UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 20-F
REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) or 12(g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
OR
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012 |
OR
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the transition period from _______________ to _______________
OR
SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
Date of event requiring this shell company report__________________
Commission file number 000-51411
EMGOLD MINING CORPORATION
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter) |
BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA |
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
Suite 1010, 789 West Pender Street
|
(Address of principal executive offices) |
Grant T. Smith
Suite 1010, 789 West Pender Street Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6H 1H2 Tel: (604) 639-0909 Fax: (778) 375-3109 |
(Name, Telephone, E-mail and/or Facsimile number and Address of Company Contact Person) |
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class | Name of each exchange on which registered | |
None | None |
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Common Shares without par Value |
(Title of class) |
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act:
None |
(Title of class) |
1 |
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report. 66,651,462
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Yes ¨ No þ
If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Yes ¨ No þ
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
þ
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 þ No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant
is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and
large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large Accelerated Filer ¨ Accelerated Filer ¨ Non-Accelerated Filer þ
Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:
U.S. GAAP ¨
International Financial Reporting Standards
as issued by the International Accounting
Standard Board
R
Other ¨
If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by a check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.
Item 17 ¨ Item 18 ¨ NOT APPLICABLE
If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes ¨ No þ
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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
Certain statements in this Annual Report under the captions “Risk Factors”, “Business Overview”, “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” and “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk” and elsewhere in this Annual Report and the documents attached as exhibits constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the United States securities laws. Some forward-looking statements may be identified by such terms as “believes,” “anticipates,” “intends” or “expects.” These forward-looking statements are based on the Company’s current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends affecting the financial condition of its business and the industry in which it operates. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company, or industry results to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and the Company expressly disclaims any obligation to revise or update forward-looking statements in respect of actual results, performance or achievements. Such factors include, among others, the following: general economic and business conditions, which will, among other things, impact demand for gold and other metals; industry capacity; the ability of the Company to implement its business strategy; changes in, or the unintentional failure to comply with, government regulations (especially safety and environmental laws and regulations); changes in the uses of gold and other metals; gold and commodity price volatility; increased competition; mining risks; exploration programs not being successful; inability to obtain financing; inability to obtain or, cancellation of, government permits; changes to regulations and mining law; increased reclamation obligations; title defects with respect to properties; risks associated with international operations; and foreign exchange and currency fluctuations.
Conversion of metric units into imperial equivalents is as follows:
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CAUTIONARY NOTE TO U.S. INVESTORS
This Annual Report uses the terms "measured resources" and "indicated resources." We advise U.S. investors that while such terms are recognized and permitted under Canadian regulations, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission does not recognize them. U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of the mineral deposits in these categories will ever be converted into reserves.
This Annual Report may use the term “inferred resources.” We advise U.S. investors that while such term is recognized and permitted under Canadian regulations, it is not recognized by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. “Inferred resources” have a significant amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian rules estimates of inferred mineral resources may not form the basis of feasibility or other economic studies. U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of an inferred resource exists, or is economically or legally mineable.
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Glossary of Abbreviations
AA | Annexation Application |
Ag | Silver |
Au | Gold |
Ba | Barium |
Co | Cobalt |
Cu | Copper |
EM | Electromagnetic |
Fe | Iron |
gpm | Gallons per minute |
gpt | Grams per tonne |
g/t | Grams per tonne |
IP | Induced Polarization geophysical survey |
Ni | Nickel |
NSR | Net smelter returns royalty |
oz | Troy ounce |
Pb | Lead |
Pd | Palladium |
ppb | Parts per billion |
ppm | Parts per million |
Pt | Platinum |
S | Sulphur |
ton | Short ton (2,000 pounds) |
tonne | Metric ton (1000 kilograms - 2204.62 pounds) |
tpd | Tons per day |
VLF | Very low frequency electromagnetic geophysical survey |
VMS | Volcanogenic massive sulphide |
All currency amounts in this Annual Report are stated in United States dollars unless otherwise indicated.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS | ||
GLOSSARY OF ABBREVIATIONS | 7 | |
PART 1 | 7 | |
ITEM 1. | IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS | 7 |
ITEM 2. | OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE | 7 |
ITEM 3. | KEY INFORMATION | 7 |
ITEM 4. | INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY | 20 |
ITEM 4A. | UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS | 44 |
ITEM 5. | OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS | 44 |
ITEM 6. | DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES | 52 |
ITEM 7. | MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS | 66 |
ITEM 8. | FINANCIAL INFORMATION | 67 |
ITEM 9. | THE OFFER AND LISTING | 68 |
ITEM 10. | ADDITIONAL INFORMATION | 69 |
ITEM 11. | QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK | 80 |
ITEM 12. | DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES | 80 |
PART II | 81 | |
ITEM 13. | DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES | 81 |
ITEM 14. | MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS |
81 |
ITEM 15. | CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES | 81 |
ITEM 16A | AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT | 81 |
ITEM 16b | CODE OF ETHICS | 81 |
ITEM 16c | PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES | 82 |
ITEM 16d | EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES | 82 |
ITEM 16e | PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS | 82 |
ITEM 16f | CHANGE IN REGISTRANTS CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT | 82 |
ITEM 16g | CORPORATE GOVERNANCE | 84 |
ITEM 16h | MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE | 84 |
PART III | 85 | |
ITEM 17. | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 85 |
ITEM 18. | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 85 |
ITEM 19. | EXHIBITS | 85 |
INDEX TO EXHIBITS | 85 | |
GLOSSARY OF GEOLOGIC AND MINING TERMS | 86 | |
SIGNATURES | 91 |
6 |
PART 1
ITEM 1. IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS
(a) | Directors and Senior Management |
This form 20-F is being filed as an annual report under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and as such, there is no requirement to provide any information under this item.
(b) | Advisers |
This form 20-F is being filed as an annual report under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and as such, there is no requirement to provide any information under this item.
(c) | Auditor |
This form 20-F is being filed as an annual report under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and as such, there is no requirement to provide any information under this item.
ITEM 2. OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE
This form 20-F is being filed as an annual report under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and as such, there is no requirement to provide any information under this item.
ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION
A. | Selected Financial Data |
The selected financial data of Emgold Mining Corporation (“Emgold” or the “Company”) for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, and 2008 was derived from the Company’s consolidated financial statements as audited by MNP LLP, Chartered Accountants for 2012, MSCM LLP, Chartered Accountants for 2011 and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Chartered Accountants for the years 2010, 2009, and 2008, as indicated in the audit reports included elsewhere in this Annual Report. The financial reporting represents consolidated reporting for Emgold’s 100% subsidiary companies Emgold U.S. Corporation (“Emgold U.S.”), Idaho-Maryland Mining Corporation (“IMMC”), and Golden Bear Ceramics Company (“GBC”).
The selected consolidated statement of financial position data as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the selected consolidated statement of income data and the selected consolidated statement of cash flows data set forth below for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements not included in this Annual Report. Our consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 have been prepared in conformity with IFRS. We adopted IFRS effective as of and for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 by applying IFRS 1: First Time Adoption of International Reporting Standards. Our consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2010 were originally prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, or US GAAP, and were restated in accordance with IFRS for comparative purposes only. The selected consolidated statement of financial position data as of December 31, 2009 and 2008 and the selected consolidated statement of income data and the selected consolidated statement of cash flows data for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 were derived from our audited consolidated financial statements not included in this Annual Report and were prepared in conformity with US GAAP. The information based on US GAAP is not comparable to information prepared in accordance with IFRS.
In accordance with rule amendments adopted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, which became effective on March 4, 2008, we do not provide a reconciliation to US GAAP for financial information prepared in accordance with IFRS. The selected financial information as of and for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 set forth below should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” and our audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto.
7 |
At the Annual and Special General Meeting of our shareholders held on September 18, 2009, the shareholders approved a special resolution to alter the Company’s authorized share structure by consolidating all of the issued and outstanding common shares without par value, of which 168,972,873 common shares were then issued on the basis of ten (10) pre-consolidation common shares for one (1) post-consolidation common share. After adjusting for rounding, 16,894,310 common shares were issued and outstanding after giving effect to this consolidation. The issued and outstanding Class A preference shares were consolidated on the same basis, resulting in 398,483 Class A preference shares, after consolidation. The share consolidation of the common shares without par value and the Class A preference shares was effective December 21, 2009. All periods presented have been retroactively adjusted to reflect this reverse split.
The Company has not declared any dividends on its common shares since incorporation and does not anticipate that it will do so in the foreseeable future. The present policy of the Company is to retain future earnings for use in its operations and the expansion of its business.
8 |
Amount in conformity with IFRS:
(United States Dollars)
December 31, | |||||||
Selected Consolidated Statement of Financial Position Data |
2012 | 2011 | 2010 | ||||
Total assets |
$1,677,936 | $ 2,198,166 | $ 2,207,283 | ||||
Total liabilities | 1,125,067 | 1,543,237 | 661,707 | ||||
Contributed surplus | 7,035,197 | 6,800,722 | 6,629,389 | ||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) |
-- |
-- | -- | ||||
Share capital | 43,390,203 | 42,817,739 | 41,490,268 | ||||
Equity component of convertible preference shares |
-- |
-- |
-- |
||||
Warrants | 686,349 | 1,219,617 | 1,271,008 | ||||
Deficit | (50,558,880) | (50,183,149) | (47,845,089) | ||||
Equipment and mineral property interests |
$1,474,581 |
|
|
|
|||
Shareholders’ equity (deficiency) | 552,869 |
654,929 |
1,545,576 |
|
|||
Number of outstanding common shares | 66,651,462 | 58,714,504 | 38,552,444 |
|
No cash or other dividends have been declared on common shares.
9 |
10 |
2009 | 2008 | ||||||||||
Equipment and mineral property interests |
1,096,514 |
1,044,553 | |||||||||
Shareholders’ equity (deficiency) |
(789,340) |
1,016,056 |
|
||||||||
Number of outstanding common shares |
16,894,310 |
15,751,987 |
|
|
|||||||
December 31, |
|||||||||||
Selected Consolidated Statement of Income Data |
|
2009 |
2008 |
||||||||
Revenue |
$ -- |
$ -- | |||||||||
Investment and other income |
-- |
|
|||||||||
General and administrative expenses |
218,688 |
2,060,237 |
|||||||||
Exploration expenses | 1,175,520 | 2,586,625 | |||||||||
Ceramext research costs | 92,340 | 447,809 | |||||||||
Write-down of mineral property interests |
75,169 |
-- |
|||||||||
Loss according to financial statements |
(1,561,717) |
(5,094,671) |
|||||||||
Loss per share – basic and diluted
|
(0.09) |
(0.32) |
|||||||||
B. | Capitalization and Indebtedness |
Not applicable.
C. | Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds |
Not applicable.
D. | Risk Factors |
Financial Risk Factors
Readers should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below before deciding whether to invest in shares of the Company’s common stock.
Emgold currently has no source of operating cash flow, a negative working capital position, and has a history of operating losses . Emgold currently has no revenue from operations and all of its mineral property interests are in the exploration or development stages. The Company does not expect to receive significant revenue from operations at any time in the near future, and Emgold has had no prior years’ history of earnings or operating cash flow. Neither Emgold nor its predecessors have paid dividends on their shares since incorporation and the Company does not anticipate doing so in the foreseeable future.
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Emgold has no source of revenue other than interest income. The Company has potential to generate income by advancing its exploration and development properties into production or by conducting the sale, joint venture, or other business transactions related to its properties. A mining project can typically require ten to twenty years or more between discovery, definition, development construction, and eventually operation. As a result, no production revenue is expected from any of the Company’s exploration properties for at least 4 years. All of Emgold’s short to medium-term operating and exploration expenses must be paid from its existing cash position or external financing. At December 31, 2012, Emgold had working capital deficiency of $923,000, compared to a working capital surplus of $652,000 at December 31, 2011. Working capital is defined as current assets less current liabilities.
The Company has taken significant steps to reduce operating costs since 2008. The Company is currently exploring all options that have potential to generate cash for the Company, including equity investment, sale of assets, joint ventures, mergers, or other types of business transactions. The Company cannot guarantee the success of any of these transactions.
Emgold may be unable to obtain the funds necessary to hold or conduct further exploration or permitting activities for its properties. Emgold is undergoing a three phase permitting process to complete an Environmental Impact Report and to obtain a Conditional Mine Use Permit for the I-M Project, located in Grass Valley, California. On October 26, 2011, Phase 3 of the permitting process was placed on hold by the Company pending resurgence of the junior mining equity markets. On September 10, 2012, the Company’s permitting application was “deemed withdrawn” by the City due to inactivity and the Company was instructed it would have to re-file its applications when it had the funds to move forward. It is unknown if and when additional funds will be available to advance the I-M Project and the Company has stated that if necessary, the Company will drop the project to focus on other assets the Company currently has in its portfolio (see 26 October 2011, 07 September 2012, and 01 February 2013 press releases).
On 01 February 2013, subsequent to year end, a Lease Option to Purchase Agreement for 91 acres of surface rights and 2,750 aces of mineral rights associated with the Idaho-Maryland Project expired. The Company is in negotiations to extend this Agreement on more favourable terms. Should negotiations to extend the agreement be unsuccessful, Emgold has stated it will terminate the Project and focus on the other assets the Company currently has in its portfolio (see 01 February 2013 press release).
Additional capital will ultimately be required to place the Idaho-Maryland Project (“I-M Project”) into commercial production. To date, the only sources of funds that have been available to the Company are from the sale of equity capital or the offering by the Company of an interest in its properties to be earned by another party or parties carrying out further development thereof.
In 2012 and 2013, Emgold announced a series of transactions with Rawhide Mining LLC (“RMC”) whereby RMC will provide Cdn$1.0 million in equity financing to Emgold in a series of tranches (See 14, 19, and 26 November press releases, 28 December 2012 press release, and 30 January 2013 press release). Part of these financings, totalling $510,000, will be used to purchase the underlying property and royalty rights to 52 claims that are part of the Buckskin Rawhide East Property, NV. Upon completion of these transactions, the Buckskin Rawhide East Property will be leased to RMC who will explore the property. The lease will include:
1. | The Lease Term is 20 years. |
2. | Advance royalty payments will be $10,000 per year, paid by RMC to Emgold, with the first payment due at signing and subsequent payments due on the anniversary of the Lease Agreement. |
3. | During the Lease Term, RMC will make all underlying claim fees to keep the claims in good standing. |
4. | RMC will conduct a minimum of US$250,000 in exploration activities by the end of Year 1. |
5. | RMC will conduct an additional minimum of US$250,000 in exploration activities by the end of Year 3, for a total of US$500,000 in exploration activities by the end of Year 3. |
6. | RMC will have the option of earning a 100% interest in the Property by bringing it into commercial production. |
7. | Upon bringing the property into commercial production, RMC will make "Bonus Payments" to Emgold. Bonus Payments will be US$15 per ounce of gold when the price of gold ranges between US$1,200 per ounce and US$1,799 per ounce. If the price of gold exceeds US$1,800 per ounce, the Bonus Payment will increase to US$20 per ounce |
12 |
8. | After meeting its exploration requirements, should RMC subsequently elect to drop the Property or decide not to advance it, the Property will be returned to Emgold. Should Emgold subsequently advance the Property into production, RMC shall then be entitled to the same type of Bonus Payments as contemplated in 7 above. |
In 2012, Emgold completed exploration work on its Stewart and Rozan properties in B.C using flow through funds. The assessment work filings with B.C. Mineral Titles for these properties ensure the Company’s retains title for these properties until 2023 without additional exploration work.
Property payments for the Koegel Rawhide and Buckskin Rawhide West properties, both of which are leases, remain small at this point in time and payments can be made in Emgold stock at this point in time, allowing them to be retained without the need for cash in the short term.
Emgold presently does not have sufficient financial resources to undertake all of the Company’s plans as outlined in previous periods, and will require additional financing to complete the permitting of the I-M Project and start the engineering studies to enable the I-M Project to enter the feasibility stage of development. The Company also requires additional funds to complete exploration of its exploration of its properties, excluding Buckskin Rawhide assuming the above transactions are completed. Currently the Company is reviewing strategies for equity financings, joint ventures, mergers, or other business transactions that may be able to carry the Company through the next year of operations and into the future. The Company cannot guarantee the success of any of these transactions. The transactions, if completed, could result in dilution of the Company’s shares.
In spite of the current relatively high market price of gold, the market conditions in the junior mining and exploration sector are very depressed and therefore it is very difficult raising additional capital. Emgold has been successful in the past in obtaining financing through the sale of equity securities, but as an exploration stage company, it may be difficult to obtain adequate financing in the future or financings with favourable terms. If Emgold fails to obtain additional financing on a timely basis, the Company could forfeit its interest in its mineral property interests, dilute its interests in the properties and/or reduce or terminate operations. Exploration programs would have to be prioritized to fit within cash availability.
Changes in the market prices of gold, which have fluctuated widely, will affect our operations and can negatively impact the economic viability of the mineral properties. Emgold has no history of mining or current source of revenue. The Company is exploring for gold, and historically, the prices of the common shares of junior mining companies are very volatile. This volatility may be partly attributed to the volatility of gold prices, and also to the success or failure of the Company’s exploration programs. The market price of gold may not remain at current levels. In particular, an increase in worldwide supply and consequent downward pressure on prices may result over the longer term from increased gold production from mines developed or expanded as a result of current metal price levels.
The ability to raise funds for exploration and development in a venture capital company is affected by factors such as the price of gold, a factor over which the Company has no control. Annual average, high and low gold prices since 2000 are shown below, demonstrating the fluctuation in the price of gold (source: Kitco.com). Metals prices also affect the rate of return of a mining property that reaches the development stage over the longer term.
13 |
Year |
Average Price per ounce (US$) | High Price per ounce (US$) | Low Price per ounce (US$) |
2000 | 279.11 | 312.70 | 264.10 |
2001 | 271.04 | 293.25 | 255.95 |
2002 | 309.73 | 349.30 | 277.75 |
2003 | 363.38 | 416.25 | 319.90 |
2004 | 409.72 | 454.20 | 375.00 |
2005 | 444.74 | 536.50 | 411.10 |
2006 | 603.46 | 725.00 | 524.75 |
2007 | 695.39 | 841.10 | 608.40 |
2008 | 871.96 | 1011.25 | 712.50 |
2009 | 972.35 | 1212.50 | 810.00 |
2010 | 1224.53 | 1421.00 | 1058.00 |
2011 2012 |
1571.52 1,668.98 |
1895.00 1,791.75
|
1319.00 1,540.00 |
Fluctuations in the world markets, including the TSX Venture Exchange, can have a negative impact on the Company’s share price, can have a negative impact on the availability of capital for investment in junior mining companies, and can negatively impact the Company’s ability to raise funds. The world markets are currently being affected by a major recession in the U.S., a deficit crisis in the U.S., high oil prices, political turmoil in the Middle East, a European debt crisis, and other international economic and political factors. Over the past several years, there have been major fluctuations in the markets caused by the housing mortgage crisis in the U.S., bail out of several major banks world-wide, bail out of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae in the U.S., bail out of several major automobile manufacturers world-wide, and bail out of several countries in the world such as Greece. This has caused record deficits in several countries, including the U.S. These crises, which have occurred over a multi-year period, have affected the Company’s ability to raise capital and have negatively impacted the stocks of many junior exploration companies. It is likely there will be future turmoil in the world markets over the next several years, and this uncertainty may negatively impact the Company’s ability to raise necessary capital and advance the I-M Project or its exploration properties.
Emgold may not be able to find equity investment to further fund GBC to build a recycled stone and ceramics processing facility using commercially available technology to process mine waste at the I-M Project. Emgold has developed and is planning to use commercially available technology in connection with the operation of the I-M Project to process development rock (rock mined to access the gold ore) and mine tailings (the remains of the gold ore after the gold has been removed). Permitting of the I-M Project includes a 1,200 ton per day recycled stone and ceramics, processing facility, which may be the first commercial plant of its kind. This technology is being developed in Emgold’s wholly owned subsidiary, GBC. The Company is in the process of converting GBC into and independent operating entity. The Company has decided to finance GBC and its recycled stone and ceramics processing facility separately from Emgold, if possible, to allow GBC to pursue opportunities for growth on a global basis and construct a series of production plants.
If the Company is unable to obtain equity or some other form of financing to develop the recycled stone and ceramics processing facilities, the proposed use of such facilities at the I-M Project may be at risk. The I-M Project is not dependent on the use of a recycled stone and ceramics plant and the expected alternative would be to dispose of 100% of the mine tailings from the I-M Project as underground backfill (mine tailings used to backfill the voids created by gold and industrial mineral (aggregate) mining).
If suitable financing is obtained, GBC plans to complete a detailed feasibility study and basic engineering by utilizing independent consultants to design the first commercial plant. GBC will not be able to conduct further research and development or prepare marketing and feasibility studies until it has independently raised sufficient financing for that purpose.
Environmental and Regulatory Risk Factors
Emgold may be unable to obtain necessary permits for the I-M Project. IMMC has submitted applications to acquire a Conditional Mine Use Permit (“CMUP”) and other entitlements to allow the Company to dewater, explore, construct, operate, and reclaim the Idaho-Maryland Mine in Grass Valley, California. The Company has a proactive community outreach program to inform local residents and decision makers and stakeholders about the I-M Project and its benefits to the region, as well as to obtain their input and incorporate it into the project permitting. Additional environmental investigations may be required as a part of the permitting process and for the future development of the surface properties for the purposes of mining and milling of ore. Currently the Company believes that the potential to obtain the permits is reasonable provided that the Company is able to maintain adequate funding through the permitting process. Obtaining or reviewing governmental permits is a complex and time-consuming process. The duration and success of efforts to obtain and renew permits are contingent upon variables not within the Company’s control. Delays or failure to obtain the CMUP, or the expiry, revocation or failure by us to comply with the terms of any such permits we have obtained would adversely affect our business.
14 |
Compliance with environmental regulations could affect future profitability and timeliness of operations. The current and anticipated future operations of the Company, including development activities and commencement of production on its properties, require operating permits from various federal, state, and local governmental authorities. Companies engaged in the development and operation of mines and related facilities generally experience increased costs, and delays in production and other schedules as a result of the need to comply with applicable laws, regulations and permits as well as the effects of inflation and the availability of mining specific goods and services.
The Company’s exploration activities and its potential mining and processing operations are subject to various laws governing land, air and water use, the protection of the environment, prospecting, development, production, commodity prices, exports, taxes, labour standards, occupational safety and health, waste disposal, toxic substances, mine safety and other matters. Emgold believes it is in substantial compliance with all material laws and regulations which currently apply to its activities. There is no assurance that the Company will be able to obtain all permits required for exploration, development and construction of mining facilities and conduct of mining operations on reasonable terms or that new legislation or modifications to existing legislation, would not have an adverse effect on any exploration or mining project which the Company might undertake.
Readers are cautioned that the CMUP is required in order to dewater the existing mine workings at the I-M Project and to construct a decline to conduct underground exploration and complete feasibility work. A production decision must be made before the mine can go into production.
The I-M Project could have “growth inducing impacts” in Grass Valley, CA. The Company will need to address those impacts associated with growth due to industrial development proximate to an urban center. The Company believes that it has defined and disclosed the extent of and can mitigate the potential impacts in all of these areas in ways satisfactory to all of its stakeholders. Where required and agreed, local jurisdictions may receive direct compensation for the cost of improving roadway intersections and expanding services to accommodate potential increased demands on social services and local infrastructure.
The I-M Project contains areas that have been impacted by historic mining activities and clean up of historic tailings will be required. The Company has historically leased this property and is not conducting any mining operations, therefore no reclamation liability has been accrued. As part of the CMUP process, the Company has completed test work to characterize the historic tailings and will be entering into agreements with the California Department of Toxic Substance Control who will be the Lead Agency overseeing the cleanup of historic tailings on site. The Company worked with the California Regional Water Quality Control Board and has remediated the location where two historic fuel tanks were removed by the previous owners of the land. Costs for cleanup and short and long term liabilities for cleanup of the site are being addressed with State and local agencies. Should the economics of site cleanup of historic mine tailings on site become prohibitive, the Company could elect not to complete the purchase of this property and discontinue the project. However, information available at this time indicates that cleanup of the site can be completed in a reasonable and economic fashion, and this cleanup will be a benefit to the local community in the long term.
California is in the process of implementing a number of rules related to air quality and greenhouse gas emissions through the California Air Resources Board under the California Global Warming Solutions Act (AB32). These regulations include cap-and-trade legislation that is being designed to reduce California’s green house gas emissions to 1990 levels by the year 2020 and ultimately achieve an 80% reduction in green house gas emissions from 1990 levels by the year 2050. The cap and trade program started on January 1, 2012 with an enforceable compliance obligation beginning with 2013 green house gas emissions. The legislation is being developed on an ongoing basis and is constantly being modified and amended. While this new legislation is being addressed as part of the permitting process for the I-M Project, it is unknown how this legislation will impact operating and capital costs of the project and such impacts, as a worst case, could result in the I-M Project not being economically viable. It is expected that as part of the CMUP process, IMMC will be required to mitigate any air quality impacts that may result from the I-M Project. The scope and cost of these mitigations are unknown at this time.
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Specific to U.S. properties, costs involved in complying with various government environmental regulations vary by operation and regulatory jurisdiction. Typically, surface sampling does not require any permits. Agency review and approval for exploration drilling and access construction can vary from several hundred dollars to several thousands of dollars, depending upon the level of activity. Permitting and environmental compliance costs vary, depending upon the level of activities proposed and the sensitivity of the areas where mineral activities are proposed.
In addition, certain types of operations related to the opening and operation of the mine will require the submission and approval of environmental impact assessments. Environmental assessments of proposed projects carry a heightened degree of responsibility for companies and directors, officers and employees. The cost of compliance with changes in governmental regulations has a potential to reduce or eliminate the profitability of operations. For example, if the Company is unable to obtain required permits, and the reasons that the permits cannot be obtained are deemed to be financially insurmountable, the development of the I-M Project would be curtailed, and operations in Grass Valley, California would cease.
On the Federal, State or Provincial or County level, regulations deal with environmental quality and impacts upon air, water, soils, vegetation and wildlife, as well as historical and cultural resources. Approval must be received from the applicable departments before exploration can begin, and will also involve ongoing monitoring of operations. For the I-M Project, the City acts as the Lead Agency and is responsible for representing other regulatory agencies during the permitting process. If operations result in negative effects upon the environment, government agencies will usually require the Company to carry out remedial actions to correct the negative effects.
Information about the I-M Project is distributed at community events. Issues of concern to the community are addressed and communicated to all interested parties at public workshops and meetings, community events as well as through local news media, direct mail-outs, circulars and brochures. A website, devoted to the I-M Project, www.idaho-maryland.com, provides general I-M Project information, permitting documentation and addresses community concerns regarding the expected impact of dewatering existing mine workings, underground development, exploration and the possible operation of a mine on the community and the environment.
The Company may be required to post reclamation bonding in California to ensure that areas will be reclaimed after exploration. Reclamation bonds are also required in British Columbia, and have all been posted. The exploration activity in British Columbia to date has been limited to drilling, and as such, the reclamation bonds posted are nominal. If exploration activity is carried out on the Buckskin Rawhide Project in Nevada, a reclamation bond will also be required for any such work.
Failure to comply with environmental and reclamation rules could result in penalties. Failure to comply with applicable laws, regulations and permitting requirements may result in enforcement actions, including orders issued by regulatory or judicial authorities causing operations to cease or be curtailed, and may include corrective measures requiring capital expenditures, installation of additional equipment or remedial actions. Parties engaged in mining operations may be required to compensate those suffering loss or damage by reason of the mining activities and may have civil or criminal fines or penalties imposed for violation of applicable laws or regulations. Environmental legislation provides for restrictions and prohibitions on spills, releases or emissions of various substances produced in association with certain mining industry operations, such as seepage from tailings disposal areas, which would result in environmental pollution. A breach of such legislation may result in the imposition of fines and penalties. At present, the Company has estimated that no funds are required for reclamation at the I-M Project, as reclamation related to a drilling program is normally defined in the drilling permit and completed at the end of the program. The Company is not conducting any mining operations; therefore, no reclamation liability has been accrued. To date Emgold has been successful in obtaining all permits that it has applied for and believes it has a good working relationship with local regulators. The Company and its employees have been engaged in the exploration and development of mineral properties for many years. Currently, the operations of the Company have been limited to exploration and permitting. To date, no mining activity has yet been undertaken by the Company.
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Risk Factors Associated with Mining and Exploration
Emgold’s exploration and development efforts may be unsuccessful in locating viable mineral resources. Resource exploration and development is a speculative business, characterized by a number of significant risks, including, among other things, unprofitable efforts resulting not only from the failure to discover mineral deposits but also from finding mineral deposits, which, though present, are insufficient in quantity and quality to return a profit from production.
There is no certainty that the expenditures to be made by the Company on the exploration of its properties and prospects as described herein, in particular, the I-M Project, will result in discoveries of mineralized material in commercial quantities.
Emgold may not be able to market the minerals acquired or discovered by the Company due to factors beyond the control of the Company. The marketability of minerals acquired or discovered by the Company may be affected by numerous factors which are beyond the control of the Company and which cannot be accurately predicted, such as market fluctuations, the proximity and capacity of milling facilities, mineral markets and processing equipment, and such other factors as government regulations, including regulations relating to royalties, allowable production, importing and exporting of minerals and environmental protection, the combination of which factors may result in the Company not receiving an adequate return on investment capital.
Other Risk Factors
Emgold’s title to mineral property interests may be challenged. Although Emgold has completed a review of titles to its mineral interests and has had two title opinions prepared on the I-M Project, it has not obtained title insurance or any formal legal opinion with respect to all of its properties and there is no guarantee of title. The mineral properties may be subject to prior unregistered agreements or transfers or native land claims, and title may be affected by undetected defects. Emgold’s mineral property interests include mineral claims in British Columbia and Nevada, which have not been surveyed, and therefore, the precise area and location of such claims or rights may be in doubt. As there are unresolved native land claim issues in British Columbia, the Company’s properties and prospects in this jurisdiction may be affected in the future.
Currency fluctuations between the United States dollar and the Canadian dollar may affect Emgold’s financial position and results. Many of Emgold’s principal financial obligations are in United States dollars, which make it subject to foreign currency fluctuation and such fluctuations may materially affect its financial position and results. In fiscal 2012, the Company received $577,450, net of issue costs, from the issuance of common shares in private placement and from the exercise of warrants. The Company’s consolidated financial statements are reported in United States dollars and the functional currency of the Company is United States dollars.
We may not be able to insure certain risks which could negatively impact our operating results. In the course of exploration, development and production of mineral properties, certain risks, and in particular, unexpected or unusual geological and operating conditions including rock bursts, unusual or unexpected formations, formation pressures, cave-ins, land-slides, fires, explosions, flooding and earthquakes, power outages, labour disruptions, and the inability to obtain suitable or adequate machinery, equipment or labour may occur. It is not always possible to fully insure against such risks and the Company may decide not to take out insurance against such risks as a result of high premiums or other reasons. Should such liabilities arise, they could reduce or eliminate any future profitability and result in increasing costs and a decline in the value of the securities of the Company.
U.S. investors may not be able to enforce their civil liabilities against the Company or its directors, controlling persons and officers . It may be difficult to bring and enforce suits against the Company. The Company is a corporation incorporated in British Columbia under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) and, consequently, there is a risk that Canadian courts may not enforce judgements of U.S. courts or enforce, in an original action, liabilities predicated directly upon U.S. federal securities laws. A majority of the Company’s directors and officers are residents of Canada and a substantial portion of the Company’s assets are located outside of the United States. Consequently, it may be difficult for United States investors to effect service of process upon those directors or officers who are not residents of the United States, or to realize in the United States upon judgements of United States courts predicated upon civil liabilities under United States securities laws. It is unlikely that an original action could be brought successfully in Canada against any of such persons or the Company predicated solely upon such civil liabilities under the U.S. Securities Act.
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Emgold’s directors and officers serve as directors and officers of other publicly traded junior resource companies . Some of the directors and officers of Emgold serve as officers and/or directors of other resource exploration companies and are engaged and will continue to be engaged in the search for additional resource opportunities on their own behalf and on behalf of other companies, and situations may arise where these directors and officers will be in direct competition with Emgold. Such potential conflicts, if any, will be dealt with in accordance with the relevant provisions of British Columbia corporate and common law. In order to avoid the possible conflict of interest which may arise between the directors’ duties to Emgold and their duties to the other companies on whose boards they serve, the directors and officers of Emgold expect that participation in exploration prospects offered to the directors will be allocated among or between the various companies that they serve on the basis of prudent business judgement and the relative financial abilities and needs of such companies.
Emgold is dependent on its ability to recruit and retain key personnel. Emgold has relied on and may continue to rely upon consultants and others for exploration, development and technical expertise. The Company strongly depends on the business and technical expertise of its management and key personnel. As the Company’s operations expand additional general management and human resources will be required. It may be difficult for Emgold to continue to find and retain the services of qualified personnel.
Risks associated with the commercialization of the stone and ceramics products. Emgold’s management and consultants have identified possible areas of risk concerning the commercialization of the recycled stone and ceramic building materials to be produced from mine development rock and tailings from the I-M Project or other similar operations. It will be necessary to address the remediation of these risks during the marketing and feasibility phases of the process and product development. Risks that may apply to the commercialization of the recycled stone and ceramics products include developing distribution networks, defining markets, and sales prices for the products. The capital and operating costs for a production plant will need to be determined as part of the feasibility process.
Risks Relating to an Investment in the Securities of the Company
The Company could be deemed a Passive Foreign Investment Company, which could have negative consequences for U.S. investors. Potential investors who are U.S. taxpayers should be aware that Emgold expects to be a passive foreign investment company (“PFIC”) for the current fiscal year, appears to have been a PFIC in prior years and may also be a PFIC in subsequent years. If Emgold is a PFIC for any year during a U.S. taxpayer’s holding period, then such U.S. taxpayer generally will be required to treat any so-called “excess distribution” received on its common shares, or any gain realized upon a disposition of common shares, as ordinary income and to pay an interest charge on a portion of such distribution or gain, unless the taxpayer makes a qualified electing fund (“QEF”) election or a mark-to-market election with respect to the shares of Emgold. In certain circumstances, the sum of the tax and the interest charge may exceed the amount of the excess distribution received, or the amount of proceeds of disposition realized, by the taxpayer. A U.S. taxpayer who makes a QEF election generally must report on a current basis its share of Emgold’s net capital gain and ordinary earnings for any year in which Emgold is a PFIC, whether or not Emgold distributes any amounts to its shareholders. A U.S. taxpayer who makes the mark-to-market election generally must include as ordinary income each year the excess of the fair market value of the common shares over the taxpayer’s tax basis therein. U.S. taxpayers are advised to seek the counsel of their professional tax advisors.
The liquidity of our shares in the United States markets may be limited or more difficult to effectuate because we are a “Penny Stock” issuer. Emgold’s stock may be subject to U.S. “Penny Stock” rules, which may make the stock more difficult for U.S. shareholders to trade on the open market. The SEC has adopted rules that regulate broker-dealer practices in connection with transactions in “penny” stocks. Penny stocks are equity securities with a price of less than $5.00 per share (other than securities that meet certain requirements, including, for example, securities registered on certain national securities exchanges provided that current prices and volume information with respect to transactions in such securities is provided by the exchange or system).
The Penny Stock Rules require a broker-dealer, prior to effecting a transaction in a penny stock not otherwise exempt from such rules, to deliver a standardized risk disclosure document prepared by the SEC that provides information about penny stocks and the nature and level of risks in the penny stock market. In addition, the Penny Stock Rules require that prior to a transaction in a penny stock not otherwise exempt from such rules the broker-dealer must make a special written determination that the penny stock is a suitable investment for the purchaser and receive the purchaser’s written acknowledgment of the receipt of a risk disclosure statement, a written agreement to transactions involving penny stocks, and a signed and dated copy of a written suitability statement. At the present market prices, Emgold’s common shares will (and in the foreseeable future are expected to continue to) fall within the definition of a penny stock. Accordingly, United States broker-dealers trading in Emgold’s shares will be subject to the Penny Stock Rules. Rather than complying with those rules, some broker-dealers may refuse to attempt to sell penny stock. As a result, shareholders and their broker-dealers in the United States may find it more difficult to sell their shares of Emgold, if a market for the shares should develop in the United States.
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Emgold’s stock price may limit its ability to raise additional capital by issuing common shares. The low price of Emgold’s common stock also limits Emgold’s ability to raise additional capital by issuing additional shares. There are several reasons for these effects. First, the internal policies of certain institutional investors prohibit the purchase of low-priced stocks. Second, many brokerage houses do not permit low-priced stocks to be used as collateral for margin accounts or to be purchased on margin. Third, some brokerage house policies and practices tend to discourage individual brokers from dealing in low-priced stocks. Finally, broker’s commissions on low-priced stocks usually represent a higher percentage of the stock price than commissions on higher priced stocks. As a result, Emgold’s shareholders pay transaction costs that are a higher percentage of their total share value than if Emgold’s share price were substantially higher.
The market for the Company’s stock has been subject to volume and price volatility, which could negatively affect a shareholder’s ability to buy or sell the Company’s shares. The market for the common shares of the Company may be highly volatile for reasons both related to the performance of the Company or events pertaining to the industry as well as factors unrelated to the Company or its industry.
In 2007 and continuing, the U.S. credit markets began to experience serious disruption due to a deterioration in residential property values, defaults and delinquencies in the residential mortgage market (particularly, sub-prime and non-prime mortgages) and a decline in the credit quality of mortgage backed securities. These problems led to a slow-down in residential housing market transactions, declining housing prices, delinquencies in non-mortgage consumer credit and a general decline in consumer confidence. These conditions have continued, causing a loss of confidence in the broader U.S. and global credit and financial markets and resulting in the collapse of, and government intervention in, major banks, financial institutions and insurers and creating a climate of greater volatility, less liquidity, widening of credit spreads, a lack of price transparency, increased credit losses and tighter credit conditions. Notwithstanding various actions by the U.S. and foreign governments, concerns about the general condition of the capital markets, financial instruments, banks, investment banks, insurers and other financial institutions caused the broader credit markets to further deteriorate and venture stock markets to decline substantially. In addition, general economic indicators can affect the markets including declining consumer sentiment, increased unemployment and declining economic growth and uncertainty about corporate earnings. Economic factors in Europe, Asia and elsewhere around the world may cause further deterioration in economic indicators. Potential exists for interest rate increases as the U.S. deficit grows, which may further slow economic recovery.
These unprecedented disruptions in the current credit and financial markets have had a significant material adverse impact on a number of financial institutions and have limited access to capital and credit for many companies. These disruptions could, among other things, make it more difficult for us to obtain, or increase our cost of obtaining, capital and financing for our operations. The Company’s access to additional capital may not be available on terms acceptable to it or at all.
The Company’s share price is subject to reductions and downward pressures from significant potential equity dilution. A summary of Emgold’s diluted share capital is as follows: Emgold has 4,969,665 stock options outstanding (at December 31, 2012), which are exercisable at prices ranging from Cdn$0.15 to Cdn$0.25 per share which is above the current market price for the Company’s shares and makes it unlikely that the options will be exercised before expiry and acts as an upside damper on the trading range of Emgold’s shares. At December 31, 2012, there were 35,495,784 warrants exercisable at a weighted average exercise price of $0.25. The resale of outstanding shares from the exercise of dilutive securities would have a depressing effect on the market for Emgold’s shares if there is a significant increase in the Company’s share price. Dilutive securities, based on the trading range of Emgold’s common shares, at December 31, 2012, include the 35,495,784 warrants and underlying warrants, and the 4,969,665 stock options above, which collectively represent approximately 61% (2011 - 70%) of Emgold’s issued shares as at December 31, 2012.
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ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY
A. | History and Development of the Company |
Emgold Mining Corporation (“Emgold” or the “Company”) was originally incorporated under the Company Act (British Columbia) as 361869 BC Ltd. on March 17, 1989. The Company’s name was changed to HLX Resources Ltd. (“HLX”) on July 19, 1989. On August 31, 1989, HLX was amalgamated with four mineral exploration companies - Eastern Mines Ltd. (incorporated March 10, 1980), Gallant Gold Mines Ltd. (incorporated January 18, 1979), Silver Sceptre Mines Ltd. (incorporated March 10, 1980) and Standard Gold Mines Ltd. (incorporated February 6, 1980). Eastern Mines Ltd., Silver Sceptre Mines Ltd. and Standard Gold Mines Ltd. originally had exploration properties in the Terrace Bay area of Ontario. Gallant Gold Mines Ltd. originally had exploration properties in the Rossland-Trail area of British Columbia. After the amalgamation, the resulting company continued to be named HLX Resources Ltd.
On March 30, 1992, HLX changed its name to Emperor Gold Corporation at which time a special resolution of the shareholders was passed to consolidate the common shares on a five old for one new common share basis and to increase the authorized share capital from 10,000,000 common shares without par value and 50,000,000 first preference shares without par value, to 50,000,000 common shares without par value and 50,000,000 first preference shares without par value. The Company’s memorandum and articles were amended to reflect this change. On August 12, 1997, the Company’s memorandum and articles were again amended as the Company changed its name to Emgold Mining Corporation. The name was changed due to the fact that there was an unrelated mining company with a very similar name to the Company, with offices in Vancouver, British Columbia.
In fiscal 2002, the Company’s share capital was increased from 100,000,000 to 550,000,000 shares without par value, divided into 500,000,000 Common Shares without par value and 50,000,000 First Preference Shares without par value, each share having attached thereto the special rights and restrictions set out in the Articles of the Company. The Company was continued under the Business Corporations Act in British Columbia in June 2005, and the authorized share capital of the Company was changed to an unlimited number of common shares without par value and an unlimited number of first preference shares.
The Company is in the business of acquiring, exploring, and developing mineral properties. For the past three completed financial years, and since 1993, the Company has been principally engaged in permitting and developing the I-M Project located near the City of Grass Valley (the “City”) in Nevada County, California, U.S.A. The Company originally acquired the rights to the I-M Project in August 1993. Over the next five years, significant expenditures were made on the I-M Project. An Environmental Impact Report was successfully completed to dewater and explore the Idaho-Maryland Mine and a National Pollution Discharge Elimination System Permit obtained. However, in the late 1990’s, with a decreasing gold price, it became impossible to raise capital to continue with the exploration the I-M Project. Gold prices continued to drop and the Company wrote-down the property for a nominal carrying value of $1 in 1999. The lease option to purchase agreement on the I-M property and mineral rights was eventually dropped. Permits to dewater the mine were cancelled or expired.
Emgold remained interested in the I-M Project and continued to pursue various financing alternatives. In fiscal 2002, the Company renegotiated the terms and conditions of a lease option to purchase agreement with the owners of the Idaho-Maryland property and mineral rights. Details of expenditures relating to the Idaho-Maryland property and mineral rights are included in Item 4 under “Property, Plant and Equipment” and “Idaho-Maryland Project – History of the Property”. Emgold incorporated a 100 percent owned Nevada Corporation subsidiary company, the Idaho-Maryland Mining Corporation (the “IMMC”), to hold and develop the I-M Project. Activities and expenditures related to the I-M Project are completed through this subsidiary.
In 2003, Emgold acquired the licensing rights to a ceramics technology and changed the name of its second 100 percent owned Nevada Corporation subsidiary company, then called Holly Corporation, to Golden Bear Ceramics Company (“GBC”). Emgold recognized the potential application of the hot vacuum extrusion technology for the I-M Project (to eliminate the requirement for surface tailings and waste rock disposal) and as a business opportunity for processing a wide range of mineral waste materials to produce high quality recycled stone and ceramic building materials on a global basis. Emgold initiated work to commercialize the technology and to set up a research and development facility in Grass Valley, CA. GBC has since determined that it will be able to produce high quality stone and ceramic building materials from mine development rock and tailings from the I-M Project or other similar operations by using equipment and technology available in the commercial market place. GBC will need to find markets for its stone and ceramics products and construct a facility to produce such products from a wide variety of siliceous waste materials and raw materials, including mine tailings, fly ash and other waste materials, that would otherwise be disposed of in landfills, into high-strength, low-porosity, industrial stone and ceramic building products such as, floor tile, roof tile, brick, construction materials and other industrial and commercial products. Emgold is now planning to use commercially available technology not proprietary to Ceramext, LLC in connection with the operation of the I-M Project, and the licensing agreement with Ceramext, LLC has been terminated.
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In 2005, Emgold commenced permitting of the I-M Project with acceptance of its Permit Applications by the City of Grass Valley, Nevada County, California (the “City”). The I-M Project is being permitted according to the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), the California Surface Mining and Reclamation Act (“SMARA”), and other applicable federal, state, and local legislation. The City has been designated to be the Lead Agency in the permitting process. The City commenced work to complete the permitting process for the Project, which was divided into three phases: Phase 1 is the Master Environmental Assessment, Phase 2 is the Initial Study and Phase 3 is the Environmental Impact Report. The City will then need to approve a Conditional Use Permit for the I-M Project. To date, Phase 1 and 2 have been completed.
Emgold also has additional mineral properties: the Rozan property in B.C. (fully vested), the Stewart property in B.C. (fully vested), the Buckskin-Rawhide East property in Nevada (6 claims 100% owned, 40 claims 75% owned, and purchase of the remaining 25% of the 40 claims currently being completed), the Buckskin Rawhide West property in Nevada (under option), and the Koegel Rawhide property in Nevada (under option). All the Canadian properties are located in the Nelson mining district north of Ymir in south-eastern British Columbia, Canada. Nevada properties are in the Rawhide mining district near Fallon, Nevada. The I-M Project is in the Grass Valley mining district in Grass Valley, CA.
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B. | Business Overview |
General
(i) | Nature of Company : Emgold has historically been a mineral exploration company. The Company plans to permit and ultimately re-open the historic Idaho-Maryland Mine, located in Grass Valley, California. The Idaho-Maryland Mine was the second largest underground gold mine in California, producing 2.4 million ounces of gold between 1862 and 1956. The I-M Project is adjacent to the historic Empire Mine, which was the first mine operated by Newmont Mining Corporation. The Empire Mine produced 5.8 million ounces of gold from 1850 to 1956, and was the largest gold mine in California. The Grass Valley District produced over 17 million ounces of gold. Emgold believes the I-M Project to be one of the largest underground gold exploration targets in North America with potential to become a significant high grade producing mine. Plans are to construct a 2,400 ton per day underground gold mine and gold processing facility, and establish Emgold as a mid-tier producing company. |
Emgold also has two early-stage mineral exploration projects in British Columbia that contain tungsten, molybdenum, silver, gold, and other mineralization. These properties have been drilled by a number of companies over the years, with further work being completed by Emgold since their acquisition. The company has an early stage gold and silver exploration project called the Buckskin-Rawhide East Property in Nevada where it owns 100% of 6 claims and 75% of 40 claims. It currently has an agreement to acquire the remaining 25% of the 40 claims and is in the process of completing this transaction. Once is has 100% ownership of the 52 claims, the property will be leased to RMC who plan to conduct exploration and, if exploration is successful, potentially bring the resources discovered into commercial production at the Denton Rawhide Mine. Emgold also has two additional early stage exploration projects in Nevada called Buckskin Rawhide East and Koegel Rawhide.
For several years, Emgold, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, GBC, has been developing a process to convert mineral wastes and other siliceous materials to stone and ceramic building products. Emgold originally intended to apply this process as a method to deal with development rock and mine tailings from the I-M Project and to eliminate the need for surface tailings impoundments and waste dumps associated with a traditional gold mine. Emgold successfully developed the process to a pilot plant stage using commercially available equipment. Since that time, the Company has determined that the use of commercially available equipment will enable GBC to readily manufacture 100 percent recycled “green” stone and ceramic building products from mineral wastes. Emgold is currently seeking funding to finance GBC, to allow it to expand independently of the I-M Project.
(ii) | Principal Markets : Not Applicable. |
(iii) | Seasonality : Not Applicable. |
(iv) | Raw Materials : Not Applicable. |
(v) | Marketing Channels : Not Applicable. |
(vi) | Dependence : Not Applicable. |
(vii) | Competitive Position : Not Applicable. |
(viii) | Material Effect of Government Regulation : The Company’s exploration activities and its potential mining and processing operations are subject to various laws governing land use, the protection of the environment, prospecting, development, production, contractor availability, commodity prices, exports, taxes, labour standards, occupational safety and health, waste disposal, toxic substances, mine safety and other matters. The Company believes it is in substantial compliance with all material laws and regulations that currently apply to its activities. There is no assurance that the Company will be able to obtain all permits required for exploration, any future development and construction of mining facilities and conduct of mining operations on reasonable terms or that new legislation or modifications to existing legislation would not have an adverse effect on any exploration or mining project which the Company might undertake. |
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Idaho-Maryland Mining Corporation
The Company is seeking to reopen the historical Idaho-Maryland Mine (also referred to in this Annual Report as “I-M Project”, or the “Idaho-Maryland”), in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Readers are cautioned that a Conditional Mine Use Permit (“CMUP”) is required in order to remove water from the existing mine workings at the I-M Project and to conduct underground exploration and complete a feasibility study.
The Company formally applied to the City of Grass Valley (“City”) for the CMUP on February 9, 2005, and the Project Applications were received as substantially complete on May 24, 2005. Following this, the City completed Phase 1 of the permitting process to obtain the CMUP with included completion of a Master Environmental Assessment (“MEA”) in June 2006. Phase 2 was the Notice of Preparation and Initial Study (“NOP” and “IS”), which was completed on January 8, 2008. The Company then made modifications and clarifications and completed a 2007 Revised Project Applications, which was accepted by the City in May 2007.
Phase 3, the preparation of an Environmental Impact Report (“EIR”), was commenced by the City in June 2008. A Draft EIR was completed in October, 2008. The public hearings related to the Draft EIR were completed in January 2009. The Draft EIR was positive, with air quality identified as the only concern that could not be successfully mitigated due to the fact that Nevada County is a non-attainment area for ozone related gases due to ozone blowing into the Sierra Foothills from the Bay and Sacramento area several days during the year. The Company’s internal review of the Draft EIR concluded that the City and its consultants had failed to analyze the clean up of historic tailings on the Idaho-Maryland site and this failure would require a revised Draft EIR and recirculation for public comment. After meeting with various public agencies in the first half of 2009 and knowing that re-circulation would be required, the Company elected to make several improvements to the I-M Project based on its internal review of the Draft EIR and analysis of public comment.
The Company’s 2011 Revised Project Application was accepted by the City in May 2011. The City then completed a competitive bid process in November 2011 and elected to retain a new consultant to complete the EIR process. With a budget, scope, and schedule now available to complete Phase 3 of the permitting process, the Company requested 90 days to complete financing activities to allow it to move forward with the permitting process. The Company indicated it might take longer than 90 days to complete financing, given the poor equity markets. At the end of the 90 days, the Company updated the City, explaining the continuing poor equity markets, and asked for another 90 days to obtain financing. The City elected to give the Company 180 days, or until September 10, 2012 or the Company’s applications would be “deemed withdrawn” and would have to be resubmitted when the Company had sufficient funds in place. On September 7, 2012, with worsening equity markets, the Company put out a press release and notified the City that the applications would be deemed withdrawn.
Once funding is available and the Company resubmits its Project Application, it is expected a Revised Draft EIR will be completed, with public comment, followed by completion of the Final EIR. The Final EIR is expected to take approximately 12 to 18 months from commencement of the work. Emgold is currently attempting to raise funds to allow the permitting process to move forward. The Company estimates the budget to be $2.5 million to complete the CMUP process, excluding corporate overhead costs.
The Company has a mining lease and option to purchase agreement (the “BET Agreement”) for the I-M Project that was originally signed in 2003 and had a five-year term. The BET Agreement covers the lease and purchase of approximately 2,750 acres of mineral rights and 91 acres of surface rights associated with the Idaho-Maryland Project. Emgold owns certain other mineral and surface rights associated with the Project. The BET Agreement has been extended three times to date, with the last extension from February 1, 2011, for an additional two years to February 1, 2013. Lease payments during the extension period were $30,000 per quarter. The Company has the ability to exercise the purchase option of the BET Agreement at any time while the option agreement remains in good standing. At December 31, 2012, the Company was in compliance with all the terms of the BET Agreement. However, on February 1, 2013, the BET Agreement expired as announced by press release dated 01 February, 2013. The Company is currently in negotiations to extend the BET Agreement. The success or failure of these negotiation is unknown at this time. Emgold has stated that if negotiations are unsuccessful, it will drop the IM property to focus on other assets the Company currently has in its portfolio.
Under a previous lease agreement extension, Emgold was to make quarterly option payments of $30,000 beginning on February 1, 2009, until January 31, 2010. For the period from February 1, 2010, to January 31, 2011, the quarterly option payments were to increase to $60,000 per quarter. The BET Group has agreed to defer 50 percent of the quarterly lease payment for 2010, amounting to $30,000 per quarter. The amount of the deferral, totaling $120,000, was added to the purchase price of the Property, the first installment of which was to become due on February 1, 2013 under the third lease extension, in the event that the Company exercises its option to purchase the I-M property. The deferral of $120,000 was subject to interest calculated at 5.25% compounded annually.
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There is no guarantee that the City of Grass Valley will approve the project or that other agencies will approve the permits necessary to operate. However, two gold mines (the Mesquite Mine operated by New Gold Inc. and the Briggs Mine operated by ATNA Resources Ltd.) have recently returned to operation in California. Sutter Gold Mining Inc. has obtained permits to operate the Sutter Gold Mine and Golden Queen Mining Company Ltd is in the process of obtaining permits to open the Soledad Mountain Project in California.
An EIR for the Idaho-Maryland Project was previously completed in 1995 to dewater and explore the mine with Nevada County as the Lead Agency. Emgold believes there is no technical reason to prevent the mine from being permitted and the risk is the political uncertainty of permitting in the United States and the State of California with constantly evolving regulations at all levels of government that may impact the permitting requirements at some future date. In particular, potential legislation from the California Air Resources Board and the Federal EPA related to carbon emissions and potential cap and trade rules may have an effect on mining operations in the United States.
Information about the I-M Project is distributed at community events. Issues of concern to the community are addressed and communicated to all interested parties at public workshops and meetings and community events as well as through local news media, direct mail-outs, circulars and brochures. A website devoted to the I-M Project, www.idaho-maryland.com, provides general I-M Project information and permitting documentation and addresses community concerns regarding the expected impact of dewatering existing mine workings, underground development, exploration and the possible operation of a mine on the community and the environment. The Company has participated in public workshops held during the preparation of the draft EIR.
In addition to its interest under the BET Agreement, IMMC owns 45 acres of the former sawmill site adjacent to the Idaho-Maryland property above, and the two properties encompass the 102 acres known as the Idaho-Maryland site. The company also owned 7 acres known as the Round Hole site. IMMC also owns the subsurface mineral rights of 70% of the Dana-Christopher Columbus patented mining claims and 100% of the Golden Gate West and Golden Gate East subsurface patented mining claims, totalling about 30 acres. These properties are contiguous and are part of the current I-M Project and consist of only subsurface mineral rights.
The Idaho-Maryland site has sufficient surface rights to construct a portal and shaft for underground access, gold milling and recycled stone and ceramic manufacturing facilities, aggregate crushing and screening plant, maintenance facilities, tile storage areas, a Mining Education Center and an administrative site. The New Brunswick site will be primarily used for dewatering the mine. The Company’s plan is to use the Round Hole Shaft as a ventilation shaft and emergency access way for the I-M Project during operations.
The existing mine workings are currently flooded with approximately 2,500 acre-feet of ground water, or approximately 500 million gallons of water. In order to conduct underground exploration, the mine workings must be pumped out or “dewatered”. The Company anticipates pumping water to surface up to a maximum rate of 12 acre-feet per day for approximately 9 to 12 months to complete the dewatering, if the pumping is conducted 24 hours a day and depending on the local precipitation and the water flow in the receiving waterway. The water will be transferred via pipeline to the Idaho-Maryland site, treated, and pumped into the adjoining Wolf Creek. The timeframe will lengthen accordingly if pumping is not constant over the 24-hour period.
The Company may consider mining and toll milling of gold ore should sufficient gold bearing ore be mined during the initial stages of underground exploration and development. A positive feasibility study may need to be completed and a production decision must be made before the mine can go into production. The outcome of this feasibility work and receipt of the CMUP will have a direct impact on the ability of the Company to put the I-M Project into production.
The long-term development plan for the I-M Project includes underground exploration to define further resources possibly leading to staged construction and operation of up to a 2,400 Short Tons Per Day (“STPD”) underground gold mine and mill, a 1,200 STPD manufacturing plant for recycled stone and ceramic building materials, as well as a 365 STPH aggregate crushing and screening plant. The recycled stone and ceramics plant would be designed to process development rock and gold mine tailings as feedstock to produce high-quality recycled stone and ceramic building materials, to reduce the effective cost of gold production and to mitigate the environmental impact of the proposed mining operations. The aggregate crushing and screening plant would be used to process development rock to make a series of aggregate products for sale into the local and regional market.
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Golden Bear Ceramics Company
Emgold, through GBC, has developed a recycling technology because of its potential to provide a tailings management strategy for the I-M Project while contributing a significant revenue stream to the mine. The Company believes there is also a global business opportunity to process a wide range of siliceous waste and naturally occurring materials and to produce high quality stone and ceramic building materials. The recycled stone and ceramics technology has been demonstrated on a laboratory and pilot plant basis. It has been possible to perform forming operations on a wide variety of silicate materials at elevated temperatures. Stone and ceramic materials of high quality, strength, and very low porosity have been produced. The process production volume has not yet been scaled up and therefore cannot be considered commercialized. The Company has determined that the use of commercially available equipment should enable GBC to readily manufacture 100 percent recycled “green” stone and ceramic building products from mineral wastes. These materials will qualify for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (“LEED”) credits.
The Company is continuing to seek capital investment to commercialize its products. If the Company were able to obtain investment to develop GGC, additional marketing studies, a feasibility study, and basic engineering would need to be completed independently of the mining operations. It is anticipated that these studies could be completed within 12 to 14 months from financing.
C. | Organizational Structure |
The Company has three direct and indirect wholly owned subsidiaries, Idaho-Maryland Mining Corporation (formerly Emperor Gold (U.S.) Corp.), Golden Bear Ceramics Company (formerly Holly Corporation (U.S.)) and Emgold (U.S.) Corporation (“Emgold US”), all incorporated in the State of Nevada. Unless the context otherwise requires, references herein to the “Company” or “Emgold” include the subsidiaries of the Company. Emgold U.S. holds the Golden Bear subsidiary.
D. | Property, Plant and Equipment |
The Company has mineral exploration interests in six properties: the I-M Project (California), the Stewart Property (British Columbia), the Rozan Property (British Columbia), the Buckskin-Rawhide East Property (Nevada), the Buckskin Rawhide West Property (Nevada), and the Koegel Rawhide Property (Nevada). The Company’s principal property is the I-M Project, which is comprised of three separate areas: the Idaho-Maryland, New Brunswick and Round Hole sites.
In 2004, the Company entered into a joint venture with a private, non-related company to acquire approximately 45 acres adjacent to other properties under option by the Company in Grass Valley, California. The Company’s share of the purchase price was $542,500 plus legal costs. The property was initially acquired to complement the I-M Project, as the combined 102 acre site would be suitable for mining, milling and ceramic manufacturing facilities. The Company and its arm’s-length partner have since terminated the joint venture, and the Company’s portion of the title has been transferred to the Company’s name. The land is expected to be used for buildings that may be needed for construction of mining operations including storage areas, access for vehicular traffic and to provide buffer zones to isolate the mine from adjacent properties. Development of the site is subject to review and approval of the City.
In 2009, the Company acquired 7.13 acres of land called the Round Hole site in Grass Valley, California. The Round Hole site contains a historic five foot diameter shaft that was historically part of the Idaho-Maryland Mine workings. The Company plans to utilize this shaft as a ventilation shaft and escape way as part of the Idaho-Maryland Project development. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company issued 280,823 (post-consolidation) common shares to the seller for the purchase of the Whisper Property at a deemed market price of Cdn$0.55 on the date of filing.
In 2004, the Company entered into a three-year lease and option to purchase agreement for approximately 2.75 acres of land and a 44,750 square foot building located in Grass Valley, California. Effective April 1, 2007, the lease and option to purchase agreement was renewed until December 2010. The lease was terminated in February 2010 and the Company has moved to new office space in Grass Valley, California and the equipment used for Golden Bear has been placed into storage. Subsidiary company administration and geological personnel are all housed in the same office premises.
None of
the Company’s projects has known reserves, and all proposed programs are exploratory in nature. The I-M Project has National
Instrument 43-101 compliant mineral resources in Measured, Indicated, and Inferred categories.
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Idaho-Maryland Project
Surface and Mineral Rights
The I-M Project is located 1.5 miles east of downtown Grass Valley, Nevada County, within the State of California. The property comprises approximately 2,800 acres of subsurface mineral rights and 146 acres of surface rights. The surface rights are centered around three of the historic mine shafts at the properties. The properties comprise the 102 acre Idaho-Maryland site, the 37 acre New Brunswick site, and the 7 acre Round Hole site. The mineral rights are severed from the surface rights at variable depths from surface, with all mineral rights being contiguous below 200 ft from surface. Most of the property is located in the City of Grass Valley, but the New Brunswick property is located in Nevada County adjacent to the City.
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History of the Property
The Grass Valley mining district is one of the most productive and famous mining districts in the State of California. The mines in the district were known as the “Northern Mines” and were not part of the Mother Lode gold belt. The first and second largest underground gold producing mines in the state, the Empire and Idaho-Maryland, are located adjacent to one another within the district. Placer gold was first found in Wolf Creek, adjacent to the Idaho-Maryland mine, in 1848. Gold-bearing quartz was discovered at Gold Hill in 1850. The original claim on the Idaho-Maryland mine was staked in 1851 and high-grade gold mineralization was discovered in 1861, with the commencement of mining in 1863. It has been estimated that over the approximately 106 years of gold mining activity in the Grass Valley district from 1850 to 1956, a total of 17 million ounces of gold were produced. The district is still considered the fifth largest gold-producing area in the United States, although most of the mines have not been in production since 1956. The Idaho-Maryland mine yielded an estimated 2,383,000 ounces of gold from 5,546,000 short tons for a recovered grade of 0.43 ounces of gold per short ton. The Idaho-Maryland area was mined only to the 3,280-foot level while its neighbour, the Empire Mine, was systematically mined to the 5,000-foot level.
The claims around the deposit were consolidated in 1915 to form the Idaho-Maryland mine. Metals Exploration Company of New York acquired control of the property, dewatered the mine, deepened the Idaho shaft to 2,000 ft and moved the Union Hill stamp mill to the Idaho shaft area. Full production, however, was never achieved in the 1920’s. Control over the property changed in 1926 when Errol MacBoyle and Edwin Oliver created holdings that included the Idaho-Maryland, Brunswick, and Morehouse mines. Production commenced the same year. From 1926 to 1942 the Idaho Mine produced 650,000 ounces of gold from 1.1 million tons of ore. The Brunswick Mine restarted production in 1934 after deepening its shaft to 3,460 ft and constructing a 750 STPD mill. The mines were closed in 1942, due to the enactment of the Federal War Production Boards Limitation Order L-208, and were reopened again in 1945. Production was hampered by depleted operating funds, rising costs, skilled labour shortages, and negligible exploration and underground development work. Gold mining ceased at the Idaho-Maryland mine in 1954, being briefly replaced by government-subsidized tungsten production until 1957. Mining activity stopped altogether in 1957. At the time of closure, Idaho-Maryland Industries, Inc. owned the mine. In 1963 Idaho-Maryland Industries, Inc. executed a Quit Claim Deed to William and Marian Ghidotti. Ownership of the mineral rights eventually passed to Mary Bouma, Erica Erickson, and William Toms (referred to as the BET Group) in 1983.
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In August 1993, Emgold originally leased, with an option to purchase, the initial four land parcels in Grass Valley, California from the BET Group, the unrelated owners of the properties. Until 1999, the Company held interests in four land parcels in Grass Valley, California (collectively referred to herein as the “I-M Project”) through its subsidiary, IMMC. The four parcels were comprised of the subsurface (generally below 200 feet mineral rights to 2,745 acres of land and the surface rights to three parcels, one of 37 acres surrounding the 3,281 foot deep New Brunswick shaft, one of 80 acres adjacent to and south of the New Brunswick shaft (the “Brunswick Millsite”) and one of 13 acres surrounding the Round Hole Shaft.
The Company held a 100% interest in the Round Hole Shaft until December 2000. It also held a lease and option to purchase a 100% interest in the other three land parcels, which expired. These land parcels were held as security for a convertible debenture held by Frank A. Lang and a convertible debenture held by Lang Mining Corporation, a private company controlled by Frank A. Lang. As the Company and the debenture holders could not come to mutually acceptable terms for an extension to the convertible debentures, which expired on June 8, 2000, the convertible debentures were cancelled and the land held as security was transferred to a private company controlled by Frank A. Lang. In June 2009, the Company announced it had reached an agreement with Frank A. Lang to re-purchase approximately 7 acres of the original land parcels that were transferred to Mr. Lang’s private company in 2000 and the land transfer was completed in 2010. The subject acreage is located at the intersection of Idaho-Maryland and Brunswick Roads in Grass Valley, CA, and overlies part of the mineral rights associated with the I-M Project and is the location of the historic Round Hole Shaft. The agreement to re-purchase was conducted by way of share issuance.
Emgold had incurred significant expenditures on the property prior to 1999. Under Canadian generally accepted accounting principles and the policy of the Company, the status of the property was reviewed and the Company recorded a write-down in its interest in the I-M Project of $6,982,016 to a nominal carrying value of $1. Gold prices were low, and it was difficult to raise capital for exploration of mineral properties. In 2002 Emgold changed its accounting policy with respect to exploration and development expenditures, whereby such costs are expensed until a pre-feasibility or feasibility study has been completed that indicates a property is economically feasible. Acquisition costs relating to option payments, land payments and share issuances are capitalized, until the mineral property is determined to be uneconomic or is advanced by disposition, or further development. During the year ended December 31, 2012, $537,884 (2011 - $775,500) was expended by the Company on exploration and permitting activities on the I-M Project.
In fiscal 2002, the Company renegotiated the 1993 lease and option to purchase agreement with the owners of the Idaho-Maryland mineral rights and certain surface properties in the Grass Valley Mining District, California. This is called the BET Agreement. The initial term of the BET Agreement was five years, commencing on June 1, 2002, and ending on May 31, 2007. The owners granted to the Company the exclusive right and option to purchase all of the leased property. The property is subject to a 3% Net Smelter Royalty (“NSR”) from production if the property is still being leased. Any royalty payments made prior to exercising the purchase option may be deducted from the purchase price. Lease payments of $25,500 were payable quarterly commencing May 1, 2004, and continuing until February 1, 2007.
In February 2007, for a one-time payment of $75,000, the Company negotiated an extension to the BET Agreement whereby the term of the exercise date was extended from May 31, 2007, to December 31, 2008, with quarterly lease payments of $75,000. In 2009, the BET Agreement was extended to run from February 1, 2009 to February 1, 2011 with quarterly payments of $30,000 in year one and quarterly payments of $60,000 in year two. In 2010, the BET Agreement was extended to run an additional two years from February 1, 2011 to February 1, 2013. Quarterly lease payments will be $30,000 per quarter.
In 2010, as part of negotiations for the extension of the BET Agreement, the BET Group agreed to defer fifty percent of the quarterly leases payments for 2010, amounting to $30,000 of the $60,000 per quarter outlined above. The amount of the deferral, totaling $120,000, will be added to the purchase price of the Property, of which the first installment comes due on February 1, 2013 in the event that the Company exercises its option to purchase the I-M property. The deferral of $120,000 will be subject to interest calculated at 5.25% compounded annually.
All other conditions of the original agreement, including the option purchase price and NSR remain unchanged. The quarterly lease payments are being expensed in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as holding costs.
Provided that payments are kept current, the Company may purchase the property at any time. The purchase price at February 1, 2013 would be $6,154,717, which would include the original purchase price increased at 3% per year and the adjustment for the deferred quarterly payment. The Company has capitalized a total of $1,464,274 (2011 - $1,035,163) in Mineral Property Interests, of which $747,219 relates to Idaho-Maryland acquisition costs. Additional properties have been acquired for a total of $717,055.
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Accessibility, Climate, Local Resources, Infrastructure and Physiography
The I-M Project is within the area of influence of the city of Grass Valley as defined in their 2020 General Plan. Both Grass Valley and Nevada City are Sierra Nevada foothill communities located approximately 20 miles north of Auburn and approximately 55 miles northeast of Sacramento. Highway 49 and Highway 20 connect the Grass Valley/Nevada City area regionally.
Geological Setting
The I-M Project and the Grass Valley Mining District are situated in the northern portion of the Sierra Nevada Foothills Gold Belt, a geographic area containing many historic gold mines. This belt averages 50 miles in width and extends for 320 miles in a north-northwest orientation along the western slope of the Sierra Nevada range. The location of the Sierra Nevada Foothills Gold Belt coincides closely with a zone of metamorphic rocks and regional faults known as the outcrop area of the Sierra Nevada Foothills Metamorphic Belt.
Exploration
Historic Drilling
Until the mine closed in the 1950’s exploratory and delineation diamond drilling regularly took place. Historically, eleven hundred holes totalling 230,000 ft were diamond drilled. Hole traces have been input into the geological database, as have the historical assay, stope, and geology various plans and drawings. No historical drill logs have been found in the historical information.
Down hole surveys were not conducted in early drilling, and deviation of the drill holes was common. Recorded in the geology monthly reports were experiences such as driving an underground heading on a drill hole only to find that the hole soon curved significantly from the planned orientation. The deviation was not consistent, and so could not be predicted. This observation was one of the main reasons a technical report prepared for the Company by AMEC Americas Limited (“AMEC”) recommended that mineral resources defined by drilling alone should be classified as inferred mineral resources. No core was preserved from past mining operations at the Idaho-Maryland Mine.
Sampling and Analysis
The I-M Project contains a historic database with over 100,000 assays. The historic assays, which are almost exclusively for gold, were done on samples taken from underground workings (walls and backs from drifts and crosscuts, walls from raises). Sample quality can be inferred by the reconciliation of historic production records to underground sample data. These studies, as well as a recent investigation on mill-to-resource prediction, show that the resource or reserve estimates consistently underestimated the amount of gold produced by milling, a discrepancy most likely reflective of sample size influence rather than laboratory technique. Gold deposits with coarse gold areas are best sampled with large sample sizes, which was not common practice when the mine was in production. Therefore, any estimates made using this historic data should include comparisons with values unadjusted and adjusted for the regular underreporting of grade (i.e., call factor). It is believed that the comprehensive set of assay plans, supported by records of muck car stope samples and mapped geology data, as well as the detailed historical production records, all support the integrity of the assay data for the Idaho-Maryland Mine. These data are deemed suitable for use in mineral resource estimation, and have been utilized in the reports prepared for the Company by AMEC.
Gold Exploration
The gold exploration program has consisted of an extensive geologic evaluation of the historical mine records plus additional diamond drilling from surface. This rather unique program was possible because of the excellent and comprehensive preservation of the historical Idaho-Maryland mine and mill records. This data is exhaustive and essentially complete, although without any historical drill data, and has been used to generate a consistent, property-wide structural geology model and vein set definition and chronology. Un-mined mineralization was identified along underground workings and in historical diamond drill holes. Interpretation of the updated geologic model defined new vein sets and extensions of known vein sets. This data has been entered into a three-dimensional computer model using MineSight® software to help with interpretations.
Emgold believes that there is significant potential to identify substantial additional gold resources on the I-M Project, and intends to continue with an ongoing gold exploration program. Once dewatering and access to the mine is achieved it is planned to establish underground drilling stations for further drill testing of key gold target areas, plus definition and expansion of known gold resources.
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Gold Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve Estimates
In 2002, Emgold completed a NI 43-101 Technical Report (required by regulatory authorities in Canada) on the Idaho-Maryland Mine. This report was prepared by AMEC. The report summarized Measured, Indicated, and Inferred Mineral Gold Resources for the I-M Project. The resources for the I-M Project were estimated under the direction of Mark Payne (Registered Geologist 7067, State of California) and a Qualified Person for the purposes of NI 43-101, using traditional longitudinal sections, hand calculations and 3-D geologic models by commercial mine planning software (Vulcan® and MineSight®). AMEC's review concentrated on the geologic interpretation of the mineralization controls, the most critical factor in the resource estimate. Historic production information was also used in establishing confidence in continuity of mineralization. The mineral resource classification logic was also examined. A cut-off grade of 0.1 oz/ton was used in this estimate.
In 2004, as part of a NI-43-101 Preliminary Assessment of the industrial mineral resource (see below), the gold resources for the I-M Project were increased. This report was also prepared by AMEC. The resources for the I-M Project were estimated under the direction of Mark Payne (Registered Geologist 7067, State of California) and a Qualified Person for the purposes of NI 43-101, using traditional longitudinal sections, hand calculations and 3-D geologic models by commercial mine planning software (Vulcan® and MineSight®). The same methodology, cut-off grade, and gold price were used as in the 2002 Technical Report.
In 2007, a subsequent small increase in the resource numbers was estimated under the direction of Robert Pease, Professional Geologist (California), Chief Geologist for the I-M Project, and a Qualified Person in accordance with NI 43-101 in Canada. This resource increase represented only an additional 50,000 inferred ounces over and above the 2002 NI 43-101 Technical Report prepared by AMEC, or approximately 5%, and was announced by Emgold in a March 1, 2007, press release. The same methodology, cut-off grade, and gold price were used in the 2007 resource calculation as in the 2002 and 2004 Technical Reports to keep the methodology consistent with past reports. The resource cut off grade used in all reposts is calculated as follows:
Cut off grade = mining cost/(mill recovery gold price) = $35/(0.93 x $375) = 0.1 opt.
The gold price has risen significantly since the original 2002 report and it is anticipated that further resource estimates will be updated with the current gold price and lower cut off grade. The mineral resource classification of the I-M Project deposits used methods consistent with the CIM definitions referred to in NI 43-101. Measured mineral resources are supported only in areas exposed by underground development and estimated from detailed underground sampling. The gold resources for the I-M Project are summarized in the following table:
Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors concerning estimates of Measured and Indicated Resources
This section uses the terms “measured” and “indicated resources.” We advise U.S. investors that while those terms are recognized and required by Canadian regulations, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission does not recognize them. U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of mineral deposits in these categories will ever be converted into reserves.
Summary Idaho-Maryland Gold Mineral Resource, March 1, 2007
1. MCF = Mine Call Factor (not applicable to Waterman Group resources).
2. Idaho-Maryland measured resources are split into two categories: 1) the Eureka, Idaho, Dorsey, and Brunswick Groups, and 2) the Waterman Group (stock work/slate type ore).
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Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors concerning estimates of Inferred Resources
This section uses the term “inferred resources.” We advise U.S. investors that while this term is recognized and required by Canadian regulations, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission does not recognize it. “Inferred resources” have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an Inferred Mineral Resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian rules, estimates of Inferred Mineral Resources may not form the basis of feasibility or pre-feasibility studies, except in rare cases. U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that part or all of an inferred resource exists, or is economically or legally mineable.
Classification |
True
Thickness (ft) |
Tonnage
(ton) |
Gold Grade
(oz/ton) |
Gold Grade
w/MCF
|
Idaho-Maryland Resources² | ||||
Inferred Mineral Resources | 9.1 | 2,573,000 | 0.27 |
0.39 |
Mine Call Factor
The mine “call” factor was determined from the historical mining information and was used while the mine was in operation to predict the head grade of ore fed to the mill. Historically the planned mill feed tonnage and gold grade rarely matched the actual results. This was a result of a variety of factors that could be resolved by adjusting the planned production by a constant number. This number or factor is called the multiplier factor or mine call factor. Commonly, these deposit types typically under-predict the gold produced. Causes include poor sampling of high-grade material, inconsistent assaying procedures for the high-grade samples and, in places, the use of too low a bulk density number for the ore. Prior studies have included a detailed investigation into historic mine-mill reconciliation at the Idaho-Maryland mine. Analysis of data from later years (1950 to 1952), where the records of mine and mill production were kept in some detail and were traceable to parts of the mine, were examined and two factors were calculated: a "model" (underground sampling) to "mine" (muck car sampling) factor, equal to 1.21, and a "mine" to "mill" factor, calculated to be 1.19. The total Mine Call Factor is equal to 1.44. AMEC reviewed the work done by previous studies and has agreed with their results. The use of the Mine Call Factor can be used to establish a relationship between the historic underground channel samples and expected production. This factor should only be used on the nugget vein system data.
Industrial Minerals Resource and Mineral Reserve Estimates
When Emgold acquired the rights to a potential ceramics technology in 2003, the Company realized that the I-M Project may host mineral resources suitable as feedstock for the process and potentially for aggregate production. Initial investigations of the meta-volcanic rock commenced in June 2004 with a geotechnical drilling program designed to obtain data for the design of a mine access ramp. Geological information from this program was also analyzed to determine if the rock excavated during ramp construction would be suitable feedstock for the ceramics technology. The analysis included surface geologic mapping, outcrop sampling, sampling of the diamond drill core, and testing of samples to assess their suitability for ceramics manufacture. The result of these analyses was the definition of a large volume of igneous rocks of similar composition that were considered satisfactory as an industrial mineral resource suitable for ceramics manufacture. The industrial rocks are adequately defined by core drilling, but further testing, marketing, and production of ceramic products using the ceramics technology, and the beginning of underground development, will be necessary to upgrade this industrial rock into reserves. Sales contracts or actual sales may be required in order to prove the commerciality of the stone and ceramics products to bring the resource into reserve status. No further core drilling of the meta-volcanics is planned until access is developed underground.
The 2004 Preliminary Assessment presents industrial minerals (ceramics feedstock) resources and gold resources for the I-M Project. The industrial minerals resource was delineated by seven geotechnical core holes drilled at inclinations of 40° and 45°, one exploration core hole, seven surface sample sites, and certain geologic data from historical underground mine drifts. The average top boundary of the resource is 200 ft below the ground surface (due to depth of mineral rights). Drill hole spacing ranged from 80 ft to 1,200 ft. The lower boundary of the resource is based on the bottom of the drill holes. The west boundary is where the amount of gabbro and ultramafic rocks begins to increase. The east boundary is based on the limit of geotechnical drilling and surface sampling.
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Since the initial acquisition of the ceramics technology, the Company has determined that production of recycled stone and ceramics products is possible using commercially available equipment. Additionally, more advanced equipment, which may be applied by the Company to produce high quality stone and ceramics building products from mine wastes, has since been developed by ceramics equipment producers and is readily available for sale.
Measurement uncertainty and impairment assessments
Emgold is currently in the exploration stage on its mineral property interests, and has expensed its exploration costs. The mineral property costs that are capitalized relate to mineral property acquisition costs. At December 31, 2012, the carrying value of mineral property interests was $1,464,274. Of this, $747,219 was related to surface rights and two minor mining claims related to the Idaho-Maryland Property. The balance of the costs relate to the Rozan, Stewart and Bucksin properties. To the extent that the cumulative exploration amounts expensed to date were significantly in excess of the property carrying value and in the absence of negative exploration results or a decision to abandon the property management has concluded that the fair values of the properties is at least equal to or greater than its book value. The Company also used an overall global valuation test, and compared the market capitalization to its net book value at December 31, 2012, as well as an assessment as to what premium, if any, would be reasonable and concluded that no property impairment charges were identified.
In addition, the Company re-evaluates the carrying values of property, plant and equipment when events or changes in circumstance indicate that carrying values may not be recoverable. If it is determined that the estimated net recoverable amount based on non-discounted cash flows is less than the carrying value, a write-down to the estimated fair value is made by a charge to earnings. Where estimates of future cash flows are not available and where other conditions suggest impairment, management assesses whether the carrying value can be recovered.
As at December 31, 2012, the Company also determined that impairment indicators existed based on the Company’s ability to raise financing and significant changes in a property’s work program. The Company completed an impairment assessment for each of its mineral property interests.
It is management’s opinion that the carrying amount of the exploration properties is supported by recent exploration expenditures in excess of the properties’ carrying value and the Company’s near-term exploration plans. Although management believes that estimates applied in these impairment assessments are reasonable, such estimates are subject to significant uncertainties and judgments.
Mine Planning and Scheduling
The Company is currently reviewing underground exploration opportunities and developing several mining scenarios to optimize access to gold resources for drilling and potential conversion to proven and probable mining reserves.
Metallurgy
AMEC reviewed the mill operating statistics for 1934, 1936, 1937, 1938, 1941, and 1947. Results indicate stable overall gold recoveries and metallurgical response to gravity, flotation, and cyanidation, with overall gold recoveries ranging from 93.8% to 97.2%.
Tungsten was processed using gravity and flotation methods in the 1950s.
Overall gold recovery using modern technology should result in gold recoveries consistent with those achieved in the early milling circuits at the Idaho-Maryland mill. However, it can be expected that gold recovery from the gravity separation portion of the recovery plant using modern gravity technology may exceed the recoveries attained (i.e., average 65%) in the 1930s and 1940s. Test work to determine the maximum total gold recovery potential using gravity separation, flotation concentration and cyanidation has been recommended. The gold recovery from gravity separation using modern technology may be approximately 80% to 85%, with overall recovery including flotation concentration and cyanide recovery consistent with historical recoveries of 93.8% to 97.2%. This information is provided in detail in the Company’s November 2002 NI 43-101 Technical Report and is discussed again in the November 2004 NI 43-101 Preliminary Assessment Technical Report.
Capital Cost Estimation
Estimation of capital costs for the I-M Project is ongoing and will be available upon completion of initial underground exploration and the preparation of a feasibility study.
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Operating Cost Estimation
Estimation of operating cost for the I-M Project is ongoing and will be available upon completion of initial underground exploration and the preparation of a feasibility study.
Project Schedule
The CMUP is expected to be completed with 12-18 months of resuming the permitting process, which is subject to financing. It is anticipated that construction of the I-M Project will be conducted in three Phases as outlined in the Project Application with reclamation occurring in a fourth phase. After completion of the CMUP, financing activities will occur for Phase 1 of the project, consisting of dewatering, mine rehabilitation, development, and exploration.
Golden Bear Ceramics Company
Technology Development
Emgold initially licensed the worldwide rights to the Ceramext® technology pursuant to a World Wide License Agreement (the “Agreement”) dated September 17, 2003 between the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary GBC, and Ceramext, LLC. The agreement was entered into because of the apparent potential of the hot vacuum extrusion process to provide an effective tailings management strategy for the I-M Project while potentially contributing a significant revenue stream to the mine if utilized at the I-M Project. However, GBC has since determined that it has access to commercially available technology not proprietary to Ceramext, LLC that may be used for the further development of its recycling and stone and ceramics product business.
Emgold provided advance royalty payments, as per the Agreement, up to and including the December 21, 2008, payment. The March 2009 payment was not made and the Agreement was terminated as of May 7, 2009. The Company has continued to work to separate GBC from Emgold, and intends to provide minimal financial resources to its subsidiary until the potential separation is completed and GBC is independently financed.
GBC designed and operated a pilot plant in Grass Valley, California. GBC, subject to financing, is planning to complete marketing studies, a feasibility study and basic engineering of a production plant for converting mine tailings and other industrial waste materials into high quality recycled stone and ceramics products on a commercial basis. In 2005, the Company completed an initial ceramics marketing study. This comprehensive report is assisting the Company in planning aesthetics, distribution channels, market segmentation and other factors that will impact product development costs and the initial phases of the Company’s marketing strategy. Additional marketing and distribution definition and studies were conducted in fiscal 2006 and are planned to be on-going in the future as products advance, subject to financing of GBC as a separate entity.
In 2007 and 2008, the development of the stone and ceramics products by Golden Bear was limited to patenting and financing activities while the Company focused on the permitting process for the I-M Project, the likely location of the first commercial manufacturing facility. Should sufficient funding be obtained and the schedule for the I-M Project be delayed, the Company would consider construction of a first commercial plant at a location other than the I-M Project. GBC has been able to source equipment from outside sources to further the development the proposed recycled stone and ceramics products using commercially available technology.
I-M Project and the Use of Waste Materials for the Production of Stone and Ceramics Products
Materials from the I-M Project geotechnical-drilling program and from surface exposures have been evaluated for their suitability for commercial exploitation. These have included historic Idaho-Maryland mine tailings and a variety of metamorphosed volcanic and intrusive igneous rocks derived from core samples and other exploration work. The goal was to determine which of the materials that will be processed during mine development and during ultimate gold processing may be suitable for use in manufacturing ceramic products.
The raw materials from the I-M Project processed and evaluated by GBC appear to be fully suitable for commercial use using commercially available equipment. Exploration for resource definition, early mining activities and partial mining operations may commence before a recycled stone and ceramics plant is constructed and operational on site.
In November 2004, a Preliminary Assessment for the I-M Project was prepared by AMEC using Measured, Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resources from the Idaho-Maryland Mine to evaluate the production of high quality stone and ceramic building materials. Although the report is preliminary in nature, it identifies the necessary activities for staged development of the I-M Project and includes estimated capital and operating costs that may allow the historic mine to return to production as a gold and ceramics producer. The Preliminary Assessment describes the staged development of the I-M Project to produce 1,200 to 2,400 tons per day (‘tons/d’) of ore and development rock. The development rock and tailings could then be used to produce from 160 million to 320 million equivalent square feet of ceramic tile per year.
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The current plan deviates from the Preliminary Assessment with respect to the maximum ceramics production rate. The ceramics production is now planned to occur in staged with initial production set at 200 STPD then increasing to 1,200 STPD in 200 STPD increments. This translates into a maximum ceramic tile production of 160 million equivalent square feet of ceramic tile produced from 1,200 STPD of development rock and tailings. It is anticipated that a new Preliminary Assessment for the I-M Project will be completed to further describe the new plans once sufficient working capital is available.
Successful application of the recycled stone and ceramics manufacturing facility is expected to consume up to half of the tailings from the I-M Project with the other half returning underground as backfill. Excess development rock will crushed, screened, and sold off site as aggregate. This eliminates the requirement for long-term surface storage of these materials. The successful production and sales of recycled stone and ceramic building materials would allow IMMC to continue with exploration of additional gold targets, and pre-production development, with the objective of defining an economic gold reserve while generating positive cash flow. The ultimate combination of a gold mine and processing facility, recycled stone and ceramics manufacturing facility, and aggregate mine and processing facility would greatly enhance the economic viability of the I-M Project and allow it to withstand fluctuations in metal prices that often impact a stand alone gold mine. If the recycled stone and ceramics plant does not get financed or the market is smaller than expected, the mine can operate by increasing aggregate production and placing up to 100% of the mine tailings underground.
Exploration Projects, British Columbia Properties
The Company has two early-stage exploration projects in British Columbia, Canada. The locations are shown on the map below, with details of the projects following.
Exploration activities on the Rozan and Stewart properties have been planned and carried out under the supervision of Linda Dandy, P.Geo, and Perry Grunenberg, P. Geo both “Qualified Persons” for the purpose of NI 43-101, “Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects”.
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Stewart Property, British Columbia
The Stewart Property in British Columbia is without known mineral resources and reserves and the proposed programs are exploratory in nature.
Property Location and Geology
The Stewart Property is an early stage poly-metallic exploration property located near the town of Ymir in south-eastern British Columbia. The Property consists of 28 mineral tenures totalling 5,789 hectares (15,305 acres). The property is located in the Nelson Mining District and is a large regional geologic trend of gold, silver, molybdenum, tungsten, copper, and other mineralization.
The Stewart Property contains a number of gold, molybdenum, tungsten and silver-lead-zinc prospects that have been discovered by historic and recent exploration activity. The property has been assessed by various operators since 1940's exploring for various types of mineralization. A significant amount of historic data is available from those programs for use in guiding current exploration efforts.
Exploration, to date, has included geological mapping, geochemical sampling, geophysics, trenching, and diamond drilling. This work has identified five key exploration targets. The targets include:
Property Ownership
Pursuant to an option agreement entered into in 2001 and completed in 2008, the Company acquired a 100% right, title and interest in and to the Stewart property by making payments totalling Cdn$104,000 and issuing 260,000 common shares, subject only to a 3% NSR payable to the optionors. The Company has the right to purchase 66⅔% of the NSR for the sum of Cdn$1,000,000 and has the first right of refusal to purchase the remaining 33⅓%.
Exploration Activity
The property has been subject to an exploration activity by numerous companies over the years, many focusing on different metals. In 2001 Emgold conducted soil geochemistry sampling to verify prior historic work. In 2003 Emgold added airborne geophysics (magnetics, resistivity, and electromagnetics). In 2004, Emgold completed a 6 hold drill program (1530 meters or 5,108 feet) in the Craigtown Creek Gold Zone, resulting in several gold intersections. In 2005 Emgold completed a 5-hole diamond drill program (404.5 meters or 1,327 feet) in the Stewart Moly Zone, including twinning of historic holes. Both high grade and low grade molybdenum minerlization was intersected. In 2007, Emgold completed 28 trenches and 30 diamond drill holes (3,338 meters or 10,950 feet of drilling) focused on the Arrow Tungsten Zone. Both high and low grade tungsten mineralization was encountered. In 2011, The Company drilled 19 diamond drill holes (2,526 meters or 8,287 feet) focussed on the Stewart Moly Zone. The drilling focused on the Stewart Moly Zone with the goal of defining and expanding the Zone. Both high grade and low grade molybdenum mineralization was identified, with the presence of potential by-product metals gold and rhenium.
In 2012, the Company drilled 11 diamond drill holds (1,445 meters or 4,739 feet) of NQ size core. The drilling focused on the Stewart Creek Gold Zone, the Free Silver Zone, and the Stewart Moly Zone. Gold was intersected in the Stewart Creek Gold Zone, resulting in the discovery of a new gold exploration target. Low grade lead and zinc mineralization was encountered in drilling in the Free Silver Zone, warranting additional future work. The Stewart Moly Zone was extended to depth.
In fiscal 2012, Emgold incurred $289,151 compared to $503,544 in fiscal 2011 and compared to a recovery of $4,154 in fiscal 2010 of exploration expenditures on the Stewart property. In fiscal 2008, summary reports of the work program in fiscal 2007 were completed . No exploration activity was carried out in fiscal 2009.
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Rozan Gold Property, British Columbia
The Rozan Gold Property in British Columbia is without known mineral resources and reserves and the proposed programs are exploratory in nature.
Property Location and Geology
The Rozan Property is an early stage poly-metallic exploration property located near the town of Nelson, in south-eastern British Columbia. William Rozan staked the area in 1928 and operated a small scale high grade gold mining operation on the property until the early 1970's. The Property consists of 32 mineral tenures covering an area of 1,950 hectares (4,819 acres). The property is located in the Nelson Mining District and is a large regional geologic trend of gold, silver, molybdenum, tungsten, copper, and other mineralization.
Exploration, to date, has included geological mapping, geochemical sampling, geophysics, trenching, and diamond drilling. This work has identified 10 exploration targets to date, of which only two have been tested. Three of these targets called the Main Vein Zone, Sheeted Vein Zone, and West Vein Zone have had some initial diamond drilling completed on them with several gold intersections.
Property Ownership
In 2000 the Company acquired 100% of the rights to the Rozan Gold Property, a prospect located south of the community of Nelson in the Red Mountain area of southeastern British Columbia. The Company earned its interest in the property by making stepped payments totalling Cdn$100,000 and issuing 200,000 common shares. In fiscal 2006 the claims were transferred to the Company. The property is subject to a 3% NSR. The Company has the right to purchase 2/3 of the NSR for the sum of Cdn$1,000,000 and has the first right of refusal to purchase the remaining 1/3. Currently the property consists of 32 mineral claims totalling 1,950 acres.
In December 2010, the Company entered into a Lease and Option to Purchase Agreement (the “Agreement”) with Valterra Resource Corporation (“Valterra”). The Agreement called for cumulative work commitments of $1,000,000 over five years, with a commitment of $50,000 in 2010, $200,000 in 2011, and $250,000 in each of years 3 to 5. The term of the Agreement was for a period of 5 years, with property payments of cash, common shares and five-year warrants to be made by Valterra to the Company during the lease as follows:
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Upon completion of the lease payments and work commitments, Valterra would have acquired the Rozan Property, subject to an underlying NSR. Valterra was to use its best efforts to complete a NI 43-101 resource estimate for the property by Year 5, subject to results obtained from exploration and development work.
In January 2011, Emgold and Valterra agreed to an amendment to the agreement whereby Valterra requested, and Emgold agreed, to accept securities of Valterra in satisfaction of the Year 1 cash payment of Cdn$30,000. In February 2011 Emgold received the shares and warrants as specified in the agreement, and 600,000 units of Valterra in satisfaction of the Cdn$30,000 cash payment. One unit of Valterra is comprised of one common share of Valterra and one warrant to acquire one additional share at an exercise price of Cdn$0.10 per share for a period of 24 months from the date of issue.
In January 2012, The Rozan Property was returned to Emgold’s ownership when Valterra was unable to meet its work commitments for 2011 and Emgold subsequently continued exploration on the property.
Exploration Activity
An initial work program on the Rozan property was completed in fiscal 2000, and exploration programs required for assessment purposes and under the terms of the option agreement have been completed each year. In 2000, Emgold collected 169 soil samples and 19 rock chip samples, conducted a magnetometer geophysical survey and diamond drilled two BQ size holes to test a granodiorite ridge hosting sheeted stockwork veining and a second hole to test the Main Vein.
In 2003, Emgold retained Furgo Airborne Surveys Corp. who flew 161 line kilometres along NE-SW oriented flight lines using a DIGHEM V EM-MAG geophysical system to cover the Rozan property. The survey identified 167 anomalies, with 88 traceable to discrete bedrock sources often indicative of conductive sulphides and several discrete weak conductors where located.
During 2004, the Company completed follow up soil sampling over the airborne anomalies. A total of 333 soil samples and 9 rock samples were collected. Several correlations were discovered between areas of anomalous magnetic and electromagnetic features, areas of mineralized veining, and alteration mapped during prospecting, as well as with gold-in-soil geochemical anomalies.
During 2007, a single drill hole of 107.29 meters (352 feet) in length was completed on the property. This drill hole was designed to test the northern strike extension to the gold-bearing Rozan Main Vein. Further testing along the Main Vein, and within the stock work mineralized zone to the east was postponed due to weather limitations.
In fiscal 2009, the property was optioned to Valterra. In 2010 and 2011, Valterra conducted topographical and geophysical compilation studies and re-logged, resampled and catalogued the historic drill core. In 2011, all previous soil sampling campaigns on the property were digitally compiled into a single database (1,637 samples) by Valterra and tied to corrected UTM, NAD83 co-ordinates based on available grid stations identified/found from the old grid. The historic soil geochemical data was scanned and optically recognized using analytical certificates from assessment and company reports. Valterra conducted geological mapping (approximately two square kilometres) which indicated that the Jurassic aged Nelson Intrusions consisting of granodiorite and porphyritic diorite extend further north than previously thought, expanding the potential for further precious and base mineralization within and adjacent to the intrusives and Elise Formation mafic to intermediate tuffaceous rocks. The mapping also discovered that the Mount Verde fault consists of an approximately 200 meter (656 foot) wide breccia zone with local zones of extensive shearing. Coincident with the Mount Verde fault is spotty but strongly anomalous gold and molybdenum in soils. Also in 2011, Valterra conducted soil sampling comprising approximately 150 samples, to infill a gap in the historic soil sampling coverage and to expand the soil survey to the north. Results of the 2011 soil sampling compiled with previous soil samples has defined an area 1.8 by 1.6 kilometers (1.1 by 1.0 miles) in size with several gold anomalies based on a 55 part per billion gold grade contour. The gold in soil anomaly appears to have two preferential orientations being NW-SE and NE-SW. The northwest orientation is related to the contact between Elise Formation tuffaceous rocks to the west and granodiorite to the east. Gold values in soils ranged from 0.300 to 2.625 parts per billion. Mapping was completed for gold, arsenic, molybdenum, iron, tungsten and manganese. Assaying was done by Acme Labs of Vancouver, an independent laboratory, following standard laboratory procedures, with standard quality control measures (Payne, C., 2011).
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A total of 10 gold anomalies were identified by Valterra in 2011. A NW-SE trending gold soil anomaly (Target A) extends for some 1.8 kilometers (1.1 miles) and is up to 200 meters (656 feet) wide (true width is unknown). Along the surface trace of the Mount Verde fault there is a strong anomaly (Target B) indentified by gold, tungsten, arsenic, and manganese in the soils. The remaining gold soil anomalies are generally NE-SW oriented and are considered related to high grade or sheeted quartz vein gold mineralization (most of which remain unexplained) on the property.
Of the NE ‘trends’, three targets C, D and G appear to be the most significant. Targets C and D are two sub-parallel NE trending gold in soil anomalies located within granodiorite and may suggest that the seeted quartz vein system located at the NE end of the soil anomalies extends some 500 meters (1,640 feet) further to the SW. Trend G appears to originate at the historic Rozan workings and extends some 450 meters (1,476 feet) to the SW.
In 2012, Emgold completed 1,495 meters (4,903 feet) of diamond drilling consisting of 15 holes. Five holes tested the Main Vein Zone. Three holes tested the Sheeted Vein Zone. Five holes tested the West Vein Zone. Two holes tested an area north of the Sheeted Vein Zone.
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Exploration Projects, Nevada
The Company has three early stage exploration properties all located in the vicinity of the Buckskin Rawhide property near Fallon, Nevada.
Buckskin Rawhide East Property, Nevada
The Buckskin Rawhide East Property in Nevada is without known mineral resources and reserves and the proposed programs are exploratory in nature.
Property Location and Geology
The Buckskin Rawhide East property is adjacent to the Rawhide Mining LLC’s Denton Rawhide Mine about 40 miles southeast of Fallon, Nevada. The Denton Rawhide Mine was owned and operated by Kennecott Minerals Company (“Kennecott”) from 1988 to 2009. It produced 1.5 million ounces of gold and 12.4 million ounces of silver (Muntean, 2010). In 2010, the Denton Rawhide Mine was acquired by RMC. They continued to produce gold from historic heap leach pads remaining after Kennecott ceased mining activity in 2003 due to low metal prices. In 2012, RMC resumed mining activities at Denton Rawhide Mine to take advantage of today’s high metal prices. The Denton Rawhide Mine surrounds the Buckskin Rawhide East property on the east and south.
The Buckskin Rawhide Property is also adjacent to the Regent exploration property. The Regent property was acquired by RMC in 2012 from Pilot Gold Corporation. The Regent property was previously explored and drilled by Kennecott in the 1990’s and by Pilot in 2011. The Regent property surrounds the Buckskin Rawhide East Property on the north and on the west.The Buckskin Rawhide Property is a volcanic-hosted, structurally controlled, epithermal gold-silver target situated in the Walker Lane gold belt of western Nevada. The Walker Lane is a regional shear zone and known gold trend that has hosted large and small historic and recent gold-silver mines in western Nevada, including mines of the Comstock Lode, Tonopah District and Rawhide District. From 1981 through 2009, mines located in Mineral County that were situated in the Walker Lane gold trend have produced 2,800,448 ounces of gold and 56,112,442 ounces of silver (Muntean, 2010). The property has potential for both high grade gold and silver vein targets and low grade bulk disseminated gold and silver targets.
Property Ownership
The Buckskin Rawhide East Area consists of 52 unpatented mineral claims. Forty-six of the claims were originally part of a Lease and Option to Purchase Agreement with Nevada Sunrise LLC that was signed by the Company in 2010. Emgold subsequently staked six additional claims in 2011. In 2012, Emgold signed an Option Agreement to acquire 100% interest in the 46 claims that were part of the Lease and Option to Purchase Agreement. Subsequently, Emgold has acquired six additional claims from Nevada Sunrise LLC and therefore holds 100% interest in 12 claims. Emgold now holds a 75% interest in 40 additional claims that it acquired from Nevada Sunrise LLC and the right to acquire the remaining 25% interest. Emgold is in the process of acquiring the remaining 25% of the 40 additional claims from the Estate of Maurice and Lorraine Castagne. Regardless, Emgold currently controls this 25% interest in the claims by nature the 2010 Lease and Option to Purchase Agreement with Nevada Sunrise LLC.
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Exploration The Buckskin Rawhide property was previously explored and drilled by Kennecott Minerals, including over 27 drill holes. Results indicate the potential for high grade mineralized gold/silver veins and bulk minable disseminated gold/silver zones. The development alternatives would include advancing the Buckskin Rawhide Property as a standalone gold/silver exploration project or combining it with other existing properties in the region.
In 2010, Emgold completed rock chip sampling and grab sampling of the Black Eagle vein area of the Buckskin Rawhide Property. Sampling results were announced in Emgold’s January 12, 2011 news release and included very high grade chip samples, including the best sample averaging 9.00 ounces per ton gold and 17.58 ounces per ton silver. A high-grade mineralized shoot was delineated in the Black eagle vein, about 300 feet in strike length. Emgold believes the property has potential for discovery of both high-grade and bulk disseminated gold and silver mineralization.
In 2011, Emgold continued sampling of the Black Eagle Fault. The Company expanded the Buckskin Rawhide Property by staking 6 claims totalling 120 acres. The Company also announced initial results of surface sampling of the Chicago Mountain area. A bulk disseminated gold exploration target, called the Chicago Mountain Bulk Disseminated Target, was identified being approximately 4,000 feet long by 400 feet wide. A total of 105 historic grab samples in the target area averaged 0.04 ounces per ton gold. Emgold has taken 15 samples in this target area to date, with average grades of 0.02 ounces per ton gold. Ten reverse circulation drill holes were drilled by Kennecott historically in the mineralized area, with the average grade of mineralization in the holes being 0.008 ounces per ton gold and mineralization to a depth of 165 feet (and open to expansion at depth).
In 2012, Emgold continued sampling, mapping, and analysis of historic and Company sampling at Buckskin Rawhide to further delineate the Black Eagle and Chicago Mountain Zones. On 30 January 2012, Emgold announced results of continuing surface exploration on two previously identified exploration targets, the Black Eagle High Grade Vein Target and the Chicago Mountain Bulk Disseminated Target. Samples were also taken along the Black Eagle Fault (which contained the Black Eagle High Grade Vein Target) and a new fault that was discovered by geological mapping.
Buckskin Rawhide West Property, Nevada
The Buckskin Rawhide West Property in Nevada is without known mineral resources and reserves and the proposed programs are exploratory in nature.
Property Location and Geology The Buckskin Rawhide West property is situated within the Walker Lane structural zone and gold belt of western Nevada. The Walker Lane is a regional shear zone of right lateral strike slip faulting and a known gold trend that hosts large and small historic and currently operating gold-silver mines, including mines of the Comstock Lode, Tonopah Mining District and Rawhide Mining District. The geology and mineralization on the property are associated with lithologic units and structures of the Rawhide volcanic centre, as well as structures from the Walker Lane and Basin and Range. The Buckskin Rawhide West property is an early stage gold/silver exploration property located adjacent and west of the Regent property and near the Denton Rawhide Mine. It is near, but not contiguous with the Buckskin Rawhide East property, with claims of the Regent property separating the two. The property has potential for both high grade gold and silver vein targets and low grade bulk disseminated gold and silver targets.
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Property Ownership
The Company has a lease and option to purchase agreement with Jeremy Wire, an individual, for 21 unpatented mining claims at Buckskin Rawhide. The terms of this agreement were disclosed in an Emgold news release dated 24 January 2012. Emgold has agreed to lease the property from Jeremy Wire subject to the following payments:
Year |
Advance Royalty Payment |
||
2012 | $ | 10,000 (1) | |
2013 | $ | 10,000 (2) | |
2014 | $ | 10,000 (2) | |
2015 | $ | 20,000 (3) | |
2016 | $ | 30,000 (3) | |
2017 | $ | 30,000 (3) | |
2018 | $ | 30,000 (3) |
Notes:
(1) | An initial lease payment paid 50% in cash and 50% in Emgold common shares. |
(2) | Lease payments may be paid in cash or Emgold common shares, at the discretion of Emgold. |
(3) | Lease payments may be paid in cash or Emgold common shares, at the discretion of the Lessor. Shares will be issued at "market value" which means the volume weighted closing price of the shares on the TSX Venture Exchange or the most senior stock exchange or quotation system on which the shares are then listed or quoted for fifteen (15) trading days ending on the date that is five (5) business days before the applicable payment. |
During the lease period, Emgold may conduct exploration and, if warranted, complete a NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Property. On making the above payments and completion of the Technical Report, Emgold will acquire 100% ownership of the property. In the event that commercial production occurs, Mr. Wire will be entitled to a two percent Net Smelter Royalty on production from the property. Emgold will retain the right to purchase this royalty for $1 million, less any advance royalty payments already made.
Exploration
Minimal exploration has been done on the property to date and the acquisition of the property was initially done because of its strategic location to the Denton Rawhide Mine, the Regent property, and the Buckskin Rawhide East property.
Koegel Rawhide Property, Nevada
The Keogel Rawhide East Property in Nevada is without known mineral resources and reserves and the proposed programs are exploratory in nature.
Property Location and Geology
The Koegel Rawhide property is situated within the Walker Lane structural zone and gold belt of western Nevada. The Walker Lane is a regional shear zone of right lateral strike slip faulting and a known gold trend that hosts large and small historic and currently operating gold-silver mines, including mines of the Comstock Lode, Tonopah Mining District and Rawhide Mining District. The geology and mineralization on the Property are associated with lithologic units and structures of the Rawhide volcanic centre, as well as structures from the Walker Lane and Basin and Range. The Koegel Rawhide property is an early stage gold/silver exploration property located about four miles south of the Denton Rawhide Mine, a gold/silver mine that is owned and operated by Rawhide Mining LLC. The property has potential for both high grade gold and silver vein targets and low grade bulk disseminated gold and silver targets.
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Property Ownership
Emgold’s has a lease and option to purchase agreement with Jeremy Wire, an individual, for 19 unpatented mining claims at Koegel Rawhide. The terms of this agreement were disclosed in an Emgold news release dated 06 February 2012. Emgold has agreed to lease the property from Jeremy Wire subject to the following payments:
Year |
Advance Royalty Payment |
||
2012 | $ | 10,000 (1) | |
2013 | $ | 10,000 (2) | |
2014 | $ | 10,000 (2) | |
2015 | $ | 20,000 (3) | |
2016 | $ | 30,000 (3) | |
2017 | $ | 30,000 (3) | |
2018 | $ | 30,000 (3) |
Notes:
(1) | An initial lease payment paid 50% in cash and 50% in Emgold common shares. |
(2) | Lease payments may be paid in cash or Emgold common shares, at the discretion of Emgold. |
(3) | Lease payments may be paid in cash or Emgold common shares, at the discretion of the Lessor. Shares will be issued at "market value" which means the volume weighted closing price of the shares on the TSX Venture Exchange or the most senior stock exchange or quotation system on which the shares are then listed or quoted for fifteen (15) trading days ending on the date that is five (5) business days before the applicable payment. |
During the lease period, Emgold may conduct exploration and, if warranted, complete a NI 43-101 Technical Report on the property. On making the above payments and completion of the Technical Report, Emgold will acquire 100% ownership of the property. In the event that commercial production occurs, Mr. Wire will be entitled to a two percent Net Smelter Royalty on production from the property. Emgold will retain the right to purchase this royalty for $1 million, less any advance royalty payments already made.
Emgold subsequently has staked 17 additional unpatented mining claims (see 15 February 2012 press release) increasing the size of the Koegel Rawhide property to 36 unpatented mineral claims totalling 720 acres.
Exploration
Geologic mapping by Charles P. Watson, a consulting geologist, in the years 1991-1992, indicated the Property is covered mostly by Tertiary (Pliocene) age intermediate volcanic rocks including andesitic tuff breccias, sills and dikes. The volcanic units have been folded into minor anticlines and faulted. Faults of several orientations occur on the Property with north, northwest and northeast trends. Hydrothermal alteration (clay and silica) is present and is associated with structures and mineralization.
Gold and silver mineralization is present at Koegel Rawhide, based on historic randomly spaced surface sampling. A total of 464 samples were taken in geologically derived locations by consulting geologist Charles P. Watson in the years 1991-1992. The results of the historic grab samples ranged from non-detectable to 2 ounces per ton gold, and from non-detectable to 11 ounces per ton silver. The methods and quality control from the historic sampling are unknown and cannot be verified under NI 43-101, but the results are considered reliable for exploration purposes.
In 27 February and 28 March 2012 press releases, Emgold announced results of due diligence soil and rock chip sampling and analysis of historic soil and rock chip sampling at Koegel Rawhide. The Company identified a high grade vein target called T-10 with this sampling. Potential exists for both high grade vein and bulk disseminated gold and silver targets on the Property.
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Exploration Expenditures
Cash Expenditures
Emgold’s principal cash capital expenditures (there have been no material divestitures) over the last three fiscal years ended December 31 are as follows:
i) Amounts Deferred (capitalized or invested)
Year |
Mineral Property Interests (Cumulative) | Equipment (Cumulative) |
$ | $ | |
2012 | 1,464,274 | 10,307 |
2011 | 1,035,163 | 18,176 |
2010 | 1,087,420 | 32,655 |
ii) Amounts expensed
Exploration Expenses in the last three fiscal years ended December 31 are as follows:
Year | Idaho-Maryland | Stewart | Rozan | Jazz | Buckskin | Total |
$ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |
2012 | 580,084 | 289,151 | 318,094 | 1,187,329 | ||
2011 | 775,500 | 503,544 | 28,096 | 1,307,140 | ||
2010 | 670,657 | (4,154) | (1,197) | 5,185 | 670,491 |
No Golden Bear Costs were expensed in any of the last three fiscal years.
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ITEM 4A. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Not applicable.
ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements of Emgold Mining Corporation for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 and the related notes thereto. Our consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 have been prepared in conformity with IFRS. We adopted IFRS effective as of and for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 by applying IFRS 1: First Time Adoption of International Reporting Standards. Our consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2010 were originally prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, or US GAAP, and were restated in accordance with IFRS for comparative purposes only.
Overview
Emgold is a mineral exploration company with no producing properties and consequently has no current operating income or cash flow. All of Emgold’s short to medium-term operating and exploration cash flow must be derived from external financing. Emgold expects to raise additional financing to continue its planned exploration, permitting and development of its I-M Project and to separately finance the commercialization of its recycled stone ceramics business. Additional financing will also need to be raised for its early stage exploration projects.
Critical accounting policies and changes in accounting policies
The preparation of financial statements requires management to establish accounting policies, estimates and assumptions that affect the timing and reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. These estimates are based upon historical experience and on various other assumptions that management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances, and require judgment on matters that are inherently uncertain. A summary of the Company’s significant accounting policies is set out in Note 3 of the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2012, and in Note 2 for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010.
Recent accounting pronouncements
A Summary of recent accounting pronouncements issued which may affect the Company in the future is set out in Note 5 of the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2012, and in Note 3 for years ended December 31 2011 and 2010, and for IFRS.
The Company transitioned to International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) for the year ended December 31, 2011 and will no longer be required to prepare reconciliation to US GAAP. Accordingly, the Company has not assessed the impact of adopting recent US accounting pronouncements with an application date of January 2, 2011 or beyond on its financial statements and disclosures.
A. | Operating Results |
Year Ended December 31, 2012 (“fiscal 2012”) Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2011 (“fiscal 2011”)
Emgold’s loss in fiscal 2012 was $375,731, or a loss per share of $0.01, compared to a loss of $2,338,060, or a loss per share of $0.06 in fiscal 2011. This includes $1,187,329 in exploration costs incurred in fiscal 2012, compared to $1,307,140 incurred in fiscal 2011. Emgold’s accounting policy is to expense exploration costs until the Company reaches the development stage on its mineral property interests.
Legal, accounting and audit fees decreased to $85,659 in fiscal 2012 from $175,381 in fiscal 2011, due to the Company taking specific actions to reduce these fees.
Salaries and benefits have decreased to $159,679 in fiscal 2012 from $213,358 in fiscal 2011 as a result of the Company making changes to its management structure during the year.
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Shareholder communications costs increased to $128,043 in fiscal 2012 from $62,202 in fiscal 2011. These costs result from the Company entering into a new investor relations contract in order to keep the market better informed of the Company’s activity.
Stock-based compensation increased to $88,501 in fiscal 2012 from $45,812 in fiscal 2011. This increase relates to the timing of stock option issuances to officers, directors, and consultants.
Unrealized gain on warrant liability moved from $379,336 in fiscal 2011 to ($1,492,098) in fiscal 2012. The warranty liability on the Company’s financial statements will continue to roll into income as the passage of time decreases the value of the remaining liability. The swing in the twelve month year ended is a result of adjusting the liability to reflect the warrants re-priced during the year.
Exploration expenses – Idaho-Maryland Project:
Direct exploration expenditures on the I-M Project decreased by $195,416 from $775,500 in fiscal 2011 to $580,084 in fiscal 2012. Permitting activities related to the Project were put on hold in late 2011 and costs were incurred for property payments and technical work.
Exploration expenses – Buckskin Rawhide East, Buckskin Rawhide West, and Koegel Rawhide Properties, Nevada
Exploration expenditures on the Buckskin Rawhide East, Buckskin Rawhide West, and Koegel Rawhide Properties decreased by $28,096 from $28,096 in fiscal 2011 to $0 in fiscal 2012. Exploration activities were placed on hold as the Company commenced acquisition activities to acquire the underlying property rights for the Buckskin Rawhide East Property with plans to subsequently lease the property to Rawhide Mining LLC.
Exploration expenses - British Columbia Properties
Exploration expenditures on the Stewart and Rozan Properties increased by $103,701 from $503,544 in fiscal 2011 to $607,245 in fiscal 2012. This was related to an increase in the availability of flow through financing that was available and was raised to spend on the properties in 2012 as compared to 2011.
Year Ended December 31, 2011 (“fiscal 2011”) Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2010 (“fiscal 2010”)
Emgold’s loss in fiscal 2011 was $2,338,060, or a loss per share of $0.06, compared to a loss of $1,073,087, or a loss per share of $0.05 in fiscal 2010. This includes $1,307,140 in exploration costs incurred in fiscal 2011, compared to $670,491 incurred in fiscal 2010. Emgold’s accounting policy is to expense exploration costs until the Company reaches the development stage on its mineral property interests.
During fiscal 2011 the Company earned interest income of $Nil on excess cash balances compared to $261 in fiscal 2010. In fiscal 2011, the Company had no excess cash to invest in short term investments resulting in the decrease. In fiscal 2011, the Company received $1,000 from the sale of equipment with a book value of $Nil as compared to 2010 where the company sold equipment with a book value of $Nil for $48,788.
Amortization expenses relating to general and administrative activities increased from $14,214 in fiscal 2010 to $14,478 in fiscal 2011.
Accretion expenses decreased from $4,471 in fiscal 2010 to $Nil in fiscal 2011. The debt portion of the convertible preference shares was accreted over ten years from inception such that the Canadian dollar expense would decline each year; however, this was offset by changes in the foreign exchange rate between the Canadian dollar and U.S. dollar.
During fiscal 2010, the Company settled $152,034 in debt by the issuance of 608,135 common shares at a deemed value of $0.25 per common share. This resulted in a gain of $77,197, due to the difference in fair value of the common shares at the time of issuance of $0.12 and the deemed value of $0.25 per share.
In addition, the 394,843 preference shares were converted to common shares on a one for one ratio. Also, the Company issued 2,813,575 warrants with an exercise price of $0.35, exercisable for five years, which formed part of the debt settlement, and were valued at $479,587, using a Black-Scholes model, at a volatility of 170.6%, and expected life of five years, no dividend and a discount rate of 2.56%. This has been recorded as a cost of the settlement of the conversion of the preference shares, and the resulting gain on the settlement of the convertible preference shares and accrued dividends was $155,869.
In 2010 and 2011, the Company shared services on a full cost recovery basis including rent, certain accounting and administrative salaries and overhead with three other public companies. Quorum Management and Administrative Services Inc. (“Quorum”), a private company held jointly by the Company and two other public companies, provides services to these public entities currently sharing office space and other services with the Company. The companies each hold a one/third interest in Quorum and also have certain common directors and are related parties of Emgold. The Company advanced three months of funds to Quorum for future services. Quorum held this advance as a deposit for each shareholder company as working capital. As at December 31, 2008, it was concluded that amounts advanced may not be recoverable in full, based on the financial position of Quorum and its corresponding ability to continue to provide services to the Company. Consequently, a provision of $321,839 was recorded. Since the allowance was recorded, Quorum has provided services. Recovery of $77,045 was recorded against this provision in 2009. At December 31, 2010, the Company determined that the full amount of the Quorum provision remaining of $124,605 was recoverable, and this amount was recorded as a recovery in the statement of operations. In fiscal 2011 Quorum provided services to Emgold totalling $186,109 compared to $136,396 in fiscal 2010. A distribution of income from Quorum in fiscal 2011 resulted in a credit to Emgold in the amount of $43,803.
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Foreign exchange losses decreased from a loss of $57,480 in fiscal 2010 to a gain of $40,297 in fiscal 2011. Fluctuations in currency affected operations to a greater degree in fiscal 2011 due to volatility in the Canada and United States exchange rates and the changes in the United States dollar relative to the Canadian dollar, than in fiscal 2010. In the past, the Company has held most of its excess cash and short-term investments in Canadian dollars while the majority of the Company’s expenses are denominated in U.S. dollars. Much of the loss in 2010 relates to the preference shares and related accrued interest which are denominated in Canadian dollars.
Finance expense decreased from $32,413 in fiscal 2010 to $Nil in fiscal 2011. The finance expense in 2010 relates to interest on the convertible preference shares, which are denominated in Canadian dollars and vary as exchange rates fluctuate. A debt settlement of common shares has settled all unpaid accrued interest, and the preference shares have also been converted to common shares. No interest will be accrued or paid in future periods. Interest was also being accrued on promissory notes payable entered into by the Company with directors, officers and investors to provide working capital. The promissory notes and all accrued interest have been repaid to the directors, officers and investors from the proceeds of the private placement financing.
Legal, accounting and audit fees increased from $99,012 in fiscal 2010 to $175,381 in fiscal 2011, due to higher legal fees related to various proposed financings and general corporate issues, higher audit fees for fiscal 2010 than had been accrued and accounting fees related to the conversion to IFRS.
Management and consulting fees decreased $26,129 from $68,763 in fiscal 2010 to $42,634 in fiscal 2011. Consulting fees paid or accrued and payable to two private companies, each controlled by an officer and director of the Company, have decreased for one and discontinued for another, due to changes in officers (consolidation of the CEO and COO positions) and renegotiation of lower fees with the officers. The Company has discontinued payment of quarterly directors’ fees to independent directors until it is in a better financial position.
Office and administration expenses decreased $78,892 from $168,903 in fiscal 2010 to $90,011 in fiscal 2011. Administrative expenses include telephone, courier and other direct costs. The expense decreased compared with the previous period as a result of various fluctuations in other direct costs as a result of sharing of office space as well as various cost cutting initiatives such as a reduction in the amount of corporate office space used by Company personnel. In California, the Company moved to smaller warehouse and office premises in February 2010. In addition, a distribution of income from Quorum in fiscal 2011 resulted in a credit to Emgold in the amount of $48,083.
Salaries and benefits increased by $34,445 from $178,913 in fiscal 2010 to $213,358 in fiscal 2011 as a result of paralegal consulting and increased head office personnel.
Shareholder communications costs decreased $20,070 from $82,272 in fiscal 2010 to $62,202 in fiscal 2011. These costs include dissemination of news releases, transfer agent, regulatory and filing fees as well as fees associated with the maintenance of the Company’s website. The decrease relates primarily to a reduction in investor relations activity compared with the previous period.
Stock-based compensation of $45,812 in fiscal 2011 relates to stock options granted to directors and officers of the Company. The stock option expense was calculated using a Black-Scholes option valuation model, using a risk free rate of 1.68%, and expected life of 2.18 years, and an estimated volatility of 101%. The fair value per option grant was Cdn$0.19 for each of the stock options granted at a price of Cdn$0.25, with an expiry date of March 17, 2015. Stock based compensation of $300,647 in fiscal 2010 relates to re-valuations of stock options granted to directors and officers of the Company.
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Travel expense decreased $1,179 from $1,179 in fiscal 2010 to $Nil in fiscal 2011. The Company has reduced the number of trips to destinations other than the United States and reduced the extent of travel from Grass Valley, California to Vancouver, BC in order to reduce expenses.
Exploration expenses – Idaho-Maryland Project:
Direct exploration expenditures on the I-M Project increased $104,843 from $670,657 in fiscal 2010 to $775,500 in fiscal 2011. The Company’s primary focus continues to be the completion of the final phase of the three-phase permitting process. Site activities and geological and geochemical costs include the ongoing digitization and evaluation of historical data, mine modeling and scheduling, cost modeling, geologic modeling, engineering and environmental studies, and permitting.
Planned expenses in fiscal 2012 for the I-M Project include the activities associated with the continuing application process for a CMUP, on-going geologic investigations and exploration, financing and public outreach activities.
Exploration expenses – Buckskin Rawhide Property, Nevada
Exploration expenditures on the Buckskin Rawhide Property increased by $22,911 from $5,185 in fiscal 2010 to $28,096 in fiscal 2011.
Exploration expenses - British Columbia Properties
Exploration expenditures on the Stewart Property increased by $508,895 from a recovery of $5,351 in fiscal 2010 to an expense of $503,544 in fiscal 2011. In December 2010, the Company completed a Cdn$500,000 flow-through financing to conduct exploration activities on the Stewart Property during 2011.
B. | Liquidity and Capital Resources |
Financial Conditions for year ended December 31, 2012
Historically, the Company’s sole source of funding is and has been the issuance of equity securities for cash, primarily through private placements to sophisticated investors and institutions. The Company has issued common shares pursuant to private placement financings and the exercise of warrants and options.
The current market conditions, the challenging and inhospitable funding environment and the low price of the Company’s common shares make it difficult to raise funds through private placements of shares. In addition the Company must endeavour to minimize dilution to existing shareholders. There is no assurance that the Company will be successful with any financing ventures. Please refer to Item 3 – Key Information – section D - Risk Factors in this document.
At December 31, 2012, the Company had a working capital deficiency of $923,000, defined as current assets less current liabilities, compared with working capital surplus of $652,000 at December 31, 2011. The Company’s consolidated financial statements were prepared using International Financial Reporting Standards applicable to a going concern. Several adverse conditions cast substantial doubt on the validity of this assumption – see “Going Concern” disclosure below. When the Company has unused cash, it primarily invests its unused cash in guaranteed investment certificates which are redeemable in full after 30 days with interest or in treasury bills. There have been no investments in commercial paper. Where the initial term of the guaranteed investment certificate is greater than 90 days it is recorded as a short-term investment.
Operations for the year ended December 31, 2012, have been funded primarily from private placement financings and loans from related parties.
Potential Restrictions on Transfer of Funds by Subsidiaries
The Company’s three subsidiaries are Nevada incorporated corporations. There are no currency restrictions on transfer of funds from the United States to Canada.
The Company currently has no source of operating cash flow and has a history of operating losses. Emgold currently has no revenue from operations and all of its mineral property interests are in the exploration or development stages. The Company does not expect to receive significant revenue from operations at any time in the near future, and Emgold has had no prior years’ history of earnings or operating cash flow. Neither Emgold nor its predecessors have paid dividends on their shares since incorporation and the Company does not anticipate doing so in the foreseeable future.
Investing Activities
As at December 31, 2012, Emgold has capitalized $1,464,274 (2011 - $1,035,163; 2010 - $1,087,420) representing costs associated with the acquisition of its mineral property interests in California and British Columbia.
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Capital Resources
At December 31, 2012, Emgold’s working capital, defined as current assets less current liabilities, was a deficit of $923,332, compared to a working capital surplus of $651,840 in fiscal 2011 and $527,753 at December 31, 2010. The Company’s continued operations are dependent upon the Company’s ability to obtain sufficient financing to carry on planned operations. Currently, the Company does not have sufficient working capital to carry on planned operations, and will have to cease operations, if it is unable to raise funds for general corporate maintenance.
Additional financing will be required in fiscal 2013 in order for the I-M Project and the Company to move forward as scheduled. The Company currently does not have sufficient working capital for the next full year of operations and will therefore need to raise additional capital to continue operations, as it currently has no source of revenue. Such financing may be achieved through the exercise of share purchase warrants and through the issuance of common shares, or other forms of financing.
The Company expects to complete $535,000 in financing in 2013 as part of a transaction announced with Rawhide Mining LLC ($465,000 of this financing was completed in 2012).
Share Capital
At December 31, 2012 the Company had 66,651,462 (2011 - 58,714,504) common shares issued and outstanding.
The Company’s continued operations are dependent upon the Company’s ability to obtain sufficient financing to carry on planned operations. Currently, the Company does not have sufficient working capital to carry on planned operations and will have to cease operations if it is unable to raise funds for general corporate maintenance.
2012
In December 2012 the Company closed the first tranche of a private placement, issuing 6,642,857 Units at Cdn$0.07 per Unit for gross proceeds of Cdn$465,000. Each Unit consists of one common share of the Company and one half common share purchase warrant. Each full warrant entitles the holder to purchase, for a period of 24 months, one additional common share at a price of Cdn$0.12 per share. No finder’s fees were payable in connection with this part of the financing. The share issued, along with any shares issued upon the exercise of warrants, will be subject to a four month and one day hold period, expiring 29 April 2013.
2011
In November, 2011 the Company completed the first tranche of a non-brokered private placement which comprised 11,620,000 units at a price of Cdn$0.10 per unit. Each unit consists of one common share of the Company and one non-transferable share purchase warrant (a “Warrant”). Each warrant entitles the holder to purchase, for a period of 24 months, one additional Share at a price of Cdn$0.15.
Finder’s fees of Cdn$53,600 and 536,000 Finder’s Warrants were awarded in relation to the first tranche of the financing. Each Finder’s Warrant entitles the holder to purchase, for a period of 24 months, one common share of the Company at a price of Cdn$0.15.
In December 2011, the Company completed the second tranche of a non-brokered private placement which comprised 2,530,000 units at a price of Cdn $0.10 per unit. Each unit consists of one common share of the Company and one non-transferable purchase warrant (a “Warrant”). Each warrant entitles the holder to purchase, for a period of 24 months, one additional share at a price of Cdn $0.15.
Finder’s fees of Cdn$3,200 and 32,000 Finder’s Warrants were awarded in relation to the second tranche of the financing. Each Finder’s Warrant entitles the holder to purchase, for a period of 24 months, one common share of the Company at a price of Cdn$0.15.
In December 2011, the Company completed a non-brokered private placement of flow-through units for gross proceeds of Cdn$767,750. A total of 5,905,769 units were issued at a price of Cdn$0.13 per unit. Each unit consists of one “flow-through” common share of the Company and one half of one common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant a “Warrant”). Each warrant entitles the holder to purchase, for a period of 18 months, one additional common share of the Company at a price of Cdn$0.20 per share.
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Finder’s fees of Cdn$49,920 and 383,999 finder’s warrants were awarded in relation to the flow-through financing. 269,230 of the finder’s warrants entitles the holder to purchase, for a period of 18 months, one additional common share of the Company at a price of Cdn$0.15 and 114,769 at a price of Cdn$0.20 for a period of 18 months.
The Shares issued in connection with these non-brokered private placements, including any issued on the exercise of the Warrants, will be subject to a minimum hold period of four months.
The securities offered have not been registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an available exemption from the registration requirements.
Options and Warrants
2012
During the year ended 31 December 2012, a total of 2,700,000 incentive stock options were issued to directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Company with an exercise price of Cdn$0.15. All options issued expire 24 months after issuance.
During the twelve months ended 31 December 2012, a total of 603,000 options expired with an average exercise price of Cdn$0.175.
During the twelve months ended 31 December 2012, the Company issued 3,321,428 warrants with an exercise price of Cdn$0.12 and a 24 month life in connection with private placements described above. An additional 1,194,101 warrants were exercised during the same period, with an average exercise price of $0.10, while 5,139,944 warrants with an average exercise price of $0.33 expired.
2011
For the twelve months ended December 31, 2011, a total of 405,700 incentive stock options previously granted to directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Company with exercise prices ranging from Cdn$1.00 to Cdn$10.00 were repriced to Cdn$0.175 per share. The expiry dates, ranging from October 12, 2011 to July 12, 2014, remain unchanged. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2011 a total of 65,500 options expired and 175,833 were cancelled or forfeited.
Financing Activities
The Company expects to complete $535,000 in financing in 2013 as part of a transaction announced with Rawhide Mining LLC. A total of $465,000 was previously raised in this financing in 2012.
Further financing will be required for corporate overhead costs.
Further financing will be required to advance the I-M Project in order to complete the permitting process.
Further financing will be required to advance and hold the Company’s exploration properties.
The Company is evaluating various financing options including equity financing, joint ventures, mergers, sale of assets, and other business transactions for the above.
Golden Bear has been looking at various alternatives to implement Golden Bear’s business plan as noted at Item 4 above. Using the pilot-plant facility in Grass Valley, the Company has produced stone and ceramic tiles that were installed in a home/office building constructed by a development partner in the research process.
Going Concern
At December 31, 2012, the company has a working capital deficit and substantial additional financing will be required for both corporate overhead and to advance the Company’s exploration and development properties. Executive salaries are being deferred voluntarily, together with Board remuneration and management and consulting fees, until such time as new financing is available.
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The need to raise working capital directly impacts the ability of the Company to undertake planned exploration programs or advance permitting activities relating to the I-M Project. Sufficient work has been undertaken on all of the Company’s current mineral property interests in Canada for several years. The Company is currently completing a series of transactions that will option its Buckskin Rawhide East property. The Buckskin Rawhide West and Koegel Rawhide properties can be held in the short term by the issuance of shares. If the Company is unable to perform additional exploration work in future years or with exploration partners, it may be necessary to write-down additional mineral property interests in future periods, and there is substantial doubt as to the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern, without restructuring or some form of joint venture. If additional working capital is not raised, the Company might have to terminate its lease on the Buckskin Rawhide West Property in Nevada or the Koegel Rawhide Property in Nevada.
The Company’s ability to continue as a going concern is contingent on its ability to obtain additional financing. The current equity and financial market conditions, the challenging environment for raising monies, and the low price of the Company’s common stock make it difficult to obtain additional funding by private placements of shares. There is no assurance that the Company will be successful with any financing ventures. It is dependent upon the continuing financial support of shareholders and obtaining financing to continue exploration and/or development of its mineral property interest. While the Company is expending its best efforts to achieve its plans by examining various financing alternatives including reorganizations, mergers, sales of assets, or other form of equity financing, there is no assurance that any such activity will generate funds that will be available for operations.
The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments to the recoverability and classification of recorded assets, or the amounts of, and classification of liabilities that would be necessary if the going concern assumption were not appropriate. Such adjustments could be material.
Plans for 2013
The Company continues to focus financing activities for both corporate overhead and to advance its exploration and development properties. It is estimated that the Company requires on average about $50,000 per month to support its corporate overhead and hold its existing parties. To advance the Idaho-Maryland Project and its other properties, approximately $150,000 to $250,000 per month is required. The Company’s priority in 2013, due to continuing poor equity markets, it to raise sufficient capital to support it overhead costs and hold its properties, until equity markets improve. If additional funds can be raised, it will advance its properties as those funds allow. The Company will evaluate potential business transactions including equity financings, joint ventures, mergers, sale of assets, and other business transactions that will generate funds to support the Company.
Should the Company not obtain sufficient financing to continue the permitting for the I-M Project, the Company would be forced to terminate the BET Agreement and potentially abandon the Idaho-Maryland Project, as least in the short term. Should sufficient funds not be available, the Company might elect to drop its leases on the Buckskin Rawhide West and Keogel Rawhide Properties.
Contractual Obligations in 2012
See Item 5.F. for a table of contractual obligations at December 31, 2012.
C. | Research and development, patents and licenses |
Not applicable
D. | Trend information |
Gold Prices
As a natural resource exploration company, Emgold’s activities are cyclical as metals prices have traditionally been cyclical in nature. The recent trend for metals prices has been somewhat volatile for gold and silver. From a historical perspective Emgold has strategically focused its exploration activities on potential gold-based prospects. The mineral exploration industry had been through a very difficult period with low prices for both precious and base metals over the period from 1999 to 2004. During this period, the gold price increased to an average of $409.72 and has increased annually since. The lack of interest in minerals over the earlier period led to low market capitalizations for many exploration companies and large corporations found it was easier to expand by purchasing companies or mines rather than exploring for them. This led to downsizing of large company exploration departments and many mining industry professionals left the industry. As a result of these trends, there are fewer good gold and silver projects in the exploration and development stages and a significant shortage of experienced engineers and geoscientists in the mining industry. With improving metal prices and increasing demand, especially from Asia, supply difficulties may occur in the future and there is a discernible need for good exploration projects based on sound geological work.
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See the risk section for average, high and low gold prices to the date of the filing of this Annual Report on Form 20-F.
Market for Stone and Ceramics
The markets for stone and ceramic tile are very large and well established. In 2011, ceramic tile sales were reported as $2.21 billion for a total of 2.08 billion square feet. Stone tile sales were reported as $1.06 billion for a total of 261.5 million square feet (source: Tile & Stone Inch Ahead, Floor Covering Weekly, July 23/30 2012).
E. | Off-balance sheet arrangements |
The Company does not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on the Company’s financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that is material to investors.
F. | Tabular disclosure of contractual obligations |
The following table summarizes the Company’s short-term and long-term obligations as at December 31, 2012:
January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2013 | 1-2 years | 2-3 years | 3-4 years | 4-5 years | 5 th and subsequent years |
Total
(to 5 years) |
|
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities, including related parties | 1,094,656 | $ -- | $ -- | $ -- | $ -- | $ -- | 1,094,656 |
Warrant liability | -- | 30,411 | 30,411 | ||||
Idaho-Maryland property lease (1) | 120,000 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 120,000 |
Mineral property option payments (1) | 40,000 | 60,000 | 60,000 | 60,000 | 60,000 | 60,000 | 340,000 |
$ 1,254,656 | $ 60,000 | $ 60,000 | $ 60,000 | $ 60,000 | $ 60,000 | 1,585,067 |
(1) Mineral property option payments are made at the option of the Company; however, non-payment of mineral property leases may result in forfeiture of Emgold’s rights to a particular property. The Company has several discretionary payments that may be made. The Company holds an option to purchase the Idaho-Maryland mine. The option exercise price at February 1, 2013 would be $6,154,717, and increases by 3% each lease-year. During the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company extended the lease and option agreement from February 1, 2011, for an additional two years to February 1, 2013. On February 1, 2013, the agreement expired as announced by press release dated 01 February 2013. The Company is currently in negotiations to extend the agreement. The success or failure of these negotiations is unknown at this time. Emgold has stated that if negotiations are unsuccessful, it will drop the IM property to focus on other assets the Company currently has in its portfolio.
Safe Harbour
See above – “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information.”
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ITEM 6 . DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES
A. | Directors and Senior Management |
The following table lists the directors and senior management of the Company. The directors have served in their respective capacities since their election and/or appointment and will serve until the next annual general meeting or until a successor is duly elected, unless the office is vacated in accordance with the Articles of the Company.
Messrs. Berner and Yurichuk were appointed as Co-Chairmen and Co-Chief Executive Officers on July 25, 2007. In the first quarter of 2009, Ken Yurichuk resigned as Co-Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer and was appointed as Chief Financial Officer, making Mr. Berner the Chairman Chief Executive Officer of the Company. In May 2010, Mr. Watkinson was appointed as President and Chief Executive Officer, merging the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Executive Officer positions. Mr. Berner was appointed Non-Executive Chairman.
Mr. Watkinson was appointed the Company’s VP, Operations from June 22, 2006 to July 25, 2007, and was subsequently appointed Chief Operating Officer of the Company on July 25, 2007, and President of the Company on October 16, 2007. In May 2010, Mr. Watkinson was appointed as President and Chief Executive Officer, merging the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Executive Officer positions.
Shannon Ross, Chief Financial Officer resigned at year-end 2007 and was replaced by Jonathan Fogg. In the first quarter of 2009, Jonathan Fogg resigned and was replaced by Ken Yurichuk. Ken Yurichuk resigned in September 2012 and was replaced by Grant Smith, the current Chief Financial Officer. In
Mary Davies resigned as Corporate Secretary in September 2012 and was replaced by Lisa Maxwell, the current Corporate Secretary.
Name and Position | Other Principal Directorships | Shares Beneficially Owned as at April 29, 2012 |
% Of Issued And Outstanding |
Principal Business Activities Outside the Company |
Sargent H. Berner – Director, Non-Executive Chairman of the Board since May 2010 (Chief Executive Officer and Co-Chairman of the Board to May 2010) | Aurizon Mines Ltd., Cream Minerals Ltd., ValGold Resources Ltd., Sultan Minerals Ltd., Enterprise Energy Resources Ltd., Olivut Resources Ltd., Palo Duro Energy Inc., Pacific Ridge Exploration Ltd., Thor Explorations Ltd. | 43,967 | .0748% | Businessman; President, Kent Avenue Consulting Ltd. |
Kenneth Yurichuk, Director (Chief Financial Officer to August 2012 and Co-Chairman of the Board to February 2009) |
ValGold Resources Ltd., Paragon Minerals Corporation, Matrix Management Fund
|
5,000 | .0085% | Partner, Bobot & Yurichuk, Chartered Accountants |
Steven J. Wilkinson, Director | ValGold Resources Ltd., Faircourt Resource Fund Limited Partnership | 200,000 | .3401% | Chief Executive Officer, ValGold Resources Ltd.. |
William J. Witte - Director (Chief Executive Officer to July 25 2007) | None | 57,504 | .0978% | Businessman and Mining Consultant |
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David Watkinson, P. Eng., President and CEO, brings over 25 years of professional engineering experience in underground and open pit mine development, including mine permitting, engineering, feasibility, construction, and operations to Emgold. In addition, he has extensive experience in project management, having taken projects from grass roots start-up to successful operating status. Mr. Watkinson has been responsible for management of large capital projects and operations in Canada, the United States and the Philippines. He has held progressively senior positions with Placer Dome Inc., Kinross Gold Corporation, Thyssen Mining Construction and Vulcan Materials Company. Mr. Watkinson holds a B.Sc. in Applied Science, Mining Engineering, from Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario (1985) and is a Registered Professional Engineer in the Province of Ontario.
Grant Smith, CFO, is a Chartered Accountant and has over a decade of experience in the accounting field. He is the senior partner with Clearline Chartered Accountants, a firm of chartered accountants with offices in Vancouver, North Vancouver and White Rock. Mr. Smith serves as the CFO for several Canadian TSX Venture mining companies with operations in Canada, the USA, and Mexico. Prior to establishing Clearline, Mr. Smith was at PricewaterhouseCoopers where he spent several years working with companies operating in the mineral sector. He also has extensive experience serving private companies in various industries as well as not-for-profit organizations. Mr. Smith is also active in serving his community, supporting both the arts and social services by serving on various Boards, until recently he was the President of the Vancouver Chamber Choir and served as the treasurer of the MS Society for five years. Mr. Smith is currently the treasurer of the Honour House Society. He holds a BFA (1984) from York University and received his designation as a CA in 2005.
Lisa Maxwell, Corporate Secretary, brings 18 years of business and entrepreneurial experience to her position as Corporate Secretary with Emgold. She is an active member of the Canadian Society of Corporate Secretaries (CSCS), and has been the Corporate Secretary for a number of technology and natural resources companies, both privately held and publicly traded on the TSX Venture Exchange.
Sargent Berner, Non-Executive Chairman of the Board and Director, is a graduate of the University of British Columbia where he received his B.A. in 1963 and his LL.B. in 1966, and the London School of Economics, London, England where he received the degree of Master of Laws in 1967. From 1968 to 1976 he served as a full-time Assistant and Associate Professor of the Faculty of Law at the University of British Columbia and practised corporate, securities and natural resources law as an associate and/or partner in the Vancouver law firm of DuMoulin Black from 1976 to 2006. He has provided consulting services to the Company through his company, Kent Avenue Consulting Ltd.
Kenneth R. Yurichuk is a Chartered Accountant and senior partner in the public accounting firm Bobot & Yurichuk LLP, Chartered Accountants, Toronto. Mr. Yurichuk has been in public practice for over 30 years and has served as both director and officer of private and publicly-traded corporations involved in a wide range of businesses including mining, real estate development, investment and manufacturing. In addition, Mr. Yurichuk is a director of Matrix Fund Management Fund and served as a director and officer of the General Partners for several Contrarian Resource Fund Limited Partnerships and Mavrix Fund Limited Partnerships. Mr. Yurichuk holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree as well as the CA designation. He had provided consulting services through his company 759924 Ontario Ltd., a private company.
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Stephen J. Wilkinson is President and Chief Executive Officer of ValGold Resources Ltd. Mr. Wilkinson was President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Northern Orion Explorations Ltd. during its successful restructuring over the period from 1999 to 2002 and from 1996 to 1999, he was the Vancouver based mining analyst for RBC Dominion Securities Inc., responsible for small capitalization and gold and base metal companies. Mr. Wilkinson holds an MBA from Clarkson University, Potsdam New York, a M.Sc. (Geology) from Carleton University and B.Sc. (Geology) from the University of Western Ontario.
William (Bill) J. Witte, P.Eng, Director, has been an officer and director of the Company since June 1999. From 1995 to joining the Company in 1999, Mr. Witte was self-employed. From 1992 to 1995 he was an engineering manager and project manager, with Fluor Daniel Wright Inc. Mr. Witte has more than 30 years of mining, engineering, business, and entrepreneurial experience. He holds degrees in both Civil (University of Nevada, Reno 1976) and Mechanical Engineering (University of Arizona 1978), and is a registered Professional Engineer in the Province of British Columbia. His mining and engineering experience covers not only all aspects of mine exploration, process research and development, and operations, but also engineering, construction and corporate management. Mr. Witte has been responsible for various aspects of the financing, construction, design and operation of over 200 mining and technology projects around the world.
Andrew MacRitchie has over 10 years of experience in various mineral exploration finance and accounting roles. Since 2007, Andrew has been Chief Financial Officer of Helio Resource Corp., a gold exploration company with projects located in Africa. Between 2003 and 2007 he worked for Quorum Management Services as Corporate Controller. Quorum provided accounting services for a group of exploration stage companies (including Emgold) with gold, silver, and base-metal projects located in North and South America. Andrew holds a B.Sc. Honors degree from the University of British Columbia and received his Chartered Accountant designation in 2003 while articling with PricewaterhouseCoopers. Mr. MacRitchie is also a Director of the Kidney Foundation of Canada.
Technical Consultants and Employees
William S. Watters, P.E. a mining consultant to the Company, has 26 years of engineering and supervisory experience in underground mines and tunnels. His background includes supervision of underground miners working in industrial minerals, coal and gold mines as well as in tunnel construction management. His engineering involvement has been in the design and commissioning of continuous haulage systems used in underground mining, and he also has experience in the design of ventilation networks, dewatering systems, and electrical distribution for underground mines as well as mine planning and surveying. He has an extensive background in underground mining and tunnelling safety and is a certified safety representative in the state of California. His educational degrees and licenses include: B.S. Mining Engineering, University of Nevada – Reno; State of Wyoming Registered Professional Engineer-Mining; State of California Registered Professional Engineer-Civil.
Robert R. Pease, R.G. Chief Geologist, has over 30 years of diversified experience in mineral development and engineering geology in the mining and construction industries. Mr. Pease has an extensive background in mother lode, Sierra Nevada, and basin-range geology applied to industrial minerals and gold, naturally occurring asbestos, surface and underground geologic mapping, drilling and sampling in difficult conditions, fracture-controlled ground water, and engineering geology. Mr. Pease has also conducted market research analyses of industrial minerals. He has developed reclamation plans for mining projects, and has conducted annual inspections of mines in Nevada County as the consultant for that lead agency under SMARA. He has written documents requiring approval by government agencies, such as application documents for mining projects and hazardous materials plans. Mr. Pease is a Registered Geologist in California and holds B.S. and M.S. degrees in Geology from University of Nevada.
Patricia Nelson, an environmental consultant to the Company, manages the permitting and environmental compliance programs for the Company. She was an employee of the Company from 2005 to 2007. She has over 30 years of experience managing and directing multidisciplinary environmental projects for government, industry, and utility organizations that involved regulatory compliance, natural resource development and hazardous waste management. In addition, she has experience directing field work and construction projects; developing and implementing public participation programs; and conducting project specific environmental negotiations among government and industry stakeholders. She has a Bachelor of Science from the University of California at Berkeley, a Masters Degree in Business Administration from the University of San Francisco, and is a Certified Mediator from John F. Kennedy University. Ms. Nelson is also a Registered Environmental Assessor (REA) in California and has extensive hazmat training.
54 |
Jim Wood, MSc, P.G., Manager, Material Sciences, a consultant to the Company, was responsible for all test work and SPC on feed materials and final products. Jim was an employee of the Company from 2005 to 2007. He has 24 years of experience in the field of geological materials research. He has performed microscopic studies of rock and mineral materials using various analytical techniques including X-ray Diffraction mineral analysis, Polarized Light Microscopy and use of the Scanning Electron Microscope/Microprobe. Jim has worked for Unocal at their Science and Technology Research Center as a mineralogist. He has also been a forensics consultant on construction materials failure for a number of leading geotechnical consulting firms. He holds a B.S. degree in Earth Science from California State University, Long Beach and a M.S degree in Geology from California State University at Los Angeles. He is a registered Professional Geologist in California.
Family Relationships
There are no family relationships among any of the persons named above.
Arrangements
There are no arrangements or understandings regarding the selection of any of the persons named above.
B. | Compensation |
Compensation of Executive Officers
“Named Executive Officer” (“NEO”) means each of the following individuals:
(a) a Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) or one who acted in a capacity similar to a chief executive officer, for any part of the financial year ended December 31, 2012;
(b) a Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) or one who acted in a capacity similar to a chief financial officer, for any part of the financial year ended December 31, 2012;
(c) each of the three most highly compensated executive officers, or the three most highly compensated individuals acting in a similar capacity, other than the CEO and CFO, at the end of the most recently completed financial year whose total compensation was, individually, more than $150,000 for that financial year; and
(d) each individual who would be a NEO under paragraph (c) but for the fact that the individual was neither an executive officer of the Company, nor acting in a similar capacity, as at the financial year ended December 31, 2012.
The Company has three Named Executive Officers. The following disclosure sets out the compensation that the Board intended to pay, make payable, award, grant give or otherwise provide to each NEO and director for the financial year ended December 31, 2012.
Compensation and Discussion Analysis
Compensation of Directors and NEOs
The Company’s Corporate Governance and Compensation Committee (“CGCC”) has responsibility for reviewing compensation for the Company’s directors and senior management.
The independent directors are encouraged to meet at any time they consider necessary without any members of management including the non-independent directors being present. The Company's auditors, legal counsel and employees may be invited to attend. The independent directors exercise their responsibilities for independent oversight of management through a strong CGCC. The Board has appointed Stephen J. Wilkinson as Chairman of the Corporate Governance and Compensation Committee to assist the Board in being effective, cohesive and independent from management.
To determine compensation payable, the CGCC reviews compensation paid for directors and NEOs of companies of similar size and stage of development in the mineral exploration industry and determines an appropriate compensation reflecting the need to provide incentive and compensation for the time and effort expended by the directors and senior management while taking into account the financial and other resources of the Company. In setting the compensation, the CGCC annually reviews the performance of the NEOs in light of the Company's objectives and considers other factors that may have impacted the success of the Company in achieving its objectives and financial resources.
55 |
The Company’s compensation policies and its stock option plan (the “Stock Option Plan”) are intended to assist the Company in attracting, retaining and motivating Directors, officers and employees of the Company and of its subsidiaries and to closely align the personal interests of such Directors, officers and employees with those of the shareholders by providing them with the opportunity, through stock options, to acquire shares in the capital of the Company.
Option Based Awards
The Board of Directors of the Company implemented a stock option plan (the " Plan ") effective April 29, 2005, as amended, which was approved by the TSX Venture Exchange and the shareholders of the Company and ratified by shareholders at the Company's 2006 Annual General Meeting. The number of Shares which may be issued pursuant to options previously granted and those granted under the Plan is a maximum of 10% of the issued and outstanding Shares at the time of the grant. In addition, the number of Shares which may be reserved for issuance to any one individual may not exceed 5% of the issued Shares on a yearly basis or 2% if the optionee is engaged in investor relations activities or is a consultant. Under Exchange policy, all such rolling stock option plans which set the number of common shares issuable under the plan at a maximum of 10% of the issued and outstanding common shares must be approved and ratified by shareholders on an annual basis.
The purpose of the Plan is to allow the Company to grant options to Directors, officers, employees and consultants, as an incentive for performance, and as an opportunity to participate in the success of the Company. The granting of such options is intended to align the interests of such persons with that of the shareholders. Options will be exercisable over periods of up to five years as determined by the Board of Directors of the Company and are required to have an exercise price no less than the closing market price of the Company’s Shares prevailing on the day that the option is granted less a discount of up to 25%, the amount of the discount varying with market price in accordance with the policies of the Exchange. Pursuant to the Plan, the Board of Directors may from time to time authorize the issue of options to Directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Company and its subsidiaries or employees of companies providing management or consulting services to the Company or its subsidiaries. The Plan contains no vesting requirements, but permits the Board of Directors to specify a vesting schedule in its discretion. The Plan provides that if a change of control, as defined therein, occurs, all shares subject to option shall immediately become vested and may thereupon be exercised in whole or in part by the option holder.
At December 31, 2012, a total of 6,665,146 (2011 - 5,871,450) shares of Emgold were reserved for share incentive options to be granted at the discretion of Emgold’s board of directors to eligible optionees (the “Optionees”), of which 4,969,665 (2011 - 2,872,665) were outstanding under the plan at December 31, 2012.
During the year ended December 31, 2012, 603,000 stock options with an exercise price of Cdn$0.175 expired unexercised (2011 – 65,500 options expired with an average exercise price of Cdn$0.175), and no stock options were forfeited (2011 - 175,833 options forfeited with an average exercise price of Cdn$0.21)
The Board of Directors generally grants options to corporate executives further to the recommendation of the CGCC. As part of its annual work plan, the CGCC reviews, among other things, executive compensation and makes appropriate recommendations to the Board regarding such compensation, including but not limited to the grant of options. Options may be granted at other times of the year to individuals commencing employment with the Company.
Summary Compensation Table
The compensation paid to the NEOs during the Company’s most recently completed financial year ended December 31, 2012, is as set out below:
56 |
Notes:
(1) | Includes the dollar value of cash and non‑cash base salary earned during a financial year covered. |
(2) | Includes any health, dental, parking, group plan insurance benefits and professional fees paid by the Company on behalf of the NEOs. |
(3) | These amounts include all amounts set out in table from for each NEO. |
(4) | Resigned from position of CFO effective 01 September 2012. Consulting fees were paid directly to 759924 Ontario Ltd., a private company controlled by a director, Kenneth Yurichuk. |
(5) | Of the total salary for 2012, $185,000 was accrued to David G. Watkinson for services as President and CEO for the year ended December 31, 2012, and was unpaid at December 31, 2012. Of the total salary for 2011, $185,000 was accrued to David G. Watkinson for services as President and CEO for the year ended December 31, 2011, and was unpaid at December 31, 2012. |
(6) | Appointment as CFO became effective 01 September 2012. Management fees were paid directly to Clearline Chartered Accountants, a company of which Grant T. Smith is a director. |
Emgold and its subsidiaries have had consulting contracts with Sargent H. Berner and Kenneth Yurichuk. Compensation of Cdn$7,000 was paid monthly to Kent Avenue Consulting Ltd., a private company controlled by Sargent H. Berner effective October 1, 2007 for his duties as Co-CEO/CEO and Co-Chairman/Chairman of the Board of the Company. This fee was reduced to $5,250 paid monthly on January 1, 2009. The last payment was made on April of 2010, at which time his contract was terminated. Mr. Berner is currently Non-Executive Chairman of the Board and received no fees for this position at the current time. Compensation of Cdn$7,000 per month was paid monthly to 759924 Ontario Ltd., a private company controlled by Kenneth Yurichuk effective August 1, 2007 for his role as co-CEO and co-Chairman of the Board of the Company. In February 2009, he resigned as co-CEO of the Company. In May, 2010, he resigned as co-Chairman of the Board and became the CFO of the Company. The monthly fee paid to Mr. Yurichuk was reduced to $5,250 on January 1, 2009 and subsequently reduced further to $3920. He remained as CFO of the Company until August 2012 at which time his contract was terminated. Mr. Yurichuk remains as a Director of the Company and receives no fees for this position at the current time.
As part of its annual work plan, the CGCC reviews, among other things, executive compensation and makes appropriate recommendations to the Board regarding such compensation.
57 |
Incentive Plan Awards
Outstanding Share-based Awards and Option-based Awards
The following table sets out all share-based awards and option-based awards outstanding as at the financial year ended December 31, 2012, for each NEO:
Option-based Awards |
Share-based Awards (2) |
|||||
Name |
Number of securities underlying unexercised options
|
Option exercise price ($) |
Option expiration date |
Value of unexercised in-the-money options
(1)
|
Number of shares or units of shares that have not vested
|
Market or payout value of share-based awards that have not vested
|
Kenneth R. Yurichuk | 200,000 | 0.15 | 07-May-2017 | NIL |
N/A |
N/A |
93,333 | 0.25 | 17-Mar-2015 | NIL | |||
100,000 | 0.25 | 8-Dec-2015 | NIL | |||
David G. Watkinson | 750,000 | 0.15 | 07-May-2017 | NIL |
N/A |
N/A |
50,000 | 0.175 | 12-May-2013 | NIL | |||
93.333 | 0.25 | 17-Mar-2015 | NIL | |||
600,000 | 0.25 | 8-Dec-2015 | NIL | |||
Grant T. Smith | NIL | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Notes:
(1) | On December 31, 2012, the closing market price of the Company’s shares on the TSX Venture Exchange was Cdn$0.045 per share. |
(2) | The Company does not have Incentive Plan Awards other than option-based awards. |
Incentive Plan Awards – Value Vested or Earned During the Year
The following table sets out all incentive plans (value vested or earned) during the financial year ended December 31, 2012, for each NEO:
58 |
Name
|
Option-based awards – Value vested during the year
($) |
Share-based awards – Value vested during the year
(1)
($) |
Non-equity incentive plan compensation – Value earned during the year
(1)
($) |
Kenneth R. Yurichuk | 10,826 | NIL | N/A |
David G. Watkinson | 40,598 | NIL | N/A |
Grant T. Smith | NIL | NIL | N/A |
Notes:
(1) The Company does not have Incentive Plan Awards in place other than option-based awards.
Discussion
Equity-settled share-based payments for directors, officers and employees are measured at fair value at the date of grant and recorded as compensation expense in the consolidated financial statements. The fair value determined at the grant date of the equity-settled share-based payments is expensed over the vesting period based on the Company’s estimate of shares that will eventually vest. The number of forfeitures likely to occur is estimated on grant date and adjusted to actual. Any consideration paid by directors, officers, employees and consultants on exercise of equity-settled share-based payments is credited to share capital. Shares are issued from treasury upon the exercise of equity-settled share-based instruments. Compensation expense on stock options granted to non-employees is measured at the earlier of the completion of performance and the date the options are vested using the fair value method and is recorded as an expense in the same period as if the Company had paid cash for the goods or services received.
When the value of goods or services received in exchange for the share-based payment cannot be reliably estimated, the fair value is measured by use of a Black-Scholes valuation model. The expected life used in the model is adjusted, based on management’s best estimate, for the effects of non-transferability, exercise restrictions, and behavioural considerations.
See “Option Based Awards” and “Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans” for further information on the Stock Option Plan.
The Company does not have Incentive Plan Awards, pursuant to which cash or non-cash compensation intended to serve as an incentive for performance (whereby performance is measured by reference to financial performance or the price of the Company’s securities) was paid.
Pension Plan Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan or Defined Contribution Plan
The Company has no pension plans for NEOs that provide for payment or benefits at, following, or in connection with retirement.
Deferred Compensation Plans
The Company has no deferred compensation plan for NEOs.
Termination and Change in Control Benefits
The Company and its subsidiaries have no contract, agreement, plan or arrangement that provides for payment to an NEO at, following or in connection with any termination (whether voluntary, involuntary or constructive), resignation, retirement, a change in control of the Company or a change in an NEO’s responsibilities, with the exception of the following:
The contract of David G. Watkinson, by the Idaho-Maryland Mining Corporation, provides for payment to Mr. Watkinson of a minimum severance allowance equivalent to six (6) month’s salary in the event of termination by the Company without cause. Additionally, the contract provides for payment to Mr. Watkinson of a severance allowance equivalent to a minimum of six (6) month’s salary in the event of an acquisition or takeover by another company or other similar form of transaction.
Director Compensation
Directors are entitled to reimbursement for reasonable travel and other out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with attendance at meetings of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may award special remuneration to any director undertaking any special services on behalf of the Company other than services ordinarily required of a director. This is subject to recommendation by the Compensation and Corporate Governance committee. As indicated herein, the Chief Executive Officer who also serves as a director of the Company received compensation for their services through consulting contracts.
Directors’ fees totalling $NIL (2011 - $NIL; 2010 – $NIL) were paid or are accrued and payable to two independent directors of the Company.
59 |
Director Compensation Table
The following table sets out all amounts of compensation provided to the directors who are not NEOs for the Company’s most recently completed financial year:
Name |
Fees earned
(Cdn$) |
Share-based awards
($) |
Option-based awards
($) |
Non-equity incentive plan compensation
($) |
Pension value
($) |
All other compensation
($) |
otal
(Cdn$) |
Sargent H. Berner |
NIL | NIL | 10,826 | NIL | NIL | NIL | 10,826 |
William J. Witte |
NIL | NIL | 10,826 | NIL | NIL | NIL | 10,826 |
Andrew MacRitchie | NIL | NIL | 8,102 | NIL | NIL | NIL | 8,102 |
Stephen J. Wilkinson | NIL | NIL | 10,826 | NIL | NIL | NIL | 10,826 |
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Outstanding Share-based Awards and Option-based Awards
The following table sets out all option-based awards outstanding as at the financial year ended December 31, 2012, for each director, excluding a director who is already set out in disclosure for a NEO for the Company:
Option-based Awards |
Share-based Awards |
|||||
Name |
Number of securities underlying unexercised options
(#) |
Option exercise price ($) |
Option expiration date |
Value of unexercised in-the-money options
(1)
($) |
Number of shares or units of shares that have not vested
(2)
(#) |
Market or payout value of share-based awards that have not vested
(2)
($) |
Sargent H. Berner | 200,000 | 0.15 | 07-May-2017 | NIL | NIL | NIL |
18,000 | 0.175 | 19-Nov-2013 | NIL | |||
15,000 | 0.175 | 12-July-2014 | NIL | |||
93,333 | 0.25 | 17-Mar-2015 | NIL | |||
100,000 | 0.25 | 8-Dec-2015 | NIL | |||
William J. Witte | 200,000 | 0.15 | 07-May-2017 | NIL | N/A | N/A |
60,000 | 0.175 | 19-Nov-2013 | NIL | |||
20,000 | 0.175 | 12-July-2014 | NIL | |||
93,333 | 0.25 | 17-Mar-2015 | NIL | |||
100,000 | 0.25 | 8-Dec-2015 | NIL | |||
Andrew MacRitchie | 200,000 | 0.15 | 22-May-2017 | NIL | N/A | N/A |
Stephen J. Wilkinson | 200,000 | 0.15 | 07-May-2017 | NIL | N/A | N/A |
5,000 | 0.175 | 19-Nov-2013 | NIL | |||
1,000 | 0.175 | 12-July-2014 | NIL | |||
93,333 | 0.25 | 17-Mar-2015 | NIL | |||
100,000 | 0.25 | 8-Dec-2015 | NIL |
Notes:
(1) | The closing market price of the Company’s shares on the TSX Venture Exchange was $0.045 per share on December 31, 2012. |
(2) | The Company does not have Incentive Plan Awards in place other than option-based awards. |
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Incentive Plan Awards – Value Vested or Earned During the Year
The following table sets out all incentive plans (value vested or earned) during the financial year ended December 31, 2012, for each director, excluding a director who is already set out in disclosure for a NEO for the Company:
Name
|
Option-based awards – Value
vested during the year (1) ($) |
Share-based awards – Value
vested during the year (2) ($) |
Non-equity incentive plan
compensation – Value earned during the year (2) ($) |
Sargent H. Berner | 10,826 | NIL | N/A |
William J. Witte | 10,826 | NIL | N/A |
Andrew MacRitchie | 8,102 | NIL | N/A |
Stephen J. Wilkinson | 10,826 | NIL | N/A |
Notes:
(1) | The aggregate dollar value that would have been realized if the options had been exercised on the vesting date, based on the difference between the market price of the underlying securities at exercise and the exercise price of the options on the vesting date. Under the terms of the Company’s stock option plan, all options vest upon the grant date. |
(2) | The Company does not have Incentive Plan Awards in place other than option-based awards. |
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
Equity Compensation Plan Information
Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights | Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights | Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a)) | |
Plan Category (1) | (a) | (b) | (c) |
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders (2) | 4,969,665 | $0.19 | 1,695,481 |
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders | NIL | NIL | NIL |
Total | 4,969,665 | 1,695,481 |
Notes:
(1) | The only “equity compensation plan” in place is the Company’s stock option plan. See “Option Based Awards” above. |
(2) | As at December 31, 2012. |
Indebtedness of Directors and Executive Officers
None of the director, executive officer, or associate of any such person, has been indebted to the Company at any time during the most recently completed financial year.
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Aggregated Options Exercises During the Most Recently Completed Financial Year
During the year ended December 31, 2012, there were no Company stock options exercised.
C. | Board practices |
All currently serving directors were elected at the Company’s annual general meeting held on December 12, 2012 and have a term of office expiring at the next annual general meeting of Emgold. All officers have a term of office lasting until their removal or replacement by the Board of Directors.
An “unrelated” director under the TSX governance guidelines is a director who is independent from management and is free from any interest and any business or other relationship which could materially interfere with his or her ability to act in the best interest of the Company other than interests arising from shareholding. Where a company has a significant shareholder, in addition to a majority of “unrelated” directors, the Board should include a number of directors who do not have interest or relationships with either the Company or the significant shareholder. Mr. Wilkinson, Mr. MacRitchie, and Mr. Witte are independent directors. As such, the number of directors is six.
Except as noted herein, no director and/or executive officer has been the subject of any order, judgment, or decree of any governmental agency or administrator or of any court or competent jurisdiction, revoking or suspending for cause any license, permit or other authority of such person or of any corporation of which he is a director and/or executive officer, to engage in the securities business or in the sale of a particular security or temporarily or permanently restraining or enjoining any such person or any corporation of which he is an officer or director from engaging in or continuing any conduct, practice or employment in connection with the purchase or sale of securities, or convicting such person of any felony or misdemeanour involving a security or any aspect of the securities business or of theft or of any felony. In fiscal 2008 and 2009, Sargent H. Berner, William J. Witte, Kenneth Yurichuk and Stephen J. Wilkinson were directors of a company subject to a Management Cease Trade Order for failure to file financial statements in a timely manner. The financial statements were filed and the Management Cease Trade Order was lifted.
There are no director’s services contracts with the Company providing for benefits upon termination of employment. Emgold and its subsidiaries have no compensatory plan or arrangement in respect of compensation received or that may be received by the directors of the Company in its most recently completed or current financial year to compensate such directors in the event of termination as director (resignation, retirement, change of control) or in the event of a change in control. There are no arrangements or understandings with any two or more directors or executive officers pursuant to which he was selected as a director or executive officer. Other than as disclosed herein, there is no compensation paid to outside directors other than stock-based compensation.
The following information is provided with respect to the Company’s directors, and members of its administrative, supervisory or management body and includes the date of expiration of the current term of office and the period during which the person has served in that office.
63 |
Name | Position(s) with Company | Term of Office/Period of Service |
William J. Witte |
Director
|
Director: June 1999 – Present, Executive Vice President: May 1999 - July 2002, President and CEO: July 2002 – July 2007 |
Sargent H. Berner | Non-Executive Chairman | Director: May 1991 – Present, Co-CEO: July 2007 – February 2009, Co-Executive Chairman: July 2007 – May 2010, CEO: February 2009 – May 2010. Non-Executive Chairman – May 2010 - Present |
Stephen J. Wilkinson |
Director Chair, Corporate Governance and Compensation Committee |
Director: June 2007 – Present |
Robin A. W. Elliott | Former Director | Director: June 2006 – September 2009 |
Kenneth Yurichuk |
Director
|
Director: June 2006 to Present, Co-CEO: July 2007 – February 2009, Co-Executive Chairman: July 2007 – May 2010, Chief Financial Officer: February 2009 – August 2012: |
Grant Smith | Chief Financial Officer | Chief Financial Officer: September 2012 - Present |
David Watkinson | Director and President and Chief Executive Officer | Director: October 2007 – Present, Vice-President Operations: June 2006 – July 2007, Chief Operating Officer: July 2007 – May 2010, President: October 2007 – Present; Chief Executive Officer: May 2010 - Present |
Andrew MacRitchie |
Director Chair Audit Committee |
Director: May 2012 - Present |
Mary Davies | Former Corporate Secretary | Corporate Secretary: December 2009 – August 2012 |
Lisa Maxwell | Corporate Secretary | Corporate Secretary: September 2012 – Present |
Audit Committee
Andrew MacRitchie, William J. Witte, and Stephen Wilkinson are currently the members of Emgold’s audit committee. The audit committee is appointed annually by the directors of Emgold at the first meeting of the board held after Emgold’s annual general meeting. The primary function of the audit committee is to review the financial statements of Emgold before they are submitted to the board for approval. The Committee is also available to assist the board if required with matters relating to the appointment of Emgold’s auditor and the overall scope and results of the audit, internal financial controls, and financial information for publication for various purposes.
Corporate Governance and Executive Compensation Committee
Members of the Corporate Governance Committee are Messrs. Wilkinson, Yurichuk and Witte. The committee was formed for making recommendations to the board with respect to developments in the area of corporate governance, the practices of the board, and appropriate candidates for nomination to the board and for evaluating the performance of the board.
D. | Employees |
At December 31, 2012, Emgold had 3 full time employees. Emgold Mining Corporation, the parent company, employs none of these employees. The employees are employed by Emgold’s subsidiary, Idaho-Maryland Mining Corporation in California. Emgold and its subsidiaries also contract staff on an as-needed basis, but usually not more than one or two individuals on a periodic basis. Emgold Mining Corporation administrative functions are primarily provided through Clearline Accounting Services. (“Clearline”).
E. | Share ownership |
See Item 6A, “Directors and Senior Management”, for the number and percentage of shares of the Company held by each NEO.
The following table sets forth, as at December 31, 2012, all stock options held by the directors and members of senior management of the Company, including the title and amount of securities called for by the options, the exercise price and expiration date of the options.
64 |
Stock Options Held by Directors and Senior Management as at December 31, 2012
Name and Title of Option Holder |
Number of Shares Underlying Options |
Title of Class |
Exercise Price (Cdn$) |
|
William J. Witte, Director |
60,000 20,000 93,333
100,000
|
Common |
0.175 |
November 19, 2013 |
Common |
0.175 |
July 12, 2014 |
||
Common
Common
|
0.25
0.25
|
March 17, 2015
December 8, 2015
|
||
Subtotal |
473,333 |
|||
Sargent H. Berner
|
18,000 15,000 93,333
100,000
|
Common |
0.175 |
November 19, 2013 |
Common |
0.175 |
July 12, 2014 |
||
Common
Common
|
0.25
0.25
|
March 17, 2015 December 8, 2015 07 May 2017 |
||
Subtotal |
426,333 |
|||
Kenneth Yurichuk
|
100,000
|
Common Common |
0.25 0.15 |
December 8, 2015 07 May 2017 |
Subtotal |
393,333 |
|||
David Watkinson
|
||||
50,000 93,333 600,000 750,000 |
Common Common Common Common |
0.175 0.25 0.25 0.15 |
May 12, 2013 March 17, 2015 December 8, 2015 07 May 2017 |
|
Subtotal |
1,493,333 |
|||
Stephen J. Wilkinson, Director |
5,000 1,000 93,333
100,000
|
Common |
0.175 |
November 19, 2013 |
Common |
0.175 |
July 12, 2014 |
||
Common Common Common |
0.25 0.25 0.15 |
March 17, 2015 December 8, 2015 07 May 2017 |
||
Subtotal |
399,333 |
|||
Andrew MacRitchie, Director |
200,000 |
Common | 0.15 | 22 May 2017 |
Subtotal |
200,000 |
|||
|
3,385,665 |
Common |
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ITEM 7. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
A. | Major Shareholders |
The Company is a publicly owned corporation, incorporated in the province of British Columbia, the shares of which are owned by residents of the United States, residents of Canada and other foreign residents. To the extent known by the directors and executive officers of the Company, the Company is not directly or indirectly owned or controlled by any corporation, government, or other natural or legal person or persons, severally or jointly. To the extent known by the directors and executive officers of the Company as at the date of this report, holders of 5% or more of the common shares of Emgold, as follows:
- | Rawhide Mining Company LLC, holding approximately 12,343,000 common shares, or 17%. As at 31 December 2012, holdings were approximately 6,643,000 common shares (2011 – NIL; 2010 – NIL) |
- | Gerbino Gold Group LLC, holding approximately 5,881,000 common shares, or 8%. As at 31 December 2012. Holdings were approximately 5,881,000 common shares (2011 – 4,757,000; 2010 – 2,657,000) |
All shareholders, including major and/or controlling shareholders have the same voting rights with respect to the issued common shares.
Emgold’s securities are recorded on the books of its transfer agent in registered form, however, the majority of such shares are registered in the name of intermediaries such as brokerage houses and clearing houses on behalf of their respective brokerage clients, and Emgold does not have knowledge of or access to information about the beneficial owners thereof. To the best of its knowledge, Emgold is not directly or indirectly owned or controlled by a corporation or foreign government. As of December 31, 2012, Emgold had authorized an unlimited number of common shares without par value of which 66,651,462 (2011 - 58,714,504) were issued and outstanding.
As of March 31, 2013, there were 103 registered shareholders of record holding a total of 72,587,462 common shares of Emgold. To the best of Emgold’s knowledge there were 53 registered shareholders of record with registered addresses in Canada, 47 shareholders of record with registered addresses in the United States and 3 shareholders of record with a registered address in other countries holding approximately 51,318,460 (71%), 19,779,002 (27%) and 1,490,000 (2%) of the outstanding common shares, respectively. Shares registered in intermediaries are assumed to be held by residents of the same country in which the clearing-house was located.
To the best of the Company’s knowledge, there are no arrangements in place the operation of which may result in a change of control of the Company.
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B. | Related Party Transactions |
No director or senior officer, and no associate or affiliate of the foregoing persons, and no insider has or has had any material interest, direct or indirect, in any transactions, or in any other proposed transaction between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012, except as noted below.
Name and Principal Position |
Remuneration or fees (1) |
Share-based awards (2) |
||
CEO and President - management fees | $ 185,000 |
|
$ 40,598 | |
A company of which the CFO is a director (3) – management fees | 12,095 | - | ||
A company of which the CFO is a director (3) – accounting | 4,089 | - | ||
759924 Ontario Ltd. (4) – consulting fees | 24,400 | 10,826 | ||
Quorum Management | 139,250 | - | ||
Directors | - | 40,580 |
(1) | Amounts disclosed were paid or accrued to the related party. |
(2) | The term “share-based awards” conforms to the presentation in the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements. As disclosed in Item 6 of this report, these are option-based awards. |
(3) | A company of which the CFO, Grant T. Smith, is a director. |
(4) | A company of which a director, Kenneth Yurichuk, is a director. |
At 31 December 2012, fees of $462,767 (2011 – $244,033) payable to David Watkinson; fees of $14,022 (2011 – $Nil) payable to Clearline; fees of $27,286 (2011 – $7,997) payable to 759924 Ontario Ltd.; and fees of $Nil (2011 – $28,531) refundable from Quorum Management and Administrative Services Inc. were included in accounts payable or due to related parties. Also, amounts of $12,756 (2011 – $40,033) are receivable from Stephen Wilkinson at the year-end date.
During the year the Company received services from Quorum Management and Administrative Services Inc. (“Quorum”). Quorum is a private company held jointly by the Company and other public companies, created to provide services on a full cost recovery basis to the various public entities currently sharing certain personnel costs, office space, and overhead with the Company. In April 2012, the partners of Quorum made the decision to wind up its administrative operations effective 31 August 2012. Management is aware of the possibility that there may be a future cost associated with the conclusion of this agreement. At the year ended 31 December 2012 and at the date of this report, the Company is unable to make a reliable estimate of the cost or likelihood of them being incurred. Accordingly, no provision has been made in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Related party balances are non-interest bearing and are due on demand, with no fixed terms of repayment. These transactions occurred in the normal course of operations and are measured at their exchange amount, which is the amount of consideration established and agreed to by the related parties.
C. | Interests of Experts and Counsel |
Not applicable.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
A. | Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information |
See Item 18, “Financial Statements”. The consolidated financial statements as required are attached as an exhibit and are found immediately following the text of this Annual Report. The audit reports of MNP LLP, MSCM LLP, and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent Chartered Accountants, are included immediately preceding the consolidated financial statements that they audited.
Legal Proceedings
Emgold is not involved in any litigation or legal proceedings, and to Emgold’s knowledge no material legal proceedings involving Emgold or any of its subsidiaries are presently anticipated to be initiated.
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Dividend Policy
Emgold has not paid any dividends on its outstanding common shares since its incorporation and does not anticipate that it will do so in the foreseeable future. All funds of Emgold are being retained for exploration and development of its projects.
B. | Significant Changes |
There are no significant changes of financial conditions since the most recent audited financial statements included within this Annual Report.
ITEM 9. THE OFFER AND LISTING
A. | Offer and listing details |
Trading Markets
The table below lists the high and low prices for common shares of the Company for the past five years and for the current fiscal year to April 25, 2012.
TSX Venture Exchange: EMR – Trading in Canadian Dollars (post-consolidation, prior years adjusted to reflect consolidation) | |||
High | Low | ||
($) | ($) | ||
Annual | |||
2012 (to April 29) | 0.12 | 0.04 | |
2011 2010 |
0.29 0.42 |
0.07 0.12 |
|
2009 | 0.80 | 0.20 | |
2008 | 2.80 | 0.20 | |
2007 | 3.50 | 1.10 |
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The high, low and closing price of the Company’s common stock on April 30, 2013, was Cdn$0.035. The Company’s common stock is issued in registered form.
B. | Plan of Distribution |
Not applicable.
C. | Markets |
The shares of Emgold have traded in Canada on the TSX Venture Exchange (formerly the Canadian Venture Exchange and successor, by merger, to the Vancouver Stock Exchange and the Alberta Stock Exchange) since August 31, 1989 (symbol-EMR).
D. | Selling Shareholders |
Not applicable.
E. | Dilution |
Not applicable.
F. | Expenses of the Issue |
Not applicable.
ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A. | Share Capital |
Not applicable.
B. | Memorandum and Articles of Association |
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Emgold’s corporate constituting documents comprising Articles of Association and Memorandum are registered with the British Columbia Registrar of Companies under Corporation No. 361869. The Company was continued under the Business Corporations Act in British Columbia in June 2005. A copy of the Notice of Article and Articles have been filed as an exhibit to filings in prior periods.
1. | Objects and Purposes |
Emgold’s Articles do not specify objects or purposes. Under British Columbia law, a British Columbia corporation has all the legal powers of a natural person. British Columbia corporations may not undertake certain limited business activities such as operating as a trust company or railroad without alterations to its form of articles and specific government consent.
2. | Directors – Powers and Limitations |
Emgold’s articles do not specify a maximum number of directors (the minimum under British Columbia law for a public company is three). Shareholders at the annual shareholders meeting determine the number of directors annually and all directors are elected at that time. There are no staggered directorships. Under the British Columbia Business Corporations Act (“BCA”) directors are obligated to abstain from voting on matters in which they may be financially interested after fully disclosing such interest. Directors’ compensation is not a matter on which they must abstain. Directors must be of the age of majority (18), and meet eligibility criteria including not being mentally infirm, not having any undischarged bankruptcies and having no fraud related convictions in the previous five years. There is no mandatory retirement age either under Emgold’s Articles or under the BCA.
Directors’ borrowing powers are not generally restricted where the borrowing is in Emgold’s best interests, but the directors may not authorize Emgold to provide financial assistance for any reason where Emgold is insolvent or the providing of the guarantee would render it insolvent. Directors need not own any shares of Emgold in order to qualify as directors.
The Articles specify the number of directors shall be the number of directors fixed by shareholders annually, or the number that are actually elected at a general shareholders meeting. Shareholders at the annual shareholders’ meeting determine the number of directors annually and all directors are elected at that time. Under the Articles the directors are entitled between successive annual general meetings to appoint one or more additional directors but not more than one-third of the number of directors fixed at a shareholders meeting or actually elected at the preceding annual shareholders’ meeting. Directors automatically retire at the commencement of each annual meeting but may be re-elected thereat.
Under the Articles, a director who is in any way directly or indirectly interested in a proposed contract or transaction, or who holds any office or possesses any property whereby directly or indirectly a duty might be created which would conflict with his duty or interest as a director, shall declare the nature and extent of such interest in such contract or transaction. A director shall not vote in respect of any such contract or transaction and if he should vote, his vote shall not be counted, but he may be counted in the quorum present at the meeting. Similarly, under the BCA directors are obligated to abstain from voting on matters in which they may be financially interested after fully disclosing such interest.
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3. | Descriptions of rights, preferences and restrictions attaching to each class of shares |
Common Shares
Emgold has authorized an unlimited number of common shares without par value. All common shares rank pari passu for the payment of dividends and distributions in the event of wind-up.
Some of the significant provisions under British Columbia law and Emgold’s Articles relating to the common shares may be summarized as follows:
Capital Increases and Other Changes
Authorized capital increases as well as other changes to the constituting documents require the approval of the majority of votes of shareholders at a duly convened meeting.
Certain changes such as amalgamations, re-domiciling, and creation of new classes of shares may also give rise to dissent rights (the right to be paid the “fair value” for their shares in cash if the matter is proceeded with).
Shares Fully Paid
All Emgold shares must, by applicable law, be issued as fully paid for cash, property or services. They are, therefore, non-assessable and not subject to further calls for payment.
Pre-emptive Rights
There are no pre-emptive rights applicable to Emgold which provide a right to any person to participate in offerings of Emgold’s securities
Liquidation
All common shares of Emgold participate rateably in any available assets in the event of a winding up or other liquidation, subject to the prior rights of First Preference Shares.
No Limitation on Foreign Ownership
There are no limitations under Emgold’s Articles or in the BCA on the right of persons who are not residents of Canada or foreign shareholders to hold or vote common shares. (See also “Exchange Controls”)
Dividends
Dividends may be declared by the Board out of available assets and are paid rateably to holders of common shares. No dividend may be paid if Emgold is, or would thereby become, insolvent.
Voting Rights
Each Emgold common share is entitled to one vote on matters to which common shares ordinarily vote including the election of directors, appointment of auditors and approval of corporate changes. There are no cumulative voting rights applicable to Emgold. At an annual meeting of shareholders, subject to the BCA, general meeting resolutions are decided by a show of hands, or upon request, by a poll. A simple majority is required to pass an ordinary resolution.
Shareholder Meetings
Shareholders’ meetings are governed by the Articles of Emgold but many important shareholder protections are also contained in the Securities Act (British Columbia) and the BCA. The Articles provide that Emgold will hold an annual shareholders’ meeting, will provide at least 21 days’ notice and will provide for certain procedural matters and rules of order with respect to the conduct of the meeting. The Securities Act (British Columbia) and the BCA superimpose requirements that generally provide that shareholder’ meetings require not less than a 60 day notice period from initial public notice and that Emgold makes a thorough advanced search of intermediary and brokerage registered shareholdings to facilitate communication with beneficial shareholders so that meeting proxy and information materials can be sent via the brokerages to unregistered but beneficial shareholders. The form and content of information circulars and proxies and like matters are governed by the Securities Act (British Columbia) and the BCA. This legislation specifies the disclosure requirements for the proxy materials and various corporate actions, background information on the nominees for election for director, executive compensation paid in the previous year and full details of any unusual matters or related party transactions. Emgold must hold an annual shareholders meeting open to all shareholders for personal attendance or by proxy at each shareholder’s determination. The meeting must be held within 15 months of the previous annual shareholders’ meeting. A quorum for a shareholders’ meeting is two members or proxy holders present.
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Change in Control
Emgold has not implemented any shareholders’ rights or other “poison pill” protection against possible take-overs. Emgold does not have any agreements, which are triggered by a take-over or other change of control. There are no provisions in its articles triggered by or affected by a change in outstanding shares which gives rise to a change in control. There are no provisions in Emgold’s material agreements giving special rights to any person on a change of control.
Insider Share Ownership Reporting
The articles of Emgold do not require disclosure of share ownership. Share ownership of director nominees must be reported annually in proxy materials sent to Emgold’s shareholders. There are no requirements under British Columbia corporate law to report ownership of shares of Emgold but the Securities Act (British Columbia) requires disclosure of trading by insiders (generally officers, directors and holders of 10% of voting shares) within 10 days of the trade. Controlling shareholders (generally those in excess of 20% of outstanding shares) must provide seven days advance notice of share sales.
Securities Act (British Columbia)
This statute applies to Emgold and governs matters typically pertaining to public securities such as continuous quarterly financial reporting, immediate disclosure of material changes, insider trade reporting, take-over protections to ensure fair and equal treatment of all shareholders, exemption and resale rules pertaining to non-prospectus securities issuances as well as civil liability for certain misrepresentations, disciplinary, appeal and discretionary ruling maters. All Emgold shareholders regardless of residence have equal rights under this legislation.
Future Capital Calls
The directors of the Company do not have any liability for future capital calls.
Preference Shares
Emgold has authorized an unlimited number of preference shares without par value of which none are outstanding as at December 31, 2012 .
C. | Material contracts |
The following is a summary of each material contract, other than contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business, to which Emgold or any member of the Emgold group is a party, for the two years preceding the date of this document.
1. | A five-year lease (as amended) initially had a term ending on May 31, 2007, with the owners of the Idaho-Maryland Mine at lease payments of $25,500 quarterly on February, May, August and November 1 st . The owners granted to the Company the exclusive right and option to purchase all of the leased property. The property is subject to a 3% net smelter royalty from production if the property is still being leased. Any royalty payments made prior to exercising the purchase option may be deducted from the purchase price. In February 2007, for a one-time payment of $75,000, the Company negotiated an extension to the initial amended lease (First Extension), whereby the exercise date was extended to December 31, 2008. The Company agreed to a quarterly lease payment of $75,000 beginning on May 1, 2007, and continuing for the term of the revised lease. The Company further amended the mining lease and option to purchase as follows: the payments, commencing on February 1, 2009, were reduced to $30,000 per quarter during fiscal 2009. Commencing with the February 1, 2010, payment, quarterly payments are to be $60,000 through to the end of the extended term, which is February 1, 2011. All other conditions of the original agreement, including the option purchase price and NSR remain unchanged. The quarterly lease payments are being expensed in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as holding costs, but are accrued and have not been paid due to the financial constraints of the Company. |
On 1 February 2011, the Company extended its lease and option to purchase agreement on the Idaho-Maryland Project property with the BET Group for and additional two years to February 1, 2013. All lease payments related to the agreement are current as at December 31, 2012. Payments for the extension period will be $30,000 per quarter. Fifty per cent of the quarterly payments for 2010 were deferred, lowering the quarterly payments from $60,000 to $30,000 per quarter. The deferred balance of $120,000,
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subject to an interest rate of 5.25%, will be added to the purchase price of the property and mineral rights, the first purchase payment being due February 1, 2013. The Company is currently in discussions with the BET Trust to extend and/or negotiate a new agreement, which would cover the lease and option to purchase of approximately 2,750 acres of mineral rights and 91 acres of surface rights associated with the Project.
D. | Exchange controls |
The Company is not aware of any Canadian federal or provincial laws, decrees or regulations that restrict the export or import of capital, including foreign exchange controls, or that affect the remittance of dividends, interest or other payments to a non-resident holder of Common Shares, other than withholding tax requirements. Any such remittances to United States residents are generally subject to withholding tax, however no such remittances are likely in the foreseeable future. See “Taxation”, below.
There is no limitation imposed by the laws of Canada or by the charter or other constituent documents of Emgold on the right of a non-resident to hold or vote the Common Shares, other than as provided in the Investment Canada Act (the “Investment Act”). The following discussion summarizes the material features of the Investment Act for a non-resident who proposes to acquire the Common Shares. It is general only, it is not a substitute for independent advice from an investor’s own advisor, and it does not anticipate statutory or regulatory amendments. Emgold does not believe the Investment Act will have any effect on it or on its non-Canadian shareholders due to a number of factors including the nature of its operations and Emgold’s relatively small capitalization.
The Investment Act generally prohibits implementation of a “reviewable” investment by an individual, government or agency thereof, corporation, partnership, trust or joint venture (each an “entity”) that is not a “Canadian” as defined in the Investment Act (a “non-Canadian”), unless after review the Director of Investments appointed by the minister responsible for the Investment Act is satisfied that the investment is likely to be of net benefit to Canada. The size and nature of a proposed transaction may give rise to an obligation to notify the Director to seek an advance ruling. An investment in Emgold’s Common Shares by a non-Canadian other than a “WTO Investor” (as that term is defined in the Investment Act and which term includes entities which are nationals of or are controlled by nationals of member states of the World Trade Organization) when Emgold was not controlled by a WTO Investor, would be reviewable under the Investment Act if it was an investment to acquire control of Emgold and the value of the assets of Emgold, as determined in accordance with the regulations promulgated under the Investment Act, was over a certain figure, or if an order for review was made by the federal cabinet on the grounds that the investment related to Canada’s cultural heritage or national identity, regardless of the value of the assets of Emgold. An investment in the Common Shares by a WTO Investor, or by a non-Canadian when Emgold was controlled by a WTO Investor, would be reviewable under the Investment Act if it was an investment to acquire control of Emgold and the value of the assets of Emgold, as determined in accordance with the regulations promulgated under the Investment Act, was not less than a specified amount, which for 2013 is Cdn$344 million. A non-Canadian would acquire control of Emgold for the purposes of the Investment Act if the non-Canadian acquired a majority of the Common Shares. The acquisition of less than a majority but one‑third or more of the Common Shares would be presumed to be an acquisition of control of Emgold unless it could be established that, on the acquisition, Emgold was not controlled in fact by the acquirer through the ownership of the Common Shares.
The foregoing assumes Emgold will not engage in the production of uranium or own an interest in a producing uranium property in Canada, or provide any financial service or transportation service, as the rules governing these businesses are different.
Certain transactions relating to the Common Shares would be exempt from the Investment Act, including:
a) an acquisition of the Common Shares by a person in the ordinary course of that person’s business as a trader or dealer in securities,
b) an acquisition of control of Emgold in connection with the realization of security granted for a loan or other financial assistance and not for a purpose related to the provisions of the Investment Act, and
c) an acquisition of control of Emgold by reason of an amalgamation, merger, consolidation or corporate reorganization following which the ultimate direct or indirect control in fact of Emgold, through the ownership of the Common Shares, remained unchanged.
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E. | Taxation |
ALL PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS ARE ADVISED TO CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS WITH RESPECT TO THE SPECIFIC TAX CONSEQUENCES OF PURCHASING THE COMMON SHARES OF THE COMPANY.
Material Canadian Federal Income Tax Consequences for United States Residents
The following summarizes the material Canadian federal income tax consequences generally applicable to the holding and disposition of Common Shares by a holder (in this summary, a “U.S. Holder”) who, (a) for the purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the “Tax Act”), is not resident in Canada, deals at arm’s length with Emgold, holds the Common Shares as capital property and does not use or hold the Common Shares in the course of carrying on, or otherwise in connection with, a business in Canada, and (b) for the purposes of the Canada-United States Income Tax Convention, 1980 (the “Treaty”), is a resident solely of the United States, has never been a resident of Canada, and has not held or used (and does not hold or use) Common Shares in connection with a permanent establishment or fixed base in Canada. This summary does not apply to traders or dealers in securities, limited liability companies, tax-exempt entities, insurers, financial institutions (including those to which the mark-to-market provisions of the Tax Act apply), or any other U.S. Holder to which special considerations apply.
This summary is based on the current provisions of the Tax Act including all regulations thereunder, the Treaty, all proposed amendments to the Tax Act, the regulations and the Treaty publicly announced by the Government of Canada to the date hereof, and the current administrative practices of the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency. It has been assumed that all currently proposed amendments will be enacted as proposed and that there will be no other relevant change in any governing law or administrative practice, although no assurances can be given in these respects. This summary does not take into account provincial, U.S., state or other foreign income tax law or practice. The tax consequences to any particular U.S. Holder will vary according to the status of that holder as an individual, trust, corporation, partnership or other entity, the jurisdictions in which that holder is subject to taxation, and generally according to that holder’s particular circumstances. Accordingly, this summary is not, and is not to be construed as, Canadian tax advice to any particular U.S. Holder.
Dividends
Dividends paid or deemed to be paid to a U.S. Holder by Emgold will be subject to Canadian withholding tax. Under the Treaty, the rate of withholding tax on dividends paid to a U.S. Holder is generally limited to 15% of the gross amount of the dividend (or 5% if the U.S. Holder is a corporation and beneficially owns at least 10% of Emgold’s voting shares). Emgold will be required to withhold the applicable withholding tax from any such dividend and remit it to the Canadian government for the U.S. Holder’s account.
Disposition
A U.S. Holder is not subject to tax under the Tax Act in respect of a capital gain realized on the disposition of a Common Share in the open market unless the share is “taxable Canadian property” to the holder thereof and the U.S. Holder is not entitled to relief under the Treaty. A Common Share will be taxable Canadian property to a U.S. Holder if, at any time during the 60 months preceding the disposition, the U.S. Holder or persons with whom the U.S. Holder did not deal at arm’s length alone or together owned, or had rights to acquire, 25% or more of Emgold’s issued shares of any class or series. If the shares of Emgold constitute taxable Canadian property to the holder, the holder may be subject to Canadian income tax on the gain. The taxpayer’s taxable capital gain or loss from a disposition of the share is the amount, if any, by which the proceeds of disposition exceed (or are exceeded by) the aggregate of the adjusted cost base and reasonable expenses of disposition. One-half of the capital gain is included in income and one-half of the capital loss is deductible from capital gains realized in the same year. Unused capital losses may be carried back three taxation years or forward indefinitely and applied to reduce capital gains realized in those years. It should be noted that Canada requires a withholding tax on the gross proceeds of a sale of taxable Canadian property by a non-resident. The withholding tax may be reduced on completion of a Clearance Certificate Request. If the disposition of the share is subject to tax in Canada, the non-resident must also file a Canadian income tax return reporting the disposition.
A U.S. Holder whose Common Shares do constitute taxable Canadian property, and who might therefore be liable for Canadian income tax under the Tax Act, will generally be relieved from such liability under the Treaty unless the value of such shares at the time of disposition is derived principally from real property situated in Canada. The value of Emgold’s common shares is not currently derived principally from real property situated in Canada.
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United States Tax Consequences
United States Federal Income Tax Consequences
NOTHING CONTAINED IN THIS SUMMARY CONTAINING ANY U.S. FEDERAL TAX ISSUE IS INTENDED OR WRITTEN TO BE USED, AND IT CANNOT BE USED FOR THE PURPOSE OF AVOIDING U.S. TAX PENALTIES UNDER THE CODE.
The following is a discussion of material United States federal income tax consequences, under current law, generally applicable to a U.S. Holder (as hereinafter defined) of common shares of Emgold. This discussion does not address all potentially relevant federal income tax matters and it does not address consequences peculiar to persons subject to special provisions of federal income tax law, such as those described below as excluded from the definition of a U.S. Holder. In addition, this discussion does not cover any state, local or foreign tax consequences. (see “Taxation – Material Canadian Federal Income Tax Consequences for United States Residents” above) for Canadian tax consequences. Accordingly, we strongly recommend that holders and prospective holders of common shares of Emgold consult their own tax advisors about the specific federal, state, local, and foreign tax consequences to them of purchasing, owning and disposing of common shares of Emgold, based upon their individual circumstances.
The following discussion is based upon the sections of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), Treasury Regulations, published Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) rulings, published administrative positions of the IRS and court decisions that are currently applicable, any or all of which could be materially and adversely changed, possibly on a retroactive basis, at any time and which are subject to differing interpretations. This discussion does not consider the potential effects, both adverse and beneficial, of any proposed legislation, which, if enacted, could be applied, possibly on a retroactive basis, at any time.
U.S. Holders
As used herein, a “U.S. Holder” means a holder of common shares of Emgold who is a citizen or individual resident of the United States, a corporation created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or of any political subdivision thereof, an estate whose income is taxable in the United States irrespective of source or a trust subject to the primary supervision of a court within the United States and control of a United States fiduciary as described Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code. This summary does not address the tax consequences to, and U.S. Holder does not include, persons subject to specific provisions of federal income tax law, such as tax-exempt organizations, qualified retirement plans, individual retirement accounts and other tax-deferred accounts, financial institutions, insurance companies, real estate investment trusts, regulated investment companies, broker-dealers, non-resident alien individuals, persons or entities that have a “functional currency” other than the U.S. dollar, shareholders subject to the alternative minimum tax, shareholders who hold common shares as part of a straddle, hedging or conversion transaction, and shareholders who acquired their common shares through the exercise of employee stock options or otherwise as compensation for services. This summary is limited to U.S. Holders who own common shares as capital assets, within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code, and who own (directly and indirectly, pursuant to applicable rules of constructive ownership) no more than 5% of the value of the total outstanding stock of Emgold. This summary does not address the consequences to a person or entity holding an interest in a shareholder or the consequences to a person of the ownership, exercise or disposition of any options, warrants or other rights to acquire common shares. In addition, this summary does not address special rules applicable to persons holding common shares through a partnership.
Distribution on Common Shares of Emgold
Subject to the rules discussed under “Passive Foreign Investment Company” below, in general, U.S. Holders receiving dividend distributions (including constructive dividends) with respect to common shares of Emgold are required to include in gross income for United States federal income tax purposes the gross amount of such distributions, equal to the U.S. dollar value of such distributions on the date of receipt (based on the exchange rate on such date), to the extent that Emgold has current or accumulated earnings and profits (as determined under United States federal income tax principles), without reduction for any Canadian income tax withheld from such distributions. Such Canadian tax withheld may be credited, subject to certain limitations, against the U.S. Holder’s federal income tax liability or, alternatively, may be deducted in computing the U.S. Holder’s federal taxable income by those who itemize deductions. (See more detailed discussion at “Foreign Tax Credit” below). To the extent that distributions exceed current and accumulated earnings and profits of Emgold, they will be treated first as a return of capital up to the U.S. Holder’s adjusted basis in the common shares and thereafter as gain from the sale or exchange of property. Preferential tax rates for long-term capital gains are applicable to a U.S. Holder, which is an individual, estate or trust. There are currently no preferential tax rates for long-term capital gains for a U.S. Holder, which is a corporation.
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In the case of foreign currency received as a dividend that is not converted by the recipient into U.S. dollars on the date of receipt, a U.S. Holder will have a tax basis in the foreign currency equal to its U.S. dollar value on the date of receipt. Generally any gain or loss recognized upon a subsequent sale or other disposition of the foreign currency, including the exchange for U.S. dollars, will be ordinary income or loss. However, an individual whose realized gain does not exceed $200 will not recognize that gain, provided that there are no expenses associated with the transaction that meet the requirements for deductibility as a trade or business expense (other than travel expenses in connection with a business trip) or as an expense for the production of income.
Under current Treasury Regulations, dividends paid on Emgold’s common shares, if any, generally will not be subject to information reporting and generally will not be subject to U.S. backup withholding tax. However, dividends and the proceeds from a sale of Emgold’s common shares paid in the U.S. through a U.S. or U.S. related paying agent (including a broker) will be subject to U.S. information reporting requirements and may also be subject to the 28% U.S. backup withholding tax, unless the paying agent is furnished with a duly completed and signed Form W-9. Any amounts withheld under the U.S. backup withholding tax rules will be allowed as a refund or a credit against the U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, provided the required information is furnished to the IRS.
Foreign Tax Credit
A U.S. Holder who pays (or has withheld from distributions) Canadian income tax with respect to the ownership of common shares of Emgold may be entitled, at the option of the U.S. Holder, to either receive a deduction or a tax credit for such foreign tax paid or withheld. Generally, it will be more advantageous to claim a credit because a credit reduces United States federal income taxes on a dollar-for-dollar basis, while a deduction merely reduces the taxpayer’s income subject to tax. This election is made on a year-by-year basis and generally applies to all foreign taxes paid by (or withheld from) the U.S. Holder during that year. There are significant and complex limitations which apply to the credit; among which is the general limitation that the credit cannot exceed the proportionate share of the U.S. Holder’s United States income tax liability that the U.S. Holder’s foreign source income bears to his or its worldwide taxable income. In the determination of the application of this limitation, the various items of income and deduction must be classified into foreign and domestic sources. Complex rules govern this classification process. In addition, this limitation is calculated separately with respect to specific classes of income such as “passive category income”, and “general category income.” Dividends distributed by Emgold will generally constitute “passive category income” or, in the case of certain U.S. Holders, “general category income” for these purposes. The availability of the foreign tax credit and the application of the limitations on the credit are fact specific, and U.S. Holders of common shares of Emgold should consult their own tax advisors regarding their individual circumstances.
Disposition of Common Shares of Emgold
Subject to the rules discussed under “Passive Foreign Investment Company” below, in general, U.S. Holders will recognize gain or loss upon the sale of common shares of Emgold equal to the difference, if any, between (i) the amount of cash plus the fair market value of any property received, and (ii) the shareholder’s tax basis in the common shares of Emgold. Preferential tax rates apply to long-term capital gains of U.S. Holders, which are individuals, estates or trusts. In general, gain or loss on the sale of common shares of Emgold will be long-term capital gain or loss if the common shares are a capital asset in the hands of the U.S. Holder and are held for more than one year. Deductions for net capital losses are subject to significant limitations. For U.S. Holders, which are not corporations, any unused portion of such net capital loss may be carried over to be used in later tax years until such net capital loss is thereby exhausted.
For U.S. Holders that are corporations (other than corporations subject to Subchapter S of the Code), an unused net capital loss may be carried back three years and carried forward five years from the loss year to be offset against capital gains until such net capital loss is thereby exhausted.
Passive Foreign Investment Company
United States income tax law contains rules governing “passive foreign investment companies” (“PFIC”) which can have significant tax effects on U.S. Holders of foreign corporations. These rules do not apply to non-U.S. Holders. Section 1297 of the Code defines a PFIC as a corporation that is not formed in the United States if, for any taxable year, either (i) 75% or more of its gross income is “passive income,” which includes interest, dividends and certain rents and royalties or (ii) the average percentage, by fair market value (or, if the corporation is not publicly traded and either is a controlled foreign corporation or makes an election, by adjusted tax basis), of its assets that produce or are held for the production of “passive income” is 50% or more. Emgold appears to have been a PFIC for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012, and at least certain prior fiscal years. In addition, Emgold may qualify as a PFIC in future fiscal years. We strongly recommend that each U.S. Holder consult a tax advisor with respect to how the PFIC rules affect such U.S. Holder’s tax situation.
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Each U.S. Holder who holds stock in a foreign corporation during any year in which such corporation qualifies as a PFIC is subject to United States federal income taxation under one of three alternative tax regimes at the election of such U.S. Holder. The following is a discussion of such alternative tax regimes applied to such U.S. Holders of Emgold.
A U.S. Holder who elects to treat Emgold as a qualified electing fund (“QEF”) will be subject, under Section 1293 of the Code, to current federal income tax for any taxable year to which the election applies in which Emgold qualifies as a PFIC on his pro rata share of Emgold’s (i) “net capital gain” (the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss), which will be taxed as long-term capital gain, and (ii) “ordinary earnings” (the excess of earnings and profits over net capital gain), which will be taxed as ordinary income, in each case, for the shareholder’s taxable year in which (or with which) Emgold’s taxable year ends, regardless of whether such amounts are actually distributed. A U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the common shares will be increased by any such amount that is included in income but not distributed.
The procedure a U.S. Holder must comply with in making an effective QEF election, and the consequences of such election, will depend on whether the year of the election is the first year in the U.S. Holder’s holding period in which Emgold is a PFIC. If the U.S. Holder makes a QEF election in such first year, i.e., a “timely” QEF election, then the U.S. Holder may make the QEF election by simply filing the appropriate documents at the time the U.S. Holder files his tax return for such first year. If, however, Emgold qualified as a PFIC in a prior year during the U.S. Holder’s holding period, then, in order to avoid the Section 1291 rules discussed below, in addition to filing documents, the U.S. Holder must elect to recognize under the rules of Section 1291 of the Code (discussed herein), any gain that he would otherwise recognize if the U.S. Holder sold his stock on the qualification date. The qualification date is the first day of Emgold’s first tax year in which Emgold qualified as a QEF with respect to such U.S. Holder. For purposes of this discussion, a U.S. Holder who makes (i) a timely QEF election, or (ii) an untimely QEF election and the above-described gain-recognition election under Section 1291 is referred to herein as an “Electing U.S. Holder.” A U.S. Holder who holds common shares at any time during a year of Emgold in which Emgold is a PFIC and who is not an Electing U.S. Holder (including a U.S. Holder who makes an untimely QEF election and does not make the above-described gain-recognition election) is referred to herein as a “Non-Electing U.S. Holder.” An Electing U.S. Holder (i) generally treats any gain realized on the disposition of his Emgold common shares as capital gain; and (ii) may either avoid interest charges resulting from PFIC status altogether, or make an annual election, subject to certain limitations, to defer payment of current taxes on his share of Emgold’s annual realized net capital gain and ordinary earnings subject, however, to an interest charge. If the U.S. Holder is not a corporation, any interest charge imposed under the PFIC regime would be treated as “personal interest” that is not deductible.
In order for a U.S. Holder to make (or maintain) a valid QEF election, Emgold must provide certain information regarding its net capital gains and ordinary earnings and permit its books and records to be examined to verify such information. Emgold intends to make the necessary information available to U.S. Holders to permit them to make (and maintain) QEF elections with respect to Emgold. We strongly recommend that each prospective U.S. Holder consult a tax advisor regarding the availability of, and procedure for making, the QEF election.
A QEF election, once made with respect to Emgold, applies to the tax year for which it was made and to all subsequent tax years, unless the election is invalidated or terminated, or the IRS consents to revocation of the election. If a U.S. Holder makes a QEF election and Emgold ceases to qualify as a PFIC in a subsequent tax year, the QEF election will remain in effect, although not applicable, during those tax years in which Emgold does not qualify as a PFIC. Therefore, if Emgold again qualifies as a PFIC in a subsequent tax year, the QEF election will be effective and the U.S. Holder will be subject to the rules described above for Electing U.S. Holders in such tax year and any subsequent tax years in which Emgold qualifies as a PFIC. In addition, the QEF election remains in effect, although not applicable, with respect to an Electing U.S. Holder even after such U.S. Holder disposes of all of his or its direct and indirect interest in the shares of Emgold. Therefore, if such U.S. Holder reacquires an interest in Emgold, that U.S. Holder will be subject to the rules described above for Electing U.S. Holders for each tax year in which Emgold qualifies as a PFIC.
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In the case of a Non-Electing U.S. Holder, special taxation rules under Section 1291 of the Code will apply to (i) gains realized on the disposition (or deemed to be realized by reasons of a pledge) of his Emgold common shares and (ii) certain “excess distributions,” as defined in Section 1291(b), by Emgold.
A Non-Electing U.S. Holder generally would be required to pro rate all gains realized on the disposition of his Emgold common shares and all excess distributions on his Emgold common shares over the entire holding period for the common shares. All gains or excess distributions allocated to prior years of the U.S. Holder (excluding any portion of the holder’s period prior to the first day of the first year of Emgold (i) which began after December 31, 1986, and (ii) for which Emgold was a PFIC) would be taxed at the highest tax rate for each such prior year applicable to ordinary income. The Non-Electing U.S. Holder also would be liable for interest on the foregoing tax liability for each such prior year calculated as if such liability had been due with respect to each such prior year. A Non-Electing U.S. Holder that is not a corporation must treat this interest charge as “personal interest” which, as discussed above, is wholly non-deductible. The balance, if any, of the gain or the excess distribution will be treated as ordinary income in the year of the disposition or distribution, and no interest charge will be incurred with respect to such balance. In certain circumstances, the sum of the tax and the PFIC interest charge may exceed the amount of the excess distribution received, or the amount of proceeds of disposition realized, by the U.S. Holder.
If Emgold is a PFIC for any taxable year during which a Non-Electing U.S. Holder holds Emgold common shares, then Emgold will continue to be treated as a PFIC with respect to such Registrant common shares, even if it is no longer definitionally a PFIC. A Non-Electing U.S. Holder may terminate this deemed PFIC status by electing to recognize gain (which will be taxed under the rules discussed above for Non-Electing U.S. Holders) as if such Emgold common shares had been sold on the last day of the last taxable year for which it was a PFIC.
Effective for tax years of U.S. Holders beginning after December 31, 1997, U.S. Holders who hold (actually or constructively) marketable stock of a foreign corporation that qualifies as a PFIC may elect to mark such stock to the market annually (a “mark-to-market election”). If such an election is made, such U.S. Holder will generally not be subject to the special taxation rules of Section 1291 discussed above. However, if a Non-Electing U.S. Holder makes the mark-to-market election after the beginning of the holding period for the PFIC stock, then the Section 1291 rules will apply to certain dispositions of, distributions on and other amounts taxable with respect to Emgold common shares. A U.S. Holder who makes the mark-to market election will include in income for each taxable year for which the election is in effect an amount equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the common shares of Emgold as of the close of such tax year over such U.S. Holder’s adjusted basis in such common shares. In addition, the U.S. Holder is allowed a deduction for the lesser of (i) the excess, if any, of such U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in the common shares over the fair market value of such shares as of the close of the tax year, or (ii) the excess, if any, of (A) the mark-to-market gains for the common shares in Emgold included by such U.S. Holder for prior tax years, including any amount which would have been treated as a mark-to-market gain for any prior tax year but for the Section 1291 rules discussed above with respect to Non-Electing U.S. Holders, over (B) the mark-to-market losses for shares that were allowed as deductions for prior tax years. A U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in the common shares of Emgold will be adjusted to reflect the amount included in or deducted from income as a result of a mark-to-market election. A mark-to-market election applies to the taxable year in which the election is made and to each subsequent taxable year, unless Emgold common shares cease to be marketable, as specifically defined, or the IRS consents to revocation of the election. A U.S. Holder makes a mark-to-market election by filing IRS Form 8621. No view is expressed regarding whether common shares of Emgold are marketable for these purposes or whether the election will be available.
Under Section 1291(f) of the Code, the IRS has issued Proposed Treasury Regulations that, subject to certain exceptions, would treat as taxable certain transfers of PFIC stock by Non-Electing U.S. Holders that are generally not otherwise taxed, such as gifts, exchanges pursuant to corporate reorganizations, and transfers at death. Generally, in such cases the basis of Emgold common shares in the hands of the transferee and the basis of any property received in the exchange for those common shares would be increased by the amount of gain recognized. Under the Proposed Treasury Regulations, an Electing U.S. Holder would not be taxed on certain transfers of PFIC stock, such as gifts, exchanges pursuant to corporate reorganizations, and transfers at death. The transferee’s basis in this case will depend on the manner of the transfer. In the case of a transfer by an Electing U.S. Holder upon death, for example, the transferee’s basis is generally equal to the fair market value of the Electing U.S. Holder’s common shares as of the date of death under Section 1014 of the Code. The specific tax effect to the U.S. Holder and the transferee may vary based on the manner in which the common shares are transferred. We strongly recommend that each prospective U.S. Holder of Emgold consult a tax advisor with respect to how the PFIC rules affect his or its tax situation.
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Certain special, generally adverse, rules will apply with respect to Emgold common shares while Emgold is a PFIC unless the U.S. Holder makes a timely QEF election. For example under Section 1298(b)(6) of the Code, a U.S. Holder who uses PFIC stock as security for a loan (including a margin loan) will, except as may be provided in regulations, be treated as having made a taxable disposition of such shares.
F. | Dividends and Paying Agents |
Not applicable.
G. | Statement By Experts |
Not applicable.
H. | Documents on Display |
Exhibits attached to this Form 20-F are also available for viewing at the offices of Emgold, Suite 1400, 570 Granville Street, Vancouver, British Columbia V6C 3P1 or on request of Emgold at 604-687-4622. Copies of Emgold’s financial statements and other continuous disclosure documents required under the British Columbia Securities Act are available for viewing on the Internet at www.SEDAR.com.
I. | Subsidiary Information |
Not applicable.
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ITEM 11. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
A. Quantitative Information About Market Risk
As at December 31, 2012, the Company has the following foreign denominated balances, which are recorded at the U.S. dollar amount and are subject to foreign exchange risk:
Rounded (‘000’s) | Canadian currency amount |
U.S. currency amount |
Canadian dollars | ||
Cash | 54,000 | 8,000 |
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | (513,000) | (582,000) |
B. Qualitative Information About Market Risk
Transaction Risk and Currency Risk Management
Emgold’s current operations do not employ financial instruments or derivatives. Currently the Company has no long-term debt or source of revenue as the Company is in the resource exploration and early development stage on its mineral property interests.
Exchange Rate Sensitivity
The majority of Emgold’s operations are in the United States, but its administrative operations are in Canada. The Company is affected by exchange rate risk, as the equity financings by the Company to date have been denominated primarily in Canadian dollars. Excess cash is invested primarily in United States dollar denominated investments and may be affected by exchange rate risk for Canadian dollar expenditures. In future, it will be necessary to do further equity or other forms of financing. The funds may be received in either Canadian or U.S. dollars. Funds received in U.S. dollars will likely remain in U.S. dollars and be used for expenditures in U.S. dollars, to reduce exchange risk. The risk that the Company is subject to will be if expenses are incurred in Canadian dollars, with large fluctuations in the Canadian-U.S. dollar exchange rate at that time of the transaction. The Company’s potential near-term exchange risk associated with fluctuation of exchange rates is not believed to be material. Exchange gain in fiscal 2012 was a nominal amount
Interest Rate Risk and Equity Price Risk
Emgold has been equity financed and does not have any debt that is subject to interest rate change risks.
Commodity Price Risk
While the value of Emgold’s resource properties can always be said to relate to the price of precious metals and the outlook for same, Emgold currently does not have any operating mines and hence does not have any hedging or other commodity based risk respecting its operations.
ITEM 12. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES
Not applicable.
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PART II
ITEM 13. DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES
Not applicable.
ITEM 14. MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS
Not applicable.
ITEM 15. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
a) Disclosure controls and procedures.
Management is responsible for designing, establishing and maintaining a system of internal controls over financial reporting to provide reasonable assurance that the financial information prepared by the Company for external purposes is reliable and has been recorded, processed, and reported in an accurate and timely manner in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
Management is also responsible for designing, establishing, and maintaining a system of disclosure controls and procedures. Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that material items requiring disclosure by the Company are identifies and reported in a timely manner.
b) Management’s annual report on internal control over financial reporting
The Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures and assessed the design and the operating effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of April 29, 2013. In making the assessment, management used the criteria issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework. Based on that assessment, management concluded that, as at April 29, 2013, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting is effective at December 31, 2012, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external reporting purposes. There was no change in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting that occurred in the fourth quarter of 2012 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting.
c) Changes in internal controls over financial reporting.
There was no other change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this Annual Report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. We have engaged in, and are continuing to engage in, efforts to improve our internal control over financial reporting and disclosures and procedures related to substantially all areas of our financial statements and disclosures.
ITEM 16A. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERTS
The members of the audit committee are Messrs William J. Witte, Stephen Wilkinson, and Andrew MacRitchie. The Company’s Board of Directors has determined that Mr. MacRitchie qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” and is “independent” as that term is defined under NYSE MKT rules. Mr. MacRitchie is a Chartered Account and CFO of a resource company. The other members of the audit committee also have significant financial experience within the mining industry and are considered financially literate, and they are also considered independent.
ITEM 16B. CODE OF ETHICS
The Company has adopted a code of ethics that applies to the Company’s chief executive officer, the chief financial officer and other members of senior management. The Company’s Code of Ethics is included as an exhibit to this Form 20-F. There have been no amendments to the code of ethics and no waivers during the year ended December 31, 2012, and to the date of this Form 20-F.
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ITEM 16C. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
The following table discloses the aggregate fees billed for each of the last two fiscal years for professional services rendered by the Company’s audit firm for various services
Years ended December 31 , | |||
Services: | 2012 (Cdn$) | 2011 (Cdn$) | 2010 (Cdn$) |
Audit Fees | $ 30,000 | $ 89,329 | $ 71,000 |
Audit-Related Fee (1) | -- | 5,775 | -- |
Tax Fees | -- | 2,485 | -- |
All Other Fees (2) | -- | 28,250 | -- |
Total Fees |
$ 30,000 |
$ 125,839 |
$ 71,000 |
(1) | “Audit-Related Fee” includes services that are traditionally performed by the auditor. These audit-related services include review of SEC documentation and audit or attest services not required by legislation or regulation. |
(2) | Canadian Public Accounting Board and IFRS conversion fees. |
From time to time, management of the Company recommends to and requests approval from the audit committee for non-audit services to be provided by the Company’s auditors. The audit committee routinely considers such requests at committee meetings, and if acceptable to a majority of the audit committee members, pre-approves such non-audit services by a resolution authorizing management to engage the Company’s auditors for such non-audit services, with set maximum dollar amounts for each itemized service. During such deliberations, the audit committee assesses, among other factors, whether the services requested would be considered “prohibited services” as contemplated by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and whether the services requested and the fees related to such services could impair the independence of the auditors. All of the non-audit related services provided by the Company’s audit firm were pre-approved by the audit committee.
During the year ended December 31, 2012, all of the services described above under “Principal Accountant Fees and Services” under the captions “Audit-Related Fees”, “Tax Fees”, and “All Other Fees” were approved by the Audit Committee pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X.
ITEM 16D. EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES
Not applicable.
ITEM 16E. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS
Not applicable.
ITEM 16F. CHANGE IN CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT
Change from MSCM LLP to MNP LLP
Effective October 26, 2012, the Company’s former auditors, MSCM LLP, resigned at the request of the Company and the Company appointed MNP LLP as its new auditors.
The former auditors’ report on the financial statements for the Company’s fiscal years ended December 31, 2011 did not contain any adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion and was not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope, or accounting principles. The decision to change auditors was recommended and approved by the Company’s Audit Committee and approved by the Board of Directors.
During the 2011 fiscal year and the subsequent interim period that preceded the former auditors’ dismissal, there was no disagreement with the former auditors on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreement, if not resolved to the satisfaction of the former auditors, would have caused them to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreement in connection with their report. None of the reportable events described in Item 16F(a)(1)(v) occurred during the period in which the former auditors served as the Company’s auditors.
However, without qualifying their opinion, the former auditors included an explanatory paragraph in their report on the Company’s financial statements for the 2011 fiscal year which referenced a footnote in the financial statements disclosing factors which raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.
The Company has provided its former auditors with a copy of this disclosure and has requested that the former auditors furnish the Company with a letter addressed to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission stating whether they agree with the above statements, and if not, stating the respects in which they do not agree. A copy of that letter from the former auditors dated May 14, 2013 is filed as an exhibit to this Form 20-F.
Prior to October 26, 2012, the date that MNP LLP was retained as the auditors of the Company, the Company did not consult MNP LLP regarding:
(1) Either: The application of accounting principles to a specified transaction, either completed or proposed; or the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on the Company’s financial statements, and either a written report was provided to the Company or oral advice was provided that the new auditors concluded was an important factor considered by the Company in reaching a decision as to the accounting, auditing or financial reporting issue; or
(2) Any matter that was either the subject of a disagreement (as defined in Item 16F(a)(1)(iv) and the related instructions to that item) or a reportable event (as described in Item 16F(a)(1)(v)).
Change from PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP to MSCM LLP
Effective January 11, 2012, the Company’s former auditors, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, resigned at the request of the Company and the Company appointed MSCM LLP as its new auditors.
The former auditors’ report on the financial statements for the Company’s fiscal years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 did not contain any adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion and was not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope, or accounting principles. The decision to change auditors was recommended and approved by the Company’s Audit Committee and approved by the Board of Directors.
During the 2010 and 2009 fiscal years and the subsequent interim period that preceded the former auditors ’ dismissal, there was no disagreement with the former auditors on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreement, if not resolved to the satisfaction of the former auditors, would have caused them to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreement in connection with their report. None of the reportable events described in Item 16F(a)(1)(v) occurred during the period in which the former auditors served as the Company’s auditors.
However, without qualifying their opinion, the former auditors included an explanatory paragraph in their report on the Company’s financial statements for the 2010 and 2009 fiscal years which referenced a footnote in the financial statements disclosing conditions and matters indicating the existence of a material uncertainty that may cast significant doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.
The Company has provided its former auditors with a copy of this disclosure and has requested that the former auditors furnish the Company with a letter addressed to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission stating whether they agree with the above statements, and if not, stating the respects in which they do not agree. A copy of that letter from the former auditors dated May 11, 2012 is filed as an exhibit to this Form 20-F/A.
Prior to January 11, 2012, the date that MSCM LLP was retained as the auditors of the Company, the Company did not consult MSCM LLP regarding:
(1) Either: The application of accounting principles to a specified transaction, either completed or proposed; or the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on the Company’s financial statements, and either a written report was provided to the Company or oral advice was provided that the new auditors concluded was an important factor considered by the Company in reaching a decision as to the accounting, auditing or financial reporting issue; or
(2) Any matter that was either the subject of a disagreement (as defined in Item 16F(a)(1)(iv) and the related instructions to that item) or a reportable event (as described in Item 16F(a)(1)(v)).
ITEM 16G. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Not applicable.
ITEM 16H. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
Not applicable.
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PART III
ITEM 17. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Not Applicable. See Item 18.
ITEM 18. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Independent Auditor’s Reports |
F-1 |
|||
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as at December 31, 2012, 2 011, and 2010 |
F-1 |
|||
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2 011 , and 2010 |
F-1 |
|||
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2 011, and 2010 |
F-1 |
|||
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2 011, and 2010 |
F-1 |
|||
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 , and 2010 |
F-1 |
ITEM 19. EXHIBITS
Index to Exhibits
The following exhibits are filed with, or incorporated by reference in, this Annual Report on Form 20-F.
85 |
Glossary of Geologic and Mining Terms
Anomaly | Any deviation from normal. Examples would include geologic features or concentrations of metal noticeably different than surrounding features or metals. |
Arsenopyrite | A sulphide of arsenic and iron. |
Assay | An analysis to determine the presence, absence or quantity of one or more components. |
Axis | An imaginary hinge line about which the fold limbs are bent. The axis of a fold can be at the top or bottom of the fold, can be tilted or horizontal. |
Batholith | An intrusion, usually granitic, which has a large exposed surface area and no observable bottom. Usually associated with orogenic belts. Of a large, deep-seated rock intrusion, usually granite, often forming the base of a mountain range, and uncovered only by uplifted erosion. |
Bed | The smallest division of a stratified rock series, marked by a well-defined divisional plane from its neighbours above and below; an ore deposit, parallel to the stratification, constituting a regular member of the series of formations. |
Bedding | Condition where planes divide sedimentary rocks of the same or different lithology. |
Bedrock | Solid rock exposed at the surface of the earth, or overlain by surficial deposits. |
Breccia | Rock made up of angular fragments in a matrix of finer-grained material or cementing material. |
Brecciated | Rock broken up by geological forces. | |
Bulk sample | A very large sample, the kind of sample to take from broken rock, or from gravels and sands when testing placer deposits. |
Calcite | Calcium carbonate, a mineral found in limestone, chalk and marble and metamorphic rocks. |
Chalcopyrite | Copper iron sulphide mineral and an important ore of copper. | |
Chip sample | A sample composed of discontinuous chips taken along a rock surface across a given line. |
Claim | That portion of public mineral lands, which a party has staked or marked out in accordance with provincial or state mining laws, to acquire the right to explore for the minerals under the surface. |
Contact | The place or surface where two different kinds of rocks come together. |
Crystalline | Means the specimen is made up of one or more groups of crystals. | |
Cut-off grade | The minimum grade of mineralization used to establish quantitative and qualitative estimates of total mineralization. |
Deposit | A natural occurrence of a useful mineral or ore in sufficient extent and degree of concentration to invite exploitation. |
Diabase | Igneous hypabyssal rocks that are transitional from volcanic to plutonic. The name is applied differently in different parts of the world leading to considerable confusion. | |
Diamond drill | A type of rotary drill in which the cutting is done by abrasion using diamonds embedded in a matrix rather than by percussion. The drill cuts a core of rock which is recovered in long cylindrical sections. | |
Diamond drill hole | A method of obtaining a cylindrical core of rock by drilling with a diamond impregnated bit. |
Dilution | Results from the mixing in of unwanted waste rock with the ore during mining. |
Dip | The angle at which a stratum or drill hole is inclined from the horizontal. Alternatively, a geological measurement of the angle of maximum slope of planar elements in rocks. |
Displacement | Relative movement of rock on opposite side of a fault; also known as dislocation. |
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Fault | A fracture or fracture zone along which there has been displacement of the sides relative to one another parallel to the fracture. Alternatively, a break in the continuity of a body of rock. | |
Feasibility study | Engineering study to determine if a mineral property can be developed at a profit, and which methods should be used to develop it. |
Feldspar | A group of aluminum silicate minerals closely related in chemical composition and physical properties. There are two major chemical varieties of feldspar: the potassium aluminum, or potash feldspars and the sodium-calcium-aluminum, or plagioclase feldspars. |
Felsic | Light-coloured silicate minerals, mainly quartz and feldspar, or an igneous rock comprised largely of felsic minerals (granite, rhyolite). |
Folds | Flexures in bedded or layered rocks. They are formed when forces are applied gradually to rocks over a long period of time. |
Footwall | The mass of rock that lies beneath a fault, an ore body, or a mine working; the top of the rock stratum underlying a vein or bed of ore. |
Fracture | Breaks in a rock, usually due to intensive folding or faulting. |
Gangue | Term used to describe worthless minerals or rock waste mixed in with the valuable minerals. |
Geochemical anomaly An area of elevated values of a particular element in soil or rock samples collected during the preliminary reconnaissance search for locating favourable metal concentrations that could indicate the presence of surface or drill targets.
Geochemical survey A systematic measure of the abundance of different elements in rock, soil, water, etc.
Geochemistry | Study of chemical elements in rocks or soil. |
Geological mapping Surveys defining the surface distribution of rock varieties, age relationships and structural features.
Geophysics | The study of the physical properties of rocks, minerals, and mineral deposits. |
Gouge | Soft, pulverized mixture of rock and mineral material found along shear (fault) zones and produced by the differential movement across the plane of slippage. |
Grab sampling A random sample of mineralized rock with no statistical validity, taken simply to check the type of mineralization.
Grade | The concentration of each ore metal in a rock sample, usually given as weight percent. Where extremely low concentrations are involved, the concentration may be given in grams per tonne (g/t) or ounces per ton (oz/t). The grade of an ore deposit is calculated, often using sophisticated statistical procedures, as an average of the grades of a very large number of samples collected from throughout the deposit. |
Granite | An intrusive igneous rock consisting essentially of alkali feldspar and quartz, plus micas and accessory minerals. |
Graphite | A soft black form of native carbon. |
Grid | A network composed of two sets of uniformly spaced parallel lines, usually intersecting at right angles and forming squares, superimposed on a map, chart, or aerial photograph, to permit identification of ground locations by means of a system of coordinates and to facilitate computation of direction and distance and size of geologic, geochemical or geophysical features. |
Hanging wall
and footwall Terms used in reference to faults when mining along a fault, your feet would be in the footwall side of the fault and the other side would be “hanging” over your head. The rock mass above a fault plane, vein, lode, ore body, or other structure, the underside of the country rock overlying a vein or bed of ore.
Heavy mineral
concentrate sample A sample of heavy minerals collected from stream gravels and concentrated by panning.
Hectare | A square of 100 metres on each side; 10,000 square metres or 2.471 acres. |
Host rock The rock within which the ore deposit occurs.
Igneous | Rock formed by the cooling of molten silicate mineral. |
87 |
Induced polarization
(I.P.) method A geophysical method used to measure various electrical responses to the passage of alternating currents of different frequencies through near-surface rocks or to the passage of pulses of electricity.
Intermediate | An igneous rock made up of both felsic and mafic minerals (diorite). |
Intrusion | General term for a body of igneous rock formed below the earth’s surface. |
Intrusive rock Any igneous rock solidified from magma beneath the earth’s surface.
Joint venture
agreement An agreement where the parties agree to the terms on which a property will be explored, developed, and mined.
Lode | See vein. |
Mafic | A term used to describe ferromagnesian minerals. Rocks composed mainly of ferromagnesian minerals are correctly termed melanocratic. |
Magma | Naturally occurring molten rock material, generated within the earth and capable of intrusion and extrusion, from which igneous rocks have been derived through solidification and related processes. It may or may not contain suspended solids (such as crystals and rock fragments) and/or gas phases. |
Massive | Implies large mass. Applied in the context of hand specimens of, for example, sulphide ores; it usually means the specimen is composed essentially of sulphides with few, if any, other constituents. |
Melange | A body of rock characterized by a lack of internal continuity of contacts or strata and by the inclusion of fragments and blocks of all sized and sometimes various types, embedded in a fine-grained matrix. |
Metamorphosed or
metamorphic A rock that has been altered within the earth’s crust by physical and chemical processes including heat, pressure and fluids.
Meta-sediment | A sediment or sedimentary rock that shows evidence of metamorphosis. |
Metavolcanic | An informal term for volcanic rock that shows evidence of metamorphosis. |
Mesozoic | An era of geologic time, from the end of the Paleozoic era to the start of the Cenozoic, or from about 225 to about 50 million years ago. |
Mineral | A naturally occurring, inorganic, solid element or compound that possesses an orderly internal arrangement of atoms and a unique set of physical and chemical properties. |
Mineral claim A legal entitlement to minerals in a certain defined area of ground.
Mineral deposit or
mineralized material A mineralized underground body which has been intersected by sufficient closely spaced drill holes and / or underground sampling to support sufficient tonnage and average grade of metal(s) to warrant further exploration-development work. This deposit does not qualify as a commercially mineable ore body (reserves), as prescribed under Commission standards, until a final and comprehensive economic, technical, and legal feasibility study based upon the test results is concluded.
Mineralization | The concentration of metals and their chemical compounds within a body of rock. |
Mining lease A claim or number of claims to which the right to mine is assigned.
Net smelter returns
royalty Means the amount actually paid to the mine or mill owner from the sale of ore, minerals and other materials or concentrates mined and removed from mineral properties. A royalty based on net smelter returns provides cash flow that is free of any operating or capital costs and environmental liabilities.
Option agreement An agreement where the optionee can exercise certain options to increase contracted interest in a property by making periodic payments to the optionor or by exploring, developing or producing from the optionor’s property.
Ore | A natural aggregate of one or more minerals which may be mined and sold at a profit, or from which some part may be profitably separated. |
Ore body A solid and fairly continuous mass or ore.
Ore reserve The measured quantity and grade of all or part of a mineralized body in a mine or undeveloped mineral deposit for which the mineralization is sufficiently defined and measured on three sides to form the basis of at least a preliminary mine production plan for economically viable mining.
88 |
Outcrop | An in-situ exposure of bedrock. |
Paleozoic | An era of geologic time, from the end of the Precambrian to the beginning of the Mesozoic, or from about 570 to about 225 million years ago. |
Pluton | Term for an igneous intrusion, usually formed from magma. |
Pyrite | Iron sulphide (FeS 2 ) |
Qualified person In accordance with NI 43-101, a “qualified person” means an individual with at least five years of experience in mineral exploration, mine development or operation or mineral project assessment, or any combination of these. This person must also have experience relevant to the subject matter of the mineral project, and must be member in good standing of a professional association.
Quartz | A mineral composed of silicon dioxide. |
Reclamation bond Usually required when mechanized work is contemplated. Used to reclaim any workings or put right any damage, if your reclamation does not satisfy the requirements of the regulations.
Reconnaissance | A general examination or survey of a region with reference to its main features, usually as a preliminary step to a more detailed survey. |
Replacement
mineralization Mineral deposit formed by replacement of previous rock.
Reverse circulation
drill A rotary percussion drill in which the drilling mud and cuttings return to the surface through the drill pipe.
Rock chip sample A rock sample consisting of chips collected continuously over a specified width.
Rotary drilling A drilling method where a hard-toothed bit rotates at the bottom of a drill pipe, grinding a hole into the rock. Lubrication is provided by continuously circulating drilling fluid, which brings the rock cuttings to the surface.
Royalty interest A royalty interest is tied to a unit of production, such as tonne of concentrate or ounce of gold or silver produced. A common form of royalty interest is the net smelter return.
Sample | Small amount of material that is supposed to be absolutely typical or representative of the object being sampled. |
Schist | A strongly foliated crystalline rock, formed by dynamic metamorphism, that has well-developed parallelism of more than 50% of the minerals present, particularly those of lamellar or elongate prismatic habit, e.g. mica and hornblende. |
Sedimentary | A rock formed from cemented or compacted sediments. |
Sediments | Are composed of the debris resulting from the weathering and break-up of other rocks that have been deposited by or carried to the oceans by rivers, or left over from glacial erosion or sometimes from wind action. |
Sericite | A fine-grained variety of mica occurring in small scales, especially in schists. |
Shaft | Vertical opening downwards. |
Showing | A rock outcrop revealing the presence of a certain mineral. |
Silicate | Most rocks are made up of a small number of silicate minerals ranging from quartz (SiO 2 ) to more complex minerals such as orthoclase feldspar (KAlSi 3 O 8 ) or hornblende (Ca 2 Na(Mg,Fe) 4 (Al,Fe,Ti)Si 8 ) 22 (OH) 2 ). |
Soil sampling Systematic collection of soil samples at a series of different locations in order to study the distribution of soil geochemical values.
Sphalerite | A zinc sulphide, ZnS, which may contain some iron and cadmium; the principal ore of zinc and cadmium. |
Stock | An igneous intrusive body of unknown depth with a surface exposure of less than 104 square kilometres. The sides, or contacts, of a stock, like those of a batholith, are usually steep and broaden with depth. |
89 |
Stock work A mineral deposit consisting of a three-dimensional network of closely spaced planar or irregular veinlets.
Stope | An excavation in a mine from which ore is, or has been, extracted. |
Strike | The bearing, or magnetic compass direction, of an imaginary line formed by the intersection of a horizontal plane with any planar surface, most commonly with bedding planes or foliation planes in rocks. |
Tailings | Material rejected from a mill after recoverable valuable minerals have been extracted. |
Tailings pond A pond where tailings are disposed.
Trenching | The act of blasting or digging through overburden or outcrop to attend fresh bedrock for mapping and sampling. |
Veins | The mineral deposits that are found filling openings in rocks created by faults or replacing rocks on either side of faults. |
Waste | Rock which is not ore. Usually referred to that rock which has to be removed during the normal course of mining in order to get at the ore. |
Workings | A part of a mine, quarry, etc., where work is or has been done. |
.
90 |
SIGNATURES
Emgold Mining Corporation hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this Annual Report on its behalf.
EMGOLD MINING CORPORATION
Per:
/s/ David G. Watkinson
David G. Watkinson, Chief Executive Officer.
/s/ Grant T. Smith
Grant T. Smith, Chief Financial Officer
DATED: May 21, 2013
91 |
Emgold Mining Corporation |
(An Exploration Stage Company) |
Consolidated Financial Statements |
For the Years Ended 31 December 2012 and 2011 |
Stated in United States Dollars |
T ABLE OF C ONTENTS
Managements Responsibility | i | ||
Independent Auditors Report | ii | ||
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position | 1 | ||
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Loss | 2 | ||
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity | 3 | ||
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows | 5 | ||
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements | |||
1) Nature of operations and going concern | 6 | ||
2) Basis of preparation Statement of Compliance | 6 | ||
3) Summary of significant accounting policies | 7 | ||
4) Critical judgments in applying accounting policies | 14 | ||
5) Accounting standards issued but not yet effective | 16 | ||
6) Financial instruments and risk management | 18 | ||
7) Marketable securities | 19 | ||
8) Property and equipment | 20 | ||
9) Exploration and evaluation assets | 21 | ||
10) Share capital | 25 | ||
11) Related party transactions | 30 | ||
12) Segmented disclosure | 31 | ||
13) Capital disclosures | 31 | ||
14) Deferred taxes | 32 | ||
15) Contingent liability | 34 | ||
16) Subsequent events | 34 | ||
Management’s Responsibility
To the Shareholders of Emgold Mining Corporation:
Management is responsible for the preparation and presentation of the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements, including responsibility for significant accounting judgments and estimates in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards. This responsibility includes selecting appropriate accounting principles and methods, and making decisions affecting the measurement of transactions in which objective judgment is required.
In discharging its responsibilities for the integrity and fairness of the consolidated financial statements, management designs and maintains the necessary accounting systems and related internal controls to provide reasonable assurance that transactions are authorized, assets are safeguarded and financial records are properly maintained to provide reliable information for the preparation of financial statements.
The Board of Directors and the Audit Committee are composed primarily of Directors who are neither management nor employees of the Company. The Board is responsible for overseeing management in the performance of its financial reporting responsibilities. The Board fulfills these responsibilities by reviewing the financial information prepared by management and discussing relevant matters with management and external auditors. The Audit Committee has the responsibility of meeting with management, and external auditors to discuss the internal controls over the financial reporting process, auditing matters and financial reporting issues. The Board is also responsible for recommending the appointment of Emgold’s external auditors.
We draw attention to Note 1 in the consolidated financial statements which indicates the existence of a material uncertainty that may cast significant doubt on the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.
MNP LLP, an independent firm of Chartered Accountants, is appointed by the shareholders to audit the consolidated financial statements and report directly to them; their report follows. The external auditors have full and free access to, and meet periodically and separately with, both the Audit Committee and management to discuss their audit findings.
30 April 2013
“David Watkinson” | “Grant T. Smith” | |
David Watkinson, President & CEO | Grant T. Smith, CFO |
i | P a g e |
Independent Auditors’ Report |
|
To the Shareholders of Emgold Mining Corporation:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements of Emgold Mining Corporation and its subsidiaries, which comprise the consolidated statement of financial position as at December 31, 2012 and the consolidated statements of comprehensive loss, changes in equity, and cash flows for the year then ended and the related notes, which comprise a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information.
Managements Resp onsibility for the Consolidated Financial Statements
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these consolidated financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, and for such internal control as management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of consolidated financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
Auditors' Responsibility
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we comply with ethical requirements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free from material misstatement.
An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditors judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entitys preparation and fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entitys internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements.
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained in our audit is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.
Opinion
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Emgold Mining Corporation and its subsidiaries as at December 31, 2012, and the results of their financial performance and their cash flows for the years then ended in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards.
Emphasis of Matter
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 1 to the financial statements, the Company has suffered recurring losses from operations and has accumulated deficit that raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. Management's plans in regard to these matters are also described in Note 1. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
Other Matter
The financial statements of Emgold Mining Corporation for the year ended December 31, 2011, were audited by another auditor who expressed an unmodified opinion on those statements on April 19, 2012.
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ACCOUNTING
CONSULTING
TAX
|
ii | P a g e |
Emgold Mining Corporation | Statement 1 |
US Dollars
|
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
1 | P a g e |
Emgold Mining Corporation | Statement 2 |
US Dollars
|
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Loss
Year ended | Year ended | ||||||
Note |
31 December 2012 |
31 December 2011 |
|||||
Expenses | |||||||
Exploration and evaluation | |||||||
Resource property expense | (9) | $ | 1,145,129 | $ | 1,293,974 | ||
Stock-based compensation | (10) | 42,200 | 13,166 | ||||
General and administrative | |||||||
Salaries and benefits | 159,679 | 213,358 | |||||
Shareholder communications | 128,043 | 62,202 | |||||
Office and administration | 110,071 | 90,011 | |||||
Stock-based compensation | (10) | 88,501 | 45,812 | ||||
Management and consulting fees | 99,047 | 42,634 | |||||
Professional fees | 85,659 | 175,381 | |||||
Insurance | 17,244 | - | |||||
Amortization | 10,925 | 14,478 | |||||
Listing and filing fees | 3,025 | - | |||||
Travel | 1,688 | - | |||||
Banking costs | 1,088 | - | |||||
Other (income) loss | |||||||
Realized (gain) on sale of marketable securities | (3,311) | - | |||||
Gain on sale of equipment | (3,850) | (1,000) | |||||
Foreign exchange (gain) | (17,309) | (40,297) | |||||
Unrealized (gain) loss on warranty liability | (1,492,098) | 379,336 | |||||
Unrealized loss (gain) on marketable securities | - | 49,005 | |||||
Net Loss and Comprehensive Loss | $ | (375,731) | $ | (2,338,060) | |||
Net Loss per Common Share – Basic and Diluted | $ | (0.01) | $ | (0.06) | |||
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding | 59,089,573 | 40,189,279 |
2 | P a g e |
Emgold Mining Corporation | Statement 3A |
US Dollars
|
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity for the Year Ended 31 December 2011
Shares | Amount | Warrants | Amount | Options | Amount | Deficit |
Shareholders’ Equity |
|||||||
Balance 01 January 2011 | 38,552,444 | $ | 41,490,268 | 21,315,017 | $ | 1,271,008 | 3,113,998 | $ | 6,629,389 | $ | (47,845,089) | $ | 1,545,576 | |
Stock based compensation | - | - | - | - | - | 58,978 | - | 58,978 | ||||||
Net loss and comprehensive loss for the period | - | - | - | - | - | - | (380,185) | (380,185) | ||||||
Balance 31 March 2011 | 38,552,444 | $ | 41,490,268 | 21,315,017 | $ | 1,271,008 | 3,113,998 | $ | 6,688,367 | $ | (48,225,274) | $ | 1,224,369 | |
Warrants expired, unexercised | - | - | (511,500) | (48,520) | - | 48,520 | - | - | ||||||
Net loss and comprehensive loss for the period | - | - | - | - | - | - | (412,693) | (412,693) | ||||||
Balance 30 June 2011 | 38,552,444 | $ | 41,490,268 | 20,803,517 | $ | 1,222,488 | 3,113,998 | $ | 6,736,887 | $ | (48,637,967) | $ | 811,676 | |
Share subscriptions | - | 212,541 | - | - | - | - | - | 212,541 | ||||||
Net loss and comprehensive loss for the period | - | - | - | - | - | - | (689,679) | (689,679) | ||||||
Balance 30 September 2011 | 38,552,444 | $ | 41,702,809 | 20,803,517 | $ | 1,222,488 | 3,113,998 | $ | 6,736,887 | $ | (49,327,646) | $ | 334,538 | |
Shares issued for property | 106,290 | 13,341 | - | - | - | - | - | 13,341 | ||||||
Subscription shares | - | (212,541) | - | - | - | - | - | (212,541) | ||||||
Private placements, less share issue costs | 20,055,770 | 1,314,130 | 18,054,884 | 60,964 | - | - | - | 1,375,094 | ||||||
Warrants expired, unexercised | - | - | (350,000) | (63,835) | - | 63,835 | - | - | ||||||
Options expired | - | - | - | - | (65,500) | - | - | - | ||||||
Options cancelled and forfeited | - | - | - | - | (175,833) | - | - | - | ||||||
Net loss and comprehensive loss for the period | - | - | - | - | - | - | (855,503) | (855,503) | ||||||
Balance 31 December 2011 | 58,714,504 | $ | 42,817,739 | 38,508,401 | $ | 1,219,617 | 2,872,665 | $ | 6,800,722 | $ | (50,183,149) | $ | 654,929 |
3 | P a g e |
Emgold Mining Corporation | Statement 3B |
US Dollars
|
Statement of Changes in Equity for the Year Ended 31 December 2012
Shares | Amount | Warrants | Amount | Options | Amount | Deficit |
Shareholder Equity |
|||||||
Balance 01 January 2012 | 58,714,504 | $ | 42,817,739 | 38,508,401 | $ | 1,219,617 | 2,872,665 | $ | 6,800,722 | $ | (50,183,149) | $ | 654,929 | |
Shares issued for property | 100,000 | 10,000 | - | - | - | - | - | 10,000 | ||||||
Net loss and comprehensive gain for the period | - | - | - | - | - | - | 24,437 | 24,437 | ||||||
Balance 31 March 2012 | 58,814,504 | $ | 42,827,739 | 38,508,401 | $ | 1,219,617 | 2,872,665 | $ | 6,800,722 | $ | (50,158,712) | $ | 689,366 | |
Warrants expired, unexercised | - | - | (3,192,000) | (21,146) | 21,146 | - | - | |||||||
Stock based compensation | - | - | - | - | 2,700,000 | 158,172 | - | 158,172 | ||||||
Net loss and comprehensive loss for the period | - | - | - | - | - | - | (516,751) | (516,751) | ||||||
Balance 30 June 2012 | 58,814,504 | $ | 42,827,739 | 35,316,401 | $ | 1,198,471 | 5,572,665 | $ | 6,980,040 | $ | (50,675,463) | $ | 330,787 | |
Warrants exercised | 70,000 | 7,000 | 7,000 | |||||||||||
Fair value of warrants exercised | - | 203 | (70,000) | (203) | - | - | - | - | ||||||
Warrants expired, unexercised | - | - | (112,000) | (4,246) | - | 4,246 | - | - | ||||||
Share subscriptions | - | 114,289 | - | - | - | - | - | 114,289 | ||||||
Stock based compensation | - | - | - | - | - | 13,413 | - | 13,413 | ||||||
Net loss and comprehensive loss for the period | - | - | - | - | - | - | (406,122) | (406,122) | ||||||
Balance 30 September 2012 | 58,884,504 | $ | 42,949,231 | 35,134,401 | $ | 1,194,022 | 5,572,665 | $ | 6,997,699 | $ | (51,081,585) | $ | 59,367 | |
Private placement issuances | 6,642,857 | 452,041 | 3,321,428 | - | - | - | - | 452,041 | ||||||
Warrants exercised | 1,124,101 | 112,410 | - | - | - | - | - | 112,410 | ||||||
Fair value of warrants exercised | - | 3,260 | (1,124,101) | (3,260) | - | - | - | - | ||||||
Fair value of warrants re-priced | - | - | - | (424,807) | - | - | - | (424,807) | ||||||
Share issuance costs | - | (12,450) | - | - | - | - | - | (12,450) | ||||||
Options expired | - | - | - | - | (603,000) | - | - | - | ||||||
Warrants expired | - | - | (1,835,944) | (79,606) | - | 79,606 | - | - | ||||||
Share subscriptions | - | (114,289) | - | - | - | - | - | (114,289) | ||||||
Share based compensation | - | - | - | - | - | (42,108) | - | (42,108) | ||||||
Net income and comprehensive income for the period | - | - | - | - | - | - | 522,705 | 522,705 | ||||||
Balance 31 December 2012 | 66,651,462 | $ | 43,390,203 | 35,495,784 | $ | 686,349 | 4,969,665 | $ | 7,035,197 | $ | (50,558,880) | $ | 552,869 |
4 | P a g e |
US Dollars
Emgold Mining Corporation
Statement 4
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
Year Ended | Year Ended | ||||||
31 December 2012 |
31 December 2011 |
||||||
Operating Activities | |||||||
Loss for the Year | $ | (375,731) | $ | (2,338,060) | |||
Items not Affecting Cash | |||||||
Stock-based compensation | 130,701 | 58,978 | |||||
Amortization | 10,925 | 14,478 | |||||
Effect of currency translation | (1,066) | (10,791) | |||||
Gain on sale of equipment | (3,850) | (1,000) | |||||
Realized / unrealized loss on marketable securities | 6,831 | 49,005 | |||||
Unrealized (gain) loss on warranty liability | (1,492,098) | 379,336 | |||||
$ | (1,724,288) | $ | (1,848,054) | ||||
Net Change in Non-cash Working Capital | |||||||
Accounts receivable | (5,953) | (65,989) | |||||
Prepaid expenses and deposits | 8,058 | 9,226 | |||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | 403,118 | (25,037) | |||||
Due to/from related parties | 256,085 | 12,905 | |||||
$ | (1,062,980) | $ | (1,916,949) | ||||
Investing Activities | |||||||
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities | 10,240 | - | |||||
Proceeds from sale of equipment | 3,850 | 1,000 | |||||
Acquisition of property | (3,056) | - | |||||
Purchase of reclamation deposit | (9,500) | - | |||||
Resource property expenditures | (419,053) | - | |||||
$ | (417,519) | $ | 1,000 | ||||
Financing Activities | |||||||
Proceeds from share issuances | 589,900 | 1,963,556 | |||||
Share issuance costs | (12,450) | - | |||||
$ | 577,450 | $ | 1,963,556 | ||||
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash | (903,049) | 47,607 | |||||
Cash position – beginning of year | 965,102 | 917,495 | |||||
Cash Position – End of Year | $ | 62,053 | $ | 965,102 | |||
Supplementary Disclosure | |||||||
Cash paid for interest | $ | - | $ | - | |||
Cash paid for income taxes | $ | - | $ | - | |||
Fair value transfer on warrant expiry | $ | 104,998 | $ | 112,355 | |||
Fair value transfer on warrant exercise | $ | 3,463 | $ | - | |||
Shares issued for mineral property | $ | 10,000 | $ | 13,341 |
5 | P a g e |
US Dollars
Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements
Emgold Mining Corporation (“the
Company”) is incorporated under the British Columbia Corporations Act and the principal place of business is located at 1010
- 789 West Pender Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6C 1H2. The Company is in the process of exploring its mineral property
interests and has not yet determined whether its mineral property interests contain mineral reserves that are economically recoverable.
The Company’s shares are traded on the TSX Venture Exchange (“TSX-V”) and the OTCQX.
These consolidated financial statements
have been prepared on the basis of the accounting principles applicable to a going concern, which assumes the Company’s ability
to continue in operation for the foreseeable future and to realize its assets and discharge its liabilities in the normal course
of operations.
There are several adverse conditions
that cast significant doubt upon the soundness of this assumption. The Company has negative working capital, has incurred operating
losses since inception, has no source of revenue, is unable to self-finance operations and has significant on-going cash requirements
to meet its overhead and maintain its mineral interests. Further, the business of mining and exploration involves a high degree
of risk and there can be no assurance that current exploration programs will result in profitable mining operations. The recoverability
of exploration and evaluation assets is dependent upon several factors. These include the discovery of economically recoverable
reserves, the ability of the Company to obtain the necessary financing to complete the development of these properties, and future
profitable production or proceeds from disposition of mineral properties.
For the Company to continue to operate
as a going concern it must obtain additional financing; although the Company has been successful in the past at raising funds,
there can be no assurance that this will continue in the future.
If the going concern assumption were
not appropriate for these consolidated financial statements then adjustments would be necessary to the carrying value of assets
and liabilities, the reported expenses and the statement of financial position classifications used and such adjustments could
be material.
31 December
2012
31 December
2011
These consolidated financial statements
have been prepared in accordance with IFRS and related IFRS Interpretations Committee (“IFRIC’s”) as issued by
the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”). The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on
a historical cost basis, except for financial instruments classified as financial instruments (note 3) at fair value through profit
and loss, which are stated at their fair value. In addition, these consolidated financial statements have been prepared using the
accrual basis of accounting except for cash flow information.
The policies set out were consistently
applied to all the periods presented unless otherwise noted below. The preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance
with IAS 1 requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires management to exercise judgment in applying
the Company’s accounting policies.
US Dollars
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
The preparation of consolidated financial statements
requires management to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of policies and reported amounts
of assets and liabilities, profit and expenses. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and
various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making
the judgments about carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results
may differ from these estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions
are reviewed on an on-going basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised
if the revision affects only that period or in the period of the revision and further periods if the revision affects both current
and future periods.
The functional and reporting currency
of the Company is the United States dollar.
The consolidated financial statements
have been prepared under the historical cost convention, except for the revaluation of certain financial instruments. The Company's
principal accounting policies are outlined below:
These
consolidated financial statements incorporate the financial statements of the Company and the entities controlled by the Company.
These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries:
Control
exists when the Company has the power, directly or indirectly, to govern the financial and operating policies of an entity so as
to obtain benefits from its activities. The financial statements of subsidiaries are included in the consolidated financial statements
from the date that control commences until the date that control ceases. All significant intercompany transactions and balances
have been eliminated.
Non-controlling
interest in the net assets of consolidated subsidiaries are identified separately from the Company’s equity. Non-controlling
interest consists of the non-controlling interest at the date of the original business combination plus the non-controlling interest’s
share of changes in equity since the date of acquisition. The Company has no non-controlling interests.
Acquisitions
of subsidiaries and businesses are accounted for using the purchase method. The cost of the business combination is measured as
the aggregate of the fair values (at the date of exchange) of assets given, liabilities incurred or assumed, and equity instruments
issued by the Company in exchange for control of the acquiree, plus any costs directly attributable to the business combination.
The acquiree's identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities that meet the conditions for recognition under IFRS
3 Business Combinations are recognised at their fair values at the acquisition date, except for non-current assets (or disposal
groups) that are classified as held for sale in accordance with IFRS 5 Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations,
which are recognised and measured at fair value less costs to sell.
Goodwill
arising on acquisition is recognised as an asset and initially measured at cost, being the excess of the cost of the business combination
over the Company's interest in the net fair value of the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities recognised.
US Dollars
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
If
the Company's interest in the net fair value of the acquiree's identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities exceeds
the cost of the business combination, the excess is recognised immediately in profit or loss. The interest of non-controlling shareholders
in the acquiree is initially measured at the non-controlling shareholders' proportion of the net fair value of the assets, liabilities
and contingent liabilities recognised.
These
consolidated financial statements are presented in United States dollars (“$”), which is the Company’s functional
and presentation currency. References to CDN$ represent Canadian dollars. The functional currency for the Company’s subsidiaries
is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates which is United States dollars. Transactions entered
into by the Company’s subsidiary in a currency other than the currency of the primary economic environment in which it operates
(its "functional currency") are recorded at the rates ruling when the transactions occur except depreciation and depletion
which are translated at the rates of exchange applicable to the related assets, with any gains or losses recognized in the consolidated
statements of loss and comprehensive loss.
Foreign
currency monetary assets and liabilities are translated at current rates of exchange with the resulting gain or losses recognized
in the consolidated statements of comprehensive loss. Exchange differences arising on the retranslation of unsettled monetary assets
and liabilities are recognized immediately in the consolidated statement of loss and comprehensive loss. Non-monetary assets and
liabilities are translated using historical exchange rates. Non-monetary assets and liabilities measured at fair value in a foreign
currency are translated using the exchange rate at the date when the fair value is determined.
The
preparation of these consolidated financial statements, in conformity with IFRS, requires management to make estimates and assumptions
that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the
consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.
The
Company’s key estimates relate to the valuation and estimated useful lives of equipment, the measurement of stock-based compensation,
the valuation of warrants, the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets and liabilities, valuation and recoverability of resource
properties, and the valuation of shares issued for resource property. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
Depreciation
and depletion of property, plant and equipment assets are dependent upon estimates of useful lives and reserve estimates, both
of which are determined with the exercise of judgment. The assessment of any impairment of property, plant and equipment is dependent
upon estimates of recoverable amounts taking into account factors such as reserves, economic and market conditions and the useful
lives of assets. Provisions for environmental rehabilitations are recognised in the period in which they arise and are stated as
the fair value of estimated future costs.
The
Company bases its estimates and assumptions on current facts, historical experience, and various other factors that it believes
to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of
assets and liabilities and the accrual of costs and expenses that are not readily apparent from other sources. These estimates
require the extensive use of judgment about the nature, cost and timing of the work to be completed, and may change with future
changes to costs, environmental laws and regulations and remediation practices. The actual results experienced by the Company may
differ materially and adversely from the Company’s estimates. To the extent there are material differences between the estimates
and the actual results, future results of operations will be affected.
US Dollars
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
The
Company grants stock options to buy common shares of the Company to directors, officers, employees and service providers. The Board
of Directors grants such options for periods of up to five years, with vesting periods determined at its sole discretion and at
prices equal to or greater than the closing market price on the day preceding the date the options were granted.
The
fair value of the options is measured at grant date, using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, and is recognized over the period
that the options are earned. The fair value is recognized as an expense with a corresponding increase in equity. The amount recognized
as expense is adjusted to reflect the number of share options expected to vest.
All
financial instruments must be recognized, initially, at fair value on the consolidated statement of financial position. The Company
has classified each financial instrument into the following categories: “fair value through profit or loss,” “loans
and receivables,” and “other liabilities.” Subsequent measurement of the financial instruments is based on their
respective classification. Unrealized gains and losses on held for trading instruments are recognized in earnings. The other categories
of financial instruments are recognized at amortized cost using the effective interest method. The Company had made the following
classifications:
Income
tax expense comprises current and deferred tax. Income tax is recognized in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income
(loss) except to the extent it relates to items recognized in other comprehensive income or directly in equity.
Current
income tax
Current
tax expense is based on the results for the period as adjusted for items that are not taxable or not deductible. Current tax is
calculated using tax rates and laws that were enacted or substantively enacted at the end of the reporting period. Management periodically
evaluates positions taken in tax returns with respect to situations in which applicable tax regulation is subject to interpretation.
Provisions are established where appropriate on the basis of amounts expected to be paid to the tax authorities.
US Dollars
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
Deferred
tax
Deferred
taxes are the taxes expected to be payable or recoverable between the carrying amounts of assets in the consolidated statement
of financial position and their corresponding tax bases used in the computation of taxable profit, and are accounted for using
the balance sheet liability method. Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognized for all taxable temporary differences between
the carrying amounts of assets and their corresponding tax bases. Deferred tax assets are recognized to the extent that it is probable
that taxable profits will be available against which deductible temporary differences can be utilized. Such assets and liabilities
are not recognized if the temporary difference arises from the initial recognition of goodwill or from the initial recognition
(other than in a business combination) of other assets in a transaction that affects neither the taxable profit nor the accounting
profit.
Deferred
tax liabilities:
Deferred
tax assets:
Basic
earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing the net earnings (loss) available to common shareholders by the weighted average
number of shares outstanding during the reporting year. Diluted earnings per share is computed similar to basic earnings per share
except that the weighted average shares outstanding are increased to include additional shares for the assumed exercise of stock
options and warrants, if dilutive. The number of additional shares is calculated by assuming that outstanding stock options and
warrants were exercised if in the money and that the proceeds from such exercises were used to acquire common stock at the average
market price during the reporting periods.
Comprehensive
profit (loss) is the change in the Company's net assets that results from transactions, events and circumstances from sources other
than the Company's shareholders and includes items that would not normally be included in net profit such as unrealized gains or
losses on available-for-sale investments, gains or losses on certain derivative instruments and foreign currency gains or losses
related to self-sustaining operations. The Company's comprehensive profit (loss) is presented in the Consolidated Statements of
Comprehensive Profit (Loss) and the Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity.
US Dollars
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
Plant
and equipment assets are depreciated using the straight-line method based on estimated useful lives, which generally range from
1 to 5 years. Land is not depreciated.
Where
an item of plant and equipment is comprised of major components with different useful lives, the components are accounted for as
separate items of plant and equipment. Expenditures incurred to replace a component of an item of property, plant and equipment
that is accounted for separately, including major inspection and overhaul expenditures, are capitalized. Directly attributable
expenses incurred for major capital projects and site preparation are capitalized until the asset is brought to a working condition
for its intended use. These costs include dismantling and site restoration costs to the extent these are recognized as a provision.
The
cost of self-constructed assets includes the cost of materials, direct labour and an appropriate portion of normal overheads.
The
costs of day-to-day servicing are recognized in profit or loss as incurred. These costs are more commonly referred to as "maintenance
and repairs."
Financing
costs directly associated with the construction or acquisition of qualifying assets are capitalized at interest rates relating
to loans specifically raised for that purpose, or at the average borrowing rate where the general pool of group borrowings is utilized.
Capitalization of borrowing costs ceases when the asset is substantially complete.
The
depreciation method, useful life and residual values are assessed annually.
Leased
assets
Leases
in which the Company assumes substantially all risks and rewards of ownership are classified as finance leases. Finance leases
are recognized at the lower of the fair value and the present value of the minimum lease payments at inception of the lease, less
accumulated depreciation and impairment losses.
Subsequent
costs
The
cost of replacing part of an item within property, plant and equipment is recognized when the cost is incurred if it is probable
that the future economic benefits will flow to the Company and the cost of the item can be measured reliably. All other costs are
recognized as an expense as incurred.
Impairment
The
Company's tangible and intangible assets are reviewed for an indication of impairment at each statement of financial position date.
If indication of impairment exists, the asset's recoverable amount is estimated.
An
impairment loss is recognized when the carrying amount of an asset, or its cash-generating unit, exceeds its recoverable amount.
A cash-generating unit is the smallest identifiable group of assets that generates cash inflows that are largely independent of
the cash inflows from other assets or groups of assets. Impairment losses are recognized in profit and loss for the period.
Impairment
losses recognized in respect of cash-generating units are allocated first to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated
to cash-generating units and then to reduce the carrying amount of the other assets in the unit on a pro-rata basis.
US Dollars
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
The
recoverable amount is the greater of the asset's fair value less costs to sell and value in use. In assessing value in use, the
estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments
of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset. For an asset that does not generate largely independent cash inflows,
the recoverable amount is determined for the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs.
Reversal
of impairment
An
impairment loss is reversed if there is an indication that there has been a change in the estimates used to determine the recoverable
amount. An impairment loss is reversed only to the extent that the asset's carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount
that would have been determined, net of depreciation or amortization, if no impairment loss had been recognized. An impairment
loss with respect to goodwill is never reversed.
The
Company is currently in the exploration stage with all of its mineral interests. Exploration and evaluation costs include the costs
of acquiring licenses, costs incurred to explore and evaluate properties, and the fair value, upon acquisition, of mineral properties
acquired in a business combination.
Exploration
and evaluation expenditures are expensed in the period they are incurred except for expenditures associated with the acquisition
of exploration and evaluation assets through a business combination or an asset acquisition. Significant property acquisition costs
are capitalized only to the extent that such costs can be directly attributed to an area of interest where it is considered likely
to be recoverable by future exploitation or sale. Development costs relating to specific properties are capitalized once management
has made a development decision.
From
time to time, the Company may acquire or dispose of mineral interests pursuant to the terms of option agreements. Due to the fact
that options are exercisable entirely at the discretion of the optionee, the amounts payable or receivable are not recorded. Option
payments are recorded in the period that the payments are made or received. The Company does not accrue costs to maintain mineral
interests in good standing.
Restoration
provisions
The
Company recognizes liabilities for legal obligations associated with the reclamation or rehabilitation of mineral property interests
that the Company is required to settle. The Company recognizes the fair value of liabilities for such obligations in the year in
which they occur or in the year in which a reasonable estimate of such costs can be made. The obligation is recorded as a liability
with a corresponding charge to operations. The Company has determined that it has no material restoration obligations as at 31
December 2012.
An
impairment loss is reversed if there is an indication that there has been a positive change in the estimates used to determine
the recoverable amount. An impairment loss is reversed only to the extent that the asset's carrying amount does not exceed the
carrying amount that would have been determined, net of depreciation or amortization, if no impairment loss had been recognized.
An impairment loss with respect to goodwill is never reversed.
Cash
and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand, deposits in banks and highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three
months or less.
US Dollars
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
The
Company recognizes liabilities for statutory, contractual, constructive or legal obligations associated with the retirement of
property, plant and equipment when those obligations result from the acquisition, construction, development or normal operation
of the assets. The net present value of future rehabilitation cost estimates is capitalized along with a corresponding increase
in the rehabilitation provision in the period incurred. Discount rates using a pre-tax rate that reflect the time value of money
are used to calculate the net present value. The rehabilitation asset is depreciated on the same basis as mining assets.
The
Company's estimates of reclamation costs could change as a result of changes in regulatory requirements and assumptions regarding
the amount and timing of the future expenditures. These changes are recorded directly to mining assets with a corresponding entry
to the rehabilitation provision. The Company's estimates are reviewed annually for changes in regulatory requirements, effects
of inflation and changes in estimates.
Changes
in the net present value, excluding changes in the Company's estimates of reclamation costs, are charged to profit and loss for
the period.
The
costs of rehabilitation projects that were included in the rehabilitation provision are recorded against the provision as incurred.
The cost of on-going current programs to prevent and control pollution is charged against profit and loss as incurred.
Provisions
are recorded when a present legal or constructive obligation exists as a result of past events where it is probable that an outflow
of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation, and a reliable estimate of the amount of the
obligation can be made.
The
amount recognized as a provision is the best estimate of the consideration required to settle the present obligation at the statement
of financial position date, taking into account the risks and uncertainties surrounding the obligation. Where a provision is measured
using the cash flows estimated to settle the present obligation, its carrying amount is the present value of those cash flows.
When some or all of the economic benefits required to settle a provision are expected to be recovered from a third party, the receivable
is recognized as an asset if it is virtually certain that reimbursement will be received and the amount receivable can be measured
reliably.
Decommissioning
liabilities include an estimate of the future cost associated with the abandonment and reclamation of property and equipment, discounted
to its present value, and capitalized as part of the cost of that asset. The estimated costs are based on the present value of
the expenditure expected to be incurred. Changes in the discount rate, estimated timing of decommissioning costs, or cost estimates
are dealt with prospectively by recording a change in estimate, and a corresponding adjustment to equipment. The accretion on the
decommissioning provision is included in the consolidated statement of comprehensive loss.
Actual
expenditures incurred are charged against the decommissioning liability.
Debt
and equity instruments are classified as either financial liabilities or as equity in accordance with the substance of the contractual
arrangement.
An
equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of an entity after deducting all of its liabilities.
Equity instruments issued by the Company are recorded at the proceeds received, net of direct issue costs.
US Dollars
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
Other
financial liabilities are initially measured at fair value, net of transaction costs, and are subsequently measured at amortized
cost using the effective interest method, with interest expense recognized on an effective yield basis.
The
effective interest method is a method of calculating the amortized cost of a financial liability and of allocating interest expenses
over the corresponding period. The effective interest rate is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash payments over
the expected life of the financial liability, or, where appropriate, a shorter period.
The
Company derecognizes financial liabilities when, and only when, the Company’s obligations are discharged, cancelled or they
expire.
Canadian
tax legislation permits a company to issue flow-through shares whereby the deduction for tax purposes relating to qualified resource
expenditures is claimed by the investors rather than the Company. Recording these expenditures for accounting purposes gives rise
to taxable temporary differences. A liability is recognized for the premium on the flow-through shares and is subsequently reversed
as the Company incurs qualifying Canadian exploration expenses. When flow-through expenditures are renounced to the investors,
a portion of the deferred income tax assets that were not recognized in previous years, due to the recording of a deferred tax
asset not recognized, are recognized as a recovery of income taxes in the statement of comprehensive loss.
In the application of the Company’s
accounting policies, which are described in note 3, management is required to make judgments, estimates and assumptions about the
carrying amount and classification of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and
associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results
may differ from these estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions
are reviewed on an on-going basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognized in the period in which the estimate is revised
if the revisions affect only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods, if the revision affects both current
and future periods.
The following are the critical judgments
and areas involving estimates, that management have made in the process of applying the Company’s accounting policies and
that have the most significant effect on the amount recognized in the consolidated financial statements.
Going
concern assumption
These
consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the basis of the accounting principles applicable to a going concern, which
assumes the Company’s ability to continue in operation for the foreseeable future and to realize its assets and discharge
its liabilities in the normal course of operations. There are several adverse conditions that cast significant doubt upon the soundness
of this assumption. Refer to note 1 for more details.
Determination
of functional currency
In
accordance with IAS 21,
The Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates
, management determined that the functional currency
of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries is the US dollar.
US Dollars
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
Mineral
Properties
The
company owns land and surface rights which is part of the Idaho-Maryland property in the amount of $747,219. This land is adjacent
to the property which the company leases that expired on February 1, 2013 (see note 16). The company assessed that no impairment
was necessary on the land and surface rights that they own as they are still negotiating to extend the lease however if the lease
were not extended the land will still be of value as its location is strategic to the operating of the surface mine.
Useful
life of plant and equipment
As
discussed in note 3, the Company reviews the estimated lives of its plant and equipment at the end of each reporting period. There
were no material changes in the lives of plant and equipment for the years ended 31 December 2012 and 2011.
Decommissioning
liability
The
estimated costs are reviewed annually by management including changes in the discount rate, estimated timing of decommissioning
costs, or cost estimates.
Share
based payments and fair value of warrants
Management
assesses the fair value of stock options granted in accordance with the accounting policy stated in note 3. The fair value of stock
options granted is measured using the Black-Scholes option valuation model (“BkS”), which was created for use in estimating
the fair value of freely tradable, fully transferable options. The Company’s stock options have characteristics significantly
different from those of traded options, and changes in the highly subjective input assumptions can materially affect the calculated
values. The fair value of stock options granted using the BkS do not necessarily provide a reliable measure of the fair value of
the Company’s stock option awards. The same model is used by the Company is order to arrive at a fair value for the issuance
of warrants.
Income
taxes
Provisions
for income taxes are made using the best estimate of the amount expected to be paid based on a qualitative assessment of all relevant
factors. The Company reviews the adequacy of these provisions at the end of the reporting period. However, it is possible that
at some future date an additional liability could result from audits by taxing authorities. Where the final outcome of these tax-related
matters is different from the amounts that were originally recorded, such differences will affect the tax provisions in the period
in which such determination is made.
Exploration
and evaluation asset
The
Company makes certain estimates and assumptions regarding the recoverability of the carrying values of exploration and evaluation
assets. These assumptions are changed when conditions exist that indicate the carrying value may be impaired, at which time an
impairment loss is recorded.
US Dollars
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
The following accounting standards
have been issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) but are not yet effective for the Company;
both the effective date and the expected impact are noted, based on the information currently available.
The
Standard is effective for annual periods beginning on or after 01 January 2013, with earlier adoption permitted. The Company has
not early-adopted the standard and is currently assessing the impact it will have on the consolidated financial statements.
The
Standard is effective for annual periods beginning on or after 01 January 2015, with earlier adoption permitted. The standard is
the first part of a multi-phase project to replace IAS 39,
Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement
. The Company
has not early-adopted the standard and is currently assessing the impact it will have on the consolidated financial statements.
IFRS
10 establishes principles for the presentation and preparation of consolidated financial statements when an entity controls one
or more other entities. IFRS 10 supersedes IAS 27, Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements” and Standing Interpretation
Committee (“SIC”)-12 “Consolidation – Special Purpose Entities,” and is effective for annual periods
beginning on or after 01 January 2013. Earlier application is permitted. The Company does not expect the standard to have a material
impact on its consolidated financial statements.
IFRS
11 establishes principles for financial reporting by parties to a joint arrangement. IFRS 11 supersedes current IAS 31,
Interests
in Joint Ventures
and SIC-13,
Jointly Controlled Entities-Non – Monetary Contributions by Venturers
and is effective
for annual periods beginning on or after 01 January 2013. Earlier application is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating
the impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements.
IFRS
12 applies to entities that have an interest in a subsidiary, a joint arrangement, an associate or an unconsolidated structured
entity. IFRS 12 is effective for annual periods beginning on or after 01 January 2013. Earlier application is permitted. The Company
is currently evaluating the impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements.
IFRS
13 defines fair value, sets out a single IFRS framework for measuring value and requires disclosures about fair value measurements.
IFRS 13 applies to IFRSs that require or permit fair value measurements or disclosures about fair value measurements (and measurements,
such as fair value less costs to sell, based on fair value or disclosures about those measurements), except in specified circumstances.
IFRS 13 is to be applied for annual periods beginning on or after 01 January 2013. Earlier adoption is permitted. The Company is
currently evaluating the impact of the standard on its consolidated financial statements.
US Dollars
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
The
amendments introduce changes to presentation of items of other comprehensive income. The amendments require that an entity present
separately the items of other comprehensive income that would be reclassified to profit and loss in the future if certain conditions
are met from those that would never be reclassified to profit and loss. The amendments are to be applied effective 01 July 2012
and may be early adopted. The amendments are to be applied retroactively in accordance with IAS 8, Accounting Policies, Changes
in Accounting Estimates and Errors. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the amendments on its consolidated financial
statements.
The
amended standard introduces various changes in accounting and disclosure requirements for defined benefit plans. The amended standard
also finalizes proposals on accounting for termination benefits; under the amended standard the termination benefits are recognized
at the earlier of when the entity recognizes costs for a restructuring within the scope of IAS 37,
Provisions, Contingent Liabilities
and Contingent Assets
, that includes the payment of a termination benefit, and when the entity can no longer withdraw the offer
of the termination benefit. The amended standard is to be applied for periods beginning on or after 01 January 2013. Early adoption
is permitted. The amendments to the standard do not impact the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
IAS
27, "
Separate financial statements
" (IAS 27) was re-issued by the IASB in May 2011 to only prescribe the accounting
and disclosure requirements for investments in subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates when an entity prepares separate financial
statements. The consolidation guidance will now be included in IFRS 10. The amendments to IAS 27 are effective for annual periods
beginning on or after 01 January 2013. The standard does not impact the consolidated financial statements.
The
standard was updated to incorporate the accounting for joint ventures because the equity method is now applicable to both joint
ventures and associates. The disclosure requirements from IAS 28 (as revised in 2003) have been included in IFRS 12.
IAS
32, “
Financial Instruments: Presentation”
provides further clarity around details relating to the right of set-off
and the application of offsetting criteria under certain circumstances. The amendments to IAS 27 are effective for annual periods
beginning on or after 01 January 2014. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this standard on the consolidated financial
statements.
IFRIC
20 is a new interpretation on the accounting for waste removal activities. The interpretation considers when and how to account
separately for the benefits arising from a stripping activity, as well as how to measure such benefit. The interpretation generally
requires that costs from a stripping activity which improve access to ore to be recognized as a non-current asset when certain
criteria are met and should be accounted as an addition to the related asset. The Company does not expect the standard to impact
its consolidated financial statements.
US Dollars
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
Financial
instruments of the Company are carried on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position at amortized cost with the exception
of cash, marketable securities and warrant liability, which are carried at fair value. There are no significant differences between
the carrying value of financial instruments and their estimated fair values as at 31 December 2012 due to the immediate or short-term
maturities of the financial instruments.
The
fair value of the Company’s cash and marketable securities are quoted in active markets. The Company classifies the fair
value of these transactions according to the following hierarchy:
Level
1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical financial instruments.
Level
2 – quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets
that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs and significant and significant value drivers
are observable in active markets.
Level
3 – valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are
unobservable.
The
Company’s cash and cash equivalents have been assessed using the fair value hierarchy described above and classified as Level
1. The warrant liability has been classified as Level 3.
The
Company’s financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, amounts receivable, due to/from related parties, marketable
securities, deposits, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, and warrant liability. At 31 December 2012, the carrying value
of cash, marketable securities, and warrant liability is fair value. Amounts receivable, due to/from related parties deposits and
accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate their fair value due to their short-term nature.
Market
risk is the risk that changes in market prices will affect the Company’s earnings or the value of its financial instruments.
Market risk is comprised of commodity price risk and interest rate risk. The objective of market risk management is to manage and
control exposures within acceptable limits, while maximizing returns. The Company is not exposed to significant market risk.
Credit
risk is the risk that one party to a financial instrument will fail to discharge an obligation and cause the other party to incur
a financial loss. The Company’s primary exposure to credit risk is on its bank accounts. The Company’s bank accounts
are held with major banks in Canada, accordingly the Company believes it is not exposed to significant credit risk.
Interest
rate risk is the risk of losses that arise as a result of changes in contracted interest rates. The Company is nominally exposed
to interest rate risk.
US Dollars
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
Currency
risk is the risk that the fair value of future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in foreign
exchange rates. To manage this risk the Company maintains only the minimum amount of foreign cash required to fund its on-going
exploration expenditures. The Company is not exposed to significant foreign currency risk, as a 5% shift in foreign exchange rates
would result in an impact of $2,700. At 31 December 2012 the Company held currency totalling the following:
31 December
2012
31 December
2011
Liquidity
risk arises through the excess of financial obligations over available financial assets due at any point in time. The Company’s
objective in managing liquidity risk is to maintain sufficient readily available reserves in order to meet its liquidity requirements
at any point in time. As the Company has no significant source of cash flows this is a significant risk.
Pursuant to the terms of the Lease
and Option to Purchase Agreement, on 13 January 2011, Valterra issued to the Company 50,000 units consisting of one common share
and one share purchase warrant per unit. Each warrant entitles the holder to purchase one common share of Valterra at $0.10 for
a five year period. On the date of issue the common shares were valued at $3,268 and the warrants were valued at $1,637 using the
Black‑Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions: 2 year term, 99% volatility, risk free interest rate of
1.64% and a dividend rate of Nil.
Pursuant to an amendment of the Lease
and Option to Purchase Agreement, on 08 February 2011, Valterra issued to the Company 600,000 units consisting of one common share
and one share purchase warrant per unit. Each warrant entitles the holder to purchase one common share of Valterra at $0.10 for
a two year period. On the date of issue the common shares were valued at $42,870 and the warrants were valued at $18,301 using
the Black‑Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions: 2 year term, 99% volatility, risk free interest rate
of 1.64% and a dividend rate of Nil.
As at 31 March 2012, the common shares
and warrants of Valterra were revalued at fair market value of $16,627 resulting in an unrealized loss on marketable securities
of $1,437. The $2,585 fair value of the warrants was determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following
weighted average assumptions: 1.46 year term, 135% volatility, risk free interest rate of 1.01% and a dividend rate of Nil.
During the quarter ended 31 December
2012, the Company liquidated all marketable securities resulting in a realized loss of $6,831. The Company still holds a nominal
number of warrants issued from Valterra; their value is not material and has not been included in the records of the Company.
US Dollars
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
US Dollars
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
Buckskin
Rawhide &
Koegel
Stewart
Property
747,219
25,233
199,667
115,301
1,087,420
-
13,819
-
(52,257)
747,219
39,052
199,667
49,225
1,035,163
In
fiscal 2002, the Company renegotiated a lease with the owners of the Idaho-Maryland Property (“I-M Property”) and surrounding
areas in the Grass Valley Mining District, California.
The
owners granted to the Company the exclusive right and option to purchase all of the leased property. The property is subject to
a 3% Net Smelter Royalty (“NSR”) from production if the property is still being leased. Any royalty payments made prior
to exercising the purchase option may be deducted from the purchase price. During the year ended 31 December 2010, the Company
extended the lease and option agreement from 01 February 2011, for an additional two years to 01 February 2013. Lease payments
during the extension period are $30,000 per quarter. In conjunction with the extension, the lessors agreed to defer payments for
2010 totalling $120,000. Under the terms of the deferral, this amount was added to the purchase price of the I‑M Property,
the first instalment of which becomes due on 01 February 2013. The $120,000 will be subject to interest calculated at 5.25% compounded
annually. Provided that payments are kept current, the Company may purchase the property at any time. The purchase price at 01
February 2013, would be $6,154,717.
On
01 February 2013, subsequent to year ended 2012, the Lease Option to Purchase Agreement for 91 acres of surface rights and 2,750
aces of mineral rights associated with the I-M Property expired. The Company is in negotiations with the owners to extend this
Agreement. Refer to note 16 for further details.
In
November 2009 the Company entered into a lease and option to purchase agreement to acquire 100% of the rights to the Buckskin Rawhide
East mineral claims (46 claims), a gold prospect located near Fallon, Nevada. The Company agreed to lease the property from Nevada
Sunrise, LLC subject to the following advance royalty payments: $10,000 annually for the years 2009 to 2011; $20,000 in 2012; $40,000
in 2013, and $60,000 from 2014 to 2019. During the lease period, the Company could conduct exploration and, if warranted, complete
a NI 43-101 compliant feasibility study. On completion of the feasibility study, the Company could acquire 100% ownership of the
property by paying Nevada Sunrise, LLC an additional amount of $250,000. Nevada Sunrise, LLC was required to use these funds to
purchase a retained 25% interest in the property from Maurice and Lorraine Castagne, pursuant to an underlying property agreement,
and to transfer that title to the Company. Upon commercial production and after acquisition of 100% interest in the property, Nevada
Sunrise, LLC will be entitled to a 2.5% NSR on production from the property. The annual lease payments of $10,000 due in December
2011 and 2010 were paid by the issuance of 106,290 and 49,424 common shares, respectively.
On
11 April 2011, the Company announced it had staked six additional claims, increasing the size of the Buckskin Rawhide East Property
to 52 claims.
US Dollars
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
On
24 January 2012, the Company signed a Lease and Option to Purchase Agreement with Jeremy C. Wire to acquire the PC and RH mineral
claims, located 0.3 miles west of Emgold’s existing Buckskin Rawhide Property, in Mineral County, Nevada. The PC and RH claims,
called Buckskin Rawhide West, comprise 21 unpatented lode mining claims totalling 420 acres. Pursuant to the lease agreement, advance
royalty payments will be payable by the Company to Jeremy C. Wire in the amount of $10,000 per year during years 2013 to 2014,
$20,000 in 2015 and $30,000 per year in years 2016 to 2018. Payments may be made in cash or shares, based on the discretion of
the Company or the owner, depending on the Year. In 2012, consideration in the amounts of $5,000 cash and $5,000 equivalent in
common shares (50,000 shares) was paid, as per the Agreement, upon TSX-Venture Exchange approval.
On
14 and 19 November 2012, the Company announced a series of transactions involving its Buckskin Rawhide East Property in Nevada.
The Company announced it had signed an Option Agreement to complete an early buyout of all underlying property rights, including
royalty rights, for its Buckskin Rawhide East Property. The Option provides that Emgold will pay two arm’s length parties
(Nevada Sunrise LLC and the Castagne) an aggregate of $510,000 to allow the Company to consolidate a 100% interest in the 52 unpatented
mineral claims, totalling 835 acres, that make up Buckskin Rawhide East Property. The Company also announced that it had signed
an Agreement with Rawhide Mining LLC (“RMC”) pursuant to which the Company would issue to RMC, on a private placement
basis, shares and warrants in an amount of CDN$1.0 million, part of which would be used to fund the above transaction. Also pursuant
to the Agreement, upon completion of the title transfer of the 100% of the Buckskin Rawhide East Property to Emgold. the Company
will subsequently lease the property to RMC. This transaction is occurring in a number of steps.
On
28 December 2012, the Company announced the first step of the above transaction. The first tranche of the private placement was
closed for proceeds totalling CDN$465,000. A total of $400,000 from this tranche of the financing was used to acquire a 100% interest
in 6 unpatented mining claims and a 75% interest in 40 unpatented mineral claims, including royalty interests, from one of the
underlying property owners mentioned above.
Subsequent
to year end 2012, on 01 February 2013, Emgold announced the closing of the second step of the above transaction, which included
a second private placement, for proceeds of CDN$285,000. The Company is currently working on the third step of the transaction,
which will involve the acquisition of the remaining 25% of 40 unpatented mineral claims that make up part of the Buckskin Rawhide
East Property. As part of this step, the remaining CDN$250,000 private placement will be completed with RMC, of which $110,000
will be used to acquire the 25% interest.
The
fourth and final step with RMC will involve completion of a Lease Agreement. RMC has agreed to lease the Buckskin Rawhide East
Property from Emgold based on the following terms:
US Dollars
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
The
Company has met all commitments on this property as of the year ended 31 December 2012 and up to the date of this report, and issued
118,000 common shares subsequent to year end.
On
13 February, 2013, the Company announced it had signed a Lease and Option to Purchase Agreement with Jeremy C. Wire to acquire
the RHT and GEL claims, located four miles south of the Company’s Buckskin Rawhide Claims in Mineral County, Nevada. The
RHT and GEL claims “Koegel Rawhide Property” comprise 19 unpatented lode mining claims totalling 380 acres. Pursuant
to the lease agreement, advance royalty payment will be payable by the Company to Jeremy C. Wire in the amount of $10,000 per year
during years 2013 to 2014, $20,000 in 2015 and $30,000 per year in years 2016 to 2018. Payments may be made in cash or shares,
based on the discretion of the Company or the owner, depending on the Year. In 2012, consideration payable in the amounts of $5,000
cash and $5,000 equivalent in common shares (50,000 shares) were paid, as per the Agreement, upon TSX-Venture Exchange Approval.
On
15 February 2012, the Company announced it has staked an additional 17 unpatented claims to expand this property to 36 unpatented
mineral claims totalling 720 acres.
The
Company has met all commitments on this property as of the year ended 31 December 2012 and up to the date of this report, and issued
118,000 common shares subsequent to year end.
In
2000, the Company entered into an option agreement to acquire the rights to the Rozan Gold Property, a prospect located in British
Columbia. The Company holds a 100% interest in the property, subject to a 3.0% NSR. The Company has the right to purchase 66% of
the royalty for the sum of CDN$1,000,000 and has the first right of refusal to purchase the remaining 33%.
During
the year ended 31 December 2010, the Company entered into a Lease and Option to Purchase Agreement (the “Agreement”)
with Valterra Resource Corporation (“Valterra”). The Agreement called for cumulative work commitments of $1,000,000
over 5 years, with a commitment of $50,000 in 2010, $200,000 in 2011, and $250,000 in each of years 3 to 5.
In
January 2012, after failing to meet its work commitments on the Rozan Gold Property, Valterra announced that it has elected to
terminate the Agreement with the Company and the property was returned to Emgold.
Pursuant
to an option agreement entered into in 2001 and completed in 2008, the Company acquired the rights to the Stewart mineral claims,
a prospect located close to Nelson in south eastern British Columbia. The Company holds a 100% right, title and interest in and
to the property, subject only to a 3% NSR payable to the optionors. The Company has the right to purchase 66% of the royalty for
the sum of CDN$1,000,000 and has the first right of refusal to purchase the remaining 33%. The Company has staked 21 claims contiguous
to the Stewart Property located in south-eastern British Columbia.
US Dollars
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
Cumulative
Total of
31 December
2012
US Dollars
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
Unlimited
- Number of common shares without par value
Unlimited
-Number of preference shares without par value
In
December 2012 the Company closed the first tranche of a private placement, issuing 6,642,857 Units at CDN$0.07 per Unit for gross
proceeds of CDN$465,000. Each Unit consists of one common share of the Company and one half common share purchase warrant. Each
full warrant entitles the holder to purchase, for a period of 24 months, one additional common share at a price of CDN$0.12 per
share. No finder’s fees were payable in connection with this part of the financing. The share issued, along with any shares
issued upon the exercise of warrants, will be subject to a four month and one day hold period, expiring 29 April 2013.
In
December 2011 the Company completed a non-brokered private placement of flow-through units for gross proceeds of $767,750. A total
of 5,905,769 units were issued at a price of CDN$0.13 per unit. Each unit consists of one “flow-through” common share
of the Company and one half of one common share purchase warrant. Each warrant entitles the holder to purchase, for a period of
18 months, one additional common share of the Company at a price of CDN$0.20 per share. The share purchase warrants were valued
using a Black-Scholes option pricing model using the following assumptions: weighted average risk free interest rate of 1.23%,
volatility factors of 109% and an expected life of 2 years. The total value ascribed to the share purchase warrants was $117,359.
A $NIL flow-through premium related to this private placement.
Finder’s
fees of CDN$49,920 and 383,999 finder’s warrants were awarded in relation to the flow‑through financing. The finder’s
warrants entitle the holder to purchase, for a period of 18 months, one additional common share of the Company - 269,230 are exercisable
at a price of CDN$0.15 and 114,769 are exercisable at a price of CDN$0.20. The finder warrants were valued using a Black-Scholes
option pricing model using the following assumptions: weighted average risk free interest rate of 1.23%, volatility factors of
109% and an expected life of 1.5 years. The total value ascribed to the finder's warrants was $18,514. The Company has filed the
renunciation of flow‑expenditures as required by the Canadian tax authorities.
The
Shares issued in connection with these non-brokered private placements, including any issued on the exercise of the warrants, will
be subject to a minimum hold period of four months.
US Dollars
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
The
Company has a rolling stock option plan for its directors and employees to acquire common shares of the Company at a price determined
by the fair market value of the shares at the date of grant. The maximum aggregate number of common shares reserved for issuance
pursuant to the plan is 10% of the issued and outstanding common shares.
Stock
option activity during the year is summarized as follows:
31 December
2012
Weighted
average
exercise
price
31 December
2011
Weighted
average
exercise
price
Details
of stock options outstanding as at 31 December 2012 are as follows:
Exercise
Price (CDN$)
31 December
2012
31 December
2011
The
outstanding options have a weighted-average exercise price of $0.19 (31 December 2011 - $0.23) and the weighted-average remaining
life of the options is 2.51 years (31 Dec 2011 – 2.94) years. As at 31 December 2012, a total of 4,736,332 (31 December 2011
– 2,872,665) of these outstanding options had vested. As at 31 December 2012, none (31 December 2011 – none) of the
outstanding options were in the money.
During
the year ended 31 December 2011, a total of 405,700 incentive stock options granted to directors, officers, employees and consultants
of the Company with exercise prices ranging from CDN$1.00 to CDN$10.00 were re-priced to $0.175 per share. The expiry dates remained
unchanged.
US Dollars
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
Warrant
activity during the year is summarized as follows:
30 December
2012
(i)
Weighted
Average
exercise price
31 December
2011
(i)
Weighted
Average
exercise price
Exercise
Price
31 December
2012
31 December
2011
US Dollars
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
In
accordance with IFRS, an obligation to issue shares for a price that is not fixed in the Company’s functional currency, and
that does not qualify as a rights offering, must be classified as a derivative liability and measured at fair value with changes
recognized in the consolidated statement of comprehensive loss as they arise. The Company has issued such share purchase warrants.
As a result, these share purchase warrants must be accounted for as a liability. As at 31 December 2012, the Company recorded a
warrant liability in the amount of $30,411 (31 December 2011 - $1,079,253). The warrants were valued upon issuance and subsequently
revalued on 31 December 2012 using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, with the following assumptions: weighted average risk
free rate of 1.13%, volatility factors of 50% - 70% and an expected life of 6 months – 24 months. An unrealized gain on warrant
liability of $1,492,098 has been recorded in the consolidated statement of loss and comprehensive loss for the year ended 31 December
2012.
Movement
related to the warrant liability is as follows:
US Dollars
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
For
the years ended 31 December 2012 and 31 December 2011, the Company issued stock options to its directors, officers, employees,
and consultants and recognized stock-based compensation as follows:
31 December
2012
31 December
2011
The
fair value of the stock-based compensation of options to be recognized in the accounts has been estimated using the Black-Scholes
Model with the following weighted-average assumptions:
31 December
2012
31 December
2011
Stock-based
compensation for the options that vested during the year is as follows:
31 December
2012
31 December
2011
The
Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model was created for use in estimating the fair value of freely tradable, fully transferable options.
The Company’s employee stock options have characteristics significantly different from those of traded options, and because
changes in the highly subjective input assumptions can materially affect the calculated values, management believes that the accepted
Black-Scholes model does not necessarily provide a reliable measure of the fair value of the Company’s stock option awards.
US Dollars
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
Related party transactions and balances
not disclosed elsewhere in the consolidated financial statements are as follows:
Remuneration
or fees
(ii)
Share-based
awards
2012
2011
$
185,000
185,000
$
40,598
-
2012
2011
12,095
-
-
-
2012
2011
4,089
-
-
-
2012
2011
24,400
42,634
10,826
-
2012
2011
139,250
186,109
-
-
2012
2011
-
-
40,580
-
At 31 December 2012, fees of $462,767
(2011 – $244,033) payable to David Watkinson; fees of $14,022 (2011 – $Nil) payable to Clearline; fees of $27,286 (2011
– $7,997) payable to 759924 Ontario Ltd.; and fees of $Nil (2011 – $28,531) refundable from Quorum Management and Administrative
Services Inc. were included in accounts payable or due to related parties. Also, amounts of $12,756 (2011 – $40,033) are
receivable from Stephen Wilkinson at the year-end date.
During the year the Company received
services from Quorum Management and Administrative Services Inc. (“Quorum”); refer to note 15 for further details.
Related party balances are non-interest
bearing and are due on demand, with no fixed terms of repayment. These transactions occurred in the normal course of operations
and are measured at their exchange amount, which is the amount of consideration established and agreed to by the related parties.
US Dollars
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
The Company operates in one operating
segment, which is the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral property interest. The following table provides segmented
disclosure on assets and liabilities as reviewed by management regularly:
The Company manages its capital structure
and makes adjustments to it, based on the funds available to the Company, in order to support the acquisition and exploration of
mineral properties. The Board of Directors does not establish quantitative return on capital criteria for management, but rather
relies on the expertise of the Company’s management to sustain future development of the business. The Company defines capital
that it manages as share capital.
Management reviews its capital management
approach on an on-going basis and believes that this approach, given the relative size of the Company, is reasonable.
The Company is in the business of
mineral exploration and has no source of operating revenue. Operations are financed through the issuance of capital stock or liability
instruments. Capital raised is held in cash in an interest bearing bank account until such time as it is required to pay operating
expenses or resource property costs. The Company is not subject to any externally imposed capital restrictions. Its objectives
in managing its capital are to safeguard its cash and its ability to continue as a going concern, and to utilize as much of its
available capital as possible for exploration activities. The Company’s objectives have not changed during the year ended
31 December 2012.
US Dollars
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
The following table reconciles the
expected income taxes expense (recovery) at the Canadian statutory income tax rates to the amounts recognized in the consolidated
statements of operations for the years ended 31 December 2012 and 2011:
31 December
2012
31 December
2011
Deferred taxes reflect the tax effects
of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting and tax purposes. Deferred
tax assets at 31 December 2012 and 2011 are comprised of the following:
31 December
2012
31 December
2011
US Dollars
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
The Company has non-capital loss carryforwards of
approximately $10,487,095 which may be carried forward to apply against future year income tax for Canadian income tax purposes,
subject to the final determination by taxation authorities, expiring in the following years:
In addition, the Company has capital
losses of approximately $39,471, which may be carried forward indefinitely to reduce future capital gains.
The Company has net operating loss
carryforwards of approximately $17,605,344 which may be carried forward to apply against future year income tax for US tax purposes,
as follows:
The deferred tax assets have not
been recognized because at this stage of the Company’s development, it is not determinable that future taxable profit will
be available against which that Company can utilize such deferred tax assets.
US Dollars
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
During the year the Company received
services from Quorum Management and Administrative Services Inc. (“Quorum”). Quorum is a private company held jointly
by the Company and other public companies, created to provide services on a full cost recovery basis to the various public entities
currently sharing certain personnel costs, office space, and overhead with the Company. In April 2012, the partners of Quorum made
the decision to wind up its administrative operations effective 31 August 2012. Management is aware of the possibility that there
may be a future cost associated with the conclusion of this agreement. At the year ended 31 December 2012 and at the date of this
report, the Company is unable to make a reliable estimate of the cost or likelihood of them being incurred. Accordingly, no provision
has been made in these consolidated financial statements.
Subsequent to the 31 December 2012
year end, the Company’s current extension of the Lease and Option to Purchase Agreement (the “BET Agreement”)
expired on 01 February 2013. The BET Agreement, signed in 2002, originally had a five year term. It has been extended three times
to date, in two year increments, with the last extension taking effect on 01 February 2011. The Company is currently in discussions
with the BET Trust to extend and/or negotiate a new agreement, which would cover the lease and option to purchase of approximately
2,750 acres of mineral rights and 91 acres of surface rights associated with the Project. Refer to note 9 of these consolidated
financial statements.
On 01 February 2013, the Company
announced that it closed a previously reported private placement for gross proceeds of CDN $285,000. The private placement involved
the issuance of 5,700,000 units ("Units") to RMC at a price of CDN$0.05 per Unit. Each Unit consists of one common share
(a "Share") of the Company and one half of one non-transferable share purchase warrant. Each full warrant entitles RMC
to purchase, for a period of 24 months, one additional Share at a price of CDN$0.12. The Shares are subject to a minimum hold period
of four months plus one day, expiring 02 June 2013. No finder’s fees were paid as part of this private placement. Refer to
note 9 of these consolidated financial statements.
Emgold Mining Corporation
Emgold Mining Corporation
1)
Nature of operations and going concern
Rounded (‘000’s)
Working capital
$
(923,000)
$
652,000
Accumulated deficit
$
(50,559,000)
$
(50,183,000)
2)
Basis of preparation – Statement of Compliance
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Emgold Mining Corporation
3)
Summary of significant accounting policies
a)
Basis of presentation
·
Idaho-Maryland Mining Corporation
·
Emgold (US) Corp.
·
Golden Bear Ceramics Company
b)
Business combinations
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Emgold Mining Corporation
c)
Foreign currency
d)
Measurement uncertainty
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Emgold Mining Corporation
e)
Share based payments
f)
Financial instruments
Financial Asset or Liability
Category
Cash and cash equivalents
Fair value through profit or loss
Marketable securities
Fair value through profit or loss
Amounts receivable and due from related parties
Loans and receivables
Prepaid amounts and deposits
Loans and receivables
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Other liabilities
Warrant liability
Fair value through profit or loss
Due to related parties
Other liabilities
g)
Income taxes
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Emgold Mining Corporation
·
are generally recognized for all taxable temporary differences;
·
are recognized for taxable temporary differences arising on investments in subsidiaries except
where the reversal of the temporary difference can be controlled and it is probable that the difference will not reverse in the
foreseeable future; and
·
are not recognized on temporary differences that arise from goodwill which is not deductible for
tax purposes.
·
are recognized to the extent it is probable that taxable profits will be available against which
the deductible temporary differences can be utilized; and
·
are reviewed at the end of the reporting period and reduced to the extent that it is no longer
probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available to allow all or part of an asset to be recovered.
h)
Earnings (loss) per share
i)
Comprehensive profit (loss)
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j)
Property, plant and equipment
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k)
Exploration and evaluation
l)
Impairment Loss
m)
Cash and cash equivalents
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n)
Environmental
o)
Provisions and decommissioning liabilities
p)
Financial liabilities and equity
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q)
Flow-through shares
4)
Critical accounting judgments and key sources of estimation uncertainty
a)
Critical judgments in applying accounting policies
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b)
Key sources of estimation uncertainty
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5)
Accounting standards issued but not yet effective
a)
IFRS 7, Financial Instruments: Disclosures
b)
IFRS 9, Financial Instruments
c)
IFRS 10, Consolidated Financial Statements
d)
IFRS 11, Joint Arrangements
e)
IFRS 12, Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities
f)
IFRS 13, Fair Value Measurements
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Emgold Mining Corporation
g)
Amendments to IAS 1, Presentation of Financial Statements
h)
IAS 19, Employee Benefits (amended standard)
i)
IAS 27 - Separate financial statements
j)
IAS 28, Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures (amended standard)
k)
IAS 32, Financial instruments: Presentation
l)
IFRIC 20, Stripping Costs in the Production Phase of a Surface Mine
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Emgold Mining Corporation
6)
Financial instruments and risk management
a)
Financial instrument classification and measurement
b)
Fair values of financial assets and liabilities
c)
Market risk
d)
Credit risk
e)
Interest rate risk
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Emgold Mining Corporation
f)
Currency risk
Rounded (‘000’s)
Canadian dollars
$
54,000
$
877,000
United States dollars
$
8,000
$
88,000
g)
Liquidity risk
7)
Marketable securities
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Emgold Mining Corporation
8)
Property and equipment
Plant and Field Equipment
Furniture and Equipment
Computer Hardware
Asset Under Capital Lease
Total
Cost or Deemed Cost
Balance at 01 January 2011
$
39,306
$
63,668
$
80,002
$
38,833
$
221,809
Disposals
(23,650)
(17,504)
(8,057)
-
(49,211)
Balance at 31 December 2011
$
15,656
$
46,164
$
71,945
$
38,833
$
172,598
Balance at 01 January 2012
$
15,656
$
46,164
$
71,945
$
38,833
$
172,598
Additions
3,056
-
-
-
3,056
Balance at 31 December 2012
$
18,712
$
46,164
$
71,945
$
38,833
$
175,654
Depreciation
Balance at 01 January 2011
$
39,253
$
53,722
$
63,171
$
33,008
$
189,154
Depreciation for the year
53
3,267
5,334
5,825
14,479
Disposals
(23,650)
(17,504)
(8,057)
-
(49,211)
Balance at 31 December 2011
$
15,656
$
39,485
$
60,448
$
38,833
$
154,422
Balance at 01 January 2012
$
15,656
$
39,485
$
60,448
$
38,833
$
154,422
Depreciation for the year
611
3,712
6,602
-
10,925
Balance at 31 December 2012
$
16,267
$
43,197
$
67,050
$
38,833
$
165,347
Carrying Amounts
At 01 January 2011
$
53
$
9,946
$
16,831
$
5,825
$
32,655
At 31 December 2011
$
-
$
6,679
$
11,497
$
-
$
18,176
At 31 December 2012
$
2,445
$
2,967
$
4,895
$
-
$
10,307
20
| P a g e
Emgold Mining Corporation
9)
Exploration and evaluation assets
Property acquisition costs
Idaho – Maryland
Rozan Gold
Total
Balance at 01 January 2011
$
$
$
$
$
Acquisitions
(66,076)
Balance at 31 December 2011
$
$
$
$
$
Acquisitions
-
420,059
9,052
-
429,111
Balance at 31 December 2012
$
747,219
$
459,111
$
208,719
$
49,225
$
1,464,274
a)
Idaho‑Maryland Property, California
b)
Buckskin Rawhide Property, Nevada
21
| P a g e
Emgold Mining Corporation
22
| P a g e
Emgold Mining Corporation
c)
Koegel Rawhide , Nevada
d)
Rozan Gold Property, British Columbia
e)
Stewart Property, British Columbia
23
| P a g e
Emgold Mining Corporation
f)
Exploration and evaluation expenditures
For the Year Ended 31 December 2012
For the Year Ended 31 December 2011
Idaho – Maryland Property, California
Geological & geochemical
$
279,912
$
309,385
$
4,977,460
Land lease and taxes
167,244
153,954
1,827,350
Mine planning
77,168
298,995
4,819,000
Transportation
9,330
-
137,580
Community relations
2,380
-
82,941
Assay and analysis
1,023
-
101,163
Site activities
827
-
1,673,217
Drilling
-
-
1,039,920
Consulting
-
-
209,713
Stock-based compensation
42,200
13,166
642,144
Incurred during the year
$
580,084
$
775,500
$
15,510,488
Buckskin Rawhide and Koegel Properties, Nevada
Geological & geochemical
-
26,890
28,165
Site activities
-
1,206
5,116
Incurred during the year
$
-
$
28,096
$
33,281
Rozan Gold Property, BC
Drilling
221,721
-
285,771
Assays and analysis
63,052
-
74,855
Geological & geochemical
33,082
-
156,470
Site activities
175
-
22,219
Transportation
64
-
12,418
Stock-based compensation
-
-
16,055
Trenching
-
-
4,666
Assistance and recovery
-
-
(7,322)
Incurred during the year
$
318,094
$
-
$
565,132
Stewart Property, BC
Drilling
227,913
321,087
1,079,056
Geological & geochemical
53,406
101,844
376,399
Assays and analysis
3,036
60,555
159,748
Claim fees
2,332
-
2,332
Transportation
1,796
10,223
57,857
Site activities
668
9,835
32,013
Stock-based compensation
-
-
16,055
Trenching
-
-
19,318
Assistance and recovery
-
-
(29,692)
Incurred during the year
$
289,151
$
503,544
$
1,713,086
Total Exploration Expenditures
$
1,187,329
$
1,307,140
$
17,821,987
24
| P a g e
Emgold Mining Corporation
10)
Share capital
a)
Authorized
b)
Common shares, issued and fully paid
25
| P a g e
Emgold Mining Corporation
c)
Stock options
Stock option activity
Balance – beginning of year
2,872,665
$
0.23
3,113,998
$
1.37
Granted
2,700,000
0.15
-
-
Expired
(603,000)
0.175
(65,500)
0.175
Cancelled and forfeited
-
-
(175,833)
0.21
Balance – end of year
4,969,665
$
0.19
2,872,665
$
0.23
Expiry Date
11 December 2012
$
0.175
600,000
12 May 2013
$
0.175
97,500
97,500
19 November 2013
$
0.175
141,500
143,500
12 July 2014
$
0.175
64,000
65,000
17 March 2015
$
0.25
466,665
466,665
08 December 2015
$
0.25
1,500,000
1,500,000
01 May 2017
$
0.15
700,000
-
07 May 2017
$
0.15
1,800,000
-
22 May 2017
$
0.15
200,000
-
4,969,665
2,872,665
26
| P a g e
Emgold Mining Corporation
d)
Warrants
Warrant Activity
Balance – beginning of year
38,508,401
$
0.27
21,315,017
$
0.35
Issued
3,321,428
0.12
18,054,884
0.16
Exercised
(1,194,101)
0.10
-
-
Expired
(5,139,944)
0.33
(861,500)
1.60
Balance – end of year
35,495,784
$
0.25
38,508,401
$
0.27
(i)
The number of warrants
is expressed in equivalent number of common shares, which may be issuable upon exercise of the warrants.
Issued
Expiry
06 April 2010
06 April 2012
$
0.35
-
1,600,000
06 April 2010
06 April 2012
0.25
-
80,000
06 April 2010
23 April 2012
0.35
-
1,400,000
06 April 2010
23 April 2012
0.25
-
112,000
09 September 2010
09 September 2015
0.35
2,813,575
2,813,575
23 September 2010
23 September 2012
0.35
-
5,315,856
23 September 2010
23 September 2013
(ii)
0.35
735,714
23 September 2010
23 September 2013
(i)
0.15
(iii)
3,344,041
-
14 October 2010
14 October 2012
0.35
-
7,836,633
14 October 2010
14 October 2013
(i)
0.15
(iii)
7,226,142
-
21 December 2010
21 December 2012
0.30
(iii)
-
1,136,363
21 December 2010
21 December 2012
0.22
(iii)
-
159,090
22 June 2011
22 June 2013
0.25
(iii)
2,235,577
2,235,577
22 June 2011
23 June 2013
0.15
(iii)
269,230
269,230
28 June 2011
28 June 2013
0.20
(iii)
717,308
717,308
28 June 2011
28 June 2013
0.20
(iii)
114,769
114,769
18 November 2011
18 November 2013
0.15
(iii)
12,156,000
12,156,000
22 December 2011
22 December 2013
0.15
(iii)
2,530,000
2,530,000
22 December 2011
22 December 2013
0.15
(iii)
32,000
32,000
28 December 2012
28 December 2014
0.15
(iii)
3,321,428
-
35,495,784
38,508,401
(i)
The Company completed
a re-pricing and extension of the expiry date of certain existing common share purchase warrants (“warrants”). A total
of 11,764,284 warrants, the original exercise price of which was US$0.35, have been re-priced at CDN$0.15 per share and been given
a 12 month extension. These re-priced warrants were also able to elect an early conversion option whereby they could convert their
warrants to shares at CDN$0.10 per share, if exercised by 31 August 2012. A total of 1,194,101 warrants were exercised at CDN$0.10.
No other warrants have been exercised subsequent to the re-price.
(ii)
These warrants were
part of the extension as noted above, but were not re-priced.
(iii)
The exercise prices
of these warrants are stated in Canadian funds.
27
| P a g e
Emgold Mining Corporation
31 December 2012
31 December 2011
Warrant Liability
Number of
Warrants
(i)
Fair Value
Number of
Warrants
(i)
Fair Value
Balance – beginning of year
19,350,337
$
1,079,253
1,295,453
$
111,458
Issued
3,321,428
18,449
18,054,884
588,459
Warrants re-priced
11,764,284
153,075
-
-
Expired
(1,295,453)
-
-
-
Fair value of warrants exercised
(1,194,101)
(3,463)
-
-
Fair market value adjustment (gain)/loss
-
(1,492,098)
-
379,336
Reclassification of warrant liability from warrant reserve
-
275,195
-
-
Balance – end of year
31,946,495
$
30,411
19,350,337
$
1,079,253
(i)
Number of warrants priced in the Canadian Dollar
28
| P a g e
Emgold Mining Corporation
e)
Stock-based compensation
Total options granted
2,700,000
405,700
(i)
Average exercise price
$
0.15
$
0.175
Estimated fair value of compensation
$
130,701
$
58,797
Estimated fair value per option
$
0.05
$
0.19
Risk free interest rate
1.20% - 1.60%
1.68%
Expected dividend yield
0.00%
0.00%
Expected stock price volatility
112%
101%
Expected option life in years
5
2.18
Expected maturity rate
70-100%
70-100%
Number of options vested
2,466,667
-
Compensation recognized
$
130,701
$
58,978
29
| P a g e
Emgold Mining Corporation
11)
Related party transactions
Related Party Disclosure
Name and Principal Position
Period
(i)
CEO and President - management fees
A company of which the CFO is a director
(iii)
– management fees
A company of which the CFO is a director
(iii)
– accounting
759924 Ontario Ltd.
(iv)
– consulting fees
Quorum Management
Directors
i)
For the year ended 31 December 2012 and 2011.
ii)
Amounts disclosed were paid or accrued to the related party.
iii)
A company of which the CFO, Grant T. Smith, is a director.
iv)
A company of which a director, Kenneth Yurichuk, is a director.
30
| P a g e
Emgold Mining Corporation
12)
Segmented disclosure
Rounded to 000’s
Canada
United States
Total
31 December 2012
Current assets
$
157,000
$
25,000
$
182,000
Long-term Assets
Property and equipment
-
10,000
10,000
Resource properties acquisition costs
717,000
747,000
1,464,000
Other
18,000
3,000
21,000
Liabilities
Current liabilities
(513,000)
(582,000)
(1,095,000)
Warrant liability
$
(30,000)
$
-
$
(30,000)
31 December 2011
Current assets
$
1,069,000
$
47,000
$
1,116,000
Long-term Assets
Property and equipment
-
18,000
18,000
Resource properties acquisition costs
288,000
747,000
1,035,000
Other
26,000
3,000
29,000
Liabilities
Current liabilities
(107,000)
(357,000)
(464,000)
Warrant liability
$
(1,079,000)
$
-
$
(1,079,000)
13)
Capital disclosures
31
| P a g e
Emgold Mining Corporation
14)
Deferred taxes
Loss before income taxes
$
(375,731)
$
(2,338,060)
Statutory income tax rate
25.00%
26.50%
Expected tax recovery
(93,933)
(619,586)
Differences resulting from:
Non-deductible items
33,272
411,586
Change in estimates
(234,880)
-
Share issuance costs
(3,113)
-
Change in fair value of warrant liability
(110,814)
277,000
Change in enacted tax rate
249,003
(42,300)
Differences in foreign exchange rates
-
673,700
Foreign tax rate difference
(64,841)
197,600
Change in deferred tax asset not recognized
225,306
(898,000)
Provision for income taxes
$
-
$
-
Fixed assets
$
56,311
$
64,891
Mineral properties
6,799,599
7,141,606
Financial instruments
10,095
-
Financing costs
79,579
106,689
Capital losses
4,934
45,129
Non-capital losses
8,594,955
8,010,955
Investment tax credits
73,344
24,242
15,618,817
15,393,512
Deferred tax asset not recognized
15,618,817
15,393,512
Net deferred tax asset (liability)
$
-
$
-
32
| P a g e
Emgold Mining Corporation
Year of Expiry
Taxable Loss
2014
$
983,024
2015
1,727,884
2026
1,569,577
2027
1,852,381
2028
1,170,217
2029
1,128,429
2030
728,100
2031
801,494
2032
525,988
Total
$
10,487,095
Year of Expiry
EMU
IM
GB
Total
2017
$
-
$
966,432
$
-
$
966,432
2018
-
419,779
-
419,779
2019
-
363,828
-
363,828
2020
1,774
266,513
-
268,287
2021
1,173
153,755
-
154,928
2022
23,703
289,940
-
313,643
2023
25,932
228,989
-
254,921
2024
1,086,121
546,964
887
1,633,972
2025
137,391
918,706
113,114
1,169,211
2026
88,741
975,106
355,087
1,418,934
2027
70,479
1,371,071
510,174
1,951,724
2028
25,444
1,973,795
480,772
2,480,011
2029
18,319
1,316,443
513,341
1,848,103
2030
10,269
1,690,173
540,137
2,240,579
2031
8,653
(203,759)
505,384
310,278
2032
3,935
1,326,141
480,638
1,810,714
Total
$
1,501,934
$
12,603,876
$
3,499,534
$
17,605,344
33
| P a g e
Emgold Mining Corporation
15)
Contingent liability
16)
Subsequent events
34
| P a g e
Signed:
"MSCM LLP"
Chartered Accountants
Licensed Public Accountants
$
965,102
$
917,495
$
3,955
79,225
13,236
6,852
28,531
124,605
-
42,966
17,929
21,388
1,115,824
1,073,265
32,195
11,932
13,943
7,660
17,071
-
-
18,176
32,655
28,807
1,035,163
1,087,420
1,067,707
$
2,198,166
$
2,207,283
$
1,136,369
$
303,019
$
290,114
$
1,149,405
160,965
247,813
757,022
-
7,585
5,976
463,984
545,512
1,912,403
-
4,737
13,306
-
-
754,940
1,079,253
111,458
-
1,543,237
661,707
2,680,649
42,817,739
41,490,268
38,891,718
1,219,617
1,271,008
112,355
6,800,722
6,629,389
6,223,649
(50,183,149
)
(47,845,089
)
(46,772,002
)
654,929
1,545,576
(1,544,280
)
$
2,198,166
$
2,207,283
$
1,136,369
Nature of Operations and Going Concern
(note 1)
$
1,307,140
$
670,491
213,358
178,913
175,381
99,012
90,011
168,903
62,202
82,272
49,005
-
45,812
300,647
42,634
68,763
14,478
14,214
-
1,179
-
32,413
-
(77,197
)
-
(189,669
)
-
(261
)
-
(305,432
)
(1,000
)
(48,788
)
(40,297
)
57,480
379,336
20,147
2,338,060
1,073,087
(2,338,060
)
(1,073,087
)
-
-
$
(2,338,060
)
$
(1,073,087
)
$
(0.06
)
$
(0.05
)
40,189,279
23,453,214
16,894,310
$
38,891,718
$
112,355
$
6,223,649
$
(46,772,002
)
$
(1,544,280
)
68,856
18,306
-
-
-
18,306
608,135
73,886
-
-
-
73,886
3,208,418
517,151
479,587
-
-
996,738
17,772,725
1,989,207
679,066
-
-
2,668,273
-
-
-
405,740
-
405,740
-
-
-
-
(1,073,087
)
(1,073,087
)
38,552,444
$
41,490,268
$
1,271,008
$
6,629,389
$
(47,845,089
)
$
1,545,576
106,290
13,341
-
-
-
13,341
20,055,770
1,314,130
60,964
-
-
1,375,094
-
-
(112,355
)
112,355
-
-
-
-
-
58,978
-
58,978
-
-
-
-
(2,338,060
)
(2,338,060
)
58,714,504
$
42,817,739
$
1,219,617
$
6,800,722
$
(50,183,149
)
$
654,929
$
(2,338,060
)
$
(1,073,087
)
14,478
14,214
(1,000
)
(48,788
)
-
(305,432
)
(10,791
)
10,241
-
(77,197
)
58,978
405,740
49,005
-
379,336
20,147
-
(189,669
)
(65,989
)
(6,384
)
9,226
(328,382
)
(25,037
)
3,459
12,905
(292,449
)
(1,916,949
)
(1,867,587
)
1,000
48,789
-
(6,960
)
-
(18,099
)
-
(19,803
)
1,000
3,927
1,963,556
2,777,200
47,607
913,540
917,495
3,955
$
965,102
$
917,495
1. Nature of Operations and Going Concern
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - continued
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - continued
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - continued
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - continued
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - continued
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - continued
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - continued
Emgold Mining Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
3. Accounting Standards Issued But Not Yet Effective
3. Accounting Standards Issued But Not Yet Effective - continued
4. Marketable Securities
5. Property and Equipment
$
15,656
$
15,656
$
-
46,164
39,485
6,679
71,945
60,448
11,497
38,833
38,833
-
$
172,598
$
154,422
$
18,176
$
39,306
$
39,253
$
53
63,668
53,722
9,946
80,002
63,171
16,831
38,833
33,008
5,825
$
221,809
$
189,154
$
32,655
$
747,219
$
747,219
39,052
25,233
199,667
199,667
49,225
115,301
$
1,035,163
$
1,087,420
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
6. Mineral Property Interests - continued
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
6. Mineral Property Interests - continued
Emgold Mining Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
6. Mineral Property Interests - continued
Emgold Mining Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
7. Finance Lease Obligation
8. Convertible Preference Shares
Emgold Mining Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
8. Convertible Preference Shares - continued
9 Share Capital
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
9. Share Capital - continued
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
9. Share Capital - continued
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
9. Share Capital - continued
9. Share Capital - continued
1,288,250
$
3.85
2,078,998
$
0.25
(243,250
)
$
5.55
(10,000
)
$
3.60
3,113,998
$
1.37
(65,500
)
$
0.175
(175,833
)
$
0.210
2,872,665
$
0.23
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
9. Share Capital - continued
1.68%
2.2%
101%
112.3%
$
0.19
$
0.18
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
9. Share Capital - continued
861,500
$
1.12
20,453,517
$
0.35
21,315,017
$
0.35
18,054,884
$
0.16
(861,500
)
$
1.60
38,508,401
$
0.27
$
(2,338,100
)
$
(1,080,200
)
$
(619,600
)
$
(307,900
)
411,600
90,700
197,600
(90,900
)
277,000
400,300
(42,300
)
10,700
673,700
(370,400
)
(898,000
)
267,500
$
-
$
-
$
26,365,100
$
25,236,600
24,990,600
25,726,600
980,900
999,100
(52,336,600
)
(51,962,300
)
$
-
$
-
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
$
966,432
2014
$
978,036
419,779
2025
1,169,211
2015
1,719,117
363,828
2026
1,418,934
2026
1,561,613
269,174
2027
1,951,724
2027
1,842,982
154,928
2028
2,480,011
2028
1,164,279
313,643
2029
1,848,103
2029
1,122,703
254,921
2030
2,240,579
2030
724,406
1,633,085
2031
310,277
2031
818,202
$
11,418,839
$
9,931,338
$
28,531
$
124,605
$
160,965
$
247,813
$
-
$
7,134
$
-
$
73,886
$
-
$
517,151
$
-
$
479,587
$
-
$
72,574
$
58,978
$
102,961
$
60,964
$
287,891
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
14. Financial Instruments and Risk Management
$
79,225
-
-
79,225
965,102
$
1,044,327
$
303,019
160,965
$
463,984
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
$
876,830
$
(165,393
)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
$
32,195
$
-
$
-
1,104,174
-
-
$
1,136,369
$
-
$
1,136,369
$
1,912,403
$
-
$
1,912,403
13,306
-
13,306
727,674
27,266
754,940
2,653,383
27,266
2,680,649
38,792,139
99,579
38,891,718
90,902
(90,902
)
-
112,355
-
112,355
6,223,649
-
6,223,649
(577,456
)
577,456
-
(46,158,603
)
(613,399
)
(46,772,002
)
(1,517,014
)
(27,266
)
(1,544,280
)
$
1,136,369
$
-
$
1,136,369
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
$
1,115,417
$
-
$
1,115,417
1,134,018
-
1,134,018
$
2,249,435
$
-
$
2,249,435
$
587,664
$
-
$
587,664
4,737
-
4,737
-
111,458
111,458
592,401
111,458
703,859
41,463,263
27,005
41,490,268
1,362,319
(91,311
)
1,271,008
6,647,717
(18,328
)
6,629,389
(577,456
)
577,456
-
Deficit
(i, ii, iii, iv)
(47,238,809
)
(606,280
)
(47,845,089
)
1,657,034
(111,458
)
1,545,576
$
2,249,435
$
-
$
2,249,435
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
$
1,080,206
(4,471
)
11,005
20,147
(33,800
)
$
1,073,087
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
$
-
$
-
$
100,140
-
-
80,561
-
-
1,039,920
309,385
316,223
4,697,548
153,954
177,695
1,660,106
-
-
209,713
298,995
71,646
4,741,833
-
-
1,672,390
13,166
105,093
599,943
-
-
128,250
775,500
670,657
14,930,404
26,890
1,275
28,165
1,206
3,910
5,116
28,096
5,185
33,281
-
-
11,803
-
1,076
123,388
-
-
64,050
-
256
22,044
-
-
16,055
-
-
4,666
-
-
12,354
-
(2,529
)
(7,322
)
-
(1,197
)
247,038
60,555
-
156,712
321,087
-
851,143
101,844
431
322,992
9,835
35
31,346
-
-
16,055
-
-
19,318
10,223
-
56,061
-
(4,620
)
(29,692
)
503,544
(4,154
)
1,423,935
$
1,307,140
$
670,491
$
16,634,658
Emgold Mining Corporation (An Exploration Stage Company) |
Management Discussion and Analysis |
For the Year Ended 31 December 2012 |
Date: 30 April 2013 |
T ABLE OF C ONTENTS | ||
To Our Shareholders | 1 | |
Overview | 2 | |
The I M Project, California | 5 | |
Buckskin Rawhide Property, Nevada | 7 | |
Koegel Rawhide Property, Nevada | 10 | |
Stewart Property, British Columbia | 12 | |
Rozan Property, British Columbia | 12 | |
Golden Bear Ceramics Company | 12 | |
Results of Operations | 13 | |
Selected Annual Information | 14 | |
Financial Data for the Last Eight Quarters | 14 | |
Exploration and Evaluation Expenditures | 16 | |
Liquidity | 17 | |
Capital Resources | 18 | |
Related Party Transactions and Balances | 21 | |
Off Balance Sheet Arrangements | 22 | |
Critical Judgment in Applying Accounting Policies | 22 | |
Financial Instruments and Other Instruments | 24 | |
Management of Capital | 25 | |
Additional Disclosure for Venture Issuers with Significant Revenue | 26 | |
Investor Relations Activities | 26 | |
Approval | 26 | |
Caution on Forward Looking Information | 27 | |
Emgold Mining Corporation | |
US Funds (Unaudited) |
|
Management Discussion and Analysis
|
To Our Shareholders
The following information should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements of Emgold Mining Corporation (“Emgold” or “the Company”) for the year ended 31 December 2012 (fiscal 2012) and 2011 (fiscal 2011) and the related notes attached thereto, which were prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). All amounts are expressed in U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated.
Certain statements included herein may constitute forward-looking statements, such as estimates and statements that describe our future plans, objectives or goals, including words to the effect that we expect or management expects a stated condition or result to occur. Such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. The following list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of our forward-looking statements. These and other factors should be considered carefully and readers should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. Please refer to the “Caution on Forward-Looking Information” on page 27.
Subject to applicable law, the Company expressly disclaims any obligation to revise or update forward-looking statements in the event actual results differ from those currently anticipated. Actual results relating to financing, exploration, mining, processing, manufacturing, and reclamation activities including results of exploration, mineral resource and reserve determination, results of operations, and results of reclamation, as well as associated capital and operating costs could differ materially from those currently anticipated. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements by reason of factors such as changes in general economic conditions and conditions in the financial markets, changes in demand, and changes in prices for the products that may be produced. Other factors that may affect actual results include the litigation, legislative, environmental and other judicial, regulatory, political and competitive developments in domestic and foreign areas in which we operate, such as technological and operational difficulties encountered in connection with our activities, productivity of our resource properties, labour relations matters, labour costs, material and equipment costs and changing foreign exchange rates. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of our forward-looking statements. These and other factors should be considered carefully and readers should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. Further information regarding these and other factors is included in our filings with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (which may be viewed at www.sec.gov) and Canadian provincial securities regulatory authorities (which may be viewed at www.sedar.com).
The table below sets forth the most significant forward-looking information included in this MD&A:
Forward-Looking Information | Key Assumptions | Most Relevant Risk Factors |
Future funding for ongoing operations | The Company will be able to raise these funds | The Company has disclosed that this may be difficult and failure to raise these funds will materially impact the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern |
Status of the Idaho-Maryland Project | The Company will be able to extend or renegotiate the Lease and Option to Purchase Agreement on certain surface and mineral rights associated with the Project | The Company has disclosed a Lease and Option to Purchase Agreement on certain surface and mineral rights expired on 01 February 2013. Failure to extend this agreement will materially impact the Company and may impact the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern |
1 | P a g e |
Emgold Mining Corporation | |
US Funds (Unaudited) |
|
Management Discussion and Analysis
|
Overview
Emgold is a mineral exploration and mine development company with properties located in the western U.S. and Canada. The Company plan is to permit and reopen the historic Idaho-Maryland Gold Mine located in Grass Valley, California (the “I-M Project”). The Idaho-Maryland Mine was discovered in 1851, was in production from 1862 through 1956, and was the second largest historical underground gold producer in California. Total recorded production was 2,383,000 ounces of gold from 5,546,000 short tons of ore, for a recovered grade of 0.43 ounces of gold per short ton. The Company intends to obtain all necessary permits for dewatering, exploration, construction, development, re-opening, and reclamation of the Idaho-Maryland Mine.
The Company also has a portfolio of exploration projects including the Buckskin Rawhide and Koegel Rawhide Properties in Nevada and the Stewart Property and Rozan Properties in British Columbia. High grade vein and bulk disseminated gold exploration targets have been identified at the Buckskin Rawhide and Koegel Rawhide Properties. Gold, silver, molybdenum and tungsten targets have been identified at the Stewart Property. Gold targets have been identified on the Rozan Property.
In addition to its mineral property interests, the Company has developed a manufacturing process that can be used to process a variety of mineral wastes, including mine tailings, fines from aggregate quarries, and fly ash from coal fired power plants, into high quality 100% recycled stone and ceramic building products such as floor tile, roof tile, and wall cladding. These products can be certified by the US Green Building Council and would meet requirements for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Credits. The Company plans to ultimately spin this technology off to a third party to allow its commercialization to be independently financed.
Significant Events and Transactions during the Year
Idaho-Maryland Property
External permitting activities with the City of Grass Valley related to the Idaho-Maryland Project in California remain on hold pending financing activities by the Company and pending extension or renegotiation of the Lease Option to Purchase Agreement for certain surface and mineral rights associated with the Project. As announced in 26 October 2011 and 07 September 2012, press releases, the preparation of the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) remains temporarily on hold while the Company waits for improved equity market conditions to raise the funds necessary to complete the process. On 10 September 2012, the City of Grass Valley notified the Company that their 2011 Revised Permit Applications were “deemed withdrawn” and the applications will need to be resubmitted when the Company has the funds in place and is ready to move forward. On 01 February 2013, subsequent to year end 2012, a Lease Option to Purchase Agreement for 91 acres of surface rights and 2,750 aces of mineral rights associated with the Idaho-Maryland Project expired. The Company is in discussions to extend and/or renegotiate this Agreement. Should negotiations to extend the agreement be unsuccessful, Emgold has stated it will terminate the Project and focus on the other assets the Company currently has in its portfolio.
On 06 February 2012, the Company announced that it had signed Lease and Option to Purchase Agreement to acquire 21 unpatented mineral claims totalling 420 acres in Nevada. This property is called the Buckskin Rawhide West Property. It is adjacent and to the west of the Regent Property and west of the nearby operating Denton Rawhide Mine, both owned by Rawhide Mining LLC. It is also west, but not contiguous, with Emgold’s Buckskin Rawhide East Property.
On 13 February 2012, the Company announced that it had signed a Lease and Option to Purchase Agreement to acquire 19 unpatented mineral claims totalling 380 acres in Nevada. This property is called the Koegel Rawhide Property. It is several miles south of the Denton Rawhide Mine and Emgold’s Buckskin Rawhide Property. On 15 February 2012, the Company announced it has staked an additional 17 unpatented claims to expand this property to 36 unpatented mineral claims totalling 720 acres. On 27 February 2012 and 28 March 2012, the Company announced it had confirmed the presence of high grade gold on the property and identified the T-10 High Grade Target for further exploration was warranted.
2 | P a g e |
Emgold Mining Corporation | |
US Funds (Unaudited) |
|
Management Discussion and Analysis
|
On 30 January 2012, the Company announced on-going surface exploration results for its Buckskin Rawhide East Property in Nevada. This property is adjacent to the Denton Rawhide Mine and surrounded by the Denton Rawhide Property on the east and south and the Regent Property on the north and west. Both Denton Rawhide Mine and the Regent Property are owned by Rawhide Mining, LLC, a privately held company. The Company’s work further delineated two exploration targets – the Black Eagle High Grade Vein Target and the Chicago Mountain Bulk Disseminated Target. It also detailed other sampling outside of these areas.
Buckskin Rawhide Property
On 14 and 19 November 2012, the Company announced a series of transactions involving its Buckskin Rawhide East Property in Nevada. The Company announced it had signed an Option Agreement to complete an early buyout of all underlying property rights, including royalty rights, for its Buckskin Rawhide East Property. The Option provides that Emgold will pay two arm’s length parties (Nevada Sunrise LLC and the Castagne) an aggregate of $510,000 to allow the Company to consolidate a 100% interest in the 52 unpatented mineral claims, totalling 835 acres, that make up Buckskin Rawhide East Property. The Company also announced that it had signed an Agreement with Rawhide Mining LLC (“RMC”) pursuant to which the Company would issue to RMC, on a private placement basis, shares and warrants in an amount of CDN$1.0 million, part of which would be used to fund the above transaction. Also pursuant to the Agreement, upon completion of the title transfer, of the 100% of the Buckskin Rawhide East Property to Emgold. The Company will subsequently lease the property to RMC. This transaction is occurring in a number of steps.
On 28 December 2012, the Company announced the first step of the above transaction. The first tranche of the private placement was closed for proceeds totalling CDN$465,000. A total of $400,000 from this tranche of the financing was used to acquire a 100% interest in 6 unpatented mining claims and a 75% interest in 40 unpatented mineral claims, including royalty interests, from one of the underlying property owners mentioned above.
Subsequent to year end 2012, on 01 February 2013, Emgold announced the closing of the second step of the above transaction, which included a second private placement, for proceeds of CDN$285,000. The Company is currently working on the third step of the transaction, which will involve the acquisition of the remaining 25% of 40 unpatented mineral claims that make up part of the Buckskin Rawhide East Property. As part of this step, the remaining CDN$250,000 private placement will be completed with RMC, of which $110,000 will be used to acquire the 25% interest.
3 | P a g e |
Emgold Mining Corporation | |
US Funds (Unaudited) |
|
Management Discussion and Analysis
|
The fourth and final step with RMC will involve completion of a Lease Agreement. RMC has agreed to lease the Buckskin Rawhide East Property from Emgold based on the following terms:
Rozan Property
On 28 August 2012, Emgold announced commencement of its exploration program at its Rozan Property, B.C. The program consisted of 1,495 meters of diamond drilling in 15 drill holes, resulting in several gold intercepts. Results are contained in a 28 January 2013 press release issued subsequent to year end.
Stewart Property
On 26 November 2012, Emgold announced commencement of its 2012 exploration program at its Stewart Property, B.C. The program considered of 1,445 meters of diamond drilling in 11 drill holes, resulting in discovery of a new gold exploration target called the Stewart Creek Gold Zone, discovery of a new base metal exploration target called the Free Silver Zone, and further expansion of the Stewart Moly Zone to depth. Results are contained in a 08 April 2012 press release issued subsequent to year end.
Corporate
Corporately, on 01 May 2012, Emgold retained Vanguard Shareholder Solutions for investor relations services. On 07 May 2012, the Company moved to OTCQB status. On 22 May 2012, Andrew MacRitchie was appointed as a new Independent Director. Grant T. Smith was appointed as CFO replacing Kenneth Yurichuk on 01 September 2012. Lisa Maxwell was appointed as Corporate Secretary, replacing Mary Davies on 01 September 2012. Also on 01 September 2012, the Company retained Clearline Chartered Accountants of Vancouver to provide corporate accounting and financial services, replacing Quorum Management Services.
In an attempt to bring additional funds into the Company, Emgold completed a re-pricing and extension of 11.8 million warrants, re-pricing them from $0.35 per share to CDN$0.15 per share, with a 12 month extension for exercise. A total of 1,194,101 of these warrants were exercised through an early conversion option at CDN$0.10 per share for total proceeds of CDN$119,410 as announced in Emgold’s 10 September 2012 press release.
4 | P a g e |
Emgold Mining Corporation | |
US Funds (Unaudited) |
|
Management Discussion and Analysis
|
The I-M Project, California
The Idaho-Maryland Mine, located in Grass Valley, California was discovered in 1851. It was in production from 1862 through 1956 and was the second largest historical underground gold producer in California. Total recorded production was 2,383,000 ounces of gold from 5,546,000 short tons for a recovered grade of 0.43 ounces of gold per short ton. The Idaho-Maryland Mine is located adjacent to the historic Empire Mine, the largest historical underground producer in California, reportedly producing 5.8 million ounces of gold. It was Newmont Mining Corporation’s first operating mine and Newmont maintains the mineral rights to the property. Within a three mile radius of the Idaho-Maryland Mine, the historic mines in the Grass Valley District produced a reported 13 million ounces of gold. Including placer gold, the Grass Valley District is reported to have produced 17 million ounces of gold.
At 31 December 2012, the Company has a mining lease and option to purchase agreement (the “BET Agreement”) for the I-M Project. The BET Agreement, subject to a series of extensions, covers the lease and purchase of approximately 2,750 acres of mineral rights and 91 acres of surface rights associated with the Idaho-Maryland Project. Emgold owns certain other mineral and surface rights associated with the Project. The BET Agreement has been extended from 01 February 2011, for an additional two years to 01 February 2013. Lease payments during the extension period will be $30,000 per quarter. The Company has the ability to exercise the purchase option of the BET Agreement at any time while the option agreement remains in good standing. At quarter end, the Company was in compliance with all the terms of its option to purchase agreement on the Idaho-Maryland Mine. Subsequent to year end 2013, the BET Agreement expired. The Company is currently in negotiations to extend or renegotiate the Agreement.
Under the 2009 extension of the lease agreement, Emgold was to make quarterly option payments of $30,000 beginning on 01 February 2009, until 31 January 2010. For the period from 01 February 2010, to 31 January 2011, the quarterly option payments were to increase to $60,000 per quarter. In the 2011 extension, the BET Group agreed to defer 50 percent of the quarterly lease payment for 2010, amounting to $30,000 per quarter. The amount of the deferral, totalling $120,000, will be added to the purchase price of the Property, the first instalment of which becomes due on 01 February 2013. The deferral of $120,000 will be subject to interest calculated at 5.25% compounded annually.
The Company is in the advanced stage of the permitting process for the I-M Project and believes it has developed a good working relationship with all stakeholders in the local communities. The I-M Project is being permitted in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) and the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act (“SMARA”), as well as other local, State and Federal legislation. The City of Grass Valley (the “City”) is the Lead Agency for the CEQA and SMARA processes for the I-M Project.
The initial permit applications were deemed substantially complete by the City on 20 May 2005 at which time the City completed the Master Environmental Assessment (“MEA”) finalized in June of 2006. Based on the comments in the MEA, comments received from the City, public comments received as part of the community relations program, and advances in the computer modelling and mine planning being done by I-M staff, the Company elected to revise its permit application prior to proceeding with the Initial Study. On 22 June 2007, the City of Grass Valley accepted the Company’s revised permit application. The City subsequently completed an Initial Study on January 8, 2008 and commenced preparation of the Draft Environmental Impact Report (“EIR”).
The draft EIR was prepared by the City and its consultants. It was submitted for public comment on 30 October 2008. The public comment period was completed 20 January 2009. Public and agency comments obtained in the public comment period were categorized and reviewed. Meetings were held with various state agencies to review their comments on the Draft EIR. Subsequent to these meetings, Emgold elected to make certain modifications and clarifications to the project description and revise its permit applications prior to completing the final EIR. The primary reasons for the revisions were to reduce potential air quality impacts identified in the 2008 draft EIR and ensure that clean-up of legacy mine tailings at the Idaho-Maryland site was adequately analysed in the EIR.
5 | P a g e |
Emgold Mining Corporation | |
US Funds (Unaudited) |
|
Management Discussion and Analysis
|
The Company completed its second revision to the project description and its project applications for the project in May 2011. The revised documents were subsequently accepted as complete by the City on 24 May 2011. In July of 2011, the City commenced a competitive bid process to retain a consultant to complete the EIR process. In addition, the City commenced a competitive bid process to retain three additional consultants to assist and advise it in completion of the EIR process. On 25 October 2011, the City approved agreements for the three consultants to assist and advise it through the completion of the EIR process. On 08 November 2011, the City approved agreements with Ascent Environmental to complete the EIR process. The City also approved a reimbursement agreement with Idaho-Maryland Mining Corporation (“IMMC”) to cover the costs necessary to complete the EIR process. IMMC, as the applicant, is required to cover all costs related to the EIR process.
On 23 November 2011, with the scope, cost, and schedule to complete the EIR process now known, IMMC requested that the City table the Company’s applications to allow it sufficient time to raise the funds necessary to complete the EIR process. Emgold requested 60-90 days, but indicated to the City that this financing could take longer due to poor equity market conditions (also refer to Emgold’s 26 October 2011 press release). On 13 March 2012, the Company requested another 60-90 days, due to continuing poor market conditions. The City indicated that Emgold would have 180 days to complete financing activities to move the project forward in the permitting process – until 10 September 2012 or the 2011 revised permit applications would be “deemed withdrawn”. Should this time period lapse, the application documents would have to be refiled with the City and a new application fee paid.
On 07 September 2012, Emgold issued a press release indicating market conditions had not improved and notified the City it would allow the 2011 revised applications to be deemed withdrawn. On 12 September 2012, the Company received a letter from the City indicating the 2011 revised applications were indeed deemed withdrawn, and would need to be resubmitted when the Company obtained the necessary funding to move forward. This is not expected to represent a major cost or impact to the permitting process given where the Company is in the permitting process.
Note that current volatility in the world markets due to political and economic conditions, beyond the Company’s control, are affecting all junior and senior mining companies’ ability to raise funds in the current market. As announced in a 26 October 2011 press release, Emgold recognized it would need to temporarily place the Idaho-Maryland Project permitting on hold until market conditions improve. At this point in time, markets have not improved. As outlined in the press release, the Company may elect to drop the project and focus on other quality assets in the Company’s portfolio.
The pace of work in permitting the I-M Project has been affected by availability of funds and work has been adjusted based on funding available. There is no guarantee that the City will approve the project or that other agencies will approve the permits necessary to operate. However, two gold mines (the Mesquite Mine operated by New Gold Inc. and the Briggs Mine operated by Atna Resources Ltd.) have recently returned to permitted operations in California. In addition, Sutter Gold Mining Inc. has obtained permits to operate the Sutter Gold Mine and is in the construction process. Golden Queen Mining Company Ltd. is in the process of obtaining permits to open the Soledad Mountain Project. Molycorp has re-opened the Mountain Pass rare earth project and U.S. Borax operates the Boron Mine. Several other companies are in the exploration, permitting, or development stage in California.
An EIR for the I-M Project was previously completed in 1995 to dewater and explore the mine with Nevada County as the lead agency. Emgold believes there is no technical reason to prevent the mine from being permitted and the risk is the political uncertainty of permitting in the United States and the State of California with constantly evolving regulations at all levels of government that may impact the permitting requirements at some future date.
6 | P a g e |
Emgold Mining Corporation | |
US Funds (Unaudited) |
|
Management Discussion and Analysis
|
In particular, potential legislation from the California Air Resources Board and the Federal EPA related to carbon emissions and potential cap and trade rules may have an effect on mining operations in the U.S.
Operation of the Idaho-Maryland mine will require the submission and approval of additional environmental assessments. Environmental assessments of proposed project operations and permit approvals and conditions carry a heightened degree of responsibility for companies and directors, officers and employees. The cost of compliance with changes in governmental regulations has a potential to reduce or eliminate the profitability of operations. For example, if the Company is unable to obtain required permits, and the reasons that the permits cannot be obtained are deemed to be financially insurmountable, the development of the I-M Project would be curtailed, and the Company’s operations in Grass Valley, would cease.
Information about the I-M Project is distributed at community events. Issues of concern to the community are addressed and communicated to all interested parties at public workshops and meetings and community events as well as through local news media, direct mail-outs, circulars and brochures. The Company has an extensive Community Outreach Program in Grass Valley to inform the public about the project and to listen to their concerns. A website devoted to the I-M Project, www.idaho-maryland.com , provides general I-M Project information and permitting documentation and addresses community concerns regarding the expected impact of dewatering existing mine workings, underground development, exploration and the possible operation of a mine on the community and the environment.
Buckskin Rawhide Property, Nevada
The Buckskin Rawhide Property is situated within the Walker Lane structural zone and gold belt of western Nevada. It is divided into the Buckskin Rawhide East and Buckskin Rawhide West Areas, representing two non-contiguous but nearby properties. The Walker Lane is a regional shear zone of right lateral strike slip faulting and a known gold trend that hosts large and small historic and currently operating gold-silver mines, including mines of the Comstock Lode, Tonopah Mining District and Rawhide Mining District. The geology and mineralization on the Property are associated with lithologic units and structures of the Rawhide volcanic center, as well as structures from the Walker Lane and Basin and Range.
The Buckskin Rawhide East Area, totalling 52 mineral claims, is an early stage gold/silver exploration property located adjacent to and bounded on the east and south by the Denton Rawhide Mine, a gold/silver mine that is owned and operated by Rawhide Mining LLC. The Denton Rawhide Mine was formerly operated by Kennecott Rawhide Mining Company, a subsidiary of Rio Tinto Mining Corporation with reported production (by Kennecott) of 1.4 million ounces of gold and 10 million ounces of silver between 1988 and 2005. It is also adjacent to and bounded on the north and west by the Regent gold-silver Property (“Regent Property”), also owned Rawhide Mining LLC.. The Regent Property was formerly drilled by Kennecott Rawhide Mining Company, Newmont Exploration Company, and Pilot Gold Corporation. The Buckskin Rawhide West Area, totalling 21 mineral claims, is an early stage gold/silver Property located adjacent and west of the Regent Property.
Exploration results at Buckskin Rawhide Property indicate the potential for high grade mineralized gold/silver veins and bulk mineable disseminated gold/silver zones. The development alternatives included advancing the Buckskin Rawhide Property as a standalone gold/silver exploration project or working with Rawhide Mining LLC to explore and develop the Property. The company elected to work with Rawhide Mining LLC, as outlined below, to conduct exploration on the Property and, should any mineable reserves be delineated, potentially have those reserves permitted, mined, and processed at the adjacent Rawhide Mine. This path is believed to be the best way for the Company to obtain potential cash flow from the Property.
7 | P a g e |
Emgold Mining Corporation | |
US Funds (Unaudited) |
|
Management Discussion and Analysis
|
Buckskin Rawhide East Area
The Buckskin Rawhide East Area consists of 52 unpatented mineral claims. Forty-six of the claims were originally part of a Lease and Option to Purchase Agreement with Nevada Sunrise LLC that was signed by the company in 2009. Emgold subsequently staked six additional claims in 2011. In 2012, Emgold signed an Option Agreement to acquire 100% interest in the 46 claims that were part of the Lease and Option to Purchase Agreement. Subsequently, Emgold has acquired six additional claims from Nevada Sunrise LLC and therefore holds 100% interest in 12 claims. Emgold now holds a 75% interest in 40 additional claims that it acquired from Nevada Sunrise LLC. Emgold is in the process of acquiring the remaining 25% of the 40 additional claims from the Estate of Maurice and Lorraine Castagne. Regardless, Emgold currently controls this 25% interest in the claims by nature the 2010 Lease and Option to Purchase Agreement with Nevada Sunrise LLC.
In 2012, Emgold continued sampling, mapping, and analysis of historic and Company sampling at Buckskin Rawhide to further delineate the Black Eagle and Chicago Mountain Zones. On 30 January 2012 Emgold announced results of continuing surface exploration on two previously identified exploration targets, the Black Eagle High Grade Vein Target and the Chicago Mountain Bulk Disseminated Target. Samples were also taken along the Black Eagle Fault (which contained the Black Eagle High Grade Vein Target) and a new fault that was discovered by geological mapping.
On 14 and 19 November 2012, the Company announced a series of transactions involving its Buckskin Rawhide East Property in Nevada. The Company announced it had signed an Option Agreement to complete an early buyout of all underlying property rights, including royalty rights, for its Buckskin Rawhide East Property. The Option provides that Emgold will pay two arm’s length parties (Nevada Sunrise LLC and the Castagne) an aggregate of $510,000 to allow the Company to consolidate a 100% interest in the 52 unpatented mineral claims, totalling 835 acres, that make up Buckskin Rawhide East Property. The Company also announced that it had signed an Agreement with Rawhide Mining LLC (“RMC”) pursuant to which the Company would issue to RMC, on a private placement basis, shares and warrants in an amount of CDN$1.0 million, part of which would be used to fund the above transaction. Also pursuant to the Agreement, upon completion of the title transfer of the 100% of the Buckskin Rawhide East Property to Emgold. The Company will subsequently lease the property to RMC. This transaction is occurring in a number of steps.
On 28 December 2012, the Company announced the first step of the above transaction. The first tranche of the private placement was closed for proceeds totalling CDN$465,000. A total of $400,000 from this tranche of the financing was used to acquire a 100% interest in 6 unpatented mining claims and a 75% interest in 40 unpatented mineral claims, including royalty interests, from one of the underlying property owners mentioned above.
Subsequent to year end 2012, on 01 February 2013, Emgold announced the closing of the second step of the above transaction, which included a second private placement, for proceeds of CDN$285,000. The Company is currently working on the third step of the transaction, which will involve the acquisition of the remaining 25% of 40 unpatented mineral claims that make up part of the Buckskin Rawhide East Property. As part of this step, the remaining CDN$250,000 private placement will be completed with RMC, of which CDN$110.000 will be used to acquire the 25% interest.
8 | P a g e |
Emgold Mining Corporation | |
US Funds (Unaudited) |
|
Management Discussion and Analysis
|
The fourth and final step with RMC will involve completion of a Lease Agreement. RMC has agreed to lease the Buckskin Rawhide East Property from Emgold based on the following terms:
After meeting its exploration requirements, should RMC subsequently elect to drop the Property or decide not to advance it, the Property will be returned to Emgold.
Buckskin Rawhide West Area
Emgold’s has a lease and option to purchase agreement with Jeremy Wire, an individual, for 21 unpatented mining claims at Buckskin Rawhide. The terms of this agreement were disclosed in an Emgold news release dated 06 February 2012.
Emgold has agreed to lease the property from Jeremy Wire subject to the following payments:
Year |
Advance Royalty Payment |
||
2012 | $ | 10,000 | (1) |
2013 | $ | 10,000 | (2) |
2014 | $ | 10,000 | (2) |
2015 | $ | 20,000 | (3) |
2016 | $ | 30,000 | (3) |
2017 | $ | 30,000 | (3) |
2018 | $ | 30,000 | (3) |
Note: (1) An initial lease payment paid 50% in cash and 50% in Emgold common shares. (2) Lease payments may be paid in cash or Emgold common shares, at the discretion of Emgold. (3) Lease payments may be paid in cash or Emgold common shares, at the discretion of the Lessor. Shares will be issued at "market value" which means the volume weighted closing price of the shares on the TSX Venture Exchange or the most senior stock exchange or quotation system on which the shares are then listed or quoted for fifteen (15) trading days ending on the date that is five (5) business days before the applicable payment is due, subject to a minimum price of USD$0.08 per share.
9 | P a g e |
Emgold Mining Corporation | |
US Funds (Unaudited) |
|
Management Discussion and Analysis
|
During the lease period, Emgold may conduct exploration and, if warranted, complete a NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Property. On making the above payments and completion of the Technical Report, Emgold will acquire 100% ownership of the property. In the event that commercial production occurs, Mr. Wire will be entitled to a two percent Net Smelter Royalty on production from the property. Emgold will retain the right to purchase this royalty for $1 million, less any advance royalty payments already made.
Koegel Rawhide Property, Nevada
The Koegel Rawhide Property is situated within the Walker Lane structural zone and gold belt of western Nevada. The Walker Lane is a regional shear zone of right lateral strike slip faulting and a known gold trend that hosts large and small historic and currently operating gold-silver mines, including mines of the Comstock Lode, Tonopah Mining District and Rawhide Mining District. The geology and mineralization on the Property are associated with lithologic units and structures of the Rawhide volcanic center, as well as structures from the Walker Lane and Basin and Range.
The Koegel Rawhide Property is an early stage gold/silver exploration property located about four miles south of the Denton Rawhide Mine, a gold/silver mine that is owned and operated by Rawhide Mining LLC. The Rawhide Mine was formerly operated by Kennecott Rawhide Mining Company, a subsidiary of Rio Tinto Mining Corporation with reported production (by Kennecott) of 1.4 million ounces of gold and 10 million ounces of silver between 1988 and 2005. It is also south of Emgold’s Buckskin Rawhide Property and the Regent gold-silver Property, owned by Rawhide Mining LLC. The Regent Property was formerly drilled by Kennecott Rawhide Mining Company and Newmont Exploration Company.
Geologic mapping by Charles P. Watson, a consulting geologist, in the years 1991-1992, indicates the Property is covered mostly by Tertiary (Pliocene) age intermediate volcanic rocks including andesitic tuff breccias, sills and dikes. The volcanic units have been folded into minor anticlines and faulted. Faults of several orientations occur on the Property with north, northwest and northeast trends. Hydrothermal alteration (clay and silica) is present and is associated with structures and mineralization.
Gold and silver mineralization is present at Koegel Rawhide, based on historic randomly spaced surface sampling. A total of 464 samples were taken in geologically derived locations by consulting geologist Charles P. Watson in the years 1991-1992. The results of the historic grab samples ranged from non-detectable to 2 ounces per ton gold, and from non-detectable to 11 ounces per ton silver. The methods and quality control from the historic sampling are unknown and cannot be verified under NI 43-101, but the results are considered reliable for exploration purposes.
10 | P a g e |
Emgold Mining Corporation | |
US Funds (Unaudited) |
|
Management Discussion and Analysis
|
Emgold’s has a lease and option to purchase agreement with Jeremy Wire, an individual, for 19 unpatented mining claims at Koegel Rawhide. The terms of this agreement were disclosed in an Emgold news release dated 13 February 2012. Emgold has agreed to lease the property from Jeremy Wire subject to the following payments:
Year |
Advance Royalty Payment |
||
2012 | $ | 10,000 | (1) |
2013 | $ | 10,000 | (2) |
2014 | $ | 10,000 | (2) |
2015 | $ | 20,000 | (3) |
2016 | $ | 30,000 | (3) |
2017 | $ | 30,000 | (3) |
2018 | $ | 30,000 | (3) |
Note: (1) An initial lease payment paid 50% in cash and 50% in Emgold common shares. (2) Lease payments may be paid in cash or Emgold common shares, at the discretion of Emgold. (3) Lease payments may be paid in cash or Emgold common shares, at the discretion of the Lessor. Shares will be issued at "market value" which means the volume weighted closing price of the shares on the TSX Venture Exchange or the most senior stock exchange or quotation system on which the shares are then listed or quoted for fifteen (15) trading days ending on the date that is five (5) business days before the applicable payment.
During the lease period, Emgold may conduct exploration and, if warranted, complete a NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Property. On making the above payments and completion of the Technical Report, Emgold will acquire 100% ownership of the property. In the event that commercial production occurs, Mr. Wire will be entitled to a two percent Net Smelter Royalty on production from the property. Emgold will retain the right to purchase this royalty for $1 million, less any advance royalty payments already made.
On 15 February 2012, the Company announced that it had staked an additional 17 unpatented mining claims totalling 340 acres. This increased the size of the Koegel Rawhide Property to 36 unpatented mining claims totalling 720 acres.
In 27 February and 28 March 2012 press releases, Emgold announced results of due diligence soil and rock chip sampling and analysis of historic soil and rock chip sampling at Koegel Rawhide. The Company identified a high grade vein target called T-10 with this sampling. Potential exists for both high grade vein and bulk disseminated gold and silver targets on the Property.
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Emgold Mining Corporation | |
US Funds (Unaudited) |
|
Management Discussion and Analysis
|
Stewart Property, British Columbia
In 2001, the Company entered into an option agreement to acquire the rights to the Stewart mineral claims, a polymetallic prospect located close to Nelson in south-eastern British Columbia. The Company has earned a 100% interest in the property, subject to an underlying royalty interest.
The Stewart Property is a middle stage exploration property. It is located in a region of historic mining activity, and is part of a large geological trend of tungsten, molybdenum and gold mineralization. The Stewart Property contains a number of gold, molybdenum, tungsten and silver-lead-zinc prospects. The property has been assessed by various operators since 1967, each exploring a different type of mineral deposit. Much data is available from those programs as well as work done by Emgold. Five main exploration targets have been identified to date – the Stewart Moly Zone, the Craigtown Creek Gold Zone, the Stewart Creek Gold Zone, the Arrow Tungsten Zone, and the Free Silver Zone.
On 26 November 2012, Emgold announced commencement of its 2012 exploration program at its Stewart Property, B.C. The program consisted of 1,445 meters of diamond drilling n 11 drill holes, resulting in discovery of a new gold exploration target called the Stewart Creek Gold Zone, discovery of a new base metal exploration target called the Free Silver Zone, and further expansion of the Stewart Moly Zone to depth. Results are contained in a 08 April 2013 press release issued subsequent to year end.
Rozan Property, British Columbia
In 2000, the Company entered into an option agreement to acquire the rights to the Rozan Gold Property, a prospect located south of the community of Nelson in the Red Mountain area of south eastern British Columbia. The Company holds a 100% interest in the property. Subject to an underlying royalty interest.
The Rozan Property is an early stage polymetallic exploration property in the same geological trend as the Stewart Property. Exploration by Emgold has included geological mapping, geochemical sampling and geophysical surveys along with small drilling programs, all of which had encouraging results. The Rozan Property has the potential for high-grade gold veins, bulk mineable disseminated gold zones, and possibly other metals.
Golden Bear Ceramics Company
Golden Bear Ceramics Company has developed a process that can use a variety of non-traditional feedstock materials such as mine tailings, fly ash from coal fired power plants, fines from aggregate quarries, and other mineral wastes to make high quality 100% recycled stone and ceramic building products. This process uses off-the-shelf equipment from the ceramics industry and involves traditional cold forging and hot forging processes.
12 | P a g e |
US Funds
(Unaudited)
Management Discussion and
Analysis
Emgold Mining Corporation
Results of Operations
The comprehensive loss for the year ended 31 December 2012 was $375,731, which compares to a comprehensive loss of $2,338,060 during the year ended 31 December in 2011. The main fluctuations in costs are as follows:
Exploration and evaluation (Rounded ‘000) |
3 months 2012 |
3 months 2011 |
12 months 2012 |
12 months 2011 |
||||
$ | 492,000 | 276,000 | $ | 1,187,000 | 1,307,000 | |||
Variance increase (decrease) | 216,000 | (120,000) |
Exploration and evaluation activities in the three month period are a direct result from the flow-through exploration activities completed on the Company’s B.C. properties. The twelve month period ended reflect the Company’s desire to restrict expenses as a result of the difficult current market conditions.
Professional fees (Rounded ‘000) |
3 months 2012 |
3 months 2011 |
12 months 2012 |
12 months 2011 |
||||
$ | 4,000 | 30,000 | $ | 86,000 | 175,000 | |||
Variance (decrease) | (26,000) | (89,000) |
The Company has taken action to reduce professional fees and expects this trend to continue for the next year.
Salaries and benefits (Rounded ‘000) |
3 months 2012 |
3 months 2011 |
12 months 2012 |
12 months 2011 |
||||
$ | (10,000) | 51,000 | $ | 160,000 | 213,000 | |||
Variance (decrease) | (61,000) | (53,000) |
The differences in the amounts over the twelve month period result from the Company making changes to its management structure during the year. The difference in the three month period results from reclassification of expenses to better represent items in the financial statements.
Unrealized gain on warrant liability (Rounded ‘000) |
3 months 2012 |
3 months 2011 |
12 months 2012 |
12 months 2011 |
||||
$ | (1,296,000) | 439,000 | $ | (1,492,000) | 379,000 | |||
Variance (decrease) | (1,735,000) | (1,871,000) |
The warrant liability will continue to roll into income as the passage of time decreases the value of the remaining liability. The unrealized gain in the three and twelve month period ended is a result of adjusting the liability to reflect the warrants re-priced during the year.
Shareholder communications
(Rounded ‘000) |
3 months 2012 |
3 months 2011 |
12 months 2012 |
12 months 2011 |
||||
$ | 48,000 | 26,000 | $ | 128,000 | 62,000 | |||
Variance increase | 22,000 | 66,000 |
The increase in shareholder communications expense in both the three and twelve month periods ended are a result of the Company entering into a new investor relations contact in order to keep the market better informed of the Company’s activity.
13 | P a g e |
Emgold Mining Corporation | |
US Funds (Unaudited) |
|
Management Discussion and Analysis
|
Unrealized loss on marketable securities (Rounded ‘000) |
3 months 2012 |
3 months 2011 |
12 months 2012 |
12 months 2011 |
||||
$ | (6,000) | 16,000 | $ | - | 49,000 | |||
Variance (decrease) | (22,000) | (49,000) |
The shift in the three and twelve month periods ended are a result of the Company selling its previously held shares in another publicly traded company. The gain on the sale has been recorded and realized through the consolidated statement of comprehensive loss.
Selected Annual Information
The following table summarizes selected financial data for the Company for each of the four most recently completed financial years. The information set forth below should be read in conjunction with the consolidated audited financial statements, prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards and Canadian generally accepted accounting principles as applicable.
IFRS | IFRS | IFRS | GAAP | |
Fiscal Year Ended | Dec-12 | Dec-11 | Dec-10 | Dec-09 |
Total Revenues | - | - | - | - |
Loss from Continuing Operations | (375,371) | (2,338,060) | (1,073,087) | (2,385,996) |
Loss and Comprehensive Loss for the Year | (375,371) | (2,338,060) | (1,073,087) | (2,385,996) |
Loss per Share (Basic and Diluted) | (0.01) | (0.06) | (0.05) | (0.14) |
Total Assets | 1,677,936 | 2,198,166 | 2,207,283 | 1,136,369 |
Long-Term Financial Liabilities | 19,596 | 1,079,253 | 116,195 | 768,246 |
Cash Dividends Declared | - | - | - | - |
Financial Data for the Last Eight Quarters
The following table sets out selected unaudited quarterly financial information of the Company and is derived from the unaudited interim condensed interim consolidated financial statements prepared by management. The Company’s interim financial statements are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards and are expressed in US dollars
IFRS | IFRS | IFRS | IFRS | IFRS | IFRS | IFRS | IFRS | |
Three Months Ended | Dec-12 | Sep-12 | Jun-12 | Mar-12 | Dec-11 | Sep-11 | Jun-11 | Mar-11 |
$ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |
Total Revenues | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
(Loss) income from continuing operations | 522,705 | (406,122) | (516,751) | 24,437 | (855,503) | (689,679) | (412,693) | (380,185) |
(Loss) income for the period | 522,705 | (406,122) | (516,751) | 24,437 | (855,503) | (689,679) | (412,693) | (380,185) |
Gain (loss) per share (Basic and diluted) | 0.01 | (0.01) | (0.01) | (0.00) | (0.02) | (0.02) | (0.01) | (0.01) |
Total assets | 1,677,936 | 1,500,731 | 1,611,293 | 1,938,803 | 2,198,166 | 1,245,255 | 1,690,810 | 2,021,071 |
Working capital | (923,332) | (466,057) | 4,178 | 346,151 | 651,840 | (695,764) | (223,008) | 196,874 |
14 | P a g e |
Emgold Mining Corporation | |
US Funds (Unaudited) |
|
Management Discussion and Analysis
|
The Company experienced a trend of increasing losses from operations between the periods of March and June 2011, June and September 2011, and September and December 2011. This is a result of the Company steadily ramping up exploration throughout the year ended 2011 in order to fulfil its flow-through exploration expenditure requirements.
During the period between December 2011 and March 2012, the Company ceased exploration as a result of meeting its requirements in the 2011 year ended. The income in the three month period is primarily due to the adjustments impacting the warrant liability as disclosed above and in the Company consolidated financial statements.
The variances between the three month periods between March and June 2012, June and September 2012, and September and December 2012 are primarily a result of adjustments impacting the warrant liability and timing of exploration expenses incurred.
Other factors contributing to the variances between quarters are affected by the Company’s activities and progress on permitting of the I‑M Project and flow through work completed on the Company’s B.C. properties. These are discretionary costs, primarily related to the timing and availability of hiring of external consultants related to the permitting process, resource estimates and engineering or capital expenditures, which may be delayed.
15 | P a g e |
Emgold Mining Corporation | |
US Funds (Unaudited) |
|
Management Discussion and Analysis
|
Exploration and Evaluation Expenditures
For the Year Ended 31 December 2012 | For the Year Ended 31 December 2011 |
Cumulative Total of 31 December 2012 |
||||||||
Idaho – Maryland Property, California | ||||||||||
Geological & geochemical | $ | 279,912 | $ | 309,385 | $ | 4,977,460 | ||||
Land lease and taxes | 167,244 | 153,954 | 1,827,350 | |||||||
Mine planning | 77,168 | 298,995 | 4,819,000 | |||||||
Transportation | 9,330 | - | 137,580 | |||||||
Community relations | 2,380 | - | 82,941 | |||||||
Assay and analysis | 1,023 | - | 101,163 | |||||||
Site activities | 827 | - | 1,673,217 | |||||||
Drilling | - | - | 1,039,920 | |||||||
Consulting | - | - | 209,713 | |||||||
Stock-based compensation | 42,200 | 13,166 | 642,143 | |||||||
Incurred during the year | $ | 580,084 | $ | 775,500 | $ | 15,510,488 | ||||
Buckskin Rawhide and Koegel Properties, Nevada | ||||||||||
Geological & geochemical | - | 26,890 | 28,165 | |||||||
Site activities | - | 1,206 | 5,116 | |||||||
Incurred during the year | $ | - | $ | 28,096 | $ | 33,281 | ||||
Rozan Gold Property, BC | ||||||||||
Drilling | 221,721 | - | 285,771 | |||||||
Assays and analysis | 63,052 | - | 74,855 | |||||||
Geological & geochemical | 33,082 | - | 156,470 | |||||||
Site activities | 175 | - | 22,219 | |||||||
Transportation | 64 | - | 12,418 | |||||||
Stock-based compensation | - | - | 16,055 | |||||||
Trenching | - | - | 4,666 | |||||||
Assistance and recovery | - | - | (7,322) | |||||||
Incurred during the year | $ | 318,094 | $ | - | $ | 565,132 | ||||
Stewart Property, BC | ||||||||||
Drilling | 227,913 | 321,087 | 1,079,056 | |||||||
Geological & geochemical | 53,406 | 101,844 | 376,399 | |||||||
Assays and analysis | 3,036 | 60,555 | 159,748 | |||||||
Claim fees | 2,332 | - | 2,332 | |||||||
Transportation | 1,796 | 10,223 | 57,857 | |||||||
Site activities | 668 | 9,835 | 32,013 | |||||||
Stock-based compensation | - | - | 16,055 | |||||||
Trenching | - | - | 19,318 | |||||||
Assistance and recovery | - | - | (29,692) | |||||||
Incurred during the year | $ | 289,151 | $ | 503,544 | $ | 1,713,086 | ||||
Total Exploration Expenditures | $ | 1,187,329 | $ | 1,307,140 | $ | 17,821,987 |
16 | P a g e |
Emgold Mining Corporation | |
US Funds (Unaudited) |
|
Management Discussion and Analysis
|
The Company’s primary focus continues to be the permitting of the I-M in California, subject to securing funds to move forward with the permitting process and subject to extending the Lease and Option to Purchase Agreement associated with 91 acres of surface rights and 2,750 acres of subsurface mineral rights.
The Company’s secondary focus is to advance its properties in Nevada that are adjacent to or near the operating Denton Rawhide Mine. The Company is consolidating its ownership in the Buckskin Rawhide East Property and plans to subsequently lease the property to Rawhide Mining LLC, who operates the Denton Rawhide Mine. Emgold subsequently plans to conduct additional exploration on its Buckskin Rawhide West and Koegel Rawhide Properties, subject to securing funds to move forward with this exploration.
The Company’s tertiary focous is the continued exploration of its Stewart and Rozan Properties in British Columbia, also subject to securing fund to move forward with this exploration.
Liquidity
Historically, the Company’s sole source of funding is and has been the issuance of equity securities for cash, primarily through private placements to sophisticated investors and institutions. The Company has issued common shares and warrants pursuant to private placement financings and the exercise of warrants and options.
The current market conditions, the challenging and inhospitable funding environment and the low price of the Company’s common shares make it difficult to raise funds through private placements of shares. In addition, the Company endeavours to minimize dilution to existing shareholders. There is no assurance that the Company will be successful with any financing ventures. Please refer to the “Risks” section of this document.
At 31 December 2012, the Company had a working capital deficiency of $923,332, compared with a working capital surplus of $651,840 at 31 December 2011.
Cash used in operating activities during the year ended 31 December 2012 totalled $1,062,980 (Comparative Period - $1,916,949).
Cash used in investing activities during the year ended 31 December 2012 totalled $417,519 (Comparative Period – cash raised $1,000).
Cash raised in financing activities during the year ended 31 December 2012 totalled $577,450 (Comparative Period - $1,963,556).
Investing Activities
As at 31 December 2012, Emgold has capitalized $1,464,274 (Comparative Period - $1,035,163) representing costs associated with the acquisition of its mineral property interests in California, Nevada and British Columbia.
17 | P a g e |
US Funds
(Unaudited)
Management Discussion and
Analysis
Emgold Mining Corporation
Capital Resources
The Company’s continued operations are dependent upon the Company’s ability to obtain sufficient financing to carry on planned operations. Currently, the Company does not have sufficient working capital to carry on planned operations, and will have to continue to raise equity capital for future operations. If it is unable to continue to raise sufficient equity capital for continued permitting and corporate overhead, it would have to cease operations.
Share Capital
As at 31 December 2012, the Company had 66,651,462 common shares issued and outstanding. The fully diluted share capital of 107,119,991 assumes the conversion of 35,495,784 warrants and 4,969,665 options.
Subsequent to the year end and up to the date of this report, the Company had 72,587,462 common shares issued and outstanding resulting from the closing of a private placement which saw the issuance of 5,700,000 common shares and the issuance of 236,000 common shares in connection with existing lease and options to purchase agreements on the Buckskin Rawhide and Koegel Rawhide Properties. The fully diluted share capital of 115,202,911 assumes the conversion of 38,345,784 warrants and 4,269,665 options. Subsequent to year end the Company issued an additional 2,850,000 warrants in connection with the private placement noted above and expired 700,000 options.
Financing Activities
Further financing will continue to be required to advance the I-M Project, for exploration of Emgold’s other properties, and for general and administrative costs, in order to complete the permitting process. Emgold has been looking at various alternatives to implement Golden Bear’s business plan as noted in section 1.1.1. The Company currently has no carrying value for Golden Bear and all costs were written off in fiscal 2008.
18 | P a g e |
Emgold Mining Corporation | |
US Funds (Unaudited) |
|
Management Discussion and Analysis
|
Going Concern
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the basis of the accounting principles applicable to a going concern, which assumes the Company’s ability to continue in operation for the foreseeable future and to realize its assets and discharge its liabilities in the normal course of operations.
There are several adverse conditions that cast significant doubt upon the soundness of this assumption. The Company has negative working capital, has incurred operating losses since inception, has no source of revenue, is unable to self-finance operations and has significant on-going cash requirements to meet its overhead and maintain its mineral interests. Further, the business of mining and exploration involves a high degree of risk and there can be no assurance that current exploration programs will result in profitable mining operations. The recoverability of exploration and evaluation assets is dependent upon several factors. These include the discovery of economically recoverable reserves, the ability of the Company to obtain the necessary financing to complete the development of these properties, and future profitable production or proceeds from disposition of mineral properties.
For the Company to continue to operate as a going concern it must obtain additional financing; although the Company has been successful in the past at raising funds, there can be no assurance that this will continue in the future. If the going concern assumption were not appropriate for these consolidated financial statements then adjustments would be necessary to the carrying value of assets and liabilities, the reported expenses and the statement of financial position classifications used and such adjustments could be material.
External permitting activities with the City of Grass Valley related to the I-M Project in California remain on hold pending financing activities by the Company and pending extension of the Lease Option to Purchase Agreement for certain surface and mineral rights associated with the Project. As announced in 26 October 2011 and 07 September 2012 press releases, the preparation of the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) remains temporarily on hold while the Company waits for improved equity market conditions to raise the funds necessary to complete the process. On 10 September 2012, the City of Grass Valley notified the Company that their 2011 Revised Permit Applications were “deemed withdrawn” and the applications will need to be resubmitted when the Company has the funds in place and is ready to move forward. On 01 February 2013, subsequent to year end 2012, a Lease Option to Purchase Agreement for 91 acres of surface rights and 2,750 aces of mineral rights associated with the I‑M Project expired. The Company is in negotiations to extend this Agreement. Should negotiations to extend the agreement be unsuccessful, Emgold has stated it will terminate the Project and focus on the other assets the Company currently has in its portfolio.
Since 2009, Emgold management has taken many steps to reduce corporate and project costs. Currently, executive salaries are being deferred voluntarily, together with Board remuneration and management and consulting fees, until such time as new financing is available.
The Company’s exploration activities and its potential mining and processing operations are subject to various laws governing land use, the protection of the environment, prospecting, development, production, contractor availability, commodity prices, exports, taxes, labour standards, occupational safety and health, waste disposal, toxic substances, mine safety and other matters. The Company believes it is in substantial compliance with all material laws and regulations which currently apply to its activities.
Although over 40 gold mines have been permitted for operations in California since the CEQA legislation was enacted in the 1960s, there seems to remain a general perception in the mining industry and financial institutions that it is not possible to permit a mine in California and this has seriously impeded the Company’s efforts to obtain required and timely equity financing. The number of gold mines permitted and put into production is only a small fraction of the other mineral and metal mining production in California. The Company has received all permits applied for by the Company since its acquisition of the I-M Project.
19 | P a g e |
Emgold Mining Corporation | |
US Funds (Unaudited) |
|
Management Discussion and Analysis
|
There is no assurance that the Company will be able to obtain all permits required for exploration, any future development and construction of mining facilities and conduct of mining operations on reasonable terms or that new legislation or modifications to existing legislation, would not have an adverse effect on any exploration or mining project which the Company might undertake.
The Company has been performing reclamation activities on an on-going basis on its exploration properties. As such, management feels that there is no significant reclamation liability outstanding on properties owned by the Company.
The Company’s continuing operations and the underlying value and recoverability of the amounts shown for mineral property interests are entirely dependent upon the existence of economically recoverable mineral reserves, the ability of the Company to obtain the necessary financing to complete the exploration and development of its mineral property interests and on future profitable production or proceeds from the disposition of the mineral property interests or other interests.
Plans for 2013 and On-going
The Company continues to focus on advancing the permitting of the I‑M Project in Grass Valley. The I-M Project is entering the final stages of the CEQA process which will require a substantial amount of the Company's financial and management resources. The Company plans to raise funds to continue advancing the I‑M Project. Should funding not be available, the Company may elect to drop the I‑M Project and focus on other properties the Company has in its portfolio.
A Lease Option to Purchase Agreement for 91 acres of surface rights and 2,750 aces of mineral rights associated with the I-M Project expired on February 1, 2013. The Company is in negotiations to extend this Agreement. Should negotiations to extend the agreement be unsuccessful, Emgold has stated it will terminate the Project and focus on the other assets the Company currently has in its portfolio
The Company believes the Buckskin Rawhide Property is a highly prospective gold-silver exploration property with potential for discovery of high grade and bulk disseminated mineralization. A high grade zone and bulk disseminated zone have been identified for core drilling. Additional prospects on the property also exist. Subject to completion of the agreement announced with Rawhide Mining Company LLC in 14 and 19 November 2012 press releases, it is expected that RMC will conduct exploration activities on the Buckskin Rawhide East Area of the Property in 2013 with the goal of identifying resources that could ultimately be developed and processed at the adjacent Denton-Rawhide Mine. The Company intends to conduct initial exploration activities (chip sampling, soil sampling, and geologic mapping) on the Buckskin Rawhide West Area that in not part of the RMC agreement, subject to financing.
The Company believes its Koegel Rawhide Property is a highly prospective gold-silver exploration property with potential for high grade and bulk disseminated mineralization. A high grade zone has been identified for core drilling and additional prospects on the property will continue to be investigated, subject to financing.
The Company believes the Stewart and Rozan Properties are highly prospective poly-metallic exploration properties with potential for discovery of molybdenum, tungsten, gold, silver, and other types of mineralization. A number of targets have been identified for continuing exploration, subject to financing.
20 | P a g e |
US Funds
(Unaudited)
Management Discussion and
Analysis
Emgold Mining Corporation
Related Party Transactions and Balances
The Company’s related parties consist of directors, executive officers and companies owned by directors and / or executive officers as follows:
Related parties | Nature of transactions |
David Watkinson, CEO | Management fees & share-based awards |
A company owned or controlled by Grant T. Smith, CFO | Professional fees |
A company of which a Director, Kenneth Yurichuck, is a director | Management fees & share-based awards |
Sargent Berner, Director | Share-based awards |
Stephen Wilkinson, Director | Share-based awards |
Andrew MacRitchie, Director | Share-based awards |
William Witte, Director | Share-based awards |
Related party transactions and balances not disclosed elsewhere in the consolidated financial statements are as follows:
Related Party Disclosure | |||||
Name and Principal Position | Period (i) |
Remuneration or fees (ii) |
Share-based awards |
||
CEO and President - management fees |
2012 2011 |
$
|
185,000 185,000 |
$
|
40,598 - |
A company of which the CFO is a director (iii) – management fees |
2012 2011 |
12,095 - |
- - |
||
A company of which the CFO is a director (iii) – accounting |
2012 2011 |
4,089 - |
- - |
||
759924 Ontario Ltd. (iv) – consulting fees |
2012 2011 |
24,400 42,634 |
10,826 - |
||
Quorum Management |
2012 2011 |
139,250 186,109 |
- - |
||
Directors |
2012 2011 |
- - |
40,580 - |
i) For the year ended 31 December 2012 and 2011. |
ii) Amounts disclosed were paid or accrued to the related party. |
iii) A company of which the CFO, Grant T. Smith, is a director. |
iv) A company of which a director, Kenneth Yurichuk, is a director. |
At 31 December 2012, fees of $462,767 (2011 – $244,033) payable to David Watkinson; fees of $14,022 (2011 – $Nil) payable to Clearline; fees of $Nil (2011 – $7,997) payable to 759924 Ontario Ltd.; and fees of $Nil (2011 – $28,531) refundable from Quorum Management and Administrative Services Inc. were included in accounts payable or due to related parties. Also, amounts of $12,756 (2011 – $40,033) are receivable from Stephen Wilkinson at the year-end date.
21 | P a g e |
Emgold Mining Corporation | |
US Funds (Unaudited) |
|
Management Discussion and Analysis
|
Quorum is a private company held jointly by the Company and other public companies, created to provide services on a full cost recovery basis to the various public entities currently sharing certain personnel costs, office space, and overhead with the Company. In April 2012, the partners of Quorum made the decision to wind up its administrative operations effective 31 August 2012. Management is aware of the possibility that there may be a future cost associated with the conclusion of this agreement. At the year ended 31 December 2012 and at the date of this report, the Company is unable to make a reliable estimate of the cost or likelihood of them being incurred. Accordingly, no provision has been made in the consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2012.
Related party balances are non-interest bearing and are due on demand, with no fixed terms of repayment. These transactions occurred in the normal course of operations and are measured at their exchange amount, which is the amount of consideration established and agreed to by the related parties.
Off Balance Sheet Arrangements
The Company has no off balance sheet arrangements.
Critical Judgment in Applying Accounting Policies
In the application of the Company’s accounting policies, which are described in note 3 of the consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2012, management is required to make judgments, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount and classification of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an on-going basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognized in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revisions affect only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods, if the revision affects both current and future periods.
22 | P a g e |
Emgold Mining Corporation | |
US Funds (Unaudited) |
|
Management Discussion and Analysis
|
The following are the critical judgments and areas involving estimates, that management have made in the process of applying the Company’s accounting policies and that have the most significant effect on the amount recognized in the consolidated financial statements.
Critical judgments in applying accounting policies
Going concern assumption
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the basis of the accounting principles applicable to a going concern, which assumes the Company’s ability to continue in operation for the foreseeable future and to realize its assets and discharge its liabilities in the normal course of operations. There are several adverse conditions that cast significant doubt upon the soundness of this assumption. Refer to note 1 for more details.
Determination of functional currency
In accordance with IAS 21, The Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates , management determined that the functional currency of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries is the US dollar.
Mineral Properties
The company owns land and surface rights, which is part of the Idaho-Maryland property in the amount of $747,219. This land is adjacent to the property which the company leases that expired on February 1, 2013 (see note 16). The company assessed that no impairment was necessary on the land and surface rights that they own as they are still negotiating to extend the lease however if the lease were not extended the land will still be of value as its location is strategic to the operating of the surface mine.
Key sources of estimation uncertainty
Useful life of plant and equipment
As discussed in note 3, the Company reviews the estimated lives of its plant and equipment at the end of each reporting period. There were no material changes in the lives of plant and equipment for the years ended 31 December 2012 and 2011.
Decommissioning liability
The estimated costs are reviewed annually by management including changes in the discount rate, estimated timing of decommissioning costs, or cost estimates.
Share based payments and fair value of warrants
Management assesses the fair value of stock options granted in accordance with the accounting policy stated in note 3. The fair value of stock options granted is measured using the Black-Scholes option valuation model (“BkS”), which was created for use in estimating the fair value of freely tradable, fully transferable options. The Company’s stock options have characteristics significantly different from those of traded options, and changes in the highly subjective input assumptions can materially affect the calculated values. The fair value of stock options granted using the BkS do not necessarily provide a reliable measure of the fair value of the Company’s stock option awards. The same model is used by the Company is order to arrive at a fair value for the issuance of warrants.
23 | P a g e |
Emgold Mining Corporation | |
US Funds (Unaudited) |
|
Management Discussion and Analysis
|
Income taxes
Provisions for income taxes are made using the best estimate of the amount expected to be paid based on a qualitative assessment of all relevant factors. The Company reviews the adequacy of these provisions at the end of the reporting period. However, it is possible that at some future date an additional liability could result from audits by taxing authorities. Where the final outcome of these tax-related matters is different from the amounts that were originally recorded, such differences will affect the tax provisions in the period in which such determination is made.
Exploration and evaluation asset
The Company makes certain estimates and assumptions regarding the recoverability of the carrying values of exploration and evaluation assets. These assumptions are changed when conditions exist that indicate the carrying value may be impaired, at which time an impairment loss is recorded.
Financial Instruments and Other Instruments
The Company’s financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, due from related party, marketable securities, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, due to related party and derivative liability.
Credit risk
Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to the Company if a customer or counterparty to a financial instrument fails to meet its obligations.
Substantially all of the Company’s cash and short-term investments are held with major financial institutions in Canada, and management believes the exposure to credit risk with such institutions is not significant. Those financial assets that potentially subject the Company to credit risk are its receivables. The Company has increased its focus on credit risk given the impact of the current economic climate. The Company considers the risk of material loss to be significantly mitigated due to the financial strength of the major financial institutions where cash and term deposits are held. The Company’s maximum exposure to credit risk as at 31 December 2012 is the carrying value of its financial assets.
Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will not be able to meet its obligations associated with financial liabilities. The Company has a planning and budgeting process in place by which it anticipates and determines the funds required to support normal operation requirements as well as the growth and development of its mineral property interests. The Company coordinates this planning and budgeting process with its financing activities through the capital management process described below, in normal circumstances. Due to the lack of liquidity and anticipated working capital requirements within the next twelve months, management has increased its focus on liquidity risk given the impact of the current economic climate on the availability of finance. During the year ended 31 December 2012, the Company raised cash proceeds of $577,450 (2011 - $1,963,556) in financing activities.
24 | P a g e |
Emgold Mining Corporation | |
US Funds (Unaudited) |
|
Management Discussion and Analysis
|
Currency risk
The Company’s currency risk arises primarily with fluctuations in United States dollar and the Canadian dollar. The Company has no revenue and any exposure to currency risk is related to expenditures by the Company in Canada, as a significant portion of operating expenses are payable in Canadian dollars. The currency risk by the Company relates to unpaid liabilities of the Company payable in Canadian dollars.
The Company has not hedged its exposure to currency fluctuations. At 31 December 2012, the Company is exposed to currency risk through the following assets and liabilities denominated in Canadian dollars, but presented in United States dollar equivalents:
At 31 December 2012 the Company held currency totalling the following:
Rounded (‘000’s) |
31 December 2012 |
31 December 2011 |
||
Canadian dollars | $ | 54,000 | $ | 877,000 |
United States dollars | $ | 8,000 | $ | 88,000 |
Based on the above net exposures at 31 December 2012, and assuming that all other variables remain constant a 5% appreciation or depreciation of the Canadian dollar against the United States dollar would result in an increase/decrease of $2,700 in the Company’s loss from operations.
Management of Capital
The Company defines capital as its shareholders' equity. The Company’s objective in managing capital is to maintain adequate levels of funding to support permitting activities in California, maintain corporate and administrative functions necessary to support organizational management oversight, and obtain funding sufficient for advancing the Company’s other interests including its exploration properties.
The Company seeks to manage its capital structure in a manner that provides sufficient funding for operational activities. Funds are primarily secured through equity capital obtained in private placements. There can be no assurances that the Company will be able to continue raising capital in this manner. The Company currently does not use other sources of financing that requires fixed payments of interest and principal due to the lack of cash flow from current operations and is not subject to any externally imposed capital requirements.
The Company has in the past invested its capital in short-term investments to obtain adequate returns. The investment decision is based on cash management to ensure working capital is available to meet the Company’s short-term obligations while maximizing liquidity and returns of unused capital.
Disclosure controls and internal controls over financial reporting
Management is responsible for designing,
establishing, and maintaining a system of internal controls over financial reporting to provide reasonable assurance that the financial
information prepared by the Company for external purposes is reliable and has been recorded, processed, and reported in an accurate
and timely manner in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards. Management is also responsible for designing,
establishing, and maintaining a system of disclosure controls and procedures. Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to
provide reasonable assurance that material items requiring disclosure by the Company are identified and reported in a timely manner.
There has been no significant change in disclosure controls or in internal controls over financial reporting during 2012 that has
materially affected, or is reasonably likely to affect, the Company’s disclosure controls or its internal controls over financial
reporting.
25 | P a g e |
Emgold Mining Corporation | |
US Funds (Unaudited) |
|
Management Discussion and Analysis
|
Management’s report on internal controls over financial reporting and disclosure controls
The Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures and assessed the design and the operating effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of 31 December 2012. Based on that assessment, management concluded that, as at 31 December 2012, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting has effectively provided reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of consolidated financial statements for external reporting purposes. There was no change in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting that occurred in the year ended 31 December 2012 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting.
Additional Disclosure for Venture Issuers with Significant Revenue
Consistent with other companies in the mineral exploration industry, Emgold has no source of operating revenue. The Company’s 31 December 2012 Annual Audited Consolidated Financial Statements provide a breakdown of the general and administrative expenses for the period under review and an analysis of the capitalized and expensed exploration and development costs incurred on its mineral properties.
Investor Relations Activities
With respect to investor and public relations, the Company provides information from its corporate offices to investors and brokers directly.
Approval
The Board of Directors of Emgold Mining Corporation has approved the disclosure contained in this Annual MD&A. A copy of this Annual MD&A will be provided to anyone who requests it and can be located, along with additional information, on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com .
26 | P a g e |
US Funds
(Unaudited)
Management Discussion and
Analysis
Emgold Mining Corporation
Caution on Forward-Looking Information
This Annual MD&A contains "forward-looking statements". These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this MD&A and the Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the ongoing viability of the Company, the Company’s ability to raise capital, future remediation and reclamation activities, future mineral exploration, the estimation of mineral reserves and mineral resources, the realization of mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates, the timing of activities and the amount of estimated revenues and expenses, the success of exploration activities, permitting time lines, requirements for additional capital and sources and uses of funds.
Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, risks related to actual results of financing activities, exploration activities; actual results of remediation and reclamation activities; conclusions of economic evaluations; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; future prices of gold and other commodities; the state of capital markets; possible variations in ore reserves, grade or recovery rates; failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry; delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing or in the completion of exploration and development activities.
Respectfully submitted
On behalf of the Board of Directors
“David Watkinson”
David Watkinson
President & CEO
27 | P a g e |
EMGOLD MINING CORPORATION
2005 STOCK OPTION PLAN
(10% Rolling )
(As adopted pursuant to shareholders’ resolution dated June 8, 2005
and amended by directors' resolution dated December 22, 2011)
Article
One
DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATIONS
Section 1.01 Definitions : For purposes of the plan, unless such word or term is otherwise defined herein or the context in which such word or term is used herein otherwise requires, the following words and terms with the initial letter or letters thereof capitalized shall have the following meanings:
(a) | "Black-out Period" means a period of time during which the Company has imposed a prohibition or restriction on trading securities of the Company pursuant to the policies of the Company; |
(b) | "Committee" shall mean the Directors or, if the Directors so determine in accordance with Section 2.03 |
of the Plan, the committee of the Directors authorized to administer the Plan;
(c) | "Common Shares" shall mean the common shares of the Corporation, as adjusted in accordance with the provisions of Article Six of the Plan; |
(d) | "Corporation" shall mean Emgold Mining Corporation, a corporation incorp-orated pursuant to the provisions of the British Columbia Business Corporations Act |
(e) | "Directors" shall mean the directors of the Corporation from time to time; |
(f) | "Eligible Directors" shall mean the Directors or the directors of any subsidiary of the Corporation from time to time who, by the nature of their positions are, in the opinion of the Committee, in a position to contribute to the success of the Corporation; |
(g) | "Eligible Employees" shall mean employees, (including any "Management Company Employee", as that term is defined in the TSX Policies) including officers, whether Directors or not, and including both full-time and part-time employees, of the Corporation or any subsidiary of the Corporation who, by the nature of their positions or jobs are, in the opinion of the Committee, in a position to contribute to the success of the Corporation; |
(h) | "Employment Contract" means any contract between the Corporation or any subsidiary of the Corporation and any Eligible Employee or other Participant relating to, or entered into in connection with, the employment of the Eligible Employee or the engagement of the Other Participant; |
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(i) | "Option" shall mean an option to purchase Common Shares granted pursuant to, or governed by, the Plan; |
(j) | "Optionee" means a Participant to whom an Option has been granted pursuant to the Plan; |
(k) | "Option Period" shall mean the period of time during which the particular Option may be exercised; |
(l) | "Other Participants" shall mean any person or corporation engaged to provide ongoing management or consulting services for the Corporation or for any entity controlled by the Corporation, (including any "Consultant" as that term is defined in the TSX Policies) other than an Eligible Director or an Eligible Employee; |
(m) | "Participant" shall mean each Eligible Director, Eligible Employee and Other Participant; |
(n) | "Plan" shall mean this stock option plan; |
(o) | "TSX Insider" shall mean |
(i) | an insider of the Corporation, other than a person who is an insider of the Corporation solely by virtue of being a director or senior officer of a subsidiary of the Corporation; and |
(ii) | an associate of any person who is an insider of the Corporation within the meaning of paragraph (i) of this definition; and |
(p) | "TSX Policies" means the policies included in the TSX Venture Exchange Corporate Finance Manual and "TSX Policy" means any one of them; |
(q) | "TSX" means the TSX Venture Exchange; |
(r) | "U.S. Act" means the Securities Act of 1933 of the United States, as amended. |
Section 1.02 Securities Definitions : In the Plan, the terms "associate", "subsidiary" and "insider" shall have the meanings given to such terms in the Securities Act (British Columbia).
Section 1.03 Headings : The headings of all articles, sections, and paragraphs in the Plan are inserted for convenience of reference only and shall not affect the construction or interpretation of the Plan.
Section 1.04 Context, Construction : Whenever the singular or masculine are used in the Plan, the same shall be construed as being the plural or feminine or neuter or vice versa where the context so requires.
Section 1.05 References to the Plan : The words "herein", "hereby", "hereunder", "hereof" and similar expressions mean or refer to the Plan as a whole and not to any particular article, section, paragraph or other part hereof.
- 3 - |
Section 1.06 Canadian Funds : Unless otherwise specifically provided, all references to dollar amounts in the Plan are references to lawful money of Canada.
Article
Two
PURPOSE AND ADMINISTRATION OF THE PLAN
Section 2.01 Purpose of the Plan : The Plan provides for the grant of Options to Participants for the purpose of advancing the interests of the Corporation through the motivation, attraction and retention of key employees and directors of the Corporation and subsidiaries of the Corporation and to secure for the Corporation and the shareholders of the Corporation the benefits inherent in the ownership of Common Shares by key employees and directors of the Corporation and subsidiaries of the Corporation, it being generally recognized that stock option plans aid in attracting, retaining and encouraging employees and directors due to the opportunity offered to them to acquire a proprietary interest in the Corporation.
Section 2.02 Administration of the Plan . The Plan shall be administered by the Committee and the Committee shall have full authority to administer the Plan including the authority to interpret and construe any provision of the Plan and to adopt, amend and rescind such rules and regulations for administering the Plan as the Committee may deem necessary in order to comply with the requirements of the Plan. All actions taken and all interpretations and determinations made by the Committee in good faith shall be final and conclusive and shall be binding on the Participants and the Corporation. No member of the Committee shall be personally liable for any action taken or determination or interpretation made in good faith in connection with the Plan and all members of the Committee shall, in addition to their rights as Directors, be fully protected, indemnified and held harmless by the Corporation with respect to any such action taken or determination or interpretation made. The appropriate officers of the Corporation are hereby authorized and empowered to do all things and execute and deliver all instruments, undertakings and applications and writings as they, in their absolute discretion, consider necessary for the implementation of the Plan and of the rules and regulations established for administering the Plan. All costs incurred in connection with the Plan shall be for the account of the Corporation.
Section 2.03 Delegation to Committee : All of the powers exercisable hereunder by the Directors may, to the extent permitted by applicable law and as determined by resolution of the Directors, be exercised by a committee of the Directors comprised of not less than three Directors.
Section 2.04 Record Keeping : The Corporation shall maintain a register in which shall be recorded:
(a) | the name and address of each Optionee; |
(b) | the number of Common Shares subject to Options granted to each Optionee; and |
(c) | the aggregate number of Common Shares subject to Options. |
Section 2.05 Previously Granted Options : The outstanding options to purchase Common Shares granted by the Corporation to Participants before the date on which this Plan shall Section 2.06 become effective shall continue to be exercisable, shall be governed by and be subject to the Plan and shall be deemed to be Options granted under the Plan. However, to the extent that the terms and conditions of any such option are inconsistent with the terms and conditions of the Plan, the terms and conditions of such option shall govern.
- 4 - |
Article
Three
ELIGIBILITY AND PARTICIPATION
IN THE PLAN AND GRANT OF OPTIONS
Section 3.01 Eligibility : Options shall only be granted to Participants.
Section 3.02 Determination of Option Recipients : The Committee shall from time to time determine the Participants to whom Options shall be granted, the number of Common Shares to be made subject to and the expiry date of each option granted to each Participant and the other terms of each Option granted to each Participant, all such determinations to be made in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Plan, and the Committee may take into consideration the present and potential contributions of and the services rendered by the particular Participant to the success of the Corporation and any other factors which the Committee deems appropriate and relevant. Each Option granted to a Participant shall be evidenced by a stock option agreement containing terms and conditions consistent with the provisions of the Plan, which terms and conditions need not be the same in each case. For Options granted to Employees, Consultants or Management Company Employees the Corporation shall represent that the Optionee is a bona fide Employee, Consultant or Management Company Employee, as the case may be.
Article
Four
NUMBER OF COMMON SHARES SUBJECT TO THE
PLAN, EXERCISE PRICE AND TERM OF OPTIONS
Section 4.01 Number of Shares : The maximum number of Common Shares which may be made subject to Options at any time and from time to time shall not exceed 10% of the total number of Common Shares then outstanding on a non-diluted basis, subject to adjustment in accordance with Article Six of the Plan. In addition, the maximum number of Common Shares which, together with Common Shares subject to a security-based compensation arrangement (within the meaning of the policy on security based compensation arrangements of the TSX) with such Participant or Participants, as the case may be:
(a) | reserved for issue pursuant to Options granted to Participants who are TSX Insiders shall not exceed 10% of the number of Common Shares then outstanding; |
(b) | issued pursuant to the exercise of Options granted to Participants who are TSX Insiders within a one-year period shall not exceed 10% of the number of Common Shares then outstanding; |
(c) | issued pursuant to the exercise of Options granted to any one Participant who is a TSX Insider and the associates of such Participant within a one-year period shall not exceed 5% of the number of Common Shares then outstanding; |
- 5 - |
(d) | reserved for issue pursuant to Options granted to any one Participant in any 12 month period shall not exceed 5% of the number of Common Shares then outstanding; |
(e) | reserved for issue pursuant to Options granted to any one Consultant in any 12 month period shall not exceed 2% of the number of Common Shares then outstanding; and |
(f) | no more than an aggregate of 2% of the issued shares of the Corporation may be granted to all Participants conducting Investor Relations Activities, in any 12 month period. |
For purposes of this Section 4.01 (a) through (f) , the number of Common Shares then outstanding shall mean the number of Common Shares outstanding on a non-diluted basis immediately prior to the proposed grant of the applicable option, excluding Common Shares issued pursuant to share compensation arrangements over the preceding one-year period. If Options are exercised, or are surrendered, terminate or expire without being exercised in whole or in part, the Common Shares which were the subject of such Options may again be made subject to an Option.
Section 4.02 Exercise Price : The price per share at which any Common Share which is the subject of an Option may be purchased shall be determined by the Directors at the time the Option is granted, provided that such price shall be not less than the closing price of the Common Shares on the TSX prevailing on the day that the option is granted less a discount of up to 25%, the amount of the discount varying with market price in accordance with the policies of the TSX. or if the Common Shares are not then listed on the TSX, on the most senior of any other exchange on which the Common shares are then traded, on the last trading day immediately preceding the date of grant of such Option.
Section 4.03 Term of Options : The Option Period for each Option shall be such period of time as shall be determined by the Committee, subject to any Employment Contract, provided that no Option Period shall exceed 5 years and further provided that if the expiry date of any Option occurs during or within five (5) trading days following a Black-Out Period, the expiry date of such Option shall be deemed to automatically adjust such that the expiry date is ten (10) trading days following the date on which such Black-Out Period ends. The Committee may determine the number or percentage of Common Shares which may be purchased by an Optionee during any particular time period within the Option Period.
Section 4 .04 Vesting: Options issued to Participants performing Investor Relations Activities must vest in stages over 12 months with no more than ¼ of the options vesting in any three month period.
Article
Five
EXERCISE OF OPTION, EFFECT OF DEATH AND
TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT AND WITHHOLDING TAXES
Section 5.01 Exercise of Option:
(a) | Exercise : Subject to any restriction on the number or percentage of Common Shares which may be purchased by the Optionee during any particular time period within the Option Period determined by the Committee, an Option may be exercised by the |
- 6 - |
Optionee in whole at any time, or in part from time to time, during the Option Period, provided however that, except as otherwise specifically provided in Section 5.02 or Section 5.03 hereof or in any Employment Contract, no Option may be exercised unless the Optionee at the time of exercise thereof is: |
(i) | in the case of an Eligible Employee, in the employment of the Corporation or a subsidiary of the Corporation and has been continuously so employed since the date of grant of such option, provided however that a leave of absence with the approval of the Corporation or such subsidiary of the Corporation shall not be considered an interruption of employment for purposes of the Plan; |
(ii) | in the case of an Eligible Director who is not also an Eligible Employee, a director of the Corporation or a subsidiary of the Corporation and has been such a director continuously since the date of grant of such Option; and |
(iii) | in the case of an Other Participant, engaged in providing ongoing management or consulting services for the Corporation or an entity controlled by the Corporation and has been so engaged since the date of grant of such Option. |
(b) | Payment of Exercise Price : The exercise of any Option shall be contingent upon receipt by the Corporation of payment of the aggregate purchase price by cash, certified cheque or bank draft for the Common Shares in respect of which the Option has been exercised. No Optionee or legal representative, legatee or distributee of any Optionee will be, or will be deemed to be, a holder of any Common Shares with respect to which such Optionee was granted an Option, unless and until certificates for such Common Shares are issued to such Optionee, or them, under the terms of the Plan. Subject to Section 9.04 hereof, upon an Optionee exercising an Option and paying the Corporation the aggregate purchase price for the Common Shares by cash, certified cheque or bank draft in respect of which the Option has been exercised, the Corporation shall as soon as practicable issue and deliver a certificate representing the Common Shares so purchased. |
Section 5.02 Effect of Death : If a Participant shall die while an Optionee, any Option held by such Optionee at the date of death shall be exercisable in whole or in part only by the person or persons to whom the rights of the Optionee under the Option shall pass by the will of the Optionee or the laws of descent and distribution for a period of one year after the date of death of the Optionee or prior to the expiration of the Option Period in respect of the Option, whichever is sooner, and then only to the extent that such Optionee was entitled to exercise the Option at the date of death of such Optionee, subject to the provisions of any Employment Contract.
Section 5.03 Effect of Termination of Employment : If an Optionee shall cease to be a Participant for cause, no Option held by such Optionee shall be exercisable following the date on which such Optionee ceases to be a Participant. If an Optionee ceases to be a Participant for any reason other than for cause or by virtue of death, any Option held by such Optionee at such time shall remain exercisable in full at any time, and in part from time to time, for a period of 30 days for a Participant who is employed to provide Investor Relations Activities and 90 days for other Participants, after the date on which the Optionee ceases to be a Participant or prior to the expiration of the Option Period in respect of the Option, whichever is sooner, and then only to Section 5.04 the extent that such Optionee was entitled to exercise the Option at such time, subject to the provisions of any Employment Contract.
- 7 - |
Section 5.05 Withholding Taxes : The Corporation or any subsidiary of the Corporation may take such steps as are considered necessary or appropriate for the withholding of any taxes which the Corporation or any subsidiary of the Corporation is required by any law or regulation of any governmental authority whatsoever to withhold in connection with any Option including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the withholding of all or any portion of any payment or the withholding of the issue of Common Shares to be issued upon the exercise of any Option until such time as the Optionee has paid the Corporation or any subsidiary of the Corporation for any amount which the Corporation or subsidiary of the Corporation is required to withhold with respect to such taxes.
Article
Six
CAPITAL CHANGES
Section 6.01 Capital Changes : In the event there is any change in the Common Shares, whether by reason of a stock dividend, consolidation, subdivision, reclassification or otherwise, an appropriate adjustment shall be made by the Directors in:
(a) | the number of Common Shares available under the Plan; |
(b) | the number of Common Shares subject to Options; and |
(c) | the exercise price of the Common Shares subject to Options. |
If the foregoing adjustment shall result in a fractional Common Share, the fraction shall be disregarded. All such adjustments shall be conclusive, final and binding for all purposes of the Plan.
Section 6.02 Amalgamation, Consolidation or Merger : If the Corporation amalgamates with, consolidates with or merges with or into, or participates in a statutory arrangement with, another corporation, any Common Shares receivable on the exercise of an Option shall be converted into the securities, property or cash which the Optionee would have received upon such amalgamation, consolidation, merger or arrangement had the Option been exercised prior to such event becoming effective.
Article
Seven
WITHHOLDING TAXES AND SECURITIES LAWS
OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Section 7.01 Withholding Taxes : The Corporation or any subsidiary of the Corporation may take such steps as are considered necessary or appropriate for the withholding of any taxes which the Corporation or any subsidiary of the Corporation is required by any law or regulation of any governmental authority whatsoever to withhold in connection with any Option including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the withholding of all or any portion of any payment or the withholding of the issue of Common Shares to be issued upon the exercise of any Option until such time as the Optionee has paid the Corporation or any subsidiary of the Corporation for Section 7.02 any amount which the Corporation or subsidiary of the Corporation is required to withhold with respect to such taxes.
- 8 - |
Section 7.03 Securities Laws of the United States of America : Neither the Options which may be granted pursuant to the provisions of the Plan nor the Common Shares which may be purchased pursuant to the exercise of Options have been registered under the U.S. Act, or under any securities law of any state of the United States of America. Accordingly, any Optionee who is granted an Option in a transaction which is subject to the U.S. Act or the securities laws of any state of the United States of America shall represent, warrant, acknowledge and agree in the agreement containing the Option granted to the Optionee that:
(a) | the Optionee is acquiring the Option and any Common Shares acquired upon the exercise of such Option as principal and for the account of the Optionee; |
(b) | in granting the Option and issuing the Common Shares to the Optionee upon the exercise of such Option, the Corporation is relying on the representations and warranties of the Optionee contained in the agreement relating to the Option to support the conclusion of the Corporation that the granting of the Option and the issue of Common Shares upon the exercise of such Option do not require registration under the U.S. Act or to be qualified under the securities laws of any state of the United States of America; |
(c) | each certificate representing Common Shares issued upon the exercise of such Option shall bear the following legends: |
"THE COMMON SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN AND WILL NOT BE REGISTERED UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE "U.S. SECURITIES ACT"), AND MAY BE OFFERED, SOLD OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED ONLY (A) TO THE CORPORATION, (B) OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES IN ACCORDANCE WITH RULE 904 OF REGULATION S UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT AND IN COMPLIANCE WITH ANY APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS, OR (C) WITH THE PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE CORPORATION, PURSUANT TO ANOTHER EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT AND ANY APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS."
"THE PRESENCE OF THIS LEGEND MAY IMPAIR THE ABILITY OF THE HOLDER HEREOF TO EFFECT GOOD DELIVERY OF THE COMMON SHARES REPRESENTED HEREBY ON A CANADIAN STOCK EXCHANGE.
A CERTIFICATE WITHOUT A LEGEND MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE REGISTRAR AND TRANSFER AGENT FOR THE COMMON SHARES OF THE CORPORATION IN CONNECTION WITH A SALE OF THE COMMON SHARES REPRESENTED HEREBY UPON DELIVERY OF THIS CERTIFICATE AND AN EXECUTED DECLARATION BY THE SELLER, IN A FORM SATISFACTORY TO THE REGISTRAR AND TRANSFER AGENT AND THE CORPORATION, TO THE EFFECT THAT SUCH SALE IS BEING MADE IN ACCORDANCE WITH RULE 904 OF REGULATION S UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT.";
- 9 - |
provided that if such Common Shares are being sold outside the United States of America in compliance with the requirements of Rule 904 of Regulation S under the U.S. Act the foregoing legends may be removed by providing a written declaration by the holder to the registrar and transfer agent for the Common Shares to the following effect:
"The undersigned (a) represents and warrants that the sale of the securities of Emgold Mining Corporation (the "Corporation") to which this declaration relates is being made in compliance with Rule 904 of Regulation S under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), and (b) certifies that (1) the undersigned is not an affiliate of the Corporation as that term is defined in the U.S. Securities Act, (2) the offer of such securities was not made to a person in the United States and either (a) at the time the buy order was originated, the buyer was outside the United States, or the undersigned and any person acting on behalf of the undersigned reasonably believe that the buyer was outside the United States (b) the transaction was executed on or through the facilities of the TSX or The Toronto Stock Exchange and neither the undersigned nor any person acting on behalf of the undersigned knows that the transaction has been prearranged with a buyer in the United States, and (3) neither the undersigned nor any affiliate of the undersigned nor any person acting on any of their behalf has engaged or will engage in any directed selling efforts in the United States in connection with the offer and sale of such securities. Terms used herein have the meanings given to them by Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act.";
(d) | other than as contemplated by Section 7.02 (c) hereof, prior to making any disposition of any Common Shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of such Option which might be subject to the requirements of the U.S. Act, the Optionee shall give written notice to the Corporation describing the manner of the proposed disposition and containing such other information as is necessary to enable counsel for the Corporation to determine whether registration under the U.S. Act or qualification under any securities laws of any state of the United States of America is required in connection with the proposed disposition and whether the proposed disposition is otherwise in compliance with such legislation and the regulations thereto; |
(e) | other than as contemplated by Section 7.02 (c) hereof, the Optionee will not attempt to effect any disposition of the Common Shares owned by the Optionee and acquired pursuant to the exercise of such Option or of any interest therein which might be subject to the requirements of the U.S. Act in the absence of an effective registration statement relating thereto under the U.S. Act or an opinion of counsel satisfactory in form and substance to counsel for the Corporation that such disposition would not constitute a violation of the U.S. Act or any securities laws of any state of the United States of America and then will only dispose of such Common Shares in the manner so proposed; |
- 10 - |
(f) | the Corporation may place a notation on the records of the Corporation to the effect that none of the Common Shares acquired by the Optionee pursuant to the exercise of such Option shall be transferred unless the provisions of the Plan have been complied with; and |
(g) | the effect of these restrictions on the disposition of the Common Shares acquired by the Optionee pursuant to the exercise of such Option is such that the Optionee may not be able to sell or otherwise dispose of such Common Shares for a considerable length of time in a transaction which is subject to the provisions of the U.S. Act other than as contemplated by Section 7.02 (c) hereof. |
Article
Eight
EFFECTIVE TIME OF PLAN, AMENDMENT
OF PLAN AND TERMINATION OF PLAN
Section 8.01 Effective Time of Plan : The Plan shall become effective upon the later of the date of the date determined by the Directors and the approval of the shareholders of the Corporation given by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Common Shares represented at the meeting of the shareholders of the Corporation at which a motion to approve the Plan is presented and voted on such motion.
Section 8.02 Amendment of Plan : The Directors may from time to time in the absolute discretion of the Directors amend, modify and change the provisions of the Plan, provided that any amendment, modification or change of the provisions of the Plan which would:
(a) | materially increase the benefits under the Plan; |
(b) | increase the number of Common Shares, other than by virtue of Article Six of the Plan, which may be issued pursuant to the exercise of Options granted pursuant to the Plan; or |
(c) | materially modify the requirements as to eligibility for participation in the Plan; |
shall only be effective upon such amendment, modification or change being approved by the shareholders of the Corporation in a manner similar to the approval contemplated by Section 8.01 of the Plan. Any amendment, modification or change of any provision of the Plan shall be subject to approval, if required, by any regulatory body having jurisdiction. Disinterested Shareholder approval will be obtained for any reduction in the exercise price of any Option if the Optionee is an Insider of the Corporation at the time of the proposed reduction.
Section 8.03 Termination of the Plan : The Plan may be terminated at any time by the Directors. Notwithstanding the termination of the Plan, any Option outstanding under the Plan at the time of termination shall remain in effect until such Option has been exercised, has expired, has been surrendered to the Corporation or has been terminated.
- 11 - |
Article
Nine
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
Section 9.01 Non-Assignable : No rights under the Plan and no Option awarded pursuant to the provisions of the Plan are assignable or transferable by any Participant other than pursuant to a will or by the laws of descent and distribution.
Section 9.02 Rights as a Shareholder : No Optionee shall have any rights as a shareholder of the Corporation with respect to any Common Shares which are the subject of an Option. No Optionee shall be entitled to receive, and no adjustment shall be made for, any dividends, distributions or other rights declared for shareholders of the Corporation for which the record date is prior to the date of exercise of any Option.
Section 9.03 No Contract of Employment : Nothing contained in the Plan shall confer or be deemed to confer upon any Participant the right to continue in the employment of the Corporation or any subsidiary of the Corporation nor interfere or be deemed to interfere in any way with any right of the Corporation or any subsidiary of the Corporation to discharge any Participant at any time for any reason whatsoever, with or without cause.
Section 9.04 Necessary Approvals : The obligation of the Corporation to grant any Option pursuant to the Plan and to issue, sell and deliver any Common Shares on the exercise of an Option is subject to the approval of any governmental authority or regulatory body required in connection with the grant of such Option or the issue, sale and delivery of such Common Shares by the Corporation.
In the event that any Common Shares cannot be issued to any Optionee pursuant to the exercise of an Option for any reason whatsoever including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the failure to obtain any required approval, then the obligation of the Corporation to issue such Common Shares shall terminate and any money paid to the Corporation in connection with the exercise of such Option shall be returned to the Optionee without interest or deduction.
Section 9.05 No Representation or Warranty : The Corporation makes no representation or warranty as to the value of any Option granted pursuant to the Plan or as the future value of any Common Shares issued pursuant to the exercise of any Option.
Section 9.06 Compliance with Applicable Law : If any provision of the Plan or any Option contravenes any law or any order, policy, by-law or regulation of any regulatory body having jurisdiction, then such provision shall be deemed to be amended to the extent necessary to bring such provision into compliance therewith.
Section 9.07 Applicable Law : The Plan and all of the rights and obligations arising herefrom shall be interpreted and applied in accordance with the laws of the Province of British Columbia.
Effective date of Plan: June 8, 2005.
Amended December 22, 2011 and approved by TSX on February 2, 2012.
EX-12.1 4 ex121.htm CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO RULE 13A-14(A)/15D-14(A) OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER.
CERTIFICATION REQUIRED BY RULE 13a-14(a) OR RULE 15d-14(a), PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE U.S. SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, David G. Watkinson, certify that:
1. | I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 20-F of Emgold Mining Corporation; |
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 company as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; |
4. | The company’s other certifying officer(s) and I are 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 company and have: |
a. | Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us 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 company’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 company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the company’s internal control over financial reporting; and |
5. | The company’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the company’s auditors and the audit committee of the company’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 company’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 company’s internal control over financial reporting. |
May 21, 2013
/s/ David G. Watkinson
David G. Watkinson
President and Chief Executive Officer
EX-12.1 4 ex121.htm CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO RULE 13A-14(A)/15D-14(A) OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER.
CERTIFICATION REQUIRED BY RULE 13a-14(a) OR RULE 15d-14(a), PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE U.S. SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, Grant T. Smith, certify that:
1. | I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 20-F of Emgold Mining Corporation; |
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 company as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; |
4. | The company’s other certifying officer(s) and I are 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 company and have: |
a. | Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us 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 company’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 company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the company’s internal control over financial reporting; and |
5. | The company’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the company’s auditors and the audit committee of the company’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 company’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 company’s internal control over financial reporting. |
May 21, 2013
/s/ Grant T. Smith
Grant T. Smith
Chief Financial Officer
Certification of Chief Executive
Officer
Pursuant to
18 U.S.C. Section 1350,
As Enacted Pursuant to
Section 906 of the U.S. Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Emgold Mining Corporation (the “Company”) is filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof, its annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012 (the “Report”).
I, David G. Watkinson, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as enacted pursuant to section 906 of the U.S. Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to the best of my knowledge:
(i) | the Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and |
(ii) | the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects the, financial condition and results of operations of the Company. |
May 21, 2013
/s/ David G. Watkinson
David G. Watkinson
Chief Executive Officer
Certification of Chief Financial
Officer
Pursuant to
18 U.S.C. Section 1350,
As Enacted Pursuant to
Section 906 of the U.S. Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Emgold Mining Corporation (the “Company”) is filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof, its annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012 (the “Report”).
I, Grant T. Smith, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as enacted pursuant to section 906 of the U.S. Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to the best of my knowledge:
(iii) | the Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and |
(iv) | the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects the, financial condition and results of operations of the Company. |
May 21, 2013
/s/ Grant T. Smith
Grant T. Smith
Chief Financial Officer
Idaho-Maryland Mine Project, Grass Valley CA
Technical Report
Prepared for Emgold Mining Corporation
Prepared by Robert C. Pease, P.G.
Effective Date: December 8, 2009
EMGOLD MINING CORPORATION
IDAHO-MARYLAND TECHNICAL REPORT
CONTENTS
PROPERTY DESCRIPTION & LOCATION
Key Permitting and Environmental Laws
Permitting History County Process (1993-1999)
Permitting History - City Process and DEIR Preparation (2002-2009)
Current Environmental Status (As of August 2009)
ACCESSIBILITY, CLIMATE & PHISIOGRAPHY
Mineralized Black Slate Deposits
TOC i |
SAMPLE PREPARATION, ANALYSES & SECURITY
2003 2004 Gold Exploration Samples
MINERAL PROCESSING & METALLURGICAL TESTING
Metallurgical Performance History
Metallurgical Testing Since 2004
MINERAL RESOURCE & MINERAL RESERVE ESTIMATES
Resource Classification and Summary
OTHER RELEVANT DATA & INFORMATION
INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSIONS
TOC ii |
TABLES
Idaho-Maryland Project Mineral Resource Summary, March 1, 2007
Table 4-1 Summary Information From the Quit Claim Deed on Ten Parcels
Grass Valley Climatology by Month (minimum period of 30 years)
Idaho-Maryland Project 2003 and 2004 Drill Holes
Significant Gold Mineralized Intersections, 2003 2004 Drill Campaigns
Idaho-Maryland Project Gold Mineral Resource Summary, March 1, 2007
FIGURES
Figure 4-2 Mine Location Map
Grass Valley Temperature Ranges (minimum period of record: 30 years)
Grass Valley Precipitation by Month
Figure 7-3: Property Structural Geology - Plan View
Figure 7-4 : Geologic Cross Section Section No. 20 E, Looking West, Sections C - C 1
Figure 7-5: Idaho Deformation Corridor
Idaho-Maryland Mineralization Types
Mineralized Black Slate Deposits Br 16 Vein Area
Drill Hole Cross Section Looking S40E
Sample Preparation and Assay Procedure Flowchart, Primary Laboratory
Idaho-Maryland Project Gold Resource Locations, March 1, 2007
TOC iii |
1.0
SUMMARY
This Technical Report on the Idaho-Maryland Mine project has been prepared for Emgold Mining Corporation (Emgold or Company) by Mr. Robert Pease, Chief Geologist for Idaho-Maryland Mining Corporation (a 100% owned subsidiary of Emgold). Mr. Pease is a Qualified Person, as defined by National Instrument 43-101, for Idaho-Maryland Mining Corporation. He is not independent but serves as the Qualified Person on the Idaho-Maryland Mine Project. The purpose of this updated Technical Report is to support information of a scientific and technical nature contained in Emgolds annual information form. This updated Technical Report has been written to comply with disclosure and reporting requirements defined in National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, and in compliance with Form 43-101F1 (the "Technical Reports") and Companion Policy 43-101CP (BCN).
This technical report updates and relies on two prior reports prepared for the Idaho-Maryland Mine project. The first was a Technical Report completed by Stephen Juras, Qualified Person for AMEC, in November 2002 that described the geology and gold resources of the Idaho-Maryland Mine Project. The second was a Preliminary Economic Assessment completed by Stephen Juras for AMEC in November 2004 outlining an industrial mineral resource for an industrial minerals mine and ceramics manufacturing facility as part of the Idaho-Maryland Mine Project. The ceramics project and associated ceramics resource estimate have not changed since preparation of that Preliminary Assessment, and Emgold intends to treat the ceramics project separately in a future technical report. The 2004 report also described a small increase in gold resources, updating the 2002 Technical Report.
This 2009 Technical Report updates the gold resources and other aspects of the Idaho-Maryland Mine Project since the 2004 report but does not address the industrial minerals resource or the ceramics facility. Also, this Technical Report does not include an economic assessment of either the ceramics or gold resources. Since 2004, minor changes have occurred to the Idaho-Maryland Mine Project as described in this summary and in sections of this report, including a small increase in gold resources and an update of the permitting process to reopen the Idaho-Maryland Mine through its 100% owned subsidiary, Idaho-Maryland Mining Corporation. Information and data for this report were obtained from the Idaho-Maryland project site in Grass Valley California. The past technical reports are available on SEDAR and Emgolds website at www.emgold.com.
Page 1-1 |
1.1
Location and Ownership
The Idaho-Maryland project is located 1.5 miles (2.4 km) east of Grass Valley, Nevada County, within the State of California. This property comprises approximately 2,800 acres (1,113 ha) of mineral rights and 145 acres (59 ha) of surface rights. The surface rights consist of37 acres (15 ha) of surface rights centered around the New Brunswick shaft (part of a lease option to purchase with the BET Group), 101 acres (41 ha) of surface rights west of the historic Idaho shaft (45 acres (18 ha) as part of a lease option to purchase with the BET Group and 55 acres (22 ha) owned), and 7 acres (3 ha) of surface rights centered around the Round Hole Shaft.
The majority of the mineral rights are defined as subparcels in a Quit Claim Deed. The mineral rights are restricted to a variable depth from surface and in general, are contiguous below 200 ft (60m) from surface. Emgold has an agreement with the mineral rights holders (BET Group) that includes a mining lease and option to purchase certain property rights and mineral rights as outlined above. The term of the lease agreement was originally five years commencing on June 1, 2002. The lease was extended by two years in 2007 and by a further two years in 2009. The current lease expires on February, 2011 at which time Emgold has the right to purchase the property with payments occurring over a four year period. During the term of the lease agreement, any production from the property will be subject to a 3% Net Smelter Royalty (NSR). After purchase of the property, the NSR no longer applies.
In 2005, through its subsidiary Idaho-Maryland Mining Corporation, Emgold acquired 30 acres of underground mineral rights adjacent to the mineral rights under the lease option to purchase agreement with the BET Group. These properties consist of the Golden Gate West and Golden Gate East claims, and the remaining interests in the Dana and Christopher Columbus Claim that the company did not already own.
1.2
Geology and Mineralization
The Idaho-Maryland project is a structurally controlled, mesothermal gold deposit situated in the northern portion of the Sierra Nevada Foothills Gold Belt. This belt averages 50 miles in width and extends for 320 miles in a north-northwest orientation along the western slope of the Sierra Nevada range.
The rock units underlying the Idaho-Maryland mine property include early Jurassic meta-sediments of the Fiddle Creek Complex; early Jurassic meta-volcanics and interflow sediments of the Lake Combie Complex; middle Jurassic ophiolitic assemblage of the Spring Hill Tectonic Mélange; later Jurassic Tectonic Mélange of the Weimar Fault Zone; and late Jurassic dioritic intrusives. The most important of these units for gold exploration is the Spring Hill Tectonic mélange.
Page 1-2 |
Emgold developed a comprehensive geological model for the Idaho-Maryland project which was reviewed by Stephen Juras, Qualified Person for AMEC, in 2002 and again in 2004. The property hosts a structurally controlled deformation zone terminated at its eastern end by a regional fault. Within this deformation corridor, large dismembered clasts of predominantly ophiolitic igneous origin are present in a foliated serpentinite melange matrix (Spring Hill Tectonic Mélange unit). These large clasts are referred to as slabs in Idaho-Maryland company reports. Identified slabs consist of albitized (sausserite) meta-gabbro, massive antigorite serpentinite, meta-diabase, meta-diorite, slates, and basaltic to dacitic meta-volcanics. The largest slab of metavolcanic rocks on the property is the Brunswick Slab, which is 1.5 miles in length, approximately 0.6 miles in width, elongated in an eastward direction, and open at depth. This slab is interpreted to be derived from the Lake Combie Complex. All of the significant gold production from the Idaho-Maryland Mine was localized within the matrix and tectonic slabs of Spring Hill Mélange unit. Gold production in the New Brunswick Mine occurred primarily in the Brunswick Slab.
The varying styles of mineralization present at the Idaho-Maryland Project are typical of those commonly found in mesothermal lode gold deposits worldwide. At least four basic types of mineralization have been recognized to contain significant gold deposits. In order of importance, these include (1) gold-quartz veins, (2) mineralized black slate bodies, (3) mineralized diabasic slabs, and (4) altered, mineralized ultramafic schists. The veins consist primarily of quartz, which is milky white, massive to banded, sheared, and brecciated. Gold occurs as native gold, ranging from very fine grains within the quartz to leaves or sheets along fractures.
1.3
Exploration
The Idaho-Maryland Mine was discovered in 1851. During the period of 1862 to 1956, the mine produced 2.4 million ounces of gold at a grade of 0.43 opt gold grade. The mine shut down in 1956 due to the fixed price of gold at U.S. $35 per ounce and rising labor and supply costs post World War II. The mine had workings to a depth of 3,280 feet. Adjacent to the Idaho-Maryland Mine is the Empire Mine, which produced 5.8 million ounces from 1850 and 1956 and had workings exceeding 5,000 feet vertically in depth. The Grass Valley District produced in excess of 17 million ounces of gold.
The gold exploration programs were reviewed by Stephen Juras for AMEC in 2002 and 2004. The initial program consisted of an extensive geologic evaluation of the historical mine records plus additional diamond drilling from surface, made possible by the excellent and comprehensive preservation of the historical Idaho-Maryland mine and mill records. This data was used to generate a consistent, property-wide structural geology model and vein set definition and chronology. Unmined mineralization was identified along underground workings and in historical diamond drill holes. Interpretation of the updated geologic model defined new vein sets and extensions of known vein sets. These were categorized for mineral resource estimates, future exploration, and expansion. Emgold implemented many of the recommendations outlined in both AMEC reports when project funding was available.
Page 1-3 |
The database to support the Idaho-Maryland mineral resource estimate contains over 36,000 gold assays, the majority of which were taken from underground samples (mostly channel samples) as part of the historic operations. Those from diamond drill holes comprise only a minor portion of the assay database. The assay data reside as handwritten entries on assay plans (1" to 50 ft) for all mine levels along with a small number recently found in log books. Drillhole assay data accompany the intercepts on these plan maps, and copies of assay certificates also are present for the final 10 years of production.
The historic samples were fire-assayed at former mine site laboratories. No records exist of any historic QA/QC program. Sample quality was inferred by the reconciliation of historic production records to underground sample data. These studies, as well as an investigation on mill-to-resource prediction completed by AMEC showed that the resource or reserve estimates consistently underestimated the amount of gold produced by milling, a discrepancy most likely reflective of sample size influence rather than laboratory technique. High nugget value deposits with coarse gold areas are best sampled with large sizes, which was not common practice at the time. Therefore, any estimates made using this historic data should include comparisons with values unadjusted and adjusted for the regular underreporting of grade (i.e., call factor).
In 2002, Juras stated that the comprehensive set of assay plans, supported by records of muck car stope samples and mapped geology data, as well as the detailed historical production records, all support the integrity of the assay data for the Idaho-Maryland project. These data were deemed suitable for use in mineral resource estimation. Juras also checked data transcription onto assay plans from copies of original assay certificates and from assay plan to mineral resource worksheets and concluded that the data are sufficiently free of error to be adequate for resource estimation.
In 2003-2004 surface exploration drilling programs were conducted to test the geologic model and explore the veins of the Idaho-Maryland Mine. The methods and results were reviewed by Juras for AMEC and disclosed in their 2004 report.
Page 1-4 |
Since 2004 Emgold has continued evaluate the property geology and model historic data. The surface geology of the property was mapped and computerized for use in geologic modeling. The historic assay database was computerized to use in geostatistical modeling and further delineation of mineralized zones. A stope model of the location and shape of historic stopes was also completed. This information will be utilized in the next phase of work along with the vein model, which is in progress but not yet complete.
Also since 2004, new gold exploration blocks were delineated. These were exploration targets that did not meet all the criteria of resources but would be areas of potential exploration. A cutoff grade of 0.10 oz/ton Au was used to define these targets. No additional drilling has been conducted since the 2003-2004 surface drilling programs.
1.4
Metallurgical Testing
In 2006, preliminary gravity and cyanide tests were conducted using a composite of small samples of drill core rejects from the 2003-2004 surface drilling programs. Results suggested that gold recoveries would be consistent with historic mill recoveries, which were above 95 percent. In 2006 and 2007, preliminary gravity, flotation and cyanide leach tests were conducted on small samples of historic mine tailings. Gravity results indicated that gold recoveries of up to 25 percent could be attained from these pulverized mill tailings. The results of initial flotation tests suggested that 26 percent of the gold would be recovered. Cyanide soluble leach test results on the tailings varied from 47-53 percent. In 2004, gravity separation tests of old tailings and waste rock yielded gold recoveries of 70-80 percent.
1.5
Resources
In 2002, the gold mineral resources for the Idaho-Maryland property were estimated using traditional longitudinal sections and 3-D geologic models with commercial mine planning software. Juras validated the evidence for the pertinent vein/structural interpretation data support and consistency. All examples based on the underground data demonstrated good data back-up and sound projection limits. The interpretations covering the drillhole intercepts also were felt to be sound and reasonably projected. However, the latter is hampered by the uncertainty in spatial location of the drillhole intercept due to the holes not having been down-hole surveyed. Juras also checked numerous resource blocks for correct tabulation of sample values, reasonable projection limits, and volumetric and trigonometric calculations, and stated that the checked blocks were properly constructed and calculated. Specific criteria were established for mineralized blocks to be classified as resources. Those included: a) minimum true thickness of three feet for resource blocks, b) cutoff grade of 0.1 opt Au, c) mine call factor not applied to any blocks developed from muck car samples or drillholes (historic or recent), and d) mineral resources outlined by single drill hole intercepts as Inferred Resources.
Page 1-5 |
In 2004, the gold mineral resource for the Idaho-Maryland property was increased slightly. The estimate used the same criteria that had been previously established and disclosed. Juras again reviewed the results for AMEC.
In 2007, the NI 43-101-compliant gold mineral resource was increased by approximately three percent, and it remains the same now. This estimate also used the same criteria that had been previously established and disclosed.
The current classified measured, indicated and inferred mineral resources are shown in Table 1-1. The Idaho-Maryland mineral resource was reported using a 0.10 oz/ton Au cut-off grade. All estimated resource blocks equal to or greater than 0.10 oz/ton Au are tabulated in the summary.
Page 1-6 |
Table 1-1:
Idaho-Maryland Project Gold Mineral Resource Summary, March 1, 2007
|
True Thickness
|
Tonnage
|
Gold Grade
|
Gold
|
Gold Grade
|
Gold
|
Eureka Group 2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Measured Mineral Resource |
6.5 |
17,000 |
0.18 |
3,000 |
0.29 |
5,000 |
Indicated Mineral Resource |
5.7 |
41,000 |
0.27 |
11,000 |
0.37 |
15,000 |
Measured + Indicated Mineral Resources |
5.9 |
58,000 |
0.24 |
14,000 |
0.34 |
20,000 |
Inferred Mineral Resources A |
9.0 |
393,000 |
0.21 |
81,000 |
0.30 |
117,000 |
Inferred Mineral Resources B |
4.8 |
49,000 |
0.37 |
18,000 |
- |
- |
New Inferred Mineral Resource (A) |
4.4 |
5,000 |
0.15 |
1,000 |
0.22 |
1,000 |
Idaho Group |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Measured Mineral Resource |
17.5 |
129,000 |
0.24 |
31,000 |
0.34 |
44,000 |
Indicated Mineral Resource |
10.6 |
209,000 |
0.42 |
88,000 |
0.60 |
125,000 |
Measured + Indicated Mineral Resources |
13.3 |
338,000 |
0.35 |
119,000 |
0.50 |
169,000 |
Inferred Mineral Resources |
10.0 |
838,000 |
0.25 |
212,000 |
0.37 |
307,000 |
New Inferred Resource (A) |
4.1 |
38,000 |
0.71 |
27,000 |
1.02 |
39,000 |
Dorsey Group |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Measured Mineral Resource |
11.6 |
61,000 |
0.23 |
14,000 |
0.33 |
20,000 |
Indicated Mineral Resource |
6.4 |
131,000 |
0.33 |
43,000 |
0.46 |
60,000 |
Measured + Indicated Mineral Resources |
8.0 |
192,000 |
0.30 |
57,000 |
0.42 |
80,000 |
Inferred Mineral Resources |
9.5 |
955,000 |
0.30 |
288,000 |
0.43 |
413,000 |
New Inferred Resource (B) |
3.0 |
5,000 |
2.05 |
10,000 |
2.05 |
10,000 |
Brunswick Group |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Measured Mineral Resource |
8.0 |
64,000 |
0.17 |
11,000 |
0.25 |
16,000 |
Indicated Mineral Resource |
6.2 |
108,000 |
0.28 |
30,000 |
0.40 |
43,000 |
Measured + Indicated Mineral Resources |
6.9 |
172,000 |
0.24 |
41,000 |
0.34 |
59,000 |
Inferred Mineral Resources |
7.3 |
291,000 |
0.23 |
67,000 |
0.33 |
97,000 |
Waterman Group |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Measured Mineral Resource |
70.7 |
831,000 |
0.15 |
127,000 |
- |
- |
Indicated Mineral Resource |
30.5 |
75,000 |
0.21 |
16,000 |
- |
- |
Measured + Indicated Mineral Resources |
67.3 |
906,000 |
0.16 |
144,000 |
- |
- |
Idaho-Maryland Project 3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Measured Mineral Resource 1 |
13.3 |
271,000 |
0.22 |
59,000 |
0.31 |
85,000 |
Measured Mineral Resource 2 |
70.7 |
831,000 |
0.15 |
127,000 |
0.15 |
127,000 |
Indicated Mineral Resource |
8.1 |
489,000 |
0.35 |
172,000 |
0.50 |
243,000 |
Measured + Indicated Mineral Resources |
41.1 |
1,666,000 |
0.22 |
375,000 |
0.28 |
472,000 |
Inferred Mineral Resources |
9.3 |
2,526,000 |
0.26 |
666,000 |
0.38 |
952,000 |
New Inferred Resource A |
4.2 |
42,000 |
0.65 |
27,000 |
0.94 |
40,000 |
New Inferred Resource B |
3.0 |
5,000 |
2.05 |
10,000 |
2.05 |
10,000 |
Inferred Mineral Resource Total |
9.1 |
2,573,000 |
0.27 |
703,000 |
039 |
1,002,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1. MCF = Mine Call Factor (not applicable to Waterman Group resources). 2 . Inferred resources are divided into A (historic data and mine call factor applied) and B (from 2003-2004 data and no mine call factor applied). 3 . Idaho-Maryland measured resources are split into two categories: 1. the Eureka, Idaho, Dorsey, and Brunswick Groups, and 2. the Waterman Group (stockwork/slate type ore). 4. New inferred resources included 40,000 ounces with MCF (A) and 10,000 ounces with MCF (B).
Page 1-7 |
1.6
Permitting and Environmental
The project is currently in the permitting process under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the California Surface Mining and Reclamation Act (SMARA). The scope of the project being permitted includes dewatering, rehabilitation, exploration, operation, and reclamation of the mine. The City of Grass Valley is the Lead Agency in the permitting process and is developing an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the project. A Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) has been completed and is being revised. It is expected the EIR will be completed near the end of 2009, subject to funding and other constraints. Subsequent to completion of the EIR, the Grass Valley City Council will vote to certify the EIR as complete and vote on a Conditional Use Permit for the project.
1.7
Conclusions
The conclusions of this updated Technical Report are as follows:
1.
Property and mineral rights purchases and changes occurred after release of the 2004 report. In 2005 Emgold acquired 30 acres of underground mineral rights, while the lease option agreement with the BET Group for mineral rights was modified. Seven acres of surface rights are being purchased. All of these changes should benefit the Idaho-Maryland Mine Project.
2.
The Idaho-Maryland Mine Project is in the process of permitting. A predecessor company had received permits to dewater and conduct underground exploration in 1996, but was not able to start due to funding problems. Emgold applied for permits in 2005 to dewater, explore and mine the property. A draft environmental impact report was prepared in 2008, reviewed by the public, and is currently undergoing revision. Presumably it will be re-circulated for public review, so finalization of this report might take another year. Once that is done, the City of Grass Valley will vote to certify the EIR, and then vote on whether or not to approve a conditional use permit for the project, which could occur before the end of year 2010.
3.
Most of the future exploration work for the Idaho-Maryland Project will take place from underground drill stations and will include geologic mapping, channel sampling of veins, and bulk sampling. Planned access for drilling would be from an exploration decline and from the New Brunswick Shaft. AMECs review of the geology and geotechnical drilling in 2004 concluded that the rock types in the Brunswick Slab would support a decline.
Page 1-8 |
4.
The lode gold deposits on the Idaho-Maryland property are structurally controlled. Brittle-ductile contact zones, faults and tectonic slabs exist that have created conduits for mineralizing fluids and areas favorable to the deposition of gold. Historic data along with results of the 2003-2004 surface drilling programs suggests that additional gold mineralization exists on the property.
5.
In response to a recommendation in the 2002 Technical Report, surface drilling programs were conducted in 2003 and 2004 to test the geologic model on the west end of the Idaho Deformation Corridor. The results, summarized in the 2004 Preliminary Assessment Technical Report, supported the model.
6.
To assess the gold exploration potential of the Idaho-Maryland project, Juras conducted extensive reviews of pertinent geological, mining, and metallurgical data in 2002, and 2004. Unless otherwise stated, the technical conclusions of AMEC listed in the 2002 and 2004 reports remain valid for this updated Technical Report.
7.
The geologic and resource model is in the process of being updated to use in future exploration and mine planning, which will encompass geostatistical modeling. Toward this goal, the assay database has been computerized, the historic stopes have been modeled, and computer modeling of veins is in progress. This work is being done with assistance and technical review by AMEC. This work is necessary to determine which veins have sufficient mineralization and volume to be explored and developed.
8.
The geology of the Idaho-Maryland structurally-controlled gold mineralization is well understood. With the use of an extensive historic database, a comprehensive geological model for the project area has been defined. The Juras reviews in 2002 and 2004 confirmed the proper use of this geological knowledge in defining the vein sets, estimating the mineral resources, and outlining new target areas for exploration.
9.
The database to support the Idaho-Maryland mineral resource estimate contains over 36,000 gold assays, the majority of which were taken from underground samples (mostly channel samples). Those from diamond drill holes comprise a minor portion of the assay database. The assay data reside as handwritten entries on scale assay plans (1" to 50 ft) for all mine levels. AMEC had recommended that Emgold capture this assay data into electronic form (database or spreadsheet, or both) so it could be easily reproduced and/or used for comprehensive data analyses. Emgold has since completed this work.
10.
In 2009 two log books of assays were found that contain assays not listed on mine maps. They would add approximately 2000 new assays (or about 5 percent of the total). One book pertained to samples taken from the Idaho-Maryland and the other was for samples taken from the Brunswick Mine. Most assays not listed on maps appear to be footwall and hangingwall assays. The new assays have not been used in any resource calculations, however, prior to using the data, an independent review will be needed to determine if it is usable, to verify the accuracy of those specific assays listed on the maps.
Page 1-9 |
11.
Because high nugget value deposits with coarse gold areas are best sampled with large samples, which was not common practice at the time the Idaho-Maryland Mine was in operation, any estimates made using this historic data should include comparisons with values unadjusted and adjusted for the regular underreporting of grade (i.e., call factor). Juras believed that the comprehensive set of assay plans, supported by records of muck car stope samples and mapped geology data, as well as the detailed historical production records, all supported the integrity of the assay data for the Idaho-Maryland project. These data were deemed suitable for use in mineral resource estimation. Juras checked the transcription of data onto assay plans and mineral resource worksheets and concluded that the data were sufficiently free of error to be adequately used for resource estimation.
12.
It was also recommended that Emgold design and carry out a program of metallurgical testwork. Using small samples of drill cores from the 2003-2004 surface drilling programs and samples of historic mine tailings, Emgold completed preliminary tests on gold recovery using gravity concentration, flotation, and cyanide. Although of limited value due to the small sample size and not representing all mineralized areas, results were in agreement with historic mill recoveries, with overall gold recoveries using gravity, flotation and cyanide being above 95 percent. Further extensive testing will have to wait until the mine is dewatered and there is access to obtain samples for metallurgical test work.
13.
AMEC had recommended that Emgold initiate a program to obtain bulk density measurements of various lithologic types and ore types as part of any planned exploration work. This work was partially completed in 2004 using representative samples that were available. Surface drill samples of Brunswick Slab meta-volcanic rocks were analyzed and had an average bulk density value (or tonnage factor) of 11.4. However, this would not be applicable to all rock types or veins on the property. Once the mine is dewatered and there is access to obtain samples for metallurgical test work, an extensive program will be required.
14.
Juras (AMEC) conducted a reconnaissance review of the distribution of gold mineralization at Idaho-Maryland. The observed distribution on cumulative probability plots showed typical lognormal trends. Each vein system does appear to have a unique grade distribution, and the higher-grade distributions (greater than 1 oz/ton (34 g/t) Au values) are an integral part of a system's population. AMEC recommended that Emgold conduct a more detailed statistical review of the gold assay data. The review, by vein system and mineralization type, would assist in future grade interpolation and in the selection of appropriate gold capping levels. Emgold staff has computerized the assay database and is continuing to model the geology. Once finished, the company will be able to complete the geostatistical analyses recommend by AMEC.
Page 1-10 |
15.
The 2002 and 2004 mineral resource estimates were made using traditional longitudinal sections and 3-D geologic models created using commercial mine planning software (Vulcan® and MineSight®). Juras validated the evidence for pertinent vein/structural interpretation data support and consistency and stated that all examples based on the underground data demonstrated good data back-up and sound projection limits. The interpretations of the drillhole intercepts were also considered sound and reasonably projected. AMEC also checked numerous resource blocks for correct tabulation of sample values, reasonable projection limits, and volumetric and trigonometric calculations, and concluded that the checked blocks were properly constructed and calculated. The gold resources added in 2007 followed the same criteria previously established by Juras. All gold resources in this report are compliant with National Instrument 43-101.
16.
Only data that could be reconciled to a geologically consistent interpretation was included in the 2002 resource estimate. As a result about 25% of the data was excluded because it was not supported by a coherent interpretation. AMEC recommended that Emgold continue to work on geological interpretations in areas hosting the excluded material, which will require an ongoing effort.
17.
According to Juras (for AMEC), the mineral resource classification of the Idaho-Maryland deposits used logic that is consistent with the CIM definitions referred to National Instrument 43-101. The mineral resources were classified into measured, indicated and inferred resource categories. AMEC assessed the criteria used by Emgold for this classification and generally agreed with them. Emgold's classification protocol was amended to classify mineral resources outlined by single drillhole intercepts as inferred mineral resources and to downgrade any resource blocks that demonstrate a degree of uncertainty in the grade estimate due to the presence of numerous +1 oz/ton Au assayed samples (mostly originally measured mineral resources downgraded to indicated mineral resources). In the case of the latter condition, those blocks will remain in the downgraded resource category until such time that a proper investigation is carried out on setting appropriate grade capping levels at Idaho-Maryland.
1.8
Recommendations
The current phase of work on the Idaho-Maryland Mine Project consists of gold exploration and mine development planning using historic data. The following updated recommendations for the project address the needs to complete this phase of work:
Page 1-11 |
1.
The general geologic model of the Idaho-Maryland and New Brunswick gold deposits is well understood and will be a useful exploration and development guide. Using this model and the historic data, Emgold should assess the inter-relationships of the primary and secondary veins and other mineralized zones in more detail than has been done before. This information could then be used for mine development planning. This work may take approximately three months to complete and would be accomplished by Emgold employees.
2.
Emgolds geology staff has been preparing a computerized geologic model of the Idaho-Maryland and New Brunswick gold deposits using historic data. It is estimated that the current vein model is approximately 60 percent complete. Emgold should complete this computerized geologic model to include veins, stringer zones, mineralized wall rocks, faults, lithologic units and alteration zones, for use in mine development and exploration planning. This work could take an estimated two years to complete and would be accomplished by Emgold employees.
3.
The existing gold resource blocks and exploration targets that have been defined within the Idaho-Maryland and New Brunswick gold deposits will be very useful to guide future exploration but many (particularly above the Idaho 2000 level) are scattered throughout the deposits and therefore may not be contiguous enough for mine development. Emgolds geology staff has been updating and computerizing the gold resource model and is currently modeling the veins, stringer zones, and mineralized wall rocks around the veins with the intent of developing a revised NI-43101-compliant gold resource estimate. One goal of the next technical report should be to delineate new and contiguous gold resource blocks within individual vein systems for use in mine planning. This report would utilize geostatistical analysis to assign grades to the veins and stringer zones, and to classify the resources as measured, indicated, and inferred. Most work can be accomplished by Emgold employees although independent consultants would be used to review and assist with the evaluation and preparation of the resource estimate and technical report.
4.
Following modeling of historic data, environmental studies and permitting, Emgolds next phase of work would be to conduct underground exploration drilling and sampling. In preparation for this, and after completion of a new gold resource estimate and technical report, Emgold should develop a Preliminary Economic Assessment Report for a potential underground gold development and mining project. Although based on historic data, this report would provide preliminary costs on project details such as construction and/or repair of shafts and development drifts, plus exploration/development drilling and sampling. Some of the work would be accomplished by Emgold employees but independent consultants would review and assist with the preparation of the assessment. The combined reports, including both the technical report and preliminary economic assessment, would take approximately four months to complete at an estimated cost of $250,000.
Page 1-12 |
5.
Emgold should continue to define gold resource blocks from historic mine and drill data to use as future exploration targets. This task would be separate from the updated resource modeling described above, because that work would be used for mine planning purposes. This exploration-focused resource definition should assume the same criteria including thickness and cutoff grade that was used in the 2002 technical report. This work would be ongoing and would be accomplished by Emgolds technical staff.
6.
The assay log books reviewed in 2009 contain additional data not listed on assay maps. This new data has not yet been used in any resource calculations, and prior to using this data, an independent review should be conducted to determine if it is usable. At the same time independent review would verify the accuracy of those specific assays listed on the maps. This study would take approximately 80 hours to complete at an estimated cost of $10,400.
Page 1-13 |
2.0
INTRODUCTION
This Technical Report has been prepared for Emgold Mining Corporation (Emgold) to support information of a scientific and technical nature contained in Emgolds annual information form. This Technical Report is an update of information compiled in a 2002 Technical Report and a 2004 Preliminary Economic Assessment, both completed by Stephen Juras for AMEC. Since then, minor changes have occurred to the project and are described in each section of this report. The primary changes include a small increase by approximately three percent to the gold resources and progress in the project permitting. The 2004 report contained a preliminary assessment of a ceramics project in addition to definition of gold resources. The ceramics has been omitted from this report because of Emgolds decision to treat that subject separately in a future technical report, and its intention to separate and independently finance its 100% owned subsidiary, Golden Bear Ceramics Company as a separate and independently financed company. This updated 2009 Technical Report has been written to comply with disclosure and reporting requirements defined in National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, Companion Policy 43-101CP, and Form 43-101F1.
2.1
Terms of Reference
This report has been prepared by Robert Pease, an employee of Emgolds subsidiary company, Idaho-Maryland Mining Corporation. Mr. Pease is also Chief Geologist and Qualified Person, as defined by National Instrument 43-101, for Idaho-Maryland Mining Corporation. He is not independent but serves as the Qualified Person on the Idaho-Maryland Project.
Information and data for the review and report preparation were obtained from the Idaho-Maryland project site where information is located and the Qualified Person is employed. Mr. Pease has access to the project data daily, and has inspected and used the historic data needed for preparation of this report. The primary sources of information are the 2002 Technical Report and the 2004 Preliminary Economic Assessment prepared by AMEC under the direction of Stephen Juras, Qualified Person for AMEC.
Permitting and land status information in Section 4 of this report were provided by the following people who are Qualified Persons and are not independent. The author is familiar with these issues and feels that the descriptions contained in Section 4 are accurate. Those people who assisted are:
Page 2-1 |
·
David Watkinson, Professional Engineer (Ontario), President of Emgold Mining Corporation, provided the property description and information on the status of the permitting of the project.
·
Patricia Nelson, Registered Environmental Assessor (California), investigated and reviewed matters pertaining to permitting in the State of California.
The Idaho-Maryland project is located in Grass Valley, California. The primary standard of measurement used in this report is the U.S. Standards of Measurement, as defined by the United States Department of Commerce, National Institute of Technology (NIST), in accordance with Appendix C of NIST Handbook 44. Appropriate metric conversions have been provided in parentheses. All grades are expressed in ounces per ton using the conversion factor 1 oz/ton = 34.287 g/tonne.
Page 2-2 |
3.0
RELIANCE ON OTHER EXPERTS
This review of the Idaho-Maryland project relies on the following reports, which were prepared by geological consultants who were also independent Qualified Persons:
·
Juras, Stephen, 2004, Preliminary Assessment Technical Report Idaho-Maryland Mine, Grass Valley California. AMEC report, effective date 22 November 2004.
·
Juras, Stephen, 2002, Idaho-Maryland Mine Technical Report. AMEC report, effective date November 2002.
AMEC used Information from the following reports under the assumption they were prepared by Qualified Persons:
·
James Askew Associates, Inc. (1991): Idaho-Maryland Mine, Nevada County, California Technical Assessment.
·
D.D.H Geomanagement Ltd. (1996): Report on the Exploration Potential of the Idaho-Maryland Mine Project.
A legal report entitled "Legal Title Opinion prepared for the Core Area Properties of the Idaho-Maryland Mine Project, Grass Valley Mining District, Nevada County, California" (Galati & Associates, 1997) was relied upon for its review of title and mineral rights.
Permitting and land status information in Section 4 of this report were provided by the following people who are Qualified Persons and are not independent. The author is familiar with these issues and feels that the descriptions contained in Section 4 are accurate. Those people who assisted are:
·
David Watkinson, Professional Engineer (Ontario), President of Emgold Mining Corporation, provided the property description and information on the status of the permitting of the project.
·
Patricia Nelson, Registered Environmental Assessor (California), investigated and reviewed matters pertaining to permitting in the State of California.
Page 3-1 |
4.0
PROPERTY DESCRIPTION & LOCATION
4.1
Location of Surface Rights
The Idaho-Maryland project property is located 1.5 miles east of the center of the City of Grass Valley, Nevada County, in the State of California (see Figures 4-1 and 4-2). The property lies primarily between the Idaho-Maryland Road, Brunswick Road, and State Route 174 and consists of
·
37 acres (15 ha) of surface rights centered around the New Brunswick Shaft (New Brunswick site),
·
101 acres (41 ha) of surface rights west of the historic Idaho #1 Shaft (Idaho-Maryland site), and
·
7 acres (3 ha) of surface rights centered around the Round Hole Shaft (also know as the Idaho #2 shaft). This property is currently being purchased.
The 101 acres (14 ha) of surface rights collectively named the Idaho-Maryland site includes a 56 acre (23 ha) parcel and an adjoining 45 acre (18 ha) parcel lying immediately to the east. The 7 acres (3 ha) at the Round Hole site are in the process of being purchased by Idaho-Maryland Mining Corporation while 56 acres (23 ha) at the Idaho-Maryland site are owned by Idaho-Maryland Mining Corporation. The 37 acres (15 ha) at the New Brunswick site and 45 acres (18 ha) at the Idaho-Maryland site are owned by the BET Group and subject to a lease option to purchase agreement between the BET Group and Idaho-Maryland Mining Corporation (see Section 4.2).
Page 4-1 |
Figure 4-1:
Project Location Map
Page 4-2 |
Figure 4-2: Mine Location Map
The New Brunswick Shaft at 39° 12' 42.5" N latitude and 121° 01' 03" W longitude marks the approximate center of the property. The U.T.M. coordinates of the shaft are 4,342,024 m north and 671,144 m east.
Page 4-3 |
4.2
Mineral Rights
The mineral rights controlled by Emgold comprise portions of Sections 19, 29, 30, and 31 in T16N R9E and portions of Sections 23, 24, 25, 26, 36 in T16N R8E. The majority of the mineral rights are defined as sub-parcels in a Quit Claim Deed and are restricted to a variable depth from surface. In general, the rights are contiguous below 200 ft from surface. Emgold has an agreement with the mineral rights holders (BET Group) that includes a mining lease and option to purchase the 45 and 37 acre surface properties outlined in Section 4.1 and about 2,750 acres of mineral rights.
In 2005, through its subsidiary Idaho-Maryland Mining Corporation, Emgold acquired 100 percent of the 30 acres of underground mineral rights adjacent to the BET Group mineral rights. These properties consist of the Golden Gate West and Golden Gate East claims, and the remaining interests in the Dana and Christopher Columbus Claim that the Company did not already own.
The Idaho-Maryland property thus consists of approximately 2,750 contiguous acres (1,133 ha) of mineral rights. The mineral rights are defined as subparcels in a Quit Claim Deed. The subparcels are listed and described briefly in Table 4.1.
The mineral rights are severed from the surface rights at a variable depth from surface, with all mineral rights being contiguous below 200 ft (60 m) from surface.
The parcels and subparcels have been legally surveyed a number of times since the early 1900s. Emgold plans to resurvey the exterior of the claim boundary as part of the construction activities for the mine.
The lease option to purchase agreement with the BET Group was originally signed in 2002. The agreement was extended by two years in 2007 and by a further 2 years in 2009. The lease portion of the agreement expires in February 2011. At that time, the purchase part of the agreement commences, and the property can be purchased over a four year period. Lease payments in 2009 are US $30,000 per quarter. Lease payments in 2010 to the end of the lease portion of the agreement in 2011 are US $60,000 per quarter. The expected purchase price in 2011 is estimated to be approximately US $5 million.
Page 4-4 |
Table 4-1 Summary Information From the Quit Claim Deed on Ten Parcels
Source: Exhibit A, Vol. 337, pp. 175-196 of the Official Records, Nevada County, California, as filed on June 12, 1963.
Parcel No. 1: |
Pertains to all minerals, gas, oil and mineral deposits of every kind and nature below a depth of 200 ft (60 m) beneath the surface except where noted. |
Reference No.:
|
QC 1.1 or Quit Claim, Parcel 1, subparcel 1
|
Reference No.:
|
QC 1.2 (Parcel 1, subparcel 2).
|
Reference No.:
|
QC 1.3 (Parcel 1, subparcel 3).
|
Reference No.:
|
QC 1.4 (Parcel 1, subparcel 4).
|
Reference No.:
|
QC 1.5 (Parcel 1, subparcel 5).
|
Reference No.:
|
QC 1.6 (Parcel 1, subparcel 6).
|
Reference No.:
|
QC 1.7 (Parcel 1, subparcel 7).
|
Reference No.:
|
QC 1.8 (Parcel 1, subparcel 8).
|
Reference No.:
|
QC 1.9 (Parcel 1, subparcel 9).
|
Reference No.:
|
QC 1.10 (Parcel 1, subparcel 10).
|
Reference No.:
|
QC 1.11 (Parcel 1, subparcel 11).
|
Reference No.:
|
QC 1.12 (Parcel 1, subparcel 12).
|
Reference No.:
|
QC 1.13 (Parcel 1, subparcel 13).
|
Reference No.:
|
QC 1.14 (Parcel 1, subparcel 14).
|
Reference No.:
|
QC 1.15 (Parcel 1, subparcel 15).
|
Reference No.:
|
QC 1.16 (Parcel 1, subparcel 16).
|
Reference No.:
|
QC 1.17 (Parcel 1, subparcel 17).
|
Reference No.:
|
QC 1.18 (Parcel 1, subparcel 18).
|
Page 4-5 |
Reference No.:
|
QC 1.19 (Parcel 1, subparcel 19).
|
Reference No.:
|
QC 1.20 (Parcel 1, subparcel 20).
|
Reference No.:
|
QC 1.21 (Parcel 1, subparcel 21).
|
Reference No.:
|
QC 1.22 (Parcel 1, subparcel 22).
|
Reference No.:
|
QC 1.23 (Parcel 1, subparcel 23).
|
Reference No.:
|
QC 1.24 (Parcel 1, subparcel 24).
|
Reference No.:
|
QC 1.25 (Parcel 1, subparcel 25).
|
Reference No.:
|
QC 1.26 (Parcel 1, subparcel 26).
|
Reference No.:
|
QC 1.27 (Parcel 1, subparcel 27).
|
Reference No.:
|
QC 1.28 (Parcel 1, subparcel 28).
|
Reference No.:
|
QC 1.29 (Parcel 1, subparcel 29).
|
Reference No.:
|
QC 1.30 (Parcel 1, subparcel 30).
|
Reference No.:
|
QC 1.31 (Parcel 1, subparcel 31).
|
Reference No.:
|
QC 1.32 (Parcel 1, subparcel 32).
|
Reference No.:
|
QC 1.33 (Parcel 1, subparcel 33).
|
Reference No.:
|
QC 1.34 (Parcel 1, subparcel 34).
|
Reference No.:
|
QC 1.35 (Parcel 1, subparcel 35).
|
Page 4-6 |
Reference No.:
|
QC 1.36 (Parcel 1, subparcel 36).
|
Reference No.:
|
QC 1.37 (Parcel 1, subparcel 37).
|
Reference No.:
|
QC 1.38 (Parcel 1, subparcel 38).
|
Reference No.:
|
QC 1.39 (Parcel 1, subparcel 39).
|
Reference No.:
|
QC 1.40 (Parcel 1, subparcel 40).
|
Reference No.:
|
QC 1.41 (Parcel 1, subparcel 41).
|
Reference No.:
|
QC 1.42 (Parcel 1, subparcel 42).
|
Reference No.:
|
QC 1.43 (Parcel 1, subparcel 43).
|
Reference No.:
|
QC 1.44 (Parcel 1, subparcel 44).
|
Reference No.:
|
QC 1.45 (Parcel 1, subparcel 45).
|
Reference No.:
|
QC 1.46 (Parcel 1, subparcel 46).
|
Reference No.:
|
QC 1.47 (Parcel 1, subparcel 47).
|
Reference No.:
|
QC 1.48 (Parcel 1, subparcel 48).
|
Reference No.:
|
QC 1.49 (Parcel 1, subparcel 49).
|
Reference No.:
|
QC 1.50 (Parcel 1, subparcel 50).
|
Reference No.:
|
QC 1.51 (Parcel 1, subparcel 51).
|
Reference No.:
|
QC 1.52 (Parcel 1, subparcel 52).
|
Reference No.:
|
QC 1.53 (Parcel 1, subparcel 53).
|
Page 4-7 |
Reference No.:
|
QC 1.54 (Parcel 1, subparcel 54).
|
Reference No.:
|
QC 1.55 (Parcel 1, subparcel 55).
|
Parcel No. 2: |
Lots 2, 4A and 4B, Block 9, Townsite of East Grass Valley; mineral rights below 100 ft except Lot 4B, Block 9 which has mineral rights below 35 ft from surface. |
Parcel No. 3: |
Portion of NE1/4 of SW1/4 of Sec. 26, T 16 N, R 8 E, MDB&M; mineral rights below 100 ft from surface. |
Parcel No. 4: |
W1/2 of SW1/4 of SE1/4 of Sec. 30, T 16 N, R 9 E, MDB&M; mineral rights below 75 ft from surface. |
Parcel No. 5: |
S1/2 of SW1/4 of Sec. 29, and SE1/4 of SE1/4 of Sec. 30, T 16 N, R 9 E, MDB&M; mineral rights below 75 ft from surface. |
Parcel No. 6: |
E1/2 of NW1/4 of NE1/4 and E1/2 of N1/2 of SW1/4 of NE1/4 of Sec. 31, T 16 N, R 9 E, MDB&M; mineral rights below 75 ft from surface. |
Parcel No. 7: |
N1/2 of Lots 7 & 8 and Lots 9 & 10 in Sec. 6, T 15 N, R 9 E, and E1/2 of SE1/4 of Sec. 36, T 16 N, R 8 E, MDB&M; mineral, gas and oil rights below 100 ft from surface. |
Parcel No. 8: |
Portion of Lot 46 on Survey 283 (Biggs Placer Mining Claim) on portions of Sec. 35 & 36, T 16 N, R 8 E, and on Sec. 1, T 15 N, R 8 E, MDB&M; an undivided 3/5 th interest in mineral rights below 100 ft from surface. |
Parcel No. 9: |
NW1/4 of SW1/4 of Sec. 36, and NE1/4 of SE1/4 of Sec. 35, T 16 N, R 8 E, MDB&M; an undivided 3/10 th interest in all gold and precious metal rights below 100 ft from surface. |
Parcel No. 10: |
SE1/4 of SE1/4 and SW1/4 of SE1/4 of Sec. 36, T 16 N, R 8 E, MDB&M; an undivided 9/35 th interest in all gold and precious metal rights below 100 ft from surface. |
Note: Variations in the crown pillar for the subparcels of Parcel 1 are not included in the table. They are as follows: 1, 6, 9, 18, 37: surface rights to 75 ft 1, 6, 9: surface rights to 75 ft 1, 6, 9, 14, 15, 18, portion of 26: to 75 ft 1, 6, 9, 12: surface rights to 75 ft 3, 5, 12: surface rights to 75 ft 14: not to interfere with agricultural use 14: surface rights to 75 ft 15: no mineral rights to Nevada Irrigation Dist 15, 50: surface rights to 75 ft 15: surface rights to 75 ft 15: surface rights to 75 ft 19, 23, 24, 25: surface rights to 75 ft 16, 38, 41, 42 (Lot 5): surface rights to 75 ft 17, 21, part 26, 28: mineral rights to surface 20, 21, 22, part 26, 39, 42, 43, 44, 46, 47: surface right to 100 ft but with right to mine mineral without disturbing the surface 22, part 26: mineral rights to surface 23: surface rights to 75 ft 23: surface rights to 75 ft without disturbing the surface 23: surface rights to 75 ft 24, 25: surface rights to 75 ft part 26: mineral rights to surface 33: surface rights to 75 ft 38: surface rights to 75 ft 38: surface rights to 75 ft 40, 42 (Lot 5): mineral rights to surface 41: mineral rights to surface 41: change of surface owner 42: surface rights to 75 ft 43: mineral rights to surface 43: change of surface owner 44: surface rights to 50 ft but with right to mine without disturbing surface 48: surface rights to 75 ft but with the right to explore and mine with the surface owners permission 50: surface rights to 75 ft but with the right to explore and mine with the surface owners permission 50: defines a 385.316 acre block 9, 18, 37: surface rights to 75 ft but with the right to explore and mine with the surface owners permission 55: surface rights to 50 ft for (a); 75 ft for (b) and 75 ft for (c) 55: that portion of Christopher Columbus Treasury Lode Claim No. 225 that may overlap Alpha Quartz Lode Mining Claim, Lot No. 66 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 12, 14, 26: mineral rights to surface.
Note 2: For parcels and subparcels where no name is listed, these are generally patented lands other than mining claims, and no mining claim name has ever been given to them.
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4.3
Key Permitting and Environmental Laws
The following environmental regulations are applicable to the proposed project: the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA, 1970), Surface Mining and Reclamation Act (SMARA, 1975), Clean Water Act (CWA, 1972), and Clean Air Act (CAA, 1972). These laws, their respective purposes, and their applicability to the project are briefly described below.
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
CEQA is regarded as the foundation of environmental law, regulation and policy in California. Its primary objectives are to disclose to decision-makers and the public the significant environmental effects of a proposed development and identify ways to avoid, reduce or mitigate environmental impacts.
Surface Mining and Reclamation Act (SMARA)
SMARA was enacted to respond to the need for a continuing supply of mineral resources, while preventing damage from mining activities to public health, property, and the environment. The following activities are subject to SMARA: prospecting and exploratory activities, dredging and quarrying, streambed skimming, borrow pitting, and stockpiling of mined materials.
Mining may begin after a lead agency approves the mining permit and a plan for returning the land to a usable condition; this plan is referred to as a Reclamation Plan and is required for surface and subsurface mining operations. In addition, a prerequisite to mining activities is the applicants proof of financial assurances to guarantee costs of reclamation (e.g., surety bonds, irrevocable letters of credit, or trust funds).
Clean Air Act (CAA)
The CAA was first passed to improve the air quality in the United States and has subsequently been amended to set limits on the discharges of certain pollutants. The CAA includes a permit program for larger stationary or point sources that release pollutants into the air. Permits to Construct and Permits to Operate will be required for stationary and point sources of emissions for exploration and mining.
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Clean Water Act (CWA)
CWA was enacted to restore and maintain the quality of US waterways. The General Permit includes provisions for developing a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) to maximize the potential benefits of pollution prevention and sediment and erosion control measures at construction sites. An NPDES (National Pollution Discharge Elimination System) Permit will also be required to allow discharge of treated mine water from the site.
4.4
Permitting History County Process (1993-1999)
Emgold first became involved in the Idaho-Maryland Project in 1993. The current project is a successor to a project that was originally proposed by Emperor Gold Corporation (Emperor), a publicly listed, Canadian company. Emperor changed its name to Emgold Mining Corporation in August 1997. The prior project included dewatering and gold exploration activities at the Idaho-Maryland Mine which were proposed to occur from the New Brunswick site and use the nearby Sierra Pacific Industries, Inc. property as part of the infrastructure for the project. After completion and certification of the Final Environmental Impact Report for that project in October 1995, the County approved the project and issued to Emperor a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) in January 1996.
Following the issuance of the CUP, Emgold worked to obtain a National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (water discharge) permit and other operating permits required to implement the prior project. During this period the world gold price began to fall as central banks elected to sell their gold reserves and purchase U.S. Treasury bonds. The price of gold fell from around $400 per ounce in 1996 to a low of about $260 per ounce in 2001 due to the influx of gold into the world market. As a result, the project was put in care and maintenance for several years hoping gold prices would recover. In 1999, with a continuing decline in the price of gold and the collapse of capital markets, the company dropped its lease option to purchase the property and temporarily abandoned the project until gold prices recovered and a revised option agreement with the BET Group could be renegotiated.
4.5
Permitting History - City Process and DEIR Preparation (2002-2009)
In 2002, with a return of the price of gold, Emgold, through its 100%-owned subsidiary Idaho-Maryland Mining Corporation, acquired a revised lease option to purchase the Idaho-Maryland and New Brunswick sites, including 2,750 acres of subsurface mineral rights. In 2003, Emgold initiated a new permit process with the City of Grass Valley (City) for the Idaho-Maryland project.
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In July 2004, after conferring with the City and Nevada County government officials, Emgold submitted a Conceptual Development Review Application with the City so that initial concerns and considerations about the project could be addressed. The following five applications were submitted in April 2005: Formal Development Review, Mineral Project Application (prepared in accordance with the SMARA, General Plan Amendment, Rezone/Prezone, and Annexation. These applications were accepted as complete by the City in May 2005. The acceptance of the applications meant that the City could proceed with the applications evaluation in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and Surface Mining and Reclamation Act (SMARA).
In July 2005, the City approved reimbursement agreements with Emgold to allow independent consultants to be retained by the City to assist and to advise them in the preparation of the EIR and also to reimburse the Citys administrative costs associated with EIR development. In November, 2005, Environmental Science Associates (ESA) and other specialized consultants were retained by the City to prepare the EIR under the direction of City staff. The City elected to divide the permitting process into three phases:
1)
Master Environmental Assessment (MEA)
2)
Initial Study (IS), and
3)
EIR
The City and County entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in May 2006. Under the MOU, the City is the Lead Agency for CEQA and SMARA compliance and has primary responsibility for completing and certifying the EIR, approving the reclamation plan, issuing the Conditional Mine Use Permit, and approving the entitlements for the project.
The CEQA Guidelines Section 15169 defines the general purpose of an MEA as an informational document which may contain an inventory or database for all or a portion of the territory for which a public agency has control, and which may be used or referenced in EIRs or Negative Declarations. An MEA is typically completed for projects affecting a regional area or area of the State, however, CEQA does not specify requirements for the content, format, or procedures for development of an MEA. The MEA for this project was an additional step required by the City to enable public scoping of potential environmental impacts associated with the project prior to the EIR being prepared.
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The MEA process included identification and gathering of existing information and reports. As the lead consultant, ESA and its sub-consultants conducted an independent peer review of the IMMC permit application documents, 1995 Project EIR and supporting technical information from which data gaps were identified and information was requested from the applicant to address these gaps. During this review phase, an inventory of regulatory requirements and a review of applicable City and County plans and policies were also performed. In addition, local, state, and federal agencies were contacted and requested to participate in the MEA process so their comments could be addressed in the IS and EIR.
The MEA was prepared in the format of an expanded IS using the Environmental Checklist found in Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines. For each resource area, the potential impacts of the proposed project were assessed using the existing application documents and other available data and studies. For some resource areas (e.g., biological resources, cultural resources, noise, etc.), limited field reconnaissance and/or other analyses were conducted to support the IS or to determine if additional studies would be required to support the CEQA process. The MEA, published in June 2006, outlined items to be addressed in the EIR as well areas where additional information was necessary to support development of the EIR.
Upon review of the MEA, Emgold elected to make revisions to its project applications to address community and agency comments received from the Emgold community workshops and lessen or avoid potentially significant impacts identified in the Citys MEA process. In May 2007, the revised project applications were submitted to the City and in June 2007, the documents were accepted by the City as complete. In July 2007 the City began developing the IS.
An IS was prepared to focus on analysis of the revised project description and application documents, including additional supporting technical documents. On September 7, 2007, pursuant to the CEQA (Public Resources Code Section 21080.4) and the State CEQA Guidelines (Section 15082(a)), the City provided a Notice of Preparation (NOP) for the proposed project to inform responsible and trustee agencies as well as other interested parties that an EIR would be prepared for the proposed project. The NOP and IS were released concurrently and available for public review and comment for 33-days from September 7, 2007 to October 9, 2007.
The EIR process for the proposed project commenced in October, 2007. During the EIR process, the City conducted four pubic workshops for the purpose of scoping project issues. On December 12, 2007, the City conducted a public workshop on geology, groundwater, and general project considerations. On January 23, 2008, the City conducted a public workshop on water quality, hazardous materials, public services, and general questions. On February 13, 2008, the City conducted a public workshop on reclamation plans, financial assurances, and general questions. Finally, on March 12, 2008, the City conducted a public workshop on traffic, project alternatives, cumulative impacts, and general questions.
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In October, 2008, the City approved a new Public Outreach Policy for large projects, such as the proposed project. The Policy outlined a the number and types of meetings to consider large projects to go through the Planning Commission and City Council, which would be in addition to those already conducted for the proposed project, prior to certification of an EIR or approval of entitlements.
The Draft EIR for the project was completed in October, 2008. The public comment period for the Draft EIR commenced October 30, 2008 and was completed January 20, 2009. The public comment period was extended by the City from 45 days to 87 days to ensure adequate time was given for public comment. The extended timeframe took into account the Christmas and New Years holiday and allowed sufficient time for new City Council members and Planning Commissioners to assume their positions and become familiar with the proposed project after the November 4, 2008 election.
As part of the review of the Draft EIR, the Planning Commission completed its second site visit to the Idaho Maryland project on October 12, 2008. The site visit was attended by approximately 75 members of the public and representatives of IMMC.
On November 12, 2008, a joint study session was completed between the Planning Commission and City Council to provide an informal overview of the Draft EIR, summarize key public issues, and discuss public outreach steps. On November 28 th , a public workshop/informal open house was conducted. Also on November 28, 2008, a formal public meeting was held to provide a formal presentation on the EIR and answer questions from the public.
On January 6 and January 20, 2009, the Planning Commission conducted formal public meetings to take comment on the Draft EIR. The public comment period was formally closed on January 20, 2009.
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4.6
Current Environmental Status (As of August 2009)
The City, its consultants, and Emgold are currently reviewing the comments obtained during the public comment period for the Draft EIR. Meetings are being held with applicable state, local, and federal agencies to address any concerns they expressed in the public comment period. Responses to comments are being generated. Plans are to finalize the Draft EIR or alternatively complete a Revised Draft EIR and recirculate it for comment prior to moving forward. Following this, the EIR would eventually be certified and the City would vote on a Conditional Mine Use Permit for the project. If granted, Emgold could then move forward with final accessory permitting and engineering for dewatering, rehabilitation, exploration, and operation of the mine.
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5.0
ACCESSIBILITY, CLIMATE & PHISIOGRAPHY
The Idaho-Maryland project is located in western Nevada County, east of the City of Grass Valley and south of Nevada City. Grass Valley and Nevada City are Sierra Nevada foothill communities located approximately 20 miles (32 km) north of Auburn and approximately 55 miles (89 km) northeast of Sacramento. State highways 174, 49 and 20 connect the Grass Valley/Nevada City area regionally.
The Idaho-Maryland property is located 1.5 miles from the center of Grass Valley, Nevada County, in north central California. The property comprises approximately 2,800 acres of mineral rights and 145 acres of surface rights. State Highway 20/49 passes approximately 1 mile to the west and northwest of the property.
The Idaho-Maryland property is at an elevation of approximately 2,650 ft above mean sea level. The area is in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada range and the project site exhibits moderate topographic relief.
Streams include Wolf Creek which flows from east to west along the northern boundary of the property, and South Fork of Wolf Creek, which runs from east to west along the southern edge of the property.
The Grass Valley/Nevada City area enjoys a mild climate year round. January average daytime and night-time temperatures are 54 and 32°F respectively, and the July average daytime and night-time temperatures are 90°F and 57°F respectively. Annual precipitation averages 53" with most of the rainfall occurring between November and March. Monthly average temperature and precipitation data is presented in Table 5-1 and Figures 5-2 and 5-3. Snow occurs only two to four times each winter, with accumulations of 2" to 12" per event and rarely remains for more than three or four days.
The Idaho-Maryland site is mostly wooded with some open grassy areas. The Round Hole site is mostly wooded while the New Brunswick site is partially wooded with open grassy areas. The primary vegetation in the area includes Madrone, Western Red Cedar, Douglas Fir, Bigleaf Maple, Black Oak, Manzanita, California Coffeeberry, Currant, and Honeysuckle. Vegetation in the wet meadow areas includes Bromegrass, Yellow foxtail, rye, beak rush, fescue, bulrush, rush, smooth brome, and Orchard grass.
An electric transmission line belonging to the Pacific Gas and Electric Company traverses the South Fork valley.
Page 5-1 |
Table 5-1:
Grass Valley Climatology by Month (minimum period of 30 years)
Figure 5-1:
Grass Valley Temperature Ranges (minimum period of record: 30 years)
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Figure 5-2:
Grass Valley Precipitation by Month
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6.0
HISTORY
Gold was discovered on the Idaho-Maryland property in 1851. Mining started in 1862, and gold production continued with few interruptions until closure in 1954. From 1954 to 1957, gold mining was replaced by government-subsidized tungsten production. The mine produced a total of 2,383,000 oz of gold from 5,546,000 tons of ore for an average grade of 0.43 oz/ton. Idaho-Maryland remains the second-largest historical underground producer of gold in California.
The Grass Valley Mining district has been the most productive gold area in the State of California. The mines in the district were known in California as the Northern Mines because they were not considered part of the Mother Lode gold belt. The first and second largest underground gold producing mines in the state, the Empire and Idaho-Maryland, are located about 2 miles (3 km) apart within the district.
The original claim on the Idaho-Maryland property was staked in 1851. High-grade gold mineralization was discovered in 1861 with the commencement of mining in 1862. All production during this time was from a single vein referred to as the Idaho Number 1 Vein. Production from 1862 to 1893 produced 1.0 million ounces of gold from 1.0 million tons of ore. Fire destroyed the Idaho mine hoist in 1894, which caused the lower mine workings to flood. The period from 1894 to 1914 saw intermittent gold production (approximately 75,000 ounces).
The claims around the deposit were consolidated in 1915 to form the Idaho-Maryland Mine. Metals Exploration Company of New York acquired control of the property, dewatered the mine, deepened the Idaho shaft to 2,000 ft (610 m) and moved the Union Hill stamp mill to the Idaho shaft area. Full production, however, was never achieved (only 27,000 ounces gold recovered). Control over the property changed in 1926 when Errol MacBoyle and Edwin Oliver created holdings that included the Idaho-Maryland, Brunswick, and Morehouse mines. Production commenced the same year.
From 1926 to 1942 the Idaho Mine produced 650,000 ounces of gold from 1.1 million tons of ore. The Brunswick Mine restarted production in 1934 after deepening its shaft to 3,460 ft and constructing a 750 t/d mill. Production from 1934 to 1955 consisted of 810,000 ounces of gold from 3.6 million tons of ore.
The mines were closed in 1942, due to the enactment of the Federal War Production Boards Limitation Order L-208, and were reopened again in 1945. Production was hampered by depleted operating funds, rising costs, skilled labor shortages, and negligible exploration and underground development work. Gold mining ceased in
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1954, being briefly replaced by government-subsidized tungsten production until 1957. Mining activity stopped altogether in 1957.
Two mills were operated on the property in the 1930s through 1950s, the Idaho mill and the New Brunswick mill. Both incorporated crushing, grinding, gravity separation, sulfide flotation, and gold smelting/refining. The Idaho mill also had a cyanidation plant and Merrill-Crowe recovery circuit to treat flotation concentrates and flotation tails sands. Flotation concentrate from the New Brunswick mill was also processed in the Idaho cyanidation circuit.
Historical production records from the 1930s and 1940s indicate overall gold recoveries ranging from 93.8% to 97.2% using gravity recovery, flotation of gravity tails, and cyanidation of flotation concentrate and flotation tails sands. Of the total gold produced during this period, recovery in the gravity circuit ranged from 61% to 69%. In the flotation circuit, recoveries ranged from 30% to 37%. Approximately 1.3% of the total gold recovered was via sands cyanidation. Gravity recovery methods used at the time included riffles, amalgamation plates and barrels, shaking tables, vanners, and jigs.
The million ounce stope in the Idaho No. 1 Vein was mined between 1862 and 1893 and reportedly required heavy timbering for support due to problematic ground conditions. Much better ground conditions were experienced at the Brunswick mine, where the primary mining method was shrinkage stoping. At Brunswick, the stopes were developed by drifting on ore for their entire length, and then draw raises were developed upwards for approximately 20 ft and coned out to connect them together. Chutes were installed in the throat of the raises to load ore directly into the mine cars. Where ground support was required within the stopes, small pillars either were left in place or strategically placed timber posts were used. Flat-lying stopes were mined using the room-and-pillar method, and scraper hoists were used to transport ore to the track drift horizon.
In 1991, the three-compartment, 3,460 ft deep New Brunswick vertical shaft was inspected throughout its entire length by remote underwater cameras and probes. The timbers appeared to be in reasonable condition, except for the sections above the waterline. This shaft provided access to the Idaho-Marylands 34 working levels. Most access drifts were 5 ft x 7 ft in cross-section, while the main haulage drifts were 6 ft x 8 ft. Hoisting is reported to have been accomplished with 6-ton skips.
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The Round Hole shaft is a vertical, 5 ft diameter circular shaft, core-drilled to a vertical depth of 1,125 ft. This shaft was used for ventilation and to transport men and mine supplies, and is thought to still be open.
Significant volumes of sand tailings were placed underground in the New Brunswick Mine as hydraulic backfill. Information from Idaho-Maryland Mine Monthly Mining and Development reports from years 1949 through 1950 and Clark (2005) indicate that 5,400 tons of hydraulic sand backfill was deposited in the New Brunswick Mine in the year 1946, and 99,000 tons was pumped underground through February, 1950. According to a former employee who worked at the mine for many years prior to closure, the backfill was used to fill various open stopes so that overlying ore could be accessed and mined. Stope productivity was reported to be low, on the order of 3 tons to 4 tons per shift.
Surface tailings were contained in shallow ponds typically 5-10 feet deep and most were deposited directly over native soil. It appears that most of these ponds were situated on the western side of the property. The largest of the known tailings impoundments was situated adjacent to Wolf Creek, and covered an area of approximately nine acres.
Mining activities were curtailed in 1956 as labor costs were rising and the price of gold was fixed at $35/oz.
More recent exploration at the Idaho-Maryland project conducted over the period of 1993 through to 2009 has consisted of an extensive geologic evaluation program and core drilling. This geologic data evaluation program was possible because of the excellent and comprehensive preservation of the Idaho-Maryland mine and mill records. These data are exhaustive and essentially complete, and were used to generate a consistent, property-wide structural geology model and vein set definition and chronology.
The available key historic data consisted of:
·
3,200 mine maps and drawings, including 1,257 linen maps (1" = 50 ft assay plans, geology plans and stope plans, 1" = 100 ft geologic cross-sections), with exploration drill hole geology and assays plotted
·
1,100 photographs (surface and underground)
·
monthly development reports for 1921 to 1956
·
monthly geological summary reports for 1936 to 1942
·
eight ledgers of development and stope sampling assays
·
assay reports of diamond drilling, channel samples, and muck car samples
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·
general manager's and mine superintendent's reports for 1947 to 1953
·
mill production reports and cost summaries for 1934 to 1956.
At the time of closure, the mine was owned by Idaho-Maryland Industries, Inc. In 1963 Idaho-Maryland Industries executed a Quit Claim Deed to William and Marian Ghidotti. Ownership of the mineral rights eventually passed to Mary Bouma, Erica Erickson, and William Toms (referred to as the BET Group) in 1983.
Emperor Gold Corporation (Emperor), a publicly listed, Canadian company became involved in the property in 1993. Emperor changed its name to Emgold Mining Corporation in August 1997. The prior project included dewatering and ore exploration activities at the Idaho-Maryland Mine which were proposed to occur from the New Brunswick site and use the nearby Sierra Pacific Industries, Inc. property as part of the infrastructure for the project. After completion and certification of the Final Environmental Impact Report for that project in October 1995, the County approved the project and issued to Emperor a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) in January 1996. In 1999, with a continuing decline in the price of gold, the Company dropped its lease option to purchase the property and temporarily abandoned the project until gold prices recovered. Then, in 2002, Emgold re-acquired the mineral and property rights to the Idaho-Maryland Project with an agreement with the BET Group, and formed Idaho-Maryland Mining Corporation.
Idaho-Maryland Mining Corporation conducted two gold exploration drilling programs in 2003 and 2004, resulting in a small increase in resources. A geotechnical drill program was also undertaken in 2004, during which industrial minerals resources were also defined. The results of the drilling programs were summarized in the 2004 AMEC Preliminary Assessment Technical Report by Stephen Juras, Qualified Person for AMEC.
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7.0
GEOLOGICAL SETTING
7.1
Regional Geology
The Idaho-Maryland Mine and the Grass Valley Mining District are situated in the northern portion of the Sierra Nevada Foothills Gold Belt. This belt averages 50 miles in width, and extends for 320 miles in a north-northwest orientation along the western slope of the Sierra Nevada range (see Figure 7-1). The extent of the Sierra Nevada Foothills Gold Belt coincides closely with the outcrop area of the Sierra Nevada Foothills Metamorphic Belt.
The Sierra Nevada Foothills Metamorphic Belt comprises a complex collage of lithologic units formed as a result of northward lithospheric plate subduction and transpression at a collisional plate boundary during the late Jurassic to early Cretaceous Nevadan Orogeny (see Figure 7-2). The basement rocks of the belt are submarine meta-volcanics, meta-sediments, and oceanic crustal rocks of Ordovician to Jurassic age. The north-northwest structural grain is defined by a series of sub-parallel, right-lateral wrench faults that represent deep-seated suture zones. These structural breaks separate individual accreted terranes. Discontinuous belts of alpine-type ultramafic intrusions (serpentinites), and serpentinite-matrix tectonic mélange, both mark the trace of the deep-seated structural breaks that border individual lithotectonic terranes. Subduction-related, late Jurassic to Cretaceous composite batholiths and plutons of dominantly granodioritic composition subsequently intruded the collage of basement rocks.
The basement rocks of the Sierra Nevada Foothills Metamorphic Belt are divisible into three discrete north-northwest-trending belts separated by first-order, right-lateral wrench faults of great linear extent. Mesothermal lode gold mineralization occurs in all three belts, but the belt that yielded the majority of gold production was the Central Metamorphic Belt. The Grass Valley Mining District lies within this principal belt.
Individual accreted terranes within the Central Metamorphic Belt are of diverse origin and composition. The terranes are comprised of thick Triassic to Jurassic submarine meta-volcanic and meta-sedimentary accumulations deposited on oceanic crust. Individual accreted terranes situated in the western half of the Central Metamorphic Belt include Jurassic volcanic-plutonic arc sequences (Lake Combie Complex, Slate Creek Complex), late Triassic to early Jurassic accretionary prism (Fiddle Creek Complex), and Jurassic serpentinite-matrix tectonic mélange containing large fragments of all the above-mentioned units (Sierra Foothills Mélange). The tectonic mélange units developed along deep-seated crustal breaks bounding the relatively intact terranes (Duffield and Sharp 1975). The volcanic-plutonic arc sequences were deposited atop early Jurassic oceanic crust (ophiolite) in a supra-subduction zone fore arc basin setting. The accretionary prism and sediment-matrix mélange was deposited atop older oceanic crust (ophiolite) of upper Paleozoic age bordering the early Jurassic fore arc basin (Day, 1997; Ash, 2001). The individual terranes vary both in their degree of deformation and metamorphic grade. The regional metamorphic grade of individual terranes ranges from lower greenschist facies to high-pressure blueschist facies.
Page 7-1 |
Figure 7-1:
Regional Geology
Page 7-2 |
Figure 7-2:
Regional Lithologic Units
Page 7-3 |
The Grass Valley Mining District occurs in the western half of the Central Metamorphic Belt where it consists of an 8-mile wide north-trending assemblage bound on its west and east sides by regional-scale tectonic suture zones. The Wolf Creek Fault Zone, which bounds the western side of the Central Metamorphic Belt, ranges from 500 ft to 2,000 ft wide in the Grass Valley area and encloses tectonic mélange slabs of meta-sedimentary rock. The Gillis Hill Fault/Melones Fault bounds the eastern side of the Central Belt in the district and can be traced for over 100 miles southward, where it hosts the Mother Lode Gold Belt.
Preliminary studies have demonstrated that the gold mineralizing event defining the Sierra Nevada Foothills Gold Belt appears to post-date peak regional metamorphism and pre-date intrusion of the Sierra Nevada batholith. The gold deposits of the Sierra Nevada Foothills Gold Belt are found in linear belts conspicuously associated with the network of deep-seated structures bounding and/or dissecting lithotectonic terranes within the Central Metamorphic Belt.
7.1.1
Structural Setting
The Sierra Nevada Foothills Metamorphic Belt has a strong north-westerly-oriented structural grain. During the Jurassic Nevadan Orogeny, compression and horizontal shortening was directed east-northeast, imparting a strong structural grain to the region. The Nevadan Orogeny was a result of alternating periods of east-northeast lithospheric subduction of the Kula plate, and right-lateral, transcurrent-compressional strike-slip motion along transform faults in the North American plate. The unique geology along the western coast of North America is thought to be a product of this unusual oblique subduction (Schweickert, 1981). There is evidence to indicate the subduction zone locked up periodically, and transpressional fault movement along a great number of deep-seated faults was the strain-releasing mechanism between the two colliding lithospheric plates. It is this system of deep-seated faults that has localized the gold deposits of the Sierra Nevada Foothills.
A minimum of three deformation episodes are recognized in the mining districts of the Sierra Nevada Foothills. The first is related to the alternating oblique subduction and transpressional faulting during the Nevadan Orogeny that generated north-northwest-oriented isoclinal folding in the zones of high strain, and open-type folds in the areas of lower strain. The folds plunge at shallow angles northerly and southerly. This is not considered to be a result of subsequent cross-folding, but to have occurred concurrently with the north-northwest-oriented folding event coincident with regional-scale boudinage structures (Payne, 2000; Tuminas, 1983). In the high-strain zones, a pervasive northwest-oriented axial planar cleavage was developed during that event. The second episode of deformation is related to the forceful intrusion of late syn-orogenic granodiorite to diorite plutons, which pre-date the emplacement of the Andean-type Sierra Nevada Batholith (Ash, 2001). The final episode is related to the gold mineralization events of the Sierra Nevada Foothills Gold Belt, approximately 5 to 10 million years after the syn-orogenic intrusion event, depending on location (Ash, 2001; Day, 1997; Bohlke and Kistler, 1986).
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The most productive gold districts in the Sierra Nevada Foothills Gold Belt are associated with regional-scale boudinage neck features in conjunction with deep-seated crustal breaks. In the Grass Valley region, the western half of the Central Metamorphic Belt has necked-down to an 8 mile width from its typical 12 mile width. Similarly, many of the productive nodes along the 100 mile length of the Mother Lode Gold Belt are coincident with similar structural situations (Payne, 2004, pers. comm.; Payne, 2000).
The gold deposits in the Sierra Nevada Foothills are concentrated along numerous north to northwest-trending corridors of high strain related to second-order fault structures. The second-order faults branch from the first-order regional breaks that border the individual accreted terranes. Dilational jogs and pronounced bends in first-order fault zones can be points where favorable second-order branch faults develop. Favorable second-order faults can also occur where rock competency contrasts develop pressure shadows adjacent to first-order faults. Many important gold deposits are located in third- and fourth-order faults, with poor mineralization occurring in the second-order structures. Dilational jogs, bends, and pressure shadows in or adjacent to second-order faults can localize mineralization within favorable third- and fourth-order faults. At all scales, the corridors of high strain demonstrate a braided character, with high-strain zones encompassing lensoid or rhomboid domains of lesser strain.
Regional faults that traverse the Grass Valley area include the Weimar Fault, a 50-mile long regional fault that trends along the eastern edge of the mine. It is referred to as the 6-3 Fault in historic mine records on some historical documentation, specifically in relation to the Idaho-Maryland mine workings and associated structural geology. The Grass Valley Fault is situated west of the Idaho-Maryland deposit.
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7.2
Property Geology
The rocks underlying the Idaho-Maryland Mine property are divisible into four separate units, ranging in age from early to middle Jurassic:
1.
Early Jurassic metasediments of the Fiddle Creek Complex, situated east of the Weimar Fault, in the lower plate of the Clipper Creek Thrust.
2.
Early Jurassic volcanic-plutonic arc sequence and ophiolitic basement rocks of the Lake Combie Complex situated east of the Weimar Fault, in the upper plate of the Clipper Creek Thrust.
3.
Middle Jurassic Spring Hill Tectonic Mélange, which contains heterolithic chaotic slabs correlative with the ophiolitic basement and volcanic-plutonic rocks of the Lower Volcanic Unit of the Lake Combie Complex, incorporated into a sheared serpentinite-matrix derived from probable upper mantle harzburgite tectonite (Payne, 2000).
4.
Middle Jurassic tectonic mélange of the Weimar Fault Zone.
7.2.1
Fiddle Creek Complex
The portion of the Fiddle Creek Complex underlying the project area is an early Jurassic accretionary sedimentary prism related to a submarine subduction complex. It is a highly disrupted sedimentary and volcanic sequence that exhibits a higher degree of metamorphism than adjacent units. The Fiddle Creek Complex outcrops east of the Weimar Fault Zone, exposed as isolated windows of limited size in the lower plate of the Clipper Creek Thrust (Tuminas, 1983; Edelman et al, 1989; Loyd et al, 1990; Saucedo et al, 1992; and Payne, 2000). The isolated outcrops of this sequence on the Idaho-Maryland property are tentatively correlated with the early Jurassic Clipper Gap Formation, the uppermost unit of the Fiddle Creek Complex (Tuminas, 1983). This unit is poorly studied and its age is uncertain.
Outcropping windows of Clipper Gap Formation immediately east of the Weimar Fault Zone are a highly disrupted assemblage of interbedded chert and argillite. The unit exhibits poorly developed stratification that has been tilted to near-vertical attitudes (Lindgren, 1896, p.79). Locally, the chert-argillite sequence is interpreted to have been tectonically intermixed within a slate matrix to form a sediment-matrix tectonic mélange in a subduction complex (Tuminas, 1983). Portions of the chert-argillite sequence may have been deposited as well-stratified olistostromes in perched basins atop the chaotically accumulating subduction complex. The Clipper Gap Formation is best exposed underground in the 8 Crosscut on the Brunswick 1100 Level, east of the Weimar Fault. The chert-argillite sequence is folded into a synform striking 300°. Black carbonaceous argillites dominate the sequence with interbedded dark gray chert, and minor beds of calcareous muddy sandstone (Farmin, March 1939b, June 1940b). Hard chert interbedded with sandstone and calcareous mud layers were encountered east of the Weimar Fault in the 13 Crosscut on the Idaho 1000 Level (Farmin, July 1937a).
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7.2.2
Lake Combie Complex
The early Jurassic Lake Combie Complex is a fault-bounded tectonostratigraphic unit more than 40,000 ft thick, representing intact fore arc basin oceanic crust (ophiolite) and overlying volcanic-plutonic arc sequence (Tuminas, 1983). The structurally lowest unit in the Lake Combie Complex is the serpentinized ultramafic basement, cumulate gabbro-diorite, and diabasic-sheeted dike complex comprising the oceanic crustal basement (ophiolite). The overlying volcanic-plutonic arc sequence is comprised of three map units (lower, middle, and upper). All of the volcanic units are intricately intruded by hypabyssal and plutonic rocks of gabbroic, dioritic and diabasic composition that represent 20% to 50% of the volcanic section by volume. The Lake Combie Complex is presently found in the upper plate of the Clipper Creek Thrust as nappes. The Weimar Fault divides the nappe into two structural blocks. The Chicago Park Nappe is exposed on the east side of the Weimar Fault, the Lake Combie Nappe on the west. An intact portion of the Chicago Park Nappe, representing a portion of the Lower Volcanic Unit of the Lake Combie Complex, underlies the property east of the Weimar Fault.
The Lower Volcanic Unit (LVU) is comprised predominantly of andesitic to basaltic flows and flow breccia units intruded by discordant diabase, diorite, and gabbro bodies (Tuminas, 1983). The discordant plutonic rocks increase in abundance toward the bottom contact of the LVU. Lesser units (less than 15% of the LVU) include pyroclastic breccia deposits and interbedded tuff and interflow sedimentary layers.
7.2.3
Spring Hill Tectonic Mélange
The middle Jurassic Spring Hill Melange comprises a chaotic assemblage of clasts dismembered from the early Jurassic Lake Combie Complex, which are enclosed in a sheared serpentinite matrix. The Spring Hill Melange was recently identified as a mappable lithotectonic unit in 1995 (Payne et al, 1997). It is a district-scale structure, which underlies a 4 mi² area and dominates the property geology. The mélange unit is 4,200 ft wide, extends for 4 miles in a 300° orientation, and crosscuts the regional structural grain. The mélange is localized within an apparent district-scale boudinage neck (Payne, 2000). The mélange is defined by the Grass Valley Fault at its southern margin and the Olympia Fault on the north (Loyd and Clinkenbeard, 1990). All of the significant gold production from the Idaho-Maryland Mine was localized entirely within the matrix and tectonic slabs at the eastern end of this unit.
Page 7-7 |
The Spring Hill Mélange consists of a sheared, well-foliated, highly deformed serpentinite matrix enclosing a chaotic arrangement of tectonic clasts. The serpentinite matrix is considered to be serpentinized upper mantle harzburgite tectonite which has subsequently undergone retrograde metamorphic re-equilibration to yield a rock composed predominantly of lizardite, the low-temperature serpentinite mineral (J. Post, 2004, personal comm.). No pre-serpentinization igneous textures are preserved in the matrix material. In outcrop, hard clasts with rounded to rod-shaped morphology have an appearance and arrangement similar to augen within schist. The tectonic clasts or fragments incorporated into the mélange range from fist-sized clasts to mega-clasts up to 1.5 x 0.6 miles in dimension. The mega-clasts will be referred to as tectonic slabs when discussed in this report.
The Brunswick Slab is the largest and economically most important of the tectonic slabs. It borders the southern side of the Idaho-Maryland mine workings, extending eastward for 1.5 miles, and encompasses the Brunswick and Union Hill mine workings. The Brunswick Slab is a fault-bounded fragment correlative with a portion of the Lower Volcanic Unit of the Lake Combie Complex. It includes a thick stratigraphic sequence of intermediate to mafic meta-volcanic flows, flow breccias, lesser tuffs, and minor interflow sedimentary units, all cut by a discordant suite of igneous plutonic to hypabyssal rocks representing feeders for volcanics higher in the sequence (not represented in the slab). The western 25% of the Brunswick Slab is nearly all discordant plutonic intrusives with only minor wedges of the volcanic stratigraphy remaining. The interflow meta-sedimentary units include red to green cherts, black carbonaceous slates to wackes, and rare marl beds. The contacts of the slab dip toward the center, indicating diminishing size with depth. The Brunswick Slab hosts the Brunswick and Dorsey Vein Sets and provides important controls for the Idaho and Morehouse Vein Sets.
The Maryland Slab is a fault-bounded cumulate gabbro fragment of ophiolitic affinity. The slab is elongated in a west-northwest orientation and outcrops in the Round Hole shaft area, directly north of the Brunswick Slab, within the Idaho Deformation Corridor. The Maryland Slab measures approximately 3,200 ft in a WNW-orientation, 750 ft north-south; the Round Hole Shaft was collared in the slab but broke out of it into serpentinite mélange matrix at 180 ft vertical depth (Newsom et al, 1956). The Maryland Vein Set is localized well beneath the keel of this shallowly southeast-plunging slab.
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The Fulton Slab is a large fragment preserving interbedded sediments and volcanics, possibly correlative with the Middle Volcanic Unit of the Lake Combie Complex. The Fulton Slab shows promise that it may be a large and important ore control below the present depth of development in the mine. The slab does not outcrop and is located 200 ft WNW beyond the western terminus (keel) of the Brunswick Slab, lying parallel to, and beneath it. The slab was accidentally discovered in 1923 when the Idaho No.1 Shaft was sunk into its northeast contact. A horizontal core hole drilled in 1933 penetrated a 650 ft thick sequence of carbonaceous black slate to wacke with interbeds of black to gray fragmental volcanics. Also in 1933, a crosscut was driven from the Idaho No.1 Shaft on the 1500 Level, which extended to reach the north contact of the Fulton Slab. Unlike the adjacent Brunswick Slab, the Fulton Slab contacts diverge away from one another, indicating this is the top of a much larger slab extending to depth. The Fulton and Morehouse Vein Sets are localized in, or adjacent to, the Fulton Slab.
The Sealy Slab is a relatively small monolithologic clast of sheeted diabasic dike complex located within the Idaho Deformation Corridor. It is worthy of mention due to its excellent outcrop exposure in a cut bank. It is the type area for the Spring Hill Mélange unit. Evidence of its ophiolitic affinity and faulted contact with the sheared serpentinite mélange matrix are nicely exposed. The Sealy Slab is located 300 ft southward from the East Eureka shaft collar.
The Alpha Slab is a rounder, boulder-like slab, which outcrops within the Idaho Deformation Corridor approximately 300 ft east of the old Maryland Shaft. The Alpha Slab is a strongly pyritic dacite tuff breccia containing angular to subangular volcanic bomb-sized fragments of leucocratic diorite and gabbro. The Alpha Slab measures 52 ft across in an East-West orientation and is accompanied by several smaller slabs of identical composition.
The Beechel Slab is a large meta-volcanic fragment discovered at the 1200 Level in the Idaho workings while developing the Idaho 2 and 116 Veins. The Idaho 116 Vein lies along the north contact of the slab and the Idaho 122 Vein is hosted along a flow contact within the slab. The Beechel Slab is situated within the Idaho Deformation Corridor, in the hanging wall of the Idaho 2 Vein and G Fault.
The Greenhorn Slab is composed of diabase and was discovered by a fan of core holes drilled northward, horizontally from the Brunswick 3300 Level. The Greenhorn Slab hosts gold-quartz vein mineralization at both its north and south contacts. The important L Fault lies along the north contact of the slab. The extent of this slab and associated gold mineralization are unknown.
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7.2.4
Tectonic Mélange Weimar Fault Zone
Highly deformed serpentinite occurs discontinuously along the 40-mile trace of the Weimar Fault Zone. The serpentinite fault matrix hosts numerous exotic slabs, with the largest one named the Green Slab. The Green Slab is a large basaltic to andesitic volcanic slab intersected in the 11 Crosscut on the Brunswick 1300 Level. It is 330 ft wide and hosts high-grade mineralization in the Washington 2 Vein. The slab is situated east of the New Brunswick vertical shaft and is not exposed at the surface.
7.2.5
Dioritic Intrusions
Minor dioritic intrusions are scattered across the Idaho-Maryland property, many of which are too small to map. The largest dioritic intrusion is a 1,300 x 900 ft mass underlying an isolated, ellipsoid-shaped hill in the far northern tip of the property, adjacent to the west of Brunswick Road. It intrudes the far northeastern portion of the Spring Hill Mélange unit. Another small, dark gray dioritic dike outcrops at Idaho-Maryland Road and extends southward onto the eastern edge of the Morehouse patented claim. It is fresh, unaltered, and undeformed. This dike is 13 ft thick and contains abundant anhedral accessory pyrite.
7.3
Property Structural Geology
Regional-scale structures that provide important controls for mineralization on the property or provide important structural geologic context for mine-scale structures on the property include:
1.
the apparent boudinage neck structure in the western half of the Central Metamorphic Belt
2.
the paired Lake of the Pines Synform and Greenhorn Antiform, developed west of and east of the Weimar Fault, respectively
3.
the Lake Combie and Chicago Park Nappes, developed west of and east of the Weimar Fault, respectively.
The shape of the Idaho-Maryland gold ore deposit is controlled by the regional-scale Weimar Fault and the district-scale Spring Hill Tectonic Melange Zone. The tectonic mélange units of both major structural elements were discussed previously in the stratigraphy portion of this report. The Weimar Fault is a NNW-trending right-lateral wrench fault that transects an accreted terrane along its 50-mile course. The fault cuts the late Paleozoic to Triassic Fiddle Creek Complex and an overlying nappe of Jurassic Lake Combie Complex rocks. It is a second-order fault that is of a younger age than the first-order suture zones, which bound the accreted terranes. The Weimar Fault is considered to be the source conduit for the gold-bearing fluids for the Idaho-Maryland deposit.
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7.3.1
Weimar Fault Zone (6-3 Fault)
The Weimar Fault truncates all structures of the Idaho-Maryland Mine and forms the blunt eastern termination of the wedge-shaped gold deposit. The fault likewise truncates the eastern end of the Spring Hill Mélange unit. The Weimar Fault strikes 330° to 350°, dipping 70° NE through the eastern side of the property. It is poorly exposed due to the gouge and highly comminuted nature of the rocks within the fault zone. The surface trace of the Weimar Fault, near the Brunswick Shaft, was a serpentinite gouge with the consistency of modeling clay, according to Jack Clark, Mine Superintendent from 1954-56 (pers. comm., 1994). Clark further stated that the Weimar Fault intersected the New Brunswick vertical shaft just above the 580 Level station. Underground, the Weimar Fault was intersected in many crosscuts and core holes. In all cases, the fault zone displayed strong shearing and gouge development. The Weimar Fault has not been noted to host economic gold mineralization anywhere within the district. In the underground workings, drifting along the fault exposed small quantities of highly-sheared, crushed, dismembered quartz lenses containing trace to 0.10 oz/ton gold. Within the Grass Valley district, gold deposits are arrayed adjacent to the Weimar Fault along its length.
7.3.2
Spring Hill Mélange
The Spring Hill Mélange unit (see Figure 7-3) is a dominant structural feature at the Idaho-Maryland Mine. A large portion of the mineral rights area is underlain by this unit. In the geological context of the Grass Valley Mining District, the Spring Hill Mélange and the Idaho-Maryland ore deposit cut the structural grain of the district at an obtuse angle. The Spring Hill Mélange unit is elongated in a 300° direction, extending for 4 miles, with an average width of 0.87 miles. It has a pervasive fabric plunging 30° SE at all scales. It is confined on its southern and northern boundaries by the Grass Valley and Olympia Faults, respectively. The matrix of the mélange is sheared serpentinite enclosing large exotic slabs correlative with Lake Combie Complex meta-volcanics and various components of its underlying oceanic crust. The internal structural elements within the mélange control the locations of mineralization in the mine. Individual tectonic slabs have shown important controls localizing individual vein sets and the Idaho Deformation Corridor. The eastern end of the Spring Hill Mélange is notably-slab-rich, whereas the western portion of the mélange is a serpentinite matrix nearly devoid of exotic slabs.
Page 7-11 |
Figure 7-3: Property Structural Geology - Plan View
Page 7-12 |
7.3.3
Idaho Deformation Corridor
The Idaho Deformation Corridor (Figures 7-3, to 7-5) is a braided zone of high strain that extends along the entire northern side of the wedge-shaped Idaho-Maryland deposit. The corridor averages 500 ft in width and is traceable for 2.0 miles along a 275° to 290° strike. The zone dips 60° to 70° south and extends to the deepest levels of the mine at 0.62 miles. The Brunswick Slab defines the southern boundary of the high-strain zone for nearly its entire length. The L Fault forms the northern boundary of the corridor. The prominent faults in the corridor exhibit a dominant reverse vertical displacement with a much weaker component of right-lateral horizontal displacement. Post-mineral reactivation of the same faults show 50 ft of normal displacement in some cases. The stretch elongation lineation fabric within the corridor rakes southeastward at shallow to moderate angles.
The Idaho Deformation Corridor is comprised of both linear and non-linear fault members. Both fault members show development of strong deformational fabric, gouges, and host the large, high-grade oreshoots of the mine. The linear faults include, from south to north, the Idaho, Q, F, G, 89, H, K, M, and L Faults. Non-linear link faults include the Idaho 2 Vein, Idaho 4 Vein, Eureka, and Hammill Link Faults. The link faults are sigmoidal and trend northeasterly, dipping 20° to 40° SE. The link faults developed at points of dislocation along the contact of the Brunswick Slab. Large tabular plates of the slab were sheared off and displaced downward along the footwall of the fault bounding the corridor on its south side.
For example, at the Idaho 2000 level, the Idaho Fault follows the contact of the Brunswick Slab eastward from the area of the Idaho #1 Shaft to the area of the 30 Winze. It separates meta-volcanics of the Brunswick Tectonic Slab from serpentinite mélange matrix. Near the 30 Winze, the 70° S dipping Idaho Fault crosses the contact of the Brunswick Slab, slicing into it at an acute angle. From that point eastward, the Idaho Fault has meta-volcanics of the Brunswick Slab along its hanging and footwalls. At this same location, the Idaho 2 Vein extends from its junction with the Idaho Fault northeastward in a sigmoidal path. The Idaho 2 Vein now defines the contact between the meta-volcanics and serpentinites, with serpentinite at its footwall. The Idaho 2 Vein converges with the H Fault. The H Fault then defines the contact between the meta-volcanic slab and the serpentinite mélange matrix eastward toward the Weimar Fault.
In the above example, the linear fault members such as the Idaho and H Faults serve as the glide planes along which sheared plates of meta-volcanic rock slid upward. The link faults, such as the Idaho 2 Vein, are actually the preserved segments of the meta-volcanic/serpentinite contact on the individual sheared plates. The ramp-like link faults may extend along their course upward through the serpentinites beyond the extent of the sheared plates of meta-volcanic slab. The points of dislocation marked by link faults along the contact of the Brunswick Slab are an important locus for the development of individual vein sets. The Maryland Vein Set is a prime example. The entire arrangement of faults and sheared plates of the Brunswick Slab suggest a fault duplex coupled with attenuation and incipient boudinage development.
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7.3.4
Morehouse Fault
The Morehouse Fault (Figure 7-3) branches from the hanging wall of the Idaho Deformation Corridor and follows the footwall contact of the Brunswick Tectonic Slab in a great arc. Mine development at the keel of the Brunswick Slab on the Idaho 1500, 2000, and 2400 levels has suggested that dislocations may occur in a pattern along the bottom contact (keel) of the slab. This has been interpreted from the outside of the slab (Morehouse Vein Set). Ramp-like dislocations along the contact, with fault structures extending into the slab, may explain the development of isolated groups of veins within the Brunswick Slab in the deeper developments of the mine. Vein set development outside of the slab along its keel may be associated with the same fault structures extending outward into the serpentinites from the dislocation site.
For example, at the Idaho 2000 level, the Idaho 110 Vein was developed in a 10° SE dipping fault plane within the Brunswick Slab. A new vein structure was encountered in the drift southward along the contact of the slab, localized at a point of dislocation in the slab contact. This new vein matches closely in orientation and attitude with the Idaho 110 Vein. It is worthy of note that the cross cut driven eastward into the slab connecting the Idaho 16 Vein hanging wall with the 110 Vein intersected a large body of mineralized rock. This mineralized body is described as a mass of quartz stringers cutting mineralized diabase. Assays from an interval of mineralized rock without quartz stringers yielded 0.19 oz/ton (6.5 g Au/t). The structural conditions at this location are presently unclear, but imply that large bodies of gold mineralization may exist in association with the Morehouse Fault.
7.3.5
Intersection of Idaho and Morehouse Faults
The importance of the intersection of the Idaho and Morehouse faults has long been recognized by company geologists. Recently referred to as a keel zone, Beechel (1955) described it as a large fault trough with a southeasterly plunge and suggested the Idaho veins were situated peripherally to it. The intersection showed some mineralization in historic mine development, and thus remains an important exploration target.
Page 7-14 |
Figure 7-4: Geologic Cross Section Section No. 20 E, Looking West, Sections C - C 1
Page 7-15 |
Figure 7-5: Idaho Deformation Corridor
7.3.6
The Brunswick 20 Series Faults
At the eastern end of the large Brunswick Slab, a series of dislocation planes called the 20 Faults occur. The 20 Faults are sub-parallel to, and found within 1,000 ft of the Weimar Fault. The member faults dip steeply west to near-vertical. The individual faults converge upward into the Weimar Fault. Their course in plan view is 330° to 350° and they are notably sinuous. The 20 Faults cut the volcanic stratigraphy and Brunswick Vein Set at an obtuse angle. Relative displacement of individual Brunswick quartz veins bearing 275° to 290° is approximately 6.6 ft in a right-lateral sense. Members of this family include the 20, 21, 21a, 21b, 22, and 23 Faults.
The 20 series of faults exert locally important controls on oreshoots in the Brunswick Vein Set. The crossing of Brunswick Veins by members of the 20 Fault set can limit oreshoots in some cases. The 20 Faults, in conjunction with a Brunswick vein crossing a bed of interflow graphitic meta-sediments, results in a black slate-type oreshoot of large dimensions. Adjacent Brunswick veins are relatively unaffected in comparison. The 20 Faults locally contain discontinuous low-grade mineralized vein quartz in a similar fashion to that noted in the Weimar Fault.
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7.3.7
The Brunswick Stacked Faults
At the northeastern corner of the Brunswick Slab is a stacked series of shallowly northeast-dipping fault/veins. They are associated with the junction of the Weimar Fault and the Idaho Deformation Corridor and are most commonly found within 1,000 ft of that wedge area. Well-known members of this vein/fault array are the Brunswick 4, 11, 34, 36, 41, and 48 Veins. Members of this fault set exert important controls on the location of high-grade oreshoots and large stockwork-veined deposits. Both deposit types occur where members or swarms of stacked faults disrupt the steep Brunswick Veins. Oreshoots in Brunswick veins continued upward through an intersection of this type. It is consistently noted that strong gold mineralization proliferated outward from the steep vein into the shallow dipping vein for distances of 50 to 100 ft laterally. Where the arrangement of steep Brunswick veins is close, this can result in large areas of stockwork veining that mimic the shape of the flatter structures. The intersection of the shallow-dipping Brunswick 4 Vein with the steep 7 and 17 Veins resulted in a shallow-dipping stope 200 x 400 ft in an area with a maximum true width of 50 ft. Similarly, the Waterman Resource is situated at the intersection of the Brunswick 4 vein with the steep 10, 31, 35, and 131 veins resulting in a shallow-dipping zone of quartz stock work veins with dimensions of 250 ft along strike, 950 ft along the dip, and an average true thickness of 75 ft.
Page 7-17 |
8.0
DEPOSIT TYPES
The Idaho-Maryland Mine is a structurally controlled, mesothermal lode gold deposit for which Emgold has developed a revised, comprehensive deposit model. This model identifies structural features that act as potential hosts to auriferous vein sets and account for the varied deposit types and vein arrays that can occur within any individual vein set. This model is schematically shown in Figure 8-1.
Figure 8-1:
Idaho-Maryland Mineralization Types
Page 8-1 |
The development of mineralized vein sets is controlled by four structural features. These are:
·
mine-scale boudinage neck features developed within the serpentinite matrix of the Spring Hill Mélange unit
·
contact areas of the tectonic slabs within the serpentinite matrix of the Mélange unit
·
local flexures and irregularities in the plane of the Weimar Fault Zone can create quartz stockwork zones
·
high-grade vein arrays localized in association with bench-like dislocations along the Brunswick Slab contact.
The mineralization is further controlled in veins of a particular vein set by any one of six structural settings. They are:
·
Rock competency contrast areas: development of an oreshoot along the contact between soft, ductile serpentinite and hard, brittle tectonic slabs at bends along the contact, at dilational jogs, or at offsets/benches in contact associated with incipient attenuation and boudinage
·
Wedge-shaped areas between intersecting faults: stacked arrays of shallowly dipping veins can comprise large bulk mineable deposits containing free gold
·
Simple concave or convex bends along fault planes
·
Vein splits, which are usually manifested at bends along fault planes
·
Drag folding of vein structures associated with cross faulting, resulting in vein horsetails and/or mirror-image oreshoots localized in the vein on both sides of a cross fault
·
Intersection of steep and shallowly dipping vein members of any vein sets.
Lithology of the vein-hosting units can also be important in localizing mineralization within vein sets. Three lithologic controls are identified:
·
Highly graphitic fault planes or partings within interflow sedimentary units. These are found within tectonic slabs composed of intermediate volcanic/volcaniclastic rocks.
·
Competent/incompetent rock unit contacts.
·
Iron-enriched mafic lithologies. These would include pyritized, chloritized diabasic slabs.
Page 8-2 |
9.0
MINERALIZATION
The veins consist primarily of quartz, which is milky white, massive to banded, sheared, and brecciated. Gold occurs as native gold, ranging from very fine grains within the quartz to leaves or sheets along fractures measurable in feet (Glen Waterman, pers. comm. 1996; Jack Clark, pers. comm. 1994; Leland Hammill, pers. comm. 1995). Other constituents occur in minor to trace amounts and comprise carbonates, sericite, chlorite, mariposite, albite, and scheelite. Sulfide minerals are ubiquitous in the quartz veins (1 to 4 visual percent) and consist primarily of pyrite. In order of abundance, galena, chalcopyrite, and various tellurides are present in trace concentrations. Recent electron microprobe studies of ore specimens collected in the 1940s have identified telluride minerals including hessite, petzite, and coloradoite. Sphalerite and arsenopyrite are rarely observed.
The varying styles of mineralization present at the Idaho-Maryland Project are typical of those commonly found in mesothermal lode gold deposits worldwide. At least four basic types of mineralization have been recognized to contain significant gold deposits. In order of importance, these include (1) gold-quartz veins and vein arrays, (2) mineralized black slate bodies, (3) mineralized diabasic slabs, and (4) altered, mineralized phyllonites. These are discussed in more detail below.
9.1
Gold-Quartz Veins
9.1.1
Quartz Veins & Immediate Wallrocks
Quartz veins and their immediate wallrocks (Figures 7-3 and 8-1) have produced over 80% of the gold at the Idaho-Maryland Mine. The gold-bearing quartz veins are structurally complex, strike in all compass directions, and have attitudes that range from horizontal to vertical. The economic veins ranged from 1 to 25 ft in thickness. The largest vein ore shoot was 650 ft in vertical extent and plunged continuously at a shallow angle for 5,600 ft.
The morphology of the veins varied from tabular veins and stringer zones, to oblique-extension veins exhibiting exotic centipede structures. The veins are generally tabular, ribboned to massive quartz, and contain minor gangue and accessory minerals. Vein gangue includes minor carbonate phases along selvages (ankerite, calcite, dolomite, and ferrodolomite), sericite, chlorite, and albite. Pyrite, the dominant accessory mineral, constitutes 1% to 2% of the vein mineralization. The schistose vein wallrock commonly contains gold mineralization up to 10 ft into either or both walls of the vein. The mineralized wallrock is strongly carbonate altered. Accessory pyrite was reported in the wallrocks at similar concentrations to those found in the vein. Gold tenor of the quartz vein deposits ranged from 0.10 to 10.00 oz/ton for individual stopes.
Page 9-1 |
9.1.2
Large Quartz Stockwork Vein Deposits
This type of mineralization consists of a reticulated mass of steep and shallowly dipping quartz veins and veinlets in the Waterman Resource. Vein quartz constitutes 20% to 80% of the mineralized rock by volume. The overall shape of the zone mimics the orientation of the shallowly dipping veins in the set. The dimensions of this body are 250 ft in strike length, 950 ft in dip length, with an average true thickness of 75 ft. The maximum true thickness is 122 ft.
The quartz stockwork veined mineralization shares common characteristics with the other Idaho-Maryland mineralization types. The intermediate meta-volcanic host rocks are bleached and pervasively ankerite + sericite + chlorite + pyrite altered. Coarse particulate free gold was present, but occurred less frequently in stockwork ores compared to all other mineralization types. Gold tenor for stockwork veined material is in the range of 0.10 to 0.20 oz/ton. The stockwork zone has irregular walls caused by the degree of shattering and the intensity of subsequent vein filling. The primary control for stockwork veined bodies was related to bends in the plane of the adjacent Weimar Fault.
9.1.3
Tensional Vein Arrays
Tensional vein arrays localized in wedge areas between intersecting faults have contributed an unknown percentage of the gold production at the mine. Stacked arrays of shallow-dipping quartz veins can constitute large, potentially bulk mineable deposits. Known examples have plan dimensions of 50 x 50 ft to 50 x 220 ft with the down rake projection being the long axis of the deposits. An extreme example is the mineralized wedge at the Id2 and 3 Vein junction, which has been documented on seven mine levels from the Idaho 1600 to 3000 levels, suggesting a rake length of over 3,300 ft. Other examples include mineralized wedges at the following junctions: Id 3 Vein-25 Vein, ld 109 Vein-177, Br9 Vein-10 Vein, Br2 Vein-6 Vein, and Br2 Vein-32 Vein. The ore minerals, gangue minerals, accessory minerals, and alteration types are all similar to those described for the stockwork vein mineralization type, and coarse free gold is also present. Expected gold tenor of mineralized wedge ores is in the range of 0.10 to 0.40 oz/ton. Visual estimation of vein density determines the boundaries. Variations in the plunge inclination have been assumed to control the fracture intensity and economic boundaries.
Page 9-2 |
9.2
Mineralized Black Slate Deposits
Graphitic black slate bodies (see Figure 9-1) have produced approximately 5% of the gold at the Idaho-Maryland Mine. The mineralized black slate bodies develop exclusively out into the hanging wall of a tabular quartz vein, coincident with an important set of northwest-trending, steeply dipping cross faults. Three known mineralized slate bodies range from 20 ft to 100 ft in thickness and constitute large bulk-mineable oreshoots in the mine. The maximum dimensions are 300 ft in vertical height and horizontal length. Very coarse gold is contained within a stacked array of highly graphitic flat fault planes of 0.2" to 2.0" thick, flat quartz veinlets that cut the steeply dipping meta-sediments. The host rock ranges from slate to medium-grained wacke. The only reported gangue mineral was trace vein carbonate. Accessory fine-grained pyrite occurred in minor amounts up to 1%. The ore mineral was coarse particulate free gold. Flat plates up to 3" x 4" in dimension without vein quartz were found "puddle" in low spots along highly graphitic flat planes. The gold tenor of this ore averaged 0.20 to 0.25 oz/ton. Mill records indicate that recoveries of gold from black slate ores averaged 80%, the highest for all the mineralization types.
9.3
Mineralized Diabasic Slabs
Mineralized diabasic slabs (see Figure 8-1) have produced approximately 3% of the gold mined from the Idaho-Maryland deposit. The mineralized diabasic bodies are elongate melange slabs that have no predictable occurrence within the mine. They were generally discovered in exploratory core drilling and crosscuts. Mineralized diabasic slabs range from 3 to 36 ft in thickness, with a maximum length of 400 ft measured along the shallow plunge of the body. Diabasic slabs occur throughout the Idaho Deformation Corridor but only become mineralized where they are cut by strong faults on their bottom end or have strong faults along their footwall contacts.
Mineralized versus unmineralized diabase bodies are easily distinguished. The diabase is visually massive and the igneous textures are holocrystalline and well-preserved where unmineralized. Igneous textures become vague and chlorite content increases as a ground mass constituent imparting a green color to the mineralized diabase. The chlorite can have a preferred orientation, which can impart a faint foliation to the massive diabase (Schlberg, 1936). Pyrite is ubiquitous in mineralized diabase as subhedral to euhedral cubes with a unique embayed moth-eaten appearance. Regardless of grade, gold occurs in coarse pieces in this mineralization type. In some cases, the gold particles can be nearly the entire width of the thin quartz veinlet hosting it. Quartz veinlets displaying slip planes on one or both sides are considered favorable, demonstrating the presence of episodic fault displacement.
Page 9-3 |
Figure 9-1:
Mineralized Black Slate Deposits Br 16 Vein Area
Page 9-4 |
Stringer zones of quartz veinlets can constitute up to 10% of the volume. Gangue minerals included abundant carbonate phases, chlorite, and sericite. Euhedral cubic pyrite was the only reported accessory mineral, and gold was the only ore mineral. The gold tenor of mineralized diabase was 0.10 to 1.00 oz/ton for individual bodies. Large resources of this type remain in place at the Idaho-Maryland with most grading 0.10 to 0.22 oz/ton.
9.4
Mineralized Phyllonites
Mineralized phyllonites are laminar to braided, carbonate-sericite-chlorite-pyrite altered proto-mylonites hosted within the serpentinite melange matrix or mafic meta-volcanics. At the Idaho 2000 Level, the Idaho 3 Vein showed rapid gradation from a vein quartz lode to a mineralized schist lode, with stringer zones of quartz veinlets constituting 0% to 10% of the volume. Gangue minerals include abundant carbonate, chlorite, and sericite. The lone accessory mineral is disseminated euhedral porphyroblastic pyrite. The gold tenor of the mineralized schists averaged 0.10 to 1.0 oz/ton in individual stopes.
Page 9-5 |
10.0
EXPLORATION
Exploration at the Idaho-Maryland project has consisted of an extensive geologic evaluation program during 1994 through to 2002, surface diamond drilling during 2003 and 2004, surface mapping and sampling in (and since) 2004, and continued computerization of historic data.
The geologic evaluation was possible because of the excellent and comprehensive preservation of the Idaho-Maryland mine and mill records. These records are essentially complete, and were used to generate a consistent, property-wide structural geology model and vein set stratigraphy. Unmined mineralization was identified along underground workings and in historical diamond drill holes. Interpretation of the updated geologic model defined new vein sets and extensions of known vein sets. These were categorized for mineral resource estimates and future exploration.
Surface diamond drill programs were executed in 2003 and 2004 to test the structural geologic model and near surface gold mineralization targets, and in 2004 for access ramp geotechnical information and ceramics feedstock confirmation. The drill programs and results are discussed in Section 11.
Surface mapping and sampling conducted in 2004 consisted of a traverse over the meta-volcanic and intrusive units that comprise the Brunswick slab in support of the ceramics feedstock resource estimate. This task also produced additional information on rock types within the slab for use in geologic modeling.
10.1
Data
The available key historic data consisted of:
·
3,200 mine maps and drawings, including 1,257 linen maps (1" = 50 ft assay plans, geology plans and stope plans, 1" = 100 ft geologic cross sections), including exploration drill hole geology and assays plotted on maps.
·
1,100 photographs (surface and underground)
·
monthly development reports for 1921 to 1956
·
monthly geological summary reports for 1936 to 1942
·
eight ledgers of development and stope sampling assays
·
assay reports of diamond drilling, channel samples and muck car samples
·
general manager's and mine superintendent's reports for 1947 to 1953
Page 10-1 |
·
mill production reports and cost summaries for 1934 to 1956.
·
petrographic studies of 70 wallrock and gold mineralized samples.
Since 2002 major components of the geological effort and exploration completed by Emgold have been the evaluation and interpretation of the main underground levels, winzes and quartz veins that were measured and input into a 3-D wireframe computer model using Vulcan® and MineSight®.
10.2
Data Review Results
Emgold evaluated the historic data and produced a comprehensive geological model for the Idaho-Maryland project. Key results previously developed by AMEC continue to be valid, and are:
·
Barren blooms of intense carbonate-sericite-chlorite alteration leakage extend for several hundred feet upward from all of the known, large, high-grade oreshoots developed at the Idaho-Maryland mine. However, the ankerite rock unit associates with mineralization.
·
The recognition of tectonic fragments or slabs within the Spring Hill Tectonic Mélange to explain location, arrangement, and variability in strike and dip of veins.
·
Consistent structural interpretation, on both a property and local (stope) scale. Key in this interpretation is the Idaho Deformation Corridor and its make-up of a braided network of high-strain zones, and definition of the Morehouse Fault as an arcuate structure along the Brunswick tectonic slab contact.
·
Definition of the L Fault as the north boundary of the Idaho-Deformation Corridor, generator of numerous, blind high-grade oreshoots which branch downward into the hanging wall, and the possible connection at depth of the L Fault and projected north contact of the deep Fulton Slab.
·
Development of productive, high-grade gold-quartz vein sets in bowtie arrays at and adjacent to bench dislocations in the Brunswick Slab contact.
·
Development of a deposit type definition for the Idaho-Maryland that forms the basis for the positive exploration potential of new mineralized veins or structures. Four structural features are defined as potential hosts to mineralized vein sets (Figures 7-3 and 8-1):
1.
Boudinage neck features in the serpentinite matrix of the mélange unit
2.
Tectonic slabs in the serpentinite matrix of the mélange unit
Page 10-2 |
3.
Flexures and irregularities in the plane of key fault zones that create shattered, quartz stockwork zones which can host large, more homogeneous, lower grade blocks
4.
High-grade vein arrays localized in association with bench-like dislocations along the meta-volcanic Brunswick Slab-serpentinite mélange matrix contact
The Idaho-Maryland geologic model was reviewed by Stephen Juras, Qualified Person for AMEC, in 2002 and again in 2004, who felt it would be valuable for exploration success. He indicated that multiple drillhole programs would be necessary because of the complex geology and variable geometry of the mineralized veins.
Exploration targets and the potential for new discoveries at the Idaho-Maryland project can be divided into seven large groups according to the dominant structure controlling mineralization. Those structural features, listed in order of decreasing importance, are: (1) the Idaho Deformation Corridor, (2) large individual mélange slabs, (3) Weimar Fault, (4) Morehouse Fault, (5) Clipper Creek Thrust, (6) Golden Gate Antiform, and (7) the Grass Valley Fault. Each structural feature has specific targets in known veins and further conceptual geological targets.
10.3
Exploration After 2004
Further surface geologic mapping was conducted after disclosure of the 2004 AMEC report by Emgold geologists to identify rock types, explore for vein outcrops, and confirm fault locations. This resulted in the first updated geologic map of the property in 60 years. This updated mapping has been computerized to be used as part of the geologic model.
Since 2004 the historic assay database was computerized to use in geostatistical modeling and further delineation of mineralized zones. A stope model of the location and shape of historic stopes was also completed. These results will be utilized in the next phase of work along with the vein model, which is in progress but not yet complete.
Page 10-3 |
Also since 2004, new gold exploration targets were delineated. These were exploration blocks that did not meet all the criteria to be qualified as resources but would be areas of potential exploration. A cutoff grade of 0.10 oz/ton Au was used to define these targets along with an understanding of the mineralized zone geology. These targets were identified from the historic assays and geologic map data. Some targets were extensions of veins on mine levels that were developed but not stoped, and others were from drillhole intercepts. A total of 512 individual exploration targets were identified on Idaho veins in and near existing mine workings from the Idaho 600 to the Idaho 2400 mine levels.
Page 10-4 |
11.0
DRILLING
11.1
Historic Drilling
During mining of the Idaho-Maryland deposits, exploratory and delineation diamond drilling regularly took place. Eleven hundred holes totalling 230,000 ft were diamond drilled, commonly to a 0° dip (horizontal). Core diameter was ⅞" (E-size). Hole traces were put onto the assay, stope, and various geology plans, as was all other information. No drill logs were observed.
Down hole surveys were not conducted, and deviation of the drill holes was common. Recorded in the geology monthly reports were experiences such as driving an underground heading on a drill hole only to find that the hole soon curved significantly from the planned orientation. The deviation was not consistent, and so could not be predicted. This observation was one of the main reasons AMEC recommended that mineral resources defined by historic drilling alone should be classified as inferred mineral resources (see Section 17).
No core was preserved from past mining operations at the Idaho-Maryland Mine.
11.2
2003 / 2004 Drilling
Diamond drill holes have become the principal source of geological and grade data for the Idaho-Maryland project. Drilling from surface sites commenced in three phases: summer 2003 (gold targets), spring 2004 (gold targets) and summer 2004 (geotechnical data). Drilling totalled 21,335 ft in 31 drill holes for gold exploration and 3,537 ft in seven drill holes for the geotechnical and ceramics feedstock work. A list of the project drill holes, together with their coordinates and lengths, is provided in Table 11-1 from Juras (in the 2004 AMEC report).
Drilling was done by wireline method with H-size (HQ, 2.5 in nominal core diameter) equipment using a single drill rig. Collar locations of the core holes were surveyed by Idaho-Maryland staff with a Trimble GeoXT GPS unit. Downhole surveys of all core holes were conducted at 100 ft intervals with a Reflex E-Z Shot digital instrument. Additionally, the geotechnical drill holes were drilled using oriented core (EZ Mark oriented core device). Upon completion, the collar and anchor rods were removed and the hole was abandoned to California regulation standards, and the site rehabilitated.
Standard logging and sampling conventions were used to capture information from the drill core. The core is logged in detail onto electronic MS Access logging "sheets", and the data was then transferred into the project database. The core was digitally photographed before being sampled.
Page 11-1 |
Table 11-1:
Idaho-Maryland Project 2003 and 2004 Drill Holes
Drill Hole No. |
Easting
|
Northing
|
Collar Elevation
|
Total
|
Depth
|
Azimuth |
Dip |
Target |
IDH001 |
3770.7 |
9657.5 |
12495 |
592.5 |
180.6 |
50 |
-59 |
Au |
IDH002 |
3770.7 |
9657.5 |
12495 |
319.0 |
97.2 |
88 |
-45 |
Au |
IDH003 |
3770.7 |
9657.5 |
12495 |
668.0 |
203.6 |
90 |
-26 |
Au |
IDH004 |
3770.7 |
9657.5 |
12495 |
940.0 |
286.5 |
71 |
-26 |
Au |
IDH005 |
5332.1 |
9256.8 |
12522 |
757.0 |
230.7 |
2 |
-76 |
Au |
IDH006 |
5367.5 |
9275.0 |
12522 |
1706.0 |
520.0 |
226 |
-45 |
Au |
IDH007 |
5403.5 |
9283.0 |
12522 |
139.0 |
42.4 |
38 |
-69 |
Au |
IDH008 |
5405.0 |
9284.5 |
12522 |
678.0 |
206.7 |
39 |
-56 |
Au |
IDH009 |
5408.0 |
9294.0 |
12522 |
603.0 |
183.8 |
358 |
-60 |
Au |
IDH010 |
5418.0 |
9293.0 |
12522 |
747.0 |
227.7 |
326 |
-59 |
Au |
IDH011 |
5419.0 |
9291.0 |
12522 |
1248.0 |
380.4 |
334 |
-74 |
Au |
IDH012 |
5458.0 |
9312.0 |
12522 |
302.0 |
92.0 |
64 |
-53 |
Au |
IDH013 |
5459.0 |
9313.0 |
12522 |
293.0 |
89.3 |
64 |
-70 |
Au |
IDH014 |
5349.0 |
9273.0 |
12522 |
406.0 |
123.7 |
353 |
-79 |
Au |
IDH015 |
5349.0 |
9272.0 |
12522 |
483.0 |
147.2 |
316 |
-61 |
Au |
IDH016 |
3682.0 |
9674.0 |
12495 |
1087.0 |
331.3 |
64 |
-65 |
Au |
IDH017 |
3683.8 |
9674.8 |
12495 |
1038.0 |
316.4 |
63 |
-49 |
Au |
IDH018 |
3684.7 |
9675.3 |
12495 |
887.0 |
270.4 |
67 |
-41 |
Au |
IDH019 |
3683.5 |
9675.3 |
12495 |
807.0 |
246.0 |
57 |
-55 |
Au |
IDH020 |
3684.5 |
9676.8 |
12495 |
596.0 |
181.7 |
58 |
-40 |
Au |
IDH021 |
3682.4 |
9674.4 |
12495 |
799.0 |
243.5 |
60 |
-70 |
Au |
IDH022 |
3682.4 |
9675.8 |
12495 |
767.5 |
233.9 |
17 |
-55 |
Au |
IDH023 |
3682.7 |
9676.8 |
12495 |
607.0 |
185.0 |
12 |
-41 |
Au |
IDH024 |
3681.9 |
9674.4 |
12495 |
758.0 |
231.0 |
13 |
-70 |
Au |
IDH025 |
3680.8 |
9676.6 |
12495 |
466.0 |
142.0 |
329 |
-44 |
Au |
IDH026 |
3681.2 |
9675.7 |
12495 |
530.0 |
161.5 |
342 |
-65 |
Au |
IDH027 |
3681.7 |
9674.2 |
12495 |
428.0 |
130.5 |
339 |
-77 |
Au |
IDH028 |
3681.5 |
9675.5 |
12495 |
434.1 |
132.3 |
350 |
-45 |
Au |
IDH029 |
3681.6 |
9674.3 |
12495 |
576.1 |
175.6 |
349 |
-59 |
Au |
IDH030 |
3681.6 |
9674.3 |
12495 |
817.0 |
249.0 |
117 |
-60 |
Au |
IDH031 |
3681.6 |
9674.3 |
12495 |
857.0 |
261.2 |
117 |
-55 |
Au |
Page 11-2 |
IDH032 |
6166.5 |
8050.5 |
12587 |
707.0 |
215.5 |
39 |
-44 |
Geotech |
IDH033 |
6128.9 |
7628.8 |
12580 |
708.0 |
215.8 |
129 |
-45 |
Geotech |
IDH034 |
5729.3 |
8031.0 |
12574 |
706.0 |
215.2 |
256 |
-40 |
Geotech |
IDH035 |
5735.5 |
8018.0 |
12572 |
519.3 |
158.3 |
256 |
-40 |
Geotech |
IDH036 |
6092.3 |
8011.9 |
12585 |
387.4 |
118.1 |
271 |
-44 |
Geotech |
IDH037 |
4480.3 |
8257.6 |
12531 |
307.0 |
93.6 |
111 |
-40 |
Geotech |
IDH038 |
4479.8 |
8256.8 |
12527 |
203.0 |
61.9 |
297 |
-44 |
Geotech |
Juras reviewed the core logging procedures at site and the drill core was found to be well handled and maintained. Material was stored under cover (in a secure warehouse facility) in core racks. Data collection was competently done. Idaho-Maryland maintained consistency of observations from hole to hole and between different loggers by conducting regular internal checks. Core recovery in the mineralized units was excellent, usually between 95% and 100%. Very good to excellent recovery was observed in the mineralized intrusive sections checked by Juras and AMEC. Juras stated that overall, the Idaho-Maryland drill program and data capture were performed in a competent manner.
11.2.1
Findings from Surface Drilling
Key observations and findings from the surface drilling programs, as summarized by Juras (2004) were:
·
Confirmation of the serpentinite matrix tectonic melange zone geologic model for the Idaho-Maryland Mine. The localization of gold-quartz veining along melange slab contacts and in association with bench dislocations along the Brunswick Slab contact was also corroborated.
·
Nearly all gold is coarse particulate in nature and confined directly to vein quartz and phyllonites of the vein shears. Values were tightly confined to structures with little or no dispersion of gold into the wall rock. Coarse particulate gold was also identified within micro-fractured diabase and serpentinite adjacent to very strong mineralized faults. Chloritization, the associated destruction of the crystalline igneous textures, and development of porphyroblastic pyrite overgrowths were diagnostic for the auriferous diabase.
·
In 2003, the drilling intersected high-grade mineralization at depth in the Idaho 120 Vein, several hundred feet beneath an outcropping barren carbonate alteration bloom (see Figure 11-1). Drillhole IDH001 cut 10.1 ft @ 0.93 oz/t Au in a complex vein structure. In 2004, follow up drilling tested westward and at higher elevations from the high-grade intercept. Evidence of old mining was seen at higher elevations whereas the mineralization quickly pinched off to the west. The drill position would not allow testing to depth and eastward thus the target remained open along strike and down rake to the east.
Page 11-3 |
·
Drilling revealed that the keel of the Brunswick Slab is shaped different than anticipated. Drillhole IDH006 did not intersect the Idaho 1 Vein at the keel of the Brunswick Slab, where it was projected to occur at 1,000 ft depth. This implies a steeper plunge for the keel from surface to 1,100 ft depth and a considerable flattening of the plunge below 1,100 ft depth, and extending eastward toward the Idaho 1500 Level.
Significant intervals intersected in the 2003 and 2004 drill campaigns testing gold mineralization potential are shown in Table 11-2.
Table 11-2:
Significant Gold Mineralized Intersections, 2003 2004 Drill Campaigns
Hole |
From
|
To
|
Interval (ft) |
Au oz/ton |
From
|
To
|
Interval
|
Au
|
Comments |
IDH001 |
528.2 |
538.3 |
10.1 |
0.93 |
161.0 |
164.1 |
3.1 |
31.9 |
free gold |
IDH003 |
482.5 |
483.4 |
0.9 |
0.21 |
147.1 |
147.4 |
0.3 |
7.2 |
free gold |
IDH009 |
130.8 |
133.8 |
3.0 |
0.17 |
39.9 |
40.8 |
0.9 |
5.8 |
- |
|
187.0 |
193.0 |
6.0 |
0.17 |
57.0 |
58.8 |
1.8 |
5.8 |
free gold |
IDH011 |
213.0 |
216.0 |
3.0 |
0.17 |
65.8 |
66.7 |
0.9 |
5.8 |
- |
IDH017 |
862.5 |
866.0 |
3.5 |
0.26 |
263.0 |
264.1 |
1.1 |
8.9 |
- |
IDH019 |
556.3 |
562.3 |
6.0 |
0.05 |
169.6 |
171.4 |
1.8 |
1.7 |
free gold |
IDH022 |
369.0 |
375.0 |
6.0 |
0.05 |
112.5 |
114.3 |
1.8 |
1.7 |
free gold |
IDH024 |
395.0 |
398.0 |
3.0 |
0.31 |
120.4 |
121.3 |
0.9 |
10.6 |
free gold |
11.2.2
Geotechnical Drilling
Geotechnical drilling was conducted to obtain ground stability data for a proposed mine access ramp. Holes were angled downward at 40° to 45° from the horizontal to maximize the areas examined in the directions of the decline route. All drilling was contained in the Brunswick Slab.
Page 11-4 |
The dominant rock types intersected were andesite volcanic flows, flow
breccia, and hypabyssal feeder units intruded by diabase intrusive units. Gabbro was intersected around the proposed portal area but otherwise only constitutes a minor component of the drilled region. In all the drill holes (outside the surface weathered zone) is the general absence of any broken core and/or gouge intervals, foliated or sheared zones,
and fractured or veined areas. The core area of the Brunswick Slab is shown to be a massive,
undeformed, essentially monolithic unit of mafic composition.
AMECs assessment of the geotechnical drilling program in 2004 indicated that a decline could be situated in rock with RQD values in excess of 85 percent and that ground conditions in the Brunswick Slab appeared to be very good.
Page 11-5 |
Figure 11-1:
Drill Hole Cross Section Looking S40E
Page 11-6 |
12.0
SAMPLING METHOD & APPROACH
In the 2003-2004 surface drilling programs, sampling of the half cores was performed by Idaho-Maryland staff in a secure core logging and storage facility. Sample size was critical due to the coarse particulate nature of the gold (The sample size was optimized to allow for multiple check assays, if required, as the use of large assay pulps was necessary). The target sample size was 3 ft, with the minimum being 2.5 ft, and 3.3 ft the maximum.
The core ends were matched through all of the boxes, and fractured sections wrapped in duct tape to preserve geological information and reduce core loss during the cutting process. Core was halved with a wet saw, using continually running fresh water, and cut along the same line of orientation, which provided excellent angular relationship data for structural geologic interpretation. When strongly mineralized sections of core were cut, a plastic tray was inserted into the saw pan and saw cuttings were collected and panned. The pannings were helpful in alerting staff to the presence of coarse gold and assisted in the review of assay and check assay results.
The half cores within a marked sample interval were put in a sample bag, tagged, and loaded into 55lb (25 kg) shipping sacks and secured. The samples from the split core remained in the logging facility until shipped to the assay laboratory. Samples were shipped in one of two manners. Idaho-Maryland staff transported samples to the assay laboratories in Nevada or the representatives from the assay laboratory came to the Idaho-Maryland facility to pick up samples, depending on the sizes of the shipments. Samples used for check assays were sent to a different lab than the primary contract assay laboratory.
Page 12-1 |
13.0
SAMPLE PREPARATION, ANALYSES & SECURITY
13.1
2003 2004 Gold Exploration Samples
In the 2003-2004 surface drilling programs, procedures were established to minimize assay inconsistencies caused by the presence of coarse gold. Historic records for the Idaho-Maryland mine noted coarse gold in all ore types, thus Idaho-Maryland chose to be conservative and have all samples analyzed using screened metallics fire assay methods. The flowchart of the preparation and analysis process is shown in Figure 13-1. The laboratory prepared two pulps from each sample. One 500 g sample was for fire assay analysis and a 100 g pulp was prepared and returned to Idaho-Maryland for gold panning. Panning of the 100 g pulp by Idaho-Maryland staff provided (1) a cursory check on the lab, (2) allowed collection of gold particle size, shape, and population information, and (3) helped direct the ongoing core drilling program when lab analysis turn-around time was slow. The 500 g pulp was analyzed for gold only, utilizing screened metallics fire assay methods. All pulps and coarse rejects were saved by the lab and delivered back to the Idaho-Maryland core facility.
Figure 13-1:
Sample Preparation and Assay Procedure Flowchart, Primary Laboratory
Page 13-1 |
A rigorous QA/QC program was developed and utilized at the Idaho-Maryland Project. Extra precautions were taken by Idaho-Maryland staff to mitigate the potential for assay variability due to the frequent coarse gold occurrence in the mineralization. The program used Standard Reference Materials (SRMs), blank samples (made from barren massive antigorite serpentinite), coarse reject and pulp duplicate samples and third party laboratory check assays. Insertion rate of SRMs and duplicates was about 1 in 20 samples. Blanks were only inserted immediately following mineralized intervals.
The SRMs were prepared from gold mineralized material of varying grades, collected from a nearby gold mine to formulate bulk homogenous material. Two groups of material were collected: one with a mean certified value of 0.21 oz/ton Au and the other with a mean certified value of 0.17 oz/ton Au. These materials were used to successfully control the assay quality process.
Juras (2004) stated that blank sample results showed no evidence of gold contamination during sample preparation. Duplicate performance was good to fair, reflecting the coarse particulate nature of the gold mineralization. Performance was worse closest to the detection limit. Patterns on control charts were symmetric about zero, suggesting no bias in the assay process.
Four criteria were used in selection of samples for third party laboratory check assays. These were (i) all assays equal to or greater than 0.01 oz/ton Au, (ii) all samples with free gold panned from 100 g pulp sample regardless of assay value, (iii) all samples with visual similarity to ore types regardless of assay value, and (iv) 5% of the remaining sample population selected randomly. Results mirrored the primary laboratory duplicate analyses.
Juras reviewed Idaho-Marylands QA/QC procedures on site and found them to have been strictly followed. The gold assay process for the 2003 and 2004 drill campaigns were shown to be in control. The rigorous assaying methodology employed during the these phases of drilling identified mineralization types which will require screened metallics fire assaying in future work. These ore types include samples containing (i) over ten percent vein quartz, (ii) green chloritized diabase with porphyroblastic pyrite overgrowths, (iii) phyllonites with porphyroblastic pyrite overgrowths, and (iv) about 3 feet of wall rock immediately preceding and after any of the first three types.
The methods established during the surface drilling programs formed a foundation for accurate sampling of mineralized rocks. Similar assaying procedures would be utilized during future surface or underground sampling at Idaho-Maryland.
Page 13-2 |
13.2
Historic Gold Samples
This project contains an historic database with over 36,000 assays. The assays, which are almost exclusively for gold, were done on samples taken from underground workings (walls and backs from drifts and crosscuts, walls from raises). Many are channels samples; fewer are muck car samples and grab samples. Those from diamond drill holes comprise only a minor portion of the assay database.
The assay data reside as handwritten entries on scale assay plans (1" to 50 ft) for all mine levels. Drillhole assay data accompany the intercepts on these plan maps, and copies of assay certificates are present for the final 10 years of production.
The samples were fire-assayed at former mine site laboratories. No records exist of any QA/QC program. Sample quality can still be inferred, however, by the reconciliation of historic production records to underground sample data. These studies, as well as a recent investigation on mill-to-resource prediction (see Section 17), showed that the resource or reserve estimates consistently underestimated the amount of gold produced by milling, a discrepancy most likely reflective of sample size influence rather than laboratory technique. Gold deposits with coarse gold areas are best sampled with large sizes, which was not common practice at the time the Idaho-Maryland Mine was in operation. Therefore, any estimates made using this historic data should include comparisons with values unadjusted and adjusted for the regular underreporting of grade (i.e., call factor).
AMEC stated that the comprehensive set of assay plans, supported by records of muck car stope samples and mapped geology data, as well as the detailed historical production records, all supported the integrity of the assay data for the Idaho-Maryland Mine, and they concluded that the data were suitable for use in mineral resource estimation.
Page 13-3 |
14.0
DATA VERIFICATION
14.1
Historic Data
Data used in the Idaho-Maryland mineral resource estimate reside on assay plans. Juras conducted two data transcription checks: one which compared assay values in resource block calculation sheets to the source plan map for various resource blocks throughout the property; and the other which reviewed copies of assay certificates (1946 to 1948) for the Idaho No.1 vein along 2400 Level. In the review of assay values, only five errors were found, but the overall error rate was near zero. No errors were observed in the assay plans.
14.2
2003 and 2004 Data
Data compiled during the 2003 and 2004 drill campaigns were checked by Juras during two site visits. Random database entries were compared to original source documents; no errors were observed. The 2004 AMEC report concluded that the assay and location data used were sufficiently free of error and adequate for resource estimation for the Idaho-Maryland project.
14.3
Data Review In 2009
In 2009 two log books of assays were found that contain assays not listed on mine maps. They would add approximately 2000 new assays (or about 5 percent of the total). One book pertained to Idaho-Maryland Mine samples taken from the 1500-3280 levels, and the other was for sampling in the Brunswick Mine on the 900-1880 levels. These assays include those listed on maps along with additional assays that were described as footwall and hangingwall assays. Based on the logs, the sample locations were measured distances from spads.
The new assays have not been used in any resource calculations, however, prior to using this data, an independent review should be conducted to determine if it is usable, to verify the accuracy of those specific assays listed on the maps.
Page 14-1 |
15.0
ADJACENT PROPERTIES
This section is not relevant for the Idaho-Maryland Mine project.
Page 15-1 |
16.0
MINERAL PROCESSING & METALLURGICAL TESTING
There exists extensive background information on the metallurgical performance of the ores processed at the Idaho-Maryland and Brunswick properties, as summarized in the 2002 AMEC report. Each property had a milling circuit that incorporated crushing, grinding, gravity separation, sulfide flotation, and gold smelting/refining unit operations. In addition, the Idaho-Maryland mill contained a cyanidation plant with Merrill-Crowe recovery, and a smelting/refining circuit that treated flotation concentrates and sands from both mills. No milling facilities remain from past operations. An illustration and description of the Idaho-Maryland milling circuit is presented in Taggart (1954).
Since 2004, Emgold conducted metallurgical testing of drill cores and historic tailings.
16.1
Metallurgical Performance History
In the 2002 Technical Report, AMEC reviewed the mill operating statistics for 1934, 1936, 1937, 1938, 1941, and 1947. Results indicated stable overall gold recoveries and metallurgical response to gravity, flotation, and cyanidation:
·
Overall gold recoveries ranged from 93.8% to 97.2%.
·
Gold production using gravity recovery methods ranged from 61% to 69%, averaging approximately 65.4%.
·
The ore contains approximately 1.5% to 2% sulfides. Gold produced via flotation of the sulfides ranged from 30.3% to 36.9% with an average of 33.4%.
Following flotation, the concentrate was reground to further liberate the gold. The remaining 1.2% of the total gold produced was achieved by treating the sands or coarse fraction from the flotation circuit tailings using cyanidation.
Graphite and scheelite containing ore zones have been encountered in the orebody. In the milling circuit, graphite reported to the flotation circuit and was successfully depressed using flotation reagents. Scheelite was recovered using gravity and flotation methods in the 1950s.
Juras and AMEC (2004) stated that overall gold recovery using modern technology would result in gold recoveries consistent with those achieved in the early milling circuits at the Idaho-Maryland mill. They also stated that gold recovery using current gravitational equipment may exceed the recoveries attained (i.e., average 65%) in the 1930s and 1940s. Testwork to determine the maximum gold recovery potential using gravity separation and concentration was recommended by AMEC.
Page 16-1 |
16.2
Metallurgical Testing Since 2004
In 2006, preliminary gravity and cyanide tests were conducted on small samples of drill core rejects to gain some understanding of the potential gold recoveries from mineralized veins (Kappes, Cassiday and Associates, 2006). Nine mineralized pulps from the 2003-2004 surface drilling programs were composited into one sample (with a weighted average head grade of 0.065 oz Au/st) and a gravity concentration test was performed with a Model SB40 Falcon Concentrator. Following this bottle roll cyanide tests were conducted. The combined results of both tests were of limited value because they came from small samples, but indicated that 98 percent of the gold may be recovered. Although these tests produced useful information, additional metallurgical testwork would be required using larger samples to fully characterize the veins and to accurately determine gold recoveries, cyanide consumption, and obtain other metallurgical information from drill cores or channel samples.
In 2006 and 2007, preliminary gravity separation, flotation and cyanide leach tests were conducted on small samples of historic mine tailings to gain some understanding of the potential gold recoveries from old tailings (Kappes, Cassiday and Associates, 2006). Gravity results using a Model SB40 Falcon Concentrator indicated that gold recoveries of up to 25 percent could be attained from pulverized tailings that were very fine- grained (80 percent by weight minus 200 Tyler mesh size) and had head grades of 0.128 oz Au/st. The results of initial flotation tests using a Denver D-1 Flotation machine suggested that 26 percent of the gold would be recovered from the flotation circuit. Cyanide soluble leach test results varied from 41-53 percent and provided some preliminary information on lime and cyanide consumption. A separate cyanide leach test on two samples of historic tailings produced gold recoveries of 50-60 percent (Dawson Metallurgical Laboratories, Inc. 2007). Although these tests produced useful information, additional sampling would be required to accurately predict the gold recoveries from historic mine tailings.
Page 16-2 |
In 2004, preliminary gold recovery gravity tests utilizing both Knelson and Falcon lab concentrators were performed on bulk samples of old Idaho-Maryland tailings and highly mineralized material found on waste rock dumps (Grewal, 2004). Test recoveries using only gravity separation were generally in the range of 70% to 80%. This gravity testwork is of interest because it indicates that new gravity technology may be more efficient than the methods used during the historical operation; however, it is not possible to accurately correlate the origin of the samples with respect to the mine workings, and so the value of these initial results is limited. Once a gold resource is defined, additional gravity and general metallurgical testwork would be required to fully characterize the metallurgical response and properly estimate gold recovery. It is anticipated that gold recovery using modern technology should be either the same or better than historical recoveries.
Page 16-3 |
17.0
MINERAL RESOURCE & MINERAL RESERVE ESTIMATES
The NI-43101 compliant gold resources for the Idaho-Maryland property were previously estimated under the direction of Idaho-Maryland Qualified Person Mr. Mark Payne, and audited by AMEC Qualified Person Mr. Stephen Juras. The results were summarized in Juras 2002 Technical Report (for AMEC) and updated in the AMEC 2004 Preliminary Technical Assessment Report. A small increase of 50,000 ounces (or three percent) of inferred resources has been added since submittal of the 2004 AMEC report, which was estimated by Idaho-Maryland Qualified Person Mr. Robert Pease in March, 2007. All mineral resources, including those of 2007, were estimated using traditional longitudinal sections and 3-D geologic models with commercial mine planning software (MineSight®) or (Vulcan®). The same criteria, originally established by Stephen Juras for AMEC in 2002, were utilized in delineating the resources in 2007.
17.1
Geologic Data Review
Gold mineralization at the Idaho-Maryland property resides in 11 discrete vein sets hosting at least four types of mineralization (see descriptions in Sections 7, 8, and 9). The mineralization was organized into five groups for resource estimation: Eureka, Idaho, Dorsey, Brunswick, and Waterman, (see Figure 17-1).
A review of the historic data was conducted by Juras in 2002 and again in 2004 to outline areas of remaining gold mineralization, including a structural geological analysis to assign a particular mineralization type to a structure and/or vein. Only data that could be reconciled to a geologically consistent interpretation was included in the resource estimate. About 20% of the data identified as remaining and undeveloped was excluded because it was not supported by a coherent interpretation. The AMEC report stated that this approach is consistent with best practice guidelines in resource estimation.
Page 17-1 |
Juras examined numerous areas of potential resource-bearing material, which generally fell into two categories: those based on underground development information, and those based on diamond drill hole intercepts (historic and 2003/2004). Evidence for the pertinent vein/structural interpretation was examined for data support and consistency. All examples based on the underground data demonstrated good data back-up and sound projection limits. Mineralization types were not mixed, and if multiple types occurred in proximity to each other, each was modeled separately. The interpretations based on the drillhole intercepts were also sound and reasonably projected. Historic data were hampered by the uncertainty in spatial location of the drillhole intercept, as they were not down-hole surveyed. In addition, most drill hole areas are defined by widely spaced data (200 ft and greater), thus all resources based on single drill hole intercepts were classified as Inferred Resources.
Page 17-2 |
Figure 17-1:
Idaho-Maryland Project Gold Resource Locations, March 1, 2007
Page 17-3 |
Thickness calculations of numerous mineralized intervals were also checked and the logic and geometric calculations applied were found to be correct. Because of the variable dips that occur in a structure and among mineralization types, Idaho-Maryland was also encouraged to express future work in horizontal or vertical thicknesses. This would enable mineralized regions to be easily compared and would provide a basis for mine planning work.
17.1.1
Structural and Mineralization Continuity
Continuity of geology and mineralization is a key component in a resource estimate, although it is usually based on data configuration and density in undeveloped properties. Past production data of the Idaho-Maryland Mine allow a more exact analysis to be undertaken, based on transcribing stope outlines from mined areas in various vein and structural zones to longitudinal sections.
This type of analysis was done by JAA for their 1991 Technical Assessment Study (see Section 3). AMEC reviewed their findings and concurred with the method employed and the results obtained. The JAA analysis confirmed that the Idaho-Maryland vein systems demonstrate high horizontal and vertical structural/vein continuity, with horizontal lengths ranging from 150 ft to 1,690 ft to a maximum of 5,600 ft, and averaging 885 ft for the vein systems reviewed. JAA also assessed vertical geologic continuity by examining the mined areas between levels 3280 and 580. Vertical extent ranged from 100 ft to 2,700 ft, averaging 615 ft.
To assess gold mineralization distribution, JAA investigated the presence of a mineralized and non-mineralized vein or structural material (defined at a threshold of 0.07 oz/ton Au) along a horizontal or vertical stope length. The assumption was that a stope defined a mineralized entity that was extracted as "ore." No further selection was done to optimize grade during extraction. The JAA analysis revealed that in any given stope, about 45% of the length contains mineralization above the threshold value. The remainder would represent internal dilution.
17.1.2
Data Analysis
Assay plan maps were inspected to review the gold data. Additionally, four sets of underground sample data taken from four different vein systems (the Idaho No.1, Idaho No.2, Dorsey veins (60 winze area) and Brunswick veins (1948 sampling)) were statistically analyzed. The mineralization systematically contained high to very high-grade pods along a horizontal or vertical length. Previous reviews by JAA and Drummond (1996) concluded that a high nugget effect is present, and an evaluation of the high-grade distribution can only be done on data from extensive underground sampling.
Page 17-4 |
Juras and AMEC analyzed the data sets for the 2002 Technical Report and again in 2004. With respect to extreme grades, the distributions generally indicated unique high-grade discontinuity patterns. The trends defined in cumulative probability plots begin to become discontinuous around the 98 th to 99 th percentile levels. If a cap grade was to be chosen based on these results, it would vary by vein system. Past mineral resource estimates used arbitrary cap values of 1 oz/ton Au, which is too low for the Idaho-Maryland gold mineralization. It was recommended that Idaho-Maryland conduct a more detailed statistical review of the underground data. The review, by vein system and mineralization type, would allow appropriate gold capping levels to be selected. Until such an analysis is undertaken, the resource estimates were to be reported using uncapped grades, according to Juras. Exposure to extreme grades was evaluated by resource block and dealt with through classification.
Bulk density was assigned a tonnage factor of 12 for all stopes, resources and historic production. AMEC commented that this value is generally suitable for global usage. However, Juras felt that locally the bulk density is too low, particularly around the Brunswick veins where scheelite is a ubiquitous component and for diabase hosted mineralization in the Idaho systems.
17.1.3
Mine Call Factor
Historically the planned mill feed tonnage and gold grade rarely matched the actual results. This was a result of a variety of factors that could be resolved by adjusting the planned production by a constant number. This number or factor is called the multiplier factor or mine call factor. Commonly, these deposit types typically under-predict the gold produced. Causes include poor sampling of high-grade material, inconsistent assaying procedures for the high-grade samples and, in places, the use of too low a bulk density number.
JAA conducted a detailed investigation into historic mine-mill reconciliation at the Idaho-Maryland. JAA selected data from later years (1950 to 1952), where the records of mine and mill production were kept in some detail and were traceable to parts of the mine. Two factors were calculated: a "model" (underground sampling) to "mine" (muck car sampling) factor, equal to 1.21, and a "mine" to "mill" factor, calculated to be 1.19. The total Mine Call Factor is equal to 1.44. AMEC reviewed the work done by JAA and agreed with their results. The use of the Mine Call Factor was allowed to be used to establish a relationship between the historic underground channel samples and expected production. The factor was only to be used on the vein system data.
Page 17-5 |
The more homogeneous slate hosted mineralization could not be factored at any resource category. Nor was the factor applied to any results from the 2003-2004 drill campaigns or to the historic drilling. The same restrictions were applied to the additional inferred resources announced in 2007.
17.1.4
Resource Estimation
Estimation of grade and tonnage consisted of two processes: one based on underground samples (channel samples) and adjacent drill hole data (if present) and the other solely using drillhole data.
Resource Blocks Underground Samples and Adjacent Drill Holes
The process for underground sample based resource blocks included drawing the hosting vein or structure in longitudinal section, averaging the underground sample assays along the vein or structure, and calculating a true thickness for the resource block (map data and trigonometric solutions using interpreted vein or structure morphology). Underground samples commonly included a vein assay, footwall, and less commonly a hanging wall assay for each face. These were combined into width x assay "composites" (utilizing a minimum 3 foot total width), summed, and the total divided by the sum of all sample widths. This produced a weighted grade for the resource block. Low-grade zones constrained the strike extent for many of these blocks. Dip projections depended on where the remaining material lay (e.g., below the level) and were drawn honoring the interpreted geological shapes. Measurements of the shapes in longitudinal section gave the block areas, which, together with the average true thickness, determined the volumes. Mined areas were outlined from stope plans and sections, and subtracted where applicable from the resource estimate.
Juras checked numerous underground resource blocks for compatibility with the local, interpreted vein or structural geology, correct tabulation of underground sample values, reasonable projection limits and volumetric and trigonometric calculations. The checked blocks were properly constructed and calculated.
Brunswick No. 4 and No. 16 blocks comprise resources outlined in quartz stockwork areas and black slate bodies. They are characterized by widespread lower grade gold mineralization, especially the stockwork bodies. They contain numerous development headings (drifts, raises, minor crosscuts) and stoped areas. Assay data comprise underground channel samples (drifts and raises) and stope muck samples. Distribution of the gold values is more uniform than in the traditional vein systems but of lower grade and limited nugget-like values (i.e. defined as greater than 1 oz/ton Au). Grade estimation for these blocks consisted of global weighted averages.
Page 17-6 |
Resource Blocks Drill Holes Only
Drill hole based blocks mostly consist of single intercepts defining the respective grade and thickness values. Block areas are defined by a box outline, conforming to the interpreted morphology. The size of the outline is governed by the protocol established for the resource classification and historic stope lengths. Grades are calculated by summing interval length x gold value "composites," and dividing the total by the full interval length. The interval length was then calculated to the vein's true width. A minimum true width equal to 3 ft was used.
Blocks defined by multiple drill holes and/or samples from a nearby underground working follow a similar process for grade and thickness estimates. The area outline for these resource blocks are governed by projection within the plane of the vein or structure. Limits were set according to the classification protocol described below.
Juras reviewed all resource blocks that were based on drillhole data because these blocks defined the majority of total tons and gold ounces at Idaho-Maryland. Grades and thicknesses were properly assigned. Outlines around drillhole intercepts were adjusted to revised distances described below. The revision adjusted the strike projection towards the intercept to prevent the over extrapolation of grade (drillhole data alone does not have the effect of low grade dilution included in similar systems using underground samples and adjacent drill holes).
17.1.5
Resource Classification and Summary
The mineral resource classification of the Idaho-Maryland gold mineralization used logic consistent with the CIM definitions referred to in National Instrument 43-101. Measured mineral resources are supported only in areas exposed by underground development and estimated from detailed underground sampling. The projection volume from a mined opening was up to 50 ft along the plunge or rake direction of the mineralized zone. In the case of resource block Brunswick No. 4, the entire volume was deemed to meet the definition of measured resources because of the numerous penetrations by drifts and sub-drifts, stopes, raises and lesser crosscuts more or less uniformly throughout the mineralized body.
Indicated mineral resource category is used to classify mineralization that surrounds measured mineral resources around underground openings and around drill intercepts within resource blocks that contain multiple drill holes and evidence of the hosting vein or structure in a nearby underground working within 200 ft. The projection volume was up to +100 ft. Also, this category included blocks that would have been classified as measured mineral resources but demonstrate a degree of uncertainty in the grade estimate due to the presence of numerous plus 1 oz/ton Au assayed samples. These blocks will remain in the indicated resource category until such time that a proper investigation is carried out on setting appropriate grade capping levels at Idaho-Maryland.
Page 17-7 |
The majority of the Idaho-Maryland mineral resource is classified as Inferred Mineral Resources. This includes all resources outlined by single drillhole intercepts. Here the projection was up to 100 ft along the strike and up to 200 ft up or down the plunge or rake. Around underground workings, the projection was limited to 200 ft from the working.
17.2
Resources Developed In 2007
Gold resources developed since 2004 totalled 50,000 ounces and were all classified as inferred. This added a minor amount of three percent to all categories of resources, or five percent to the total inferred resources. This by itself is not enough of an increase in resources to trigger the need for a new technical report. The mineral resources were estimated using longitudinal sections and 3-D geologic models with commercial mine planning software (MineSight®). The resources were developed using the same criteria established by Stephen Juras of AMEC in 2002 and 2004. The criteria included: a) minimum true thickness of three feet for resource blocks, b) cutoff grade of 0.1 opt Au, c) mine call factor not applied to any blocks developed from muck car samples or drillholes (historic or recent), and d) mineral resources outlined by single drill hole intercepts as Inferred Resources. The location and totals of the Inferred Resources was as follows:
Location: |
Tons: |
Grade: Oz/ton |
ContainedOunces Au: |
Eureka Group |
5,000 |
0.22 |
1,000 |
Idaho Group |
38,000 |
1.02 |
39,000 |
Dorsey Group |
5,000 |
2.05 |
10,000 |
Total |
48,000 |
1.04 |
50,000 |
Page 17-8 |
Of the 2007 resources, 28,000 ounces were estimated from samples taken from drillholes and muck car samples. No mine call factor was applied to those resources. The remaining 22,000 ounces came from channel samples from drifts, which included the mine call factor.
17.3
Resource Classification and Summary
The current NI 43-101-compliant gold mineral resources are shown in Table 17-1. They are classified as Measured, Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resources. The total gold resources of the Idaho-Maryland project prior to that, as of 20 September 2004, was classified as 472,000 ounces of Measured plus Indicated Resources, and 952,000 ounces of Inferred Mineral Resources. The increase developed in March, 2007 kept the total of Measured plus Indicated Resources the same (at 472,000 ounces), but increased the total of Inferred Mineral Resources to 1,002,000 ounces. All Idaho-Maryland gold mineral resources were reported at a 0.10 oz/ton Au cutoff grade. All estimated resource blocks equal to or greater than 0.10 oz/ton Au were tabulated in the summary.
Page 17-9 |
Table 17-1:
Idaho-Maryland Project Gold Mineral Resource Summary, March 1, 2007
|
True Thickness
|
Tonnage
|
Gold Grade
|
Gold
|
Gold Grade
|
Gold
|
Eureka Group 2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Measured Mineral Resource |
6.5 |
17,000 |
0.18 |
3,000 |
0.29 |
5,000 |
Indicated Mineral Resource |
5.7 |
41,000 |
0.27 |
11,000 |
0.37 |
15,000 |
Measured + Indicated Mineral Resources |
5.9 |
58,000 |
0.24 |
14,000 |
0.34 |
20,000 |
Inferred Mineral Resources A |
9.0 |
393,000 |
0.21 |
81,000 |
0.30 |
117,000 |
Inferred Mineral Resources B |
4.8 |
49,000 |
0.37 |
18,000 |
- |
- |
New Inferred Mineral Resource (A) |
4.4 |
5,000 |
0.15 |
1,000 |
0.22 |
1,000 |
Idaho Group |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Measured Mineral Resource |
17.5 |
129,000 |
0.24 |
31,000 |
0.34 |
44,000 |
Indicated Mineral Resource |
10.6 |
209,000 |
0.42 |
88,000 |
0.60 |
125,000 |
Measured + Indicated Mineral Resources |
13.3 |
338,000 |
0.35 |
119,000 |
0.50 |
169,000 |
Inferred Mineral Resources |
10.0 |
838,000 |
0.25 |
212,000 |
0.37 |
307,000 |
New Inferred Resource (A) |
4.1 |
38,000 |
0.71 |
27,000 |
1.02 |
39,000 |
Dorsey Group |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Measured Mineral Resource |
11.6 |
61,000 |
0.23 |
14,000 |
0.33 |
20,000 |
Indicated Mineral Resource |
6.4 |
131,000 |
0.33 |
43,000 |
0.46 |
60,000 |
Measured + Indicated Mineral Resources |
8.0 |
192,000 |
0.30 |
57,000 |
0.42 |
80,000 |
Inferred Mineral Resources |
9.5 |
955,000 |
0.30 |
288,000 |
0.43 |
413,000 |
New Inferred Resource (B) |
3.0 |
5,000 |
2.05 |
10,000 |
2.05 |
10,000 |
Brunswick Group |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Measured Mineral Resource |
8.0 |
64,000 |
0.17 |
11,000 |
0.25 |
16,000 |
Indicated Mineral Resource |
6.2 |
108,000 |
0.28 |
30,000 |
0.40 |
43,000 |
Measured + Indicated Mineral Resources |
6.9 |
172,000 |
0.24 |
41,000 |
0.34 |
59,000 |
Inferred Mineral Resources |
7.3 |
291,000 |
0.23 |
67,000 |
0.33 |
97,000 |
Waterman Group |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Measured Mineral Resource |
70.7 |
831,000 |
0.15 |
127,000 |
- |
- |
Indicated Mineral Resource |
30.5 |
75,000 |
0.21 |
16,000 |
- |
- |
Measured + Indicated Mineral Resources |
67.3 |
906,000 |
0.16 |
144,000 |
- |
- |
Idaho-Maryland Project 3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Measured Mineral Resource 1 |
13.3 |
271,000 |
0.22 |
59,000 |
0.31 |
85,000 |
Measured Mineral Resource 2 |
70.7 |
831,000 |
0.15 |
127,000 |
0.15 |
127,000 |
Indicated Mineral Resource |
8.1 |
489,000 |
0.35 |
172,000 |
0.50 |
243,000 |
Measured + Indicated Mineral Resources |
41.1 |
1,666,000 |
0.22 |
375,000 |
0.28 |
472,000 |
Inferred Mineral Resources |
9.3 |
2,526,000 |
0.26 |
666,000 |
0.38 |
952,000 |
New Inferred Resource A |
4.2 |
43,000 |
0.65 |
27,000 |
0.94 |
40,000 |
New Inferred Resource B |
3.0 |
5,000 |
2.05 |
10,000 |
2.05 |
10,000 |
Inferred Mineral Resource Total |
9.1 |
2,573,000 |
0.27 |
703,000 |
039 |
1,002,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 . MCF = Mine Call Factor (not applicable to Waterman Group resources). 2 . Inferred resources are divided into A (historic data and mine call factor applied) and B (from 2003-2004 data and no mine call factor applied). 3 . Idaho-Maryland measured resources are split into two categories: 1. the Eureka, Idaho, Dorsey, and Brunswick Groups, and 2. the Waterman Group (stockwork/slate type ore). 4. New inferred resources included 40,000 ounces with MCF (A) and 10,000 ounces without MCF (B).
Page 17-10 |
17.3.1
Resource Classification Definitions
The following definition of mineral resources is taken from the Canadian Institute of Mining (CIM) standards.
Inferred Mineral Resource
An Inferred Mineral Resource is that part of a Mineral Resource for which quantity and grade or quality can be estimated on the basis of geological evidence and limited sampling and reasonably assumed, but not verified, geological and grade continuity. The estimate is based on limited information and sampling gathered through appropriate techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and drill holes.
Indicated Resource
An Indicated Mineral Resource is that part of a Mineral Resource for which quantity, grade or quality, densities, shape and physical characteristics can be estimated with a level of confidence sufficient to allow the appropriate application of technical and economic parameters, to support mine planning and evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit. The estimate is based on detailed and reliable exploration and testing information gathered through appropriate techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and drill holes that are spaced closely enough for geological and grade continuity to be reasonable assumed.
Measured Resource
A Measured Mineral Resource is that part of a Mineral Resource for which quantity, grade or quality, densities, shape, and physical characteristics are so well established that they can be estimated with confidence sufficient to allow the appropriate application of technical and economic parameters, to support production planning and evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit. The estimate is based on detailed and reliable exploration, sampling and testing information gathered through appropriate techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and drill holes that are spaced closely enough to confirm both geological and grade continuity.
Page 17-11 |
18.0
OTHER RELEVANT DATA & INFORMATION
This section is not applicable to the Idaho-Maryland Mine project.
Page 18-1 |
19.0
INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSIONS
The following are conclusions of this updated Technical Report:
1.
Property and mineral rights purchases and changes occurred after release of the 2004 report. In 2005 Emgold acquired 30 acres of underground mineral rights, while the lease option agreement with the BET Group for mineral rights was modified. Seven acres of surface rights are being purchased. All of these changes should benefit the Idaho-Maryland Mine Project.
2.
The Idaho-Maryland Mine Project is in the process of permitting. A predecessor company had received permits to dewater and conduct underground exploration in 1996, but was not able to start due to funding problems. Emgold applied for permits in 2005 to dewater, explore and mine the property. A draft environmental impact report (EIR) was prepared in 2008, reviewed by the public, and is currently undergoing revision. Presumably it will be re-circulated for public review, so finalization of this report might take another year. Once that is done, the City of Grass Valley will vote to certify the EIR, and then vote on whether or not to approve a conditional use permit for the project, which could occur before the end of year 2010.
3.
Most of the future exploration work for the Idaho-Maryland Project will take place from underground drill stations and will include geologic mapping, channel sampling of veins, and bulk sampling. Planned access for drilling would be from an exploration decline and from the New Brunswick Shaft. AMECs review of the geology and geotechnical drilling in 2004 concluded that the rock types in the Brunswick Slab would support a decline.
4.
The lode gold deposits on the Idaho-Maryland property are structurally controlled. Brittle-ductile contact zones, faults and tectonic slabs exist that have created conduits for mineralizing fluids and areas favorable to the deposition of gold. Historic data along with results of the 2003-2004 surface drilling programs suggests that additional gold mineralization exists on the property.
5.
In response to a recommendation in the 2002 Technical Report, surface drilling programs were conducted in 2003 and 2004 to test the geologic model on the west end of the Idaho Deformation Corridor. The results, summarized in the 2004 Preliminary Assessment Technical Report, supported the model.
6.
To assess the gold exploration potential of the Idaho-Maryland project, Juras conducted extensive reviews of pertinent geological, mining, and metallurgical data in 2002, and 2004. Unless otherwise stated, the technical conclusions of AMEC listed in the 2002 and 2004 reports remain valid for this updated technical report.
Page 19-1 |
7.
The geologic and resource model is in the process of being updated to use in future exploration and mine planning, which will encompass geostatistical modeling. Toward this goal, the assay database has been computerized, the historic stopes have been modeled, and computer modeling of veins is in progress. This work is being done with assistance and technical review by AMEC. This work is necessary to determine which veins have sufficient mineralization and volume to be explored and developed.
8.
The geology of the Idaho-Maryland structurally-controlled gold mineralization is well understood. With the use of an extensive historic database, a comprehensive geological model for the project area has been defined. The Juras reviews in 2002 and 2004 confirmed the proper use of this geological knowledge in defining the vein sets, estimating the mineral resources, and outlining new target areas for exploration.
9.
The database to support the Idaho-Maryland mineral resource estimate contains over 36,000 gold assays, the majority of which were taken from underground samples (mostly channel samples). Those from diamond drill holes comprise a minor portion of the assay database. The assay data reside as handwritten entries on scale assay plans (1" to 50 ft) for all mine levels. AMEC had recommended that Emgold capture this assay data into electronic form (database or spreadsheet, or both) so it could be easily reproduced and/or used for comprehensive data analyses. Emgold has since completed this work.
10.
In 2009 two log books of assays were found that contain assays not listed on mine maps. They would add approximately 2000 new assays (or about 5 percent of the total). One book pertained to samples taken from the Idaho-Maryland and the other was for samples taken from the Brunswick Mine. Most assays not listed on maps appear to be footwall and hangingwall assays. The new assays have not been used in any resource calculations, however, prior to using the data, an independent review will be needed to determine if it is usable, to verify the accuracy of those specific assays listed on the maps.
11.
Because high nugget value deposits with coarse gold areas are best sampled with large samples, which was not common practice at the time the Idaho-Maryland Mine was in operation, any estimates made using this historic data should include comparisons with values unadjusted and adjusted for the regular underreporting of grade (i.e., call factor). Juras believed that the comprehensive set of assay plans, supported by records of muck car stope samples and mapped geology data, as well as the detailed historical production records, all supported the integrity of the assay data for the Idaho-Maryland project. These data were deemed suitable for use in mineral resource estimation. Juras checked the transcription of data onto assay plans and mineral resource worksheets and concluded that the data were sufficiently free of error to be adequately used for resource estimation.
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12.
It was also recommended that Emgold design and carry out a program of metallurgical testwork. Using small samples of drill cores from the 2003-2004 surface drilling programs and samples of historic mine tailings, Emgold completed preliminary tests on gold recovery using gravity concentration, flotation, and cyanide. Although of limited value due to the small sample size and not representing all mineralized areas, results were in agreement with historic mill recoveries, with overall gold recoveries using gravity, flotation and cyanide being above 95 percent. Further extensive testing will have to wait until the mine is dewatered and there is access to obtain samples for metallurgical test work.
13.
Juras (AMEC) had recommended that Emgold initiate a program to obtain bulk density measurements of various lithologic types and ore types as part of any planned exploration work. This work was partially completed in 2004 using representative samples that were available. Surface drill samples of Brunswick Slab meta-volcanic rocks were analyzed and had an average bulk density value (or tonnage factor) of 11.4. However, this would not be applicable to all rock types or veins on the property. Once the mine is dewatered and there is access to obtain samples for metallurgical test work, an extensive program will be required.
14.
Juras (AMEC) conducted a reconnaissance review of the distribution of gold mineralization at Idaho-Maryland. The observed distribution on cumulative probability plots showed typical lognormal trends. Each vein system does appear to have a unique grade distribution, and the higher-grade distributions (greater than 1 oz/ton (34 g/t) Au values) are an integral part of a system's population. AMEC recommended that Emgold conduct a more detailed statistical review of the gold assay data. The review, by vein system and mineralization type, would assist in future grade interpolation and in the selection of appropriate gold capping levels. Emgold staff has computerized the assay database and is continuing to model the geology. Once finished, the company will be able to complete the geostatistical analyses recommend by AMEC.
15.
The 2002 and 2004 mineral resource estimates were made using traditional longitudinal sections and 3-D geologic models created using commercial mine planning software (Vulcan® and MineSight®). Juras validated the evidence for pertinent vein/structural interpretation data support and consistency and stated that all examples based on the underground data demonstrated good data back-up and sound projection limits. The interpretations of the drillhole intercepts were also considered sound and reasonably projected. AMEC also checked numerous resource blocks for correct tabulation of sample values, reasonable projection limits, and volumetric and trigonometric calculations, and concluded that the checked blocks were properly constructed and calculated. The gold resources added in 2007 followed the same criteria previously established by Juras. All gold resources in this report are compliant with National Instrument 43-101.
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16.
Only data that could be reconciled to a geologically consistent interpretation was included in the 2002 resource estimate. As a result about 25% of the data was excluded because it was not supported by a coherent interpretation. AMEC recommended that Emgold continue to work on geological interpretations in areas hosting the excluded material, which will require an ongoing effort.
17.
According to Juras (for AMEC), the mineral resource classification of the Idaho-Maryland deposits used logic that is consistent with the CIM definitions referred to National Instrument 43-101. The mineral resources were classified into measured, indicated and inferred resource categories. AMEC assessed the criteria used by Emgold for this classification and generally agreed with them. Emgold's classification protocol was amended to classify mineral resources outlined by single drillhole intercepts as inferred mineral resources and to downgrade any resource blocks that demonstrate a degree of uncertainty in the grade estimate due to the presence of numerous +1 oz/ton Au assayed samples (mostly originally measured mineral resources downgraded to indicated mineral resources). In the case of the latter condition, those blocks will remain in the downgraded resource category until such time that a proper investigation is carried out on setting appropriate grade capping levels at Idaho-Maryland.
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20.0
RECOMMENDATIONS
The current phase of work on the Idaho-Maryland Mine Project consists of gold exploration and mine development planning using historic data. The following updated recommendations for the project address the needs to complete this phase of work:
1.
The general geologic model of the Idaho-Maryland and New Brunswick gold deposits is well understood and will be a useful exploration and development guide. Using this model and the historic data, Emgold should assess the inter-relationships of the primary and secondary veins and other mineralized zones in more detail than has been done before. This information could then be used for mine development planning. This work may take approximately three months to complete and would be accomplished by Emgold employees.
2.
Emgolds geology staff has been preparing a computerized geologic model of the Idaho-Maryland and New Brunswick gold deposits using historic data. It is estimated that the current vein model is approximately 60 percent complete. Emgold should complete this computerized geologic model to include veins, stringer zones, mineralized wall rocks, faults, lithologic units and alteration zones, for use in mine development and exploration planning. This work could take an estimated two years to complete and would be accomplished by Emgold employees.
3.
The existing gold resource blocks and exploration targets that have been defined within the Idaho-Maryland and New Brunswick gold deposits will be very useful to guide future exploration but many (particularly above the Idaho 2000 level) are scattered throughout the deposits and therefore may not be contiguous enough for mine development. Emgolds geology staff has been updating and computerizing the gold resource model and is currently modeling the veins, stringer zones, and mineralized wall rocks around the veins with the intent of developing a revised NI 43-101-compliant gold resource estimate. One goal of the next technical report should be to delineate new and contiguous gold resource blocks within individual vein systems for use in mine planning. This report would utilize geostatistical analysis to assign grades to the veins and stringer zones, and to classify the resources as measured, indicated, and inferred. Most work can be accomplished by Emgold employees although independent consultants would be used to review and assist with the evaluation and preparation of the resource estimate and technical report.
4.
Following modeling of historic data, environmental studies and permitting, Emgolds next phase of work would be to conduct underground exploration drilling and sampling. In preparation for this, and after completion of a new gold resource estimate and technical report, Emgold should develop a Preliminary Economic Assessment Report for a potential underground gold development and mining project. Although based on historic data, this report would provide preliminary costs on project details such as construction and/or repair of shafts and development drifts, plus exploration/development drilling and sampling. Some of the work would be accomplished by Emgold employees but independent consultants would review and assist with the preparation of the assessment. The combined reports, including both the technical report and preliminary economic assessment, would take approximately four months to complete at an estimated cost of $250,000.
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5.
Emgold should continue to define gold resource blocks from historic mine and drill data to use as future exploration targets. This task would be separate from the updated resource modeling described above, because that work would be used for mine planning purposes. This exploration-focused resource definition should assume the same criteria including thickness and cutoff grade that was used in the 2002 technical report. This work would be ongoing and would be accomplished by Emgolds technical staff.
6.
The assay log books reviewed in 2009 contain additional data not listed on assay maps. This new data has not yet been used in any resource calculations, and prior to using this data, an independent review should be conducted to determine if it is usable. At the same time independent review would verify the accuracy of those specific assays listed on the maps. This study would take approximately 80 hours to complete at an estimated cost of $10,400.
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21.0
REFERENCES
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Clark, J. (2005), Gold in Quartz The Legendary Idaho Maryland Mine : Comstock Bonanza Press.
Consulting Engineers and Land Surveyors of California (CELSOC) (2002), California Environmental Quality Act and CEQA Guidelines , 2001: CELSOC, Sacramento, California.
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Dawson Metallurgical Laboratories, Inc. (2007), Results of Cyanide Leach Tests on Two Plant Tailings Samples : Proj. No.P-3019, unpublished report for Idaho-Maryland Mining Corp.
Day, H.W. (1997), Tectonic Setting and Metamorphism of the Sierra Nevada, California : in M. Erskine, D. Lawler (Eds.), Northern California Geological Society: Northern Sierra Nevada Region Geological Field Trip Guidebook, 18 pp.
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Duffield, W.A., and Sharp, R.V. (1975), Geology of the Sierra Foothills Melange and Adjacent Areas, Amador County, California : U. S. Geological Survey Professional Paper No. 827, 30 pp, Scale 1=24,000.
Edelman. S.H., Day, H.W., Moores, E.M., Zigan, S.M., Murphy, T.P., and Hacker B.R. (1989), Structure Across a Mesozoic Ocean-Continent Suture Zone in the Northern Sierra Nevada, California : Geological Society of America Special Paper No. 224, pp. 1-56.
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Post, J. L., Giese, R. F. Jr. and F. T. Madsen (1997), Quantitative Determination and Chemical Composition of Mineral Components Comprising Serpentine Deposits in California in Relation to Fibrous Morphology : in Clays For Our Future Proceedings of the 11 th International Clay Conference Ottawa, Canada, ICC97 Organizing Committee.
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22.0
DATE & SIGNATURE PAGE
CERTIFICATE OF QUALIFIED PERSON
I, Robert C. Pease P. G., do hereby certify that I am currently employed as Chief Geologist for Idaho-Maryland Mining Corporation (a 100% owned subsidiary of Emgold Mining Corporation) 179 Clydesdale Court and P. O. Box 1836 Grass Valley California 95945.
This certificate applies to the technical report titled Idaho-Maryland Mine Project, Grass Valley CA Technical Report , dated December 8, 2009.
I graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology from the University of Nevada, Reno in 1976, and a Master of Science degree in Geology from the University of Nevada, Reno in 1979. I have practiced my profession as a geologist continuously for 30 years since obtaining my Master of Science degree.
I am a Registered Professional Geologist (No. 7006) in the state of California. I am also a Certified Professional Geologist (No. 10382) with the American Institute of Professional Geologists.
I have read the definition of Qualified Person as set forth in National Instrument 43-101 and certify that based on my education, registration, affiliation with a professional association, and professional experience, I am a Qualified Person as defined in National Instrument 43-101.
I am employed as the Chief Geologist for Idaho-Maryland Mining Corporation in Grass Valley, California where the Idaho-Maryland Mine Project is located. I am responsible for management of the geology department, which includes interpretation and modeling of geologic data, and resource estimation. I have worked for this company since 2004 both as a consultant and employee and have been Chief Geologist since 2005. Therefore I am not independent as defined in National Instrument 43-101 with regards to the Idaho-Maryland Mine Project.
I was responsible for preparation of this report titled Idaho-Maryland Mine Project, Grass Valley CA Technical Report.
I have read National Instrument 43-101 and Form 43-101FI and this report has been prepared in compliance with this Instrument.
To the best of my knowledge, information and belief, the data, descriptions, conclusions and recommendations contained in this report are accurate, and this Technical Report contains all scientific and technical information that is required to be disclosed to make this technical report not misleading.
I consent to the filing of this Technical Report with regulatory authorities, and also to publication on the public company websites.
Dated in Grass Valley, California, on December 8, 2009.
Robert Pease |
Robert C. Pease, P. G. |
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