - Auramet Facility

 
1,600,000

 
 
 
 
Subtotal
8,568,435

 
13,297,549

Less current portion
(6,498,515
)
 
(8,538,336
)
Long-term portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations
$
2,069,920

 
$
4,759,213


1) Caterpillar Equipment Note and Caterpillar Equipment Capital Lease balances on December 31, 2015 were consolidated into Caterpillar Equipment Consolidated Note on June 27, 2016. For details see discussion below.

Long-Term Debt Obligations
 
Caterpillar Equipment Facility and Capital Lease

On June 27, 2016, the Company completed an agreement with Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation relating to certain finance and lease agreements (the "CAT Agreement"). The Company entered into the CAT Agreement which required the Company to complete the sale of certain financed and leased equipment and modified the payment schedule under the related finance and lease arrangements. Under the terms of the CAT Agreement, the Company will pay down its obligations with the net proceeds from the financed and leased equipment required to be sold during the second half of 2016, with any remaining balance to be paid off primarily from a monthly payment schedule of $25,000 per month until the amounts have been paid in full. The net book value of equipment required to be sold under the amended agreement is $1.8 million at June 30, 2016 and is included in assets held for sale, net in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. The note bears an interest rate of 5.7%. The outstanding obligations in the agreement are approximately $3.67 million. During June 2016, the Company sold equipment for net proceeds of approximately $0.7 million.


12



Auramet Facility

On March 6, 2015, the Company entered into an amended and restated $5 million revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) with Auramet, pursuant to which the Company may borrow up to $5 million , subject to satisfying certain conditions and obtaining certain consents. On March 6, 2015, the Company drew $5 million (the “Note”), representing cash proceeds of approximately $4.4 million , net of prepaid interest and fees of approximately $0.6 million . On December 28, 2015, the Company and Auramet agreed to increase the facility up to $10 million and extended the facility from the current maturity of February 6, 2017 to April 28, 2018. The indebtedness under the Revolving Credit Facility is secured by a security interest in certain real estate owned by the Company within the Company’s starter mine and a first priority security interest in all personal property of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary Comstock Mining, LLC, subject to any existing or future Permitted Liens (as defined under the Revolving Credit Facility). The proceeds from the Note were primarily used for an accelerated construction schedule for rerouting State Route 342, located in the Company’s Lucerne Resource Area, the first phase of which was completed in early June 2015, and the second phase was completed in November 2015. The Note contains a covenant that requires the Company to maintain a minimum liquidity balance of $1 million (including cash and cash equivalents, plus 90% of the value of any doré that has been picked up by a secured carrier but not yet paid for, as of any date of determination). The Note additionally contains customary representations, warranties, affirmative covenants, negative covenants, and events of default, as well as conditions to borrowings.

The note was fully repaid on April 1, 2016, from proceeds from the sale of the Company’s common stock on March 31, 2016.

Daney Ranch Property

On August 31, 2015, the Company entered into a note in the amount of $1.8 million for the purchase of land and buildings. The note does not bear interest. Upon entering into the note, the Company issued 1,538,462 shares of common stock to the noteholder as partial payment on the note. In January 2016, the note maturity date was extended for nine months to November 2016 and an additional 3,000,000 shares of common stock was issued to the noteholder in satisfaction of the outstanding principal balance. To the extent proceeds received by the noteholder from the sale of the shares received are less than the outstanding principal balance, the Company would make a final payment for the difference.

Dayton Property "Golden Goose"

During 2016, the Company amended the Golden Goose note, extended the maturity to January 2017, and issued 1,000,000 shares of common stock in partial satisfaction of the outstanding principal balance. To the extent proceeds received by the noteholder from the sale of the shares received are less than the outstanding principal balance, the Company would make a final payment for the difference.

Lease Obligations

Varilease Finance Inc.

On May 12, 2015, the Company entered into a master lease agreement with Varilease Finance Inc. ("Varilease") in which the Company obtained capital financing under a sale-leaseback transaction in the amount of $5 million. Due to certain types of continuing involvement, the Company was precluded from applying sale-leaseback accounting and has accounted for the transaction under the financing method. The Company's obligations under the Varilease agreement are secured by an interest in the Company's processing equipment in exchange for 24 monthly payments of $247,830 totaling the cash proceeds of $5 million and applicable interest. During the six months ended June 30, 2016, the Company issued 6,617,896 shares of common stock in partial satisfaction of lease payment obligations through the remainder of 2016. To the extent proceeds received by Varilease from the sale of the shares received are less than the lease payments required to be made, the Company would make a final cash payment for the difference. The fair value of the shares which have been issued to Varilease but remain unsold as of June 30, 2016 is $1.5 million which is recorded in prepaid expenses and other current assets in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.

8. Stockholders’ Equity

In March 2016, the Company raised $3.5 million in gross proceeds (approximately $3.0 million net of issuance cost) through an underwritten public offering of 10 million shares of common stock at a price per share of $0.35 under the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-3.


13



In April 2016, the Company raised an additional $525,000 in gross proceeds through the sale of an additional 1,500,000 shares of common stock at a price per share of $0.35 to the underwriter of the Company’s public offering of common stock closed in March 2016. The sale was completed pursuant to the underwriter's exercise of the over-allotment option granted in connection with the public offering.

At-the-Market Offering Program

Effective June 28, 2016, the Company entered into a sales agreement with respect to an at-the-market offering program ("ATM Agreement") pursuant to which the Company may offer and sell, from time to time at its sole discretion, shares of its common stock, having an aggregate offering price of up to $5.0 million. The Company pays the sales agent a commission of 2.5% of the gross proceeds from the sale of such shares. The Company is not obligated to make any sales of shares under the ATM Agreement, and if it elects to make any sales, the Company can set a minimum sales price for the shares. As of June 30, 2016, no shares had been sold pursuant to the ATM Agreement.


9. Fair Value Measurements
 
The fair value of a financial instrument is the amount that could be received upon the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Fair value measurements do not include transaction costs. A fair value hierarchy is used to prioritize the quality and reliability of the information used to determine fair values. Categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The fair value hierarchy is defined into the following three categories:
 
Level 1: Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2: Observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs corroborated by market data.
Level 3: Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.

The following tables presents our liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

 
 
 
Fair Value Measurements at June 30, 2016
 
Total
 
Quoted
Prices
in Active
Markets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note payable (Daney Ranch Property)
$
275,850

 
$

 
$
275,850

 
$

Note payable (Dayton Property "Golden Goose")
175,741

 

 
175,741

 

Total Liabilities
$
451,591

 
$

 
$
451,591

 
$



 
 
 
Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2015
 
Total
 
Quoted
Prices
in Active
Markets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note payable (Daney Ranch Property)
$
1,139,834

 
$

 
$
1,139,834

 
$

Total Liabilities
$
1,139,834

 
$

 
$
1,139,834

 
$



We had no assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 . During the six months ended June 30, 2016 and twelve months ended December 31, 2015 , there were no transfers of assets or liabilities between Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3.


14



Note payable (Daney Ranch Property) - The note payable is valued as the difference between the $1.8 million face amount, reduced by the proceeds to be received by the noteholder from the sale of the 4,538,462 shares of common stock to be sold through October 2016 by the noteholder. The Company has estimated the proceeds to be received upon the sale of the common stock by the noteholder using the Black-Scholes model with various observable inputs. These inputs include contractual terms, stock price, volatility, dividend yield, and risk free interest rates. Because the inputs are all observable market-based inputs, this instrument is classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy.

Note payable (Dayton Property "Golden Goose") - The note payable is valued as the difference between the $0.5 million face amount, reduced by the proceeds to be received by the noteholder from the sale of the 1,000,000 shares of common stock to be sold through December 2016 by the noteholder. The Company has estimated the proceeds to be received upon the sale of the common stock by the noteholder using the Black-Scholes model with various observable inputs. These inputs include contractual terms, stock price, volatility, dividend yield, and risk free interest rates. Because the inputs are all observable market-based inputs, this instrument is classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy.

10. Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share
 
Basic earnings per share are computed by dividing net loss available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted loss per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if stock options, warrants and convertible securities were exercised or converted into common stock.
 
The following is a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator used in the basic and diluted computation of net loss per share:
 
 
Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 
Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Numerator:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
$
(2,854,784
)
 
$
(1,509,446
)
 
$
(6,906,179
)
 
$
(220,332
)
Preferred stock dividends

 
(965,164
)
 

 
(1,883,996
)
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders
$
(2,854,784
)
 
$
(2,474,610
)
 
$
(6,906,179
)
 
$
(2,104,328
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Denominator:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic weighted average shares outstanding
176,737,416

 
82,540,600

 
170,075,960

 
82,515,428

Effect of dilutive securities

 

 

 

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding
176,737,416

 
82,540,600

 
170,075,960

 
82,515,428

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss) per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
(0.02
)
 
$
(0.03
)
 
$
(0.04
)
 
$
(0.03
)
Diluted
$
(0.02
)
 
$
(0.03
)
 
$
(0.04
)
 
$
(0.03
)
 
The following table includes the number of common stock equivalent shares that are not included in the computation of diluted income and (loss) per share, because the inclusion of such shares would be anti-dilutive or certain performance conditions have not been achieved.
 
 
June 30,
 
2016
 
2015
Convertible preferred stock

 
53,608,855

Stock options and warrants
50,000

 
50,000

Restricted stock
1,444,000

 
1,796,600

 
1,494,000

 
55,455,455



15



11. Commitments and Contingencies
 
The Company has minimum royalty obligations with certain of its mineral properties and leases. For most of the mineral properties and leases, the Company is subject to a range of royalty obligations once production commences. These royalties range from 0.5% to 5% of net smelter revenues (NSR) from minerals produced on the properties, with the majority being under 3% . Some of the factors that will influence the amount of the royalties include ounces extracted and the price of gold.

On March 28, 2016, 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 to AMT, in exchange for $5,000,000 in future 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. AMT has also agreed not to sell the shares at a per share price of less than $0.56 . 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. As of June 30, 2016, no shares had been issued.

The Company’s mining and exploration activities are subject to various laws and regulations governing the protection of the environment. These laws and regulations are continually changing and are generally becoming more restrictive. The Company believes its operations are in compliance with applicable laws and regulations in all material respects. The Company has made, and expects to make in the future, expenditures to comply with such laws and regulations, but cannot predict the full amount of such future expenditures.

From time to time, we are involved in lawsuits, claims, investigations and proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of business. There are no matters pending that we expect to have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
 
12. Segment Reporting
 
Our management organizes the Company into two operating segments: mining and real estate. Our mining segment consists of all activities and expenditures associated with mining. Our real estate segment consists of land, real estate rental properties and the Gold Hill Hotel. We evaluate the performance of our operating segments based on operating income (loss). All intercompany transactions have been eliminated, and intersegment revenues are not significant. Financial information relating to our reportable operating segments and reconciliation to the consolidated totals is as follows:    


16



 
Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 
Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Revenue
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mining
$
1,457,991

 
$
5,442,027

 
$
3,438,755

 
$
11,369,201

Real estate
33,285

 
46,264

 
73,042

 
156,507

Total revenue
1,491,276

 
5,488,291

 
3,511,797

 
11,525,708

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost and Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mining
(3,667,279
)
 
(6,606,019
)
 
(9,465,029
)
 
(14,117,248
)
Real estate
(92,324
)
 
(61,267
)
 
(144,753
)
 
(261,294
)
Total cost and expenses
(3,759,603
)
 
(6,667,286
)
 
(9,609,782
)
 
(14,378,542
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Loss
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mining
(2,209,288
)
 
(1,163,992
)
 
(6,026,274
)
 
(2,748,047
)
Real estate
(59,039
)
 
(15,003
)
 
(71,711
)
 
(104,787
)
Total loss from operations
(2,268,327
)
 
(1,178,995
)
 
(6,097,985
)
 
(2,852,834
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other income (expense), net
(586,457
)
 
(330,451
)
 
(808,194
)
 
2,632,502

Net income (loss)
$
(2,854,784
)
 
$
(1,509,446
)
 
$
(6,906,179
)
 
$
(220,332
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mining
$
1,580,201

 
$
1,890,467

 
$
3,240,713

 
$
3,780,575

Real estate
82,345

 
32,120

 
114,465

 
55,517

Total depreciation, amortization and depletion
$
1,662,546

 
$
1,922,587

 
$
3,355,178

 
$
3,836,092

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital Expenditures
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mining
$
156,815

 
$
143,272

 
$
334,840

 
$
3,651,623

Real estate
2,261,263

 

 
2,261,263

 
14,663

Total capital expenditures
$
2,418,078

 
$
143,272

 
$
2,596,103

 
$
3,666,286




 
As of June 30,
 
As of December 31,
 
2016
 
2015
Assets
 
 
 
Mining
$
34,996,561

 
$
41,886,124

Real estate
2,838,107

 
1,326,767

Total assets
$
37,834,668

 
$
43,212,891


13. Subsequent Events

On July 25, 2016, the Company purchased 98 acres of land and 257 acre-feet of senior priority water rights in Silver Springs, Nevada for $3.2 million and entered into a Loan Agreement (the “Loan Agreement”) of $3.25 million for the purpose of purchasing the real property and water rights. The indebtedness under the Loan Agreement is secured by a deed of trust on the property purchased.


17



The Loan Agreement has a term of two years . The indebtedness under the Loan Agreement accrues interest at a rate of 9% per annum for the first year post-closing, 12.5% per annum for the six months that follow the first anniversary of the Loan Agreement and 14% per annum thereafter until such indebtedness is paid in full. Proceeds from the sale of the property securing the loan must be used to repay the indebtedness under the Loan Agreement. In addition to customary remedies for secured indebtedness on real property, the Loan Agreement allows the lender thereunder to convert the principal amount of the indebtedness into common stock of the Company upon a default.






18




Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
 
The following discussion provides information that we believe is relevant to an assessment and understanding of the consolidated results of operations and financial condition of the Company as of and for the three and six -month periods ended June 30, 2016 , as well as our future results. It should be read in conjunction with the condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes also included in this Form 10-Q and our Annual Report on Form 10-K as of, and for the fiscal year ended, December 31, 2015 .
  
Overview
 
Comstock Mining Inc. is a Nevada-based, gold and silver mining company with extensive, contiguous property in the historic Comstock and Silver City mining districts (collectively, the “Comstock District”). The Comstock District is located within the western portion of the Basin and Range Province of Nevada, between Reno and Carson City. We began acquiring properties and developing projects in the Comstock District in 2003. Since then, we have consolidated a substantial portion of the historic Comstock District, secured permits, built an infrastructure and brought exploration projects into production. We also received the 2015 Nevada Excellence in Mine Reclamation award, voted on unanimously by five participating Federal and State of Nevada agencies.

Because of the Comstock District’s historical significance, the geology is well known and has been extensively studied by us, our advisors and many independent researchers. We have expanded our understanding of the geology of the project area through vigorous surface mapping and drill hole logging. The volume of geologic data is immense, and thus far the reliability has been excellent, particularly in the various Lucerne Mine areas. We have amassed a large library of historic data and detailed surface mapping of Comstock District properties and continue to obtain historic information from private and public sources. We use such data in conjunction with information obtained from our current operations, to target geological prospective exploration areas and plan exploratory drilling programs, including expanded surface and underground drilling.

The Company continues evaluating and acquiring properties inside and outside the district expanding its footprint and exploring all of our existing and prospective 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 continuing to acquire mineralized and potentially mineralized properties, exploring, developing and validating qualified resources and reserves (proven and probable) that enable the commercial development of our operations through extended, long-lived mine plans that are economically feasible and socially responsible, including both the Lucerne and Dayton Mine plans, with both surface and underground development opportunities. We also plan to develop longer-term exploration plans for the remaining areas, which include the Spring Valley, Occidental, Northern Extension and Northern Targets areas, subsequent to and in some cases concurrent with the exploration and development of Lucerne and Dayton. Our plans also include the identification, assessment and acquisition of similarly situated gold and silver mining assets.

We achieved initial production and held our first pour of gold and silver on September 29, 2012. We produced approximately 22,925 gold equivalent ounces in 2014 and 18,455 gold equivalent ounces in 2015. That is, we produced 19,601 ounces of gold and 222,416 ounces of silver in 2014 and 15,451 ounces of gold and 221,723 ounces of silver in 2015. During the first six months ended June 30, 2016 , the Company produced 2,957 ounces of gold and 51,569 ounces of silver, that is, approximately 3,621 gold equivalent ounces. The expected recovery rate for gold increased from an estimated 85% to an estimated 87.5% in the first quarter of 2016 and remained at this rate during the second quarter of 2016.

The Company’s headquarters, technical resources, mine operations and heap leach processing facility are located in Storey County, Nevada, at 1200 American Flat Road, approximately three miles south of Virginia City, Nevada and 30 miles southeast of Reno, Nevada. The Company now owns or controls approximately 8,542 acres of mining claims and parcels in the Comstock and Silver City Districts. The acreage is comprised of approximately 2,242 acres of patented claims (private lands) and surface parcels (private lands) and approximately 6,301 acres of unpatented mining claims, which the Bureau of Land Management (“BLM”) administers.

Our real estate segment owns significant non-mining properties, including the Gold Hill Hotel, the Daney Ranch and other lands, homes and cottages. The Gold Hill Hotel consists of an operating hotel, restaurant and a bar. In 2015, we entered into an agreement to lease the Gold Hill Hotel to independent operators while retaining ownership. The initial term of the lease agreement was effective on April 1, 2015, and ends in March 2020. The tenant may renew the lease for two extended terms of five years each. Lease payments are due in monthly installments.



19



Current Exploration Projects
 
District-wide

During the second quarter of 2016, the Company expanded its exploration planning to include longer-term exploration targets across the broader Comstock District where multiple miles of additional mineralized strike zones have been identified and added to the Company’s exploration planning activities. This includes the Company's northeastern properties within the Occidental Group, the Northern properties referred to as the Gold Hill Group and the southern portion of the Dayton Resource Area, extending further south into the Spring Valley Group (refer to Figure 1).

During the first half of 2016, the Company focused on exploration and development in the Lucerne Resource area, primarily in the Quartz Porphyry (PQ) and Succor geological target areas, and to a lesser extent the Dayton Resource Area. Lucerne activity included underground core drilling, underground drift (tunnel) development, and underground sampling. Dayton activity included surface and underground sampling. The Company has also developed specific plans for additional infill, development and exploration in the Dayton Resource area and further exploration activities to define the extent of known mineralization in the Succor, Woodville and Chute target areas within the Lucerne Resource Area.






20



Figure 1 - General overview of priority surface and underground targets.


21



Lucerne Exploration Targets

The Company has designed additional exploration drilling programs within the Lucerne Group. This includes the Succor vein target, the Woodville area and the northern development of the PQ underground. During the first quarter, about 12,380 feet of HQ-3 and NQ core drilling was completed and samples produced from the Harris Drift. The drilling configuration is in the form of ‘fans’ that comprise a group of holes, with each drill bay having two or three fans of drill holes extending into the primary target. The core locations and orientations were specifically designed to infill and expand the areas of known, high-grade mineralization identified from previous surface drilling programs. (Figure 2)

Figure 2 - 3D representation of the Harris Drift showing drill bays, drill fans, and the Succor crosscut.
The Company encountered longer mineralized intercepts (10 to 40 feet thick) from bays 3 through 6 as it moved north of the Silver City/Succor structural intersection and within and bordering the PQ mass. The configuration of the longer and higher grade intercepts occur along the hanging wall contact of the PQ intrusive mass within both the Alta Andesite and PQ host rocks. The intervals show continuity laterally and vertically along the structural contact.

Throughout the PQ drill program, geologic cross sections oriented along the drill fans and level plans on 20 foot spacing were fashioned for the target area. With completion of drilling, core logging and assaying through Drill Bay 6, cross sections and level plans were prepared, reviewed, updated and digitized. The model was further refined as these sections were tied together to form a three-dimensional triangulation using Maptek Vulcan software.

Using the geologic model and assay data as a base, multiple grade shells were produced in the same manner. Starting with cross sections and level plans, the shells were digitized and then refined as they were tied together to form three-dimensional triangulations. These shells form the base of the block model used for internal planning and resource development. (Figure 3)
    

22



Figure 3 - Current grade shells: colored red for 0.12 opt Au cutoff (averaging 0.31 opt Au) and magenta 0.25 opt Au cutoff (averaging 0.61 opt Au), with PQ, Succor, and Woodville proposed drill programs.

Although the grade intercepts were promising, they did not yet yield sufficient continuity for mining. The Company considers the initial 800 feet of advance within the Harris Drift as a first phase of development toward a longer-term exploration and development objective targeting a three-quarter-mile long mineralized corridor that includes the Lucerne (including the PQ target), Succor, Woodville, and Chute zone systems. (Figure 4) Most of these systems remain open to the north and east and particularly at depth. A second phase of development was completed by advancing a crosscut out of Drill Bay 2 to a total length of 450 feet toward the structural intersection of the Silver City fault zone and Succor vein zone. The design of the crosscut is geared toward favorable underground drilling position. The Succor represents an important target in conjunction with the PQ zone based on its location (perpendicular and adjacent to the PQ), past production history and the results from the Company’s 2011 and 2012 reverse circulation drill programs.


23



Figure 4 - Underground target areas highlighting the exploration drift and drill bays.

The Succor Vein Target has a strike length of greater than 1000 feet, an average true width of 15 feet and an average dip of 55 degrees. The structure has reported historic mining grades of approximately 0.620 ounces per ton of recovered gold equivalent grade and is open to the east and at depth, along the entire structure. The proposed drill holes shown in Figure 5 are designed to extend the depth of known mineralization identified by surface drilling.


24



Figure 5 - Woodville, PQ, and Succor target areas with proposed Succor target drilling.

Future drill programs are being developed with a phased approach to extend the PQ mineralization and scope the Succor and Woodville targets.

The remaining phases of the road realignment, estimated at approximately $65,000, and Lucerne reclamation activities, including the final waste dump removal, grading and drainage reestablishment are scheduled for completion in the third quarter of 2016.

Dayton Resource Area

The Company plans to conduct definition drilling and geotechnical core programs within the Dayton Resource area. The Dayton southern expansion program includes exploration and definition drilling of targets identified by the conventional percussion drill program, magnetic, IP and resistivity geophysical surveys (Figure 6).


25



Figure 6 - Dayton and Spring Valley Area

26



The geologic and engineering staff also completed underground mapping, sampling, and surveying in a number of historic mine tunnels on and near the Dayton Resource area. Several historic mines operated in the Dayton area, leaving access to multiple structures from underground. Some adits have remained open or have been uncovered by the Company. Where accessible, the workings were and are being inspected and mineralized material sampled. Geologic mapping is also done at this time. Once sampling is completed, the workings are surveyed to model the size and location of the openings as well as locate the samples. The samples are then assayed at the Company’s own metallurgical laboratory for gold and silver.

This underground sampling program has not only provided a wealth of assay information but it has also provided critical information for furthering the geologic understanding of the Dayton. In some cases structures identified on the surface can be traced underground and in other cases structures that do not have obvious surface expression are identified.

Spring Valley

Spring Valley is located south of State Route 341. Limited drilling has identified favorable mineralized zones (see Figure 4 below). The exploration of Spring Valley will include phased drilling programs that will continue southerly from SR341 to the historic Daney mine site (Figure 1), with a total a strike length of approximately 8,000 feet.

Occidental Group

The Occidental vein (a sub parallel vein system to the Comstock) is considered by the Company to be underexplored and is considered a significant exploration target, with historic, high grade production mined near surface in localized pods. The Occidental vein system has a significant strike length of over 7,600 feet on land controlled by the Company. Detailed geologic assessment and mapping is ongoing to best define future drilling and development of this exploration target.

Gold Hill Group

The northern Comstock underground targets of the Gold Hill Group will be prioritized and exploration proposals will follow. Several locations in the Gold Hill Group have been selected to receive additional evaluation.
    
Production
 
The Company operates a heap leach based, gold and silver production system, including a zinc-precipitate based Merrill-Crowe processing plant. The Company, under the existing water pollution control permit with the State of Nevada, has the crushing and processing capacity to operate at a rate of up to 4.0 million tons of material crushed and stacked, per annum. The Merrill-Crowe system facilitates that capacity with an operating fluid processing rate of over 1,000 gallons per minute.

During 2014, the Company completed the transition from the Billie the Kid and Hartford patented claims in the Lucerne West-side Mine to the higher-grade Justice and Lucerne patents, also in the Lucerne West-side Mine. During the first and second quarters of 2015, the Company, in preparation for underground development, substantially completed mining of those Lucerne West-side surface patents. Substantially all of the operations for the second half of 2015 were focused on the extraction of the mineralized material contained in historic mine dumps while also completing the realignment of SR-342, establishing a drift into the higher-grade PQ and Woodville targets, and developing those targets towards the establishment of reserves for potential future mining.

The Company substantially completed the extraction and remediation of the historic dump materials during the third quarter of 2015, and stacked the material on the leach pads where the mineralized material continues under solution until the target gold and silver recovery rates have been achieved. The Company stacked over 13,000 tons of mineralized material during May 2016. This additional material, when combined with recent metallurgical yield estimates of approximately 87.5%, increases our estimated recoverable gold ounces remaining on the pad. The Company now expects that the leaching process and resulting gold and silver pours will continue into the third quarter of 2016.


27



The following table presents production for the periods ended June 30, 2016 and 2015:

 
 
2Q 2016
 
1Q 2016
 
YTD 2016
 
2Q 2015
 
1Q 2015
 
YTD 2015
Processing
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tons Crushed
 
13,197

 

 
13,197

 
211,942

 
157,612

 
369,554

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted Average Grade Per Ton Au
 
0.025

 

 
0.025

 
0.030

 
0.039

 
0.034

Weighted Average Grade Per Ton Ag
 
0.436

 

 
0.436

 
0.654

 
0.734

 
0.688

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Estimated Au Ounces Stacked
 
336

 

 
336

 
6,438

 
6,083

 
12,521

Estimated Ag Ounces Stacked
 
5,758

 

 
5,758

 
138,639

 
115,689

 
254,328

Estimated Au Equivalent* Ounces Stacked
 
413

 

 
413

 
8,344

 
7,669

 
16,013

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Au Ounces Poured and Sold
 
1,255

 
1,702

 
2,957

 
4,575

 
4,695

 
9,270

Ag Ounces Poured and Sold
 
22,131

 
29,438

 
51,569

 
60,112

 
56,482

 
116,594

Au Equivalent* Ounces Poured
 
1,548

 
2,073

 
3,621

 
5,400

 
5,470

 
10,870

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
* Au Equivalent ounces = Au ounces (actual) + (Ag ounces (actual) ÷ the ratio of average gold to silver prices)
 
75.09

 
79.68

 
72.91

 
72.37

 
72.91

 
72.82


The following table presents weighted average grades of gold and silver by quarter:

 
 
Weighted Average per ton Gold
 
Weighted Average per ton Silver
Q1, 2014
 
0.024

 
0.345

Q2, 2014
 
0.034

 
0.546

Q3, 2014
 
0.026

 
0.564

Q4, 2014
 
0.039

 
0.680

2014 YTD
 
0.030

 
0.527

 
 
 
 
 
Q1, 2015
 
0.039

 
0.734

Q2, 2015
 
0.030

 
0.654

Q3, 2015
 
0.021

 
0.573

Q4, 2015
 
0.023

 
0.564

2015 YTD
 
0.031

 
0.659

 
 
 
 
 
Q1, 2016
 

 

Q2, 2016
 
0.025

 
0.436

2016 YTD
 
0.025

 
0.436


During the second quarter of 2016 , the Company poured 1,255 ounces of gold and 22,131 ounces of silver. During the six months ended June 30, 2016 , the Company poured 2,957 ounces of gold and 51,569 ounces of silver.
    
For the three months ended June 30, 2016 , the Company realized a $1,204.08 average price per ounce of gold and a $15.21 average sales price per ounce of silver. In comparison, commodity market prices in the first three months of 2016 averaged $1,259.35 per ounce of gold and $16.78 per ounce of silver.
    
For the six months ended June 30, 2016 , the Company realized a $1,193.04 average price per ounce of gold and a $14.58 average sales price per ounce of silver. In comparison, commodity market prices in the first six months of 2016 averaged $1,220.28 per ounce of gold and $15.80 per ounce of silver.
 

28



Our Comstock exploration activities include open pit gold and silver test mining. As defined by the Securities Exchange Commission (“SEC”) Industry Guide 7, we have not yet established any proven or probable reserves at our Comstock Lode Project.
 
Operating Costs
 
During the first six months of 2016 , actual costs applicable to mining revenue were approximately $3.4 million , $2.7 million net of silver credits, as compared to $8.9 million , $6.9 million net of silver credits, during the first six months of 2015 . This 61% reduction of net costs applicable to mining revenue is primarily a result of significantly lower labor and processing costs due to the Company’s transition from surface mining to underground exploration and development and higher experienced metallurgical yields. Costs applicable to mining revenue include processing labor, processing maintenance, processing reagents and assaying costs, among others. Costs applicable to mining revenue for the first six months of 2016 and 2015 also included depreciation of $1.3 million and $3.1 million, respectively.
 
During the first six months of 2016 , the Company focused on reducing non-mining costs, most recently increasing targeted savings in this area from $5.5 million in 2016, as compared to over $8 million in 2015 . The Company has aggressively implemented organizational changes consistent with our transition from mining the Lucerne surface mine to growing our resource portfolio and related exploration and development activities toward production-ready mining projects. Accordingly, general and administrative costs and other non-mining costs, including mine claims and land costs, other real estate operating costs and environmental costs have already declined significantly to an annualized rate of over $8 million . The Company incurred approximately $0.3 million in severance costs during the first six months of 2016 , in mining and general and administrative expenses, associated with organizational cost reductions.

Outlook

Production during 2016 is currently limited to processing of existing leach pad materials. Considering the improved estimates of gold and silver recoveries, that is, 87.5% for gold and 59.5% for silver, the current leach cycle will continue well into the third quarter, likely through September 2016 or later. All operating costs associated with hauling, crushing and other ancillary activities have been reduced or eliminated as we transition the full organizational focus toward the discovery, development and establishment of reserves from Lucerne and Dayton, for future mining, and the identification, assessment and acquisition of similarly situated gold and silver mining assets. During our exploration and development activities in 2016, we expect to operate with less than 15 employees. General and administrative costs are also expected to continue to decline significantly, resulting in savings in all non-mining costs of over $8 million during 2016, as compared to 2015, an increase of 80% over the originally disclosed target of $3 million.

The Company plans to sell non-mining related lands, buildings and water rights, valued at over $10 million, over the next twelve months and resulting in net profit of over $5 million and net cash proceeds of over $7 million. These proceeds will eliminate current debt obligations and strengthen the financial position of the Company. The Company also plans to sell surface mining equipment, no longer required in our mine plans, valued at up to $2 million and significantly reduce the financing obligations associated with Caterpillar Finance. These combined actions should eliminate substantially all of the Company’s debt obligations in the next twelve months.

During the second half of 2016, the Company also plans limited core drilling in Dayton, sufficient to finalize the parameters of a mine plan and commence the permitting for the Dayton Mine. The Company has developed grade shells with higher average grades and believes the Dayton to have economically feasible potential and plans on developing those mine plans in the latter half of 2016. Infill drilling is expected to expand the reserve potential for the Dayton mine plans.

The Company commenced the underground drift tunnel and drilling, associated with the first underground exploration phase of a PQ geological target, in September 2015, and completed drift-sampling, drilling and metallurgical test work of the PQ target during the first quarter. The Succor vein system is being considered as an easterly extension of the first phase of development beyond the high-grade PQ target. This will positively expand the scope of Phase 1 through the second half of 2016. The drift tunnels are designed to conduct an underground exploration program directed at a series of geological targets in the Silver City Branch of the Comstock Lode, including the PQ target, the Succor vein systems and the historic Woodville Bonanza system. These initial targets represent the core of a broader geological corridor. Previous surface drilling in the area, including the Succor-Holman drilling from 2015 had suggested that a greater than 1,000 feet of mineralized strike in the Succor zone, lying generally adjacent to and below the Lucerne Cut, has the potential to yield high-grade gold and silver. The current program has been geared toward defining that potential.


29



Drill results from the PQ drilling continued yielding wider and longer high-grade intercepts. These results were published by press releases issued throughout the first quarter of 2016. The Company also completed a crosscut tunnel, drifting to the Succor vein system. This drift positions the Company for efficient scope drilling from an underground platform that compliments additional scope drilling from the surface, ultimately to confirm the extent of the length and depth of the Succor target. Ultimately, these efforts are designed to develop mine plans of sufficient grade and quantities for longer-lived production plans for the Lucerne mine.

The Company will report the results of the Lucerne and Dayton exploration and development programs as they become available.

Recent Developments

The Company completed a positive restructuring of certain equipment obligations and consummated a forbearance agreement on June 27, 2016 with Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation relating to certain finance and lease agreements (the “Forbearance”). The Company entered into the Forbearance to permit the Company to complete the sale of certain equipment against a modified payment schedule under the related lease arrangements. Under the terms of the Forbearance, the Company will pay down its obligations with the net proceeds from the equipment sold during the second half of 2016, with any remaining balance to be paid off with $25,000 monthly payments until the leases have been paid in full. The Company paid down $738,000 during July 2016, resulting in the total outstanding obligations of approximately $2.9 million as of July 29, 2016.

On June 30, 2016, the Company also entered into an equity facility agreement with International Asset Advisory, LLC, a long-established financing partner, to provide up to $5 million in equity financing from time to time as needed on terms deemed favorable to the Company.  This facility is intended solely to enable more efficient access to equity capital markets while we are finalizing our positive debt reduction and asset sale activities.

On July 14, 2016 the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Sierra Front Field Office, conveyed ownership of approximately 24 acres to Northern Comstock, LLC.  The parcel known locally as “Lot 51” is located on the American Flat Road, in Storey County, Nevada. The parcel was established as a lot and patented during the historic mining heyday of the Comstock District.  The BLM’s action legally recognizes Lot 51 as private property.  This marks the successful completion of a multi-year process to acquire this land from the BLM.  Lot No. 51 represents a strategic parcel of land that enables an expanded and efficient haul route from the Lucerne mine. 
    
On July 25, 2016, the Company purchased 98 acres of land and 257 acre-feet of senior priority water rights in Silver Springs, Nevada for $3.2 million and entered into a Loan Agreement (the “Loan Agreement”) of $3.25 million for the purpose of purchasing the real property and water rights. The indebtedness under the Loan Agreement is secured by a deed of trust on the property purchased.

The Loan Agreement has a term of two years. The indebtedness under the Loan Agreement accrues interest at a rate of 9% per annum for the first year post-closing, 12.5% per annum for the six months that follow the first anniversary of the Loan Agreement and 14% per annum thereafter until such indebtedness is paid in full. Proceeds from the sale of the property securing the loan must be used to repay the indebtedness under the Loan Agreement. In addition to customary remedies for secured indebtedness on real property, the Loan Agreement allows the lender thereunder to convert the principal amount of the indebtedness into common stock of the Company upon a default.

On August 1, 2016, the BLM approved a Right-of-Way Amendment for Comstock Mining, LLC. In July 2012 Comstock Mining, LLC submitted an application to the BLM to amend its existing Right-of-Way on the American Flat Road, located in Gold Hill, Storey County. Under the approved Right-of-Way Amendment, Comstock Mining, LLC would be permitted to realign a portion of the American Flat Road to segregate public traffic from haul traffic for public safety. The Lucerne Haul Road, which Comstock Mining, LLC has used since August 2012, would be used exclusively for haul purposes for public safety between the Lucerne Pit and American Flat where a processing facility exists. In order to approve the Right-of-Way Amendment, the BLM first had to complete compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act. This was done in February 2016 with the execution of a Memorandum of Agreement to resolve adverse effects to eight historic properties present. The BLM has also completed compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act by approving an environmental assessment.



30



Equity Raises

In March and April 2016, the Company raised $4.0 million (approximately $3.5 million net of issuance costs) through an underwritten public offering of 11,500,000 shares of common stock at a price per share of $0.35 .

Comparative Financial Information
 
The Company had two operating segments as of June 30, 2016 : mining, and real estate.

The comparative financial information is reflected in the following table:

Three Months Ended:
 
June 30, 2016
 
June 30, 2015
 
Change
Revenue - mining
$
1,457,991

 
$
5,442,027

 
$
(3,984,036
)
Revenue - real estate
33,285

 
46,264

 
(12,979
)
 
 
 
 
 


Costs applicable to mining revenue
1,262,316

 
3,219,831

 
(1,957,515
)
Real estate operating costs
92,324

 
61,267

 
31,057

Exploration and mine development
810,916

 
530,660

 
280,256

Mine claims and costs
273,877

 
293,163

 
(19,286
)
Environmental and reclamation
357,238

 
388,790

 
(31,552
)
Land and road development
20,904

 
862,246

 
(841,342
)
General and administrative
942,028

 
1,311,329

 
(369,301
)
Loss from operations
(2,268,327
)
 
(1,178,995
)
 
(1,089,332
)
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense
(216,358
)
 
(330,451
)
 
114,093

Other income (expense)
(370,099
)
 

 
(370,099
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
NET INCOME (LOSS)
$
(2,854,784
)
 
$
(1,509,446
)
 
$
(1,345,338
)
 
Mining revenue in the three months ended June 30, 2016 was $1.5 million . The decrease of $4.0 million resulted from lower production and lower average price per ounce of gold realized of $1,204.08 versus $1,262.91 for the three months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. The Company produced 1,255 ounces of gold (and 22,131 ounces of silver), during the three-month period ended June 30, 2016 , as compared to 4,575 ounces of gold (and 60,112 ounces of silver) in the three-month period of 2015 .
 
Throughout the three months ended June 30, 2016 , the Company realized an average price of $1,204.08 per ounce of gold and a $15.21 average sales price per ounce of silver. In comparison, commodity market prices in the second quarter of 2016 averaged $1,259.35 per ounce of gold and $16.78 per ounce of silver.

Costs applicable to mining revenue were $1.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2016 , including $0.4 million of silver credits, as compared to $3.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2015 , including $1.0 million of silver credits. The reduction of $2.0 million , of net costs applicable to mining revenue resulted from shifting of the Company's focus from mining to exploration resulting in lower mining and processing costs and the reduction of mining and processing staff.

Exploration and mine development costs increased by approximately $0.3 million during the three months ended June 30, 2016 , as compared to the same period ended June 30, 2015 . The increase is a result of $0.7 million classification of mining equipment depreciation expense to development activities, offset by lower exploration and development labor costs of $0.2 million and other negotiated reductions in development costs.

Land and road development costs were $0.9 million in the second quarter of 2015, due to the road realignment project that was completed in 2015.


31



General and administrative costs decreased by $0.4 million second quarter of 2016 , as compared to second quarter of 2015 . The decrease is primarily the result of lower payroll costs of approximately $0.3 million, in line with targeted cost reduction efforts.

Net loss was $2.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2016 , as compared to a net income of $1.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2015 . The $1.3 million increase in net loss primarily resulted from a $4.0 million decrease in revenue, net of a $2.0 million decrease in mining and processing costs, $0.8 million reduction in Road and Land Development costs and $0.3 million of lower general and administrative costs, offset by a $0.3 million increase in development and exploration expenses.

Six Months Ended:
 
June 30, 2016
 
June 30, 2015
 
Change
Revenue - mining
$
3,438,755

 
$
11,369,201

 
$
(7,930,446
)
Revenue - real estate
73,042

 
156,507

 
(83,465
)
 
 
 
 
 


Costs applicable to mining revenue
2,678,237

 
6,937,743

 
(4,259,506
)
Real estate operating costs
144,753

 
261,294

 
(116,541
)
Exploration and mine development
3,438,508

 
1,133,854

 
2,304,654

Mine claims and costs
570,310

 
714,227

 
(143,917
)
Environmental and reclamation
729,934

 
1,011,944

 
(282,010
)
Land and road development
20,904

 
862,246

 
(841,342
)
General and administrative
2,027,136

 
3,457,234

 
(1,430,098
)
Loss from operations
(6,097,985
)
 
(2,852,834
)
 
(3,245,151
)
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense
(438,095
)
 
(554,124
)
 
116,029

Other income (expense)
(370,099
)
 
3,186,626

 
(3,556,725
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
NET INCOME (LOSS)
$
(6,906,179
)
 
$
(220,332
)
 
$
(6,685,847
)
 
Mining revenue in the six months ended June 30, 2016 was $3.4 million . The decrease of $7.9 million resulted from lower production and lower average price per ounce of gold realized of $ $1,193.04 versus $1,262.91 for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The Company produced 2,957 ounces of gold and 51,569 ounces of silver, during the six -month period ended June 30, 2016 , as compared to 4,575 ounces of gold and 60,112 ounces of silver in the six -month period of 2015.
 
Throughout the six months ended June 30, 2016 , the Company realized an average price of $1,193.04 per ounce of gold and a $14.58 average sales price per ounce of silver. In comparison, commodity market prices in the first half of 2016 averaged $1,220.28 per ounce of gold and $15.80 per ounce of silver.

Costs applicable to mining revenue were $2.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016 , including $0.7 million of silver credits, as compared to $6.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015, including $1.9 million of silver credits. The reduction of $4.3 million of net costs applicable to mining revenue resulted from shifting of the Company's focus from mining to exploration resulting in lower mining and processing costs and the reduction of mining and processing staff.

Exploration and mine development costs increased by approximately $2.3 million during the six months ended June 30, 2016 , as compared to the same period ended June 30, 2015 . The increase is a result of costs related to underground exploration activities and the completion of the drift to the Succor vein system in early February 2016 and a $1.4 million classification of mining equipment depreciation expense that was used in development.

Land and road development costs were $0.9 million in 2015 due to the road realignment project that was undertaken and successfully completed in 2015.


32



General and administrative costs decreased by $1.4 million in the six months ended June 30, 2016 , as compared to the same period of 2015. The decrease is a result of lower payroll costs of approximately $0.6 million, a reduction of net proceeds tax liabilities of approximately $0.2 million and lower legal and consulting fees of approximately $0.1 million, , among other reductions, all in line with the cost reduction programs.

Other income decreased approximately $3.6 million in the six months ended June 30, 2016 , as compared to the same period of 2015. The decrease primarily resulted from a reduction in a loss contingency of approximately $3.2 million that was included in other income in the condensed consolidated statements of operations in 2015, and did not recur in 2016.

Net loss was $6.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016 , as compared to a net loss of $0.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015 . The $6.7 million increase in net loss primarily resulted from a $7.9 million decrease in revenue, a $3.1 million decrease in other income, net of $4.3 million lower mining and processing costs and $1.4 million of lower general and administrative costs, offset by a $2.3 million increase in costs resulting from underground and surface exploration and development costs and approximately $0.5 million in other costs including environmental, mine claims and real estate costs.

Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
Total current assets were $10.3 million at June 30, 2016 , including cash and cash equivalents of $0.8 million . Inventories, stockpiles, and mineralized material on leach pad totaled $ 0.5 million .
    
The Company was an exploration and development company for most of its existence and accordingly has a history of net operating losses. The Company had net losses from operations since 2012, and an accumulated deficit of $206.0 million at June 30, 2016 . For the three-month period ended June 30, 2016 the Company realized net loss of $2.9 million and used $3.2 million of cash in operating activities. As of June 30, 2016 , the Company had current assets of $10.3 million (including cash and cash equivalents of $0.8 million ) and current liabilities of $8.7 million .

The Company’s current capital resources include cash and cash equivalents and other working capital resources, cash generated through operations, certain planned, non-mining asset sales with expected net proceeds of over $7 million and existing financing arrangements, including an equity agreement with International Assets Advisory LLC, as agent (“IAA”), whereby the Company may offer and sell shares of the Company’s common stock of up to $5 million and a revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) with Auramet International, LLC (“Auramet”). While the Company has been successful in the past in obtaining the necessary capital to support its operations, including registered equity financings from its existing shelf registration, borrowings, or other means, there is no assurance that the Company will be able to obtain additional equity or other financing, if needed. The Company believes it will have sufficient funds to sustain operations during the next twelve months as a result of the sources of funding described above.

During the six months ended June 30, 2016, the Company prioritized the continued reduction of non-mining costs including general and administrative, targeting $8.0 million of savings from reduced labor, legal, consulting and other general corporate expenditures, as compared to 2015. The Company incurred approximately $0.3 million in severance costs during the six months ended June 30, 2016, in mining and general and administrative expenses, associated with organizational cost reductions.

The Company plans to sell non-mining related lands, buildings and water rights valued at over $10 million over the next twelve months and with planned net proceeds of over $7 million. These proceeds will eliminate current debt obligations and strengthen the financial position of the Company. The Company also plans to sell surface mining equipment, no longer required in our mine plans, valued at up to $2 million and significantly reducing the financing obligations associated with Caterpillar Finance. These combined actions should eliminate all or substantially all of the Company’s debt obligations in the next twelve months. There is no assurance that the Company will be able to sell such assets on favorable terms, or at all.


33



On June 28, 2016, the Company entered into an agreement with IAA, pursuant to which the Company may offer and sell shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.000666 per share, having an aggregate offering price of up to $5 million. Any shares offered and sold will be issued pursuant to the Company’s shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (and the related prospectus) declared effective by the SEC on February 5, 2016, with an expiration date of February 5, 2019. Under the agreement, IAA may sell shares by any method permitted by law and deemed to be an “at-the-market” offering as defined in Rule 415 promulgated under the Securities Act, including sales made directly on the NYSE MKT or on any other existing trading market for the common stock, sales to or through a market maker or sales in privately negotiated transactions. The Company is not obligated to make any sales of shares under the agreement, and if it elects to make any sales, the Company may set a minimum sales price for the shares. The offering of shares pursuant to the Sales Agreement will terminate upon the termination of the Sales Agreement by IAA or the Company, as permitted therein. The Company will pay IAA a commission rate of up to 2.5% of the gross sales price per share sold, subject to an agreed-upon minimum per share commission, and has agreed to reimburse IAA for certain specified expenses in connection with entering into the agreement. The Company also agreed to provide indemnification and contribution to IAA with respect to certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. As of June 30, 2016, no shares had been issued.

On March 31, 2016, the Company completed an underwritten public offering of 10,000,000 shares of its common stock. Gross proceeds to the Company from this offering were approximately $3.5 million before deducting underwriting commissions and other offering expenses paid by the Company. On April 13, 2016, the Company also completed the sale of an additional 1,500,000 shares of the Company's common stock for additional gross proceeds of approximately $525,000.

On March 6, 2015, the Company reached an agreement to draw on a restated $5 million revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) with Auramet, pursuant to which the Company may borrow up to $5 million, subject to satisfying certain conditions and obtaining certain consents. On March 6, 2015, the Company drew $5 million representing cash proceeds of approximately $4.4 million, net of prepaid interest of approximately $0.4 million, and other fees of approximately $0.2 million. The proceeds from the Revolving Credit Facility were primarily used for an accelerated construction schedule for rerouting State Route 342, located in the Company’s Lucerne Resource Area, the first phase of which was completed in early June 2015, and the second phase was completed in November 2015. On December 28, 2015, the Company and Auramet agreed to increase the facility up to $10 million and extend the facility from the current maturity of February 6, 2017 to April 28, 2018. On April 1, 2016, the Company fully repaid the outstanding revolving credit facility with a payment of $1.2 million. As of June 30, 2016, there were no outstanding amounts related to this facility. The Company is in compliance with all the required covenants.

Net cash used in operating activities was $3.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016 , as compared to net cash generated by operating activities of $0.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015 . The Company's use of cash in operating activities in the first six months of 2016 , was primarily driven by Company's expenditures related to underground exploration, including the PQ and Succor targets and operating losses due to lower production. Our positive cash flow from operating activities in the first six months of 2015, was primarily from operating income associated with lower labor, blasting, fuel and equipment rental costs relative to production of mineralized material.
 
Net cash provided by investing activities was $1.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016 , primarily from equipment sales of approximately $1.8 million, offset by land and properties deposits of approximately $0.2 million. Net cash used in investing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2015 , was $3.7 million , primarily relating to $1.8 million for strategic land purchases and $1.9 million for the design and construction of the heap leach expansion and related infrastructure.
 
Net cash provided by financing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2016 , was $0.7 million , comprised of proceeds of $3.5 million from the sale of securities, $0.6 million proceeds from an amended agreement with Auramet International and $0.3 million from proceeds from a short-term note , offset by the pay-down of long-term debt obligations of approximately $3.7 million . Net cash provided by financing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2015 was $4.8 million , comprised of proceeds of $4.4 million from the revolving credit facility and $5.0 million from the Varilease agreement, offset by the pay-down of other long-term debt obligations of approximately $4.6 million.     

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming the Company will continue as a going concern, which considers the realization of assets and discharge of liabilities in the normal course of business and does not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of uncertainties noted below.


34



The Company's success depends on its ability to recover precious metals, process them and successfully sell them for more than the cost of production. The Company has limited control over its costs and has no ability to control the market prices. The costs of exploration and production may fluctuate as a result of a number of factors, such as the changing composition of ore grade or mineralized material production, and metallurgy and exploration activities in response to the physical shape and location of the ore body or deposit. In addition, costs are affected by the price of commodities such as fuel and electricity. Such commodities are at times subject to volatile price movements, including increases that could make production unprofitable. A material increase in production costs or a decrease in the price of gold or other minerals could materially affect the Company's ability to generate cash flow.

Mineral exploration, particularly for gold and other precious metals, is highly speculative in nature, involves many risks and frequently is nonproductive. If gold mineralization is discovered, it may take a number of years from the initial phases of drilling until production is possible, if ever, during which time the economic feasibility of production may change. Substantial expenditures are required to establish ore reserves through drilling and analysis, to develop metallurgical processes to extract metal from the ore, and (in the case of new properties) to develop the processing facilities and infrastructure at any site chosen for mineral exploration. There can be no assurance that gold reserves or mineralized material that may be discovered or acquired in the future, if any, will be in sufficient quantities or of adequate grade to justify commercial operations or that the funds required for mineral production operation can be obtained on a timely or reasonable basis, if at all. In addition, mineralized material or reserves that may be identified, if any, will be depleted by production.

The capital expenditures and time required to develop and explore our properties are considerable and changes in costs or construction schedules, delays in such construction or both can adversely affect project economics and expected production and profitability.
    
On March 28, 2016, 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 to AMT in exchange for $5.0 million 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.

Future production rates and gold prices below management’s expectations would adversely affect the Company’s results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. Future asset sales could also take longer than expected. If the Company was unable to obtain any necessary additional funds, this could have an immediate material effect on liquidity and could raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. In such case, the Company could be required to limit or discontinue certain business plans, activities or operations, reduce or delay certain capital expenditures or sell certain assets or businesses. There can be no assurance that the Company would be able to take any of such actions on favorable terms, in a timely manner or at all.
 
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
 
There have not been any material changes to the critical accounting policies and estimates previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015

35




ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
Metal Price – Changes in the market price of gold may significantly affect our profitability and cash flow. Gold prices fluctuate widely due to factors such as; demand, global mine production levels, investor sentiment, central bank reserves, and the value of the U.S. dollar.

In the second quarter of 2016 , Gold Bullion prices averaged approximately $1,259.35 per ounce, up from a quarterly low close of $1,212.10 on May 31, 2016 . Gold has fluctuated from that low to a high of $1,366.25 during the quarter. Silver prices averaged $16.78 per ounce, also gaining from a quarterly low of $14.96 on April 4, 2016 to a high of over $18.36 per ounce during the second quarter. The outlook for these markets remains mixed, driven primarily by uncertainty over U.S. fiscal and monetary policy.
 
With the exception of the above, there have been no material changes in the market risks discussed in Item 7A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K.


36




ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
 
A.  Disclosure
 
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
As of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, management performed, with the participation of our Principal Executive Officer and our Principal Financial Officer, an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchange Act”). Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Exchange Act and the SEC’s rules, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of disclosure controls and procedures, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of the controls and procedures. Accordingly, even effective disclosure controls and procedures can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving their control objectives. Each of our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer concluded that, as of June 30, 2016 , our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

Design and Evaluation of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f). Our management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2016 . In making this assessment, management used the criteria for effective internal control over financial reporting described in the “Internal Control-Integrated Framework” (2013) set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on the assessment, management concluded that, as of June 30, 2016 , our internal control over financial reporting was effective based on those criteria.
 
B.  Internal Control over Financial Reporting
 
No change in our internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13(a)-15, occurred during the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2016 , that materially affected or is reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.
 

37



PART II - OTHER INFORMATION


Item 1.   Legal Proceedings.
 
On January 31, 2014, the Comstock Residents Association (the “CRA”) and two of its members filed a civil action in the Third Judicial District Court of the State of Nevada in and for Lyon County (the “District Court”) against the Lyon County Board of Commissioners (the “Commissioners”) and the Company, asking the Court to reverse the Commissioners’ decision to grant an application for master plan amendment and zone change submitted and approved by the Commissioners on January 2, 2014 (the “Application”). Prior to the approval of the Application, the master plan designation and zoning precluded mining on certain property of the Company in the area of Silver City, Lyon County. Generally, the CRA argues, among other things, that the Commissioners should not have approved the Application because the master plan and zoning designations on that property had been in place for more than forty years. In April 2015, the District Court ruled in favor the Company and the Commissioners. The written Order Denying Petition for Judicial Review was filed and mailed to all parties on June 15, 2015. On July 14, 2015, the CRA and one individual (together “Appellants”) filed a Notice of Appeal of the Court Order, appealing the decision to the Nevada Supreme Court. On December 9, 2015, Appellants filed their Opening Brief in the Nevada Supreme Court, generally repeating the arguments that were made at the District Court. On January 15, 2016, the Company and the Commissioners jointly filed an Answering Brief. Briefing in the Nevada Supreme Court was completed with the Appellants’ filing of a Reply Brief on March 3, 2016. On June 7, 2016, the Nevada Supreme Court entered an Order indicating that the matter would be scheduled for an oral argument. As of this date, no oral argument has been scheduled. The Company believes that the Commissioners properly exercised their statutory authority and the Company, in cooperation with the Commissioners and the Lyon County District Attorney, will continue to aggressively oppose the pending appeal.

From time to time, we are involved in lawsuits, claims, investigations and proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of business. There are no matters pending or threatened that we expect to have a material impact on our business, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
 

Item 1A. Risk Factors .

There have not been any material changes to the risk factors previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 .
 

Item 2.   Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

During the six months ended June 30, 2016 , the Company issued 3 million shares of common stock in consideration of a transaction related to the purchase of land near its mining operations, with a fair value of $1.3 million .    

No underwriters were involved in the foregoing issuances of securities. The offers, sales and issuances of the securities described above were deemed to be exempt from registration under the Securities Act in reliance upon Section 4(2) of the Securities Act. The issuance of stock was a private placement of securities to accredited investors within the meaning of Rule 501 of Regulation D of the Securities Act. Each of the recipients of securities in these transactions had adequate access to information about us through directorships, business or other relationships with the Company.


Item 3.   Defaults Upon Senior Securities.
 
None.
 

38




Item 4.   Mine Safety Disclosure.
 
Pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, and Item 104 of Regulation S-K, we are required to disclose items believed to be violations of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, any health and safety standard, or any regulation, as administered by the Federal Mine Safety and Health Administration. The required information is included in Exhibit 95 to this report.
 

Item 5.   Other Information.
 
None.
 

Item 6.   Exhibits.
 
The exhibits required to be filed as a part of this Report on Form 10-Q are listed in the Exhibit Index attached hereto, which is incorporated herein by reference.

 
(1) Financial statements filed as part of this Report:

 
 
 
 
 
 
(2) Exhibits filed as part of this Report:

See Exhibits for which the Exhibit number is noted with an asterisk on the Exhibit Index attached hereto.

39



Exhibit
Number
 
Exhibit
 
 
 
10.1*
 
Sales Agreement, dated as of June 30, 2016, between the Company and International Assets Advisory.
 
 
 
10.2*
 
Forbearance Agreement, dated as of June 27, 2016, between the Company and Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation.
 
 
 
31.1*
 
Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a), promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
 
 
 
32.1*
 
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
 
95*
 
Mine Safety Disclosures.
 
 
 
101*
 
Interactive Data File (Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2016, furnished in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language)).
 
 
 
 
 
Attached as Exhibit 101 to this report are the following documents formatted in XBRL: (i) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 and (iv) the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged as blocks of text. Users of this data are advised pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T that this interactive data file is deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, is deemed not filed for purposes of section 18 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, and otherwise is not subject to liability under these sections.


40




SIGNATURES

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

 
COMSTOCK MINING, INC.
 
(Registrant)
 
 
Date: August 4, 2016
By:
/s/ Corrado De Gasperis
 
 
Name: Corrado De Gasperis
 
 
Title:   President, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Chairman
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


41









June 28, 2016






Mr. Corrado De Gasperis Comstock Mining Inc.
1200 America Flat Road, PO Box 1118 Virginia City, NV 89440

Dear Corrado:

International Assets Advisory LLC ("IAA"), by and through its OSJ Branch Office Rockport Global Advisors, (collectively "ADVISOR") is pleased to act as financial advisor and placement agent to Comstock Mining Inc., (the "Company") with respect to strategic advisory services and the Company's capital raising efforts via the Board approved ATM from the Company's shelf registration statement declared effective by the SEC on February 5, 2016,, with an expiration date of February 5, 2019. ADVISOR will also assist the Company in the review of potential financing alternatives available to the Company, to provide the Company with recommendations with respect to the options available to it for meeting its capital needs, and to evaluate potential strategic options.

1.
Services . In connection with this engagement, ADVISOR will perform the following services :

a.
Review the Company's current financing arrangements;

b.
Analyze the Company's operating projections and market conditions;

c.
Provide the Company management with recommendations regarding methods of addressing the Company's financing needs;

d.
To represent the Company in its efforts to obtain financing in the form of a private sale(s) of shares or direct market sale(s) of securities under the approved ATM. ADVISOR will assist the Company with potential investors who may have an interest in purchasing the Company's common shares in a negotiated sale and will advise the Company with respect to the proposed terms and conditions of the purchase. ADVISOR will help the Company prepare for investor meetings, management presentations, responses to requests for data and other activities. ADVISOR will assist the Company in managing the process of negotiating and closing the financing. This includes reviewing all proposals from potential financing sources, analyzing the terms of such proposals and participating in presentations to the Company's Board of Directors regarding any proposals, as well as reviewing the transaction documentation and other closing activities. The Company is free, at its sole discretion, to accept or reject the terms of any proposed purchase;





2. Information Provided to ADVISOR , In connection with our engagement, the Company has agreed to furnish to ADVISOR on a timely basis, all relevant information needed by ADVISOR to perform under the
 




Comstock Mining Inc.                                        Page 2
June 28, 2016


terms of this agreement. During our engagement, it may be necessary for us : to interview the management of, the

auditors for, and the consultants and advisors to the Company; to rely (without independent verification) upon data furnished to us by them; and to review any financial and other reports relating to the business and financial condition of the Company as we may determine to be relevant under the circumstances. In this connection, the Company will make available to all relevant information, including such information as we may request with respect to the assets, liabilities, earnings, earning power , financial condition, historical performance, future prospects and financial projections and the assumptions used in the development of such projections . We agree that all non-public information obtained by us in connection with our engagement will be held by us in confidence and will be used by us solely for the purpose of performing our obligations relating to our engagement.

We do not assume any responsibility for, or with respect to, the accuracy, completeness or fairness of the information and data supplied to us by the Company or its representatives. In addition, the Company acknowledges that we will assume, without independent verification, all information supplied to us with respect to the Company to be true, correct and complete in all material respects and not contain any untrue statements of material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the information supplied to us not misleading. If at any time during the course of our engagement the Company becomes aware of any material change in any of the information previously furnished to us, it will promptly advise us of the change.


3.
Company R e pres e n t a t ions . The Company will:

a.
Retain Company counsel and request that they address and deliver to the Company and us a letter dated as of the date of the Closing any Capital Raising Transaction containing statements customary for similar transactions and addressing such additional matters as ADVISOR shall reasonably request;

b.
As a condition to the closing of any public offering transaction, retain independent public accountants and request that they address and deliver to the Company and to ADVISOR a letter or letters (which letters are frequently referred to as "Comfort Letters") dated as of the date of the Closing of the Capital Raising Transaction;

c.
As a condition to the closing of any public offering transaction, obtain from its officers and directors written lock-up agreements restricting each such person from selling any shares of Common Stock of the Company for a period of 90 days after the closing of the transaction without the prior written consent of ADVISOR, in a form reasonably acceptable to both the Company and ADVISOR.


4.
Scope o f E ng a gement The Company acknowledges that we will not make, or arrange for others to make, an appraisal of any physical assets of the Company. ADVISOR has been engaged by the Company only in connection with the matters described in this letter agreement and for no other purpose. We have not made, and will assume no responsibility to make any representation in connection with our engagement as to any legal matter. Except as specifically provided in this letter agreement, ADVISOR shall not be required to render any advice or reports in writing or to perform any other services.





Comstock Mining Inc.                                        Page 3
June 28, 2016

5.
Term of Engagement . Our representation on an exclusive basis will continue for a period of not less than Twelve (12) months from the date this letter agreement is executed with ADVISOR or the expiration of the Effective Shelf Registration which shares are registered for sale under the Board approved ATM, whichever is longer; provided however, that either party may terminate the relationship at any time upon thirty (30) days written notice to the other party. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event of termination or expiration of this agreement, ADVISOR's expenses incurred will be payable in full.


6.
Fees and Expenses. ALL Fees and Expenses due will be made payable to and sent directly to the broker/dealer IAA.

The Company agrees to pay the success fees provided for below :

a.
Financial Advisory Fee/ Placement F ee. The Company will pay a non-refundable retainer of $5,000 which will cover the first 30 days of the engagement, which is due with the execution of this agreement and pay $5,000 monthly thereafter the 1st of each month for the remaining term of this agreement.

b.
Placement A g ent Fee: Any sales of Company securities as dictated to ADVISOR under the board approved ATM transaction(s) will pay to ADVISOR a 2.5% (two and one half percent) commission which will be paid directly from gross proceeds of the sale prior to settlement of the transaction and funds being dispersed to the Company.

c.
Expenses: Company will reimburse ADVISOR for all approved out of pocket expenses incurred under execution of this Financial Advisory Agreement.

d.
It shall be noted that the fee structure set forth herein applies to a contemplated offering of securities by the Company from the current Effective Shelf Registration (as described in first paragraph) under the Board approved ATM only.



7.
Indemnity and Contribution . The parties agree to the terms the indemnification agreement attached hereto as Appendix A and incorporated herein by reference. The provisions of this paragraph shall survive any termination of this agreement.





Comstock Mining Inc.                                        Page 4
June 28, 2016

8.
Other Business . The Company understands that if ADVISOR is asked to act for the Company in any other formal additional capacity relating to this engagement but not specifically addressed in this letter under section (6), then such activities shall constitute separate engagements and the terms and conditions of any such additional engagements will be embodied in one or more separate written agreements, containing provisions and terms to be mutually agreed upon, including without limitation appropriate indemnification provisions. The indemnity provisions in Appendix A shall apply to any such additional engagements, unless superseded by an indemnity provision set forth in a separate agreement applicable to any such additional engagements, and shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any completion, modification or termination of ADVISOR's engagement(s).


9.
Other ADVISOR Activities . ADVISOR is an independent firm that offers brokerage and investment services through IAA, (the Broker/Dealer). All Securities are offered through IAA (member FINRA/SIPC). In the ordinary course of our activities, ADVISOR or its affiliates may hold positions, for its own account or the accounts of customers, in equity, debt or other securities of the Company. The Company also acknowledges that ADVISOR and its affiliates are in the business of providing financial services and consulting advice to others. Nothing herein contained shall be construed to limit or restrict ADVISOR in conducting such business with respect to others, or in rendering such advice to others, except as such advice may relate to matters relating to the Company's business and properties and that might compromise confidential information delivered by the Company to ADVISOR.

10.
Confidentiality of A d vice . Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, any written or other advice rendered by ADVISOR pursuant to its engagement hereunder is solely for the use and benefit of the Board of Directors of the Company and shall not be publicly disclosed in whole or in part, in any manner or summarized, excerpted from or otherwise publicly referred to or made available to third parties, other than representatives and agents of the Board of Directors, without ADVISOR's prior written approval, unless such disclosure is required by law. In addition, ADVISOR may not be otherwise publicly referred to without its prior written consent.


11.
Compliance with Appl icable Law . In connection with this engagement, the Company and ADVISOR will comply with all applicable federal, state and foreign securities laws and other applicable laws and regulations.

12.
Independent Contractor . ADVISOR is and at all times during the term hereof will remain an independent contractor, and nothing contained in this letter agreement will create the relationship of employer and employee or principal and agent as between the Company and ADVISOR or any of its employees. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, all final decisions with respect to matters about which ADVISOR has provided services hereunder shall be solely those of the Company, and ADVISOR shall have no liability relating thereto or arising therefrom. ADVISOR shall have no authority to bind or act for the Company in any respect. It is understood that ADVISOR's responsibility to the Company is solely contractual in nature and that ADVISOR does not owe the Company, or any other party, any fiduciary duty as a result of its engagement.


13.
Successors and Assigns . This letter agreement and all obligations and benefits of the parties hereto shall bind and shall inure to their benefit and that of their respective successors and assigns. The indemnity and contribution provisions incorporated into this letter agreement are for the express benefit of the






Comstock Mining Inc.                                        Page 5
June 28, 2016


officers, directors, employees, consultants, agents and controlling persons of ADVISOR and their respective successors, assigns and parent companies.

14.
Announcements . Upon completion of Capital Raising Transaction, Acquisition Transaction or Sale Transaction, the Company grants to ADVISOR the right to place customary announcement(s) of this engagement in certain newspapers and to mail announcement(s) to persons and firms selected by ADVISOR, the whole subject to the Company's prior approval and all costs of such announcement(s) will be borne by ADVISOR.

15.
Notices . All notices and other communications required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and shall be mailed by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, sent by facsimile or otherwise delivered by hand or by messenger addressed:

a.
if to the Company, at the address on the first page hereof, or at such address or facsimile number as shown in ADVISOR's records as may be updated in writing from time to time; or

b.
if to ADVISOR, one copy should be sent to 2502 Rocky Point Drive, Suite 550, Tampa FL 33607
, Attn : Norm Farra or at such other address as the Company shall have furnished to the Company, facsimile number (813) 388-4270 with a copy to 100 North Tampa Street, Suite 1000, Tampa FL 33602, Attn: Martin Traber, facsimile number (813) 221-4210 and 390 North Orange Ave, Suite 750, Orlando FL 32801 Attn: Ed Cofrancesco, facsimile (407) 254-1505.

Each such notice or other communication shall for all purposes of this Agreement be treated as effective or having been given when delivered if delivered personally, or, if sent by mail, at the earlier of its receipt or 5 business days after the same has been deposited in a regularly maintained receptacle for the deposit of the United States mail, addressed and mailed as aforesaid or, if sent by facsimile, the business day following confirmation of facsimile transfer or, or, if sent by nationally recognized overnight delivery service, on the date when delivered.

16.
Governing Law . This agreement shall be governed by and construed under the laws of the State of Florida applicable to contracts made and to be performed entirely within the State of Florida. Any dispute, claim or controversy arising out of or relating to this agreement or the breach, termination, enforcement, interpretation or validity thereof, shall be decided by the state and federal courts sitting in the City and County of Tampa, FL. Both parties hereby irrevocably waive the right to trial by jury. The prevailing party in litigation on shall be entitled to reasonable attorneys' fees. The provisions of this paragraph shall survive any termination of this agreement.

17.
General Provisions . No purported waiver or modification of any of the terms of this letter agreement will be valid unless made in writing and signed by the parties hereto. Section headings used in this letter agreement are for convenience only, are not a part of this letter agreement and will not be used in construing any of the terms hereof. This letter agreement constitutes and embodies the entire understanding and agreement of the parties hereto relating to the subject matter hereof, and there are no other agreements or understandings, written or oral, in effect between the parties relating to the subject matter hereof . No representation, promise, inducement or statement of intention has been made by either of the parties hereto which is to be embodied in this letter agreement, and none of the parties hereto shall be bound by or liable for any alleged representation, promise, inducement or statement of intention, not so set forth herein. No provision of this letter agreement shall be construed in favor of or against either of the parties hereto by reason of the extent to which either of the parties or its counsel participated in the drafting hereof. If any provision of this letter agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be






Comstock Mining Inc.                                        Page 6
June 28, 2016

invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the remaining provisions hereof shall in no way be affected and shall remain in full force and effect. This letter agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by facsimile signature.
[Balance of Page Intentionally Blank]






Comstock Mining Inc.                                        Page 7
June 28, 2016




If the foregoing correctly sets forth your understanding of our agreement, please sign the enclosed copy of
this letter and return it to ADVISOR.


Very truly yours,

Rockport Global Advisors, LLC


By : /s/ Norm Farra, Managing Director, Investment Banking

International Asset Advisory, LLC
By: /s/ Dave Wienberger CFO







The undersigned hereby accepts, agrees to and becomes party to the foregoing letter agreement, effective as of the date first written above.

Comstock Mining Inc.,


By: /s/ Corrado De Gasperis

Title: President & CEO







[Signature Page to Engagement Letter]






Comstock Mining Inc.                                        Page 8
June 28, 2016












APPENDIX A-INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT

The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless ADVISOR (which for avoidance of doubt also includes IAA) and their officers, directors, employees, consultants, attorneys, agents, affiliates, parent company and controlling persons (within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended or Section 20 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) (ADVISOR and each such other persons are collectively and individually referred to below as an "Indemnified Party") from and against any and all loss, claim, damage, liability and expense whatsoever, as incurred, including, without limitation, reasonable costs of any investigation, legal and other fees and expenses incurred in connection with, and any amounts paid in settlement of, any third party action, suit or proceeding or any claim asserted, to which the Indemnified Party may become subject under any applicable federal or state law (whether in tort, contract or on any other basis) or otherwise,
(i) arising out of or based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any private placement memorandum, registration statement or other marketing or solicitation materials (including documents, incorporated by reference) (the "Offering Documents") or in any other written or oral communication provided by or on behalf of the Company to any actual or prospective purchaser of the securities or arising out of or based upon the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading or (ii) related to the performance by the Indemnified Party of the services contemplated by this letter agreement (including, without limitation, the offer and sale of the securities) and will reimburse the Indemnified Party for all expenses (including legal fees and expenses) in connection with the investigation of, preparation for or defense of any pending or threatened claim or any action or proceeding arising therefrom, whether or not the Indemnified Party is a party and whether or not such claim, action or proceeding is initiated or brought by the Company. The Company will not be liable under clause (ii) of the foregoing indemnification provision to the extent that any loss, claim, damage, liability or expense is found in a final judgment by a court or arbitrator, not subject to appeal or further appeal, to have resulted directly from the Indemnified Party's willful misconduct or gross negligence. The Company also agrees that the Indemnified Party shall have no liability (whether direct or indirect, in contract, tort or otherwise) to the Company related to, or arising out of, the engagement of the Indemnified Party pursuant to, or the performance by the Indemnified Party of the services contemplated by, this letter agreement except to the extent that any loss, claim, damage, liability or expense is found in a final judgment by a court or arbitrator, not subject to appeal or further appeal, to have resulted directly from the Indemnified Party's willful misconduct or gross negligence.



If the indemnity provided above shall be unenforceable or unavailable for any reason whatsoever, the Company, its successors and assigns, and the Indemnified Party shall contribute to all such losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses (including, without limitation, all costs of any investigation, legal or other fees and expenses incurred in connection with, and any amounts paid in settlement of, any action, suit or proceeding or any claim asserted) (i) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the Company and ADVISOR under the terms of this letter agreement or (ii) if the allocation provided for by clause
(i) of this sentence is not permitted by applicable law, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits referred to in clause (i), but also the relative fault of the Company and ADVISOR in connection with the matter(s) as to which contribution is to be made. The relative benefits received by the Company and ADVISOR shall be deemed to be in the same proportion as the fee the Company actually pays to ADVISOR bears to the total value of the consideration paid or to be paid by the Company and/or the Company's shareholders in the transaction(s) contemplated ' in this letter agreement. The relative fault of the Company and ADVISOR shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether any untrue or alleged untrue statement of material fact or omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by the Company or by ADVISOR and the Company’s and ADVISOR's relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct. The Company and ADVISOR agree that it would not be just or equitable if contribution pursuant to this paragraph were determined by pro rata allocation or by any other method of allocation which does not take into account these equitable considerations.









Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent permitted by law, in no event shall the Indemnified Party's share of such losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses exceed, in the aggregate, the fee actually paid to the Indemnified Party by the Company. The Company further agrees that, without ADVISOR's prior written consent, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld, it will not enter into any settlement of a lawsuit, claim or other proceeding arising out of the transactions contemplated by this agreement unless such settlement includes an explicit and unconditional release from the party bringing such lawsuit, claim or other proceeding of all such lawsuits, claims, or other proceedings against the Indemnified Parties.

The Indemnified Party will give prompt written notice to the Company of any claim for which it seeks indemnification hereunder, but the omission to so notify the Company will not relieve the Company from any liability which it may otherwise have hereunder except to the extent that the Company is damaged or prejudiced by such omission or from any liability it may have other than under this Appendix A. The Company shall have the right to assume the defense of any claim, lawsuit or action (collectively an "action") for which the Indemnified Party seeks indemnification hereunder, subject to the provisions stated herein with counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Party. After notice from the Company to the Indemnified Party of its election to assume the defense thereof, and so long as the Company performs its obligations pursuant to such election, the Company will not be liable to the Indemnified Party for any legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by the Indemnified Party in connection with the defense thereof other than reasonable costs of investigation. The Indemnified Party shall have the right to employ separate counsel in any such action and to participate in the defense thereof at its own expense; provided, however, that the reasonable fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of the Company if (i) the employment thereof has been specifically authorized by the Company in writing, (ii) the Company has failed after a reasonable period of time to assume such defense and to employ counsel or (iii) the named parties to any such action (including any impleaded parties) include both the Indemnified Party and the Company and the Indemnified Party shall have reasonably concluded, based on advice of counsel, that there may be legal defenses available to the Indemnified Party which are different from, or in conflict with, any legal defenses which may be available to the Company (in which event the Company shall not have the right to assume the defense of such action on behalf of the Indemnified Party, it being understood, however, that the Company shall not be liable for the reasonable fees and expenses of more than one separate firm of attorneys for all Indemnified Parties in each jurisdiction in which counsel is needed). Despite the foregoing, the Indemnified Party shall not settle any claim without the prior written approval of the Company, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, so long as the Company is not in material breach of this Appendix A. Also, each Indemnified Party shall make reasonable efforts to mitigate its losses and liabilities.

MTC/ej/358731 lv l



FORBEARANCE AGREEMENT


THIS FORBEARANCE AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”) is made and entered into as of June 27, 2016, by and among CATERPILLAR FINANCIAL SERVICES CORPORATION (“ CFSC ”), COMSTOCK MINING INC. (“ Comstock ”) and COMSTOCK MININC, LLC (“ CML ,” and together with Comstock, “ Obligor ”).

WHEREAS , CFSC and Obligor are parties to certain finance and lease agreements set forth in greater detail in Exhibit A attached hereto, as they may have been amended from time to time (collectively, the “ Equipment Contracts ”), pursuant to which Obligor financed its purchase and lease of Caterpillar equipment with CFSC;

WHEREAS , Obligor has requested that CFSC forbear from declaring the Equipment Contracts to be in default and that CFSC forbear from pursuing its rights and remedies at this time;

NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of the good and valuable consideration, the sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, and in order to induce CFSC to forbear from declaring a default under the Equipment Contracts and pursuing its remedies at this time, the parties agrees as follows:

1.
Forbearance Period . Subject to Sections 2 and 4 below, CFSC agrees to forbear from declaring a default under the Equipment Contracts and from exercising its rights and remedies under the Equipment Contracts until the earlier to occur of (“ Forbearance Period ”):

(a)
November 1, 2021, unless extended at the sole discretion of CFSC, or
(b)     The occurrence of a Termination Event (defined below).

2.
Conditions of Forbearance . CFSC’s agreement to forbear from declaring a default and pursuing any of its rights and remedies is conditioned upon and subject to timely satisfaction (subject in each case to a 10 day grace period pursuant to which any payment within 10 days of the due dates set forth below shall be deemed timely) of each of the following conditions (“ Conditions of Forbearance ”):

(a) Prior to or on July 1, 2016, Obligor will remit to CFSC $25,000.00 (Twenty Five Thousand Dollars);
(b)     Prior to or on August 1, 2016, Obligor will remit to CFSC the net proceeds from any and all equipment sold at the auction of the equipment set forth on Exhibit B that Obligor pledged to CFSC as collateral under certain Equipment Contracts, but not less than $650,000.00 (Six Hundred and Fifty Thousand Dollars);
(c)    Prior to or on September 1, 2016, Obligor will remit to CFSC the net proceeds from any and all equipment sold at the auction of the equipment set forth on Exhibit C that Obligor pledged to CFSC as collateral under certain Equipment Contracts, and when combined with the net proceeds referenced in 2(b) above in the cumulative amount of not less than $2,000,000.00 (Two Million Dollars for August 1, and September 1, combined);
(d)     Prior to or on October 1, 2016, Obligor will remit to CFSC $25,000.00 (Twenty Five Thousand Dollars);
(e)     Prior to or on November 1, 2016, Obligor will remit to CFSC $25,000.00 (Twenty Five Thousand Dollars);
(f)     Prior to or on December 1, 2016, Obligor will remit to CFSC $400,000.00 (Four Hundred Thousand Dollars);





(g)     Prior to or on the first day of each month thereafter until all amounts due under the Equipment Contracts have been paid in full, Obligor will remit to CFSC $25,000.00 (Twenty Five Thousand Dollars); and
(h)     Obligor will provide CFSC with a copy of Comstock’s prospectus supplement filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission during the Forbearance Period as soon as it is publicly available and such prospectus supplement will address the raising of capital necessary for Obligor to fulfill its obligations under Section 2(f) of this Agreement.
3.
Payments Made as Conditions of Forbearance . As of the date of this Agreement, Obligor’s obligations to CFSC under the Equipment Contracts total Three Million Six Hundred Seventy Seven Thousand Two Hundred Fifty Three Dollars and Fifty Cents ($3,677,253.50) (the “ Obligation ”). Each payment that Obligor remits to CFSC as a Condition of Forbearance will be comprised of a part of the Obligation and applicable interest, as set forth in greater detail in Exhibit D , which may be amended from time to time as prepayments and excess payments are remitted from Obligor to CFSC. If any of Obligor’s payments that are remitted to CFSC as a Condition of Forbearance are in excess of the amount required, CFSC agrees to apply such excess payments to reduce the Obligation, provided however , that such excess payments will not reduce the amount of the required monthly payments but will reduce the duration of payments required under Section 2(f).
 
4.
Interest . Interest on the outstanding Obligation will be computed from the date of this Agreement at the rate equal to 5.70% per annum. All interest payable hereunder shall be calculated on the basis of a thirty (30) day month in a year of three hundred sixty (360) days. CFSC and Obligor agree to conform strictly to applicable usury laws as presently in effect. Accordingly, CFSC and Obligor agree that all sums that constitute interest under applicable law which is contracted for, charged, or received under this Agreement will under no circumstance exceed the maximum lawful rate of interest permitted by applicable law. Any excess interest shall be applied to the reduction of the Obligation owning under this Agreement or refunded to Obligor by CFSC, at CFSC’s sole discretion.

5.
Termination Event . The occurrence of any of the following will be deemed events that terminate this Agreement (“ Termination Event ”):

a.
Obligor fails to comply in a timely manner with any of the Conditions of Forbearance set forth above;
b.
Obligor breaches any of the representations, warranties and covenants contained in Section 7 of this Agreement;
c.
An event of default occurs under any of the Equipment Contracts; and
d.
CML or Comstock voluntarily files a petition for relief or has an involuntary petition filed against it under the applicable bankruptcy laws, or any kind of receivership or insolvency proceeding is commenced by or against CML or Comstock.
Upon the occurrence of a Termination Event, this Agreement will terminate automatically without any further action or inaction on the part of CFSC or Obligor, unless CFSC executes a written waiver. CFSC may, but is not obligated to, provide Obligor with a written notice of default or a cure period.

6.
Effects of Termination Event . Upon the occurrence of a Termination Event, in addition to the termination of this Agreement, the Equipment Contracts will be declared to be in default. CFSC will be under no obligation to forbear in any respect and will be entitled to immediately accelerate the balances due under the Equipment Contracts and to exercise all of its rights and remedies under the Equipment Contracts and at law and equity. CFSC may accept any payments, partial payments

2




or other performance from Obligor or any other person without being deemed to reinstate the Forbearance Period, decelerate the balance due under the Equipment Contracts or waive any of CFSC’s rights or remedies under this Agreement, the Equipment Contracts or at law and equity.

7.
Representations, Warranties and Covenants . The following representations, warranties and covenants are made to CFSC:

a.
Obligor affirms each of the representations, warranties and covenants made to CFSC in the Equipment Contracts;
b.
Obligor is duly authorized and empowered to enter into and perform under this Agreement and the execution and performance of this Agreement does not and will not violate any agreement to which Obligor is a party;
c.
Until all obligations to CFSC are satisfied in full, without the prior written consent of CFSC, Obligor will not transfer or cause to be transferred any of their respective assets, or make distributions of dividends or other property outside of the ordinary course of business. For clarification, CFSC has consented to the auction of the equipment set forth in Exhibit B and Exhibit C and the auction of such equipment will not be deemed a breach under this Agreement or the Equipment Contracts;
d.
Obligor acknowledges the truth and correctness of the recitals and Obligor affirms their respective obligations to CFSC under the Equipment Contracts;
e.
Obligor agrees that they have no claim, defense, counterclaim, setoff and/or any other grounds of avoidance to its obligations under and in respect of the Equipment Contracts;
f.
All financial and other information given to CFSC by Obligor or Obligor’s agents or representatives is and will be true and accurate;
g.
As of the date hereof, all liens, security interests, assignments and pledges granted by Obligor to CFSC are first priority liens, security interests, assignments and pledges and continue unimpaired, are in full force and effect and will continue to secure all of the obligations described in the respective instruments in which such interests were granted until and unless CFSC agrees to release such liens, security interests, assignments and pledges; and
h.
Obligor acknowledges that this Agreement represents an arms‑length transaction, and that each party has acted in good faith in the making of this Agreement.
8.
Release and Waiver . Obligor acknowledges and stipulates that it has no claims or causes of action of any kind whatsoever against CFSC, its officers, directors, employees, agents, representatives, attorneys or consultants. Obligor releases CFSC, its officers, directors, employees, agents, representatives, attorneys and consultants, from any and all claims, causes of action, demands and liabilities of any kind whatsoever whether direct or indirect, fixed or contingent, liquidated or non‑liquidated, disputed or undisputed, known or unknown, which Obligor has or may acquire in the future relating in any way to this Agreement or the Equipment Contracts.

9.
Costs and Expenses . Obligor agrees to pay, upon written demand by CFSC, all out‑of‑pocket costs and expenses of CFSC in connection with the enforcement or protection of CFSC’s rights under this Agreement and/or the Equipment Contracts.

10.
No Obligation to Extend Future Forbearances; No Waiver . Obligor acknowledges and agrees that CFSC is not obligated and does not agree to extend any other or future forbearances or additional

3




credit to Obligor. This Agreement will not constitute a waiver by CFSC of any of Obligor’s defaults under the Equipment Contracts. Except as expressly provided herein, CFSC reserves all of its rights and remedies under the Equipment Contracts. No action or course of dealing on the part of CFSC, its officers, employees, consultants, or agents, nor any failure or delay by CFSC with respect to exercising any right, power or privilege of CFSC under this Agreement or Equipment Contracts, will operate as a waiver or postponement thereof, except to the extent expressly provided herein.

11.
Governing Law; Venue . This Agreement will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Tennessee. The parties agree that any legal action by either party against the other relating in any way to this Agreement, the Equipment Contracts, or any relationship between or conduct by the parties, whether at law or in equity, whether sounding in contract, tort or otherwise, will be commenced only in a court of competent subject matter jurisdiction located in Tennessee.

12.
Amendments . This Agreement cannot be amended, rescinded, supplemented, or modified except in writing signed by the parties hereto.

13.
Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in more than one counterpart, all of which, taken together, will constitute one and the same instrument.

14.
Time of the Essence . TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE OF THIS AGREEMENT. THE PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND ALL OF THE PROVISIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT.







[Signature page follows.]

4





IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused their duly authorized representatives to execute this Agreement as of the date first set forth above.


CATERPILLAR FINANCIAL                 COMSTOCK MINING, LLC
SERVICES CORPORATION


By:     /s/ Eugene Keenan III                 By:     /s/ Corrado De Gasperis        

Name:     Eugene    Keenan III                     Name:     Corrado De Gasperis        

Title:     Special Accounts Manager             Title:     President & CEO        



COMSTOCK MINING INC.


By:     /s/ Corrado De Gasperis        

Name:     Corrado De Gasperis             

Title:     President & CEO             



5




EXHIBIT A

Equipment Contracts


Contract Number
Contract Type
Manufacturer
Model
Serial Number
001-0669820-000
Finance Lease
CAT
740B Articulated Truck
T4R01054
001-0669820-001
Finance Lease
CAT
740B Articulated Truck
T4R00910
001-0669820-002
Finance Lease
CAT
740B Articulated Truck
T4R00968
001-0669820-005
Finance Lease
CAT
740B Articulated Truck
T4R01381
001-0691975-000
ISC
CAT
D8T Track Type Tractor
FCT00118
001-0691965-000
ISC
CAT
988H Wheel Loader
BXY04526
001-0708302-000
ISC
CAT
966K Wheel Loader
TFS00798
001-0708723-000
ISC
CAT
740B Articulated Truck
T4R01577
001-0708723-001
ISC
CAT
D8T Track Type Tractor
MLN00551
001-0708723-002
ISC
CAT
D6NXL Track Type Tractor
LJR00664
001-0728277-000
ISC
CAT
14M Motor Grader
R9J00960
001-0728277-000
ISC
CAT
349E Excavator
TFG00382


6




EXHIBIT B

Equipment to be Auctioned under Section 2(b)



Contract Number
Contract Type
Manufacturer
Model
Serial Number
001-0669820-001
Finance Lease
CAT
740B Articulated Truck
T4R00910
001-0669820-002
Finance Lease
CAT
740B Articulated Truck
T4R00968
001-0708302-000
ISC
CAT
966K Wheel Loader
TFS00798
001-0708723-002
ISC
CAT
D6NXL Track Type Tractor
LJR00664
001-0728277-000
ISC
CAT
14M Motor Grader
R9J00960

7




EXHIBIT C

Equipment to be Auctioned under Section 2(c)



Contract Number
Contract Type
Manufacturer
Model
Serial Number
001-0669820-000
Finance Lease
CAT
740B Articulated Truck
T4R01054
001-0669820-005
Finance Lease
CAT
740B Articulated Truck
T4R01381
001-0691975-000
ISC
CAT
D8T Track Type Tractor
FCT00118
001-0691965-000
ISC
CAT
988H Wheel Loader
BXY04526
001-0708723-000
ISC
CAT
740B Articulated Truck
T4R01577
001-0708723-001
ISC
CAT
D8T Track Type Tractor
MLN00551
001-0728277-000
ISC
CAT
349E Excavator
TFG00382

8




EXHIBIT D

Amortization Schedule




9





10



EXHIBIT 31.1
 
CERTIFICATION
 
I, Corrado De Gasperis, certify that:
 
1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Comstock Mining Inc.;
 
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
 
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
 
4. I am responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a–15(f) and 15d–15(f)) for the registrant and have:
 
(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under my supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to me by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 
(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
 
(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
 
5. I have disclosed, based on my most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
 
(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting. 
 
Date:  August 4, 2016
 
/s/ Corrado De Gasperis
 
Corrado De Gasperis
President, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Chairman
 




Exhibit 32.1
 
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
 
Section 1350 Certification
 
In connection with the Quarterly Report of Comstock Mining Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2016 , as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Corrado De Gasperis, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
 
(1)  The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C 78m(a) or 78o(d)); and
 
(2)  The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and result of operations of the Company.
 
Date:   August 4, 2016
 
/s/ Corrado De Gasperis
 
Corrado De Gasperis
President, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Chairman
 




Exhibit 95
 
The following disclosures are provided pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and Item 104 of Regulation S-K, which requires certain disclosures by companies required to file periodic reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that operate mines regulated under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (the “Mine Act”).
 
Whenever the Federal Mine Safety and Health Administration (“MSHA”) believes that a violation of the Mine Act, any health or safety standard, or any regulation has occurred, it may issue a citation or order which describes the violation and fixes a time within which the operator must abate the violation. In some situations, such as when the MSHA believes that conditions pose a hazard to persons, MSHA may issue an order requiring removal of persons from the area of the mine affected by the condition until the hazards are correction. Whenever MSHA issues a citation or order, it has authority to propose a civil penalty or fine, as a result of the violation.
 
The table below reflects citations and orders issued by MSHA during the six months ended June 30, 2016 .
Mining
Operating
Name
MSHA
Identification
Number
Section
104S&S
Citations
Section
104(b)
Orders
Section
104(d)
Citations
and
Orders
Section
110(b)(2)
Violations
Section
107(a)
Orders
Total Dollar
Value of
MSHA
Assessments
Proposed
Total
Number
Of Mining
Related
Fatalities
Received
Notice of
Pattern of
Violations
Under
104(3)
Received
Notice of
Potential
to Have
Pattern of
Violations
Under
Sections
104(3)
Legal
Actions
Pending
as of
Last
Day of
Period
Legal
Actions
Initiated
During
Period
Legal
Actions
Resolved
During
Period
26-01871





$
300


No
No
No


26-02771





$
400


No
No
No