As filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on April 15, 2024.

 

Registration No. 333-

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

 

FORM F-1

REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 

NOVA MINERALS LIMITED

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Not Applicable

(Translation of Registrant’s Name into English)

 

Australia   1040   Not Applicable

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

  (Primary Standard Industrial
Classification Code Number)
 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

 

 

Suite 5, 242 Hawthorn Road,

Caulfield, Victoria 3161

Australia
+61 3 9537 1238

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of Registrant’s principal executive offices)

 

 

 

Alaska Range Resources, LLC

Christopher Gerteisen

1150 S Colony Way, Suite 3

Palmer, AK 99645

(907) 707-6564

(Names, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)

 

 

 

Copies to:
 

Jeffrey Fessler

Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP

30 Rockefeller Plaza

New York, NY 10112-0015

(212) 653-8700

 

Patrick Gowans

QR Lawyers

Level 6, 400 Collins Street

Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
+61 3 8692-9000


 

Rob Condon

Dentons US LLP

1221 Avenue of the Americas

New York, NY 10020

(212) 768-6700

 

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to public: As soon as practicable after this Registration Statement becomes effective.

 

If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box. ☒

 

If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐

 

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐

 

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement the same offering. ☐

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933.

 

Emerging growth company ☒

 

If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, indicate by check mark if the Registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act. ☐

 

 

The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or until the Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The information in this preliminary prospectus is not complete and may be changed. These securities may not be sold until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This preliminary prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting offers to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.

 

PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS   SUBJECT TO COMPLETION   DATED APRIL 15, 2024

 

           American Depositary Shares Representing                     Ordinary Shares

 

 

Nova Minerals Limited

 

 

 

We are offering            American depositary shares, or ADSs, in the United States, representing          ordinary shares of Nova Minerals Limited (“Nova Minerals,” “Nova,” “we,” “us,” “our,” or the “Company”) in a firm commitment offering. Each ADS represents             ordinary shares, no par value, deposited with the Bank of New York Mellon, as depositary. Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for ADSs representing our ordinary shares. We intend to apply to list the ADSs on the           under the symbol “NVAM”. The closing of this offering is contingent upon the successful listing of the ADSs on the           .

 

Our ordinary shares are listed on the Australian Securities Exchange, or ASX, under the symbol “NVA” and quoted on the OTCQB market under the symbol “NVAAF” and Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol “QM3”. On              , 2024, the last reported sale price of our ordinary shares on the ASX was A$            per ordinary share. The ASX price per ordinary share on              , 2024, is equivalent to a price of US$          per ADS, after giving effect to the Australian dollar/U.S. dollar exchange rate of A$1.00 to US$            which was the noon buying rate of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on              , 2024, and an ADS-to-ordinary share ratio of 1 to             . We have estimated the offering price range between US$        and US$          per ADS and the assumed initial public offering price is the midpoint of this range, or US$          per ADS. The actual initial public offering price per ADS will not be determined by any particular formula but will rather be determined through negotiations between us and the underwriters at the time of pricing. Therefore, the assumed initial public offering price used throughout this prospectus may not be indicative of the final initial offering price.

 

Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page 13 of this prospectus for a discussion of information that should be considered in connection with an investment in our securities.

 

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

   Per ADS Total 
Initial public offering price  US$   US$                         
Underwriting discounts and commissions(1)  US$                  US$ 
Proceeds to us, before expenses  US$   US$ 

 

(1) Underwriting discounts and commissions do not include a non-accountable expense allowance equal to 1.0% of the initial public offering price payable to the underwriters. We refer you to “Underwriting” beginning on page 117 for additional information regarding underwriters’ compensation.

 

We have granted a 45-day option to the representative of the underwriters to purchase up to           additional ADSs solely to cover over-allotments, if any.

 

The underwriters expect to deliver the ADSs to purchasers on or about            , 2024.

 

ThinkEquity

 

The date of this prospectus is          , 2024

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

  Page
Prospectus Summary 1
Risk Factors 13
Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements 32
Use of Proceeds 33
Dividend Policy 33
Capitalization 34
Dilution 35
Selected Consolidated Financial Data 37
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 38
Corporate History and Structure 45
Business 46
Management 68
Principal Shareholders 77
Related Party Transactions 78
Description of Share Capital 79
Description of American Depositary Shares 102
Shares Eligible for Future Sale 109
Material United States Income Tax and Australian Income Tax Considerations 110
Enforceability of Civil Liabilities 116
Underwriting 117
Expenses Related to this Offering 124
Legal Matters 124
Experts 124
Where You Can Find More Information 125
Financial Statements F-1

 

You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus or in any free writing prospectus we may authorize to be delivered or made available to you. Neither we, nor the underwriters have authorized anyone to provide you with different information. The information in this prospectus is accurate only as of the date of this prospectus, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus, or any free writing prospectus, as the case may be, or any sale of ordinary shares.

 

For investors outside the United States: Neither we, nor the underwriters have done anything that would permit this offering or possession or distribution of this prospectus in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required, other than in the United States. Persons outside the United States who come into possession of this prospectus must inform themselves about, and observe any restrictions relating to, the offering of the ordinary shares and the distribution of this prospectus outside the United States.

 

This prospectus includes statistical and other industry and market data that we obtained from industry publications and research, surveys and studies conducted by third parties. Industry publications and third-party research, surveys and studies generally indicate that their information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, although they do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of such information. While we believe these industry publications and third-party research, surveys and studies are reliable, you are cautioned not to give undue weight to this information.

 

Notes on Prospectus Presentation

 

Numerical figures included in this prospectus have been subject to rounding adjustments. Accordingly, numerical figures shown as totals in various tables may not be arithmetic aggregations of the figures that precede them. Certain market data and other statistical information contained in this prospectus are based on information from independent industry organizations, publications, surveys and forecasts. Some market data and statistical information contained in this prospectus are also based on management’s estimates and calculations, which are derived from our review and interpretation of the independent sources listed above and our internal research. While we believe such information is reliable, we have not independently verified any third-party information and our internal data has not been verified by any independent source.

 

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Our reporting currency and our functional currency is the Australian dollar. This prospectus contains translations of Australian dollars into U.S. dollars at specific rates solely for the convenience of the reader. Unless otherwise noted, all translations from Australian dollars into U.S. dollars in this prospectus were made at a rate of A$1.00 per US$       which was the noon buying rate of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on          , 2024. We make no representation that the Australian dollar or U.S. dollar amounts referred to in this prospectus could have been or could be converted into U.S. dollars or Australian dollar, as the case may be, at any particular rate or at all.

 

All references in the prospectus to “U.S. dollars,” “dollars,” “US$” and “$” are to the legal currency of the United States and all references to “A$” are to the legal currency of Australia.

 

TECHNICAL MINING INFORMATION AND TERMS

 

Cautionary Note Regarding Presentation of Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource Estimates

 

The Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) adopted new mineral property disclosure requirements in subpart 1300 of Regulation S-K (the “S-K 1300”) effective January 2021 that are applicable to all mining companies filing registration statements with the SEC. These rules better align disclosure with international regulatory practices, including the Joint Ore Reserves Committee of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, Australian Institute of Geoscientists and Minerals Council of Australia (“JORC”). However, while the definitions in S-K 1300 are more similar to those in JORC compared to the previous SEC disclosure rules, there are differences in the definitions and standards under S-K 1300 and JORC. Investors are therefore cautioned that public disclosure by us of mineral resources in Australia in accordance with JORC (as required by ASX Listing Rules) does not form a part of this Registration Statement on Form F-1.

 

We have inferred, indicated, and measured mineral resources but not mineral reserves. Investors should understand that “inferred mineral resources” have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. An inferred mineral resource has a lower level of confidence than that applying to an indicated or measured mineral resource and may not be converted to a mineral reserve.

 

We are still in the exploration stage and our planned commercial operations have not yet commenced. There is currently no commercial production at the Estelle Gold Project site. We have completed a technical report summary in compliance with S-K 1300 on the Estelle Gold Project. While we have commenced the requisite studies necessary to prepare and complete a formal Feasibility Study (FS) on the aforementioned project, such formal Feasibility Study has not yet been started and is not expected to be completed until 2025. As such, our estimated proven or probable mineral reserves, expected mine life and gold pricing, as the case may be, cannot be determined at this time as the initial requisite studies, additional drilling, and pit design optimizations have not yet been completed.

 

You are cautioned that, except for that portion of mineral resources classified as mineral reserves, mineral resources do not have demonstrated economic value. Inferred mineral resources have a high degree of uncertainty as to their existence and as to whether they can be economically or legally mined. Under S-K 1300, estimates of inferred mineral resources may not form the basis of an economic analysis. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. A significant amount of exploration must be completed in order to determine whether an inferred mineral resource may be upgraded to a higher category. Therefore, you are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource can be economically or legally mined, or that it will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Likewise, you are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of measured or indicated mineral resources will ever be upgraded to mineral reserves.

 

Qualified Persons Statement

 

Some technical mining information contained herein with respect to the Estelle Gold Project is derived from the report titled “Initial Assessment Technical Report Summary Estelle Gold Project Alaska, USA” prepared for us with an effective date of January 31, 2024. We refer to this report herein as our S-K 1300 Report. Each of Roughstock Mining Services, LLC, Hans Hoffman of Nova Minerals Ltd., Yukuskokon Professional Services, Vannu Khounphakdee of Nova Minerals Ltd., METS Engineering, Matrix Resource Consultants Pty Ltd., Christopher Gerteisen of Nova Minerals Ltd., and Jade North, LLC have approved and verified the technical mining information related to the Estelle Gold Project contained in the S-K 1300 Report and reproduced in this prospectus.

 

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Glossary of Mining Terms

 

The following is a glossary of certain mining terms that may be used in this prospectus.

 

Ag   Silver.
     
Alluvial   A placer formed by the action of running water, as in a stream channel or alluvial fan; also said of the valuable mineral (e.g. gold or diamond) associated with an alluvial placer.
     
As   Arsenic
     
Assay   A metallurgical analysis used to determine the quantity (or grade) of various metals in a sample.
     
Au   Gold
     
BFS   Bankable Feasibility Study
     
Bi   Bismuth
     
Callie-style  

Mineralization characterized by coarse and readily visible gold occurring in quartz veins hosted in carbonaceous siltstone.

     
Claim   A mining right that grants a holder the exclusive right to search and develop any mineral substance within a given area.
     
Concentrate   A clean product recovered in flotation, which has been upgraded sufficiently for downstream processing or sale.
     
Core drilling   A specifically designed hollow drill, known as a core drill, is used to remove a cylinder of material from the drill hole, much like a hole saw. The material left inside the drill bit is referred to as the core. In mineral exploration, cores removed from the core drill may be several hundred to several thousand feet in length.
     
Cu   Copper.
     
Cut-off grade   When determining economically viable mineral reserves, the lowest grade of mineralized material that can be mined and processed at a profit.
     
Deposit   An informal term for an accumulation of mineralization or other valuable earth material of any origin.
     
Diamond drill   A rotary type of rock drill that cuts a core of rock that is recovered in long cylindrical sections, two centimeters or more in diameter.
     
Dilational structure   structures composed of mechanisms whose only degree of freedom corresponds to dilation.
     
Drift   A horizontal or nearly horizontal underground opening driven along a vein to gain access to the deposit.
     
Dyke   A long and relatively thin body of igneous rock that, while in the molten state, intruded a fissure in older rocks.

 

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En-echelon   Structures within rock caused by noncoaxial shear.
     
Exploration   Prospecting, sampling, mapping, diamond drilling and other work involved in searching for ore.
     
Flotation   A milling process in which valuable mineral particles are induced to become attached to bubbles and float as others sink.
     
FS   A Feasibility Study is a comprehensive technical and economic study of the selected development option for a mineral project that includes appropriately detailed assessments of applicable Modifying Factors together with any other relevant operational factors and detailed financial analysis that are necessary to demonstrate, at the time of reporting, that extraction is reasonably justified (economically mineable). The results of the study may reasonably serve as the basis for a final decision by a proponent or financial institution to proceed with, or finance, the development of the project. The confidence level of the study will be higher than that of a Pre-Feasibility Study.
     
Grade   Term used to indicate the concentration of an economically desirable mineral or element in its host rock as a function of its relative mass. With gold, this term may be expressed as grams per ton (g/t) or ounces per ton (opt).
     
Greywacke   A variety of sandstone generally characterized by its hardness, dark color, and poorly sorted angular grains of quartz, feldspar, and small rock fragments set in a compact, clay-fine matrix.
     
Ha   Hectare - An area totaling 10,000 square meters or 2.47 acres.
     
Indicated Mineral Resource      

An Indicated Mineral Resource is that part of a Mineral Resource for which quantity, grade or quality, densities, shape and physical characteristics are estimated with sufficient confidence to allow the application of Modifying Factors in sufficient detail to support mine planning and evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit

     
    Geological evidence is derived from adequately detailed and reliable exploration, sampling and testing and is sufficient to assume geological and grade or quality continuity between points of observation
     
    An Indicated Mineral Resource has a lower level of confidence than that applying to a Measured Mineral Resource and may only be converted to a Probable Mineral Reserve.
     
Inferred Mineral Resource  

An Inferred Mineral Resource is that part of a Mineral Resource for which quantity and grade or quality are estimated on the basis of limited geological evidence and sampling. Geological evidence is sufficient to imply, but not verify, geological and grade or quality continuity.

     
    An Inferred Mineral Resource has a lower level of confidence than that applying to an Indicated Mineral Resource and must not be converted to a Mineral Reserve. It is reasonably expected that the majority of Inferred Mineral Resources could be upgraded to Indicated Mineral Resources with continued exploration.
     
Km   Kilometer(s). Equal to 0.62 miles.
     
Lithologic   The character of a rock formation, a rock formation having a particular set of characteristics.
     
M   Meter(s). Equal to 3.28 feet.
     
Mafic   Igneous rocks composed mostly of dark, iron- and magnesium-rich minerals.
     
Massive   Said of a mineral deposit, especially of sulfides, characterized by a great concentration of mineralization in one place, as opposed to a disseminated or vein-like deposit.
     
Measured Mineral Resource   Part of a Mineral Resource for which quantity, grade or quality, densities, shape, 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.

 

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Metallurgy   The science and art of separating metals and metallic minerals from their ores by mechanical and chemical processes.
     
Mineral   A naturally occurring homogeneous substance having definite physical properties and chemical composition and, if formed under favorable conditions, a definite crystal form.
     
Mineral Deposit   A mass of naturally occurring mineral material, e.g. metal ores or nonmetallic minerals, usually of economic value, without regard to mode of origin.
     
Mineralization   A natural occurrence in rocks or soil of one or more yielding minerals or metals.
     
Mineral Project  

The term “mineral project” means any exploration, development or production activity, including a royalty or similar interest in these activities, in respect of diamonds, natural solid inorganic material, or natural solid fossilized organic material including base, precious and rare metals, coal, and industrial minerals.

     
Mineral Resource  

A concentration or occurrence of diamonds, natural, solid, inorganic or fossilized organic material including base and precious metals, coal and industrial minerals in or on the Earth’s crust in such form and quantity and of such a grade or quality that it has reasonable prospects for economic extraction.

     
Mo   Molybdenum
     
Moz   Million ounces.
     
Mt   Metric ton. Metric measurement of weight equivalent to 1,000 kilograms or 2,204.6 pounds   .
     
Net Smelter Royalty   The aggregate proceeds received from time to time from any arm’s length smelter or other arm’s length purchaser from the sale of any ores, concentrates, metals or other material of commercial value, net of expenses.
     

Ore

  Mineralized material that can be extracted and processed at a profit.
     
Ounce   A measure of weight in gold and other precious metals, correctly troy ounces, which weigh 31.2 grams as distinct from an imperial ounce which weigh 28.4 grams.
     
PEA   Preliminary Economic Assessment. A study, other than a pre-feasibility or feasibility study, that includes an economic analysis of the potential viability of mineral resources.
     
Pegmatite   An igneous rock, formed by slow crystallization at high temperature and pressure at depth, and exhibiting large interlocking crystals usually greater in size than 2.5 cm (1 in).
     
PFS   Preliminary Feasibility Study. A Preliminary Feasibility Study is a comprehensive study of a range of options for the technical and economic viability of a mineral project that has advanced to a stage where a preferred mining method, in the case of underground mining, or the pit configuration, in the case of an open pit, is established and an effective method of mineral processing is determined. It includes a financial analysis based on reasonable assumptions on the Modifying Factors and the evaluation of any other relevant factors which are sufficient for a Qualified Person, acting reasonably, to determine if all or part of the Mineral Resource may be converted to a Mineral Reserve at the time of reporting. A Pre-Feasibility Study is at a lower confidence level than a Feasibility Study.

 

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Probable Mineral Reserve   The mineable part of an indicated, and in some circumstances, a Measured Mineral Resource. The confidence in the Modifying Factors applying to a Probable Mineral Reserve is lower than that applying to a Proven Mineral Reserve.
     
Proven Mineral Reserve   The term “proven mineral reserve” is the economically mineable part of a Measured Mineral Resource. A Proven Mineral Reserve implies a high degree of confidence in the Modifying Factors.
     
Qualified Person   An individual who is an engineer or geoscientist with at least five years of experience in mineral exploration, mine development, production activities and project assessment, or any combination thereof, including experience relevant to the subject matter of the project or report and is a member in good standing of a self-regulating organization.
     
Reclamation   Restoration of mined land to original contour, use, or condition where possible.
     
Sb   Antimony
     
Sedimentary   Said of rock formed at the Earth’s surface from solid particles, whether mineral or organic, which have been moved from their position of origin and re-deposited, or chemically precipitated.
     
Strike   The direction, or bearing from true north, of a vein or rock formation measure on a horizontal surface.
     
Te  

Tellurium

     
Tenement   A mineral claim.
     
Ton   A metric ton of 1,000 kilograms (2,205 pounds).
     
μm   Micrometer.
     
W   Tungsten

 

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PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

 

The following summary highlights certain information in this prospectus and should be read together with the more detailed information and financial data and statements contained elsewhere in this prospectus. This summary does not contain all of the information that may be important to you. You should read and carefully consider the following summary together with the entire prospectus, especially the “Risk Factors” section of this prospectus and our financial statements and the notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this prospectus before deciding to invest in our Company. For more information on our business, refer to the “Business” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation” sections of this prospectus. Some of the statements in this prospectus constitute forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including those discussed in the “Risk Factors” and other sections of this prospectus. See “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements”.

 

As used herein, references to the “S-K 1300 Report” are to the technical report summary titled “Initial Assessment Technical Report Summary Estelle Gold Project, Alaska, USA” prepared by Roughstock Mining Services, LLC, Nova Minerals Limited, Matrix Resource Consultants Pty Ltd, METS Engineering, Yukuskokon Professional Services and Jade North, LLC “ with an effective date of January 31, 2024, which was prepared in accordance with S-K 1300. The S-K 1300 Report is filed as Exhibit 96.1 to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.

 

In this prospectus, “we,” “us,” “our,” “the Company,” “Nova” and similar references refer to Nova Minerals Limited and its consolidated subsidiaries.

 

Our Company

 

Overview

 

We are an exploration stage company, and our flagship project is the Estelle Gold Project located in Alaska. We have no operating revenues and do not anticipate generating revenues in the foreseeable future. However, we expect to complete our first gold pour in late 2028, although there is no assurance that we will meet that timeframe and consummation of any such commercial production is subject to the risks described herein under “Risk Factors.” The Estelle Gold Project, or the Project, which is 85% owned by us, contains multiple mining complexes across a 35km long mineralized corridor of over 20 identified gold prospects, including two already defined multi-million ounce resources across four deposits containing a combined S-K 1300 compliant 5.17 million ounce (“Moz”) Au, of which Nova’s 85% attributable interest is 4.41 Moz Au. Recently the Company has also discovered antimony and other critical minerals coincident with the gold in surface sampling on numerous prospects across the project. The Project, which is comprised of 513km2 of unpatented mining claims located on State of Alaska public lands, is situated on the Estelle Gold Trend in Alaska’s prolific Tintina Gold Belt, a province which hosts a 220 Moz documented gold endowment and some of the world’s largest gold mines and discoveries including Victoria Gold’s Eagle Mine and Kinross Gold Corporation’s Fort Knox Gold Mine.

 

 

Figure 1: Nova’s flagship Estelle Gold Project is located within Alaska’s prolific Tintina Gold Belt.

 

The Estelle Gold Project

 

The following information is condensed and extracted from the S-K 1300 Report. Readers should refer to the full text of the S-K 1300 Report for further information regarding the Estelle Gold Project.

 

Project Description, Location and Access

 

The Estelle Gold Project, which is located approximately 150km northwest of Anchorage, Alaska, is a year-round operation, near a large labor force and all essential services with a base site which hosts a fully winterized 80-person camp, including an on-site sample processing facility and the 4,000-foot Whiskey Bravo airstrip, which can facilitate large capacity DC3 type aircraft. Easy access is currently available to the project via a winter road and by air. We anticipate access to be improved further by the recently proposed West Susitna Access Road, which would be situated on State land within the Matanuska-Susitna Borough. The West Susitna Access Road has considerable support from both the community and the State government, and has progressed to the permitting stage, with construction proposed to start in 2025.

 

 

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Figure 2: Location map of the Estelle Gold Project with infrastructure solutions shown

 

 

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Geological Setting

 

The Estelle Gold Project is located in the Alaskan Mountain Range in the southwestern extremity of the Tintina Gold Province, comprising Cambrian to Devonian deep-water basinal shales and sandstones. Both the terrane and the Tintina Gold Province terminate on the Broad Pass/ Mulchatna Fault Zone, near the Estelle Gold Project’s southern property boundary.

 

Within the property, lie the Mesozoic marine sedimentary rocks of the Kahiltna terrane. Regionally, these marine rocks were intruded by several plutons. The Mount Estelle pluton has been dated at 65 to 66 Ma. This pluton is compositionally zoned and is made up of a granite core transitioning to quartz monzonite, quartz monzodiorite, augite monzodiorite, diorite, and lamprophyric mafic and ultramafic rocks. The intrusion contains xenoliths of metasedimentary country rocks into which it was intruded. Tourmaline and beryl have been observed in, and adjacent to the pluton. The rock surrounding the Mt. Estelle pluton has undergone contact metamorphism and is locally hornfelsed. There is red staining which likely indicates disseminations of pyrite along fracture faces. Adjacent to the pluton, local sericite and clay alteration is also found.

 

The Estelle pluton is cut by several dikes which range in composition from aplite, gabbro, dacite, and lamprophyre. These structures are found in the felsic and intermediate phases of the pluton. Gold, associated with pyrrhotite, chalcopyrite, pentlandite and molybdenite also occurs in ultramafic rocks on the south side of the pluton. Mineralization is less common in the sedimentary rocks.

 

Anomalous gold, platinum-group elements, copper, chrome, nickel and arsenic are reported from many of the composite plutons of the Yentna trend and gold and platinum-group-element placers have been worked at several sites downstream from the plutons.

 

The high grade RPM deposit within the Estelle Gold Project lies within a plutonic complex intruding a Jurassic to Early Cretaceous flysch sequence. The intrusive complex consists of ultramafic to felsic plutons of Late Cretaceous/Early Tertiary age (69.7 Ma) and are centrally located in a region of arc-magmatic related gold deposits. Though mineralization at Estelle is generally restricted to the intrusive rocks, mineralization at RPM occurs in both the intrusive and hornfels. At RPM, roof pendants of hornfels occur overlying multiple intrusive units. Fingers of fine-grained aplite, monzonite and biotite-rich diorite cut the hornfels. All of the lithologic units are in turn cut by stockwork and/or sheeted veins. Veins range in size and character from meter-wide quartz ± sulfide to millimeter-scale quartz-arsenopyrite veins and centimeter-scale quartz-tourmaline-sulfide veins. A granitic intrusive body, which underlies the hornfels and crops out in the southern part of the prospect area appears to be potentially related to mineralization.

 

Mineralization and Deposit Types

 

The deposits on the Estelle Gold Project are all large near-surface Intrusion Related Gold Systems (IRGS), and since 2018 we have been aggressively and systematically exploring the multiple prospects within the project area. To date, we have proven a total S-K 1300 compliant mineral resource estimate of 5.17 Moz Au, of which Nova’s 85% attributable interest is 4.41 Moz Au, which is hosted within 4 mineral resource deposits:

 

  Korbel Main: A bulk tonnage deposit, located in the Korbel area in the North of the project, which has a confirmed strike length of over 2.5km and up to 500m depth, and remains open with significant potential to further extend the mineralization.
  Cathedral: Another bulk tonnage deposit located nearby and similar to Korbel Main. An initial maiden Inferred resource has confirmed a strike length of at least 800m and 350m wide. The deposit remains wide open in all directions and the potential for high-grade zones exist with up to 114 g/t Au in surface rock chip samples.
  RPM North: A high-grade deposit, located in the RPM area in the South of the project, which has a 450m strike length and 150m width, defined by close spaced resource drilling, and remains open. It also includes a high-grade M&I core of 100m long x 50m wide x 300m deep and significant potential remains to further extend the mineralization.
  RPM South: A newly discovered zone where initial drilling has confirmed a genetically link to RPM North. Currently resources have a strike length of 400m and 250m width. Over 600m of perspective strike length connects RPM South with RPM North which is the highest priority drill target within the Estelle Gold Project with significant positive implications for further resource upside.

 

In addition to the 4 defined mineral resource deposits, the project also contains numerous other identified prospects at various stages of exploration including, blocks C, D, Isabella, Sweet Jenny, You Beauty, Shoeshine, Shadow, Train, Muddy Creek, Discovery, Trumpet, Stoney, T5, Tomahawk, Trundle, Rainy Day, West Wing, Stibium, Styx, Portage Pass, NK, Revelation, and Wombat (See figure 4).

 

Mineral Resource Estimates

 

Over 90,000m of diamond and RC drilling has been undertaken for all deposits, in support of a S-K 1300 compliant mineral resource estimate (MRE) of 5.17 Moz Au across the Estelle Gold Project, of which 85% or 4.41 Moz Au is attributable to Nova Minerals. This MRE is based on the drilling information available on March 31, 2023 and contains measured, indicated, and inferred categories. Resources were estimated for each deposit by Multiple Indicator Kriging (MIK) with block support adjustment reflecting large scale open pit mining. Drilling undertaken after March 31, 2023, along with future targeted drilling programs, are planned to potentially upgrade both the size and confidence of the MRE.

 

The following table sets forth the MRE for Nova’s 85% attributable interest in the Estelle Gold Project as detailed in the S-K 1300 Report with an effective date of January 31, 2024.

 

       Measured   Indicated   Measured + Indicated   Inferred   Total 
       Tons   Grade   Au   Tons   Grade   Au   Tons   Grade   Au   Tons   Grade   Au   Tons   Grade   Au 
Deposit  Cutoff   MT   Au g/t   Moz   MT   Au g/t   Moz   MT   Au g/t   Moz   MT   Au g/t   Moz   MT   Au g/t   Moz 
RPM North   0.20    1.2    4.1    0.16    2.6    1.6    0.13    3.7    2.4    0.29    20    0.60    0.39    24    0.89    0.68 
RPM South   0.20                                                 20    0.47    0.30    20    0.47    0.30 
Total RPM        1.2    4.1    0.16    2.6    1.6    0.13    3.7    2.4    0.29    40    0.54    0.69    44    0.70    0.98 
Korbel Main   0.15                   210    0.31    2.09    210    0.31    2.09    30    0.27    0.26    240    0.31    2.35 
Cathedral   0.15                                                 120    0.28    1.08    120    0.28    1.08 
Total Korbel                       210    0.31    2.09    210    0.31    2.09    150    0.28    1.34    360    0.30    3.43 
Total Estelle Gold Project        1.2    4.1    0.16    213    0.33    2.22    214    0.35    2.38    190    0.33    2.03    404    0.34    4.41 

 

 

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Notes to the above table:

 

1. A mineral resource is defined as a concentration or occurrence of material of economic interest in or on the Earth’s crust in such form, grade or quality, and quantity, that there are reasonable prospects for economic extraction.
2. The mineral resource applies a reasonable prospect of economic extraction with the following assumptions:

 

  Resources are constrained within optimized pit shells that reflect a conventional large-scale truck and shovel open pit operation with the cost and revenue parameters as follows
  Gold price of US$2,000/oz
  5% royalty on recovered ounces
  Pit slope angles of 50o
  Mining cost of US$1.65/t
  Processing cost for RPM US$9.80/t and for Korbel US$5.23/t (inclusive of ore sorting for Korbel)
  Combined processing recoveries of 88.20% for RPM and 75.94% for Korbel
  General and Administrative Cost of US$1.30/t
  Tonnage and grades are rounded to two significant figures and ounces are rounded to 1,000 ounces. Rounding errors are apparent.

 

The US$2,000/oz pit shell constraining the Korbel Main mineral resources extends over around 2.3km of strike with an average width of around 600m, and a maximum vertical depth below surface of approximately 430m.

 

The US$2,000/oz pit shell constraining the Cathedral mineral resources extends over approximately 1.2km north-south by up to approximately 820m east-west, with a maximum vertical depth below surface of approximately 520m.

 

The RPM US$2,000/oz resource pit shell encompasses the RPM North and South mineral resources. In the RPM North area, it covers an area around 840m east -west by 700m north-south and reaches a maximum vertical depth below topography of approximately 340m. In the RPM South area, it covers an area around 450 m east-west by 480m north-south and reaches a maximum vertical depth below topography of approximately 250m.

 

Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. There is no certainty that all or any part of the mineral resources will be converted into mineral reserves.

 

Estimation Methodology

 

Mineral resources were estimated for each deposit by Multiple Indicator Kriging (MIK) with block support adjustment reflecting large scale open pit mining, a method that has been demonstrated to provide reliable estimates of recoverable open pit resources in gold deposits of diverse geological styles.

 

The estimates for each deposit are based on 3.048 meter (10 foot) down-hole composited gold assay grades from RC and diamond drilling coded by between one and three mineralized domains which delineate zones within which the tenor and spatial trends of mineralization are similar.

 

For each mineralized domain 14, indicator thresholds were defined using a consistent set of percentiles. Bin grades used for MIK modelling were selected from bin mean grades with the exception of the upper bin grades which were selected on a case-by-case basis, with commonly either the bin median, or bin mean excluding outlier grades was selected. This approach reduces the impact of small numbers of extreme gold grades on estimated resources and is appropriate for MIK modelling of highly variable mineralization such as the Estelle deposits. Mineralization continuity was characterized by indicator variograms modelled at the 14 indicator thresholds.

 

The estimates include a bulk density of 2.65 t/bcm for each deposit, supported by caliper measurements of mineralized drill core samples.

 

The estimates are classified as Measured, Indicated or Inferred, primarily reflecting the drill hole spacing.

 

Cut-off Grades

 

A cut-off grade of 0.20g/t was chosen for reporting the RPM North and South mineral resources, and a cut-off grade of 0.15g/t was chosen for reporting the Korbel Main and Cathedral mineral resources.

 

The cut-off grade for the RPM South and RPM North deposits is calculated as the grade required to pay for processing, transportation to the mill, and general and administrative (“G&A”) costs. The mill cut-off grade for the Korbel Main and Cathedral deposits is calculated as the grade required to pay for ore sorting, subsequent processing and G&A costs. The reduced processing costs for Korbel Main and Cathedral reflect the average mass rejected by the sorters. An average sorter recovery was included in the cut-off grade calculation.

 

The cut-off grade calculations and the input parameters used are shown in the table below.

 

Cut-off Grade Formula
Cut off (g/t)= Combined Processing Cost + Difference between ore and waste mining cost
(Realized Gold Price ($/g) x Combined Metallurgical Recovery)
Korbel Main and Cathedral cut-off grade calculation
Parameters Gold Price ($/g) = US$2,000/31.103477 =US$64.301/gram
Realized Gold Price ($/g) = = Gold Price ($/g) x (1-Royalty(%))
  = US$64.301 x (1-0.05)
  = US$61.086 /gram
Combined Processing Cost($/ore ton) =Sorter Cost + Processing Cost + G&A Cost
  =US$0.73 +US$4.50+US$1.30
  = US$6.53/t
Difference between ore and waste mining cost ($/t) =US$0.00/t
Combined Metallurgical Recovery =0.7594
Calculated cut-off (g/t) =(US$6.53+0.00) / (US$61.086 x 0.7594)
  0.141 g/t
Rounded cut-off (g/t) = 0.15 g/t
RPM North and South cut-off grade calculation
Parameters Gold Price ($/g) = US$2,000/31.103477 =US$64.301/gram
Realized Gold Price ($/g) = = Gold Price ($/g) x (1-Royalty(%))
  = US$64.301 x (1-0.05)
  = US$61.086 /gram
Combined Processing Cost($/ore ton) = Processing Cost + G&A Cost
  =US$9.80+US$1.30
  = US$11.10/t
Difference between ore and waste mining cost ($/t) =$0.00/t
Combined Metallurgical Recovery =0.8820
Calculated cut-off (g/t) =(US$11.10+0.00) / (US$61.086 x 0.8820)
  =0.206 g/t
Rounded cut-off (g/t) = 0.20 g/t
       

 

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Mineral Processing, Metallurgical Testing and Recovery Methods

 

A robust project flowsheet and initial assessment level processing plant design has been established, based on preliminary metallurgy and ore sorting tests in combination with economic considerations. The flow sheet indicates that the gold is easily liberated from the Estelle ore bodies using conventional technology for an average recovery of 88.3%, with further optimization planned.

 

The process plant was designed using conventional processing unit operations with the addition of XRT ore sorting systems. Only ore originating from Korbel Main and Cathedral will be sorted, with ore originating from the RPM deposits bypassing the sorters. The ore sorting test work performed to date was preliminary in nature in support of the flow sheet to determine the trade off on the gold recoveries. With the preliminary nature of the study, it is still yet to be determined if ore sorting will be included in the final flowsheet and future economic analysis. The product of the process will be doré bars.

 

Run-of-mine and run–of-stockpile ore will be hauled to the sorting facility where it will be crushed in a primary gyratory crusher before going through a sizing screen. The fines fraction head will be fed directly to the high-pressure grinding rolls (“HPGR”), the mid-sized material will be fed to the XRT ore sorting system, and the oversize material will be crushed in a secondary cone crusher. The ore sorting system will separate the economical ore out from the waste, transporting it to an HPGR. The product of the HPGR will be sent to a closed circuit consisting of a ball mill and hydrocyclone cluster. The P80 overflow of 75µm will flow through the flotation circuit. The tailings from this process will be sent to the tailing’s thickener. The concentrate will move on to the cyclone cluster and IsaMill for fine grinding to P80 of 22µm before finally moving on to the pre-leach thickener where the underflow will report to the leach and CIP circuits.

 

The gold leached in the CIP circuit will be recovered by activated carbon and elution. From this elution circuit, the gold will be recovered by electrowinning cells in the gold room. The gold sludge will be dried, mixed with fluxes, and then smelted in a furnace to produce doré bars. Carbon will be re-activated in a regeneration kiln before being re-used in the CIP circuit. The CIP tailings will be treated for cyanide in the cyanide destruction circuit before being pumped to the tailings thickener. The waste byproduct of the tailings thickener will be pumped to the tailings storage facility.

 

 

Figure 3: The Estelle Gold Project simplified flow sheet

 

Mining Methods

 

The open pit optimization assumptions are based on a conventional truck and shovel mining method. The pit shells used for the resource estimation are based on a 50o overall slope angle.

 

Economic Analysis

 

No detailed economic analysis is provided in the S-K 1300 Report and the investor is cautioned that only mineral resources are being presented.

 

Other Assets

 

In addition to the Estelle Gold Project, we own minority interests in the companies described below that partially provide a hedge against fluctuations in the gold price and expose us to the upside of other high growth sectors none of which are deemed material by us in our operations.

 

Our investments include:

 

  Snow Lake Lithium (Nasdaq: LITM)
     
   

We hold an indirect interest in the Thompson Brothers Lithium Project through a 32.5% ownership stake (as of the date of this prospectus) in Snow Lake Resources Ltd (“Snow Lake”), a lithium exploration stage mining company in the province of Manitoba, Canada, listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market (LITM). Snow Lake has a large land position encompassing 59,587 acres in a pro-mining community with nearly a century of historic and consistent mining in the area.

 

Year round access to the property is available via boat, barge, helicopter or winter ice roads, with existing infrastructure including a powerline which traverses the property, an airstrip located 8.5km to the North, major road access within 11km and rail access 6.5km to the South.

     
    In April 2022, we sold 3,000,000 shares in Snow Lake that generated gross proceeds of US$18 million, thus reducing our interest in Snow Lake from 9,600,000 shares to 6,600,000 shares. We continue to hold 6,600,000 Snow Lake shares, representing 32.5% of Snow Lake’s issued and outstanding shares as of the date of this prospectus.

 

 

5
 

 

 

  Asra Minerals Limited (ASX:ASR)
     
    We hold a free carried investment of 7.73% (as of the date of this prospectus) in Asra Minerals Limited (“Asra”) a gold, lithium and rare earths exploration company based in Western Australia and listed on the ASX (ASR).
     
    Located in the mining hub of Western Australia’s Eastern Goldfields, Asra Mineral’s Mt Stirling Project consists of 10 major gold prospects, two recent rare earths discoveries, and widespread highly anomalous cobalt and scandium mineralisation. 
     
    Asra’s project is close to existing major mining operations and neighbors Red 5’s King of the Hills gold mine which boasts Australia’s ninth largest gold ore reserve of 2.4 Moz and a 16-year mine life. The region has recently produced approximately 14 Moz of gold from mines such as Tower Hills, Sons of Gwalia, Thunderbox, Harbor Lights and Gwalia. 
     
    Asra also currently holds a large equity holding in Quebec Lithium explorer, Loyal Lithium (ASX: LLI) and a large equity joint ventures with Zuleika Gold (ASX: ZAG) and Monger Gold (now LLI) in the Kalgoorlie-Menzie goldfields region.
     
   

In the beginning of September 2022, Asra reported a 23% upgrade to the Mineral Resource Estimate for its flagship Mt Stirling Project in Western Australia. Taking the resource from 118,384 oz Au to 152,000 oz Au.

     
  Rotor X Aircraft Manufacturing
     
    We also hold a free carried investment of 9.9% in Rotor X Aircraft Manufacturing (“Rotor X”), a pre-IPO revenue generating US-based company that seeks to lead the development of electric VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) aircraft and innovative low operating cost heavy lift drone technology. Rotor X Aircraft Manufacturing is a helicopter kit manufacturing company that provides the world’s most affordable and reliable 2 seat personal helicopter. Recently Rotor X also announced that it has entered the electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) market with the aim of developing innovative, low operating cost heavy-lift electric helicopters and drones, to support mining and other industries, as well as the growing urban air taxi market.
     
    The potential benefits for our mining operations through the innovative application of clean aircraft technology, have been the primary motive behind our investment in Rotor X.

 

Our Opportunity

 

We believe that the Estelle Gold Project gives us a potentially lucrative gold mining opportunity similar to the Carlin Gold Trend (the “Carlin”) due to its large size and low grade bulk mines. The Carlin Trend is located in Nevada, and is host to one of America’s largest gold endowments currently estimated at 130 Moz of gold and since it commenced operations in 1963 has produced over 84 Moz gold.

 

When a subsidiary of Newmont Gold Corporation opened the Carlin mine, it was the world’s first open pit primary gold mine, mining vast bulk tonnages of low grade ore which were crushed, ground and treated by cyanidation with high recovery rates.

 

The technological know-how in mineral exploration and mine development gained from the Carlin Trend was also quickly applied to other low grade bulk mines around the world.

 

Similar to the Carlin Trend, the Estelle Gold Project has a vast mineralized land position. In our experience, very few mining companies own a district scale gold asset with an already defined large gold resource, in a Fraser Institute ranked top 4 investment jurisdiction, on State lands, with the possibility for long term opportunity of potentially multiple mines across one single project site, like we have at Estelle. All deposits are open with thick ore zones from surface and a low strip ratio, amendable to large scale bulk mining using conventional truck and shovel methods, with further drill programs planned, which could potentially continue to increase both the size and confidence of the resource base over the coming years.

 

In 2023 we drilled approximately 7,000m, the majority of which was focused on the RPM area with the aim to further prove up and expand the resource at RPM, including the North, South and Valley zones and test the potential of inter-connection between these zones. To date, this drilling has not been included in any mineral resource estimates and may provide potential future resource upside.

 

Approximately 600m of exploration drilling was also conducted in the Train prospect area, where RPM-style gold mineralization as well as multi-element silver, copper, antimony and other critical minerals have been identified in surface exploration work. The Train prospect is situated approximately 6km north of RPM covering an area 4.5km long and 2.5km wide representing another very large intrusive related mineralized system. The Train prospect area is considered a high priority target for potential discovery and definition of an additional resource deposit.

 

Extensive surface exploration mapping and sampling programs were also conducted as part of the 2023 field season, along with the re-examination of multi-element data from historical samples. These were primarily focused on the RPM and Train areas, as well as at the highly prospective 3km long polymetallic Au-Ag-Cu system at the Stoney prospect.

 

 

6
 

 

 

In addition to the 4 already defined resource deposits, Nova also has 20 other known prospects at various stages of advancement across the 35km long mineralised corridor, including the recent significant discoveries at the Train/Trumpet, Discovery/Muddy Creek, Wombat, Stibium, Styx, and Stoney prospects.

 

At Train, geological observations and high-grade rock chip samples indicate another possibly large IRGS exposed at surface with a 1km strike length and 500m width. Structural controls and more high-grade rock chips also show a possible genetic link to the nearby Trumpet prospect with a strike length of 1.5km between the two prospects.

 

At the new Discovery and Muddy Creek prospects surface exploration sampling in 2023 has identified one of the most continuous high-grade zones of mineralization on the property, with a 1.5km long surface gold anomaly with multiple high-grade rock and soil samples.

 

New gold-antimony targets were identified in the Stibium and Styx prospects with the discovery of high grade stibnite, a primary ore source for the rare mineral antimony, associated with the gold systems, which represents a significant development for us as antimony is listed as a critical and strategic mineral to US economic and national security interests with no current US domestic supply.

 

At the Shoeshine prospect a property wide record 1,290 g/t Au rock sample was discovered as well as significant concentrations of the critical mineral antimony and copper and silver.

 

In the Stoney area, surface sampling and mapping has identified a high-grade polymetallic gold, copper and silver stacked vein system along a 4km strike length, up to 10m wide and over 300m of vertical extent and the results of further surface exploration mapping and sampling programs conducted in the area in 2023 have identified indications of gold, silver, copper and antimony as well.

 

At the recently discovered Wombat prospect soil and rock samples have identified the thickest gold-bearing veins to date on the property with over a 1km strike length in what appears to be a porphyry gold-copper area.

 

As systematic reconnaissance exploration programs continue, we expect further discoveries of surface outcropping deposits could potentially create a long term opportunity of future mine life through a pipeline of exploitable resources, assuming that we are able to prove additional reserves on our property and that we are also able to develop and market such reserves in a profitable manner.

 

As the Company now progresses to the feasibility study stage, numerous studies required to commence and complete a formal Feasibility Study are currently underway to test potential improvements and optimization of the flowsheet including:

 

  Optimized plant size with the aim being to process high-grade ore early in the mining schedule, with a smaller milling circuit, and more selective ore sorting commencing in 2 to 3 years to process the medium grade material, with lower grade material sent to heap leach;
  Evaluation of heap leaching potential, a well-proven low-cost gold recovery method for lower grade material and material rejected from ore sorters, to lift annual gold production;
  Investigating various heap leaching options, including agglomeration and alternative leach reagents;
  Assessing extraction options of the highly elevated concentrations of silver, copper, antimony and other critical minerals identified across the project which could potentially provide valuable by-product credits;
  Reviewing various selective ore sorting options on material from both RPM and Korbel with Steinert ore sorting to test a combination of different sensors including, XRT density, color, laser and induction, to potentially improve the ore sorting results further; and
  Investigating alternative technology options, such as SAG (Semi Autogenous Grinding) mills, coarse flotation using Hydrofloat technology and gravity recovery using a Reflux Classifier to further improve and optimize the process flowsheet.

 

 

Figure 4: Unlocking the Estelle Gold Project – District scale with over 20 identified gold prospects – Map Coordinate System: UTM = NAD83 zone 5

 

Our Competitive Strengths

 

We believe that we are an industry leader based on the speed and manner in which we have been growing our global resource inventory, working within relatively small budgets. In just over 5 years, our fundamental achievements include:

 

  The discovery of a district scale gold and other minerals project in a safe jurisdiction on Alaska State lands (no native or federal land across the Estelle Gold property), at a very low cost of discovery per ounce;
     
  Drilled over 90,000m, including very thick high-grade intercepts at RPM, to define a large gold resource from green fields, with deposits spread across 4 large near surface intrusion related gold systems (IRGS) which are continuing to grow with ongoing exploration and drilling programs to potentially improve both the size and confidence of the resource;
     
  Established infrastructure for year-round operation;
     
  Established a proven and robust flow sheet which liberates the gold using conventional technology; and
     
  Built strong relationships with the Alaskan community, suppliers and the State government.

 

Coupled with a potentially lucrative asset, we have also established a leadership team of experienced mining executives and operators with a history of growing and de-risking projects, including a local well-connected CEO who has significant experience in bringing mines into production having worked on major projects including Sepon, Carosue Dam, Batu Hijau and the Carlin Trend.

 

 

7
 

 

 

We also pride ourselves on our innovation and efficiency, which we believe is evidenced by our low discovery cost per ounce. We continue to develop our strategies and initiatives to improve our business plans and operations, in particular with respect to the Estelle Gold Project. Some of the innovations we have undertaken to date include:

 

  Particle density X-Ray ore sorting. Ore sorting test work conducted on drill core samples from Estelle ore demonstrates great potential for less processing and increased mine production to successfully separate the gold-bearing veins.
     
  On-site independent preparation facility. We have established an onsite preparation facility which has the capacity to process up to 7,500 samples per month, providing significant cost savings as the samples are prepared through drying, crushing and splitting on site, significantly reducing the sample weight that is shipped from site to the laboratory for analysis. This also allows us to bypass the commercial prep-lab which in turn improves the assay result turnaround time.

 

Our Growth Strategy

 

Our growth strategy is to get the Estelle Gold Project into production as fast as possible to become a tier one global gold producer in order to maximize shareholder value.

 

Estelle’s Projected Timeline to Production

 

  2024 drill program

 

  - Up to 3 drill rigs running 24 hours, 7 days per week in the almost 24-hour daylight in Alaska during the period
  - RPM infill and extensional resource drilling to improve the size and confidence of the resource (Q2/Q3 2024)
  - Exploration drilling in the Train area (Q2/Q3 2024)

 

  FS trade off study work and geotechnical drilling (Ongoing throughout 2024)
     
  Global MRE update (2024 and 2025)
     
 

FS, including updated MRE with resources from the 2023 and 2024 drill programs (2025)

     
 

BFS and permitting (2026)

     
  Decision to mine and financing (2027)
     
  Commence mine construction (2027/2028)
     
  1st gold pour (Late 2028)
     
  Ongoing exploration to assess district wide opportunities to increase the resource pipeline
     
    * All timelines are projected only and subject to assay lab turnarounds, market and operating conditions, all necessary approvals, regulatory requirements, weather events and no unforeseen delays.

 

 

Figure 5: Our long-term growth strategy

 

Our Risks and Challenges

 

Our prospects should be considered in light of the risks, uncertainties, expenses and difficulties frequently encountered by similar companies. Our ability to realize our business objectives and execute our strategies is subject to risks and uncertainties, including, among others, the following:

 

 

8
 

 

 

Risks Related to Our Business and Industry

 

Risks and uncertainties related to our business include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

  We currently report our financial results under IFRS, which differs in certain significant respect from U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or U.S. GAAP.
     
  Our mineral reserves may be significantly lower than expected.
     
  Our Estelle Gold Project only has estimated inferred, indicated and measured resources identified, there are no known reserves on our property. There is no assurance that we can establish the existence of any mineral reserve on our property in commercially exploitable quantities. Until we can do so, we cannot earn any revenues from this property and if we do not do so we will lose all of the funds that we expend on exploration. If we do not discover any mineral reserve in a commercially exploitable quantity, the exploration component of our business could fail.
     
  We have no history of producing metals from our current mineral property and there can be no assurance that we will successfully establish mining operations or profitably produce precious metals.
     
  Any material changes in mineral resource/reserve estimates and grades of mineralization will affect the economic viability of placing a property into production and a property’s return on capital.
     
  The profitability of our operations, and the cash flows generated by our operations, are affected by changes in the market price for gold, which in the past has fluctuated widely.
     
  Our success depends on the exploration development and operation of the Estelle Gold Project, an exploration stage project.
     
   ● We do not operate any mines and the development of our mineral project into a mine is highly speculative in nature, may be unsuccessful and may never result in the development of an operating mine.
     
  Mineral resource estimates are based on interpretation and assumptions and could be inaccurate or yield less mineral production under actual conditions than is currently estimated. Any material changes in these estimates could affect the economic viability of the Estelle Gold Project, our financial condition and ability to be profitable.
     
  We have negative cash flows from operating activities.
     
  We have no history of earnings, and there are no known commercial quantities of mineral reserves on the Estelle Gold Project.
     
  The development of the Estelle Gold Project or any other projects we may acquire in the future into an operating mine will be subject to all of the risks associated with establishing and operating new mining operations.
     
  Our growth strategy and future exploration and development efforts may be unsuccessful.
     
  We may issue additional ordinary shares or ADSs from time to time for various reasons, resulting in the potential for significant dilution to existing securityholders.
     
  We are subject to various laws and regulations, and the costs associated with compliance with such laws and regulations may cause substantial delays and require significant cash and financial expenditure, which may have a material adverse effect on our business.
     
  The mining industry is intensely competitive in all of its phases, and we compete with many companies possessing greater financial and technical resources.
     
  We are currently operating in a period of economic uncertainty and capital markets disruptions, which have been significantly impacted by geopolitical instability due to the ongoing military conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
     
  If we fail to maintain effective internal controls over financial reporting, the price of the ADSs or ordinary shares may be adversely affected.

 

  There will be significant hazards associated with our mining activities, some of which may not be fully covered by insurance. To the extent we must pay the costs associated with such risks, our business may be negatively affected.
     
  Capital and operating cost estimates made in respect of our current and future development projects and mines may not prove to be accurate.

 

Risks Related to This Offering and Ownership of The ADSs

 

Risks and uncertainties related to this offering and ownership of the ADSs include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

  There has been no prior market for the ADSs and an active and liquid market for our securities may fail to develop, which could harm the market price of the ADSs.
     
  If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, the price of the ADSs and their trading volume could decline.
     
  U.S. investors may have difficulty enforcing civil liabilities against our company, our directors or members of senior management and the experts named in this prospectus.
     
  Our Constitution and Australian laws and regulations applicable to us may adversely affect our ability to take actions that could be beneficial to our shareholders.
     
  You may be subject to limitations on the transfer of your ADSs and the withdrawal of the underlying ordinary shares.

 

In addition, we face other risks and uncertainties that may materially affect our business prospects, financial condition, and results of operations. You should consider the risks discussed in “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this prospectus before investing in our securities.

 

Recent Developments

 

Nebari Variation Agreement

 

On March 6, 2024 we entered into a Variation Agreement to amend the terms of the convertible loan facility with Nebari Gold Fund 1, LP (“Nebari”). The terms of the Variation Agreement are that, subject to shareholder approval, we will have the option (but not the obligation) to extend the repayment date of the facility by 12 months to November 29, 2025. In consideration of the grant of the right to extend the facility, we will pay Nebari the sum of US$55,000 (on the earlier of June 1, 2024 or the date of completion of this ADS offering) and the conversion price of the facility will be reduced to A$0.53.

 

April 2024 Financing

 

On April 12, 2024, we completed a placement of 2,083,336 new fully paid ordinary shares at an issue price of $0.24 per share to raise $500,000 (before costs). In addition, as part of this placement, 2,083,333 new fully paid ordinary shares to raise an additional $500,000 under the placement, representing participation by our Executive Directors & CEO, will be issued subject to shareholder approval at a General Meeting of the Company expected to be held in May 2024.

 

Our Corporate History and Structure

 

We have the following material, direct and indirect owned subsidiaries: AKCM (AUST) Pty Ltd, Alaska Range Resources LLC, AK Operations LLC and AK Custom Mining LLC.

 

The following chart depicts the corporate structure of us together with the jurisdiction of incorporation of our subsidiaries and related holding companies.

 

 

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Corporate Information

 

Our principal executive office is Suite 5, 242 Hawthorn Road, Caulfield, Victoria 3161 Australia. The telephone number at our executive office is +61 3 9537 1238.

 

Our registered office is located at Suite 5 on 242 Hawthorn Road in Caulfield, Australia.

 

Our agent for service of process in the United States is our wholly-owned U.S. subsidiary Alaska Range Resources LLC, 1150 S Colony Way, Suite 3-440, Palmer, AK 99645.

 

Our website can be found at www.novaminerals.com.au. The information contained on our website is not a part of this prospectus and should not be relied upon in determining whether to make an investment in our company.

 

 

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The Offering

 

Securities offered             ADSs representing          ordinary shares (or          ADSs representing ordinary shares if the underwriters exercise the over-allotment option in full).
     
Offering price   We have estimated the initial offering price range between US$ and US$ and the assumed initial offering price is US$ , the midpoint of this range.
     
ADSs  

Each ADS represents          of our ordinary shares. The ADSs may be evidenced by American Depositary Receipts. The depositary will be the holder of the ordinary shares underlying the ADSs and you will have the rights of an ADS holder as provided in the deposit agreement among us, the depositary and owners and beneficial owners of ADSs from time to time.

     
    To better understand the terms of the ADSs, you should carefully read the section in this prospectus entitled “Description of American Depositary Shares.” We also encourage you to read the deposit agreement, which is incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.
     
Ordinary shares outstanding immediately prior to this offering   212,973,399 ordinary shares
     
Ordinary shares outstanding immediately after the offering             ordinary shares or          ordinary shares if the underwriters exercise the over-allotment option in full (including ordinary shares represented by ADSs).
     
Over-allotment option   We have granted to the underwriters a 45-day option to purchase from us up to an additional 15% of the amount of the ADSs sold in the offering (          additional ADSs) at the initial public offering price, less the underwriting discounts and commissions.
     
Use of proceeds  

We estimate that the net proceeds from the sale of the ADSs that we are selling in this offering will be approximately US$          million (or approximately US$          million if the underwriter’s option to purchase additional ADSs is exercised in full), based upon an assumed initial public offering price of US$          per ADS, after giving effect to the Australian dollar/U.S. dollar exchange rate of as of                   , 2024, and an ADS-to-ordinary share ratio of 1-to-       , after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.

     
    We plan to use the net proceeds of this offering for resource and exploration field programs, including drilling and exploration, feasibility studies, and general working capital as further detailed in the Use of Proceeds section. See “Use of Proceeds” for more information on the use of proceeds.
     
Depositary   The Bank of New York Mellon.
     
Risk factors   Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk and purchasers of our securities may lose part or all of their investment. See “Risk Factors” for a discussion of factors you should carefully consider before deciding to invest in our securities.
     
Lock-up   We and all of our directors and officers have agreed with the underwriters, subject to certain exceptions, not to sell, transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any of the ADSs or ordinary shares or securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for our ordinary shares for a period of six, with respect to the Company and our 5% and greater shareholders, or 12 months, with respect to our directors and officers, after the date of this prospectus. See “Underwriting” for more information.
     
Proposed trading market and symbol   We intend to apply to list the ADSs on the             under the symbol “NVAM.” Our ordinary shares are listed on the ASX under the symbol “NVA”. The closing of this offering is contingent upon the successful listing of the ADSs on the           .

 

The number of ordinary shares outstanding immediately following this offering is based on 212,973,399 ordinary shares outstanding as of April 15, 2024 and excludes:

 

  22,322,199 ordinary shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options at a weighted average exercise price of A$0.96 per share;
     
  Up to 3,496,753 ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of options with an exercise price of A$1.00 and an expiration date of June 30, 2025 (which options are not currently outstanding but are issuable upon exercise of 6,993,506 outstanding options with an exercise price of A$0.70, and with an expiry date of April 30, 2024);
     
  8,250,000 ordinary shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options under our employee share option plan at a weighted average exercise price of A$1.20;
     
  11,750,000 further options that are available for issuance under our employee share option plan;
     
                        ordinary shares issuable upon conversion of US$5,420,934 (A$          ) in principal (including original issue discount and capitalized interest) under the Nebari convertible loan facility (based on a A$         fixed conversion price);
     
  up to 1,200,000 ordinary shares that may be issued upon the achievement of certain milestones pursuant to Class A and Class B performance rights granted to certain directors;
     
  up to 1,200,000 ordinary shares that may be issued upon the achievement of certain milestones pursuant to Class C performance rights granted to certain directors; and
     
  2,083,333 new fully paid ordinary shares as part of the April 2024 placement to our Executive Directors & CEO, which will be issued subject to shareholder approval at a General Meeting of the Company expected to be held in May 2024.

 

 

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Summary Consolidated Financial Information

 

The following summary historical financial information should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in the prospectus and the information contained in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” below.

 

The selected consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income/(loss) data for the six months ended December 31, 2023, and 2022 and consolidated statement of financial position data as of December 31, 2023 have been derived from our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.

 

The selected consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income/(loss) data for the years ended June 30, 2023, and 2022 and consolidated statement of financial position data as of June 30, 2023, have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. Our audited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IFRS, as issued by the IASB, as of and for the years ended June 30, 2023, and 2022. Financial statements prepared in compliance with IFRS are not comparable in all respects with financial statements that are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Our historical results for any period are not necessarily indicative of our future performance.

 

For the six months ended December 31, 2023, the conversion from A$ into US$ was made at the exchange rate as of December 31, 2023, on which US$1.00 equaled A$1.46199. For the six months ended December 31, 2022, the conversion from A$ into US$ was made at the exchange rate as of December 31, 2022, on which US$1.00 equaled A$1.47601. The use of US$ is solely for the convenience of the reader.

 

For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023, the conversion from A$ into US$ was made at the exchange rate as of June 30, 2023, on which US$1.00 equaled A$1.50830. For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022, the conversion from A$ into US$ was made at the exchange rate as of June 30, 2022, on which US$1.00 equaled A$1.45159. The use of US$ is solely for the convenience of the reader.

 

Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income Data

 

   For the six months ended December 31, 
   2023   2022   2023   2022 
   A$   A$   US$   US$ 
Revenue   173,536    -    118,698    - 
Other income, gains and losses   (7,480,900)   (3,049,127)   (5,116,930)   (2,065,790)
Expenses   (1,887,176)   (2,854,324)   (1,290,827)   (1,933,811)
(Loss)/Profit After Income Tax Expense   (9,194,540)   (5,903,451)   (6,289,058)   (3,999,601)
Total Comprehensive (Loss)/Income   (10,737,437)   (5,093,600)   (7,344,398)   (3,450,925)
Basic (loss)/earnings per share (1)   (0.04)   (0.03)   (0.03)   (0.02)
Diluted (loss)/earnings per share (1)   (0.04)   (0.03)   (0.03)   (0.02)
Dividends per share   -    -    -    - 

 

(1) Adjusted to reflect the 10 for 1 consolidation of our ordinary shares on November 29, 2021.

 

   For the year ended June 30, 
   2023   2022   2023   2022 
   A$   A$   US$   US$ 
Revenue   12,027    20,000    7,974    13,778 
Other income, gains and losses   (6,055,067)   39,613,276    (4,014,498)   27,289,576 
Expenses   (5,528,200)   (5,230,455)   (3,655,186)   (3,603,259)
(Loss)/Profit After Income Tax Expense for the Year   (11,571,240)   34,402,821    (7,671,710)   23,700,095 
Total Comprehensive (Loss)/Income for the Year   (9,629,678)   38,097,293    (6,384,458)   26,245,216 
Basic (loss)/earnings per share (1)   (0.06)   0.20    (0.04)   0.14 
Diluted (loss)/earnings per share (1)   (0.06)   0.18    (0.04)   0.12 
Dividends per share   -    -    -    - 

 

(1) Adjusted to reflect the 10 for 1 consolidation of our ordinary shares on November 29, 2021.

 

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position Data

 

   As of December 31, 2023 
   Actual   Pro Forma (1)  

Pro Forma

As Adjusted

(1) (2) (3)

 
   A$   US$   A$   US$   A$   US$ 
Cash   6,228,229    4,260,103    6,718,229    4,595,263                  
Total Assets   110,698,323    75,717,565    111,188,323    76,052,725                 
Total Liabilities   7,949,140    5,437,205    7,949,140    5,437,205         
Net Assets   102,749,183    70,280,360    103,239,183    70,615,519         
Accumulated profits(losses)   (59,128,334)   (40,443,734)   (59,128,334)   (40,443,734)        
Issued Capital   142,986,671    97,802,770    143,486,742    98,144,818           
Reserves   11,390,230    7,790,908    11,390,230    7,790,908           
Non-controlling Interest   7,500,616    5,130,415    7,500,616    5,130,415           

 

(1) The pro forma data gives effect to the issuance of an aggregate of (i) 2,083,336 ordinary shares in a placement on April 12, 2024 for which the Company received aggregate net proceeds of approximately $490,000 and (ii) 102 ordinary shares issued on the exercise of unquoted options in February 2024 and April 2024.
(2) The as pro forma adjusted data give effect to our receipt of net proceeds from the issuance and sale of          ADSs at the assumed initial offering price of US$          per ADS, after deducting underwriting commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.
   
(3) Each US$1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price of US$          per ADS would increase (decrease) each of cash, total assets, net assets, and issued capital, by approximately A$          million (or US$          million), assuming the number of ADSs offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same, and after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. Similarly, an increase (decrease) of 1,000,000 ADSs offered by us would increase (decrease) each of cash, total assets, net assets, and issued capital by approximately A$          million (or US$          million), assuming the assumed initial public offering price of US$          per ADS remains the same, and after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions.

 

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RISK FACTORS

 

An investment in our securities involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the following risk factors, together with the other information contained in this prospectus, before purchasing our securities. We have listed below (not necessarily in order of importance or probability of occurrence) what we believe to be the most significant risk factors applicable to us, but they do not constitute all of the risks that may be applicable to us. Any of the following factors could harm our business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects, and could result in a partial or complete loss of your investment. Some statements in this prospectus, including statements in the following risk factors, constitute forward-looking statements. Please refer to the section titled “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”

 

Risks Related to Our Business and Industry

 

Our mineral reserves may be significantly lower than expected.

 

We are in the exploration stage and our planned principal operations have not commenced. There is currently no commercial production at our Estelle Gold Project. However, we expect to complete our first gold pour in late 2028, although there is no assurance that we will meet that timeframe and consummation of any such commercial production is subject to the risks described in this section. We have completed a technical report summary in compliance with the SEC’s S-K 1300 disclosure rules. We have produced an Initial Assessment on a very small area which includes the 4 current resource deposits on the Estelle Gold Project to both JORC and S-K 1300 standards. Although we have commenced the requisite studies necessary to prepare and complete a Feasibility Study (FS) on the Estelle Gold Project, such formal Feasibility Study has not yet been started and is not expected to be completed until 2025. As such, our estimated proven or probable mineral reserves, expected mine life and mineral pricing cannot be determined as the exploration programs, additional drilling, economic assessments and requisite initial studies and pit (or mine) design optimizations have not yet been completed, and the actual mineral reserves may be significantly lower than expected. You should not rely on the technical reports, preliminary economic assessments or feasibility studies, if and when completed and published, as indications that we will have successful commercial operations in the future. Even if we prove reserves on our property, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to develop and market them, or that such production will be profitable.

 

The estimation of mineral reserves is not an exact science and depends upon a number of subjective factors. Any measured, indicated and inferred resource figures presented in this prospectus are estimates from the written reports of technical personnel and mining consultants who were contracted to assess the mining prospects. Resource estimates are a function of geological and engineering analyses that require us to forecast production costs, recoveries, and metals prices. The accuracy of such estimates depends on the quality of available data and of engineering and geological interpretation, judgment, and experience. Estimated inferred mineral resources may not be upgraded to indicated or measured or to probable or proved reserves, and any reserves may not be realized in actual production and our operating results may be negatively affected by inaccurate estimates.

 

Our Estelle Gold Project only has estimated measured, indicated and inferred resources identified, there are no known reserves, on our property. There is no assurance that we can establish the existence of any mineral reserve on our property in commercially exploitable quantities. Until we can do so, we cannot earn any revenues from this property and if we do not do so we will lose all of the funds that we expend on exploration. If we do not discover any mineral reserve in a commercially exploitable quantity, the exploration component of our business could fail.

 

We have not established that our mineral property contains any mineral reserve according to recognized reserve guidelines, nor can there be any assurance that we will be able to do so. A mineral reserve is defined by the SEC in S-K 1300 as that part of a mineral deposit, which could be economically and legally extracted or produced at the time of the reserve determination. There is a probability that our mineral property does not contain any “reserves” and any funds that we spend on exploration could be lost. Even if we do eventually discover mineral reserves on our property, there can be no assurance that it can be developed into producing mines and extract those minerals. Both mineral exploration and development involve a high degree of risk and few mineral properties which are explored are ultimately developed into producing mines.

 

The commercial viability of an established mineral deposit will depend on a number of factors including, by way of example, the size, grade and other attributes of the mineral deposit, the proximity of the mineral deposit to infrastructure such as a smelter, roads and a point for shipping, government regulation and market prices. Most of these factors will be beyond our control, and any of them could increase costs and make extraction of any identified mineral deposit unprofitable.

 

We have no history of producing metals from our current mineral property and there can be no assurance that we will successfully establish mining operations or profitably produce precious metals.

 

We have no history of producing metals from our current mineral property. We do not produce gold and do not currently generate operating earnings. While we seek to move our projects into production, such efforts will be subject to all of the risks associated with establishing new mining operations and business enterprises, including:

 

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  the timing and cost, which are considerable, of the construction of mining and processing facilities;
     
  the ability to find sufficient gold reserves to support a profitable mining operation;
     
  the availability and costs of skilled labor and mining equipment;
     
  compliance with environmental and other governmental approval and permit requirements;
     
  the availability of funds to finance construction and development activities;
     
  potential opposition from non-governmental organizations, environmental groups, local groups or local inhabitants that may delay or prevent development activities; and
     
  potential increases in construction and operating costs due to changes in the cost of labor, fuel, power, materials and supplies.

 

The costs, timing and complexities of mine construction and development may be increased by the remote location of our property. It is common in new mining operations to experience unexpected problems and delays during construction, development and mine start-up. In addition, our management will need to be expanded. This could result in delays in the commencement of mineral production and increased costs of production. Accordingly, we cannot assure you that our activities will result in profitable mining operations or that we will successfully establish mining operations.

 

Any material changes in mineral resource/reserve estimates and grades of mineralization will affect the economic viability of placing a property into production and a property’s return on capital.

 

As we have not completed feasibility studies on any of our properties and have not commenced actual production, mineralization resource estimates may require adjustments or downward revisions. In addition, the grade of ore ultimately mined, if any, may differ from that indicated by our feasibility studies and drill results. Minerals recovered in small scale tests may not be duplicated in large scale tests under on-site conditions or in production scale.

 

The resource estimates that are contained in this prospectus or that we may calculate in the future will have been determined based on assumed future prices, cut-off grades and operating costs that may prove to be inaccurate. Any material reductions in estimates of mineralization, or of our ability to extract this mineralization, could have a material adverse effect on our share price and the value of our property.

 

The profitability of our operations, and the cash flows generated by our operations, are affected by changes in the market price for gold which in the past has fluctuated widely.

 

Substantially all of our revenues and cash flows will come from the sale of gold if we enter into the production stage. Historically, the market price for gold has fluctuated widely and has been affected by numerous factors over which we have no control, including:

 

  the demand for gold for industrial uses and for use in jewelry;
     
  international or regional political and economic trends;
     
  the strength of the US dollar, the currency in which gold prices generally are quoted, and of other currencies;
     
  financial market expectations regarding the rate of inflation;
     
  interest rates;
     
  speculative activities;
     
  actual or expected purchases and sales of gold bullion holdings by central banks or other large gold bullion holders or dealers;
     
  hedging activities by gold producers; and
     
  the production and cost levels for gold in major gold-producing nations.

 

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In addition, the current demand for, and supply of, gold affects the price of gold, but not necessarily in the same manner as current demand and supply affect the prices of other commodities. Historically, gold has tended to retain its value in relative terms against basic goods in times of inflation and monetary crisis. As a result, central banks, financial institutions, and individuals hold large amounts of gold as a store of value, and production in any given year constitutes a very small portion of the total potential supply of gold. Since the potential supply of gold is large relative to mine production in any given year, normal variations in current production will not necessarily have a significant effect on the supply of gold or its price.

 

If gold prices should fall below and remain below our cost of production for any sustained period, we may experience losses and may be forced to curtail or suspend some or all of our gold mining operations. In addition, we would also have to assess the economic impact of low gold prices on our ability to recover any losses we may incur during that period and on our ability to maintain adequate reserves.

 

Our success depends on the exploration development and operation of the Estelle Gold Project, an exploration stage project.

 

At present, our only mineral property is the interest that we hold in the Estelle Gold Project, which is in the exploration stage. Unless we acquire or develop additional mineral properties, we will be solely dependent upon this property and our future success will be largely driven by our ability to explore and develop the Estelle Gold Project successfully, including the results of such exploration and development efforts. If no additional mineral properties are acquired by us, any adverse development affecting our operations and further exploration or development of the Estelle Gold Project may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

We do not operate any mines and the development of our mineral project into a mine is highly speculative in nature, may be unsuccessful and may never result in the development of an operating mine.

 

The Estelle Gold Project is at the exploration stage and is without identified mineral reserves. We do not have any interest in any mining operations or mines in development.

 

Mineral exploration and mine development are highly speculative in nature, involve many uncertainties and risks and are frequently unsuccessful. Mineral exploration is performed to demonstrate the dimensions, position and mineral characteristics of mineral deposits, estimate mineral resources, assess amenability of the deposit to mining and processing scenarios and estimate potential deposit size. Once mineralization is discovered, it may take a number of years from the initial exploration phases before mineral development and production is possible, during which time the potential feasibility of the project may change adversely.

 

Mineralization may not be economic to mine. A significant number of years, several studies, and substantial expenditures are typically required to establish economic mineralization in the form of proven mineral reserves and Probable Mineral Reserves, to determine processes to extract the metals and, if required, to construct mining, processing, and tailing facilities and obtain the rights to the land and the resources (including capital) required to develop the mining operation.

 

In addition, if we discover mineralization that becomes a mineral reserve, it will take several years to a decade or more from the initial phases of exploration until production is possible. During this time, the economic feasibility of production may change. As a result of these uncertainties, we may not be able to successfully develop a commercially viable producing mine.

 

In addition, whether developing a producing mine is economically feasible will depend upon numerous additional factors, most of which are beyond our control, including the availability and cost of required development capital and labor, movement in the price of commodities, securing and maintaining title to mineral and other property rights as well as obtaining all necessary consents, permits and approvals for the development of the mine. The economic feasibility of development projects is based upon many factors, including the accuracy of mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates; metallurgical recoveries; capital and operating costs; government regulations relating to prices, taxes, royalties, land tenure, land use, importing and exporting and environmental protection; and metal prices, which are highly volatile. Development projects are also subject to the successful completion of feasibility studies, issuance of necessary governmental permits and availability of adequate financing. Any of these factors may result in us being unable to successfully develop a commercially viable operating mine.

 

Resource exploration and development is a high risk, speculative business.

 

While the discovery of an ore body may result in substantial rewards, few mineral properties which are explored are ultimately developed into producing mines. Most exploration projects do not result in the discovery of commercially mineable deposits. 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 that, though present, are insufficient in quantity or quality to return a profit from production. The marketability of minerals acquired or discovered by us may be affected by numerous factors which are beyond our control 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 allowable production, importing and exporting of minerals, and environmental protection, the combination of which factors may result in our not receiving an adequate return of investment capital.

 

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There is no assurance that our mineral exploration and development activities will result in any discoveries of commercial bodies of ore. The long-term profitability of our operations will in part be directly related to the costs and success of our exploration programs, which may be affected by a number of factors. Substantial expenditures are required to establish reserves through drilling and to develop the mining and processing facilities and infrastructure at any site chosen for mining. Although substantial benefits may be derived from the discovery of a major mineralized deposit, no assurance can be given that minerals will be discovered in sufficient quantities to justify commercial operations or that funds required for development can be obtained on a timely basis.

 

Additionally, significant capital investment is required to discover commercial ore and to commercialize production from successful exploration effort and maintain mineral concessions and other rights through payment of applicable taxes, advance royalties and other fees. The commercial viability of a mineral deposit is dependent on a number of factors, including, among others: (i) deposit attributes such as size, grade and proximity to infrastructure; (ii) current and future metal prices; and (iii) governmental regulations, including those relating to prices, taxes, royalties, land tenure, land use, importing and exporting of minerals and necessary supplies and environmental protection. The complete impact of these factors, either alone or in combination, cannot be entirely predicted and their impact may result in our not achieving an adequate return on invested capital.

 

There is no certainty that the expenditures made by us towards the search for and evaluation of mineral deposits will result in discoveries of commercial quantities of ore.

 

Mineral resource estimates are based on interpretation and assumptions and could be inaccurate or yield less mineral production under actual conditions than is currently estimated. Any material changes in these estimates could affect the economic viability of the Estelle Gold Project, our financial condition and ability to be profitable.

 

The estimates for mineral resources contained herein are estimates only and no assurance can be given that the anticipated tonnages and grades will be achieved. There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating mineral resources, including many factors beyond our control. Such estimation is a subjective process, and the accuracy of any mineral resource estimate is a function of the quantity and quality of available data and of the assumptions made and judgments used in engineering and geological interpretation. In addition, there can be no assurance that gold recoveries in small scale laboratory tests will be duplicated in larger scale tests under on-site conditions or during production, if any. If our actual mineral resources are less than current estimates or if we fail to develop our mineral resource base through the realization of identified mineralized potential, our results of operations or financial condition may be materially and adversely affected. Evaluation of mineral resources occurs from time to time, and they may change depending on further geological interpretation, drilling results and metal prices. The category of inferred mineral resource is often the least reliable mineral resource category and is subject to the most variability. We regularly evaluate our mineral resources and consider the merits of increasing the reliability of its overall mineral resources.

 

We may not be able to obtain all required permits and licenses to place any of our properties into future production.

 

We may not be able to obtain all required permits and licenses to place any of our properties into production. Our future operations may require permits from various governmental authorities and will be governed by laws and regulations governing prospecting, development, mining, production, export, taxes, labor standards, occupational health, waste disposal, land use, environmental protections, mine safety and other matters. There can be no guarantee that we will be able to obtain all necessary licenses, permits and approvals that may be required to undertake exploration activity or commence construction or operation of mine facilities at the Estelle Gold Project. Additionally, there can be no assurance that all permits and licenses we may require for future exploration or possible future development will be obtainable at all or on reasonable terms.

 

Mining and exploration activities are also subject to various laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment. Although we believe that our exploration activities are currently carried out in accordance with all of the applicable rules and regulations, no assurance can be given that new rules and regulations will not be enacted or that existing rules and regulations will not be applied in a manner that could limit or curtail the production or development of the Estelle Gold Project. Amendments to current laws and regulations governing our operations and activities or a more stringent implementation thereof could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

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Failure to comply with applicable laws, regulations and permitting requirements may result in enforcement actions thereunder, including orders issued by regulatory or judicial authorities causing operations to cease or be curtailed, and may include corrective measures requiring capital expenditures, the 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 mining activities and may be subject to civil or criminal fines or penalties for violations of applicable laws or regulations.

 

Amendments to current laws, regulations and permits governing operations and activities of mining companies, or a more stringent implementation thereof, could have a material adverse impact on us and cause increases in exploration expenses, capital expenditures or production costs, reduction in levels of production at producing properties, or abandonment or delays in development of new mining properties.

 

We may to fail to adhere to annual claims renewal and rents submissions

 

We need to adhere to annual claims renewal and rents as per AS 27.10.160. Affidavit of Labor or Improvements. Within 90 days after September 1 of each year the owner of a mining claim, or some other person having knowledge of the facts, shall make and record with the recorder for the district in which the claim is located an affidavit showing the performance of labor or the making of improvements.

 

We have negative cash flows from operating activities.

 

We had negative cash flow from operating activities in the period from our incorporation until the date of this prospectus. We expect that we will use a portion of the proceeds of this offering to fund anticipated negative cash flow from operating activities in future periods. Given that we have no operating revenues, and do not anticipate generating operating revenues for the foreseeable future, we expect that expenditures to fund operating activities will be provided by financings. There is no assurance that future financings can be completed on acceptable terms or at all, and our failure to raise capital when needed could limit our ability to continue our operations in the future.

 

We have no history of earnings or mineral production, and there are currently no known commercial quantities of mineral reserves on the Estelle Gold Project.

 

We have no history of earnings or mineral production and may never engage in mineral production. There are currently no known commercial quantities of mineral reserves on the Estelle Gold Project. Development of the Estelle Gold Project and any other projects we may acquire in the future will only follow upon obtaining satisfactory results of further exploration work and geological and other studies. Exploration and the development of natural resources involve a high degree of risk and few properties which are explored are ultimately developed into producing properties. There is no assurance that our exploration and development activities will result in any discoveries of commercial bodies of ore. The long-term profitability of our operations will be in part directly related to the cost and success of our exploration programs, which may be affected by a number of factors. Even if commercial quantities of minerals are discovered, the Estelle Gold Project may not be brought into a state of commercial production. The commercial viability of a mineral deposit once discovered is also dependent on various factors, including particulars of the deposit itself, proximity to infrastructure, metal prices, and availability of power and water to permit development.

 

Further, we are subject to many risks common to mineral exploration companies, including under-capitalization, cash shortages, limitations with respect to personnel, financial and other resources and the lack of revenues. There is no assurance we will be successful in achieving a return on stockholder’s investment and the likelihood of success must be considered in light of its early-stage operations.

 

We will require additional financing to fund exploration and, if warranted, development and production. Failure to obtain additional financing could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operation and could cast uncertainty on our ability to continue our operations in the future.

 

We have no history of earnings, and, due to the nature of our business, there can be no assurance that we will be profitable. We have paid no dividends on our ordinary shares, ADSs or any of our other securities since incorporation and do not anticipate doing so in the foreseeable future.

 

Even if the results of exploration are encouraging, we may not have sufficient funds to conduct the further exploration that may be necessary to determine whether or not a commercially minable deposit exists on any portion of the Estelle Gold Project. While we may generate additional working capital through further equity offerings, there is no assurance that any such funds will be available on acceptable terms, or at all. If available, future equity financing may result in substantial dilution to stockholders. At present it is impossible to determine what amounts of additional funds, if any, may be required.

 

The development of the Estelle Gold Project or any other projects we may acquire in the future into an operating mine will be subject to all of the risks associated with establishing and operating new mining operations.

 

If the development of the Estelle Gold Project or any other projects we may acquire in the future is found to be economically feasible and we seek to develop an operating mine, the development of such a mine will require obtaining permits and financing the construction and operation of the mine itself, processing plants and related infrastructure. As a result, we will be subject to certain risks associated with establishing new mining operations, including:

 

  uncertainties in timing and costs, which can be highly variable and considerable in amount, of the construction of mining and processing facilities and related infrastructure;
     
  we may find that skilled labor, mining equipment and principal supplies needed for operations, including explosives, fuels, chemical reagents, water, power, equipment parts and lubricants are unavailable or available at costs that are higher than we anticipated;
     
  we will need to obtain necessary environmental and other governmental approvals and permits and the receipt of those approvals and permits may be delayed or extended beyond what we anticipated, or that the approvals and permits may contain conditions and terms that materially impact our ability to operate a mine;
     
  we may not be able to obtain the financing necessary to finance construction and development activities or such financing may be on terms and conditions costlier than anticipated, which may make mine development activities uneconomic;
     
  we may suffer industrial accidents as part of building or operating a mine that may subject us to significant liabilities;
     
  we may suffer mine failures, shaft failures or equipment failures which delay, hinder or halt mine development activities or mining operations;
     
  our mining projects may suffer from adverse natural phenomena such as inclement weather conditions, floods, droughts, rockslides and seismic activity;
     
  we may discover unusual or unexpected geological and metallurgical conditions that could cause us to have to revise or modify mine plans and operations in a materially adverse manner; and
     
  the development or operation of our mines may become subject to opposition from nongovernmental organizations, environmental groups or local groups, which may delay, prevent, hinder or stop development activities or operations.

 

In addition, we may find that the costs, timing and complexities of developing the Estelle Gold Project or any other future projects to be greater than we anticipated. Cost estimates may increase significantly as more detailed engineering work is completed on a project. It is common in mining operations to experience unexpected costs, problems and delays during construction, development and mine start-up. Accordingly, our activities may not result in profitable mining operations at our mineral properties.

 

Our growth strategy and future exploration and development efforts may be unsuccessful.

 

In order to grow our business and pursue our long-term growth strategy, we may seek to acquire additional mineral interests or merge with or invest in new companies or opportunities. A failure to make acquisitions or investments may limit our growth. In pursuing acquisition and investment opportunities, we face competition from other companies having similar growth and investment strategies, many of which may have substantially greater resources than us. Competition for these acquisitions or investment targets could result in increased acquisition or investment prices, higher risks and a diminished pool of businesses, services or products available for acquisition or investment. Additionally, if we lose or abandon our interest in any of our mineral projects, there is no assurance that we will be able to acquire another mineral property of merit or that such an acquisition would be approved by applicable regulators.

 

17
 

 

We may issue additional ADSs representing ordinary shares or ordinary shares, from time to time for various reasons, resulting in the potential for significant dilution to existing stockholders.

 

We may issue additional ADSs representing ordinary shares or ordinary shares, from time to time, for various reasons, including, but not limited to, for the purposes of raising capital (including to fund exploration and development work) or acquiring additional interests. We may also issue additional ADSs or ordinary shares pursuant to equity incentive plans from time to time. These further issuances of the ADSs or ordinary shares may have a depressive effect on the price of the ADSs and ordinary shares and will dilute the voting power of our existing stockholders and the potential value of each ADS or ordinary share.

 

We may face pressure to demonstrate that, in addition to seeking to generate returns for our shareholders, other stakeholders benefit from our activities.

 

Natural resources companies face increasing public scrutiny of their activities. We may face pressure to demonstrate that, in addition to seeking to generate returns for our shareholders, other stakeholders benefit from our activities, including local governments and the communities surrounding or nearby its properties. The potential consequences of these pressures include reputational damages, lawsuits, increasing social investment obligations and pressure to increase taxes, future royalties or other contributions to local governments and surrounding communities. These pressures may also impair our ability to successfully obtain permits and approvals required for our operations.

 

Our mineral exploration activities are subject to extensive laws and regulations governing prospecting, exploration, development, production, taxes, labor standards and occupational health, mine safety, toxic substances, land use, waste disposal, water use, land claims of local people, protection of historic and archaeological sites, mine development, protection of endangered and protected species and other matters.

 

Government and community/stakeholder approvals may be required in connection with our operations. To the extent such approvals are required and not obtained, we may be curtailed or prohibited from continuing our exploration or mining operations or from proceeding with planned exploration or development of mineral properties.

 

Failure to comply with applicable laws, regulations and permitting requirements may result in enforcement actions thereunder, 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 or in the exploration or development of mineral properties 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 violations of applicable laws or regulations.

 

Our mineral exploration activities may be adversely affected in varying degrees by changing government regulations relating to the mining industry or shifts in political conditions that increase royalties payable or the costs related to our activities or maintaining the Estelle Gold Project. Operations may also be affected in varying degrees by government regulations with respect to restrictions on production, price controls, government-imposed royalties, claim fees, export controls, income taxes, and expropriation of property, environmental legislation and mine safety. The effect of these factors cannot be accurately predicted.

 

Legislation has been proposed that would significantly affect the mining industry and our business.

 

In recent years, members of the United States Congress have repeatedly introduced bills which would supplant or alter the provisions of the Federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (the “U.S. General Mining Law”). If adopted, such legislation, among other things, could eliminate or greatly limit the right to a mineral patent, impose federal royalties on mineral production from unpatented mining claims located on U.S. federal lands, result in the denial of permits to mine after the expenditure of significant funds for exploration and development, reduce estimates of mineral reserves and reduce the amount of future exploration and development activity on U.S. federal lands, all of which could have a material and adverse effect on our ability to operate and its cash flow, results of operations and financial condition.

 

18
 

 

Our activities are subject to environmental laws and regulations that may increase our costs of doing business and restrict our operations.

 

Our activities are subject to environmental regulations in the jurisdiction in which we operate. Environmental legislation generally provides for restrictions and prohibitions on spills, releases or emissions into the air, discharges into water, management of waste, management of hazardous substances, protection of natural resources, antiquities and endangered species and reclamation of lands disturbed by mining operations. Certain types of operations require the submission and approval of environmental impact assessments. Environmental legislation is evolving in a manner involving stricter standards and enforcement, increased fines and penalties for non-compliance, more stringent environmental assessments of proposed projects and a heightened degree of responsibility for companies and their officers, directors and employees. Compliance with environmental laws and regulations and future changes in these laws and regulations may require significant capital outlays, cause material changes or delays in our current and planned operations and future activities and reduce the profitability of operations. It is possible that future changes in these laws or regulations could have a significant adverse impact on the Estelle Gold Project or some portion of our business, causing us to re-evaluate those activities at that time.

 

Examples of current U.S. federal laws which may affect our current operations and may impact future business and operations include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

The Comprehensive Environmental, Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (“CERCLA”), and comparable state statutes, impose strict, joint and several liability on current and former owners and operators of sites and on persons who disposed of or arranged for the disposal of hazardous substances found at such sites. It is not uncommon for the government to file claims requiring cleanup actions, demands for reimbursement for government-incurred cleanup costs, or natural resource damages, or for neighboring landowners and other third parties to file claims for personal injury and property damage allegedly caused by hazardous substances released into the environment. The U.S. General Mining Law, and comparable state statutes, govern the disposal of solid waste and hazardous waste and authorize the imposition of substantial fines and penalties for noncompliance, as well as requirements for corrective actions. CERCLA, RCRA and comparable state statutes can impose liability for clean-up of sites and disposal of substances found on exploration, mining and processing sites long after activities on such sites have been completed.

 

The Clean Air Act (“CAA”) restricts the emission of air pollutants from many sources, including mining and processing activities. Our mining operations may produce air emissions, including fugitive dust and other air pollutants from stationary equipment, storage facilities and the use of mobile sources such as trucks and heavy construction equipment, which are subject to review, monitoring or control requirements under the CAA and state air quality laws. New facilities may be required to obtain permits before work can begin, and existing facilities may be required to incur capital costs in order to remain in compliance. In addition, permitting rules may impose limitations on our production levels or result in additional capital expenditures in order to comply with the regulations.

 

The National Environmental Policy Act (“NEPA”) requires federal agencies to integrate environmental considerations into their decision-making processes by evaluating the environmental impacts of their proposed actions, including issuance of permits to mining facilities, and assessing alternatives to those actions. If a proposed action could significantly affect the environment, the agency must prepare a detailed statement known as an Environmental Impact Statement (“EIS”). The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”), other federal agencies, and any interested third parties will review and comment on the scoping of the EIS and the adequacy of and findings set forth in the draft and final EIS. We are required to undertake the NEPA process for the Estelle Gold Project permitting. The NEPA process can cause delays in issuance of required permits or result in changes to a project to mitigate its potential environmental impacts, which can in turn impact the economic feasibility of a proposed project or the ability to construct or operate the Estelle Gold Project or other properties and may make them entirely uneconomic.

 

The Clean Water Act (“CWA”), and comparable state statutes, impose restrictions and controls on the discharge of pollutants into waters of the United States. The discharge of pollutants into regulated waters is prohibited, except in accordance with the terms of a permit issued by the EPA or an analogous state agency. The CWA regulates storm water mining facilities and requires a storm water discharge permit for certain activities. Such a permit requires the regulated facility to monitor and sample storm water run-off from its operations. The CWA and regulations implemented thereunder also prohibit discharges of dredged and fill material in wetlands and other waters of the United States unless authorized by an appropriately issued permit. The CWA and comparable state statutes provide for civil, criminal and administrative penalties for unauthorized discharges of pollutants and impose liability on parties responsible for those discharges for the costs of cleaning up any environmental damage caused by the release and for natural resource damages resulting from the release.

 

The Safe Drinking Water Act (“SDWA”) and the Underground Injection Control (“UIC”) program promulgated thereunder, regulate the drilling and operation of subsurface injection wells. The EPA directly administers the UIC program in some states and in others the responsibility for the program has been delegated to the state. The program requires that a permit be obtained before drilling a disposal or injection well. Violation of these regulations or contamination of groundwater by mining related activities may result in fines, penalties, and remediation costs, among other sanctions and liabilities under the SDWA and state laws. In addition, third party claims may be filed by landowners and other parties claiming damages for alternative water supplies, property damages, and bodily injury.

 

19
 

 

We may be unsuccessful in obtaining necessary permits to explore, develop or mine the Estelle Gold Project in a timely manner or at all.

 

Exploration, development and mining activities will require certain permits and other governmental approvals. We may be unsuccessful in obtaining such permits and approvals on a timely basis, or on favorable terms or at all.

 

The State of Alaska requires that an Application for Permit to Mine in Alaska (“APMA”) be submitted to obtain permits for all exploration, mining, or transportation of equipment and maintaining a camp. These permits are reviewed by related state and federal agencies that can comment on and require specific changes to proposed work plans to minimize impacts on the environment. The project currently holds the following authorizations and permits under the Alaska Permit for Mining Activities (APMA) system which are valid through 2027, except as set forth below:

 

  Miscellaneous Land Use Permit #3042, which authorizes hard rock exploration activities on the project site. This permit is issued by the Alaska Department of Natural Resources , Division of Mining, Land & Water, Mining Section.
  Temporary Water Use Authorization, which authorizes water removal from surface waterbodies for exploration activities. This authorization is issued by Alaska Department of Natural Resources , Division of Mining, Land & Water, Water Section.

  Fish Habitat Permit (and/or fish Passage Permit, which authorizes activities in fish-bearing waters, primarily for water withdrawal structures. This authorization is issued by the Habitat Section   of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
  Camp Permit, which authorizes the exploration camp. This permit is issued by the Alaska Department of Natural Resources , Division of Mining, Land & Water, Mining Section as part of the Miscellaneous Land Use Permit #3042 described above.
  Estelle Man Camp Permit, which provides approval to construct modifications to the existing drinking water system. This permit is issued by the Department of Environmental Conservation, Division of Environmental Health, Drinking Water Program (expires November 8, 2025)

 

Any failure to obtain permits and other governmental approvals could delay or prevent us from completing contemplated activities as planned which could negatively impact our financial condition and results of operations.

Mining and project development is inherently risky and subject to conditions or events some of which are beyond our control, and which could have a material adverse effect on our business.

 

Our activities related to the exploration and development of the Estelle Gold Project and any other projects we may acquire in the future are subject to hazards and risks inherent in the mining industry. These risks, include, but are not limited to, rock falls, rock bursts, collapses, seismic activity, flooding, environmental pollution, mechanical equipment failure, facility performance issues, and periodic disruption due to inclement or hazardous weather conditions. Such risks could result in personal injury or fatality, damage to equipment or infrastructure, environmental damage, delays, suspensions or permanent cessation of activities, monetary losses and possible legal liability.

 

Our mining, processing, development and exploration activities depend on adequate infrastructure. Mining, processing, development and exploration activities depend, to one degree or another, on adequate infrastructure. Reliable roads, bridges, power sources and water supply are important determinants that affect capital and operating costs. Unusual or infrequent weather phenomena, sabotage and government or other interference in the maintenance or provision of such infrastructure could adversely affect our operations, financial condition and results of operations.

 

The validity of our title to the Estelle Gold Project and future mineral properties may be disputed by others claiming title to all or part of such properties.

 

The acquisition of title to mineral properties is a very detailed and time-consuming process. Title to, and the area of, mineral concessions may be disputed. Although we believe we have taken reasonable measures to ensure proper title to our interests in our properties, there is no guarantee that title to any such properties will not be challenged or impaired. Third parties may have valid claims underlying portions of our interests, including prior unregistered liens, agreements, transfers or claims and title may be affected by, among other things, undetected defects. In addition, we may be unable to operate on such properties as permitted or to enforce its rights with respect to such properties.

 

20
 

 

We may in the future enter into transactions with related parties and such transactions present possible conflicts of interest.

 

We may in the future enter into transactions with related parties and such transactions present possible conflicts of interest. Related parties may have interests in such transactions that do not align with the interests of our security holders. There can be no assurance that we may have been able to achieve more favorable terms, including as to value and other key terms, if such transaction had not been with a related party.

 

We may in the future enter into transactions with entities in which our board of directors and other related parties hold ownership interests. Material transactions with related parties after this offering, if any, will be reviewed and approved by our audit committee, which is comprised solely of independent directors. Nevertheless, there can be no assurance that any such transactions will result in terms that are more favorable to us than if such transactions are not entered into with related parties. Furthermore, we may achieve more favorable terms if such transactions had not been entered into with related parties and, in such case, these transactions, individually or in the aggregate, may have an adverse effect on our business, financial position and results of operations.

 

We face various risks related to health epidemics, pandemics or other health crises, which may have material adverse effects on our business, financial position, results of operations and/or cash flows.

 

An outbreak of epidemics, pandemics or other health crises, such as COVID-19 and the subsequent response by government and private actors to such health crises could result in a materially adverse effect on our business, operations and financial condition. As at the date of the date hereof, the COVID-19 pandemic and efforts to control its spread is no longer a global threat. Emergency measures imposed by governments on businesses and individuals, including quarantines, travel restrictions, social-distancing, closures of non-essential businesses and shelter-in-place orders, among other measures, have impacted and may further impact our workforce and operations.

 

The health epidemics such as the recently passed COVID-19 pandemic may lead to risks to employee health and safety and may result in a slowdown or temporary suspension of any exploration activities at the Estelle Gold Project. Our conduct of exploration and development programs may be impacted or delayed due to limitation on employee mobility, travel restrictions and shelter-in-place orders, which may restrict or prevent our ability to access its mineral properties. Any such limitations, restrictions and orders may have a material adverse effect upon ongoing exploration programs at our mineral properties and, ultimately, on our business and financial condition.

 

While these effects are expected to be temporary, the duration of the disruptions to business internationally and the related financial impact cannot be estimated with any degree of certainty at this time. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to rapidly evolve and the extent to which it may impact our business, financial condition and results of operations, as well as our plans relating to exploration expenditures and other discretionary items, will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted with confidence.

 

The outbreak of COVID-19 has caused, and may cause further, disruptions to our business and operational plans. Such disruptions may result from: (i) restrictions that governments and communities impose to address the COVID-19 outbreak; (ii) restrictions that we and our contractors and subcontractors impose to ensure the safety of employees and others; (iii) shortages of employees and/or unavailability of contractors and subcontractors; and/or (iv) interruption of supplies from third parties upon which the Company relies. Further, it is presently not possible to predict the extent or durations of these disruptions. These disruptions may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations, which could be rapid and unexpected.

 

Increasing attention to ESG matters and conservation measures may adversely impact our business.

 

Increasing attention to, and societal expectations on companies to address, climate change and other environmental and social impacts and investor and societal expectations regarding voluntary ESG disclosures may result in increased costs and reduced access to capital. While we may announce various voluntary ESG targets in the future, such targets are aspirational. Also, we may not be able to meet such targets in the manner or on such a timeline as initially contemplated, including, but not limited to, as a result of unforeseen costs or technical difficulties associated with achieving such results.

 

In addition, organizations that provide information to investors on corporate governance and related matters have developed ratings processes for evaluating companies on their approach to ESG matters. Unfavorable ESG ratings could lead to increased negative investor sentiment toward us and could impact our access to and costs of capital. Additionally, to the extent ESG matters negatively impact our reputation, we may not be able to compete as effectively to recruit or retain employees, which may adversely impact our business. Increased focus by stakeholders, regulators and others on ESG related matters may result in increased permitting requirements and delays in the future. Additionally, we may become subject to misinformation campaigns related to ESG and other matters which may require substantial management time and expense to address and could negatively impact community sentiment regarding the applicable project or delay expected development timelines.

 

21
 

 

We rely on third-party contractors.

 

As we continue with the exploration and advancement of the Estelle Gold Project and any other projects we may acquire in the future, timely and cost-effective completion of work will depend largely on the performance of our contractors. If any of these contractors or consultants do not perform to accepted or expected standards, we may be required to hire different contractors to complete tasks, which may impact schedules and add costs to the Estelle Gold Project and any other projects we may acquire in the future, and in some cases, lead to significant risks and losses. A major contractor default or the failure to properly manage contractor performance could have an adverse effect on our results.

 

We rely on information technology systems and any inadequacy, failure, interruption or security breaches of those systems may harm our reputation and ability to effectively operate our business.

 

Our operations depend on information technology (“IT”) systems. These IT systems could be subject to network disruptions caused by a variety of sources, including computer viruses, security breaches and cyber-attacks, as well as disruptions resulting from incidents such as cable cuts, damage to physical plants, natural disasters, terrorism, fire, power loss, vandalism and theft. Our operations also depend on the timely maintenance, upgrade and replacement of networks, equipment, IT systems and software, as well as pre-emptive expenses to mitigate the risks of failures. Any of these and other events could result in IT system failures, delays and/or increase in capital expenses. The failure of IT systems or a component of information systems could, depending on the nature of any such failure, adversely impact our reputation and results of operations.

 

Although to date we have not experienced any material losses relating to cyber-attacks or other information security breaches, there can be no assurance that we will not incur such losses in the future. Our risk and exposure to these matters cannot be fully mitigated because of, among other things, the evolving nature of these threats. As a result, cyber security and the continued development and enhancement of controls, processes and practices designed to protect systems, computers, software, data and networks from attack, damage or unauthorized access remain a priority. As cyber threats continue to evolve, we may be required to expend additional resources to continue to modify or enhance protective measures or to investigate and remediate any security vulnerabilities.

 

Global financial markets can have a profound impact on the global economy in general and on the mining industry in particular.

 

Many industries, including the precious metals mining industry, are impacted by volatile market conditions. Global financial conditions remain subject to sudden and rapid destabilization in response to economic shocks. A slowdown in the financial markets or other economic conditions, including but not limited to consumer spending, employment rates, business conditions, inflation, fluctuations in fuel and energy costs, consumer debt levels, lack of available credit, the state of financial markets, interest rates and tax rates may adversely affect our growth and financial condition. Any sudden or rapid destabilization of global economic conditions could impact our ability to obtain equity or debt financing in the future on favorable terms or at all. In such an event, our operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.

 

The volatility in gold and other commodity prices may adversely affect any future operations and, if warranted, our ability to develop our properties.

 

We are exposed to commodity price risk. The price of gold or other commodities fluctuates widely and may be affected by numerous factors beyond our control, including, but not limited to, the sale or purchase of commodities by various central banks and financial institutions, interest rates, exchange rates, inflation or deflation, global and regional supply and demand, and political and economic climates and conditions of major mineral-producing countries around the world.

 

Declines in the market price of gold, base metals and other minerals may adversely affect our ability to raise capital or attract joint venture partners in order to fund our ongoing operations and meet obligations under option and other agreements underlying our mineral interests. Commodity price declines could also reduce the amount we would receive on the disposition of the Estelle Gold Project to a third party. In addition, the decision to put a mine into production and to commit the funds necessary for that purpose must be made long before the first revenue from production would be received. A decrease in the price of gold may prevent a property from being economically mined or result in the write-off of assets whose value is impaired as a result of lower gold prices.

 

22
 

 

The mining industry is intensely competitive in all of its phases, and we compete with many companies possessing greater financial and technical resources.

 

The mining industry is intensely competitive in all of its phases, and we compete with many companies possessing greater financial and technical resources. Competition in the precious metals mining industry is primarily for: (i) mineral rich properties that can be developed and produced economically; (ii) technical expertise to find, develop, and operate such properties; (iii) labor to operate the properties; and capital for the purpose of funding such properties. Many competitors not only explore for and mine precious metals but conduct refining and marketing operations on a global basis. Such competition may result in being unable to acquire desired properties, to recruit or retain qualified employees or to acquire the capital necessary to fund its operations and develop mining properties. Existing or future competition in the mining industry could materially adversely affect our prospects for mineral exploration and success in the future.

 

We may be adversely affected by the effects of inflation.

 

Although inflation in the United States has been relatively low in recent years, it rose significantly beginning in the second half of 2021. This is primarily believed to be the result of the economic impact from global armed conflict and the COVID-19 pandemic, including the effects of global supply chain disruptions, strong economic recovery and associated widespread demands for goods and government stimulus packages, among other factors. The existence of inflation in the economy has resulted in, and may continue to result in, higher interest rates and capital costs, shipping costs, supply shortages, increased costs of labor, weakening exchange rates, and other similar effects. Our ability to conduct exploration of the Estelle Gold Project is dependent on the acquisition of goods and services at a reasonable cost, such as drilling equipment and skilled labor, assay laboratory testing in a timeframe that allows us to execute on follow-up exploration phases expeditiously, and aircraft (fixed wing and helicopter) charter service availability to mobilize labor, position equipment and supply exploration campaigns. If we are unable to take effective measures in a timely manner to mitigate the impact of the inflation, the scope of our exploration of the Estelle Gold Project may decrease and our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be adversely affected.

 

We are currently operating in a period of economic uncertainty and capital markets disruptions, which have been significantly impacted by geopolitical instability due to the ongoing military conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

 

United States and other global markets are experiencing volatility and disruption following the escalation of geopolitical tensions and the start of the military conflict between Russia and Ukraine. On February 24, 2022, a full-scale military invasion of Ukraine by Russian troops was reported. Although the length and impact of the ongoing military conflict is highly unpredictable, the conflict in Ukraine could lead to market disruptions, including significant volatility in commodity prices, credit and capital markets, as well as supply chain interruptions. In addition, Russian military actions and the resulting sanctions could adversely affect the global economy and financial markets and lead to instability and lack of liquidity in capital markets, potentially making it more difficult for us to obtain additional funds.

 

Any of the above-mentioned factors could affect our business, prospects, financial condition, and operating results. The extent and duration of the military action, sanctions and resulting market disruptions are impossible to predict, but could be substantial. Any such disruptions may also magnify the impact of other risks described in this prospectus. If we fail to maintain effective internal controls over financial reporting, the price of securities may be adversely affected.

 

If we fail to maintain effective internal controls over financial reporting, the price of securities may be adversely affected.

 

We may fail to maintain the adequacy of our internal controls over financial reporting as such standards are modified, supplemented or amended from time to time, and we cannot ensure that we will conclude on an ongoing basis that it has effective internal controls over financial reporting. Our failure to satisfy the requirements of applicable legislation on an ongoing, timely basis could result in the loss of investor confidence in the reliability of its financial statements, which in turn could harm our business and negatively impact the trading price and market value of its shares or other securities. In addition, any failure to implement required new or improved controls, or difficulties encountered in their implementation, could harm our operating results or cause it to fail to meet its reporting obligations.

 

We may fail to maintain the adequacy of its disclosure controls. Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that the information required to be disclosed by us in reports filed with securities regulatory agencies is recorded, processed, summarized and reported on a timely basis and is accumulated and communicated to our management, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

No evaluation can provide complete assurance that our financial and disclosure controls will detect or uncover all failures of persons within the company to disclose material information otherwise required to be reported. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance with respect to the reliability of financial reporting and financial statement preparation. The effectiveness of our controls and procedures could also be limited by simple errors or faulty judgements.

 

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Our results of operations could be affected by currency fluctuations.

 

We maintain accounts in currencies including the United States dollars and Australian dollars. While this offering is being conducted in United States dollars, we conduct our business using both the aforementioned currencies depending on the location of the operations in question and the payment obligations involved. Accordingly, the results of our operations are subject to currency exchange risks. To date, we have not engaged in any formal hedging program to mitigate these risks. The fluctuations in currency exchange rates may significantly impact our financial position and results of operations in the future.

 

We are dependent on key personnel and the absence of any of these individuals could adversely affect our business. We may experience difficulty attracting and retaining qualified personnel.

 

Our success is or will be dependent on a relatively small number of key management personnel, employees and consultants. Such skills and knowledge include the areas of permitting, geology, drilling, metallurgy, logistical planning, engineering and implementation of exploration programs, as well as finance and accounting. The loss of the services of one or more of such key management personnel could have a material adverse effect on our business. Our ability to manage our exploration and future development activities, and hence our success, will depend in large part on the efforts of these individuals. We face intense competition for qualified personnel, and there can be no assurance that we will be able to attract and retain such personnel.

 

Litigation or legal proceedings could expose us to significant liabilities and have a negative impact on our reputation or business.

 

From time to time, we may be party to various claims and litigation proceedings. All industries, including the mining industry, are subject to legal claims, with and without merit. Defense and settlement costs of legal claims can be substantial, even with respect to claims that have no merit. Due to the inherent uncertainty of the litigation process, the resolution of any particular legal proceeding to which we may become subject could have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or our mining, project development operations and may divert our management’s attention.

 

Certain of our directors and officers also serve as directors and officers of other companies involved in natural resource exploration and development, which may cause them to have conflicts of interest.

 

Certain of our directors and officers also serve as directors and/or officers of other companies involved in natural resource exploration and development and, consequently, there exists the possibility for such directors and officers to be in a position of conflict.

 

We expect that any decision made by any of such directors and officers involving our business will be made in accordance with their duties and obligations to deal fairly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of the company and our stockholders, but there can be no assurance in this regard.

 

There will be significant hazards associated with our mining activities, some of which may not be fully covered by insurance. To the extent we must pay the costs associated with such risks, our business may be negatively affected.

 

In the course of exploration, development and production of mineral properties, certain risks, and in particular, unexpected or unusual geological operating conditions including rock bursts, cave-ins, fires, flooding and earthquakes may occur. Such occurrences could result in damage to mineral properties or facilities thereon, personal injury or death, environmental damage to our properties or the properties of others, delays in mining, monetary losses and possible legal liability.

 

Although we maintain insurance to protect against certain risks in such amounts as we consider being reasonable, our insurance will not cover all of the potential risks associated with our operations. We may also be unable to maintain insurance to cover certain risks at economically feasible premiums. In addition, insurance coverage may not continue to be available or may not be adequate to cover any resulting liability. Should such liabilities arise, they could reduce or eliminate any future profitability and result in increasing costs and a decline in the value of our securities.

 

Moreover, insurance against risks such as environmental pollution or other hazards as a result of exploration and production is not generally available to companies in the mining industry on acceptable terms. As a result, we may become subject to liability for pollution or other hazards that may not be insured against. Losses from these events may cause us to incur significant costs that could have a material adverse effect upon our financial performance and results of operations.

 

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Capital and operating cost estimates made in respect of our current and future development projects and mines may not prove to be accurate.

 

Capital and operating cost estimates made in respect of our current and future development projects and mines may not prove to be accurate. Capital and operating costs are estimated based on the interpretation of geological data, feasibility studies, anticipated climatic conditions and other factors. Any of the following events, among the other events and uncertainties described herein, could affect the ultimate accuracy of such estimates: (i) unanticipated changes in grade and tonnage of ore to be mined and processed; (ii) incorrect data on which engineering assumptions are made; (iii) delay in construction schedules and unanticipated transportation costs; (iv) the accuracy of major equipment and construction cost estimates; (v) labor negotiations; (vi) changes in government regulation (including regulations regarding prices, cost of consumables, royalties, duties, taxes, permitting and restrictions on production quotas on exportation of minerals); and (vii) title claims.

 

Joint ventures and other partnerships may expose us to risks.

 

We may enter into joint ventures or partnership arrangements with other parties in relation to the exploration, development and production of the property in which we have an interest. Joint ventures can often require unanimous approval of the parties to the joint venture or their representatives for certain fundamental decisions such as an increase or reduction of registered capital, merger, division, dissolution, amendments of constating documents, and the pledge of joint venture assets, which means that each joint venture party may have a veto right with respect to such decisions which could lead to a deadlock in the operations of the joint venture. Further, we may be unable to exert control over strategic decisions made in respect of such properties. Any failure of such other companies to meet their obligations to us or to third parties, or any disputes with respect to the parties’ respective rights and obligations, could have a material adverse effect on the joint ventures or the property and therefore could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial performance, cash flows and the price of the ADSs.

 

Failure to comply with federal, state and/or local laws and regulations could adversely affect our business.

 

Our mining operations are subject to various laws and regulations governing exploration, development, production, taxes, labor standards and occupational health, mine safety, protection of endangered and protected species, toxic substances and explosives use, reclamation, exports, price controls, waste disposal and use, water use, forestry, land claims of local people, and other matters. This includes periodic review and inspection of our property that may be conducted by applicable regulatory authorities.

 

Although the exploration activities on our property have been and, we expect, will continue to be carried out in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations, there is no guarantee that new laws and regulations will not be enacted or that existing laws and regulations will not be applied in a way which could limit or curtail exploration or in the future, production. New laws and regulations or amendments to current laws and regulations governing the operations and activities of mining or more stringent implementation of existing laws and regulations could have a material adverse effect on us and cause increases in capital expenditures costs, or reduction in levels of exploration, development and/or production.

 

Failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations, even if inadvertent, may result in enforcement actions thereunder, 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. We may also be required to reimburse any parties affected by loss or damage caused by our mining activities and may have civil or criminal fines and/or penalties imposed against us for infringement of applicable laws or regulations.

 

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We may pursue opportunities to acquire complementary businesses, which could dilute our shareholders’ ownership interests, incur expenditure and have uncertain returns.

 

We may seek to expand through future acquisitions of either companies or properties, however, there can be no assurance that we will locate attractive acquisition candidates, or that we will be able to acquire such candidates on economically acceptable terms, if at all, or that we will not be restricted from completing acquisitions pursuant to contractual arrangements. Future acquisitions may require us to expend significant amounts of cash, resulting in our inability to use these funds for other business or may involve significant issuances of equity. Future acquisitions may also require substantial management time commitments, and the negotiation of potential acquisitions and the integration of acquired operations could disrupt our business by diverting management and employees’ attention away from day-to-day operations. The difficulties of integration may be increased by the necessity of coordinating geographically diverse organizations, integrating personnel with disparate backgrounds and combining different corporate cultures.

 

Any future acquisition involves potential risks, including, among other things: (i) mistaken assumptions and incorrect expectations about mineral properties, mineral resources and costs; (ii) an inability to successfully integrate any operation our company acquires; (iii) an inability to recruit, hire, train or retain qualified personnel to manage and operate the operations acquired; (iv) the assumption of unknown liabilities; (v) limitations on rights to indemnity from the seller; (vi) mistaken assumptions about the overall cost of equity or debt; (vii) unforeseen difficulties operating acquired projects, which may be in geographic areas new to us; and (viii) the loss of key employees and/or key relationships at the acquired project.

 

At times, future acquisition candidates may have liabilities or adverse operating issues that we may fail to discover through due diligence prior to the acquisition. If we consummate any future acquisitions with unanticipated liabilities or that fails to meet expectations, our business, results of operations, cash flows or financial condition may be materially adversely affected. The potential impairment or complete write-off of goodwill and other intangible assets related to any such acquisition may reduce our overall earnings and could negatively affect our balance sheet.

 

We currently report our financial results under IFRS, which differs in certain significant respect from U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

We report our financial statements under IFRS. There have been and there may in the future be certain significant differences between IFRS and U.S. GAAP, including differences related to revenue recognition, intangible assets, share-based compensation expense, income tax and earnings per share. As a result, our financial information and reported earnings for historical or future periods could be significantly different if they were prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. In addition, we do not intend to provide a reconciliation between IFRS and U.S. GAAP unless it is required under applicable law. As a result, you may not be able to meaningfully compare our financial statements under IFRS with those companies that prepare financial statements under U.S. GAAP.

 

The obligations associated with being a U.S. public company will require significant resources and management attention, and we will incur increased costs as a result of becoming a U.S. public company.

 

As a public company in both Australia and the U.S., we will face increased legal, accounting, administrative and other costs and expenses that we have not incurred previously, and we expect to incur additional costs related to operating as a U.S. public company. As a U.S. public company, we will be required to, among other things:

 

  prepare and file annual and other reports in compliance with the federal securities laws;
     
  expand the roles and duties of our board of directors and committees thereof and management;
     
  institute more comprehensive financial reporting and disclosure compliance procedures;
     
  involve and retain, to a greater degree, outside counsel and accountants to assist us with the activities listed above;
     
  build and maintain an investor relations function; and
     
  comply with the initial listing and maintenance requirements of the                  .

 

We also expect that being able to offer securities to the U.S. public will make it more expensive for us to obtain director and officer liability insurance, and we may be required to accept reduced coverage or incur substantially higher costs to obtain coverage. These increased costs may require us to divert a significant amount of money that we could otherwise use to expand our business and achieve our strategic objectives.

 

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There can be no guarantee that our interests in our property are free from any title defects.

 

We have taken all reasonable steps to ensure that we have proper title to our property. However, there can be no guarantee that our interests in our property are free from any title defects, as title to mineral rights involves certain intrinsic risks due to the potential problems arising from the unclear conveyance history characteristic of many mining projects. There is also the risk that material contracts between us and relevant government authorities will be substantially modified to the detriment of us or be revoked. There can be no assurance that our rights and title interests will not be challenged or impugned by third parties.

 

Our mining operations are dependent on the adequate and timely supply of water, electricity or other power supply, chemicals and other critical supplies.

 

Our exploration programs are dependent on the adequate and timely supply of water, electricity or other power supply, chemicals and other critical supplies. If we are unable to obtain the requisite critical supplies in time and at commercially acceptable prices or if there are significant disruptions in the supply of electricity, water or other inputs to our mining sites, our business performance and results of operations may experience material adverse effects.

 

Land reclamation requirements may be burdensome.

 

Land reclamation requirements are generally imposed on companies with mining operations or mineral exploration companies in order to minimize long term effects of land disturbance. Reclamation may include requirements to control dispersion of potentially deleterious effluents or reasonably re-establish pre-disturbance landforms and vegetation. In order to carry out reclamation obligations imposed on us in connection with exploration, potential development and production activities, we must allocate financial resources that might otherwise be spent on exploration and development programs. If we are required to carry out unanticipated reclamation work, our financial position could be adversely affected.

 

We are an “emerging growth company,” and any decision on our part to comply with certain reduced disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies could make the ADSs less attractive to investors.

 

We are an “emerging growth company” as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act (“JOBS Act”), and, for as long as we continue to be an emerging growth company, we may choose to take advantage of exemptions from various reporting requirements applicable to other public companies including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, not being required to comply with any new requirements adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, or the PCAOB, requiring mandatory audit firm rotation or a supplement to the auditor’s report in which the auditor would be required to provide additional information about the audit and the financial statements of the issuer, not being required to comply with any new audit rules adopted by the PCAOB after April 5, 2012 unless the SEC determines otherwise, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and shareholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. We could remain an emerging growth company until the earlier of: (i) the last day of the fiscal year in which we have total annual gross revenues of $1.235 billion or more; (ii) the last day of our fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of the date of our first sale of common equity securities pursuant to an effective registration statement; (iii) the date on which we have issued more than $1.0 billion in nonconvertible debt during the previous three years; or (iv) the date on which we are deemed to be a large accelerated filer. We cannot predict if investors will find the ADSs less attractive if we choose to rely on these exemptions. If some investors find the ADSs less attractive as a result of any choices to reduce future disclosure, there may be a less active trading market for the ADSs and our share price may be more volatile. Further, as a result of these scaled regulatory requirements, our disclosure may be more limited than that of other public companies and you may not have the same protections afforded to shareholders of such companies.

 

Section 107 of the JOBS Act also provides that an emerging growth company can take advantage of the extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), for complying with new or revised accounting standards. We have opted for taking advantage of the extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards pursuant to Section 107(b) of the JOBS Act.

 

Foreign private issuers are also exempt from certain more stringent executive compensation disclosure rules. Thus, even if we no longer qualify as an emerging growth company but remain a foreign private issuer, we will continue to be exempt from the more stringent compensation disclosures required of companies that are not emerging growth companies and will continue to be permitted to follow our home country practice on such matters.

 

Risks Related to this Offering and Ownership of the ADSs

 

There has been no prior market for the ADSs and an active and liquid market for the ADSs may fail to develop, which could harm the market price of the ADSs.

 

While our ordinary shares are listed on the ASX under the symbol “NVA” and quoted on the OTCQB market under the symbol “NVAAF” and Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol “QM3” prior to this offering, there has been no public market on a U.S. national securities exchange for the ADSs or ordinary shares. We intend to apply to list the ADSs on the                  under the symbol “NVAM”. There is no guarantee that                 , or any other exchange or quotation system, will permit the ADSs to be listed and traded. The closing of this offering is contingent upon the successful listing of the ADSs on the                       .

 

Even if the ADSs are approved for listing on the                    , a liquid public market for the ADSs may not develop. The initial public offering price for the ADSs has been determined by negotiation between us and the underwriters based upon several factors, including current market prices for our ordinary shares on the ASX, prevailing market conditions, our historical performance, estimates of our business potential and earnings prospects, and the market valuations of similar companies. The price at which the ADSs are traded after this offering may decline below the initial public offering price, meaning that you may experience a decrease in the value of your ADSs regardless of our operating performance or prospects.

 

The market price of the ADSs may fluctuate, and you could lose all or part of your investment.

 

After this offering, the market price for the ADSs is likely to be volatile, in part because our shares have not been traded on a U.S. national securities exchange. In addition, the market price of the ADSs may fluctuate significantly in response to several factors, most of which we cannot control, including:

 

     
  actual or anticipated variations in our operating results;
     
  increases in market interest rates that lead investors of the ADSs to demand a higher investment return;
     
  changes in earnings estimates;
     
  changes in market valuations of similar companies;
     
  current market prices for our ordinary shares on the ASX;
     
  actions or announcements by our competitors;

 

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  adverse market reaction to any increased indebtedness we may incur in the future;
     
  additions or departures of key personnel;
     
  actions by shareholders;
     
  speculation in the media, online forums, or investment community; and
     
  our intentions and ability to list the ADSs on the                and our subsequent ability to maintain such listing.

 

The public offering price of the ADSs has been determined by negotiations between us and the underwriters based upon many factors and may not be indicative of prices that will prevail following the closing of this offering. Volatility in the market price of the ADSs may prevent investors from being able to sell their ADSs at or above the initial public offering price. As a result, you may suffer a loss on your investment.

 

We may not be able to satisfy listing requirements of the                    or obtain or maintain a listing of the ADSs.

 

If the ADSs are listed on the                    , we must meet certain financial and liquidity criteria to maintain such listing. If we violate                     listing requirements, the ADSs may be delisted. If we fail to meet any of                     ’s listing standards, the ADSs may be delisted. In addition, our board of directors may determine that the cost of maintaining our listing on a U.S. national securities exchange outweighs the benefits of such listing. A delisting of the ADSs may materially impair our shareholders’ ability to buy and sell the ADSs and could have an adverse effect on the market price of, and the efficiency of the trading market for, the ADSs. The delisting of the ADSs could significantly impair our ability to raise capital and the value of your investment.

 

Purchasers of ADSs will not directly hold our ordinary shares.

 

A holder of ADSs will not be treated as one of our shareholders and will not have direct shareholder rights. Our constitution and Australian law govern our shareholder rights. The depositary, through the custodian or the custodian’s nominee, will be the holder of the ordinary shares underlying ADSs held by purchasers of ADSs in this offering. Purchasers of ADSs in this offering will have ADS holder rights. The deposit agreement among us, the depositary and purchasers of ADSs in this offering, as an ADS holder, and all other persons directly and indirectly holding ADSs, sets out ADS holder rights, as well as the rights and obligations of us and the depositary.

 

Your right as a holder of ADSs to participate in any future preferential subscription rights offering or to elect to receive dividends in ordinary shares may be limited, which may cause dilution to your holdings.

 

The deposit agreement provides that the depositary will not make rights available to you unless the distribution to ADS holders of both the rights and any related securities are either registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) or exempted from registration under the Securities Act. If we offer holders of our ordinary shares the option to receive dividends in either cash or shares, under the deposit agreement the depositary may require satisfactory assurances from us that extending the offer to holders of ADSs does not require registration of any securities under the Securities Act before making the option available to holders of ADSs. We are under no obligation to file a registration statement with respect to any such rights or securities or to endeavor to cause such a registration statement to be declared effective. Moreover, we may not be able to establish an exemption from registration under the Securities Act. Accordingly, ADS holders may be unable to participate in our rights offerings or to elect to receive dividends in shares and may experience dilution in their holdings. In addition, if the depositary is unable to sell rights that are not exercised or not distributed or if the sale is not lawful or reasonably practicable, it will allow the rights to lapse, in which case you will receive no value for these rights.

 

You may not be able to exercise your right to vote the ordinary shares underlying your ADSs.

 

Holders of ADSs may exercise voting rights with respect to the ordinary shares represented by the ADSs only in accordance with the provisions of the deposit agreement. The deposit agreement provides that, upon receipt of notice of any meeting of holders of our ordinary shares, the depositary will fix a record date for the determination of ADS holders who shall be entitled to give instructions for the exercise of voting rights. Upon timely receipt of notice from us, if we so request, the depositary shall distribute to the holders as of the record date (i) the notice of the meeting or solicitation of consent or proxy sent by us and (ii) a statement as to the manner in which instructions may be given by the holders.

 

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You may instruct the depositary to vote the ordinary shares underlying your ADSs. Otherwise, you will not be able to exercise your right to vote, unless you withdraw the ordinary shares underlying the ADSs you hold. However, you may not know about the meeting far enough in advance to withdraw those ordinary shares. If we ask for your instructions, the depositary, upon timely notice from us, will notify you of the upcoming vote and arrange to deliver our voting materials to you and will try to vote ordinary shares as you instruct. We cannot guarantee that you will receive the voting materials in time to ensure that you can instruct the depositary to vote your ordinary shares or to withdraw your ordinary shares so that you can vote them yourself. If we do not ask for your instructions, you can still send voting instructions to the depository and the depository may try to carry out those instructions, but it is not required to do so.

 

You may be subject to limitations on the transfer of your ADSs and the withdrawal of the underlying ordinary shares.

 

Your ADSs are transferable on the books of the depositary. However, the depositary may close its books at any time or from time to time when it deems expedient in connection with the performance of its duties. The depositary may refuse to deliver, transfer or register transfers of your ADSs generally when our books or the books of the depositary are closed, or at any time if we or the depositary think it is advisable to do so because of any requirement of law, government or governmental body, or under any provision of the deposit agreement, or for any other reason subject to your right to surrender your ADSs and receive the underlying ordinary shares. Temporary delays in the surrendering of your ADSs and receipt of the underlying ordinary shares may arise because the depositary has closed its transfer books or we have closed our transfer books, the transfer of ordinary shares is blocked to permit voting at a shareholders’ meeting or we are paying a dividend on our ordinary shares. In addition, you may not be able to surrender your ADSs and receive the underlying ordinary shares when you owe money for fees, taxes and similar charges and when it is necessary to prohibit withdrawals in order to comply with any laws or governmental regulations that apply to ADSs or to the withdrawal of ordinary shares or other deposited securities. See “Description of American Depositary Shares” for more information.

 

Holders of ADSs are not treated as holders of our ordinary shares.

 

By participating in this offering, you will become a holder of ADSs with underlying ordinary shares in an Australian public listed company. Holders of ADSs are not treated as holders of our ordinary shares, unless they surrender the ADSs to receive the ordinary shares underlying their ADSs in accordance with the deposit agreement and applicable laws and regulations. The depositary is the holder of the ordinary shares underlying the ADSs. Holders of ADSs therefore do not have any rights as holders of our ordinary shares, other than the rights that they have pursuant to the deposit agreement. See “Description of American Depositary Shares” for more information.

 

You will experience immediate and substantial dilution as a result of this offering.

 

As of December 31, 2023, our pro forma net tangible book value was approximately US$          , or approximately US$           per ADS (using the ratio of            ordinary shares to one ADS). Since the effective price per share of the ADSs being offered in this offering is substantially higher than the net tangible book value per ADS, you will suffer substantial dilution with respect to the pro forma net tangible book value of the ADSs you purchase in this offering. Based on the assumed public offering price of US$ per ADS being sold in this offering, and our pro forma net tangible book value per ADS as of December 31, 2023 if you purchase ADS in this offering, you will suffer immediate and substantial dilution of US$           per ADS (or US$           per ADS if the underwriters exercise the over-allotment option in full) with respect to the pro forma net tangible book value of the ADSs. See the section titled “Dilution” for a more detailed discussion of the dilution you will incur if you purchase shares in this offering.

 

We are a foreign private issuer within the meaning of the rules under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as such we are exempt from certain provisions applicable to U.S. domestic public companies.

 

Because we qualify as a foreign private issuer under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), we are exempt from certain provisions of the securities rules and regulations in the United States that are applicable to U.S. domestic issuers, including:

 

  the rules under the Exchange Act requiring the filing with the SEC of quarterly reports on Form 10-Q or current reports on Form 8-K;
     
  the sections of the Exchange Act regulating the solicitation of proxies, consents, or authorizations in respect of a security registered under the Exchange Act;
     
  the sections of the Exchange Act requiring insiders to file public reports of their stock ownership and trading activities and liability for insiders who profit from trades made in a short period of time; and
     
  the selective disclosure rules by issuers of material nonpublic information under Regulation FD.

 

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Upon the completion of this offering, we will be required to file an annual report on Form 20-F within four months of the end of each fiscal year. In addition, we intend to publish our results on a quarterly basis as press releases, distributed pursuant to the rules and regulations of                  . Press releases relating to financial results and material events will also be furnished to the SEC on Form 6-K. However, the information we are required to file with or furnish to the SEC will be less extensive and less timely compared to that required to be filed with the SEC by U.S. domestic issuers. As a result, you may not be afforded the same protections or information that would be made available to you were you investing in a U.S. domestic issuer.

 

As a foreign private issuer, we are permitted to rely on exemptions from certain                     corporate governance standards applicable to domestic U.S. issuers. This may afford less protection to holders of the ADSs.

 

We are exempted from certain corporate governance requirements of                      by virtue of being a foreign private issuer. As a foreign private issuer, we are permitted to follow the governance practices of our home country in lieu of certain corporate governance requirements of                      . As a result, the standards applicable to us are considerably different than the standards applied to domestic U.S. issuers. For instance, we are not required to:

 

  have a majority of the board be independent (although all of the members of the audit committee must be independent under the Exchange Act); or
   
  have a compensation committee and a nominating committee to be comprised solely of “independent directors”.

 

As a result, our shareholders may not be provided with the benefits of certain corporate governance requirements of the                     . For example, a board with a majority of independent directors is generally better suited to provide oversight for a company’s chief executive officer than a board of non-independent directors. In addition, having more independent directors can result in enhanced third-party advice or expertise due to executives coming from different backgrounds and such directors are not expected to be subject to undue influence from the management team due to their lack of material relationships. Similar logic holds true for independent committees. Further, the reduced public reporting requirements may result in there being less publicly available information on us. As a result, some investors may find the ADSs less attractive and thus there may be a less active trading market for the ADSs.

 

Future issuances of the ADSs or ordinary shares or securities convertible into, or exercisable or exchangeable for, our ordinary shares, or the expiration of lock-up agreements that restrict the issuance of new ADSs or ordinary shares or the trading of outstanding ADSs or ordinary shares, could cause the market price of the ADS to decline and would result in the dilution of your holdings.

 

Future issuances of the ADSs or ordinary shares or securities convertible into, or exercisable or exchangeable for, our ordinary shares, or the expiration of lock-up agreements that restrict the issuance of new ADSs or ordinary shares or the trading of outstanding ADS or ordinary shares, could cause the market price of the ADSs to decline. We cannot predict the effect, if any, of future issuances of our securities, or the future expirations of lock-up agreements, on the price of the ADSs. In all events, future issuances of the ADSs or ordinary shares would result in the dilution of your holdings. In addition, the perception that new issuances of our securities could occur, or the perception that locked-up parties will sell their securities when the lock-ups expire, could adversely affect the market price of the ADSs. In connection with this offering, we, all of our directors and officers have entered into lock-up agreements with the underwriters, pursuant to which we and they have agreed with the underwriters, subject to certain exceptions, not to sell, transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any of the ADSs or ordinary shares or securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for our ordinary shares for a period of (i) 6 months after the closing of this offering in the case of our company, and (ii) 12 months after the date of this prospectus in the case of our directors and officers, as further described in the section titled “Underwriting.” In addition to any adverse effects that may arise upon the expiration of these lock-up agreements, the lock-up provisions in these agreements may be waived, at any time and without notice. If the restrictions under the lock-up agreements are waived, our ordinary shares may become available for resale, subject to applicable law, including without notice, which could reduce the market price for the ADSs.

 

ADS holders may not be entitled to a jury trial with respect to claims arising under the deposit agreement, which could result in less favorable outcomes to the plaintiff(s) in any such action.

 

The deposit agreement governing the ADSs representing our ordinary shares provides that, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, holders and beneficial owners of ADSs irrevocably waive the right to a jury trial of any claim that they may have against us or the depositary arising from or relating to our ordinary shares, the ADSs or the deposit agreement, including any claim under the U.S. federal securities laws. The waiver continues to apply to claims that arise during the period when a holder holds the ADSs, whether the ADS holder purchased the ADSs in this offering or secondary transactions even if the ADS holder subsequently withdraws the underlying ordinary shares. However, you will not be deemed, by agreeing to the terms of the deposit agreement, to have waived our or the depositary’s compliance with U.S. federal securities laws and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. In fact, you cannot waive our or the depositary’s compliance with U.S. federal securities laws and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

If we or the depositary opposed a demand for jury trial relying on the above-mentioned jury trial waiver, it is up to the court to determine whether such waiver is enforceable considering the facts and circumstances of that case in accordance with the applicable state and federal law. As such, any attempt to circumvent enforcement of a jury trial waiver provision could result in increased costs to bring a claim. It is advisable that you consult legal counsel regarding the jury waiver provision before entering into the deposit agreement.

 

If this jury trial waiver provision is prohibited by applicable law, an action could nevertheless proceed under the terms of the deposit agreement with a jury trial. To our knowledge, the enforceability of a jury trial waiver under the federal securities laws has not been finally adjudicated by a federal court or by the United States Supreme Court. Nonetheless, we believe that a jury trial waiver provision is generally enforceable under the laws of the State of New York, which govern the deposit agreement, by a federal or state court in the City of New York. In determining whether to enforce a jury trial waiver provision, New York courts will consider whether the visibility of the jury trial waiver provision within the agreement is sufficiently prominent such that a party has knowingly waived any right to trial by jury.

 

We believe that this is the case with respect to the deposit agreement and the ADSs. In addition, New York courts will not enforce a jury trial waiver provision in order to bar a viable setoff or counterclaim sounding in fraud or one which is based upon a creditor’s negligence in failing to liquidate collateral upon a guarantor’s demand, or in the case of an intentional tort claim, none of which we believe are applicable in the case of the deposit agreement or the ADSs. If you or any other holders or beneficial owners of ADSs bring a claim against us or the depositary relating to the matters arising under the deposit agreement or the ADSs, including claims under federal securities laws, you or such other holder or beneficial owner may not have the right to a jury trial regarding such claims, which may limit and discourage lawsuits against us or the depositary. If a lawsuit is brought against us or the depositary according to the deposit agreement, it may be heard only by a judge or justice of the applicable trial court, which would be conducted according to different civil procedures and may have different outcomes compared to that of a jury trial, including results that could be less favorable to the plaintiff(s) in any such action.

 

Moreover, as the jury trial waiver relates to claims arising out of or relating to the ADSs or the deposit agreement, we believe that, as a matter of construction of the clause, the waiver would likely continue to apply to ADS holders who purchased the ADSs in a secondary transaction or to ADS holders who withdraw the ordinary shares from the ADS facility with respect to claims arising before the cancelation of the ADSs and the withdrawal of the ordinary shares, and the waiver would most likely not apply to ADS holders who subsequently withdraw the ordinary shares represented by ADSs from the ADS facility with respect to claims arising after the withdrawal. However, to our knowledge, there has been no case law on the applicability of the jury trial waiver to ADS holders who withdraw the ordinary shares represented by the ADSs from the ADS facility.

 

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We are subject to risks associated with currency fluctuations, and changes in foreign currency exchange rates could impact our results of operations.

 

Our ordinary shares are quoted in Australian dollars on the ASX and the ADSs will be quoted in U.S. dollars. In the past year, the Australian dollar has generally weakened against the U.S. dollar; however, this trend may not continue and may be reversed. As such, any significant change in the value of the Australian dollar may have a negative effect on the value of the ADSs in U.S. dollars. In addition, if the Australian dollar weakens against the U.S. dollar, then, if we decide to convert our Australian dollars into U.S. dollars for any business purpose, appreciation of the U.S. dollar against the Australian dollar would have a negative effect on the U.S. dollar amount available to us. While we engage in limited hedging transactions to manage our foreign exchange risk, these activities may not be effective in limiting or eliminating foreign exchange losses. To the extent that we need to convert U.S. dollars we receive from this offering into Australian dollars for our operations, appreciation of the Australian dollar against the U.S. dollar would have a negative effect on the Australian dollar amount we would receive from the conversion. As a result of such foreign currency fluctuations, it could be more difficult to detect underlying trends in our business and results of operations.

 

U.S. investors may have difficulty enforcing civil liabilities against our company, our directors or members of senior management or executive officers and the experts named in this prospectus.

 

Certain members of our senior management, executive officers, and board of directors named in this prospectus are non-residents of the United States, and a substantial portion of the assets of such persons are located outside the United States. As a result, it may be impracticable to serve process on such persons in the United States or to enforce judgments obtained in U.S. courts against them based on civil liability provisions of the securities laws of the United States. Even if you are successful in bringing such an action, there is doubt as to whether Australian courts would enforce certain civil liabilities under U.S. securities laws in original actions or judgments of U.S. courts based upon these civil liability provisions. In addition, awards of punitive damages in actions brought in the United States or elsewhere may be unenforceable in Australia or elsewhere outside the United States. An award for monetary damages under U.S. securities laws would be considered punitive if it does not seek to compensate the claimant for loss or damage suffered and is intended to punish the defendant. The enforceability of any judgment in Australia will depend on the particular facts of the case as well as the laws and treaties in effect at the time. The United States and Australia do not currently have a treaty or statute providing for recognition and enforcement of the judgments of the other country (other than arbitration awards) in civil and commercial matters.

 

As a result, our U.S. public shareholders may have more difficulty in protecting their interests through actions against us, our management or our directors than would shareholders of a corporation incorporated in a jurisdiction in the United States. In addition, as a company incorporated in Australia, under the provisions of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), or the Corporations Act, regulate the circumstances in which shareholder derivative actions may be commenced which may be different, and in many ways less permissive, than for companies incorporated in the United States. For more information regarding the relevant laws of Australia, see “Enforceability of Civil Liabilities.”

 

There is a risk that we will be a passive foreign investment company for any taxable year, which could result in adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. investors in our securities.

 

In general, a non-U.S. corporation is a passive foreign investment company, or PFIC, for any taxable year in which (i) 75% or more of its gross income consists of passive income or (ii) 50% or more of the average quarterly value of its assets consists of assets that produce, or are held for the production of, passive income. For purposes of the above calculations, a non-U.S. corporation that owns at least 25% by value of the shares of another corporation is treated as if it held its proportionate share of the assets of the other corporation and received directly its proportionate share of the income of the other corporation. Passive income generally includes dividends, interest, rents, royalties and certain gains. Cash is a passive asset for these purposes.

 

Based on the expected composition of our income and assets and the value of our assets, including goodwill, which is based on the expected price of the ADSs in this offering, we do not believe we are a PFIC for our current taxable year. However, the PFIC classification is factual in nature, and generally cannot be determined until the close of the tax year in question. Additionally, the analysis depends, in part, on the application of complex U.S. federal income tax rules, which are subject to differing interpretations. Consequently, there can be no assurances regarding our PFIC status for our current taxable year or any future taxable year.

 

If we were a PFIC for any taxable year during which a U.S. investor holds ADSs, certain adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences could apply to such U.S. investor. See “Material United States Income Tax and Australian Income Tax Considerations—U.S. Federal Income Taxation Considerations—Passive Foreign Investment Company Consequences” for additional information.

 

31
 

 

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This prospectus contains forward-looking statements that are based on our management’s beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to us. All statements other than statements of historical facts are forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are contained principally in, but not limited to, the sections entitled “Prospectus Summary,” “Risk Factors,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Business.” These statements relate to future events or to our future financial performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about:

 

  our goals and strategies;
  expectations regarding revenue, expenses and operations;
  our having sufficient working capital and be able to secure additional funding necessary for the continued exploration of our property interests;
  expectations regarding the potential mineralization, geological merit and economic feasibility of our property;
  expectations regarding exploration results at our property;
  mineral exploration and exploration program cost estimates;
  expectations regarding any environmental issues that may affect planned or future exploration programs and the potential impact of complying with existing and proposed environmental laws and regulations;
  receipt and timing of exploration permits and other third-party approvals;
  government regulation of mineral exploration and development operations;
  expectations regarding any social or local community issues that may affected planned or future exploration and development programs; and
  key personnel continuing their employment with us.

 

In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as “may,” “could,” “will,” “should,” “would,” “expect,” “plan,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “project” or “continue” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. These statements are only predictions. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which are, in some cases, beyond our control and which could materially affect results. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things, those listed under the heading “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this prospectus. If one or more of these risks or uncertainties occur, or if our underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual events or results may vary significantly from those implied or projected by the forward-looking statements. No forward-looking statement is a guarantee of future performance.

 

This prospectus also contains certain data and information, which we obtained from various government and private publications. Although we believe that the publications and reports are reliable, we have not independently verified the data. Statistical data in these publications includes projections that are based on a number of assumptions. If any one or more of the assumptions underlying the market data is later found to be incorrect, actual results may differ from the projections based on these assumptions.

 

The forward-looking statements made in this prospectus relate only to events or information as of the date on which the statements are made in this prospectus. Although we will become a public company after this offering and have ongoing disclosure obligations under United States federal securities laws, we do not intend to update or otherwise revise the forward-looking statements in this prospectus, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

32
 

 

USE OF PROCEEDS

 

After deducting the estimated underwriters’ commissions and offering expenses payable by us, we expect to receive net proceeds of approximately US$           from this offering (or approximately US$           if the underwriters exercise the over-allotment option in full), based on an assumed public offering price of US$           per ADS (which is the midpoint of the estimated offering range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus).

 

Each US$1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial offering price of US$           per ADS would increase (decrease) the net proceeds to us from this offering by approximately US$           million, assuming the number of ADSs offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same and after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. Similarly, an increase (decrease) of 1,000,000 ADSs offered by us would increase (decrease) the net proceeds to us by US$           million, assuming the assumed initial public offering price of US$     per ADS remains the same and after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions.

 

The principal purposes of this offering are to provide capital to the Company to carry out the planned exploration and development activities on our Estelle Gold Project. The following table sets forth the intended use of the funds, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and the estimated offering expenses payable by us.

 

Use of Proceeds   Amount (USD)
     
Resource and exploration field programs   50% of net proceeds

-   Diamond drilling – RPM resource infill/step-out, RC scout follow up

-   RC drilling (Nova owned rig) – Trumpet, Shoeshine, Muddy Creek, RPM, Stibium scout holes

-   Surface exploration programs

 
     

Feasibility studies

  20% of net proceeds
-   Process/metallurgy – heap leach, ore sorting, flow sheet optimization    
-   Environmental – Ongoing hydro surface/groundwater, wetlands, Geochem, fish, meteorology    
-   Resource estimation    
-   Mining studies    
-   Access infrastructure – Lidar, road design/survey/alignment construct    
-   Bi-product/critical minerals extraction    
     
General working capital   30% of net proceeds

 

The expected use of net proceeds of this offering represents our current intentions based upon our present plan and business conditions. As of the date of this prospectus, we cannot specify with certainty all of the particular uses for the net proceeds to be received upon the completion of this offering. We will have broad discretion in the application of the net proceeds in the category of “resource and exploration field programs” and investors will be relying on our judgment regarding the application of the proceeds of this offering. Depending on the outcome of our business activities and other unforeseen events, our plans and priorities may change and we may apply the net proceeds of this offering in different proportions than we currently anticipate.

 

Accordingly, all allocations will be at the sole discretion of our management and board of directors. See “Risk Factors.”

 

We may also use a portion of the net proceeds and our existing cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, to in-license, acquire, or invest in complementary businesses, technologies, products, or assets. However, we have no current commitments or obligations to do so.

 

Pending our use of the net proceeds from this offering, we may invest the net proceeds in a variety of capital preservation investments, including short-term, investment grade, interest bearing instruments and U.S. government securities.

 

DIVIDEND POLICY

 

We have never declared or paid cash dividends on our ordinary shares. We currently intend to retain all available funds and any future earnings for use in the operation of our business and do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our ordinary shares in the near future. We may also enter into credit agreements or other borrowing arrangements in the future that will restrict our ability to declare or pay cash dividends on our ordinary shares. Any future determination to declare dividends will be made at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on our financial condition, operating results, capital requirements, contractual restrictions, general business conditions and other factors that our board of directors may deem relevant.

 

33
 

 

CAPITALIZATION

 

The following table sets forth our capitalization as of December 31, 2023:

 

  on an actual basis;
     
 

on a pro forma basis to give effect to the issuance of an aggregate of (i) 2,083,336 ordinary shares in a placement on April 12, 2024 for which the Company received aggregate net proceeds of approximately $490,000 and (ii) 102 ordinary shares issued on the exercise of unquoted options in February 2024 and April 2024;

     
  on an as adjusted basis to reflect the sale of           ADSs by us in this offering at an assumed price to the public of US$           per ADS, which is the midpoint of the estimated offering range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, after deducting underwriter commissions and our estimated other offering expenses.

 

You should read this information in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus, the information set forth in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and other financial information contained elsewhere in this prospectus.

 

The conversion from A$ into US$ was made at the exchange rate as of December 31, 2023, on which US$1.00 equaled A$1.46199. The use of US$ is solely for the convenience of the reader.

 

   As of December 31, 2023 
   Actual   Pro Forma   As Adjusted (1) (2) 
   A$   US$   A$   US$   A$   US$ 
Total cash   6,228,229    4,260,103    6,718,229    4,595,263                         
Share capital: 210,889,961 ordinary shares, no par value, outstanding, actual; 212,973,399 ordinary shares, no par value outstanding pro forma, and               ordinary shares, no par value, outstanding, pro forma as adjusted   142,986,671    97,802,770    143,486,742    98,144,818         
Accumulated profit (losses)   (59,128,334)   (40,443,734)   (59,128,334)   (40,443,734)        
Foreign currency reserves   2,567,347    1,756,063    2,567,347    1,756,063           
Non-controlling interest   7,500,616    5,130,415    7,500,616    5,130,415           
Share based payment reserves   8,822,883    6,034,845    8,822,883    6,034,845           
Total equity   102,749,183    70,280,360    103,239,183    70,615,519           
Total capitalization   102,749,183    70,280,360    103,239,183    70,615,519           

 

(1) Each US$1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price of US$           per ADS, after giving effect to the ADS-to-ordinary share ratio of 1-to-●, would increase (decrease) each of cash, share capital, total equity and total capitalization by approximately A$           million (or US$           million), assuming the number of ADSs offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same, and after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. Similarly, an increase (decrease) of 1,000,000 ADSs offered by us would increase (decrease) each of cash, share capital, total equity and total capitalization by approximately A$           million (or US$           million), assuming the assumed initial public offering price of US$           per ADS, after giving effect to the ADS-to-ordinary share ratio of 1-to-●, remains the same, and after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions. The pro forma as adjusted information is illustrative only and will depend on the actual initial public offering price, number of ADSs offered and other terms of this offering determined at pricing.

 

(2) The outstanding ordinary share information in the table above is based on 210,889,961 ordinary shares outstanding as of December 31, 2023, includes on a pro forma basis the issuance of 2,083,336 ordinary shares in a placement on April 12, 2024 and 102 ordinary shares issued on the exercise of unquoted options in February 2024 and April 2024 and excludes (i) 25,322,250 ordinary shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options as of December 31, 2023, with a weighted-average exercise price of A$0.96 per ordinary share; (ii) up to 3,496,804 ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of options with an exercise price of A$1.00 and an expiration date of June 30, 2025 (which options are not currently outstanding but are issuable upon exercise of 6,993,608 outstanding options with an exercise price of A$0.70, and with an expiry date of April 30, 2024) (iii) 8,250,000 ordinary shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options under our employee share option plan at a weighted average exercise price of A$1.20; (iv) 11,750,000 further options that are available for issuance under our employee share option plan; (v) ordinary shares issuable upon conversion of US$5,420,934 (A$        in principal (including original issue discount and capitalized interest) under the Nebari convertible loan facility (based on a A$         fixed conversion price)); (vi) up to 1,200,000 ordinary shares that may be issued upon the achievement of certain milestones pursuant to Class A and Class B performance rights granted to certain directors; (vii) up to 1,200,000 ordinary shares that may be issued upon the achievement of certain milestones pursuant to Class C performance rights granted to certain directors and (viii) 2,083,333 new fully paid ordinary shares as part of the April 2024 placement to our Executive Directors & CEO, which will be issued subject to shareholder approval at a General Meeting of the Company expected to be held in May 2024.

 

34
 

 

DILUTION

 

If you invest in the ADSs in this offering, your ownership interest will be immediately diluted to the extent of the difference between the initial public offering price per ADS and the as adjusted net tangible book value per ordinary share or ADS immediately after this offering.

 

As of December 31, 2023, our historical net tangible book value was A$102,749,183 (or US$70,280,360), or A$0.49 (or US$0.33) per share based upon 210,889,961 shares of our common stock outstanding as of that date. Historical net tangible book value per share represents our total tangible assets less total liabilities, divided by the number of ordinary shares outstanding as of December 31, 2023.

 

Our pro forma net tangible book value as of December 31, 2023 was A$103,239,183 (or US$70,615,519), or A$0.49 (or US$0.33) per share. Pro forma net tangible book value represents the amount of our total tangible assets less total liabilities, after giving effect to the issuance of an aggregate of (i) 2,083,336 ordinary shares in a placement on April 12, 2024 for which the Company received aggregate net proceeds of approximately $490,000 and (ii) 102 ordinary shares issued on the exercise of unquoted options in February 2024 and April 2024.

 

After giving effect to the receipt of the net proceeds from our sale of ADSs in this offering at an assumed initial public offering price of US$           per ADS (which is the midpoint of the estimated offering range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus), after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us, our pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value as of December 31, 2023, was A$           million (or US$           million), or A$           (or US$           ) per ADS, equivalent to A$           (or US$           ) per ordinary share. This represents an immediate increase in pro forma net tangible book value of A$           (or US$           ) per ADS, equivalent to A$           or (US$           ) per ordinary share, to our existing shareholders and immediate dilution of A$           (or US$           ) per ADS, equivalent to A$           (US$           ) per ordinary share, to investors purchasing ADSs in this offering.

 

The following table illustrates this dilution on a per ADS basis:

 

Assumed initial public offering price per ADS       US$    
Historical pro forma net tangible book value per share as of December 31, 2023  US$0.33         
Increase in pro forma net tangible book value per ADS attributed to investors purchasing ADSs in this offering             
Pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per ADS after this offering             
Dilution in pro forma net tangible book value per ADS to investors in this offering       US$    

 

Each US$1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price of US$           per ADS would increase (decrease) the pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per ADS after this offering by US$           and dilution to investors in this offering by US$           per ADS, assuming that the number of ADSs offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same and after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions. An increase of 1,000,000 ADSs offered by us would increase the pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value by US$           per ADS and the dilution to investors in this offering would decrease by US$           per ADS, assuming the assumed initial public offering price remains the same and after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions. A decrease of 1,000,000 ADSs offered by us would decrease the pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value by US$           per ADS and the dilution to investors in this offering would increase by US$           per ADS, assuming the assumed initial public offering price remains the same and after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions.

 

If the representative of the underwriters exercises its option to purchase          additional ADSs in full, the pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value after the offering would be US$           per ADS, the increase in pro forma net tangible book value per ADS to existing shareholders would be US$           per ADS and the dilution per ADS to new investors in this offering would be US$           per ADS, in each case assuming an initial public offering price of US$           per ADS.

 

The following table summarizes on a pro forma, as adjusted basis, as of December 31, 2023:

 

  the total number of ordinary shares purchased from us by existing shareholders and the equivalent number of ordinary shares underlying ADSs purchased by investors in this offering;
     
  the total consideration paid to us by our existing shareholders and by investors purchasing ADSs in this offering, assuming an initial public offering price of US$           per ADS, before deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us in connection with this offering; and
     
  the average price per ordinary share paid by existing shareholders and the average price per ADS or equivalent number of ordinary shares.

 

35
 

 

   Ordinary Shares
(Directly or in the
Form of ADSs)
   Total Consideration  Average
Price Per
Share
   Average
Price per
ADS
 
   Number   Percent   Amount  Percent         
Existing shareholders   212,973,399             US$                 US$   US$  
Purchasers of ADSs            US$         US$              US$           
Total            US$    100   US$    US$  

 

If the representative of the underwriters exercises its option to purchase           additional ADSs in full, our existing shareholders will own           % and investors in this offering would own           % of the total number of ordinary shares outstanding (including shares underlying ADSs) upon the closing of this offering.

 

Each US$1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price of US$           per ADS, after giving effect to the ADS-to-ordinary share ratio of 1-to-             , would increase (decrease) the total consideration paid by investors in this offering by US$           million and increase (decrease) the total consideration paid by investors in this offering by           %, assuming that the number of ADSs offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same and before deducting underwriting discounts and commissions.

 

The outstanding ordinary share information in the table above is based on 210,889,961 ordinary shares outstanding as of December 31, 2023, includes the issuance of 2,083,336 ordinary shares in a placement on April 12, 2024 and 102 ordinary shares issued on the exercise of unquoted options in February 2024 and April 2024, and excludes (i) 25,322,250 ordinary shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options as of December 31, 2023, with a weighted-average exercise price of A$0.96 per ordinary share; (ii) up to 3,496,804 ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of options with an exercise price of A$1.00 and an expiration date of June 30, 2025 (which options are not currently outstanding but are issuable upon exercise of 6,993,608 outstanding options with an exercise price of A$0.70, and with an expiry date of April 30, 2024) (iii) 8,250,000 ordinary shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options under our employee share option plan at a weighted average exercise price of A$1.20; (iv) 11,750,000 further options that are available for issuance under our employee share option plan; (v)             ordinary shares issuable upon conversion of US$5,420,934 (A$            in principal (including original issue discount and capitalized interest) under the Nebari convertible loan facility (based on a A$            fixed conversion price)); (vi) up to 1,200,000 ordinary shares that may be issued upon the achievement of certain milestones pursuant to Class A and Class B performance rights granted to certain directors; (vii) up to 1,200,000 ordinary shares that may be issued upon the achievement of certain milestones pursuant to Class C performance rights granted to certain directors and (viii) 2,083,333 new fully paid ordinary shares as part of the April 2024 placement to our Executive Directors & CEO, which will be issued subject to shareholder approval at a General Meeting of the Company expected to be held in May 2024.

 

To the extent any outstanding options are exercised, there will be further dilution to investors purchasing in this offering.

 

36
 

 

SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

 

The following summary historical financial information should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in the prospectus and the information contained in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” below.

 

The selected consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income/(loss) data for the six months ended December 31, 2023, and 2022 and consolidated statement of financial position data as of December 31, 2023, have been derived from our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.

 

The selected consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income/(loss) data for the years ended June 30, 2023, and 2022 and consolidated statement of financial position data as of June 30, 2023, have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. Our audited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IFRS, as issued by the IASB, as of and for the years ended June 30, 2023, and 2022.

 

Financial statements prepared in compliance with IFRS are not comparable in all respects with financial statements that are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Our historical results for any period are not necessarily indicative of our future performance.

 

Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income Data

 

   For the six months ended December 31,  

For the year ended

June 30,

 
   2023   2022   2023   2022 
   A$   A$ 
Revenue   173,536    -    12,027    20,000 
Other income, gains and losses   (7,480,900)   (3,049,127)   (6,055,067)   39,613,276 
Expenses   (1,887,176)   (2,854,324)   (5,528,200)   (5,230,455)
(Loss)/Profit after income tax   (9,194,540)   (5,903,451)   (11,571,240)   (34,402,821)
Total comprehensive (loss)/income   (10,737,437)   (5,093,600)   (9,629,678)   38,097,293)
Basic (loss)/earnings per share(1)   (0.04)   (0.02)   (0.06)   0.20)
Diluted (loss)/earnings per share(1)   (0.04)   (0.02)   (0.06)   0.18)
Dividends per share   -    -    -    - 

 

(1)Adjusted to reflect the 10 for 1 consolidation of our ordinary shares on November 29, 2021.

 

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

 

   As of
December 31, 2023
 
   A$ 
Cash   6,228,229 
Total assets   110,698,323 
Total liabilities   7,949,140 
Net assets   102,749,183 
Accumulated profits/losses   (59,128,334)
Issued capital   142,986,671 
Foreign currency reserves   2,567,347 
Share-based payment reserve   8,822,883 
Non-controlling Interest   7,500,616 

 

37
 

 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) provides an analysis of our financial position and results of operations contained elsewhere within this prospectus. It summarizes the significant factors affecting our operating results, financial condition, liquidity and cash flows of our company as of and for the periods presented below. The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and the related notes thereto included elsewhere in this prospectus. The discussion contains forward-looking statements that are based on the beliefs of management, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, our management. Actual results could differ materially from those discussed in or implied by forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those discussed below and elsewhere in this prospectus, particularly in the sections titled “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”

 

The audited consolidated financial statements for the years ended June 30, 2023, and 2022 are prepared in conformity with IFRS. As permitted by the rules of the SEC for foreign private issuers, we do not reconcile our financial statements to U.S. GAAP.

 

Overview

 

We are an exploration stage company with its flagship project being the Estelle Gold Project located in Alaska. We also have, as of the date of this prospectus, a 32.5% ownership stake in Snow Lake Resources Ltd (Nasdaq: LITM), a 7.73% interest in Asra Minerals Ltd (ASX: ASR) and a 9.9% holding in Rotor X Aircraft Manufacturing.

 

This MD&A was prepared in conjunction with our unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for the six months ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 and our audited consolidated financial statements for the years ended June 30, 2023, and 2022.

 

Comparison of the six months ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

The following tables set forth our results of operations in Australian dollars for the six-month periods ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.
 

   For the six months ended December 31, 
   2023   2022 
   A$   A$ 
Interest income   173,536    - 
Other income, gains and losses   (7,480,900)   (3,049,127)
Administration expense   (1,240,671)   (1,324,845)
Contractors and consultants   (256,609)   (519,748)
Share based payments   (96,655)   (809,172)
Finance costs   (348,433)   (49,330)
Amortization of financial liability   55,192    (151,229)
(Loss)/Profit after income tax   (9,194,540)   (5,903,451)
Total comprehensive (loss)/income   (10,737,437)   (5,093,600)

 

Interest income

 

Interest income increased to A$173,536 in the six months ended December 31, 2023, from A$0 in the six months ended December 31, 2022, as a result of interest earned on the bank account balances.

 

Other income, gains and losses

 

Other income, gains and losses was a loss of A$7,480,900 in the six months ended December 31, 2023, compared to a loss of A$3,049,127 in the six months ended December 31, 2022, primarily as a result of a A$4,663,042 impairment in the holding value of the investment in Snow Lake Resources.

 

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Administration expense

 

Administration expense decreased to A$1,240,671 in the six months ended December 31, 2023, from A$1,324,845 in the six months ended December 31, 2022, as a result of a decrease in legal and office expenses.

 

Contractors and consultants

 

Contractors and consultants decreased to A$256,609 in the six months ended December 31, 2023, from A$519,748 in the six months ended December 31, 2022, due to lower corporate advisor fees during the period.

 

Share based payments

 

Share based payments decreased to A$96,655 in the six months ended December 31, 2023, from A$809,172 in the six months ended December 31, 2022, as a result of no options being issued to directors and consultants during the period. The 2023 amount represents the amortization of part of the options and performance rights which were issued to directors and consultants in previous years.

 

Finance costs

 

Finance costs increased to A$348,433 in the six months ended December 31, 2023, from A$49,330 in the six months ended December 31, 2022, as a result of the interest paid on the Nebari Gold Fund 1, LP (“Nebari”) convertible loan.

 

Amortization of financial liability

 

Amortization of financial liability decreased to A$55,192 in the six months ended December 31, 2023, from A$151,229 in the six months ended December 31, 2022, as a result of lower amortization costs relating to the Nebari convertible loan.

  

(Loss)/Profit after income tax

 

(Loss)/profit after income tax was a loss of A$9,194,540 in the six months ended December 31, 2023, compared to a loss of A$5,903,451 in the six months ended December 31, 2022, mainly as a result of the A$4,663,042 impairment in the holding value of the investment in Snow Lake Resources.

 

Total comprehensive (loss)/income

 

Total comprehensive loss increased to A$10,737,437 in the six months ended December 31, 2023, from a loss of A$5,093,600 in the six months ended December 31, 2022, mainly as a result of the A$4,663,042 impairment in the holding value of the investment in Snow Lake Resources.

 

Comparison of the fiscal years ended June 30, 2023 and 2022

 

The following tables set forth our results of operations in Australian dollars for the years ended June 30, 2023 and 2022.

 

   For the year ended June 30, 
   2023   2022 
   A$   A$ 
Interest income   12,027    20,000 
Other income, gains and losses   (6,055,067)   39,613,276 
Administration expense   (2,721,273)   (2,980,714)
Contractors and consultants   (739,380)   (907,623)
Share based payments   (780,235)   (1,200,053)
Finance costs   (359,031)   (142,065)
Amortization of financial liability   (928,281)   - 
(Loss)/Profit after income tax   (11,571,240)   34,402,821 
Total comprehensive (loss)/income   (9,629,678)   38,097,293 

 

Interest income

 

Interest income decreased to A$12,027 in fiscal year 2023 from A$20,000 in fiscal year 2022, as a result of decrease in interest paid.

 

Other income, gains and losses

 

Other income, gains and losses was a loss of A$(6,055,067) in fiscal year 2023 compared to a gain of A$39,613,276 in fiscal year 2022, because in 2022 there was a gain from the deconsolidation of Snow Lake Resources, net of subsequent impairment of the remaining investment in Snow Lake, accounted for using equity accounting.

 

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Administration expense

 

Administration expense decreased to A$2,721,273 in fiscal year 2023 from A$2,980,714 in fiscal year 2022, as a result of a decrease in legal, audit fees and administration expenses relating to Snow Lake Resources that was deconsolidated in 2022

 

Contractors and consultants

 

Contractors and consultants decreased to A$739,380 in fiscal year 2023 from A$907,623 in fiscal year 2022, as a result of a decrease in contractor expenses relating to Snow Lake Resources that was deconsolidated in 2022

 

Share based payments

 

Share based payments decreased to A$780,235 in fiscal year 2023 from A$1,200,053 in fiscal year 2022, as a result of a decrease in the amount of options and performance rights issued to directors.

 

Finance costs

 

Finance costs increased to A$359,031 in fiscal year 2023 from A$142,065 in fiscal year 2022, as a result of an increase in costs relating to the Nebari convertible loan.

 

Amortization of financial liability

 

Amortization of financial liability increased to A$928,281 in fiscal year 2023 from A$0 in fiscal year 2022, as a result of the amortization costs relating to the Nebari convertible loan.

 

(Loss/Profit) after income tax

 

(Loss)/Profit after income tax was a loss of A$(11,571,240) in fiscal year 2023 compared to a gain of A$34,402,821 in fiscal year 2022, as in 2022 there was a gain from the deconsolidation of Snow Lake Resources, net of subsequent impairment of the remaining investment in Snow Lake, accounted for using equity accounting.

 

Total comprehensive (loss)/income

 

Total comprehensive (loss)/income was to a loss of A$(9,629,678) in fiscal year 2023 compared to a gain of A$38,097,293 in fiscal year 2022, as in 2022 there was a gain from the deconsolidation of Snow Lake Resources, net of subsequent impairment of the remaining investment in Snow Lake, accounted for using equity accounting.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Since our inception, our operations have mainly been financed through the issuance of equity securities. Additional funding has come through interest earned from cash on term deposit, monetization of assets including the sale of a portion of our holding in Snow Lake Resources, and a US$5 million draw down on the convertible facility with Nebari in November 2022.

 

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Equity Issuances

 

The following table summarizes our issuances of ordinary shares for cash, share-based payments and executive and employee compensation in the last two fiscal years.

 

  

Fiscal

Year

  

Number of

Shares

  

Net

Proceeds

 
           (A$) 
Ordinary Shares (net of costs)   2022    12,109,091(1)   10,790,561 
Ordinary Shares (net of costs)   2023    30,687,676(1)   17,273,412 

 

  (1)

We performed a share consolidation on November 29, 2021, based on a 10:1 ratio. Amounts shown above are the number of shares issued post to the consolidation.

 

Capital Requirements

 

As of December 31, 2023, we had cash of A$6,228,229. On such date, our only capital commitment was the repayment of the Nebari convertible loan facility of US$5,420,934 due to mature on November 29, 2024. On March 6, 2024 we entered into a Variation Agreement, the terms of which are subject to shareholder approval, to amend the terms of the Nebari facility whereby we will have the option (but not the obligation) to extend the repayment date of the facility by 12 months to November 29, 2025. We do not have any other capital commitments in the next 12 months, and any future commitments for exploration activity will be dependent on the level of funds raised.

 

On April 12, 2024, we completed a placement of 2,083,336 new fully paid ordinary shares at an issue price of $0.24 per share to raise $500,000 (before costs). In addition, as part of this placement, 2,083,333 new fully paid ordinary shares to raise an additional $500,000 under the placement, representing participation by our Executive Directors & CEO, will be issued subject to shareholder approval at a General Meeting of the Company expected to be held in May 2024.

 

We anticipate that our current cash together with the cash raised from the sale of the ADSs offered hereby will be sufficient to fund our operations for more than 12 months from the date of this prospectus. However, our forecast for the period of time through which our financial resources will be adequate to support our operations is a forward-looking statement that involves risks and uncertainties, and actual results could vary materially. If we are unable to raise additional capital when required or on acceptable terms, we may have to significantly delay, scale back or discontinue our operations.

 

We anticipate that we will require substantial additional funds in order to achieve our long-term goals and complete the development of our projects. We do not expect to generate significant revenue until late 2028, subject to permit and approvals necessary to develop a mine amongst other unforeseen delays.

 

We therefore expect to continue to incur substantial losses in the near future.

 

Cash Flows

 

Comparison of cash flows for the six months ended December 31, 2023 with the six months ended December 31, 2022

 

The following table summarizes our cash flows for the periods presented:

 

   For the six months ended December 31, 
   2023   2022 
   A$   A$ 
Net cash used in operating activities   (1,272,356)   (1,433,529)
Net cash used in investing activities   (11,655,931)   (19,306,556)
Net cash from financing activities   -    24,406,818 

 

Operating Activities

 

Net cash used in operating activities decreased to A$1,272,356 in the six months ended December 31, 2023 from A$1,433,529 in the six months ended December 31, 2022, as a result of a decrease in payments to suppliers and employees.

 

Investing Activities

 

Net cash used in investing activities decreased to A$11,655,931 in the six months ended December 31, 2023 from A$19,306,556 in the six months ended December 31, 2022, as a result of a decrease in exploration expenditure.

  

Financing Activities

 

Net cash provided from financing activities decreased to A$0 in the six months ended December 31, 2023 from A$24,406,818 in the six months ended December 31, 2022, as there were no capital raisings in 2023.

 

Comparison of cash flows for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023 with fiscal year ended June 30, 2022

 

The following table summarizes our cash flows for the periods presented:

 

   For the year ended June 30, 
   2023   2022 
   A$   A$ 
Net cash used in operating activities   (3,083,677)   (2,855,761)
Net cash used in investing activities   (24,139,677)   (3,957,726)
Net cash from financing activities   25,158,615    11,153,036 

 

Operating Activities

 

Net cash used in operating activities increased to A$3,083,677 in fiscal year 2023 from A$2,855,761 in fiscal year 2022, as a result of an increase in payments to suppliers and employees.

 

Investing Activities

 

Net cash used in investing activities increased to A$24,139,677 in fiscal year 2023 from A$3,957,726 in fiscal year 2022, as the 2022 numbers include A$22,279,880 proceeds from the sale of some Snow Lake Resources shares.

 

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Financing Activities

 

Net cash provided from financing activities increased to A$25,158,615 in fiscal year 2023 from A$11,153,036 in fiscal year 2022, as a result of an increase in the proceeds from the issuance of shares, and the proceeds received from the Nebari convertible loan facility.

 

Contractual Obligations

 

On November 21, 2022, we entered into a convertible loan facility with Nebari. As of December 31, 2023, we have drawn down US$5 million on the facility. The key terms of the facility are:

 

  Amount: Up to US$7 million in funds is available as an unsecured senior debt in 2 tranches. A fixed amount of US$5 million was drawn down immediately and up to an additional US$2 million is available upon mutual agreement.
     
  Term: 24 months from the closing date (or 36 months if the Variation Agreement to the Nebari facility described below is approved by our shareholders).
     
  Discount: Original issue discount of 2.778% of the tranche 1 principal only, added to the principal amount (resulting in original principal amount of US$5,142,857).
     
  Coupon: 6% per annum, adjusted by the delta over a 3% SOFR floor with an upper limit and with an initial 9-month interest holiday period to be capitalized into the principal amount (US$278,077 in capitalized interest, when added to the original principal amount of US$5,142,857 results in a current principal amount of US$5,420,934).
     
  Setup Fee: 1% on the drawdown of the tranche 1 principal and 1% of the tranche 2 principal if it is also drawn down.
     
  Conversion: Nebari has the option to convert up to 100% of the principal, plus any accrued interest (“Conversion Amount”) at a Conversion Price of A$1.02, or A$0.53 if the Variation Agreement to the Nebari facility described below is approved by our shareholders (Conversion Price calculated based on the agreement which states the Conversion Price is equal to a 30% premium to the volume weighted average price (“VWAP”) of our shares for the 15 days preceding the earlier of the documentation completion date and the date at which the financing facility is announced to the public, converted at the AUD:USD exchange rate on the day preceding the conversion date, subject to standard anti-dilution adjustments). The conversion of the Nebari loan facility was approved by shareholders’ of the Company at meeting held January 31 2023.
     
  Forced Conversion: If our share price is greater than 150% of the Conversion Price (A$1.53), then we, at our option may elect to force Nebari to convert the Conversion Amount, at the Conversion Price.
     
 

Voluntary Prepayment: In addition to voluntary prepayment in cash, we may repay up to 50% of the outstanding principal in discounted shares (10% discount to the 15-day VWAP proceeding the prepayment date). In the event of a voluntary prepayment, we will also issue Nebari options to subscribe for our shares, with a 2 year expiry period from the date of the options issuance, at a strike price of A$1.09 (Strike Price calculated based on the agreement which states the strike price is equal to a 40% premium to the VWAP of our shares for the 15 days preceding the earlier of the documentation completion date and the date at which the financing facility is announced to the public, converted at the AUD:USD exchange rate on the day preceding the conversion date and in the amount of 80% of the Prepayment Amount divided by the Strike Price.

 

On March 6, 2024 we entered into a Variation Agreement to amend the terms of the Nebari facility. The terms of the Variation Agreement are that, subject to shareholder approval, we will have the option (but not the obligation) to extend the repayment date of the facility by 12 months to November 29, 2025. In consideration of the grant of the right to extend the facility, we will pay Nebari the sum of US$55,000 (on the earlier of June 1, 2024 or the date of completion of this ADS offering) and the conversion price of the facility will be reduced to A$0.53.

 

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Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

We have no off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

Market risk represents the risk of loss that may impact our financial position due to adverse changes in financial capital markets, financial market prices and rates. Our market risk exposure is primarily the result of fluctuations in interest rates and foreign exchange rates as well as, to a lesser extent, inflation.

 

Interest Rate Risk

 

We are exposed to market risks in the ordinary course of our business. Our cash and short-term investments include cash in readily available checking accounts and guaranteed investment certificates. These securities are not dependent on interest rate fluctuations that may cause the principal amount of these assets to fluctuate.

 

Foreign Currency Exchange Risk

 

The majority of our cash flows, financial assets and liabilities are denominated in Australian dollars, which is our functional and reporting currency. We are exposed to financial risk related to the fluctuation of foreign exchange rates and the degree of volatility of those rates. Currency risk is limited to the proportion of our business transactions denominated in currencies other than the Australian dollar, primarily for capital expenditures, debt and various operating expenses such as salaries and professional fees. We also purchase property, plant and equipment in Canadian dollars. We do not currently use derivative financial instruments to reduce our foreign exchange exposure and management does not believe our current exposure to currency risk to be significant.

 

Inflation Risk

 

We do not believe that inflation has had a material effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. If our costs were to become subject to significant inflationary pressures, we may not be able to fully offset such higher costs through price increases. Our inability or failure to do so could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

The following discussion relates to critical accounting policies for our company. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires our management to make assumptions, estimates and judgments that affect the amounts reported, including the notes thereto, and related disclosures of commitments and contingencies, if any. We have identified certain accounting policies that are significant to the preparation of our financial statements. These accounting policies are important for an understanding of our financial condition and results of operation. Critical accounting policies are those that are most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations and require management’s difficult, subjective, or complex judgment, often as a result of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain and may change in subsequent periods. Certain accounting estimates are particularly sensitive because of their significance to financial statements and because of the possibility that future events affecting the estimate may differ significantly from management’s current judgments. We believe the following critical accounting policies involve the most significant estimates and judgments used in the preparation of our financial statements:

 

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Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic

 

Judgement has been exercised in considering the impacts that the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has had, or may have, on the consolidated entity based on known information. This consideration extends to the nature of the products and services offered, customers, supply chain, staffing and geographic regions in which the consolidated entity operates. Other than as addressed in specific notes, there does not currently appear to be either any significant impact upon the financial statements or any significant uncertainties with respect to events or conditions which may impact the consolidated entity unfavorably as at the reporting date or subsequently as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

 

Share-Based Payment Transactions

 

The consolidated entity measures the cost of equity-settled transactions with employees by reference to the fair value of the equity instruments at the date at which they are granted. The fair value is determined by using either the Binomial or Black-Scholes model taking into account the terms and conditions upon which the instruments were granted. The accounting estimates and assumptions relating to equity-settled share-based payments would have no impact on the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next annual reporting period but may impact profit or loss and equity.

 

The allowance for expected credit losses assessment requires a degree of estimation and judgement. It is based on the lifetime expected credit loss, grouped based on days overdue, and makes assumptions to allocate an overall expected credit loss rate for each group. These assumptions include recent sales experience and historical collection rates.

 

Fair Value Measurement Hierarchy

 

The consolidated entity is required to classify all assets and liabilities, measured at fair value, using a three level hierarchy, based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the entire fair value measurement, being: Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the entity can access at the measurement date; Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly; and Level 3: Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability. Considerable judgement is required to determine what is significant to fair value and therefore which category the asset or liability is placed in can be subjective.

 

The fair value of assets and liabilities classified as level 3 is determined by the use of valuation models. These include discounted cash flow analysis or the use of observable inputs that require significant adjustments based on unobservable inputs.

 

Estimation of Useful Lives of Assets The consolidated entity determines the estimated useful lives and related depreciation and amortization charges for its property, plant and equipment and finite life intangible assets. The useful lives could change significantly as a result of technical innovations or some other event. The depreciation and amortization charge will increase where the useful lives are less than previously estimated lives, or technically obsolete or non-strategic assets that have been abandoned or sold will be written off or written down.

 

Exploration and Evaluation Costs

 

Exploration and evaluation costs have been capitalized on the basis that the consolidated entity expects to commence commercial production in the future, from which time the costs will be amortized in proportion to the depletion of the mineral resources. Key judgements are applied in considering costs to be capitalized which includes determining expenditures directly related to these activities and allocating overheads between those that are expensed and capitalized. In addition, costs are only capitalized that are expected to be recovered either through successful development or sale of the relevant mining interest. Factors that could impact the future commercial production at the mine include the level of reserves and resources, future technology changes, which could impact the cost of mining, future legal changes and changes in commodity prices. To the extent that capitalized costs are determined not to be recoverable in the future, they will be written off in the period in which this determination is made.

 

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CORPORATE HISTORY AND STRUCTURE

 

Our Corporate History

 

We were incorporated in Australia in January 1987. We were formerly known as Quantum Resources Limited and changed our name to Nova Minerals Limited in December 2017. Our ordinary shares have been listed on the ASX since 1987 and are currently listed under the symbol “NVA”. Our shares are also quoted on the OTCQB market under the symbol “NVAAF” and Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol “QM3”.

 

We have entered into a joint venture with AK Minerals Pty Ltd, or AK Minerals, for the Estelle Gold Project in Alaska. We own an 85% interest in the Estelle Gold Project, subject to the 2% net smelter royalty payable to AK Minerals, as further described below.

 

Our Estelle Gold Project Acquisition History

 

In December 2017, we entered into a definitive joint venture agreement for the Alaskan project portfolio, including the Estelle Gold Project, with AK Minerals, pursuant to which we earned an 85% interest in the Estelle Gold Project, subject to a 2% net smelter royalty payable to AK Minerals. Prior to the joint venture agreement, AK Minerals was the ultimate beneficial owner of the Estelle Gold Project through its 100% owned subsidiary, AK Custom Mining LLC, an Alaskan incorporated LLC that holds a 100% ownership in the Estelle Gold Project. Following the joint venture agreement, ownership of AK Custom Mining LLC was transferred from AK Custom Mining LLC to AKCM (Aust) Pty Ltd, or AKCM, a joint venture vehicle incorporated to serve as the incorporated joint venture company between us and AK Minerals. AKCM also is the immediate parent of AK Operations LLC and AK Custom Mining LLC.

 

Pursuant to the joint venture agreement, we paid AK Minerals a non-refundable option fee of A$50,000 in the option period which was 3 months following the execution of the joint venture agreement. During the option period, we undertook extensive due diligence investigations of AK Minerals and the properties it owned and decided to exercise the option. We then paid an option exercise fee of A$105,000 to AK Minerals representing reimbursement of historic expenditure on the projects by AK Minerals and proceeded to form the joint venture entity and associate ourselves as an incorporated joint venture on the terms and conditions contained in the joint venture agreement to conduct exploration and mining operations on the Alaskan projects, including the Estelle Gold Project property.

 

Following the option period, we then earned a 30% initial interest in AKCM through spending A$300,000 on exploration over the first 12 months from the date of exercise of the option. We further earned an additional 21% interest in AKCM through spending an additional A$1 million during Stage 1 exploration during the first 2 years from the date of exercise of the option, which increased our ownership interest for AKCM to 51%.

 

In January 2020, our ownership percentage in AKCM was increased to 70% through our surpassing the stage 3 expenditure requirements by spending an additional A$2 million on exploration in years three and four from the date of the exercise of the option. We then earned, in May 2020, an additional increase in our AKCM ownership interest to the current 85% ownership, through surpassing ongoing expenditure requirements pursuant to the joint venture agreement, subject to the 2% net smelter royalty payable to AK Minerals.

 

Our Corporate Structure

 

We have the following material, direct and indirect owned subsidiaries: AKCM (AUST) Pty Ltd, Alaska Range Resources LLC, AK Operations LLC and AK Custom Mining LLC.

 

The following chart depicts our corporate structure together with the jurisdiction of incorporation of our subsidiaries and related holding companies.

 

 

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bUSINESS

 

The information regarding the Estelle Gold Project contained herein is derived from the S-K 1300 Report. As used herein, references to the “S-K 1300 Report” are to the technical report summary titled “Initial Assessment Technical Report Summary Estelle Gold Project, Alaska, USA” prepared by Roughstock Mining Services, LLC Nova Minerals Limited, Matrix Resource Consultants Pty Ltd., METS Engineering, Yukuskokon Professional Services and Jade North, LLC with an effective date of January 31, 2024, which was prepared in accordance with S-K 1300. The S-K 1300 Report is filed as Exhibit 96.1 to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part

 

Overview

 

We are an ASX-listed mining exploration stage company with a gold project in Alaska. Our flagship project is the 85% owned Estelle Gold Project, which comprises of 800 State of Alaska mining claims covering in aggregate of 126,405 acres (513km2) and is subject to a 2% net smelter royalty payable to AK Minerals.

 

The project is situated approximately 150km northwest of Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city, on the Estelle Gold Trend in Alaska’s prolific Tintina Gold Belt, a province which hosts a 220 million ounce (Moz) documented gold endowment and some of the world’s largest gold mines and discoveries including Victoria Gold’s Eagle Mine and Kinross Gold Corporation’s Fort Knox Gold Mine.

 

Our vision is to develop the Estelle Gold Project to become a world class, tier-one, global gold producer. The project contains multiple mining complexes across a 35km long mineralized corridor of over 20 identified gold prospects, including two already defined multi-million ounce resources across four deposits containing a combined S-K 1300 compliant 5.17 Moz Au (0.18 Moz Au Measured, 2.54 Moz Au Indicated, and 2.45 Moz Inferred) of which Nova’s 85% attributable interest is 4.41 Moz Au (0.16 Moz Au Measured, 2.22 Moz Au Indicated, and. 2.03 Moz Inferred).

 

Recently the Company has also discovered antimony and other critical minerals coincident with the gold in surface sampling on numerous prospects across the project.

 

 

Figure 6: Our flagship Estelle Gold Project is located within Alaska’s prolific Tintina Gold Belt.

 

In addition to the Estelle Gold Project, we also hold a substantial interest in Nasdaq-listed lithium explorer Snow Lake Resources Ltd (Nasdaq: LITM), a holding in Asra Minerals Limited (ASX: ASR), a gold and rare earths exploration company based in Western Australia, and an interest in privately owned Rotor X Aircraft Manufacturing.

 

The Estelle Gold Project

 

Project Description, Location and Access

 

The Estelle Gold Project properties lie approximately 150km northwest of Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city, with approximate UTM coordinates of 505,000 N and 6,860,000 W, UTM = NAD83 Zone 5, lying within National Topographic System (NTS) Map Sheet 63JSE13. The project property area comprises of 800 State of Alaska mining claims covering in aggregate of 126,405 acres (513km2)

 

The city of Anchorage has a major population, which provides essential services and a large labor force for the interior parts of Alaska. The Project is a year-round operation, with all essential services including a base site which hosts a fully winterized 80-person camp with all the required facilities, which are powered by diesel generators, an on-site sample processing facility and the 4,000-foot Whiskey Bravo airstrip, which can facilitate large capacity DC3 type aircraft. The project region is found among the Alaska Mountain Ranges with elevations ranging from 705m to 2,085m above sea level. The Alaska Range is a continuation of the Pacific Coast Mountains extending in an arc across the Northern Pacific. The nature of the terrain allows for accessible drilling all year round.

 

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Easy access is currently available to the project via a winter road and by air, and recently the proposed West Susitna Access Road, which is situated on State land within the Matanuska-Susitna Borough and has considerable support from both the community and the State government, has progressed to the permitting stage, with construction proposed to start in 2025.

 

 

Figure 7: Property location map and infrastructure solutions for the Estelle Gold Project

 

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Mining Claims

 

The Estelle Gold Project is encompassed by 800 Alaska State mining claims. All claims were acquired by our Joint Venture Partner (JVP) by staking in Alaska with the Division of Mining, Land and Water, and the Alaska Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The mining claims are wholly owned by AKCM (AUST) Pty Ltd (an incorporated joint venture company between Nova Minerals Ltd and AK Minerals Pty Ltd) via 100% ownership of Alaskan incorporate company AK Custom Mining LLC. AKCM (AUST) Pty Ltd is owned 85% by Nova Minerals Ltd and 15% by AK Minerals Pty Ltd. Nova owns 85% of the property through the joint venture agreement and AK Minerals Pty Ltd owns the remaining 15% along with a 2% NSR over the property.

 

Under Alaska mining law AK Custom Mining LLC owns the rights to all locatable minerals discovered on and within the allocated claims. Mining claims may be located by what is known as aliquot part legal description, which is meridian, township, range, section, quarter section, and if applicable quarter-quarter section. These claims are known as MTRSC locations, and they are generally located using GPS latitude and longitude coordinates. A quarter section location is typically about 160 acres in size, and a quarter-quarter section location is typically 40 acres in size. Rent for the larger size is always four times greater.

 

All the mining claims are in good standing and to retain title to the property AK Custom Mining LLC must submit an affidavit of annual expenditure to the 1st of September each year and pay the annual rents as calculated by the DNR by November 30 each year. The rental fees for the period September 1, 2023, to September 1, 2024, of US$164,298 have been paid, and the claims have been renewed accordingly to September 1, 2024.

 

No other rights are held by any other company on the property and the claims are held to perpetuity as long as annual minimum expenditure requirements are met and the rents are paid on time each year. Reclamation must be completed annually and a reclamation report is submitted to the DNR.

 

As at June 30, 2023, the Company has total capitalized exploration and evaluation expenditure on the property of A$81,070,075 and the associated plant and equipment has a net value of A$3,025,170.

 

 

Figure 8: Claims tenement map of the Estelle Gold Project – Map Coordinate System: UTM = NAD83 zone 5

 

For more details of the Estelle Gold Project mining claims schedule, please see Appendix 1 of the S-K 1300 Report included as Exhibit 96.1 to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.

 

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The project area hosts 4 large IRGS deposits at Korbel Main, RPM North, RPM South and Cathedral, as well as numerous prospects at varying stages of exploration including, Blocks C & D, Isabella, Sweet Jenny, You Beauty, Shoeshine, Shadow, Train, Trumpet, Discovery, Muddy Creek, Stoney, T5, Tomahawk, Trundle, Rainy Day, West Wing, Revelation, Portage Pass, NK, Stibium, Styx and Wombat.

 

 

Figure 9: The Estelle Gold Project – District scale with over 20 identified gold prospects – Map Coordinate System: UTM = NAD83 zone 5

 

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Project History

 

Historical regional mapping of the southern Alaska Range was conducted by the United States Geological Survey (“USGS”) in the early 1900’s. Minor placer gold was noted, and the presence of granitic intrusive rocks were mapped in the vicinity of what is now known as the Estelle Pluton. The USGS revisited the area periodically from the 1969 through 2013 conducting stream sediment, pan-concentrate, and rock chip sampling.

 

Prospecting in the Mount Estelle area has been conducted by several private companies starting in the 1980’s. From 1980 to 1985, many of the claims were held for their placer potential, and in 1982 AMAX staked at least four claims over the Lower Discovery showing at Mount Estelle. However, placer mining was hampered by the prevalence of large glacial boulders in the stream gravels.

 

Cominco explored the region in the late-1980’s, and conducted surficial mapping and sampling as well as diamond-core drilling in the vicinity of the Train, Shoeshine, Shadow and Discovery Creek prospects. Hidefield Gold Plc. (Hidefield) and International Tower Hill Mines, Ltd. (ITH) explored the property in the early 2000’s, and most recently Millrock Resources Inc. (Millrock) was active from 2008 to 2013. Cominco, ITH, and Hidefield primarily focused around the Shoeshine area mineral occurrences, whereas Millrock conducted a surface geochemical survey from the northern portion of the current claim block north of Portage Creek to the southern portion south of Emerald Creek. Numerous occurrences were identified, and gold in soil anomalies occur throughout the entire claim block. Alaska Resource Data Files (ARDF) exist throughout the property as a result of this previous work.

 

Korbel

 

Mineralization in the vicinity of Korbel was first discovered at Oxide Ridge; now referred to by Nova as Cathedral. Chip sampling of oxidized granitic intrusive rocks hosting sheeted quartz veins and blebby arsenopyrite yielded anomalous gold values, which lead to broad reconnaissance in the Korbel valley. Similar mineralization was identified in outcrops across the valley to the north, which lead field crews to conduct conventional soil sampling across the valley below. Korbel valley is one of the few places on the Estelle property where conventional soil sampling, as opposed to talus fines sampling, can be conducted. The results from these soil samples lead to the first IP survey conducted on the property in the fall of 2010. A chargeability anomaly located in the valley was the target of the first drill hole at Korbel in 2011 (SE11—001).

 

Drilling in 2012 intersected multiple mineralized zones. In three of the holes (SE12-002, 003, 004) the zones appear to occur along a rough northwest trend with veins exhibiting steep, near-vertical dips. Mineralized zones up to 100 meters wide were encountered along this trend which then had a drilled strike length of 740 meters. These holes were designed to follow up the Oxide (Korbel) discovery hole drilled in 2011. Anomalous gold mineralization was intersected over wide zones in all holes drilled. The grade of mineralization, however, appears to increase to the southeast. Hole SE12-004, the southeastern-most hole drilled, intersected gold mineralization throughout the majority of the hole with a highlight intercept of 41.45 meters grading 1.14 grams gold per ton.

 

RPM

 

RPM was discovered in 2010 when the results from a 3.5km long soil survey returned anomalous gold values. Follow-up mapping and sampling in 2011 extended and refined this anomalous zone as well as defined a highly anomalous granitic intrusion with stockwork arsenopyrite bearing quartz veins near the contact with the Kahiltna hornfelsed sediments.

 

The single 2012 drill hole at RPM targeted this intrusive and undercut sheeted quartz veins and stockworks exposed at surface. The hole encountered significant gold mineralization with an intercept of 2.07 g/t Au over 21.94 meters within a 102.11-meter interval averaging 1.04 grams per ton gold from 26.52 to 128.63 meters with mineralization remaining open in all directions

 

In 2017 Nova recognized the significance of the Estelle Gold property and acquired the mineral rights to it.

 

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Exploration

 

2018 Exploration

 

Surface Exploration

 

Nova acquired 173 claims at the Estelle project in 2017, and added 4 additional claims in 2018. Nova compiled and reviewed historical data including reports, public announcements, ARDF files, and drill logs prior to conducting their initial field reconnaissance of the project.

 

Mapping was conducted by Pacific Rim Geological Consulting of Fairbanks Alaska which showed that there were higher gold values that were associated with bismuth telluride and arsenopyrite mineral phases and that this mineralogy is hosted by sheeted quartz veins containing narrow alteration assemblages (Figure 10). These findings show a correlation that this deposit fits the intrusion-related gold system deposit model. Upon completion of a first pass of geological mapping, Tom Bundtzen of Pacific Rim identified two high-quality targets which were named Oxide North and South (now called Korbel Main). These targets showed envelopes of hydrothermal alteration.

 

Chip samples were taken by Mr. Bundtzen and returned moderate grades of 1.04 g/t with mineralization consisting of arsenopyrite, pyrite, pyrrhotite, chalcopyrite and tetrahedrite.

 

A comparison of sheet quartz veins found at the Estelle Gold Project (Figure 10) to Dublin Gulch, Yukon and Fort Knox, Alaska (Figure 11) that share similar geologic depositional environments.

 

 

Figure 10: Estelle Gold property quartz veins

 

 

Figure 11: Dublin Gulch, Yukon and Fort Knox, Alaska quartz veins Goldfarb et. al., 2007

 

Drilling

 

The 2018 field season was primarily focused on surface reconnaissance, but Nova did mobilize a reverse-circulation (RC) rig to site and drilled 126 meters of to test along strike north and south of the discovery hole SE11-001 (387m at 0.40 g/t Au). Overburden conditions and late season weather prohibited further work this season.

 

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2019 Exploration

 

Surface Exploration

 

A limited surface sampling program was conducted in 2019 to evaluate the RPM and Shoeshine prospects. 160 claims were acquired widening the central trend from Korbel to Muddy Creek.

 

Geophysics

 

Approximately 8km of induced-polarization (IP) surveys were conducted over Korbel in 2019. These results identified two mineralized trends referred to as Resource Block A and Resource Block B.

 

Drilling

 

A total of 32 holes and 2,105 meters of drilling was completed at Korbel in 2019. These holes were completed with an RC rig using NQ drill rods. Highlights include:

 

OX-RC-016 - 70m @ 1.2 g/t Au
OX-RC-017 – 61m @ 0.5 g/t Au

 

2020 Exploration

 

Surface Exploration

 

A total of 48 rock samples were collected rock samples were collected focusing on mineralization identified at Cathedral and RPM with a few samples collected at Train. Highlights from rock samples collected at the Cathedral target returned gold grades of 114.0 g/t, 98.3 g/t, 37.1 g/t, 24.5 g/t, 19.6 g/t and 11.05 g/t. Highlights from rock samples collected at RPM included gold grades of 291.0 g/t, 103.0 g/t, 9.3 g/t, 8.9 g/t, 8.8 g/t, and 5.0 g/t. The 291 g/t sample was collected at the location of RPM North. Multi-gram values were also returned from Train rock samples. 161 additional adjacent claims were acquired.

 

Drilling

 

Drilling at Korbel was the primary focus of the 2020 field season. 64 holes and 27,004 meters were drilled with diamond-core LF70 drilling rigs operated by Ruen Drilling. Highlights include:

 

KBDH-012 – 429m @ 0.6 g/t Au from 3m

 

Including 101m @ 1.3 g/t Au, 82m @ 1.5 g/t Au, and 30m @ 2.4 g/t Au

 

KBDH-024 – 549m @ 0.3 g/t Au from 3m

 

Including 97m @ 0.8 g/t Au, 15m @ 2.3g/t Au, and 3m @ 8.2 g/t Au

 

2021 Exploration

 

Surface Exploration

 

A total of 54 rock samples were collected, including representative chip samples, representative outcrop samples, high grade outcrop samples, and occasional talus samples. A total of 81 talus fines samples were also collected in the vicinity of various prospects. Notable high grade mineralization was sampled throughout the property from Korbel to RPM. Gold highlights from rock samples include 48.4 g/t Au near Stoney, 30.4 g/t near Train, 26.9 g/t near Korbel, 25.2 g/t at Train, 21.6 g/t at Train, and 12.5 g/t between Korbel and Portage Pass. The polymetallic system at Stoney was visited and sample returned anomalous silver and copper in addition to gold. Impressive gold in soil anomalies were discovered over a 1km traverse at Shoeshine. Relatively anomalous talus fines gold values were also returned from the northern cirques at Korbel. 196 additional claims were acquired along the western margin of the existing claim block.

 

Drilling

 

Nova focused the majority of their field season on Korbel, drilling 81 holes and 29,074 meters.

 

Korbel highlights include:

 

KBDH-072 – 308m @ 0.7 g/t Au from surface

 

Including 113m @ 1.0 g/t Au, 49m @ 1.5 g/t Au, and 21m @ 2.5 g/t Au

 

KBDH-081 – 277m @ 0.5 g/t Au from surface

 

Including 94m @ 1.0 g/t Au, 30 m @ 1.9 g/t Au, and 9m @ 4.4 g/t Au

 

Nova also drilled the first six holes at RPM totaling 2,567 meters.

 

RPM highlights include:

 

RPM-005 – 400m @ 3.5 g/t Au from surface

 

Including 287m @ 4.8 g/t Au, 132m @ 10.1 g/t Au, and 86m @ 14.1 g/t Au

 

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2022 Exploration

 

Surface Exploration

 

163 rock samples and 184 soil samples were collected across the claim block in 2022. Samples were collected at several prospects including Discovery, Muddy Creek, Mount Estelle, Train, Trumpet, RPM, and Revelation. High-grade gold values were encountered at Discovery and Muddy Creek with gold values including 43.6 g/t, 15.9 g/t, and 5.8 g/t in rock samples. Numerous multi-gram gold in soils were returned over 1km in strike length at Muddy Creek, revealing one of the more impressive soil anomalies on the claim block. Rock samples around Mount Estelle returned gold values of 38.2 g/t, 25.9 g/t, and 7.0 g/t in addition to numerous ~1 g/t samples. The initial discovery at Trumpet was made just north of Train with rock samples returning gold values of 32.8 g/t, 16.6 g/t, 16.0 g/t, 13.6 g/t, and 12.7 g/t. Train was sampled in more detail with rock samples returning values of 80.2 g/t, 17.9 g/t, 17.7 g/t, 16.6 g/t, and 10.4 g/t in addition to numerous multi-gram samples. Follow-up sampling at Revelation revealed a continuous gold in soil anomaly over 300 meters. Recommendations were made to advance reconnaissance scale mapping and sampling at Stoney, and to develop the initial drilling campaign at Train and Trumpet.

 

Drilling

 

RPM was the primary focus of the 2022 drilling campaign. 31 holes and 10,719 meters were drilled. Drilling occurred at RPM North, RPM South, and in the valley below RPM. Drilling highlights at RPM North from 2022 included:

 

RPM-008 – 260m @ 3.6 g/t Au from 11m

 

Including 140m @ 6.5 g/t Au, 87m @ 10.1 g/t Au, and 56m @ 15.0 g/t Au

 

RPM-015 – 258m @ 5.1 g/t Au from surface

 

Including 161m @ 8.1 g/t Au, 117m @ 11.1 g/t Au, and 45m @ 25.3 g/t Au

 

RPM-022 – 193m @ 3.9 g/t Au from 4m

 

Including 67m @ 10.4 g/t Au, 43m @ 15.8 g/t Au, and 34m @ 19.4 g/t Au

 

Drilling highlights at RPM South from 2022 included:

 

RPM-023 – 333m @ 0.9 g/t Au from 8m

 

Including 116m @ 0.9 g/t Au, 94m @ 1.0 g/t Au, and 15m @ 2.3 g/t Au

 

RPM-028 – 352m @ 0.3 g/t Au from 8m

 

Including 131m @ 0.6 g/t Au, 52m @ 0.7 g/t Au, and 13m @ 1.4 g/ Au

 

10,289 meters were drilled at Korbel including 4,603 meters at Cathedral. Highlights at Cathedral include:

 

CTDD-001 – 354m @ 0.3 g/t Au from 104m

 

Including 11m @ 1.1 g/t

 

CTDD-003B – 269m @ 0.4 g/t Au from 168m

 

Including 70m @ 0.6 g/t Au, and 3m @ 2.7 g/t Au

 

2023 Exploration

 

Surface Exploration

 

Extensive surface exploration mapping and sampling programs were conducted in 2023. A total 447 rock samples, 678 soil samples, and 21 stream sediment samples were collected throughout the property. New discoveries were made at what are now called the Styx and Stibium prospects, and are associated with anomalous gold and antimony. Previously known prospects were further refined with more detailed mapping and sampling. A recently exposed nunatak between Train and Trumpet was discovered to host gold-bearing quartz arsenopyrite veins with grades up to 132.5 g/t. A project high value of 1,290 g/t Au was collected in the vicinity of Shoeshine from an arsenopyrite vein. Numerous large quartz veins up to 4m thick were discovered in the vicinity of Trundle. Additional sampling was conducted near Stoney, and several new mineralized sulfide veins grading 5 g/t Au were discovered.

 

Geophysics

 

In 2023, a drone operator was contracted to fly aero-magnetics over the mineralization encountered at Trundle. The results of this survey are currently being processed by a geophysicist, but a preliminary review has shown strong magnetic contrast coincident with mineralized quartz veins encountered at surface. Further processing is anticipated to reveal several deeper structures not encountered at surface.

 

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Drilling

 

The focus of the 2023 drilling season was entirely at RPM. 6,632 meters were drilled over 29 holes at RPM North, RPM South, and at RPM Valley in the valley below.

 

Highlights from RPM North in 2023 include:

 

RPM-056 – 98m @ 3.4 g/t Au from 48m

 

Including 38m @ 7.5 g/t Au and 27m @ 10.4 g/t Au

 

RPM-057 – 120m @ 5.0 g/t Au from 93m

 

Including 79m @ 7.4 g/t Au and 63m @ 9.0 g/t Au

 

RPM-062 – 74m @ 2.5 g/t Au from 83m

 

Including 13m @ 6.2 g/t Au and 6m @ 11.5 g/t Au

 

Highlights from RPM South in 2023 include:

 

RPM-042 – 23m @ 1.1 g/t Au from 14m

 

Including 10m @ 1.7 g/t and 6m @ 1.9 g/t

 

The below table summarizes the drilling which we have completed at the Estelle Gold Project up to December 31, 2023. Note the Estelle Gold Project mineral resource estimate in the S-K 1300 report was defined using the drilling information available on March 31, 2023. Drilling undertaken after March 31, 2023 will be used for an updated MRE at a later date.

 

   

RPM

(North, South & Valley)

  Train   Korbel Main   Cathedral   Total
Year   No. of Holes   Length (m)   No. of Holes   Length (m)   No. of Holes   Length (m)   No. of Holes   Length (m)   No. of Holes   Length (m)
                                         
Pre-2019   1   182   -   -   5   1,159   1   283   7   1,624
2019   -   -   -   -   32   2,105   -   -   32   2,105
2020   -   -   -   -   64   27,004   -   -   64   27,004
2021   6   2,567   -   -   81   29,074   -   -   87   31,641
2022   31   10,719   -   -   21   5,686   10   4,603   62   21,008
2023   29   6,632   6   589   -   -   -   -   35   7,221
Total   67   20,100   6   589   203   65,028   11   4,886   287   90,603

 

Geological Setting

 

The Estelle Gold Project is located in the Alaska Range in the southwestern extremity of the Tintina Gold Province, within the Dillinger sub-member of the Farewell Terrane, comprising Cambrian to Devonian deep-water basinal shales and sandstones. Both the terrane and the Tintina Gold Province terminate on the Broad Pass/ Mulchatna Fault Zone, near the Estelle Gold Project’s southern property boundary.

 

Within the property, lie the Mesozoic marine sedimentary rocks of the Kahiltna terrane. Regionally, these marine rocks were intruded by several plutons. The Mount Estelle pluton has been dated at 65 to 66 Ma. This pluton is compositionally zoned and is made up of a granite core transitioning to quartz monzonite, quartz monzodiorite, augite monzodiorite, diorite, and lamprophyric mafic and ultramafic rocks. The intrusion contains xenoliths of metasedimentary country rocks into which it was intruded. Tourmaline and beryl have been observed in, and adjacent to the pluton. The rock surrounding the Mt. Estelle pluton has undergone contact metamorphism and is locally hornfelsed. There is red staining which likely indicates disseminations of pyrite along fracture faces. Adjacent to the pluton, local sericite and clay alteration is also found.

 

The Estelle pluton is cut by several dikes which range in composition from aplite, gabbro, dacite, and lamprophyre. These structures are found in the felsic and intermediate phases of the pluton. Gold, associated with pyrrhotite, chalcopyrite, pentlandite and molybdenite also occurs in ultramafic rocks on the south side of the pluton. Mineralization is less common in the sedimentary rocks.

 

Anomalous gold, platinum-group elements, copper, chrome, nickel and arsenic are reported from many of the composite plutons of the Yentna trend and gold and platinum-group-element placers have been worked at several sites downstream from the plutons.

 

The high-grade RPM deposit within the Estelle Gold Project lies within a plutonic complex intruding a Jurassic to early Cretaceous flysch sequence. The intrusive complex consists of ultramafic to felsic plutons of Late Cretaceous/Early Tertiary age (69.7 Ma) and are centrally located in a region of arc-magmatic related gold deposits. Though mineralization at Estelle is generally restricted to the intrusive rocks, mineralization at RPM occurs in both the intrusive and hornfels. At RPM, roof pendants of hornfels occur overlying multiple intrusive units. Fingers of fine-grained aplite, monzonite and biotite-rich diorite cut the hornfels. All of the lithologic units are in turn cut by stockwork and/or sheeted veins. Veins range in size and character from meter-wide quartz ± sulfide to millimeter-scale quartz-arsenopyrite veins and centimeter-scale quartz-tourmaline-sulfide veins. A granitic intrusive body, which underlies the hornfels and crops out in the southern part of the prospect area appears to be potentially related to mineralization.

 

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Mineralization and Deposit Types

 

The deposits on the Estelle Gold Project are all large near-surface Intrusion Related Gold Systems (IRGS). Further classification indicates that this is a reduced IRGS (RIRGS) which are distinct from gold-rich porphyry deposits (Sillitoe, 2000) and gold-rich skarn deposits. These deposits have their own distinct classification because they are associated with low oxygen fugacity granitoids (ilmenite-series plutons that lack magnetite) that also have low sulfur fugacity of the ore minerals that make up the deposit. These types of deposits can also contain Au-Bi-Te-As (±W, Mo, Sb) metal assemblages. Another characteristic feature of RIRGS is that they have sheeted quartz veins containing sulfides within the intrusive body.

 

The term reduced is used to highlight that these magmas are associated with a reduced oxidation state of the felsic, ilmenite-series plutons that lack magnetite as well as their exsolved fluids. These deposits are known for their sheeted arrays of auriferous quartz veins that have a preference for forming in the brittle carapace at the top of small plutons. These carapaces allow the fluids and metals to be concentrated forming bulk-tonnage, low-grade gold deposits such as Korbel and RPM. Mineralization can also occur in the hornfelsed rock (present at RPM), however the gold mineralization in the intrusion itself will most likely contain the highest concentrations of gold (RPM and Korbel).

 

Since 2018 we have been aggressively and systematically exploring the multiple prospects within the project area. To date, we have proven a S-K 1300 compliant gold resource estimate of 5.17 Moz Au, of which 85% or 4.41 Moz Au is attributable to Nova, which is hosted within 4 mineral resource deposits:

 

  Korbel Main: A bulk tonnage deposit, located in the Korbel area in the North of the project, which has a confirmed strike length of over 2.5km and up to 500m depth, and remains open with significant potential to further extend the mineralization.
     
  Cathedral: Another bulk tonnage deposit located nearby and similar to Korbel Main. An initial maiden Inferred resource has confirmed a strike length of at least 800m and 350m wide. The deposit remains wide open in all directions and the potential for high-grade zones exist with up to 114 g/t Au in surface rock chip samples.
     
  RPM North: A high-grade deposit, located in the RPM area in the South of the project, which has a 450m strike length and 150m width, defined by close spaced resource drilling, and remains open. It also includes a high-grade Measured and Indicated core 100m long x 50m wide x 300m deep and significant potential remains to further extend the mineralization.
     
  RPM South: A newly discovered zone where initial drilling has confirmed a genetically link to RPM North. Currently resources have a strike length of 400m and 250m width. Over 600m of perspective strike length potentially connects RPM South with RPM North which is the highest priority drill target within the Estelle Gold Project with significant positive implications for further resource upside.

 

In addition to the 4 defined mineral resource deposits, the project also contains numerous other identified prospects at various stages of exploration including, blocks C, D, Isabella, Sweet Jenny, You Beauty, Shoeshine, Shadow, Train, Muddy Creek, Discovery, Trumpet, Stoney, T5, Tomahawk, Trundle, Rainy Day, West Wing, Stibium, Styx, Portage Pass, NK, Revelation, and Wombat (See figure 9).

 

Sampling, Analysis and Data Verification

 

Samples are taken each 10 feet (3.05m) unless there is a change in lithology. In these cases samples are broken into lithologic boundaries. Samples are then half cut with one of the half cuts being crushed and homogenized and bagged on site before being securely sent to the ALS laboratory in Fairbanks Alaska for processing. The other half cut is archived in the core box it came from in the core library on site. Three different types of Standard Reference Materials (SRM) are inserted each 20 samples. Duplicates of the reject are taken each 20 samples. One blank is inserted each 40 samples. Data is plotted and evaluated to see if the samples plot within accepted tolerance. If any “out of control” samples are noted, the laboratory is notified and the data is re-run to verify the results.

 

Detailed QA/QC analysis is undertaken on an ongoing basis by Vannu Khounphakdee.

 

Samples are tested for gold using ALS Fire Assay Au-ICP21 technique.

 

Assay data intercepts are compiled and calculated by the CP and then verified by corporate management prior to the release to the public.

 

All maps and locations are in UTM grid (NAD83 Z5N) and have been measured by a digital Trimble GNSS system with a lateral accuracy of <30cm and a vertical accuracy of <50cm.

 

Drill holes have been spaced in a radial pattern such that all dimensions of the resource model are tested. Future geo-stats will be run on the data to determine if addition infill drilling will be required to confirm continuity.

 

The relationship between the drilling orientation and the orientation of key mineralised structures is confirmed by drill hole data driven ongoing detailed structural analysis by OTS structural consultants.

 

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Mineral Resource Estimates

 

Over 90,000m of diamond and RC drilling has been undertaken for all deposits, in support of a S-K 1300 compliant mineral resource estimate (MRE) of 5.17 Moz Au across the Estelle Gold Project, of which 85% or 4.41 Moz Au is attributable to Nova Minerals. This MRE is based on the drilling information available on March 31, 2023, and contains measured, indicated and inferred categories. Resources were estimated for each deposit by Multiple Indicator Kriging (MIK) with block support adjustment reflecting large scale open pit mining. Drilling undertaken after March 31, 2023, along with future targeted drilling programs, are planned to potentially upgrade both the size and confidence of the MRE.

 

The following table sets forth the MRE for Nova’s 85% attributable interest in the Estelle Gold Project as detailed in the S-K 1300 Report with an effective date of January 31, 2024.

 

       Measured   Indicated   Measured + Indicated   Inferred   Total 
       Tons   Grade   Au   Tons   Grade   Au   Tons   Grade   Au   Tons   Grade   Au   Tons   Grade   Au 
Deposit  Cutoff   MT   Au g/t   Moz   MT   Au g/t   Moz   MT   Au g/t   Moz   MT   Au g/t   Moz   MT   Au g/t   Moz 
RPM North   0.20    1.2    4.1    0.16    2.6    1.6    0.13    3.7    2.4    0.29    20    0.60    0.39    24    0.89    0.68 
RPM South   0.20                                                 20    0.47    0.30    20    0.47    0.30 
Total RPM        1.2    4.1    0.16    2.6    1.6    0.13    3.7    2.4    0.29    40    0.54    0.69    44    0.70    0.98 
Korbel Main   0.15                   210    0.31    2.09    210    0.31    2.09    30    0.27    0.26    240    0.31    2.35 
Cathedral   0.15                                                 120    0.28    1.08    120    0.28    1.08 
Total Korbel                       210    0.31    2.09    210    0.31    2.09    150    0.28    1.34    360    0.30    3.43 
Total Estelle Gold Project        1.2    4.1    0.16    213    0.33    2.22    214    0.35    2.38    190    0.33    2.03    404    0.34    4.41 

 

Notes to the above table:

 

1.A mineral resource is defined as a concentration or occurrence of material of economic interest in or on the Earth’s crust in such form, grade or quality, and quantity, that there are reasonable prospects for economic extraction.
2.The mineral resource applies a reasonable prospect of economic extraction with the following assumptions:

 

  Resources are constrained within optimized pit shells that reflect a conventional large-scale truck and shovel open pit operation with the cost and revenue parameters as follows
  Gold price of US$2,000/oz
  5% royalty on recovered ounces
  Pit slope angles of 50o
  Mining cost of US$1.65/t
  Processing cost for RPM US$9.80/t and for Korbel US$5.23/t (inclusive of ore sorting for Korbel)
  Combined processing recoveries of 88.20% for RPM and 75.94% for Korbel
  General and Administrative Cost of US$1.30/t
  Tonnage and grades are rounded to two significant figures and ounces are rounded to 1,000 ounces. Rounding errors are apparent.

 

The US$2,000/oz pit shell constraining the Korbel Main mineral resources extends over around 2.3km of strike with an average width of around 600m, and a maximum vertical depth below surface of approximately 430m.

 

The US$2,000/oz pit shell constraining the Cathedral mineral resources extends over approximately 1.2km north-south by up to approximately 820m east-west, with a maximum vertical depth below surface of approximately 520m.

 

The RPM US$2,000/oz resource pit shell encompasses the RPM North and South mineral resources. In the RPM North area, it covers an area around 840m east -west by 700m north-south and reaches a maximum vertical depth below topography of approximately 340m. In the RPM South area, it covers an area around 450 m east-west by 480m north-south and reaches a maximum vertical depth below topography of approximately 250m.

 

Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. There is no certainty that all or any part of the mineral resources will be converted into mineral reserves.

 

Estimation Methodology

 

Mineral resources were estimated for each deposit by Multiple Indicator Kriging (MIK) with block support adjustment reflecting large scale open pit mining, a method that has been demonstrated to provide reliable estimates of recoverable open pit resources in gold deposits of diverse geological styles.

 

The estimates for each deposit are based on 3.048m (10 foot) down-hole down-hole composited gold assay grades from RC and diamond drilling coded by between one and three mineralized domains which delineate zones within which the tenor and spatial trends of mineralization are similar.

 

For each mineralized domain 14, indicator thresholds were defined using a consistent set of percentiles. Bin grades used for MIK modelling were selected from bin mean grades with the exception of the upper bin grades which were selected on a case-by-case basis, with commonly either the bin median, or bin mean excluding outlier grades was selected. This approach reduces the impact of small numbers of extreme gold grades on estimated resources and is appropriate for MIK modelling of highly variable mineralization such as the Estelle deposits. Mineralization continuity was characterized by indicator variograms modelled at the 14 indicator thresholds.

 

The estimates include a bulk density of 2.65 t/bcm for each deposit, supported by caliper measurements of mineralized drill core samples.

 

The estimates are classified as Measured, Indicated or Inferred, primarily reflecting the drill hole spacing.

 

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Cut-off Grades

 

A cut-off grade of 0.20 g/t was chosen for reporting the RPM North and South mineral resources, and a cut-off grade of 0.15 g/t was chosen for reporting the Korbel Main and Cathedral mineral resources.

 

The cut-off grade for the RPM South and RPM North deposits is calculated as the grade required to pay for processing, transportation to the mill, and G&A costs. The mill cut-off grade for the Korbel Main and Cathedral deposits is calculated as the grade required to pay for ore sorting, subsequent processing and G&A costs. The reduced processing costs for Korbel Main and Cathedral reflect the average mass rejected by the sorters. An average sorter recovery was included in the cut-off grade calculation.

 

The cut-off grade calculations and the input parameters used are shown in the table below.

 

Cut-off Grade Formula
Cut off (g/t)= Combined Processing Cost + Difference between ore and waste mining cost
(Realized Gold Price ($/g) x Combined Metallurgical Recovery)
 
Korbel Main and Cathedral cut-off grade calculation
Parameters Gold Price ($/g) = US$2,000/31.103477 =US$64.301/gram
Realized Gold Price ($/g) = = Gold Price ($/g) x (1-Royalty(%))
  = US$64.301 x (1-0.05)
  = US$61.086 /gram
Combined Processing Cost($/ore ton) =Sorter Cost + Processing Cost + G&A Cost
  =US$0.73 +US$4.50+US$1.30
  = US$6.53/t
Difference between ore and waste mining cost ($/t) =US$0.00/t
Combined Metallurgical Recovery =0.7594
Calculated cut-off (g/t) =(US$6.53+0.00) / ($US61.086 x 0.7594)
  =0.141 g/t
Rounded cut-off (g/t) = 0.15 g/t
 
RPM North and South cut-off grade calculation
Parameters Gold Price ($/g) = US$2,000/31.103477 =US$64.301/gram
Realized Gold Price ($/g) = = Gold Price ($/g) x (1-Royalty(%))
  = US$64.301 x (1-0.05)
  = US$61.086 /gram
Combined Processing Cost($/ore ton) = Processing Cost + G&A Cost
  =US$9.80+US$1.30
  = US$11.10/t
Difference between ore and waste mining cost ($/t) =US$0.00/t
Combined Metallurgical Recovery =0.8820
Calculated cut-off (g/t) =(US$11.10+0.00) / (US$61.086 x 0.8820)
  =0.206 g/t
Rounded cut-off (g/t) = 0.20 g/t
       

Mineral Processing, Metallurgical Testing and Recovery Methods

 

An extensive metallurgical test program was conducted to support the mineral resource estimate. Composite samples representing different gold grades from the Estelle Gold Project deposits were formulated from ½ split core samples for the test programs. In addition, a master composite representing each deposit was also prepared for testing. The scope of the metallurgical study consisted of sample preparation, head sample characterization, gravity concentration, sulfide flotation, and regrinding of concentrates followed by cyanidation. Testing was conducted by Bureau Veritas Commodities Canada Ltd. in Richmond, BC, Canada.

 

The amenability of the rock samples to sorting was conducted by the TOMRA Sorting Inc. facility in Sydney. The test program assessed the heterogeneity of the deposit based on the gold grade of the selected rock samples. Sorting was evaluated using the Dual Energy X-Ray Transmission (DEXRT) sensor technology on approximately 200 rock samples with a total mass of 588 kg ranging between 10 and 80 mm (~ ½ to 3 inches). The tests were run in a four-stage XRT sorting configuration at different scanner sensitivity settings to produce the highest concentrate grade with the least mass pull in the first stage. With each additional stage, the conditions were adjusted to be less selective, increasing recovery however decreasing the concentrate grade.

 

Based on preliminary metallurgy and ore sorting tests, in combination with economic considerations, a robust project flowsheet and initial level processing plant design has been established. The flow sheet indicates that the gold is easily liberated from the Estelle ore bodies using conventional technology for an average recovery of 88.3%, with further optimization planned.

 

The process plant was designed using conventional processing unit operations with the addition of XRT ore sorting systems. Only ore originating from Korbel Main and Cathedral will be sorted, with ore originating from the RPM deposits bypassing the sorters. The ore sorting test work performed to date was preliminary in nature in support of the flow sheet to determine the trade off on the gold recoveries. With the preliminary nature of the study, it is still yet to be determined if ore sorting will be included in the final flowsheet and future economic analysis. The product of the process will be doré bars.

 

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Run-of-mine and run–of-stockpile ore will be hauled to the sorting facility where it will be crushed in a primary gyratory crusher before going through a sizing screen. The fines fraction head will be fed directly to the high-pressure grinding rolls (HPGR), the mid-sized material will be fed to the XRT ore sorting system, and the oversize material will be crushed in a secondary cone crusher. The ore sorting system will separate the economical ore out from the waste, transporting it to an HPGR. The product of the HPGR will be sent to a closed circuit consisting of a ball mill and hydrocyclone cluster. The P80 overflow of 75µm will flow through the flotation circuit. The tailings from this process will be sent to the tailing’s thickener. The concentrate will move on to the cyclone cluster and IsaMill for fine grinding to P80 of 22µm before finally moving on to the pre-leach thickener where the underflow will report to the leach and CIP circuits.

 

The gold leached in the CIP circuit will be recovered by activated carbon and elution. From this elution circuit, the gold will be recovered by electrowinning cells in the gold room. The gold sludge will be dried, mixed with fluxes, and then smelted in a furnace to produce doré bars. Carbon will be re-activated in a regeneration kiln before being re-used in the CIP circuit. The CIP tailings will be treated for cyanide in the cyanide destruction circuit before being pumped to the tailings thickener. The waste byproduct of the tailings thickener will be pumped to the tailings storage facility.

 

 

Figure 12: The Estelle Gold Project simplified flow sheet

 

Mining Methods

 

The open pit optimization assumptions are based on a conventional truck and shovel mining method. The pit shells used for the resource estimation are based on a 50o overall slope angle.

 

Economic Analysis

 

No detailed economic analysis is provided in the S-K 1300 Report and the investor is cautioned that only mineral resources are being presented.

 

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Other Assets

 

In addition to the Estelle Gold Project, we currently own interests in companies that partially provide a hedge against fluctuations in the gold price and expose us to the upside of other high growth sectors. We may look to divest these investments in the future following this offering if we believe we can generate an attractive return or if we believe such divestment is in the best interests of our shareholders. However, we do not intend for the ownership of investment securities of other companies to be a material part of our operational strategy after the offering

 

Our investments include:

 

Snow Lake Lithium (Nasdaq: LITM)

 

We hold an indirect interest comprising of a 32.5% ownership stake (as of the date of this prospectus) in Snow Lake Resources Ltd (“Snow Lake”), a lithium exploration stage mining company, which is exploring the Thompson Brothers and Grass River lithium projects in the province of Manitoba, Canada, and is listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market (LITM).

 

The Thompson Brothers and Grass River properties (collectively known as the Thompson Brothers Lithium project) are in North-Central Manitoba at the northeast end of Wekusko Lake, with approximate UTM coordinates of 455,000 E and 6,080,000 N, NAD83 Zone 14, lying within National Topographic System (NTS) Map Sheet 63JSE13. Snow Lake has a large land position encompassing 59,587 acres in a pro-mining community with nearly a century of historic and consistent mining in the area.

 

Year round access to the property is available via boat, barge, helicopter or winter ice roads, with existing infrastructure including a powerline which traverses the property, an airstrip located 8.5km to the North, major road access within 11km and rail access 6.5km to the South.

 

 

Figure 13: Map of Snow Lake’s Thompson Brothers Lithium project claim blocks

 

The Thompson Brothers Lithium project is geographically located in the Churchill geological province at the northeastern edge of the east-trending Flin Flon Volcanic Belt. The geological province has been dated at 1.92-1.88 billion years. The Flin Flon domain lies to the South of the Kisseynew Sedimentary Gneiss Belt which is 140 km wide, 240 km long and trending east. The Kisseynew Domain is a metasedimentary terrane that was caught in the collision zone of the Trans-Hudson orogen between the Archean Superior and Hearne Cratons at approximately 1.9-1.7 billion years. (Ansdell, K.M., et al., 1995) The generation of 1.92-1.87 billion years arc and oceanic crust in the Reindeer zone was followed by intra-oceanic accretion. Subsequently, intrusive and volcanic arcs had developed on top of the intra-oceanic accretionary complex which make up the Flin Flon Domain. To the south of the Flin Flon domain, rocks from the West Canada Sedimentary Basin can be found. 

 

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The Flin Flon belt has been the host to a variety of precious base metal and REE deposits. Major mineralizing events took place during the 3 stages of crustal development of the Trans-Hudson Orogen. These deformation events were pre-accretion, post-accretion, and continent-continent collision. Gold and syngenetic base metal gold deposits are associated with the pre-accretionary stage. The syn- post-accretionary stage hosts intrusion-related precious metal deposits. The continental collision stage is the host to orogenic gold and lithium-cesium-tantalum pegmatite deposits. The mineral being sought after at the Snow Lake project is spodumene, a pyroxene group, lithium aluminum silicate (LiAlSi2O6). Spodumene occurs as prismatic and elongated crystals and tends to have striations across the crystal face. It comes in a variety of colors, generally based on how iron-rich the mineral is. Iron rich minerals appear dark green while white spodumene is a product of low iron. Interestingly, the Thompson Brothers Lithium project’s spodumene is a light green color but is Fe-poor.

 

Snow Lake’s prime objective is to be the next low-cost lithium producer by fast-tracking the development of its near-term production and cash flow lithium mine through conventional DSO truck and shovel mining methods to supply the North American electric vehicle and battery markets. The Thompson Brothers Lithium Project currently has a S-K 1300 compliant combined open pit and underground mineral resource estimate of 90,896 tons Li2O, of which 32.5% or 29,541 tons Li2O is attributable to Nova Minerals, through its 32.5% holding in Snow Lake Resources.

 

The following table sets forth Nova’s 32.5% attributable interest in the Thompson Brothers lithium projects open pit and underground MRE’s.

 

       Measured   Indicated   Measured + Indicated   Inferred   Total 
       Tons   Grade   Li20%   Tons   Grade   Li20%   Tons   Grade   Li20%   Tons   Grade   Li20%   Tons   Grade   Li20% 
Deposit  Cutoff   (t)   Li20%   Tons   (t)   Li20%   Tons   (t)   Li20%   Tons   (t)   Li20%   Tons   (t)   Li20%   Tons 
Open Pit   0.05    0.03    0.98    269    0.09    1.03    946    0.12    1.02    1,215    0.07    0.87    656    0.19    0.96    1,871 
Underground   0.30    0.21    1.15    2,485    2.04    1.11    22,589    2.25    1.11    25,074    0.25    1.03    2,596    2.50    1.11    27,671 
Total        0.24    1.13    2,754    2.13    1.11    23,536    2.37    1.11    26,289    0.32    0.99    3,252    2.69    1.09    29,541 

 

Notes to the above table:

 

  1. A mineral resource is defined as a concentration or occurrence of material of economic interest in or on the Earth’s crust in such form, grade or quality, and quantity, that there are reasonable prospects for economic extraction.
  2.

The mineral resource applies a reasonable prospect of economic extraction with the following assumptions:

a. Underground MRE assumptions

● 6% Li20 contrate price of US$3,500/ton

● Mining cost/ton of US$33.46

Processing cost/ton of US$15.82

● Concentrate haulage/ton of US$15.02 for 6% spodumene

b. Open pit MRE assumptions

● 1% Direct Ship Ore (DSO) price of US$504/ton

● Contract mining cost/ton of US$4.85

● Processing cost/ton of US15.82

● Concentrate haulage/ton of US$99.97 for 1% DSO

 

The deposits remain open along strike and at depth and Snow Lake is undertaking resource expansion drilling to significantly increase the resource size and confidence of the deposit.

 

In April 2022, we sold 3,000,000 shares in Snow Lake that generated gross proceeds of US$18 million, thus reducing our interest in Snow Lake from 9,600,000 shares to 6,600,000 shares. We continue to hold 6,600,000 Snow Lake shares, representing 32.5% of Snow Lake’s issued and outstanding shares as of the date of this prospectus.

 

Asra Minerals Limited (ASX:ASR)

 

We hold a free carried investment of 7.73% (as of the date of this prospectus) in Asra Minerals Limited (“Asra” or ASX Ticker:ASR”), an exploration company based in Western Australia and listed on the ASX (ASR). Asra is a highly active gold, lithium and rare earths exploration and development company with an extensive and strategic land holding comprising of numerous projects and over 400km² of tenure in the Goldfields Region of Western Australia. All projects are nearby to excellent infrastructure and lie within 50km of major mining towns.

 

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Asra’s flagship Mt Stirling Project consists of 10 major gold prospects, two recent rare earths discoveries, and widespread highly anomalous cobalt and scandium mineralisation.

 

Asra’s project is close to existing major mining operations and neighbors Red 5’s King of the Hills gold mine which boasts Australia’s ninth largest gold ore reserve of 2.4Moz and a 16-year mine life. The region has recently produced approximately 14Moz of gold from mines such as Tower Hills, Sons of Gwalia, Thunderbox, Harbor Lights and Gwalia.

 

Asra also currently holds a large equity holding in Quebec Lithium explorer, Loyal Lithium (ASX: LLI) and a large equity joint ventures with Zuleika Gold (ASX: ZAG) and Monger Gold (now LLI) in the Kalgoorlie-Menzie goldfields region.

 

In the beginning of September 2022, Asra reported a 23% upgrade to the Mineral Resource Estimate for its flagship Mt Stirling Project in Western Australia, taking the resource from 118,384oz Au to 152,000 oz Au.

 

 

Figure 14: Map of Asra Minerals project claim blocks

 

Rotor X Aircraft Manufacturing

 

We also hold a free carried investment of 9.9% in Rotor X Aircraft Manufacturing (“Rotor X”), a pre-IPO revenue generating US-based company that seeks to lead the development of electric VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) aircraft and innovative low operating cost heavy lift drone technology. Rotor X Aircraft Manufacturing is a helicopter kit manufacturing company that provides the world’s most affordable and reliable 2 seat personal helicopter. Recently Rotor X also announced that it has entered the electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) market with the aim of developing innovative, low operating cost heavy-lift electric helicopters and drones, to support mining and other industries, as well as the growing urban air taxi market.

 

The potential benefits for our mining operations through the innovative application of clean aircraft technology have been the primary motive behind our investment in Rotor X.

 

Our Opportunity

 

We believe that the Estelle Gold Project has provided us with a potentially lucrative gold mining opportunity similar to the Carlin Gold Trend (the “Carlin”) due to its large size and low grade bulk mines. The Carlin Trend is located in Nevada and is host to one of America’s largest gold endowments currently estimated at 130Moz of gold and since it commenced operations in 1963 has produced over 84Moz gold.

 

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When a subsidiary of Newmont Gold Corporation opened the Carlin mine, it was the world’s first open pit primary gold mine, mining vast bulk tonnages of low grade ore which were crushed, ground and treated by cyanidation with high recovery rates.

 

The technological know-how in mineral exploration and mine development gained from the Carlin Trend was also quickly applied to other low grade bulk mines around the world.

 

Similar to the Carlin Trend, the Estelle Gold Project has a vast mineralized land position. In our experience, very few mining companies own a district scale gold asset with an already defined large gold resource, in a Fraser Institute ranked top 4 investment jurisdiction, on State lands, with the possibility for long term opportunity of potentially multiple mines across one single project site, like we have at Estelle. All deposits are open with thick ore zones from surface and a low strip ratio, amendable to large scale bulk mining using conventional truck and shovel methods, with further drill programs planned, which could potentially continue to increase both the size and confidence of the resource base over the coming years.

 

In 2023 we drilled approximately 7,000m, the majority of which was focused on the RPM area with the aim to further prove up and expand the resource at RPM, including the North, South and Valley zones and test the potential of inter-connection between these zones. To date, this drilling has not been included in any mineral resource estimates and may provide potential future resource upside.

 

Approximately 600m of exploration drilling was also conducted in the Train prospect area, where RPM-style gold mineralization as well as multi-element silver, copper, antimony and other critical minerals have been identified in surface exploration work. The Train prospect is situated approximately 6km north of RPM covering an area 4.5km long and 2.5km wide representing another very large intrusive related mineralized system. The Train prospect area is considered a high priority target for potential discovery and definition of an additional 3rd resource deposit.

 

Extensive surface exploration mapping and sampling programs were also conducted as part of the 2023 field season, along with the re-examination of multi-element data from historical samples. These were primarily focused on the RPM and Train areas, as well as at the highly prospective 3km long polymetallic Au-Ag-Cu system at the Stoney prospect.

 

In addition to the 4 already defined resource deposits, Nova also has 20 other known prospects at various stages of advancement across the 35km long mineralised corridor, including the recent significant discoveries at the Train/Trumpet, Discovery/Muddy Creek, Wombat, Stibium, Styx and Stoney prospects.

 

At Train, geological observations and high-grade rock chip samples indicate another possibly large IRGS exposed at surface with a 1km strike length and 500m width. Structural controls and more high-grade rock chips also show a possible genetic link to the nearby Trumpet prospect with a strike length of 1.5km between the two prospects.

 

At the new Discovery and Muddy Creek prospects surface exploration sampling in 2023 has identified one of the most continuous high-grade zones of mineralization on the property, with a 1.5km long surface gold anomaly with multiple high-grade rock and soil samples.

 

New gold-antimony targets were identified in the Stibium and Styx prospects with the discovery of high grade stibnite, a primary ore source for the rare mineral antimony, associated with the gold systems, which represents a significant development for us as antimony is listed as a critical and strategic mineral to US economic and national security interests with no current US domestic supply.

 

At the Shoeshine prospect a property wide record 1,290 g/t Au rock sample was discovered as well as significant concentrations of the critical mineral antimony and copper and silver.

 

In the Stoney area, surface sampling and mapping has identified a high-grade polymetallic gold, copper and silver stacked vein system along a 4km strike length, up to 10m wide and over 300m of vertical extent and the results of further surface exploration mapping and sampling programs conducted in the area in 2023 have identified indications of gold, silver, copper and antimony as well.

 

At the recently discovered Wombat prospect soil and rock samples have identified the thickest gold-bearing veins to date on the property with over a 1km strike length in what appears to be a porphyry gold-copper area.

 

As systematic reconnaissance exploration programs continue, we expect further discoveries of surface outcropping deposits could potentially create a long term opportunity of future mine life through a pipeline of exploitable resources, assuming that we are able to prove additional reserves on our property and that we are also able to develop and market such reserves in a profitable manner.

 

As the Company now progresses to the feasibility study stage, numerous studies required to commence and complete a formal Feasibility Study are currently underway to test potential improvements and optimization of the flowsheet including:

 

  Optimized plant size with the aim being to process high-grade ore early in the mining schedule, with a smaller milling circuit, and more selective ore sorting commencing in 2 to 3 years to process the medium grade material, with lower grade material sent to heap leach;
  Evaluation of heap leaching potential, a well-proven low-cost gold recovery method for lower grade material and material rejected from ore sorters, to lift annual gold production;
  Investigating various heap leaching options, including agglomeration and alternative leach reagents;
  Assessing extraction options of the highly elevated concentrations of silver, copper, antimony and other critical minerals identified across the project which could potentially provide valuable by-product credits;
  Reviewing various selective ore sorting options on material from both RPM and Korbel with Steinert ore sorting to test a combination of different sensors including, XRT density, color, laser and induction, to potentially improve the ore sorting results further; and
  Investigating alternative technology options, such as SAG (Semi Autogenous Grinding) mills, coarse flotation using Hydrofloat technology and gravity recovery using a Reflux Classifier to further improve and optimize the process flowsheet.

 

Our Competitive Strengths

 

We believe that we are an industry leader based on the speed and manner in which we have been growing our global resource inventory, working within relatively small budgets. In just over 5 years, our fundamental achievements include:

 

The discovery of a district scale gold and other minerals project in a safe jurisdiction on Alaska State lands (no native or federal land across the Estelle Gold property), at a very low cost of discovery per ounce;
   
Drilled over 90,000m, including very thick high-grade intercepts at RPM, to define a large gold resource from green fields, with deposits spread across 4 large near surface intrusion related gold systems (IRGS) which are continuing to grow with ongoing exploration and drilling programs to potentially improve both the size and confidence of the resource;
   
Established infrastructure for year-round operation;
   
Established a proven and robust flow sheet which easy liberates the gold using conventional technology; and
   
Build strong relationships with the Alaskan community, suppliers and the State government.

 

Coupled with a potentially lucrative asset, we have also established a leadership team of experienced mining executives and operators with a history of growing and de-risking projects, including a local well connected CEO who has significant experience in bringing mines into production having worked on major projects including Sepon, Carosue Dam, Batu Hijau and the Carlin Trend. All with a united vision of getting Estelle into production as fast as possible to become a world-class global gold producer and who have personally collectively invested approximately US$6 million in us through options conversion, placements and multiple on-market purchases.

 

We also pride ourselves on our innovation and efficiency, which we believe is evidenced by our extremely low discovery cost of below. We continue to develop our strategies and initiatives to improve its business plans and operations, in particular with respect to the Estelle Gold Project. Some of the innovations we have undertaken to date include:

 

Particle density X-Ray ore sorting. Ore sorting test work conducted on drill core samples from Estelle ore demonstrates great potential for less processing and increased mine production to successfully separate the gold-bearing veins.

 

On-site independent preparation facility. We have established an onsite preparation facility which has the capacity to process up to 7,500 samples per month, providing significant cost savings as the samples are prepared through drying, crushing and splitting on site, significantly reducing the sample weight that is shipped from site to the laboratory for analysis. This also allows us to bypass the commercial prep-lab which in turn improves the assay result turnaround time.

 

Our Growth Strategies

 

Our growth strategy is to get the Estelle Gold Project into production as fast as possible to become a tier one global gold producer in order to maximize shareholder value.

 

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Estelle’s Projected Timeline to Production

 

2024 drill program

 

-Up to 3 drill rigs running 24 hours, 7 days per week in the almost 24-hour daylight in Alaska during the period

 

-RPM infill and extensional resource drilling to improve the size and confidence of the resource (Q2/Q3 2024)

 

-Exploration drilling in the Train area (Q2/Q3 2024)

 

FS trade off study work and geotechnical drilling (Ongoing throughout 2024)

 

Global MRE update (2024 and 2025)

 

FS, including updated MRE with resources from the 2023 and 2024 drill programs (2025)

 

FS and permitting (2026)

 

Decision to mine and financing (2027)

 

Commence mine construction (2027/2028)

 

1st gold pour (Late 2028)

 

Ongoing exploration to assess district wide opportunities to increase the resource pipeline

 

* All timelines are projected only and subject to assay lab turnarounds, market and operating conditions, all necessary approvals, regulatory requirements, weather events and no unforeseen delays.

 

 

Figure 15: Our long-term growth strategy

 

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Uses of Gold

 

While gold is widely known to be used in jewelry, coins, and investments, it is also used extensively as an industrial metal in electronics manufacturing, as it has high electrical conductivity, is easy to work with, and is resistant to tarnishing.

 

 

 

Figure 16: Uses of gold in the United States – Source USGS 2022

 

Everyday products which use gold in their manufacturing include:

 

  Smartphones, where gold is used in the circuit boards, connectors, and contacts due to its excellent conductivity and resistance to corrosion
  Computers, laptops and tablets, where gold is used in the processors, memory chips, circuit boards and connectors to ensure reliable electrical connections
  Televisions, where gold is used in the production of flat-panel displays, connectors, and solder joints
  Gaming consoles, where gold is utilized for circuitry and connector components
  Digital cameras, where gold is used in the circuitry, contacts, and connectors
  Wearable devices, such as smartwatches and fitness trackers, which incorporate gold in their electronic components
  Audio equipment, where gold is employed for connectors and internal wiring
  GPS devices, where gold is utilized for connectors and circuitry
  Medical devices, such as pacemakers and hearing aids, which contain gold due to its biocompatibility and excellent electrical properties.

 

 

Figure 17: Gold computer connections: Gold in a computer memory chip

 

More recently gold is also a metal that is being used in the batteries for electric vehicles (EVs), as its conductivity helps to ensure that electricity can flow freely and efficiently throughout the battery and being non-reactive it won’t rust or degrade over time, making it a perfect material for long-term use in EVs.

 

Gold also plays an important role in the financial reserves of numerous nations with central bank buying dramatically increasing since 2010.

 

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Central banks hold gold to:

 

  Balance foreign exchange reserves in order to manage risk from currency holdings and to promote stability during economic turmoil
  Hedge against fiat currencies due to inflation
  Diversify portfolios to protect from volatility as gold has an inverse correlation with the US dollar

 

With the current environment of high inflation and geopolitical uncertainty, central banks brought a record 1,136 tons of gold in 2022 (Source IMF).

 

 

Figure 18: Timeline of central bank gold demand

 

Material Contracts

 

Incorporated Joint Venture Agreement

 

On December 17, 2017, Nova Minerals Limited, and AK Minerals Pty Ltd for and on behalf of AKCM (AUST) Pty Ltd entered into a joint venture agreement (the “Incorporated JV Agreement”). Pursuant to the terms of the Incorporated JV Agreement, Nova Minerals Limited and AK Minerals Pty Ltd agreed to associate themselves as an incorporated joint venture to conduct exploration and mining operations on the mining tenements in Anchorage, Mt. McKinley and Kuskokwim as part of the Estelle and Farewell projects.

 

The Incorporated JV Agreement will continue in force until the earlier of (i) there being only one remaining party to the agreement; (ii) until terminated by the unanimous agreement of the parties; or (iii) until terminated under the default provisions of the agreement.

 

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Minerals Royalty Agreement

 

On May 21, 2018, AK Custom Mining LLC (“Payer”), AK Minerals Pty Ltd (“Payee”) and AKCM (AUST) Pty Ltd (“Guarantor”) entered into a minerals royalty agreement (the “Minerals Royalty Agreement”). Pursuant to the Incorporated JV Agreement, Payee is entitled to a right to a royalty from exploration and mining operations. Thus, pursuant to the Minerals Royalty Agreement, the Payer agreed to pay the Payee a royalty on all ore, concentrates or other products extracted, sold, removed or otherwise dispose of.

 

The royalty percentage under the Minerals Royalty Agreement is 2% and the interest rate is the rate which is the highest of the unsecured business overdraft rate of the National Australia Bank, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Westpac and ANZ Banking Group. The royalty payable by the Payer to the Payee is calculated by multiplying the royalty percentage by the quarterly gross revenue and adjustments minus allowable deductions for that given quarter.

 

Convertible Loan Facility

 

See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Contractual Obligations” for a discussion of our Convertible Loan Facility with Nebari Gold Fund 1, LP.

 

Competition

 

We face intense competition in the mineral exploration and exploitation industry on an international, national and local level. We compete with other mining and exploration companies, many of which possess greater financial resources and technical facilities than we do, in connection with the exploration and mining of suitable properties and in connection with the engagement of qualified personnel. The exploration and mining industry is fragmented, and we are a very small participant in this sector. Many of our competitors explore for a variety of minerals and control many different properties around the world. Many of them have been in business longer than we have and have established more strategic partnerships and relationships and have greater financial accessibility than we have.

 

The Tintina Belt has a history of multiple magmatic events and is associated with a wide range of base and precious metals. We compete with other companies who own deposits in the same area.

 

Environmental, Social and Governance

 

We are committed to creating a safe and environmentally responsible future mining operation that provides opportunities for all Alaskans. We have established strong and collaborative working relationships with the communities adjacent to our operations to ensure we have a meaningful impact on their culture, environment, and economic prosperity. Where possible, we do this by prioritizing local procurement and employment and investing in community partnering initiatives consistent with our core values: Integrity, Respect and Openness.

 

We also take our environmental responsibilities seriously and is committed to achieving excellence in environmental management through understanding the sensitivities of working within the region.

 

All works are governed by the Application for Permits to Mine in Alaska (APMA). There are strict provisions governing exploration and mining in Alaska, as well as legislation and a large number of supporting regulations.

 

Over the last 5 years we have spent in excess of USD$50M directly and indirectly into the local Alaskan economy, supported over 50 local Alaskan businesses and through contractors employed 100’s Alaskans from local communities.

 

While we are currently in the exploration and development phase of our Estelle Gold Project, as the project moves into the construction and operation phases there will be an exponential increase in the number of local jobs and services required.

 

Intellectual Property

 

We do not own any registered intellectual property rights.

 

Facilities

 

Our company’s registered office is located in Suite 5 on 242 Hawthorn Road in Caulfield, Australia.

 

We own an all season fully operational 80-man camp facility near the confluence of Portage Creek and the Skwentna River. The camp is serviced with a 4,000 foot gravel airstrip for wheel-based aircrafts including the large DC3 aircraft. The camp is equipped with diesel generators, a satellite communication link, tent structures on wooden floors, connex camp units, several wood-framed buildings, kitchen, fuel storage area, core shack and core preparation facility.

 

Legal Proceedings

 

From time to time, we may become involved in various lawsuits and legal proceedings which arise in the ordinary course of business. However, litigation is subject to inherent uncertainties and an adverse result in these or other matters may arise from time to time that may harm our business. We are currently not aware of any such legal proceedings or claims that we believe will have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or operating results.

 

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Regulation

 

Our mining and exploration activities are subject to various laws and regulations, including legal and contractual obligations to reclaim, remediate, or otherwise restore properties at the time the property is removed from service. Accounting for reclamation and remediation obligations requires management to make estimates of the future costs that we will incur to complete the work required to comply with existing laws and regulations. Actual costs may differ from the amounts estimated. Reclamation costs are allocated to expense over the life of the related assets and are periodically adjusted to reflect changes in the estimated present value resulting from the passage of time and revisions to the estimates of either the timing or amount of the reclamation and remediation costs. Also, future changes to environmental laws and regulations could increase the extent of reclamation and remediation work required.

 

In the U.S., an unpatented mining claim on unappropriated federal land may be acquired pursuant to procedures established by the Mining Law of 1872 and other federal and state laws. These acts generally provide that a citizen of the U.S. (including a corporation) may acquire a possessory right to develop and mine valuable mineral deposits discovered upon appropriate federal lands, provided that such lands have not been withdrawn from mineral location, e.g., national parks, military reservations and lands designated as part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. The validity of all unpatented mining claims is dependent upon inherent uncertainties and conditions. These uncertainties relate to such non-record facts as the sufficiency of the discovery of minerals, proper posting and marking of boundaries, and possible conflicts with other claims not determinable from descriptions of record. Prior to discovery of a locatable mineral on an unpatented mining claim, a mining claim may be open to location by others unless the owner is in possession of the claim.

 

To maintain an unpatented mining claim in good standing, the claim owner must file with the Bureau of Land Management, an annual maintenance fee ($165 for each claim, which may change year to year), a maintenance fee waiver certification, or proof of labor or affidavit of assessment work, all in accordance with the laws at the time of filing which may periodically change.

 

In connection with mining, milling and exploration activities, we are subject to United States federal, state and local laws and regulations governing the protection of the environment, including laws and regulations relating to protection of air and water quality, hazardous waste management and mine reclamation as well as the protection of endangered or threatened species. The departments responsible for the environmental regulation include the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the Alaska Department of Environmental Protection and Bureau of Land Management. Any of these regulators have broad authority to shut down and/or levy fines against facilities that do not comply with their environmental regulations or standards. Potential areas of environmental consideration for mining companies, including ours, include but are not limited to, acid rock drainage, cyanide containment and handling, contamination of water sources, dust, and noise.

 

We have obtained the permits necessary to develop, construct the camp, and associated facilities and the permits to conduct mineral exploration on our Estelle property. In connection with these permits and exploration activities in Alaska, we are subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations governing protection of the environment, including, but not limited to, the Clean Air Act; the Clean Water Act; the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act; the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act; the Endangered Species Act; the Federal Land Policy and Management Act; the National Environmental Policy Act; the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act; and related state laws. These laws and regulations are continually changing and are generally becoming more restrictive.

 

67
 

 

MANAGEMENT

 

Directors and Executive Officers

 

The following table sets forth certain information regarding our directors and executive officers as of the date of this prospectus.

 

NAME   AGE   POSITION
Christopher Gerteisen   50   Chief Executive Officer and Director
Michael Melamed   48   Chief Financial Officer
Craig Bentley   54   Director of Finance & Compliance and Director
Avi Geller   35   Director
Louie Simens   41   Director and Interim Chairman
Rodrigo Pasqua   34   Director
Ian Pamensky   55   Company Secretary
Richard Beazley   60   Non-Executive Chairman Nominee and Director Nominee

 

Christopher Gerteisen. Mr. Gerteisen became our Chief Executive Office and a Director in September 2019. Mr. Gerteisen has served as manager of our AK Custom Mining LLC subsidiary since 2017,our Alaska Range Resources LLC subsidiary since 2022 and our AK Operations LLC subsidiary since 2018. Mr. Gerteisen has served as director of Viridis Mining and Minerals since 2022. He has also served as an advisor to Snow Lake Resources since 2022 and as a director of Rotor X Aircraft Manufacturing since 2020. As CEO, he is responsible for all aspects of the Estelle Gold project. Mr. Gerteisen has over 30 years of experience as a professional geologist with an extensive record of managing and advancing complex and challenging resource projects across North America, Australia, and Asia. His work experience spans Greenfields from discovery through to production stage and other projects with a focus on commodities including gold and copper. From May 1994 to August 1998, he worked as a geologist on the Carlin Trend in Nevada and on exploration in Alaska with Newmont. He has held senior positions within several projects throughout the goldfields of Western Australia.

 

As a research geologist with Newmont From August 1998 to August 1999, Mr. Gerteisen worked on the Batu Hijau Porphyry Cu-Au deposit in Indonesia. Most recently, through his technical contributions and management skills, Mr. Gerteisen played a significant role in the successful start-up, operations, and exploration which resulted in further mine-life extending discoveries at several prominent projects in the Australasian region, including Oxiana’s Sepon and PanAust’s Phu Bia in Laos. Mr. Gerteisen holds a Bachelor of Geology from the University of Idaho and a Master’s degree in Economic Geology from the Western Australia School of Mines. He is based in Alaska and a member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists.

 

Michael Melamed. Mr. Melamed has served as our Chief Financial Officer since July 2015. Mr. Melamed brings over 25 years of extensive experience in the areas of financial and executive management, mergers & acquisitions, financial reporting and auditing, business and corporate advisory, corporate restructuring and investor relations. Mr. Melamed has a Bachelor of Business (Accounting & Finance) from the University of Technology, Sydney and is a Member of The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Australia. Mr. Melamed has served as manager of our AK Custom Mining LLC subsidiary since 2017,our Alaska Range Resources LLC subsidiary since 2022 and our AK Operations LLC subsidiary since 2018.

 

Presently, Mr. Melamed is also a director of a corporate advisory services company, and the Chief Financial Officer of Viridis Mining and Minerals (ASX: VMM). Mr. Melamed is a former director of both Viridis Mining and Minerals (ASX: VMM) and Ragusa Minerals (ASX: RAS). Mr. Melamed is also a former Financial Controller for Loyal Lithium Limited (ASX: LLI) and a former CFO of Asra Minerals Limited (ASX: ASR).

 

Craig Bentley. Mr. Bentley joined our board in February 2022 and became Director of Finance and Compliance in September 2023. He has over 30 years of extensive commercial and finance experience working in senior roles within multinational private enterprises, as well as auditing for Ernst Young, including on the audit of the Bank of America and a special audit for an insurance company prior to IPO listing in the United States amongst others. Mr. Bentley has an extensive and successful track record in compliance, risk management, and finance functions, including planning/forecasting, commercial negotiations, due diligence and the establishment and management of finance departments across international borders. As part of his role with us, Mr. Bentley is tasked with compliance and risk management, marketing, finance, as well as assisting with our strategy during our forecasted rapid growth period.

 

Mr. Bentley holds a Bachelor of Commerce and Administration degree, majoring in accountancy and commercial law from Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. 

 

Avi Geller. Mr. Geller has served as a member of our board of directors since November 2018. Mr. Geller has extensive investment experience and a deep knowledge of corporate finance, including capital markets, venture capital, hybrid, debt and private equity. He has been serving as the Chief Investment Officer of Leonite Capital LLC, a family office he co-founded focusing on real estate and capital markets, since January 2017. Mr. Geller has also served as a director at DealFlow Financial Products, Inc. since January 2017. Since May 2018, he has also served as a Director of Parkit Enterprise Inc., a publicly traded real estate company (TSX-V:PKT; OTCQX:PKTEF). In the past he served as an Interim Chief Executive Officer. From November 2020, He served as a Director at Australis Capital Inc., (AUSA.CN; OTCQB:AUSAF) a publicly traded company that is implementing a capital light growth strategy towards establishing a highly competitive and profitable MSO in the U.S. and global cannabis markets. He previously served as the Executive Chairman at Axios Mobile Assets Corp. from September 2017 to June 2018.

 

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Louie Simens. Louie Simens has been served on our Board since December 2017 and as our interim executive Chairman since April 2023. Mr. Simens is responsible for managing our core business operations, which requires oversight of company-wide operational efficiencies and working with management and the board to review and implement strategic plans to facilitate growth. Mr. Simens has served as manager of our AK Custom Mining LLC subsidiary since 2017,our Alaska Range Resources LLC subsidiary since 2022 and our AK Operations LLC subsidiary since 2018. In addition, Mr. Simens has served as a director of our AKCM (AUST) Pty Ltd subsidiary since 2017.

 

He has extensive experience in capital markets and running businesses, as well as in corporate restructuring, due diligence and mergers & acquisitions, where he utilizes his knowledge of corporate governance and project management. Mr. Simens has a successful track record spanning more than a decade, owning and operating contracting businesses in the fields of both civil and building construction.

 

Mr. Simens has been a director of Benison Contractors Pty Ltd, his family construction group since inception on 5 July 2007. Mr. Simens was a Director of Snow Lake Resources Ltd (Nasdaq: LITM), an entity in which we have a 32.5% interest, since November 2018 to May 2022 and was appointed Snow Lake’s Non-Executive Chairman in December 2020 after the company’s Nasdaq listing. He has also served as Non-Executive Chairman of Torian Resources Ltd. (now Asra Minerals (ASX: ASR)).

 

Rodrigo Pasqua. Mr. Pasqua has served as a member of our board of directors since May 2022. Since May 2022, has served an advisor to Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, a strategic advisory and market research firm. Since April 2022, Mr. Pasqua has served as Chairman of Midwest Lithium AG, a lithium exploration company. From November 2019 to May 2022, Mr. Pasqua served as Group Had of Mining and Transformation for Evolution Mining. From April 2018 to October 2019, Mr. Pasqua served in various positions as Mining Plus Australia, a mining consulting company, most recently as operations manager. Mr. Pasqua received a Bachelor of Engineering from the University of Sao Paolo and his graduate degree from the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

 

Ian Pamensky. Mr. Pamensky has been our Secretary since September 18, 2019. Mr. Pamensky is a Chartered Accountant, Fellow of Governance Institute of Australia and fellow of FinSIA. He has over 27 years of experience working across a wide range of industries, from audit and funds management to mining and AgTech. Mr. Pamensky has significant experience as Company Secretary of ASX listed companies. He is currently Secretary of ASX listed companies, Dotz Nano Limited, Viridis Mining and Metals Limited, Loyal Lithium Limited and Nova Minerals Limited.

 

Mr. Pamensky was previously the Company Secretary of Viridis Mining and Metals Limited, Torian Resources Limited, Secretary of Sky and Space Limited, e-Sense Lab Limited, Keybridge Capital Limited, Regal Resources Limited, Alliance Resources Limited and Octagonal Resources Limited.

 

Richard Beazley. Non-Executive Chairman Nominee and Director Nominee. Mr. Beazley is a nominee as Non-Executive Chairman, Director Audit and Risk Committee and Remuneration and Nomination Committee, whose formal appointment will occur concurrent with the effectiveness of this registration statement. Since September 2021, Mr. Beazley has served as CEO, Managing Director and Executive Director of Troy Resources Limited, a gold mining company. From August 2017 to October 2019, Mr. Beazley served as Chief Operating Officer of ASX listed Sandfire Resources NL, a copper mining company. From October 2008 to September 2011, Mr. Beazley served as General Manager of Consolidated Minerals. From June 2007 to August 2008, Mr. Beazley erved as General Manager Southern Cross Operations of ASX listed St Barbara Limited. From January 2006 to June 2007, Mr. Beazley served as General Manager Nifty Copper Operations of Aditya Birla Group. Since February 2022, Mr. Beazley has served as Non-executive chairman of ASX listed Metals Grove Mining Ltd, a battery metals explorer. Since August 2022, Mr. Beazley has served as non-executive director of ASX listed Catalina Resources Ltd, a minerals exploration and mine development company. Since November 2021, Mr. Beazley has served as non-executive chair of Tiger Tasman Minerals Ltd, a mineral exploration and development company. Since October 2019, Mr. Beazley has served as a director of Hydrogen Energy Pty Ltd, a renewables and green energy provider. Since June 2013, Mr. Beazley has served as a director of Altair Mining Consultancy Pty Ltd, a mining consultancy company. From October 2018 to September 2021, Mr. Beazley served as a non-executive director of Troy Resources Limited, a gold mining company. From January 2012 to May 2013, Mr. Beazley served as Managing Director of ASX listed Peak Rare Earths Limited (f/ka/ Peak Resources Ltd), an exploration company. Mr. Beazley is an internationally experienced mining professional and director with over 35 years of experience in senior corporate, operational and project development roles. He is a qualified Mining Engineer and has worked in a range of projects throughout Australia, Africa, North and South America, in both underground and open cut operations, producing gold, base metals and critical minerals. Mr. Beazley is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (MAICD) and a member and CP of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (MAusIMM (CP)). Mr. Beazley received his B.E. (Mining) with Honors from the University of New South Wales and his MBA from APESMA and Deakin University.

 

No family relationship exists between any of our directors and executive officers. There are no arrangements or understandings with major shareholders, customers, suppliers or others pursuant to which any person referred to above was selected as a director or member of senior management.

 

Compensation

 

Remuneration Principles

 

Remuneration of all executive and non-executive directors and officers is determined by the board of directors. Directors’ fees cover all board activities. Non-Executive directors do not receive any benefits on retirement. Remuneration levels are competitively set to attract and retain appropriately qualified and experienced directors. The remuneration structures are designed to attract suitably qualified candidates, reward the achievement of strategic objectives, and achieve the broader outcome of creation of value for shareholders. The remuneration structures take into account:

 

the capability and experience of the directors;
   
the directors’ ability to control our performance;
   
our performance including:

 

our earnings.

 

the growth in share price and returns on shareholder wealth.

 

The directors do not believe our financial or share price performance is an accurate measure when considering remuneration structures as we are in the mineral exploration industry. Companies in this industry do not have an ongoing source of revenue, as revenue is normally from ad-hoc transactions.

 

The more appropriate measure is the identification of exploration targets, identification and/or increase of mineral resources and reserves and our ultimate conversion from explorer status to mining status.

 

Performance linked remuneration focuses on long-term incentives and was designed to reward key management personnel for meeting or exceeding their objectives.

 

At the 2023 Annual General Meeting of shareholders held on November 29, 2023, shareholders re-approved the adoption by us of an Employee Share Option Plan (ESOP) and authorized directors to issue options at their discretion in accordance with the rules, up to the limits approved in accordance with the ASX Listing Rules. Under the terms of the ESOP, the Board may offer options to our directors, employees and contractors or any of its subsidiaries or related body corporates.

 

The aggregate number of options that may be issued under the ESOP shall not at any time exceed 20,000,000, in accordance with the shareholder approval obtained at the 2020 Annual General Meeting and re-approved at the 2023 Annual General Meeting. The number of options that may be issued under the ESOP may be varied by majority shareholder resolution.

 

The approval of the ESOP include capacity for us to finance an acquisition of its own securities by providing a loan to recipients and for us to take security over its own securities in connection with such loans.

 

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ESOP

 

A summary of the ESOP is set forth below:

 

At the 2023 Annual General Meeting of shareholders held on November 29, 2023, shareholders approved the rules of the 2023 ESOP shareholders approved the rules of the ESOP (and authorized directors to issue options at their discretion in accordance with the rules, up to limits approved for the purposes of the ASX Listing Rules, from time to time. Under the rules of the ESOP the Board may offer options to our employees and consultants (and our group entities). A summary of the ESOP is set out below.

 

Participants Means: (i) any Director, full or part time employee of the Company, its subsidiaries and any other related body corporate of the Company (“Group Company”); (ii) any casual employee or contractor of a Group Company to the extent permitted by applicable law; or (iii) a prospective participant to whom the offer if made but who can only accept the offer is an arrangement has been entered into that would result in the person becoming a Participant under (i) or (ii).
Option Means an option to acquire a Share issued in accordance with the  ESOP.

ESOP administration

The ESOP shall be administered by the Board (or its delegated authority).
Eligibility Participants entitled to participate in the  ESOP shall be determined by the Board.
Offer and application

The Board may issue an offer to a Participant to participate in the ESOP (an “Offer”).

 

The offer to a Participant to participate in the ESOP will include:

(i) the number of Options offered to a Participant under the ESOP;

(ii) the exercise price and expiry date of the Options;

(iii) any vesting and exercise conditions and/or restriction periods applicable to the Options (and Shares issued upon the exercise of such Options);

(iv) an acceptance period for the offer; and

(iv) any other terms and conditions attaching to the Options.

Restriction on Transfer An Option may not be transferred except to the extent provided for in the ESOP, or unless the Offer provides otherwise.
Issue Price Unless the Option are quoted on the ASX, Options issued under the ESOP will be issued for no more than nominal cash consideration.
Exercise Conditions Participants may only exercise vested Options by paying the exercise price. Vested Options must be exercised during a Company trading window, subject to the Company’s Trading in Securities Policy. The Board may impose further exercise conditions as determined in the Board’s discretion, and as specified in the Offer for the Option.
Maximum Number of Options and Shares The maximum number of securities that can be issued pursuant to the  ESOP is 20,000,000.
Lapse of Options

Unexercised Options shall lapse upon the earlier of:

(i) the holder ceases to be an employee of (permanent or otherwise), director of, or ceases to provide services to the Company for any reason (including, without limitation, resignation or termination for cause), unless the reason is due to death, total and permanent disability or redundancy; and

(a) any vesting conditions have not been met by the date the holder ceases to be a Participant (the “Ceasing Date”);

(b) where any vesting conditions have been met by the Ceasing Date or where the Option is not subject to any exercise conditions, the Participant fails to exercise the Option within three (3) months after the Ceasing Date, or such further date as determined by the Board;

(ii) any vesting conditions are unable to be met; or

(iii) the expiry date of the Option has passed.

Rights attaching to Shares Shares issued pursuant to the exercise of Options will have the same terms and conditions as the Company’s issued Shares (other than in respect of any transfer restrictions imposed by the ESOP) and will rank equally with all other issued Shares from the issue date, except for entitlements which have a record date before the issue date.
Change of Control All vested Options must be exercised within thirty (30) days of a change of control. If vesting conditions apply, all unvested options will vest unless the Board determines otherwise.
Cashless Exercise In the Board’s discretion, the Board may determine (and specify in an invitation) to allow a holder of Options to pay the exercise price for an Option by setting off the exercise price against the relevant number of Shares the holder is entitled to receive upon exercise of the Option. The Company may also cancel or acquire the relevant number of vested Options in consideration for the relevant exercise price that would have been payable.
No quotation of Options The Options will not be quoted on the ASX, except (i) to the extent provided for by the ESOP; or (ii) unless the Offer provides otherwise.

 

The aggregate number of securities that may be issued upon the exercise of the ESOP options shall not at any time exceed 20,000,000 however excluded from this calculation are Shares issued on exercise of an option, or exercise or conversion of an interest issued under the ESOP, and options which have lapsed or been cancelled.

 

Executive Compensation

 

The following table sets forth all of the compensation awarded to, earned by or paid to each individual who served as directors and executive officers in year ended June 30, 2023.

 

   Short-term Benefits   Post Employment Benefits   Equity compensation   Total 
June 30, 2023  Cash salary
and fees
A$
   Cash bonus
A$
   Non
Monetary*
A$
   Super- annuation
A$
   Options
A$
   A$ 
Directors                              
Christopher Gerteisen   374,208    -    -    -    115,673    489,881 
Craig Bentley   112,000    -    -    -    44,650    156,650 
Avi Geller   60,000    -    -    -    28,918    88,918 
Louie Simens   268,000    -    -    -    115,673    383,673 
Rodrigo Pasqua   59,545    -    -    -    16,195    75,740 
Anna Ladd-Kruger (1)   50,684    -    -    -    -    50,684 
Other Key Management Personnel                              
Ian Pamensky   51,332    -    -    -    14,459    65,791 
Michael Melamed   115,826    -    -    -    14,459    130,285 
    1,091,595    -    -    -    350,027    1,441,622 

 

(1)Resigned in April 2023

 

Service Agreements

 

The following members of key personnel have service agreements as at June 30, 2023 as follows:

 

Christopher Gerteisen   Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer
     
Agreement commenced:   April 20, 2022
     
Details  

Termination by Us:

 

We must either give Mr. Gerteisen twelve months’ written notice and, at the end of that notice period, make a payment to Mr. Gerteisen equal to his salary over a twelve month period; or otherwise may terminate Mr. Gerteisen’s employment with immediate effect by paying him the equivalent of his salary over a twelve month period.

Termination by Mr. Gerteisen:

 

Mr. Gerteisen may terminate his employment if we commit a serious breach of the agreement and does not remedy that breach; or, otherwise, by providing twelve months written notice to us.

     

Base salary including superannuation

 

US$252,000 per year, inclusive of directors’ fees and superannuation (if applicable).

 

70
 

 

Louie Simens   Executive Director and Interim Chairman
     
Agreement commenced:   April 20, 2022
     
Details  

Termination by Us:

 

We must either give Mr. Simens twelve months’ written notice and, at the end of that notice period, make a payment to Mr. Simens equal to his salary over a twelve month period; or otherwise may terminate Mr. Simens employment with immediate effect by paying him the equivalent of his salary over a twelve month period.

 

Termination by Mr. Simens:

 

Mr. Simens may terminate his employment if we commit a serious breach of the agreement and does not remedy that breach; or, otherwise, by providing twelve months written notice to us.

     

Base salary including superannuation

 

A$228,000 per year, inclusive of directors’ fees and superannuation (if applicable).

     
Avi Geller   Non-Executive Director
     
Agreement commenced:   July 23, 2020
     
Details   This service agreement has no fixed term. Mr. Geller can terminate the agreement at will. The Company can terminate it according with the terms of its Constitution.
     

Base salary including superannuation

  A$60,000 per year for services as non-executive director, (inclusive of superannuation contributions, if applicable).
     
Craig Bentley   Director of Finance and Compliance and Director
     
Agreement commenced:   September 19, 2022
     
Details  

Termination by Us:

 

We must either give Mr. Bentley twelve months’ written notice and, at the end of that notice period, make a payment to Mr. Bentley equal to his salary over a twelve month period; or otherwise may terminate Mr. Bentley’s employment with immediate effect by paying him the equivalent of his salary over a twelve month period.

 

Termination by Mr. Bentley:

 

Mr. Bentley may terminate his employment if we commit a serious breach of the agreement and does not remedy that breach; or, otherwise, by providing twelve months written notice to us

     

Base salary including superannuation

  A$120,000 per year, inclusive of directors’ fees and superannuation (if applicable).
     
Rodrigo Pasqua   Non-Executive Director
     
Agreement commenced:   May 1, 2022
     
Details   This service agreement has no fixed term. Mr. Pasqua can terminate the agreement at will. The Company can terminate it according with the terms of its Constitution.
     

Base salary including

superannuation

  A$60,000 per year for services as non-executive director, (inclusive of superannuation contributions, if applicable) for up to 20 hours per month with any excess hours to be charged at A$300 per hour. Additional benefits comprising of
250,000 Unquoted Options each with an exercise price of $1.35 expiring May 20, 2023 (NVAUOP10)

 

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Anna Ladd-Kruger   Non-Executive Chairman (resigned April 28,2023)
     
Agreement commenced:   June 29, 2022 (until April 28, 2023)
     
Details   This service agreement has no fixed term. Ms. Lad-Kruger can terminate the agreement at will. The Company can terminate it according with the terms of its Constitution. Ms. Lad-Kruger resigned from the company on April 28, 2023.
     

Base salary including superannuation

  C$60,000 per year for services as non-executive chairman, (inclusive of superannuation contributions, if applicable) for up to 20 hours per month with any excess hours to be charged at C$185 per hour. Additional benefits comprising of
250,000 Unquoted Options each with an exercise price of $1.35 expiring May 20, 2023 (NVAUOP10)
     
Michael Melamed   Chief Financial Officer
     
Agreement commenced:   August 1, 2023
     
Details   Either party may terminate this Agreement at any time by giving to the other notice in writing for a period of not less than three (3) months or in the case of the Company by providing an equivalent payment in lieu of such notice.
     

Base salary including superannuation

  A$78,000 per year for services as chief financial officer, (inclusive of superannuation contributions, if applicable)

 

Potential Payments Upon Termination Or Change In Control

 

If Mr. Gerteisen is terminated without 12-months’ notice, then he is entitled to 12 months’ salary.

 

If Mr. Simens is terminated without 12-months’ notice, then he is entitled to 12 months’ salary.

 

If Mr. Bentley is terminated without 12-months’ notice, then he is entitled to 12 months’ salary.

 

The following table sets forth quantitative information with respect to potential payments to be made to Messrs. Gerteisen, Simens and Bentley upon termination as discussed above. The potential payments are based on the terms of each of the service agreements discussed above. For a more detailed description of either Mr. Gerteisen’s, Simens’ or Bentley’s service agreement, see the “Services Agreements” section above.

 

Name  Potential Payment Upon Termination 
Christopher Gerteisen   US$252,000 
Louie Simens   A$228,000 
Craig Bentley   A$120,000 

 

Ordinary Share holdings

 

As at June 30, 2023, the numbers of shares held by our directors and officers were as follows.

 

2023  Balance at start of the year   Received on conversion of performance rights   Received during the year on the exercise of options    Other changes during the year (1)   Balance at end of the year 
Ordinary shares                    
Christopher Gerteisen   400,000             -    275,281    255,000    930,281(2)
Michael Melamed   900,000    -    275,281    -    1,175,281(3)
Craig Bentley   1,720,780    -    -    1,279,222    3,000,002(4)
Anna Ladd-Kruger(5)   -    -    -    35,715    35,715 
Rodrigo Pasqua   -    -    -    28,500    28,500(6)
Avi Geller   1,618,985    -    550,562    120,630    2,290,177(7)
Louie Simens   6,534,970    -    1,101,124    563,772    8,199,866(8)
Ian Pamensky   45,000    -    55,618    -    100,618(9)
Total ordinary shares   11,219,735    -    2,257,866    2,282,839    15,760,440 

 

(1) On market purchases and participation in fund raises
(2) Includes 730,281 ordinary shares held directly by Mr. Gerteisen and 200,000 ordinary shares held by AJ Holdings International Ltd, an entity over which Mr. Gerteisen has voting and investment control.
(3) Includes 1,175,281 ordinary shares held in a Launchpad (AUS) Pty Ltd an entity over which Mr. Melamed has voting and investment control..
(4) Includes 1,743,002 ordinary shares held directly by Mr. Bentley; 525,000 ordinary shares held by Speedy Investments Pty Ltd. and 732,000 ordinary shares held by Kerse Pty Ltd., entities over which Mr. Bentley has voting and investment control.
(5) Closing balance at the date of resignation – Resigned in April 2023
(6) Includes 28,500 ordinary shares held by Pasqua Holdings Pty Ltd, an entity over which Mr. Pasqua has voting and investment control.
(7) Includes 1,639,615 ordinary shares held by Mr. Geller directly and 100,000 ordinary shares held by Leonite Capital LLC and 550,562 ordinary shares held by Leonite LLC, entities over which Mr. Geller has voting and investment control.
(8) Includes 562,882 ordinary shares held directly by Mr. Simens’ wife; 5,817,060 ordinary shares held by SL Investments Pty Ltd. and 1,819,924 ordinary shares held by Kikceto Pty Ltd., entities over which Mr. Simens has voting and investment control.
(9) Includes 55,618 ordinary shares held directly by Mr. Pamensky and 45,000 ordinary shares held Lorian Pty Ltd, an entity over which Mr. Pamensky has voting and investment control.

 

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Options holdings

 

As at June 30, 2023, the numbers of options held by our directors and officers were as follows. Each option grants the right to receive one of our fully paid ordinary shares.

 

2023 Options  NVAOP3 – UNL OPT @ $1.10 EXP
11/30/2024
   NVAOP5 – UNL OPT @ $1.20 EXP
11/30/2025
   NVAOP6 – UNL OPT @ $2.35 EXP
10/7/2023
   NVAOP7 – UNL OPT @ $0.75 EX 12/29/2023  

NVAOP8 – UNL OPT @ $0.70 EXP

4/30/2024 (1)

   TOTAL 
Craig Bentley   71,429    750,000    200,000    -    72,929(2)   1,094,358 
Rodrigo Pasqua   14,250(3)   250,000    -    -    950    265,200 
Avi Geller   50,000(4)   500,000    -    -    76,340(5)   626,340 
A Ladd-Kruger(6)   17,858    250,000    -    -    -    267,858 
Louie Simens   214,286(7)   2,000,000    -    -    273,330(8)   2,487,616 
Christopher Gerteisen   50,000    2,000,000    -    500,000    29,178(9)   2,579,178 
Ian Pamensky   -    250,000(10)   -    100,000    3,354(10)   353,354 
Michael Melamed   -    250,000(11)   -    -    39,177(11)   289,177 
Total Options   417,823    6,250,000    200,000    600,000    495,258    7,963,081 

 

(1) For every two options exercised at A$0.70, holder will receive an option to purchase one additional ordinary share at an exercise price of A$1.00, with an expiry date of June 30, 2025.
(2) Includes options to purchase (i) 17,500 ordinary shares held by Speedy Investments Pty Ltd and (ii) 14,400 ordinary shares, both entities over which Mr. Bentley has voting and investment control.
(3) Includes options to purchase (i) 14,250 ordinary shares held by Pasqua Holdings Pty Ltd and (ii) 950 ordinary shares held by Pasqua Holdings Pty Ltd, an entity over which Mr. Pasqua has voting and investment control
(4) Includes options to purchase 50,000 ordinary shares held by Leonite Capital LLC, an entity over which Mr. Geller has voting and investment control.
(5) Includes options to purchase (i) 57,987 ordinary shares held by Leonite Capital LLC and (ii) 18,353 ordinary shares, entities over which Mr. Geller has voting and investment control.
(6) Closing balance at the date of resignation-Resigned in April 2023.
(7) Includes options to purchase 214,286 ordinary shares held by SL Investors Pty Ltd, an entity over which Mr. Simens has voting and investment control.
(8) Includes options to purchase (i) 18,763 ordinary shares held by Mr. Simen’s wife; (ii) 193,902 ordinary shares held by SL Investors Pty Ltd and (iii) 60,665 ordinary share held by Kikceto Pty Ltd, both entities over which Mr. Simens has voting and investment control.
(9) Includes 6,667 options to purchase ordinary shares held by AJ Holdings International Limited, an entity over which Mr. Gerteisen has voting and investment control.
(10) Includes options to purchase (i) 250,000 ordinary shares held by Lorian Pty Ltd and (ii) 3,354 ordinary shares held by Lorian Pty Ltd, an entity over which Mr. Pamensky has voting and investment control.
(11) Includes options to purchase (i) 250,000 ordinary shares held by Launchpad (AUS) Pty Ltd and (ii) 39,177 ordinary shares held by Launchpad (AUS) Pty Ltd, an entity over which Mr. Melamed has voting and investment control.

 

Performance rights

 

As at June 30, 2023, the number of performance rights held directly or indirectly by our directors and officers were as follows: Louie Simens – 200,000 Class A Performance Rights, 200,000 Class B Performance Rights and 400,000 class C performance rights; Christopher Gerteisen – 200,000 Class A Performance Rights, 200,000 Class B Performance Rights and 400,000 class C performance rights. Each performance right granted, is subject to the satisfaction of a performance condition, and entitles the holder to receive one of our fully paid ordinary shares.

 

There are three different classes of performance rights. Class A performance rights vest on completion of either a pre-feasibility study or a definitive feasibility study of the Korbel Main deposit, under certain conditions. Class B performance rights vest on completion of the first gold pour (defined as a minimum quantity of 500 oz) from the Korbel Main deposit. Class C performance rights vest on achieving of an EBITDA of more than A$20 million in the second-half reporting period following commencement of commercial operations at the Korbel Main deposit. All performance rights lapse on November 25,2026 subject to milestones.

 

2023  Balance at start of the year   Granted by the company   Expired   Converted to Ordinary shares   Balance at end of the year 
Christopher Gerteisen(1)   800,000    -    -    -    800,000 
Louie Simens(2)   800,000    -    -    -    800,000 
Total performance rights   1,600,000    -    -    -    1,600,000 

 

(1)Mr. Gerteisen owns 200,000 class A performance rights, 200,000 class B performance rights and 400,000 class C performance rights, of which the class A and class B performance rights are held by AJ Holdings International Ltd, an entity over which Mr. Gerteisen has voting and investment control

 

(2)Mr. Simens owns 200,000 class A performance rights, 200,000 class B performance rights and 400,000 class C performance rights, all of which rights are held by Kikceto Pty Ltd, an entity over which Mr.. Simens has voting and investment control

 

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Board Practices

 

Introduction

 

Our Board of Directors is elected by and accountable to our shareholders. It currently consists of five directors, including two non-executive directors and we currently have one vacancy on our Board of Directors. Mr. Richard Beazley is a Non-Executive Chairman nominee to fill the current vacancy on our Board of Directors, whose formal appointment will occur concurrent with effectiveness of this registration statement. The Chairman of our Board of Directors is responsible for the management of the Board of Directors and its functions.

 

Election of Directors

 

Directors are elected at our annual general meeting of shareholders. Under our Constitution, a director, other than a managing director, must not hold office for more than three years or beyond the third annual general meeting following his appointment (whichever is the longer period) without submitting himself for re-election. Our Board of Directors has the power to appoint any person to be a director, either to fill a vacancy or as an additional director (provided that the total number of directors does not exceed the maximum allowed by law), and any director so appointed may hold office only until the next annual general meeting (“AGM”) when he or she shall be eligible for election.

 

The appointment and expiration dates of each director in office on June 30, 2023* is as follows:

 

Name  Position  Year first appointed   Current term expires 
Christopher Gerteisen  Executive Director and CEO   2019    (1)
Louie Simens  Executive Director and Interim Chairman   2017    2025 (2)
Craig Bentley  Director of Finance and Compliance and Executive Director   2022    2025(2)
Avi Geller  Non- Executive Director   2018    2026 (2)
Rodrigo Pasqua  Non-Executive Director   2022    2024(2)

 

(1) According to our Constitution, a Managing Director’s appointment is not subject to expiration.
(2) According to the Company Constitution, one third of Directors need to retire by rotation every year and stand for re-election at the next AGM

 

*Mr. Richard Beazley is a nominee for Non-Executive Chairman and Director to fill a current vacancy on the Board of Directors, whose formal appointment will occur concurrent with the effectiveness of this registration statement. If appointed, his term will expire at the 2024 AGM when he will be eligible for election.

 

Corporate Governance

 

ASX Corporate Governance Principles

 

In Australia, there are no defined corporate governance structures and practices that must be observed by a company listed on the ASX, except that entities are required to have trading policies for key management personnel and entities of a certain size are required to have audit and remuneration committees . Instead, the ASX Corporate Governance Council has published the Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations, which contains what are called the Recommendations which articulate eight core principles which are intended to provide a reference point for companies about their corporate governance structures and practices. Under ASX Listing Rule 4.10.3, companies are required to provide a statement for release to the ASX disclosing the extent to which they have followed the Recommendations in the reporting period and where they have not followed all the Recommendations, identify the Recommendations that have not been followed, and the reasons for not following them and what (if any) alternative governance practices it adopted in lieu of the recommendations during that period. It is not mandatory to follow the Recommendations. We believe we are in material compliance with the Recommendations except where otherwise stated in our periodic disclosures.

 

Non-Executive and Independent Directors

 

Australian law does not require a company to appoint a certain number of independent directors to its board of directors or audit committee. However, under the Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations, the ASX recommends, but does not require, that an ASX-listed company have a majority of independent directors on its board of directors. Our Board of Directors has determined that each of Mr. Avi Gellar, Mr. Rodrigo Pasqua and Mr. Richard Beazley qualifies as an independent director under the requirements of the ASX and the listing standards of the               .

 

Our Board of Directors does not have regularly scheduled meetings at which only independent directors are present. The Board of Directors meet regularly and independent directors are expected to attend all such meetings.

 

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Committees of the Board of Directors

 

To assist our board of directors with the effective discharge of its duties, we intend to establish an Audit and Risk Committee and a Remuneration and Nomination Committee prior to commencement of this offering and listing on the                 , which committees operate under a specific charter approved by our board of directors.

 

Audit and Risk Committee.                 Rules require us to establish an audit committee comprised of at least three members, each of whom is financially literate and satisfies the respective “independence” requirements of the SEC and                and one of whom has accounting or related financial management expertise at senior levels within a company.

 

Our Audit Committee assists our Board of Directors in overseeing the accounting and financial reporting processes of our company and audits of our financial statements, including the integrity of our financial statements, compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, our independent public accountants’ qualifications and independence, and independent public accountants, reviewing and approving related party transactions, establishing procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received by us regarding financial controls, accounting or auditing matters and such other duties as may be directed by our Board of Directors. The Audit Committee is also required to assess risk management.

 

We intend to establish an Audit and Risk Committee prior to commencement of this offering and listing on the              . Our Audit and Risk Committee will consist of Richard Beazley, Rodrigo Pasqua, and Avi Geller. Each of Richard Beazley, Rodrigo Pasqua and Avi Geller satisfies the “independence” requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and listing standards of the                   and will meet the financial and literacy requirements of the listing standards of the                   . The Audit and Risk Committee will meet as often as required to enable such committee to undertake its role effectively.

 

Remuneration and Nomination Committee. We intend to establish a Remuneration and Nomination Committee prior to commencement of this offering and listing on the                  . Our Remuneration and Nomination Committee will consist of Richard Beazley, Rodrigo Pasqua and Avi Geller.

 

Our Remuneration and Nomination Committee’s role involves making recommendations to the Board about renumeration policies, set policies for senior executives’ renumeration, review salary levels for senior executives, including the CEO; review and make recommendations to the Board of Directors for the Company’s equity based and financial investment schemes; review the remuneration of both executive and non-executive directors; developing and reviewing a policy on Board structure and identifying and screening candidates for nomination to the Board of Directors. The Remuneration and Nomination Committee will meet as least one time per year

 

Corporate Governance Requirements under                 listing rules.

 

As we are incorporated in Australia, we are allowed to follow Australian “home country” corporate governance practices in lieu of the otherwise applicable                     corporate governance standards, as long as we disclose each requirement under the listing standards of the                that we do not follow and describe the home country practice we follow in lieu of the relevant corporate governance standards. We intend to take all actions necessary to maintain compliance with applicable corporate governance requirements under the rules adopted by the SEC and listing standards of               . We follow Australian corporate governance practices in lieu of the corporate governance requirements of the                  Company Guide in respect of:

 

             Rule               requires a quorum for a company’s shareholders consist of holders of no less than 33 1/3% of the outstanding shares of our voting stock — The ASX Listing Rules do not have an express requirement that each issuer listed on ASX have a quorum of any particular number of the outstanding ordinary shares, but instead allow a listed issuer to establish its own quorum requirements. Our quorum is currently two (2) shareholders who are entitled to vote. We believe this quorum requirement is consistent with the requirements of the ASX and is appropriate and typical of generally accepted business practices in Australia and will therefore claim an exemption from Rule             .
     
             Rules       et seq. require companies to obtain shareholder approval prior to the issuance of securities in connection with certain acquisitions, private placements of securities, or the establishment or amendment of certain share option, purchase or other compensation plans. Applicable Australian law and the ASX Listing Rules differ from the           requirements, with the ASX Listing Rules providing generally for prior shareholder approval in numerous circumstances, including (i) issuance of equity securities exceeding 15% (or 25% under certain circumstances) of issued share capital in any 12-month period (but, in determining the 15% limit, securities issued under an exception to the rule or with shareholder approval are not counted), (ii) issuance of equity securities to related parties (as defined in the ASX Listing Rules) and (iii) issuances of securities to directors or their associates under an employee incentive plan. We will therefore claim exemptions from           Rules            .

 

              Rule              sets forth requirements relating to director independence, including the requirements that a majority of the board of directors must be comprised of independent directors and that independent directors must have regularly scheduled meetings at which only independent directors are present — The              and ASX definitions of what constitute an independent director are not identical and the requirements relating to the roles and obligations of independent directors are not identical. The ASX, unlike             , permits an issuer to establish its own materiality threshold for determining whether a transaction between a director and an issuer affects the director’s status as independent and it does not require that a majority of the issuer’s board of directors be independent, as long as the issuer publicly discloses this fact. In addition, the ASX does not require that the independent directors have regularly scheduled meeting at which only independent directors are present. We believe that our Board composition is consistent with the requirements of the ASX and that it is appropriate and typical of generally accepted business practices in Australia.

 

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                Rule               requires independent directors to meet at least annually in executive sessions. We expect to claim an exemption from this requirement as the ASX Listing Rules and the Corporations Act do not require the independent directors of an Australian company to have such executive sessions.

 

Indemnification of Directors and Officers

 

Our Constitution provides that, we may indemnify a person who is, or has been, a director or an officer of our company, to the full extent permissible by law, out of our property against any liability incurred by such person as a director or an officer in defending proceedings, whether civil or criminal. The indemnification is subject to specific circumstances where we are not able to provide an indemnity under applicable Australian law.

 

In addition, our Constitution provides that to the extent permitted by law, we may pay, or agree to pay, a premium in respect of a contract insuring a person who is or has been a director or an officer of our company or one of our subsidiaries against any liability:

 

  incurred by the person in his or her capacity as a director or an officer of our company or a subsidiary of our company, and

 

  for costs and expenses incurred by that person in defending proceedings relating to that person acting as our director or an officer, whether civil or criminal.

 

We maintain a directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policy. We have established a policy for the indemnification of our directors and officers against certain liabilities incurred as a director or officer, including costs and expenses associated in successfully defending legal proceedings

 

Employees

 

As of the date of this prospectus, we had one full time employee. All personnel are on contracts for services provided.

 

Each of our full-time employees has entered into an agreement with an unlimited term. We may only terminate the employment of any of our employees in accordance with the relevant employee’s contract of employment.

 

Our standard contract of employment for full time provides that we can terminate the employment of an employee without notice for serious misconduct or with between one to six months’ notice without cause (as set out in the relevant employee’s contract of employment).

 

Share Ownership

 

For a description of arrangements involving the employees in the capital of the company, including any arrangement that involves the issue or grant of options or shares or securities of the company, see “Compensation”.

 

Securities Ownership of Executive Officers and Directors

 

For information regarding the ownership of our ordinary shares by each of our directors and executive officers and by all of our directors and executive officers as a group, see “Principal Shareholders.”.

 

Code of Conduct

 

We have adopted a Code of Conduct applicable to all of our directors, officers and employees. Our Code of Conduct is available on our website at www.novaminerals.com.au. We post on our website all disclosures that are required by law or the listing standards of                     concerning any amendments to, or waivers from, any provision of the Code of Conduct. The reference to our website address does not constitute incorporation by reference of the information contained at or available through our website, and you should not consider it to be a part of this Registration Statement.

 

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PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS

 

The following table sets forth the number of shares of and percent of the Company’s ordinary shares beneficially owned as of April 15, 2024, by (i) each director, executive officer and director nominee, and (ii) all of our directors, executive officers and director nominees as a group, immediately prior to this offering, and immediately after the closing of this offering. To our knowledge, there is no person (or group of affiliated persons) that owns more than five percent (5%) of our outstanding ordinary shares.

 

We have determined beneficial ownership in accordance with the rules of the SEC. These rules generally attribute beneficial ownership of securities to persons who possess sole or shared voting or investment power with respect to such securities. In addition, pursuant to such rules, we deemed outstanding shares of common stock subject to options or warrants held by that person that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of April 15, 2024. We did not deem such shares outstanding, however, for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person. Except as indicated by the footnotes below, we believe, based on the information furnished to us, that the beneficial owners named in the table below have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of our common stock that they beneficially own, subject to applicable community property laws. The inclusion in the table below of any shares deemed beneficially owned does not constitute an admission of beneficial ownership of those shares.

 

       Percent of Common Stock 
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner (1)  Number of Ordinary Shares   Before Offering*   After Offering* 
             
Officers and Directors:               
Christopher Gerteisen   1,069,587(2)   **     %
Michael Melamed   1,234,046(3)   **     %
Craig Bentley   3,378,824(4)   1.59%     
Rodrigo Pasqua   44,175(5)   **      
Avi Geller   2,414,686(6)   

1.13

%     
Louie Simens   8,824,156(7)   4.13%     
Ian Pamensky   105,549(8)   **      
Richard Beazley (Non-Executive Chairman and director nominee)   --    **      
Officers and Directors as a group ( 7 persons)   17,071,023    7.97%    %

5% Holders:

               
Nebari Gold Fund I, L.P.   

12,671,327

(9)   

5.73

%    %

 

* Based on 212,973,399 ordinary shares of outstanding as of April 15, 2024 and ____________ ordinary shares outstanding following the offering.
** Less than 1%
 
(1) The address of each beneficial owner, except as set forth herein, is c/o Nova Minerals Limited, Suite 5, 242 Hawthorn Road, Caulfield, Victoria 3161, Australia.
(2) Includes 775,281 ordinary shares held directly by Mr. Gerteisen and 200,000 ordinary shares held by AJ Holdings International Ltd, an entity over which Mr. Gerteisen has voting and investment control. Also includes (A) 79,718 ordinary shares subject to options that are presently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days after April 15, 2024 of which (i) 50,000 options with an exercise price of A$1.10 expiring November 30, 2024 are held by directly; (ii) 22,511 options with an exercise price of A$0.70 expiring April 30, 2024 are held directly and (iii) 6,667 options with an exercise price of A$0.70 expiring April 30, 2024 are held by AJ Holdings International Limited and (B) 14,588 ordinary shares subject to issuable options which would have an exercise price of A$1.00 and expiring June 30, 2025, which options will be issued upon the exercise of 29,178 presently exercisable options with an exercise price of A$0.70 expiring April 30, 2024, of which (i) 11,255 options would be held directly and (ii) 3,333 options would be held by AJ Holdings International Limited.
(3) Includes 1,175,281 ordinary shares held in a Launchpad (AUS) Pty Ltd an entity over which Mr. Melamed has voting and investment control. Also includes (A) 39,177 ordinary shares subject to options that are presently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days after April 15, 2024, which options have an exercise price of A$0.70 and expiring April 30, 2024 and are held by Launchpad (AUS) Pty Ltd and (B) 19,588 ordinary shares subject to issuable options which would have an exercise price of A$1.00 and expiring on June 30, 2025, which options will be issued upon the exercise of 39,177 presently exercisable options with an exercise price of A$0.70 expiring April 30, 2024 would be held by Launchpad (AUS) Pty Ltd.
(4) Includes 1,843,002 ordinary shares held directly by Mr. Bentley; 625,000 ordinary shares held by Speedy Investments Pty Ltd. and 732,000 ordinary shares held by Kerse Pty Ltd., entities over which Mr. Bentley has voting and investment control. Also includes (A) 144,358 ordinary shares subject to options that are presently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days after April 15, 2024, of which (i) 41,029 options with an exercise price of A$0.70 expiring April 30, 2024 are held directly; (ii) 71,429 options with an exercise price of A$1.10 expiring November 30, 2024 are held directly (iii) 14,400 options with an exercise price of A$0.70 and expiring April 30, 2024 are held by Kerse Pty Ltd and (iv) 17,500 options with an exercise price ofA$0.70 expiring April 30, 2024 are held by Speedy Investments Pty Ltd and (B) 36,464 ordinary shares subject to issuable options which would have an exercise price of A$1.00 and expiring June 30, 2025, which options will be issued upon the exercise of 72,929 presently exercisable options with an exercise price of A$0.70 expiring April 30, 2024, of which (i) 20,514 options would be held directly; (ii) 7,200 options would be held by Kerse Pty Ltd and (iii) 8,750 options would be held by Speedy Investments Pty Ltd.
(5) Includes 28,500 ordinary shares held by Pasqua Holdings Pty Ltd, an entity over which Mr. Pasqua has voting and investment control. Also includes (A) 15,200 ordinary shares subject to stock options that are presently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days after April 15, 2024, of which (i) 14,250 options with an exercise price of A$1.10 expiring November 30, 2024 held by Pasqua Holdings Pty Ltd and (ii) 950 options with an exercise price of A$0.70 expiring April 30, 2024 and held by Pasqua Holdings Pty Ltd and. (B) 475 ordinary shares subject to issuable options with an exercise price of A$1.00 and expiring June 30, 2025, which options will be issued upon the exercise of 950 presently exercisable options with an exercise price of A$0.70 and expiring April 30, 2024, would be held by Pasqua Holdings Pty Ltd
(6) Includes 1,639,615 ordinary shares held by Mr. Geller directly and 100,000 ordinary shares held by Leonite Capital LLC and 550,562 ordinary shares held by Leonite LLC, entities over which Mr. Geller has voting and investment control. Also includes (A) 86,340 ordinary shares subject to options that are presently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days after April 15, 2024, of which (i) 50,000 options with an exercise price of $1.10 expiring November 30, 2024 are held by Leonite Capital LLC; (ii) 54,653 options with an exercise price of A$0.70 expiring April 30, 2024 are held directly; (iii) 3,334 options with an exercise price of A$0.70 expiring April 30, 2024 are held  by Leonite Capital LLC and (iv) 18,353 options with an exercise price of A$0.70 expiring April 30, 2024 are held by Leonite LLC and (B) 38,169 shares subject to issuable options which would have an exercise price of A$1.00 and expiring June 30, 2025, which options will be issued upon the exercise of 76,340 outstanding options with an exercise price of A$0.70 expiring on April 30, 2024, of which (i) 27,326 options would be held directly; (iii) 1,667 options would be held by Leonite Capital LLC and (iv) 9,176 options would be held by Leonite LLC.
(7) Includes 562,882 ordinary shares held directly by Mr. Simens’ wife; 5,817,060 ordinary shares held by SL Investments Pty Ltd. and 1,819,924 ordinary shares held by Kikceto Pty Ltd., entities over which Mr. Simens has voting and investment control. Also includes (A) 487,616 ordinary shares subject to options that are presently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days after April 15, 2024, of which (i) 18,763 options with an exercise price of A$0.70 expiring April 30, 2024 are held by Mr. Simens’ wife, (ii) 60,685 options with an exercise price of A$0.70 expiring April 30, 2024 are held by Kikceto Pty Ltd; (iii) 193,902 options with an exercise price of A$0.70 expiring April 30, 2024 are held are held by SL Investments Pty Ltd and (iv) 214,286 options an exercise price of A$1.10 expiring November 30, 2024 are held by SL Investments Pty Ltd and (B) 136,674 shares subject to issuable options which would have an exercise price of A$1.00 and expiring June 30, 2025, which options will be issued upon the exercise of 273,350 outstanding options with an exercise price of A$0.70 expiring April 30, 2024, of which (i) 9,381 options would be held by Mr. Simens’ wife, (ii) 30,342 options would be held by Kikceto Pty Ltd; (iii) 96,951 options would be held by SL Investments Pty Ltd
(8)

Includes 55,618 ordinary shares held directly by Mr. Pamensky and 45,000 ordinary shares held Lorian Pty Ltd, an entity over which Mr. Pamensky has voting and investment control. Also includes 3,354 ordinary shares subject to options that are presently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days after April 15, 2024, of which (i) 1,854 options with an exercise price of A$0.70 expiring April 30, 2024 are held directly and (ii) 1,500 options with an exercise price of A$0.70 expiring April 30, 2024 are held by Lorian Pty. Ltd and (B) 1,677 shares subject to issuable options which would have an exercise price of A$1.00 and expiring June 30, 2025, which options will be issued upon the exercise of 3,354 outstanding options with an exercise price of A$0.70 expiring April 30, 2024, of which. (i) 927 options would be held directly and (ii) 1,500 options would be held by Lorian Pty. Ltd

(9) Includes (i) 4,517,604 ordinary shares held by Nebari and its wholly owned subsidiary Nebari Gold Fund I SPV NOVA LLC and (ii) 8,153,723 ordinary shares issuable upon conversion of US$5,420,934 (A$8,316,797 based on conversion rate of to US$1.00 to A$1.53) in principal (including original issue discount and capitalized interest) under convertible loan facility (based on a A$1.02 fixed conversion price which conversion price is proposed, subject to shareholder approval, to be amended to A$0.53). Roderick van Losenoord is the natural person with voting and investment control over the shares held by Nebari Gold Fund I, LP. The address of Nebari is 667 Madison Avenue, 5th Floor, New York, New York 10065.

 

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RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

In addition to the compensation arrangements discussed under “Management,” “Our Corporate History,” “Our Corporate Structure” and “Material Contracts” the following is a description of the material terms of those transactions with related parties to which we are party and which we are required to disclose pursuant to the disclosure rules of the SEC.

 

During the years ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, A$10,271 (approximately US$17,201) and A$15,526 (approximately US$26,002), respectively, was paid to AK81 Pty Ltd for an office rental. Mr. Avi Kimelman, a director of our company during this time, was also a director of AK81 Pty Ltd.

 

During the year ended June 30, 2020, A$4,203 (approximately US$7,039) was paid to us as a contribution to office rent by Cohiba Minerals Limited, a company of which Mr. Avi Kimelman was a director.

 

There were no related party transactions in 2021.

 

During the year ended June 30, 2022 the following payments were made to related parties.

 

A$33,066 (approximately US$22,779) was paid to Benison Contractors Pty Ltd a company of Louie Simens for Snow Lake Resources director fees.

 

A$6,533 (approximately US$4,500) was paid to Christopher Gerteisen for Snow Lake Resources consulting fees.

 

A$1,700 (approximately US$1,171) was paid to Speedy Investments Pty Ltd a company of Craig Bentley for consulting fees.

 

A$12,160 (approximately US$8,377) was paid to Harpia Group AG a company of Rodrigo Pasqua for consulting fees.

 

During the year ended June 30, 2023 the following payments were made to related parties.

 

In February 2023, Snow Lake Resources Ltd, an entity in which we own 32.5% and our interim Chairman and director, Louie Simens was a director until May 2022, agreed to reimburse A$344,804 of proxy related expenses incurred by us in connection with their shareholding meeting. This loan does not accrue interest and is undocumented. Snow Lake agreed to pay A$50,000 to us per month until repaid in full. At June 30, 2023, A$150,000 of this loan was outstanding and at December 31, 2023 A$244,804 of this loan was outstanding.

 

On April 9, 2024, the Company received binding commitments from Company executive directors to purchase 2,083,336 ordinary shares at an issue price of A$0.24 for gross proceeds of A$500,000, subject to shareholder approval at a General Meeting of the Company expected to be held in May 2024 of which: Craig Bentley committed to purchase 416,667 ordinary shares for a purchase price of A$100,000; Louie Simens committed to purchase 833,333 ordinary shares for a purchase price of A$200,000 and Christopher Gerteisen committed to purchase 833,333 ordinary shares for a purchase price of A$200,000.

 

Louie Simens and Christopher Gerteisen, who currently serve as our directors, are also shareholders of AK Minerals Pty Ltd., or AK Minerals, which has an Incorporated Joint Venture Agreement with us and is also a party to the Minerals Royalty Agreement. See ‘Business-Material Contracts” for further discussion of the above referenced Incorporated Joint Venture Agreement and Minerals Royalty Agreement.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF SHARE CAPITAL

 

General

 

We are a public company limited by shares incorporated under the Corporations Act by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, or the ASIC. Our corporate affairs are principally governed by our constitution, the Corporations Act, the listing rules of the ASX and, if we are approved for listing, the listing rules of               .

 

The following is a description of the material terms of our share capital as set forth in our constitution, the common law applicable in Australia and certain related sections of the Corporations Act. For more detailed information, please see our constitution, a copy of which is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part

 

In general our constitution addresses similar matters to those typically addressed in a U.S. company’s charter documents. Notably, however we do not have a limit on our authorized share capital, the concept of par value is not recognized under Australian law, and as further discussed under “—Our Constitution.”

 

Share Capital

 

Subject to our constitution, the Corporations Act, the listing rules of the ASX and                 (if we are approved for listing), and any other applicable law, we may at any time issue shares and give any person a call or option over any shares on any terms, with preferential, deferred or other special rights, privileges or conditions or with restrictions and for the consideration and other terms that the directors determine. We may only issue preference shares if the rights attaching to the preference shares (including relating to repayment of capital, participation in surplus assets and profits, cumulative and non-cumulative dividends, voting and priority of payment of capital and dividends in respect of other shares (including ordinary shares)) are set out in our constitution or otherwise approved by special resolution passed at a general meeting of shareholders, in either case prior to the issue of such preference shares. We do not currently have any preference shares on issue.

 

Subject to the requirements of our constitution, the Corporations Act, the listing rules of the ASX and                    (if we are approved for listing), and any other applicable law, including relevant shareholder approvals, we may consolidate or divide our share capital into a larger or smaller number by resolution, reduce our share capital in any manner (provided that the reduction is fair and reasonable to our shareholders as a whole, does not materially prejudice our ability to pay creditors and obtains the necessary shareholder approval) or buy back our ordinary shares whether under an equal access buy-back or on a selective basis.

 

Ordinary Shares

 

The holders of our ordinary shares are entitled to one vote for each share held at any meeting of the shareholders, subject to any voting exclusion or restriction on a resolution-by-resolution basis. Subject to the prior rights of the holders of any preference shares, the holders of our ordinary shares will be entitled to receive dividends as and when declared by our board of directors. Subject to the prior payment to the holders of any preference shares where the terms of such preference shares provide for same, in the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding-up or other distribution of our assets among our shareholders, the holders of our ordinary shares will be entitled to share pro rata in the distribution of the balance of our assets. Holders of ordinary shares have no preemptive or conversion rights or other subscription rights. There are no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to our ordinary shares. There is no provision in our constitution requiring holders of ordinary shares to contribute additional capital, or permitting or restricting the issuance of additional securities or any other material restrictions. The rights, preferences and privileges of the holders of ordinary shares will be subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of the holders of any preference shares that we may issue in the future (which, as noted above, are subject to receipt of prior shareholder approval). For a more complete description of the rights attaching to our ordinary shares, please see “—Our Constitution” below.

 

Performance Rights

 

Class A performance rights, class B performance rights and class C performance rights have common terms but for the milestone applicable for conversion.

 

(a) A Performance Right is a right to receive a fully paid ordinary share in the capital of the Company (Share) subject to satisfaction of an Applicable Milestone (refer below).
   
(b) A Performance Right shall convert to a Share upon and subject to satisfaction of an Applicable Milestone.

 

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(c) A Performance Right for which an Applicable Milestone has not been satisfied lapses on the date which is five years from issue of that Performance Right, November 25, 2026 (Lapse Date).
   
(d) A Performance Right does not entitle the holder to attend or vote on any resolutions proposed at a general meeting of our shareholders.
   
(e) A Performance Right does not entitle the holder to any dividends.
   
(f) Upon our winding up, a Performance Right may not participate in our surplus profits or assets .
   
(g) A Performance Right is not transferable unless otherwise determined by the Board or a delegate of the Board.
   
(h) A Performance Right does not lapse upon the termination or resignation of the holder.
   
(i) In the event that our issued capital is reconstructed, and we listed on ASX at the relevant time, all rights of a holder will be changed to the extent necessary to comply with the ASX Listing Rules at the time of reorganization provided that, subject to compliance with the ASX Listing Rules, following such reorganization the economic and other rights of the Holders are not diminished or terminated.
   
(j) This clause applies whilst the Company is listed on ASX. Performance Rights will not be quoted on ASX. Upon conversion of a Performance Right into a Share in accordance with these terms, we must within seven days from the date of conversion, apply for and use best endeavors to obtain official quotation on ASX of the Shares arising from conversion.
   
(k) Subject to compliance with applicable law (including the ASX Listing Rules as they apply to the Company), Performance Rights shall immediately convert to Shares upon a Change of Control occurring. Change of Control means:

 

  a. a bona fide takeover bid is declared unconditional and the bidder has acquired a relevant interest in over 50% of our issued shares;
     
  b. the sale of all or substantially all of our assets of;
     
  c. a court approves under section 411(4)(b) of the Corporations Act, a proposed compromise arrangement for the purpose of, or in connection with, our scheme for the reconstruction or our amalgamation with any other company or companies; or
     
  d. in any other case, a person obtains voting power in us that the Board (which for the avoidance of doubt will comprise those Directors immediately prior to the person acquiring the voting power) determines, acting in good faith and in accordance with their fiduciary duties, is sufficient to control the composition of the Board.

 

(l) Holders of Performance Rights will not be entitled to participate in new issues of capital offered to holders of Shares such as bonus issues and entitlement issues.
   
(m) This clause applies whilst we are listed on ASX. The terms of the Performance Rights may be amended as necessary by the Board to comply with the ASX Listing Rules, or any direction of ASX regarding the terms provided that, subject to compliance with the ASX listing rules, following such amendment, the economic and other rights of the Holder are not diminished or terminated.
   
(n) A Performance Right gives the Holder no rights other than those expressly provided by these terms and those provided at law where such rights at law cannot be excluded by these terms.
   
(o) A Performance Right will convert into a Share upon the achievement of an Applicable Milestone to that Performance Right prior to the Lapse Date. An Applicable Milestone for a Performance Right will be specified in the terms of issue of or invitation to apply for the Performance Right.
   
(p)

In the event an Applicable Milestone is satisfied prior to the Lapse Date, Performance Rights held by a Holder will convert into an equal number of Shares.

   
(q) If an Applicable Milestone for a Performance Right is not achieved by the Lapse Date, all Performance Rights will lapse and be deemed to have been cancelled without payment or other compensation to the Holder.

 

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(r)

The Shares into which the Performance Rights will convert will rank pari passu in all respects with existing Shares and, if we are listed on ASX, an application will be made by us to ASX for official quotation of the Shares issued upon conversion.

   
(s) The conversion of Performance Rights is subject to compliance at all times with the ASX Listing Rules we are listed on ASX at the relevant time and the Corporations Act

 

The following are the applicable milestones for the class A, class B and class C performance rights:

 

Class A Completion of either a pre-feasibility study or a definitive feasibility study of the Korbel Main deposit that demonstrates at the time of reporting that extraction is reasonably justified and economically mineable indicating an internal rate of return to us of greater than 20% and an independently verified JORC classified mineral reserve equal to or greater than 1,500,000 oz Au with an average grade of not less than 0.4g/t for not less than 116Mt.
   
Class B Completion of the first gold pour (defined as a minimum quantity of 500 oz) from the Korbel Main deposit
   
Class C Achievement of an EBITDA of more than $20m in the second half-year reporting period following the commencement of commercial operations at the Korbel Main deposit.

 

Options

 

We have granted to employees, consultants and directors options to purchase 8,250,000 ordinary shares under the ESOP and we currently have 11,750,000 remaining options available for issuance under the ESOP. See “Management—ESOP.”

 

Convertible Loan

 

On November 21, 2022, we entered into a convertible loan facility with Nebari. As of April 15, 2024, we have drawn down US$5 million on the facility. The key terms of the facility are:

 

Amount: Up to US$7 million in funds is available as an unsecured senior debt in 2 tranches. A fixed amount of US$5 million was drawn down immediately and up to an additional US$2 million is available upon mutual agreement

 

Term: 24 months from the closing date (or 36 months if the Variation Agreement to the Nebari facility described below is approved by our shareholders)

 

Discount: Original issue discount of 2.778% of the tranche 1 principal only, added to the principal amount (resulting in original principal amount of US$5,142,857)

 

Coupon: 6% per annum, adjusted by the delta over a 3% SOFR floor with an upper limit and with an initial 9-month interest holiday period to be capitalized into the principal amount (US$278,077 in capitalized interest, when added to the original principal amount of US$5,142,857 results in a current principal amount of US$5,420,934)

 

Setup Fee: 1% on the drawdown of the tranche 1 principal and 1% of the tranche 2 principal if it is also drawn down

 

Conversion: Nebari has the option to convert up to 100% of the principal, plus any accrued interest (“Conversion Amount”) at a Conversion Price of A$1.02 or A$0.53 if the Variation Agreement to the Nebari facility described below is approved by our shareholders) (Conversion Price calculated based on the agreement which states the Conversion Price is equal to a 30% premium to the volume weighted average price (VWAP) of our shares for the 15 days preceding the earlier of the documentation completion date and the date at which the financing facility is announced to the public, converted at the AUD:USD exchange rate on the day preceding the conversion date, subject to standard anti-dilution adjustments). The conversion of the Nebari loan facility was approved by shareholders’ of the Company at meeting held January 31 2023.

 

Forced Conversion: If our share price is greater than 150% of the Conversion Price (A$1.53), then we at our option may elect to force Nebari to convert the Conversion Amount, at the Conversion Price

 

Voluntary Prepayment: In addition to voluntary prepayment in cash, we may repay up to 50% of the outstanding principal in discounted shares (10% discount to the 15-day VWAP proceeding the prepayment date). In the event of a voluntary prepayment, we will also issue Nebari options to subscribe for our shares, with a 2 year expiry period from the date of the options issuance, at a strike price of A$1.09 ( Strike price calculated based on the agreement which states the strike price is equal to a 40% premium to the VWAP of our shares for the 15 days preceding the earlier of the documentation completion date and the date at which the financing facility is announced to the public, converted at the AUD:USD exchange rate on the day preceding the conversion date and in the amount of 80% of the Prepayment Amount divided by the Strike Price.

 

On March 6, 2023 we entered into a Variation Agreement to amend the terms of the Nebari facility. The terms of the Variation Agreement are that, subject to shareholder approval, we will have the option (but not the obligation) to extend the repayment date of the facility by 12 months to November 29, 2025. In consideration of the grant of the right to extend the facility, we will pay Nebari the sum of US$55,000 (on the earlier of June 1, 2024 or the date of completion of this ADS offering) and the conversion price of the facility will be reduced to A$0.53.

 

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Changes in Share Capital

 

As of the date of this prospectus, we had 212,973,399 ordinary shares (which were held by approximately 5,738 shareholders on record), options to purchase 22,322,250 ordinary shares at a weighted-average exercise price of A$0.96 per share, 8,250,000 ordinary shares that are reserved for issuance under our employee share option plan, class A performance rights for 600,000 ordinary shares, class B performance rights for 600,000 ordinary shares issued and class C performance rights for 1,200,000 ordinary shares issued outstanding.

 

For the past three years through the date of this prospectus, the following events have changed our issued and outstanding ordinary shares.

 

From July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021, we issued 43,547,648 ordinary shares upon the exercise of options granted in connection with capital raise transactions. Exercise price was A$0.325 (US$0.21)

 

From July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021, we issued 1,800,000 ordinary shares upon the exercise of options granted in connection with capital raise transactions.

 

From July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022, we issued 1,200,000 ordinary shares upon the exercising of performance rights granted to officers and employees.

 

From July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023, we issued 3,458,990 ordinary shares upon the exercising of employee options granted to officers and employees.

 

In May 2021 we cancelled 700,000 Ordinary Shares as part of a Share Buy-Back

 

In October 2021, we issued 10,909,091 ordinary shares to institutional shareholders at an issue price of A$1.10 (approximately US$0.73) per share.

 

Between November 2022 and February 2023, we issued 27,228,501 ordinary shares to institutional shareholders at an issue price of A$0.70 (approximately US$0.46) per share.

 

In May 2023, we issued 182 ordinary shares to institutional shareholders at an issue price of A$0.70 (approximately US$0.46) per share on the exercise of unquoted options.
   
 In June 2023 we issued 3 ordinary shares to institutional shareholders at an issue price of A$0.70 (approximately US$0.46) per share on the exercise of unquoted options.
   
 In February 2024, we issued 101 ordinary shares to institutional shareholders at an issue price of A$0.70 (approximately US$0.46) per share on the exercise of unquoted options.
   
 In April 2024, we issued 2,083,336 ordinary shares to sophisticated shareholders at an issue price of A$0.24 (approximately US$0.16 per share).
   
 

In April 2024, we issued 1 ordinary share to an institutional shareholder at an issue price of A$0.70 (approximately US$0.46) per share on the exercise of unquoted options.

 

Our Constitution

 

In general our constitution addresses similar matters to those typically addressed in the bylaws of a U.S. corporation. It does not provide for or prescribe any specific objectives or purposes of our company. Our constitution is subject to the terms of the ASX listing Rules and the Corporations Act. It may be amended or repealed and replaced by special resolution of shareholders, which is a resolution passed by at least 75% of the votes cast by shareholders (in person or by proxy) entitled to vote on the resolution.

 

Under Australian law, a company has the legal capacity and powers of an individual both within and outside Australia. The material provisions of our constitution are summarized below. This summary is not intended to be complete nor to constitute a definitive statement of the rights and liabilities of our shareholders and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete text of our constitution, a copy of which is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.

 

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Interested Directors

 

A director or that director’s alternate who has a material personal interest in a matter, contract or arrangement that is being considered at a directors’ meeting must not be present while the matter is being considered at the meeting or vote in respect of that matter according to our constitution unless permitted to do so by the Corporations Act, in which case such director may (i) be counted in determining whether or not a quorum is present at any meeting of directors considering that contract or arrangement or proposed contract or arrangement; (ii) vote in respect of, or in respect of any matter arising out of, the contract or arrangement or proposed contract or arrangement.

 

Unless a relevant exception applies, the Corporations Act requires our directors to provide disclosure of any material personal interest and prohibits directors from voting on matters in which they have a material personal interest and from being present and counted when determining if a quorum is present at the meeting while the matter is being considered. In addition, subject to certain exceptions the Corporations Act and the listing rules of the ASX and              (if we are approved for listing) may require shareholder approval of any provision of related party benefits to our directors, unless a relevant exception applies.

 

Directors’ Compensation

 

Our non-executive directors are paid remuneration for their services as directors. Subject to the listing rules of the ASX and                  (if we are approved for listing), non-executive directors as a whole may be paid or provided remuneration for their services a total amount or value not to exceed $500,000 per annum. Subject to the listing rules of the ASX and                  (if we are approved for listing), the aggregate, capped sum for non-executive directors’ remuneration is to be divided among the non-executive directors in such proportion as the directors themselves agree and in accordance with our constitution. The capped sum remuneration for non-executive directors may not be increased except at a general meeting of shareholders and the particulars of the proposed increase are required to have been provided to shareholders in the notice convening the meeting in accordance with the listing rules of ASX. In addition, our board of directors may fix the remuneration of each executive director, which may comprise salary or commission on or participation in our profits (or comprising a combination of each) as our directors determine.

 

Fees payable to our non-executive directors must be by way of a fixed sum and not by way of a commission on or a percentage of profits or operating revenue. Remuneration paid to our executive directors must also not include a commission or percentage of operating revenue.

 

Pursuant to our constitution, any director who performs extra services or makes any special exertions, whether in going or residing abroad or otherwise for any of the purposes of our company, that director may be paid an additional sum for those services and exertions.

 

In addition to other remuneration provided in our constitution, all of our directors are entitled to be paid by us for all travelling and other expenses properly incurred by the directors in attending general meetings, board meetings, committee meetings or otherwise in connection with our business.

 

In addition, in accordance with our constitution, a director may be paid a retirement benefit as determined by our board of directors subject to the requirements of the Corporations Act.

 

Borrowing Powers Exercisable by Directors

 

Pursuant to our constitution, the management and control of our business affairs are vested in our board of directors. Our board of directors has the power to raise or borrow money or obtain other financial accommodation for the purposes of our company, and may grant security for the repayment of that sum or sums or the payment, performance or fulfilment of any debts, liabilities, contracts or obligations incurred or undertaken by our company in any manner and upon any terms and conditions as our board of directors deems appropriate, subject to the provisions of applicable law including the Corporations Act as it relates to related party transactions.

 

Retirement of Directors

 

Pursuant to our constitution, one-third of our directors (other than the managing director) must retire from office at every annual general meeting. If the number of directors (other than the managing director) is not a multiple of three, then the number nearest, to but not exceeding, one-third must retire from office. The directors who retire in this manner are required to be the directors or director longest in office since last being elected. A director must retire from office at the conclusion of the third annual general meeting after which the director was elected. A retiring director remains in office until the end of the meeting and will be eligible for re-election at the meeting. In addition, a director appointed to fill a casual vacancy between annual general meetings must retire at the next annual general meeting following their appointment and are eligible for election.

 

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Rights and Restrictions on Classes of Shares

 

The rights attaching to our ordinary shares are detailed in our constitution. Our constitution provides that, subject to the Corporations Act, the ASX’s listing rules and our constitution, our directors may issue shares with preferential, deferred or special rights, privileges or conditions or with any restrictions, whether in relation to dividends, voting, return of share capital, or otherwise as our board of directors may determine. Subject to the Corporations Act, the ASX’s listing rules and our constitution, we may issue further shares on such terms and conditions as our board of directors resolve (see also “—Change of Control”). We may only issue preference shares if the rights attaching to the preference shares (including relating to repayment of capital, participation in surplus assets and profits, cumulative and non-cumulative dividends, voting and priority of payment of capital and dividends in respect of other shares (including ordinary shares)) are set out in our constitution or otherwise approved by special resolution passed at a general meeting, in either case prior to the issue of such preference shares. We do not currently have any preference shares on issue. Our outstanding share capital consists of only one class of shares, being ordinary shares.

 

Dividend Rights

 

Under the Corporations Act, a company must not pay a dividend unless (a) the company’s assets exceed its liabilities immediately before the dividend is declared and the excess is sufficient for the payment of the dividend; (b) the payment of the dividend is fair and reasonable to the company’s shareholders as a whole; and (c) the payment of the dividend does not materially prejudice the company’s ability to pay its creditors. Subject to this requirement, our board of directors may from time to time determine to pay and declare dividends to shareholders. All dividends unclaimed for one year after the time for payment has passed may be invested or otherwise made use of by our board of directors for our benefit until claimed or until dealt with under any law relating to unclaimed moneys. There have been no dividends paid to shareholders to date.

 

Voting Rights

 

Under our constitution, and subject to any voting exclusions imposed under the ASX’s listing rules (which typically exclude parties from voting on resolutions in which they have an interest), the rights and restrictions attaching to a class of shares, each shareholder has one vote on a show of hands at a meeting of the. On a poll vote, each shareholder shall have one vote for each fully paid share and a fractional vote for each share held by that shareholder that is not fully paid, such fraction being equivalent to the proportion of the amount that has been paid to such date on that share. We do not currently have any partly paid shares on issue. The current ASX Recommendations recommend that the voting by ASX-listed entities be conducted by way of a poll on all substantive resolutions. Shareholders may vote in person or by proxy, attorney or representative. Under Australian law, shareholders of a public company are generally not permitted to approve corporate matters by written consent. Our constitution does not provide for cumulative voting.

 

Under Australian law, an ordinary resolution is passed if a majority of the votes cast on the resolution (in person or by proxy) by members entitled to vote on the resolution are in favor of the resolution and a special resolution is passed if at least 75% of the votes cast on the resolution (in person or by proxy) are in favor of the resolution.

 

ADSs holders may not directly vote at a meeting of the shareholders but may instruct the depositary to vote the number of deposited ordinary shares that their ADSs represent.

 

Right to Share in Our Profits

 

Pursuant to our constitution, our shareholders are entitled to participate in our profits only by payment of dividends. Our board of directors may from time to time determine to pay dividends to the shareholders. However, any such dividend may only be payable in accordance with the requirements set out in the Corporations Act described above.

 

Rights to Share in the Surplus in the Event of Winding Up

 

Our constitution provides for the right of shareholders to participate in a surplus in the event of our winding up, subject to the rights attaching to a class of shares.

 

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No Redemption Provision for Ordinary Shares

 

There are no redemption provisions in our constitution in relation to ordinary shares. Under our constitution, shares may be issued and allotted, which are liable to be redeemed. Under the Corporations Act, redeemable preference shares may only be redeemed if those preference shares are fully paid-up and payment in satisfaction of redemption is out of profits or the proceeds of a new issue of shares made for the purposes of the redemption.

 

Variation or Cancellation of Share Rights

 

Subject to the Corporations Act, the listing rules of the ASX and                    (if we are approved for listing), and the terms of issue of shares of that class, the rights and privileges attached to shares in a class of shares may only be varied or cancelled by a special resolution, together with either (i) a special resolution passed at a meeting of members holding shares in the class; or (ii) the written consent of members with at least 75% of the shares in the class.

 

Directors May Make Calls

 

Our constitution provides that subject to compliance with the Corporations Act and the terms on which partly paid shares are issued, directors may make calls on the holders of the shares for any money unpaid on them. We do not currently have any partly paid shares on issue.

 

General Meetings of Shareholders

 

General meetings of shareholders may be called by our board of directors. Except as permitted under the Corporations Act, shareholders may not convene a meeting. The Corporations Act requires the directors to call and arrange to hold a general meeting on the request of shareholders with at least 5% of the votes that may be cast at a general meeting. Notice of the proposed meeting of our shareholders is required at least 28 days prior to such meeting under the listing rules of ASX. Certain resolutions require approval of 75% or more (by number of shares) of the shareholders entitled and present to vote on the relevant resolution, including but not limited to changing the name of the company, amending or replacing the constitution of the company or changing the status of the company from public to private. Other resolutions only require the approval of 50% or more (by number of shares) of the shareholders entitled and present to vote on the relevant resolution, including to consolidate or sub-divide the issued capital of the company, to approve the appointment of the auditor and to approve the giving of a financial benefit to a related party.

 

Foreign Ownership Regulation

 

Our constitution does not impose specific limitations on the rights of non-residents to own securities in us. However, acquisitions and proposed acquisitions of securities in Australian companies may be subject to review and approval by the Australian Federal Treasurer under the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act 1975 (Cth), and the Foreign Acquisition and Takeovers Regulations 2015, or the FATA, which generally applies to acquisitions or proposed acquisitions:

 

by a foreign person or their associates (as defined in the FATA) of a direct interest (generally constituted by an interest of 10% or more) in a company which operates a business that meets the criteria of a ‘national security business’ regardless of value;
   
by ‘foreign government investors’ (as defined in the FATA) acquiring a direct interest (generally constituted by an interest of 10% or more) in a company regardless of value;
   
by a foreign person (as defined in the FATA) or associated foreign persons that would result in such persons having an interest in 20% or more of the issued shares of, or control of 20% or more of the voting power in, an Australian company; and
   
by non-associated foreign persons that would result in such foreign persons having an aggregate interest in 40% or more of the issued shares of, or control of 40% or more of the voting power in, an Australian company, where the Australian company is valued above the monetary threshold prescribed by FATA (as set out above).

 

However, no such review or approval under the FATA is required if the foreign acquirer is a U.S. entity or an entity from certain other countries and the value of the Australian target is less than A$1,339 million (approximately US$907 million).The above should be considered an overview only. The application of the FATA is complex and requires an assessment of the circumstances and nature of a particular investment. For example, varying rules exist for acquisitions in agricultural land or businesses deemed to be ‘sensitive businesses.

 

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The Australian Federal Treasurer may prevent a proposed acquisition in the above categories or impose conditions on such acquisition if the Treasurer is satisfied that the acquisition would be contrary to the national interest. If a foreign person acquires shares or an interest in shares in an Australian company in contravention of the FATA, the Australian Federal Treasurer may make a range of orders including an order the divestiture of such person’s shares or interest in shares in that Australian company. There are also civil and criminal penalties which may apply to breaches of the FATA.

 

In addition, if we were to become a ‘foreign person’ for the purposes of the FATA we would be required to obtain the approval of the Australian Treasurer to undertake certain acquisitions of Australian entities or businesses.

 

Ownership Threshold

 

There are no specific provisions in our constitution that require a shareholder to disclose ownership above a certain threshold. The Corporations Act, however, requires a shareholder to notify us and the ASX once it, together with its associates, acquires a 5% relevant interest in our ordinary shares, at which point the shareholder will be considered to be a “substantial” shareholder. Further, once a shareholder owns (alone or together with associates) a 5% relevant interest in us, such shareholder must notify us and the ASX of any increase or decrease of 1% or more in its holding of our ordinary shares and must also notify us and the ASX on its ceasing to be a “substantial” shareholder.

 

Issues of Shares and Change in Capital

 

Subject to our Constitution, the Corporations Act, the ASX Listing Rules and any other applicable law, we may at any time issue shares and grant options or warrants on any terms, with preferred, deferred or other special rights and restrictions and for the consideration and other terms that the directors determine. Pursuant to the ASX Listing Rules, our Board may (at its discretion) issue securities to persons or entities who are not ‘related parties’ (as defined in detail in the ASX Listing Rules, however includes directors, their parents and children and other associated companies) without approval from shareholders if such issue, when aggregated with securities issued within the past twelve months, would be an amount that would exceed 15% of our issued ordinary share capital at the commencement of that 12-month period (“Placement Capacity”). Certain issues are excluded from the calculation of issues which reduce the Placement Capacity, including any approval made with shareholder approval or issues under an approved ESOP. Certain ASX listed entities can seek shareholder approval to increase the Placement Capacity by a further 10% (i.e. to 25% of our issued ordinary share capital) at annual general meetings (“Additional Capacity”). The Additional Capacity is subject to certain further restrictions (including a requirement that securities issued under the Additional Capacity must be quoted securities and must be issued for cash at not more than a 25% market discount). We obtained approval for the Additional Capacity at our 2023 Annual General Meeting. Other allotments of securities require approval by our shareholders subject to certain exemptions existing under the ASX Listing Rules.

 

On April        , 2024, we announced a notice of meeting for                , 2024 seeking approval from our shareholders to issue the ordinary shares which underly the ADS offered hereby and the underwriter warrants. We expect to receive such required approvals from our shareholders prior to completion of this offering. Accordingly, those securities will not reduce the capacity to issue further securities without shareholder approval as described above.

 

Subject to the requirements of our Constitution, the Corporations Act, the ASX Listing Rules and any other applicable law, including relevant shareholder approvals, we may consolidate or divide our share capital into a larger or smaller number by resolution, reduce our share capital (provided that the reduction is fair and reasonable to our shareholders as a whole and does not materially prejudice our ability to pay creditors) or buy back our ordinary shares whether under an equal access buy-back or on a selective basis.

 

Change of Control

 

Takeovers of listed Australian public companies, including us, are regulated by the Corporations Act, which prohibits the acquisition of a “relevant interest” in issued voting shares in a listed company if the acquisition will lead to that person’s or someone else’s voting power in our company (when aggregated with their “associates”) increasing from 20% or below to more than 20% or increasing from a starting point that is above 20% and below 90%, subject to a range of exceptions.

 

Generally, a person will have a relevant interest in securities if the person: (i) is the holder of the securities (other than if the person holds those securities as a bare trustee); (ii) has power to exercise, or control the exercise of, a right to vote attached to the securities; or (iii) has the power to dispose of, or control the exercise of a power to dispose of, the securities.

 

If, at a particular time, a person has a relevant interest in issued securities and the person (whether before or after acquiring the relevant interest) has (i) entered into an agreement with another person with respect to the securities; (ii) given another person an enforceable right, or has been or is given an enforceable right by another person, in relation to the securities (whether the right is enforceable presently or in the future and whether or not on the fulfillment of a condition); or (iii) granted an option to, or has been or is granted an option by, another person with respect to the securities, and the other person would have a relevant interest in the securities if the agreement were performed, the right enforced or the option exercised, then the other person is taken to have a relevant interest in the relevant securities.

 

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There are a number of exceptions to these takeover provisions. In general terms, some of the more significant exceptions include:

 

when the acquisition results from the acceptance of an offer under a formal takeover bid;

 

when the acquisition is conducted on market by or on behalf of the bidder during the bid period for a full takeover bid that is unconditional or only conditional on certain ‘prescribed’ matters set out in the Corporations Act;

 

when the acquisition has been previously approved by our shareholders by resolution passed at general meeting;

 

an acquisition by a person if, throughout the six months before the acquisition, that person or any other person has had voting power in our company of at least 19% and, as a result of the acquisition, none of the relevant persons would have voting power in our company more than three percentage points higher than they had six months before the acquisition;

 

when the acquisition results from the issue of securities under a rights issue;

 

when the acquisition results from the issue of securities under a dividend reinvestment scheme or bonus share plan;

 

when the acquisition results from the issue of securities under certain underwriting arrangements;

 

when the acquisition results from the issue of securities through a will or through operation of law;

 

an acquisition that arises through the acquisition of a relevant interest in another listed company which is listed on a prescribed financial market or a financial market approved by the ASIC;

 

an acquisition arising from an auction of forfeited shares conducted on-market; or

 

an acquisition arising through a compromise, arrangement, liquidation or buy-back.

 

Breaches of these takeover provisions are criminal offenses. The ASIC and the Australian Takeover Panel have a wide range of powers relating to breaches of these takeover provisions, including the ability to make orders, canceling contracts, freezing transfers of, and rights attached to, securities and forcing a party to dispose of securities. There are certain defenses to breaches of these takeover provisions provided in the Corporations Act.

 

Our Constitution, which is included as an exhibit to this registration statement to which this prospectus forms a part, also contains a requirement for our shareholders to approve any proportionate takeover bid (i.e. a bid for a specified proportion of a class of securities in us) without the approval of a majority of our shareholders voting at a general meeting (refer Article 28 of the Constitution). For these provisions to be effective they must be approved by shareholders at a general meeting at least every three years. Article 28 of the Constitution was approved by shareholders at the 2019 Annual General Meeting and therefore was operative until November 2022. The Company intends to seek reapproval of Article 28 at its 2023 Annual General Meeting. The existence of these provisions may have the effect of discouraging proportionate takeover bids and limit our shareholders’ and ADS holders’ opportunity to obtain a premium for their securities from such a transaction.

 

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Comparison of Australian and Delaware Law

 

The table below provides a summary of the Australian law applicable to Nova as an Australian public company, and certain rights attaching to Nova’s shares. These laws and/or rights may be different to those which would apply if Nova were incorporated in Delaware and subject to Delaware and US federal laws, the table below provides a summary comparison for illustrative purposes. Investors should also carefully review the relevant risks highlighted in this section in this regard and the summary of the matters set forth under the section entitled “Description of Share Capital”, as well as the copy of our Constitution (which is included as an exhibit to the registration statement to which this prospectus forms a part), prior to investing in the Ordinary Shares.

 

Matter   Australian public company   Listed US company incorporated in Delaware
Share capital  

The Corporations Act does not:

 

●  prescribe the minimum amount of share capital that Nova should have;

 

●  prescribe a minimum issue price for each share in Nova; or

 

●  require Nova to place a maximum limit on the share capital that its members may subscribe.

 

Australian law does not contain any concept of authorized capital or par value per share.

 

Under Australian law and our Constitution, the issue price of shares is set by the Nova Directors collectively as a board at the time of each issue. The issue of new classes of shares (not already approved by members or authorized by our Constitution) will require shareholder approval.

 

  A US company’s certificate of incorporation may authorize the issue of up to a maximum number of shares, which may consist of different classes of shares and stipulate the par value for those shares.
         
Issuing additional shares  

Subject to the Corporations Act, our Constitution authorizes the Nova Board to allot and issue securities in the capital of Nova to any person on such terms and with such rights as the Board determines. The Corporations Act does however require shareholder approval for the issue of shares to related parties (including Directors), subject to certain exceptions which are discussed further below.

 

The ASX Listing Rules do impose limits on the number of securities which may be issued without shareholder approval. In the case of Nova, the current maximum capacity for issues without shareholder approval is 25% of its issue share capital (these limits may be refreshed by shareholder approval and are subject to certain exception including pro-rata rights issues and ESOP issues).

 

A US company’s by-laws will generally permit the issue of authorized and unissued shares of any class by vote of the board of directors in such manner, for such consideration and on such terms as the board of directors may determine, without stockholder approval.

 

Furthermore, under the NYSE listing rules, a listed company will not be able to disparately reduce or restrict voting rights of the shares through any corporate action or issuance.

         
Transfer of shares  

Under Australian law and our Constitution, securities in Nova are generally freely transferable.

 

The Nova Directors may however refuse to register a transfer of shares in limited circumstances as detailed in our Constitution, and where the transfer would be contrary to the Corporations Act.

 

Under the Delaware General Corporation Law (“DGCL”), shares are generally freely transferable.

 

Transfer of shares may be subject to restrictions imposed by US federal or state securities laws, by the certificate of incorporation or by-laws or by an agreement signed with the holders of shares at issue.

 

Generally, a transfer of shares shall be made only on the transfer books of a Delaware incorporated company or by a transfer agent designated to transfer shares of a Delaware incorporated company. Where a Delaware incorporated company Shares are certificated, certificates must be surrendered for cancellation before a new certificate, if any, is issued.

 

 

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Matter   Australian public company   Listed US company incorporated in Delaware
Dividends and distributions  

Our Constitution permits the Board to declare dividends to shareholders from time to time in its sole discretion.

 

Under the Corporations Act, a company may only pay a dividend where, in summary, the company’s assets exceed its liabilities at the relevant time to the extent of the dividend to be declared, the payment is fair and reasonable to the company’s shareholders as a whole and does not materially prejudice the company’s ability to pay its creditors.

 

Under the DGCL, the board of directors of a company incorporated in Delaware is permitted to declare and pay dividends to stockholders either:

 

●  out of that company’s surplus, which is defined to be the net assets less statutory capital; or

 

●  if no surplus exists, then out of the net profits for the fiscal year in which the dividend is declared and/or the preceding fiscal year, provided that the capital of the corporation is not less than the aggregate amount of the capital represented by the corporation’s outstanding stock of all classes having a preference on distribution of assets.

 

Holders of common stock will generally be entitled to receive dividends when and as declared by the company’s Board out of funds legally available for that purpose.

         
Voting rights and Quorum Requirements  

Our Constitution provides that:

 

●  on a show of hands each individual present who is a member, proxy, attorney or representative of a member entitled to vote has one vote;

 

●  on a poll each shareholder has one vote for every fully paid share held and a fraction of a vote for each partly paid share held, with the fraction of the vote being equivalent to the portion of the share paid up; and

 

●  two shareholders present constitutes a quorum.

 

In accordance with ASX guidance, it is the Company’s current practice that all shareholder resolutions are conducted by way of a poll.

  Generally speaking, a company incorporated in Delaware’s certificate of incorporation provides that each stockholder is entitled to one vote for each share of capital stock entitled to vote, unless otherwise provided by the DGCL or the company’s governing documents.

 

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Matter   Australian public company   Listed US company incorporated in Delaware
Variation in rights  

Under the Corporations Act, if a company has a constitution that sets out a procedure for varying or cancelling rights attached to shares in a class of shares, those rights may be varied or cancelled only in accordance with the procedure.

 

Under our Constitution, the rights may only be varied or cancelled:

 

●  with the consent in writing of the holders of at least 75% of the issued Shares of that class; or

 

●  with the sanction of a special resolution passed at a separate general meeting of the holders of the Shares of the class.

 

The company must give written notice of the variation or cancellation to the members of the class within 7 days after the variation or cancellation is made.

 

The Corporations Act also provides that where shareholders in an affected class do not all agree (whether by resolution or written consent) to the:

 

●  variation or cancellation of their rights; or

 

●  a modification to the relevant constitution to allow rights to be varied or cancelled,

 

then shareholders with at least 10% of the votes in the affected class may apply to the court (within a limited time frame) to have the variation, cancellation or modification set aside.

 

Subject to the shares’ terms of issue, the rights attached to a class of shares are not deemed varied by the issue of further shares of that class.

 

Under the DGCL, any amendment to the company incorporated Delaware’s certificate of incorporation requires approval by holders of the outstanding shares of a particular class if that amendment would:

 

●  increase or decrease the aggregate number of authorized shares of that class;

 

●  increase or decrease the par value of the shares of that class; or

 

●  alter or change the powers, preferences or special rights of the shares of that class so as to affect them adversely.

 

If an amendment would alter or change the powers, preferences or special rights of one or more series of any class so as to adversely affect that series without adversely affecting the entire class, then only the shares of the series so affected shall be considered a separate class and entitled to such separate class approval of the proposed amendment.

 

Under the DGCL, amendments to a company incorporated in Delaware’s certificate of incorporation also generally require:

 

●  a board resolution recommending the amendment; and

 

●  approval of a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote and a majority of the outstanding shares of each class entitled to vote.

 

Certain amendments to the relevant company’s certificate of incorporation could, in the future, require approval of only the majority of the shares of the then issued and outstanding preferred stock, because the DGCL and the company’s certificate of incorporation permit the company to issue preferred shares with powers, preferences and rights superior to those of common stock.

 

Pursuant to a company incorporated in Delaware’s by-laws, a company incorporated in Delaware’s by-laws or certificate of incorporation may be adopted, amended or repealed by the board of directors or by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power of all of the shares of the corporation then issued and outstanding and entitled to vote generally in any election of directors, voting together as a single class.

  

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Matter   Australian public company   Listed US company incorporated in Delaware
Related party and director transactions  

The Corporations Act governs the provision of financial benefits to related parties of public companies and requires that shareholder approval is obtained prior to financial benefits being provided to related parties or giving the financial benefit falls within a specific exception set out in the Corporations Act (for example, a benefit given on arms’ length terms or the reasonable remuneration or reimbursement of an officer or employee).

 

Directors, when entering into transactions with Nova, are also subject to the Australian common law and statutory duties to avoid actual and potential conflicts of interest. There are also disclosure requirements and voting restrictions imposed on directors under the Corporations Act on matters involving a material personal interest.

 

The ASX Listing Rules also require approval for equity issues to our directors (subject to exceptions which include issues under pro-rata entitlement issues and issues made on appointment as a director).

 

Within the parameters summarized above, under our Constitution a director’s position as such does not disqualify that person from:

 

●  holding any other office or place of profit or employment (except with Nova’s auditor), on such terms as the Nova Directors approve;

 

●  being a shareholder in or a director of a company promoted by Nova or in which Nova may be interested as a vendor, shareholder or otherwise; or

 

●  entering into an agreement with Nova.

 

A director must also comply with:

 

●  the material personal interest provisions set out in section 191 of the Corporations Act;  

●  section 195 of the Corporations Act in relation to being present and voting at a board meeting that considers a matter in which he or she has a material personal interest,

 

Under the DGCL, no contract or transaction between a company incorporated in Delaware and one or more of its directors or officers, or between the relevant company and any other corporation, partnership, association or other organization in which one or more of its directors or officers are directors or officers or have a financial interest will be void or voidable solely for that reason, or solely because the relevant director or officer is present at or participates in the company board or committee meeting that authorizes the contract or transaction, or solely because the vote of the relevant director or officer is counted for that purpose, if:

 

●  the material facts as to the director’s or officer’s relationship or interest, and as to the contract or transaction, are disclosed or known to the board of directors or committee, and the board of directors or committee in good faith authorizes the contract or transaction by the affirmative votes of a majority of the disinterested directors, even though the disinterested directors be less than a quorum; or

 

●  the material facts as to the director’s or officer’s relationship or interest and as to the contract or transaction are disclosed or known to the stockholders entitled to vote thereon, and the contract or transaction is specifically approved in good faith by vote of the stockholders; or

 

●  the contract or transaction is fair to the company as of the time that it is authorized, approved or ratified by the board of directors, committee or stockholders.

 

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Matter   Australian public company   Listed US company incorporated in Delaware
Protection against oppression of shareholders  

The Corporations Act empowers the court to make any order it considers appropriate if conduct of a company’s affairs is found to be oppressive to a member or members.

 

Such orders may include winding up, regulating the conduct of the company’s affairs, authorizing a member to institute derivative proceedings or requiring a person to engage in or abstain from specified conduct.

  The DGCL contains no equivalent statutory provisions. However, Delaware law may provide judicial remedies to stockholders in comparable circumstances.
         
Buy-back of shares  

The Corporations Act allows Nova to buy-back its own shares through a specific buy-back procedure provided that:

 

●  the buy-back does not materially prejudice Nova’s ability to pay its creditors; and

 

●  Nova follows the relevant procedures set out in the Corporations Act.

 

The buy-back procedure includes the form of shareholder approval (for example, ordinary, special or unanimous resolutions), a notice period and disclosure to be given to the shareholders, depending on the type of buy-back to be undertaken.

 

There are some instances where a buy-back can occur without shareholder approval, for example where the buy-back relates to less than 10% of the Company’s share capital and is not conducted more frequently than once every 12 months.

 

The DGCL generally permits a Delaware incorporated company to purchase or redeem its outstanding shares out of funds legally available for that purpose without obtaining stockholder approval, provided that:

 

●  the capital of a Delaware incorporated company is not impaired;

 

●  such purchase or redemption would not cause the capital of a Delaware incorporated company to become impaired;

 

●  the purchase price does not exceed the price at which the shares are redeemable at the option of a Delaware incorporated company; and

 

●  immediately following any such redemption a Delaware incorporated company shall have outstanding one or more shares of one or more classes or series of stock, which shares shall have full voting powers.

 

92
 

 

Matter   Australian public company   Listed US company incorporated in Delaware
Takeovers  

The Corporations Act prohibits the acquisition of a relevant interest in voting shares of a company where the acquisition would increase a person’s voting power in the company to over 20% or increases from a starting point that is above 20% and below 90%, except in certain circumstances.

 

The Corporations Act also sets out disclosure requirements for persons who have or cease to have a substantial holding (>5%) in a company. Compulsory acquisition is permitted by holders with an interest of 90% or more of a class of securities.

 

Certain exceptions to this general takeover prohibition are set out in the Corporations Act, including:

 

●  an acquisition approved by members;

 

●  an acquisition by a person who has had voting power of not less than 19% throughout the prior 6 months increasing their holding by not more than 3% above the position they held 6 months before the acquisition;

 

●  an acquisition resulting from a scheme of arrangement undertaken in accordance with the Corporations Act and approved by the court; and

 

●  an acquisition that results from the acceptance of an offer under a takeover bid.

 

In this respect, any takeover bid made for Nova must be on the same terms for all shareholders, subject to minor exceptions, and must comply with the timetable, disclosure and other requirements set out in the Corporations Act.

 

The purpose of these provisions is to seek to ensure that shareholders in a target company that they have a reasonable and equal opportunity to share in any premium for control and that they are given reasonable time and sufficient information to assess the merits of the proposal.

 

Section 203 of the DGCL applies to a company and provides that if a holder acquires 15% or more of a company’s voting stock (an “Interested Holder”) without prior approval of the board of directors, then for three years a company cannot engage in a broad range of business combinations with such Interested Holder. Such business combinations include (a) certain mergers or consolidations with the Interested Holder or entities affiliated with the Interested Holder,

 

(b) certain sales, leases, exchanges, mortgages, pledges, transfers or other dispositions of the company assets to the Interested Holder, which assets have an aggregate market value equal to 10% or more of either all of the assets of a company or all of the outstanding stock of a company,(c) certain transactions which result in the issuance or transfer by a company or by any direct or indirect majority owned subsidiary, to the Interested Holder, of any stock of a company or of such a company subsidiary, (d) certain transactions involving a company or any direct or indirect majority-owned subsidiaries which have the effect, directly or indirectly, of increasing the proportionate share of the stock of any class or series, or securities convertible into the stock of any class or series, of the company or such subsidiary which is owned by the Interested Holder, except as a result of immaterial changes due to fractional share adjustments or as a result of any purchase or redemption of any shares of stock not caused, directly or indirectly by the Interested holder, and (e) any receipt by the Interested Holder of the benefit, directly or indirectly (except proportionately as a stockholder of the company), of any loans, advances, guarantees, pledges or other financial benefits (other than those expressly permitted by Section 203(c)(3)(i)-(iv)) provided by or through the company or any direct or indirect majority-owned subsidiary.

 

The Section 203 limitation would not apply if (a) the business combination was approved by the board of directors of the company before the holder became an Interested Holder, (b) the business combination is subsequently approved by the a company board of directors and also by two-thirds of the a company stock held by persons other than such Interested Holder at an annual or special meeting of stockholders, or (c) upon consummation of the transaction which resulted in the stockholder becoming an Interested Holder of the company, the Interested Holder owned at least 85% of the company’s voting stock which was outstanding at the time the transaction commenced (excluding stock owned by any directors who are also officers and certain employee stock plans).

 

The effect of the restriction is to give the company’s board of directors the ability to prevent or inhibit an unsolicited takeover attempt initiated through a merger or asset purchase proposal. It may also dissuade unsolicited tender offer proposals unless the offeror is confident of achieving the 85% shareholding level via the tender offer.

 

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Matter   Australian public company   Listed US company incorporated in Delaware
Annual shareholder meetings   Under the Corporations Act, the annual general meeting of Nova is required to be held at least once every calendar year and within five months after the end of each financial year.  

The DGCL requires a company incorporated in Delaware to have an annual stockholders’ meeting to elect directors, unless directors are elected by written consent in lieu of an annual meeting.

 

Under the DGCL, a director or stockholder of a company incorporated in Delaware may petition the Court of Chancery of Delaware for an order compelling the holding of an annual meeting if:

 

●  no annual meeting has been held, or action by written consent to elect directors in lieu of an annual meeting has been taken, for a period of 30 days after the date designated for the annual meeting; or

 

●  no date for an annual meeting has been designated for a period of 13 months after the latest to occur of the company’s organization, the last annual meeting or the last action by written consent to elect directors in lieu of an annual meeting.

         
Shareholders’ right to request or requisition a general meeting  

The Corporations Act requires the Directors to call a general meeting on the request of members with at least 5% of the vote that may be cast at the general meeting.

 

Shareholders with at least 5% of the votes that may be cast at the general meeting may also call and arrange to hold a general meeting at their own expense.

 

Annual meetings of stockholders shall be held at a time designated by or in the manner provided in the bylaws.

 

Special meetings of stockholders may be called by the board of directors or by such person or persons as may be authorized by the certificate of incorporation or by the bylaws.

         
Notice of Meetings   The Corporations Act requires at least 28 days’ notice of a general meeting of company listed on a financial exchange.   The DGCL provide that notice of a stockholders’ meeting be delivered not less than ten days nor more than 60 days before the date of the meeting to each stockholder entitled to vote at such meeting, except as otherwise provided in the company’s by-laws or as required by the DGCL.

 

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Matter   Australian public company   Listed US company incorporated in Delaware
Remuneration reports  

The Corporations Act requires that a public company’s annual report must include a report by the Directors on the company’s remuneration framework (remuneration report).

 

At the company’s annual general meeting, shareholders must vote to approve or reject the remuneration report.

 

The vote on the resolution is advisory only and does not bind the directors or the company. However, if the company’s remuneration report receives a ‘no’ vote of 25% of more, the company’s subsequent remuneration report must explain whether and how shareholders’ concerns have been taken into account.

 

If the company’s subsequent remuneration report receives a ‘no’ vote of 25% or more, shareholders will vote at the same annual general meeting to determine whether the directors (other than the managing director) will need to stand for re-election within 90 days.

 

If the resolution passes, then the ‘spill meeting’ at which the directors face re-election, will take place within 90 days.

 

Our Constitution provides that the directors are entitled to be remunerated. The extend of such remuneration shall be determined by the Nova Board, subject to laws relating to the giving of benefits to related parties, and to the extent applicable, any maximum amount that is from time to time approved by the shareholders of the company in a general meeting in accordance with any applicable listing rules.

 

Our remuneration practices provide that:

 

●  the remuneration may be provided in the form of shares or other securities of the Company or any subsidiary of the Company, or options or rights to acquire such shares or other securities, on such terms as the Nova Board may decide; and

 

●  the directors may also be paid all travelling, and other expenses properly incurred by them: (a) in attending and returning from: (i) meetings of directors or any committee; or (ii) general meetings of the company; or (b) otherwise in connection with the business of the company.

 

In the U.S., the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (U.S.) requires all ‘reporting companies’ to have an advisory Shareholder vote on pay at least once every three years.

 

Companies must report the results and say how they have responded to these when making decisions on pay the following year.

 

The Company will be required to register as a U.S. reporting company pursuant to Section 12(b) in connection with the Company’s initial public offering and listing on a national securities exchange.

 

If Nova qualifies as an ‘emerging growth company’ at the time it becomes a reporting company, then it will not be required to hold an advisory Shareholder vote on pay until it is no longer an emerging growth company.

 

The Company will be an emerging growth company until the earliest of: (i) the last day of the fiscal year in which our annual gross revenues exceed US$1.235 billion, (ii) the last day of the fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of the date of the first sale of common equity securities of the company pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, (iii) the date on which the Company has, during the previous three year period, issued more than US$1 billion in non-convertible debt, or (iv) the date that we become a ‘large accelerated filer’ as defined in Rule 12b-2 under the U.S. Exchange Act.

 

A company becomes a large accelerated filer if it meets the following conditions as of the end of its fiscal year: (i) it has an aggregate worldwide market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of US$700 million or more as of the last business day of its second fiscal quarter; (ii) it has been subject to the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the U.S. Exchange Act for at least 12 months; (iii) it has filed at least one annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the U.S. Exchange Act; and (iv) it is not eligible to rely on certain requirements for smaller reporting companies for its annual and quarterly reports.

 

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Matter   Australian public company   Listed US company incorporated in Delaware
Approval of Corporate Matters by Written Consent   Our Constitution provides that anything which may be done by resolution of the Company in a Board meeting, may be done by written resolution.. The Company may not pass resolutions required in a general meeting by written resolution.   Unless otherwise specified in a corporation’s certificate of incorporation, shareholders may take action permitted to be taken at an annual or special meeting, without a meeting, prior notice or a vote, if consents, in writing, setting forth the action, are signed by shareholders with not less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to authorize the action at a meeting. All consents must be dated and are only effective if the requisite signatures are collected within 60 days of the earliest dated consent delivered.
         
Special resolutions  

Under the Corporations Act, a special resolution must be a resolution that is passed by at least 75% of the votes cast by members entitled to vote on the resolution.

 

Approval by special resolution of shareholders is required for actions such as modifying or repealing our Constitution, changing Nova’s name or company type, selectively reducing or buying back capital (in some circumstances), providing financial assistance in connection with the acquisition of shares in the company, and undertaking a voluntary winding up of Nova.

  The DGCL contains no concept of special resolutions.
         
Removing directors  

The Corporations Act provides that a public company may by resolution at a general meeting remove a director from office.

 

Notice of intention to move the resolution must be given by the company at least 2 months before the meeting is to be held, and the company must notify the director as soon as possible after notice of the intention is received.

  Subject to certain exceptions, the DGCL provides that directors may be removed with or without cause by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power of all of the outstanding shares of capital stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors.

 

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Matter   Australian public company   Listed US company incorporated in Delaware
Duties and liability of directors  

General duties imposed by the Corporations Act on directors and officers of companies include duties to exercise duties and powers with due care and diligence, in good faith and for a proper purpose, and not to improperly use their position or information obtained through their position to gain advantage or cause detriment to the company.

 

Under the Corporations Act, there is a general prohibition on a company or a related body corporate exempting officers from any liability incurred as an officer of the company.

 

Under Delaware law, the directors of a company incorporated in Delaware have fiduciary obligations, including the duty of care and the duty of loyalty.

 

The duty of care requires directors to act in good faith, with the care that a reasonable person in a similar position and circumstances would exercise and in a manner the director reasonably believes to be in the best interests of the company and its stockholders. Directors must inform themselves of all reasonably available material information before making business decisions on behalf of the company and to act with requisite care in discharging their duties to the company.

 

The duty of loyalty requires directors to act in good faith and in the company’s best interests.

 

Under the DGCL, a company incorporated in Delaware may include in its certificate of incorporation a provision eliminating the personal liability of a director or officer to the company or its stockholders for monetary damages for a breach of fiduciary duty as a director or officer.

 

However, the provision may not eliminate liability for:

 

●  breach of the director’s or officer’s duty of loyalty;

 

●  acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of the law;

 

●  directors for unlawful payment of dividends;

 

●  directors for unlawful purchases or redemptions of shares;

 

●  any transaction from which the director or officer derived an improper personal benefit; or

 

●  an officer in any action by or in the right of the corporation.

 

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Matter   Australian public company   Listed US company incorporated in Delaware
Bringing or intervening in legal proceedings on behalf of the entity  

A member, former member or person entitled to be a member of a company, or an officer or former officer of a company, may bring proceedings on behalf of a company and in the company’s name where the company is unwilling or unable to do so.

 

Proceedings may only be brought if leave is granted by a Court, including Federal Court, the Supreme Court of a State or Territory of Australia, or Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, for the person to bring or intervene in proceedings.

 

Leave will generally be granted if the court is satisfied that:

 

●  it is probable that the company itself will not bring the proceedings or properly take responsibility for them;

 

●  the applicant is acting in good faith;

 

●  it is in the best interests of the company that the applicant be granted leave;

 

●  if the application relates to leave to bring proceedings, there is a serious question to be tried;

 

●  either at least 14 days before making the application, the applicant gave written notice of the application to the company, or it is appropriate to grant leave even though the notice period was not provided.

 

The DGCL permits a stockholder to bring a derivative action on behalf of a company if those in control of the company have failed to assert a claim belonging to the relevant company.

 

Derivative actions have certain standing and eligibility requirements, including that the plaintiff in the action must generally have been a stockholder of the company at the time that the act complained of occurred and must maintain his or her status as a stockholder of the company throughout the course of the litigation. Derivative plaintiffs must have previously made a demand on the directors of the company to assert the corporate claim, unless such a demand would have been futile.

         
Continuous disclosure  

The Corporations Act contains provisions which require a listed company to comply with the relevant disclosure rules of their financial market, in summary being such information concerning the company that a reasonable person would expect to have a material effect on the price or the value of the company’s shares.

 

There are also periodic reporting and disclosure rules that apply, requiring it (among other things) to report to ASIC at the end of every half year and annually in respect of its financial statements and reports.

 

US reporting companies are subject to US federal securities laws and regulations in relation to its ongoing disclosure obligations.

 

Once listed on a national securities exchange, the US company will also be subject to the ongoing disclosure obligations of such exchange.

 

The NYSE listing rules and US federal securities laws and regulations will generally require disclosure to the public of any material information that would reasonably be expected to affect the value of a company’s shares or influence investors’ decisions. This includes:

 

●  annual reports on Form 10-K;

 

●  quarterly reports on Form 10-Q;

 

●  current reports containing material information required to be disclosed on Form 8-K;

 

● company insider reports; and

 

● proxy statement.

 

98
 

 

Matter   Australian public company   Listed US company incorporated in Delaware
Inspection of Books and Records   Inspection of our records is governed by the Corporations Act. Any member of the public has the right to inspect or obtain copies of our registers, and the Company may charge a fee not exceeding the prescribed fee set by regulation. Shareholders are not required to pay a fee for inspection of our registers or minute books of the meetings of shareholders. Other corporate records, including minutes of directors’ meetings, financial records and other documents, are not open for inspection by the public or shareholders. Where a shareholder is acting in good faith and an inspection is deemed to be made for a proper purpose, a shareholder may apply to the court to make an order for inspection of our books.   All shareholders of a Delaware corporation have the right, upon written demand, to inspect or obtain copies of the corporation’s shares ledger and its other books and records for any purpose reasonably related to such person’s interest as a shareholder
         
Insider trading  

The Corporations Act prohibits any person who:

 

●  possesses information that is not generally available, but if it were generally available, a reasonable person would expect it to have a material effect on the price or value of company’s securities (Inside Information); and

 

●  knew, or ought reasonably to have known, that the information was Inside Information,

 

from applying for, buying or selling those securities (or entering an agreement to do so) or procuring others to do so. The prohibition also extends to the communication of the information (or causing the information to be communicated) directly or indirectly to third parties if the person knew, or ought reasonably to have known, that the recipient would or would be likely to apply for, buy or sell the securities (or enter an agreement to do so), or procure others to do so.

 

This prohibition is subject to certain limited exceptions.

  US federal securities laws generally prohibit any person who possesses material non-public information relating to a company incorporated in the US or its securities from buying or selling those securities or procuring others to do so, or from communicating the material non-public information to third parties.

 

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Matter   Australian public company   Listed US company incorporated in Delaware
Winding up  

The members of a solvent company may determine to wind-up the company under the Corporations Act. A special resolution is required.

From the passing of the resolution, the company must cease to carry on its business except so far as the liquidator considers is required for the beneficial disposal or winding up of that business, but the corporate state and corporate powers of the company continue until it is deregistered.

 

Our Constitution states that if Nova is wound up, if the assets available for distribution among the shareholders are insufficient to repay the whole of the paid up capital, the assets must be distributed so that, as nearly as may be, the losses are borne by the shareholders in proportion to the capital paid up, or which ought to have been paid up, at the commencement of the winding up, on the Shares held by them respectively, alternatively, if the assets available for distribution among the shareholders are more than sufficient to repay the whole of the capital paid up at the commencement of the winding up, the excess must be distributed among the shareholders in proportion to the capital at the commencement of the winding up paid up, or which ought to have been paid up, on the Shares held by them respectively.

 

Further, a liquidator may, with the sanction of a special resolution, divide the assets of Nova among the shareholders in kind. The liquidator cannot compel any member to accept marketable securities in respect of which there is a liability as part of a distribution of assets of Nova.

 

The Corporations Act also provides that subject to provisions as to preferential payments, the property of a company must, on its winding up, be applied in satisfaction of its liabilities equally and, subject to that application, must, unless the company’s constitution otherwise provides, be distributed among the members according to their rights and interests in the company.

 

The DGCL permits the board of directors to authorize the dissolution of a company incorporated in Delaware if:

 

●  a majority of the directors in office adopt a resolution to approve dissolution at a board meeting called for that purpose;

 

●  holders of a majority of the issued and outstanding shares entitled to vote on the matter adopt a resolution to approve dissolution at a stockholders’ meeting called for that purpose; and

 

●  a certificate of dissolution is filed with the Delaware Secretary of State.

 

The DGCL also permits stockholders to authorize the dissolution of a company incorporated in Delaware without board action if:

 

● all of the stockholders entitled to vote on the matter provide written consent to dissolution; and

 

● a certificate of dissolution is filed with the Delaware Secretary of State.

 

Access to and Inspection of Documents

 

Inspection of our records is governed by our constitution and the Corporations Act. Any shareholder has the right to inspect or obtain copies of our share register on the payment of a prescribed fee provided that the inspection is for a prescribed purpose. Our books containing the minutes of general meetings will be kept at our registered office and will be open to inspection of shareholders at all times when the office is required to be open to the public. Other corporate records, including minutes of directors’ meetings, financial records and other documents, are not open for inspection by shareholders (who are not directors). Where a shareholder is acting in good faith and an inspection is deemed to be made for a proper purpose, a shareholder may apply to the court to make an order for inspection of our books.

 

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Limitation of Liability and Indemnification of Directors and Officers

 

Australian law. Australian law provides that a company or a related body corporate of the company may provide for indemnification of officers and directors, except to the extent of any of the following liabilities incurred as an officer or director of the company:

 

a liability owed to the company or a related body corporate of the company;

 

a liability for a pecuniary penalty order made under section 1317G or a compensation order under section 961M, 1317H, 1317HA, 1317HB 1317HC or 1317HE of the Corporations Act;

 

a liability that is owed to someone other than the company or a related body corporate of the company and did not arise out of conduct in good faith; or

 

legal costs incurred in defending or resisting an action for a liability incurred as an officer or auditor of the company if the costs are incurred:

 

in defending or resisting proceedings in which the person is found to have a liability for which they cannot be indemnified as set out above;

 

in defending or resisting criminal proceedings in which the person is found guilty;

 

in defending or resisting proceedings brought by the Australian Securities & Investments Commission or a liquidator for a court order if the grounds for making the order are found by the court to have been established (except costs incurred in responding to actions taken by the Australian Securities & Investments Commission or a liquidator as part of an investigation before commencing proceedings for a court order); or

 

in connection with proceedings for relief to the person under the Corporations Act in which the court denies the relief.

 

Our constitution is consistent with the above provisions in respect of the indemnification of an officer of the company.

 

Indemnification and Insurance Agreements. We have agreed to indemnify our executive officers and non-employee directors against certain liabilities and expenses incurred by such persons in connection with claims made by reason of their being such a director or officer. We also maintain insurance policies that indemnify our directors and executive officers against various liabilities arising under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act that might be incurred by any director or officer in his or her capacity as such.

 

SEC Position. Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling us pursuant to the foregoing provisions, we have been informed that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.

 

Ownership and Exchange Controls

 

Competition Act

 

Limitations on the ability to acquire and hold our ordinary shares may be imposed by the Competition Act and Consumer (Australia). This legislation establishes a pre-merger notification regime for certain types of merger transactions that exceed certain statutory shareholding and financial thresholds. Transactions that are subject to notification cannot be closed until the required materials are filed and the applicable statutory waiting period has expired or been waived by the Commissioner of Competition. Further, the Competition and Consumer Act (Australia) permits the Commissioner of Competition to review any acquisition of control over or of a significant interest in us, whether or not it is subject to mandatory notification. This legislation grants the Commissioner of Competition jurisdiction, for up to one year, to challenge this type of acquisition before the Australian Competition Tribunal if it would, or would be likely to, substantially prevent or lessen competition in any market in Australia.

 

Listing

 

We intend to apply to have the ADSs listed on the                  under the symbol “NVAM”. Our ordinary shares are listed on the ASX under the symbol “NVA” and quoted on the OTCQB market under the symbol “NVAAF” and Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol “QM3”. The closing of this offering is contingent upon the successful listing of the ADSs on the                    .

 

Transfer Agent and Registrar

 

Upon the closing of this offering, the transfer agent and depositary for the ADSs will be The Bank of New York Mellon. Automic Group is our transfer agent and registrar for our ordinary shares and currently maintains our share register for our ordinary shares. The address for Automic Group is: Level 5, 126 Phillip Street, Sydney NSW 2000, and the telephone number is 1 300 288 644.

 

The share register reflects only record owners of our ordinary shares. Holders of the ADSs will not be treated as one of our shareholders and their names will therefore not be entered in our share register. The depositary, the custodian or their nominees will be the holder of the shares underlying the ADSs.

 

Holders of the ADSs have a right to receive the ordinary shares underlying their ADSs. See “Description of American Depositary Shares” below.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES

 

American Depositary Shares

 

The Bank of New York Mellon, as depositary, will register and deliver American Depositary Shares, also referred to as ADSs. Each ADS will represent          shares (or a right to receive        shares) deposited with HSBC Bank Australia, as custodian for the depositary in Australia. Each ADS will also represent any other securities, cash or other property that may be held by the depositary. The deposited shares together with any other securities, cash or other property held by the depositary are referred to as the deposited securities. The depositary’s office at which the ADSs will be administered and its principal executive office are located at 240 Greenwich Street, New York, New York 10286.

 

You may hold ADSs either (A) directly (i) by having an American Depositary Receipt, also referred to as an ADR, which is a certificate evidencing a specific number of ADSs, registered in your name, or (ii) by having uncertificated ADSs registered in your name, or (B) indirectly by holding a security entitlement in ADSs through your broker or other financial institution that is a direct or indirect participant in The Depository Trust Company, also called DTC. If you hold ADSs directly, you are a registered ADS holder, also referred to as an ADS holder. This description assumes you are an ADS holder. If you hold the ADSs indirectly, you must rely on the procedures of your broker or other financial institution to assert the rights of ADS holders described in this section. You should consult with your broker or financial institution to find out what those procedures are.

 

Registered holders of uncertificated ADSs will receive statements from the depositary confirming their holdings.

 

As an ADS holder, we will not treat you as one of our shareholders and you will not have shareholder rights. Australian law governs shareholder rights. The depositary will be the holder of the shares underlying your ADSs. As a registered holder of ADSs, you will have ADS holder rights. A deposit agreement among us, the depositary, ADS holders and all other persons indirectly or beneficially holding ADSs sets out ADS holder rights as well as the rights and obligations of the depositary. New York law governs the deposit agreement and the ADSs.

 

The following is a summary of the material provisions of the deposit agreement. For more complete information, you should read the entire deposit agreement and the form of ADR which are attached as an exhibit to this registration statement.

 

Dividends and Other Distributions

 

How will you receive dividends and other distributions on the shares?

 

The depositary has agreed to pay or distribute to ADS holders the cash dividends or other distributions it or the custodian receives on shares or other deposited securities, upon payment or deduction of its fees and expenses. You will receive these distributions in proportion to the number of shares your ADSs represent.

 

Cash. The depositary will convert any cash dividend or other cash distribution we pay on the shares into U.S. dollars, if it can do so on a reasonable basis and can transfer the U.S. dollars to the United States. If that is not possible or if any government approval is needed and cannot be obtained, the deposit agreement allows the depositary to distribute the foreign currency only to those ADS holders to whom it is possible to do so. It will hold the foreign currency it cannot convert for the account of the ADS holders who have not been paid. It will not invest the foreign currency and it will not be liable for any interest.

 

Before making a distribution, any withholding taxes, or other governmental charges that must be paid will be deducted. The depositary will distribute only whole U.S. dollars and cents and will round fractional cents to the nearest whole cent. If the exchange rates fluctuate during a time when the depositary cannot convert the foreign currency, you may lose some of the value of the distribution.

 

Shares. The depositary may distribute additional ADSs representing any shares we distribute as a dividend or free distribution. The depositary will only distribute whole ADSs. It will sell shares which would require it to deliver a fraction of an ADS (or ADSs representing those shares) and distribute the net proceeds in the same way as it does with cash. If the depositary does not distribute additional ADSs, the outstanding ADSs will also represent the new shares. The depositary may sell a portion of the distributed shares (or ADSs representing those shares) sufficient to pay its fees and expenses in connection with that distribution.

 

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Rights to purchase additional shares. If we offer holders of our securities any rights to subscribe for additional shares or any other rights, the depositary may (i) exercise those rights on behalf of ADS holders, (ii) distribute those rights to ADS holders or (iii) sell those rights and distribute the net proceeds to ADS holders, in each case after deduction or upon payment of its fees and expenses. To the extent the depositary does not do any of those things, it will allow the rights to lapse. In that case, you will receive no value for them. The depositary will exercise or distribute rights only if we ask it to and provide satisfactory assurances to the depositary that it is legal to do so. If the depositary will exercise rights, it will purchase the securities to which the rights relate and distribute those securities or, in the case of shares, new ADSs representing the new shares, to subscribing ADS holders, but only if ADS holders have paid the exercise price to the depositary. U.S. securities laws may restrict the ability of the depositary to distribute rights or ADSs or other securities issued on exercise of rights to all or certain ADS holders, and the securities distributed may be subject to restrictions on transfer.

 

Other Distributions. The depositary will send to ADS holders anything else we distribute on deposited securities by any means it thinks is legal, fair and practical. If it cannot make the distribution in that way, the depositary has a choice. It may decide to sell what we distributed and distribute the net proceeds, in the same way as it does with cash. Or, it may decide to hold what we distributed, in which case ADSs will also represent the newly distributed property. However, the depositary is not required to distribute any securities (other than ADSs) to ADS holders unless it receives satisfactory evidence from us that it is legal to make that distribution. The depositary may sell a portion of the distributed securities or property sufficient to pay its fees and expenses in connection with that distribution. U.S. securities laws may restrict the ability of the depositary to distribute securities to all or certain ADS holders, and the securities distributed may be subject to restrictions on transfer.

 

The depositary is not responsible if it decides that it is unlawful or impractical to make a distribution available to any ADS holders. We have no obligation to register ADSs, shares, rights or other securities under the Securities Act. We also have no obligation to take any other action to permit the distribution of ADSs, shares, rights or anything else to ADS holders. This means that you may not receive the distributions we make on our shares or any value for them if it is illegal or impractical for us to make them available to you.

 

Deposit, Withdrawal and Cancellation

 

How are ADSs issued?

 

The depositary will deliver ADSs if you or your broker deposits shares or evidence of rights to receive shares with the custodian. Upon payment of its fees and expenses and of any taxes or charges, such as stamp taxes or stock transfer taxes or fees, the depositary will register the appropriate number of ADSs in the names you request and will deliver the ADSs to or upon the order of the person or persons that made the deposit.

 

How can ADS holders withdraw the deposited securities?

 

You may surrender your ADSs to the depositary for the purpose of withdrawal. Upon payment of its fees and expenses and of any taxes or charges, such as stamp taxes or stock transfer taxes or fees, the depositary will deliver the shares and any other deposited securities underlying the ADSs to the ADS holder or a person the ADS holder designates at the office of the custodian. Or, at your request, risk and expense, the depositary will deliver the deposited securities at its office, if feasible. However, the depositary is not required to accept surrender of ADSs to the extent it would require delivery of a fraction of a deposited share or other security. The depositary may charge you a fee and its expenses for instructing the custodian regarding delivery of deposited securities.

 

How do ADS holders interchange between certificated ADSs and uncertificated ADSs?

 

You may surrender your ADR to the depositary for the purpose of exchanging your ADR for uncertificated ADSs. The depositary will cancel that ADR and will send to the ADS holder a statement confirming that the ADS holder is the registered holder of uncertificated ADSs. Upon receipt by the depositary of a proper instruction from a registered holder of uncertificated ADSs requesting the exchange of uncertificated ADSs for certificated ADSs, the depositary will execute and deliver to the ADS holder an ADR evidencing those ADSs.

 

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Voting Rights

 

How do you vote?

 

ADS holders may instruct the depositary how to vote the number of deposited shares their ADSs represent. If we request the depositary to solicit your voting instructions (and we are not required to do so), the depositary will notify you of a shareholders’ meeting and send or make voting materials available to you. Those materials will describe the matters to be voted on and explain how ADS holders may instruct the depositary how to vote. For instructions to be valid, they must reach the depositary by a date set by the depositary. The depositary will try, as far as practical, subject to the laws of Australia and the provisions of our articles of association or similar documents, to vote or to have its agents vote the shares or other deposited securities as instructed by ADS holders. If we do not request the depositary to solicit your voting instructions, you can still send voting instructions, and, in that case, the depositary may try to vote as you instruct, but it is not required to do so.

 

Except by instructing the depositary as described above, you will not be able to exercise voting rights unless you surrender your ADSs and withdraw the shares. However, you may not know about the meeting enough in advance to withdraw the shares. In any event, the depositary will not exercise any discretion in voting deposited securities and it will only vote or attempt to vote as instructed.

 

We cannot assure you that you will receive the voting materials in time to ensure that you can instruct the depositary to vote the shares represented by your ADSs. In addition, the depositary and its agents are not responsible for failing to carry out voting instructions or for the manner of carrying out voting instructions. This means that you may not be able to exercise voting rights and there may be nothing you can do if the shares represented by your ADSs are not voted as you requested.

 

In order to give you a reasonable opportunity to instruct the depositary as to the exercise of voting rights relating to Deposited Securities, if we request the Depositary to act, we agree to give the depositary notice of any such meeting and details concerning the matters to be voted upon at least 30 days in advance of the meeting date.

 

Fees and Expenses

 

Persons depositing or withdrawing shares or ADS holders must pay:   For:
     
$5.00 (or less) per 100 ADSs (or portion of 100 ADSs)  

Issuance of ADSs, including issuances resulting from a distribution of shares or rights or other property

 

Cancellation of ADSs for the purpose of withdrawal, including if the deposit agreement terminates

     
$.05 (or less) per ADS   Any cash distribution to ADS holders
     
A fee equivalent to the fee that would be payable if securities distributed to you had been shares and the shares had been deposited for issuance of ADSs   Distribution of securities distributed to holders of deposited securities (including rights) that are distributed by the depositary to ADS holders
     
$.05 (or less) per ADS per calendar year   Depositary services
     
Registration or transfer fees   Transfer and registration of shares on our share register to or from the name of the depositary or its agent when you deposit or withdraw shares
     
Expenses of the depositary  

Cable (including SWIFT) and facsimile transmissions (when expressly provided in the deposit agreement)

 

Converting foreign currency to U.S. dollars

     
Taxes and other governmental charges the depositary or the custodian has to pay on any ADSs or shares underlying ADSs, such as  stock transfer taxes, stamp duty or withholding taxes  

As necessary

 

     
Any charges incurred by the depositary or its agents for servicing the deposited securities   As necessary

 

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The depositary collects its fees for delivery and surrender of ADSs directly from investors depositing shares or surrendering ADSs for the purpose of withdrawal or from intermediaries acting for them. The depositary collects fees for making distributions to investors by deducting those fees from the amounts distributed or by selling a portion of distributable property to pay the fees. The depositary may collect its annual fee for depositary services by deduction from cash distributions or by directly billing investors or by charging the book-entry system accounts of participants acting for them. The depositary may collect any of its fees by deduction from any cash distribution payable (or by selling a portion of securities or other property distributable) to ADS holders that are obligated to pay those fees. The depositary may generally refuse to provide fee-attracting services until its fees for those services are paid.

 

From time to time, the depositary may make payments to us to reimburse us for costs and expenses generally arising out of establishment and maintenance of the ADS program, waive fees and expenses for services provided to us by the depositary or share revenue from the fees collected from ADS holders. In performing its duties under the deposit agreement, the depositary may use brokers, dealers, foreign currency dealers or other service providers that are owned by or affiliated with the depositary and that may earn or share fees, spreads or commissions.

 

The depositary may convert currency itself or through any of its affiliates, or the custodian or we may convert currency and pay U.S. dollars to the depositary. Where the depositary converts currency itself or through any of its affiliates, the depositary acts as principal for its own account and not as agent, advisor, broker or fiduciary on behalf of any other person and earns revenue, including, without limitation, transaction spreads, that it will retain for its own account. The revenue is based on, among other things, the difference between the exchange rate assigned to the currency conversion made under the deposit agreement and the rate that the depositary or its affiliate receives when buying or selling foreign currency for its own account. The depositary makes no representation that the exchange rate used or obtained by it or its affiliate in any currency conversion under the deposit agreement will be the most favorable rate that could be obtained at the time or that the method by which that rate will be determined will be the most favorable to ADS holders, subject to the depositary’s obligation to act without negligence or bad faith. The methodology used to determine exchange rates used in currency conversions made by the depositary is available upon request. Where the custodian converts currency, the custodian has no obligation to obtain the most favorable rate that could be obtained at the time or to ensure that the method by which that rate will be determined will be the most favorable to ADS holders, and the depositary makes no representation that the rate is the most favorable rate and will not be liable for any direct or indirect losses associated with the rate. In certain instances, the depositary may receive dividends or other distributions from us in U.S. dollars that represent the proceeds of a conversion of foreign currency or translation from foreign currency at a rate that was obtained or determined by us and, in such cases, the depositary will not engage in, or be responsible for, any foreign currency transactions and neither it nor we make any representation that the rate obtained or determined by us is the most favorable rate and neither it nor we will be liable for any direct or indirect losses associated with the rate.

 

Payment of Taxes

 

You will be responsible for any taxes or other governmental charges payable on your ADSs or on the deposited securities represented by any of your ADSs. The depositary may refuse to register any transfer of your ADSs or allow you to withdraw the deposited securities represented by your ADSs until those taxes or other charges are paid. It may apply payments owed to you or sell deposited securities represented by your ADSs to pay any taxes owed and you will remain liable for any deficiency. If the depositary sells deposited securities, it will, if appropriate, reduce the number of ADSs to reflect the sale and pay to ADS holders any proceeds, or send to ADS holders any property, remaining after it has paid the taxes.

 

Tender and Exchange Offers; Redemption, Replacement or Cancellation of Deposited Securities

 

The depositary will not tender deposited securities in any voluntary tender or exchange offer unless instructed to do so by an ADS holder surrendering ADSs and subject to any conditions or procedures the depositary may establish.

 

If deposited securities are redeemed for cash in a transaction that is mandatory for the depositary as a holder of deposited securities, the depositary will call for surrender of a corresponding number of ADSs and distribute the net redemption money to the holders of called ADSs upon surrender of those ADSs.

 

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If there is any change in the deposited securities such as a sub-division, combination or other reclassification, or any merger, consolidation, recapitalization or reorganization affecting the issuer of deposited securities in which the depositary receives new securities in exchange for or in lieu of the old deposited securities, the depositary will hold those replacement securities as deposited securities under the deposit agreement. However, if the depositary decides it would not be lawful and practical to hold the replacement securities because those securities could not be distributed to ADS holders or for any other reason, the depositary may instead sell the replacement securities and distribute the net proceeds upon surrender of the ADSs.

 

If there is a replacement of the deposited securities and the depositary will continue to hold the replacement securities, the depositary may distribute new ADSs representing the new deposited securities or ask you to surrender your outstanding ADSs in exchange for new ADSs identifying the new deposited securities.

 

If there are no deposited securities underlying ADSs, including if the deposited securities are cancelled, or if the deposited securities underlying ADSs have become apparently worthless, the depositary may call for surrender of those ADSs or cancel those ADSs upon notice to the ADS holders.

 

Amendment and Termination

 

How may the deposit agreement be amended?

 

We may agree with the depositary to amend the deposit agreement and the ADRs without your consent for any reason. If an amendment adds or increases fees or charges, except for taxes and other governmental charges or expenses of the depositary for registration fees, facsimile costs, delivery charges or similar items, or prejudices a substantial right of ADS holders, it will not become effective for outstanding ADSs until 30 days after the depositary notifies ADS holders of the amendment. At the time an amendment becomes effective, you are considered, by continuing to hold your ADSs, to agree to the amendment and to be bound by the ADRs and the deposit agreement as amended.

 

How may the deposit agreement be terminated?

 

The depositary will initiate termination of the deposit agreement if we instruct it to do so. The depositary may initiate termination of the deposit agreement if

 

60 days have passed since the depositary told us it wants to resign but a successor depositary has not been appointed and accepted its appointment;

 

we delist the ADSs from an exchange in the United States on which they were listed and do not list the ADSs on another exchange in the United States or make arrangements for trading of ADSs on the U.S. over-the-counter market;

 

we delist our shares from an exchange outside the United States on which they were listed and do not list the shares on another exchange outside the United States;

 

the depositary has reason to believe the ADSs have become, or will become, ineligible for registration on Form F-6 under the Securities Act of 1933;

 

we appear to be insolvent or enter insolvency proceedings;

 

all or substantially all the value of the deposited securities has been distributed either in cash or in the form of securities;

 

there are no deposited securities underlying the ADSs or the underlying deposited securities have become apparently worthless; or

 

there has been a replacement of deposited securities.

 

If the deposit agreement will terminate, the depositary will notify ADS holders at least 90 days before the termination date. At any time after the termination date, the depositary may sell the deposited securities. After that, the depositary will hold the money it received on the sale, as well as any other cash it is holding under the deposit agreement, unsegregated and without liability for interest, for the pro rata benefit of the ADS holders that have not surrendered their ADSs. Normally, the depositary will sell as soon as practicable after the termination date.

 

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After the termination date and before the depositary sells, ADS holders can still surrender their ADSs and receive delivery of deposited securities, except that the depositary may refuse to accept a surrender for the purpose of withdrawing deposited securities or reverse previously accepted surrenders of that kind that have not settled if it would interfere with the selling process. The depositary may refuse to accept a surrender for the purpose of withdrawing sale proceeds until all the deposited securities have been sold. The depositary will continue to collect distributions on deposited securities, but, after the termination date, the depositary is not required to register any transfer of ADSs or distribute any dividends or other distributions on deposited securities to ADS holders (until they surrender their ADSs) or give any notices or perform any other duties under the deposit agreement except as described in this paragraph.

 

Limitations on Obligations and Liability

 

Limits on our Obligations and the Obligations of the Depositary; Limits on Liability to Holders of ADSs

 

The deposit agreement expressly limits our obligations and the obligations of the depositary. It also limits our liability and the liability of the depositary. We and the depositary:

 

are only obligated to take the actions specifically set forth in the deposit agreement without negligence or bad faith, and the depositary will not be a fiduciary or have any fiduciary duty to holders of ADSs;

 

are not liable if we are or it is prevented or delayed by law or by events or circumstances beyond our or its ability to prevent or counteract with reasonable care or effort from performing our or its obligations under the deposit agreement;

 

are not liable if we or it exercises discretion permitted under the deposit agreement;

 

are not liable for the inability of any holder of ADSs to benefit from any distribution on deposited securities that is not made available to holders of ADSs under the terms of the deposit agreement, or for any special, consequential or punitive damages for any breach of the terms of the deposit agreement;

 

have no obligation to become involved in a lawsuit or other proceeding related to the ADSs or the deposit agreement on your behalf or on behalf of any other person;

 

may rely upon any documents we believe or it believes in good faith to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper person;

 

are not liable for the acts or omissions of any securities depository, clearing agency or settlement system; and

 

the depositary has no duty to make any determination or provide any information as to our tax status, or any liability for any tax consequences that may be incurred by ADS holders as a result of owning or holding ADSs or be liable for the inability or failure of an ADS holder to obtain the benefit of a foreign tax credit, reduced rate of withholding or refund of amounts withheld in respect of tax or any other tax benefit.

 

In the deposit agreement, we and the depositary agree to indemnify each other under certain circumstances.

 

Requirements for Depositary Actions

 

Before the depositary will deliver or register a transfer of ADSs, make a distribution on ADSs, or permit withdrawal of shares, the depositary may require:

 

payment of stock transfer or other taxes or other governmental charges and transfer or registration fees charged by third parties for the transfer of any shares or other deposited securities;

 

satisfactory proof of the identity and genuineness of any signature or other information it deems necessary; and

 

compliance with regulations it may establish, from time to time, consistent with the deposit agreement, including presentation of transfer documents.

 

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The depositary may refuse to deliver ADSs or register transfers of ADSs when the transfer books of the depositary or our transfer books are closed or at any time if the depositary or we think it advisable to do so.

 

Your Right to Receive the Shares Underlying your ADSs

 

ADS holders have the right to cancel their ADSs and withdraw the underlying shares at any time except:

 

when temporary delays arise because: (i) the depositary has closed its transfer books or we have closed our transfer books; (ii) the transfer of shares is blocked to permit voting at a shareholders’ meeting; or (iii) we are paying a dividend on our shares;
   
when you owe money to pay fees, taxes and similar charges; or
   
when it is necessary to prohibit withdrawals in order to comply with any laws or governmental regulations that apply to ADSs or to the withdrawal of shares or other deposited securities.

 

This right of withdrawal may not be limited by any other provision of the deposit agreement.

 

Direct Registration System

 

In the deposit agreement, all parties to the deposit agreement acknowledge that

 

the Direct Registration System, also referred to as DRS, and Profile Modification System, also referred to as Profile, will apply to the ADSs. DRS is a system administered by DTC that facilitates interchange between registered holding of uncertificated ADSs and holding of security entitlements in ADSs through DTC and a DTC participant. Profile is a feature of DRS that allows a DTC participant, claiming to act on behalf of a registered holder of uncertificated ADSs, to direct the depositary to register a transfer of those ADSs to DTC or its nominee and to deliver those ADSs to the DTC account of that DTC participant without receipt by the depositary of prior authorization from the ADS holder to register that transfer.

 

In connection with and in accordance with the arrangements and procedures relating to DRS/Profile, the parties to the deposit agreement understand that the depositary will not determine whether the DTC participant that is claiming to be acting on behalf of an ADS holder in requesting registration of transfer and delivery as described in the paragraph above has the actual authority to act on behalf of the ADS holder (notwithstanding any requirements under the Uniform Commercial Code). In the deposit agreement, the parties agree that the depositary’s reliance on and compliance with instructions received by the depositary through the DRS/Profile system and in accordance with the deposit agreement will not constitute negligence or bad faith on the part of the depositary.

 

Shareholder Communications; Inspection of Register of Holders of ADSs

 

The depositary will make available for your inspection at its office all communications that it receives from us as a holder of deposited securities that we make generally available to holders of deposited securities. The depositary will send you copies of those communications or otherwise make those communications available to you if we ask it to. You have a right to inspect the register of holders of ADSs, but not for the purpose of contacting those holders about a matter unrelated to our business or the ADSs.

 

Jury Trial Waiver

 

The deposit agreement provides that, to the extent permitted by law, ADS holders waive the right to a jury trial of any claim they may have against us or the depositary arising out of or relating to our shares, the ADSs or the deposit agreement, including any claim under the U.S. federal securities laws. If we or the depositary opposed a jury trial demand based on the waiver, the court would determine whether the waiver was enforceable in the facts and circumstances of that case in accordance with applicable case law.

 

You will not, by agreeing to the terms of the deposit agreement, be deemed to have waived our or the depositary’s compliance with U.S. federal securities laws or the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

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SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE

 

Our ordinary shares have been trading on the ASX since 1987. While we intend to apply to list the ADSs on the              , we cannot assure you that an active trading market for the ADSs will develop.

 

Upon completion of the offering, we will have ADSs outstanding representing ordinary shares, or approximately % of our issued and outstanding ordinary shares. If the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional ADSs in full, we will have ADSs outstanding representing ordinary shares, or approximately % of our issued and outstanding ordinary shares. All of the ADSs sold in this offering will be freely tradable without restrictions or further registration under the Securities Act, except for any ADSs sold to our “affiliates,” as that term is defined under Rule 144 under the Securities Act. The ordinary shares held by existing shareholders are “restricted securities,” as that term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act. Restricted securities may be sold in the United States only if registered with the SEC or if their resale qualifies for exemption from registration described below under Rule 144 or Rule 701 promulgated under the Securities Act.

 

Future sales of ADSs in the U.S. public market after this offering, and the availability of ADSs for future sale, could adversely affect the market price of the ADSs prevailing from time to time. As described below, a significant number of currently outstanding ordinary shares will not be available for sale shortly after this offering due to contractual restrictions on transfers of ordinary shares and ADSs. However, sales of substantial amounts of ADSs or ordinary shares, or the perception that these sales could occur, could adversely affect prevailing market prices for the ADSs and could impair our future ability to raise equity capital.

 

Rule 144

 

In general, a person who has beneficially owned restricted ordinary shares for at least twelve months, or at least six months in the event we have been a reporting company under the Exchange Act for at least ninety days before the sale, would be entitled to sell such securities, provided that such person is not deemed to be an affiliate of ours at the time of sale or to have been an affiliate of ours at any time during the ninety days preceding the sale. A person who is an affiliate of ours at such time would be subject to additional restrictions, by which such person would be entitled to sell within any three-month period only a number of shares that does not exceed the greater of the following:

 

1% of the number of ordinary shares (including ordinary shares in the form of ADSs) then outstanding; or

 

1% of the average weekly trading volume of the ADSs (during the four calendar weeks preceding the filing by such person of a notice on Form 144 with respect to the sale;

 

provided that, in each case, we are subject to the periodic reporting requirements of the Exchange Act for at least 90 days before the sale. Rule 144 trades must also comply with the manner of sale, notice and other provisions of Rule 144, to the extent applicable.

 

Rule 701

 

Rule 701 under the Securities Act permits resales of shares in reliance upon Rule 144 but without compliance with certain restrictions of Rule 144, including the holding period requirement. Most of our employees, senior management or directors who purchased shares under a written compensatory plan or contract may be entitled to rely on the resale provisions of Rule 701, but all holders of Rule 701 shares are required to wait until 90 days after the date of this prospectus before selling their shares subject also to Australian law.

 

The SEC has indicated that Rule 701 will apply to typical options granted by an issuer before it becomes subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, along with the shares acquired upon exercise of such options, including exercises after an issuer becomes subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act.

 

Lock-Up Agreements

 

We and all of our directors and officers have agreed with the underwriters, subject to certain exceptions, not to sell, transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any of the ADSs or ordinary shares or securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for our ordinary shares for a period of (i) 6 months after the closing of this offering in the case of our company, and (ii) 12 months after the date of this prospectus in the case of our directors and officers. See “Underwriting—Lock-Up Agreements.”

 

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MATERIAL UNITED STATES INCOME TAX AND AUSTRALIAN INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

 

The following summary of the material U.S. federal and Australian income tax consequences of an investment in the ADSs or ordinary shares is based upon laws and relevant interpretations thereof in effect as of the date of this prospectus, all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. This summary does not deal with all possible tax consequences relating to an investment in the ADSs or ordinary shares, such as the tax consequences under U.S. state, local and other tax laws other than certain Australian tax laws and U.S. federal income tax laws.

 

U.S. Federal Income Taxation Considerations

 

The following discussion describes the material U.S. federal income tax consequences relating to the ownership and disposition of the ADSs or ordinary shares (which are collectively referred to in this section as our securities) by U.S. Holders (as defined below). This discussion applies to U.S. Holders that purchase our securities pursuant to this prospectus and hold such securities as capital assets. This discussion is based on the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code, U.S. Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder and administrative and judicial interpretations thereof, all as in effect on the date hereof and all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. This discussion does not address all of the U.S. federal income tax consequences that may be relevant to specific U.S. Holders in light of their particular circumstances or to U.S. Holders subject to special treatment under U.S. federal income tax law (such as certain financial institutions, insurance companies, broker-dealers and traders in securities or other persons that generally mark their securities to market for U.S. federal income tax purposes, tax-exempt entities, retirement plans, regulated investment companies, real estate investment trusts, certain former citizens or residents of the United States, persons who hold our securities as part of a “straddle”, “hedge”, “conversion transaction”, “synthetic security” or integrated investment, persons that have a “functional currency” other than the U.S. dollar, persons that own directly, indirectly or through attribution 10% or more of the voting power of our shares, corporations that accumulate earnings to avoid U.S. federal income tax, persons subject to special tax accounting rules under Section 451(b) of the Code, , partnerships and other pass-through entities, and investors in such pass-through entities). Unless otherwise specified, this discussion does not address any U.S. state or local or non-U.S. tax consequences or any U.S. federal estate, gift or alternative minimum tax consequences. Holders should consult their tax adviser with regard to the application of the U.S. federal tax laws to their particular situation, as well as any tax consequences arising under the laws of any state, local or non-U.S. taxing jurisdiction.

 

As used in this discussion, the term “U.S. Holder” means a beneficial owner of our securities that is, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, (i) an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States, (ii) a corporation (or entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any state thereof, or the District of Columbia, (iii) an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income tax regardless of its source or (iv) a trust (x) with respect to which a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over its administration and one or more United States persons have the authority to control all of its substantial decisions or (y) that has elected under applicable U.S. Treasury regulations to be treated as a domestic trust for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

 

If an entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds our securities, the U.S. federal income tax consequences relating to an investment in our securities will depend in part upon the status and activities of such entity and the status of the particular partner. Any such entity should consult its own tax advisor regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences applicable to it and its partners of the purchase, ownership and disposition of our securities. Persons considering an investment in our securities should consult their own tax advisors as to the particular tax consequences applicable to them relating to the purchase, ownership and disposition of our securities, including the applicability of U.S. federal, state and local tax laws and non-U.S. tax laws.

 

In general, and taking into account the earlier assumptions, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, a U.S. Holder holding ADSs will be treated as the owner of the ordinary shares represented by the ADSs. Exchanges of ordinary shares for ADSs, and ADSs for ordinary shares, generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax.

 

Passive Foreign Investment Company Consequences

 

In general, a corporation organized outside the United States will be treated as a passive foreign investment company, or PFIC, for any taxable year in which either (1) at least 75% of its gross income is “passive income” or (2) on average at least 50% of its assets, determined on a quarterly basis, are assets that produce passive income or are held for the production of passive income. Passive income for this purpose generally includes, among other things, dividends, interest, royalties, rents, and gains from the sale or exchange of property that gives rise to passive income. Generally, in determining whether a non-U.S. corporation is a PFIC, a proportionate share of the income and assets of each corporation in which it owns, directly or indirectly, at least a 25% interest (by value) is taken into account.

 

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Although we do not believe that we were a PFIC for the current year, our determination is based on an interpretation of complex provisions of the law, which are not addressed in a significant number of administrative pronouncements or rulings by the Internal Revenue Service, or IRS. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that our conclusions regarding our status as a PFIC for the current taxable year will not be challenged by the IRS and, if challenged, upheld in appropriate proceedings. In addition, because PFIC status is determined on an annual basis and generally cannot be determined until the end of the taxable year, there can be no assurance that we will not be a PFIC for the current taxable year. Because we may continue to hold a substantial amount of cash and cash equivalents, and because the calculation of the value of our assets may be based in part on the value of our securities, which may fluctuate considerably, we may be a PFIC in future taxable years. Even if we determine that we are not a PFIC for a taxable year, there can be no assurance that the IRS will agree with our conclusion and that the IRS would not successfully challenge our position. Our status as a PFIC is a fact-intensive determination made on an annual basis. Accordingly, our U.S. counsel expresses no opinion with respect to our PFIC status and also expresses no opinion with regard to our expectations regarding our PFIC status.

 

If we are a PFIC in any taxable year during which a U.S. Holder owns our securities, the U.S. Holder could be liable for additional taxes and interest charges under the “PFIC excess distribution regime” upon (i) a distribution paid during a taxable year that is greater than 125% of the average annual distributions paid in the three preceding taxable years, or, if shorter, the U.S. Holder’s holding period for our securities, and (ii) any gain recognized on a sale, exchange or other disposition, including a pledge, of our securities, whether or not we continue to be a PFIC. Under the PFIC excess distribution regime, the tax on such distribution or gain would be determined by allocating the distribution or gain ratably over the U.S. Holder’s holding period for our securities. The amount allocated to the current taxable year (i.e., the year in which the distribution occurs or the gain is recognized) and any year prior to the first taxable year in which we are a PFIC will be taxed as ordinary income earned in the current taxable year. The amount allocated to other taxable years will be taxed at the highest marginal rates in effect for individuals or corporations, as applicable, to ordinary income for each such taxable year, and an interest charge, generally applicable to underpayments of tax, will be added to the tax.

 

If we are a PFIC for any year during which a U.S. Holder holds our securities, we must generally continue to be treated as a PFIC by that holder for all succeeding years during which the U.S. Holder holds our securities, unless we cease to meet the requirements for PFIC status and the U.S. Holder makes a “deemed sale” election with respect to our securities. If the election is made, the U.S. Holder will be deemed to sell our securities it holds at their fair market value on the last day of the last taxable year in which we qualified as a PFIC, and any gain recognized from such deemed sale would be taxed under the PFIC excess distribution regime. After the deemed sale election, the U.S. Holder’s securities would not be treated as securities of a PFIC unless we subsequently become a PFIC.

 

If we are a PFIC for any taxable year during which a U.S. Holder holds our securities and one of our non-U.S. corporate subsidiaries is also a PFIC (i.e., a lower-tier PFIC), such U.S. Holder would be treated as owning a proportionate amount (by value) of the securities of the lower-tier PFIC and would be taxed under the PFIC excess distribution regime on distributions by the lower-tier PFIC and on gain from the disposition of securities of the lower-tier PFIC even though such U.S. Holder would not receive the proceeds of those distributions or dispositions. Each U.S. Holder is advised to consult its tax advisors regarding the application of the PFIC rules to our non-U.S. subsidiaries.

 

If we are a PFIC, a U.S. Holder will not be subject to tax under the PFIC excess distribution regime on distributions or gain recognized on our securities if such U.S. Holder makes a valid “mark-to-market” election for our securities. The mark-to-market election is available only if we are a PFIC and our ordinary shares or ADSs are “regularly traded” on a “qualified exchange.” Our ordinary shares or ADSs will be treated as “regularly traded” in any calendar year in which more than a de minimis quantity of our ordinary shares or ADSs are traded on a qualified exchange on at least 15 days during each calendar quarter (subject to the rule that trades that have as one of their principal purposes the meeting of the trading requirement is disregarded).                is a qualified exchange for this purpose and, consequently, if the ADSs are regularly traded, the mark-to-market election will be available to a U.S. Holder. It should be noted that it is intended that only the ADSs and not our ordinary shares will be listed on                       . Consequently, our ordinary shares may not be marketable if the ASX (where our ordinary shares are currently listed) does not meet the applicable requirements. U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the availability of the mark-to-market election for ordinary shares that are not represented by ADSs.

 

If a mark-to-market election is in effect, a U.S. Holder generally would take into account, as ordinary income each year, the excess of the fair market value of our securities held at the end of such taxable year over the adjusted tax basis of such securities. The U.S. Holder would also take into account, as an ordinary loss each year, the excess of the adjusted tax basis of such our securities over their fair market value at the end of the taxable year, but only to the extent of the excess of amounts previously included in income over ordinary losses deducted as a result of the mark-to-market election. The U.S. Holder’s tax basis in our securities would be adjusted to reflect any income or loss recognized as a result of the mark-to-market election. Any gain from a sale, exchange or other disposition of our securities in any taxable year in which we are a PFIC would be treated as ordinary income and any loss from such sale, exchange or other disposition would be treated first as ordinary loss (to the extent of any net mark-to-market gains previously included in income) and thereafter as capital loss.

 

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A mark-to-market election will not apply to our securities for any taxable year during which we are not a PFIC but will remain in effect with respect to any subsequent taxable year in which we become a PFIC. Such election will not apply to any non-U.S. subsidiaries that we may organize or acquire in the future. Accordingly, a U.S. Holder may continue to be subject to tax under the PFIC excess distribution regime with respect to any lower-tier PFICs that we may organize or acquire in the future notwithstanding the U.S. Holder’s mark-to-market election for our securities.

 

The tax consequences that would apply if we were a PFIC would also be different from those described above if a U.S. Holder were able to make a valid qualified electing fund, or QEF, election. At this time, we do not expect to provide U.S. Holders with the information necessary for a U.S. Holder to make a QEF election, prospective investors should assume that a QEF election will not be available.

 

Each U.S. person that is an investor of a PFIC is generally required to file an annual information return on IRS Form 8621 containing such information as the U.S. Treasury Department may require. The failure to file IRS Form 8621 could result in the imposition of interest and penalties and the extension of the statute of limitations with respect to U.S. federal income tax.

 

The U.S. federal income tax rules relating to PFICs are very complex. Prospective U.S. investors are strongly urged to consult their own tax advisors with respect to the impact of PFIC status on the purchase, ownership and disposition of our securities, the consequences to them of an investment in a PFIC, any elections available with respect to our securities and the IRS information reporting obligations with respect to the purchase, ownership and disposition of the securities of a PFIC.

 

Distributions

 

Subject to the discussion above under “—Passive Foreign Investment Company Consequences”, a U.S. Holder that receives a distribution with respect to our securities generally will be required to include the gross amount of such distribution in gross income as a dividend when actually or constructively received to the extent of the U.S. Holder’s pro rata share of our current and/or accumulated earnings and profits (as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles). To the extent a distribution received by a U.S. Holder is not a dividend because it exceeds the U.S. Holder’s pro rata share of our current and accumulated earnings and profits, it will be treated first as a tax-free return of capital and reduce (but not below zero) the adjusted tax basis of the U.S. Holder’s securities. To the extent the distribution exceeds the adjusted tax basis of the U.S. Holder’s securities, the remainder will be taxed as capital gain. Because we may not account for our earnings and profits in accordance with U.S. federal income tax principles, U.S. Holders should expect all distributions to be reported to them as dividends. Distributions on our securities that are treated as dividends generally will constitute income from sources outside the United States for foreign tax credit purposes and generally will constitute passive category income. Such dividends will not be eligible for the “dividends received” deduction generally allowed to corporate shareholders with respect to dividends received from U.S. corporations.

 

Dividends paid by a “qualified foreign corporation” are eligible for taxation for certain non-corporate U.S. Holders at a reduced capital gains rate rather than the marginal tax rates generally applicable to ordinary income provided that certain requirements are met. However, if we are a PFIC for the taxable year in which the dividend is paid or the preceding taxable year (see discussion above under “—Passive Foreign Investment Company Consequences”), we will not be treated as a qualified foreign corporation, and therefore the reduced capital gains tax rate described above will not apply. Each U.S. Holder is advised to consult its tax advisors regarding the availability of the reduced tax rate on dividends with regard to its particular circumstances.

 

A non-United States corporation (other than a corporation that is classified as a PFIC for the taxable year in which the dividend is paid or the preceding taxable year) generally will be considered to be a qualified foreign corporation (a) if it is eligible for the benefits of a comprehensive tax treaty with the United States which the Secretary of Treasury of the United States determines is satisfactory for purposes of this provision and which includes an exchange of information provision, or (b) with respect to any dividend it pays on the ADSs that are readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States. We intend to apply for the listing of the ADSs on the                  , which is an established securities market in the United States, and we expect the ADSs will be readily tradable on the                    . There can be no assurance that the ADSs will be considered readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States in later years. In addition, our company, which is incorporated under the laws of Australia, believes that it qualifies as a resident of Australia for purposes of, and is eligible for the benefits of, the Convention between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of Australia for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income, signed on August 6, 1982, as amended and currently in force, or the U.S.-Australia Tax Treaty, although there can be no assurance in this regard. Further, the IRS has determined that the U.S.-Australia Tax Treaty is satisfactory for purposes of the qualified dividend rules and that it includes an exchange-of-information program. Therefore, subject to the discussion under “—Passive Foreign Investment Company Consequences,” such dividends will generally be “qualified dividend income” in the hands of individual U.S. Holders, provided that a holding period requirement (more than 60 days of ownership, without protection from the risk of loss, during the 121-day period beginning 60 days before the ex-dividend date) and certain other requirements are met. The dividends will not be eligible for the dividends-received deduction generally allowed to corporate U.S. Holders.

 

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A U.S. Holder generally may claim the amount of any Australian withholding tax as either a deduction from gross income or a credit against its U.S. federal income tax liability. The foreign tax credit is subject to numerous complex limitations that must be determined and applied on an individual basis. Generally, the credit cannot exceed the proportionate share of a U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability that such U.S. Holder’s taxable income from foreign sources bears to such U.S. Holder’s worldwide taxable income. In applying this limitation, a U.S. Holder’s various items of income and deduction must be classified, under complex rules, as either “foreign source” or “U.S. source.” This limitation is calculated separately with respect to specific categories of income. The amount of a distribution with respect to the ADSs that is treated as a “dividend” may be lower for U.S. federal income tax purposes than it is for Australian income tax purposes, potentially resulting in a reduced foreign tax credit for the U.S. Holder. In addition, the creditability of foreign taxes could be affected by actions taken by intermediaries in the chain of ownership between the holders of our securities and our company if, as a result of such actions, the holders of our securities are not properly treated as beneficial owners of the underlying ordinary shares. Each U.S. Holder should consult its own tax advisors regarding the foreign tax credit rules.

 

In general, the amount of a distribution paid to a U.S. Holder in a foreign currency will be the U.S. dollar value of the foreign currency calculated by reference to the spot exchange rate on the day the depositary receives the distribution, in the case of the ADSs, or on the day the distribution is received by the U.S. Holder, in the case of ordinary shares, regardless of whether the foreign currency is converted into U.S. dollars at that time. Any foreign currency gain or loss a U.S. Holder realizes on a subsequent conversion of foreign currency into U.S. dollars will be U.S. source ordinary income or loss. If dividends received in a foreign currency are converted into U.S. dollars on the day they are received, a U.S. Holder should not be required to recognize foreign currency gain or loss in respect of the dividend.

 

Sale, Exchange or Other Disposition

 

Subject to the discussion above under “—Passive Foreign Investment Company Consequences”, a U.S. Holder generally will recognize capital gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes upon the sale, exchange or other disposition of our securities in an amount equal to the difference, if any, between the amount realized (i.e., the amount of cash plus the fair market value of any property received) on the sale, exchange or other disposition and such U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in our securities. Such capital gain or loss generally will be long-term capital gain taxable at a reduced rate for noncorporate U.S. Holders or long-term capital loss if, on the date of sale, exchange or other disposition, our securities were held by the U.S. Holder for more than one year. Any capital gain of a non-corporate U.S. Holder that is not long-term capital gain is taxed at ordinary income rates. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations. Any gain or loss recognized from the sale or other disposition of our securities will generally be gain or loss from sources within the United States for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes.

 

Medicare Tax

 

Certain U.S. Holders that are individuals, estates or trusts and whose income exceeds certain thresholds generally are subject to a 3.8% tax on all or a portion of their net investment income, which may include their gross dividend income and net gains from the disposition of our securities. If you are a United States person that is an individual, estate or trust, you are encouraged to consult your tax advisors regarding the applicability of this Medicare tax to your income and gains in respect of your investment in our securities.

 

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

 

U.S. Holders may be required to file certain U.S. information reporting returns with the IRS with respect to an investment in our securities, including, among others, IRS Form 8938 (Statement of Specified Foreign Financial Assets). As described above under “Passive Foreign Investment Company Consequences”, each U.S. Holder who is a shareholder of a PFIC must file an annual report containing certain information. U.S. Holders paying more than US$100,000 over. Twelve months for securities may be required to file IRS Form 926 (Return by a U.S. Transferor of Property to a Foreign Corporation) reporting this payment. Substantial penalties may be imposed upon a U.S. Holder that fails to comply with the required information reporting.

 

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Dividends on and proceeds from the sale or other disposition of our securities may be reported to the IRS unless the U.S. Holder establishes a basis for exemption. Backup withholding may apply to amounts subject to reporting if the holder (1) fails to provide an accurate United States taxpayer identification number or otherwise establish a basis for exemption, or (2) is described in certain other categories of persons. However, U.S. Holders that are corporations generally are excluded from these information reporting and backup withholding tax rules. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules generally will be allowed as a refund or a credit against a U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability if the required information is furnished by the U.S. Holder on a timely basis to the IRS.

 

U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the backup withholding tax and information reporting rules.

 

EACH PROSPECTIVE INVESTOR IS URGED TO CONSULT ITS OWN TAX ADVISOR ABOUT THE TAX CONSEQUENCES TO IT OF AN INVESTMENT IN OUR SECURITIES IN LIGHT OF THE INVESTOR’S OWN CIRCUMSTANCES.

 

Material Australian Tax Considerations

 

In this section, we discuss the material Australian income tax, stamp duty and goods and services tax considerations related to the acquisition, ownership and disposal by the absolute beneficial owners of our securities. It is based upon existing Australian tax law as of the date of this prospectus, which is subject to change, possibly retrospectively. This discussion does not address all aspects of Australian tax law which may be important to particular investors in light of their individual investment circumstances, such securities held by investors subject to special tax rules (for example, financial institutions, insurance companies or tax-exempt organizations). In addition, this summary does not discuss any non-Australian or state tax considerations, other than stamp duty and goods and services tax.

 

Prospective investors are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the Australian and non-Australian income and other tax considerations of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of our securities. This summary is based upon the premise that the holder is not an Australian tax resident and is not carrying on business in Australia through a permanent establishment (referred to as a Non-Australian Holder in this summary). This summary is also based on the assumption that a Non-Australian Holder is “absolutely entitled” to the ordinary shares represented by an ADS (see “—Nature of ADSs for Australian Taxation Purposes” below).

 

Nature of ADSs for Australian Taxation Purposes

 

Non-Australian Holders of ADSs should obtain specialist Australian tax advice regarding their rights and obligations under the deposit agreement with the depositary, including whether the deposit arrangement constitutes a “bare trust” resulting in the holders of an ADS being “absolutely entitled” to the underlying ordinary shares represented by the ADS for Australian taxation purposes. Apart from certain aspects of the Australian tax legislation (for example, the Australian capital gains tax and withholding tax provisions, which are discussed below), there is no express legislative basis for disregarding “bare trusts” for Australian tax purposes generally.

 

This summary proceeds on the assumption that the deposit arrangement constitutes a bare trust, which results in holders of ADSs being “absolutely entitled” to the underlying ordinary shares. On this basis, holders of ADSs can be treated as the beneficial owners of the underlying ordinary shares for Australian capital gains tax purposes. Dividends paid on the underlying ordinary shares will also be treated as dividends derived by the holders of ADSs as the persons beneficially entitled to those dividends.

 

Taxation of Dividends

 

Australia operates a dividend imputation system under which dividends may be declared to be “franked” to the extent they are paid out of company profits that have been subject to income tax. Fully franked dividends are not subject to dividend withholding tax. To the extent that they are unfranked, dividends payable to Non-Australian Holders will be subject to dividend withholding tax except to the extent they are declared to be “conduit foreign income,” or CFI. Dividend withholding tax will be imposed at 30%, unless a shareholder is a resident of a country with which Australia has a double taxation treaty and qualifies for the benefits of the treaty. Under the provisions of the U.S.-Australia Tax Treaty between Australia and the United States, the Australian tax withheld on unfranked dividends that are not declared to be CFI paid by us to which a resident of the United States is beneficially entitled is limited to 15%.

 

Under the U.S.-Australia Tax Treaty, if a U.S. resident company that is a Non-Australian Holder directly owns a 10% or more voting interests, the Australian tax withheld on unfranked dividends that are not declared to be CFI paid by us to which the company is beneficially entitled is limited to 5%.

 

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Character of ADSs or Shares for Australian Taxation Purposes

 

The Australian tax treatment of a sale or disposal of the ADSs or underlying shares will depend on whether they are held on capital account or revenue. ADSs held on capital account will generally be held for investment purposes, including for growth in value and dividends. ADSs may be held on revenue rather than capital account, for example, where they are held by share traders, who are carrying on a business of buying and selling shares. Non-Australian Holders of ADSs should obtain specialist Australian tax advice regarding the characterization of any gain or loss on a sale or disposal of the ADSs or underlying shares as capital or revenue in nature.

 

Tax on Sales or other Dispositions of Shares or ADSs—Capital Gains Tax

 

Non-Australian Holders who are treated as the owners of the underlying shares on the basis that they are absolutely entitled to those shares will not be subject to Australian capital gains tax on the gain made on a sale or other disposal of ordinary shares, provided the shares are not “taxable Australian property.” Taxable Australian property includes “indirect Australian real property interests,” which are interests in a company where:

 

the Non-Australian Holders, together with associates, hold 10% or more of our issued shares, at the time of disposal or for a 12-month period during the two years prior to disposal; and

 

more than 50% of our assets held directly or indirectly, determined by reference to market value, consists of Australian real property (which includes land and leasehold interests) or Australian mining, quarrying or prospecting rights at the time of disposal.

 

Australian capital gains tax applies to net capital gains at a taxpayer’s marginal tax rates. Net capital gains are calculated after reduction for capital losses, which may only be offset against capital gains.

 

If a Non-Australian Holder of ADSs was not absolutely entitled to the underlying shares, and the ADSs were held on capital account, the same principles would apply in determining whether a gain on the sale or disposal of the ADSs would be subject to Australian capital gains tax. That is, a Non-Australian Holder should not be subject to Australian capital gains tax provided the ADSs are not taxable Australian property.

 

The 50% capital gains tax discount is not available to Non-Australian Holders on gains from assets acquired after May 8, 2012 where they were non-Australian residents during the entire holding period. Companies are not entitled to a capital gains tax discount.

 

Broadly, where there is a disposal of “taxable Australian property,” which includes indirect Australian real property interests, the purchaser will be required to withhold and remit to the Australian Taxation Office 12.5% of the proceeds from the sale. A transaction is excluded from the withholding requirements in certain circumstances, including where the transaction is an on-market transaction conducted on an approved stock exchange, a securities lending arrangement, or the transaction is conducted using a broker operated crossing system. There may also be an exception to the requirement to withhold where a Non-Australian Holder provides a declaration that their ordinary shares are not “indirect Australian real property interests”. If the Non-Australian Holder is subject to Australian capital gains tax on the sale or disposal of the ordinary shares/ADSs an Australian income tax return must be lodged and a tax credit should be available for the tax withheld by the purchaser.

 

Note that the company does not have any land in Australia and has no intention to acquire any in the foreseeable future, so no capital gains tax liability should arise. If the Non-Australian Holder has no liability but tax has been withheld, a tax return can be lodged and refund claimed.

 

Tax on Sales or other Dispositions of ADSs—Revenue Account

 

Non-Australian Holders who hold their ADSs on revenue account may have the gains made on the sale or other disposal of the ADSs included in their assessable income under the ordinary income provisions of the income tax law, if the gains are sourced in Australia. In the case of gains which are ordinary income, there are no express provisions which treat holders of ADSs as the owners of the underlying shares where they are absolutely entitled to those shares under a bare trust, though in practice a look-through approach is adopted

 

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Non-Australian Holders assessable under these ordinary income provisions in respect of gains made on ADSs held on revenue account would be assessed for such gains at the Australian tax rates for non-Australian residents, which start at a marginal rate of 32.5% for individuals and would be required to file an Australian tax return.

 

However, relief from Australian income tax may be available to a Non-Australian Holder who is resident of a country with which Australia has a double taxation treaty, if the Non-Australian Holder qualifies for the benefits of the treaty and does not, for example, derive the gain in carrying on business through a permanent establishment in Australia.

 

To the extent an amount would be included in a Non-Australian Holder’s assessable income under both the capital gains tax provisions and the ordinary income provisions, the capital gain amount may be reduced, so that the holder may not be subject to double Australian tax on any part of the gain.

 

The statements under “—Tax on Sales or Other Dispositions of Shares—Capital Gains Tax” regarding a purchaser being required to withhold 12.5% tax on the acquisition of certain taxable Australian property are also relevant where the disposal of the ADSs by a Non-Australian Holder is likely to generate gains on revenue account, rather than a capital gain.

 

Dual Residency

 

If a holder of ADSs is a resident of both Australia and the United States under those countries’ domestic taxation laws, that holder may be subject to tax as an Australian resident. If, however, the holder is determined to be a U.S. resident for the purposes of the U.S.-Australia Tax Treaty and qualifies for the benefit of that treaty, the Australian tax may be subject to limitation by the U.S.-Australia Tax Treaty. Holders should obtain specialist taxation advice in these circumstances.

 

Stamp Duty

 

No Australian stamp duty is payable by Australian residents or non-Australian residents on the issue, transfer and/or surrender of the ADSs or ordinary shares, unless the company is a landholder in Australia above a certain threshold and unless the securities issued, transferred and/or surrendered represent 90% or more of our issued shares (on the basis that the ordinary shares are listed on the Australian Stock Exchange). Note that the company does not have any land in Australia and has no intention to acquire any in the foreseeable future, so no duty liability should arise.

 

Issues on Death

 

Australia does not have estate or death duties.

 

As a general rule, no capital gains tax liability is realized upon the inheritance of a deceased person’s shares. However, if the shares are taxable Australian property (as discussed above), the disposal of inherited shares by the executor of the estate or by entitled beneficiaries may, however, give rise to a capital gains tax liability. Note that the company does not have any land in Australia and has no intention to acquire any in the foreseeable future, so no capital gains tax liability should arise.

 

Goods and Services Tax

 

No Australian goods and services tax will be payable on the supply of the ADSs or ordinary shares.

 

THE DISCUSSION ABOVE IS A SUMMARY OF THE AUSTRALIAN TAX CONSEQUENCES OF AN INVESTMENT IN OUR SECURITIES AND IS BASED UPON LAWS AND RELEVANT INTERPRETATIONS THEREOF IN EFFECT AS OF THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS, ALL OF WHICH ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE, POSSIBLY WITH RETROACTIVE EFFECT. EACH PROSPECTIVE INVESTOR IS URGED TO CONSULT ITS OWN TAX ADVISOR ABOUT THE TAX CONSEQUENCES TO IT OF AN INVESTMENT IN OUR SECURITIES IN LIGHT OF THE INVESTOR’S OWN CIRCUMSTANCES.

 

ENFORCEABILITY OF CIVIL LIABILITIES

 

We are a public limited company incorporated under the laws of Australia. Certain of our directors, senior management and executive officers are non-residents of the United States and substantially all of their assets are located outside the United States. As a result, it may not be possible or practicable for you to:

 

effect service of process within the United States upon our non-U.S. resident directors, non-U.S. resident senior management and non-U.S. resident executive officers or on us;

 

enforce in U.S. courts judgments obtained against our non-U.S. resident directors, non U.S. resident senior management and non-U.S. resident executive officers or us in the United States courts in any action, including actions under the civil liability provisions of U.S. securities laws;

 

enforce in U.S. courts judgments obtained against our non-U.S. resident directors, non-U.S. resident senior management and non-U.S. resident executive officers, or us in courts of jurisdictions outside the United States in any action, including actions under the civil liability provisions of U.S. securities laws; or

 

bring an original action in an Australian court to enforce liabilities against our non-U.S. resident directors, non-U.S. resident senior management and non-U.S. resident executive officers, or us based solely upon U.S. securities laws.

 

You may also have difficulties enforcing in courts outside the United States judgments that are obtained in U.S. courts against any of our non-U.S. resident directors, non-U.S. resident senior management and non-U.S. resident executive officers, or us, including actions under the civil liability provisions of the U.S. securities laws.

 

We note that there are no treaties between Australia and the United States that would affect the recognition or enforcement of foreign judgments in Australia. We also note that investors may be able to bring an original action in an Australian court against us to enforce liabilities based in part upon U.S. federal securities laws. The disclosure in this section is not based on the opinion of counsel.

 

Our agent for service of process in the United States is: Alaska Range Resources LLC, 1150 S Colony Way, Suite 3-440, Palmer, AK 99645.

 

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UNDERWRITING

 

ThinkEquity LLC, is the representative for the several underwriters of this offering, or the representative. We have entered into an underwriting agreement dated , 2024, with the underwriters named below. Subject to the terms and conditions of the underwriting agreement, we have agreed to sell to the underwriters, and each underwriter has agreed, severally and not jointly, to purchase, at the public offering price less the underwriting discounts set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, the number of ADSs at the initial public offering price, less the underwriting discounts and commissions, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, the number of ADSs listed next to its name in the following table:

 

Underwriters  Number of ADSs 
ThinkEquity LLC    
     
                      
Total    

 

The underwriters are committed to purchase all the ADSs offered by us other than those covered by the over-allotment option described below, if any are purchased. The obligations of the underwriters may be terminated upon the occurrence of certain events specified in the underwriting agreement. Furthermore, the underwriting agreement provides that the obligations of the underwriters to pay for and accept delivery of the ADSs offered by us in this prospectus are subject to various representations and warranties and other customary conditions specified in the underwriting agreement, such as receipt by the representative of officers’ certificates and legal opinions.

 

We have agreed to indemnify the underwriters against specified liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, and to contribute to payments the underwriters may be required to make in respect thereof.

 

The underwriters are offering the ADSs subject to prior sale, when, as and if issued to and accepted by them, subject to approval of legal matters by its counsel and other conditions specified in the underwriting agreement. The underwriters reserve the right to withdraw, cancel or modify offers to the public and to reject orders in whole or in part.

 

We have granted the underwriters an over-allotment option. This option, which is exercisable for up to 45 days after the date of this prospectus, permits the underwriters to purchase up to an aggregate of additional ADSs (equal to 15% of the ADSs sold in this offering) at the public offering price per ADS, less underwriting discounts and commissions, solely to cover over-allotments, if any. If the underwriters exercise this option in whole or in part, then the underwriters will be committed, subject to the conditions described in the underwriting agreement, to purchase the additional ADSs.

 

Discounts, Commissions and Reimbursement

 

The underwriters have advised us that the underwriters propose to offer the ADSs to the public at the initial public offering price per ADS set forth on the cover page of this prospectus. The underwriters may offer ADSs to securities dealers at that price less a concession of not more than $ per ADS of which up to $ per ADS may be reallowed to other dealers. After the initial offering to the public, the public offering price and other selling terms may be changed by the underwriters.

 

The following table summarizes the underwriting discounts and commissions, non-accountable underwriters’ expense allowance and proceeds, before expenses, to us assuming both no exercise and full exercise by the underwriters of their over-allotment option:

 

   Total 
   Per ADS   No Exercise   Full Exercise 
Public offering price  US$   US$   US$ 
Underwriting discounts and commissions (7.5%)  US$                  US$                      US$                    
Non-accountable expense allowance (1%)  US$    US$   US$ 
Proceeds, before expenses, to us  US$   US$   US$ 

 

In addition, we have also agreed to pay all the expenses relating to the offering, including, without limitation: (a) all filing fees and communication expenses relating to the registration of the shares to be sold in the offering (including the over-allotment shares) with the SEC; (b) all filing fees and expenses associated with the review of the offering by FINRA; (c) all fees, expenses and disbursements relating to the registration, qualification or exemption of securities offered under the securities laws of foreign jurisdictions designated by the underwriter; (d) the legal fees and expenses of the Company. We also agreed to reimburse the Representative for its accountable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with the offering, including any fees and disbursements of the Representative’s legal counsel, up to $185,000.

 

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We estimate that the total expenses of this offering payable by us, not including underwriting discounts, commissions and expenses, will be approximately US$ .

 

Representative’s Warrants

 

Upon the closing of this offering, we have agreed to issue to the representative or its designees warrants to purchase a number of ADSs equal in the aggregate to 5% of the total ADSs sold in this offering. The warrants will be exercisable at a per ADS exercise price equal to 150% of the public offering price per ADS sold in this offering. The warrants are exercisable at any time and from time to time, in whole or in part, during the three and one half-year period commencing six months after the commencement of sales in this offering. The Representative’s Warrants and underlying ADSs are included in this prospectus.

 

The warrants and the underlying ADSs have been deemed compensation by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, or FINRA, and are therefore subject to a 180-day lock-up pursuant to Rule 5110(g)(1) of FINRA. The representative, or permitted assignees under such rule, may not sell, transfer, assign, pledge, or hypothecate the warrants or the underlying ADSs, nor will the representative engage in any hedging, short sale, derivative, put, or call transaction that would result in the effective economic disposition of the warrants or the underlying ADSs for a period of 180 days from the effective date of the registration statement. Additionally, the warrants may not be sold transferred, assigned, pledged or hypothecated for a 180-day period following the effective date of the registration statement except to any underwriter and selected dealer participating in this offering and their bona fide officers or partners. The warrants will provide for adjustment in the number and price of the warrants and the ADSs underlying such warrants in the event of recapitalization, merger, ADS split or other structural transaction. However, neither the Representative Warrant exercise price, nor the number of ADSs underlying such warrants, will be adjusted for issuances of ADSs by us at a price below the exercise price of the Representative’s Warrants. The ADSs issuable upon exercise of the representative’s warrants carry one demand registration and unlimited “piggyback” registration rights.

 

Right of First Refusal

 

Until twenty-four months from the closing of this offering, the representative shall have an irrevocable right of first refusal, subject to typical notice periods, to act as sole investment banker, sole book-runner, sole financial advisor, sole underwriter and/or sole placement agent, at the representative’s sole discretion, for each and every future public and private equity and debt offerings, including all equity linked financings, in the US, for us or any successor to or any subsidiary of us, on terms customary to the representative. The representative shall have the sole right to determine whether or not any other broker-dealer shall have the right to participate in any such offering and the economic terms of any such participation. The representative will not have more than one opportunity to waive or terminate the right of first refusal in consideration of any such transaction.

 

Discretionary Accounts

 

The underwriters do not intend to confirm sales of the securities offered hereby to any accounts over which they have discretionary authority.

 

Lock-Up Agreements

 

We agreed that for a period of 180 days after the closing of this offering we will not, without the prior written consent of the representative and subject to certain exceptions, directly or indirectly:

 

offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, lend, or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any ADSs or ordinary shares or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for ordinary shares;

 

file or caused to be filed any registration statement with SEC relating to the offering of any ADSs or ordinary shares or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for ordinary shares;

 

complete any offering of our debt securities, other than entering into a line of credit with a traditional bank; or

 

enter into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of the ADSs or ordinary shares, whether any such transaction is to be settled by delivery of ADSs or ordinary shares or such other securities, in cash or otherwise.

 

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In addition, each of our directors, officers have agreed that for a period of twelve months from the date of this prospectus in the case of our officers and directors, without the prior written consent of the representative and subject to certain exceptions, they will not directly or indirectly:

 

offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, grant, lend, or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any of the ADSs or ordinary shares or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for ordinary shares;

 

enter into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of the ADSs or ordinary shares or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for ordinary shares, whether any such transaction is to be settled by delivery of ADSs or ordinary shares or such other securities, in cash or otherwise;

 

make any demand for or exercise any right with respect to the registration of any ADSs or ordinary shares or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for ordinary shares; or

 

publicly disclose the intention to make any offer, sale, pledge or disposition, or to enter into any transaction, swap, hedge or other arrangement relating to any ADSs or ordinary shares or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for ordinary shares.

 

Electronic Offer, Sale and Distribution of Securities

 

A prospectus in electronic format may be made available on the websites maintained by the underwriters or selling group members. The underwriters may agree to allocate a number of ADSs to selling group members for sale to its online brokerage account holders. Internet distributions will be allocated by the underwriters and selling group members that will make internet distributions on the same basis as other allocations. Other than the prospectus in electronic format, the information on these websites is not part of, nor incorporated by reference into, this prospectus or the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, has not been approved or endorsed by us, and should not be relied upon by investors.

 

Stabilization

 

In connection with this offering, the underwriters may engage in stabilizing transactions, over-allotment transactions, syndicate-covering transactions, penalty bids and purchases to cover positions created by short sales.

 

Stabilizing transactions permit bids to purchase ADSs so long as the stabilizing bids do not exceed a specified maximum and are engaged in for the purpose of preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of the ADSs while this offering is in progress.

 

Over-allotment transactions involve sales by the underwriters of ADSs in excess of the number of ADSs the underwriters are obligated to purchase. This creates a syndicate short position which may be either a covered short position or a naked short position. In a covered short position, the number of ADSs over-allotted by the underwriters are not greater than the number of ADSs that they may purchase in the over-allotment option. In a naked short position, the number of ADSs involved is greater than the number of ADSs in the over-allotment option. The underwriters may close out any short position by exercising their over-allotment option and/or purchasing ADSs in the open market.

 

Syndicate covering transactions involve purchases of ADSs in the open market after the distribution has been completed in order to cover syndicate short positions. In determining the source of ADSs to close out the short position, the underwriters will consider, among other things, the price of ADSs available for purchase in the open market as compared with the price at which it may purchase ADSs through exercise of the over-allotment option. If the underwriters sell more ADSs than could be covered by exercise of the over-allotment option and, therefore, have a naked short position, the position can be closed out only by buying ADSs in the open market. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriters are concerned that after pricing there could be downward pressure on the price of the ADSs in the open market that could adversely affect investors who purchase in this offering.

 

Penalty bids permit an underwriter to reclaim a selling concession from a syndicate member when the ADSs originally sold by that syndicate member are purchased in stabilizing or syndicate covering transactions to cover syndicate short positions.

 

These stabilizing transactions, syndicate covering transactions and penalty bids may have the effect of raising or maintaining the market price of the ADSs or preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of the ADSs. As a result, the price of the ADSs in the open market may be higher than it would otherwise be in the absence of these transactions. Neither we nor the underwriters make any representation or prediction as to the effect that the transactions described above may have on the price of the ADSs. These transactions may be affected in the over-the-counter market or otherwise and, if commenced, may be discontinued at any time.

 

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Passive Market Making

 

In connection with this offering, underwriters and selling group members may engage in passive market making transactions in the ADSs on                      in accordance with Rule 103 of Regulation M under the Exchange Act, during a period before the commencement of offers or sales of the ADSs and extending through the completion of the distribution. A passive market maker must display its bid at a price not in excess of the highest independent bid of that security. However, if all independent bids are lowered below the passive market maker’s bid, then that bid must then be lowered when specified purchase limits are exceeded.

 

Other Relationships

 

The underwriters and their affiliates may in the future provide various investment banking, commercial banking and other financial services for us and our affiliates for which they may in the future receive customary fees.

 

Offer Restrictions Outside the United States

 

Other than in the United States, no action has been taken by us or the underwriters that would permit a public offering of the securities offered by this prospectus in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required. The securities offered by this prospectus may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, nor may this prospectus or any other offering material or advertisements in connection with the offer and sale of any such securities be distributed or published in any jurisdiction, except under circumstances that will result in compliance with the applicable rules and regulations of that jurisdiction. Persons into whose possession this prospectus comes are advised to inform themselves about and to observe any restrictions relating to this offering and the distribution of this prospectus. This prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities offered by this prospectus in any jurisdiction in which such an offer or a solicitation is unlawful.

 

Australia

 

This prospectus is not a disclosure document under Chapter 6D of the Australian Corporations Act, has not been lodged with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission and does not purport to include the information required of a disclosure document under Chapter 6D of the Australian Corporations Act. Accordingly, (i) the offer of the securities under this prospectus is only made to persons to whom it is lawful to offer the securities without disclosure under Chapter 6D of the Australian Corporations Act under one or more exemptions set out in section 708 of the Australian Corporations Act, (ii) this prospectus is made available in Australia only to those persons as set forth in clause (i) above, and (iii) the offeree must be sent a notice stating in substance that by accepting this offer, the offeree represents that the offeree is such a person as set forth in clause (i) above, and, unless permitted under the Australian Corporations Act, agrees not to sell or offer for sale within Australia any of the securities sold to the offeree within 12 months after its transfer to the offeree under this prospectus.

 

Canada

 

The securities may be sold only to purchasers purchasing, or deemed to be purchasing, as principal that are accredited investors, as defined in National Instrument 45-106 Prospectus Exemptions or subsection 73.3(1) of the Securities Act (Ontario), and are permitted clients, as defined in National Instrument 31-103 Registration Requirements, Exemptions and Ongoing Registrant Obligations. Any resale of the securities must be made in accordance with an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the prospectus requirements of applicable securities laws.

 

Securities legislation in certain provinces or territories of Canada may provide a purchaser with remedies for rescission or damages if this prospectus supplement (including any amendment thereto) contains a misrepresentation, provided that the remedies for rescission or damages are exercised by the purchaser within the time limit prescribed by the securities legislation of the purchaser’s province or territory. The purchaser should refer to any applicable provisions of the securities legislation of the purchaser’s province or territory for particulars of these rights or consult with a legal advisor.

 

China

 

The information in this document does not constitute a public offer of the securities, whether by way of sale or subscription, in the People’s Republic of China (excluding, for purposes of this paragraph, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Macau Special Administrative Region and Taiwan). The securities may not be offered or sold directly or indirectly in the PRC to legal or natural persons other than directly to “qualified domestic institutional investors.”

 

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European Economic Area — Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg and Netherlands

 

The information in this document has been prepared on the basis that all offers of securities will be made pursuant to an exemption under the Directive 2003/71/EC, or the Prospectus Directive, as implemented in Member States of the European Economic Area, or a Relevant Member State, from the requirement to produce a prospectus for offers of securities.

 

An offer to the public of securities has not been made, and may not be made, in a Relevant Member State except pursuant to one of the following exemptions under the Prospectus Directive as implemented in that Relevant Member State:

 

to legal entities that are authorized or regulated to operate in the financial markets or, if not so authorized or regulated, whose corporate purpose is solely to invest in securities;
   
to any legal entity that has two or more of (i) an average of at least 250 employees during its last fiscal year; (ii) a total balance sheet of more than €43,000,000 (as shown on its last annual unconsolidated or consolidated financial statements) and (iii) an annual net turnover of more than €50,000,000 (as shown on its last annual unconsolidated or consolidated financial statements);
   
to fewer than 100 natural or legal persons (other than qualified investors within the meaning of Article 2(1)(e) of the Prospectus Directive) subject to obtaining the prior consent of our company or any underwriter for any such offer; or
   
in any other circumstances falling within Article 3(2) of the Prospectus Directive, provided that no such offer of securities shall result in a requirement for the publication by us of a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus Directive.

 

France

 

This document is not being distributed in the context of a public offering of financial securities (offre au public de titres financiers) in France within the meaning of Article L.411-1 of the French Monetary and Financial Code (Code monétaire et financier) and Articles 211-1 et seq. of the General Regulation of the French Autorité des marchés financiers, or AMF. The securities have not been offered or sold and will not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, to the public in France.

 

This document and any other offering material relating to the securities have not been, and will not be, submitted to the AMF for approval in France and, accordingly, may not be distributed or caused to distributed, directly or indirectly, to the public in France.

 

Such offers, sales and distributions have been and shall only be made in France to (i) qualified investors (investisseurs qualifiés) acting for their own account, as defined in and in accordance with Articles L.411-2-II-2° and D.411-1 to D.411-3, D. 744-1, D.754-1 and D.764-1 of the French Monetary and Financial Code and any implementing regulation and/or (ii) a restricted number of non-qualified investors (cercle restreint d’investisseurs) acting for their own account, as defined in and in accordance with Articles L.411-2-II-2° and D.411-4, D.744-1, D.754-1 and D.764-1 of the French Monetary and Financial Code and any implementing regulation.

 

Pursuant to Article 211-3 of the General Regulation of the AMF, investors in France are informed that the securities cannot be distributed (directly or indirectly) to the public by the investors otherwise than in accordance with Articles L.411-1, L.411-2, L.412-1 and L.621-8 to L.621-8-3 of the French Monetary and Financial Code.

 

Ireland

 

The information in this document does not constitute a prospectus under any Irish laws or regulations and this document has not been filed with or approved by any Irish regulatory authority as the information has not been prepared in the context of a public offering of securities in Ireland within the meaning of the Irish Prospectus (Directive 2003/71/EC) Regulations 2005, or the Prospectus Regulations. The securities have not been offered or sold, and will not be offered, sold or delivered directly or indirectly in Ireland by way of a public offering, except to (i) qualified investors as defined in Regulation 2(l) of the Prospectus Regulations and (ii) fewer than 100 natural or legal persons who are not qualified investors.

 

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Israel

 

The securities offered by this prospectus have not been approved or disapproved by the Israeli Securities Authority, or the ISA, nor have such securities been registered for sale in Israel. The securities may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, to the public in Israel, absent the publication of a prospectus. The ISA has not issued permits, approvals or licenses in connection with this offering or publishing the prospectus; nor has it authenticated the details included herein, confirmed their reliability or completeness, or rendered an opinion as to the quality of the securities being offered. Any resale in Israel, directly or indirectly, to the public of the securities offered by this prospectus is subject to restrictions on transferability and must be affected only in compliance with the Israeli securities laws and regulations.

 

Italy

 

The offering of the securities in the Republic of Italy has not been authorized by the Italian Securities and Exchange Commission (Commissione Nazionale per le Societ-$$-Aga e la Borsa), or CONSOB, pursuant to the Italian securities legislation and, accordingly, no offering material relating to the securities may be distributed in Italy and such securities may not be offered or sold in Italy in a public offer within the meaning of Article 1.1(t) of Legislative Decree No. 58 of 24 February 1998, or Decree No. 58, other than:

 

to Italian qualified investors, or Qualified Investors, as defined in Article 100 of Decree no.58 by reference to Article 34-ter of CONSOB Regulation no. 11971 of 14 May 1999, or Regulation no. 1197l, as amended; and
   
in other circumstances that are exempt from the rules on public offer pursuant to Article 100 of Decree No. 58 and Article 34-ter of Regulation No. 11971 as amended.

 

Any offer, sale or delivery of the securities or distribution of any offer document relating to the securities in Italy (excluding placements where a Qualified Investor solicits an offer from the issuer) under the paragraphs above must be:

 

made by investment firms, banks or financial intermediaries permitted to conduct such activities in Italy in accordance with Legislative Decree No. 385 of 1 September 1993 (as amended), Decree No.58, CONSOB Regulation No. 16190 of 29 October 2007 and any other applicable laws; and
   
in compliance with all relevant Italian securities, tax and exchange controls and any other applicable laws.

 

Any subsequent distribution of the securities in Italy must be made in compliance with the public offer and prospectus requirement rules provided under Decree No. 58 and the Regulation No. 11971 as amended, unless an exception from those rules applies. Failure to comply with such rules may result in the sale of such securities being declared null and void and in the liability of the entity transferring the securities for any damages suffered by the investors.

 

Japan

 

The securities have not been and will not be registered under Article 4, paragraph 1 of the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law of Japan (Law No. 25 of 1948), as amended, or the FIEL, pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements applicable to a private placement of securities to Qualified Institutional Investors (as defined in and in accordance with Article2, paragraph 3 of the FIEL and the regulations promulgated thereunder). Accordingly, the securities may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to, or for the benefit of, any resident of Japan other than Qualified Institutional Investors. Any Qualified Institutional Investor who acquires securities may not resell them to any person in Japan that is not a Qualified Institutional Investor, and acquisition by any such person of securities is conditional upon the execution of an agreement to that effect.

 

Portugal

 

This document is not being distributed in the context of a public offer of financial securities (oferta pública de valores mobiliários) in Portugal, within the meaning of Article 109 of the Portuguese Securities Code (Código dos Valores Mobiliários). The securities have not been offered or sold and will not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, to the public in Portugal. This document and any other offering material relating to the securities have not been, and will not be, submitted to the Portuguese Securities Market Commission (Comissăo do Mercado de Valores Mobiliários) for approval in Portugal and, accordingly, may not be distributed or caused to distributed, directly or indirectly, to the public in Portugal, other than under circumstances that are deemed not to qualify as a public offer under the Portuguese Securities Code. Such offers, sales and distributions of securities in Portugal are limited to persons who are “qualified investors” (as defined in the Portuguese Securities Code). Only such investors may receive this document and they may not distribute it, or the information contained in it to any other person.

 

122
 

 

Sweden

 

This document has not been, and will not be, registered with or approved by Finansinspektionen (the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority). Accordingly, this document may not be made available, nor may the securities be offered for sale in Sweden, other than under circumstances that are deemed not to require a prospectus under the Swedish Financial Instruments Trading Act (1991:980) (Sw. lag (1991:980) om handel med finansiella instrument). Any offering of securities in Sweden is limited to persons who are “qualified investors” (as defined in the Financial Instruments Trading Act). Only such investors may receive this document and they may not distribute it, or the information contained in it to any other person.

 

Switzerland

 

The securities may not be publicly offered in Switzerland and will not be listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange, or SIX, or on any other stock exchange or regulated trading facility in Switzerland. This document has been prepared without regard to the disclosure standards for issuance prospectuses under art. 652a or art. 1156 of the Swiss Code of Obligations or the disclosure standards for listing prospectuses under art. 27 ff. of the SIX Listing Rules or the listing rules of any other stock exchange or regulated trading facility in Switzerland. Neither this document nor any other offering material relating to the securities may be publicly distributed or otherwise made publicly available in Switzerland.

 

Neither this document nor any other offering material relating to the securities have been or will be filed with or approved by any Swiss regulatory authority. In particular, this document will not be filed with, and the offer of securities will not be supervised by, the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority.

 

This document is personal to the recipient only and not for general circulation in Switzerland.

 

United Arab Emirates

 

Neither this document nor the securities have been approved, disapproved or passed on in any way by the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates or any other governmental authority in the United Arab Emirates, nor have we received authorization or licensing from the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates or any other governmental authority in the United Arab Emirates to market or sell the securities within the United Arab Emirates. This document does not constitute and may not be used for the purpose of an offer or invitation. No services relating to the securities, including the receipt of applications and/or the allotment or redemption of such securities, may be rendered within the United Arab Emirates by us.

 

No offer or invitation to subscribe for securities is valid or permitted in the Dubai International Financial Centre.

 

United Kingdom

 

Neither the information in this document nor any other document relating to the offer has been delivered for approval to the Financial Services Authority in the United Kingdom and no prospectus (within the meaning of section 85 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, as amended, or FSMA) has been published or is intended to be published in respect of the securities. This document is issued on a confidential basis to “qualified investors” (within the meaning of section 86(7) of FSMA) in the United Kingdom, and the securities may not be offered or sold in the United Kingdom by means of this document, any accompanying letter or any other document, except in circumstances which do not require the publication of a prospectus pursuant to section 86(1) FSMA. This document should not be distributed, published or reproduced, in whole or in part, nor may its contents be disclosed by recipients to any other person in the United Kingdom.

 

Any invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity (within the meaning of section 21 of FSMA) received in connection with the issue or sale of the securities has only been communicated or caused to be communicated and will only be communicated or caused to be communicated in the United Kingdom in circumstances in which section 21(1) of FSMA does not apply to us.

 

In the United Kingdom, this document is being distributed only to, and is directed at, persons (i) who have professional experience in matters relating to investments falling within Article 19(5) (investment professionals) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotions) Order 2005, or FPO, (ii) who fall within the categories of persons referred to in Article 49(2)(a) to (d) (high net worth companies, unincorporated associations, etc.) of the FPO or (iii) to whom it may otherwise be lawfully communicated (together “relevant persons”). The investments to which this document relates are available only to, and any invitation, offer or agreement to purchase will be engaged in only with, relevant persons. Any person who is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this document or any of its contents.

 

123
 

 

EXPENSES RELATED TO THIS OFFERING

 

Set forth below is an itemization of our total expenses, excluding underwriting discounts and commissions, which are expected to be incurred in connection with the offer and sale of the ADSs by us. With the exception of the SEC registration fee, the FINRA filing fee and the                         listing fee, all amounts are estimates.

 

    Amount
SEC registration fee   US$

2,705.24

FINRA filing fee    
                  listing fee    

Accounting fees and expenses    
Legal fees and expenses    
Transfer agent fees and expenses    
Printing fees and expenses    
Miscellaneous    
Total   US$

 

LEGAL MATTERS

 

The validity of the ordinary shares represented by our ADSs to be issued in this offering will be passed upon for us by QR Lawyers, Melbourne, Australia. Certain legal matters as to the United States federal and New York law in connection with this offering will be passed upon for us by Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP, New York, New York. Certain legal matters will be passed upon for the underwriters by Dentons US LLP, New York, New York.

 

EXPERTS

 

Our consolidated financial statements as of June 30, 2023 and 2022 and for the years then ended included in this prospectus have been audited by Grassi & Co., CPAs, P.C. an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report appearing herein. Such financial statements are included in reliance upon the report of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

 

The offices of Grassi & Co., CPAs, P.C. are located at 50 Jericho Quadrangle, STE 200, Jericho, NY 11753.

 

124
 

 

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

 

We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form F-1 under the Securities Act with respect to the ADSs offered in this prospectus. A related registration statement on Form F-6 has been filed with the SEC to register the ADSs. This prospectus, which forms a part of the registration statement, does not contain all of the information included in the registration statement. Certain information is omitted, and you should refer to the registration statement and its exhibits for that information. With respect to references made in this prospectus to any contract or other document, such references are not necessarily complete, and you should refer to the exhibits attached to the registration statement for copies of the actual contract or document.

 

Immediately upon completion of this offering, we will become subject to periodic reporting and other informational requirements of the Exchange Act as applicable to foreign private issuers. Accordingly, we will be required to file reports, including annual reports on Form 20-F, and other information with the SEC. The SEC maintains a website that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the SEC. The address of the website is www.sec.gov. Additionally, we will make these filings available, free of charge, on our website at https://novaminerals.com.au as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such materials with, or furnish them to, the SEC. The information on our website, other than these filings, is not, and should not be, considered part of this prospectus and is not incorporated by reference into this document.

 

As a foreign private issuer, we are exempt from the rules of the Exchange Act prescribing the furnishing and content of proxy statements to shareholders, and our executive officers, directors and principal shareholders are exempt from the reporting and short-swing profit recovery provisions contained in Section 16 of the Exchange Act. In addition, we will not be required under the Exchange Act to file periodic reports and financial statements with the SEC as frequently or as promptly as U.S. companies whose securities are registered under the Exchange Act.

 

125
 

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Audited Consolidated Financial Statements as of and for the Years Ended June 30, 2023 and 2022  
Report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm F-2
Consolidated Statements of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) for the Years Ended 30 June 2023 and 2022 F-3
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as of 30 June 2023 and 2022 F-4
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity for the Year Ended June 30, 2022 F-5
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity for the Year Ended June 30, 2023 F-6
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended 30 June 2023 and 2022 F-7
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements F-8

 

Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements as of and for the Six Months Ended December 31, 2023 and 2022  
Consolidated Statements of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) for the Six Months Ended 31 December 2023 and 2022 F-43
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as of 31 December 2023 and 2022 F-44
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity for the Six Months Ended December 31, 2022 F-45
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity for the Six Months Ended December 31, 2023 F-45
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended 31 December 2023 and 2022 F-46
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements F-47

 

F-1

 

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To The Board of Directors and Stockholders of

Nova Minerals Limited

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position of Nova Minerals Limited (the “Company”) as of June 30, 2023 and 2022, and the related consolidated statements of profit and loss and other comprehensive income (loss), changes in equity and cash flows for the years then ended, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of June 30, 2023 and 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB and in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

/s/ GRASSI & CO., CPAs, P.C.

 

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2021.

 

Jericho, New York

January 24, 2024

 

F-2

 

 

Nova Minerals Limited

Consolidated Statements of Profit or Loss

and Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss)

For the Years Ended 30 June 2023 and 2022

 

      Consolidated 
   Note  30 June 2023   30 June 2022 
       $    $ 
              
Revenue             
Interest income      12,027    20,000 
Other income, gains, and losses             
Foreign exchange loss on financial liability      (24,883)   - 
Gain from sale of property plant and equipment      16,137    - 
Management fee      47,423    - 
Fair value (loss)/gain on investments  9   (2,577,419)   565,317 
Gain from sale of investment  9   -    232,596 
Gain from deconsolidation of Snow Lake Resources  8   -    91,778,097 
Loss on disposal on Snow Lake Resources  8   -    (9,102,187)
Gain from derivative liabilities  12   1,870,042    133,649 
Impairment of Investment in Snow Lake Resources  8   -    (45,556,885)
Foreign exchange gain      868,392    1,533,601 
Share of (losses)/profits of associate accounted for using equity method  8   (6,254,759)   29,088 
Total Revenue and Other Income, gains and losses      (6,043,040)   39,633,276 
              
Expenses             
Administration expenses  4   (2,721,273)   (2,980,714)
Contractors & consultants  4   (739,380)   (907,623)
Share based payments  26   (780,235)   (1,200,053)
Amortization of financial liability      (928,281)   - 
Finance costs  4   (359,031)   (142,065)
Total expenses      (5,528,200)   (5,230,455)
              
(Loss)/Profit Before Income Tax Expense      (11,571,240)   34,402,821 
Income tax expense  5   -    - 
              
(Loss)/Profit After Income Tax Expense for the Year      (11,571,240)   34,402,821 
              
Other Comprehensive (Loss)/Income             
              
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss             
Foreign currency translation      1,941,562    3,694,472 
              
Other comprehensive income for the year, net of tax      1,941,562    3,694,472 
              
Total Comprehensive (Loss)/Income for the Year      (9,629,678)   38,097,293 
(Loss)/Profit for the year is attributable to:             
Non-controlling interest      (87,149)   (281,733)
Owners of Nova Minerals Limited      (11,484,091)   34,684,554 
              
       (11,571,240)   34,402,821 
Total comprehensive (Loss)/Income for the year is attributable to:             
Non-controlling interest      205,159    272,558 
Owners of Nova Minerals Limited      (9,834,837)   37,824,735 
              
       (9,629,678)   38,097,293 
              
      $    $  
Basic (loss)/earnings per share  25   (0.06)   0.20 
Diluted (loss)/earnings per share  25   (0.06)   0.18 

 

The above consolidated statements of comprehensive income/(loss) should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes

 

F-3

 

 

Nova Minerals Limited

Consolidated Statements of Financial Position

As of 30 June 2023 and 2022

 

      Consolidated 
   Note  30 June 2023   30 June 2022 
       $    $ 
              
Assets             
              
Current Assets             
Cash and cash equivalents  6   19,240,707    21,278,936 
Prepaid and other current assets  7   495,186    242,481 
Total current assets      19,735,893    21,521,417 
              
Non-Current Assets             
Investment in associate  8   16,767,507    23,022,266 
Other financial assets  9   1,738,137    3,963,791 
Property, plant and equipment  10   3,025,170    3,118,808 
Exploration and evaluation  11   81,070,075    56,702,626 
Total non-current assets      102,600,889    86,807,491 
              
Total Assets      122,336,782    108,328,908 
              
Liabilities             
              
Current Liabilities             
Trade and other payables      2,414,485    3,999,582 
Convertible notes  12   1,179,788    - 
Total current liabilities      3,594,273    3,999,582 
              
Non-Current Assets             
Convertible notes  12   5,352,544    - 
Total non-current liabilities      5,352,544    - 
              
Total Liabilities      8,946,817    3,999,582 
              
Net Assets      113,389,965    104,329,326 
              
Equity             
Issued capital  13   142,986,671    125,713,259 
Foreign currency reserves      3,875,305    2,226,051 
Share based-payment reserves  13   8,726,228    7,309,323 
Accumulated losses      (49,985,023)   (38,500,932)
Equity attributable to the owners of Nova Minerals Limited      105,603,181    96,747,701 
Non-controlling interest  15   7,786,784    7,581,625 
              
Total Equity      113,389,965    104,329,326 

 

The above consolidated statements of financial position should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes

 

F-4

 

 

Nova Minerals Limited

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

For the Year Ended 30 June 2022

 

   Issued   Share Based Payments   Foreign Currency   Accumulated   Non-Controll-ing   Total 
   Capital   Reserves   Reserves   Losses   Interest   Equity 
Consolidated   $    $    $    $    $    $ 
                               
Balance at 1 July 2021   114,922,698    6,733,118    (816,390)   (74,055,061)    5,795,826    52,580,191 
                               
Profit/(loss) after income tax expense for the year       -    -    -    34,684,554    (281,733)   34,402,821 
Other comprehensive income for the year, net of tax   -    -    3,140,181    -    554,291    3,694,472 
                               
Total comprehensive income for the year   -    -    3,140,181    34,684,554    272,558    38,097,293 
                               
Movement in non-controlling interest due to increase in issued capital of AKCM Pty Ltd   -    -    144,086    (3,029,107)   2,897,325    12,304 
Movement in equity of Snow Lake Resources due to loss of control   -    (1,043,848)   (241,826)   3,898,683    (1,384,085)   1,228,924 
                               
Transactions with owners in their capacity as owners:                              
Issue of shares for cash (Note 13)   12,000,000    -    -    -    -    12,000,000 
Exercise of performance rights (Note 13)   312,000    -    -    -    -    312,000 
Share issue costs (Note 13)   (1,521,439)   -    -    -    -    (1,521,439)
Share options expense for period (Note 26)   -    1,457,000    -    -    -    1,457,000 
Performance rights granted (Note 26)   -    163,053    -    -    -    163,053 
                               
Balance at 30 June 2022   125,713,259    7,309,323    2,226,051    (38,500,931)   7,581,624    104,329,326 

 

The above consolidated statement of changes in equity should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes

 

F-5

 

 

Nova Minerals Limited

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity (Continued)

For the Year Ended 30 June 2023

 

   Issued   Share Based Payments   Foreign Currency   Accumulated   Non-Controll-ing   Total 
   Capital   Reserves   Reserves   Losses   Interest   Equity 
Consolidated  $   $   $   $   $   $ 
                         
Balance at 1 July 2022   125,713,259    7,309,323    2,226,051    (38,500,932)   7,581,625    104,329,326 
                               
Profit/(loss) after income tax expense for the year   -    -    -    (11,484,091)   (87,149)   (11,571,240)
Other comprehensive income/(loss) for the year, net of tax   -    -    1,649,254    -    292,308    1,941,562 
                               
Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the year   -    -    1,649,254    (11,484,091)   205,159    (9,629,678)
                               
Transactions with owners in their capacity as owners:                              
Issue of shares for cash (Note 13)   19,059,988    -    -    -    -    19,059,988 
Exercise of performance rights (Note 13)   40,130    -    -    -    -    40,130 
Share issue costs (Note 13)   (1,826,706)   -    -    -    -    (1,826,706)
Share options expense for period (Note 26)   -    1,116,829    -    -    -    1,116,829 
Performance rights granted (Note 26)   -    300,076    -    -    -    300,076 
                               
Balance at 30 June 2023   142,986,671    8,726,228    3,875,305    (49,985,023)   7,786,784    113,389,965 

 

The above consolidated statement of changes in equity should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes

 

F-6

 

 

Nova Minerals Limited

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

For the Years Ended 30 June 2023 and 2022

 

      Consolidated 
   Note  30 June 2023   30 June 2022 
       $    $ 
              
Cash Flows from Operating Activities             
Payments to suppliers and employees (inclusive of GST)      (3,095,422)   (2,849,722)
Interest received      13,530    - 
Interest and other finance costs paid      (1,785)   (6,039)
              
Net cash used in operating activities  24   (3,083,677)   (2,855,761)
              
Cash Flows from Investing Activities             
Payments for property, plant and equipment      (213,299)   (1,055,878)
Payments for exploration and evaluation      (23,647,509)   (24,799,177)
Loans to Snow Lake Resources      100,000    274,342 
Loans to other entity      -    10,000 
Loans to related party      103,813    41,814 
Payments to acquire investments      (271,182)   (648,988)
Proceeds from disposal of Investments      -    22,279,880 
Loss of cash due to deconsolidation of Snow Lake Resources      -    (59,719)
Convertible note Asra Minerals      (250,000)   - 
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment      38,500    - 
              
Net cash used in investing activities      (24,139,677)   (3,957,726)
              
Cash Flows from Financing Activities             
Proceeds from issue of shares  13   19,059,988    12,000,000 
Proceeds from Issue of convertible notes      7,449,210    - 
Proceeds from exercise of options      39,871    - 
Share issue transaction costs      (1,390,454)   (846,964)
              
Net cash from financing activities      25,158,615    11,153,036 
Net increase(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents      (2,064,739)   4,339,549 
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the financial year      21,278,936    15,516,112 
Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents      26,510    1,423,275 
              
Cash and Cash Equivalents at the End of the Financial Year  6   19,240,707    21,278,936 

 

The above consolidated statements of cash flows should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes

 

F-7

 

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Year Ended 30 June 2023

 

Note 1 Significant Accounting Policies

 

The principal accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated.

 

The company has adopted all of the new or amended Accounting Standards and Interpretations issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (‘IASB’) that are mandatory for the current reporting period.

 

The adoption of these Accounting Standards and Interpretations did not have any significant impact on the financial performance or position of the company.

 

The following Accounting Standards and Interpretations are most relevant to the company:

 

IFRS 10 Consolidated Financial Statements

 

The company has applied IFRS 10 from 1 January 2013, which has a new definition of ‘control’. Control exists when the reporting entity is exposed, or has the rights, to variable returns from its involvement with another entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its ‘power’ over that other entity. A reporting entity has power when it has rights that give it the current ability to direct the activities that significantly affect the investee’s returns. The company not only has to consider its holdings and rights but also the holdings and rights of other shareholders in order to determine whether it has the necessary power for consolidation purposes.

 

IFRS 12 Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities

 

The company has applied IFRS 12 from 1 January 2013. The standard contains the entire disclosure requirement associated with other entities, being subsidiaries, associates, joint arrangements (joint operations and joint ventures) and unconsolidated structured entities. The disclosure requirements have been significantly enhanced when compared to the disclosures previously located in IAS 27 ‘Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements’, IAS 28 ‘Investments in Associates’, IAS 31 ‘Interests in Joint Ventures’ and Interpretation 112 ‘Consolidation - Special Purpose Entities’.

 

IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement

 

The company has applied IFRS 13 and its consequential amendments from 1 January 2013. The standard provides a single robust measurement framework, with clear measurement objectives, for measuring fair value using the ‘exit price’ and provides guidance on measuring fair value when a market becomes less active. The ‘highest and best use’ approach is used to measure non-financial assets whereas liabilities are based on transfer value. The standard requires increased disclosures where fair value is used.

 

Amendments to IAS 12 ‘Income Taxes’

 

The company has adopted the amendments to IAS 12 ‘Income Taxes’ from 1 January 2017. The amendments clarify the requirements on recognition of deferred tax assets for unrealized losses on debt instruments measured at fair value.

 

F-8

 

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Year Ended 30 June 2023

 

Note 1 Significant Accounting Policies Continued

 

IFRS 9 Financial Instruments

 

The company has adopted IFRS 9 from 1 January 2018. The standard introduced new classification and measurement models for financial assets. A financial asset shall be measured at amortized cost if it is held within a business model whose objective is to hold assets in order to collect contractual cash flows which arise on specified dates and that are solely principal and interest. A debt investment shall be measured at fair value through other comprehensive income if it is held within a business model whose objective is to both hold assets in order to collect contractual cash flows which arise on specified dates that are solely principal and interest as well as selling the asset on the basis of its fair value. All other financial assets are classified and measured at fair value through profit or loss unless the entity makes an irrevocable election on initial recognition to present gains and losses on equity instruments (that are not held-for-trading or contingent consideration recognized in a business combination) in other comprehensive income (‘OCI’). Despite these requirements, a financial asset may be irrevocably designated as measured at fair value through profit or loss to reduce the effect of, or eliminate, an accounting mismatch. For financial liabilities designated at fair value through profit or loss, the standard requires the portion of the change in fair value that relates to the entity’s own credit risk to be presented in OCI (unless it would create an accounting mismatch). New simpler hedge accounting requirements are intended to more closely align the accounting treatment with the risk management activities of the entity. New impairment requirements use an ‘expected credit loss’ (‘ECL’) model to recognize an allowance. Impairment is measured using a 12-month ECL method unless the credit risk on a financial instrument has increased significantly since initial recognition in which case the lifetime ECL method is adopted. For receivables, a simplified approach to measuring expected credit losses using a lifetime expected loss allowance is available.

 

Basis of Preparation

 

These general purpose financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (‘IFRS’) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board, as appropriate for for-profit oriented entities.

 

Historical Cost Convention

 

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, except for, where applicable, the revaluation of financial assets and liabilities at fair value through profit or loss, financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income, investment properties, certain classes of property, plant and equipment and derivative financial instruments.

 

Critical Accounting Estimates

 

The preparation of the financial statements requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires management to exercise its judgement in the process of applying the consolidated entity’s accounting policies. The areas involving a higher degree of judgement or complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates are significant to the financial statements, are disclosed in note 2.

 

Parent Entity Information

 

In accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, these financial statements present the results of the consolidated entity only. Supplementary information about the parent entity is disclosed in note 20.

 

Principles of Consolidation

 

The consolidated financial statements incorporate the assets and liabilities of all subsidiaries of Nova Minerals Limited (‘company’ or ‘parent entity’) as at 30 June 2023 and the results of all subsidiaries for the year then ended. Nova Minerals Limited and its subsidiaries together are referred to in these financial statements as the ‘consolidated entity’.

 

Subsidiaries are all those entities over which the consolidated entity has control. The consolidated entity controls an entity when the consolidated entity is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power to direct the activities of the entity. Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the consolidated entity. They are de-consolidated from the date that control ceases.

 

F-9

 

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Year Ended 30 June 2023

 

Note 1 Significant Accounting Policies Continued

 

Intercompany transactions, balances, and unrealized gains on transactions between entities in the consolidated entity are eliminated. Unrealized losses are also eliminated unless the transaction provides evidence of the impairment of the asset transferred. Accounting policies of subsidiaries have been changed where necessary to ensure consistency with the policies adopted by the consolidated entity.

 

The acquisition of subsidiaries is accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting. A change in ownership interest, without the loss of control, is accounted for as an equity transaction, where the difference between the consideration transferred and the book value of the share of the non-controlling interest acquired is recognized directly in equity attributable to the parent.

 

Non-controlling interest in the results and equity of subsidiaries are shown separately in the statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income, statement of financial position and statement of changes in equity of the consolidated entity. Losses incurred by the consolidated entity are attributed to the non-controlling interest in full, even if that results in a deficit balance.

 

Where the consolidated entity loses control over a subsidiary, it derecognizes the assets including goodwill, liabilities, and non-controlling interest in the subsidiary together with any cumulative translation differences recognized in equity. The consolidated entity recognizes the fair value of the consideration received and the fair value of any investment retained together with any gain or loss in profit or loss.

 

Operating Segments

 

Operating segments are presented using the ‘management approach’, where the information presented is on the same basis as the internal reports provided to the Chief Operating Decision Makers (‘CODM’). The CODM is responsible for the allocation of resources to operating segments and assessing their performance.

 

Foreign Currency Translation

 

The financial statements are presented in Australian dollars, which is Nova Minerals Limited’s functional and presentation currency.

 

Foreign Currency Transactions

 

Foreign currency transactions are translated into Australian dollars using the exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the transactions. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions and from the translation at financial year-end exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are recognized in profit or loss.

 

Foreign Operations

 

The assets and liabilities of foreign operations are translated into Australian dollars using the exchange rates at the reporting date. The revenues and expenses of foreign operations are translated into Australian dollars using the average exchange rates, which approximate the rates at the dates of the transactions, for the period. All resulting foreign exchange differences are recognized in other comprehensive income through the foreign currency reserve in equity.

 

The foreign currency reserve is recognized in profit or loss when the foreign operation or net investment is disposed of.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

The consolidated entity recognizes revenue as follows:

 

Interest

 

Interest revenue is recognized as interest accrues using the effective interest method. This is a method of calculating the amortized cost of a financial asset and allocating the interest income over the relevant period using the effective interest rate, which is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash receipts through the expected life of the financial asset to the net carrying amount of the financial asset.

 

F-10

 

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Year Ended 30 June 2023

 

Note 1 Significant Accounting Policies Continued

 

Income Tax

 

The income tax expense or benefit for the period is the tax payable on that period’s taxable income based on the applicable income tax rate for each jurisdiction, adjusted by the changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities attributable to temporary differences, unused tax losses and the adjustment recognized for prior periods, where applicable.

 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for temporary differences at the tax rates expected to be applied when the assets are recovered or liabilities are settled, based on those tax rates that are enacted or substantively enacted, except for:

 

When the deferred income tax asset or liability arises from the initial recognition of goodwill or an asset or liability in a transaction that is not a business combination and that, at the time of the transaction, affects neither the accounting nor taxable profits; or
   
When the taxable temporary difference is associated with interests in subsidiaries, associates or joint ventures, and the timing of the reversal can be controlled, and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

 

Deferred tax assets are recognized for deductible temporary differences and unused tax losses only if it is probable that future taxable amounts will be available to utilize those temporary differences and losses.

 

The carrying amount of recognized and unrecognized deferred tax assets are reviewed at each reporting date. Deferred tax assets recognized are reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that future taxable profits will be available for the carrying amount to be recovered. Previously unrecognized deferred tax assets are recognized to the extent that it is probable that there are future taxable profits available to recover the asset.

 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset only where there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets against current tax liabilities and deferred tax assets against deferred tax liabilities; and they relate to the same taxable authority on either the same taxable entity or different taxable entities which intend to settle simultaneously.

 

Nova Minerals Limited (the ‘head entity’) and its wholly owned Australian subsidiaries have formed an income tax consolidated group under the tax consolidation regime. The head entity and each subsidiary in the tax consolidated group continue to account for their own current and deferred tax amounts. The tax consolidated group has applied the ‘separate taxpayer within group’ approach in determining the appropriate amount of taxes to allocate to members of the tax consolidated group.

 

In addition to its own current and deferred tax amounts, the head entity also recognizes the current tax liabilities (or assets) and the deferred tax assets arising from unused tax losses and unused tax credits assumed from each subsidiary in the tax consolidated group.

 

Assets or liabilities arising under tax funding agreements with the tax consolidated entities are recognized as amounts receivable from or payable to other entities in the tax consolidated group. The tax funding arrangement ensures that the intercompany charge equals the current tax liability or benefit of each tax consolidated group member, resulting in neither a contribution by the head entity to the subsidiaries nor a distribution by the subsidiaries to the head entity.

 

F-11

 

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Year Ended 30 June 2023

 

Note 1 Significant Accounting Policies Continued

 

Current and Non-Current Classification

 

Assets and liabilities are presented in the statement of financial position based on current and non-current classification.

 

An asset is classified as current when: it is either expected to be realized or intended to be sold or consumed in the consolidated entity’s normal operating cycle; it is held primarily for the purpose of trading; it is expected to be realized within 12 months after the reporting period; or the asset is cash or cash equivalent unless restricted from being exchanged or used to settle a liability for at least 12 months after the reporting period. All other assets are classified as non-current.

 

A liability is classified as current when: it is either expected to be settled in the consolidated entity’s normal operating cycle; it is held primarily for the purpose of trading; it is due to be settled within 12 months after the reporting period; or there is no unconditional right to defer the settlement of the liability for at least 12 months after the reporting period. All other liabilities are classified as non-current.

 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are always classified as non-current.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, deposits held at call with financial institutions, other short-term, highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash and which are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value. For the statement of cash flows presentation purposes, cash and cash equivalents also includes bank overdrafts, which are shown within borrowings in current liabilities on the statement of financial position.

 

Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, deposits held at call with financial institutions, other short-term, highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash and which are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value.

 

Prepaids and Other Current Assets

 

Prepaid and other current assets are initially recognized at fair value and subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method, less any allowance for expected credit losses.

 

Derivative Financial Instruments

 

Derivatives are initially recognized at fair value on the date a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently remeasured to their fair value at each reporting date. The accounting for subsequent changes in fair value depends on whether the derivative is designated as a hedging instrument, and if so, the nature of the item being hedged.

 

Associates

 

Associates are entities over which the consolidated entity has significant influence but not control or joint control. Investments in associates are accounted for using the equity method. Under the equity method, the share of the profits or losses of the associate is recognized in profit or loss and the share of the movements in equity is recognized in other comprehensive income. Investments in associates are carried in the statement of financial position at cost plus post-acquisition changes in the consolidated entity’s share of net assets of the associate. Goodwill relating to the associate is included in the carrying amount of the investment and is neither amortized nor individually tested for impairment. Dividends received or receivable from associates reduce the carrying amount of the investment.

 

When the consolidated entity’s share of losses in an associate equal or exceeds its interest in the associate, including any unsecured long-term receivables, the consolidated entity does not recognize further losses, unless it has incurred obligations or made payments on behalf of the associate.

 

F-12

 

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Year Ended 30 June 2023

 

Note 1 Significant Accounting Policies Continued

 

The consolidated entity discontinues the use of the equity method upon the loss of significant influence over the associate and recognizes any retained investment at its fair value. Any difference between the associate’s carrying amount, fair value of the retained investment and proceeds from disposal is recognized in profit or loss.

 

Investments and Other Financial Assets

 

Investments and other financial assets are initially measured at fair value. Transaction costs are included as part of the initial measurement, except for financial assets at fair value through profit or loss. Such assets are subsequently measured at either amortized cost or fair value depending on their classification. Classification is determined based on both the business model within which such assets are held and the contractual cash flow characteristics of the financial asset unless an accounting mismatch is being avoided.

 

Financial assets are derecognized when the rights to receive cash flows have expired or have been transferred and the consolidated entity has transferred substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership. When there is no reasonable expectation of recovering part or all of a financial asset, it’s carrying value is written off.

 

Financial Assets at Amortized Cost

 

A financial asset is measured at amortized cost only if both of the following conditions are met: (i) it is held within a business model whose objective is to hold assets in order to collect contractual cash flows; and (ii) the contractual terms of the financial asset represent contractual cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest.

 

Financial Assets at Fair Value Through Profit or Loss

 

Financial assets not measured at amortized cost or at fair value through other comprehensive income are classified as financial assets at fair value through profit or loss. Typically, such financial assets will be either: (i) held for trading, where they are acquired for the purpose of selling in the short-term with an intention of making a profit, or a derivative; or (ii) designated as such upon initial recognition where permitted. Fair value movements are recognized in profit or loss.

 

Impairment of Financial Assets

 

The consolidated entity recognizes a loss allowance for expected credit losses on financial assets which are either measured at amortized cost or fair value through other comprehensive income. The measurement of the loss allowance depends upon the consolidated entity’s assessment at the end of each reporting period as to whether the financial instrument’s credit risk has increased significantly since initial recognition, based on reasonable and supportable information that is available, without undue cost or effort to obtain.

 

Where there has not been a significant increase in exposure to credit risk since initial recognition, a 12-month expected credit loss allowance is estimated. This represents a portion of the asset’s lifetime expected credit losses that is attributable to a default event that is possible within the next 12 months. Where a financial asset has become credit impaired or where it is determined that credit risk has increased significantly, the loss allowance is based on the asset’s lifetime expected credit losses. The amount of expected credit loss recognized is measured on the basis of the probability weighted present value of anticipated cash shortfalls over the life of the instrument discounted at the original effective interest rate.

 

For financial assets mandatorily measured at fair value through other comprehensive income, the loss allowance is recognized in other comprehensive income with a corresponding expense through profit or loss. In all other cases, the loss allowance reduces the asset’s carrying value with a corresponding expense through profit or loss.

 

F-13

 

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Year Ended 30 June 2023

 

Note 1 Significant Accounting Policies Continued

 

Property, Plant and Equipment

 

Plant and equipment is stated at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment. Historical cost includes expenditure that is directly attributable to the acquisition of the items.

 

Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis to write off the net cost of each item of property, plant and equipment (excluding land) over their expected useful lives as follows:

 

Plant and equipment   5-10 years 

 

The residual values, useful lives and depreciation methods are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at each reporting date.

 

An item of property, plant and equipment is derecognized upon disposal or when there is no future economic benefit to the consolidated entity. Gains and losses between the carrying amount and the disposal proceeds are taken to profit or loss.

 

Exploration and Evaluation

 

Exploration and evaluation expenditure in relation to separate areas of interest for which rights of tenure are current is carried forward as an asset in the statement of financial position where it is expected that the expenditure will be recovered through the successful development and exploitation of an area of interest, or by its sale; or exploration activities are continuing in an area and activities have not reached a stage which permits a reasonable estimate of the existence or otherwise of economically recoverable reserves in accordance with IFRS 6. Exploration expenditures that would be included in the initial measurement of exploration and evaluation assets consist of acquisition of rights to explore, topographical, geological, geochemical and geophysical studies, exploratory drilling, trenching, sampling and activities in relation to evaluating the technical feasibility and commercial viability of extracting mineral resources. Where a project or an area of interest has been abandoned, the expenditure incurred thereon is written off in the year in which the decision is made.

 

When production commences, the accumulated costs for the relevant area of interest are amortized over the life of the area according to the rate of depletion of the economically recoverable reserves.

 

An annual review or more frequent, if deemed necessary, is undertaken of each area of interest to determine the appropriateness of continuing to carry forward costs in relation to that area of interest.

 

Trade and Other Payables

 

These amounts represent liabilities for goods and services provided to the consolidated entity prior to the end of the financial year and which are unpaid. Due to their short-term nature they are measured at amortized cost and are not discounted.

 

F-14

 

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Year Ended 30 June 2023

 

Note 1 Significant Accounting Policies Continued

 

Borrowings

 

Loans and borrowings are initially recognized at the fair value of the consideration received, net of transaction costs. They are subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method.

 

The component of the convertible notes that exhibits characteristics of a liability is recognized as a liability in the statement of financial position, net of transaction costs.

 

On the issue of the convertible notes the fair value of the liability component is determined using a market rate for an equivalent non-convertible bond and this amount is carried as a non-current liability on the amortized cost basis until extinguished on conversion or redemption. The increase in the liability due to the passage of time is recognized as a finance cost. The remainder of the proceeds are allocated to the conversion option that is recognized and included in shareholders equity as a convertible note reserve, net of transaction costs. The carrying amount of the conversion option is not remeasured in the subsequent years. The corresponding interest on convertible notes is expensed to profit or loss.

 

Finance Costs

 

Finance costs attributable to qualifying assets are capitalized as part of the asset. All other finance costs are expensed in the period in which they are incurred.

 

Employee Benefits

 

Short-Term Employee Benefits

 

Liabilities for wages and salaries, including non-monetary benefits, annual leave, long service leave and accumulating sick leave expected to be settled wholly within 12 months of the reporting date are measured at the amounts expected to be paid when the liabilities are settled. Non-accumulating sick leave is expensed to profit or loss when incurred.

 

Other Long-Term Employee Benefits

 

The liability for annual leave and long service leave not expected to be settled within 12 months of the reporting date are measured at the present value of expected future payments to be made in respect of services provided by employees up to the reporting date using the projected unit credit method. Consideration is given to expected future wage and salary levels, experience of employee departures and periods of service. Expected future payments are discounted using market yields at the reporting date on high quality corporate bonds with terms to maturity and currency that match, as closely as possible, the estimated future cash outflows.

 

Termination Benefits

 

Termination benefits are recognized when a detailed plan of termination has been communicated to affected employees. They are measured as short-term employee benefits when expected to be settled wholly within 12 months of the reporting date or as long-term benefits when not expected to be settled within 12 months of the reporting date.

 

F-15

 

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Year Ended 30 June 2023

 

Note 1 Significant Accounting Policies Continued

 

Retirement Benefit Obligations

 

All employees of the consolidated entity are entitled to benefits from the consolidated entity’s superannuation plan on retirement, disability or death. The consolidated entity has a defined benefit section and a defined contribution section within its plan. The defined benefit section provides defined lump sum benefits based on years of service and final average salary. The defined contribution section receives fixed contributions from entities in the consolidated entity and the consolidated entity’s legal or constructive obligation is limited to these contributions.

 

A liability or asset in respect of defined benefit superannuation plans is recognized in the statement of financial position, and is measured at the present value of the defined benefit obligation at the reporting date less the fair value of the superannuation fund’s assets at that date and any unrecognized past service cost. The present value of the defined benefit obligation is based on expected future payments which arise from membership of the fund to the reporting date, calculated annually by independent actuaries using the projected unit credit method. Consideration is given to expected future wage and salary levels, experience of employee departures and periods of service.

 

Expected future payments are discounted using market yields at the reporting date on high quality corporate bonds with terms to maturity and currency that match, as closely as possible, the estimated future cash outflows.

 

Past service costs are recognized immediately in profit or loss, unless the changes to the superannuation fund are conditional on the employees remaining in service for a specified period of time (‘the vesting period’). In this case, the past service costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period.

 

Share-Based Payments

 

Equity-settled and cash-settled share-based compensation benefits are provided to employees and advisors.

 

Equity-settled transactions are awards of shares, or options over shares, that are provided to employees in exchange for the rendering of services. Cash-settled transactions are awards of cash for the exchange of services, where the amount of cash is determined by reference to the share price.

 

The cost of equity-settled transactions are measured at fair value on grant date. Fair value is independently determined using either the Binomial or Black-Scholes option pricing model that takes into account the exercise price, the term of the option, the impact of dilution, the share price at grant date and expected price volatility of the underlying share, the expected dividend yield and the risk free interest rate for the term of the option, together with non-vesting conditions that do not determine whether the consolidated entity receives the services that entitle the employees to receive payment. No account is taken of any other vesting conditions.

 

F-16

 

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Year Ended 30 June 2023

 

Note 1 Significant Accounting Policies Continued

 

The cost of equity-settled transactions are recognized as an expense with a corresponding increase in equity over the vesting period. The cumulative charge to profit or loss is calculated based on the grant date fair value of the award, the best estimate of the number of awards that are likely to vest and the expired portion of the vesting period. The amount recognized in profit or loss for the period is the cumulative amount calculated at each reporting date less amounts already recognized in previous periods.

 

The cost of cash-settled transactions is initially, and at each reporting date until vested, determined by applying either the Binomial or Black-Scholes option pricing model, taking into consideration the terms and conditions on which the award was granted. The cumulative charge to profit or loss until settlement of the liability is calculated as follows:

 

during the vesting period, the liability at each reporting date is the fair value of the award at that date multiplied by the expired portion of the vesting period.
   
from the end of the vesting period until settlement of the award, the liability is the full fair value of the liability at the reporting date.

 

All changes in the liability are recognized in profit or loss. The ultimate cost of cash-settled transactions is the cash paid to settle the liability.

 

Market conditions are taken into consideration in determining fair value. Therefore any awards subject to market conditions are considered to vest irrespective of whether or not that market condition has been met, provided all other conditions are satisfied.

 

If equity-settled awards are modified, as a minimum an expense is recognized as if the modification has not been made. An additional expense is recognized, over the remaining vesting period, for any modification that increases the total fair value of the share-based compensation benefit as at the date of modification.

 

If the non-vesting condition is within the control of the consolidated entity or employee, the failure to satisfy the condition is treated as a cancellation. If the condition is not within the control of the consolidated entity or employee and is not satisfied during the vesting period, any remaining expense for the award is recognized over the remaining vesting period, unless the award is forfeited.

 

If equity-settled awards are cancelled, it is treated as if it has vested on the date of cancellation, and any remaining expense is recognized immediately. If a new replacement award is substituted for the cancelled award, the cancelled and new award is treated as if they were a modification.

 

Fair Value Measurement

 

When an asset or liability, financial or non-financial, is measured at fair value for recognition or disclosure purposes, the fair value is based on the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date; and assumes that the transaction will take place either: in the principal market; or in the absence of a principal market, in the most advantageous market.

 

Fair value is measured using the assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability, assuming they act in their economic best interests. For non-financial assets, the fair value measurement is based on its highest and best use. Valuation techniques that are appropriate in the circumstances and for which sufficient data are available to measure fair value, are used, maximizing the use of relevant observable inputs and minimizing the use of unobservable inputs.

 

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value are classified into three levels, using a fair value hierarchy that reflects the significance of the inputs used in making the measurements. Classifications are reviewed at each reporting date and transfers between levels are determined based on a reassessment of the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

 

F-17

 

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Year Ended 30 June 2023

 

Note 1 Significant Accounting Policies Continued

 

For recurring and non-recurring fair value measurements, external valuers may be used when internal expertise is either not available or when the valuation is deemed to be significant. External valuers are selected based on market knowledge and reputation. Where there is a significant change in fair value of an asset or liability from one period to another, an analysis is undertaken, which includes a verification of the major inputs applied in the latest valuation and a comparison, where applicable, with external sources of data.

 

Issued Capital

 

Ordinary shares are classified as equity.

 

Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new shares or options are shown in equity as a deduction, net of tax, from the proceeds.

 

Earnings per share

 

Basic Earnings Per Share

 

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit attributable to the owners of Nova Minerals Limited, excluding any costs of servicing equity other than ordinary shares, by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the financial year, adjusted for bonus elements in ordinary shares issued during the financial year.

 

Diluted Earnings Per Share

 

Diluted earnings per share adjusts the figures used in the determination of basic earnings per share to take into account the after income tax effect of interest and other financing costs associated with dilutive potential ordinary shares and the weighted average number of shares assumed to have been issued for no consideration in relation to dilutive potential ordinary shares.

 

Goods and Services Tax (‘GST’) and Other Similar Taxes

 

Revenues, expenses and assets are recognized net of the amount of associated GST, unless the GST incurred is not recoverable from the tax authority. In this case it is recognized as part of the cost of the acquisition of the asset or as part of the expense.

 

Receivables and payables are stated inclusive of the amount of GST receivable or payable. The net amount of GST recoverable from, or payable to, the tax authority is included in other receivables or other payables in the statement of financial position.

 

Cash flows are presented on a gross basis. The GST components of cash flows arising from investing or financing activities which are recoverable from, or payable to the tax authority, are presented as operating cash flows.

 

Commitments and contingencies are disclosed net of the amount of GST recoverable from, or payable to, the tax authority.

 

F-18

 

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Year Ended 30 June 2023

 

Note 1 Significant Accounting Policies Continued

 

New Accounting Standards and Interpretations not yet mandatory or early adopted

 

Accounting Standards that have recently been issued or amended but are not yet mandatory, have not been early adopted by the company for the annual reporting period ended 30 June 2023.

 

Note 2. Critical Accounting Judgements, Estimates and Assumptions

 

The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with IASB requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the financial statements. Management continually evaluates its judgements and estimates in relation to assets, liabilities, contingent liabilities, revenue and expenses. Management bases its judgements, estimates and assumptions on historical experience and on other various factors, including expectations of future events, management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. The resulting accounting judgements and estimates will seldom equal the related actual results. The judgements, estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities (refer to the respective notes) within the next financial year are discussed below.

 

Going Concern

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern.

 

For the financial year ended 30 June 2023, the Company incurred a net loss after tax of $11,571,240 and utilized cash in operating and investing activities of $3,083,677 and $24,139,677 respectively. The ability to continue as a going concern and realize its exploration asset is dependent on a number of factors, the most significant of which is obtaining additional funding to complete the exploration activities.

 

These factors indicate a material uncertainty which may cast significant doubt as to whether the Company will continue as a going concern and therefore whether it will realize its assets and extinguish its liabilities in the normal course of business and at the amounts stated in the financial report.

 

The directors have reviewed the Companies overall position and outlook in respect of the matters identified above and are of the opinion that the use of the going concern basis is appropriate in the circumstances for the following reasons:

 

The Company has cash resources of $19,240,707 as at 30 June 2023;
The Company has net assets of $113,389,965

The Company has the ability to scale back its exploration activities should funding not be available to continue exploration at its current levels; and

The Company has listed investments that can be realized as needed to support the company’s cash flows

 

The financial report does not include any adjustments relating to the amounts or classification of recorded assets or liabilities that might be necessary if the company and Group does not continue as a going concern.

 

Accordingly, the Company has concluded that substantial doubt of its ability to continue as a going concern has been alleviated.

 

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic

 

Judgement has been exercised in considering the impacts that the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has had, or may have, on the consolidated entity based on known information. This consideration extends to the nature of the products and services offered, customers, supply chain, staffing and geographic regions in which the consolidated entity operates. Other than as addressed in specific notes, there does not currently appear to be either any significant impact upon the financial statements or any significant uncertainties with respect to events or conditions which may impact the consolidated entity unfavorably as at the reporting date or subsequently as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

 

F-19

 

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Year Ended 30 June 2023

 

Note 2. Critical Accounting Judgements, Estimates and Assumptions Continued

 

Share-Based Payment Transactions

 

The consolidated entity measures the cost of equity-settled transactions with employees by reference to the fair value of the equity instruments at the date at which they are granted. The fair value is determined by using either the Binomial or Black-Scholes model taking into account the terms and conditions upon which the instruments were granted. The accounting estimates and assumptions relating to equity-settled share-based payments would have no impact on the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next annual reporting period but may impact profit or loss and equity.

 

The allowance for expected credit losses assessment requires a degree of estimation and judgement. It is based on the lifetime expected credit loss, grouped based on days overdue, and makes assumptions to allocate an overall expected credit loss rate for each group. These assumptions include recent sales experience and historical collection rates.

 

Fair Value Measurement Hierarchy

 

The consolidated entity is required to classify all assets and liabilities, measured at fair value, using a three level hierarchy, based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the entire fair value measurement, being: Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the entity can access at the measurement date; Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly; and Level 3: Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability. Considerable judgement is required to determine what is significant to fair value and therefore which category the asset or liability is placed in can be subjective.

 

The fair value of assets and liabilities classified as level 3 is determined by the use of valuation models. These include discounted cash flow analysis or the use of observable inputs that require significant adjustments based on unobservable inputs.

 

Estimation of Useful Lives of Assets

 

The consolidated entity determines the estimated useful lives and related depreciation and amortization charges for its property, plant and equipment and finite life intangible assets. The useful lives could change significantly as a result of technical innovations or some other event. The depreciation and amortization charge will increase where the useful lives are less than previously estimated lives, or technically obsolete or non-strategic assets that have been abandoned or sold will be written off or written down.

 

Exploration and Evaluation Costs

 

Exploration and evaluation costs have been capitalized on the basis that the consolidated entity expects to commence commercial production in the future, from which time the costs will be amortized in proportion to the depletion of the mineral resources. Key judgements are applied in considering costs to be capitalized which includes determining expenditures directly related to these activities and allocating overheads between those that are expensed and capitalized. In addition, costs are only capitalized that are expected to be recovered either through successful development or sale of the relevant mining interest. Factors that could impact the future commercial production at the mine include the level of reserves and resources, future technology changes, which could impact the cost of mining, future legal changes and changes in commodity prices. In accordance with IFRS 6, the Company has capitalized the following exploration and evaluation cost:

 

a.Acquisition of rights to explore;
b.Topographical, geological, geochemical and geophysical studies, as well as technical feasibility and commercial viability studies; and
c.Exploratory drilling, trenching and sampling costs.

 

To the extent that capitalized costs are determined not to be recoverable in the future, they will be written off in the period in which this determination is made. In accordance with IFRS 6, exploration and evaluation assets will be assessed for impairment if facts and circumstances suggest that the carrying amount of an exploration and evaluation asset may exceed its recoverable amount. When facts and circumstances suggest that the carrying amount exceeds the recoverable amount, the Company will measure, present and disclose any resulting impairment loss.

 

F-20

 

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Year Ended 30 June 2023

 

Note 3. Operating Segments

 

Operating segment information is disclosed on the same basis as information used for internal reporting purposes.

 

At regular intervals, the board is provided management information for the Company’s cash position, the carrying values of exploration permits and Company cash forecast for the next twelve months of operation. On this basis, the board considers the consolidated entity operates in one segment being exploration of minerals and two geographical areas, being Australia and United States. For the financial year ended 30 June 2023 the Canadian assets relate to the investment in associate and the exploration asset has been eliminated due to the deconsolidation.

 

Geographical Information

 

   Interest Income   Geographical Non-Current Assets 
   30 June 2023   30 June 2022   30 June 2023   30 June 2022 
   $   $   $   $ 
                     
Australia   7,397    20,000    1,470,024    4,527,957 
Canada   -    -    16,767.507    23,022,266 
United States   4,630    -    84,363,358    59,257,269 
                     
    12,027    20,000    102,600,889    86,807,492 

 

Note 4. Expenses

 

   Consolidated 
   30 June 2023   30 June 2022 
   $   $ 
         
Profit/(loss) before income tax includes the following specific expenses:        
           
Depreciation   456,904    346,828 
Superannuation   1,151    2,291 
Corporate and Consultants   739,380    907,623 
Finance Charges   359,031    142,065 
           
    1,556,466    1,398,807 

 

Note 5. Income Tax Expense

 

   Consolidated 
   30 June 2023   30 June 2022 
   $   $ 
           
Numerical reconciliation of income tax expense and tax at the statutory rate          
Profit/(loss) before income tax expense   (11,571,240)   34,402,821 
           
Tax at the statutory tax rate of 25% (2022: 25%)   (2,892,810)   8,600,705 
           
Tax effect amounts which are not deductible/(taxable) in calculating taxable income:          
Share-based payments   195,059    300,013 
Share of profits(losses) - associates   1,563,690    (7,272)
           
    (1,134,061)   8,893,446 
Current year temporary differences not recognized   1,134,061    (8,893,446)
           
Income tax expense   -    - 

 

F-21

 

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Year Ended 30 June 2023

 

Note 5. Income Tax Expense Continued

 

   Consolidated 
   30 June 2023   30 June 2022 
   $   $ 
           
Tax losses not recognized          
Unused tax losses for which no deferred tax asset has been recognized   20,942,089    19,808,028 
           
Potential tax benefit @ 25%   5,235,522    4,952,007 

 

The tax losses do not expire under current tax legislation. Deferred tax assets have not been recognized in respect of these items because it is not probable that future taxable profit will be available against which the Company can utilize the benefits.

 

These tax losses are also subject to final determination by the taxation authorities when the company derives taxable income.

 

The tax losses are subject to further review to determine if they satisfy the necessary legislative requirements under Income Tax legislation for carry forward and recoupment of tax losses.

 

Note 6. Current Assets – Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

   Consolidated 
   30 June 2023   30 June 2022 
   $   $ 
           
Cash at bank   19,240,707    21,278,936 

 

Note 7. Current Assets – Prepaid and Other Current Assets

 

   Consolidated 
   30 June 2023   30 June 2022 
   $   $ 
           
Other receivable   264,705    29,216 
Rent bond   5,830    5,830 
Prepayments   217,351    64,575 
GST receivable   7,300    142,860 
           
    495,186    242,481 

 

The Company’s exposure to credit risk related to trade and other receivables are disclosed in note 16.

 

F-22

 

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Year Ended 30 June 2023

 

Note 8. Non-Current Assets - Investment in Associate

 

   Consolidated 
   30 June 2023   30 June 2022 
   $   $ 
           
Investment in Snow Lake Resources   16,767,507    23,022,266 
           
Reconciliation          
Reconciliation of the carrying amounts at the beginning and end of the current and previous financial year are set out below:          
           
Opening carrying amount   23,022,266    - 
Fair value of Snow Lake Resources investment at date of deconsolidation   -    99,709,182 
Disposals   -    (22,056,932)
Loss on disposal on Snow Lake Resources   -    (9,102,187)
Share of Snow Lake Resources profits(losses) for period   (6,254,759)   29,088 
Impairment of investment in Snow Lake Resources   -    (45,556,885)
           
Closing carrying amount   16,767,507    23,022,266 

 

   Consolidated 
   30 June 2023   30 June 2022 
   $   $ 
           
Gain on deconsolidation of Snow Lake Resources          
Fair value of Snow Lake Resources investment at date of deconsolidation   -    99,709,182 
Less carrying value of net assets on deconsolidation   -    (7,931,084)
           
Gain on deconsolidation of Snow Lake Resources   -    91,778,098 

 

Summarized financial information

Summarized financial information of Snow Lake Resources is set out below:

 

   Snow Lake Resources 
   30 June 2023   30 June 2022 
   $   $ 
Summarized statement of financial position        

Cash

   4,357,704    26,778,174 
Other current assets   1,220,054    1,391,785 
Total current assets   

5,577,758

    

28,169,959

 
Non-current assets   24,396,133    13,593,229 
Total assets   29,973,891    41,763,188 
           
Other current liabilities   2,225,191    1,681,351 
Derivative liabilities   

2,180,901

    

323,013

 
Non-current liabilities   35,293    - 
Total liabilities   4,441,385    2,004,364 
Net Assets   25,532,506    39,758,824 
           
Summarized statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income          
Revenue   -    - 
Bank fees and interest   (16,383)   (192,963)
Amortization of transaction costs   -    

(61,533

)
Depreciation on right-of-use assets   (2,928)   - 
Other expenses   (17,910,900)   (11,798,660)
Total expenses   (17,930,211)   (12,053,156)
Loss before income tax expense   (17,930,211)   (12,053,156)
Income tax expense   -    - 
Loss after income tax expense   (17,930,211)   (12,053,156)
Other comprehensive income   778,841    1,767,338 
Total comprehensive income (loss)   (17,151,370)   (10,285,818)

 

On the 23 November 2021 Nova Minerals’ 73.8% owned subsidiary Snow Lake Resources completed an initial public offering on the NASDAQ stock exchange. Following the flotation Nova’s shareholding in Snow Lake Resources was reduced to 54.5% and 46.1% on a fully diluted basis. As of 30 June 2023, Nova Minerals owns 32.5% of Snow Lake Resources due to dilution and has applied the equity method of investment accounting for its interest in Snow Lake Resources.

 

As a result of the shareholding dilution, as well as the company having limited oversight in management of Snow Lake Resources, the directors of Nova Minerals determined the company had lost control of its subsidiary as at 23 November 2021.

 

In line with IFRS 10 Consolidated Financial Statements Nova Minerals therefore derecognized the assets and liabilities of the Snow Lake Resources group in its consolidated statement of financial position as at 23 November 2021, generating a gain on deconsolidation recognized in the consolidated profit and loss statement of the group in the period.

 

As at the 30 June 2023 Nova Mineral’s 6,600,000 shares in Snow Lake Resources, which is listed on NASDAQ, had a market price of US$2.27 per share, giving a fair value as of that date of $22,597,351 (30 June 2022, 6,600,000 shares with a market value of US$2.40 per share giving a fair value of $22,993,186).

 

F-23

 

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Year Ended 30 June 2023

 

Note 9. Non-Current Assets - Other Financial Assets

 

   Consolidated 
   30 June 2023   30 June 2022 
   $   $ 
           
Investments in Asra Minerals Limited at fair value   1,220,024    3,797,443 
Investment in Alaska Asia Clean Energy Corp at fair value   205,887    - 
Loans granted to related parties note 21   62,226    166,348 
Convertible note in ASRA Minerals Limited   250,000    - 
           
    1,738,137    3,963,791 

 

   Consolidated 
   30 June 2023   30 June 2022 
   $   $ 
           
Reconciliation Investments at fair value          
Reconciliation of the carrying amounts at the beginning and end of the current and previous financial year are set out below:          
Opening balance   3,797,443    2,734,349 
Addition          
Alaska Asia Clean Energy Corp   205,887    - 
Aara Minerals Shares   -    495,590 
Asra Minerals Options   -    46,509 
Disposal          
Asra Minerals Shares   -    (238,927)
Gain on disposal          
Asra Minerals shares   -    232,596 
Movement in fair value          
Asra Minerals Shares   (2,112,330)   62,238 
Asra Minerals ASROB options   (465,089)   465,088 
           
Closing fair value   1,425,911    3,797,443 

 

The Investment in Asra Minerals Limited comprises shares and options held by the group measured at fair value. The group shareholding in Asra Minerals comprises 8.15% ownership.

 

F-24

 

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Year Ended 30 June 2023

 

Note 10. Non-Current Assets - Property, Plant and Equipment

 

   Consolidated 
   30 June 2023   30 June 2022 
   $   $ 
           
Plant and equipment - at cost   4,206,168    3,854,410 
Less: Accumulated depreciation   (1,180,998)   (735,602)
           
    3,025,170    3,118,808 

 

Reconciliations

 

   Consolidated 
   30 June 2023   30 June 2022 
   $   $ 
           
Opening balance   3,118,808    2,370,972 
Additions   283,655    937,981 
Foreign exchange movement   98,474    156,683 
Depreciation expense   (456,904)   (346,828)
Disposals   (18,863)   - 
           
Carrying amount at end of period   3,025,170    3,118,808 

 

Note 11. Non-Current Assets - Exploration and Evaluation

 

   Consolidated 
   30 June 2023   30 June 2022 
   $   $ 
           
Exploration and evaluation expenditure   81,070,075    56,702,626 

 

Reconciliations

 

   Consolidated 
   30 June 2023   30 June 2022 
   $   $ 
           
Opening balance   56,702,626    35,843,069 
Additions   22,157,270    26,910,709 
Deconsolidation of Snow Lake Resources   -    (8,532,572)
Revaluation due to foreign exchange   2,210,179    2,481,420 
           
Carrying amount at end of year   81,070,075    56,702,626 

 

F-25

 

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Year Ended 30 June 2023

 

Note 12. Convertible Notes

 

   Consolidated 
   30 June 2023   30 June 2022 
    $    $ 
Current liabilities          
Financial derivative liability   250,921    - 
Financial liability   928,867    - 
           
    1,179,788    - 
           
Non-current liabilities          
Financial liability   5,352,544    - 
           
    6,532,332    - 

 

Reconciliations

 

Reconciliation of convertible note since inception to 30 June 2023 is set out below:

 

   Consolidated 
   30 June 2023   30 June 2022 
    $    $ 
The initial recognition of the financial liability and derivative was:          
Financial derivative liability   2,120,963    - 
Financial liability   5,328,247    - 
           
    7,449,210    - 
           
Movement to 30 June 2023          
Loss on financial derivative   (1,870,042)   - 
Amortization of financial liability   928,281    - 
Foreign exchange loss on financial liability   24,883      
           
    6,532,332    - 

 

The financial liability and corresponding derivative represent the fair value of the loan facility Nova entered into on 27 October 2022 up to USD$7 million with an interest payable of 6.0% adjusted by the delta over a 3% SOFR floor. This was subsequently drawn down on 21 November 2022 and has a maturity of 24 months from draw down.

The facility has a conversion option which gives the lender the right to convert the principal plus any accrued interest into a variable number of shares. If Nova’s share price is greater than 150% of the conversion price, then Nova at its option may elect to force Nebari to convert the conversion amount, at the conversion price. Given the lender has the right to a variable number of shares and in accordance with IFRS 9 this constitutes a compound financial instrument which requires both a financial liability and derivative to be recognized.

The derivative is recognized first at fair value and subsequently remeasured at each reporting period with the corresponding gain or loss recognized through the profit and loss. The remaining value is recognized as a financial liability and amortized over the life of the loan based on a 25.89% effective interest rate in accordance with IFRS 9.

Nova may repay up to 50% of the outstanding principal in discounted shares (10% discount to the 15 day VWAP proceeding the prepayment date). In the event of a voluntary prepayment, Nova will also issue Nebari options to subscribe for Nova shares, with a 2 year expiry period from the date of the options issuance, at a strike price equal to a 40% premium to the VWAP of the Company’s shares for the 15 days preceding the earlier of the documentation completion date and the date at which the financing facility is announced to the public, converted at the AUD:USD exchange rate on the day preceding the conversion date (“Strike Price”) and in the amount of 80% of the Prepayment Amount divided by the Strike Price.

 

F-26

 

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Year Ended 30 June 2023

 

Note 13. Equity - Issued Capital

 

   Consolidated 
   30 June 2023   30 June 2022   30 June 2023   30 June 2022 
   Shares   Shares   $   $ 
                     
Issued capital   210,889,961    180,202,285    149,346,415    130,246,297 
Share issue costs   -    -    (6,559,744)   (4,533,038)
                     
    210,889,961    180,202,285    142,986,671    125,713,259 

 

   June 2023   June 2023   June 2022   June 2022 
Ordinary share - issued and fully paid  No   $   No   $ 
                     
At the beginning of the period   180,202,285    125,713,259    1,680,946,647    114,922,698 
- Contributions of equity   27,228,501    19,059,988    109,090,910    12,000,000 
- Shares issued on conversion of options   100,185    40,130    -    - 
- Shares issued on conversion of conversion of cashless options   3,358,990    -    -    - 
- Share buy back   -    -    -    - 
- Performance rights exercised Note 26   -    -    12,000,000    312,000 
- Consolidation of shares adjustment (a)   -    -    (1,621,835,272)   - 
- Share issue costs -  share based payments  note 25   -    (636,670)   -    (732,000)
- Share issue costs - cash payments   -    (1,190,036)   -    (789,439)
                     
Closing balance   210,889,961    142,986,671    180,202,285    125,713,259 

 

(a) On the 29 November 2021 the company completed share consolidation on a 10:1 basis

 

Ordinary shares

 

Ordinary shares entitle the holder to participate in dividends and the proceeds on the winding up of the company in proportion to the number of and amounts paid on the shares held. The fully paid ordinary shares have no par value and the company does not have a limited amount of authorized capital.

 

On a show of hands every member present at a meeting in person or by proxy shall have one vote and upon a poll each share shall have one vote.

 

Capital risk management

 

The consolidated entity’s objectives when managing capital is to safeguard its ability to continue as a going concern, so that it can provide returns for shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders and to maintain an optimum capital structure to reduce the cost of capital.

 

F-27

 

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Year Ended 30 June 2023

 

Note 14. Equity - Share Based-Payment Reserves

 

   Consolidated 
   30 June 2023   30 June 2022 
   $   $ 
           
Share-based payments reserve   8,726,228    7,309,323 

 

Share-based payments reserve

 

The reserve is used to recognize the value of equity benefits provided to employees and directors as part of their remuneration, and other parties as part of their compensation for services.

 

Movements in reserves

 

Movements in each class of reserve during the financial years are set out below:

 

   Consolidated 
   30 June 2023   30 June 2022 
   $   $ 
           
Opening balance   7,309,323    6,733,118 
Movement in reserve due to deconsolidation of Snow Lake Resources (note 8)   -    (1,043,848)
Options expense in period (note 26)   1,116,829    1,457,000 
Performance rights granted (note 26)   300,076    163,053 
           
Closing balance   8,726,228    7,309,323 

 

Note 15. Equity - Non-Controlling Interest

 

   Consolidated 
   30 June 2023   30 June 2022 
   $   $ 
           
Issued capital   7,357,911    7,357,911 
Reserves   685,141    392,832 
Accumulated losses   (256,268)   (169,118)
           
    7,786,784    7,581,625 

 

As of the 30 June 2023 the non-controlling interest is 15% equity holding in AKCM Pty Ltd (2022: 15%).

 

F-28

 

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Year Ended 30 June 2023

 

Note 16. Financial Instruments

 

The consolidated entity activities expose it to a variety of financial risks, market risk, credit risk and liquidity risk.

The Company’s overall risk management program focuses on the unpredictability of financial markets and seeks to minimize potential adverse effects of the financial performance of the entity.

Market Risk

Market risk is the risk that changes in market prices, such as foreign exchange risk, interest rates and equity prices will affect the Company’s income or the value of its holdings of financial instruments. The objective of market risk management is to manage and control market risk exposures within acceptable parameters, while optimizing the return.

The Company operates internationally and therefore there is exposure to foreign exchange risk arising from currency exposures. The Company is not exposed to equity security price risk and holds no equity investments. The Company is not exposed to commodity price risk as the Company is still carrying out exploration.

Interest Rate Risk

Interest rate risk arises from investment of cash at variable rates. The consolidated entity income and operating cash flows are not materially exposed to changes in market interest rates. At the reporting date, the interest rate profile of the Company’s interest-bearing financial instruments was:

 

   Consolidated 
   30 June 2023   30 June 2022 
   $   $ 
           

Variable Rate Instruments

          
Cash and cash equivalents   19,240,707    21,278,936 

 

Interest rate risk arises from investment of cash at variable rates. The Company’s income and operating cash flows are not materially exposed to changes in market interest rates.

 

An increase of 100 basis points (decrease of 100 basis points) in interest rates at the reporting date would have increased (decreased) equity and profit or loss by the amounts presented below. This analysis assumes that all other variables remain constant. The analysis was performed on the same basis for June 2022. The following table summarizes the sensitivity of the Company’s financial assets (cash) to interest rate risk:

 

F-29

 

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Year Ended 30 June 2023

 

Note 16. Financial Instruments Continued

 

       Profit or Loss   Profit or Loss   Equity   Equity 
   Carrying Amount   100 bp Increase   100 bp Decrease   100 bp Increase   100 bp Decrease 
   $   $   $   $   $ 
                          
30 June 2023                         
Variable rate instruments                         
Cash and cash equivalents   19,240,707    192,407    (192,407)   192,407    (192,407)

 

       Profit or (Loss)   Profit or (Loss)   Equity   Equity 
   Carrying Amount   100 bp Increase   100 bp Decrease   100 bp Increase   100 bp Decrease 
   $   $   $   $   $ 
                          
30 June 2022                         
Variable rate instruments                         
Cash and cash equivalents   21,278,936    212,789    (212,789)   212,789    (212,789)

 

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 contractual obligations.

The Company has no significant concentration of credit risk. Credit risk arises from cash and cash equivalents held with the bank and financial institutions and receivables due from other entities. For banks and financial institutions, only independently rated parties with a minimum rating of ‘A’ are accepted.

The maximum exposure to credit risk is the carrying amount of the financial asset. The maximum exposure to credit risk at the reporting date was:

 

   Consolidated 
   30 June 2023   30 June 2022 
   $   $ 
           
Cash and cash equivalents   19,240,707    21,278,936 
BAS Receivables   7,300    142,860 
           
    19,248,007    21,421,796 

 

Liquidity Risk

 

Liquidity risk is the risk that the consolidated entity will encounter difficulty in meeting the obligations associated with its financial liabilities that are settled by delivering cash or another financial asset. The Company’s liquidity risk arises from operational commitments. Prudent liquidity risk management implies maintaining sufficient cash and marketable securities. Management aims at maintaining flexibility in funding by regularly reviewing cash requirements and monitoring forecast cash flows.

The following are the contractual maturities of financial liabilities:

 

   Weighted Average Interest Rate   6 Months
or Less
   6 to 12
Months
   Between 2 and 5 Years   Over 5 Years   Total
Contractual
Cash Flows
 
Consolidated - 30 June 2023  %   $   $   $   $   $ 
                               
Non-derivatives                              
Non-interest bearing                              
Trade payables   -    2,414,485    -    -    -    2,414,485 
                               
Interest-bearing                              
Financial liability   -    -    928,867    5,352,544    -    6,281,411 
Total non-derivatives        2,414,485    928,867    5,352,544    -    8,695,896 
                               
Derivatives                              
Financial derivative liability   -    -    250,921    -    -    250,921 
Total non-derivatives        -    250,921    -    -    250,921 

 

F-30

 

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Year Ended 30 June 2023

 

Note 16. Financial Instruments Continued

 

   Weighted Average Interest Rate   6 Months
or Less
   6 to 12
Months
   Between 2 and 5 Years   Over 5 Years   Total
Contractual
Cash Flows
 
Consolidated - 30 June 2022  %   $   $   $   $   $ 
                               
Non-derivatives                              
Non-interest bearing                              
Trade payables   -    3,999,852    -    -    -    3,999,852 
Total non-derivatives        3,999,852    -    -    -    3,999,852 

 

Fair Value

 

The carrying amount of the financial assets and financial liabilities recorded in the financial statements represent their respective net fair value determined in accordance with the accounting policies.

Capital Management

 

The Company’s policy in relation to capital management is for management to regularly and consistently monitor future cash flows against expected expenditures for a rolling period of up to 12 months in advance. The Board determines the Company’s need for additional funding by way of either share placements or loan funds depending on market conditions at the time. Management defines working capital in such circumstances as its excess liquid funds over liabilities, and defines capital as being the ordinary share capital of the Company. There were no changes in the Company’s approach to capital management during the year. The Company is not subject to externally imposed capital requirements.

 

Note 17. Fair Value Measurement

 

The following tables detail the consolidated entity’s assets and liabilities, measured or disclosed at fair value, using a three-level hierarchy, based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the entire fair value measurement, being:

 

Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the entity can access at the measurement date

Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly

Level 3: Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability

 

   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
Consolidated - 30 June 2023  $   $   $   $ 
                                         
Assets                    
Investments at fair value   1,425,911    -    -    1,425,911 
Convertible note in Asra Minerals   -    250,000    -    250,000 
Total assets   1,425,911    250,000    -    1,675,911 
                     
Liabilities                    
Financial derivative liability   250,921    -    -    250,921 
Financial liability – Current   928,867    -    -    928,867 
Financial liability – Non-current   5,352,544    -    -    5,352,544 
Total assets   6,532,332    -    -    6,532,332 

 

   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
Consolidated - 30 June 2022  $   $   $   $ 
                               
Assets                              
Investments at fair value   3,797,443    -    -    3,797,443 
Total assets   3,797,443    -    -    3,797,443 

 

F-31

 

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Year Ended 30 June 2023

 

Note 18. Key Management Personnel Disclosures

 

The aggregate compensation made to directors and other members of key management personnel of the consolidated entity is set out below:

 

   Consolidated 
   30 June 2023   30 June 2022 
   $   $ 
           
Short-term employee benefits   924,437    597,673 
Share-based payments   321,109    229,277 
           
    1,245,546    826,950 

 

Note 19. Remuneration of Auditors

 

During the financial year the following fees were paid or payable for services provided by RSM Australia Partners and Grassi & Co., CPAs, P.C., the auditors of the company:

 

   Consolidated 
   30 June 2023   30 June 2022 
   $   $ 
           
Audit services - RSM Australia Partners          
Audit or review of the financial statements   81,000    77,500 
           
Other services - RSM Australia Partners          
Preparation of the tax return   38,849    3,656 
           
Other services - RSM USA          
Preparation of the tax return   52,730    - 
           
    172,579    81,156 

 

   Consolidated 
   30 June 2023   30 June 2022 
   $   $ 
           
Audit services – Grassi & Co.          
Audit and review of the financial statements   138,712    136,364 

 

F-32

 

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Year Ended 30 June 2023

 

Note 20. Contingent Liabilities

 

There are no contingent liabilities that the consolidated entity has become aware of at 30 June 2023 and 30 June 2022.

 

Note 21. Related Party Transactions

 

Parent entity

 

Nova Minerals Limited is the parent entity.

 

Subsidiaries

 

Interests in subsidiaries are set out in Note 23.

 

Key management personnel

 

Disclosures relating to key management personnel are set out in Note 18 and the remuneration report included in the directors’ report.

 

The following transactions occurred with related parties:

 

   Consolidated 
   30 June 2023   30 June 2022 
   $   $ 
           
Payment for goods and services:          
Payment to Benison Contractors Pty Ltd a company of Louie Siemens for Snow Lake Resources director fee   -    33,066 
Payment to Christopher Gerteisen for Snow Lake Resources consulting fees   -    6,533 
Payment to Speedy Investments Pty Ltd a company of Craig Bentley for consulting fees   -    1,700 
Payment to Harpia Group AG a company of Rodrigo Pasqua for consulting fees   -    12,160 

 

Loans to/from related parties

 

The following balances are outstanding at the reporting date in relation to loans with related parties:

 

   Consolidated 
   30 June 2023   30 June 2022 
   $   $ 
           
Current Receivables:          
Snow Lake Resources other receivable   150,207    29,216 
           
Non-Current Receivables:          
Loan to Rotor X   62,226    166,348 

 

Terms and conditions

 

All transactions were made on normal commercial terms and conditions and at market rates.

 

F-33

 

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Year Ended 30 June 2023

 

Note 22. Parent Entity Information

 

Set out below is the supplementary information about the parent entity.

 

Statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income

 

   Parent 
   30 June 2023   30 June 2022 
   $   $ 
           
Profit/(loss) after income tax   (10,534,690)   39,569,245 
           
Total comprehensive income/(loss)   (10,534,690)   39,569,245 

 

Statement of financial position

 

   Parent 
   30 June 2023   30 June 2022 
   $   $ 
           
Total current assets   17,352,971    6,338,838 
           
Total assets   118,145,995    103,094,398 
           
Total current liabilities   1,799,920    256,494 
           
Total liabilities   7,152,464    256,494 
           
Equity          
Issued capital   142,986,671    125,713,259 
Share-based payments reserve   8,726,228    7,309,323 
Accumulated losses   (40,719,368)   (30,184,678)
           
Total equity   110,993,531    102,837,904 

 

Contingent liabilities

 

The parent entity had no contingent liabilities as at 30 June 2023 and 30 June 2022.

 

Capital commitments - Property, plant and equipment

 

The parent entity had no capital commitments for property, plant and equipment as at 30 June 2023 and 30 June 2022.

 

Significant accounting policies

The accounting policies of the parent entity are consistent with those of the consolidated entity, as disclosed in note 1.

 

F-34

 

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Year Ended 30 June 2023

 

Note 23. Interests in Subsidiaries

 

The consolidated financial statements incorporate the assets, liabilities and results of the following subsidiaries with non-controlling interests in accordance with the accounting policy described in note 1:

 

          Parent   Non-Controlling Interest 
   Principal Place of Business /      Ownership Interest   Ownership Interest   Ownership Interest   Ownership Interest 
   Country of  Class of   30 June
2023
   30 June
2022
   30 June
2023
   30 June
2022
 
Name  Incorporation  Shares   %   %   %   % 
                             
AKCM (Aust) Pty Ltd*  Australia   Ordinary     85.00%   85.00%   15.00%   15.00%
AK Operations LLC  USA   Ordinary     100.00%   100.00%   -    - 
AK Custom Mining LLC  USA   Ordinary     100.00%   100.00%   -    - 
Alaska Range Resources LLC  USA   Ordinary    100.00%   -    -    - 

 

*AKCM (Aust) Pty Ltd is the immediate parent of AK Operations LLC and AK Custom Mining LLC.

 

F-35

 

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Year Ended 30 June 2023

 

Note 23. Interests in Subsidiaries Continued

 

Summarized financial information

 

Summarized financial information of subsidiaries with non-controlling interests that are material to the consolidated entity are set out below:

 

   AKCM (Aust) Pty Ltd   Snow Lake Resources Ltd   Alaska Range Resources LLC 
   30 June 2023   30 June 2022   30 June 2023   30 June 2022   30 June 2023 
   $   $   $   $   $ 
                     
Summarized statement of financial position                         
Current assets   1,827,323    15,182,579    -    -    555,600 
Non-current assets   83,964,996    59,691,189    -    -    - 
                          
Total assets   85,792,319    74,873,768    -    -    555,600 
                          
Current liabilities   141,459    3,743,091    -    -    1,652,893 
                          
Total liabilities   141,459    3,743,091    -    -    1,652,893 
                          
Net assets/(liabilities)   85,650,860    71,130,677    -    -    (1,097,293)
                          
Summarized statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income                         
Revenue   20,697    -    -    -    70 
Expenses   (495,779)   (450,134)   -    (817,608)   (561,538)
                          
Loss before income tax expense   (475,082)   (450,134)   -    (817,608)   (561,468)
Income tax expense   -    -    -    -    - 
                          
Loss after income tax expense   (475,082)   (450,134)   -    (817,608)   (561,468)
                          
Other comprehensive income/(loss)   -    -    -    -    - 
                          
Total comprehensive income/(loss)   (475,082)   (450,134)   -    (817,608)   (561,468)
                          
Statement of cash flows                         
Net cash used in operating activities   (238,904)   (9,139,831)   -    (274,751)   (394,604)
Net cash from/(used in) investing activities   (13,239,174)   19,980,149    -    (11,149)   (10,331,271)
Net cash from financing activities   -    -    -    -    11,349,211 
                          
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents   (13,478,078)   10,840,318    -    (285,900)   623,336 
                          
Other financial information                         
Loss attributable to non-controlling interests   (87,149)   (67,520)   -    (214,213)   - 
Accumulated non-controlling interests at the end of reporting period   (324,861)   (237,712)   -    (868,653)   - 

 

F-36

 

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Year Ended 30 June 2023

 

Note 24. Reconciliation of (loss)/profit after income tax to net cash used in operating activities

 

   Consolidated 
   30 June 2023   30 June 2022 
   $   $ 
           
(Loss)/profit after income tax expense for the year   (11,571,240)   34,402,821 
           
Adjustments for:          
Gain from sale of equipment   (16,137)   - 
Fair value gain on investments   2,577,419    (565,317)
Amortization of financial liability   928,281    - 
Depreciation   456,904    346,828 
Management fee   (47,423)   - 
Share based payments (Note 26)   780,235    1,200,053 
Non-cash finance costs   (1,870,042)   (133,649)
Gain from deconsolidation of Snow Lake Resources   -    (91,778,097)
Loss on disposal on Snow Lake Resources   -    9,102,187 
Foreign exchange movement on financial liability   24,883    - 
Interest income   -    (20,000)
Impairment of Investment in Snow Lake Resources   -    45,556,885 
Share of loss - associates   6,254,759    29,088 
Foreign exchange gain  intercompany loans   (868,392)   (1,533,601)
           
Change in operating assets and liabilities:          
Increase in trade and other receivables   (96,579)   (47,469)
Increase in trade and other payables   363,655    584,510 
           
Net cash used in operating activities   (3,083,677)   (2,855,761)

 

Note 25. Earnings/(Loss) per share

 

   Consolidated 
   30 June 2023   30 June 2022 
   $   $ 
           
(Loss)/profit after income tax   (11,571,240)   34,402,821 
Non-controlling interest   87,149    281,733 
           
(Loss)/profit after income tax   (11,484,091)   34,684,554 

 

   Number   Number 
Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in calculating basic earnings per share   198,945,248    176,847,043 
Adjustments for calculation of diluted earnings per share:          
Options over ordinary shares   -    12,150,000 
           
Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in calculating diluted earnings per share   198,945,248    188,997,043 

 

F-37

 

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Year Ended 30 June 2023

 

Note 25. Earnings/(Loss) per share Continued

 

   $   $ 
Basic (loss)/earnings per share   (0.06)   0.20 
Diluted (loss)/earnings per share   (0.06)   0.18 

 

As of the 30 June 2022 there were 12,150,000 outstanding unlisted options that would be included in the diluted calculation.

 

Note 26. Share-based payments

 

From time to time, the Group provides Incentive Options and Performance Rights to officers, employees, consultants and other key advisors as part of remuneration and incentive arrangements. The number of options or rights granted, and the terms of the options or rights granted are determined by the Board. Shareholder approval is sought where required. During the period the following share-based payments have been recognized:

 

Share-based payments

 

During the period, the following share-based payments have been granted:

 

   Consolidated 
   30 June 2023   30 June 2022 
   $   $ 
           
Recognized in profit & loss :          
Director options 1   332,560    - 
Consultant options 2   144,590    - 
Director options 3   3,009    - 
Advisor options 6   -    395,000 
Advisor options 7   -    330,000 
Total options granted   480,159    725,000 
           
Performance Rights          
Performance rights exercised note 13   -    312,000 
Performance rights granted   300,076    163,053 
Total performance rights   300,076    475,053 
           
Total   780,235    1,200,053 

 

   Consolidated 
   30 June 2023   30 June 2022 
   $   $ 
Recognized in equity:          
Options issued to brokers 4   636,670    - 
Options issued to brokers 5   -    732,000 
           
    636,670    732,000 

 

F-38

 

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Year Ended 30 June 2023

 

Note 26. Share-based payments Continued

 

Options granted

 

For the options granted during the June 2023 financial year, the valuation model inputs used to determine the fair value at the grant date, are as follows:

 

   1. Director Options  2. Consultants Options
       
Recognized in  Profit & Loss  Profit & Loss
Grant date  29/11/2022  29/11/2022
Number of options issued  5,750,000  2,500,000
Expiry date  30/11/2025  30/11/2025
Vesting date  30/11/2025  30/11/2025
Share price at grant date  0.66  0.66
Exercise Price  1.20  1.20
Expected Volatility  90%  90%
Risk-Free Interest Rate  3.24%  3.24%
Trinomial step  200  200
Early exercise factor  2.50  2.50
Underlying fair value at grant date  0.299  0.299
The total share-based payment expense recognized form the amortization as of the 30 June 2023 for the issued options  332,560  144,590
Vesting terms  Continuous employment and, $1bn project valuation 

Continuous

employment and, $1bn project valuation

 

   3. Director Options  4. Broker Options
       
Recognized in  Profit & Loss  Equity
Grant date  29/11/2022  16/09/2022
Number of options issued  200,000  1,714,286
Expiry date  7/10/2023  16/09/2025
Vesting date  29/11/2022  16/09/2022
Share price at grant date  0.66  0.78
Exercise Price  2.20  0.91
Expected Volatility  90%  90%
Risk-Free Interest Rate  3.18%  3.45%
Trinomial step  200  200
Early exercise factor  2.5  2.5
Underlying fair value at grant date  0.0329  0.3714
Fair Value  3,009  636,670

 

   5. Broker options  6. Advisor options  7. Advisor options
          
Recognized in  Equity note 13  P&L  P&L
Grant date  27/09/2021  20/10/2021  20/10/2021
Issued date  27/09/2021  20/10/2021  20/10/2021
Number of options issued  1,200,000  500,000  500,000
Expiry date  27/09/2023  20/05/2023  7/10/2023
Vesting date  27/09/2021  20/10/2021  20/10/2021
Share price at grant date  1.45  1.55  1.55
Exercise Price  2.200  1.350  2.200
Expected Volatility  100% 100%  100%
Risk-Free Interest Rate  0.26% 0.26%  0.26%
Underlying fair value at grant date  0.61  0.79  0.66
Fair Value  732,000  395,000  330,000

 

F-39

 

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Year Ended 30 June 2023

 

Note 26. Share-based payments Continued

 

Option movement June 2023

 

Set out below are movements in options on issue over ordinary shares of Nova Minerals Limited during the 30 June 2023 financial year:

 

Exercise period  Exercise price   Beginning balance   Issued   Exercised   Lapsed   Ending balance 
                         
On or before 19 September 2022   0.40    6,100,000    -    (6,100,000)   -    - 
On or before 28 October 2022   0.56    150,000    -    (150,000)   -    - 
On or before 28 January 2023   0.60    750,000    -    -    (750,000)   - 
On or before 2 December 2022   3.00    1,050,000    -    -    (1,050,000)   - 
On or before 29 December 2023   0.75    1,100,000    -    -    -    1,100,000 
On or before 20 May 2023   1.35    1,100,000    500,000    -    (1,600,000)   - 
On or before 23 September 2023   2.20    1,700,000    200,000    -    -    1,900,000 
On or before 30 November 2024   1.10    -    13,614,264    -    -    13,614,264 
On or before 30 November 2025   1.20    -    8,250,000    -    -    8,250,000 
On or before 16 January 2026   0.91    -    1,714,286    -    -    1,714,286 
On or before 30 April 2024 (1)   0.70    -    6,993,793    (185)   -    6,993,608 
Total        11,950,000    31,272,343    (6,250,185)   (3,400,000)   33,572,158 

 

(1) For every two options exercised at A$0.70, holder will receive an option to purchase one additional ordinary share at an exercise price of A$1.00, with an expiry date of June 30, 2025.

 

Option movement June 2022

 

Set out below are movements in options on issue over ordinary shares of Nova Minerals Limited during the 30 June 2022 financial year:

 

Exercise period  Exercise price   Beginning balance   Issued    Exercised    Lapsed    Ending balance 
                                 
On or before 19 September 2022   0.40    6,100,000    -     -     -    6,100,000 
On or before 28 October 2022   0.56    150,000    -     -     -    150,000 
On or before 28 January 2023   0.60    750,000    -     -     -    750,000 
On or before 2 December 2022   3.0    1,050,000    -     -     -    1,050,000 
On or before 29 December 2023   0.75    1,100,000    -     -     -    1,100,000 
On or before 20 May 2023   1.35    600,000    -     -     -    600,000 
On or before 27 September 2023   2.20    -    1,200,000     -     -    1,200,000 
On or before 20 May 2023   1.40    -    500,000     -     -    500,000 
On or before 7 October 2023   2.20    -    500,000     -     -    500,000 
Total        9,750,000    2,200,000     -     -    11,950,000 

 

On the 29 November 2021 the company completed share consolidation on a 10:1 basis

 

The weighted average year remaining contractual life

 

The weighted average number of years remaining for the contractual life for share-based payment options outstanding as of the 30 June 2023 was 1.51 years (2022: 0.60 years).

 

Performance rights

 

In 2022 the Company issued 24 million performance rights (2.4 million post-consolidation) to three directors. The terms of the performance rights issued were disclosed in the annual general meeting notice announced 22 October 2021. The performance rights are long-term incentives to offer conditional rights to fully paid ordinary shares in the Company upon satisfaction of vesting criteria over the vesting periods for no cash consideration. Fair value has been measured using the share price at grant date.

 

F-40

 

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Year Ended 30 June 2023

 

Note 26. Share-based payments Continued

 

Vesting conditions for the rights are set out in the table below:

 

Class of Performance   Applicable   Lapse Rights
Rights   Milestone   Date   Issued
             
Class A Performance Rights   Completion of either a pre-feasibility study or a definitive feasibility study of the Korbel Main deposit that demonstrates at the time of reporting that extraction is reasonably justified and economically mineable indicating an internal rate of return to the Company of greater than 20% and an independently verified JORC classified mineral reserve equal to or greater than 1,500,000 oz Au with an average grade of not less than 0.4g/t for not less than 116Mt.   5 years from issue   600,000
Class B Performance Rights   Completion of the first gold pour (defined as a minimum quantity of 500 oz.) from the Korbel Main deposit.   5 years from issue   600,000
Class C Performance Rights   Achievement of an EBITDA of more than $20m in the second half-year reporting period following the commencement of commercial operations at the Korbel Main deposit.   5 years from issue   1,200,000

 

30 June 2023 performance rights

 

The performance rights were valued as the closing share price $1.30 on the grant date 24 November 2021. The total share-based payment expense recognized from the amortization of the 2022 issued performance rights was $300,076 for the 30 June 2023 financial year

 

30 June 2022 performance rights

 

The performance rights were valued as the closing share price $1.30 on the grant date 24 November 2021. The total share-based payment expense recognized from the amortization of the 2022 issued performance rights was $163,053 for the 30 June 2022 financial year

 

Set out below are the summaries of Performance rights granted during period as share based payments

 

          Price at           Expired/   Balance at 
          grant           Lapsed/   the end of 
Grant date  Expiry date  Class   date   Granted   Exercised   other   the year 
                                 
24/11/2021  24/11/2026  A    $1.30    600,000    -    -    600,000 
24/11/2021  24/11/2026  B   $1.30    600,000    -    -    600,000 
24/11/2021  24/11/2026  C   $1.30    1,200,000    -    -    1,200,000 

 

F-41

 

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Year Ended 30 June 2023

 

Note 27. Events after the reporting period

 

The following events have occurred subsequent to the period end:  

 

The Company announced visible gold at the high-grade RPM Deposit, within the Company’s flagship Estelle Gold Project, located in the prolific Tintina Gold Belt in Alaska.

 

The Company announced that on 3 August 2023 Alaska’s State Governor, Mike Dunleavy, along with the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (“DOT&PF”) Commissioner, Ryan Anderson visited the Company’s Estelle Gold Project located in the West Susitna Mining District, Alaska, USA. The Governor and Commissioner’s visit comprised part of an overview tour of the mining district and the proposed West Susitna Access Road (“WSAR”), for which some significant advancements have been announced recently, and will potentially provide direct all year and all weather access to the Estelle project site.

 

The Company announced that the Rotor X Aircraft Manufacturing Company of Chandler Arizona (in which Nova holds a 9.9% investment stake), in partnership with US defense contractor Advanced Tactics, has now completed a major milestone with the development and hundreds of unmanned test flights of its new fully electric eVTOL DRAGON Personal Air Vehicle (PAV). With this major milestone achieved manned flights will now commence, with commercial delivery of the PAV beginning in September 2023.

 

No other matters or circumstance has arisen since 30 June 2023 that has significantly affected, or may significantly affect the consolidated entity’s operations, the results of those operations, or the consolidated entity’s state of affairs in future financial years.

 

F-42

 

 

Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss

and Other Comprehensive Income

For the Half-Year Ended 31 December 2023 and 2022

 

       Consolidated 
   Note  

31 Dec 2023

  

31 Dec 2022

 
       $   $ 
             
Revenue               
Other income               
Foreign exchange movement on financial liability        (35,932)   103,691 
Interest income        173,536    - 
Fair value loss on investments   6    (450,646)   (1,264,375)
Gain on sale of property plant & equipment        -    16,137 
Gain from sale of investments   6    51,464    - 
Gain on derivative liabilities        28,967    386,493 
Foreign exchange (loss)/gain        (1,549,439)   158,208 
Impairment of Snow Lake Resources   5    (4,663,083)   - 
Share of profits of associate accounted for using equity method        (862,231)   (2,449,281)
Total other income (expense)        (7,307,364)   (3,049,127)
                
Expenses               
Administration expenses        (1,240,671)   (1,324,845)
Contractors & consultants        (256,609)   (519,748)
Share based payments   17    (96,655)   (809,172)
Amortization of financial liability   3    55,192    (151,229)
Finance costs   3    (348,433)   (49,330)
Total expenses        (1,887,176)   (2,854,324)
                
Loss before income tax expense        (9,194,540)   (5,903,451)
                
Income tax expense        -    - 
                
Loss after income tax expense for the half-year        (9,194,540)   (5,903,451)
                
Other comprehensive (loss)/income               
                
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss               
Foreign currency translation        (1,542,897)   809,851 
                
Other comprehensive (loss)/income for the half-year, net of tax        (1,542,897)   809,851 
                
Total comprehensive loss for the half-year        (10,737,437)   (5,093,600)
                
Loss for the half-year is attributable to:               
Non-controlling interest        (51,229)   (45,564)
Owners of Nova Minerals Limited        (9,143,311)   (5,857,887)
                
         (9,194,540)   (5,903,451)
                
Total comprehensive (loss)/income for the half-year is attributable to:               
Non-controlling interest        (286,168)   77,889 
Owners of Nova Minerals Limited        (10,451,269)   (5,171,489)
                
         (10,737,437)   (5,093,600)

 

       $   $ 
Basic (loss) per share   16    (0,04)   (0.03)
Diluted (loss) per share   16    (0.04)   (0.03)

 

F-43

 

 

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

As of 31 December 2023 and 30 June 2023

 

       Consolidated 
   Note  

31 Dec 2023

  

30 Jun 2023

 
       $   $ 
             
Assets               
Current assets               
Cash and cash equivalents        6,228,229    19,240,707 
Trade and other receivables   4    400,534    495,186 
Total current assets        6,628,763    19,735,893 
                
Non-current assets               
Investment in associate   5    11,242,193    16,767,507 
Other financial assets   6    2,250,018    1,738,137 
Property, plant and equipment   7    2,815,241    3,025,170 
Exploration and evaluation   8    87,762,108    81,070,075 
Total non-current assets        104,069,560    102,600,889 
                
Total assets        110,698,323    122,336,782 
                
Liabilities               
                
Current liabilities               
Trade and other payables        1,036,702    2,414,485 
Convertible note   9    6,912,438    1,179,788 
Total current liabilities        7,949,140    3,594,273 
                
Non-current liabilities               
Convertible note   9    -    5,352,544 
Total non-current liabilities        -    5,352,544 
                
Total liabilities        7,949,140    8,946,817 
                
Net assets        102,749,183    113,389,965 
                
Equity               
Issued capital   10    142,986,671    142,986,671 
Foreign currency reserves        2,567,347    3,875,305 
Share based-payment reserves   11    8,822,883    8,726,228 
Accumulated losses        (59,128,334)   (49,985,023)
Equity attributable to the owners of Nova Minerals Limited        95,248,567    105,603,181 
Non-controlling interest   12    7,500,616    7,786,784 
                
Total equity        102,749,183    113,389,965 

 

F-44

 

 

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

For the Half-Year Ended 31 December 2023 and 2022

 

   Issued   Share based payments   Foreign currency   Accumulated   Non-controlling    
   capital   reserves   reserves   losses   interest   Total equity 
Consolidated  $   $   $   $   $   $ 
                         
Balance at 1 July 2022   125,713,259    7,309,323    2,226,051    (38,500,932)   7,581,625    104,329,326 
                               
Loss after income tax expense for the half-year   -    -    -    (5,857,887)   (45,564)   (5,903,451)
Other comprehensive income/(loss) for the half-year, net of tax   -    -    686,397    -    123,453    809,850 
                               
Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the half-year   -    -    686,397    (5,857,887)   77,889    (5,093,601)
                               
Transactions with owners in their capacity as owners:                              
Issue of shares for cash   18,474,999    -    -    -    -    18,474,999 
Exercise of options   40,000    -    -    -    -    40,000 
Share issue costs   (1,822,784)   -    -    -    -    (1,822,784)
Share options expense for period   -    1,308,220    -    -    -    1,308,220 
Performance rights granted   -    137,622    -    -    -    137,622 
                               
Balance at 31 December 2022   142,405,474    8,755,165    2,912,448    (44,358,819)   7,659,514    117,373,782 

 

   Issued   Share based payments   Foreign currency   Accumulated   Non-controlling    
   capital   reserves   reserves   losses   interest   Total equity 
Consolidated  $   $   $   $   $   $ 
                         
Balance at 1 July 2023   142,986,671    8,726,228    3,875,305    (49,985,023)   7,786,784    113,389,965 
                               
Loss after income tax expense for the half-year   -    -    -    (9,143,311)   (51,229)   (9,194,540)
Other comprehensive (loss)/income for the half-year, net of tax   -    -    (1,307,958)   -    (234,939)   (1,542,897)
                               
Total comprehensive (loss)/income for the half-year   -    -    (1,307,958)   (9,143,311)   (286,168)   (10,737,437)
                               
Transactions with owners in their capacity as owners:                              
Share options expense for period (note 17)   -    401,582    -    -    -    401,582 
Performance rights expense for period (note 17)   -    (304,927)   -    -    -    (304,927)
                               
Balance at 31 December 2023   142,986,671    8,822,883    2,567,347    (59,128,334)   7,500,616    102,749,183 

 

F-45

 

 

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

For the Half-Year Ended 31 December 2023 and 2022

 

       Consolidated 
   Note  

31 Dec 2023

  

31 Dec 2022

 
         $    $ 
                
Cash flows from operating activities               
Payments to suppliers and employees (inclusive of GST)        (1,152,842)   (1,433,529)
Interest received        173,535    - 
Finance charges        (293,049)   - 
                
Net cash used in operating activities        (1,272,356)   (1,433,529)
                
Cash flows from investing activities               
Payments for property, plant and equipment        (237,829)   (104,464)
Payments for exploration and evaluation        (10,523,508)   (19,064,831)
Convertible note in Asra Minerals Limited        125,000    (250,000)
Monies received from related party        -    74,239 
Payments to acquire investments        (1,071,058)   - 
Proceeds from disposal of Investments        51,464    - 
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment        -    38,500 
                
Net cash used in investing activities        (11,655,931)   (19,306,556)
                
Cash flows from financing activities               
Proceeds from issue of shares   10    -    18,474,999 
Proceeds from Issue of convertible note        -    7,449,210 
Proceeds from exercise of options        -    40,000 
Corporate advisory costs        -    (300,000)
Share issue transaction costs        -    (1,257,391)
                
Net cash from financing activities        -    24,406,818 
                
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents        (12,928,287)   3,666,733 
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the financial half-year        19,240,707    21,278,936 
Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents        (84,191)   34,176 
                
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the financial half-year        6,228,229    24,979,845 

 

F-46

 

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Half-Year Ended 31 December 2023

 

Note 1. Material Accounting Policies

 

These general purpose financial statements for the interim half-year reporting period ended 31 December 2023 have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 134 ‘Interim Financial Reporting’ and the Corporations Act 2001, as appropriate for for-profit oriented entities.

 

These general purpose financial statements do not include all the notes of the type normally included in annual financial statements. Accordingly, these financial statements are to be read in conjunction with the annual report for the year ended 30 June 2023 and any public announcements made by the company during the interim reporting period in accordance with the continuous disclosure requirements of the Corporations Act 2001.

 

The accounting policies adopted are consistent with those of the previous financial year and corresponding interim reporting period, unless otherwise stated.

 

Foreign Currency Translation

 

The financial statements are presented in Australian dollars, which is Nova Minerals Limited’s functional and presentation currency New or Amended Accounting Standards and Interpretations Adopted The consolidated entity has adopted all of the new or amended Accounting Standards and Interpretations issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (‘IASB’) that are mandatory for the current reporting period.

 

Any new or amended Accounting Standards or Interpretations that are not yet mandatory have not been early adopted.

 

Going Concern

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern.

 

For the period ended 31 Dec 2023, the Company incurred a net loss after tax of $9,194,540 and utilized cash in operating and investing activities of $1,272,356 and $11,655,931 respectively. The ability to continue as a going concern and realize its exploration asset is dependent on a number of factors, the most significant of which is obtaining additional funding to complete the exploration activities.

 

These factors indicate a material uncertainty which may cast significant doubt as to whether the Company will continue as a going concern and therefore whether it will realize its assets and extinguish its liabilities in the normal course of business and at the amounts stated in the financial report.

 

The directors have reviewed the Companies overall position and outlook in respect of the matters identified above and are of the opinion that the use of the going concern basis is appropriate in the circumstances for the following reasons:

 

The Company has cash resources of $6,228,229 as at 31 December 2023;
The Company has net assets of $102,749,183
The Company has the ability to scale back its exploration activities should funding not be available to continue exploration at its current levels; and
The Company has listed investments that can be realized as needed to support the company’s cash flows

 

The financial report does not include any adjustments relating to the amounts or classification of recorded assets or liabilities that might be necessary if the company and Group does not continue as a going concern.

 

F-47

 

 

Nova Minerals Limited

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

31 December 2023

 

Note 2. Operating Segments

 

Operating segment information is disclosed on the same basis as information used for internal reporting purposes by the Board of Directors.

 

At regular intervals, the board is provided management information for the Company’s cash position, the carrying values of exploration permits and Company cash forecast for the next twelve months of operation. On this basis, the board considers the consolidated entity operates in one segment being exploration of minerals and two geographical areas, being Australia and United States. For the December 2023 period the Canadian assets relate to the investment in associate and the exploration asset has been eliminated due to the deconsolidation.

 

Geographical information

 

   Interest income   Geographical non-current assets 
   31 Dec 2023   31 Dec 2022   31 Dec 2023   30 Jun 2023 
   $   $   $   $ 
                 
Australia   173,290    -    1,019,378    1,470, 024 
Canada   -    -    11,242,193    16,767,507 
United States   246    -    91,807,899    84,363,358 
                     
    173,536    -    104,069,560    102,600,889 

 

Note 3. Expenses

 

   Consolidated 
   31 Dec 2023   31 Dec 2022 
   $   $ 
         
Loss before income tax includes the following specific expenses:          
           
Depreciation   255,811    211,443 
Superannuation   554    610 
Corporate and consultants   256,609    519,748 
           
Finance costs          
Finance charges   348,433    49,330 
Amortisation of financial liability   (55,192)   151,229 
           
Finance costs expensed   293,241    200,559 

 

Note 4. Trade and Other Receivables

 

   Consolidated 
   31 Dec 2023   30 Jun 2023 
   $   $ 
         
Current assets          
Other receivable   244,804    264,705 
Rent Bond   -    5,830 
Prepayments   150,226    217,351 
GST receivable   5,504    7,300 
           
    400,534    495,186 

 

F-48

 

 

Nova Minerals Limited

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

31 December 2023

 

Note 5. Investment in Associate

 

   Consolidated 
   31 Dec 2023   30 Jun 2023 
   $   $ 
         
Non-current assets          
Investment in Snow Lake Resources   11,242,193    16,767,507 
           
Reconciliation          
Reconciliation of the carrying amounts at the beginning and end of the current and previous financial half-year are set out below:          
           
Opening carrying amount   16,767,507    23,022,266 
Share of Snow Lake Resources (loss)/profit for period   (862,231)   (6,254,759)
Impairment of investment in Snow Lake Resources   (4,663,083)   - 
           
Closing carrying amount   11,242,193    16,767,507 

 

On the 23 November 2021 Nova Minerals’ 73.8% owned subsidiary Snow Lake Resources completed an initial public offering on the NASDAQ stock exchange. Following the flotation Nova’s shareholding in Snow Lake Resources was reduced to 54.5% and 46.1% on a fully diluted basis. As of 31 December 2023, Nova Minerals owns 32.5% of Snow Lake Resources due to dilution and has applied the equity method of investment accounting for its interest in Snow Lake Resources.

 

As a result of the shareholding dilution, as well as the company having limited oversight in management of Snow Lake Resources, the directors of Nova Minerals determined the company had lost control of its subsidiary as at 23 November 2021.

 

In line with IFRS 10 Consolidated Financial Statements, Nova Minerals has derecognized the assets and liabilities of the Snow Lake Resources group in its consolidated statement of financial position as at 23 November 2021, generating a loss on deconsolidation recognized in the consolidated profit and loss statement of the group in the period.

 

As a result of a significant and prolonged decline in the operations of Snow Lake Resources, management have decided to recognize an impairment as at 31 December 2023 of $4,663,083.

 

As at the 31 December 2023 Nova Mineral’s 6,600,000 shares in Snow Lake Resources, which is listed on NASDAQ, had a market price of US$1.17 per share, giving a fair value as of that date of $11,289,487 (30 June 2023, 6,600,000 shares with a market value of US$2.27 per share giving a fair value of $22,597.351).

 

Summarized financial information

Summarized financial information of Snow Lake Resources is set out below:

 

   Snow Lake Resources 
   31 Dec 2023   30 June 2023 
   $   $ 
Summarized statement of financial position           

Cash

    6,988,270    4,357,704 
Other current assets    722,271    1,220,054 
Total current assets   

7,710,541

    

5,577,758

 
Non-current assets   

26,014,381

    

24,396,133

 
Total assets    33,724,922    29,973,891 
            
Other current liabilities    1,951,344    2,225,191 
Derivative liabilities   

1,371,250

    

2,180,901

 
Non-current liabilities    3,383,599    35,293 
Total liabilities    6,706,193    4,441,385 
Net Assets    27,018,729    25,532,506 

 

   Snow Lake Resources 
   31 Dec 2023   31 Dec 2022 
   $   $ 
Summarized statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income          
Revenue   -    - 
Bank fees and interest   (5,300)   (7,955)
Depreciation on right-of-use assets   (17,956)   - 
Other expenses   (4,449,729)   (8,029,095)
Total expenses   (4,472,985)   (8,037,050)
Loss before income tax expense   (4,472,985)   (8,037,050)
Income tax expense   -    - 
Loss after income tax expense   (4,472,985)   (8,037,050)
           
Other comprehensive income   1,845,445    1,374,973 
Total comprehensive income (loss)   (2,627,540)   (6,662,077)

 

Note 6. Other Financial Assets

 

   Consolidated 
   31 Dec 2023   30 Jun 2023 
   $   $ 
         
Non-current assets          
Investments in Asra Minerals Limited at fair value   894,378    1,220,024 
Investment in Alaska Asia Clean Energy Corp at fair value   205,887    205,887 
Loans granted to related parties   62,226    62,226 
Loan to Alaska Asia Clean Energy Corp   962,527    - 
Convertible note in Asra Minerals Limited   125,000    250,000 
           
    2,250,018    1,738,137 

 

F-49

 

 

Nova Minerals Limited

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

31 December 2023

 

   Consolidated 
   31 Dec 2023   30 Jun 2023 
   $   $ 
         
Reconciliation Investments at fair value          
Reconciliation of the carrying amounts at the beginning and end of the current and previous financial year are set out below:          
Opening balance   1,425,911    3,797,443 
Addition          
Alaska Asia Clean Energy Corp   -    205,887 
Asra Minerals Shares   125,000    - 
AX8 Shares   51,464    - 
Disposal          
AX8 shares   (51,464)   - 
Movement in fair value          
Asra Minerals Shares   (404,138)   (2,112,330)
Asra Minerals ASROB options   (46,508)   (465,089)
           
Closing fair value   1,100,265    1,425,911 

 

The Investment in Asra Minerals Limited comprises shares and options held by the group measured at fair value. The group shareholding in Asra Minerals comprises 7.73% ownership.

 

Note 7. Property, Plant and Equipment

 

   Consolidated 
   31 Dec 2023   30 Jun 2023 
   $   $ 
         
Non-current assets          
Plant and equipment - at cost   4,212,843    4,206,168 
Less: Accumulated depreciation   (1,397,602)   (1,180,998)
           
    2,815,241    3,025,170 

 

Reconciliations

 

Reconciliations of the written down values at the beginning and end of the current financial half-year are set out below:

 

   Consolidated 
   31 Dec 2023   30 Jun 2023 
   $   $ 
         
Consolidated        
           
Opening balance   3,025,170    3,118,808 
Additions   116,502    283,655 
Foreign exchange movement   (70,620)   98,474 
Depreciation expense   (255,811)   (456,904)
Disposals   -    (18,863)
           
Closing balance   2,815,241    3,025,170 

 

F-50

 

 

Nova Minerals Limited

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

31 December 2023

 

Note 8. Exploration and Evaluation

 

   Consolidated 
   31 Dec 2023   30 Jun 2023 
   $   $ 
         
Non-current assets          
Exploration and evaluation expenditure   87,762,108    81,070,075 

 

Reconciliations

 

Reconciliations of the written down values at the beginning and end of the current financial half-year are set out below:

 

 

31 Dec 2023

  

30 June 2023

 
Consolidated  $   $ 
         
Opening balance   81,070,075    56,702,626 
Additions   9,176,938    22,157,270 
Revaluation due to foreign exchange   (2,484,905)   2,210,179 
           
Closing balance   87,762,108    81,070,626 

 

Note 9. Convertible Note

 

   Consolidated 
   31 Dec 2023   30 Jun 2023 
   $   $ 
         
Current liabilities          
Financial Derivative Liability   221,954    250,921 
Financial Liability   6,690,484    928,867 
           
    6,912,438    1,179,788 
           
Non-current liabilities          
Financial Liability   -    5,352,544 
           
    6,912,438    6,532,332 

 

F-51

 

 

Nova Minerals Limited

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

31 December 2023

 

Reconciliations

 

Reconciliation of convertible note since inception to 31 December 2023 is set out below:

 

   31 Dec 2023   30 June 2023 
   $   $ 
         
The opening balance of the financial liability and derivative was:          
Financial Derivative Liability   250,921    2,120,963 
Financial Liability   6,281,411    5,328,247 
    6,532,332    7,449,210 
Movement          
Gain on financial derivative   (28,967)   (1,870,042)

Amortization of financial liability

   (55,192)   928,281 

Financial liability movement

   428,333    - 
Foreign exchange movement   35,932    24,883 
           
    6,912,438    6,532,332 

 

The financial liability and corresponding derivative represent the fair value of the loan facility Nova entered into on 27 October 2022 up to USD$7 million with an interest payable of 6.0% adjusted by the delta over a 3% SOFR floor. This was subsequently drawn down on 21 November 2022 and has a maturity of 24 months from draw down.

 

The facility has a conversion option which gives the lender the right to convert the principal plus any accrued interest into a variable number of shares. If Nova’s share price is greater than 150% of the conversion price, then Nova at its option may elect to force Nebari to convert the conversion amount, at the conversion price. Given the lender has the right to a variable number of shares and in accordance with IFRS 9 this constitutes a compound financial instrument which requires both a financial liability and derivative to be recognized.

 

The derivative is recognized first at fair value and subsequently remeasured at each reporting period with the corresponding gain or loss recognized through the profit and loss. The remaining value is recognized as a financial liability and amortized over the life of the loan based on a 25.23% effective interest rate in accordance with IFRS 9.

 

Nova may repay up to 50% of the outstanding principal in discounted shares (10% discount to the 15-day VWAP proceeding the prepayment date). In the event of a voluntary prepayment, Nova will also issue Nebari options to subscribe for Nova shares, with a 2 year expiry period from the date of the options issuance, at a strike price equal to a 40% premium to the VWAP of the Company’s shares for the 15 days preceding the earlier of the documentation completion date and the date at which the financing facility is announced to the public, converted at the AUD:USD exchange rate on the day preceding the conversion date (“Strike Price”) and in the amount of 80% of the Prepayment Amount divided by the Strike Price.

 

Note 10. Issued Capital

 

   Consolidated 
   31 Dec 2023   31 Dec 2023   30 June 2023   30 Jun 2023 
   Shares   $   Shares   $ 
                 
Issued capital   210,889,961    1490,346,415    210,889,961    149,346,415 
Share issue costs   -    (6,359,744)        (6,359,744)
                     
    210,889,961    142,986,671    210,889,961    142,986,671 

 

F-52

 

 

Nova Minerals Limited

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

31 December 2023

 

   Dec 2023   Dec 2023   June 2023   June 2023 
Ordinary share - issued and fully paid  No   $   No   $ 
                 
At the beginning of the period   210,889,961    142,986,671    180,202,285    125,713,259 
- Contributions of equity   -    -    27,228,501    19,059,988 
- Shares issued on conversion of options   -    -    100,185    40,130 
- Shares issued on conversion of cashless options   -    -    3,358,990    - 
- Share issue costs - share based payments   -    -    -    (636,670)
- Share issue costs - cash payments   -    -    -    (1,190,036)
                     
Closing balance   210,889,961    142,986,671    210,889,961    142,986,671 

 

Ordinary shares

 

Ordinary shares entitle the holder to participate in dividends and the proceeds on the winding up of the company in proportion to the number of and amounts paid on the shares held. The fully paid ordinary shares have no par value and the company does not have a limited amount of authorized capital.

 

On a show of hands every member present at a meeting in person or by proxy shall have one vote and upon a poll each share shall have one vote.

 

Note 11. Share-Based Payment Reserves

 

   Consolidated 
   31 Dec 2023   30 Jun 2023 
   $   $ 
         
Share based payment reserve   8,822,883    8,726,228 

 

Share-based payments reserve

 

The reserve is used to recognize the value of equity benefits provided to employees and directors as part of their remuneration, and other parties as part of their compensation for services.

 

Movements in reserves

 

Movements in each class of reserve during the current financial half-year are set out below:

 

Consolidated 

31 Dec 2023

  

30 Jun 2023

 
   $   $ 
         
Opening balance   8,726,228    7,309,323 
Options expense in period (note 16)   401,582    1,116,829 
Performance expense in period (note 16)   (304,927)   300,076 
           
Carrying balance   8,822,883    8,726,228 

 

Note 12. Non-Controlling Interest

 

   Consolidated 
   31 Dec 2023   30 Jun 2023 
   $   $ 
         
Issued capital   7,357,911    7,357,911 
Reserves   450,202    685,141 
Accumulated losses   (307,497)   (256,268)
           
    7,500,616    7,786,784 

 

As of the 31 December 2023 the non-controlling interest is 15% (30 June 2023: 15%) equity holding in AKCM Pty Ltd.

 

F-53

 

 

Nova Minerals Limited

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

31 December 2023

 

Note 13. Fair Value Measurements

 

The following tables detail the consolidated entity’s assets and liabilities, measured or disclosed at fair value, using a three-level hierarchy, based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the entire fair value measurement, being:

 

Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the entity can access at the measurement date

 

Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly

 

Level 3: Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability

 

   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
Consolidated - 31 December 2023  $   $   $   $ 
                 
Assets                    
Investments at fair value   1,100,265    -    -    1,100,265 
Convertible note in Asra Minerals Limited   -    125,000    -    125,000 
Loan to Alaska Asia Clean Energy Corp        962,527         962,527 
Total assets   1,100,265    1,087,527    -    2,187,792 
                     
Liabilities                    
Financial Derivative Liability   221,954    -    -    221,954 
Financial Liability - current   6,690,484    -    -    6,690,484 
Total liabilities   6,912,438    -    -    6,912,438 

 

   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
Consolidated - 30 June 2023  $   $   $   $ 
                 
Assets                    
Investments at fair value   1,425,911    -    -    1,425,911 
Convertible note in Asra Minerals Limited   -    250,000    -    250,000 
Total assets   1,425,911    250,000    -    1,675,911 
                     
Liabilities                    
Financial Derivative Liability   250,921    -    -    250,921 
Financial Liability - current   928,867    -    -    928,867 
Financial Liability – non-current   5,352,544    -    -    5,352,544 
Total liabilities   6,532,332    -    -    6,532,332 

 

Note 14. Contingent Liabilities

 

There are no contingent liabilities that the consolidated entity has become aware of at 31 December 2023 and 30 June 2023.

 

Note 15. Earnings/(Loss) Per Share

 

   Consolidated 
   31 Dec 2023   31 Dec 2022 
   $   $ 
         
Loss after income tax   (9,194,540)   (5,903,451)
Non-controlling interest   51,229    45,564 
           
Loss after income tax   (9,143,311)   (5,857,887)

 

F-54

 

 

Nova Minerals Limited

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

31 December 2023

 

   Number   Number 
         
Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in calculating basic earnings per share   210,889,961    184,228,086 
Adjustments for calculation of diluted earnings per share:          
Options outstanding   -    28,510,727 
Performance rights   -    2,400,000 
           
Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in calculating diluted earnings per share   210,889,961    215,138,813 

 

   $   $ 
         
Basic (loss) per share   (0.04)   (0.03)
Diluted (loss) per share   (0.04)   (0.03)

 

- As of the 31 December 2023 there were 0 outstanding unlisted options that would be included in the diluted calculation.

 


- As of the 31 December 2022 there were 28,510,727 outstanding unlisted options that would be included in the diluted calculation.

 

Note 16. Share-Based Payments

 

From time to time, the Group provides Incentive Options and Performance Rights to officers, employees, consultants, and other key advisors as part of remuneration and incentive arrangements. The number of options or rights granted, and the terms of the options or rights granted are determined by the Board. Shareholder approval is sought where required. During the period the following share-based payments have been recognized:

 

Share-based payments

 

During the period, the following share-based payments have been granted:

 

   Consolidated 
   31 Dec 2023   31 Dec 2022 
   $   $ 
         
Recognized in profit & loss :          
1 - Director options   -    450,956 
2 - Consultant options   -    196,068 
3.- Director options   -    6,582 
4 - Director options   -    17,944 
5 - Director options   276,088    - 
6 -Consultant options   125,499    - 
Total options granted   401,587    671,550 
           
Performance rights expense   (304,927)   137,622 
           
Total   96,660    809,172 

 

Options Expense

 

For the options expensed during the current financial half-year, the valuation model inputs used to determine the fair value at the grant date, are as follows:

 

   5 Director Options   6 Consultants Options 
         
Recognized in   Profit & Loss    Profit & Loss 
Grant date   29/11/2022    29/11/2022 
Number of options issued   5,750,000    2,500,000 
Expiry date   30/11/2025    30/11/2025 
Vesting date   31/03/2023    31/03/2023 
Share price at grant date   0.66    0.66 
Exercise Price   1.20    1.20 
Expected Volatility   90%   90%
Risk-Free Interest Rate   3.24%   3.24%
Trinomial step   200    200 
Early exercise factor   1.20    1.20 
Underlying fair value at grant date   0.299    0.299 
The total share-based payment expense recognized from the amortization as of the 31 December 2023 for the issued options   276,088    125,494 
 Vesting terms   

 

Continuous employment and, $1bn project valuation

    

 

Continuous employment and, $1bn project valuation

 

 

F-55

 

 

Nova Minerals Limited

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

31 December 2023

 

Option Movement 31 December 2022

 

Set out below are movements in options on issue over ordinary shares of Nova Minerals Limited during the 31 December 2022 half year period

 

Exercise period  Exercise price   Beginning balance   Issued   Exercised   Lapsed   Ending balance 
                         
On or before 19 September 2022   0.40    6,100,000    -    (6,100,000)   -    - 
On or before 28 October 2022   0.56    150,000    -    (150,000)   -    - 
On or before 28 January 2023   0.60    750,000    -    -    -    750,000 
On or before 2 December 2022   3.00    1,050,000    -    -    (1,050,000)   - 
On or before 29 December 2023   0.75    1,100,000    -    -    -    1,100,000 
On or before 7 October 2023 (1)   2.20    1,700,000    200,000    -    -    1,900,000 
On or before 20 May 2023 (1)   1.35    1,100,000    500,000    -    -    1,600,000 
On or before 30 November 2025 (1)   1.20    -    8,250,000    -    -    8,250,000 
On or before 30 November 2024 (1)   1.10    -    13,196,441    -    -    13,196,441 
On or before 16 January 2026 (1)   0.91    -    1,714,286    -    -    1,714,286 
Total   -    11,950,000    23,860,727    (6,250,000)   (1,050,000)   28,510,727 

 

(1) As of the 31 December 2022 the options had not been issued however they had been granted and approved to be issued at the AGM

 

The weighted average year remaining contractual life

 

The weighted average year remaining contractual life for share-based payment options outstanding as of the 31 December 2022 was 1.19 years

 

Option Movement 31 December 2023

 

Set out below are movements in options on issue over ordinary shares of Nova Minerals Limited during the 31 December 2023 half year period:

 

Exercise period  Exercise price   Beginning balance   Issued   Exercised   Lapsed   Ending balance 
                         
On or before 29 December 2023   0.75    1,100,000    -    -    (1,100,000)   - 
On or before 7 October 2023   2.20    1,900,000    -         -    (1,900,000)   - 
On or before 30 November 2025   1.20    8,250,000       -    -    -    8,250,000 
On or before 30 November 2024   1.10    13,614,264    -    -    -    13,614,264 
On or before 16 January 2026   0.91    1,714,286    -    -    -    1,714,286 
On or before 30 April 2024   0.70    6,993,608    -    -    -    6,993,608 
Total   -    33,572,158    -    -    (3,000,000)   30,154,335 

 

F-56

 

 

Nova Minerals Limited

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

31 December 2023

 

The weighted average year remaining contractual life

 

The weighted average year remaining contractual life for share-based payment options outstanding as of the 31 December 2023 was 1.12 years.

 

Performance rights

 

During the June 2022 Financial year the Company issued 24 million performance rights (2.4 million post-consolidation) to three directors. The terms of the performance rights issued were disclosed in the annual general meeting notice announced 22 October 2021. The performance rights are long-term incentives to offer conditional rights to fully paid ordinary shares in the Company upon satisfaction of vesting criteria over the vesting periods for no cash consideration. Fair value has been measured using the share price at grant date.

 

Vesting conditions for the rights are set out in the table below:

 

The performance rights were valued as the closing share price $1.30 on the grant date 24 November 2021. During the current period the performance rights were revalued, and the amount was reduced by$304,927 to reflect a change a valuation.

 

Set out below are the summaries of Performance rights granted as share based payments:

 

          Price at           Expired/   Balance at 
          grant           Lapsed/   the end of 
Grant date  Expiry date  Class   date   Granted   Exercised   other   half-year 
                            
24/11/2021  24/11/2026   A    $1.30    600,000        -        -    600,000 
24/11/2021  24/11/2026   B   $1.30    600,000    -    -    600,000 
24/11/2021  24/11/2026   C   $1.30    1,200,000    -    -    1,200,000 

 

Note 17. Events After the Reporting Period

 

The following events and transactions occurred subsequent to December 31, 2023:

 

Since December 31, 2023, the Company has issued 101 Ordinary Shares and 50 Unquoted Bonus Options exercisable at $1.00, expiring on June 30, 2025 on the exercise of 101 Unquoted Options exercisable at $0.70.

 

F-57

 

 

American Depositary Shares

Representing                        Ordinary Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nova Minerals Limited

 

 

 

 

 

 
PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ThinkEquity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                         , 2024

 

 

 

 

 

Through and including          , 2024 (the 25th day after the date of this offering), all dealers effecting transactions in these securities, whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This is in addition to a dealer’s obligation to deliver a prospectus when acting as an underwriter and with respect to an unsold allotment or subscription.

 

 

 

 

PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN THE PROSPECTUS

 

Item 6.Indemnification of Directors and Officers.

 

Australian law. Australian law provides that a company or a related body corporate of the company may provide for indemnification of officers and directors, except to the extent of any of the following liabilities incurred as an officer or director of the company:

 

a liability owed to the company or a related body corporate of the company;

 

a liability for a pecuniary penalty order made under section 1317G or a compensation order under section 961M, 1317H, 1317HA, 1317HB 1317HC or 1317HE of the Corporations Act;

 

a liability that is owed to someone other than the company or a related body corporate of the company and did not arise out of conduct in good faith; or

 

legal costs incurred in defending an action for a liability incurred as an officer or auditor of the company if the costs are incurred:

 

in defending or resisting proceedings in which the person is found to have a liability for which they cannot be indemnified as set out above;
   
in defending or resisting criminal proceedings in which the person is found guilty;
   
in defending or resisting proceedings brought by the Australian Securities & Investments Commission or a liquidator for a court order if the grounds for making the order are found by the court to have been established (except costs incurred in responding to actions taken by the Australian Securities & Investments Commission or a liquidator as part of an investigation before commencing proceedings for a court order); or
   
in connection with proceedings for relief to the person under the Corporations Act in which the court denies the relief.

 

Constitution. Our constitution provides, except to the extent prohibited by the law and the restrictions in section 199A of the Corporations Act and, to the extent that the officer is not otherwise indemnified by us pursuant to an indemnity, we indemnify every person who is or has been an officer of our company against any liability or claim (other than legal costs that are unreasonable) incurred by that person as an officer or on behalf of or bona fide in the interests of our company. This includes any liability or claim incurred by that person in their capacity as an officer of a subsidiary of our company where we requested that person to accept that appointment.

 

Indemnification and Insurance Agreements. We have agreed to indemnify our executive officers and non-employee directors against certain liabilities and expenses incurred by such persons in connection with claims made by reason of their being such a director or officer. We also maintain insurance policies that indemnify our directors and executive officers against various liabilities arising under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act that might be incurred by any director or officer in his or her capacity as such.

 

SEC Position. Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling us pursuant to the foregoing provisions, we have been informed that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.

 

Item 7. Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities.

 

  From July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021, we issued 43,547,648 ordinary shares upon the exercise of options granted in connection with capital raise transactions.. Exercise price was A$0.325 (US$0.21)

 

II-1
 

 

  From July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021, we issued 1,800,000 ordinary shares upon the exercise of options granted in connection with capital raise transactions.
     
  From July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021, we issued 1,050,000 unquoted options exercisable at $3.00 and expiring 02 December 2022 to Brokers
     
  From July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021, we issued 1,100,000 unquoted options exercisable at $0.75 and expiring 29 December 2023 to Directors & Officers
     
  From July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021, we issued 600,000 unquoted options exercisable at $1.35 and expiring 20 May2023 to Consultants
     
  From July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021, we cancelled 3,600,000 performance rights issued to Directors and Officers
     
  From July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022, we issued 1,200,000 ordinary shares upon the exercising of performance rights granted to officers and employees.
     
  From July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022, we issued 500,000 unquoted options exercisable at $1.35 and expiring 20 May2023 to Consultants
     
  From July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022, we issued 500,000 unquoted options exercisable at $2.20 and expiring 7 October 2023 to Consultants
     
  From July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022, we issued 1,200,000 unquoted options exercisable at $2.20 and expiring 7 October 2023 to Brokers
     
  From July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022, we issued 2,400,000 Performance Rights to Directors approved by Shareholders
     
  From July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022, we issued 500,000 unquoted options exercisable at $1.35 and expiring 20 May2023 to Consultants
     
  From July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023, we issued 3,458,990 ordinary shares upon the exercising of employee options granted to officers and employees.
     
  From July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023, we issued 13,614,264 unquoted options exercisable at $0.70 and expiring 30 November 2024 as part of a Share Placement
     
  From July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023, we issued  1,714,286 unquoted options exercisable at $0.91 and expiring 3 years after issue to Brokers
     
  From July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023, we issued  8,250,000 unquoted options exercisable at $1.20 and expiring 30 November 2025 under the ESOP to Employees and Contractors.
     
  From July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023, we issued  200,000 unquoted options exercisable at $2.20 and expiring 7 October 2023 under the ESOP to Directors.
     
  From July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023, we issued  500,000 unquoted options exercisable at $1.35 and expiring 20 May 2023 under the ESOP to Directors.
     
  From July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023, we cancelled  a total of 3,400,000 unquoted options exercisable at various prices
     
  From July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023, we issued  6,993,793 unquoted bonus options exercisable at $0.70 and expiring 30 April 2024 to all shareholders.
     
  From July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023, we issued 13,614,264 unquoted options exercisable at $0.70 and expiring 30 November 2024 as part of a Share Placement
     
  In May 2021 we cancelled 700,000 Ordinary Shares as part of a Share Buy-Back

 

II-2
 

 

In October 2021, we issued 10,909,091 ordinary shares to institutional shareholders at an issue price of A$1.10 (approximately US$0.73) per share.
   
Between November 2022 and February 2023, we issued 27,228,501 ordinary shares to institutional shareholders at an issue price of A$0.70 (approximately US$0.46) per share.
   
 In November 2022, we entered into a convertible loan facility with Nebari Gold Fund 1, LP. As of the date of this registration statement, we have drawn down US$5 million on the facility. Nebari may convert the note at a conversion price equal to A$1.02 (which conversion price pursuant to a variation agreement entered into on March 6, 2024 is proposed, subject to shareholder approval, to be amended to A$0.53). If our ordinary share price is greater than 150% of the Conversion Price, or A$1.53, than we have the option to force Nebari to convert the note and all accrued interest in full.
   
In May 2023, we issued 182 ordinary shares to institutional shareholders at an issue price of A$0.70 (approximately US$0.46) per share on the exercise of unquoted options.
   
 In June 2023 we issued 3 ordinary shares to institutional shareholders at an issue price of A$0.70 (approximately US$0.46) per share on the exercise of unquoted options.
   
 In July 2023, we issued 92 bonus unquoted options to institutional shareholders at an issue price of A$1.00 per share on the exercise of unquoted options.
   
 In February 2024, we issued 101 ordinary shares to institutional shareholders at an issue price of A$0.70 (approximately US$0.46) per share on the exercise of unquoted options.
   
 In February 2024, we issued 50 bonus unquoted options to institutional shareholders at an issue price of A$1.00 per share on the exercise of unquoted options.
   
 In April 2024, we issued 2,083,336 ordinary shares to sophisticated shareholders at an issue price of A$0.24 (approximately US$0.16 per share.
   
 

In April 2024, we issued 1 ordinary share to an institutional shareholder at an issue price of A$0.70 (approximately US$0.46) per share on the exercise of unquoted options.

 

None of the foregoing transactions involved any U.S. underwriter, underwriting discounts or commissions, or any U.S. public offering. The recipients of the securities in each of these transactions represented their intentions to acquire the securities for investment only and not with a view to or for sale in connection with any distribution thereof, and appropriate legends were placed on the share certificates issued in these transactions. All recipients had adequate access, through their relationships with us, to information about us. For all issuances, the sales of these securities were made in reliance on the exemption from registration provided by Rule 903 of Regulation S of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended or Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

Item 8. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.

 

(a) Exhibits

 

Exhibit No.   Description
1.1**   Form of Underwriting Agreement
3.1*   Certificate of Registration of Nova Minerals Limited
3.2*   Constitution of Nova Minerals Limited
4.1**   Form of Deposit Agreement
4.2**   Form of American Depositary Receipt evidencing American Depositary Shares (included in Exhibit 4.1)
4.3**   Form of Representative’s Warrant (included in Exhibit 1.1)
5.1**   Opinion of QR Lawyers regarding the legality of the American Depositary Shares
5.2**   Opinion of Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP
10.1*   Loan Agreement dated November 21, 2022 between Nova Minerals Ltd. and Nebari Gold Fund 1, LP
10.2*   Form of Independent Director Agreement between Nova Minerals Limited and each independent director
10.3*   Form of Deed of Indemnity, Insurance and Access between Nova Minerals Limited and its executive officers and directors
10.4*   Nova Minerals Limited Employee Shares Option Plan
10.5*   Incorporated Joint Venture Agreement by and among Nova Minerals Limited, AK Minerals Pty Ltd and AKCM (Aust) Pty Ltd dated December 17, 2017
10.6*   Minerals Royalty Agreement by and among AK Custom Mining LLC, AK Minerals Pty Ltd and AKCM (Aust) Pty Ltd dated May 21, 2018
10.7*   Consent to be Named as a Director Nominee—Richard Beazley
10.8*  

Variation Agreement dated March 6, 2024 between Nova Minerals Limited and Nebari Gold Fund 1, LP

21.1*   List of Subsidiaries
23.1*   Consent of Grassi & Co., CPAs, P.C.
23.2**   Consent of QR Lawyers (included in Exhibit 5.1)
23.3*   Consent of Roughstock Mining Services, LLC
23.4*   Consent of Hans Hoffman
23.5*   Consent of Yukuskokon Professional Services
23.6*   Consent of Vannu Khouphakdee
23,7*   Consent of METS Engineering
23.8*   Consent of Matrix Resource Consultants Pty Ltd
23.9*   Consent of Christopher Gerteisen
23.10*   Consent of Jade North, LLC
23.11**   Consent of Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP (included in Exhibit 5.2)
24.1*   Power of Attorney (included on the signature page of this registration statement)
96.1*   Technical Report Summary
107*   Filing Fee Table

 

 

* Filed herewith.

** To be filed by amendment.

 

(b) Financial Statement Schedules

 

Schedules have been omitted because the information required to be set forth therein is not applicable or is shown in the financial statements or the notes thereto.

 

Item 9. Undertakings.

 

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to provide to the underwriters at the closing specified in the underwriting agreement, certificates in such denominations and registered in such names as required by the underwriters to permit prompt delivery to each purchaser.

 

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

 

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that:

 

(1)For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective.

 

(2)For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

 

II-3
 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form F-1 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in Melbourne, Australia, on the 15th day of April, 2024.

 

 

NOVA MINERALS LIMITED

   
  By: /s/ Christopher Gerteisen
  Name: Christopher Gerteisen
  Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

POWER OF ATTORNEY

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints Christopher Gerteisen and Michael Melamed, and each of them, his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments, including post-effective amendments, to this registration statement, and any registration statement relating to the offering covered by this registration statement and filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully for all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of said attorneys in fact and agents or their substitute or substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

 

 

Signature   Title   Date
         
/s/ Christopher Gerteisen   Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director (Principal Executive Officer)   April 15, 2024

Christopher Gerteisen

     
         

/s/ Michael Melamed

  Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)   April 15, 2024
Michael Melamed      
         
/s/ Louie Simens   Executive Director & Interim Chairman of the Board   April 15, 2024

Louie Simens

     
         
/s/ Craig Bentley   Director of Finance & Compliance   April 15, 2024
Craig Bentley      
         
/s/ Avi Geller   Non-Executive Director   April 15, 2024
Avi Geller      
         
/s/ Rodrigo Pasqua   Non-Executive Director   April 15, 2024
Rodrigo Pasqua      

  

II-4
 

 

SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE IN THE UNITED STATES

 

Pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, the undersigned, the duly authorized representative in the United States of Nova Minerals Limited has signed this registration statement or amendment thereto in Alaska on April 15, 2024.

 

 

Authorized U.S. Representative

   
  Alaska Range Resources LLC
   
  By: /s/ Christopher Gerteisen
  Name: Christopher Gerteisen
  Title: Manager

 

II-5

 

 

Exhibit 3.1

 

   

 

Certificate of the Registration

of a Company

 

Corporations Act 2001 Paragraph 1274 (2) (b) This is to certify that

 

FROGFIRL PTY. LTD.

 

Australian Company Number 006 690 348

 

is taken to be registered as a company under the Corporations Act 2001 in Victoria.

 

The company was a proprietary company.

 

On the twentieth day of February 1987 the company converted to a public company and the name changed to

 

HELM RESOURCES LIMITED

 

On the seventeenth day of December 1987 the company changed its name to

 

QUANTUM RESOURCES LIMITED

 

On the first day of December 2017 the company changed its name to

 

NOVA MINERALS LIMITED

 

The company is limited by shares.

 

The day of commencement of registration is the fourteenth day of January 1987.

 

  Issued by the
  Australian Securities and Investments Commission
  on this second day of February 2022.
   
 
  Joseph Longo
  Chair

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 3.2

 

Corporations Act 2001

 

CONSTITUTION

 

of

 

NOVA MINERALS LIMITED

 

ACN 006 690 348

 

A COMPANY LIMITED BY SHARES

 

 

 

 

CONSTITUTION OF

 

NOVA MINERALS LIMITED

[ACN 006 690 348]

(“THE COMPANY”)

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

  Page
   
PRELIMINARY 1
   
1. INTRODUCTION 1
2. DEFINITIONS 1
3. INTERPRETATION 2
     
ASX LISTING RULES 3
   
1. LISTING RULES 3
     
SHARES 4
   
1. ISSUE OF SHARES 4
2. RIGHTS 5
3. VARIATION OF CLASS RIGHTS 5
4. COMMISSION AND BROKERAGE 5
5. BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF SHARES 6
6. JOINT HOLDERS 6
7. SHARE CERTIFICATES 6
8. SALE OF NON-MARKETABLE PARCELS 7
     
CALLS 9
   
1. GENERAL 9
2. INSTALMENTS AND AMOUNTS WHICH BECOME PAYABLE 9
3. INTEREST AND EXPENSES 10
4. RECOVERY OF AMOUNTS DUE 10
5. DIFFERENTIATION 10
6. PAYMENT OF CALLS IN ADVANCE 10
     
LIEN AND FORFEITURE 11
   
1. LIEN 11
2. LIEN SALE 12
3. FORFEITURE NOTICE 12
4. FORFEITURE 12
5. LIABILITY OF FORMER MEMBER 13
6. DISPOSAL OF FORFEITED SHARES 13
     
TRANSFER OF SHARES 14
   
1. GENERAL 14
2. TRANSFER PROCEDURE 15
3. RIGHT TO REFUSE REGISTRATION 15
4. PROPORTIONAL TAKEOVER BIDS 16
     
TRANSMISSION OF SHARES 17
   
1. TITLE & TRANSMISSION ON DEATH 17

 

-i-

 

 

CHANGES TO SHARE CAPITAL 18
   
1. CONSOLIDATION, SUBDIVISION OR ENTITLEMENT ON PRO-RATA ISSUE 18
     
GENERAL MEETINGS 18
   
1. CONVENING 18
2. NOTICE 19
3. BUSINESS 19
     
PROCEEDINGS AT GENERAL MEETINGS 20
   
1. MEMBER 20
2. QUORUM 20
3. CHAIRPERSON 20
4. GENERAL CONDUCT 21
5. ADJOURNMENT 21
6. DECISIONS 21
7. TAKING A POLL 22
8. CASTING VOTE OF CHAIRPERSON 22
9. OFFENSIVE MATERIAL 22
10. AUDITOR’S RIGHT TO BE HEARD 23
     
VOTES OF MEMBERS 23
   
1. ENTITLEMENT TO VOTE 23
2. UNPAID CALLS 24
3. JOINT HOLDERS 24
4. OBJECTIONS AND LISTING RULES 24
5. VOTES BY PROXY 24
6. INSTRUMENT APPOINTING PROXY 25
7. PROXY IN BLANK 25
8. LODGEMENT OF PROXY 25
9. VALIDITY 26
10. REPRESENTATIVES OF CORPORATIONS 26
     
APPOINTMENT AND REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS 26
   
1. NUMBER OF DIRECTORS 26
2. QUALIFICATION 27
3. POWER TO REMOVE AND APPOINT 27
4. ADDITIONAL AND CASUAL DIRECTORS 27
5. FILLING VACATED OFFICE 28
6. RETIREMENT BY ROTATION 28
7. NOMINATION OF DIRECTOR 28
8. VACATION OF OFFICE 29
     
REMUNERATION OF DIRECTORS 29
   
1. REMUNERATION OF NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS 29
2. REMUNERATION OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS 30
3. BENEFIT TO RETIRING DIRECTORS 30
4. POWERS AND DUTIES OF DIRECTORS 31

 

-ii-

 

 

PROCEEDINGS OF DIRECTORS 31
   
1. DIRECTORS’ MEETINGS 31
2. DECISIONS 32
3. DIRECTORS’ INTERESTS 32
4. ALTERNATE DIRECTORS 33
5. REMAINING DIRECTORS 33
6. CHAIRPERSON 33
7. DIRECTORS’ COMMITTEES 34
8. WRITTEN RESOLUTIONS 34
9. VALIDITY OF ACTS OF DIRECTORS 34
10. MINUTES 35
     
EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS 35
   
1. APPOINTMENT 35
2. POWERS OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS 36
     
SECRETARY 36
   
1. SECRETARY 36
     
INSURANCE AND INDEMNITY OF APPLICABLE PERSONS 36
   
1. APPLICABLE PERSONS 36
2. INSURANCE 36
3. INDEMNITY 37
4. LOAN TO AN APPLICABLE PERSON 37
5. MEANING OF PROCEEDINGS 38
     
SEAL 38
   
1. COMMON SEAL 38
2. DUPLICATE SEAL 38
3. CERTIFICATE SEAL 38
     
POWERS OF ATTORNEY 39
   
1. POWERS OF ATTORNEY 39
     
INSPECTION OF RECORDS 39
   
1. TIMES FOR INSPECTION 39
     
DIVIDENDS, RESERVES AND DISTRIBUTIONS 39
   
1. POWER TO PAY AND TO FIX TIME ETC. FOR PAYMENT OF DIVIDENDS 39
2. AMEND RESOLUTION TO PAY DIVIDEND 40
3. NO INTEREST 40
4. RESERVES 40
5. DIVIDEND ENTITLEMENT 40
6. RESTRICTED SECURITIES 40
7. DEDUCTIONS FROM DIVIDENDS 41
8. DISTRIBUTIONS OF ASSETS 41
9. PAYMENT 42
10. ELECTION TO REINVEST DIVIDEND 42
11. ELECTION TO ACCEPT SHARES IN LIEU OF DIVIDEND 42
12. UNCLAIMED DIVIDENDS 43
13. CAPITALISATION OF PROFITS 43
     
NOTICES 44
   
1. SERVICE OF NOTICES 44
2. PERSONS ENTITLED TO NOTICE 45
     
AUDIT AND FINANCIAL RECORDS 46
   
1. COMPANY TO KEEP FINANCIAL RECORDS 46
     
WINDING UP 46
   
1. WINDING UP 46

 

-iii-

 

 

CORPORATIONS ACT 2001

 

COMPANY LIMITED BY SHARES

CONSTITUTION OF

 

NOVA MINERALS LIMITED

[ACN 006 690 348]

(“THE COMPANY”)

 

PRELIMINARY

 

1.INTRODUCTION

 

The name of the Company upon the adoption of this Constitution is Nova Minerals Limited. The Company is a public company limited by shares.

 

The replaceable rules contained in the Corporations Act do not apply to the Company.

 

2.DEFINITIONS

 

In this Constitution:

 

“Act” means the Corporations Act as amended from time to time and includes a reference to the Corporations Regulations;

 

“Alternate Director” means a person appointed as an alternate director under Article 69; “ASX” means ASX Limited [ABN 98 008 624 691];

 

“Auditor” means the Company’s auditor;

 

“Board” means the Directors for the time being of the Company or those of them who are present at a meeting at which there is a quorum;

 

“Business Day” means a day which is a business day for the purposes of the Listing Rules;

 

“Company” means the entity whose name upon the adoption of this Constitution is Nova Minerals Limited [ACN 006 690 348] and shall be taken to mean the same entity by whatever name from time to time it may be called;

 

“Constitution” means the constitution of the Company as amended from time to time; “CS Facility” has the same meaning as prescribed CS Facility in the Act;

 

“CS Facility Operator” means the operator of a CS Facility;

 

“Director” means a person appointed to and acting in the position of a director of the Company; “Directors” means all or some of the Directors acting as a Board;

 

“Listed Period” means that period of time during which the Company is admitted to the Official List of the ASX;

 

-1-

 

 

“Listing Rules” means the Listing Rules of ASX and any other rules of ASX which are applicable during the Listed Period, each as amended or replaced from time to time, except to the extent of any express written waiver by ASX;

 

“Managing Director” means a Director appointed as Managing Director under Article 76(1)(a); “Marketable Parcel” has the same meaning as in the Operating Rules;

 

“Member” means a person whose name is entered for the time being on the Register as the holder of one (1) or more Shares;

 

“Non-Marketable Parcel” means a parcel of securities which is less than a Marketable Parcel; “Office” means the Company’s registered office;

 

“Operating Rules” means the operating rules of a CS Facility regulating the settlement, clearing and registration of uncertificated shares as amended, varied or waived (whether in respect of the Company or generally) from time to time which shall only apply to the Company during the Listed Period;

 

“Register” means the register of Members of the Company;

 

“Registered Address” means the address of a Member specified on a transfer or any other address of which the Member notifies the Company as a place at which the Member is willing to accept service of notices;

 

“Representative” means a person appointed by a Member to act as its representative under Article 53(1) or under Section 250D of the Act;

 

“Restricted Securities” has the same meaning as in the Listing Rules; “Seal” means the common seal of the Company (if any);

 

“Secretary” means any person appointed by the Directors to perform any of the duties of a secretary of the Company and if there are joint secretaries, any one (1) or more of such joint secretaries;

 

“Securities” includes shares, rights to shares, options to acquire shares and other securities with rights of conversion to equity and debentures, debenture stock, notes and other obligations of the Company;

 

“Shares” means shares in the share capital of the Company;

 

“Special Resolution” means a resolution of at least 75% of the votes validly cast on the resolution (by number of votes) being in favour of the resolution. Any resolution not expressed as a Special Resolution or that is not required under the Act, the Listing Rules and applicable law to be passed by Special Resolution, is a resolution able to be passed by a majority of votes validly cast on that resolution.

 

“Uncertificated Holding” means a holding of Shares which is not held on any certificated sub–register maintained by or on behalf of the Company; and

 

3.INTERPRETATION

 

(1)In this Constitution, unless the contrary intention appears:

 

(a)the singular includes the plural and vice versa and words importing a gender include other genders;

 

-2-

 

 

(b)a reference to:

 

(i)an Article or schedule is to an Article or schedule of this Constitution;

 

(ii)person and words importing persons include partnerships, associations and corporations, unincorporated and incorporated by Ordinance, act of Parliament or registration as well as individuals;

 

(iii)legislation, or a provision of legislation, include any consolidation, amendment, re-enactment, substitution or replacement of or for it, and refers also to any regulation or statutory instrument issued or delegated legislation made under it;

 

(iv)“writing” and “written” includes printing, typing, lithography, facsimile and other modes of reproducing words in a visible form;

 

(c)words and expressions defined in the Act have the same meaning in this Constitution;

 

(d)if a word or expression is given a defined meaning in this Constitution, any other part of speech or grammatical form of that word or expression have a corresponding meaning;

 

(e)“includes” in any form is not a word of limitation; and

 

(f)headings are for ease of reference only and do not affect the construction of this Constitution.

 

(2)Unless the contrary intention appears in this Constitution, an expression in an Article of this Constitution has the same meaning as in a provision of the Act which deals with the same matter as the Article.

 

(3)For the purposes of this Constitution and only during the Listed Period, if the provisions of:

 

(a)the Act and the Listing Rules; or

 

(b)the Act and the Operating Rules,

 

conflict on the same matter, the provisions of the Act prevail.

 

ASX LISTING RULES

 

1.LISTING RULES

 

During the Listed Period, the following provisions shall apply:

 

(1)notwithstanding anything contained in this Constitution, if the Listing Rules prohibit an act being done, the act shall not be done;

 

(2)nothing contained in this Constitution prevents an act being done that the Listing Rules require to be done;

 

(3)if the Listing Rules require an act to be done or not to be done, authority is given for that to be done or not to be done (as the case may be);

 

(4)if the Listing Rules require this Constitution to contain a provision and it does not contain such a provision, this Constitution is deemed to contain that provision;

 

-3-

 

 

(5)if the Listing Rules require this Constitution not to contain a provision and it contains such a provision, this Constitution is deemed not to contain that provision; and

 

(6)if any provision of this Constitution is or becomes inconsistent with the Listing Rules, this Constitution is deemed not to contain that provisions to the extent of the inconsistency.

 

SHARES

 

1.ISSUE OF SHARES

 

(1)Subject to the Act, the Listing Rules and this Constitution, and without affecting any special rights conferred on the holders of any shares, any shares or other securities may be issued with preferred, deferred or other special rights, obligations or restrictions, whether in regard to dividends, voting, return of share capital, payment of calls or otherwise, as the Board may determine and on any terms the Board considers appropriate.

 

(2)Subject to the Act, any preference shares may, with the sanction of a resolution, be issued on the terms that they are, or at the option of the Company are liable, to be redeemed.

 

(3)Without limiting the foregoing, subject to the Act, the Listing Rules (during the Listed Period) and the general law, the Directors may:

 

(a)establish one or more Employee Share Schemes;

 

(b)establish one or more schemes or plans (known by any name or description) providing for the acquisition or receipt of other securities or of rights or benefits attributable or calculated in a manner consistent with or representative of having acquired, received or held Shares or other securities;

 

(c)A scheme or plan (including an Employee Share Scheme) established under Article 5(3)(a) or 5(3)(b) shall have such terms as the Directors think fit, and in each case may permit participation by any officer (including but not only any Director) of the Company or a related body corporate or a relative of an officer or an entity in which the officer or relative of an officer has an interest (subject to the Act and the Listing Rules (during the Listed Period));

 

(d)notwithstanding any provision of such scheme or plan (including an Employee Share Scheme) established under Article 5(3)(a) or 5(3)(b), vary, suspend or terminate any plan or scheme established under Article 5(3)(a) or 5(3)(b);

 

(e)give financial assistance in connection with the acquisition of Shares or other securities of the Company or of a related body corporate under any plan or scheme established under Article 5(3)(a) or 5(3)(b) in any manner permitted by the Act the Listing Rules (during the Listed Period) and the general law; and

 

(f)take security over its own securities in connection with the acquisition of Shares or other securities of the Company under any plan or scheme established under Article 5(3)(a) or 5(3)(b) in any manner permitted by the Act, the ASX Listing Rules (during the Listed Period) and the general law.

 

-4-

 

 

2.RIGHTS

 

Subject to Articles 5, 7 and 94, the Act and the Listing Rules (during the Listed Period) this Constitution and the terms of issue of Shares, all Shares entitle the holders thereof:

 

(1)to receive notice of and to attend and vote at all general meetings of the Company;

 

(2)to receive dividends; and

 

(3)in a winding up to participate equally in the distribution of the assets of the Company (both capital and surplus), subject only to any amounts unpaid on the Share.

 

3.VARIATION OF CLASS RIGHTS

 

(1)If at any time the share capital is divided into different classes of shares, the rights attached to any class (unless otherwise provided by the terms of issue of the shares of that class) may be varied or cancelled:

 

(a)with the consent in writing of the holders of the issued shares of that class whose rights are proposed to be varied or cancelled who are entitled to at least 75% of the votes that may be cast in respect of the shares of that class; or

 

(b)by a Special Resolution passed at a separate meeting of the holders of the shares of that class whose rights proposed to be varied or cancelled.

 

(2)The provisions of this Constitution relating to meetings of the Company’s Members (with the necessary changes) apply to a meeting held under Article 7(1).

 

(3)The rights conferred on the holders of the shares of any class (the “Existing Shares”) are not deemed to be varied by the creation or issue of further shares which confer rights that rank equally with the Existing Shares unless otherwise:

 

(a)expressly provided by the terms of issue of the Existing Shares; or

 

(b)required by the Act.

 

4.COMMISSION AND BROKERAGE

 

(1)The Company may pay brokerage or commission to a person in respect of that person or another person agreeing to take up shares in the Company.

 

(2)Payments of brokerage or commission may include any or all of:

 

(a)the payment of cash; or

 

(b)the issue of Shares; or

 

(c)the grant of options or other rights convertible to Shares; or

 

(d)the issue of debentures; or

 

(e)a combination of any of the above methods.

 

-5-

 

 

5.BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF SHARES

 

Except as required by law, the Operating Rules or as otherwise provided by this Constitution:

 

(1)the Company shall not recognise any person as holding a Share on any trust; and

 

(2)the Company is not bound by or compelled in any way to recognise (whether or not it has notice of the interest or rights concerned) any equitable, contingent, future or partial interest or any other right in respect of any Share or any other rights in respect of a Share except an absolute right of ownership in the registered holder.

 

6.JOINT HOLDERS

 

If two (2) or more persons are registered as the holders of any Shares, they are considered to hold the Shares as joint tenants with benefit of survivorship subject to the following provisions:

 

(1)the Company is not bound to register more than three (3) persons as the holders of the shares (except in the case of personal representatives of a deceased Member);

 

(2)the joint holders of the shares are liable severally as well as jointly in respect of all payments which ought to be made in respect of the shares;

 

(3)on the death of any one (1) of the joint holders, the survivor is the only person recognised by the Company as having any title to the shares but the Board may require evidence of death and the estate of the deceased joint holder is not released from any liability in respect of the shares;

 

(4)any one (1) of the joint holders may give a receipt for any dividend, bonus or return of capital payable to the joint holders;

 

(5)the person whose name appears first on the Register is the only joint holder entitled to receive notices from the Company and any notice given to that person is considered to be notice to all the joint holders;

 

(6)the person whose name appears first on the Register is the only joint holder entitled to delivery of any certificate relating to the shares from the Company; and

 

(7)any one (1) of the joint holder may vote at any meeting of the Company either personally or by properly authorised representative, proxy or attorney, in respect of the shares as if that joint holder was solely entitled to the shares. If more than one (1) of the joint holders are present personally or by properly authorised representative, proxy or attorney, on the vote of the joint holder whose name appears first in the Register counts.

 

7.SHARE CERTIFICATES

 

(1)The Directors may in their absolute discretion issue a certificate to a Member for Shares or other securities of the Company registered in the name of the Member.

 

-6-

 

 

(2)During the Listed Period, if the Company participates, or to enable the Company to participate, in any computerised or electronic share transfer system introduced by or acceptable to ASX, the Directors may:

 

(a)provide that Shares may be held in certificated or uncertificated form and make any provision they think fit, including for the issue or cancellation of certificates, to enable Members to hold Shares in uncertificated form and to convert between certificated and uncertificated holdings;

 

(b)provide that some or all Members are not to be entitled to receive a share certificate in respect of some or all of the shares which the Members hold in the Company.

 

(3)Subject to Article 11(4), the Directors may in their absolute discretion elect whether to maintain a certificated subregister for any class of Shares.

 

(4)The Directors will maintain a subregister for any Restricted Securities.

 

(5)Subject to the Listing Rules and the Operating Rules, Shares may be held on any subregister maintained by or on behalf of the Company.

 

(6)Subject to the Listing Rules and the Operating Rules, the Directors may (and must if the Company is listed) order lost, worn out or defaced certificates to be cancelled and, if necessary (unless the securities are held as an uncertified holding), replaced by new certificates.

 

(7)The Company must comply with the Act, and during the Listed Period with the Listing Rules and the Operating Rules (if the Company is bound by those Operating Rules), in issuing certificates, statements of holdings or other documents.

 

(8)Despite any other provision in this Constitution, the Board must do all things it considers necessary, required or authorised by the law, the Listing Rules or the Operating Rules in connection with any computerised or electronic share transfer system.

 

8.SALE OF NON-MARKETABLE PARCELS

 

(1)Subject to Article 12(4) and during the Listed Period, a Member must not hold less than a Marketable Parcel of shares in the Company unless exempted from this provision by the Directors.

 

(2)In this Article:

 

“Applicable Member” means a Member holding less than a Marketable Parcel in the Company;

 

“Notice Date” means the date on which the Company sends to an Applicable Member notification of Company’s Plan;

 

“Notice of Sale” means the notice sent to all Applicable Members on the Notice Date;

 

“Plan” means the provisions contained in this Article by which the Directors intend to sell the shares of any Applicable Member who does not wish to be exempted from the Plan;

 

“Specified Date” means the date upon which the Directors are entitled to offer for sale the shares held by the non-exempted Applicable Members, being a date not less than six (6) weeks after the Notice Date;

 

(3)If the Directors determine to invoke this Article 12, the Directors shall be required to send a Notice of Sale to all Applicable Members to advise that the Company intends to invoke the Plan on the Specified Date mentioned in the Notice of Sale and to sell the Shares registered in the name of each such Applicable Member on behalf of each such Applicable Member.

 

-7-

 

 

(4)If an Applicable Member does not wish to have its Shares sold in accordance with this Article 12, they must advise in writing delivered to the Office prior to the Specified Date that:

 

(a)the Applicable Member wishes to be exempted from the provisions of this Article; or

 

(b)the Applicable Member has purchased sufficient additional shares in the capital of the Company so as to increase its holding to least a Marketable Parcel.

 

(5)If an Applicable Member has given written notice to the Company that it wishes its shares to be exempted from the Plan, the Applicable Member may at any time revoke or withdraw that notice and the provisions of this Article 12 shall apply thereafter to that Member.

 

(6)If an Applicable Member does not advise the Company by the Specified Date that the provisions of this Article 12 are not to apply to the Shares registered in the name of the Applicable Member referred to in the Notice of Sale, any of those Shares may be sold by the Company.

 

(7)Any Shares which may be sold pursuant to this Article may be sold on the terms, in the manner and at the time determined by the Directors (which may include by being bought back by the Company) and for the purposes of a sale pursuant to this Article each Applicable Member:

 

(a)appoints the Company as the Applicable Member’s agent for the sale of the Shares held by the Applicable Member;

 

(b)authorises the Company to effect on behalf of the Applicable Member a transfer of the Shares sold;

 

(c)appoints the Company and its Directors jointly and severally as the attorneys for, in the name and on behalf of the Applicable Member, to execute any instrument or take any other steps as they or any of them may consider appropriate to transfer the Shares sold.

 

(8)The title of the transferee to Shares acquired pursuant to this Article 12 is not affected by any irregularity or invalidity in connection with the sale of Shares to the transferee.

 

(9)The proceeds of any sale of Shares pursuant to this Article 12 less any unpaid calls and interest (“Sale Consideration”) will be paid to the relevant Applicable Member or as that Applicable Member may direct.

 

(10)The Sale Consideration received by the Company in respect of all Shares sold pursuant to this Article 12 (or payable by the Company in the case of the Shares being bought back by the Company under this Article) will be paid into a bank account opened and maintained by the Company for the purposes of this Article 12.

 

(11)The Company will hold the Sale Consideration in trust for the Applicable Member whose Shares are sold or bought back pursuant to this Article 12 and will forthwith notify the Applicable Member in writing that the Sale Consideration in respect of the Applicable Member’s Shares has been received by the Company and is being held by the Company pending instructions from the Applicable Member as to how it is to be dealt with. Unless the Applicable Member has waived any entitlement it may have to a share certificate or certificates, the Member’s instruction, to be effective, must be accompanied by the share certificate or certificates to which the Sale Consideration relates or, if the certificate or certificates has or have been lost or destroyed, by a statement and undertaking.

 

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(12)Subject to the Act, the Company will bear all stamp duty, brokerage and government taxes and charges (except for tax on income or capital gains of the Applicable Member) associated with the sale of any Shares pursuant to this Article 12.

 

(13)The Plan may only be invoked once in any 12 month period after its adoption or renewal.

 

(14)If the Plan has been invoked and there is an announcement of a takeover offer or takeover announcement for Shares, no more sales of Shares may be made pursuant to this Article 12 until after the close of the offers made under the takeover offer or takeover announcement. The Plan may then be invoked again.

 

CALLS

 

1.GENERAL

 

(1)Subject to the Act and terms on which partly paid Shares are issued, the Directors may make calls on the Members in respect of any money unpaid on their Shares. Each Member is liable to pay the amount of each call in the manner, at the time and at the place specified by the Board. Joint holders of Shares are jointly and severally liable to pay all calls in respect of their Shares.

 

(2)A call is taken to have been made when the resolution of the Directors authorising the call is passed. The call may be revoked or postponed at the discretion of the Board at any time prior to the date on which payment of the call is due. The non-receipt of a notice of any call by, or the accidental omission to give notice of any call to, any Member does not invalidate the call.

 

(3)The Directors may require a call to be paid by instalments as provided in Article 14.

 

(4)The Company must comply with the Act and the Listing Rules in relation to the dispatch and content of notices to Members on whom a call is made.

 

(5)A Member to whom notice of a call is given in accordance with this Article 13 must pay to the Company the amount called in accordance with the notice.

 

2.INSTALMENTS AND AMOUNTS WHICH BECOME PAYABLE

 

If:

 

(1)the Directors require a call made under Article 13 to be paid by instalments; or

 

(2)an amount becomes payable by the terms of issue of Shares on allotment, or at a time or in circumstances specified in the terms of issue,

 

then:

 

(3)the amount is payable as if it were a call made by the Directors and as if they had given notice of it; and

 

(4)the consequences of late payment or non-payment of the amount are the same as the consequences of late payment or non-payment of a call.

 

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3.INTEREST AND EXPENSES

 

If an amount called is not paid on or before the due date, the Member liable to pay the amount must also pay:

 

(1)interest on the amount from the due date to the time of actual payment at a rate determined by the Directors (not exceeding 15% per annum); and

 

(2)all expenses incurred by the Company as a consequence of the non-payment,

 

but the Directors may by resolution waive payment of the interest and expenses in whole or in part at their discretion.

 

4.RECOVERY OF AMOUNTS DUE

 

On the hearing of any action for the recovery of money due for any call, proof that:

 

(1)the name of the Member sued was, when the call was made, entered in the Register as a holder or the holder of the Shares in respect of which the call was made;

 

(2)the resolution making the call is duly recorded in the Directors’ minute book; and

 

(3)notice of the call was given to the Member sued,

 

will be conclusive evidence of the debt.

 

5.DIFFERENTIATION

 

The Directors may, on the issue of Shares, differentiate between the holders as to the amount of calls to be paid and the times of payment of a call or calls.

 

6.PAYMENT OF CALLS IN ADVANCE

 

(1)The Directors may accept from a Member the whole or part of the amount unpaid on a Share before the amount accepted has been called.

 

(2)The Company may:

 

(a)pay interest on any amount accepted, until the amount is payable under a call and at a rate (not exceeding 15% per annum) agreed between the Member and the Directors; and

 

(b)subject to any contract between the Company and the Member, repay all or any of the amount accepted in excess of the amount called on the Share.

 

(3)Payment of an amount in advance of a call does not entitle the paying Member to any dividend, benefit or advantage, other than the payment of interest under this Article 18, to which the Member would not have been entitled if it had paid the amount when it became due.

 

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LIEN AND FORFEITURE

 

1.LIEN

 

(1)To the extent permitted by the Act and the Listing Rules (during the Listed Period), the Company has a first and paramount lien on each Share registered in the name of the Member and dividends payable in respect of each such Share for all money:

 

(a)due and unpaid to the Company at a fixed time, in respect of the Share;

 

(b)presently payable by a holder or the holder of the Share, or the holder’s estate, to the Company in respect of the Share; or

 

(c)which the Company is required by law to pay (and has paid) in respect of the Share.

 

(2)The lien extends to reasonable interest and expenses incurred because the amount is not paid.

 

(3)If any law for the time being of any country, state or place imposes or purports to impose an immediate or contingent liability on the Company to make any payment or authorises a taxing authority or Government official to require the Company to make payment in respect of Shares or dividends or other moneys accruing due to the Member who holds the Shares:

 

(a)the Member or, if the Member is deceased, the Member’s legal personal representative, indemnifies the Company in respect of such payment or liability; and

 

(b)subject to the Act and the Listing Rules (during the Listed Period), the Company:

 

(i)has a lien on the Shares and dividends and other moneys payable in respect of the Shares, whether the Shares are held by the Member solely or jointly with another person in respect of any payment made or liability incurred by the Company, together with reasonable expenses and interest on any payment made by the Company at a rate to be fixed by the Directors not exceeding 15% per annum from the date of payment by the Company to the date of repayment by the Member;

 

(ii)may set off amounts so paid by the Company against amounts payable by the Company to the Member as dividends or otherwise; and

 

(iii)may recover as a debt due from the Member or its legal personal representative the amount of all payments made by the Company together with reasonable expenses and interest at the rate and for the period referred to in Article 19(3)(b)(i).

 

(4)The Company may do all things which the Directors think necessary or appropriate to do under the Operating Rules and the Listing Rules to enforce or protect the Company’s lien.

 

(5)Unless the Directors determine otherwise, the registration of a transfer of a Share operates as a waiver of the Company’s lien on the Share.

 

(6)The Directors may declare a Share to be wholly or partly exempt from a lien.

 

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2.LIEN SALE

 

If:

 

(1)the Company has a lien on a Share for money presently payable;

 

(2)the Company has given the Member or the Member’s executors or administrators (as the case may be) holding the Share written notice demanding payment of the money; and

 

(3)that Member fails to pay all of the money demanded,

 

then 14 or more days after giving the notice, the Directors may, if the Listing Rules permit, sell the Share in any manner determined by them.

 

3.FORFEITURE NOTICE

 

(1)The Directors may at any time after a call or instalment becomes payable and remain unpaid by a Member serve a notice on the Member requiring the Member to pay:

 

(a)the unpaid amount;

 

(b)any interest that has accrued; and

 

(c)all expenses incurred by the Company as a consequence of the non-payment.

 

(2)The notice under Article 21(1) must:

 

(a)specify a day (not earlier than 14 days after the date of the notice) on or before which the payment required by the notice must be made; and

 

(b)state that a Member does not comply with the notice, the Shares in respect of which the call was made or instalment is payable will be liable to be forfeited.

 

4.FORFEITURE

 

(1)If a Member fails to comply with a notice served under Article 21, then any or all of the Shares in respect of which the notice was given may be forfeited pursuant to a resolution of the Directors.

 

(2)Unpaid dividends in respect of forfeited Shares will also be forfeited.

 

(3)On forfeiture, Shares become the property of the Company and forfeited Shares must be:

 

(a)disposed of, or cancelled, (subject to the Listing Rules, the Act and other applicable law) on terms determined by the Directors; or

 

(b)offered by public auction in accordance with any requirements of the Listing Rules.

 

(4)The Directors may, at any time before a forfeited Share is sold, disposed of or cancelled, annul the forfeiture of the Share on conditions determined by them.

 

 

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(5)Promptly after a Share has been forfeited:

 

(a)notice of the forfeiture must be given to the Member in whose name the Share was registered immediately before its forfeiture; and

 

(b)the forfeiture and its date must be noted in the Register.

 

(6)Omission or neglect to give notice of or to note the forfeiture as specified in Article 22(5) will not invalidate a forfeiture.

 

5.LIABILITY OF FORMER MEMBER

 

(1)The interest of a person who held Shares which are forfeited Shares is extinguished but, subject to the Listing Rules, the former Member remains liable to pay:

 

(a)all money (including interest and expenses) that was payable by the Member to the Company as at the date of forfeiture in respect of the forfeited Shares; and

 

(b)interest from the date of forfeiture until payment at a rate determined by the Directors (not exceeding 15% per annum).

 

(2)A former Member’s liability to the Company ceases if and when the Company receives payment in full of all money (including interest and expenses) payable by the former Member in respect of the forfeited Shares. The liability may only be released or waived in accordance with the Listing Rules.

 

6.DISPOSAL OF FORFEITED SHARES

 

(1)The Company may:

 

(a)receive the consideration (if any) given for a forfeited Share on any sale or disposition of the Share; and

 

(b)effect a transfer of the Share in favour of a person to whom the Share is sold or disposed of.

 

(2)The purchaser of the forfeited Share:

 

(a)is not bound to check the regularity of the sale or the application of the purchase price;

 

(b)obtains title to the Share despite any irregularity in the sale; and

 

(c)will not be subject to complaint or remedy by the former holder of the Share in respect of the purchase.

 

(3)A statement in writing signed by two Directors or a Director and the Secretary stating that a Share has been forfeited and sold or reissued or sold without forfeiture to enforce a lien, is prima facie evidence of the forfeiture of the Share and the right of the Company to sell, re- issue or dispose of that Share.

 

(4)The net proceeds of any sale made to enforce a lien or on forfeiture must be applied by the Company in the following order:

 

(a)in payment of the costs of the sale;

 

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(b)in payment of all amounts secured by the lien or all money that was payable in respect of the forfeited Share; and

 

(c)in payment of any surplus to the former Member whose Share was sold.

 

TRANSFER OF SHARES

 

1.GENERAL

 

(1)Subject to this Constitution (and in particular but not limited to Article 94), a Member may transfer Shares held by that Member.

 

(2)If a Member is able to transfer Shares then, subject to Article 25(3), Shares may be transferred by:

 

(a)a written transfer instrument in any usual or common form; or

 

(b)any other form approved by the Directors.

 

(3)During the Listed Period and at the discretion of the Directors:

 

(a)the Company may participate in any computerised or electronic system for market settlement, securities transfer and registration conducted in accordance with the Act, the Listing Rules and the Operating Rules.

 

(b)if the Company participates in a system of the kind described in Article 25(3)(a), then despite any other provision of the Constitution:

 

(i)Shares may be transferred, and transfers may be registered, in any manner required or permitted by the Listing Rules or the Operating Rules applying in relation to the system;

 

(ii)the Company must comply with and give effect to the Listing Rules or the Operating Rules; and

 

(iii)the Company may, in accordance with the Listing Rules or the Operating Rules, decline to issue certificates for holdings of Shares.

 

(4)A written transfer instrument must be:

 

(a)executed by the transferor;

 

(b)unless the Directors decide otherwise in the case of a fully paid Share, executed by the transferee, and

 

(c)in the case of a transfer of partly paid Shares, endorsed or accompanied by an instrument executed by the transferee or by the transferee’s broker to the effect that the transferee agrees to accept the Shares subject to the terms and conditions on which the transferor held them, to become a Member and to be bound by the Constitution.

 

(5)Subject to the Act, the written transfer instrument may comprise two (2) documents.

 

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(6)Except as provided by any applicable Operating Rules of a CS Facility:

 

(a)a transferor of Shares remains the holder of the Shares transferred until the transfer is registered and the name of the transferee is entered in the Register in respect of the Shares;

 

(b)a transfer of Shares does not pass the right to any dividends on the Shares until such registration.

 

2.TRANSFER PROCEDURE

 

(1)For a transfer of Shares that is not a transfer to be effected through a prescribed CS Facility:

 

(a)the written transfer instrument must be left at the Office or another place acceptable to the Company;

 

(b)the instrument must be accompanied by a certificate for the Shares dealt with in the transfer where a certificate has been issued, unless the Directors waive production of the certificate on receiving satisfactory evidence of the loss or destruction of the certificate;

 

(c)the Directors may, if the Listing Rules permit, require other evidence of the transferor’s right to transfer the Shares; and

 

(d)the Directors may, if permitted by the Listing Rules, the Act and applicable law, charge a fee for such transfer.

 

(2)For a transfer of a Share that is a transfer to be effected through a prescribed CS Facility a Share transfer must be effected in accordance with the Listing Rules and the Operating Rules.

 

3.RIGHT TO REFUSE REGISTRATION

 

(1)At times other than during the Listed Period, the Directors may in their absolute discretion refuse to register any transfer of Shares or other securities.

 

(2)During the Listed Period, the Directors may in their absolute discretion refuse to register any transfer of Shares or other securities in any circumstances permitted by the Listing Rules, including a transfer not to be effected through a prescribed CS Facility that fails to comply with Article 26(1).

 

(3)If permitted to do so by the Listing Rules, the Directors may:

 

(a)request any applicable CS Facility Operator to apply a holding lock to prevent a transfer of shares in the Company from being registered on the CS Facility’s subregister; or

 

(b)refuse to register any transfer where the Company is, or the Directors are, required to do so by the Listing Rules; or

 

(c)refuse to register any transfer to which Article 27(3)(a) does not apply.

 

(4)Despite Articles 27(2) and 27(3), if the transfer is to be effected through a prescribed CS Facility, the Company must comply with the Operating Rules of the CS Facility in respect of that transfer and must not refuse or fail to register or give effect to, or delay or in any way interfere with it.

 

(5)Subject to Article 27(4), and during the Listed Period, Restricted Securities are to be dealt with in accordance with Article 94.

 

  (6) If a person has lodged a transfer which the Directors have refused to register, the Company must, within 5 Business Days after the date of lodgement, give to the lodging person written notice of the refusal and the reasons for it.

 

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4. PROPORTIONAL TAKEOVER BIDS

 

  (1) Definitions

 

In this Article 28:

 

approving resolution” has the same meaning as in section 648D(1) of the Act; “approving resolution deadline” has the meaning specified in section 648D(2) of the Act; “associate” has the meaning specified in Part 1.2 Division 2 of the Act;

 

proportional takeover bid” has the meaning specified in section 9 of the Act.

 

  (2) Prohibition on registration of transfer unless takeover scheme approved

 

Where an offer has been made under a proportional takeover bid in respect of Shares included in a class of Shares, the registration of a transfer giving effect to a contract resulting from the acceptance of an offer made under the proportional takeover bid is prohibited unless and until a resolution to approve the proportional takeover bid is passed in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution.

 

  (3) Approving resolution

 

An approving resolution is to be voted on at a meeting, convened and conducted by the Company of the persons entitled to vote on the approving resolution under section 648D(1)(b) of the Act.

 

  (4) Entitlement to vote on approving resolution

 

A person (other than the bidder or an associate of the bidder) who, as at the end of the day on which the first offer under the proportional takeover bid was made, held Shares included in that class is entitled to vote on an approving resolution and, for the purposes of so voting, is entitled to one (1) vote for each of those Shares.

 

  (5) Bidder and associates not entitled to vote

 

The bidder or an associate of the bidder is not entitled to vote on an approving resolution.

 

  (6) Approving resolution passed

 

An approving resolution is taken to have been passed if the proportion that the number of votes in favour of the resolution bears to the total number of votes on the resolution is greater than 50%, and otherwise is taken to have been rejected.

 

  (7) General meeting provisions to apply

 

The provisions of this Constitution that apply to a general meeting of the Company apply, with any modifications as the circumstances require, to a meeting that is convened pursuant to Article 28 and apply as if that meeting was a general meeting of the Company.

 

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  (8) Meeting to be held before approving resolution deadline

 

Where takeover offers have been made under a proportional takeover bid, the Directors must ensure that a resolution to approve the proportional takeover bid is voted on in accordance with Article 28 before the approving resolution deadline in relation to the proportional takeover bid.

 

  (9) Notice as to whether approving resolution is passed

 

Where an approving resolution to approve a proportional takeover bid is voted on, in accordance with Article 28, before the approving resolution deadline in relation to the proportional takeover bid, the Company must, on or before the approving resolution deadline:

 

  (a) give to the bidder; and

 

  (b) serve on ASX,

 

a notice in writing stating that an approving resolution for the proportional takeover bid has been voted on and that the approving resolution has been passed, or has been rejected, as the case requires.

 

  (10) Approving resolution deemed to have been passed

 

Where, as at the end of the day before the approving resolution deadline in relation to a proportional takeover bid under which offers have been made, no resolution to approve the proportional takeover bid has been voted on in accordance with Article 28, an approving resolution to approve the proportional takeover bid is, for the purposes of Article 28, deemed to have been passed in accordance with this Article 28.

 

  (11) Effect of this clause

 

This Article 28 ceases to have effect on the third anniversary of the date of its adoption or of its most recent renewal. For the purposes of this Article 28(11) adoption by the Company of this Constitution constitutes and adoption of Article 28.

 

TRANSMISSION OF SHARES

 

1. TITLE & TRANSMISSION ON DEATH

 

Title

 

  (1) The legal personal representative of a deceased Member who was the sole holder of Shares is the only person whom the Company will recognise as having any title to the deceased Member’s Shares.

 

  (2) If a deceased Member was a joint holder of Shares, the other joint holder is the only person who the Company will recognise as having any title to the deceased Member’s Shares.

 

  (3) The estate of a deceased Member will not be released from any liability to the Company in respect of the Shares.

 

  (4) The Company may register or give effect to a transfer to a transferee who dies before the transfer is registered.

 

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Entitlement to transmission

 

  (5) A person who becomes entitled to a Share in consequence of the death, mental illness or bankruptcy of a Member may, subject to Article 26 and to producing to the Company evidence of its entitlement which is satisfactory to the Directors, elect to:

 

  (a) be registered as the holder of the Share; or

 

  (b) transfer the Share to some other person nominated by it.

 

  (6) If the person who has become entitled to a Share:

 

  (a) elects to be registered as the holder, then the person must deliver or send to the Company a written notice of election signed by him or her; or

 

  (b) elects to transfer the Share, then the person must effect a transfer of the Share.

 

  (7) An election to be registered as a holder of a Share under Article 29(5)(a) or a transfer of a Share from a Member or deceased Member under this Article 29 is subject to the same limitations, restrictions and provisions of this Constitution as would apply if the election were a transfer or the transfer were made by the Member or deceased Member himself or herself.

 

  (8) A person who:

 

  (a) has become entitled to a Share by operation of law; and

 

  (b) has produced evidence of its entitlement which is satisfactory to the Directors,

 

is entitled to the dividends and the rights of the registered holder of the Share.

 

  (9) Where two (2) or more persons are jointly entitled to any Share in consequence of the death of the registered holder, they will be considered to be joint holders of the Share.

 

CHANGES TO SHARE CAPITAL

 

1. CONSOLIDATION, SUBDIVISION OR ENTITLEMENT ON PRO-RATA ISSUE

 

For the purpose of giving effect to any consolidation or subdivision of Shares, or an entitlement to participate in a pro-rata issue arising from Shares, the Directors may, subject to the Operating Rules, settle any difficulty which arises with respect to fractions of Shares at their discretion in any manner that they think expedient.

 

GENERAL MEETINGS

 

1. CONVENING

 

  (1) Any two (2) Directors may call a meeting of Members.

 

  (2) The Directors must convene annual general meetings in accordance with the Act, to be held by the Company at times to be determined by the Directors.

 

  (3) Members may also requisition or convene general meetings in accordance with the procedures for Member-initiated meetings set out in the Act.

 

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2. NOTICE

 

  (1) Subject to Article 32(3), Members must be given at least twenty-one (21) days written notice (inclusive of the day on which the notice is served or taken to be served and exclusive of the day for which notice is given) of a general meeting.

 

  (2) General meetings may be called on less than twenty-one (21) days’ notice in accordance with the procedures set out in the Act.

 

  (3) During the Listed Period, members must be given at least twenty-eight (28) days written notice, or such other period of written notice as prescribed by the Listing Rules, (inclusive of the day on which the notice of served or taken to be served and exclusive of the day for which notice is given) of a general meeting.

 

  (4) A notice convening a general meeting must:

 

  (a) specify the place, date and time of the meeting (and if the meeting is to be held in two (2) or more places, the technology that will be used to facilitate this);

 

  (b) state the general nature of the business to be transacted at the meeting;

 

  (c) specify a place and facsimile number and may specify an electronic address for the purposes of proxy appointments; and

 

  (d) comply with any other requirements of the Act.

 

3. BUSINESS

 

  (1) The business of an annual general meeting will be to:

 

  (a) consider the annual financial report and report of the Directors and Auditor required by the Act;

 

  (b) elect Directors, including Directors appointed to fill a casual vacancy in accordance with this Constitution;

 

  (c) re-elect Directors who retire by rotation in accordance with this Constitution and the Listing Rules who, being eligible, offer themselves for re-election;

 

  (d) where relevant, appoint and fix the remuneration of the Auditor; and

 

  (e) transact any other business which under this Constitution may be transacted at a general meeting.

 

  (2) The Chairperson of an annual general meeting must allow a reasonable opportunity for the Members as a whole at the meeting to:

 

  (a) ask questions about or make comments on the management of the Company;

 

  (b) ask the Auditor or his or her representative questions relevant to the conduct of the audit and the preparation and contents of the Auditor’s report for the Company;

 

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  (c) the Directors may postpone or cancel any general meeting (other than a meeting convened as the result of a requisition under Article 31(3)) at any time before the day of the meeting; and

 

  (d) the Directors must give notice of the postponement or cancellation to all persons entitled to receive notices from the Company.

 

  (3) An accidental omission to send a notice of a general meeting (including a proxy appointment form) or the postponement of a general meeting to any Members or the non-receipt of a notice (or form) by any Member does not invalidate the proceedings at or any resolution passed at the general meeting.

 

PROCEEDINGS AT GENERAL MEETINGS

 

1. MEMBER

 

In Articles 35, 36, 39 and 44, “Member” includes a Member present in person or by proxy, attorney or Representative.

 

2. QUORUM

 

  (1) No business may be transacted at a general meeting unless a quorum of Members is present when the meeting proceeds to business.

 

  (2) A quorum of Members is two (2) Members.

 

  (3) If a quorum is not present within thirty (30) minutes after the time appointed for a meeting:

 

  (a) the meeting is automatically dissolved if it was convened by or on the requisition of Members; or

 

  (b) in any other case:

 

  (i) it will stand adjourned to the same time and place seven (7) days after the meeting, or to another day, time and place determined by the Directors; and

 

  (ii) if at the adjourned meeting a quorum is not present within thirty (30) minutes after the time appointed for the meeting, the meeting is automatically dissolved.

 

3. CHAIRPERSON

 

  (1) The Chairperson, or, in the Chairperson’s absence, the deputy Chairperson, of Directors’ meetings will be the Chairperson at every meeting of Members.

 

  (2) If:

 

  (a) there is no Chairperson or deputy Chairperson; or

 

  (b) neither the Chairperson nor deputy Chairperson is present within fifteen (15) minutes after the time appointed for holding the meeting; or

 

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  (c) the Chairperson and deputy Chairperson are unwilling to act as Chairperson of the meeting.

 

the Directors present may elect a Chairperson.

 

  (3) If no election is made pursuant to Article 36(2), then:

 

  (a) the Members may elect one (1) of the Directors present as Chairperson; or

 

  (b) if no Director is present or is willing to take the chair, the Members may elect one (1) of the Members present as Chairperson.

 

  (4) If there is a dispute at a general meeting about a question of procedure, the Chairperson may determine the question.

 

4. GENERAL CONDUCT

 

The general conduct of each general meeting of the Company and the procedures to be adopted at the meeting will be determined by the Chairperson, including the procedure for the conduct of the election of Directors, provided that no more than one director may be elected by the passing or approval of a single resolution (unless a prior resolution approving the election of more than one director by a single resolution has been passed or approved at that meeting) and in any event cumulative voting on a resolution or resolutions to elect one or more directors will not be permitted.

 

5. ADJOURNMENT

 

  (1) The Chairperson of a meeting at which a quorum is present:

 

  (a) in his or her discretion may adjourn a meeting with the meeting’s consent; and

 

  (b) must adjourn a meeting if the meeting directs him or her to do so.

 

  (2) An adjourned meeting may take place at a different venue from the initial meeting.

 

  (3) The only business that can be transacted at an adjourned meeting is the unfinished business of the initial meeting.

 

  (4) If a general meeting has been adjourned for more than thirty (30) days, notice of the adjourned meeting must be given to Members as if it were an original meeting, but otherwise it is not necessary to give notice of an adjourned meeting or the business of the adjourned meeting.

 

  (5) A poll cannot be demanded on any resolution concerning the adjournment of a meeting except by the Chairperson.

 

6. DECISIONS

 

  (1) Subject to the Act in relation to Special Resolutions, a resolution is carried if a majority of the votes cast on the resolution are in favour of the resolution.

 

  (2) A resolution, other than a procedural resolution which shall include the election of a Chairperson, put to the vote of a meeting is decided by a poll in accordance with the Act unless otherwise determined by the Chairperson.

 

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  (3) Notwithstanding Article 39(2), a poll may be demanded at the times and in the circumstances permitted by the Act. The demand for a poll may be withdrawn.

 

  (4) If a resolution is determined by a show of hands:

 

  (a) a declaration by the Chairperson that a resolution has been carried, carried by a specified majority, or not passed; and

 

  (b) an entry to that effect in the minutes of the meeting,

 

is conclusive evidence of the fact without proof of the number or proportion of the votes in favour of or against the resolution.

 

  (5) A decision of a general meeting may not be impeached or invalidated on the ground that a person voting at the meeting was not entitled to do so.

 

7. TAKING A POLL

 

  (1) Subject to Article 40(5), a poll will be taken when and in the manner that the Chairperson directs.

 

  (2) The result of the poll will determine whether the resolution on which the poll was demanded is carried or lost.

 

  (3) The Chairperson may determine any dispute about the admission or rejection of a vote, and such determination, if made in good faith, will be final and conclusive.

 

  (4) A poll cannot be demanded on any procedural resolution, including a resolution concerning the election of the Chairperson of a meeting.

 

  (5) A poll demanded by the Chairperson of any resolution concerning the adjournment of a meeting must be taken immediately.

 

  (6) After a poll has been demanded at a meeting, the meeting may continue for the transaction of business other than the question on which the poll was demanded.

 

8. CASTING VOTE OF CHAIRPERSON

 

The Chairperson does not have a casting vote (in addition to the Chairperson’s vote(s) as a Member, proxy, attorney or Representative) on a show of hands or on a poll.

 

9. OFFENSIVE MATERIAL

 

The Chairperson may refuse a person admission to, or require the person to leave and not return to, a meeting if the person:

 

  (1) refuses to permit examination of any Article in the person’s possession; or

 

  (2) is in possession of any:

 

  (a) electronic or recording device;

 

  (b) placard or banner; or

 

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  (c) other article,

 

which the Chairperson considers to be dangerous, offensive or liable to cause disruption.

 

10. AUDITOR’S RIGHT TO BE HEARD

 

The Auditor may:

 

  (1) attend any general meeting of the Company;

 

  (2) be heard at any general meeting of the Company on any part of the business of the meeting that concerns the Auditor in his or her capacity as auditor, even if:

 

  (a) the Auditor retires at the meeting;

 

  (b) Members pass a resolution to remove the Auditor from office; and

 

  (3) authorise a person in writing to attend and speak at any general meeting as the Auditor’s representative.

 

VOTES OF MEMBERS

 

1. ENTITLEMENT TO VOTE

 

  (1) Subject to this Constitution (including without limitation Article 94) and to any rights or restrictions attaching to any class of Shares:

 

  (a) every Member may vote;

 

  (b) subject to Article 48(3) and the Act, on a show of hands every Member has one (1) vote;

 

  (c) on a poll every Member has:

 

  (i) for each fully paid Share held by the Member, one (1) vote; and

 

  (ii) for each partly paid Share held by the Member, a fraction of a vote equivalent to the proportion which the amount paid (not credited) is of the total amounts paid and payable (excluding amounts credited) on the Share.

 

  (2) If a Member is of unsound mind or is a person whose estate or property had had a personal representative, trustee or other person appointed to administer it, the Member’s personal representative, trustee or other person with the management of the Member’s estate or property may exercise any rights of the Member in relation to a meeting of Members as if the personal representative, trustee or other person was a Member.

 

  (3) The Directors may determine that, for any general meeting or class meeting, a Member who is entitled to attend and vote at that meeting may submit a direct vote, and in connection therewith:

 

  (a) The Directors may determine the Member’s rights attaching to a “direct vote” for the

 

purposes of any general meeting or class meeting;


 

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  (b) A “direct vote” includes a vote delivered to the Company by post, facsimile, electronic notification or any other means approved by the Directors; and

 

  (c) The Directors may specify the form, method and timing of giving a “direct vote” in respect of any general meeting or class meeting, and any other requirements, in order for a direct vote to be valid at that meeting.

 

2. UNPAID CALLS

 

A Member is entitled to:

 

  (1) vote; and

 

  (2) be counted in a quorum,

 

only in respect of Shares on which all calls due and payable have been paid.

 

3. JOINT HOLDERS

 

  (1) If two or more joint holders purport to vote, the vote of the joint holder whose name appears first in the Register will be accepted, to the exclusion of the other joint holder or holders.

 

  (2) For the purposes of this Article 46, several executors or administrators of a deceased Member in whose sole name any Shares are registered will be taken to be joint holders of those Shares.

 

4. OBJECTIONS AND LISTING RULES

 

  (1) An objection to the qualification of a voter may only be raised at the meeting or adjourned meeting at which the voter tendered its vote.

 

  (2) An objection must be referred to the Chairperson of the meeting, whose decision made in good faith is final.

 

  (3) Subject to Article 47(4), a vote which the Chairperson does not disallow pursuant to an objection is valid for all purposes.

 

  (4) A vote which the Listing Rules require the Company to disregard is not valid.

 

5. VOTES BY PROXY

 

  (1) Subject to Article 49(1), a Member who is entitled to vote at a meeting of the Company may appoint not more than two proxies to attend and vote at the meeting on that Member’s behalf.

 

  (2) If a Member appoints one (1) proxy, that proxy may, subject to the Act, vote on a show of hands.

 

  (3) If a Member appoints two proxies neither proxy may vote on a show of hands.

 

  (4) A proxy may demand or join in demanding poll.

 

  (5) A proxy vote which the Listing Rules or the Act require the Company to disregard is not valid.

 

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6. INSTRUMENT APPOINTING PROXY

 

  (1) A Member who is entitled to vote at a meeting may appoint:

 

  (a) one (1) proxy if the Member is only entitled to one (1) vote; and

 

  (b) one (1) or two proxies if the Member is entitled to more than one (1) vote.

 

  (2) A Member who is a natural person may appoint a proxy by a written appointment signed by the appointor or the appointor’s attorney duly authorised in writing.

 

  (3) A Member which is a corporation may appoint a proxy by a written appointment executed in accordance with section 127 of the Act or the appointor’s attorney duly authorised in writing.

 

  (4) A proxy need not be a Member.

 

  (5) a Member appoints two proxies, the appointment may specify the proportion or number of votes that each proxy may exercise. If the appointment does not specify a proportion or number, each proxy may exercise half of the votes in which case any fraction of votes will be disregarded.

 

  (6) (a) Except as permitted by the Directors or Chairperson, a form of appointment of proxy is only valid if it complies with the requirements of the Act.

 

  (b) Schedule 1 sets out a form of appointment of proxy approved by the Directors. The Directors may approve other forms of appointment of proxies, and a form of appointment of proxy accompanying a notice of meeting issued by the Company is deemed to be an approved form of appointment of proxy. The form of appointment of proxy set out in Schedule 1 may be amended to incorporate such voting exclusions and prohibitions as considered necessary by the Company.

 

  (7) A proxy may vote or abstain as he or she chooses except to the extent that an appointment of the proxy indicates the manner in which the proxy will vote on any resolution. The proxy must vote or abstain on a poll or show of hands in accordance with any instructions on the appointment.

 

  (8) A proxy’s appointment is valid at an adjourned meeting.

 

  (9) The appointment of a proxy or attorney is not revoked by the appointor attending or taking part in the meeting but the proxy or attorney appointed by the appointor is not permitted to speak or vote, and must not vote, on resolutions while the appointor is in attendance or participates.

 

7. PROXY IN BLANK

 

If an instrument of proxy is signed by the Member but does not name the proxy or proxies in whose favour it is given, the Chairperson may either act as proxy or complete the instrument of proxy by inserting the name of one (1) or more Directors or the Secretary.

 

8. LODGEMENT OF PROXY

 

  (1) Subject to Article 51(3), the written appointment of a proxy must be received by the Company, at least 48 hours (unless otherwise specified in the notice of meeting to which the proxy relates) before:

 

  (a) the time for holding the meeting or adjourned meeting at which the appointee proposes to vote; or

 

  (b) the taking of a poll on which the appointee proposes to vote.

 

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  (2) If the appointment purports to be executed under a power of attorney or other authority, the original document or a notarially certified copy of it must be forwarded with the appointment.

 

  (3) The Company receives an appointment of a proxy and any power of attorney or other authority under which it was executed when they are received at:

 

  (a) the Office;

 

  (b) a facsimile number at the Office; or

 

  (c) a place, facsimile number or electronic address specified for that purpose in the notice of meeting.

 

9. VALIDITY

 

A vote cast in accordance with an appointment of proxy or power of attorney is valid even if before the vote was cast the appointor:

 

  (1) died;

 

  (2) became of unsound mind;

 

  (3) revoked the proxy or power; or

 

  (4) transferred the Shares in respect of which the vote was cast,

 

unless any written notification of the death, unsoundness of mind, revocation or transfer was received by the Company before the relevant meeting or adjourned meeting.

 

10. REPRESENTATIVES OF CORPORATIONS

 

  (1) Any Member which is a corporation may appoint an individual as its Representative as provided by the Act.

 

  (2) The Chairperson of a general meeting may permit a person claiming to be a Representative to exercise his or her powers even if he or she has not produced a certificate evidencing his or her appointment.

 

  (3) The appointment of a Representative may set out restrictions on the Representative’s powers.

 

APPOINTMENT AND REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS

 

1. NUMBER OF DIRECTORS

 

  (1) Subject to the Act, the Company may by resolution passed at a general meeting increase or reduce the number of Directors.

 

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  (2) Until the Company by resolution resolves otherwise there will be:

 

  (a) a minimum of three (3) Directors;

 

  (b) a minimum of two (2) Director ordinarily resident in Australia; and

 

  (c) a maximum of 12 Directors.

 

  (3) The Directors and Secretary in office as at the date this Constitution is adopted by the Company continue in office subject to this Constitution.

 

2. QUALIFICATION

 

Neither a Director nor an Alternate Director has to hold any Shares, but a Director (and an Alternate Director when acting as a Director) is entitled to notice of and to attend and speak at all general meetings and at every meeting of the holders of Shares of any class of Shares.

 

3. POWER TO REMOVE AND APPOINT

 

  (1) The Company may, subject to the Act, by resolution passed in general meeting:

 

  (a) remove any Director before the end of the Director’s term of office; and

 

  (b) appoint another person in the Director’s place.

 

  (2) A person appointed under Article 56(1)(b) will hold office for the remainder of the term for which the Director replaced would have held office if the Director had not been removed.

 

  (3) Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, the Company may appoint a person as a Director by resolution passed in a general meeting.

 

  (4) Any person elected as a Director by Members in a general meeting is not considered to have been appointed to fill a casual vacancy for the purposes of this Constitution.

 

  (5) If the conduct or position of any Director is such that continuance in office appears to the majority of the Directors to be prejudicial to the interests of the Company, a majority of Directors at a meeting of the Directors specifically convened for that purpose may suspend that Director.

 

  (6) Within 14 days of the suspension, the Directors must call a general meeting, at which the Members may either confirm the suspension and remove the Director from office in accordance with Article 56(1)(a) or annul the suspension and reinstate the Director.

 

4. ADDITIONAL AND CASUAL DIRECTORS

 

  (1) Subject to Article 54, the Directors may appoint any person as a Director to fill a casual vacancy or as an addition to the existing Directors.

 

  (2) A Director appointed under Article 57(1) will hold office until the next annual general meeting of the Company when the Director may be elected but will not be taken into account in determining the number of Directors who must retire by rotation.

 

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5. FILLING VACATED OFFICE

 

  (1) If a Director retires at a general meeting, the Company may by ordinary resolution of Members elect a person to fill the vacated office.

 

  (2) If the vacated office is not filled and the retiring Director has offered himself or herself for re- election, the retiring Director will be considered to have been re-elected unless, at the meeting at which he or she retires:

 

  (a) it is resolved not to fill the vacated office; or

 

  (b) a resolution for the re-election of the Director is put and lost.

 

6. RETIREMENT BY ROTATION

 

  (1) Subject to the Listing Rules and Article 76(6), at each annual general meeting one-third of the Directors (other than the Managing Director) or, if their number is not a multiple of three (3), then the number nearest to but not more than one-third of the Directors must retire from office.

 

  (2) The Directors to retire by rotation at an annual general meeting:

 

  (a) are those Directors who have been longest in office since their last election or appointment; or

 

  (b) if multiple Directors who have been longest in office since their last election or appointment were previously elected or appointed on the same day, those Directors may agree among themselves or determine by lot which of them must retire.

 

  (3) Subject to Article 76(6), a Director must retire from office at the conclusion of the third annual general meeting after the Director was last elected, even if his or her retirement results in more than one-third of all Directors retiring from office.

 

  (4) A retiring Director will be eligible for re-election.

 

  (5) Where a Director who has previously served as a Director, has retired (other than by rotation in accordance with this Article 59) and has subsequently been appointed as a Director on a later date, that Director is taken to have commenced their time in office as at the last date on which they were appointed as a Director of the Company. For the avoidance of doubt, this Article 59(4) applies where a Director is appointed to fill an executive office in the Company (including Managing Director) and subsequently transitions from that executive office to the position of a non-executive Director.

 

7. NOMINATION OF DIRECTOR

 

  (1) A person is not eligible for election as a Director at a general meeting unless:

 

  (a) the person is a Director retiring under Article 57(2) and is seeking election; or

 

  (b) the person is a Director retiring by rotation under Article 59 and is seeking re-election; or

 

  (c) the person has been nominated by the Directors for election at that meeting; or

 

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  (d) the person is proposed by at least fifty (50) Members, or Members holding between them at least five percent (5%) of the votes that may be cast at a general meeting and such Members serve a notice at the Office which nominates the person.

 

  (2) A notice given in accordance with Article 60(1) must be left at the Office not less than thirty (30) Business Days before the relevant general meeting.

 

8. VACATION OF OFFICE

 

  (1) The office of a Director immediately becomes vacant if the Director:

 

  (a) ceases to be a Director by virtue of the Act;

 

  (b) is prohibited by the Act from holding office or continuing as a Director;

 

  (c) is prohibited from holding or is removed from the office of Director by an order made under the Act;

 

  (d) becomes bankrupt or makes any general arrangement or composition with his or her creditors;

 

  (e) cannot manage the Company because of his or her mental incapacity and is a person whose estate or property has had a personal representative or trustee appointed to administer it;

 

  (f) resigns from his or her office as Director by notice in writing to the Company;

 

  (g) is removed by a resolution of the Company; or

 

  (h) not being engaged abroad on the business of the Company, is absent from Director’s meetings for three (3) consecutive months without leave of absence from the Directors.

 

  (2) A Director who holds any executive office in the Company (including the office of Managing Director) ceases to be a Director when he or she ceases to hold the executive office, unless otherwise determined by the Board.

 

  (3) A person ceasing to be a Director by virtue of the provisions of Article 61(2) will not thereby be rendered ineligible for appointment or election as a Director under any Article other than Article 76.

 

REMUNERATION OF DIRECTORS

 

1. REMUNERATION OF NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

 

  (1) Subject to the Listing Rules, the Directors (other than an Executive Director) may collectively be paid as remuneration for their services a fixed sum not exceeding the aggregate maximum sum applicable as at the time of adoption of this Constitution or subsequently as from time to time determined by the Company in a general meeting.

 

  (2) The notice convening a general meeting at which it is proposed that Members approve an increase of the aggregate maximum sum must state the amount of the increase and the aggregate maximum sum, and any other matters required by the Listing Rules.

 

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  (3) Subject to the Listing Rules, the aggregate maximum sum will be divided among the Non- Executive Directors in such proportion and manner as the Directors agree and, in default of agreement, equally.

 

  (4) Non-Executive Directors may not be paid a commission on or a percentage of profits or operating revenue.

 

  (5) If a Non-Executive Director is required to perform services for the Company which in the opinion of the Directors are outside the scope of the ordinary duties of a Director, the Company may pay the Director a fixed sum determined by the Directors in addition to or instead of the Director’s remuneration under Article 62(1).

 

  (6) The Non-Executive Directors may also be paid all travelling, hotel and other expenses properly incurred by them in attending and returning from meetings of the Directors or any committee of the Directors or general meetings of the Company or otherwise in connection with the Company’s business.

 

  (7) The Company may also pay a premium in respect of a contract insuring a person who is or has been a Non-Executive Director against liability incurred by the person as a Director, except in circumstances prohibited by the Act.

 

2. REMUNERATION OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

 

  (1) The remuneration of an Executive Director may from time to time be fixed by the Directors. The remuneration may be by way of salary or commission or participation in profits or by all or any of these modes but may not be by commission on, or a percentage of, operating revenue.

 

  (2) The Company may pay a premium in respect of a contract insuring a person who is or has been an Executive Director against liability incurred by the person as a Director, except in circumstances prohibited by the Act.

 

3. BENEFIT TO RETIRING DIRECTORS

 

  (1) The Directors may:

 

  (a) pay a gratuity, pension or allowance, on retirement or other vacation of office, to or for the benefit of a Director or to his or her spouse or dependants; and

 

  (b) make contributions to any fund and pay any premiums for the purchase or provision of any such gratuity, pension or allowance;

 

in the circumstances provided in, and subject to the approval of Members if so required by the Act.

 

  (2) The Directors may enter into a contract or arrangement with a prospective, present or former Director for the payment of benefits or the making of contributions of the kinds referred to in Article 64(1).

 

  (3) The Directors may establish or support or assist in the establishment or support of funds and trusts to provide pension, retirement, superannuation or similar payments or benefits to the Directors.

 

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4. POWERS AND DUTIES OF DIRECTORS

 

  (1) The business of the Company is managed by or under the direction of the Directors who may exercise all powers of the Company that this Constitution, the Act or the Listing Rules do not require to be exercised by the Company in general meeting.

 

  (2) Without limiting the generality of Article 65(1), the Directors may exercise all the power of the Company to:

 

  (a) borrow money;

 

  (b) charge any property or business of the Company or all or any of its uncalled capital;

 

  (c) issue debentures or give any other security for a debt, liability or obligation of the Company or of any other person; and

 

  (d) guarantee or to become liable for the payment of money or the performance of any obligation by or of any other person.

 

PROCEEDINGS OF DIRECTORS

 

1. DIRECTORS’ MEETINGS

 

  (1) The Chairperson, the deputy Chairperson, or any one Director may at any time, and the Secretary must on the request of the Chairperson, the deputy Chairperson, or any one Director, call a meeting of the Directors.

 

  (2) An accidental omission to send a notice of a meeting of Directors to any Director or the non- receipt of such a notice by any Director does not invalidate the proceedings at or any resolution passed at the meeting.

 

  (3) (a) Subject to the Act, a Director’s meeting may be held by the Directors communicating with each other by any technological means by which they are able simultaneously to hear each other and to participate in discussion.

 

  (b) The Directors need not all be physically present in the same place for a Directors’ meeting to be held.

 

  (c) A Director who participates in a meeting held in accordance with this Article 66(3) is taken to be present and entitled to vote at the meeting.

 

  (d) A Director can only withdraw his or her consent to the means of communication between Directors proposed for a Directors’ meeting if the Director does so at least 48 hours before the meeting.

 

  (4) Article 66(3) applies to meetings of Directors’ committees as if all committee Members were Directors.

 

  (5) The Directors may meet together, adjourn and regulate their meetings as they think fit.

 

  (6) Subject to the Act, a quorum for meetings of Directors may be fixed by the Directors and unless so fixed, is two.

 

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  (7) Where a quorum cannot be established for the consideration of a particular matter at a meeting of Directors, the Chairperson or the Managing Director may convene a general meeting of Members to deal with the matter.

 

  (8) Notice of a meeting of Directors may be given in writing, or the meeting may be otherwise called using any technology consented to by all the Directors.

 

2. DECISIONS

 

  (1) Questions arising at a meeting of Directors are to be decided by a majority of votes of the Directors present and voting and, subject to Article 68, each Director has one (1) vote.

 

  (2) The Chairperson of a meeting has a casting vote in addition to his or her deliberative vote, except where only two Directors are present and entitled to vote on the matter.

 

  (3) An Alternate Director has one (1) vote for each Director for whom he or she is an alternate.

 

  (4) If the Alternate Director is a Director, he or she also has a vote as a Director.

 

3. DIRECTORS’ INTERESTS

 

  (1) A Director who has a material personal interest in a matter that is to be considered at a meeting of Directors must not:

 

  (a) vote on the matter or be present while the matter is being considered at the meeting; and

 

  (b) be counted in the quorum in relation to that matter if to do so would be contrary to the Act.

 

  (2) Each Director must disclose to the Company particulars of:

 

  (a) any material contract in which the Director is interested, including the names of the parties to the contract, particulars of the contract, and the Director’s interest in the contract; and

 

  (b) any material personal interest in a matter that is being considered at a meeting of the board or of Directors.

 

  (3) Voting by a Director contrary to this Article 68, or failure by a Director to make disclosure under this Article, does not render void or voidable a contract in which the Director has an interest.

 

  (4) A Director and any firm, body or entity in which a Director has a direct or indirect interest may in any capacity:

 

  (a) enter into any contract or arrangement with the Company;

 

  (b) be appointed to and hold any office or place of profit under the Company, other than the office of auditor; and

 

  (c) act in a professional capacity, other than as auditor, for the Company,

 

and provided that he or she makes disclosure as required by this Article 68, may receive and retain for his or her own benefit any remuneration, profits or benefits as if he or she were not a Director.

 

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4. ALTERNATE DIRECTORS

 

  (1) A Director may, with the approval of the Directors, appoint any person as his or her alternate.

 

  (2) An Alternate Director is entitled to notice of Directors’ meetings while he or she is acting in that capacity and, if the appointor is not present at a meeting, is entitled to attend, be counted in a quorum and vote as a Director.

 

  (3) An Alternate Director is an officer of the Company and is not an agent of the appointor.

 

  (4) The provisions of this Constitution which apply to Directors also apply to Alternate Directors.

 

  (5) The appointment of an Alternate Director may be revoked at any time by the appointor or by the other Directors.

 

  (6) An Alternate Director’s appointment ends automatically when his or her appointor ceases to be a Director.

 

  (7) Any appointment or revocation under this Article must be effected by written notice delivered to the Secretary.

 

  (8) For the purposes of Article 69, an Alternate Director does not have an interest in a contract or arrangement or a material personal interest in a matter by reason only of the fact that his or her appointor has such an interest.

 

5. REMAINING DIRECTORS

 

  (1) The Directors may act even if there are vacancies on the Board.

 

  (2) If the number of Directors is not sufficient to constitute a quorum at a Directors’ meeting, the Director or Directors may act only to:

 

  (a) appoint a Director; or

 

  (b) convene a general meeting.

 

6. CHAIRPERSON

 

  (1) The Directors may elect a Director as Chairperson of Directors’ meetings and may determine the period for which the Chairperson will hold office.

 

  (2) If no Chairperson is elected or if the Chairperson is not present at any Directors’ meeting within 10 minutes after the time appointed for the meeting to begin, the Directors present must elect a Director to be Chairperson of the meeting.

 

  (3) The Directors may elect a Director as deputy Chairperson to act as Chairperson in the Chairperson’s absence.

 

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7. DIRECTORS’ COMMITTEES

 

  (1) The Directors may, but are not required to, delegate any of their powers, other than those which by law must be dealt with by the Directors as a board, to a committee or committees.

 

  (2) The Directors may at any time revoke any delegation of power to a committee.

 

  (3) At least one (1) Member of each committee must be a Director.

 

  (4) A committee must exercise its powers in accordance with any directions of the Directors and a power exercised in that way is taken to have been exercised by the Directors.

 

  (5) A committee may be authorised by the Directors to sub-delegate all or any of the powers for the time being vested in it.

 

  (6) Meetings of any committee will be governed by the provisions of this Constitution which deal with Directors’ meetings so far as they are applicable and are not inconsistent with any directions of the Directors.

 

8. WRITTEN RESOLUTIONS

 

  (1) If a majority of the Directors who are eligible to vote on a resolution or resolutions sign a document containing a statement that they are in favour of the resolution or resolutions in terms set out in the document, then the resolution is passed when the last Director forming part of that majority signs that document.

 

  (2) For the purposes of Article 73(1), separate copies of a document may be used for signing by the Directors if the wording of the resolution and statement is identical in each copy.

 

  (3) Any document referred to in this Article may be in the form of a facsimile transmission or electronic notification.

 

  (4) If a Directors’ meeting is taken to have been held in accordance with this Article, the minutes must record that fact.

 

  (5) This Article applies to meetings of Directors’ committees as if all Members of the committee were Directors.

 

  (6) Any document referred to in this Article 73 must be sent to every Director who is entitled to vote on the resolution (whether or not the Director signs the document).

 

  (7) A facsimile transmission, an email bearing the signature of the Director or an email of the Director addressed to another officer of the Company confirming agreement with the resolution and undertaking to sign the resolution as soon as practicable shall be deemed to be a document in writing by the relevant Director for the purpose of this Article.

 

9. VALIDITY OF ACTS OF DIRECTORS

 

If it is discovered that:

 

  (1) there was a defect in the appointment of a person as a Director, Alternate Director or Member of a Directors’ committee; or

 

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  (2) a person appointed to one (1) of those positions was disqualified;

 

all acts of the Directors or the Directors’ committee before the discovery was made are as valid as if the person had been duly appointed and was not disqualified.

 

10. MINUTES

 

  (1) The Directors must cause minutes to be made of:

 

  (a) the names of the Directors present at all general meetings, Directors’ meetings and meetings of Directors’ committees;

 

  (b) all proceedings and resolutions of general meetings, Directors’ meetings and meetings of Directors’ committees;

 

  (c) all resolutions passed by Directors in accordance with Article 73;

 

  (d) appointments of officers, but only if the Directors resolve that a minute of the appointment should be made; and

 

  (e) all disclosures of interests made pursuant to Article 68.

 

  (2) Minutes must be signed by the Chairperson of the meeting or by the Chairperson of the next meeting of the relevant body, and if so signed will as between the Directors be conclusive evidence of the matters stated in such minutes.

 

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

 

1. APPOINTMENT

 

  (1) (a) The Directors may appoint a Director to the office of Managing Director on such terms as they think fit.

 

  (b) The Directors may appoint a Director to any other full-time or substantially full-time executive position in the Company on such terms as they think fit.

 

  (c) A Director appointed under 76(1)(a) or 76(1)(b), and a Director (however appointed) occupying for the time being a full-time or substantially full-time executive position in the Company or a related body corporate, is referred to in this Constitution as an Executive Director.

 

  (2) The position of Chairperson of Directors may be a full-time executive position if the Directors so resolve.

 

  (3) The Directors may, subject to the terms of the Executive Director’s employment contract, suspend, remove or dismiss him or her from executive office and appoint another Director in that place.

 

  (4) If the Managing Director or the Chairperson (if appointed to a full-time executive position) ceases to be a Director, his or her executive office terminates automatically.

 

  (5) If an Executive Director is suspended from executive office, his or her duties and obligations as Director are suspended for the same period.

 

  (6) A Managing Director is not subject to retirement by rotation and is not to be taken into account in determining the rotation of retirement of Directors. Any other Executive Directors are subject to retirement by rotation.

 

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2. POWERS OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

 

  (1) The Directors may confer on an Executive Director any powers exercisable by the Directors, subject to any terms and restrictions determined by the Directors.

 

  (2) The Directors may authorise an Executive Director to sub-delegate all or any of the powers vested in him or her.

 

  (3) Any power conferred pursuant to this Article may be concurrent with but not to the exclusion of the Directors’ powers.

 

  (4) The Directors may at any time withdraw or vary any of the powers conferred on an Executive Director.

 

SECRETARY

 

1. SECRETARY

 

  (1) Subject to Article 78(2), there must be at least one (1) secretary of the Company appointed by the Directors on conditions determined by them.

 

  (2) The Company must always have at least one (1) secretary of the Company ordinarily resident in Australia.

 

  (3) The Directors may, subject to the terms of the Secretary’s employment contract, suspend, remove or dismiss the Secretary.

 

INSURANCE AND INDEMNITY OF APPLICABLE PERSONS

 

1. APPLICABLE PERSONS

 

The provisions of Articles 80, 81, 82 and 83 shall apply to Applicable Persons, which expression shall include:

 

  (1) every person who is or has been an Officer of the Company;

 

  (2) every person who is or has been an Officer of a Related Body Corporate of the Company;

 

  (3) if the Directors determine, an employee or former employee of the Company or a Related Body Corporate of the Company;

 

  (4) if the Directors determine and to the extent permitted under the Act, an auditor or former auditor of the Company or a Related Body Corporate of the Company.

 

2. INSURANCE

 

  (1) To the extent permitted under the Act, the Company may pay, or agree to pay, a premium in respect of a contract insuring any one (1) or more Applicable Persons against any liability incurred by the Applicable Person provided that the liability does not arise out of conduct involving:

 

  (a) a wilful breach of duty in relation to the Company or a Related Body Corporate of the Company; or

 

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  (b) a contravention of section 182 or 183 of the Act.

 

  (2) To the extent permitted under the Act, the Company may pay, or agree to pay, an Applicable Person for costs and expenses incurred by that Applicable Person in defending proceedings, whatever the outcome of the proceedings.

 

3. INDEMNITY

 

  (1) The Company does not exempt an Applicable Person from a liability to the Company incurred in their capacity as an Applicable Person.

 

  (2) To the extent permitted by the Act, the Company indemnifies any Applicable Person against non-legal costs incurred as an Applicable Person except:

 

  (a) for a liability owed to the Company or a Related Body Corporate of the Company;

 

  (b) for a liability for a pecuniary penalty order under section 1317G or compensation order under section 1317H or section 1317HA of the Act;

 

  (c) for a liability owed to a third party arising out of conduct involving a lack of good faith.

 

  (3) To the extent permitted by the Act, the Company indemnifies any Applicable Person against legal costs incurred in defending an action for a liability incurred as an Applicable Person except:

 

  (a) in defending or resisting proceedings in which the Applicable Person is found to have a liability for which they could not be indemnified under Article 81(2); or

 

  (b) in defending or resisting criminal proceedings in which the Applicable Person is found guilty; or

 

  (c) in defending or resisting proceedings brought by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (and any of its successors) or a liquidator for a court order if the grounds for making the order are found by a court to have been established; or

 

  (d) in connection with proceedings for relief to the Applicable Person under the Act in which the Court denies relief.

 

  (4) Where the costs and expenses incurred by an Applicable Person under Articles 81(1), 81(2) or 81(3) are recovered by the Company under an insurance policy taken out or paid for by the Company pursuant to Article 80, the extent of the indemnification of an Applicable Person shall be reduced accordingly.

 

4. LOAN TO AN APPLICABLE PERSON

 

  (1) To the extent permitted by the Act, the Directors may give a loan or advance to an Applicable Person to assist with the payment of costs and expenses of the Applicable Person which may be incurred under Articles 80 and 81, where, in the opinion of the Directors, the costs and expenses are likely to become an amount for which the Company may become liable.

 

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  (2) If, upon a determination of the proceedings, the costs and expenses for which the loan or advance was given are not the liability of the Company, the loan or advance given to the Applicable Person shall be recoverable according to the terms of the loan or advance.

 

5. MEANING OF PROCEEDINGS

 

In Articles 80, 81 and 82, the term “proceedings” means any proceedings and any appeal in relation to any proceedings, whether civil or criminal, being proceedings in which it is alleged that the Applicable Person has done or omitted to do some act, matter or thing in his capacity under which the person has become an Applicable Person (including proceedings alleging that the Applicable Person was guilty of negligence, default, breach of trust or breach of duty in relation to the Company or a Related Body Corporate) and includes any investigations by any regulatory authority.

 

SEAL

 

1. COMMON SEAL

 

If the Company has a Seal:

 

  (1) the Directors must provide for the safe custody of the Seal;

 

  (2) it must not be used except with the authority of the Directors or a Directors’ committee authorised to permit use of the Seal;

 

  (3) every document to which the Seal is affixed must be signed by a Director and be countersigned by another Director, the Secretary or another person appointed by the Directors to countersign the document; and

 

  (4) the Directors may determine by resolution either generally or in any particular case that the signature of any Director or the Secretary to a document to which the Seal or a duplicate seal or certificate seal is affixed may be a facsimile applied to the document by specified mechanical means.

 

2. DUPLICATE SEAL

 

If the Company has a Seal, the Company may have one (1) or more duplicate seals of the Seal each of which:

 

  (1) must be a facsimile of the Seal with the addition on its face of the words “Duplicate Seal”; and

 

  (2) must only be used with the authority of the Directors or a Directors’ committee.

 

3. CERTIFICATE SEAL

 

If the Company has a Seal, the Company may have a certificate seal which:

 

  (1) may be affixed to Share, option or other certificates;

 

  (2) must be a facsimile of the Seal with the addition on its face of the words “Certificate Seal”; and

 

  (3) must only be used with the authority of the Directors or a Directors’ committee.

 

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POWERS OF ATTORNEY

 

1. POWERS OF ATTORNEY

 

  (1) If a Member executes or proposes to execute any document or do any act by or through an attorney which is relevant to the Company or the Member’s shareholding in the Company, that Member must deliver the instrument appointing the attorney to the Company for notation.

 

  (2) The Company may require the Member to lodge a certified copy of the instrument for retention by the Company, and ask for whatever evidence it thinks appropriate that the power of attorney is effective and continues to be in force.

 

  (3) Any power of attorney granted by a Member will, as between the Company and the Member who granted the power of attorney:

 

  (a) continue in force, and

 

  (b) may be acted on,

 

unless express notice in writing of its revocation or of the death of the Member who granted it is lodged with the Company.

 

  (4) Where a Member proposes that an attorney represent the Member at a general meeting or adjourned meeting, the Member must comply with Article 51(2) of the Constitution.

 

INSPECTION OF RECORDS

 

1. TIMES FOR INSPECTION

 

  (1) Except as otherwise required by the Act, the Directors may determine whether and to what extent, and at what time and places and under what conditions, the financial records and other documents of the Company or any of them will be open for inspection by Members other than Directors.

 

  (2) A Member other than a Director does not have the right to inspect any financial records or other documents of the Company unless the Member is authorised to do so by a court order or a resolution of the Directors.

 

DIVIDENDS, RESERVES AND DISTRIBUTIONS

 

1. POWER TO PAY AND TO FIX TIME ETC. FOR PAYMENT OF DIVIDENDS

 

  (1) Despite any other provision of this Constitution, the Directors may determine, declare or procure the payment of dividends as and when permitted by the Act and during the Listed Period of the Listing Rules.

 

  (2) The Directors may determine that a dividend is payable by the Company and fix:

 

  (a) the amount;

 

  (b) the time for payment; and

 

  (c) the method of payment.

 

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2. AMEND RESOLUTION TO PAY DIVIDEND

 

The Directors may amend or revoke a resolution to pay a dividend before the date which is nine (9) Business Days before the record date notified to ASX for determining entitlements to a dividend.

 

3. NO INTEREST

 

The Company must not pay interest on a dividend.

 

4. RESERVES

 

  (1) The Directors may set aside out of profits such amounts by way of reserves as they think appropriate to pay a dividend.

 

  (2) The Directors may apply the reserves for any purpose for which profits may be properly applied.

 

  (3) Pending any application of the reserves, the Directors may invest or use the reserves in the business of the Company or in other investments as they think fit.

 

  (4) The Directors may carry forward any undistributed profits without transferring them to a reserve.

 

5. DIVIDEND ENTITLEMENT

 

  (1) The dividend to be paid to the holder of a partly paid Share must not exceed that proportion of the dividend to be paid to the holder of a fully paid Share that the amount paid up on the Share (not credited as paid up) bears to the total issue price of the Share (excluding amounts credited as paid up).

 

  (2) Unless otherwise determined by the Directors, Shares rank for dividend from their date of allotment.

 

  (3) Subject to the Act and the Operating Rules, a transfer of Shares registered after the record date notified to ASX for determining entitlements to a dividend paid or payable in respect of the transferred Shares, does not pass the right to that dividend.

 

6. RESTRICTED SECURITIES

 

  (1) During the Listed Period, for so long as the Company has any Restricted Securities on issue and despite any other provision in this Constitution:

 

  (a) a holder of Restricted Securities must not dispose of, or agree or offer to dispose of, the Restricted Securities during the escrow period applicable to those Restricted Securities except as permitted by the Listing Rules or ASX;

 

  (b) if the Restricted Securities are in the same class as quoted securities, the holder will be taken to have agreed in writing that the Restricted Securities are to be kept on the Company’s issuer sponsored subregister and are to have a holding lock applied for the duration of the escrow period applicable to those Restricted Securities;

 

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  (c) the Company will refuse to acknowledge any disposal (including, without limitation, to register any transfer) of Restricted Securities during the escrow period applicable to those Restricted Securities except as permitted by the Listing Rules of ASX;

 

  (d) a holder of Restricted Securities will not be entitled to participate in any return of capital on those Restricted Securities during the escrow period applicable to those Restricted Securities except as permitted by the Listing Rules or ASX;

 

  (e) if a holder of Restricted Securities breaches a restriction deed or a provision of this Constitution restricting the disposal of Restricted Securities, the holder will not be entitled to any dividend or distribution, or to exercise any voting rights, in respect of those Restricted Securities for so long as the breach continues; and

 

  (f) in this clause 94, and for the purposes of this Constitution generally when used in connection with this clause 94 or its subject matter, the following words and phrases have the meaning given to them in the Listing Rules: “class”; “dispose” or “disposal” (which include using an asset as collateral - see chapter 19 of the Listing Rules); “holding lock”; “issuer sponsored subregister”; and “restriction deed”.

 

  (2) The Company may impose disposal restrictions on Restricted Securities by way of restriction deed or restriction notice (as those terms are defined in the Listing Rules). This Article 94(2) applies only to the extent permitted by the Act and applicable law.

 

7. DEDUCTIONS FROM DIVIDENDS

 

The Directors may deduct from a dividend payable to a Member all sums presently payable by the Member to the Company on account of calls or otherwise in relation to Shares in the Company.

 

8. DISTRIBUTIONS OF ASSETS

 

  (1) The Directors may resolve that:

 

  (a) without limiting paragraph (1)(b) of this Article, a dividend (interim or final) will be paid wholly or partly by the transfer or distribution of assets, including shares in, or debentures of, any other corporation or interests in a managed investment scheme or comparable foreign interests or rights; or

 

  (b) without limiting paragraph (1)(a) of this Article, distribute or return any amount of capital or income (including, without limitation of or to either, any assets including shares in, or debentures of, any other corporation or interests in a managed investment scheme or comparable interests or rights in a foreign equivalent) to Members pro rata according to the number of Shares held as at a time decided by the Directors (in accordance with the Listing Rules during the Listed Period). The distribution may be in cash, or by way of distributing assets in specie or any combination of some or all of cash or assets.

 

  (2) If a difficulty arises or may arise in making or giving effect to a transfer or distribution of assets, the Directors may:

 

  (a) deal with the difficulty as they consider expedient;

 

  (b) fix the value of all or any part of the assets for the purposes of the distribution;

 

-41-

 

 

  (c) determine that cash will be paid to any Members on the basis of the fixed value in order to adjust the rights of all the Members; and

 

  (d) vest any such assets in trustees as the Directors consider expedient.

 

  (3) If a transfer or distribution of assets to a particular Member or Members is illegal or would be illegal or, in the Directors’ opinion, impracticable, the Directors may make a cash payment to the Member or Members on the basis of the cash amount of the dividend instead of the transfer or distribution of assets.

 

  (4) If the Company distributes assets to Members each Member is deemed to have appointed the Company (and/or any Director or Secretary for the time being) as his, her or its agent to give any consent, to enter any agreement, to execute any document or to do anything necessary or desirable to give effect to the distribution, including agreeing to become a member of another body corporate or of a managed investment scheme or a comparable foreign equivalent (which such consent, agreement, execution or other thing shall be effective and binding on all Members concerned).

 

  (5) The Directors may authorise any person to make, on behalf of each Member entitled to any asset as a result of a distribution, an agreement with the Company or another person which provides, as appropriate, for the distribution or issue to them of shares or other securities credited as fully paid up or for payment by the Company on their behalf of the amounts or any part of the amounts remaining unpaid on their existing Shares or other securities of the Company by applying their respective proportions of the amount resolved to be distributed.

 

9. PAYMENT

 

  (1) Any dividend or other money payable in respect of Shares may be paid by cheque sent through the mail direct to:

 

  (a) the address of the Member shown in the Register or to the address of the joint holder of Shares shown first in the Register; or

 

  (b) an address which the Member or joint holders has in writing notified the Company as the address to which dividends should be sent.

 

  (2) Any joint holder may give an effectual receipt for any dividend or other money paid in respect of Shares held by holders jointly.

 

10. ELECTION TO REINVEST DIVIDEND

 

If and to the extent authorised by resolution of the Company in general meeting, the Directors may:–

 

  (1) establish a plan under which Members or any class of Members may elect to reinvest cash dividends paid by the Company by subscribing for Shares;

 

  (2) vary, suspend or terminate the arrangements established under Article 98(1).

 

11. ELECTION TO ACCEPT SHARES IN LIEU OF DIVIDEND

 

  (1) If and to the extent authorised by resolution of the Company in general meeting, the Directors may resolve, in respect of any dividend which it is proposed to pay on any Shares, that holders of those Shares may elect to:

 

  (a) forego their right to share in the proposed dividend or part of the proposed dividend; and

 

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  (b) instead receive an issue of Shares credited as fully paid.

 

  (2) If the Directors resolve to allow the election provided for in Article 99(1), each holder of Shares conferring a right to share in the proposed dividend may, by notice in writing to the Company given in such form and within such period as the Directors may decide, elect to:

 

  (a) forego the dividend which otherwise would have been paid to the holder on such of the holder’s Shares conferring a right to share in the proposed dividend as the holder specified in the notice of election; and

 

  (b) receive instead Shares to be issued to the holder credited as fully paid, on and subject to such terms and conditions as the Directors may determine.

 

  (3) Following the receipt of duly completed notices of election under Article 99(2), the Directors must:

 

  (a) appropriate an amount equal to the aggregate issue price of the Shares to be issued credited as fully paid to those holders of Shares who have given such notices of election; and

 

  (b) apply the amount in paying up in full the number of Shares required to be so issued.

 

  (4) The Directors may rescind, vary or suspend a resolution of the Directors made pursuant to Article 99(1) and the arrangements implemented pursuant to the resolution.

 

  (5) The powers given to the Directors by this Article 99 are additional to the provisions for capitalisation of profits provided for by this Constitution. If the Directors exercise their power to capitalise profits under Article 101 then any Member who has elected to participate in arrangements established under this Article 99 is deemed, for the purpose of determining the Member’s entitlement to share in the capitalised sum, not to have so elected.

 

12. UNCLAIMED DIVIDENDS

 

All dividends unclaimed for one (1) year after the time for payment has passed may be invested by the Directors as they think fit for the benefit of the Company until claimed or until required to be dealt with in accordance with any law relating to unclaimed money.

 

13. CAPITALISATION OF PROFITS

 

  (1) The Directors may resolve to capitalise profits.

 

  (2) If the capitalisation is to be accompanied by the issue of Shares or debentures, the Directors may apply the sum capitalised:

 

  (a) in the proportions in which the Members would be entitled if the sum was distributed by way of dividend; or

 

  (b) in connection with an employee share scheme adopted by the Company, by applying the sum in paying up in part or full unissued Shares and issuing them in accordance with the rules of that scheme.

 

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  (3) For the purposes of this Article 101, “employee share scheme” has the same meaning as in section 9 of the Act.

 

  (4) To the extent necessary to adjust the rights of the Members among themselves where Article 101(2)(a) applies or is intended to apply, the Directors may adopt a rounding policy or make cash payments in cases where Shares or debentures become issuable in fractions.

 

NOTICES

 

1. SERVICE OF NOTICES

 

  (1) Notice may be given by the Company to any person who is entitled to notice under this Constitution by:

 

  (a) serving it on the person;

 

  (b) sending it by post, facsimile transmission or electronic notification to the person’s address shown in the Register or the address supplied by the person to the Company for sending notices to the person; or

 

  (c) (except in the case of a notice of meeting of Members which is required to be given individually to each Member entitled to vote at the meeting and to each Director and each Alternate Director), advertising in one (1) or more of the newspapers published in Australia or as determined by the Directors, if in the opinion of the Directors extreme or unusual circumstances make it appropriate to do so.

 

  (2) A notice sent by post is taken to be served:

 

  (a) by properly addressing, prepaying, and posting a letter containing the notice; and

 

  (b) on the day after the day on which it was posted.

 

  (3) A notice sent by facsimile transmission or electronic notification is taken to be served:

 

  (a) by properly addressing the facsimile transmission or electronic notification and transmitting it; and

 

  (b) on the day of its transmission except if transmitted after 5.00 pm in which case is taken to be served on the next day.

 

  (4) A notice given by advertisement is taken to be served on the date on which the advertisement first appears in a newspaper.

 

  (5) A notice may be served by the Company on joint holders under Article 102(1)(a) or 102(1)(b) by giving the notice to the joint holder whose name appears first in the Register.

 

  (6) Every person who is entitled to a Share by operation of law and who is not registered as the holder of the Share is taken to receive any notice served in accordance with this Article by advertisement or on the person from whom it derives title.

 

  (7) A Share certificate, cheque, warrant or other document may be delivered by the Company either personally or by sending it:

 

  (a) in the case of a Member who does not have a Registered Address in Australia, by airmail post, by facsimile transmission, electronic notification or in another way that ensures that it will be received quickly, as appropriate; and

 

  (b) in any other case by ordinary post.

 

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  (8) A Member whose Registered Address is not in Australia may specify in writing an address in as the Member’s Registered Address within the meaning of this Article.

 

  (9) A certificate in writing signed by a Director, Secretary or other officer of the Company, or by any person that the Company has engaged to maintain the Register, that a document or its envelope or wrapper was addressed and stamped and was posted is conclusive evidence of posting.

 

  (10) If at least two notices sent by post, facsimile transmission or electronic notification is returned unclaimed or is not deliverable (as evidenced by notification of non-delivery or of the addressee not being at the address or facsimile number, of a facsimile number not accepting facsimile transmissions or of an electronic notification address not existing) or if the Directors believe on other reasonable grounds that the address or facsimile number is not the address or facsimile number of the Member, the Company may give notice and notice is taken to have been given to the Member if the notice is exhibited at the Company’s registered office for at least two Business Days. If one or more addresses or facsimile numbers are recorded for a Member this Article will only operate in respect of a Member if it applies to all the addresses or facsimile numbers recorded for that Member. This Article will cease to operate in respect of a Member if the Member gives the Company a new address or facsimile number (unless this Article also applies to that new address or facsimile number). This Article does not oblige the Company to send any notice of meeting to a member by facsimile or email if it is only sent to other Members by post.

 

  (11) If the Act or during the Listed Period the Listing Rules provide that notices may be sent or given or documents provided to Members by other means (including but not only by being made available on the internet), sending or giving a notice or providing a document by that means is authorised by this Article and is as effective as if the notice was sent or given or document provided in accordance with any other method referred to in this Article.

 

  (12) Subject to the Act, the signature (if any) to a written notice given by the Company may be written, printed or electronic.

 

  (13) All notices sent by post outside Australia must be sent by prepaid airmail post.

 

2. PERSONS ENTITLED TO NOTICE

 

  (1) Notices of every general meeting must be given to:

 

  (a) every Member;

 

  (b) every Director and Alternate Director;

 

  (c) during the Listed Period, ASX; and

 

  (d) the auditor.

 

  (2) No other person is entitled to receive notice of a general meeting.

 

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AUDIT AND FINANCIAL RECORDS

 

1. COMPANY TO KEEP FINANCIAL RECORDS

 

  (1) The Directors must cause the Company to keep written financial records and to prepare financial documents and reports in accordance with the requirements of the Act and the Listing Rules.

 

  (2) The Directors must cause the financial records and financial documents of the Company to be audited in accordance with the requirements of the Act and the Listing Rules.

 

WINDING UP

 

1. WINDING UP

 

  (1) Nothing in this Article prejudices the rights of the holders of shares issued on special terms and conditions.

 

  (2) If the Company is wound up, the liquidator may, with the sanction of a special resolution of the Company:

 

  (a) divide among the Members in kind all or any of the Company’s assets; and

 

  (b) for that purpose, determine how he or she will carry out the division between the different classes of Members,

 

but may not require a Member to accept any Shares or other securities in respect of which there is any liability.

 

  (3) The liquidator may, with the sanction of a special resolution of the Company, vest all or any of any Company’s assets in a trustee on trusts determined by the liquidator for the benefit of the contributories.

 

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SCHEDULE 1 - FORM OF PROXY

 

I/We/This Company,

 

___________________________________________________________________________________

 

of

___________________________________________________________________________________

 

hold(s) shares in the capital of Nova Minerals Limited.

 

I/We/This Company appoint(s) as my/our proxy

 

___________________________________________________________________________________

of

 

___________________________________________________________________________________

 

or failing him or her

 

___________________________________________________________________________________

 

of

 

___________________________________________________________________________________

 

or failing him or her, the Chairperson of the general meeting of the Company to be held on the __________ day of _______________________________, 20___ at ___________ am/pm to vote for me/us at that meeting and at any adjournment of it unless this appointment is revoked by me/us in writing.

 

This form is to be used in accordance with the directions below. Unless the proxy is directed, he or she may vote or abstain from voting as he or she thinks fit.

 

RESOLUTION FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
 

 

INSTRUCTIONS

 

1. To direct the proxy to cast all votes covered by this instrument in a particular manner place a tick or a cross in the relevant box.

 

2. To direct the proxy to cast some only of the votes covered by this instrument in respect of an item of business in a particular manner, place in the relevant box either the number of votes to be cast in that manner on a poll or the percentage of the total votes covered by this instrument to be cast in that manner on a poll. This direction, if given, is also an instruction to the proxy to vote according to the proxy’s discretion on a show of hands.

 

3. If two proxies are appointed and the proportion of votes which each is to exercise is not stated, each proxy may exercise one half of the appointor’s votes (fractions of votes will be disregarded).

 

4. The instrument appointing the proxy, to be valid, must be received at the registered office of the Company at least 48 hours before the meeting, in the manner prescribed by Article 49 of the Company’s Constitution.

 

I/We/This Company understand(s) that if I/we have not directed my/our proxy how to vote, my/our proxy may vote or abstain from voting as he or she thinks fit.

 

DATED: ________________

 

         
  Signature of Member   Signature of Member  

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 10.1

 

 

Nova Minerals Limited

 

and

 

Nebari Gold Fund 1, LP

 

Loan Agreement

 

The Allens contact for this document is Rob Watt

 

Deutsche Bank Place

Corner Hunter and Phillip Streets

Sydney NSW 2000 Australia

T +61 2 9230 4000

F +61 2 9230 5333

www.allens.com.au

 

© Allens Australia 2022

 

Allens is an independent partnership operating in alliance with Linklaters LLP.

 

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Contents

 

1 Definitions and Interpretation 5
  1.1 Definitions 5
  1.2 Interpretation 14
  1.3 Document or agreement 15
  1.4 Determination, statement and certificate 15
  1.5 Accounting terms 15
  1.6 Code of Banking Practice 15
  1.7 Consents and Opinions 15
2 Purpose 15
3 Facilities 15
4 Interest 16
  4.1 Interest rate 16
  4.2 Payment 16
  4.3 Capitalisation of interest 16
  4.4 Overdue amounts 16
5 Repayment 17
  5.1 Repayment at Maturity Date 17
  5.2 No reborrowing 17
6 Conversion Rights 17
  6.1 Lender Conversion Right 17
  6.2 Conversion at anytime 17
  6.3 Lender Notice of conversion 17
  6.4 Borrower Conversion Right 18
  6.5 Effect of Conversion 18
  6.6 Ranking 19
  6.7 Bonus issues 19
  6.8 Rights issues 19
  6.9 Reorganisation 19
  6.10 Adjustment on significant events 20
  6.11 Parties to agree on Conversion Price 20
7 Prepayment 20
  7.1 Optional prepayment 20
  7.2 Mandatory prepayment 21
  7.3 No reborrowing 22
8 Payments 22
  8.1 Manner 22
  8.2 Payment to be made on Business Day 22
  8.3 Rounding 22
  8.4 Currency indemnity 22
  8.5 Conversion of currencies 23
9 Tax Gross Up and Indemnities 23
  9.1 Definitions 23
  9.2 Tax Gross-up 23
  9.3 Tax indemnity 24
  9.4 Tax Credit 24
  9.5 FATCA Deduction 24

 

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10 Change in Law 25
  10.1 Illegality 25
  10.2 Increased costs 25
  10.3 Change in Law 25
11 Conditions Precedent 25
  11.1 Conditions precedent to drawing each Tranche 25
  11.2 Conditions precedent to all drawings 26
12 Representations and Warranties 26
  12.1 Representations and warranties 26
  12.2 Reliance on and repetition of representations and warranties 30
13 Undertakings 30
  13.1 Positive undertakings 30
  13.2 Negative undertakings 33
  13.3 Financial Covenants 35
  13.4 Term of undertakings 35
14 Events of Default 35
  14.1 Events of Default 35
  14.2 Consequences 39
15 Indemnities and Break Costs 39
15.1 Indemnities 39
15.2 Break costs 39
16 Arrangement Fees 40
17 Expenses 40
18 Duties and GST 40
  18.1 Duties 40
  18.2 GST 41
19 Anti-corruption and Sanctions 41
20 Anti-money laundering 41
  20.1 Compliance 41
  20.2 No Restricted Party 41
  20.3 Block transactions 41
  20.4 Provision of information 42
  20.5 No breach of Sanctions 42
21 General PPSA Provisions 42
22 Set-Off 43
23 Lender Audit Rights and Reporting Rights 43
24 Waivers, Remedies Cumulative 44
25 Severability of Provisions 44
26 Survival of Obligations 44
27 Moratorium Legislation 44
28 Assignments 44
  28.1 Assignment by Borrower 44
  28.2 Assignment by Lender 45
  28.3 Sub-participations and security 45
  28.4 Disclosure 45
  28.5 No increased costs 46

 

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29 Amendment of Finance Documents 46
30 Notices 46
31 Process Agent 46
32 Confidentiality 47
  32.1 Confidentiality 47
  32.2 Permitted disclosure 47
  32.3 Survival of obligation 47
33 Authorised Officers 47
34 Governing Law and Jurisdiction 48
35 Counterparts 48
36 Acknowledgement by the Borrower 48
Schedule 1   49
  Notice Details 49
Schedule 2   50
  Conditions Precedent 50
Schedule 3   52
  Drawdown Notice 52
Schedule 4   53
  Verification Certificate 53
Schedule 5   54
  Tenements   54

 

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This Agreement is made on       21 November 2022

 

Parties

 

1 Nova Minerals Limited (ABN 84 006 690 348) of Suite 602, 566 St Kilda Rd Melbourne, VIC 3004 (the Borrower).
   
2 Nebari Gold Fund 1, LP, of 460 NE 28th Street, Unit 4201, Miami, Florida 33137 (the Lender).

 

Recital

 

The Borrower has requested that the Lender (i) provide the Borrower with loans in a total principal amount of up to US$7,142,857; and (ii) invest the Lender Equity in the Borrower.

 

It is agreed as follows.

 

1Definitions and Interpretation

 

1.1Definitions

 

The following definitions apply unless the context requires otherwise.

 

A$ and AUD mean the lawful currency of Australia.

 

Associate in relation to an entity means:

 

(a)a Related Entity of that entity;

 

(b)an entity, or the trustee or manager of a trust, which has a Controlling Interest in that entity, or a Related Entity of that entity;

 

(c)a Related Entity of an entity included in paragraph (b) or (e);

 

(d)a director of that entity or of an entity included in paragraph (a), (b) or (c) or of the manager or of the trustee of any trust included in paragraph (a), (b) or (c) or a spouse, child, parent or sibling of that director;

 

(e)a corporation, or the trustee or manager of a trust, in which one or more entity or person mentioned in paragraph (a), (b), (c), (d), (f) or (g) alone or together has a Controlling Interest;

 

(f)the trustee of a discretionary trust of which an entity or person included in paragraph (a), (b), (c), (d), (e) or (g) is a beneficiary (whether or not through one or more other discretionary trusts); or

 

(g)an entity of which a director of that entity or a Related Entity of that entity is also a director.

 

For the purposes of this definition:

 

(i)where a person is a beneficiary of a discretionary trust, that person will be taken to own, and control, all the assets of that trust;

 

(ii)director has the meaning given in the Corporations Act; and

 

(iii)a person has a controlling interest in a corporation or trust if:

 

(A)the corporation or its directors, or the trustee or manager of the trust or its directors, are accustomed, or under an obligation, whether formal or informal, to act in accordance with the directions, instructions or wishes of that person or of that person in concert with others; or

 

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(B)the person has a relevant interest (as defined in the Corporations Act) in total in more than 20% of the issued or voting shares, units or other interests in the corporation or trust (in number, voting power or value), or would have that relevant interest if any rights were exercised to subscribe for, or acquire or convert into, shares, units or other interests which are issued or unissued. The definition of relevant interest applies as if units or other interests were shares.

 

ASX means the Australian Securities Exchange.

 

Authorisation includes:

 

(a)any consent, authorisation, registration, filing, lodgement, agreement, notarisation, certificate, permission, licence, approval, authority or exemption from, by or with a Government Agency; or

 

(b)in relation to anything which will be fully or partly prohibited or restricted by law if a Government Agency intervenes or acts in any way within a specified period after lodgement, filing, registration or notification, the expiry of that period without intervention or action.

 

Authorised Officer means:

 

(a)in respect of the Borrower, any director or secretary, or any person from time to time nominated as an Authorised Officer by it by a notice to the Lenders accompanied by certified copies of signatures of all new persons so appointed; and

 

(b)in respect of the Lender, any person whose title or acting title includes the word Chief, Counsel, Executive, Head, Director, Manager, Co-Manager, General Partner or President or cognate expressions, or any secretary or director.

 

Bonus Issue has the meaning given in the Listing Rules.

 

Borrower Conversion Date has the meaning given to it in clause 6.4(b)(iii).

 

Borrower Conversion Notice has the meaning given to it in clause 6.4(a).

 

Borrower Conversion Right has the meaning given to it in clause 6.4(a).

 

Borrower Conversion Threshold has the meaning given to it in clause 6.4(b)(i).

 

Business Day means a weekday on which banks are open in Melbourne and New York.

 

Change of Control means a person who does not have “control” (as defined in Section 50AA of the Corporations Act) of the Borrower as at the date of this agreement obtains control of the Borrower.

 

Closing Date means the date on which the Lender funds the Tranche 1 Principal Amount to the Borrower’s (USD-denominated) account as specified by the Borrower in a Drawdown Notice given to the Lender no later than 11 am New York time 5 Business Days (or such later time as the Lender may agree) before the proposed Closing Date (which must be a Business Day).

 

Code means the US Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

 

Compliance Certificate means a compliance certificate in form and substance satisfactory to the Lender signed by two directors of the Borrower confirming the Borrower’s compliance (or otherwise) with the Financial Covenants, including reasonable details of any calculations and evidence supporting that confirmation.

 

Controller means a ‘controller’ as defined in the Corporations Act.

 

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Conversion Amount means, an amount up to 100% of the Principal Amount plus any accrued and unpaid interest (and any outstanding fees or expenses due from the Borrower under this agreement) in respect of the Principal Amount, payable to the Lender under this agreement.

 

Conversion Date means a Lender Conversion Date or a Borrower Conversion Date (as applicable).

 

Conversion Notice means a Lender Conversion Notice or a Borrower Conversion Notice (as applicable).

 

Conversion Price means a price per Nova Share equal to a 30% premium to the volume weighted adjusted price for the 15 trading days immediately preceding the earlier of (i) the Documentation Completion Date and (ii) the date on which the Borrower publicly announces the loan available to it under this agreement, converted at the AUD:USD exchange rate published by the Reserve Bank of Australia on the Business Day immediately preceding the Conversion Date.

 

Conversion Right means a Lender Conversion Right and/or a Borrower Conversion Right (as applicable).

 

Corporations Act means the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth).

 

Current Accounting Practice at any time, means accounting principles and practices applying by law or otherwise generally accepted in Australia at that time, consistently applied.

 

Default means an Event of Default or a Potential Event of Default.

 

Documentation Completion Date means the date on which:

 

(a)each of the conditions precedent described in Part A of Schedule 2, other than those that, by their nature must be satisfied on the Closing Date, has been satisfied in accordance with clause 11.1(a) or waived by the Lender; and

 

(b)this Agreement is executed.

 

Drawdown Date means the date on which a Loan is, or is requested by the Borrower in a Drawdown Notice to be, drawn (as the context requires).

 

Drawdown Notice means a notice substantially in the form of Schedule 3.

 

Environmental Law means a provision of a law or a law, which relates to an aspect of planning, the environment, heritage, health or safety.

 

Equity Raise means the raising of up to approximately US$10,000,000 (or A$ equivalent) in new equity by the Borrower, including the Lender Equity and with the option of over subscription.

 

Event of Default means any of the events specified in clause 14.1.

 

Expert means a person of appropriate reputation, standing and relevant experience who has no professional link, and no direct or indirect personal interest in the outcome of the dispute or the issue in respect of which they are consulted, agreed by the Borrower and the Lender or, failing agreement within two Business Days of the parties commencing discussions to select a person who is an expert in relation to the ASX Listing Rules, nominated by the President of the Institute of Arbitrators and Mediators Australia (at the request of either the Lender or the Borrower).

 

Extended Borrower Conversion Date has the meaning given to it in clause 6.4(d).

 

FATCA means:

 

(a)sections 1471 to 1474 of the Code or any associated regulations;

 

(b)any treaty, law or regulation of any other jurisdiction, or relating to an intergovernmental agreement between the US and any other jurisdiction, which (in either case) facilitates the implementation of any law or regulation referred to in paragraph (a) above; or

 

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(c)any agreement pursuant to the implementation of any treaty, law or regulation referred to in paragraphs (a) or (b) above with the US Internal Revenue Service, the US government or any governmental or taxation authority in any other jurisdiction.

 

FATCA Deduction means a deduction or withholding from a payment under a Finance Document required by FATCA.

 

Finance Debt means indebtedness (whether actual or contingent) in respect of money borrowed or raised or other financial accommodation. It includes indebtedness under or in respect of:

 

(a)a Guarantee of Finance Debt or a Guarantee given to a financier;

 

(b)a finance lease;

 

(c)a swap, option, hedge, forward, futures or similar transaction;

 

(d)an acceptance, endorsement or discounting arrangement;

 

(e)a redeemable share or redeemable stock; or

 

(f)the deferred purchase price (for more than 45 days) of an asset or service,or an obligation to deliver assets or services paid for in advance by a financier or otherwise relating to a financing transaction (including any prepayment, streaming, royalty or similar financing).

 

Finance Document means:

 

(a)this agreement;

 

(b)each Drawdown Notice;

 

(c)any fee letter or other agreement under which the Borrower agrees to pay amounts to the Lender in connection with the Loans; and

 

(d)any agreement or document that the Borrower and the Lender agree is a Finance Document, or a document or agreement entered into or provided under or in connection with, or for the purpose of amending or novating, any of the above.

 

Financial Covenants means the covenants in clause 13.3.

 

Financial Reports means balance sheet, income and cashflow statements together with any reports (including any directors’ and auditors’ reports) and notes attached to or intended to be read with any of them.

 

Forced Conversion Date means the first Business Day following the expiry of the Forced Notice.

 

Funded Amount means an amount up to US$7,000,000.00, comprising:

 

(a)the Tranche 1 Funded Amount; and

 

(b)the Tranche 2 Principal Amount.

 

Good Operating Practice means the exercise of skill, prudence and operating practice which would reasonably and ordinarily be expected from a skilled and experienced owner and operator engaged in the same business as the Borrower under similar circumstances, with the exercise of skill, prudence and operating practice to be substantially in accordance with internationally recognised best practices in the gold industry.

 

Government Agency means any government or any governmental, semi-governmental or judicial entity or authority. It also includes any self-regulatory organisation established under statute or any stock exchange.

 

Group means the Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries.

 

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Group Structure Chart means the group structure chart delivered by the Borrower to the Lender pursuant to item [12] of Part A of Schedule 2.

 

GST means any goods and services or similar tax, together with any related interest, penalties, fines or other charge.

 

Guarantee means an obligation or offer to provide funds (including by subscription or purchase) or otherwise be responsible in respect of an obligation or indebtedness, or the financial condition or insolvency, of another person. It includes a guarantee, indemnity, letter of credit or legally binding letter of comfort, or an obligation or offer to purchase an obligation or indebtedness of another person.

 

Interest Payment Date means the last Business Day of each calendar month.

 

Interest Period means a period for the fixing of the interest rate for a Loan. The first period commences on the Drawdown Date on which the Loan is drawn and ends at midnight on the next Interest Payment Date. Each subsequent period commences at 12:01 am on the first day of the following Interest Period and ends on the next Interest Payment Date or (if earlier) the Maturity Date.

 

Interest Rate means for an Interest Period for a Loan:

 

(a)if no Event of Default subsists, the rate per annum equal to the aggregate of the Term SOFR Delta on the first day of that Interest Period plus 6.0% per annum; or

 

(b)if an Event of Default subsists, the rate per annum under paragraph (a) plus an additional 15.0% per annum.

 

For avoidance of doubt, the Interest Rate under paragraph (a) shall not be any lower than 6.0% and no higher than 9.0%, as long as there is no Default.

 

Lender Conversion Date means the date on which the Lender subscribes or will subscribe for, and the Borrower issues or will issue to the Lender, Nova Shares as specified in a Lender Conversion Notice.

 

Lender Conversion Notice has the meaning given to it in clause 6.3.

 

Lender Conversion Right has the meaning given to it in clause 6.1.

 

Lender Equity means the issue by the Borrower by private placement to the Lender (or one or more other parties nominated by the Lender) of Nova Shares for an aggregate purchase price equal to US$2,500,000 at a price per share equal to the issue price for the Equity Raise (rounded down, if required, to the nearest next whole number) to be completed on the Closing Date.

 

Lending Office means the office of the Lender described above or another office designated by it as a Lending Office by notice to the Borrower.

 

Liquidation includes receivership or other appointment of a Controller, deregistration, compromise, deed of arrangement, amalgamation, administration, reconstruction, winding up, dissolution, assignment for the benefit of creditors, arrangement or compromise with creditors or bankruptcy.

 

Listing Rules means the official listing rules of the ASX as amended from time to time.

 

Loan means:

 

(a)the Tranche 1 Principal Amount; or

 

(b)the Tranche 2 Principal Amount,plus, in each case, any capitalised interest payable to the Lender under this agreement and added to that Loan under clause 4.3.

 

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Material Adverse Effect means a material adverse effect on:

 

(a)the business, operation, property, condition (financial or otherwise) or prospects of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries (taken as a whole);

 

(b)the ability of the Borrower to perform, observe or fulfil any of its payment or other material obligations under a Finance Document; or

 

(c)the validity or enforceability of, or the effectiveness of the rights or remedies of the Lender under a Finance Document.

 

Maturity Date means the date which is 24 months from the Closing Date (or the immediately preceding Business Day).

 

Material Contract means:

 

(a)the Incorporated Joint Venture Agreement dated 17 December 2017 between the Borrower, AK Minerals Pty Ltd and AKCM (AUST) Pty Ltd; and

 

(b)any other document which the Lender and the Borrower agree is a Material Contract.

 

Nova Shares means freely tradable ordinary shares in the Borrower that rank equally with all other fully paid ordinary shares on issue in the Borrower.

 

OID means the original issue discount applied to the Tranche 1 Principal Amount at the OID Rate.

 

OID Rate means in respect of the Tranche 1 Principal Amount, 2.778%.

 

Outstanding Money means all money which the Borrower is or at any time may become actually or contingently liable to pay to or for the account of the Lender for any reason whatever under or in connection with a Finance Document, whether or not currently contemplated.

 

It includes money by way of principal, interest, fees, costs, indemnity, charges, duties or expenses or payment of liquidated or unliquidated damages under or in connection with a Finance Document, or as a result of a breach of or default under or in connection with a Finance Document.

 

It also includes money that the Borrower would have been liable to pay but for its Liquidation or a set-off claimed by it, or some other reason.

 

Permitted Disposal means:

 

(a)a disposal made in the ordinary course of day-to-day trading on arm’s length, commercial terms;

 

(b)disposals of the Borrower’s shares in Snow Lake Resources Ltd and Asra Minerals Ltd, but only to the extent that any cash proceeds of any such disposal are invested into the Project and are not paid by way of dividend or other return of capital to any Borrower shareholder; or

 

(c)any other disposal made with the prior written consent of the Lender, which shall not be unreasonably withheld if the Borrower demonstrates that such disposal is at fair market value, the assets being disposed of are not required for the development of the Project, the proceeds of such disposal are to be applied in accordance with clause 7.2 (if required) and no Default exists at the time of such disposal or could reasonably be expected to occur upon or following completion of such disposal.

 

Permitted Finance Debt means:

 

(a)the following Finance Debt existing as of the date of this agreement:

 

(i)Lease, dated 7 April 2021, between LCA Bank Corporation and AK Custom Mining LLC; provided, however, that all amounts due under this lease are paid within 180 days after the Closing Date and the lease is terminated;

 

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(b)any Finance Debt among members of the Group to the Borrower;

 

(c)any Finance Debt incurred or permitted to be incurred under any Finance Document;

 

(d)any finance lease entered into by any member of the Group relating to the Project up to an aggregate amount of US$2.5 million; provided, however, no member of the Group may guarantee the payment of lease obligations under any such finance lease and any recourse for breach of any such finance lease shall be limited to repossession of the personal property secured by such lease and not against any member of the Group for fees, interest or other costs;

 

(e)any liability under any agreement entered into in the ordinary course of ordinary business for the acquisition of any asset or service where payment for the asset or service is deferred for a period of not more than 60 days and related financial transaction sum is less than US$150,000;

 

(f)any operating leases or inferred leases recognised on balance sheet under Accounting Standard AASB16/IFRS16 where the total amount payable under all such leases does not exceed US$200,000 or its equivalent in any other currency per annum at any time;

 

(g)any inter-company claims of the Group or its Associates which are subordinated (on terms acceptable to the Lender) to the Finance Debt incurred under the Finance Documents;

 

(h)any Finance Debt incurred by the Borrower in relation to intraday exposures under its transactional accounts resulting from payments being made in the ordinary course of ordinary business, but only to the extent that the total of those amounts does not at any time exceed US$200,000 or its equivalent in any other currency in aggregate; and

 

(i)any other Finance Debt approved in writing by the Lender.

 

Permitted Security Interest means:

 

(a)any netting or set-off arrangement entered into by the Borrower in the ordinary course of its banking arrangements for the purpose of netting debit and credit balances;

 

(b)any Security Interest constituted by arrangements for the retention by a vendor, lessor or consignor of title to goods entered into by the Borrower in the ordinary course of trading and in accordance with its standard terms of business pending payment in full of the purchase price or rent so long as the amount it secures is paid when due or contested in good faith and provisioned for appropriately;

 

(c)any Security Interest arising by operation of law or in the ordinary course of day-to-day trading of the Borrower and not securing Finance Debt where the Borrower duly pays the indebtedness secured by that lien when due;

 

(d)any Security Interest arising from any finance lease permitted under the definition of Permitted Finance Debt; and

 

(e)any Security Interest created with prior written consent of the Lender.

 

Permitted Transaction means:

 

(a)a transaction under the Finance Documents;

 

(b)the Equity Raise and the Lender Equity;

 

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(c)the listing of the shares of the Borrower or any Subsidiary on a US stock exchange where the Conversion Rights and option rights of the Lender are not negatively affected;

 

(d)any acquisition of the remaining 15% interest in the Project that the Borrower does not own as of the date of this agreement, provided, however, that such acquisition is completed on an arm’s length basis at fair market value; and

 

(e)any establishment or incorporation of a Subsidiary for the purpose of that Subsidiary acquiring assets not owned by the Borrower, but only to the extent the purchase price for those assets is funded by new equity raised by the Borrower, and not by any Finance Debt under a Finance Document or any cashflow of a Group member.

 

Potential Event of Default means anything which with notice, time or both would become an Event of Default.

 

PPSA means the Personal Property Securities Act 2009 (Cth).

 

PPSA Deemed Security Interest means an interest of the kind referred to in section 12(3) of the PPSA where the transaction concerned does not, in substance, secure payment or performance of an obligation.

 

Principal Amount means the aggregate of any outstanding Tranche 1 Principal Amount and the Tranche 2 Principal Amount (to the extent funded) advanced to the Borrower under this agreement.

 

Project means the Estelle Gold Project, located in the Tintina gold province, 150km (93 miles) northwest of Anchorage, Alaska to be developed and operated by the Borrower.

 

Related Entity means, in relation to an entity (the first entity):

 

(a)a Subsidiary of the first entity;

 

(b)an entity of which the first entity is a Subsidiary; or

 

(c)a Subsidiary of another entity of which the first entity is also a Subsidiary.

 

Repayment Date means each Interest Payment Date commencing on the ninth Interest Payment Date following the Closing Date.

 

Restricted Party means a person:

 

(a)listed on or owned or controlled by a person listed on any Sanctions List;

 

(b)located in, organised under the laws of or owned or directly or indirectly controlled by, or acting on behalf of, a person located in or organised under the laws of a country or territory which is a subject of country-wide or territory-wide Sanctions (including, without limitation, at the date of this agreement, Cuba, Iran, Myanmar (Burma), North Korea,Syria and Sudan); or

 

(c)otherwise a Target of Sanctions.

 

Sanctions means any trade, economic or financial sanctions laws, regulations, embargoes or similar restrictive measures administered, enacted or enforced by a Sanctions Authority.

 

Sanctions Authority means, to the extent applicable:

 

(a)Australia;

 

(b)the United Nations;

 

(c)the United States;

 

(d)the United Kingdom;

 

(e)the European Union;

 

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(f)any member state of the European Union; or

 

(g)the governments and official institutions or agencies of any of paragraphs (a) to (c) above, including without limitation the U.S. Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC), the U.S. Department of State, Her Majesty’s Treasury (HMT) and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Australia (DFAT).

 

Sanctions List means the “Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons” list maintained by OFAC, the “Consolidated List of Financial Sanctions Targets” and the “Investment Ban List” maintained by HMT, the “Consolidated List” maintained by DFAT, or any similar list maintained by, or public announcement of a Sanctions designation made by, any of the Sanctions Authorities, each as amended, supplemented or substituted from time to time.

 

Security Interest means any security interest, mortgage, pledge, lien or charge or any security or any preferential interest or arrangement that gives a creditor priority to other creditors. It includes:

 

(a)anything which gives a creditor priority to other creditors with respect to any asset; and

 

(b)retention of title and a deposit of money by way of security (other than in the ordinary course of day-to-day trading).

 

It does not include a PPSA Deemed Security Interest.

 

Subsidiary has the meaning given in the Corporations Act, but an entity will also be taken to be a Subsidiary of an entity if it is controlled by that entity (as defined in s50AA of the Corporations Act) and, without limitation:

 

(a)a trust may be a Subsidiary, for the purposes of which a unit or other beneficial interest will be regarded as a share;

 

(b)an entity may be a Subsidiary of a trust if it would have been a Subsidiary if that trust were a corporation; and

 

(c)AKCM (AUST) Pty Ltd., AK Custom Mining LLC, AK Operations LLC and Alaska Range Resources LLC and subsidiaries thereof shall be among the Subsidiaries,

 

Target of Sanctions means a person with whom a US person or other national of a Sanctions Authority would be prohibited or restricted by law from engaging in trade, business or other activities.

 

Tax includes any tax, levy, impost, deduction, charge, rate, duty, compulsory loan or withholding which is levied or imposed by an Australian or United States Government Agency, and any related interest, penalty, charge, fee or other amount.

 

Tax Act means the Income Tax Assessment Act (Cth) 1936.

 

Tax Deduction means a deduction or withholding for or on account of Tax from a payment under a Finance Document.

 

Tenement means each tenement specified in Schedule 5 (Tenements)].

 

Term SOFR means:

 

(a)the three-month term SOFR reference rate administered by CME Group Benchmark Administration Limited (or any other person which takes over the administration of that rate) for the relevant period published (before any correction, recalculation or republication by the administrator) as determined on the first Business Day of each calendar month; or

 

(b)if that reference rate ceases to be available, the rate determined by the Lender, in consultation with the Borrower, to be that which provides an equivalent return on the Loans.

 

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Term SOFR Delta means the rate per annum equal to the greater of:

 

(a)Term SOFR at that time minus 3.0%; and

 

(b)0%,

 

provided that if the Term SOFR Delta is greater than 3.0% it will be deemed to be 3.0%.

 

Tranche 1 Funded Amount means the US$5,000,000.00.

 

Tranche 1 Principal Amount means US$5,142,857.00.

 

Tranche 2 Funded Amount means the amount of the Tranche 2 Principal Amount requested by the Borrower in a Drawdown Notice and advanced by the Lender to the Borrower under clause 3.

 

Tranche 2 Principal Amount means an amount up to US$2,000,000 and equal to the Tranche 2 Funded Amount.

 

US$ or USD means the lawful currency of the United States of America.

 

Working Capital means in respect of the Group on a consolidated basis, its current assets minus its current liabilities.

 

1.2Interpretation

 

(a)Headings are for convenience only and do not affect interpretation.

 

(b)The meaning of terms is not limited by specific examples introduced by including, or for example, or similar expressions.

 

(c)Nothing in this agreement is to be interpreted against a party on the ground that the party put it forward.

 

(d)The following rules apply unless the context requires otherwise.

 

(i)The singular includes the plural and the converse.

 

(ii)A gender includes all genders.

 

(iii)Where a word or phrase is defined, its other grammatical forms have a corresponding meaning.

 

(iv)A reference to a person, corporation, trust, partnership, unincorporated body or other entity includes any of them.

 

(v)A reference to a clause, annexure or schedule is a reference to a clause of, or annexure or schedule to, this agreement.

 

(vi)A reference to a party to this agreement or another agreement or document includes the party’s successors and permitted substitutes or assigns.

 

(vii)A reference to legislation or to a provision of legislation includes a modification or re-enactment of it, a legislative provision substituted for it and a regulation, statutory instrument, code or other thing issued under it.

 

(viii)A reference to writing includes a facsimile transmission and any means of reproducing words in a tangible and permanently visible form.

 

(ix)A reference to conduct includes an omission, statement or undertaking, whether or not in writing.

 

(x)Each paragraph of a list is to be construed independently. None limits any other.

 

(xi)A reference to property or asset includes any real or personal, present or future, tangible or intangible property or asset (including intellectual property) and any right, interest, revenue or benefit in, under or derived from the property or asset.

 

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(xii)An Event of Default continues or subsists until it has been remedied or waived in writing by each Lender.

 

(xiii)A reference to an amount for which a person is contingently liable includes an amount which that person may become actually or contingently liable to pay if a contingency occurs, whether or not under an existing obligation.

 

(xiv)Unless otherwise specified, all references to time are to Sydney time.

 

1.3Document or agreement

 

A reference to:

 

(a)an agreement includes a Security Interest, Guarantee, undertaking, deed, agreement or legally enforceable arrangement whether or not in writing; and

 

(b)a document includes an agreement (as so defined) in writing or a certificate, notice, instrument or document.

 

A reference to a specific agreement or document includes it as amended, novated, supplemented or replaced from time to time, except to the extent prohibited by this agreement.

 

1.4Determination, statement and certificate

 

Except where otherwise provided in this agreement any determination, statement or certificate by the Lender or an Authorised Officer of the Lender provided for in this agreement is conclusive. It binds the parties in the absence of manifest error.

 

1.5Accounting terms

 

Accounting terms are to be interpreted according to Current Accounting Practice.

 

1.6Code of Banking Practice

 

The Code of Banking Practice of the Australian Banking Association does not apply to the Finance Documents or any banking service provided under them.

 

1.7Consents and Opinions

 

Except where expressly stated the Lender may give or withhold, or give conditionally, approvals and consents may be satisfied or unsatisfied, may form opinions, and may exercise its rights, powers and remedies, at its absolute discretion.

 

2Purpose

 

The Borrower shall use the net proceeds of the Loans to pay development costs (including technical studies) for the Project.

 

3Facilities

 

(a)Subject to the terms of this Agreement (including clause 11.1), the Lender agrees to lend, and the Borrower agrees to borrow:

 

(i)an amount equal to the Tranche 1 Principal Amount on the Closing Date; and

 

(ii)an amount up to the Tranche 2 Principal Amount on the relevant Drawdown Date specified in the applicable Drawdown Notice delivered in accordance with paragraph (c).

 

(b)Subject to clause 11.1(a) the Borrower may request the Tranche 1 Principal Amount by delivery of a signed Drawdown Notice to the Lender by 11am (New York time) no later than 5 Business Days (or such shorter period as the Lender may agree) before the proposed Closing Date (which must be a Business Day).

 

 

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(c)Subject to clause 11.1(b), the Borrower may request an amount up to the Tranche 2 Principal Amount by delivery of a signed Drawdown Notice to the Lender by 11am (New York time) no later than 20 Business Days (or such shorter period as the Lender may agree) before the proposed Drawdown Date for the Tranche 2 Principal Amount (which must be a Business Day).

 

(d)Each Loan may be drawn only by way of a single drawing.

 

(e)The amount of the Loan to be paid by the Lender to the Borrower in respect of the Tranche 1 Principal Amount only will be discounted by the OID Rate so that the amount paid by the Lender to the Borrower will be the Tranche 1 Funded Amount.

 

(f)As part of the Equity Raise, the Lender agrees to contribute the Lender Equity on or after the Closing Date on the same terms and conditions of other investors participating in the Equity Raise; provided such Equity Raise occurs on or after the Closing Date and the terms are acceptable to the Lender.

 

4Interest

 

4.1Interest rate

 

Interest accrues (but does not compound) daily on the outstanding amount of each Loan for each Interest Period at the applicable Interest Rate for that Interest Period. Interest will accrue on the outstanding Principal Amount computed on the basis of a 360-day year and 30-day months.

 

4.2Payment

 

Subject to clause 4.3, the Borrower shall pay accrued interest under clause 4.1 in arrears in USD on each Interest Payment Date and on the date of repayment or prepayment of all or part of a Loan in respect of interest accrued on the amount repaid or prepaid.

 

4.3Capitalisation of interest

 

(a)If no Default subsists, interest payable by the Borrower will automatically be capitalised and added to the total Principal Amount outstanding on each Interest Payment Date until the ninth Interest Payment Date, on and following which date interest will be due and payable in cash on each Interest Payment Date.

 

(b)Despite paragraph (a), if a Default subsists, the Borrower must pay interest due on the applicable Interest Payment Date in cash.

 

(c)Any interest capitalised under this clause 4.3 will be added to the principal amount of the applicable Loan and will itself bear interest under this clause 4.

 

4.4Overdue amounts

 

(a)Interest accrues daily on any amount due and payable but unpaid by an Borrower under a Finance Document (including any principal, interest (including interest under this clause), fees costs, expenses or reimbursement or indemnity liability):

 

(i)from the due date (or, in the case of an amount payable by way of indemnity or reimbursement, the date of loss or disbursement) until the date of actual payment; and

 

(ii)both before and after a judgement for payment of the relevant amount (as a separate and independent obligation), at the rate under paragraph (b) of the definition of Interest Rate computed on the basis of a 360- day year and 30-day months.

 

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(b)The Borrower shall pay accrued interest under paragraph (a) in arrears in USD on each Interest Payment Date and on the date of payment of the relevant amount.

 

5Repayment

 

5.1Repayment at Maturity Date

 

On the Maturity Date the Borrower must repay each Loan, accrued and unpaid interest and any other Outstanding Money payable under the Finance Documents in full.

 

5.2No reborrowing

 

Amounts repaid may not be reborrowed.

 

6Conversion Rights

 

6.1Lender Conversion Right

 

In consideration of the Lender agreeing to provide financial accommodation to the Borrower under the terms of this agreement, the Borrower grants to the Lender a right (Lender Conversion Right) to convert all or any part of the outstanding Conversion Amount into Nova Shares (in one or multiple instalments), at the Conversion Price.

 

6.2Conversion at anytime

 

The Lender may elect to convert some or all of the outstanding Conversion Amount at any time prior to the earlier of:

 

(a)the Maturity Date; and

 

  (b) prepayment or repayment of the Principal Amount in full, by giving the Borrower written notice in accordance with clause 6.3.

 

6.3Lender Notice of conversion

 

(a)The Lender must give notice of any conversion under clause 6.1 (Lender Conversion Notice) by giving a notice that complies with paragraph (b) below to the Borrower at least 5 Business Days before the Lender Conversion Date.

 

(b)Each Lender Conversion Notice must:

 

(i)be in writing;

 

(ii)be signed by an Authorised Officer of the Lender;

 

(iii)state the Lender Conversion Date; and

 

(iv)state the Conversion Amount to be converted into Nova Shares (Subscription Amount).

 

(c)A Lender Conversion Notice, once given, is irrevocable, unless there is a Default after the Lender Conversion Notice is issued but prior to the issue of the Nova Shares by the Borrower to the Lender (in which case the Lender may revoke the Conversion Notice by notice to the Borrower and the Conversion Notice will cease to be of any force or effect on giving that notice).

 

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6.4Borrower Conversion Right

 

(a)If:

 

(i)the price for Nova Shares is least 150% more than the Conversion Price (the Borrower Conversion Threshold); and

 

(ii)no Default subsists,

 

the Borrower may elect to convert some or all of the outstanding Conversion Amount into Nova Shares by giving at least 20 days’ notice (Borrower Conversion Notice) to the Lender in accordance with paragraph (b) below (Borrower Conversion Right).

 

(b)Each Borrower Conversion Notice must:

 

(i)be in writing;

 

(ii)be signed by an Authorised Officer of the Borrower;

 

(iii)state the date for conversion of the Conversion Amount into Nova Shares, which must be the first Business Day following the 20th day after the Borrower gives the Borrower Conversion Notice to the Lender (Borrower Conversion Date);

 

(iv)state the Conversion Amount to be converted into Nova Shares (Subscription Amount); and

 

(v)be given at least 50 days before the Maturity Date.

 

(c)A Borrower Conversion Notice, once given, is irrevocable, unless:

 

(i)the Lender approves revocation; or

 

(ii)there is a Default after the Borrower Conversion Notice is issued but prior to the issue of the Nova Shares by the Borrower to the Lender (in which case the Lender may terminate the Borrower Conversion Notice by notice to the Borrower and the Borrower Conversion Notice will cease to be of any force or effect on giving that notice).

 

(d)If on the Borrower Conversion Date the price for Nova Shares is less than the Borrower Conversion Threshold, the Lender will not be obliged to subscribe for, and the Borrower will not be obliged to issue, Nova Shares to the Lender in accordance with clause 6.5 (Effect of conversion) unless on a day that is not more than 10 Business Days after the Borrower Conversion Date (Extended Borrower Conversion Date) the price for Nova Shares subsequently equals or exceeds the Borrower Conversion Threshold. If the price for Nova Shares does not equal or exceed the Borrower Conversion Threshold within 10 Business Days of the Borrower Conversion Date, the Borrower Conversion Notice will lapse and be of no further force or effect but the Borrower may give a further Borrower Conversion Notice if the conditions in paragraph (a) are satisfied subsequently and the rest of this clause 6.4 will apply.

 

6.5Effect of Conversion

 

On a Conversion Date:

 

(a)the Lender will subscribe for, and the Borrower will issue and deliver to, and register in the name of the Lender, the number of Nova Shares which equals the applicable Subscription Amount divided by the Conversion Price (rounded down, if required, to the nearest next whole number);

 

(b)any obligation of the Lender to pay the Conversion Price for the Nova Shares will be set off against the Borrower’s obligation to pay and repay the applicable Conversion Amount (so that the Lender is not required to pay any additional amount for the Nova Shares); and

 

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(c)the Borrower will be taken to have paid and repaid the Amount Outstanding in an amount equal to the Subscription Amount.

 

6.6Ranking

 

Nova Shares issued under Clause 6.4(a) above will rank equally in all respects with all other fully paid-up ordinary shares on issue in the Borrower.

 

6.7Bonus issues

 

In accordance with the Listing Rules, if the Borrower makes a Bonus Issue of Nova Shares or other securities (other than an issue in lieu or in satisfaction of dividends or by way of dividend reinvestment) then, with effect on and from the date on which the Bonus Issue is made, the number of Nova Shares which the Lender is entitled to receive on the exercise of a Conversion Right will be increased by the number of Nova Shares that the Lender would have received if the Nova Shares had been converted immediately before the record date for the Bonus Issue.

 

6.8Rights issues

 

In accordance with the Listing Rules, if the Borrower makes a pro rata issue of securities (other than a Bonus Issue or an issue in lieu or in satisfaction of dividends or by way of dividend reinvestment) then, with effect on and from the date on which the pro rata issue of securities is made, the Conversion Price will be adjusted in accordance with the following formula:

 

𝑂′ = 𝑂 −

𝑃 − 𝑆
𝑁 + 1

 

Where:

 

  O’ means the new Conversion Price.

 

  O means the old Conversion Price.

 

Pmeans the volume weighted average market price per security of the underlying security calculated over the 5 trading days ending on the day before the ex rights date or ex entitlements date.

 

  S means the subscription price for a security under the pro rata issue.

 

Nmeans the number of securities with rights or entitlements that must be held to receive a right to one new security.

 

6.9Reorganisation

 

If there is a reorganisation of the issued ordinary share capital of the Borrower then, with effect on and from the date on which the reorganisation is completed, the Conversion Price will be reconstructed in the manner specified in the Listing Rules (whether or not the Borrower is listed on the ASX at the relevant time) as applicable to the Conversion Right at the time of the reorganisation. If a manner is not specified in the Listing Rules, or the reconstruction cannot be determined in the manner specified in the Listing Rules, then, with effect on and from the date on which the reorganisation is completed, the reconstruction (if any) of the Conversion Price will be determined in a manner such that the Conversion Amount is convertible into the same percentage of the issued Nova Shares as the percentage into which it would have converted immediately before the reorganisation event.

 

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6.10Adjustment on significant events

 

If at any time the Borrower is not listed on ASX or, if the Borrower is listed on ASX, to the extent permitted by the Listing Rules:

 

(a)the Borrower makes a distribution to its shareholders (including Nova Share shareholders) other than a cash dividend in the ordinary course as approved by the Lenders in accordance with this agreement; or

 

(b)the Borrower or any of its subsidiaries is involved in a merger, dissolution, spin-off or other transaction permitted by this agreement which is likely to affect the value of its securities, then, with effect on and from the date on which such event has occurred, the terms of the applicable offer and/or a Conversion Right (including, without limitation, the Conversion Price) must be adjusted in a manner such that the Conversion Amount is convertible into the same percentage of the issued Nova Shares as the percentage into which it would have converted immediately before the relevant event.

 

6.11Parties to agree on Conversion Price

 

(a)The Lender and the Borrower must use their best endeavours to agree, on each adjustment to the Conversion Price under clause 6.8, 6.9 or 6.10.

 

(b)If the Lender and the Borrower are unable to agree on an adjustment to the Conversion Price under paragraph (a) above within 10 Business Days, then:

 

(i)the matter must be referred to an Expert;

 

(ii)the Borrower and the Lender may make written submissions to the Expert;

 

(iii)all submissions by the Lender and the Borrower to the Expert must be provided to the Expert within 10 Business Days of its appointment;

 

(iv)the Expert must be instructed to decide the matter, finish its determination and provide its determination to the Borrower and the Lender in writing as soon as practicable and in any event no later than 5 Business Days after receipt of the submissions (or such other period as agreed in writing by the Borrower and the Lender);

 

(v)the Lender and the Borrower must promptly provide all information and assistance reasonably requested by the Expert;

 

(vi)the Expert must act as an expert and not as an arbitrator and the determination of the Expert will be final and binding on the Lender and the Borrower, in the absence of fraud or manifest error; and

 

(vii)the costs of the Expert must be borne in such proportion between the Lender and the Borrower as determined by the Expert.

 

7Prepayment

 

7.1Optional prepayment

 

(a)The Borrower may at any time prepay a Loan in whole or in part by delivering to the Lender an irrevocable notice (Prepayment Notice) specifying the date and amount (Prepayment Amount) of the prepayment.

 

(b)Any prepayment of the Loan under this clause 7.1 will be conditional on:

 

(i)the prepayment date being at least 3 Business Days after delivery of the Prepayment Notice (Prepayment Date); and

 

(ii)the Prepayment Amount being a minimum of US$1,000,000 or (if less) the outstanding Principal Amount.

 

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(c)If the volume weighted adjusted price for Nova Shares for the 15 trading days preceding the Prepayment Date equals or exceeds the Conversion Price, the Borrower may, by notice (Prepayment Conversion Notice) to the Lender, elect to convert up to 50% of the Prepayment Amount to Nova Shares. If the Borrower gives a Prepayment Conversion Notice, on the Prepayment Date:

 

(i)the Lender will subscribe for, and the Borrower will issue and deliver to, and register in the name of the Lender, the number of Nova Shares which equals 105% of the Prepayment Amount to be converted to Nova Shares specified by the Borrower in the Prepayment Conversion Notice, divided by an amount equal to 90% of the volume weighted adjusted price for Nova Shares for the 15 trading days preceding the prepayment date (rounded down, if required, to the nearest next whole number);

 

(ii)any obligation of the Lender to pay the Conversion Price for the Nova Shares will be set off against the Borrower’s obligation to repay the Prepayment Amount (so that the Lender is not required to pay any additional amount for the Nova Shares);

 

(iii)the Borrower will be taken to have prepaid the relevant Loan in an amount equal to the Prepayment Amount to be converted to Nova Shares specified by the Borrower in the Prepayment Conversion Notice; and

 

(iv)the Borrower will repay the balance of the Prepayment Amount in cash.

 

(d)If the volume weighted adjusted price for Nova Shares for the 15 trading days preceding the Prepayment Date specified in a Prepayment Notice is less than the Conversion Price, any prepayment by conversion to Nova Shares under paragraph (c) will be at the absolute discretion of the Lender. Otherwise the Borrower must prepay the Prepayment Amount in cash on the Prepayment Date.

 

(e)A Prepayment Notice given by the Borrower is irrevocable. The Borrower must prepay in accordance with the Prepayment Notice on the Prepayment Date.

 

(f)Any prepayment must be accompanied by payment of all costs, fees and other expenses due to the Lender under the Finance Documents.

 

(g)The Borrower must, on the date of any prepayment under this clause 7.1, issue to the Lender options in the Borrower’s ASX-traded shares, having a two-year tenor from the date of issuance, to subscribe for Nova Shares in a number equal to 80% of the Prepayment Amount (including any prepayment by conversion to Nova Shares in accordance with paragraph (c)) divided by an amount equal to a 40% premium to the volume weighted adjusted price for Nova Shares for the 15 trading days immediately preceding the earlier of (i) the Documentation Completion Date and (ii) the date on which the Borrower publicly announces the Loan, converted at the AUD:USD exchange rate published by Reserve Bank of Australia on the Business Day immediately preceding the Conversion Date.

 

7.2Mandatory prepayment

 

(a)The Borrower shall notify the Lender in writing within 5 Business Days of:

 

(i)the receipt by the Group of any proceeds of Permitted Disposals under paragraph (b) or (c) of the definition of Permitted Disposal;

 

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(ii)the receipt by the Group of proceeds from insurance exceeding US$750,000 for loss of or damage to any assets of the Group or a Subsidiary not otherwise required to be applied in reinstatement of the affected assets; and

 

(iii)the receipt of proceeds of Permitted Finance Debt (other than Permitted Finance Debt under paragraphs (a), (b), (c), (d), (e) or (f) of the definition of Permitted Finance Debt).

 

(b)Following receipt of a notice under clause 7.2(a), the Lender may at its discretion give a notice to the Borrower requiring the mandatory prepayment of the Loan in an amount equal to the proceeds received.

 

(c)On receipt of a notice from the Lender, the Borrower must pay an amount equal to 100% of the net cash proceeds referred to in clause 7.2(a) above towards prepayment of the Loans within 5 Business Days of receipt by the Borrower of notice from the Lender under paragraph (b), unless the Lender gives the Borrower a Lender Conversion Notice prior to the prepayment.

 

(d)Any prepayment under this clause 7.2 will be applied first in repayment of the outstanding Principal Amount until it is repaid in full and then in repayment of all other Outstanding Money.

 

7.3No reborrowing

 

Amounts prepaid may not be reborrowed.

 

8Payments

 

8.1Manner

 

The Borrower must make all payments under any Finance Document:

 

(a)by transfer of immediately available funds in USD or such other currency as the parties may agree to the account specified by the Lender by 11am New York time on the due date; and

 

(b)without set-off or counterclaim and without any deduction, except any compulsory deduction with respect to Tax.

 

If the Borrower is required to make a compulsory deduction with respect to Tax under paragraph (b), it must provide to the Lender such statements, documents or other information as may be required for it to obtain any applicable corresponding Tax credit in the jurisdiction of its Lending Office or in which it is resident.

 

8.2Payment to be made on Business Day

 

If any payment is due on a day which is not a Business Day, the due date will be the next Business Day in the same calendar month or, if none, the preceding Business Day.

 

8.3Rounding

 

In making any allocation or appropriation under any Finance Document the Lender may round amounts down to the nearest US dollar.

 

8.4Currency indemnity

 

If for any reason (including as a result of payment by the Borrower, enforcement of a Finance Document or a judgement or order), the Lender receives or recovers an amount in one currency

 

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(Payment Currency) in respect of an amount denominated or payable under a Finance Document in another currency (Due Currency), the Borrower indemnifies the Lender on demand against:

 

(a)any shortfall between the amount payable in the Due Currency and the amount actually received or recovered by the Lender when it converts the Payment Currency into the Due Currency under its normal practice; and

 

(b)any costs incurred by the Lender in converting the Payment Currency to the Due Currency.

 

8.5Conversion of currencies

 

In making any currency conversion under clause 8.4 the Lender may itself or through its bankers purchase one currency with another, whether or not through an intermediate currency, whether spot or forward, in the manner and amounts and at times it thinks fit in accordance with its usual procedures.

 

9Tax Gross Up and Indemnities

 

9.1Definitions

 

In this clause 9:

 

Tax Credit means a credit against, relief or remission for, or repayment of any Tax.

 

Tax Payment means either the increase in a payment made by the Borrower to the Lender under clause 9.2 or a payment under clause 9.3.

 

9.2Tax Gross-up

 

(a)The Borrower shall make all payments to be made by it under the Finance Documents without any Tax Deduction unless such Tax Deduction is required by law.

 

(b)The Borrower shall promptly on becoming aware that it must make a Tax Deduction (or that there is any change in the rate or the basis of a Tax Deduction) notify the Lender accordingly.

 

(c)Subject to paragraph (d) below, if a Tax Deduction is required by law to be made by the Borrower except in relation to a Tax described in clause 9.3(b), the Borrower shall pay an additional amount together with the payment so that, after making any Tax Deduction, the Lender receives an amount equal to the payment which would have been due if no Tax Deduction had been required.

 

(d)The obligation under (c) will not apply following any assignment, transfer, grant of sub- participation or other dealing by the Lender in respect of all or any part its rights and benefits under the Finance Documents, to the extent such Tax Deduction exceeds that which was payable in respect of a payment to the original Lender immediately prior to the date of any assignment, transfer, grant of sub-participation or other dealing by an original Lender.

 

(e)If the Borrower is required to make a Tax Deduction, the Borrower shall make that Tax Deduction and any payment required in connection with that Tax Deduction within the time allowed and in the minimum amount required by law.

 

(f)Within thirty days of making either a Tax Deduction or any payment required in connection with that Tax Deduction, the Borrower shall deliver to the Lender evidence satisfactory to the Lender, acting reasonably, that the Tax Deduction has been made or (as applicable) any appropriate payment paid to the relevant taxing authority.

 

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9.3Tax indemnity

 

(a)The Borrower shall (within five Business Days of demand by the Lender) pay to the Lender an amount equal to the loss, liability or cost which the Lender determines will be or has been (directly or indirectly) suffered for or on account of any Tax Deduction by the Lender in respect of a Finance Document or a transaction or payment under it except as provided below.

 

(b)Paragraph (a) shall not apply:

 

(i)with respect to any Tax assessed on the Lender if that Tax is imposed on or calculated by reference to the net income received or receivable by the Lender:

 

(A)under the law of the jurisdiction in which the Lender is incorporated or, if different, the jurisdiction (or jurisdictions) in which the Lender is treated as resident for tax purposes; or

 

(B)under the law of the jurisdiction in which that the Lending Office of the Lender is located in respect of amounts received or receivable in that jurisdiction; or

 

(ii)to the extent the relevant loss, liability or cost:

 

(A)is compensated for by an increased payment under clause 10.2; or

 

(B)relates to a FATCA Deduction required to be made by a party.

 

(c)If the Lender intends to make a claim pursuant to paragraph (a) above it shall promptly notify the Borrower.

 

9.4Tax Credit

 

If the Borrower makes a Tax Payment and the Lender determines in its absolute discretion that:

 

(a)a Tax Credit is attributable to that Tax Payment or to a Tax Deduction in consequence of which that Tax Payment was required; and

 

(b)the Lender has obtained, utilised and retained that Tax Credit, the Lender shall pay an amount to the Borrower which the Lender determines in its absolute discretion will leave it (after that payment) in the same after-Tax position as it would have been in had the circumstances not arisen which caused the Tax Payment to be required to be made by the Borrower.

 

9.5FATCA Deduction

 

(a)If either party becomes a foreign financial institutional (as defined in FATCA), then such party may make any FATCA Deduction it is required to make by FATCA, and any payment required in connection with that FATCA Deduction, and no party shall be required to increase any payment in respect of which it makes such a FATCA Deduction or otherwise compensate the recipient of the payment for that FATCA Deduction.

 

(b)If either party becomes a foreign financial institutional (as defined in FATCA), then such party shall promptly, upon becoming aware that it must make a FATCA Deduction (or that there is any change in the rate or the basis of such FATCA Deduction), notify the party to whom it is making the payment.

 

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10Change in Law

 

10.1Illegality

 

(a)If it becomes illegal for the Lender to provide financial accommodation under the Finance Documents, the Lender may by notice to the Borrower:

 

(i)terminate its participation in any Loan; and

 

(ii)direct the Borrower to prepay all amounts owing to it under the Finance Documents.

 

(b)The Borrower shall make the prepayment immediately, or if later, the latest day (in the Lender’s opinion) on which the prepayment can be made without the illegality arising.

 

10.2Increased costs

 

(Reimbursement) Whenever the Lender determines that as a result of a Change in Law made after the date of this agreement any of the following occurs in connection with a Loan or financial accommodation provided or to be provided under the Finance Documents:

 

(a)(increased costs) its costs are increased;

 

(b)(reduced receipts) there is a reduction of any amount due and payable to it under any Finance Document; or

 

(c)(reduced return) its or its holding company’s or investor’s return on capital or other effective return is reduced (including because more capital needs to be allocated to the facility and cannot be used elsewhere), the Lender may notify the Borrower. The Borrower shall pay the Lender within 10 Business Days of a demand by the Lender the amounts certified by an Authorised Officer of the Lender to be necessary to compensate the Lender or the relevant holding company or investor for the increase or reduction.

 

10.3Change in Law

 

A Change in Law is the introduction of, or a change in, any law, official directive, court ruling or a change in an official interpretation or application by any relevant Government Agency. For purposes of clause 10.2, if it does not have the force of law, it must be one with which responsible lenders would comply. It includes any with respect to capital adequacy, special deposit, liquidity, reserve, prime assets, tax or prudential requirements (except a change in tax on overall net income).

 

11Conditions Precedent

 

11.1Conditions precedent to drawing each Tranche

 

(a)The right of the Borrower to give the first Drawdown Notice and the obligation of the Lender to advance the Tranche 1 Principal Amount on the Closing Date for the Tranche 1 Principal Amount under clause 3(b) is subject to the conditions precedent that the Lender receives in form and substance satisfactory all of the items described in Part A of Schedule 2; and

 

(b)The right of the Borrower to give the Drawdown Notice and the obligation of the Lender to advance the Tranche 2 Principal Amount under clause 3(c) is subject to the conditions precedent that the Lender receives in form and substance satisfactory all of the items described in Part B of Schedule 2.

 

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11.2Conditions precedent to all drawings

 

The obligation of the Lender to advance a Loan is subject to:

 

(a)the representations and warranties in the Finance Documents being true and correct in all material respects at the date of the Drawdown Notice and the proposed Drawdown Date and not being misleading in any material respect, in each case with reference to the facts and circumstances existing at that time; and

 

(b)no Default continuing or that would result from the advance of the Loan.

 

12Representations and Warranties

 

12.1Representations and warranties

 

The Borrower makes the following representations and warranties:

 

(a)(Status) It is a corporation validly existing under the laws of the place of its incorporation.

 

(b)(Power) It has the power to enter into and perform its obligations under the Finance Documents to which it is a party, to carry out the transactions contemplated by those documents and to carry on its business as now conducted or contemplated.

 

(c)(Corporate authorisations) It has taken all necessary corporate action to authorise the entry into and performance of the Finance Documents to which it is expressed to be a party as of the date of this agreement, and to carry out the transactions contemplated by this agreement.

 

(d)(Authorisations) Each Authorisation which is required in relation to:

 

(i)the execution, delivery and performance by it of the Finance Documents entered into as of the date of this agreement and to which it is expressed to be a party and the transactions contemplated by those documents;

 

(ii)the validity and enforceability of those documents; and

 

(iii)the carrying on of the Group’s business (including the Project) and which is material (including under Environmental Law),

 

has been obtained or effected and is in full force and effect. No member of the Group is in breach or default in any material respect under any such Authorisation.

 

(e)(Documents binding) Each Finance Document entered into as of the date of this agreement is its valid and binding obligation enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to any necessary stamping and registration, equitable principles and laws generally affecting creditors’ rights.

 

(f)(Transactions permitted) The execution and performance by it of the Finance Documents entered into as of the date of this agreement to which it is a party and each transaction contemplated under those documents does not and will not violate in any respect a provision of:

 

(i)a law or treaty or a judgment, ruling, order or decree of a Government Agency binding on it;

 

(ii)its constitution or other constituent documents; or

 

(iii)any other document or agreement which is binding on it or its assets in any material respect.

 

and, except as provided by the Finance Documents, did not and will not:

 

(iv)create or impose a Security Interest on any of its assets; or

 

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(v)allow a person to accelerate or cancel an obligation with respect to Finance Debt, or constitute an event of default, cancellation event, prepayment event or similar event (whatever called) under an agreement relating to Finance Debt, whether immediately or after notice or lapse of time or both.

 

(g)(Financial Reports)

 

(i)Its most recent consolidated and unconsolidated audited Financial Reports give a true and fair view of the matters with which they deal as at the reporting date in respect of which they were issued.

 

(ii)Those Financial Reports comply with Current Accounting Practice except to the extent disclosed in them and with all applicable laws.

 

(h)(Material Adverse Effect) No event or circumstance has occurred, either individually or in the aggregate, that has had or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(i)(No litigation) Except as previously notified to the Lender in writing, no material litigation, arbitration, Tax claim, dispute or administrative or other proceeding is current or pending or, to its knowledge, threatened against it that is reasonably likely to be adversely determined and which, if adversely determined, would have or could reasonably be expected to result in a liability exceeding US$500,000 (or its equivalent in any other currency) or have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(j)(No default)

 

(i)No member of the Group is in default in any material respect under a document or agreement binding on it or its assets which relates to Finance Debt.

 

(ii)To the best of its knowledge and belief, except as disclosed to the Lender in writing nothing has occurred which constitutes an event of default, cancellation event, prepayment event or similar event (whatever called) under those documents or agreements, whether immediately or after notice or lapse of time or both.

 

(k)(Title)

 

(i)It or its Subsidiary is the beneficial owner of all assets included in its latest audited Financial Reports (including any tenements) free of any other third party right or interest whatever other than any Permitted Security Interest.

 

(ii)None of its or its Subsidiaries’ assets is subject to a Security Interest which is not a Permitted Security Interest.

 

(l)(Insurance) The Borrower or its Subsidiary has taken out and maintained in force insurance with respect to its assets and its business in keeping with Good Operating Practice.

 

(m)(Law) Each member of the Group has complied in all material respects with all laws (including any Environmental Law) binding on it.

 

(n)(Environmental Law) Except as disclosed by the Borrower to the Lender (and accepted by the Lender in writing), no act or omission has occurred and there is no circumstance relating to the Group’s assets or the Group’s business which has given rise or may give rise to:

 

(i)a substantial claim against a Group member;

 

(ii)a requirement of substantial, unbudgeted expenditure by a Group member; or

 

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  (iii) a requirement that a Group member ceases or substantially alters an activity, under Environmental Law.

 

Without limitation none of the Group’s assets is contaminated, all assets are within applicable environmental standards and all emissions and discharges are within standards or limits imposed by all relevant laws and Authorisations.

 

(o)(Tax)

 

(i)Each member of the Group has promptly filed, or caused to be filed, all tax returns, business activity statements and other tax filings which are required to be filed under applicable Tax law and related legislation;

 

(ii)No claims have been or are likely to be asserted against a member of the Group with respect to Taxes (other than taxes contested in good faith); and

 

(iii)Each member of the Group has paid all Taxes (other than contested taxes) and registration fees which are due and payable;

 

(p)(Corporate tree) The Borrower’s group structure chart provided in the Verification Certificate is true, correct and accurate in all respects.

 

(q)(Subsidiaries; equity interests)

 

(i)The Borrower has no Subsidiary other than as set out in the most recent Group Structure Chart delivered to and approved by the Lender;

 

(ii)excluding a joint venture arrangement with AK Minerals Pty Ltd, no member of the Group is a party to or holds any of its assets under any joint venture arrangement;

 

(iii)There are no outstanding subscription, options, warrants, calls, rights or other agreements or commitments (other than stock options or warrants granted to directors and directors’ qualifying shares) relating to any equity interest of the Borrower, except as disclosed by the Borrower to the Lender or created by the Finance Documents; and

 

(iv)Following the Borrower’s annual general meeting on 29 November 2022, it will have capacity under the Listing Rules and any applicable law to issue any Nova Shares required to be issued under clause 6 or clause 7.1.

 

(r)(No misrepresentation)

 

(i)All information provided by it to the Lender is true in all material respects at the date of this agreement or, if later, when provided. Neither that information nor its conduct nor the conduct of anyone on its behalf in relation to the transactions contemplated by the Finance Documents, was or is misleading, by omission or otherwise.

 

(ii)All financial projections provided by the Borrower have been prepared on the basis of the most recently available historical information and on the basis of reasonable assumptions.

 

(s)(No failure to disclose) To the best of its knowledge and belief (after due enquiry), there are no material facts, documents or circumstances existing which have not been disclosed to the Lender which, if disclosed, would be reasonably likely to adversely affect the decision of a prudent entity, acting reasonably, to enter into and perform its obligations under the Finance Documents.

 

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(t)(Solvency) Each member of the Group is, and after giving effect to the incurrence of all debt and obligations in connection with the Finance Documents will be, solvent.

 

(u)(Copies of documents) All copies of documents (including its latest audited accounts and all Authorisations) given by it or on its behalf to the Lender are true and complete copies. All legally binding agreements among such documents are in full force and effect, unless otherwise notified to the Lender at the time they are provided.

 

(v)(Mining rights):

 

(i)AK Custom Mining LLC has all access rights and rights to explore for minerals, water rights, mining claims interests, mining tenements and other leases, rights of way, licences and other rights and interests (including the Tenements) required for the exploration, mining and related processing and transport operations of the Project in accordance with Good Operating Practice;

 

(ii)AK Custom Mining LLC have obtained such other surface and other rights necessary for access rights, water rights, plant sites, tailings disposal, waste dumps, ore dumps, abandoned heaps, transport and ancillary facilities that are required in connection with the exploration and operation of the Project;

 

(iii)the Borrower has no reason to believe or suspect that any future rights, claims, interests, mining tenements, leases, rights of way, licences, surface rights, access rights, water rights, plant sites, tailings disposal, waste dumps, ore dumps, abandoned heaps and ancillary facilities that will be required for the exploration, mining and related processing operations and transport of the Project will not be obtained in a timely manner and on appropriate terms as required to explore, develop and operate the Project and transport product in accordance with Good Operating Practice and consistent with the timetable and budget agreed by the Lender prior to the Closing Date;

 

(iv)there is no breach, default or defect in title to any Tenement; and

 

(v)no challenge or adverse claim has been made in relation to any Tenement or the rights of any member of the Group to access, explore for and extract and exploit minerals in connection with the Project.

 

(w)(Anti-money laundering) The processing of any transaction by the Lenders in accordance with the Borrower’s instructions will not breach any laws or regulations relating to anti-money laundering, counter-terrorism or economic and trade sanctions applicable to the Borrower or any member of the Group.

 

(x)(Sanctions) Neither the Borrower, nor any of its Subsidiaries or joint venture to which it is a party, nor any of their respective directors, officers or employees nor any persons acting on any of their behalf:

 

(i)is a Restricted Party; or

 

(ii)has received notice of or is aware of any claim, action, suit, proceeding or investigation against it with respect to Sanctions by any Sanctions Authority.

 

(y)(Finance Debt) No member of the Group has entered into any agreement to incur or has incurred any Finance Debt other than Permitted Finance Debt.

 

(z)(Ranking) Its obligations under the Finance Documents constitute direct, unconditional obligations and (in all respects and at all times) rank in right and priority of payment and in point of security ahead of all its other obligations (actual or contingent, present or future) except obligations mandatorily preferred by law and any Permitted Security Interests.

 

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(aa)(Ownership of assets) Each member of the Group is the sole legal and beneficial owner of all its assets and no person that is not a Group member holds or has the benefit of a Security Interest over any of its assets other than under a Permitted Security Interest.

 

12.2Reliance on and repetition of representations and warranties

 

(a)The Borrower acknowledges that the Lender has entered the Finance Documents in reliance on the representations and warranties in clause 12.1.

 

(b)The representations and warranties made in clause 12.1 are taken to be repeated by each Borrower on the Closing Date, the date of each Drawdown Notice, the last day of each Interest Period and the date of any repayment of any part of a Loan by reference to the circumstances then existing.

 

13Undertakings

 

13.1Positive undertakings

 

The Borrower undertakes to the Lender as follows, except to the extent that the Lender consents otherwise.

 

(a)(Corporate reporting and information) It will provide to the Lender:

 

(i)(Annual Financial Reports) as soon as practicable (but in any event within 120 days) after the end of each of its financial years copies of its consolidated and unconsolidated audited Financial Reports in respect of that financial year;

 

(ii)(Semi-Annual Financial Reports) as soon as practicable (but in any event within 90 days) after the first half of each of its financial years copies of its consolidated and unconsolidated unaudited Financial Reports in respect of that half-year;

 

(iii)(Quarterly reports) as soon as practicable (but in any event within 30 days) after the end of each calendar quarter copies of its quarterly activities and cash flow report;

 

(iv)(Forecasts) as soon as available (but in any event within 30 days) after the end of each of its financial years, forecasts prepared by its management, together with management commentary as to plans and their associated rationale for the year in question, of the Borrower, in form reasonably satisfactory to the Lender, of cash flow statements, income statements and overall full financial year budget;

 

(v)(Monthly Financial Reports) no later than 20 days following the end of each calendar month following the Closing Date, a financial report including aged debtors, balance sheet containing current assets and liabilities and a monthly cashflow statement showing year-to-date expenditures versus budget;

 

(vi)(Reserve statements) as soon as practicable and applicable (and within 3 Business Days of their completion), updated resource and reserve statements;

 

(vii)(Tenements and Authorisations) as soon as practicable (and within 3 Business Days of receipt) copies of any notice of any breach, non-compliance, defect, adverse claim or other material issue with respect to any Tenement or Authorisation;

 

(viii)(Compliance Certificate) within 20 days of the end of each calendar month, a Compliance Certificate;

 

(ix)(Litigation) promptly, written particulars of any litigation, arbitration, Tax claim, dispute or administrative or other proceeding in relation to it involving a claim exceeding A$500,000 or its equivalent in any other currency or which is otherwise likely to have a Material Adverse Effect;

 

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(x)(Government Agency) promptly on receipt, any notice, order or material correspondence from or with a Government Agency relating to its business or assets; and

 

(xi)(other information) promptly, any other information in relation to its financial condition or business which the Lender may reasonably request.

 

(b)(Accounting principles) It will ensure that the Financial Reports provided to the Lender under paragraph (a):

 

(i)comply with Current Accounting Practice except to the extent disclosed in them and with all applicable laws; and

 

(ii)give a true and fair view of the matters with which they deal.

 

(c)(Notice to Lender) It will provide written notice to the Lender as soon as it becomes aware of:

 

(i)any Default;

 

(ii)any material dispute between a member of the Group and a Government Agency;

 

(iii)any default under any agreement that is material to the Group;

 

(iv)any event or series of events, whether related or not, occurs (including a material adverse change in the business, assets, prospects or financial condition of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries), which may have a Material Adverse Effect; and

 

(v)any change in its Authorised Officers, giving specimen signatures of any new Authorised Officer appointed, and, where requested by the Lender, evidence satisfactory to the Lender of the authority of any Authorised Officer.

 

(d)(Pay Taxes) It will and will ensure that each member of the Group pays all Taxes payable by when due, but:

 

(i)it need not pay Taxes for which it has set aside sufficient reserves and which are being contested in good faith, except where failure to pay may have a Material Adverse Effect; and

 

(ii)to the extent liable, it will pay those Taxes on the final determination or settlement of the contest.

 

(e)(Corporate existence) It will and will ensure that each member of the Group does everything necessary to maintain its corporate existence in good standing and take all reasonable steps to maintain all rights, privileges and franchises (including in respect of the Project) necessary or desirable in the ordinary course of its business. It will not transfer its jurisdiction of incorporation or enter any merger or consolidation.

 

(f)(Compliance with law) It will comply and will ensure that each member of the Group complies with all laws, including Environmental Laws, binding on it in all material respects.

 

(g)(Authorisations) It will ensure that each Authorisation (including any mining tenement) required for:

 

(i)the execution, delivery and performance by it of the Finance Documents to which it is expressed to be a party and the transactions contemplated by those documents;

 

(ii)the validity and enforceability of those documents; and

 

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(iii)the carrying on by it of the Group’s business (including the Project) as now conducted or contemplated (including under Environmental Law), is obtained and promptly renewed and maintained in full force and effect. It will provide copies promptly to the Lenders when they are obtained or renewed.

 

(h)(Maintenance of property) It will and will ensure that each member of the Group maintains and preserves all of its properties (including the Tenements and any associated mining rights or concessions) and equipment used in its ordinary course of business or necessary in the operation of the Project in good working order and condition in accordance with Good Operating Practice.

 

(i)(Insurances) It will and will ensure that each member of the Group takes out and maintains insurance with respect to its assets and businesses usual for the type and nature of those assets and businesses and which is in keeping with Good Operating Practice.

 

(j)(Books and records) It will and will ensure that each member of the Group keeps proper books, records and accounts in which full, true and correct entries complying with Current Accounting Practice are made of all dealings, transactions and assets in relation to its business and activities (including the Project).

 

(k)(Inspection of property) It will permit and will ensure that each member of the Group permits the Lender to visit and inspect any of its properties and examine and make abstracts from any of its books and records at any time on no less than 10 Business Days’ notice (unless a Default subsists, in which case at the discretion of the Lender), provided the Lender does not unreasonably interrupt any Project activities or the business of the Borrower.

 

(l)(Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Laws) It will comply and will ensure that each member of the Group complies at all times with the requirements of all applicable laws or regulations relating to money laundering or terrorist financing, and provide the Lender with any information as necessary for the Lender to comply with such laws and regulations.

 

(m)(Project) It will and will ensure that each relevant member of the Group undertakes, develops, operates and maintains the Project in accordance with all laws (including Environmental Laws), Authorisations and Good Operating Practice.

 

(n)(Material Contracts)

 

(i)It will exercise and will ensure that each relevant member of the Group complies with its rights under and comply with each Material Contract to which it is a party; and

 

(ii)It will exercise and will ensure that each relevant member of the Group exercises its rights under each Material Contract:

 

(A)if no Event of Default is subsisting, prudently, in accordance with Good Operating Practice; and

 

(B)if an Event of Default is subsisting, in accordance with the instructions of the Lender.

 

(o)(Tenements) It will comply and will ensure that each relevant member of the Group complies in all material respects with each Tenement and all other access, easement, right of way and other property rights to ensure that it is able to fully utilise and exploit those tenements and other rights without any additional adverse conditions or unbudgeted expense.

 

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(p)(Conduct of business) It will (and shall ensure its Subsidiaries will) maintain and operate its business in accordance with industry standard good mining and environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices.

 

(q)(Joint Venture)

 

(i)It will maintain its ownership of not less than 85% of the outstanding shares of AKCM (AUST) Pty Ltd;

 

(ii)It will ensure that AKCM (AUST) Pty Ltd maintains ownership of 100% of the membership interests in AK Custom Mining LLC and AK Operations LLC; and

 

(iii)It will make all payments of its portion of approved joint venture expenses pursuant to the Incorporated Joint Venture Agreement, dated 17 December 2017, between the Borrower, AK Minerals Pty Ltd and AKCM (AUST) Pty Ltd.

 

(r)(PPSR registrations) It will use its best efforts to ensure that each of the following Personal Property Securities Registrations against it are removed from the Personal Property Securities Register within 6 months of the Closing Date:

 

(i)Axis Consultants as security for that certain “Service Deed” referenced in such registration; and

 

(ii)Wized Pty Ltd as security for assignment of debt under that certain “Loan Deed” from Chevas to Wized, as referenced in such registration.

 

13.2Negative undertakings

 

The Borrower undertakes to the Lender as follows, except to the extent that the Lender consents otherwise.

 

(a)(Finance Debt) It will not incur and will ensure that no member of the Group incurs any Finance Debt except Permitted Finance Debt.

 

(b)(Disposal of assets) It will not and will ensure that each member of the Group does not sell or otherwise dispose of, part with possession of, or create an interest in all or any part of its assets except a Permitted Disposal.

 

(c)(Sale and Lease back) It will not and will ensure that each member of the group does not sell or otherwise dispose of any of its assets to a person where, under the terms of that sale or disposal, or under a related transaction, that asset is or may be leased to the Borrower or its Associate.

 

(d)(Negative pledge) It will not and will ensure that each member of the Group does not create or allow to exist a Security Interest over its assets other than a Permitted Security Interest.

 

(e)(Partnership, joint ventures and mergers) It will not and will ensure that each member of the Group does not enter into a new partnership or joint venture or merge into or consolidate with another person.

 

(f)(Constitution) It will not and will ensure that each member of the Group does not amend, supplement or modify its constituent documents, operating agreement, by-laws or other organisational documents or the terms and conditions of any other document which is material to the business of the Group without the Lender’s prior written consent.

 

(g)(Change of business) It will not and will ensure that each member of the Group does not cease or materially change its business. It will not take action whether by acquisition or otherwise which would materially alter the nature of the business of the Group.

 

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(h)(Financial assistance) It will not and will ensure that each member of the Group does not:

 

(i)advance money or make available financial accommodation to or for the benefit of; or

 

(ii)give a Guarantee or Security Interest in connection with an obligation or liability of, a person, other than:

 

(iii)a Security Interest which is a Permitted Security Interest;

 

(iv)the deposit of funds with a bank in the ordinary course of its business unless it owes Finance Debt to that bank and the bank is not a Lender;

 

(v)allowing its customers to acquire goods and services on extended terms (not exceeding 45 days) in the ordinary course of trading; or

 

(vi)intercompany loans between Group members which, in the case of any loan from a Group member to the Borrower, is subordinated to the Finance Debt incurred under the Finance Documents on terms acceptable to the Lender.

 

(i)(Commercial Dealings) It will not and will ensure that each member of the Group does not enter into any transaction with any person if that transaction is not on arm’s length commercial terms or more favourable to the Borrower.

 

(j)(Acquisitions) It will not and will ensure that each member of the Group does not acquire any new business or Subsidiary other than as part of a Permitted Transaction.

 

(k)(Share capital) It will not and will ensure that each member of the Group does not:

 

(i)pass any resolution to reduce its share capital or authorise it to purchase its shares, pass any resolution under Chapter 2J of the Corporations Act (or an equivalent provision) or call any meeting to consider such a resolution; or

 

(ii)issue any share capital to any person if that issue would result in the Borrower not having capacity under the Listing Rules or any applicable law to issue any Nova Shares or options required to be issued to the Lender under clause 6 or clause 7.1 without further shareholder approval; provided nothing in this paragraph (k) shall restrict the Borrower’s ability to pass any resolution to refresh the Borrower’s placement capacity under ASX Listing Rule 7.1.

 

(l)(Distributions) It will not declare, pay or distribute any money or other asset (including by management or other fee, interest, dividend, buy back, return of capital, repayment, redemption or payment of or relating to subordinated debt) to or for the benefit of a shareholder in that capacity or to any Associate of it or any such holder except:

 

(i)by a Subsidiary to the Borrower;

 

(ii)payments of fees to management and directors in the ordinary course of business; or

 

(iii)subject to clause 6 solely by way of distribution of shares.

 

(m)(Capital Expenditure): It will not and will ensure that each member of the Group does not incur development or capital expenditure exceeding A$2,000,000 or its equivalent in any other currency in total on a consolidated basis in any calendar year above the financial yearly budgeted capital expenditure (which has been reviewed by the Borrower), other than with the Lender’s prior consent.

 

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(n)(Material Contracts) It will not and will ensure that each member of the Group does not:

 

(i)breach or default under;

 

(ii)amend or vary, or waive any rights in any material respect under, in any material respect; or

 

(iii)terminate, repudiate or rescind or accept any termination, repudiation or rescission of, any Material Contract without the Lender’s prior consent.

 

(o)(Tenements) It will not and will ensure that each member of the Group does not:

 

(i)breach or default under;

 

(ii)amend or vary, or waive any rights in any material respect under;

 

(iii)terminate, repudiate or rescind or accept any termination, repudiation or rescission of, any Tenement or any other access, easement, right of way and other property right required to explore, develop and operate its assets without the Lender’s prior consent.

 

13.3Financial Covenants

 

At the end of each calendar month the Borrower shall ensure that the Group has:

 

(a)(Minimum liquidity) a minimum month-end consolidated cash balance of at least US$2,000,000;

 

(b)(Working Capital) positive Working Capital tested at the end of each calendar month; and

 

(c)(Creditors) an average ageing limit on accounts payable by members of the Group not exceeding 45 days.

 

13.4Term of undertakings

 

Each undertaking in this clause continues from the date of this agreement until the Outstanding Money is fully and finally paid.

 

14Events of Default

 

14.1Events of Default

 

Each of the following is an Event of Default (whether or not it is in the control of the Borrower).

 

(a)(Payment Default) The Borrower fails to pay an amount payable by it under a Finance Document when due, unless:

 

(i)its failure to pay is caused by an administrative or technical error; and

 

(ii)payment is made within 3 Business Days of its due date

 

(b)(Financial covenants) The Borrower fails to comply with clause 13.3.

 

(c)(Other defaults) The Borrower fails:

 

(i)to comply with any of its other obligations under a Finance Document except where that failure can be remedied within 10 Business Days of the earlier of (A) the Lender giving notice to the Borrower and (B) the Borrower becoming aware of the failure, and the failure is remedied to the satisfaction of the Lender within that period; or

 

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(ii)to satisfy within the time stipulated anything which the Lender made a condition of its waiving compliance with, or providing consent with respect to, a condition precedent, condition subsequent or undertaking in a Finance Document.

 

(d)(Misrepresentation) A representation, warranty or statement by or on behalf of an Borrower in a Finance Document, or in a document provided under or in connection with a Finance Document, is not true in a material respect or is misleading when made or repeated except where the circumstances giving rise to such misrepresentation are capable of remedy within 10 Business Days of the earlier of (A) the Lender giving notice to the Borrower and (B) the Borrower becoming aware of the misrepresentation, and are remedied to the satisfaction of the Lenders within that period.

 

(e)(Cross default) Finance Debt of the Borrower or its Subsidiary totalling at least A$750,000 or its equivalent in another currency:

 

(i)is not paid when due (or within an applicable grace period); or

 

(ii)becomes due and payable or capable of being declared due and payable before its stated maturity or expiry.

 

(f)(Administration, winding up, arrangements, insolvency etc)

 

(i)An administrator of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries is appointed.

 

(ii)Except for the purpose of a solvent reconstruction or amalgamation previously approved by the Lender:

 

(A)an application or an order is made, proceedings are commenced, a resolution is passed or proposed in a notice of meeting, an application to a court or other steps (other than frivolous or vexatious applications, proceedings, notices and steps) are taken for:

 

(1)the winding up, dissolution or administration of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries; or

 

(2)the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries entering into an arrangement, compromise or composition with or assignment for the benefit of its creditors or a class of them; or

 

(B)The Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries ceases, suspends or threatens to cease or suspend the conduct of all or a substantial part of its business or disposes of or threatens to dispose of a substantial part of its assets.

 

(iii)The Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries:

 

(A)is, or under legislation is presumed or taken to be, insolvent (other than as the result of a failure to pay a debt or claim the subject of a good faith dispute); or

 

(B)stops or suspends or threatens to stop or suspend payment of all or a class of its debts.

 

(g)(Enforcement against assets)

 

(i)a receiver, receiver and manager, administrative receiver or similar officer is appointed to;

 

(ii)a Security Interest (including a cross security) becomes enforceable or is enforced over; or

 

  (iii) a distress, attachment or other execution is levied or enforced or applied for over, all or any of the assets and undertakings of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries.

 

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(h)(Investigation) An investigation by a Government Agency into all or part of the affairs of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries commences under companies legislation in circumstances which may have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(i)(Vitiation of Finance Documents)

 

(i)All or any part of a Finance Document is terminated or is or becomes void, illegal, invalid, unenforceable or of limited force and effect;

 

(ii)a party becomes entitled to terminate, rescind or avoid all or part of a Finance Document; or

 

(iii)a party other than a Lender alleges or claims that an event described in sub-paragraph (i) has occurred or that it is entitled as described in sub-paragraph (ii).

 

(j)(Change of business) The Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries commences any substantive business activity not related to mining exploration, development or recovery of minerals.

 

(k)(Control of the Borrower) Without the prior consent of the Lender:

 

(i)a Change of Control occurs in respect of the Borrower;

 

(ii)the Borrower becomes a Subsidiary of another person; or

 

(iii)there is a disposal of shares in a direct or indirect Subsidiary of the Borrower.

 

(l)(Abandonment of Project) Without the prior consent of the Lender, the Borrower or its relevant Subsidiary abandons the Project or any material portion of the Tenements and other mining rights or assets of the Group.

 

(m)(Compulsory acquisition)

 

(i)All or any substantial part of the assets of the Borrower or its Subsidiary is compulsorily acquired by or by order of a Government Agency or under law;

 

(ii)a Government Agency orders the sale, vesting or divesting of all or any substantial part of the assets of the Borrower or its Subsidiary; or

 

(iii)a Government Agency takes a step for the purpose of any of the above.

 

(n)(Reduction of capital) Without the prior consent of the Lender, the Borrower:

 

(i)reduces its capital (including a purchase of its shares and a redemption of redeemable shares);

 

(ii)passes a resolution to reduce its capital or to authorise it to purchase its shares or passes a resolution under chapter 2J of the Corporations Act or an equivalent provision, or calls a meeting to consider any such resolution; or

 

(iii)applies to a court to call any such meeting or to sanction any such resolution or reduction.

 

(o)(Amendment of constitution) The constitution or other constituent document of any Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries is amended in a material respect.

 

(p)(Revocation of Authorisation) An Authorisation which is:

 

(i)material to:

 

(A)the performance by the Borrower of a Finance Document or the validity and enforceability of a Finance Document; or

 

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(B)the development, operation or maintenance of the Project (including mining rights or tenements),

 

is repealed, revoked, terminated or expires, or is modified or amended or conditions are attached to it in a manner which could have a Material Adverse Effect, and is not replaced by another Authorisation acceptable to the Lender within 30 days of the relevant event.

 

(q)(Material Contract termination) All or any material part of a Material Contract is repudiated, rescinded, cancelled or terminated (other than by performance) or is or becomes void, voidable, illegal, invalid, unenforceable or of limited force and effect, and the Material Contract is not replaced within 45 days of the relevant event.

 

(r)(Environmental event)

 

(i) (A)Any person takes action;

 

(B)there is a claim; or

 

(C)there is a requirement of expenditure or of cessation or alteration of activity, under Environmental Law against or by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, which may have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(s)(Litigation) Any litigation, arbitration, administrative, governmental, regulatory or other investigation, proceeding or dispute is commenced or threatened, or any judgment or order of a court, arbitral body or agency is made, in relation to the Finance Documents or the transactions contemplated in the Finance Documents or against the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their assets which is reasonably likely to be adversely determined and which has or is reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(t)(Audit qualification) The auditors of the Borrower qualify the audited annual consolidated financial statements of the Group (except if any such audit qualification has resulted from the inability of Borrower to obtain the audited financial statements for Snow Lake Resources Limited for the same fiscal year, subject to the Borrower owning more than 20% of the equity in Snow Lake Resources Ltd).

 

(u)(Insurance failure) The Borrower or its Subsidiary fails to obtain or maintain insurance in accordance with clause 13.1(i), or an insurance policy required in accordance with clause 13.1(i) is cancelled or terminated and is not replaced within 30 days.

 

(v)(Pension) The Borrower or its Subsidiaries breaches the terms of any union, pension or other employee-related law, regulation or arrangement (including any event under Section 4043(c) of Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974) which could reasonably be expected to result in (i) a Material Adverse Effect or (ii) liability of any Group member in an aggregate amount exceeding A$1,000,000; or

 

(w)(Material adverse change) Any other event or series of events, whether related or not, occurs (including a material adverse change in the business, condition (financial or otherwise), operation, prospects or performance of a Group member or the Project) or a change occurs in any asset, liability, ownership or change of a majority of the board composition of a Group member which has a Material Adverse Effect.

 

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14.2Consequences

 

In addition to any other rights provided by law or any Finance Document, at any time while an Event of Default subsists the Lender may do all or any of the following:

 

(a)by notice to the Borrower declare the Outstanding Money immediately due and payable, and the Borrower shall immediately pay the Outstanding Money;

 

(b)by notice to the Borrower cancel the Loans and their obligation to provide the Loans; and/or

 

(c)at the cost of the Borrower, appoint a firm of independent accountants, engineers or other experts to review and report to the Lender on the affairs, financial condition and business of any Group member or the Project.

 

The Borrower shall do, and ensure that each Group member does, everything in its power to ensure the review and report can be carried out promptly, completely and accurately. Without limitation, it shall co-operate fully with the review and ensure that the accountants and experts are given access to all premises and records of the Group and are given all information concerning the Group or the Project which the Lender requires from time to time. It shall ensure that all officers and employees of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries do the same.

 

15Indemnities and Break Costs

 

15.1Indemnities

 

The Borrower indemnifies the Lender against any loss, cost, liability or expense (including legal costs on a full indemnity basis) which the Lender (or any officer or employee of the Lender) incurs as a result of or in connection with:

 

(a)any Default or breach of a Finance Document;

 

(b)any exercise or attempted exercise of any right, power or remedy under any Finance Document or any failure to exercise any right, power or remedy;

 

(c)the Loan requested in the Drawdown Notice not being provided for any reason (including failure to fulfil a condition precedent but excluding default by the Lender);

 

(d)the Lender receiving payments of principal in respect of the Loan before the last day of an Interest Period for any reason, including prepayment in accordance with this agreement, but excluding default by the Lender; or

 

(e)the Lender acting in connection with a Finance Document in good faith on facsimile or email instructions purporting to originate from the offices of the Borrower or to be given by an Authorised Officer of the Borrower.

 

15.2Break costs

 

(a)If the Lender receives or recovers all or part (the Received Amount) of any Loan or overdue amount before the last day of an Interest Period, the Borrower shall pay the Lender on demand the amount (if any) by which:

 

(i)the interest which the Lender should have received on the Received Amount for the period from the date of receipt or recovery of the Received Amount to the last day of its current Interest Period, had it not been paid until that last day;

 

exceeds:

 

(ii)the interest which the Lender determines that it would obtain by placing an amount equal to the Received Amount on deposit with a leading bank for a period starting on the Business Day following receipt or recovery and ending on that last day.

 

(b)If for any reason the Borrower revokes, or fails to draw in accordance with, a notice given by it, then on demand it must pay the amount which would have been payable under paragraph (a) if the Loan had been drawn down and prepaid on the specified drawdown day.

 

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16Arrangement Fees

 

The Borrower shall pay to the Lender an arrangement fee:

 

(a)on the Closing Date in an amount equal to 1.0% of the Tranche 1 Funded Amount, which may, at the Borrower’s election, be netted against the Tranche 1 Principal Amount; and

 

(b)on the Drawdown Date for the Tranche 2 Principal Amount, an amount equal to 1.0% of the Tranche 2 Funded Amount, which may, at the Borrower’s election, be netted against the Tranche 2 Funded Amount.

 

17Expenses

 

(a)The Borrower shall reimburse the Lender for its reasonable and documented expenses in relation to:

 

(i)The preparation, execution and completion of the Finance Documents and any subsequent registration, administration of or consent, agreement, approval, waiver or amendment to the Finance Documents after the date of this agreement; provided, however, that such expenses incurred up to the Closing Date shall not exceed $85,000 unless otherwise agreed between the Lender and the Borrower.

 

(ii)any actual or contemplated enforcement of the Finance Documents, or the actual or contemplated exercise, preservation or consideration of any rights, powers or remedies under the Finance Documents; and

 

(iii)any enquiry by a Government Agency concerning the Borrower, its Subsidiaries or the Project or a transaction or activity the subject of the Finance Documents, or in connection with which, financial accommodation or funds raised under a Finance Document are used or provided.

 

Such reimbursement includes:

 

(iv)legal costs and expenses (including lawyers charged at their usual rates) on a full indemnity basis, any out of pocket expenses incurred in any review or environmental audit or in retaining consultants to evaluate matters of material concern to the Lender; and

 

(v)ongoing compliance costs associated with the Loan.

 

(b)The Lender shall provide the Borrower a statement of actual costs, with accompanying invoices, within 15 days following the Closing Date. Should these amount to less than any amount paid by the Borrower to the Lender prior to the Closing Date pursuant to this clause 17, the Lender will refund the difference to the Borrower within 10 Business Days.

 

18Duties and GST

 

18.1Duties

 

(a)The Borrower shall pay or reimburse the Lender for all stamp, transaction, registration and similar Taxes (including fines and penalties) on or in relation to the execution, delivery, performance or enforcement of any Finance Document or any payment, receipt or other transaction contemplated by any Finance Document.

 

  (b) The Borrower shall indemnify the Lender against any liability resulting from delay or omission to pay those Taxes except to the extent the liability results from failure by the Lender to pay any Tax after having been put in funds (with all necessary documents) to do so by the Borrower.

 

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18.2GST

 

All payments (including the provision of any non-monetary consideration) to be made by the Borrower under or in connection with any Finance Document have been calculated without regard to GST.

 

(a)If all or part of that payment is the consideration for a taxable supply for GST purposes then, when the Borrower makes the payment:

 

(i)it must pay to the Lender an additional amount equal to that payment (or part) multiplied by the appropriate rate of GST (currently 10%); and

 

(ii)the Lender will promptly provide to the Borrower a tax invoice complying with the relevant GST legislation.

 

(b)Where under any Finance Document the Borrower is required to reimburse or indemnify for an amount, the Borrower will pay the relevant amount (including any sum in respect of GST) less any GST input tax credit the Lenders determines that it is entitled to claim in respect of that amount.

 

19Anti-corruption and Sanctions

 

(a)The Borrower shall, and shall procure each of the Subsidiaries will, comply with and conduct its business in compliance with Sanctions and shall not knowingly (acting with due care and enquiry) engage in any transaction, activity or conduct that would violate any Sanctions applicable to it.

 

(b)The Borrower undertakes that it will not (and shall ensure that no Subsidiary will) use the proceeds of a Loan to fund any activities of, or business with, any person, or in any other manner that would result in a violation by any person (including any person participating in the transaction, whether as underwriter, advisor, investor or otherwise) of Sanctions to the extent they are applicable to it.

 

(c)The Borrower shall (and shall ensure that each Subsidiary will) adopt, as necessary, and maintain, policies and procedures designed to promote and achieve compliance with Sanctions applicable to it.

 

20Anti-money laundering

 

20.1Compliance

 

The Borrower must (and shall ensure that each Subsidiary will) comply with all Sanctions which are applicable to it.

 

20.2No Restricted Party

 

The Borrower will (and shall ensure that none of its Subsidiaries will) become a Restricted Party or act on behalf of, or an agent of, a Restricted Party, to the extent this would lead to non- compliance by it with any applicable Sanctions.

 

20.3Block transactions

 

The Borrower agrees that the Lender may delay, block or refuse to process any transaction without incurring any liability if the Lender knows or suspects that:

 

(a)the transaction or the application of its proceeds may breach or cause the Lender to breach any laws or regulations within Australia or any other applicable jurisdiction or its Associates under any such law or regulation;

 

(b)the transaction or the application of its proceeds involves any Restricted Party or is connected, directly or indirectly, to any Restricted Party; or the transaction or the application of its proceeds may directly or indirectly involve the proceeds of, or be applied for the purposes of, conduct which is unlawful within Australia or any other applicable jurisdiction.

 

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20.4Provision of information

 

The Borrower must provide all information that the Lender may require in order to manage its anti-money laundering, terrorism-financing or economic and trade sanctions risk or to comply with any laws or regulations in Australia or any other applicable jurisdiction. The Borrower agrees that the Lender may disclose any information concerning the Borrower or its Subsidiaries to:

 

(a)any law enforcement, regulatory agency or court where required by any such law or regulation in Australia or any other applicable jurisdiction; and

 

(b)any correspondent any Lenders uses to make the payment for the purpose of compliance with any such law or regulation.

 

20.5No breach of Sanctions

 

The Borrower declares and undertakes to the Lender that:

 

(a)the processing of any transaction by the Lender in accordance with the Borrower’s express instructions will not breach any laws or regulations in Australia or any other country (including any applicable Sanctions);

 

(b)it will not (and will procure that each of its Subsidiaries will not) and will not permit or authorise any other person to, directly or indirectly, use, lend, make payments of, contribute or otherwise make available, all or any part of the proceeds of any Loan or other transaction(s) contemplated by this agreement:

 

(i)to fund any trade, business or other activities involving or for the benefit of any Restricted Party; or

 

(ii)in any other manner that would reasonably be expected to result in the Borrower, its Subsidiaries or Lender being in breach of any Sanctions (if and to the extent applicable to either of them) or becoming a Restricted Party.

 

21General PPSA Provisions

 

(a)No security interest (as defined in the PPSA) is created under any Finance Document. The remaining provisions of this clause 21 only become applicable if the Borrower grants a Security Interest under any future Finance Document.

 

(b)The Lender need not give any notice under the PPSA (including a notice of a verification statement) under or arising out of anything relating to that security interest or Finance Document unless the notice is required by the PPSA and the giving of it cannot be excluded.

 

(c)The Borrower waives its right to receive anything from any Lenders under section 275 of the PPSA, and shall not make any request of the Lender under that section.

 

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(d)The Borrower authorises and requests the Lender under section 275(7)(c) of the PPSA to obtain from the holder of any other Security or PPSA Deemed Security Interest over the relevant collateral any of the information referred to in section 275(1) of the PPSA.

 

(e)Each party contracts out of each provision of the PPSA which section 115 permits, except sections 117, 118, 123, 126, 128, 129, 134(1) and 135. However, each of those sections is contracted out of to the extent that a provision in it would be contrary to or limit an express or implied right on the part of the Lenders provided for in the relevant Finance Document.

 

(f)Any disposal or other exercise of any right, power or remedy under this agreement will only be taken to be made under a provision which has not been excluded in paragraph (d), if the Lenders so elects.

 

22Set-Off

 

(a)To the extent the Borrower pays any amount other than in US dollars, then the Lender may set-off any obligation of any type in any currency that it owes the Borrower (including any credit balance in any account of the Borrower with any branch of the Lender) against any obligation of the Borrower to the Lender under or in relation to any Finance Document to pay any sum. The Lender need not make the set-off. This right is independent of any security interest granted under the Finance Documents.

 

(b)The Lender may exchange currencies to make that set-off. Any right of set-off will extinguish the relevant obligations only to the extent set-off.

 

23Lender Audit Rights and Reporting Rights

 

(a)The Lender (or, at its election, an independent third party) shall have the right to undertake financial audits (including inspection, during business hours, of the books and records of the Borrower and affiliates) and technical inspections, including a site visit , not to exceed one financial audit and one technical audit per calendar year, except if such audit reveals a material breach of the Finance Documents, in which case the Lenders shall be entitled to conduct financial and technical audits without restriction, until such time as two consecutive audits performed at least six months apart reveal the absence of a breach. While conducting each audit, the Lender will use reasonable endeavours to carry out such audits in a manner that will result in minimum disruption to the Borrower’s operations.

 

(b)The Lender will pay all costs of any such audit unless a material breach of the Finance Documents is determined to exist, in which case, the Borrower will reimburse the Lender for its costs of such audit.

 

(c)The Borrower will meet with the Lender (either in person or via video or telephone call) to update the Lender on the Borrower and the Project within 2 weeks of the release of each annual, half yearly and quarterly cash flow report that the Borrower must lodge with the ASX. Prior to such meetings, the Borrower will provide drafts of such annual, half yearly and quarterly cash flow reports and other information about the Project that the Borrower deems appropriate. Any Authorised Officer of the Lender will have the right to attend such meetings. The Borrower will take all reasonable steps to facilitate the Lender’s Authorised Officer’s attendance, including providing invitations and access to dial-in, teleconferences or premises.

 

(d)In case of a Default, the Borrower will give the Lender 14 days’ (or as soon as possible) notice of any meetings of its board of directors. An Authorised Officer of the Lender will have the right to attend and observe any board meeting of the Borrower (but not to participate in such a meeting), either in person or via teleconference/dial-in. The Borrower will take all reasonable steps to facilitate the Lender’s Authorised Officer’s attendance.

 

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24 Waivers, Remedies Cumulative

 

  (a) No failure to exercise and no delay in exercising any right, power or remedy under any Finance Document operates as a waiver, nor does any single or partial exercise of any right, power or remedy preclude any other or further exercise of that or any other right, power or remedy.

 

  (b) The rights, powers and remedies provided to the Lenders in the Finance Documents are in addition to, and do not exclude or limit, any right, power or remedy provided by law.

 

25 Severability of Provisions

 

Any provision of any Finance Document which is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction is ineffective as to that jurisdiction to the extent of the prohibition or unenforceability. That does not invalidate the remaining provisions of that Finance Document nor affect the validity or enforceability of that provision in any other jurisdiction.

 

26 Survival of Obligations

 

  (a) (Representations and warranties) Each representation or warranty in a Finance Document survives the execution and delivery of the Finance Documents and the provision of financial accommodation.

 

  (b) (Indemnity) Each indemnity, reimbursement or similar obligation in a Finance Document and clauses 9 (Tax Gross Up and Indemnities) and 10 (Change in Law):

 

  (i) is a continuing, separate and independent obligation;

 

  (ii) is payable on demand; and

 

  (iii) survives termination or discharge of the relevant Finance Document and repayment of financial accommodation.

 

Where a party is obliged to indemnify another party against a loss, cost, charge, liability, expense, deficiency or other amount, it shall pay on demand from time to time the amount stated by the other party to be the amount indemnified against.

 

27 Moratorium Legislation

 

To the full extent permitted by law all legislation which at any time directly or indirectly:

 

  (a) lessens, varies or affects in favour of the Borrower any obligation under a Finance Document; or

 

  (b) delays, prevents or prejudicially affects the exercise by the Lender of any right, power or remedy conferred by a Finance Document, is excluded from the Finance Documents.

 

28 Assignments

 

28.1 Assignment by Borrower

 

The Borrower may only assign or transfer any of their rights or obligations under this agreement with the prior consent of the Lender.

 

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28.2 Assignment by Lender

 

The Lender may assign or transfer all or any of its rights or obligations under the Finance Documents at any time if:

 

  (a) the transferee or assignee is a Related Entity of the Lender, a financial institution, participant in the term loan B market, CLO or CDO investment vehicle or other investor;

 

  (b) the Borrower has given its prior consent, which consent:

 

  (i) must not be withheld unreasonably; and

 

  (ii) will be taken to have been given if no response is received within 10 Business Days of the request for consent; or

 

  (c) an Event of Default is subsisting.

 

28.3 Sub-participations and security

 

  (a) The Lender may, without the consent of the Borrower, assign, transfer, sub-participate, grant a Security Interest over or otherwise deal with all or any part of its monetary rights and benefits under the Finance Documents to a securitisation vehicle, financial institution or other party that provides funding to the Lender if the Lender remains the Lender of record.

 

  (b) The Lender will notify the Borrower of any agreement that has been reached with any other party to sell, assign or issue participation interests in any of its rights in whole or in part at least 5 Business Days prior to executing such agreement.

 

28.4 Disclosure

 

The Lender may, without the consent of the Borrower, disclose any information which relates to the Borrower, the Project or a Finance Document or was furnished or disclosed in connection with the Finance Documents, to:

 

  (a) any ratings agency or Government Agency;

 

  (b) a proposed assignee, transferee or sub-participant in the Loan;

 

  (c) any provider (prospective provider) of funding to or investor in the Lender; and

 

  (d) any Government Authority to which the Lender is required to provide that information, provided (in the case of paragraph (b) or (c)) each such party agrees to be bound by the confidentiality obligations equivalent to those set out in this clause 28.4 and clause 32.

 

The Lender acknowledges that (i) the Borrower is an Australian public company listed on the ASX and (ii) the Lender may receive material non-public information (MNPI) under the terms of this agreement.

 

The Lender agrees to:

 

  (e) comply with Australian and any other applicable securities laws in relation to trading in securities of the Borrower and

 

  (f) not trade in securities of the Borrower while the Lender is in possession of MNPI, which shall include any document or other communication that the Borrower has identified to the Lender as being MNPI; provided, however, this provision shall not apply to the extent such MNPI is (i) subsequently lodged with the ASX, (ii) otherwise made public by the Borrower or a third party independent of the Lender or (iii) if the Borrower subsequently informs the Lender that the information is no longer MNPI.

 

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In the event the Lender were to breach any provision in this clause 28.4 that results in any regulatory or legal action, then the Lender agrees that it may be liable to Borrower for damages arising from Lender’s breach of any provision of this clause 28.4 and that Lender will reimburse the Borrower for any costs and out-of-pocket expenses that it incurs as a direct result of such regulatory or legal action to the extent the regulatory or legal action is caused by the breach.

 

For the avoidance of doubt, Lender may request at any time to cease receiving MNPI from Borrower, in which case Borrower will not provide any MNPI to Lender until such time, if any, as Lender requests to receive such information as set out in this Agreement.

 

28.5 No increased costs

 

If:

 

  (a) the Lender assigns or transfers any of its rights or obligations under the Finance Documents; and

 

  (b) as a result of circumstances existing at the date the assignment or transfer, the Borrower would be obliged to make a payment to the assignee or transferee under clause 9 or clause 10, then the transferee or assignee is only entitled to receive payment under those clauses to the same extent as the Lender would have been if the assignment or transfer had not occurred.

 

29 Amendment of Finance Documents

 

  (a) A provision of this agreement or a right created under it, may not be amended except in writing, signed by all parties.

 

  (b) Nothing in this clause limits the right of the Lenders to grant a waiver or release.

 

30 Notices

 

All notices, requests, demands, consents, approvals, agreements or other communications to or by a party to this agreement:

 

  (a) must be in writing signed by an Authorised Officer of the sender (or in the case of an email message, sent from the email address of an Authorised Officer of the sender); and

 

  (b) will be conclusively taken to be given or made when delivered, received or left at the address, email address or fax number of the recipient shown in Schedule 1 or to any other address, fax number or email address which it may have notified the sender but, if delivery or receipt is on a day on which business is not generally carried on in the place to which the communication is sent or is later than 4pm (local time), it will be conclusively taken to have been received at the commencement of business on the next day on which business is generally carried on in that place.

 

31 Process Agent

 

Each of the Lender and the Borrower irrevocably waives personal service of any and all legal process, summons, notices and other documents and other service of process of any kind and consents to such service in any suit, action or proceeding brought with respect to or otherwise arising out of or in connection with any Finance Document by the mailing thereof (by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid) to:

 

in the case of the Lender:

 

the address of the Lender at Nebari Partners, LLC of 460 NE 28th Street, Unit 4201, Miami, Florida 33137, USA (with a digital copy sent to the attention of the Corporate Secretary at corporatesecretary@nebari.com)

 

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in the case of the Borrower:

 

to the address of the Borrower at Nova Minerals Limited, of Suite 602, 566 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia (with digital copy sent to the attention of the Director of Finance and Compliance at craig@novaminerals.com.au).

 

32 Confidentiality

 

32.1 Confidentiality

 

Except as permitted in clause 28.4 or clause 32.2:

 

  (a) the Lender shall not disclose information and documents supplied by the Borrower in connection with the Finance Documents which are specifically indicated by the Borrower to be confidential and are not in the public domain; and

 

  (b) no party shall disclose any information of the kind mentioned in section 275(1) of the PPSA.

 

32.2 Permitted disclosure

 

The Lender may disclose information or documents:

 

  (a) in enforcing a Finance Document, in a proceeding arising out of or connected with a Finance Document or to the extent that disclosure is regarded by the Lender as necessary to protect its interests;

 

  (b) as required under an order of a Government Agency or any procedure for discovery in any proceedings;

 

  (c) as required under any law (except to the extent the requirement can be excluded or limited by contract or by a confidentiality obligation) or under any administrative guideline, directive, request or policy with which responsible financial institutions similarly situated would normally comply;

 

  (d) as required or permitted by any Finance Document;

 

  (e) to a ratings agency and its advisers;

 

  (f) to a trustee associated with any financing conduit and its advisers;

 

  (g) to a proposed assignee, transferee or sub-participant in the Loan;

 

  (h) to any provider (prospective provider) of funding to or investor in the Lender; and

 

  (i) to its legal advisers and its consultants; or

 

  (j) with the prior consent of the Borrower, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld, subject to, in the case of paragraphs (f), (g), (h) or (i) the party to whom the information or documents are disclosed agreeing with the Borrower to keep them confidential in a manner consistent with this clause.

 

32.3 Survival of obligation

 

This clause survives the termination of this agreement.

 

33 Authorised Officers

 

The Borrower irrevocably authorises the Lender to rely on a certificate by a person purporting to be its director or secretary as to the identity and signatures of its Authorised Officers. The Borrower warrants that those persons have been authorised to give notices and communications under or relating to the Finance Documents.

 

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34 Governing Law and Jurisdiction

 

This agreement and any dispute or claim (including non-contractual disputes or claims) arising out of or in connection with it or its subject matter or formation is governed by the laws of the State of Victoria, Australia. Each of the Lender and the Borrower irrevocably accepts the exclusive jurisdiction of courts with jurisdiction in the State of Victoria, Australia, and waives any right to object to the venue on any ground.

 

35 Counterparts

 

This agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each executed by one or more parties. A party may do this by executing a signature page and electronically transmitting a copy to one or more others or their representative.

 

36 Acknowledgement by the Borrower

 

The Borrower confirms that:

 

  (a) it has not entered into any Finance Document in reliance on, or as a result of, any conduct of any kind of or on behalf of the Lender or any Related Entity of the Lender (including any advice, warranty, representation or undertaking); and

 

  (b) neither the Lender nor any Related Entity of the Lender is obliged to do anything (including disclose anything or give advice), except as expressly set out in the Finance Documents.

 

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Schedule 1

 

Notice Details

 

1 Lender

 

Nebari Gold Fund 1, LP

 

Address   460 NE 28th Street, Unit 4201, Miami, Florida 33137, USA
Email:   corporatesecretary@nebari.com and roderik@nebari.com
Attention:   Corporate secretary

 

2 Borrower

 

Nova Minerals Limited (ABN 84 006 690 348)

 

Address:   Suite 602, 566 St Kilda Rd Melbourne, VIC 3004
Attention:   Director of Finance & Compliance
Email:   craig@novaminerals.com.au and louie@novaminerals.com.au

 

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Schedule 2

 

Conditions Precedent Part A

 

Conditions Precedent – Documentation Execution and Closing for Tranche 1 Funded Amount

 

1 (Verification Certificate) A verification certificate in relation to the Borrower given by a director of the Borrower substantially in the form of Schedule 4 with the attachments referred to and dated no earlier than 10 Business Days before the date of this agreement.

 

2 (Documents):

 

  (a) A duly executed counterpart of this agreement.

 

  (b) Certified copies of each fully executed Material Contract.

 

3 (Searches) satisfactory results of searches and requisitions in respect of the Borrower and its assets, including ASIC, PPSA searches conducted by the Lender.

 

4 (Due Diligence) The Lender has completed in form and substance satisfactory to it confirmatory due diligence of the Borrower and its assets.

 

5 (Finance Debt) Evidence that Finance Debt other than Permitted Finance Debt has or will be repaid in full contemporaneously on the Closing Date.

 

6 (Investment Committee) The Lender has obtained final investment approval from its Investment Committee.

 

7 (KYC) Customary and reasonable information from the Borrower as may be necessary for the Lenders to comply with any applicable “know your customer” or similar requirements.

 

8 (R&Ws) Each of the representations and warranties made by the Borrower in connection with the Finance Documents is true and correct in all respects as of the date of Drawdown Notice and the Closing Date.

 

9 (Default): No Default shall have occurred or be continuing on the Closing Date or would occur after making the Loan on that date.

 

10 (Fees) The Borrower has paid all expenses payable to or for the account of the Lender on or before the Closing Date; provided, however, that such expenses shall not exceed $85,000 unless otherwise agreed between the Lender and the Borrower.

 

11 (Insurance) Evidence that adequate insurance coverage for the Project has been effected and remains current, including polices providing commercially reasonable coverage for construction, installations, equipment, buildings, infrastructure, leases, permits, general liability, third party contractors, environmental and all umbrella policies and riders as are commercially reasonable and typical under Good Operating Practice.

 

12 (Authorisations) Any corporate and regulatory approvals necessary for the Project and entry in this agreement, including any shareholder approval required for the issuance of any Nova Shares and options that are or may be required to be issued to the Lender under this agreement.

 

13 (Equity Raise) On or before the Closing Date, evidence that the Borrower has completed or will complete contemporaneously with the Closing Date the Equity Raise.

 

14 (Group Structure) A certified Group Structure Chart.

 

15 (Legal Opinion) A legal opinion from Allens in relation to the Borrowers’ entry into the Finance Documents.

 

16 (Inter-company debt) Certified copies of documentation recording all of the Group’s inter- company Finance Debt.

 

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Part B

 

Conditions Precedent – for Tranche 2 Funded Amounts

 

1 (Tranche 1) Tranche 1 Principal Amount has been fully drawn and not prepaid or cancelled.

 

2 (Documents): Evidence that the Borrower has paid all associated fees and expenses payable to the Lender on or prior to the 10th working day prior to the requested Drawdown Date.

 

3 (R&Ws) Each of the representations and warranties made by the Borrower in connection with the Finance Documents is true and correct in all respects as of the date of Drawdown Notice and the Drawdown Date.

 

4 (Default): No Default shall have occurred or be continuing on the Drawdown Date or would occur after making the Loan on that date.

 

5 (Investment Committee) The Lender has obtained final investment approval from its Investment Committee. If additional studies are required to obtain IC approval, the expenses incurred for these, capped at maximum US$20,000, shall be prepaid by the Borrower.

 

-51-

 

Drawdown Notice

 

TO: [*]

 

[*] — Drawdown Notice

 

This is an irrevocable notice under clause [*] of the Loan Agreement dated [*] (the Loan Agreement).

 

1

We wish to draw on [Tranche 1/Tranche 2] of under the Loan Agreement on [*] (the Drawdown Date).

 

Note: Date is to be a Business Day.

 

2 The amount of the Loan is [*].

 

3 We represent and warrant to the Lenders as follows.

 

  (a) [(Except as disclosed in paragraph (d)] the representations and warranties in the Loan Agreement are true as though they had been made at the date of this Drawdown Notice and the Drawdown Date specified above in respect of the facts and circumstances then subsisting;

 

  (b) [(Except as disclosed in paragraph (d)] no Default continues or will result from the drawing; [and]

 

  (c) [Details of the exceptions to paragraphs (a) and (b) are as follows: [*], and we [have taken|propose] the following remedial action [*].] Note: Inclusion of a statement under paragraph (c) will not prejudice the conditions precedent in the Loan Agreement.

 

Definitions in the Loan Agreement apply in this Drawdown Notice.

 

On behalf of [*]

 

By: [Authorised Officer]

 

Dated [*]

 

-52-

 

Verification Certificate

 

TO:    [*]

 

US$7,000,000 Facility for Nova Minerals Limited

 

We are directors of Nova Minerals Limited (the Company).

 

We refer to the Loan Agreement dated [*] (the Loan Agreement) between the Company and Nebari Gold Fund 1, LP.

 

Definitions in the Loan Agreement apply in this Certificate.

 

Attached are true, up-to-date and complete copies of the following.

 

(a) A duly stamped and registered power of attorney under which the Company executed any Finance Document to which it is expressed to be a party relating to the above facility. That power of attorney has not been revoked by the Company and remains in full force and effect.

 

(b) Extracts of minutes of a meeting of directors of the Company authorising the execution, explaining why the directors believe it is in the best interests of the Company.

 

(c) The constitution of the Company if it is not already held by the Lenders.

 

(d) Specimen signatures of all those authorised to give drawdown and other notices for the Company or to sign the Finance Documents.

 

(e) A copy of the Company’s corporate structure chart.

 

(f) The following Authorisations: [*] Note: insert description of relevant documents or correspondences.

 

(g) [*] Note: insert other documents required to be certified, Material Contracts etc.

 

The Company is solvent.

 

The Company is not prevented by Chapter 2E, Part 5C.7 or any other provision of the Corporations Act from entering into and performing any of the Finance Documents.

 

 

Director  
   
   
Director  
   
   
Date  

 

-53-

 

Schedule 5

 

Tenements

 

   ADL Number  Claim Name  Meridian  Township  Range  Section  Acreage
1  ADL 726071  OXIDE 1  Seward  22N  19W  18  160
2  ADL 726072  OXIDE 2  Seward  22N  19W  7  160
3  ADL 726073  OXIDE 3  Seward  22N  19W  7  160
4  ADL 726074  OXIDE 4  Seward  22N  19W  6  160
5  ADL 726075  OXIDE 5  Seward  22N  20W  1  160
6  ADL 726076  OXIDE 6  Seward  22N  20W  12  160
7  ADL 726077  OXIDE 7  Seward  22N  20W  12  160
8  ADL 726078  OXIDE 8  Seward  22N  20W  13  160
9  ADL 726079  OXIDE 9  Seward  22N  20W  12  160
10  ADL 726080  OXIDE 10  Seward  22N  20W  12  160
11  ADL 726081  OXIDE 11  Seward  22N  20W  1  160
12  ADL 726082  OXIDE 12  Seward  22N  20W  2  160
13  ADL 726083  OXIDE 13  Seward  22N  20W  11  160
14  ADL 726084  OXIDE 14  Seward  22N  20W  11  160
15  ADL 726085  OXIDE 15  Seward  22N  20W  11  160
16  ADL 726086  OXIDE 16  Seward  22N  20W  11  160
17  ADL 726087  OXIDE 17  Seward  22N  20W  10  160
18  ADL 726088  OXIDE 18  Seward  22N  20W  10  160
19  ADL 726089  OXIDE 19  Seward  22N  20W  15  160
20  ADL 726090  OXIDE 20  Seward  22N  20W  15  160
21  ADL 726091  OXIDE 21  Seward  22N  20W  15  160
22  ADL 726092  OXIDE 22  Seward  22N  20W  15  160
23  ADL 726093  OXIDE 23  Seward  22N  20W  16  160
24  ADL 726094  OXIDE 24  Seward  22N  20W  16  160
25  ADL 726095  OXIDE 25  Seward  22N  20W  9  160
26  ADL 726096  OXIDE 26  Seward  22N  20W  10  160
27  ADL 726097  OXIDE 27  Seward  22N  20W  10  160
28  ADL 726098  OXIDE 28  Seward  22N  20W  9  160
29  ADL 726099  OXIDE 29  Seward  22N  20W  2  160
30  ADL 726100  OXIDE 30  Seward  22N  20W  3  160
31  ADL 726101  OXIDE 31  Seward  22N  20W  3  160
32  ADL 726102  OXIDE 32  Seward  22N  20W  4  160

 

-54-

 

   

ADL Number

  Claim Name   Meridian   Township   Range   Section   Acreage
33   ADL 728676   OXIDE 33   Seward   22N   20W   13   160
34   ADL 728677   OXIDE 34   Seward   22N   20W   14   160
35   ADL 728678   OXIDE 35   Seward   22N   20W   14   160
36   ADL 726103   STONEY 1   Seward   22N   20W   22   160
37   ADL 726104   STONEY 2   Seward   22N   20W   22   160
38   ADL 726105   STONEY 3   Seward   22N   20W   27   160
39   ADL 726106   STONEY 4   Seward   22N   20W   27   160
40   ADL 726107   STONEY 5   Seward   22N   20W   34   160
41   ADL 726108   STONEY 6   Seward   22N   20W   34   160
42   ADL 726109   STONEY 7   Seward   21N   20W   3   160
43   ADL 726110   STONEY 8   Seward   21N   20W   3   160
44   ADL 726111   STONEY 9   Seward   21N   20W   10   160
45   ADL 726112   STONEY 10   Seward   21N   20W   10   160
46   ADL 726113   STONEY 11   Seward   21N   20W   15   160
47   ADL 726114   STONEY 12   Seward   21N   20W   15   160
48   ADL 726115   STONEY 13   Seward   21N   20W   22   160
49   ADL 726116   STONEY 14   Seward   21N   20W   22   160
50   ADL 726117   STONEY 15   Seward   21N   20W   27   160
51   ADL 726118   STONEY 16   Seward   21N   20W   27   160
52   ADL 726119   STONEY 17   Seward   21N   20W   22   160
53   ADL 725949   STONEY 18   Seward   21N   20W   22   160
54   ADL 725950   STONEY 19   Seward   21N   20W   15   160
55   ADL 726120   STONEY 20   Seward   21N   20W   15   160
56   ADL 726121   STONEY 21   Seward   21N   20W   10   160
57   ADL 726122   STONEY 22   Seward   21N   20W   10   160

 

-55-

 

   

ADL Number

  Claim Name   Meridian   Township   Range   Section   Acreage
58   ADL 726123   STONEY 23   Seward   21N   20W   3   160
59   ADL 726124   STONEY 24   Seward   21N   20W   3   160
60   ADL 726125   STONEY 25   Seward   22N   20W   34   160
61   ADL 726126   STONEY 26   Seward   22N   20W   34   160
62   ADL 726127   STONEY 27   Seward   22N   20W   27   160
63   ADL 726128   STONEY 28   Seward   22N   20W   27   160
64   ADL 726129   STONEY 29   Seward   22N   20W   22   160
65   ADL 726130   STONEY 30   Seward   22N   20W   22   160
66   ADL 726131   STONEY 31   Seward   21N   20W   28   160
67   ADL 726132   STONEY 32   Seward   21N   20W   27   160
68   ADL 726133   STONEY 33   Seward   21N   20W   28   160
69   ADL 726134   STONEY 34   Seward   21N   20W   34   160
70   ADL 726135   STONEY 35   Seward   21N   20W   33   160
71   ADL 726136   STONEY 36   Seward   21N   20W   34   160
72   ADL 726137   STONEY 37   Seward   21N   20W   33   160
73   ADL 726138   STONEY 38   Seward   21N   20W   21   160
74   ADL 725951   STONEY 39   Seward   21N   20W   21   160
75   ADL 725952   STONEY 40   Seward   21N   20W   16   160
76   ADL 725953   STONEY 41   Seward   21N   20W   16   160
77   ADL 725954   STONEY 42   Seward   21N   20W   9   160

 

-56-

 

   

ADL Number

  Claim Name   Meridian   Township   Range   Section   Acreage
78   ADL 725955   STONEY 43   Seward   21N   20W   9   160
79   ADL 726139   STONEY 44   Seward   21N   20W   4   160
80   ADL 726140   STONEY 45   Seward   21N   20W   4   160
81   ADL 726141   STONEY 46   Seward   22N   20W   33   160
82   ADL 726142   STONEY 47   Seward   22N   20W   33   160
83   ADL 726143   STONEY 48   Seward   22N   20W   28   160
84   ADL 726144   STONEY 49   Seward   22N   20W   28   160
85   ADL 726145   STONEY 50   Seward   22N   20W   21   160
86   ADL 726146   STONEY 51   Seward   22N   20W   21   160
87   ADL 726147   ESTELLE 1   Seward   20N   20W   3   160
88   ADL 726148   ESTELLE 2   Seward   20N   20W   3   160
89   ADL 726149   ESTELLE 3   Seward   20N   20W   10   160
90   ADL 726150   ESTELLE 4   Seward   20N   20W   10   160
91   ADL 726151   ESTELLE 5   Seward   20N   20W   15   160
92   ADL 726152   ESTELLE 6   Seward   20N   20W   16   160
93   ADL 726153   ESTELLE 7   Seward   20N   20W   9   160
94   ADL 726154   ESTELLE 8   Seward   20N   20W   9   160
95   ADL 726155   ESTELLE 9   Seward   20N   20W   4   160
96   ADL 726156   ESTELLE 10   Seward   20N   20W   4   160
97   ADL 726157   ESTELLE 11   Seward   20N   20W   4   160

 

-57-

 

   

ADL Number

  Claim Name   Meridian   Township   Range   Section   Acreage
98   ADL 726158   ESTELLE 12   Seward   20N   20W   5   160
99   ADL 725940   ESTELLE 13   Seward   20N   20W   5   160
100   ADL 726159   ESTELLE 14   Seward   20N   20W   4   160
101   ADL 726160   ESTELLE 15   Seward   20N   20W   9   160
102   ADL 726161   ESTELLE 16   Seward   20N   20W   9   160
103   ADL 726162   ESTELLE 17   Seward   20N   20W   16   160
104   ADL 726163   ESTELLE 18   Seward   20N   20W   15   160
105   ADL 726164   ESTELLE 19   Seward   20N   20W   16   160
106   ADL 726165   ESTELLE 20   Seward   20N   20W   16   160
107   ADL 726166   ESTELLE 21   Seward   20N   20W   17   160
108   ADL 725941   ESTELLE 22   Seward   20N   20W   17   160
109   ADL 725942   ESTELLE 23   Seward   20N   20W   8   160
110   ADL 725943   ESTELLE 24   Seward   20N   20W   8   160
111   ADL 726167   ESTELLE 25   Seward   20N   20W   5   160
112   ADL 725944   ESTELLE 26   Seward   20N   20W   5   160
113   ADL 725945   ESTELLE 27   Seward   20N   20W   8   160
114   ADL 726168   ESTELLE 28   Seward   20N   20W   8   160
115   ADL 726169   ESTELLE 29   Seward   20N   20W   17   160
116   ADL 726170   ESTELLE 30   Seward   20N   20W   17   160
117   ADL 726171   ESTELLE 31   Seward   20N   20W   18   160

 

-58-

 

   

ADL Number

  Claim Name   Meridian   Township   Range   Section   Acreage
118   ADL 726172   ESTELLE 32   Seward   20N   20W   18   160
119   ADL 726173   ESTELLE 33   Seward   20N   20W   7   160
120   ADL 725946   ESTELLE 34   Seward   20N   20W   7   160
121   ADL 725947   ESTELLE 35   Seward   20N   20W   7   160
122   ADL 725948   ESTELLE 36   Seward   20N   20W   7   160
123   ADL 726174   ESTELLE 37   Seward   20N   20W   18   160
124   ADL 726175   ESTELLE 38   Seward   20N   20W   18   160
125   ADL 726176   ESTELLE 39   Seward   20N   21W   12   160
126   ADL 726177   ESTELLE 40   Seward   20N   21W   12   160
127   ADL 726178   ESTELLE 41   Seward   20N   21W   12   160
128   ADL 726179   ESTELLE 42   Seward   20N   21W   12   160
129   ADL 727286   ESTELLE 43   Seward   20N   21W   13   160
130   ADL 727287   ESTELLE 44   Seward   20N   21W   13   160
131   ADL 727288   ESTELLE 45   Seward   20N   21W   13   160
132   ADL 727289   ESTELLE 46   Seward   20N   21W   13   160
133   ADL 728679   ESTELLE 47   Seward   21N   20W   35   40
134   ADL 728680   ESTELLE 48   Seward   20N   20W   3   40
135   ADL 728681   ESTELLE 49   Seward   20N   20W   3   40
136   ADL 728682   ESTELLE 50   Seward   20N   20W   3   40
137   ADL 728683   ESTELLE 51   Seward   20N   20W   15   160

 

-59-

 

   

ADL Number

  Claim Name   Meridian   Township   Range   Section   Acreage
138   ADL 728684   ESTELLE 52   Seward   20N   20W   15   160
139   ADL 726180   EMERALD 1   Seward   20N   21W   24   160
140   ADL 726181   EMERALD 2   Seward   20N   21W   24   160
141   ADL 726182   EMERALD 3   Seward   20N   21W   24   160
142   ADL 726183   EMERALD 4   Seward   20N   21W   24   160
143   ADL 726184   EMERALD 5   Seward   20N   21W   25   160
144   ADL 726185   EMERALD 6   Seward   20N   21W   25   160
145   ADL 726186   EMERALD 7   Seward   20N   21W   25   160
146   ADL 726187   EMERALD 8   Seward   20N   21W   25   160
147   ADL 726188   EMERALD 9   Seward   20N   21W   26   160
148   ADL 726188   EMERALD 10   Seward   20N   21W   26   160
149   ADL 726190   EMERALD 11   Seward   20N   21W   26   160
150   ADL 726191   EMERALD 12   Seward   20N   21W   26   160
151   ADL 726192   EMERALD 13   Seward   20N   21W   35   160
152   ADL 726193   EMERALD 14   Seward   20N   21W   35   160
153   ADL 726194   EMERALD 15   Seward   20N   21W   36   160
154   ADL 726195   EMERALD 16   Seward   20N   21W   36   160
155   ADL 726196   EMERALD 17   Seward   20N   20W   31   160
156   ADL 726197   EMERALD 18   Seward   20N   20W   31   160
157   ADL 726198   EMERALD 19   Seward   20N   20W   32   160

 

-60-

 

   

ADL Number

  Claim Name   Meridian   Township   Range   Section   Acreage
158   ADL 726199   EMERALD 20   Seward   20N   20W   32   160
159   ADL 726200   EMERALD 21   Seward   20N   20W   33   160
160   ADL 726201   EMERALD 22   Seward   20N   20W   33   160
161   ADL 726202   EMERALD 23   Seward   20N   20W   32   160
162   ADL 726203   EMERALD 24   Seward   20N   20W   32   160
163   ADL 726204   EMERALD 25   Seward   20N   20W   31   160
164   ADL 726205   EMERALD 26   Seward   20N   20W   31   160
165   ADL 726206   EMERALD 27   Seward   20N   21W   36   160
166   ADL 726207   EMERALD 28   Seward   20N   21W   36   160
167   ADL 726208   EMERALD 29   Seward   20N   21W   35   160
168   ADL 726209   EMERALD 30   Seward   19N   20W   4   160
169   ADL 726210   EMERALD 31   Seward   19N   20W   5   160
170   ADL 726211   EMERALD 32   Seward   19N   20W   5   160
171   ADL 726212   EMERALD 33   Seward   19N   20W   6   160
172   ADL 726213   EMERALD 34   Seward   19N   20W   6   160
173   ADL 726214   EMERALD 35   Seward   19N   21W   1   160
174   ADL 726215   EMERALD 36   Seward   19N   21W   1   160
175   ADL 726216   EMERALD 37   Seward   19N   21W   2   160
176   ADL 725956   EMERALD 38   Seward   20N   21W   35   160
177   ADL 725957   EMERALD 39   Seward   19N   21W   2   160

 

-61-

 

   

ADL Number

  Claim Name   Meridian   Township   Range   Section   Acreage
178   ADL 725958   EMERALD 40   Seward   19N   21W   3   160
179   ADL 725959   EMERALD 41   Seward   20N   21W   34   160
180   ADL 725960   EMERALD 42   Seward   20N   21W   34   160
181   ADL 725961   EMERALD 43   Seward   20N   21W   34   160
182   ADL 725962   EMERALD 44   Seward   20N   21W   34   160
183   ADL 725963   EMERALD 45   Seward   19N   21W   3   160
184   ADL 725964   EMERALD 46   Seward   19N   21W   4   160
185   ADL 725965   EMERALD 47   Seward   20N   21W   33   160
186   ADL 725966   EMERALD 48   Seward   20N   21W   33   160
187   ADL 730362   Korbel 1   Seward   21N   20W   34   40
188   ADL 730363   Korbel 2   Seward   21N   20W   34   40
189   ADL 730364   Korbel 3   Seward   21N   20W   34   40
190   ADL 730365   Korbel 4   Seward   21N   20W   34   40
191   ADL 730366   Korbel 5   Seward   21N   20W   27   160
192   ADL 730367   Korbel 6   Seward   21N   20W   26   160
193   ADL 730368   Korbel 7   Seward   21N   20W   26   160
194   ADL 730369   Korbel 8   Seward   21W   20W   23   160
195   ADL 730370   Korbel 9   Seward   21N   20W   23   160
196   ADL 730371   Korbel 10   Seward   21N   20W   14   160
197   ADL 730372   Korbel 11   Seward   21N   20W   14   160
198   ADL 730373   Korbel 12   Seward   21N   20W   11   160
199   ADL 730374   Korbel 13   Seward   21N   20W   11   160
200   ADL 730375   Korbel 14   Seward   21N   20W   2   160
201   ADL 730376   Korbel 15   Seward   21N   20W   2   160
202   ADL 730377   Korbel 16   Seward   22N   20W   35   160
203   ADL 730378   Korbel 17   Seward   22N   20W   35   160
204   ADL 730379   Korbel 18   Seward   22N   20W   26   160
205   ADL 730380   Korbel 19   Seward   22N   20W   26   160

 

-62-

 

   

ADL Number

  Claim Name   Meridian   Township   Range   Section   Acreage
206   ADL 730381   Korbel 20   Seward   22N   20W   23   160
207   ADL 730382   Korbel 21   Seward   22N   20W   23   160
208   ADL 730383   Korbel 22   Seward   22N   20W   14   160
209   ADL 730384   Korbel 23   Seward   22N   20W   14   160
210   ADL 730385   Korbel 24   Seward   22N   20W   23   160
211   ADL 730386   Korbel 25   Seward   22N   20W   23   160
212   ADL 730387   Korbel 26   Seward   22N   20W   26   160
213   ADL 730388   Korbel 27   Seward   22N   20W   26   160
214   ADL 730389   Korbel 28   Seward   22N   20W   35   160
215   ADL 730390   Korbel 29   Seward   22N   20W   35   160
216   ADL 730391   Korbel 30   Seward   21N   20W   2   160
217   ADL 730392   Korbel 31   Seward   21N   20W   2   160
218   ADL 730393   Korbel 32   Seward   21N   20W   11   160
219   ADL 730394   Korbel 33   Seward   21N   20W   11   160
220   ADL 730395   Korbel 34   Seward   21N   20W   14   160
221   ADL 730396   Korbel 35   Seward   21N   20W   14   160
222   ADL 730397   Korbel 36   Seward   21N   20W   23   160
223   ADL 730398   Korbel 37   Seward   21N   20W   23   160
224   ADL 730399   Korbel 38   Seward   21N   20W   26   160
225   ADL 730400   Korbel 39   Seward   21N   20W   26   160
226   ADL 730401   Korbel 40   Seward   22N   20W   24   160
227   ADL 730402   Korbel 41   Seward   22N   20W   24   160
228   ADL 730403   Korbel 42   Seward   22N   20W   13   160
229   ADL 730404   Korbel 43   Seward   22N   20W   13   160
230   ADL 730405   Korbel 44   Seward   22N   20W   24   160
231   ADL 730406   Korbel 45   Seward   22N   20W   24   160
232   ADL 730407   Korbel 46   Seward   22N   19W   19   160
233   ADL 730408   Korbel 47   Seward   22N   19W   19   160
234   ADL 730409   Korbel 48   Seward   22N   19W   18   160
235   ADL 730410   Korbel 49   Seward   22N   19W   19   160
236   ADL 730411   Korbel 50   Seward   22N   19W   19   160
237   ADL 730412   Korbel 51   Seward   22N   19W   18   160
238   ADL 730413   Korbel 52   Seward   22N   19W   18   160
239   ADL 730414   Korbel 53   Seward   22N   19W   7   160

 

-63-

 

   

ADL Number

  Claim Name   Meridian   Township   Range   Section   Acreage
240   ADL 730415   Korbel 54   Seward   22N   19W   7   160
241   ADL 730416   Korbel 55   Seward   22N   19W   6   160
242   ADL 730417   Korbel 56   Seward   22N   20W   4   160
243   ADL 730418   Korbel 57   Seward   22N   20W   9   160
244   ADL 730419   Korbel 58   Seward   22N   20W   9   160
245   ADL 730420   Korbel 59   Seward   22N   20W   16   160
246   ADL 730421   Korbel 60   Seward   22N   20W   16   160
247   ADL 730422   Korbel 61   Seward   22N   20W   21   160
248   ADL 730423   Korbel 62   Seward   22N   20W   21   160
249   ADL 730424   Korbel 63   Seward   22N   20W   28   160
250   ADL 730425   Korbel 64   Seward   22N   20W   28   160
251   ADL 730426   Korbel 65   Seward   22N   20W   33   160
252   ADL 730427   Korbel 66   Seward   22N   20W   16   160
253   ADL 730428   Korbel 67   Seward   22N   20W   4   160
254   ADL 730429   Korbel 68   Seward   21N   20W   4   160
255   ADL 730430   Korbel 69   Seward   21N   20W   9   160
256   ADL 730431   Korbel 70   Seward   21N   20W   9   160
257   ADL 730432   Korbel 71   Seward   21N   20W   16   160
258   ADL 730433   Korbel 72   Seward   21N   20W   16   160
259   ADL 730434   Korbel 73   Seward   21N   20W   16   160
260   ADL 730435   Korbel 74   Seward   21N   20W   21   160
261   ADL 730436   Korbel 75   Seward   21N   20W   28   160
262   ADL 730437   Korbel 76   Seward   21N   20W   28   160
263   ADL 730438   Korbel 77   Seward   21N   20W   33   160
264   ADL 730439   Korbel 78   Seward   21N   20W   33   160
265   ADL 730440   Korbel 79   Seward   21N   20W   32   160
266   ADL 730441   Korbel 80   Seward   21N   20W   32   160
267   ADL 730442   Korbel 81   Seward   21N   20W   29   160
268   ADL 730443   Korbel 82   Seward   21N   20W   29   160
269   ADL 730444   Korbel 83   Seward   21N   20W   20   160
270   ADL 730445   Korbel 84   Seward   21N   20W   20   160
271   ADL 730446   Korbel 85   Seward   21N   20W   17   160
272   ADL 730447   Korbel 86   Seward   21N   20W   17   160
273   ADL 730448   Korbel 87   Seward   21N   20W   8   160

 

-64-

 

   

ADL Number

  Claim Name   Meridian   Township   Range   Section   Acreage
274   ADL 730449   Korbel 88   Seward   21N   20W   8   160
275   ADL 730450   Korbel 89   Seward   21N   20W   5   160
276   ADL 730451   Korbel 90   Seward   21N   20W   5   160
277   ADL 730452   Korbel 91   Seward   22N   20W   32   160
278   ADL 730453   Korbel 92   Seward   22N   20W   32   160
279   ADL 730454   Korbel 93   Seward   22N   20W   29   160
280   ADL 730455   Korbel 94   Seward   22N   20W   29   160
281   ADL 730456   Korbel 95   Seward   22N   20W   20   160
282   ADL 730457   Korbel 96   Seward   22N   20W   20   160
283   ADL 730458   Korbel 97   seward   22N   20W   17   160
284   ADL 730459   Korbel 98   Seward   22N   20W   17   160
285   ADL 730460   Korbel 99   Seward   22N   20W   8   160
286   ADL 730461   Korbel 100   Seward   22N   20W   8   160
287   ADL 730462   Korbel 101   Seward   22N   20W   5   160
288   ADL 730463   Korbel 102   Seward   22N   20W   5   160
289   ADL 730464   Korbel 103   Seward   22N   20W   8   160
290   ADL 730465   Korbel 104   Seward   22N   20W   8   160
291   ADL 730466   Korbel 105   Seward   22N   20W   17   160
292   ADL 730467   Korbel 106   Seward   22N   20W   17   160
293   ADL 730468   Korbel 107   Seward   22N   20W   20   160
294   ADL 730469   Korbel 108   Seward   22N   20W   20   160
295   ADL 730470   Korbel 109   Seward   22N   20W   29   160
296   ADL 730471   Korbel 110   Seward   22N   20W   29   160
297   ADL 730472   Korbel 111   Seward   22N   20W   32   160
298   ADL 730473   Korbel 112   Seward   22N   20W   32   160
299   ADL 730474   Korbel 113   Seward   21N   20W   5   160
300   ADL 730475   Korbel 114   Seward   21N   20W   5   160
301   ADL 730476   Korbel 115   Seward   21N   20W   8   160
302   ADL 730477   Korbel 116   Seward   21N   20W   8   160
303   ADL 730478   Korbel 117   Seward   21N   20W   17   160
304   ADL 730479   Korbel 118   Seward   21N   20W   17   160
305   ADL 730480   Korbel 119   Seward   21N   20W   20   160
306   ADL 730481   Korbel 120   Seward   21N   20W   20   160
307   ADL 730482   Korbel 121   Seward   21N   20W   21   160

 

-65-

 

   

ADL Number

  Claim Name   Meridian   Township   Range   Section   Acreage
308   ADL 730483   Korbel 122   Seward   21N   20W   29   160
309   ADL 730484   Korbel 123   Seward   21N   20W   32   160
310   ADL 730485   Korbel 124   Seward   21N   20W   32   160
311   ADL 730486   Korbel 125   seward   22N   20W   5   160
312   ADL 730487   Korbel 126   Seward   22N   20W   5   160
313   ADL 730488   Korbel 127   Seward   22N   20W   4   160
314   ADL 730489   Korbel 128   Seward   22N   20W   4   160
315   ADL 730490   Korbel 129   Seward   22N   20W   3   160
316   ADL 730491   Korbel 130   Seward   22N   20W   3   160
317   ADL 730492   Korbel 131   Seward   22N   20W   2   160
318   ADL 730493   Korbel 132   Seward   22N   20W   2   160
319   ADL 730494   Korbel 133   Seward   22N   20W   1   160
320   ADL 730495   Korbel 134   Seward   22N   20W   1   160
321   ADL 730496   Korbel 135   Seward   22N   19W   6   160
322   ADL 730497   Korbel 136   Seward   22N   19W   6   160
323   ADL 730498   Korbel 137   Seward   23N   20W   32   160
324   ADL 730499   Korbel 138   Seward   23N   20W   32   160
325   ADL 730500   Korbel 139   Seward   23N   20W   33   160
326   ADL 730501   Korbel 140   Seward   23N   20W   33   160
327   ADL 730502   Korbel 141   Seward   23N   20W   34   160
328   ADL 730503   Korbel 142   Seward   23N   20W   32   160
329   ADL 730504   Korbel 143   Seward   23N   20W   35   160
330   ADL 730505   Korbel 144   Seward   23N   20W   35   160
331   ADL 730506   Korbel 145   Seward   23N   20W   36   160
332   ADL 730507   Korbel 146   Seward   23N   20W   36   160
333   ADL 730508   Korbel 147   Seward   23N   19W   31   160
334   ADL 730509   Korbel 148   Seward   23N   19W   31   160
335   ADL 730510   Korbel 149   Seward   23N   20W   32   160
336   ADL 730511   Korbel 150   Seward   23N   20W   32   160
337   ADL 730512   Korbel 151   Seward   23N   20W   33   160
338   ADL 730513   Korbel 152   Seward   23N   20W   33   160
339   ADL 730514   Korbel 153   Seward   23N   20W   34   160
340   ADL 730515   Korbel 154   Seward   23N   20W   34   160
341   ADL 730516   Korbel 155   Seward   23N   20W   35   160

 

-66-

 

   

ADL Number

  Claim Name   Meridian   Township   Range   Section   Acreage
342   ADL 730517   Korbel 156   Seward   23N   20W   35   160
343   ADL 730518   Korbel 157   Seward   23N   20W   36   160
344   ADL 730519   Korbel 158   Seward   23N   20W   36   160
345   ADL 730520   Korbel 159   Seward   23N   19W   31   160
346   ADL 730521   Korbel 160   Seward   23N   19W   31   160
347   737162   STYX 1   Seward   20 N   21 W   3   737162
348   737163   STYX 2   Seward   20 N   21 W   3   737163
349   737164   STYX 3   Seward   20 N   21 W   10   737164
350   737165   STYX 4   Seward   20 N   21 W   10   737165
351   737166   STYX 5   Seward   20 N   21 W   15   737166
352   737167   STYX 6   Seward   20 N   21 W   15   737167
353   737168   STYX 7   Seward   20 N   21 W   22   737168
354   737169   STYX 8   Seward   20 N   21 W   22   737169
355   737170   STYX 9   Seward   20 N   21 W   27   737170
356   737171   STYX 10   Seward   20 N   21 W   27   737171
357   737172   STYX 11   Seward   20 N   21 W   3   737172
358   737173   STYX 12   Seward   20 N   21 W   3   737173
359   737174   STYX 13   Seward   20 N   21 W   10   737174
360   737175   STYX 14   Seward   20 N   21 W   10   737175
361   737176   STYX 15   Seward   20 N   21 W   15   737176
362   737177   STYX 16   Seward   20 N   21 W   15   737177
363   737178   STYX 17   Seward   20 N   21 W   22   737178
364   737179   STYX 18   Seward   20 N   21 W   22   737179
365   737180   STYX 19   Seward   20 N   21 W   27   737180
366   737181   STYX 20   Seward   20 N   21 W   27   737181
367   737182   STYX 21   Seward   20 N   21 W   4   737182
368   737183   STYX 22   Seward   20 N   21 W   4   737183
369   737184   STYX 23   Seward   20 N   21 W   9   737184
370   737185   STYX 24   Seward   20 N   21 W   9   737185
371   737186   STYX 25   Seward   20 N   21 W   16   737186
372   737187   STYX 26   Seward   20 N   21 W   16   737187
373   737188   STYX 27   Seward   20 N   21 W   21   737188
374   737189   STYX 28   Seward   20 N   21 W   21   737189
375   737190   STYX 29   Seward   20 N   21 W   28   737190

 

-67-

 

   

ADL Number

  Claim Name   Meridian   Township   Range   Section   Acreage
376   737191   STYX 30   Seward   20 N   21 W   28   737191
377   737192   STYX 31   Seward   20 N   21 W   4   737192
378   737193   STYX 32   Seward   20 N   21 W   4   737193
379   737194   STYX 33   Seward   20 N   21 W   9   737194
380   737195   STYX 34   Seward   20 N   21 W   9   737195
381   737196   STYX 35   Seward   20 N   21 W   16   737196
382   737197   STYX 36   Seward   20 N   21 W   16   737197
383   737198   STYX 37   Seward   20 N   21 W   21   737198
384   737199   STYX 38   Seward   20 N   21 W   21   737199
385   737200   STYX 39   Seward   20 N   21 W   28   737200
386   737201   STYX 40   Seward   20 N   21 W   28   737201
397   737202   STYX 41   Seward   23 N   20 W   31   737202
389   737203   STYX 42   Seward   23 N   20 W   31   737203
390   737204   STYX 43   Seward   22 N   20 W   6   737204
391   737205   STYX 44   Seward   22 N   20 W   6   737205
392   737206   STYX 45   Seward   22 N   20 W   7   737206
393   737207   STYX 46   Seward   22 N   20 W   7   737207
304   737208   STYX 47   Seward   22 N   20 W   18   737208
395   737209   STYX 48   Seward   22 N   20 W   18   737209
396   737210   STYX 49   Seward   22 N   20 W   19   737210
397   737211   STYX 50   Seward   22 N   20 W   19   737211
398   737212   STYX 51   Seward   22 N   20 W   30   737212
399   737213   STYX 52   Seward   22 N   20 W   30   737213
340   737214   STYX 53   Seward   22 N   20 W   31   737214
341   737215   STYX 54   Seward   22 N   20 W   31   737215
342   737216   STYX 55   Seward   21 N   20 W   6   737216
343   737217   STYX 56   Seward   21 N   20 W   6   737217
344   737218   STYX 57   Seward   21 N   20 W   7   737218
345   737219   STYX 58   Seward   21 N   20 W   7   737219
346   737220   STYX 59   Seward   21 N   20 W   18   737220
347   737221   STYX 60   Seward   21 N   20 W   18   737221
348   737222   STYX 61   Seward   21 N   20 W   19   737222
349   737223   STYX 62   Seward   21 N   20 W   19   737223
350   737224   STYX 63   Seward   21 N   20 W   30   737224

 

-68-

 

   

ADL Number

  Claim Name   Meridian   Township   Range   Section   Acreage
351   737225   STYX 64   Seward   21 N   20 W   30   737225
352   737226   STYX 65   Seward   21 N   20 W   31   737226
353   737227   STYX 66   Seward   21 N   20 W   31   737227
354   737228   STYX 67   Seward   23 N   20 W   31   737228
355   737229   STYX 68   Seward   23 N   20 W   31   737229
356   737230   STYX 69   Seward   22 N   20 W   6   737230
357   737231   STYX 70   Seward   22 N   20 W   6   737231
358   737232   STYX 71   Seward   22 N   20 W   7   737232
359   737233   STYX 72   Seward   22 N   20 W   7   737233
360   737234   STYX 73   Seward   22 N   20 W   18   737234
361   737235   STYX 74   Seward   22 N   20 W   18   737235
362   737236   STYX 75   Seward   22 N   20 W   19   737236
363   737237   STYX 76   Seward   22 N   20 W   19   737237
364   737238   STYX 77   Seward   22 N   20 W   30   737238
365   737239   STYX 78   Seward   22 N   20 W   30   737239
366   737240   STYX 79   Seward   22 N   20 W   31   737240
367   737241   STYX 80   Seward   22 N   20 W   31   737241
368   737242   STYX 81   Seward   21 N   20 W   6   737242
369   737243   STYX 82   Seward   21 N   20 W   6   737243
370   737244   STYX 83   Seward   21 N   20 W   7   737244
371   737245   STYX 84   Seward   21 N   20 W   7   737245
372   737246   STYX 85   Seward   21 N   20 W   18   737246
373   737247   STYX 86   Seward   21 N   20 W   18   737247
374   737248   STYX 87   Seward   21 N   20 W   19   737248
375   737249   STYX 88   Seward   21 N   20 W   19   737249
376   737250   STYX 89   Seward   21 N   20 W   30   737250
377   737251   STYX 90   Seward   21 N   20 W   30   737251
378   737252   STYX 91   Seward   21 N   20 W   31   737252
379   737253   STYX 92   Seward   21 N   20 W   31   737253
380   737254   STYX 93   Seward   23 N   21 W   36   737254
381   737255   STYX 94   Seward   23 N   21 W   36   737255
382   737256   STYX 95   Seward   22 N   21 W   1   737256
383   737257   STYX 96   Seward   22 N   21 W   1   737257
384   737258   STYX 97   Seward   22 N   21 W   12   737258

 

-69-

 

   

ADL Number

  Claim Name   Meridian   Township   Range   Section   Acreage
385   737259   STYX 98   Seward   22 N   21 W   12   737259
386   737260   STYX 99   Seward   22 N   21 W   13   737260
387   737261   STYX 100   Seward   22 N   21 W   13   737261
388   737262   STYX 101   Seward   22 N   21 W   24   737262
389   737263   STYX 102   Seward   22 N   21 W   24   737263
390   737264   STYX 103   Seward   22 N   21 W   25   737264
391   737265   STYX 104   Seward   22 N   21 W   25   737265
392   737266   STYX 105   Seward   22 N   21 W   36   737266
393   737267   STYX 106   Seward   22 N   21 W   36   737267
394   737268   STYX 107   Seward   21 N   21 W   1   737268
395   737269   STYX 108   Seward   21 N   21 W   1   737269
396   737270   STYX 109   Seward   21 N   21 W   12   737270
397   737271   STYX 110   Seward   21 N   21 W   12   737271
398   737272   STYX 111   Seward   21 N   21 W   13   737272
399   737273   STYX 112   Seward   21 N   21 W   13   737273
400   737274   STYX 113   Seward   21 N   21 W   24   737274
401   737275   STYX 114   Seward   21 N   21 W   24   737275
402   737276   STYX 115   Seward   21 N   21 W   25   737276
403   737277   STYX 116   Seward   21 N   21 W   25   737277
404   737278   STYX 117   Seward   21 N   21 W   36   737278
405   737279   STYX 118   Seward   21 N   21 W   36   737279
406   737280   STYX 119   Seward   23 N   21 W   36   737280
407   737281   STYX 120   Seward   23 N   21 W   36   737281
408   737282   STYX 121   Seward   22 N   21 W   1   737282
409   737283   STYX 122   Seward   22 N   21 W   1   737283
410   737284   STYX 123   Seward   22 N   21 W   12   737284
411   737285   STYX 124   Seward   22 N   21 W   12   737285
412   737286   STYX 125   Seward   22 N   21 W   13   737286
413   737287   STYX 126   Seward   22 N   21 W   13   737287
414   737288   STYX 127   Seward   22 N   21 W   24   737288
415   737289   STYX 128   Seward   22 N   21 W   24   737289
416   737290   STYX 129   Seward   22 N   21 W   25   737290
417   737291   STYX 130   Seward   22 N   21 W   25   737291
418   737292   STYX 131   Seward   22 N   21 W   36   737292

 

-70-

 

   

ADL Number

  Claim Name   Meridian   Township   Range   Section   Acreage
419   737293   STYX 132   Seward   22 N   21 W   36   737293
420   737294   STYX 133   Seward   21 N   21 W   1   737294
421   737295   STYX 134   Seward   21 N   21 W   1   737295
422   737296   STYX 135   Seward   21 N   21 W   12   737296
423   737297   STYX 136   Seward   21 N   21 W   12   737297
424   737298   STYX 137   Seward   21 N   21 W   13   737298
425   737299   STYX 138   Seward   21 N   21 W   13   737299
426   737300   STYX 139   Seward   21 N   21 W   24   737300
427   737301   STYX 140   Seward   21 N   21 W   24   737301
428   737302   STYX 141   Seward   21 N   21 W   25   737302
429   737303   STYX 142   Seward   21 N   21 W   25   737303
430   737304   STYX 143   Seward   21 N   21 W   36   737304
431   737305   STYX 144   Seward   21 N   21 W   36   737305
432   737306   STYX 145   Seward   23 N   21 W   35   737306
433   737307   STYX 146   Seward   23 N   21 W   35   737307
434   737308   STYX 147   Seward   22 N   21 W   2   737308
435   737309   STYX 148   Seward   22 N   21 W   2   737309
436   737310   STYX 149   Seward   22 N   21 W   11   737310
437   737311   STYX 150   Seward   22 N   21 W   11   737311
438   737312   STYX 151   Seward   22 N   21 W   14   737312
439   737313   STYX 152   Seward   22 N   21 W   14   737313
440   737314   STYX 153   Seward   22 N   21 W   23   737314
441   737315   STYX 154   Seward   22 N   21 W   23   737315
442   737316   STYX 155   Seward   22 N   21 W   26   737316
443   737317   STYX 156   Seward   22 N   21 W   26   737317
444   737318   STYX 157   Seward   22 N   21 W   35   737318
445   737319   STYX 158   Seward   22 N   21 W   35   737319
446   737320   STYX 159   Seward   21 N   21 W   2   737320
447   737321   STYX 160   Seward   21 N   21 W   2   737321
448   737322   STYX 161   Seward   21 N   21 W   11   737322
449   737323   STYX 162   Seward   21 N   21 W   11   737323
450   737324   STYX 163   Seward   21 N   21 W   14   737324
451   737325   STYX 164   Seward   21 N   21 W   14   737325
452   737326   STYX 165   Seward   21 N   21 W   23   737326

 

-71-

 

   

ADL Number

  Claim Name   Meridian   Township   Range   Section   Acreage
453   737327   STYX 166   Seward   21 N   21 W   23   737327
454   737328   STYX 167   Seward   21 N   21 W   26   737328
455   737329   STYX 168   Seward   21 N   21 W   26   737329
456   737330   STYX 169   Seward   21 N   21 W   35   737330
457   737331   STYX 170   Seward   21 N   21 W   35   737331
458   737332   STYX 171   Seward   23 N   21 W   35   737332
459   737333   STYX 172   Seward   23 N   21 W   35   737333
460   737334   STYX 173   Seward   22 N   21 W   2   737334
461   737335   STYX 174   Seward   22 N   21 W   2   737335
462   737336   STYX 175   Seward   22 N   21 W   11   737336
463   737337   STYX 176   Seward   22 N   21 W   11   737337
464   737338   STYX 177   Seward   22 N   21 W   14   737338
465   737339   STYX 178   Seward   22 N   21 W   14   737339
466   737340   STYX 179   Seward   22 N   21 W   23   737340
467   737341   STYX 180   Seward   22 N   21 W   23   737341
468   737342   STYX 181   Seward   22 N   21 W   26   737342
469   737343   STYX 182   Seward   22 N   21 W   26   737343
470   737344   STYX 183   Seward   22 N   21 W   35   737344
471   737345   STYX 184   Seward   22 N   21 W   35   737345
472   737346   STYX 185   Seward   21 N   21 W   2   737346
473   737347   STYX 186   Seward   21 N   21 W   2   737347
474   737348   STYX 187   Seward   21 N   21 W   11   737348
475   737349   STYX 188   Seward   21 N   21 W   11   737349
476   737350   STYX 189   Seward   21 N   21 W   14   737350
477   737351   STYX 190   Seward   21 N   21 W   14   737351
478   737352   STYX 191   Seward   21 N   21 W   23   737352
479   737353   STYX 192   Seward   21 N   21 W   23   737353
480   737354   STYX 193   Seward   21 N   21 W   26   737354
481   737355   STYX 194   Seward   21 N   21 W   26   737355
482   737356   STYX 195   Seward   21 N   21 W   35   737356
483   737357   STYX 196   Seward   21 N   21 W   35   737357

 

-72-

 

Signature page to the Loan Agreement

 

Executed

 

Borrower

 

Executed in by Nova Minerals Limited:

 

 
Director Signature   Director/Secretary- Signature
     
Louie Simens   Craig Bentley
Print Name   Print Name

 

Lender

 

Executed by Nebari Gold Fund 1, LP in the presence of:

 

     
Signature of Witness   Signature of Authorised Signatory
     
     

Name of Witness

  Name of Authorised Signatory

 

-73-

 

Nova Minerals – NGF1 Loan Agreement

 

Signature page to the Loan Agreement

 

Executed

 

Borrower

 

Executed in by Nova Minerals Limited:

 

   
Director Signature   Director/Secretary Signature
     
     
Print Name   Print Name

 

Lender

 

Executed by Nebari Gold Fund 1, LP in the presence of:

 

 

 
Signature of Witness   Signature of Authorised Signatory
     
Nora R. Pincus   Daniel Freuman
Name of Witness  

Name of Authorised Signatory

 

-74-

 

 

Exhibit 10.2

 

  Deed of Access, Insurance and Indemnity
   
  Nova Minerals Limited
  ABN 84 006 690 348
   
  XXX XXXXX

 

 
 

 

Table of Contents

 

 

 

1. Definition and Interpretation 3
2. Access to Board Documents 6
3. Request procedure and return of Board Documents 8
4. Confidentiality 9
5. Indemnities 10
6. Conduct of Claims 12
7. Advances and payments 14
8. Insurance 16
9. Taxation and GST 17
10. Enforcement 17
11. Notices 18
12. General 18

 

2
 

 

Dated

 

Parties

 

  Nova Minerals Limited ABN 84 006 690 348
 

Address: Suite 5, 242 Hawthorn Road

Caulfield VIC 3161, Australia

 

Email: ian@novaminerals.com.au

Attention: Ian Pamensky

  (Company)
   
  xxxxx
  Address: xxx
  Email: xxx
  (Officer)

 

Background

 

AIt is a condition of the Officer continuing to act as director of the Company that the Company enters into this deed.

 

BThe Company has agreed to:

 

(i)grant the Officer rights of access to all Board Documents;

 

(ii)give certain indemnities in respect of liabilities incurred by the Officer as a member of the Board; and

 

(iii)use its best endeavours to take out and maintain an insurance policy in favour of the Officer,

 

on the terms and conditions set out in this deed.

 

CNothing in this deed is intended to replace or reduce the Officer’s duties to the Company under any law.

 

Operative Provisions

 

It is agreed as follows.

 

1.Definition and Interpretation

 

1.1Definitions

 

In this deed, unless the contrary intention appears, the following words have the following meanings:

 

  Term: Definition:
     
  Access Period

the period beginning on the Appointment Date and ending on the later of:

 

  (a) seven years after the Cessation Date; or
     
  (b) where a Claim is made against the Officer prior to the date referred to in paragraph (a), the date of final determination of the Claim.

 

  Appointment Date the date of appointment of the Officer as a director of the Company and/or any of its Subsidiaries (for so long as such entity remains a Subsidiary).
     
  Act any actual or alleged act, omission or conduct of the Officer occurring while the Officer was an officer of the Company and relating to, arising out of or connected with the Officer’s position as an officer of the Company.
     
  ASIC Australian Securities & Investments Commission.

 

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Australian

Consumer Law

Schedule 2 to the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth).
     
  Board the board of directors of the Company and/or any Subsidiary (as the context requires).
     
  Board Documents all existing and future Documents prepared for and/or provided to directors of the Company or any one or more of them or tabled at meetings of the Board during the term of office of the Officer (whether the term commenced before or after the date of this deed), including Board Documents, submissions, minutes, correspondence, memoranda, board committee and sub-committee papers, financial and other records, and all documents referred to in those documents.

 

  Business Day (a) for receiving a notice under clause 11, a day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, public holiday or bank holiday in the place where the notice is received; and
       
    (b) for all other purposes, a day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, public holiday or bank holiday in Sydney, New South Wales.

 

  Cessation Date the date on which the Officer ceases to be an officer of the Company.

 

  Claim (a) any legal proceeding (whether civil or criminal), administrative proceeding, arbitral proceeding, mediation or other form of alternative dispute resolution (whether or not held in conjunction with any legal, administrative or arbitral proceeding) in respect of or arising out of an Act; and
       
    (b) any written or oral threat, complaint, demand or other circumstance that might reasonably cause the Officer to believe that any proceeding referred to in paragraph (a) will be initiated.

 

  Corporations Act the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth).
     
  Documents

includes:

 

  (a) any paper or other material on which there is writing;
     
  (b) any paper or other material on which there are marks, figures, symbols or perforations having a meaning for persons qualified to interpret them;
     
  (c) any article or material from which sounds, images or writings are capable of being reproduced with or without the aid of any other article or device; and
     
  (d) any information stored or recorded by means of a computer.

 

  Governmental Agency any government, governmental, semi-governmental, statutory administrative, fiscal or judicial body, department, commission, authority, tribunal, agency or entity.
     
  Group Company the Company and each Subsidiary of the Company, and Group Company means any one of them.
     
  Indemnities the indemnities granted by the Company to the Officer under clause 5, and Indemnity means any of them.
     
  Information all or any part of information contained in a Board Document or otherwise related to the affairs of the Company or a matter discussed at a meeting of the Board.
     
  Interest Rate has the meaning given to that term in clause 7.2(a).

 

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  Investigative Proceeding

any investigation, hearing, inquiry or review (however described) undertaken by:

 

  (a) a Royal Commission, Board of Inquiry, parliamentary committee or similar body, committee or commission;
     
  (b) ASIC, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, ASX Limited or any other regulatory authority;
     
  (c) a department of any Australian government or of any other jurisdiction;
     
  (d) a public authority;
     
  (e) an instrumentality, agent or appointee of the Crown in right of the Commonwealth, a State or a Territory or the equivalent of any such body in any other jurisdiction; or
     
  (f) any other body, office or person exercising statutory or prerogative power.

 

  Notice has the meaning given to that term is clause 11.
     
  Permitted Purpose has the meaning given to that term in clause 2.1.
     
  Policy has the meaning given to that term in clause 8.1(a).
     
  Policy Limit the sum of $[insert] in relation to any one claim, demand, action or suit made, threatened or instituted against the Officer as an officer of the Company.
     
  Privileged Document any document in respect of which any form of legal privilege applies solely in favour of a Relevant Company or jointly in favour of such company and the Officer (whether alone or with other members or former members of the Board).
     
  Related Body Corporate has the meaning given to that term in the Corporations Act.
     
  Relevant Claim has the meaning given to that term in clause 6.1.
     
  Relevant Company each Group Company of which the Officer is or has been a director at any time.
     
  Relevant Costs has the meaning given to that term in clause 7.3.
     
  Subsidiary has the meaning given to that term in the Corporations Act.

 

1.2Interpretation

 

In this deed, headings and bold text are for ease of reference only and do not affect the interpretation of this deed and, unless the context otherwise requires:

 

(a)the singular includes the plural and vice versa;

 

(b)another grammatical form of a defined word or expression has a corresponding meaning;

 

(c)a reference to a clause, paragraph or schedule is to a clause or paragraph of or schedule to this deed and a reference to this deed includes any schedule or annexure;

 

(d)a reference to a document or instrument, includes the document or instrument as novated, altered, supplemented or replaced from time to time;

 

(e)a reference to A$, $A, dollar or $ is to Australian currency;

 

(f)subject to clause 11.2, a reference to time is to Victorian time;

 

(g)a reference to a party to this deed, and a reference to a party to a document includes the party’s executors, administrators, successors and permitted assigns and substitutes;

 

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(h)a reference to a person includes a natural person, partnership, body corporate, association, governmental or local authority or agency or other entity;

 

(i)a reference to a statute, ordinance, code or other law includes regulations and other instruments under it and consolidations, amendments, re-enactments or replacements of any of them;

 

(j)the meaning of general words is not limited by specific examples introduced by including, for example or similar expressions; and

 

(k)a rule of construction does not apply to the disadvantage of a party because the party was responsible for the preparation of this deed or any part of it.

 

1.3Business Day

 

If a day on or by which an obligation must be performed or an event must occur is not a Business Day, the obligation must be performed or the event must occur on or by the next Business Day.

 

2.Access to Board Documents

 

2.1Permitted purposes

 

Subject to clause 2.2, the Company must, if the Officer makes a request for access during the Access Period in accordance with clause 3, provide the Officer with access to all of the Board Documents for the purposes (each a Permitted Purpose) of any one or more of:

 

(a)taking any action in relation to any Claim:

 

(i)to which the Officer is a party;

 

(ii)that the Officer has reason to believe will be brought against the Officer; or

 

(iii)that the Officer proposes in good faith to bring;

 

(b)an Investigative Proceeding pursuant to which the Officer is being investigated, or has been called to give evidence, in relation to any Act or facts or circumstances arising or occurring during the Officer’s term of office as a member of a Board (whether that term commenced before or after the date of this deed);

 

(c)discharging the Officer’s duties as an officer of each Relevant Company; or

 

(d)any other purpose for which the Company gives its consent in writing.

 

2.2Limitations on access

 

(a)Clause 2.2(b) applies if, in the reasonable opinion of the Company:

 

(i)giving the Officer access to a Board Document under clause 2.1 would or could reasonably be expected to jeopardise the capacity of a Relevant Company to claim legal privilege in respect of a Privileged Document; and

 

(ii)the loss by a Relevant Company of the capacity to claim such privilege in respect of the Privileged Document would or could reasonably be expected to result in material prejudice to the Relevant Company.

 

(b)If this clause 2.2(b) applies by virtue of clause 2.2(a), then the Company may:

 

(i)impose such conditions on the Officer’s access to that Board Document as it determines, in good faith, are appropriate to ensure that the capacity of the Relevant Company to claim legal privilege in respect of the relevant Privileged Document is not jeopardised by such access; or

 

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(ii)if the Company determines in good faith and acting reasonably that it is not possible to ensure, by the imposition of conditions, that the capacity of the Relevant Company to claim privilege in respect of the relevant Privileged Document would not be jeopardised by such access, deny the Officer access to that Board Document.

 

(c)The Officer’s right of access to Board Documents under clause 2.1:

 

(i)applies only to Board Documents created during the Officer’s term of office (whether that term commenced before or after the date of this deed); and

 

(ii)does not entitle the Officer to have access to any personal information contained in any Board Documents to which the Officer is given access where that information cannot be disclosed to the Officer as a result of the requirements of any relevant privacy laws.

 

2.3Privileged Documents

 

(a)If the Officer requests access to a Board Document that is, or refers to, a Privileged Document and the Company does not exercise its right to impose conditions or deny access under clause 2.2(b), the Company must waive its claim to legal privilege in respect of that Privileged Document to the extent required under clause 2.3(b) but only if the Company is satisfied, in good faith, that the loss of the right to claim privilege in respect of that Privileged Document would not result in material prejudice to the Relevant Company.

 

(b)Where clause 2.3(a) requires a waiver to be given by the Company, that waiver is required to be given only to the extent necessary to enable the Officer to:

 

(i)have access to the relevant Board Document;

 

(ii)disclose the information in the relevant Board Document in circumstances permitted under clause 4; and

 

(iii)use the relevant Board Document for the Permitted Purpose specified in the notice given by the Officer under clause 3.

 

(c)Where the Officer is given access under this clause 2.3 to a Board Document that is or refers to a Privileged Document, the Officer must:

 

(i)comply with any conditions imposed by the Company under clause 2.2(b); and

 

(ii)without limiting the Officer’s rights under this clause 2.3 and clause 4, not waive that privilege nor do or omit to do any thing that will cause that privilege to be waived or lost, without the prior written consent of the Company.

 

(d)Each of the Company and the Officer acknowledge that the granting of access to the Officer by the Company to a Privileged Document does not amount to an express or implied waiver by the Company or any other Relevant Company of its claim to client legal privilege.

 

(e)Where the Board Documents consist of documents that entitle the Officer and the Company (or another Relevant Company) to claim joint client legal privilege, the Officer must not waive, either by express or implied conduct, the joint client legal privilege, except in proceedings to which the Company or another Relevant Company is not a party.

 

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2.4Retention of Board Documents

 

The Company must use reasonable efforts to keep (and must procure that each Subsidiary keeps) one copy of all Board Documents, and ensure the safe keeping and custody of the Board Documents for the Access Period.

 

3.Request procedure and return of Board Documents

 

3.1Requests

 

A request for access to Board Documents by the Officer must:

 

(a)be in writing addressed to the Board;

 

(b)be made during the Access Period;

 

(c)be made during normal business hours;

 

(d)describe the Board Documents required by the Officer; and

 

(e)state the purpose for which the Board Documents are required, which may only be for a Permitted Purpose.

 

3.2Access

 

(a)Where the Company receives a request for access to specified Board Documents under this clause 3 and is required to provide access to those Board Documents under clause 2, the Company must, within 10 Business Days after receipt of the request, make the relevant Board Documents available for inspection by the Officer at the premises of the Company (or at the nominated storage place(s)) during normal business hours or at reasonable times outside business hours by agreement between the Company and the Officer.

 

(b)Where the Officer obtains access to Board Documents under clause 3.2(a), the Officer will be entitled to make copies (at the Officer’s cost) of those Board Documents (but only for a Permitted Purpose).

 

3.3Usage and retention of Board Documents by Officer

 

The Officer:

 

(a)subject to clause 3.3(b), on ceasing to be a member of the Board, must return all Board Documents (including copies) that the Officer holds to the Company;

 

(b)may retain any specific Board Document where reasonably required for use for a Permitted Purpose; and

 

(c)must return all Board Documents (including copies) retained under clause 3.3(b) or obtained under clause 3 to the Company as soon as possible after they are no longer reasonably required for use for a Permitted Purpose.

 

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3.4Cumulative rights

 

The rights of the Officer to access Board Documents pursuant to this deed do not exclude, limit or restrict any obligations imposed on the Officer by virtue of their position as a director or former director of the Relevant Company provided by law independently of this deed.

 

4.Confidentiality

 

4.1Confidentiality obligations

 

Without limiting the Officer’s duties as an officer of the Relevant Companies, the Officer (both during the Officer’s term of office and after the Officer ceases to be a member of the Board) must:

 

(a)keep all Information confidential except to the extent that disclosure is permitted under clause 4.2;

 

(b)not disclose Information to any person unless and to the extent permitted to do so under clause 4.2; and

 

(c)not use Information for any purpose other than a Permitted Purpose.

 

4.2Limitations

 

(a)The obligations in clause 4.1 do not apply to Information if and to the extent that:

 

(i)the Information is or comes into the public domain (other than as a result of a contravention by the Officer of this deed or any other obligation of confidence);

 

(ii)disclosure of the Information is required by law or the rules of any stock exchange on which a Relevant Company’s shares are quoted;

 

(iii)disclosure of the Information is either:

 

(A)reasonably necessary for a Permitted Purpose; or

 

(B)made in confidence to the legal, financial or taxation advisers of the Officer,

 

and both of the conditions set out in clause 4.2(b) have been met;

 

(iv)disclosure of the Information is reasonably necessary for the purposes of the discharge of the duties of the Officer as a member of the Board; or

 

(v)the Company has given its prior written consent to the disclosure of the Information.

 

(b)For disclosure of Information to be permitted under clause 4.2(a)(iii), both of the following conditions must be met:

 

(i)either:

 

(A)the Company does not have the right to claim legal privilege in respect of some or all of the Information or the proposed disclosure of the Information could not reasonably be expected to jeopardise the Company’s capacity to claim such privilege; or

 

(B)the Company has waived its right to claim legal privilege in respect of the Information to the extent required under clause 2.3; and

 

(ii)disclosure of the Information will not and could not reasonably be expected to cause the Relevant Company’s right to claim legal privilege in respect of any other information or document to be waived.

 

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(c)If the Officer is permitted to disclose Information under this clause 4.2, the Officer must:

 

(i)disclose only the minimum Information reasonably necessary in the circumstances;

 

(ii)disclose the Information only to persons who have a need to know and only to the extent that they have a need to know; and

 

(iii)comply with any conditions imposed by the Company under clause 2.2(b).

 

4.3Consequences of non-compliance

 

If the Company forms the view that, on reasonable grounds, the Officer is not complying with, or will not comply with, clause 4.1, it may:

 

(a)refuse to comply with all or any of its obligations under clause 2; and

 

(b)take whatever action it sees fit against the Officer to protect the Company’s interest, including seeking injunctive relief or bringing an action for damages.

 

5.Indemnities

 

5.1Officer’s right to be indemnified

 

(a)Subject to clause 5.2 and to the extent permitted by law, the Company indemnifies the Officer out of the property of the Relevant Company against:

 

(i)any and all liabilities (other than for costs and expenses of a kind referred to in clause 5.1(a)(ii)(A) to 5.1(a)(ii)(D)) incurred by the Officer:

 

(A)in his or her capacity as an officer of the Relevant Company; and

 

(B)to another person (other than the Relevant Company or a Related Body Corporate of the Relevant Company); and

 

(ii)any liability for costs and expenses reasonably incurred by the Officer in defending an action for a liability incurred or allegedly incurred by the Officer in his or her capacity as an officer of the Relevant Company other than legal costs incurred by the Officer:

 

(A)in defending or resisting proceedings in which the Officer is found to have a liability for which the Officer could not be indemnified under clause 5.1(a)(i);

 

(B)in defending or resisting criminal proceedings in which the Officer is found guilty;

 

(C)in defending or resisting proceedings brought by ASIC or a liquidator for a court order if the grounds for making the order are found by the court to have been established; or

 

(D)in defending or resisting proceedings in which the Officer is found to have a liability to pay a pecuniary penalty under section 224 of the Australian Consumer Law.

 

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(b)Clause 5.1(a)(ii)(C) does not apply to costs incurred in responding to actions taken by ASIC or a liquidator as part of an investigation before commencing proceedings for the court order. For the purposes of clause 5.1(a)(ii), the outcome of proceedings is the outcome of the proceedings and any appeal in relation to those proceedings.

 

5.2Scope, duration and limitation of Indemnities

 

The Indemnities:

 

(a)do not extend to:

 

(i)a liability owed to the Relevant Company or a Related Body Corporate of the Relevant Company;

 

(ii)a pecuniary penalty order under section 1317G of the Corporations Act, a compensation order under section 1317H of the Corporations Act or a pecuniary penalty order under section 224 of the Australian Consumer Law; or

 

(iii)a liability that is owed to someone other than the Relevant Company or a Related Body Corporate of the Relevant Company and that did not arise out of conduct in good faith on the part of the Officer;

 

(b)have effect in respect of liabilities, costs and expenses incurred by the Officer (and Acts of the Officer) as an Officer of the Relevant Company that were incurred or occurred (as the case may be) at any time from the date that the Officer became an officer of the Relevant Company (whether such date occurs before or after the date of this deed);

 

(c)continue to have full force and effect even if the Officer ceases to be an officer of the Relevant Company before:

 

(i)a claim is made by the Officer under this deed; or

 

(ii)the Officer incurs the liability or costs in respect of which the Officer makes a claim under this clause 5, provided that the liability or costs are in respect of or arise out of an Act; and

 

(d)apply to a liability or costs or expenses incurred by the Officer only if and to the extent that the Officer is not, and is not entitled to be, indemnified against that liability or those costs or expenses by:

 

(i)any insurance policy (other than an insurance policy maintained by the Company); or

 

(ii)an indemnity given by another person (other than the Relevant Company, a Related Body Corporate of the Relevant Company or an insurer under an insurance policy maintained by the Company).

 

5.3Officer’s obligation to recover against third party

 

If the Officer is entitled to be indemnified against a liability or costs or expenses by an insurance policy (other than an insurance policy maintained by the Company) or an indemnity of the kind referred to in clause 5.2(d)(ii), the Officer must make and pursue a claim under that insurance policy or indemnity.

 

5.4Application of indemnities

 

(a)Subject to clause 5.4(b), the Indemnities:

 

(i)are irrevocable;

 

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(ii)indemnify the Officer despite the Officer ceasing to hold any position in a Relevant Company; and

 

(iii)are in addition to any indemnity contained in the Relevant Company’s constitution.

 

(b)It is not necessary for the Officer to incur an expense or make payment before enforcing a right of indemnity under this deed.

 

6.Conduct of Claims

 

6.1Notice

 

As soon as reasonably practicable after the Officer becomes aware of any Claim that could reasonably be expected to give rise to a claim by the Officer under an Indemnity (Relevant Claim), the Officer must give to the Company notice in writing of that Relevant Claim.

 

6.2Control of Relevant Claims

 

Subject to clauses 6.8 and 6.9, where there is a Relevant Claim, the Company or another Relevant Company may, or may allow its insurer to:

 

(a)assume the conduct, negotiation and defence of the Relevant Claim under its sole management, control and cost;

 

(b)institute legal proceedings, including any cross-claim or counter claim to the Relevant Claim, in the name of the Officer as part of that defence;

 

(c)subject to clause 6.5, settle or compromise the Relevant Claim;

 

(d)agree to any form of alternative dispute resolution in relation to the Relevant Claim; and

 

(e)retain lawyers to act on behalf of both of the Relevant Company and the Officer in relation to the Relevant Claim.

 

6.3Company to Notify Officer

 

The Company must ensure that the Officer is notified as soon as reasonably practicable if the Company (or its insurer) or another Relevant Company intends to take any action permitted by clause 6.2.

 

6.4Officer’s obligations

 

(a)Subject to clauses 6.8 and 6.9, where there is a Relevant Claim, the Officer must:

 

(i)allow the Company or another Relevant Company (or its insurer), in the Company’s discretion, to take control of the conduct, negotiation and defence of the Relevant Claim;

 

(ii)allow the Company or another Relevant Company, in the Company’s discretion, to retain lawyers on behalf of both the Officer and the Company or another Relevant Company;

 

(iii)take such action or provide such information (including providing the Company or another Relevant Company with any documents, records, authorities, directions) as the Company (or its insurer) may reasonably require in relation to that Relevant Claim to avoid, dispute, defend or appeal that Relevant Claim or any judgment or award made in respect of that Relevant Claim;

 

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(iv)give the Company or another Relevant Company (or its insurer) all assistance and co-operation that the Company or another Relevant Company (or its insurer) reasonably requires in connection with any action the Company (or its insurer) reasonably takes to avoid, dispute, defend or appeal that Relevant Claim or any judgment or award made in respect of that Relevant Claim;

 

(v)where the Company or another Relevant Company (or its insurer) so requests, do anything reasonably necessary or desirable to enable the Company or another Relevant Company (or its insurer) to be subrogated to and enjoy the benefits of the Officer’s rights in relation to any cross-claims or any claims against any third party and assist with that process;

 

(vi)not admit any liability for or settle or compromise the Relevant Claim without the prior consent of the Company, which must not unreasonably be withheld; and

 

(vii)keep the Company fully informed in relation to the status and conduct of that Relevant Claim (if the Company or another Relevant Company (or its insurer) has not assumed conduct of the Relevant Claim under clause 6.2).

 

(b)To the extent permitted by law, the Company must reimburse (or procure that a Relevant Company reimburses) the Officer for actual costs and expenses reasonably incurred by the Officer in taking action or providing assistance or information at the request, or under the direction, of the Company under this clause 6.4.

 

6.5Settling or compromising Relevant Claims

 

Before the Company or another Relevant Company (or its insurer) settles or compromises a Relevant Claim, the Company must (or must ensure that its insurer):

 

(a)give the Officer notice of the intention to do so;

 

(b)provide to the Officer the proposed terms of settlement or compromise; and

 

(c)allow the Officer a reasonable period (to be specified in the notice) in which the Officer may object to the proposed terms of settlement or compromise and declare the Officer’s intention to assume conduct of the Claim.

 

6.6Officer may assume control of Relevant Claim

 

If, within the period allowed under clause 6.5 in respect of a Relevant Claim, the Officer gives notice that the Officer intends to assume conduct of a Relevant Claim, the Company must (or must ensure that the Relevant Company or its insurer) relinquish to the Officer the control of the conduct of the Relevant Claim (to the extent that it relates to the Officer) and the liability of the Company under this deed in respect of that Relevant Claim will not exceed the amount for which the Relevant Claim could have been compromised or settled at the time notice was given to the Officer under clause 6.5 in respect of that Relevant Claim together with costs and expenses reasonably incurred by the Officer up to that time.

 

6.7Failure by Officer

 

Despite the Indemnities, if the Officer fails to perform an obligation required under clause 6.4 to the material prejudice of the Company or a Relevant Company in respect of a Relevant Claim, the Company will be under no obligation to indemnify the Officer in respect of the Relevant Claim.

 

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6.8Independent advice

 

Nothing in this clause 6 prevents the Officer from obtaining independent legal advice or engaging separate legal or other representation in connection with the conduct of a Relevant Claim, but any costs or expenses incurred by the Officer in so doing will be paid or reimbursed by the Company or a Relevant Company only to the extent that those expenses are otherwise payable by the Company under this deed and are:

 

(a)incurred prior to the Company (or its insurers) or another Relevant Company assuming conduct of the Relevant Claim;

 

(b)incurred with the prior written authority of the Company (which must not unreasonably be withheld); or

 

(c)reasonable, and incurred in circumstances where there is a reasonable likelihood that the interests of the Officer and the Company and/or the Relevant Company would conflict were the same lawyers to act on behalf of both the Company and the Officer.

 

6.9Limitations

 

(a)Nothing in clauses 6.2 or 6.4 permits the Company, or requires the Officer, to take any action or do any thing (including giving any consent) in respect of a Relevant Claim that would be likely to cause significant harm to the reputation of the Officer, except where the Company determines in good faith and on reasonable grounds that the interests of the Group Companies or the conduct of that Relevant Claim would be materially prejudiced unless the Group Company or the Officer (as the case may be) takes that action or does that thing.

 

(b)Clauses 6.2 and 6.4 do not apply where:

 

(i)the Relevant Claim arises from a claim by a Relevant Company (or a Related Body Corporate of a Relevant Company) against the Officer; or

 

(ii)where each of the Officer and the Relevant Company (or a Related Body Corporate of the Relevant Company) are defendants or respondents to the Relevant Claim and in the reasonable opinion of the Officer’s lawyers there is an actual or potential conflict of interest between the Officer and the Relevant Company (or the Related Body Corporate of the Relevant Company, if applicable) in respect of the conduct of the Relevant Claim.

 

7.Advances and payments

 

7.1Advances to Officers

 

(a)If the Officer becomes liable to pay any amount for which the Officer is, or is entitled to be, indemnified under this deed, the Company must pay (or procure payment by the Relevant Company of) that amount to the person to whom the amount is due within 10 Business Days after the date on which the Officer provides evidence satisfactory to the Company that the Officer is liable to pay that amount and is entitled to be indemnified under this deed.

 

(b)Despite any other provision of this deed, it is not necessary for the Officer to make any payment before enforcing the Officer’s rights under the Indemnities.

 

(c)Subject to clause 7.3, the Company must, within 10 Business Days after receiving a request from the Officer to do so, and on such terms (including interest on the basis set out in clause 7.2 and security) as it thinks reasonable in the circumstances, advance moneys to the Officer to enable the Officer to pay, or to reimburse the Officer for, any legal costs reasonably incurred by the Officer (before the outcome of the action is known) in defending an action for a liability incurred or allegedly incurred by the Officer in his or her capacity as an officer of the Relevant Company (including any such legal costs incurred after the Officer ceases to be an officer of the Relevant Company).

 

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7.2Interest

 

(a)In this clause 7, Interest Rate means the rate of 2% per annum above the 60 day Bank Bill Swap Reference Rate last published on or before the date of payment in The Australian Financial Review (or if no such rate is published, another rate set by the Company in good faith).

 

(b)If the Company is required to advance moneys to the Officer under clause 7.1(c), the Company may (in its absolute discretion) determine that the Officer is required to pay interest on the amount advanced calculated on a daily basis from and including the date of payment by the Company to the date of repayment by the Officer at the Interest Rate but only on the basis that such interest will be payable only in the event that the moneys advanced become repayable to the Company under clause 7.3.

 

7.3Officer liability to repay advanced moneys

 

If the Company advances moneys to the Officer under clause 7.1(c) or otherwise pays or reimburses the Officer (or any other person) in accordance with this deed in respect of a liability, costs or expenses incurred by the Officer in relation to a Claim (Relevant Costs), then:

 

(a)if, upon the final determination of the Claim (whether as a result of the settlement, withdrawal or final adjudication of the Claim or otherwise and including determination of any appeal), the Relevant Costs become costs in respect of which the Officer is not entitled to be indemnified under the Indemnities, the Officer must, within 10 Business Days after the outcome of the Claim is finally determined:

 

(i)repay to the Company or a Relevant Company (as the Company directs) the amount advanced or paid by the Company or the Relevant Company in respect of the Relevant Costs; and

 

(ii)where the Relevant Costs were advanced to the Officer under clause 7.1(c), pay to the Company or a Relevant Company (as the Company directs) the interest (if any) accrued on the advance in accordance with the terms of the advance determined by the Company under clauses 7.1(c) and 7.2,

 

and the Company will be under no obligation to pay or reimburse (or procure the payment or reimbursement of) the Officer for any further liability or legal costs incurred by the Officer in respect of, or arising out of, that Claim;

 

(b)if, upon the final determination of the Claim (whether as a result of the settlement, withdrawal or final adjudication of the action or otherwise and including determination of any appeal), the Relevant Costs become costs in respect of which the Officer is entitled to be indemnified under the Indemnities, the Officer will:

 

(i)not be required to pay to the Company the Relevant Costs and, for the avoidance of doubt, no interest will have been accrued in respect of the Relevant Costs; and

 

(ii)repay to the Company, or any Relevant Company, any amount advanced to the Officer in relation to the Claim which is not used by the Officer to satisfy the Claim;

 

15
 

 

(c)if the Officer also receives payment in respect of some or all of those Relevant Costs under any of the following:

 

(i)an insurance policy; or

 

(ii)an indemnity given by another person,

 

then the Officer must, within 10 Business Days after receiving payment under the relevant insurance policy or indemnity, pay to the Company an amount equal to the amount recovered by the Officer under the insurance policy or indemnity in respect of the Relevant Costs.

 

8.Insurance

 

8.1Ongoing insurance

 

(a)To the extent permitted by law, during the Access Period the Company must use its best endeavours take out and maintain a directors’ and officers’ insurance policy (Policy) in favour of the Officer with a reputable insurance company to cover any liability incurred by the Officer as a director of each Relevant Company, up to the Policy Limit, but excluding coverage for:

 

(i)criminal liability;

 

(ii)liability which arises out of conduct involving a wilful breach of duty in relation to a Relevant Company or a Related Body Corporate of the Relevant Company;

 

(iii)liability arising out of a contravention of section 182 of the Corporations Act (improper use of position); or

 

(iv)liability arising out of a contravention of section 183 of the Corporations Act (improper use of information).

 

(b)Where permitted by law, the Company must use its best endeavours to ensure that any Policy covers any liability for legal costs and expenses incurred by the Officer in defending proceedings, whether civil or criminal and whatever the outcome.

 

(c)Where permitted by law, the Company must use its best endeavours to ensure that any Policy is on terms no less favourable to the Officer than any similar insurance policy taken out by the Company at the time immediately before the Officer ceased to be a director of the Company.

 

(d)Where a Policy exists, and the Company determines not to renew or to cancel such Policy, the Company must notify the Officer in writing of its determination prior to such cancellation or non-renewal.

 

8.2Obligation to produce

 

Upon request by the Officer, as appropriate, the Company must produce to the Officer the Policy or a certificate of currency of the Policy and the receipts for the payment of each premium and all other money payable in respect of the Policy or other evidence of payment satisfactory to the Officer.

 

16
 

 

8.3Company to pay premium

 

The Company must, as appropriate, pay, or cause to be paid, the premiums in respect of the Policy except to the extent prohibited by law.

 

8.4Contribution to premium by the Officer

 

If the Company is prohibited by law from paying, or causing to be paid, a portion of the premium in respect of the Policy, the Company must offer the Officer the opportunity to, and the Officer may, contribute that portion.

 

9.Taxation and GST

 

9.1Taxation

 

If for any reason any Governmental Agency imposes any tax on any sum paid to the Officer under the Indemnities, then the Company must pay, or must procure that a Relevant Company pays, to the Officer such additional amount as is required to ensure that the total amount paid, less any tax imposed on such amount, is equal to the amount that would otherwise be payable under the Indemnities.

 

9.2GST

 

(a)Terms defined in the A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999 (Cth) have the same meaning when used in this clause 9.2 unless expressly stated otherwise.

 

(b)If a supply made or to be made by a party (Supplier) under or in connection with this deed is a taxable supply, the recipient of that supply (Recipient) must, in addition to the consideration to be paid or provided for that supply under this deed (GST Exclusive Consideration), pay an amount on account of GST to be calculated by multiplying the GST Exclusive Consideration for the supply by the rate of GST prevailing at the time that the supply is made.

 

(c)No amount is payable on account of GST in respect of a taxable supply made under or in connection with this deed until the Supplier has issued a tax invoice to the Recipient.

 

(d)If a payment to a party under this deed is a reimbursement or indemnification, calculated by reference to a loss, cost or expense incurred by that party, then the payment must first be reduced by the amount of any input tax credit to which that party is entitled for an acquisition to which that loss, cost or expense relates and then, if consideration for a taxable supply, must be increased on account of GST in accordance with clause 9.2(b).

 

10.Enforcement

 

The rights of the Officer under this deed are enforceable only by the Officer, or on behalf of the Officer, during the Access Period and may not be assigned or transferred. Any such purported assignment or transfer is ineffective.

 

17
 

 

11.Notices

 

11.1Service and notices

 

(a)A notice, demand, consent, approval or communication under this agreement (Notice) must be:

 

(i)in writing, in English and signed by a person duly authorised by the sender; and

 

(ii)marked for the attention of the person, and hand delivered or sent by prepaid post or email to the recipient’s address specified in the Parties section of this agreement, as varied by any Notice given by the recipient to the sender.

 

(b)Communications by email need not be marked for the attention in the way required by clause 11.1(a)(ii). However, the email must state the first and last name of the sender. Communications sent by email are taken to be signed by the named sender.

 

11.2Effective on receipt

 

A Notice given in accordance with clause 11.1 takes effect when taken to be received (or at a later time specified in it), and is taken to be received:

 

(a)if hand delivered, on delivery;

 

(b)if sent by prepaid post, three days after the date of posting (or seven days after the date of posting if posted to or from a place outside Australia); or

 

(c)if sent by email, at the time the email was sent unless the sender receives an automated message that the email has not been delivered,

 

but if receipt is not on a Business Day or is after 5.00pm on a Business Day (in the time zone of the addressee), the Notice is taken to be received at 9.00am on the next Business Day.

 

12.General

 

12.1Entire agreement

 

This deed constitutes the entire agreement between the parties in relation to its subject matter. All prior discussions, undertakings, agreements, representations, warranties and indemnities in relation to that subject matter are replaced by this deed and have no further effect.

 

12.2Rights, remedies additional

 

(a)The provisions of this deed have effect only to the extent they are not voided by law.

 

(b)Any rights and remedies that a person may have under this deed are in addition to and do not exclude, replace or limit any other rights or remedies that the person may have.

 

12.3Waiver

 

No failure to exercise or delay in exercising any right, power or remedy under this deed operates as a waiver. A single or partial exercise or waiver of the exercise of any right, power or remedy does not preclude any other or further exercise of that or any other right, power or remedy. A waiver is not valid or binding on the party granting that waiver unless made in writing.

 

18
 

 

12.4Survival

 

Each obligation of confidence under this deed is a continuing obligation, separate and independent from the other obligations and survives termination of the deed for any reason. Any other term by its nature intended to survive termination of this deed, survives termination.

 

12.5Amendment

 

This deed may be amended or modified only by written instruments executed by both parties.

 

12.6Further assurances

 

Each party must do or cause to be done all things necessary or reasonably desirable to give full effect to this deed and the transactions contemplated by it (including, but not limited to, the execution of documents).

 

12.7Severability

 

A clause or part of a clause that is illegal or unenforceable may be severed from this deed and the remaining terms or parts of the clause continue in force.

 

12.8Costs

 

Except where this deed expressly states otherwise, each party must bear its own legal, accounting and other costs of negotiating, preparing and executing this deed.

 

12.9Counterparts

 

This deed may be executed in any number of counterparts and all counterparts taken together will constitute one document.

 

12.10Governing law and jurisdiction

 

This deed will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws in force in the State of Victoria and each party submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of that State.

 

19
 

 

EXECUTED as a deed on                                  2024

 

EXECUTED by Nova Minerals Limited ABN 84 006 690 348 in accordance with section 127 of the Corporations Act 2001

)

)

)

)

)

 
     
Signature of Director   Signature of Director/Secretary
     
Name of Director   Name of Director/Secretary

 

SIGNED, SEALED and DELIVERED by XX XXX in the presence of:

 

)

)

)

)

)

 

    XXX XXX XXXX

Signature of Witness

 

   
Name of Witness    

 

20

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 10.3

 

xx 2024

 

xxxx

xxxxx

xxxx

M: xxx

 

By emails:

 

Dear __________,

 

Letter of Appointment – Non-Executive Director

 

Further to our recent discussions, I confirm that Nova Minerals Limited ACN 006 690 348 (the “Company”) will appoint you as a Non-Executive Director of the Company.

 

The purpose of this letter is to set out the terms and conditions on which you will be appointed as a Non-Executive Director of the Company and request the information necessary for the Company to make such an appointment.

 

1.Term of Appointment

 

Your appointment is to be commenced on the date that the Board of the Company formally appoints you as a Non-Executive Director, being xxx 202_.

 

In the event the Board removes you as Director, you will remain as a Non-Executive Director of the Company as the removal of a public company director is a matter for shareholders, not the Board.

 

Your appointment as Non-Executive Director will cease when you advise in writing of your resignation.

 

Notwithstanding the above, you must cease to hold office as either a Non-Executive Director or Chairman in accordance with any of the prescribed circumstances under the Corporations Act, the ASX Listing Rules and the Constitution.

 

2.Time Commitment Envisaged

 

As a Non-Executive Director, you will be involved in a number1 of Board and committee meetings each year.

 

The Non-Executive Director will provide the Services to the Company as required by the Board.

 

 

1 Number of meetings estimated are ~ 5-6 Board Meetings, 2-3 Committee Meetings and the Annual General Meeting

 

Page 1

 

 

The Non-Executive Director will not participate in the day-to-day operation or management of the Company or its affairs.

 

The Company estimates that the Non-Executive Director will need to commit 2-3 days per month to fulfil his obligations as a Non-Executive Director and provide the services as set out in Annexure 1 (“Services”). Actual time commitments may differ depending on specific circumstances.

 

By accepting the terms of this agreement, the Non-Executive Director confirms that he will allocate the time necessary to meet the expectations of the Company, fulfil his obligations as a Non-Executive Director and provide the Services.

 

Currently, there is an expectation that you will attend the Board meetings and Committee meetings (including the Finance & Risk Committee and the Remuneration/Nomination Committees). The Company will provide you with adequate notice of the proposed meeting dates.

 

In addition, you are expected to dedicate such of your time as is necessary to ensure that you discharge your duties as a Director of the Company. By accepting the terms and conditions in this letter, you are confirming that you are able to allocate sufficient time to meet the expectations of your role.

 

3.Power and Duties

 

The strategic direction and control of the business of the Company is vested in the Board. All Directors must make decisions objectively in the interests of the Company. Key matters reserved to the Board are outlined in the Board Charter (a copy is attached).

 

4.Board Committees

 

You may be asked to be a member of one or more of the Board Committees as part of your role as a director of the Company. Copies of the Charter for each of these committees will be provided to you.

 

5.Fee

 

You will be paid according to Annexure 1 monthly, on the 15th of each month, half in arrears and half in advance (“Fee”). If you elect to invoice the Company for your fees, GST will be applied.

 

The fees payable will be subject to annual review by the Board. The Company will reimburse you for all reasonable and properly documented expenses incurred in performing the duties of your office.

 

6.Notifiable Interests in the Company’s Securities - ASX

 

The ASX Listing Rules (“Listing Rules”) require that the Company make disclosure of notifiable interests of its Directors by way of announcement. It is a requirement of the ASX that the Company has in place an agreement with each Director to ensure that the Director gives such information to the Company so it can comply with its disclosure obligations. Schedule 1 contains the form of the agreement which the ASX requires the Company to have in place with its Directors. By accepting the terms and conditions in this letter you agree to be bound by the terms in Schedule 1.

 

Page 2

 

 

A ‘notifiable interest’ which is required to be disclosed by the Director to the Company includes:

 

(a)Company securities in which the Director has a relevant interest; and

 

(b)interests in contracts relating to Company securities.

 

The issue of whether the Director has a relevant interest in shares is for the Director to determine in accordance with the principles in sections 608 and 609 of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) (Corporations Act).

 

A person has a relevant interest if, amongst other things, they own the securities or if they have the power to exercise, or control the exercise of, a right to vote attached to securities or have the power to dispose of or control the exercise of a power to dispose of securities. It doesn’t matter how remote the interest is.

 

In the case of a spouse or children of a director, a relevant interest may arise where securities are jointly held. An interest may also arise where securities are held in a family trust or superannuation fund.

 

A Director should be aware that there may be a requirement for an entity to notify the holdings of a spouse or children where control can be exercised over the spouse’s or children’s holdings. This is a question of fact which depends on the circumstances surrounding the holdings of relatives and must be determined by each Director.

 

7.Other Interests

 

It is accepted and acknowledged that you may have other directorships and/or business interests other than those of the Company. It is your responsibility to keep the Board informed of any other interests which may result in you having a material personal interest in a matter being considered by the Company or which may lead to a conflict of interest. You are also required to notify any changes in these interests which may occur. Such matters should be immediately disclosed to the Director as soon as apparent.

 

You should be aware that under the law and the Company’s Constitution you will generally not be entitled to attend any part of a Board meeting or to vote, on any matter on which you have a material personal interest unless the other directors unanimously decide otherwise. Any material interests may be required to be disclosed in the Board minutes, the annual report, and the accounts under the Corporations Act and the Listing Rules.

 

Page 3

 

 

8.Corporate Governance and Company Policies

 

The Company takes its commitments to corporate governance very seriously. The Company expects that each of its Directors has read and complies with all of the Company policies whilst a Director. By agreeing to the terms in this letter you agree that you have read the following charters and policies:

 

(a)Board Charter;

 

(b)Securities Trading Policy;

 

(c)Disclosure Committee Charter;

 

(d)Disclosure – Performance Evaluation;

 

(e)Communication and Disclosure Policy;

 

(f)Risk Management Policy;

 

(g)Diversity Policy;

 

(h)Remuneration Committee Charter;

 

(i)

Nomination Committee Charter;

 

(j)Audit and Risk Committee Charter;

 

(k)Code of Conduct;

 

(l)Whistleblower Policy; and

 

(m)Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy,

 

(copies of which will be provided to you) and agree to comply with such policies (as amended from time to time) while you are a Director.

 

9.Securities Trading Policy

 

It is a requirement of the Board that you follow the Company’s ‘Securities Trading Policy’ for Directors when dealing in securities and adhere to the designated prohibited periods for dealing. ASX also requires you to notify any change in notifiable interest within 5 working days of the change using an Appendix 3Y. See section 6 of this letter for further details about disclosure of notifiable interests.

 

10.Independent Professional Advice

 

You may seek independent professional advice, at the expense of the Company, on any matter connected with the discharge of your responsibilities. However, prior approval of the Director is required, which will not be unreasonably withheld. Copies of the advice must be made available to, and for the benefit of, all Board members.

 

Page 4

 

 

11.Indemnity and Insurance

 

Each of the Directors will be offered the benefit of a Deed of Access, Indemnity and Insurance.

 

This Deed provides for the Company to:

 

(a)indemnify the Director against any liability incurred by the Director, to the fullest extent permitted by the Corporations Act;

 

(b)reimburse, subject to prior approval being obtained, the director for any reasonable expenses of obtaining any independent professional advice in relation to the proper discharge of his or her powers and duties as a director; and

 

(c)ensure that the Director is insured under a Directors’ and Officers’ Insurance Policy.

 

12.Confidentiality and Access to Company Records

 

Subject to Schedule 2 of this letter, all information acquired during your term on the Board is confidential to the Company and should not be released either during your appointment or following termination (by whatever means), to third parties without prior written clearance from the Director. Your attention is also drawn to the requirements under both legislation and regulation as to the disclosure of price sensitive information. Consequently, you should avoid making any statements that might risk a breach of these requirements without prior written clearance from the Director.

 

By agreeing to the terms in this letter you agree to be bound by the confidentiality provisions in Schedule 2 to this letter.

 

13.Company Constitution

 

A copy of the Company’s Constitution is attached to this letter. By agreeing to the terms in this letter you agree to be bound by the terms of the Company’s Constitution.

 

14.Governing Law

 

This agreement is governed by the laws of Western Australia.

 

15.Consent to Act and Curriculum Vitae

 

It is a requirement of the Corporations Act that a proposed Director of a company consent to act as a Director prior to appointment. Enclosed with this letter is the form of consent to act, which the Company requires you to complete prior to your appointment as a director of the Company. By returning the consent to act you agree to be bound by the terms and conditions contained in this letter, including the schedules.

 

Please provide a short curriculum vitae of your qualifications and experience relevant to being a director of the Company for the consideration of the Company. This curriculum vitae should be in the form suitable for announcement by the Company on your appointment.

 

Page 5

 

 

If you agree to the terms and conditions on which you will become a Director of the Company, as contained in this letter, please sign and return the duplicate of this letter together with the other information requested.

 

Yours sincerely

 

Louie Simens

Executive Director

 

I, XX XXXXX, hereby accept the terms and conditions of appointment as set out in this letter.

 

   
XX XXX  
     
Date:    

 

Page 6

 

 

Schedule 1 - Disclosure of Notifiable Interests

 

To: Director/Prospective Director

 

Nova Minerals Limited ACN 006 690 348 (Entity)

 

The Entity is required, under the Listing Rules of Australian Securities Exchange (ASX), to disclose to ASX details of Directors’ interests in securities, and in contracts relevant to securities. The Entity is also required to enter into an agreement with directors under which directors are obliged to provide the necessary information to the entity.

 

By signing and returning this letter you agree to the following terms.

 

1.Initial Disclosure

 

(a)The Director will provide the following information as at the date of appointment:

 

(i)details of all securities registered in the Director’s name. These details include the number and class of the securities;

 

(ii)details of all securities not registered in the Director’s name but in which the Director has a relevant interest within the meaning of section 9 of the Corporations Act. These details include the number and class of the securities, the name of the registered holder and the circumstances giving rise to the relevant interest;

 

(iii)details of all contracts (other than contracts to which the Entity is a party) to which the Director is a party or under which the Director is entitled to a benefit, and that confer a right to call for or deliver shares in, debentures of, or interests in a managed investment scheme made available by, the Entity or a related body corporate. These details include the number and class of the shares, debentures or interests, the name of the registered holder if the shares, debentures or interests have been issued and the nature of the director’s interest under the contract.

 

(b)The Director will provide the required information as soon as reasonably possible after the date of appointment and in any event no later than three business days after the date of appointment.

 

2.Ongoing Disclosure

 

(a)The Director will provide the following information:

 

(i)details of changes in securities registered in the Director’s name other than changes occurring as a result of corporate actions by the Entity. These details include the date of the change, the number and class of the securities held before and after the change, and the nature of the change, for example on-market transfer. The Director will also provide details of the consideration payable in connection with the change, or if a market consideration is not payable, the value of the securities the subject of the change;

 

Page 7

 

 

(ii)details of changes in securities not registered in the Director’s name but in which the Director has a relevant interest within the meaning of section 9 of the Corporations Act. These details shall include the date of the change, the number and class of the securities held before and after the change, the name of the registered holder before and after the change, and the circumstances giving rise to the relevant interest. The Director will also provide details of the consideration payable in connection with the change, or if a market consideration is not payable, the value of the securities the subject of the change;

 

(iii)details of all changes to contracts (other than contracts to which the Entity is a party) to which the Director is a party or under which the director is entitled to a benefit, and that confer a right to call for or deliver shares in, debentures of, or interests in a managed investment scheme made available by, the Entity or a related body corporate. These details include the date of the change, the number and class of the shares, debentures or interests to which the interest relates before and after the change, the name of the registered holder if the shares, debentures or interests have been issued, and the nature of the director’s interest under the contract.

 

(b)The Director will provide the required information as soon as reasonably possible after the date of the change and in any event no later than three business days after the date of the change.

 

3.Final disclosure

 

(a)The Director will provide the following information as at the date of ceasing to be a Director:

 

(i)details of all securities registered in the Director’s name. These details include the number and class of the securities;

 

(ii)details of all securities not registered in the Director’s name but in which the Director has a relevant interest within the meaning of section 9 of the Corporations Act. These details include the number and class of the securities, the name of the registered holder and the circumstances giving rise to the relevant interest;

 

(iii)details of all contracts (other than contracts to which the Entity is a party) to which the Director is a party or under which the Director is entitled to a benefit, and that confer a right to call for or deliver shares in, debentures of, or interests in a managed investment scheme made available by, the Entity or a related body corporate. These details include the number and class of the shares, debentures or interests, the name of the registered holder if the shares, debentures or interests have been issued and the nature of the interest under the contract.

 

(b)The Director will provide the required information as soon as reasonably possible after the date of ceasing to be a director and in any event no later than three business days after the date of ceasing to be a Director.

 

4.Agency

 

The Director authorises the Entity to give the information provided by the Director to ASX on the Director’s behalf and as the Director’s agent.

 

5.Securities

 

Securities for the purposes of this letter means securities of the Entity or a related body corporate.

 

Page 8

 

 

Schedule 2 – Confidentiality

 

For the purposes of this letter “Confidential Information” includes all information of whatever nature relating to the Company which you receive from the Company or any of its officers, employees or advisers, whether in oral or written form.

 

It is understood that the following obligations shall not apply to Confidential Information or such of it which:

 

(a)at the time of disclosure is within the public domain or after disclosure comes into the public domain, other than by reason of breach of any of the undertakings below;

 

(b)is required by you to be disclosed under any applicable laws, regulations or directives of any government agency, tribunal or authority having jurisdiction in the matter or under subpoena or other process of law; or

 

(c)is already lawfully in your possession or becomes lawfully available to you.

 

In consideration of Confidential Information being made available to you by the Company you undertake to the Company that:

 

(d)you will treat and safeguard as private and confidential all the Confidential Information received or held by you at any time;

 

(e)you will not at any time without the prior written consent of the Company, disclose any Confidential Information to any person;

 

(f)you will not duplicate the Confidential Information;

 

(g)you will only make contact or discuss the Confidential Information with those officers or employees of the Company as the Company may nominate from time to time and you will not discuss the Confidential Information with anyone other than those nominated representatives of the Company;

 

(h)you will not make any public announcement in relation to the Confidential Information;

 

(i)you will ensure that proper and secure storage is provided for the Confidential Information; and

 

(j)you will not, contrary to any provision under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) (Corporations Act) or any other applicable law:

 

(i)deal with, subscribe for, purchase, sell, or enter into an agreement to deal with, subscribe for, purchase or sell, any securities of the Company;

 

(ii)cause or procure another person to subscribe for, purchase or sell, or to enter into an agreement to subscribe for, purchase or sell any securities of the Company; or

 

(iii)directly or indirectly communicate or cause any portion of the Confidential Information to be communicated to another person if you know or ought to reasonably know that the other person would or would be likely to deal, or cause or procure another person to deal, in any securities of the Company.

 

You acknowledge that the Company and its directors and officers are governed by the Corporations Act and the Listing Rules of the ASX which impose strict obligations on the Company and its directors and officers (and severe penalties) concerning the disclosure and use of market sensitive information under the Corporations Act and the Listing Rules of the ASX and the provision of inside information under the Corporations Act.

 

In the event that you become legally required to disclose any Confidential Information, prompt notice shall be given in advance to the Company. You will fully cooperate with the Company in the event that the Company elects to challenge the validity of such requirements.

 

Page 9

 

 

Schedule 3 - Standing Notice of Interests

 

Corporations Act (Cth) 2001

Section 192

 

Nova Mineral Limited ACN 006 690 348 (Company)

 

I, xxx xxx, HEREBY GIVE NOTICE for the purposes of providing a current standing notice pursuant to section 192(1) of the Corporations Act that I have an interest in the following matters that relate to the affairs of the Company (and I have indicated the nature and extent of my interest):

 

1.that I am an officer of the following specified body corporate or a member of the following specified firms and am to be regarded as interested in any contract that may, after the date of this notice, be made with that body corporate or firm:

 

Name of body corporate/firm Extent of interest
   
? ?

 

2.in relation to:

 

(a)shares in the Company or related corporation in which I have a relevant interest and the nature and extent thereof:

 

Nil  

 

(b)debentures or prescribed interests made available by the Company or related corporation in which I have a relevant interest and nature and extent thereof:

 

Nil  

 

(c)rights or options in respect of the acquisition or disposal of shares, debentures of, or prescribed interests made available by the Company or relevant corporation in which I have a relevant interest and nature and extent thereof:

 

Nil  

 

(d)contracts to which I am party or entitled to benefit under being contracts under which a person has a right to call for or to make delivery of shares in, debentures of, or prescribed interests made available by, the Company or a related corporation:

 

Nil  

 

(e)interests in contracts or proposed contracts with the Company:

 

Nil  

 

I DIRECT that the Company Secretary bring this notice to the attention of the Board of Directors at the next meeting of the Board of Directors.

 

DATED this ___________________  
   
   
xx zzz  

 

 

 

 

Annexure 1 – Remuneration and Services

 

Item 1: Non-Executive Director   Name: xxxx
       
    Address: xxx
       
Item 2: Commencement Date  

~xxx January 202_

 

Term:

 

Your appointment commences on the Commencement Date and ceases at the end of any meeting at which you are not re-elected as a Director by the shareholders of the Company or otherwise ceases in accordance with the Constitution (including on the effective date of your resignation).

 

Item 3: Services  

The Non-Executive Director will advise the Company on matters pertaining to his particular expertise being mining engineering & mining operations, leadership, management and provide corporate governance advice acting in the best interests of the Company.

 

The Non-Executive Director is also required to:

 

  (a)

provide advice as requested by the Board;

 

     
  (b)

attend and participate in Board Meetings, including considering all Board memorandums and information provided to the Board;

 

     
  (c)

attend and be a member of and chair, as applicable, Finance and Risk Committee, Remuneration/ Nomination Committee or such other committee established by the Board of which the Non-Executive Director is appointed as a member of the committee as resolved by the Board from time to time; and

     
  (d) if Item 4 of this Annexure 1 applies, chair the Board Meetings and provide the services as Director as set out in Item 5 of this Annexure 1.

 

Item 4: Director   The Non-Executive Director is the Director of the Board.

 

 

 

 

Item 5: Role of Director   If Item 4 of this Annexure 1 applies, the Non-Executive Director must:

 

  (e) chair all monthly Board Meetings and General Meetings of the Company unless unavoidably prevented from doing so;
     
  (f) in conjunction with the Chief Executive Officer, set the agenda for Board meetings;
     
  (g) review all Board papers ahead of any Board meeting;
     
  (h) bring independent judgment to bear on issues of strategy, performance, present and future availability and utilisation of resources and standards of conduct;
     
  (i) share responsibility with the other Directors for the effective control of the Company, and with the other Non-Executive Directors for the appointment of the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer and the superintendence of Executive Management;
     
  (j) be familiar with the corporate governance policies and principles which have been adopted by the Board, and taking a leadership role in ensuring these remain current and effective;
     
  (k) satisfy yourself as to the adequacy and integrity of financial and other reporting to the board and shareholders and that there are adequate systems of internal control;
     
  (l) satisfy yourself that systems for identification and management of risks are robust and appropriate; and
     
  (m) make yourself available, if called upon, to serve as a member of committees established by the Board.

 

   

As the Director the Non-Executive Director will be required to devote so much of your time as may be reasonably necessary for the proper performance of your duties.

 

As the Director, the Non-Executive Director must comply with your fiduciary duties and other obligations imposed on yourself as a director of the Company, including under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), and any other applicable legislation.

 

Item 6: Fees & Benefits  

An annual fee of A$xxxx (inclusive of superannuation contributions, if applicable) for up to 20 hours per month.

 

Any excess hours will be charged at AUD$xxx per hour.

 

Additional Benefits:

 

Nil

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 10.4

 

Nova Minerals Limited

Employee Share Option Plan (ESOP)

 

Adopted by the Board on 23 March 2018

 

 

Building a better

working world

 

 
 

 

Nova Minerals Limited

Employee Share Option Plan

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

1. Purpose 1
2. Operation of the Plan 1
3. Unvested Options 2
4. Vesting of Options 3
5. Ceasing to be an Eligible Person 5
6. Variations of capital 6
7. Divestment of a material business or subsidiary 7
8. Change of Control 7
9. Clawback and lapse or forfeiture for fraud or breach 8
10. Amendments to the Plan and terms 9
11. General terms and conditions 9
12. Interpretation and Definitions 11

 

Employee Share Option Plan Rules
 

 

1. Purpose

 

1.1.1The Plan is designed to allow the Board to make grants of Options to Eligible Persons which provide the opportunity to acquire Shares in the Company to assist with:

 

(a)attracting, motivating and retaining Eligible Persons;

 

(b)delivering rewards to Eligible Persons for individual and Company performance;

 

(c)allowing Eligible Persons the opportunity to become Shareholders; and

 

(d)aligning the interests of Eligible Persons with those of Shareholders.

 

2. Operation of the Plan

 

2.1Grant of Options

 

2.1.1The Board may, from time to time, in its absolute discretion, operate the Plan and:

 

(a)invite an Eligible Person to apply for a grant of; or

 

(b)grant an Eligible Person,

 

Options upon the terms of the Plan and upon such additional terms and conditions as the Board determines.

 

2.2Information to be provided

 

2.2.1At the time of the Invitation under Rule 2.1.1(a) or grant under Rule 2.1.1(b), the Board will provide each Eligible Person with an Invitation which contains the following information regarding the Options (to the extent it is relevant):

 

(a)the method and form of applying for, accepting, or rejecting a grant of Options, as applicable;

 

(b)the number or value of Options being granted, or the method or formula for determining the number or value of Options;

 

(c)the grant date applicable to the Options;

 

(d)any amount payable upon the grant of Options;

 

(e)details of any applicable Conditions, including performance and / or service conditions, and the applicable Period;

 

(f)the time or times at which the applicable Conditions will be tested in respect of the Period (at which time, the Options may Vest);

 

(g)the period during which Options may be exercised and the manner of exercise of those Options, as well as the applicable Exercise Price and any applicable Exercise Restrictions;

 

(h)details of any Trading Restriction on Shares allocated following the exercise of Options, whether on a mandatory or voluntary basis;

 

(i)how Options may be treated in the event a Participant ceases to be an Eligible Person;

 

(j)the time and circumstances when Options may lapse; and

 

(k)any other relevant terms and conditions attached to the Options allocated under the Plan.

 

2.3No payment on grant of Options

 

2.3.1Unless otherwise stated in the Invitation, in accordance with Rule 2.2.1(d), an Eligible Person is not required to pay for a grant of Options.

 

1Employee Share Option Plan Rules
 

 

2.4Differing terms

 

2.4.1The Board may decide to invite an Eligible Person to apply for, or make a grant of Options, on terms which are different for different Eligible Persons. In making this decision, the Board may have regard to:

 

(a)the Eligible Person’s length of service with the Company or a Group Company;

 

(b)the Eligible Person’s position within the Group and his or her remuneration; and

 

(c)any other matter the Board considers relevant.

 

2.5Terms of the grant of Options

 

2.5.1An Eligible Person who is granted Options is deemed to have agreed to be bound by:

 

(a)the Rules and the terms and conditions set out in the Invitation;

 

(b)the Constitution in respect of Shares allocated upon exercise of Options; and

 

(c)the Share Trading Policy and any other relevant Company policies, including any modifications applicable from time to time.

 

2.5.2Unless the Board determines otherwise, a grant of Options will not be made in part.

 

2.5.3The Board reserves the right to reject an application for a grant of Options from an Eligible Person who has received an Invitation. If the Board determines to exercise its discretion, the Invitation shall be deemed never to have been made.

 

2.5.4Nothing limits the Board’s ability to treat the conduct of an Eligible Person (including failure to return an “opt out” form, or other form of election not to participate in the specified offer, within the specified time) as valid acceptance of the relevant grant.

 

2.5.5To the extent of any inconsistency, the terms and conditions of a grant contained within the Invitation will prevail over any other provision of these Rules.

 

2.6Title to Options

 

2.6.1Unless the Board determines otherwise:

 

(a)a grant of Options is personal to the Participant and cannot be transferred to other persons or entities (subject to Rule 3.3.1); and

 

(b)Options may only be registered in the name of the Participant or the Trustee of any Share Trust.

 

2.6.2Where the Board determines to grant Options to a Nominee, Rule 2.5 applies to both the Eligible Person and Nominee and the Board may require both the Eligible Person and Nominee to agree to any terms and conditions and execute any forms that the Board determines prior to Options being granted.

 

3. Unvested Options

 

3.1Shareholder entitlements

 

3.1.1Unless the Board determines otherwise, a Participant shall not be entitled to vote, receive dividends or have any other rights of a Shareholder in respect of Options granted to him or her under these Rules until the underlying Shares are allocated to the Participant following exercise of the Options.

 

3.2Lapse of Options

 

3.2.1Subject to the Board’s overriding discretion, a Participant’s unvested Options will lapse upon the earliest to occur of:

 

(a)the date specified by the Board for the purposes of Rule 2.2.1(j);

 

2Employee Share Option Plan Rules
 

 

(b)failure to satisfy the Conditions by the end of the Period following testing under Rule 4.1; or

 

(c)a circumstance or event described in any of Rule 3.3 (Restrictions on transfer and hedging of Options), Rule 5 (Ceasing employment or directorship), Rule 6 (Variations of capital), Rule 7 (Divestment of a material business or subsidiary), Rule 8 (Change of Control), or Rule 9 (Clawback and lapse or forfeiture for fraud or breach) which results in the lapsing of Awards (whether automatically or as the Board determines;

 

(d)the 15th anniversary of the date of grant of the Options.

 

3.2.2The Board may specify in the Invitation additional circumstances in which a Participant’s Options may lapse.

 

3.3Restrictions on transfer and hedging of Options

 

3.3.1An Option is only transferable:

 

(a)with the consent of the Board and only in exceptional circumstances; or

 

(b)by force of law upon death to the Participant’s legal personal representative or upon bankruptcy to the Participant’s trustee in bankruptcy; or

 

(c)in accordance with Rule Error! Reference source not found.

 

3.4Restrictions on Options

 

3.4.1A Participant must not enter into any scheme, arrangement or agreement (including options and derivative products) under which the Participant, in respect of Options that remain subject to these Rules:

 

(a)may alter the economic benefit to be derived from any such Options, irrespective of future changes in the market price of Shares; and / or

 

(b)purports to mortgage, pledge, assign, encumber or create security over any interest in any such Options; and / or

 

(c)sell, transfer, dispose of, swap, option, alienate the rights or obligations attaching to or otherwise deal with any such Options.

 

3.5Dealings in breach of this Rule

 

3.5.1Where the Participant transfers an Option other than in accordance with Rule 3.3, or enters, or purports to enter, into any scheme, arrangement or agreement described in Rule 3.4, the Board may determine that the Option immediately lapses..

 

4. Vesting of Options

 

4.1Testing of Conditions

 

4.1.1Options will only Vest once the Board, in its discretion, determines that any relevant Conditions have been satisfied.

 

4.1.2Subject to Rule 4.1.3, following the end of the Period, the Board will:

 

(a)test the applicable Conditions (including any service conditions, if relevant) and determine the extent to which the Conditions have been satisfied and Options Vest and become exercisable (subject to any Exercise Restriction);

 

(b)determine the time when the Options Vest and become exercisable (subject to any Exercise Restriction); and

 

(c)within a reasonable timeframe, notify Participants of the extent to which any applicable Conditions have been satisfied and Options will Vest or have Vested.

 

3Employee Share Option Plan Rules
 

 

4.1.3Notwithstanding Rule 4.1.2, the Board may in its discretion, determine that Options Vest prior to the end of a Period. The Board also retains a discretion to adjust any performance and service related Conditions to ensure that Participants are neither advantaged nor disadvantaged by matters outside management’s control that affect the Conditions (for example, by excluding one-off non-recurrent items or the impact of significant acquisitions or disposals).

 

4.1.4Where a Participant remains an Eligible Person but takes a period of authorised unpaid absence during a Period, the Board has discretion to determine that a pro-rata number (based on the proportion of the Period during which the Participant has been on authorised unpaid absence), or such other number, of the Participant’s Options will lapse and will not be tested at the end of the applicable Period.

 

4.2Settlement of Options

 

4.2.1An Option is validly exercised if the Participant follows the process set out in the Invitation and pays the Exercise Price to the Company.

 

4.2.2If a Participant purports to exercise Options in contravention of any applicable Exercise Restriction, the Options will be deemed to have been exercised on the first date the Exercise Restriction ceases to apply (subject to payment of the relevant Exercise Price).

 

4.3Share settlement

 

4.3.1Each Vested and validly exercised Option entitles the Participant to receive the relevant number of Shares in the Company, as set out in the Invitation.

 

4.3.2All Shares issued under the Plan will rank equally in all respects with other Shares for the time being on issue by the Company (except as regards to any rights attaching to such other Shares by reference to a record date prior to the date of their allocation or transfer).

 

4.3.3If the Company issues Shares to the Participant under the Plan, the Company will apply for quotation of those Shares on the ASX within the period required by the ASX.

 

4.3.4Subject to any applicable Trading Restrictions and the terms of the Share Trading Policy, no restrictions shall apply to any Shares allocated under the Plan.

 

4.4Cashless exercise facility

 

4.4.1Subject to any applicable Laws and specific approval by the Board, a Participant may transfer some or all of their Vested Options to a third party acceptable to the Company which may be for consideration payable in the form of Shares or cash.

 

4.5Grant of Loans

 

4.5.1Subject to any applicable Law and the Listing Rules, the Company may invite a Participant to make a written application to the Board (in a form prescribed by the Company) for a Loan to fund the exercise of Vested Options at any time.

 

4.5.2The Board may only approve a Loan to a Participant if they remain an Eligible Person at the time the application for a Loan is made, and if the market value of the Shares underlying the Vested Options proposed to be exercised is greater than the aggregate Exercise Price payable by the Participant on those Vested Options.

 

4.5.3In determining whether an application for a Loan will be approved, the Board will consider any matters it deems to be appropriate which may include:

 

(a)the seniority of the Eligible Person and the position the Eligible Person occupies within the Group;

 

(b)the length of service the Eligible Person with the Group;

 

(c)the financial position of the Group and the capacity of the Group’s financial capacity to make a Loan;

 

(d)the Eligible Person’s individual performance within the Company;

 

4Employee Share Option Plan Rules
 

 

(e)the Company’s share value and share price performance; and

 

(f)any other matters deemed appropriate by the Board

 

4.5.4Any Loans approved by the Board will be made on such terms as the Board determines to be appropriate at the time of approving a Loan which may include the relevant interest rate (which may be nil) that may apply to the Loan and whether the Loan is full or limited recourse.

 

5. Ceasing to be an Eligible Person

 

5.1General rule

 

5.1.1Subject to Rules 5.2.1 and 5.3.1 applying, if a Participant ceases to be an Eligible Person prior the vesting of Options for any reason, all of the Participant’s unvested Options will lapse on cessation.

 

5.2Exceptions

 

5.2.1If a Participant ceases to be an Eligible Person prior to the vesting of Options by reason of:

 

(a)death;

 

(b)permanent and total disability;

 

(c)redundancy; or

 

(d)any other reason so determined by the Board,

 

the Participant’s unvested Options will not lapse on cessation and may Vest at the end of the applicable Period to the extent any performance related Conditions are satisfied when tested at that time, subject to any overriding Board discretion to determine an alternate treatment in accordance with Rule 5.3.

 

5.2.2If a Participant ceases to be an Eligible Person prior to the vesting of Options due to death, all unvested Options will be transferred to the Participant’s estate in accordance with all relevant Laws and treated in accordance with rule 5.2.1.

 

5.3Board discretion to determine treatment

 

5.3.1If a Participant ceases to be an Eligible Person prior to the vesting of Options for any reason then the Board may, in respect of any Options which have not Vested at the date of cessation, determine that:

 

(a)a pro-rata number (based on the proportion of the Period that has elapsed at the time of cessation), or such other number, of the Participant’s unvested Options will Vest to the extent that the performance related Conditions have been satisfied when tested at the end of the applicable Period;

 

(b)a pro-rata number (based on the proportion of the Period that has elapsed at the time of cessation), or such other number, of the Participant’s unvested Options will Vest to the extent that the performance related Conditions have been satisfied when tested at the time of cessation;

 

(c)any applicable Conditions or Periods in respect of some or all of the Options will be modified or waived; or

 

(d)some or all of the unvested Options lapse or are forfeited (and that such lapse or forfeiture will occur on the date of cessation as an Eligible Person),

 

and, in making any determination, the Board may have regard to any matter the Board considers relevant, including the proportion of the Period that has elapsed at the time of cessation and the degree to which the Conditions have been (or are estimated to have been) achieved.

 

5Employee Share Option Plan Rules
 

 

5.4Vested Options

 

5.4.1Where a Participant ceases to be an Eligible Person for reasons other than those described in Rule 5.4.3, all Vested Options, including Options that Vest pursuant to Rules 5.2 or 5.3, must, unless the Board determines otherwise, be exercised (as the case may be) within the later of 30 days following the Participant ceasing to be an Eligible Person or Vesting (as relevant).

 

5.4.2Unless the Board determines otherwise, Options which are not exercised within the period specified in Rule 5.4.1 will lapse.

 

5.4.3Where a Participant is terminated for cause (including gross misconduct or a material breach of contract), all Options (Vested or Otherwise) will automatically lapse, subject to the Board’s discretion to apply a different treatment at the time of termination.

 

5.5When employment or directorship ceases

 

5.5.1For the purposes of this Plan, a Participant will not be treated as ceasing to be an Eligible Person until such time as the Participant is no longer a director, employee or providing services to the Group.

 

5.6Overseas transfers

 

5.6.1If a Participant remains an Eligible Person but is transferred to work in another country, or changes tax residence status, and as a result would:

 

(a)become subject to restrictions on his or her ability to hold or deal in Options or Shares or receive any proceeds of sale from the sale of Shares due to the securities laws or exchange control laws of the country to which he or she is transferred; or

 

(b)suffer a tax disadvantage (or cause the Company to suffer a tax disadvantage),

 

the Board, in its discretion, may determine that Options Vest on such date, to such extent and on such terms as they determine, before or after the Eligible Person’s transfer takes effect.

 

6. Variations of capital

 

6.1Capital reorganisations, bonus issues and rights issues

 

6.1.1If, prior to Vesting, there is a Variation of Capital Event then, subject to Rule 6.1.4, the number of Options to which each Participant is entitled (or the Exercise Price) may be adjusted, including lapsing of Options, in the manner determined by the Board.

 

6.1.2It is intended that the Board would exercise its discretion under Rule 6.1.1 to ensure that Participants do not enjoy a windfall gain and do not suffer a material detriment as a result of any corporate action.

 

6.1.3If additional Options are granted as part of such an adjustment such Options will, unless the Board determines otherwise, be subject to the same terms and conditions as the original Options, including without limitation, any Condition.

 

6.1.4In respect of Options:

 

(a)if there is a reorganisation of capital, the rights of each Participant who has been allocated Options will be adjusted in the manner required by the Listing Rules applying at the time of the reorganisation; and

 

(b)where there is an issue of new Shares:

 

(1)each Participant who has been allocated Options may not participate in the new issue unless his or her Options have Vested and been exercised in accordance with these Rules prior to the date the Board resolved to issue the new Shares; and

 

(2)the Exercise Price, or number of Shares over which the Options may be exercised, will, in the case of a pro-rata issue, be adjusted in accordance with Listing Rule 6.22.2 (or any replacement rule) and, in the case of a bonus issue, be adjusted in accordance with Listing Rule 6.22.3 (or any replacement rule).

 

6Employee Share Option Plan Rules
 

 

7. Divestment of a material business or subsidiary

 

7.1.1Where the Company divests, or disposes of, a business or asset designated by the Board for this purpose as ‘material’, the Board may make special rules that apply to Participants in relation to the Options or Shares held pursuant to the Plan (and any other entitlements or Shares that may arise in relation to those Shares). Without limiting the Board’s discretion, such rules may include:

 

(a)varying the Condition applying to the Participant’s Options to take into account the divestment of the business or asset (if applicable); and

 

(b)deeming the Participant to remain an Eligible Person for a specific period.

 

7.1.2In order to bind a Participant, any special rules made under this Rule 7 must be notified to a Participant pursuant to Rule 10.1.2.

 

8. Change of Control

 

8.1Board discretion upon a Trigger Event

 

8.1.1If a Trigger Event occurs prior to the Vesting of an Option, then the Board may, within 14 days of the Trigger Event, determine in its absolute discretion the treatment of the Participant’s unvested Options and the timing of such treatment (and, where such discretion is exercised, the Board will notify affected Participant’s in accordance with Rule 8.3.1), which may include determining that the unvested Options:

 

(a)Vest (whether subject to further Conditions or not);

 

(b)lapse or are forfeited;

 

(c)remain subject to the applicable Conditions and/or Period(s);

 

(d)become subject to substitute or varied Conditions and/or Period(s); or

 

(e)may only be settled with shares other than Shares,

 

having regard to any matter the Board considers relevant, including, without limitation, the circumstances of the Trigger Event (including the value being proposed to Shareholders), the extent to which the applicable Conditions have been satisfied (or estimated to have been satisfied) at the time of the Trigger Event and / or the proportion of the Period that has passed at the time of the Trigger Event.

 

8.1.2Any Options that Vest pursuant to Rule 8.1.1(a) must be exercised (as the case may be) within 30 days from the date of receipt of notice under Rule 8.3.1, or such other period as the Board determines. Any Options not exercised within this period will lapse.

 

8.2Default treatment upon a Change of Control

 

8.2.1Subject to any specific terms overriding this treatment in an Invitation, or unless the Board determines otherwise, where the Board does not exercise a discretion pursuant to rule 8.1.1, upon a Change of Control, all of the Participant’s unvested Options will Vest and Conditions will be deemed to have been satisfied.

 

8.3Notification to Participants

 

8.3.1If the Board exercises its discretion pursuant to Rule 8.1.1 or a Change of Control occurs, the Company must immediately notify all affected Participants.

 

8.3.2Where a Participant holds a Vested Option at the date of the Change of Control (including those that Vest pursuant to Rule 8.2), he or she will have 30 days from the date of receipt of notice of the Change of Control, or such other period as the Board determines, in which to exercise the Options. Any Options not exercised within this period will lapse.

 

7Employee Share Option Plan Rules
 

 

8.4Acquisition of securities in another Company

 

8.4.1If a company (Acquiring Company) obtains control of the Company and the Acquiring Company, the Company and the Participant agree, a Participant may be provided with options or securities in the Acquiring Company (or its parent or its subsidiary) in substitution for the Options, on substantially the same terms and subject to substantially the same conditions as the Options, but with appropriate adjustments as to the number and type of awards or securities.

 

9. Clawback and lapse or forfeiture for fraud or breach

 

9.1Actions of a Participant

 

9.1.1Where, in the opinion of the Board, a Participant has obtained, or may obtain, an unfair benefit as a result of his or her act (whether intentional, inadvertent, direct or indirect) which:

 

(a)constitutes fraud, or dishonest or gross misconduct in relation to the affairs of the Group or any Group Company;

 

(b)brings the Group or any Group Company into disrepute;

 

(c)is in breach of his or her obligations to the Group or any Group Company, including compliance with any Company Clawback Policy and any other applicable Company policy;

 

(d)constitutes a failure to perform any other act reasonably and lawfully requested of the Participant; or

 

(e)has the effect of delivering strong Company performance in a manner which is unsustainable or involves unacceptably high risk, and results or is likely to result in a detrimental impact on Company performance following the end of the Period,

 

the Board may exercise its discretion under Rule 9.3 to ensure that no unfair benefit is obtained.

 

9.2Actions of any person

 

Where, in the opinion of the Board, a Participant has obtained, or may obtain, an unfair benefit or has sustained, or may sustain, a loss as a result of an act of any person (whether intentional, inadvertent, direct or indirect) which constitutes fraud, dishonesty or breach of obligations (including, without limitation, a material misstatement of financial information), then if an Option:

 

(a)which would not have otherwise Vested, Vests or may Vest, the Board may exercise its discretion under Rule 9.3 to ensure that no unfair benefit is obtained; or

 

(b)which may otherwise have Vested, does not Vest, the Board may reconsider the level of satisfaction of the applicable Conditions and reinstate and Vest any Option that may have lapsed to the extent that the Board determines appropriate in the circumstances or make a new grant of Options that reflect the terms of the original Options.

 

9.3Board’s powers in relation to Options

 

9.3.1In the circumstances set out in Rules 9.1 and 9.2 above, the Board may, in its absolute discretion, and subject to applicable Laws, determine any treatment in relation to an Option, including, without limitation, to:

 

(a)reset the Conditions and/or alter the Period applying to the Option;

 

(b)deem all or any Options which have not Vested to have lapsed or been forfeited (as relevant);

 

(c)deem all or any Shares allocated following exercise of an Option to not be subject to any further restrictions under this Plan, to have been forfeited; and/or

 

(d)where Shares that have been allocated to a Participant under the Plan have been subsequently sold, require that the Participant repay the net proceeds of such a sale.

 

8Employee Share Option Plan Rules
 

 

10. Amendments to the Plan and terms

 

10.1Amendments by the Board

 

10.1.1Subject to Rule 10.2, the Board may at any time and from time to time in its sole discretion amend, supplement or revoke, including by way of schedule, all or any of these Rules or all or any of the rights or obligations of the Participants.

 

10.1.2The Board must provide written notification to Participants affected by any amendment made pursuant to Rule 10.1.1 as soon as reasonably practicable after any such amendment has been made.

 

10.1.3Despite this Rule 10.1, no amendment to these Rules may materially reduce the rights of any Participant attaching to Options granted under the Plan prior to the date of the amendment or formulation, unless the amendment is made primarily for the purpose of complying with present or future Laws applicable to the Plan or the Company, to correct any manifest error or mistake, or with the consent of the relevant Participants.

 

10.1.4Any amendment made pursuant to this Rule 10.1 may be given such retrospective effect, if so determined by the Board.

 

10.2Listing Rules

 

The exercise of any powers under these Rules by the Board is subject to any restrictions or procedural requirements relating to the amendment of the rules of an employee incentive scheme or of issued options imposed by any Law or by the Listing Rules as applicable to the Plan or Options, as the case may be, unless those restrictions, conditions or requirements are relaxed or waived by the ASX or any of its delegates either generally or in a particular case or class of cases and either expressly or by implication.

 

10.3Non-residents of Australia

 

10.3.1Notwithstanding anything in these Rules the Board may at any time, and from time to time, amend, supplement or revoke (including by way of schedule) any of these Rules to apply to an Eligible Person or Participant employed in, resident in or who are citizens of countries other than Australia.

 

10.3.2Any different Rules made under Rule 10.3.1 shall be restricted in its application to those Eligible Persons and Participants employed in, resident in or who are citizens of the foreign country or countries specified by the Board, and such rules may be amended, supplemented or revoked in accordance with Rule 10.1.

 

10.3.3For the purposes of clarification, any different rules that are adopted under Rule 10.3.1 may have an adverse impact upon Eligible Persons or Participants. However, any different rules that may apply must comply, to the extent legal and practicable, with the basic principles of the Plan.

 

11. General terms and conditions

 

11.1Options and obligations of Participants

 

11.1.1Unless the subject of an express provision in an employment contract or appointment letter (as applicable), the rights and obligations of any Participant under the terms of their office, employment or contract with the Company are not affected by their participation in the Plan.

 

11.1.2Except where expressly contemplated, these Rules will not form part of and are not incorporated into any contract between any Participant (whether or not they are an Eligible Person) and the Company. The grant of Options is on a particular basis in any year does not create any right or expectation of the grant of Options (or any other award) on the same basis, or at all, in any future year.

 

11.1.3No Participant has any right to compensation for any loss in relation to the Plan.

 

9Employee Share Option Plan Rules
 

 

11.1.4Each Participant appoints the company secretary of the Company (or any other officer of the Company authorised by the Board for this purpose) as his or her agent to do anything necessary to:

 

(a)allocate Options to the Participant in accordance with these Rules; and

 

(b)execute transfers of Shares in accordance with these Rules.

 

11.2Power of the Board

 

11.2.1The Board administers the Plan and has absolute and unfettered discretion in exercising any power or discretion concerning the Plan and may:

 

(a)delegate to any person for the period and on the terms it decides the exercise of any of its powers or discretions under the Plan;

 

(b)decide on appropriate procedures for administering the Plan consistent with these Rules;

 

(c)establish, implement and operate a Share Trust, and delegate authority to a Trustee, for the purposes of delivering and holding Shares on behalf of Participants;

 

(d)resolve conclusively all questions of fact or interpretation concerning the Plan and these Rules and any dispute of any kind that arises under the Plan;

 

(e)subject to Rule 10, amend, add to or waive any provision of the Plan (including this Rule 11.2) or any term or condition (including a Condition or other restriction) relating to the Options or Shares;

 

(f)determine to suspend or cease operation of the Plan at any time and take any actions required to effect the winding up of the Plan;

 

(g)act or refrain from acting at its discretion under these Rules or concerning the Plan or the Options or Shares held under the Plan; and

 

(h)waive any breach of a provision of the Plan.

 

11.2.2Except as otherwise expressly provided in the Plan, the Board has absolute and unfettered discretion to act or refrain from acting under or in connection with the Plan and in the exercise of any power or discretion under the Plan.

 

11.3Waiver of terms and conditions

 

Notwithstanding any other provisions of the Plan, the Board may at any time waive in whole or in part any terms or conditions (including any Condition) in relation to any Options granted to a Participant under the Plan and the Rules.

 

11.4Dispute or disagreement

 

In the event of any dispute, disagreement or uncertainty as to the interpretation of the Plan, or as to any question or right arising from or related to the Plan or to any Options or Shares granted under it, the decision of the Board is final and binding.

 

11.5Personal information

 

Subject to compliance with the Privacy Policy, the Privacy Act and all applicable Law, each Participant consents to the Company or its agents (and each of their Related Parties) collecting, holding and using personal information that the Participant provides in the application to participate in the Plan or otherwise provides to the Company or its agents (and each of their Related Parties) as part of their employment, in order to carry out the administration and operation of the Plan in accordance with these Rules, including providing relevant information to:

 

(a)the Plan manager or another entity that manages or administers the Plan on behalf of the Company;

 

(b)any broker or external service provider, including a tax or financial adviser;

 

10Employee Share Option Plan Rules
 

 

(c)the trustee of any Securities Trust;

 

(d)any government department or body; and

 

(e)any other person or body as required or authorised by Law.

 

11.6Notices

 

A notice or other communication under or concerning the Invitation or the Rules is validly given to a Participant if:

 

(a)delivered personally to the Participant;

 

(b)sent by prepaid post to the Participant’s last known residential address;

 

(c)sent to the Participant by facsimile, email or other electronic means at the Participant’s place of work; or

 

(d)posted on an electronic notice board maintained by or on behalf of the Company and accessible by the Participant,

 

and will in the case of (a), (c) and (d) above, be treated as being received immediately following the time it was sent, posted, or delivered, and where it is sent by regular post it will be treated as received 48 hours after it was posted.

 

11.7Laws governing Plan

 

The Plan and any Options granted and Shares allocated under it are governed by the laws of Victoria and the Commonwealth of Australia. Any agreement made under the Plan is entered into in the State of Victoria and each Participant submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of that state to herein determine matters arising under the Plan.

 

11.8Tax

 

11.8.1Unless otherwise required by Law, the Company is not responsible for any Taxes which may become payable by a Participant as a consequence of or in connection with the grant of any Options, the allocation or transfer of any Shares or any dealing with any Options or any Shares.

 

11.8.2The Company or the Trustee will have the right to withhold or collect from a Participant such Taxes as the Company or Trustee is obliged, or reasonably believes it is obliged, to account for to any taxation authority. In exercising this right, the Company or the Trustee may:

 

(a)require the Participant to provide sufficient funds (by way of salary deduction or otherwise); or

 

(b)sell Shares to be issued or transferred to the Participant, including the sale of sufficient Shares to cover any costs of such sale.

 

12. Interpretation and Definitions

 

12.1Interpretation

 

In the Plan, the following Rules apply unless a contrary intention appears:

 

(a)capitalized terms have the meanings provided in Rule 12.2;

 

(b)headings are for convenience only and do not affect the interpretation of the Plan unless the context requires otherwise;

 

(c)any reference in the Plan to any statute or statutory instrument includes a reference to that statute or statutory instrument as amended;

 

(d)any words denoting the singular include the plural and words denoting the plural include the singular;

 

(e)any words denoting the masculine apply equally to the feminine equivalent; and

 

11Employee Share Option Plan Rules
 

 

(f)where any word or phrase is given a definite meaning in this Plan, any part of speech or other grammatical form of that word or phrase has a corresponding meaning.

 

12.2Definitions

 

ASX Australian Securities Exchange
   
Board The board of directors of the Company, or any committee, person or body to which the board duly delegates its powers and authorities to under this Plan
   
Change of Control Occurs where, as a result of any event or transaction, a person or entity becomes entitled to more than 50% of the Shares of the Company
   
Company Nova Minerals Limited (ACN 006 690 348)
   
Condition One or more performance or service related conditions which must be satisfied before an Option Vests subject to the Rules of the Plan
   
Constitution The constitution of the Company operating as a contract between the Company and its members and officers, as amended from time to time
   
Corporations Act Means the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth)
   
Eligible Person Any employee or director of the Group, or any other person that the Board determines is eligible
   
Exercise Price The amount payable on exercise of an Option as determined by the Board and specified for the purposes of Rule 2.2.1
   
Exercise Restriction Restrictions on the ability of a Participant to exercise a Vested Option as specified for the purposes of Rule 2.2.1
   
Group The Company, its subsidiaries and any other entity declared by the Board to be a member of the Group for the purposes of the Plan (and Group Company means any member of the Group)
   
Invitation A letter or document, in any form, provided by the Company (or a Group Company) to an Eligible Person setting out the terms and conditions of the grant of Options, including the information set out in Rule 2.2.1
   
Law The laws applicable to the operation of the Plan from time to time, including any applicable securities laws of the jurisdiction in which an Eligible Person receiving an Invitation under the Plan is located
   
Listing Rules The official Listing Rules of the ASX and any other exchange on which the Company is listed as they apply to the Company from time to time
   
Loan Means an amount of money lent to a Participant to fund the Exercise Price payable on the exercise of Vested Options on terms and conditions determined by the Board.
   
Nominee Means:
     
  (a) an immediate family member of the Eligible Person;
     
  (b) a company whose members comprise no persons other than the Eligible Person or immediate family members of the Eligible Person;
     
  (c) a corporate trustee of a self-managed superannuation fund (within the meaning of the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993) where the Eligible Person is a director of the trustee,
     
  nominated by the Eligible Person to receive the grant of Options and which has been approved by the Board.

 

12Employee Share Option Plan Rules
 

 

Option An entitlement to receive a Share subject to satisfaction of Conditions and compliance with the applicable exercise procedure (including payment of any applicable Exercise Price), granted to a Participant under the Plan on the terms and conditions determined by the Board
   
Participant An Eligible Person (or its Nominee) who has been granted Options under the Plan
   
Period The period or periods over which the Conditions are measured or tested as specified by the Board for the purpose of the Option
   
Plan This Nova Minerals Limited Employee Share Option Plan
   
Privacy Act The Privacy Act 1988 (Cth)
   
Privacy Policy The privacy policy that applies to the Company from time to time
   
Rules The rules of the Plan, as amended from time to time
   
Share Trading Policy The trading policy that applies to the Company from time to time in respect of the Shares
   
Share Trust A trust established by the Company to hold Shares on behalf of Participants
   
Share A fully paid ordinary share in the capital of the Company
   
Shareholder A registered holder of a Share
   
Takeover Bid As defined in section 9 of the Corporations Act
   
Taxes Any tax, levy, contribution or duty (including any associated penalty or interest amount), social security liability or other liability imposed by any Law, governmental, semi-governmental, judicial or other authority
   
Trading Restriction Restriction on transfer imposed on Shares allocated under the Plan
   
Trigger Event Means where:
     
  (a) a Takeover Bid is made for the Company and the Board resolves to recommend the bid to Shareholders;
     
  (b) a court convenes a meeting of Shareholders to be held to vote on a proposed scheme of arrangement pursuant to which control of the majority of the Shares may change;
     
  (c) a notice is sent to Shareholders proposing a resolution for the winding up of the Company; or
     
  (d) any transaction or event is proposed that, in the opinion of the Board, may result in a person becoming entitled to exercise control over the Company,
     
  and each Trigger Event is a separate event that allows the Board to exercise its discretion pursuant to Rule 8
     
Trustee The trustee from time to time of the Share Trust
   
Variation of Capital Event Means an event where one of the following occurs:
     
  (a) any reorganisation (including consolidation, subdivision, reduction or return) of the issued capital of the Company;
     
  (b) Shares are issued to the Company’s Shareholders by way of a bonus issue; or
     
  (c) Shares are offered to the Company’s Shareholders by way of a rights issue
     
Vest Means on the satisfaction (or deemed satisfaction) of Conditions and a Participant becoming entitled to, subject to the Rules of the Plan, have the Shares underlying his or her Options allocated to him or her upon valid exercise and Vested or Vesting shall be construed accordingly.

 

13Employee Share Option Plan Rules

 

 

Exhibit 10.5

 

NOVA MINERALS LIMITED

ACN 006 690 348

 

AK MINERALS PTY LTD

ACN 620 650 786

 

AKCM (AUST) PTY LTD

(a company to be registered)

 

 

INCORPORATED JOINT VENTURE AGREEMENT

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

    Page
1. INTERPRETATION 1
2. ESTABLISHMENT OF JOINT VENTURE AND PURPOSE 6
3. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT 7
4. CAPITAL STRUCTURE 7
5. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES 8
6. STAGE 1: PROJECT FUNDING AND 30% EARN-IN 9
7. STAGE 2: PROJECT FUNDING AND 51% EARN-IN 10
8. STAGE 3: PROJECT FUNDING AND 70% EARN-IN 12
9. ONGOING CONTRIBUTION TO PROJECT EXPENDITURE 13
10. DILUTION AND ROYALTY 14
11. MANAGER 15
12. BOARD OF DIRECTORS 18
13. DECISION TO MINE 20
14. DECISIONS REQUIRING NOVA APPROVAL 20
15. COMPANY ACCOUNT, INSPECTION AND REPORTING 21
16. ASSIGNMENT AND TRANSFER 22
17. CONFIDENTIALITY 23
18. TERM AND TERMINATION 24
19. DISPUTE RESOLUTION 25
20. GST 26
21. NOTICES 27
22. JVCO CONSTITUTION AND THIS AGREEMENT 28
23. ENTIRE AGREEMENT, MODIFICATIONS AND WAIVERS 28
24. PARTIES TO GIVE EFFECT TO AGREEMENT 28
25. COSTS AND STAMP DUTY 28
26. ENUREMENT 29
27. SEVERABILITY 29
28. GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION 29
29. COUNTERPARTS 29
30. NOVA DIRECTOR APPOINTMENTS 29

 

Schedules

 

Schedule 1 Tenements
Schedule 2 Royalty

 

-i-

 

 

AGREEMENT made on 17 December ___ 2017

 

BETWEEN:

 

NOVA MINERALS LIMITED ACN 006 690 348 of Level 17, 500 Collins Street, Melbourne Vic 3000 (Nova)

 

AND

 

AK MINERALS PTY LTD ACN 620 650 786 of 13 Marengo Ave, Figtree NSW 2525 (AKM)

 

AND

 

AK MINERALS PTY LTD ACN 620 650 786 for and on behalf of AKCM (AUST) PTY LTD, a new company to be registered in Australia of 13 Marengo Ave, Figtree NSW 2525 (JVCo).

 

BACKGROUND

 

A.AKM is the beneficial owner of the Tenements through its 100% owned subsidiary, AKCM.
  
B.Nova and AKM have agreed to associate themselves as an incorporated joint venture on the terms and conditions contained in this Agreement to conduct exploration and mining operations on the Tenements.

 

OPERATIVE PART

 

The parties agree as follows:

 

1.INTERPRETATION

 

1.1Defined Terms

 

In this Agreement the following terms shall have the following meanings, unless the subject matter or context otherwise requires:

 

Agreement means this agreement;

 

AKCM means AK Custom Mining LLC, a company incorporated in Alaska;

 

Bankable Feasibility Study means a comprehensive Feasibility Study of a mineral deposit within the Exploration Area in which all geological, engineering, operating, economic and other relevant factors are considered in sufficient detail that it could reasonably serve as a basis for a financial decision by a financial institution to finance the development of the deposit for mineral production;

 

Board means the board of Directors of JVCo;

 

Business Day means a day other than a weekend or public holiday in Melbourne, Victoria;

 

Change of Control means, in the context of Nova, means any of the following:

 

(a)a bona fide takeover bid is declared unconditional and the bidder has acquired a relevant interest in at least 50.1% of issued ordinary shares;
   
(b)more than 50% of the board of directors of Nova as at the Commencement Date resign or are otherwise removed;

 

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(c)any director of Nova nominated by AKM under clause 30 is removed by a resolution of the shareholders of Nova (except with the prior written consent of AKM); or
   
(d)a court approves, under section 411(4)(b) of the Corporations Act 2001, a proposed compromise or arrangement for the purposes of, or in connection with, a scheme for the reconstruction of Nova or its amalgamation with any other company or companies.

 

Commencement Date means the date of satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set out in clause 3.1;

 

Competent Authority means any United States or Alaskan federal, state or local governmental, quasi-governmental or regulatory department, body, instrumentally, agency or other authority having jurisdiction over the Joint Venture, the Project or any of the other activities of the Joint Venture;

 

Confidential Information means information of one party (the Disclosing Party) which is disclosed to or observed by another party or the Manager (the Receiving Party) in connection with Joint Venture Operations or as a result of the exercise by the Receiving Party of its rights under clause 21.2 and which includes information relating to technology, processes, products, specifications, inventions and designs, used or developed by the Disclosing Party, and trade secrets and know-how and information of a commercially sensitive nature, but does not include any information which:

 

(a)at the time of the first disclosure to or observation by the Receiving Party, was already in the lawful possession of the Receiving Party in written form;
   
(b)is in or comes into the public domain otherwise than by disclosure in breach of the terms of this Agreement; or
   
(c)becomes available to the Receiving Party from any other source provided that it was not acquired directly or indirectly from the Disclosing Party;

 

Development Area is defined in clause 13.4;

 

Development Proposal is defined in clause 13.4;

 

Director means a director of JVCo;

 

Disclosing Party is defined in clause 17.1;

 

Dispose in relation to any property means to sell, transfer, assign, create an Encumbrance over, declare oneself a trustee of or part with the benefit of or otherwise dispose of the relevant property (or any interest in it or any part of it);

 

Encumbrance means any mortgage, pledge, lien, hypothecation, charge or other form of security interest or interest in the nature of a security interest and Encumber, Encumbrancer and Encumbrancee have corresponding meanings;

 

Expenditure means all costs, expenses, liabilities and charges incurred and actually paid or accrued (when not cash items) in conducting Exploration and maintaining the Exploration Area, subject always to the following:

 

(a)Overheads of Nova or JVCo will not be counted towards Stage 1 Expenditure, Stage 2 Expenditure or Stage 3 Expenditure; and

 

(b)only the actual costs of personnel of Nova or JVCo who work on the Project (including remuneration and on-costs, and where travel is involved: flights, ground transport, accommodation and living costs) will be counted towards Stage 1 Expenditure, Stage 2 Expenditure or Stage 3 Expenditure.

 

-2-

 

 

Expert has the meaning given in clause 19;

 

Exploration means all activities aimed at the discovery, location and delineation of ore within the Exploration Area and all activities necessary, expedient, conducive or incidental thereto including the carrying out of Feasibility Studies, but does not include the implementation of a Development Proposal, Explore shall have a corresponding meaning;

 

Exploration Area means the area of the Tenements and includes all land below the surface of that area and also includes any other area, whether or not contiguous to the areas referred to above, which the parties unanimously agree shall form part of the Exploration Area;

 

Feasibility Study means a review and study of the technical, commercial and economic feasibility of mining within a part or all of the Exploration Area and for the development of all associated infrastructure and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, containing such other information as the Board shall require;

 

Force Majeure means delay or failure that arises from a cause beyond a labour difficulty, act of public enemy, war, blockade, revolution, riot, insurrection, civil commotion, lightning, storm, fire, flood, earthquake, explosion, or any action, inaction, demand, order, restraint, restriction, requirement, prevention, frustration or hindrance by or of any person, government or other competent authority, embargo, unavailability of essential equipment or other material, lack of transportation and any other cause whether specifically referred to above or otherwise which is not within its reasonable control;

 

Insolvency Event means the happening of any of these events in relation to a party:

 

(a)an application (not being an application which is withdrawn or dismissed within 28 days or which is frivolous or vexatious) is made to a court or an order is made that it be wound up or that a provisional liquidator be appointed in relation to it or it enters into a scheme of arrangement, deed of company arrangement or composition with or assignment for the benefit of, all or any class of its creditors or its proposes a re-organisation, moratorium or other administration involving any of them other than in any such case for the purposes of a solvent reconstruction approved by the other party;
   
(b)it resolves to wind itself up or otherwise dissolve itself or gives notice of intention to do so, except to reconstruct or amalgamate whilst solvent on terms approved by the other party;
   
(c)it is or states that it is insolvent;
   
(d)it fails to pay an amount with the consequence that it is deemed under an applicable law to be insolvent; or
   
(e)any other event or occurrence having a substantially similar effect to any of the events specified above, happens under the law of any applicable jurisdiction.

 

Joint Funding Commencement Date has the meaning given in clause 9.1;

 

Joint Venture means the joint venture between the parties to be established pursuant to this Agreement;

 

-3-

 

 

Joint Venture Expenditure means:

 

(a)expenditure provided for in a Programme and Budget approved by the Board in accordance with clause 12;
   
(b)expenditure not specifically set out in a Programme and Budget and is required to:

 

(i)address an emergency, environmental protection or rehabilitation obligations;
   
(ii)meet obligations lawfully prescribed by a Competent Authority (or other governmental agency) having authority in respect of any matter directly connected with the Project or by applicable law including maintenance of the Tenements in good standing and to keep them in good condition; or
   
(iii)meet a cost overrun in carrying out a Programme and Budget (that could not have reasonably been avoided by proper diligence, care and operating practice) which does not exceed the budgeted amount in any Programme and Budget by more than 15%;

 

(c)expenditure stated or deemed elsewhere in this Agreement to be Joint Venture Expenditure; and
   
(d)any other expenditure which the parties agree shall be Joint Venture Expenditure;

 

Joint Venture Operations means all activities conducted by or on behalf of the parties pursuant to this Agreement on or after the Joint Venture Commencement Date;

 

Joint Venture Property means all property of whatever kind now held or hereafter acquired or created or held for use by or on behalf of the parties or any of them for the purposes of the Joint Venture (including, without limitation, the Exploration Area, all Product and all treatment and other facilities established or acquired by or on behalf of the parties for the purpose of conducting Joint Venture Operations and mining information);

 

Manager means Nova and each person appointed from time to time to manage Joint Venture Operations pursuant to clause 11 (provided that references to the Manager do not include references to Nova in any capacity other than as Manager);

 

Notice is defined in clause 21.1;

 

Option means option to enter into a joint venture to explore and develop the Project as provided for under the Terms Sheet;

 

Overheads mean administrative and corporate expenses and includes any overhead costs of the Board or of the board of directors of Nova and any salaries or wages paid by Nova or JVCo, but excludes any drilling, exploration, geological or other mining overheads or any remuneration for or costs relating to any technical employees, personnel or secondees to the extent that they carry out work on the Project;

 

Product means any mineral product recovered or produced from ore by Joint Venture Operations;

 

-4-

 

 

Programme and Budget means in respect of a period of time, which shall be no longer than six months:

 

(a)a programme for the proposed prospecting, exploration and appraisal operations to be carried out on in the Exploration Area, together with a budget showing in detail the estimated expenditure in respect of that programme.

 

(b)a summary of work undertaken by the Manager during the preceding period together with a statement of expenditure during that period,

 

prepared by the Manager in accordance with this Agreement;

 

Project means the project to develop, operate and, at the appropriate time, close and rehabilitate an operation to mine, produce and sell minerals, metals and other products of mining on and from the Tenements;

 

Related Body Corporate means a related body corporate within the meaning of Section 50 of the Corporations Act 2001;

 

Royalty means a net smelter return royalty as set out in Schedule 2;

 

Schedule means a schedule to this Agreement;

 

Scoping Study means a preliminary technical and economic evaluation of a potential mineral deposit undertaken by JVCo within the Exploration Area that may be based on a combination of directly gathered project data and assumptions borrowed from similar deposits or operations to the case envisaged, which includes a preliminary mine plan, sensitivity analysis and proposed metallurgical circuit and initial flowsheet, that is in any event consistent with clause 38 of the JORC Code (2012 Edition).

 

Share means share in the capital of JVCo;

 

Shareholder means holder of a Share;

 

Specified Proportion means, in relation to a Shareholder, the proportion which the number of Shares held by that Shareholder bears to the total number of Shares held by all Shareholders;

 

Stage 1 means the period starting on the Commencement Date and ending at the end of the Stage 1 Timeframe or earlier withdrawal by Nova from the Joint Venture;

 

Stage 2 means the period starting on the date on which a Stage 2 Election is made under clause 6.5(a) and ending at the end of the Stage 2 Timeframe or earlier withdrawal by Nova from the Joint Venture;

 

Stage 3 means the period starting on the date on which a Stage 3 Election is made under clause 7.5(a) and ending at the end of the Stage 3 Timeframe or earlier withdrawal by Nova from the Joint Venture;

 

Tenements means:

 

(a)the mining tenements listed in Schedule 1; and
   
(b)any other lease, licence, claim, permit or other tenement or authority which confers or may confer on a party a right to prospect, explore for or mine minerals in the whole or any part of the Exploration Area , or which is ancillary to the conduct of any of those activities, and includes any renewal, reissuance, extension, modification, substitution, variation, amalgamation or subdivision of or for any of the foregoing and any application for or interest in any of the foregoing which confers or will confer like rights, from time to time held by or on behalf of one or more of the parties; and

 

-5-

 

 

Terms Sheet means terms sheet document between Nova and AKM dated on or about 15 November 2017.

 

1.2Interpretation

 

In the interpretation of this Agreement unless the subject matter or context otherwise requires:

 

(a)The symbol “$” or references to “dollars” means the lawful currency of Australia;
   
(b)references to the Corporations Law, any other Act of Parliament, code, regulation, ordinance or to any statutory instrument issued under any of them or to any provision of any of them shall be read amendment, modification or re-enactment or any statutory
   
(c)words denoting the singular include the plural and vice versa and, in particular (but without limitation) any word, words, expression or expressions defined in the singular shall have a corresponding meaning if used in the plural and vice versa;
   
(d)the table of contents and headings to clauses and Schedules are for the purposes of more convenient reference only and do not form part of this Agreement or affect its construction or interpretation;
   
(e)references to a person include an individual person and a body corporate and references to an individual include a body corporate and vice versa;
   
(f)references to a recital, clause or schedule are references to a recital, clause or Schedule of this Agreement;
   
(g)references to any agreement, deed, instrument or other document (including, without limitation, references to this Agreement) include the same as amended, novated, supplemented, varied or replaced from time to time;
   
(h)references to a gender includes each other gender; and

 

(i)references to a party or to the Manager or to a party to any other agreement, understanding or document include its successors and permitted assigns and (where applicable) legal personal representatives.

 

2.ESTABLISHMENT OF JOINT VENTURE AND PURPOSE

 

2.1With effect from the Commencement Date, the Shareholders agree that they will associate themselves in an incorporated joint venture in JVCo as provided for under this Agreement.
   
2.2The parties acknowledge and agree that the sole purpose of JVCo shall, in the absence of agreement by the parties to the contrary, be the development and operation of the Project in accordance with the terms hereof and as is agreed by the parties from time to time, including:

 

(a)undertaking exploration over the Exploration Area;
   
(b)undertaking consistently with sound exploration practice a feasibility study as to the economics of one or more commercial mining operations on the Project; and
   
(c)if a feasibility study concludes commercial mining operations are economically feasible in accordance with sound mining practices, developing, bringing into production and operating one or more mining operations on the Exploration Area.

 

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2.3JVCo will be registered as a company with the Australian Securities & Investments Commission within 1 month after the date of this Agreement. If the chosen name for JVCo is not available, a similar name (to be chosen by mutual agreement between Nova and AKM) will be adopted.

 

2.4When JVCo is registered as a company and it ratifies this document, Nova irrevocably and unconditionally releases and discharges AKM and each director of AKM from:

 

(a)all liability under section 131 of the Corporations Act 2001 (C’th); and

 

(b)any claims which Nova has or which but for this clause 2.4 it could, would or might at any time hereafter have or have had against AKM or any director of AKM arising out of this document or the operation of section 131 of the Corporations Act 2001 (C’th).

 

3.CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

 

3.1This Agreement and the rights and obligations of the parties under it is conditional upon:

 

(a)Nova exercising the Option within the timeframe stipulated in the Terms Sheet; and

 

(b)JVCo being incorporated and registered at the Australian Securities and Investments Commission and AKM transferring to JVCo all of its right, title and interest (free of Encumbrances) in the issued share capital of AKCM to the reasonable satisfaction of Nova.

 

3.2Each of the parties will use their best endeavours to procure that the conditions precedent in clause 3.1 is satisfied on or before 31 January 2018. If either or both of the conditions precedent in clause 3.1 are not satisfied or waived by Nova on or before that date (or such later date as the parties may agree), then this Agreement will be at an end in which case no party will have any further rights or obligations against or to any other party.

 

4. CAPITAL STRUCTURE

 

4.1Unless otherwise agreed by the parties or provided for under this Agreement, all shares on issue in JVCo shall be fully paid ordinary shares which shall be paid up in full on issue and have the same rights, including, but not limited to, voting rights, rights in respect of dividends and on winding up of the JVCo.

 

4.2The initial shareholding of the Company shall be as follows:

 

Party  No. Shares   % Holding 
AKM   2,940    99.966%
Nova   1    0.034%
Total   2,941    100%

 

4.3In addition, AKM will be issued with one Share in another class (Redeemable Special Voting Share) that will confer no rights unless and until there is a Change of Control in Nova at any time after Nova first becomes entitled to 51% of JVCo under clause 7.6 and any of the following apply:

 

(a)Nova becomes entitled to 51% of JVCo under clause 7.6 but does not make a Stage 3 Election in accordance with clause 7.5(a);

 

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(b)Nova has suspended further Expenditure under clause 8.4 and has either not made a commitment under clause 8.6(c) or has notified AKM that it does not intend to make such a commitment; or

 

(c)Nova does not fulfil the Stage 3 Expenditure within the Stage 3 Timeframe,

 

upon which:

 

(d)the Redeemable Special Voting Share will confer AKM with the power to cast 51% of all votes that may be cast in relation to any Shareholder resolution or at any meeting of Shareholders, regardless of how many other Shares that may be held by that Shareholder or any other Shareholder or the voting rights relating to those other Shares;

 

(e)the Redeemable Special Voting Share will not confer any rights to dividends or to any distributions or return of capital; and

 

(f)the Redeemable Special Voting Share is not transferable.

 

The Redeemable Special Voting Share will be redeemable at any time for $0.01 at the election of AKM, and will in any event be automatically redeemed for $0.01 on the Joint Funding Commencement Date.

 

4.4Except as provided in this Agreement, JVCo shall not, except with the prior written agreement of each of the Shareholders, allot or issue any shares in its capital or any options to acquire shares in its capital.

 

5.REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

 

5.1AKM represents and warrants to Nova that, as at the date of execution of this Agreement and at the Commencement Date:

 

(a)AKM and JVCo have full right, title and authority to enter into this Agreement;

 

(b)there is no litigation or other proceedings of which AKM is aware which materially adversely affects or has the ability to materially adversely affect its obligations under this Agreement;

 

(c)there are no agreements granting third party rights which would prevent AKM or JVCo from acting in the manner contemplated by this Agreement;

 

(d)AKCM is the registered holder and beneficial owner of each of the Tenements;

 

(e)the Tenements are in good standing, full force and effect and are not, so far as AKM is aware, liable to surrender, cancellation, forfeiture or non-renewal;

 

(f)neither AKM nor AKCM has received and/or is aware of any notice of intention of the Competent Authorities to cancel or forfeit any of the Tenements and/or is aware of any fact or circumstance which may give rise to any such notice;

 

(g)all material obligations and conditions in respect of the Tenements have been observed and fulfilled;

 

(h)the Tenements are free of Encumbrances;

 

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(i)there are no proceedings or litigation or claims for native title (or similar claims) under any legislation concerning the whole or any part of the land the subject of the Tenements pending or threatened in any court or tribunal of which it is aware; and

 

(j)neither AKM nor AKCM is engaged in any litigation or arbitration proceedings in respect of the Tenements or any part thereof or arising out of claims for personal injuries or property damage of a material nature.

 

5.2Nova represents and warrants to AKM that:

 

(a)Nova has full right, title and authority to enter into this Agreement;

 

(b)there is no litigation or other proceedings of which Nova is aware which materially adversely affects or has the ability to materially adversely affect its obligations under this Agreement; and

 

(c)there are no agreements granting third party rights which would prevent Nova from acting in the manner contemplated by this Agreement.

 

6.STAGE 1: PROJECT FUNDING AND 30% EARN-IN

 

6.1Nova may earn a 30% interest in JVCo by making the following payments and sole funding Exploration as follows:

 

(a)Nova will pay $105,000 to AKM within 14 days of the Commencement Date being its obligation to pay the Option exercise fee pursuant to the Terms Sheet; and

 

(b)Nova will incur or cause to be incurred minimum Expenditure of $300,000 in addition to the amount payable under clause 6.1(a) (Stage 1 Expenditure) by the first anniversary of the Commencement Date (Stage 1 Timeframe), which Expenditure shall include all sums spent by Nova (and agreed by AKM prior to the Commencement Date as having been spent by Nova) in undertaking due diligence investigations into AKM and the Project prior to execution of this Agreement.

 

6.2If Nova is unable to fulfil the Stage 1 Expenditure within the Stage 1 Timeframe because of an event of Force Majeure or Nova is unable to gain access to Tenements where such access is essential for the purposes of carrying out the work contemplated in relation to Stage 1 (each a Stage 1 Delay Event), Nova must, as soon as reasonably practicable thereafter, give a notice in writing (Stage 1 Delay Notice) to AKM setting out:

 

(a)detailed particulars of the Stage 1 Delay Event; and

 

(b)the date to which, having regard to the Stage 1 Delay Event, Nova, acting reasonably and in good faith requires the Stage 1 Timeframe to be extended, to enable it to spend the Stage 1 Expenditure in full.

 

If Nova gives a Stage 1 Delay Notice, the Stage 1 Timeframe will be extended to the date specified in Nova compliance with clause 6.3.

 

6.3Following the issue of a Stage 1 Delay Notice, senior representatives must meet and in good faith review, consider and agree on:

 

(a)how the existing work program can be adjusted to minimise the effect of the Stage 1 Delay Event; and

 

(b)the extent to which such adjustment (if any) will reduce the delay caused by the Stage 1 Delay Event.

 

If they are able to reach agreement on the above, the date specified in the Stage 1 Delay Notice will be deemed to have been changed to the new agreed date.

 

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6.4Nova may, at any time prior to spending the full Stage 1 Expenditure, withdraw from the Joint Venture without earning any interest in JVCo or any entitlement to Shares and this Agreement will come to an end, and Nova will have no claim against AKM, AKCM or JVCo to recover any Expenditure. If Nova has not spent the full Stage 1 Expenditure within the Stage 1 Timeframe, then Nova will be deemed to have withdrawn (at the expiry of the Stage 1 Timeframe) from the Joint Venture under this clause.

 

6.5After spending the Stage 1 Expenditure within the Stage 1 Timeframe:

 

(a)Nova may elect, no later than 30 days after the expiry of the Stage 1 Timeframe, to commence Stage 2 of the Joint Venture (as described in clause 7) by giving written notice of such election to AKM (Stage 2 Election); or

 

(b)failing such election, Nova will be deemed to have withdrawn from the Joint Venture without earning any interest in or entitlement to Shares and, subject to clause 6.8, this Agreement will come to an end and Nova will have no claim against AKM, AKCM or JVCo to recover any Expenditure.

 

6.6Upon Nova making the Stage 2 Election, JVCo must, and AKM must procure that JVCo does, forthwith allot and issue that number of new Shares to Nova such that the shareholding in JVCo will be as follows:

 

Party  No. Shares   % Holding 
AKM   2,940    70%
Nova   1,260    30%
Total   4,200    100%

 

Upon the issue of the new Shares to Nova, Nova agrees to be bound by the constitution of JVCo.

 

6.7Any amount spent prior to Stage 2 Election under clause 6.5 which is in excess of the Stage 1 Expenditure will be credited to Stage 2 Expenditure under clause 7. If Nova makes such additional expenditure but does not elect to continue to Stage 2, Nova will have no claim against AKM, AKCM or JVCo to recover any such additional Expenditure.

 

6.8If Nova withdraws from the Joint Venture under clause 6.4 or fails to make a Stage 2 Election in accordance with clause 6.5(a), Nova shall without further formality be deemed to have assigned to AKM Share and interest in JVCo for $1 and shall at its cost including legal costs, stamp duty and all government or statutory charges, do all acts, matters and things reasonably required in order to give full effect to the assignment, including executing forms of transfer.

 

7.STAGE 2: PROJECT FUNDING AND 51% EARN-IN

 

7.1Provided that Nova has made a Stage 2 Election, Nova may earn a 51% interest (being an aggregate of the 30% interest earned under clause 6.6 plus an additional 21% interest) in JVCo by Nova incurring or causing to be incurred minimum Expenditure of $1,000,000 (Stage 2 Expenditure) by the first anniversary of the date of the Stage 2 Election (Stage 2 Timeframe), which Expenditure shall include such excess Expenditure from Stage 1 as provided under clause 6.7.

 

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7.2If Nova is unable to fulfil the Stage 2 Expenditure within the Stage 2 Timeframe because of an event of Force Majeure or Nova is unable to gain access to Tenements where such access is essential for the purposes of carrying out the work contemplated in relation to Stage 2 (each a Stage 2 Delay Event), Nova must, as soon as reasonably practicable thereafter, give a notice in writing (Stage 2 Delay Notice) to AKM setting out:

 

(a)detailed particulars of the Stage 2 Delay Event; and

 

(b)the date to which, having regard to the Stage 2 Delay Event, Nova, acting reasonably and in good faith requires the Stage 2 Timeframe to be extended, to enable it to spend the Stage 2 Expenditure in full.

 

If Nova gives a Stage 2 Delay Notice, the Stage 2 Timeframe will be extended to the date specified in Nova 2 Delay Notice, subject to compliance with clause 7.3.

 

7.3Following the issue of a Stage 2 Delay Notice, senior representatives must meet and in good faith review, consider and agree on:

 

(a)how the existing work program can be adjusted to minimise the effect of the Stage 2 Delay Event; and

 

(b)the extent to which such adjustment (if any) will reduce the delay caused by the Stage 2 Delay Event.

 

If they are able to reach agreement on the above, the date specified in the Stage 2 Delay Notice will be deemed to have been changed to the new agreed date.

 

7.4Nova may, at any time prior to spending the full Stage 2 Expenditure, withdraw from the Joint Venture without earning any interest in JVCo or any entitlement to Shares and, subject to clause 7.8, this Agreement will come to an end, and Nova will have no claim against AKM, AKCM or JVCo to recover any Expenditure. If Nova has not spent the full Stage 2 Expenditure within the Stage 2 Timeframe, then Nova will be deemed to have withdrawn (at the expiry of the Stage 2 Timeframe) from the Joint Venture under this clause.

 

7.5After spending the Stage 2 Expenditure within the Stage 2 Timeframe:

 

(a)Nova may elect, no later than 30 days after the expiry of the Stage 2 Timeframe, to commence Stage 3 of the Joint Venture (as described in clause 8) by giving written notice of such election to AKM (Stage 3 Election); or

 

(b)failing such election, Nova will have no claim against AKM, AKCM or JVCo to recover any Expenditure, and AKM is entitled to seek third party funding for the Project on and from the expiry of the 30 day period for making a Stage 3 Election if there is a Change of Control in Nova at any time after the end of Stage 2.

 

7.6Upon Nova completing the Stage 2 Expenditure within the Stage 2 Timeframe, JVCo must, and AKM must procure that JVCo does, forthwith allot and issue that number of new Shares to Nova such that the shareholding in JVCo will be as follows:

 

Party  No. Shares   % Holding 
AKM   2,940    49%
Nova   3,060    51%
Total   6,000    100%

 

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7.7Any amount spent prior to Stage 3 Election under clause 7.5 which is in excess of the Stage 2 Expenditure will be credited to Stage 3

 

Expenditure under clause 8. If Nova makes such additional Expenditure but does not elect to continue to Stage 3, Nova will have no claim against AKM or JVCo to recover any such additional Expenditure.

 

7.8If Nova withdraws from the Joint Venture under clause 7.4 or fails to complete the Stage 2 Expenditure in the Stage 2 Timeframe, Nova shall without further formality be deemed to have assigned to AKMs Shares and interest in JVCo for $1 and shall at its cost including legal costs, stamp duty and all government or statutory charges, do all acts, matters and things reasonably required in order to give full effect to the assignment, including executing forms of transfer.

 

8.STAGE 3: PROJECT FUNDING AND 70% EARN-IN

 

8.1Provided that Nova has made a Stage 3 Election, Nova may earn a 70% interest in JVCo (being an aggregate of the 51% interest earned under clause 7.6 plus an additional 19% interest) by Nova incurring or causing to be incurred minimum Expenditure of $2,000,000 (Stage 3 Expenditure) by the second anniversary of the date of the Stage 3 Election (Stage 3 Timeframe), which Expenditure shall include such excess Expenditure from Stage 2 as provided under clause 7.7.

 

8.2If Nova is unable to fulfil the Stage 3 Expenditure within the Stage 3 Timeframe because of an event of Force Majeure or Nova is unable to gain access to Tenements where such access is essential for the purposes of carrying out the work contemplated in relation to Stage 3 (each a Stage 3 Delay Event), Nova must, as soon as reasonably practicable thereafter, give a notice in writing (Stage 3 Delay Notice) to AKM setting out:

 

(a)detailed particulars of the Stage 3 Delay Event; and

 

(b)the date to which, having regard to the Stage 3 Delay Event, Nova, acting reasonably and in good faith requires the Stage 3 Timeframe to be extended, to enable it to spend the Stage 3 Expenditure in full.

 

If Nova gives a Stage 3 Delay Notice, the Stage 3 Timeframe will be extended to the date specified in Nova Stage 3 Delay Notice, subject to compliance with clause 8.3.

 

8.3Following the issue of a Stage 3 Delay Notice, senior representatives must meet and in good faith review, consider and agree on:

 

(a)how the existing work program can be adjusted to minimise the effect of the Stage 3 Delay Event; and

 

(b)the extent to which such adjustment (if any) will reduce the delay caused by the Stage 3 Delay Event.

 

If they are able to reach agreement on the above, the date specified in the Stage 3 Delay Notice will be deemed to have been changed to the new agreed date.

 

8.4Provided that Nova has made a Stage 3 Election, Nova may, at any time prior to spending the full Stage 3 Expenditure, suspend further Expenditure (but for the avoidance of doubt cannot withdraw from the Joint Venture). If, regardless of whether Nova has suspended further Expenditure, Nova does not fulfil the full Stage 3 Expenditure within the Stage 3 Timeframe, then Nova will have no claim against AKM, AKCM or JVCo to recover any Expenditure, but Nova will be entitled to retain its 51% interest in JVCo earned under clause 7.6.

 

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8.5After spending the Stage 3 Expenditure within the Stage 3 Timeframe, JVCo must, and AKM must procure that JVCo does, forthwith allot and issue that number of new Shares to Nova such that the shareholding in JVCo will be as follows:

 

Party  No. Shares   % Holding 
AKM   2,940    30%
Nova   6,860    70%
Total   9,800    100%

 

8.6If:

 

(a)there is a Change of Control in Nova at any time after the end of Stage 2;

 

(b)Nova suspends further Expenditure towards the Stage 3 Expenditure during the Stage 3 Timeframe; and

 

(c)Nova does not provide a written commitment to AKM to complete the Stage 3 Expenditure within the Stage 3 Timeframe (which will become a legally binding obligation on Nova to do so) within 1 month of a request from AKM, then AKM is entitled to seek third party funding for the Project prior to the expiry of the Stage 3 Timeframe.

 

8.7If Nova does not fulfil the Stage 3 Expenditure within the Stage 3 Timeframe (regardless of whether or not Nova has made a written commitment under clause 8.6) and there is a Change of Control in Nova at any time after the end of Stage 2, then AKM is entitled to seek third party funding for the Project on and from the expiry of the Stage 3 Timeframe.

 

8.8If AKM is entitled to seek third party funding for the Project under clauses 8.6 or 8.7, Nova acknowledges and agrees that such funding may involve

 

the issue of additional Shares

 

JVCo. The number and price of any such additional Shares will be determined by the Board.

 

9.ONGOING CONTRIBUTION TO PROJECT EXPENDITURE

 

9.1Upon Nova’s interest in JVCo becoming 70% under clause 8, Nova will continue as sole funder of the Project until the date on which a Scoping Study is completed in respect of the Project or part thereof (where the date on which such a Scoping Study is completed is the Joint Funding Commencement Date). Prior to the Joint Funding Commencement Date, diluted or otherwise reduced below this level.

 

9.2On and from the Joint Funding Commencement Date, each Shareholder will contribute to Joint Venture Expenditure in proportion to its Specified Proportion that is:

 

(a)required to carry out Programmes and Budgets;

 

(b)for Joint Venture Expenditure not specifically set out in a Programme and Budget and is required to:

 

(i)address an emergency, environmental protection or rehabilitation obligations;

 

(ii)meet obligations lawfully prescribed by a Competent Authority (or other governmental agency) having authority in respect of any matter directly connected with the Project or by applicable law including maintenance of the Tenements in good standing and to keep them in good condition;

 

(iii)meet a cost overrun in carrying out a Programme and Budget (that could not have reasonably been avoided by proper diligence, care and operating practice) which does not exceed the budgeted amount in any Programme and Budget by more than 15%; or; or

 

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(c)otherwise approved by the Board or incurred in a manner provided for in this Agreement.

 

9.3In respect of joint funding as contemplated, JVCo will issue a contribution notice to each Shareholder specifying the contribution to be paid by that Shareholder in respect of the relevant expenditure (Contribution Notice).

 

9.4Unless otherwise agreed by the Shareholders, all contributions will be satisfied by equity contribution, by each Shareholder subscribing for new Shares in an amount and at an issue price per Share determined by the Board.

 

9.5Each Shareholder must within 10 Business Days after receipt by that Shareholder of a Contribution Notice, or such longer period as is stated in the Contribution Notice, pay to JVCo the amount of the contribution in cleared funds. A failure by a Shareholder to contribute all or part of the amount specified in a Contribution Notice will not constitute a breach of or default by that Shareholder.

 

9.6If a Scoping Study in respect of the Project or part thereof has not been under clause 8 (70% Date) and there is a Change of Control in Nova after the 70% Date, then AKM is entitled to seek third party funding for the Project on and from the expiry of that 2 year period.

 

9.7If AKM is entitled to seek third party funding for the Project under clause 9.6, then:

 

(a)Nova must act reasonably and in good faith to cooperate with AKM to seek and secure third party funding for the Project; and

 

(b)Nova acknowledges and agrees that such funding may involve the JVCo. The number and price of any such additional Shares will be determined by the Board.

 

10. DILUTION AND ROYALTY

 

10.1On and from the Joint Funding Commencement Date, the Specified Proportion of a Shareholder (Diluting Shareholder) shall be reduced and diluted in accordance with clause 10.2 if the Diluting Shareholder does not contribute the full amount specified in the relevant Contribution Notice

 

10.2If clause 10.1 applies, the Diluting Shareholder’s Specified Proportion must be reduced and the Specified Proportion of the other Shareholder must be increased in accordance with the following formula:

 

where:

 

 

A = the Specified Proportion of the relevant Shareholder on and from the date of the calculation;

 

B = the relevant Shareholder’s total contributions actually made to Joint Venture Expenditure pursuant to issued Contribution Notices up to the date of the calculation;

 

C = the total Joint Venture Expenditure from the Joint Funding Commencement Date up to the date of the calculation.

 

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10.3In order to effect the change in the Specified Proportions of the Shareholders, JVCo must, and the parties must procure that JVCo does, forthwith allot and issue that number of new Shares to Nova such that the Specified Proportions of each Shareholder are adjusted accordingly. To the extent that a capital reconstruction is required to be undertaken in JVCo in order to effect this change, the Shareholders will do all things reasonably required of them to do so, including executing all relevant documents (including written resolutions) and exercising their voting power accordingly.

 

10.4Where AKM’s Specified Proportion falls to 15% or below, its Specified Proportion shall be fixed at 15% and cannot be diluted or otherwise reduced below this level and JVCo shall pay the Royalty to the AKM in accordance with Schedule 2.

 

10.5The parties will, within 3 months after the date of this Agreement, negotiate in good faith on and enter into a formal stand-alone royalty agreement for the payment of the Royalty. The formal stand-alone royalty agreement will incorporate the terms set out in Schedule 2, and will otherwise be on terms which are agreed by the parties and are customary for agreements of this nature.

 

11.MANAGER

 

11.1Nova shall be manager of the Joint Venture (Manager) subject to the terms of this Agreement.

 

11.2The Manager, by itself or through its employees, agents or contractors, shall have the conduct of all Joint Venture Operations on behalf of the parties and for this purpose shall have possession and control of all Joint Venture Property.

 

11.3Within 30 days of the Commencement Date, and thereafter at intervals of not more than 6 months, the Manager shall prepare and submit a Programme and Budget, in consultation with AKM, for consideration and approval by the Board.

 

11.4Subject to clause 11.5 and to the due provision of funds to meet Joint Venture Expenditure by the parties obliged to provide them, the Manager shall conduct Joint Venture Operations in accordance with Programmes and Budgets approved by, and the lawful decisions and directions of, the Board, but otherwise in its absolute discretion. No party, and no Representative of a party, shall have any power to give directions or instructions to the Manager except through participation in a decision of the Board.

 

11.5In addition to its obligations specified elsewhere in this Agreement the Manager shall:

 

(a)comply with all statutory obligations and applicable laws;

 

(b)do all things necessary to ensure that all Tenements are maintained in good standing, including but not limited to prepare and lodge all statutory reports relating to the Tenements required to be prepared and lodged by AKCM, and to spend all minimum expenditures required under the terms of the Tenements or as required by any Competent Authority;

 

(c)keep or cause to be kept in accordance with the Accounting Procedure and with generally accepted accounting standards and practices in Australia applied on a consistent basis, true and fair records and comprehensive books, accounts and records of Joint Venture Operations, Joint Venture Expenditure and of all Joint Venture Property and of all transactions entered into by or on behalf of the parties;

 

(d)pay all costs and expenses incurred through the conduct of Joint Venture Operations;

 

(e)furnish to the Board a quarterly summary of Joint Venture Expenditure;

 

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(f)furnish to the Board a quarterly (or more frequently if the Manager in its discretion so determines) technical summary of Joint Venture Operations;

 

(g)obtain and maintain in force all insurances required by law and any additional insurance that the Board requires to be effected; and

 

(h)maintain proper systems of internal control to enable the Joint Venture Property to be adequately controlled and accounted for and to provide reasonable control of transactions.

 

11.6Subject always to clause 11.7, the Manager may charge JVCo with all costs, expenses and liabilities of the Manager incurred by the Manager in the performance of its duties and obligations under this Agreement (which shall be deemed Joint Venture Expenditure) including, without limitation:

 

(a)the proportion of salaries and wages and related loadings (including, without limitation, overtime) and other emoluments and benefits of employees of the Manager and of employees seconded from its Related Bodies Corporate (relative to the respective periods of their service with the Manager) that reasonably relates to Joint Venture Operations;

 

(b)the current cost of plans for group life assurance, medical service and hospitalisation, superannuation, pension, thrift, bonus and other benefit plans of like nature for Joint Venture personnel when and as accrued;

 

(c)travel, lodging, subsistence and incidental expenses of personnel incurred in performance of the obligations of the Manager under this Agreement;

 

(d)materials, plant, buildings, equipment and supplies (including the cost and procurement and storage thereof) purchased by the Manager for Joint Venture Operations;

 

(e)transportation of Joint Venture personnel, and of materials, equipment and supplies (including freight forwarding, customs duties and landing charges);

 

(f)service and utilities procured from outside sources for Joint Venture Operations including utilities procured from any Related Body Corporate of the Manager;

 

(g)the cost of the Manager of employing contractors and subcontractors in connection with Joint Venture Operations;

 

(h)all costs or expenses for the repair or replacement of Joint Venture Property due to damage or losses by fire, flood, storm, theft, accident or other cause (to the extent that the same is not compensated by insurance);

 

(i)costs and expenses of handling, investigating and settling litigation and claims including legal fees and expenses, and the amount of any judgments obtained against the Manager or any of the other parties (and any agreed settlement) insofar as the same relate to Joint Venture Property or to the activities of the Manager under this Agreement or the discharging of liens;

 

(j)legal services necessary or expedient in connection with the activities of the Manager under this Agreement (including, without limitation, relating to compliance with any relevant environmental laws or regulations);

 

(k)rates, taxes or governmental (municipal or otherwise) assessments of every kind (except taxes based upon or measured by income) levied, assessed or imposed upon or in connection with Joint Venture Property or the recovery of Product or the delivery of Product to the other party;

 

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(l)rentals or renewal fees in relation to the Joint Venture;

 

(m)premiums paid for insurance carried in accordance with this Agreement together with all expenditure incurred and paid in settlement of any and all losses, claims, damages, judgments and other expenses of Joint Venture Operations, including legal services, not recovered from the insurers;

 

(n)the cost of utility services such as power, gas water and communications, including postage, telephone, cable, facsimile, telex and radio, and the cost of installing and rendering any of those services; and

 

(o)up to the date that a decision to mine is made under this Agreement and notwithstanding clause 11.7(a), an overhead rate of 10% of Expenditure calculated in accordance with standard mining industry practice.

 

11.7Despite clause 11.6, the Manager is not permitted to charge JVCo the following costs, expenses and liabilities incurred by the Manager:

 

(a)Overheads of Nova; and

 

(b)the costs of any Nova personnel that does not reasonably relate to Joint Venture Operations.

 

11.8The Manager from time to time shall continue as Manager until and shall cease to be Manager upon the occurrence of one of the following events:

 

(a)it resigns from the office of Manager, which it may do at any time by giving 90 days’ prior notice to JVCo, subject to the following:

 

(i)the Manager is not permitted to resign during the Stage 1 Timeframe or Stage 2 Timeframe unless Nova has withdrawn or has been deemed to withdraw from the Joint Venture;

 

(ii)the Manager is not permitted to resign during the Stage 3 Timeframe unless Nova has suspended further Expenditure under clause 8.4 and has either not made a commitment under clause 8.6 or has notified AKM that it does not intend to make such a commitment;

 

(b)an order is made for the winding-up or dissolution without winding-up of the Manager (otherwise than for the purposes of reconstruction or amalgamation); or

 

(c)a receiver, receiver and manager, administrator or like official is appointed over, or a holder of an Encumbrance takes possession of, the whole or any substantial part of the undertaking and property of, the Manager.

 

11.9The parties agree that they will use all reasonable efforts to ensure that a meeting of the Board is called prior to, or as soon as practicable after, the Manager ceases to hold office, for the purpose of appointing a successor Manager.

 

11.10(a) Forthwith upon ceasing to hold office, the outgoing Manager shall deliver to the successor Manager operating control of all bank accounts of JVCo and AKCM, all Joint Venture Property and all confidential information in its possession or under its control and all documents, books, records and accounts relating to the Joint Venture which it was the responsibility of the outgoing Manager to maintain PROVIDED HOWEVER that the outgoing Manager shall be entitled to retain copies of all documents, books, records and accounts for its own records.

 

(b) If title to any Joint Venture Property is held in the name of the outgoing Manager it shall promptly transfer that title to either JVCo or AKCM and the costs of that transfer shall be Joint Venture Expenditure.

 

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12.BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

12.1Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, on and from the Commencement Date the Board shall consist of three directors of which Nova shall be entitled to nominate two Directors, one of whom shall be the chairperson of the Board (Chairperson) and AKM share be entitled to nominate one Director. However, Nova must procure that at least one of the Directors it has nominated resigns from the Board, and AKM is entitled to nominate two Directors, one of whom shall become the Chairperson, if there is a Change of Control in Nova at any time after Nova first becomes entitled to 51% of JVCo under clause 7.6 and any of the following apply:

 

(a)Nova becomes entitled to 51% of JVCo under clause 7.6 but does not make a Stage 3 Election in accordance with clause 7.5(a);

 

(b)Nova has suspended further Expenditure under clause 8.4 and has either not made a commitment under clause 8.6(c) or has notified AKM that it does not intend to make such a commitment; or

 

(c)Nova does not fulfil the Stage 3 Expenditure within the Stage 3 Timeframe.

 

12.2Upon a Shareholder no longer holding an interest in any Shares, that Shareholder shall forthwith procure the resignation from the Board of its appointed Directors.

 

12.3The nomination of a Director to the Board, pursuant to this Agreement, shall be made by notice served on the other Shareholder and on JVCo.

 

12.4The Shareholders hereby agree to exercise their voting rights in JVCo to ensure that any person nominated to be a Director by any Shareholder, pursuant to the terms hereof, is appointed to the Board, as soon as practicable after such nomination.

 

12.5Each Shareholder shall be entitled to cause the removal from the Board of any Director nominated by it and each Shareholder agrees to exercise its voting rights in JVCo for the purposes of effecting the removal of any such Director in the same manner provided in clause 12.4.

 

12.6If by reason of the death, retirement or removal of a Director or for any other reason, a vacancy occurs on the Board, the Shareholder who appointed such former Director shall be entitled to nominate a replacement Director and the terms of clause 12.4 shall bind the parties in respect of the same.

 

12.7No Shareholder shall use its voting rights in JVCo for the purposes of voting in favour of a resolution to remove any director from the Board appointed upon the nomination of another Shareholder unless that other Shareholder consents in writing thereto.

 

12.8Each Director shall be entitled, from time to time, to appoint an alternate director to represent and speak on behalf of such Director at Board meetings and to vote on such Director’s behalf at Board meetings.

 

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12.9Subject to clause 12.10, the Shareholders agree that no business shall be transacted at a meeting of the Board and no resolutions shall be passed unless at least one Director nominated by each of the Shareholders is present.

 

12.10If at least one Director nominated by each Shareholder is not present:

 

(a)within an hour of the time appointed for a meeting of the Board then the meeting shall stand adjourned to such day, time and place as the Directors present may determine, not being less than 3 days from the date of the meeting first convened; or

 

(b)within an hour of the time appointed for a meeting adjourned in accordance with clause 12.10(a) then any two Directors present at that adjourned meeting may proceed with the meeting, notwithstanding that there may not be present a Director nominated by each Shareholder.

 

12.11Any Director may convene a meeting of the Board at any time by giving at least 5 days written notice to the other Directors stating that a meeting shall be convened on a specified day, time and place and the matters to be considered. No notice of meeting shall be necessary when all the Directors are present and agree upon the meeting being held and the agenda for such meeting.

 

12.12An agenda for a meeting of the Board shall be furnished to all Directors by the Chairperson not less than 2 days before such meeting is scheduled to be held. Matters not included in the agenda for a meeting of the Board shall not be considered at such meeting, unless all Directors (including any Director not present at the meeting) agree.

 

12.13The Chairperson shall cause full and accurate minutes to be prepared covering the business conducted and decisions reached at each meeting of the Board.

 

12.14In addition to its statutory and other legal function, the Board shall:

 

(a)review the conduct of Joint Venture Operations by the Manager;

 

(b)determine the policies, nature and content of Programmes and Budgets for Joint Venture Operations to be prepared by the Manager;

 

(c)give general directions as to the manner in which the Manager shall carry out Joint Venture Operations;

 

(d)receive and discuss reports of the Manager;

 

(e)consider and approve (subject to modification or otherwise) or reject annual, supplementary and revised programmes in accordance with any provision of this Agreement;

 

(f)consider and approve or reject any development proposals presented by the Manager;

 

(g)review and modify a Programme and Budget during its currency;

 

(h)give directions and instructions to the Manager relating to the carrying out of any programme and the holding of or dealing with Joint Venture Property;

 

(i)act on all other matters requiring approval of the Management Committee by the terms of this Agreement; and

 

(j)undertake all those functions that are provided in this Agreement.

 

-19-

 

 

12.15Decisions by the Board shall, subject to clause 12.16, be by majority vote of Directors and a resolution in respect of which a majority of the number of Directors present at a duly convened meeting vote in favour shall be deemed to be a decision or determination of the Board. The Chairperson shall have a casting vote in the event of an equality of votes.

 

12.16The Board may pass valid resolutions outside Board meetings, provided the proposal concerned has been notified in writing to all of the Directors and all Directors have approved the proposal concerned, in the form of a written statement signed by all Directors as evidence of their approvals where such written statement may be signed in separate counterparts and all such counterparts shall be read as comprising one written statement. Such decisions shall be of no less force or effect as decisions adopted at a validly held meeting of the Board.

 

12.17Board meetings shall be held at a location that the Chairperson decides. A Director may attend by telephone or video conferencing provided that such Director gives advance notice of his or her intention to so attend (and in the case of video conferencing such facilities are reasonably available at a reasonable cost) and provided also that he or she can hear everything said at such meeting and the members physically present at the meeting can hear everything he or she says;

 

12.18Each Shareholder shall cause the Directors nominated by it to exercise their vote at meetings of the Board and otherwise to exercise their powers as a Director in such manner so as to ensure that the Shareholder complies with the terms of this Agreement.

 

12.19Strictly subject at all times to any applicable law to the contrary, a Director shall be entitled to act in carrying out his duties as such Director on behalf of the Shareholder that nominated such Director.

 

13.DECISION TO MINE

 

13.1The development of any mineralisation discovered through the conduct of Joint Venture Operations and the production of Product in or from the Exploration Area and all related mining, processing, treatment and transportation shall be undertaken only in the manner and according to the procedures set out in this clause 13.

 

13.2If any mineralisation is discovered within the Exploration Area through Joint Venture Operations and the Board considers it to be capable of economic exploitation, the Board may direct the Manager to prepare for consideration by the Board a Feasibility Study.

 

13.3The costs of preparing a Feasibility Study pursuant to clause 13.2 shall be Joint Venture Expenditure.

 

13.4The Manager may submit to the Board at any time a proposal for mining of ore from all or any part of the Exploration Area (Development Area) based on a Feasibility Study prepared pursuant to clause 13.2 (Development Proposal). The parties shall ensure that the Board meets to consider and vote upon any Development Proposal within 30 days of its submission and if such Development Proposal is approved by the Board a Decision to Mine will be deemed to have been made on the date of such approval.

 

13.5A Development Area must be no larger than is reasonably necessary for the purposes of the economic development of the ore including provision for the location of all infrastructure.

 

-20-

 

 

14.DECISIONS REQUIRING NOVA APPROVAL

 

14.1Subject to clause 14.2, none of following acts or decisions will be made or implemented by the Board, JVCo or the Shareholders unless Nova has first given its written consent to the making and implementation of such act or decision:

 

(a)to Dispose, abandon, surrender or relinquish of any or all of the Tenements;

 

(b)to Dispose of any shares in AKCM or a decision to issue any further shares in AKCM;

 

(c)the acquisition by JVCo or AKCM of any shares or other equity interests in a third party entity or establishment of a subsidiary company;

 

(d)the payment of Directors’ fees, expenses and remuneration or other benefits;

 

(e)the determination or declaration of any dividends;

 

(f)to enter into any joint venture, partnership or other association;

 

(g)to enter into any commitment or liability which is not in the ordinary course of business or to borrow any moneys for the Project;

 

(h)any alteration of JVCo or AKCM’s share capital (whether by way of reduction, increase, consolidation, subdivision, cancellation or otherwise) not contemplated or provided for under this Agreement;

 

(i)any amendment, variation or replacement of JVCo’s constitution or AKCM’s constituent documents;

 

(j)any increase or decrease in the number of Directors;

 

(k)the voluntary liquidation of JVCo or AKCM; and

 

(l)the variation of rights attaching to any issued Shares or other securities in JVCo.

 

14.2Clause 14.1 ceases to apply if the voting rights of the Redeemable Special Voting Share are activated.

 

15.COMPANY ACCOUNT, INSPECTION AND REPORTING

 

15.1JVCo will open and maintain a special purpose bank account (which will be interest-bearing) in the name of JVCo and into which account all contributions made by the Shareholders and all other receipts by JVCo on account of the Project will be deposited and from which all expenditure and Project costs and expenses will be paid or reimbursed by JVCo. All interest earned on the account will be held in and applied as part of the account. The Director appointed by AKM must be given read-only access to such bank account.

 

15.2Each Shareholder and its duly authorised representatives, at the cost and risk of the Shareholder concerned, will, on reasonable notice to JVCo, be allowed access to the Tenements at all reasonable times for the purposes of inspecting the Tenements and related Project and the Joint Venture Property, and the carrying out of the Joint Venture Operations. Each Shareholder will ensure that its representatives cause no inconvenience to, or interference with, the conduct of Joint Venture Operations, do not give any instructions or directions to any person engaged in the conduct of Joint Venture Operations and comply strictly with any safety regulations or instructions promulgated or given by or on behalf of the Manager. For the avoidance of doubt, this clause does not apply to Directors acting on JVCo business or to personnel of a Shareholder who are seconded to JVCo or are otherwise carrying out work in relation to Joint Venture Operations; the access costs relating to such Directors or personnel will be paid for by JVCo.

 

15.3The Company must, at the same time as providing the documentation to the Competent Authorities (or any other governmental agency), provide to the Shareholders a full copy of every quarterly report or other any other report or information provided to the Competent Authorities or the relevant governmental agency.

 

-21-

 

 

16.ASSIGNMENT AND TRANSFER

 

16.1A reference to “assign” or any other form of that word in this clause includes a sale, transfer or Disposal of any kind.

 

16.2A Shareholder may assign all or some of its Shares in accordance with this clause and not otherwise.

 

16.3A Shareholder will be entitled to assign all or some of its Shares and its other rights hereunder to a Related Corporation wholly owned by the assignor but the Related Corporation must immediately reassign the same if it ceases to be a Related Corporation which is wholly owned by the assignor.

 

16.4Any assignment by a Shareholder (other than an assignment under clause 16.3) will be subject to the pre-emptive rights of the other Shareholder (Pre-Emptive Rights). Under the Pre-Emptive Rights, if a Shareholder (Transferor) intends to assign all or some of its Shares (Offered Interest) to any third party it shall first offer to sell the Offered Interest to the other Shareholder upon the following basis:

 

(a)the Transferor shall state to the other Shareholder in writing the terms upon which it is prepared to sell the Offered Interest, and in particular:

 

(i)the consideration to be paid for the acquisition of the Offered Interest (Consideration) and, where the Consideration is in whole or part comprised of property other than money, precise details of that property;

 

(ii)where the Consideration is comprised wholly or partly of property other than money, the sum of money which in the bona fide and reasonable opinion of the Transferor is the monetary value of the Consideration (Money Equivalent), which the Transferor covenants that it will accept in substitution for the Consideration; and

 

(iii)all other material terms pertaining to the sale of the Offered Interest and the payment of the Consideration;

 

(b)if the other Shareholder disputes that the Money Equivalent is the reasonable monetary value of the Consideration then either Shareholder may by notice in writing to the the other Shareholder require that the Money Equivalent be determined by an Expert nominated in accordance with clause 19.4;

 

(c)the Expert shall accept submissions from the Shareholders as to the Money Equivalent within 14 days of his appointment and shall state his determination in writing within 28 days of his appointment and in making his determination the Expert may consult with such other professionally qualified person as he in his absolute discretion thinks fit; and

 

(d)the determination of the Expert as to the Money Equivalent shall be final and binding on the Transferor and each other Shareholder,

 

but if the other Shareholder is not prepared to acquire the whole of the Offered Interest upon the terms on which it is offered within 30 days of the making of that offer or 30 days of the determination of the Expert (whichever is later) the Transferor may within the next 90 days assign or enter into an agreement to assign the Offered Interest to the third Party (Transferee) upon terms the same as or less favourable than those upon which the Offered Interest was offered to the other Shareholder.

 

-22-

 

 

16.5Neither Shareholder will grant a mortgage, charge of other security interest over, or otherwise Encumber, any or all of its Shares without the prior written approval of the other Shareholder.

 

16.6Despite anything to the contrary in this Agreement, any proposed or permitted assignment of any legal, beneficial or other interest in any Share must not be effected unless the assignee agrees to be bound by this Agreement and assume the assignor’s obligations under this Agreement (proportionately, if the assignor is assigning some but not all of its Shares to the assignee), by entering into a deed of accession with all of the parties on terms which are acceptable to all of the parties (acting reasonably). Any purported assignment of any legal, beneficial or other interest in any Shares which does not occur in accordance with this clause is void and of no effect and JVCo must not register or otherwise give effect to that assignment.

 

17.CONFIDENTIALITY

 

17.1Each party (in this clause referred to as the Disclosing Party) undertakes and agrees:

 

(a)not to use in any way any Confidential Information of any other party without the prior approval of that other party;

 

(b)not to disclose to any person or assist or permit any person to observe any Confidential Information of any other party, without the prior approval of that other party or otherwise in accordance with the provisions of this clause 17; and

 

(c)not to allow or assist or permit any person (other than any of the parties) to observe any Confidential Information, without the prior approval of each other party or otherwise in accordance with the provisions of clause 17.2 or 17.3.

 

17.2Nothing in this clause 17 prohibits the disclosure of Confidential Information by any Disclosing Party:

 

(a)to any Related Body Corporate of the Disclosing Party;

 

(b)if and to the extent required pursuant to any necessarily applicable legislation or other legal requirement or pursuant to the rules or regulations of the Australian Securities Exchange or any other recognised securities exchange which are applicable to the Disclosing Party or any Related Body Corporate of the Disclosing Party PROVIDED HOWEVER that the Disclosing Party will, if practicable, provide a copy of any such disclosure or announcement to the other party prior to making or releasing the same;

 

(c)if and to the extent that it may be necessary or desirable to disclose the information to any government or governmental authority or agency in connection with applications for any government consents which are necessary for the conduct of Joint Venture Operations or otherwise in relation to this Agreement;

 

(d)to bona fide potential purchasers or assignees of the whole or any interest in Shares but only for the purposes of satisfying the person to whom disclosure is made as to the value and commercial viability of the proposed investment;

 

(e)to professional advisers (including legal advisers) and consultants of the Disclosing Party whose duties in relation to the Disclosing Party or under this Agreement necessarily require the disclosure;

 

(f)to employees, officers and agents of the Disclosing Party whose duties in relation to the Disclosing Party or under this Agreement necessarily require the disclosure;

 

(g)pursuant to a binding order of any court of competent jurisdiction or other competent authority;

 

(h)in any proceedings arising out of or in connection with this Agreement (or any transactions contemplated or required by this Agreement) to the extent necessary to protect the lawful interests of the Disclosing Party.

 

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17.3The parties shall use their reasonable endeavours to agree to the wording and timing of all public announcements and statements by all or any of them relating to the Joint Venture or Joint Venture Operations.

 

17.4The provisions of this clause 17 shall:

 

(a)survive and continue to bind the parties following termination of this Agreement; and

 

(b)survive and continue to bind a party and the Manager notwithstanding that it has ceased to be a party or the Manager (as the case may be).

 

18.TERM AND TERMINATION

 

18.1This Agreement and the Joint Venture shall continue in force until there is only one remaining Shareholder or until terminated by the unanimous agreement of the parties or until terminated under clause 18.2 (unremedied default) and for so long thereafter as shall be necessary to enable the Manager:

 

(a)to complete the winding-up of Joint Venture Operations; and

 

(b)to rehabilitate the Exploration Area and any Development Area which in any case is subject to this Agreement.

 

18.2In the event that at any time during the term of this Agreement, but only after Nova has made a Stage 3 Election and the stand-alone royalty agreement has been entered into under clause 10.4:

 

(a)an Insolvency Event occurs in relation to a party; or

 

(b)Nova ceases to conduct Joint Venture Operations for a continuous period in excess of 12 months other than for reason of Force Majeure as provided for in this Agreement,

 

then this Agreement may be terminated by any of the other parties by serving written notice to that effect.

 

18.3Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, if any right, power, interest or authority of any person in or over or in connection with any property (real or personal, including, without limitation, choses in action) the subject of this Agreement would, but for this provision, violate the rule of law commonly known as the rule against perpetuities, that right, power, interest or authority (and the interest created by it) shall vest absolutely in the then holder thereof or (as the case may be) in the one person with the most immediate entitlement to it (as tenants in common if more than one) at the expiration of the period of 80 years from the date of this Agreement, but, if no person so holds the same or is so entitled, or if the said rule would nevertheless be violated notwithstanding vesting, then the said right, power, interest or authority (and the interest created by it) shall instead terminate at the expiration of the said period. Without limiting the foregoing, the perpetuity period applicable to any disposition made by or under this Agreement under the rule against perpetuities shall be 80 years.

 

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19.DISPUTE RESOLUTION

 

19.1In the event of any dispute or difference arising between the parties as to the construction of the Agreement or as to any other matter or thing arising under or in connection with the Agreement, then either party may give to the other notice identifying the matters the subject of the dispute or difference.

 

19.2Upon receipt of a notice pursuant to clause 19.1 the managing director of AKM (or other most senior officer) and the managing director of Nova will meet and use their best endeavours to resolve the dispute by negotiation.

 

19.3If, within 30 days of receipt of the notice, the parties have been unable to amicably resolve the matter, or to agree a method of resolving the matter, by negotiation, then the parties will refer the matter for determination by an Expert in accordance with clause 19.4.

 

19.4

 

(a)If a matter is referred for determination by an Expert pursuant to clause 16.4(b) or 19.3, an expert will be appointed by the parties, or in default of agreement upon such appointment within 10 days of the referral, either party may refer the appointment of the expert to:

 

(i)in the case of financial matters, the Chair for the time being of the Victorian Regional Council of Chartered Accountants of Australia and New Zealand;

 

(ii)in the case of technical, geological, mining or exploration matters, the President for the time being of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (Melbourne Branch); and

 

(iii)in the case of any other matters (including without limitation a dispute as to the interpretation of this Agreement) the President for the time being of the Law Institute of Victoria.

 

In all events, the Expert must have reasonable qualifications and commercial and practical experience in the area of dispute and have no interest or duty which conflicts with his or her function as an Expert.

 

(b)The Expert will be instructed to:

 

(i)promptly fix a reasonable time and place for receiving submissions or information from the parties or from any other persons as the Expert may think fit;

 

(ii)accept oral or written submissions from the parties as to the subject matter of the dispute within 20 days of being appointed;

 

(iii)not be bound by the rules of evidence; and

 

(iv)make a determination in writing with appropriate reasons for that determination within 20 days of the expiry of the period referred to in paragraph (ii).

 

(c)The Expert will be required to undertake to keep confidential appointed under this clause 19 and the performance of his or her duties.

 

-25-

 

 

(d)The Expert will have the following powers:

 

(i)to inform himself or herself independently as to facts and, if necessary, technical and/or financial matters to which the dispute relates;

 

(ii)to receive written submissions sworn and unsworn written statements and photocopy documents and to act upon the same;

 

(iii)to consult with such other professionally qualified persons as the Expert in his or her absolute discretion thinks fit; and

 

(iv)to take such reasonable measures as he or she thinks fit to expedite the completion of the resolution of the dispute.

 

(e)Any person appointed as an Expert will be deemed not to be an arbitrator but an expert and the law relating to arbitration will not apply to the Expert or the Expert’s determination or the procedures by which he or she may reach his or her determination.

 

(f)The dispute resolution will be held in Melbourne unless the parties otherwise agree.

 

(g)In the absence of manifest error, the decision of the Expert will be final, valid and binding upon the parties.

 

(h)The costs of the Expert and any advisers appointed pursuant to clause 19.4(d)(iii) will be borne by either or both of the parties as determined in the discretion of the Expert taking into account the Expert’s decision in the dispute.

 

(i)The parties will give the Expert all information and assistance that the Expert may reasonably require. The parties will be entitled to be legally represented in respect of any representations that they wish to make to the Expert, whether orally or in writing.

 

19.5Notwithstanding a reference of a dispute or differences to the dispute resolution procedure in this clause the parties will, so far as it is reasonably practicable, continue to perform and comply with their respective obligations under the Agreement.

 

19.6This clause 19 does not restrict or limit the right of any party to seek or obtain interlocutory relief.

 

20.GST

 

20.1If GST is imposed on any supply made by any party (Supplier) to another party (Recipient) under this agreement the Recipient must pay to the Supplier an amount equal to that GST in addition to any other amount payable or other consideration provided for the supply.

 

20.2The obligation of the Recipient under clause 20.1 only applies if the Supplier has provided the Recipient with a tax invoice for the supply that sets out the relevant amount in respect of which GST is payable and the amount of that GST.

 

20.3If for any reason the amount paid by the Recipient under clause 20.1 differs from the amount of GST payable at law by the Supplier on the supply, the amount paid by the Recipient to the Supplier must be adjusted accordingly.

 

20.4For the purposes of the clause:

 

(a)GST means the goods and services tax described in A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999 and related Acts, or any similar tax;

 

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(b)tax invoice means a valid tax invoice that meets the requirements of the legislation and any regulations governing the GST and any relevant requirements of the Australian Taxation Office (or other relevant administering body of person);

 

(c)the amount of GST on any supply is calculated before the allowance of any input tax or other credits.

 

21.NOTICES

 

21.1Any notice or other communication which must be given, served or made under or in connection with this Agreement (Notice) must be in writing, signed by an authorised person of the sender and will be deemed to have been duly given, served or made if it is delivered or posted by prepaid post to the address of the party detailed in this document, or sent by email to the email address set out below:

 

(a)in the case of Nova:

 

Level 17, 500 Collins Street

Melbourne Vic 3000

Email: avi@carraway.co

Attention: Managing Director

 

(b)in the case of AKM:

 

13 Marengo Avenue

Figtree NSW 2525

Email: bill@billkoutlis.com.au

Attention: Bill Koutlis

 

(c)in the case of JVCo:

 

13 Marengo Avenue

Figtree NSW 2525

Email: bill@billkoutlis.com.au

Attention: Bill Koutlis

 

21.2A Notice shall be deemed to be served, given or made when:

 

(a)in the case of delivery in person, when delivered;

 

(b)in the case of delivery by post, three Business Days after the date of posting from within Australia to an address within the Australia (or in the case of posting within Australia, to an address outside the Australia, seven Business Days after the date of posting); and

 

(c)in the case of email, on sending, unless the sender receives an automated email notifying the sender of non-delivery or delivery error in relation to the sender’s email.

 

but if the result of the foregoing is that a Notice would be deemed to be given or made either on a day which is not a working day in the place of address, or after 5.00pm on a working day in the place of address, it shall instead be deemed to be given or made on the next working day in the place of address.

 

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22.JVCO CONSTITUTION AND THIS AGREEMENT

 

22.1The parties agree to ensure, to the extent possible, that the constitution of JVCo shall reflect the terms of this Agreement and not be inconsistent with the terms of this Agreement but, in any event, notwithstanding the terms of the constitution of JVCo, the parties agree to be bound by the provisions of this Agreement and that the terms of this Agreement shall apply in the case of any inconsistency with the constitution of JVCo.

 

22.2JVCo agrees to, and the parties agree to procure that JVCo does, comply with and not act in a manner inconsistent with the terms of this Agreement.

 

23.ENTIRE AGREEMENT, MODIFICATIONS AND WAIVERS

 

23.1All of the agreements and understandings between the parties with reference to the subject matter of this Agreement are embodied in this Agreement which, as from its date, supersedes all prior agreements and understandings between them with reference to those matters, including, without limitation, the Terms Sheet.

 

23.2No modification, amendment or other variation of any provision of this Agreement shall be valid or binding unless made in writing duly executed or signed by or on behalf of the parties.

 

23.3Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, no waiver or relaxation partly or wholly of any of the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall be valid or binding on a party unless in writing and duly executed or signed by or on behalf of the party so waiving or relaxing the terms and conditions and any such waiver or relaxation shall relate only to the particular occasion in question and shall not be continuing and shall not constitute a waiver or relaxation of any other term or condition.

 

23.4Without in any way limiting anything elsewhere contained in this Agreement, no delay in exercising or omission to exercise any right, power, authority, discretion or remedy vested in or exercisable by any party shall impair any right, power, authority, discretion or remedy or be construed to be a waiver of it or an acquiescence in any default nor shall any action or inaction of any party in respect of any default or any acquiescence in any default affect or impair any right, power, authority, discretion or remedy of that party in respect of any other default (including a subsequent default) and nor will any single or partial exercise of any right or remedy preclude any other further exercise of it or the exercise of any other right or remedy.

 

24.PARTIES TO GIVE EFFECT TO AGREEMENT

 

Each party shall sign, execute and deliver all deeds, documents, instruments and assurances, and shall do all acts, matters and things, as shall be reasonably necessary for the complete performance of all its duties, responsibilities and obligations under and to give effect to this Agreement.

 

25.COSTS AND STAMP DUTY

 

Each party shall bear its own costs and expenses (including legal costs) of and incidental to the negotiation, preparation, execution and delivery and performance of (and any waiver or amendment of, or supplement or other modification to) this Agreement. Unless otherwise provided in this Agreement, all stamp duty which may be payable or determined to be payable in connection with this Agreement or in respect of any act or transaction contemplated by this Agreement (or any waiver or amendment of, or supplement or other modification to, this Agreement) shall be borne by Nova.

 

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26.ENUREMENT

 

The provisions of this Agreement shall, subject as provided in this Agreement, enure for the benefit of and be binding upon the parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns and (where applicable) legal personal representatives.

 

27.SEVERABILITY

 

Any provision of this Agreement which is illegal, void or unenforceable is only ineffective to the extent of that illegality, voidness or unenforceability, without invalidating the remaining provisions.

 

28.GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION

 

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Victoria and each party irrevocably submits unconditionally to the jurisdiction of the courts of Victoria and of all courts competent to hear appeals from those courts in relation to any legal action, suit or proceeding arising out of or with respect to this Agreement.

 

29.COUNTERPARTS

 

This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts (which may be by electronically scanned facsimile), each of which shall be deemed an original, and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

30.NOVA DIRECTOR APPOINTMENTS

 

30.1After the Commencement Date, AKM is entitled to appoint two nominees to become directors Nova.

 

30.2If any director of Nova appointed by AKM ceases for any reason to be a director of Nova (including but not limited to a failure to be elected or re-elected as a director by Nova’s shareholders) during the term of this Agreement, AKM is entitled to appoint another person in their place as a director of Nova.

 

30.3Nova must do all things reasonably necessary to give effect to this clause 30.

 

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SCHEDULE 1

TENEMENTS

 

      CLAIM                        
PROJECT   ADL #   NAME   #   Meridian   Township   Range   Section   1/4   Recording District
ESTELLE   726107   STONEY   5   Seward   22N   20W   34   NE   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726108   STONEY   6   Seward   22N   20W   34   SE   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726109   STONEY   7   Seward   21N   20W   3   NE   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726110   STONEY   8   Seward   21N   20W   3   SE   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726111   STONEY   9   Seward   21N   20W   10   NE   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726112   STONEY   10   Seward   21N   20W   10   SE   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726113   STONEY   11   Seward   21N   20W   15   NE   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726114   STONEY   12   Seward   21N   20W   15   SE   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726115   STONEY   13   Seward   21N   20W   22   NE   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726116   STONEY   14   Seward   21N   20W   22   SE   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726117   STONEY   15   Seward   21N   20W   27   NE   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726118   STONEY   16   Seward   21N   20W   27   NW   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726119   STONEY   17   Seward   21N   20W   22   SW   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   725949   STONEY   18   Seward   21N   20W   22   NW   411 - Mt McKinley
ESTELLE   725950   STONEY   19   Seward   21N   20W   15   SW   411 - Mt McKinley
ESTELLE   726120   STONEY   20   Seward   21N   20W   15   NW   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726121   STONEY   21   Seward   21N   20W   10   SW   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726122   STONEY   22   Seward   21N   20W   10   NW   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726123   STONEY   23   Seward   21N   20W   3   SW   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726124   STONEY   24   Seward   21N   20W   3   NW   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726125   STONEY   25   Seward   22N   20W   34   SW   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726126   STONEY   26   Seward   22N   20W   34   NW   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726127   STONEY   27   Seward   22N   20W   27   SW   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726128   STONEY   28   Seward   22N   20W   27   NW   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726129   STONEY   29   Seward   22N   20W   22   SW   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726130   STONEY   30   Seward   22N   20W   22   NW   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726131   STONEY   31   Seward   21N   20W   28   NE   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726132   STONEY   32   Seward   21N   20W   27   SW   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726133   STONEY   33   Seward   21N   20W   28   SE   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726134   STONEY   34   Seward   21N   20W   34   NW   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726135   STONEY   35   Seward   21N   20W   33   NE   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726136   STONEY   36   Seward   21N   20W   34   SW   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726137   STONEY   37   Seward   21N   20W   33   SE   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726138   STONEY   38   Seward   21N   20W   21   SE   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   725951   STONEY   39   Seward   21N   20W   21   NE   411 - Mt McKinley
ESTELLE   725952   STONEY   40   Seward   21N   20W   16   SE   411 - Mt McKinley

 

Schedule 1-1-

 

 

      CLAIM                        
PROJECT   ADL #   NAME   #   Meridian   Township   Range   Section   1/4   Recording District
ESTELLE   725953   STONEY   41   Seward   21N   20W   16   NE   411 - Mt McKinley
ESTELLE   725954   STONEY   42   Seward   21N   20W   9   SE   411 - Mt McKinley
ESTELLE   725955   STONEY   43   Seward   21N   20W   9   NE   411 - Mt McKinley
ESTELLE   726139   STONEY   44   Seward   21N   20W   4   SE   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726140   STONEY   45   Seward   21N   20W   4   NE   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726141   STONEY   46   Seward   22N   20W   33   SE   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726142   STONEY   47   Seward   22N   20W   33   NE   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726143   STONEY   48   Seward   22N   20W   28   SE   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726144   STONEY   49   Seward   22N   20W   28   NE   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726145   STONEY   50   Seward   22N   20W   21   SE   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726146   STONEY   51   Seward   22N   20W   21   NE   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726147   ESTELLE   1   Seward   20N   20W   3   NW   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726148   ESTELLE   2   Seward   20N   20W   3   SW   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726149   ESTELLE   3   Seward   20N   20W   10   NW   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726150   ESTELLE   4   Seward   20N   20W   10   SW   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726151   ESTELLE   5   Seward   20N   20W   15   NW   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726152   ESTELLE   6   Seward   20N   20W   16   NE   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726153   ESTELLE   7   Seward   20N   20W   9   SE   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726154   ESTELLE   8   Seward   20N   20W   9   NE   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726155   ESTELLE   9   Seward   20N   20W   4   SE   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726156   ESTELLE   10   Seward   20N   20W   4   NE   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726157   ESTELLE   11   Seward   20N   20W   4   NW   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726158   ESTELLE   12   Seward   20N   20W   5   NE   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   725940   ESTELLE   13   Seward   20N   20W   5   SE   411 - Mt McKinley
ESTELLE   726159   ESTELLE   14   Seward   20N   20W   4   SW   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726160   ESTELLE   15   Seward   20N   20W   9   NW   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726161   ESTELLE   16   Seward   20N   20W   9   SW   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726162   ESTELLE   17   Seward   20N   20W   16   NW   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726163   ESTELLE   18   Seward   20N   20W   15   SW   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726164   ESTELLE   19   Seward   20N   20W   16   SE   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726165   ESTELLE   20   Seward   20N   20W   16   SW   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726166   ESTELLE   21   Seward   20N   20W   17   SE   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   725941   ESTELLE   22   Seward   20N   20W   17   NE   411 - Mt McKinley
ESTELLE   725942   ESTELLE   23   Seward   20N   20W   8   SE   411 - Mt McKinley
ESTELLE   725943   ESTELLE   24   Seward   20N   20W   8   NE   411 - Mt McKinley
ESTELLE   726167   ESTELLE   25   Seward   20N   20W   5   NW   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   725944   ESTELLE   26   Seward   20N   20W   5   SW   411 - Mt McKinley
ESTELLE   725945   ESTELLE   27   Seward   20N   20W   8   NW   411 - Mt McKinley

 

Schedule 1-2-

 

 

      CLAIM                        
PROJECT   ADL #   NAME   #   Meridian   Township   Range   Section   1/4   Recording District
ESTELLE   726168   ESTELLE   28   Seward   20N   20W   8   SW   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726169   ESTELLE   29   Seward   20N   20W   17   NW   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726170   ESTELLE   30   Seward   20N   20W   17   SW   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726171   ESTELLE   31   Seward   20N   20W   18   SE   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726172   ESTELLE   32   Seward   20N   20W   18   NE   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726173   ESTELLE   33   Seward   20N   20W   7   SE   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   725946   ESTELLE   34   Seward   20N   20W   7   NE   411 - Mt McKinley
ESTELLE   725947   ESTELLE   35   Seward   20N   20W   7   NW   411 - Mt McKinley
ESTELLE   725948   ESTELLE   36   Seward   20N   20W   7   SW   411 - Mt McKinley
ESTELLE   726174   ESTELLE   37   Seward   20N   20W   18   NW   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726175   ESTELLE   38   Seward   20N   20W   18   SW   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726176   ESTELLE   39   Seward   20N   21W   12   SE   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726177   ESTELLE   40   Seward   20N   21W   12   NE   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726178   ESTELLE   41   Seward   20N   21W   12   NW   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726179   ESTELLE   42   Seward   20N   21W   12   SW   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726180   EMERALD   1   Seward   20N   21W   24   NE   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726181   EMERALD   2   Seward   20N   21W   24   NW   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726182   EMERALD   3   Seward   20N   21W   24   SW   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726183   EMERALD   4   Seward   20N   21W   24   SE   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726184   EMERALD   5   Seward   20N   21W   25   NE   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726185   EMERALD   6   Seward   20N   21W   25   NW   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726186   EMERALD   7   Seward   20N   21W   25   SW   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726187   EMERALD   8   Seward   20N   21W   25   SE   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726188   EMERALD   9   Seward   20N   21W   26   NE   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726188   EMERALD   10   Seward   20N   21W   26   NW   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726190   EMERALD   11   Seward   20N   21W   26   SW   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726191   EMERALD   12   Seward   20N   21W   26   SE   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726192   EMERALD   13   Seward   20N   21W   35   NW   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726193   EMERALD   14   Seward   20N   21W   35   NE   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726194   EMERALD   15   Seward   20N   21W   36   NW   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726195   EMERALD   16   Seward   20N   21W   36   NE   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726196   EMERALD   17   Seward   20N   20W   31   NW   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726197   EMERALD   18   Seward   20N   20W   31   NE   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726198   EMERALD   19   Seward   20N   20W   32   NW   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726199   EMERALD   20   Seward   20N   20W   32   NE   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726200   EMERALD   21   Seward   20N   20W   33   NW   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726201   EMERALD   22   Seward   20N   20W   33   SW   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726202   EMERALD   23   Seward   20N   20W   32   SE   301 - Anchorage

 

Schedule 1-3-

 

 

      CLAIM                        
PROJECT   ADL #   NAME   #   Meridian   Township   Range   Section   1/4   Recording District
ESTELLE   726203   EMERALD   24   Seward   20N   20W   32   SW   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726204   EMERALD   25   Seward   20N   20W   31   SE   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726205   EMERALD   26   Seward   20N   20W   31   SW   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726206   EMERALD   27   Seward   20N   21W   36   SE   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726207   EMERALD   28   Seward   20N   21W   36   SW   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726208   EMERALD   29   Seward   20N   21W   35   SE   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726209   EMERALD   30   Seward   19N   20W   4   NW   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726210   EMERALD   31   Seward   19N   20W   5   NE   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726211   EMERALD   32   Seward   19N   20W   5   NW   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726212   EMERALD   33   Seward   19N   20W   6   NE   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726213   EMERALD   34   Seward   19N   20W   6   NW   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726214   EMERALD   35   Seward   19N   21W   1   NE   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726215   EMERALD   36   Seward   19N   21W   1   NW   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   726216   EMERALD   37   Seward   19N   21W   2   NE   301 - Anchorage
ESTELLE   725956   EMERALD   38   Seward   20N   21W   35   SW   411 - Mt McKinley
ESTELLE   725957   EMERALD   39   Seward   19N   21W   2   NW   411 - Mt McKinley
ESTELLE   725958   EMERALD   40   Seward   19N   21W   3   NE   411 - Mt McKinley
ESTELLE   725959   EMERALD   41   Seward   20N   21W   34   SE   411 - Mt McKinley
ESTELLE   725960   EMERALD   42   Seward   20N   21W   34   NE   411 - Mt McKinley
ESTELLE   725961   EMERALD   43   Seward   20N   21W   34   NW   411 - Mt McKinley
ESTELLE   725962   EMERALD   44   Seward   20N   21W   34   SW   411 - Mt McKinley
ESTELLE   725963   EMERALD   45   Seward   19N   21W   3   NW   411 - Mt McKinley
ESTELLE   725964   EMERALD   46   Seward   19N   21W   4   NE   411 - Mt McKinley
ESTELLE   725965   EMERALD   47   Seward   20N   21W   33   SE   411 - Mt McKinley
ESTELLE   725966   EMERALD   48   Seward   20N   21W   33   NE   411 - Mt McKinley
FAREWELL   725967   ROB-CHIP   1   Seward   25N   28W   27   NW   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   725968   ROB-CHIP   2   Seward   25N   28W   27   SW   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   725969   ROB-CHIP   3   Seward   25N   28W   34   NW   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   725970   ROB-CHIP   4   Seward   25N   28W   34   SW   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   725971   ROB-CHIP   5   Seward   24N   28W   5   NW   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   725972   ROB-CHIP   6   Seward   24N   28W   5   SW   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   725973   ROB-CHIP   7   Seward   24N   28W   5   SE   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   725974   ROB-CHIP   8   Seward   24N   28W   5   NE   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   725975   ROB-CHIP   9   Seward   25N   28W   34   SE   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   725976   ROB-CHIP   10   Seward   25N   28W   34   NE   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   725977   ROB-CHIP   11   Seward   25N   28W   27   SE   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   725978   ROB-CHIP   12   Seward   25N   28W   27   NE   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   725979   ROB-CHIP   13   Seward   24N   28W   4   NW   403 - Kuskokwim

 

Schedule 1-4-

 

 

      CLAIM                        
PROJECT   ADL #   NAME   #   Meridian   Township   Range   Section   1/4   Recording District
FAREWELL   725980   ROB-CHIP   14   Seward   24N   28W   4   SW   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   725981   ROB-CHIP   15   Seward   24N   28W   4   SE   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   725982   ROB-CHIP   16   Seward   24N   28W   4   NE   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   725983   ROB-CHIP   17   Seward   24N   28W   3   NW   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   725984   ROB-CHIP   18   Seward   24N   28W   3   SW   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   725985   ROB-CHIP   19   Seward   24N   28W   10   NW   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   725986   ROB-CHIP   20   Seward   24N   28W   10   SW   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   725987   ROB-CHIP   21   Seward   24N   28W   15   NW   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   725988   ROB-CHIP   22   Seward   24N   28W   15   SW   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   725989   ROB-CHIP   23   Seward   24N   28W   22   NW   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   725990   ROB-CHIP   24   Seward   24N   28W   22   NE   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   725991   ROB-CHIP   25   Seward   24N   28W   15   SE   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   725992   ROB-CHIP   26   Seward   24N   28W   15   NE   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   725993   ROB-CHIP   27   Seward   24N   28W   10   SE   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   725994   ROB-CHIP   28   Seward   24N   28W   10   NE   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   725995   ROB-CHIP   29   Seward   24N   28W   3   SE   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   725996   ROB-CHIP   30   Seward   24N   28W   3   NE   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   725997   ROB-CHIP   31   Seward   24N   28W   22   SW   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   725998   ROB-CHIP   32   Seward   24N   28W   22   SE   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   725999   ROB-CHIP   33   Seward   24N   28W   23   SW   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   726000   ROB-CHIP   34   Seward   24N   28W   23   SE   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   726001   ROB-CHIP   35   Seward   24N   28W   23   NE   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   726002   ROB-CHIP   36   Seward   24N   28W   23   NW   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   726003   ROB-CHIP   37   Seward   24N   28W   14   SW   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   726004   ROB-CHIP   38   Seward   24N   28W   14   SE   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   726005   ROB-CHIP   39   Seward   24N   28W   14   NE   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   726006   ROB-CHIP   40   Seward   24N   28W   14   NW   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   726007   ROB-CHIP   41   Seward   25N   28W   22   SW   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   726008   ROB-CHIP   42   Seward   25N   28W   22   SE   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   725920   BOWSER   1   Seward   24N   24W   9   SE   411 - Mt McKinley
FAREWELL   725921   BOWSER   2   Seward   24N   24W   9   NE   411 - Mt McKinley
FAREWELL   725922   BOWSER   3   Seward   24N   24W   4   SE   411 - Mt McKinley
FAREWELL   725923   BOWSER   4   Seward   24N   24W   4   SW   411 - Mt McKinley
FAREWELL   725924   BOWSER   5   Seward   24N   24W   9   NW   411 - Mt McKinley
FAREWELL   725925   BOWSER   6   Seward   24N   24W   9   SW   411 - Mt McKinley
FAREWELL   725926   BOWSER   7   Seward   24N   24W   8   SE   411 - Mt McKinley
FAREWELL   725927   BOWSER   8   Seward   24N   24W   8   NE   411 - Mt McKinley
FAREWELL   725928   BOWSER   9   Seward   24N   24W   5   SE   411 - Mt McKinley

 

Schedule 1-5-

 

 

      CLAIM                        
PROJECT   ADL #   NAME   #   Meridian   Township   Range   Section   1/4   Recording District
FAREWELL   725929   BOWSER   10   Seward   24N   24W   5   SW   411 - Mt McKinley
FAREWELL   725930   BOWSER   11   Seward   24N   24W   8   NW   411 - Mt McKinley
FAREWELL   725931   BOWSER   12   Seward   24N   24W   8   SW   411 - Mt McKinley
FAREWELL   725932   BOWSER   13   Seward   24N   24W   17   NW   411 - Mt McKinley
FAREWELL   725933   BOWSER   14   Seward   24N   24W   17   NE   411 - Mt McKinley
FAREWELL   725934   BOWSER   15   Seward   24N   24W   16   NW   411 - Mt McKinley
FAREWELL   725935   BOWSER   16   Seward   24N   24W   16   NE   411 - Mt McKinley
FAREWELL   725936   BOWSER   17   Seward   24N   24W   5   NW   411 - Mt McKinley
FAREWELL   725937   BOWSER   18   Seward   24N   24W   5   NE   411 - Mt McKinley
FAREWELL   725938   BOWSER   19   Seward   24N   24W   4   NW   411 - Mt McKinley
FAREWELL   725939   BOWSER   20   Seward   24N   24W   4   NE   411 - Mt McKinley
FAREWELL   726009   WINDY   1   Seward   23N   26W   21   NE   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   726010   WINDY   2   Seward   23N   26W   21   NW   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   726011   WINDY   3   Seward   23N   26W   20   NE   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   726012   WINDY   4   Seward   23N   26W   20   NW   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   726013   WINDY   5   Seward   23N   26W   20   SW   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   726014   WINDY   6   Seward   23N   26W   20   SE   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   726015   WINDY   7   Seward   23N   26W   21   SW   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   726016   WINDY   8   Seward   23N   26W   21   SE   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   726017   WINDY   9   Seward   23N   26W   28   NW   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   726018   WINDY   10   Seward   23N   26W   29   NE   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   726019   WINDY   11   Seward   23N   26W   29   NW   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   726020   WINDY   12   Seward   23N   26W   29   SW   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   726021   WINDY   13   Seward   23N   26W   32   NW   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   726022   WINDY   14   Seward   23N   26W   27   NW   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   726023   WINDY   15   Seward   23N   26W   22   SW   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   726024   WINDY   16   Seward   23N   26W   32   NE   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   726025   WINDY   17   Seward   23N   26W   29   SE   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   726026   WINDY   18   Seward   23N   26W   28   SW   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   726027   WINDY   19   Seward   23N   26W   33   NW   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   726028   WINDY   20   Seward   23N   26W   33   NE   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   726029   WINDY   21   Seward   23N   26W   28   SE   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   726030   WINDY   22   Seward   23N   26W   28   NE   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   726031   WINDY   23   Seward   23N   26W   16   SW   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   726032   WINDY   24   Seward   23N   26W   17   SE   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   726033   WINDY   25   Seward   23N   26W   16   NW   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   726034   WINDY   26   Seward   23N   26W   17   NE   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   726035   OZZNA   1   Seward   26N   25W   32   SE   403 - Kuskokwim

 

Schedule 1-6-

 

 

      CLAIM                        
PROJECT   ADL #   NAME   #   Meridian   Township   Range   Section   1/4   Recording District
FAREWELL   726036   OZZNA   2   Seward   26N   25W   33   SW   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   726037   OZZNA   3   Seward   26N   25W   33   SE   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   726038   OZZNA   4   Seward   26N   25W   34   SW   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   726039   OZZNA   5   Seward   26N   25W   34   SE   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   726040   OZZNA   6   Seward   26N   25W   34   NE   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   726041   OZZNA   7   Seward   26N   25W   34   NW   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   726042   OZZNA   8   Seward   26N   25W   33   NE   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   726043   OZZNA   9   Seward   26N   25W   33   NW   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   726044   OZZNA   10   Seward   26N   25W   32   NE   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   726045   OZZNA   11   Seward   26N   25W   27   SW   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   726046   OZZNA   12   Seward   26N   25W   27   SE   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   726047   OZZNA   13   Seward   26N   25W   27   NW   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   726048   OZZNA   14   Seward   26N   25W   27   NE   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   726049   OZZNA   15   Seward   26N   25W   26   NW   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   726050   OZZNA   16   Seward   26N   25W   26   NE   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   726051   OZZNA   17   Seward   26N   25W   25   NW   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   726052   OZZNA   18   Seward   26N   25W   25   NE   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   726053   OZZNA   19   Seward   26N   25W   24   SE   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   726054   OZZNA   20   Seward   26N   25W   24   SW   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   726055   OZZNA   21   Seward   26N   25W   24   NW   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   726056   OZZNA   22   Seward   26N   25W   24   NE   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   726057   OZZNA   23   Seward   26N   25W   13   SE   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   726058   OZZNA   24   Seward   26N   25W   13   SW   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   726059   OZZNA   25   Seward   26N   25W   13   NW   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   726060   OZZNA   26   Seward   26N   25W   13   NE   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   726061   OZZNA   27   Seward   26N   25W   26   SW   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   726062   OZZNA   28   Seward   26N   25W   26   SE   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   726063   OZZNA   29   Seward   26N   25W   25   SW   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   726064   OZZNA   30   Seward   26N   25W   25   SE   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   726065   OZZNA   31   Seward   26N   25W   35   NW   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   726066   OZZNA   32   Seward   26N   25W   35   NE   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   726067   OZZNA   33   Seward   26N   25W   35   SW   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   726068   OZZNA   34   Seward   26N   25W   35   SE   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   726069   OZZNA   35   Seward   26N   25W   32   NW   403 - Kuskokwim
FAREWELL   726070   OZZNA   36   Seward   26N   25W   32   SW   403 - Kuskokwim

 

Schedule 1-7-

 

 

SCHEDULE 2

ROYALTY

 

1.JVCo shall pay to AKM a royalty in Australian dollars of 2% of Net Smelter Returns from all Product determined in accordance with the provisions of this Schedule 2.

 

2.For the purpose of this Schedule, Net Smelter Returns shall be determined by multiplying the gross amount of Product by the price (in Australian dollars or, if in US dollars, converted at the Reuters Rate) received by JVCo for the Product, or any other price agreed to by JVCo and AKM, and subtracting from the product thereof only the following if actually incurred by JVCo:

 

(1)charges and costs for refining processing or other treatment;

 

(2)assaying and sampling charges and costs for refining, processing or other treatment;

 

(3)taxes (if any) and royalties on mining production payable to any Competent Authority (and any federal, state or local government agency), but excluding any and all taxes:

 

(a)based upon the net or gross overall income of JVCo,

 

(b)based upon the value of Joint Venture Property, the right of doing business, and other similarly based taxes paid by Grantee, or

 

(c)constituting capital gains, property, withholding and sales taxes; and/or

 

(4)charges and costs, if any, for transportation and insurance of Product from any third party processing plant to places where Product is sold or otherwise disposed of.

 

In the event refining, processing or other treatment are carried out in facilities owned or controlled, in whole or in part, by JVCo then charges and costs for such refining, processing or other treatment shall mean the amount JVCo would have incurred if such refining or other services had been carried out at facilities not owned or controlled by JVCo then offering comparable services for comparable products on prevailing terms but in no event greater than the actual costs incurred by JVCo.

 

In this clause, “Reuters Rate” means the rate of exchange published on Reuters Monitor System screen page HSRA at or about 10am Sydney time on the day of receipt of the proceeds or, if that rate ceases to be so published, an equivalent published rate for converting United States dollars or another currency (as required) to Australian dollars selected by JVCo, acting reasonably.

 

3.Payment of Royalty

 

3.1JVCo will keep proper and detailed records of all Product produced (including, without limitation, information and data referred to in clause 5). Within 21 days of the last day of June, September, December and March of each year that Product is produced JVCo will deliver to AKM a return showing the calculation of the Royalty for the preceding 3 month period together with a cheque for the amount of the Royalty so payable. In the event that there is any dispute as to the calculation or amount of the Royalty for a particular period the dispute shall be dealt with as provided for in Clause 19 of the Agreement. All production records shall be kept in accordance with usual and customary accounting procedures generally employed in the mining industry in Australia. AKM shall have the right, at its expense, to verify, by audit of the production records, that they are true and correct with respect to each financial year of JVCo. If no objection thereto is made in writing and no audit is commenced within a period of 120 days after the end of that financial year, then the parties will be deemed to have accepted the production records of JVCo in respect of that financial year.

 

Schedule 2-1-

 

 

3.2All profits and losses resulting from JVCo engaging in any commodity futures trading, option trading, or metals trading, or any combination thereof, and any other hedging transactions (collectively Hedging Transactions) are specifically excluded from Royalty calculations pursuant to this Agreement. All Hedging Transactions by JVCo and all profits or losses associated therewith, if any, shall be solely for JVCo’s account.

 

3.3In the event JVCo receives insurance proceeds for loss of Product due to a casualty event which, without insurance, would adversely affect the amount of the Royalty, JVCo shall pay to AKM the Royalty percentage of any such insurance proceeds which are received by JVCo for such loss of Product after the deduction of all the usual costs and charges mentioned in clause 3 above.

 

4.Blending

 

Before any ore is blended with material from properties other than the Development Area, the ore shall be measured and sampled in accordance with sound mining and metallurgical practices for moisture, metal, commercial minerals and other appropriate content. Representative samples shall be retained by JVCo and assays (including moisture and penalty substances) and other appropriate analyses of these samples shall be made before blending to determine metal, commercial minerals, and other appropriate content. Detailed records shall be kept by JVCo showing measures, moisture, assays of metal, commercial minerals, and other appropriate content and penalty substances, and gross metal content of the ore. From this information, JVCo shall determine the amount of Royalty due and payable to AKM from ore blended with similar material from other properties. Following the expiration of the period for objection described above in clause 4.1, and absent timely objection, if any, made by AKM, JVCo may dispose of the materials and data required to be kept and produced by this clause 5.

 

5.Transfer of Royalty

 

5.1AKM may assign or transfer, for a cash consideration only, as provided in this clause 6, the whole (but not part) of the Royalty but may not otherwise Dispose of the Royalty.

 

5.2Where AKM wishes to assign or transfer the Royalty, it shall first offer the Royalty to JVCo for a cash consideration. Such offer to JVCo shall remain open for 30 days from and including the date upon which it is made. If JVCo does not accept that offer within that time, AKM may within 90 days of the expiration of that 30 day period assign or transfer the Royalty for a cash consideration which is not less than that offered to JVCo and on terms and conditions not in any way more favourable than those offered to JVCo. If AKM does not, within that period of 90 days so assign or transfer the Royalty then this clause shall apply de novo.

 

5.3All stamp, documentary, transfer, sales or other similar taxes or duties which may arise out of or relate to a transfer of the Royalty to the extent not paid by the transferee shall (except where the transferee is JVCo) be for the account of AKM or the transferee (as the case may be).

 

6.Confidentiality

 

All information disclosed by JVCo to AKM in relation to ore or Product produced from the Development Area or the amount of any Royalties paid or payable to AKM will be kept confidential by AKM and may only be disclosed:

 

(a)if required by law or any regulation or rule having the force of law, order of a court of competent jurisdiction or in connection with legal proceedings to enforce this Schedule;

 

(b)to the extent necessary to enable a party to comply with its obligations under this Schedule after consultation with the other party;

 

(c)to bona fide potential purchasers or assignees of the whole or any part of AKM’s interest in the Royalty but only for the purposes of satisfying the person to whom disclosure is made as to the value and commercial viability of the proposed investment;

 

(d)to professional advisers (including legal advisers) and consultants of AKM whose duties in relation to the Disclosing Party or under this Agreement necessarily require the disclosure; and

 

(e)otherwise as agreed between the parties.

 

Schedule 2-2-

 

 

IN WITNESS whereof the parties have executed this Agreement the date written at the beginning.

 

EXECUTED by NOVA MINERALS

LIMITED CAN 006 690 348 in

accordance with section 127 of the

Corporations Act:

 

)

)

)

)

)

 

 

 

 

/s/ Eliahu Bernstein   /s/ Olaf Frederickson
Director   Director/Secretary
Eliahu Bernstein   Olaf Frederickson
Director Name   Director/Secretary Name

 

EXECUTED by AK MINERALS PTY

LTD ACN 620 650 786 in accordance

with section 127 of the Corporations Act:

 

)

)

)

)

)

 

 

 

 

/s/ Dennis Fry   /s/ Bill Koutlis
Director   Director/Secretary
Dennis Fry   Bill Koutlis
Director Name   Director/Secretary Name

 

EXECUTED by AK MINERALS PTY

LTD for and on behalf of AKCM

(AUST) PTY LTD (a company to be

registered) pursuant to section 131 of the

Corporations Act 2001 (C’th) in

accordance with section 127 of the

Corporations Act:

)

)

)

)

)

 

 

/s/ Dennis Fry   /s/ Bill Koutlis
Director   Director/Secretary
Dennis Fry   Bill Koutlis
Director Name   Director/Secretary Name

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 10.6

 

Minerals Royalty Agreement

 

Dated 21 May 2018

 

Between

AK CUSTOM MINING LLC (Payer)

 

And

AK MINERALS PTY LTD (Payee)

 

And

AKCM (AUST) PTY LTD (Guarantor)

 

 
 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Particulars 1
1 Definitions and interpretation 2
  1.1 Definitions 2
  1.2 Interpretation 7
  1.3 Accounting matters 8
2 Royalty 8
  2.1 Royalty obligation 8
  2.2 Calculation and payment of Royalty 8
  2.3 Adjustment of Royalty 9
  2.4 Deduction from Royalty and other payments 9
  2.5 Interest and costs 10
  2.6 Finality of Statement 10
  2.7 Royalty a continuing obligation 10
  2.8 Guarantee 10
  2.9 Survival of Royalty obligation 10
  2.10 Perpetuity period 11
  2.11 Further assurance 11
3 Representations, warranties and acknowledgements 11
  3.1 Party representations and warranties 11
  3.2 Representations and warranties by the Payer 11
  3.3 Payer covenants concerning Mining Rights 12
  3.4 Acknowledgement of other activities 12
4 Mining operations 12
  4.1 Mining Operations obligations 12
  4.2 Maintenance of Mining Rights 13
  4.3 Payer to determine Mining Right operations 13
  4.4 Commingling 13
  4.5 Tailings 14
  4.6 Samples 14
5 Trading Arrangements 14
  5.1 Acknowledgement by the parties 14
  5.2 Sales to Related Parties 14
  5.3 Waiver and acknowledgement 14
6 Information and audit 15
  6.1 Royalty Records 15
  6.2 Information and reporting 15

 

-i-
 

 

  6.3 Inspection and audit of Royalty Records 15
  6.4 Access, inspection and technical audit 16
  6.5 Consequences of financial audit 16
  6.6 Consequences of technical audit 16
7 Relinquishment of Mining Rights 17
  7.1 Notice of relinquishment of a Mining Right 17
  7.2 Payee right of conveyance of Relinquished Mining Rights 17
  7.3 Surrender of a Relinquished Mining Right 17
  7.4 Compulsory surrender of a Relinquished Mining Right 17
  7.5 Total abandonment or surrender of all Mining Rights 17
  7.6 Revival of obligations under a Relinquished Mining Right 18
8 Protection of Royalty interest 18
  8.1 Nature of Interest Royalty 18
  8.2 Registration of Royalty 18
  8.3 Insurance 18
  8.4 No Assumption of Liability 18
  8.5 Indemnity 19
  8.6 Assistance 19
9 Assignment and Encumbrances 19
  9.1 Assignment by Payer 19
  9.2 Payer release and survival 19
  9.3 Indemnity and damages 19
  9.4 Sale of interest by Payee 20
  9.5 Grant of Encumbrance 20
10 Confidentiality 21
  10.1 Non-disclosure of Confidential Information 21
  10.2 Disclosure by recipient of Confidential Information 21
  10.3 Return of Confidential Information 21
  10.4 Survival of termination 22
  10.5 Announcements and press releases 22
11 Taxes 22
  11.1 Tax exclusive amounts 22
12 Resolution of disputes 22
  12.1 Dispute Resolution Process 22
  12.2 Expert determination 23
  12.3 Parties to continue to perform 24
  12.4 Condition precedent to Litigation 24

 

-ii-
 

 

13 Arbitration 24
  13.1 Referral to arbitration 24
  13.2 Arbitration details 25
14 Notices 25
  14.1 Form of Notice 25
  14.2 When Notices are taken to have been given and received 25
15 Ancillary provisions 26
  15.1 Entire agreement 26
  15.2 No reliance or inducement 26
  15.3 Enurement 26
  15.4 No partnership 26
  15.5 Amendment 26
  15.6 Prompt performance 26
  15.7 Severability 26
  15.8 Waiver 26
  15.9 Remedies cumulative 27
  15.10 Indemnities 27
  15.11 Applicable law 27
  15.12 Further assurances 27
  15.13 Fees and charges 27
  15.14 Counterparts 27
  15.15 GST 27
Schedule 1 28
Basic Particulars 28
Schedule 2 29
List of Mining Rights as at the Execution Date 29
Exhibit A 43
Map of Mining Rights Area 43
Signing Page 48

 

-iii-
 

 

Particulars
     
Dated as of 21 May 2018  
     
Parties    
     
Payer Name AK CUSTOM MINING LLC, a company incorporated in Alaska, United States of America
     
  Corporation Number Alaska Entity #10065576
     
  Address 1150 S. Colony Way STE 3-440, Alaska USA 99645
     
  Email alaska.custom.mining@gmail.com
     
  Fax +61 2 4273 1012
     
  Authorised Officer Dennis Fry
     
Payee Name AK MINERALS PTY LTD, a company incorporated in Australia
     
  Corporation Number ACN 620 650 786
     
  Address 13 Marengo Avenue, Figtree NSW 2525, Australia
     
  Email bill@billkoutlis.com.au
     
  Fax +61 2 4273 1012
     
  Authorised Officer Bill Koutlis
     
Guarantor Name AKCM (AUST) PTY LTD, a company incorporated in Australia
     
  Corporation Number ACN 623 478 973
     
  Address Level 17, 500 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 300, Australia
     
  Email louie.kikceto@gmail.com dennispfry@gmail.com bill@billkoutlis.com.au
     
  Fax +61 2 4273 1012
     
  Authorised Officer Louie Simens
     

 

-1-
 

 

Background A. The Payee and Nova Minerals Limited, an ASX-listed public company (Nova), are the two shareholders of the Guarantor. The Payer is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Guarantor. The parties to this agreement, together with Nova, have entered into an Incorporated Joint Venture Agreement dated 17 December 2017 under which Nova and the Payee have agreed to associate themselves as an incorporated joint venture (with the Guarantor as the joint venture vehicle) to conduct exploration and mining operations on the Mining Rights, and which confers, among other things, the Payee’s right to a royalty.
     
  B. The Payer has agreed to pay the Payee a royalty on all Ore, Concentrates or other Products extracted under authority of the Mining Rights and sold, removed or otherwise disposed of.
     
  C. The parties have agreed to enter into this agreement to record the terms of the Royalty and the basis on which it is to be paid to the Payee.

 

 

 

The parties agree:

 

In consideration of, among other things, the mutual promises contained in this agreement:

 

1 Definitions and interpretation

 

1.1 Definitions

 

Unless the context otherwise requires, the following expressions have the respective meanings in this agreement (including the Recitals):

 

Accounting Standards means the accounting standards required to be complied with by the Payer under generally accepted accounting principles, including IFRS, applicable in the relevant reporting jurisdiction of the Payer from time to time.

 

Adjustment means any adjustment that may be made by the Payer to the Royalty Records and a Statement:

 

(a)which arise from a subsequent adjustment to the amount paid to the Payer based on the actual Products recovered after refining;

 

(b)to correct any accounting or recording errors from previous Quarters;

 

(c)which are otherwise made in accordance with this agreement; or

 

(d)which are agreed by the parties.

 

Affiliate means an entity which directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with a party to this agreement, where control is determined by possession, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, of the ability to direct the management and policies of an entity whether through ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise. Control is presumed to exist if a person or entity holds, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, 50% or more of the outstanding voting shares or interests in another entity.

 

-2-
 

 

Allowable Deductions mean all costs actually paid or incurred by the Payer, in US dollars, or in the US Dollar Equivalent, in relation to the sale of Products extracted and recovered from the Mining Area after mining and milling or other initial processing within or adjacent to the Mining Area, and include:

 

(a)all costs of smelting and refining and retorting the Ores and Minerals, including metal losses and Penalties for impurities and all umpire charges and other processor deductions;

 

(b)all road, sea and rail freight, transportation, security and incidental costs and expenses, including forwarding, shipping, demurrage, delay and insurance costs, incurred between the outer boundary of, or adjacent to, the Mining Area and the point of delivery of the Products into a Refinery, including the cost of transport to and between any Refinery or other places of treatment;

 

(c)all handling and incidental costs and expenses including agency, assaying, sampling, weighing, loading, unloading, stockpiling and storage;

 

(d)Carried Forward Deductions; and

 

(e)all taxes (excluding taxes based on the income of the Payer, taxes based upon the value of Mining Rights or any property owned or used by the Payer, the right of doing business and other similarly based taxes paid or payable by the Payer, and taxes constituting capital gains, property, withholding or sales taxes), royalties, duties, levies and charges lawfully imposed by an Authority, including carbon emission licence fees, charges, fuel excise (net of any fuel tax credits), carbon trading taxes and imposts, value added taxes or energy consumption taxes, in any way connected with the transportation or sale of the Products from the Mining Area;
   
 but do not include:

 

(f)any exploration, development, construction, mining, crushing, treatment or concentrating costs incurred by the Payer within or adjacent to the Mining Area; and

 

(g)where Products are loaded, treated, milled, processed, transported or unloaded outside the Mining Area in a Refinery wholly or partially owned by the Payer or a Related Entity, any costs and expenses that are in excess of those which would be paid or incurred by the Payer on Arm’s Length Terms, or which would not be Allowable Deductions if those Products were processed by a Third Party.

 

Arm’s Length Terms means, for the purposes of calculating the Royalty, prices and terms no less favourable to the Payer than those which would be paid and agreed to by a Third Party in an arm’s length transaction under similar circumstances.

 

Assumption Agreement means an agreement in such form as may be reasonably required by the party for whose benefit that agreement is to be made (acting in a timely and prompt manner) whereby the assignee or other recipient of an interest or right in the Mining Rights, or any rights in relation to Products extracted and recovered from the Mining Area, agrees to assume, be bound by and perform the obligations in this agreement of the party from which it acquires its interest and rights.

 

-3-
 

 

Australian Dollar Equivalent means the amount in AUD determined by converting the corresponding amount in USD to AUD at the rate of exchange published on Reuters Monitor System screen page HSRA at or about 10am Sydney, Australia time on the day of receipt of the amount by the Payer, or if that rate ceases to be so published, an equivalent published rate for converting USD or another currency (as required) to Australian dollars selected by the Payer, acting reasonably.

 

Authority is any government department, local government council, government or statutory authority or any other party under a Law which has a right to impose a requirement or whose consent is required with respect to any matter or thing arising under, or affected by, this agreement.

 

Average Spot Price for a Quarter means the arithmetic average of the price of a Product, on each Business Day of the Quarter, where such price is arrived at using the industry standard in the Spot Price jurisdiction described in Schedule 1 for establishing the average spot price of such minerals.

 

Business Day means a day on which trading banks are open for business in the capital city of the Nominated State.

 

Carried Forward Deduction means the amount of Allowable Deduction that exceeds the Gross Revenue in a Quarter, which may then be carried forward and deducted from Gross Revenue in subsequent Quarters.

 

Commencement Date means the later of the Trigger Date and the date on which the extraction and recovery of any Product commences from the Mining Area.

 

Concentrate means Ore in which particular Minerals are the principal components having commercial value.

 

Confidential Information means all confidential, non-public or proprietary information of a party regardless of how the information is stored or delivered, which is exchanged between the parties before, on or after the Execution Date in connection with this agreement, other than information:

 

(a)which is in or becomes part of the public domain other than through breach of this agreement or an obligation of confidence owed to the disclosing party; or

 

(b)which the recipient can prove by contemporaneous written documentation was already known by it at the time of disclosure to it, unless such knowledge arose from disclosure of information in breach of an obligation of confidentiality.

 

Dispute means a dispute or difference between the parties in relation to the rights or obligations of the parties under, or in relation to, this agreement, including the calculation and payment of the Royalty.

 

Dispute Notice means a written notice given by one party to the other parties that a Dispute has arisen which requires resolution in accordance with this agreement.

 

Encumbrance means any security interest, mortgage, hypothecation, pledge, lien, charge, title retention arrangement, trust or power, or other form of security or interest having effect as a security for the payment of any monetary obligation or the observance of any other obligation whether existing or agreed to be granted or created.

 

Encumbrancee means a person who is entitled to the benefit of an Encumbrance over the Mining Rights, the Royalty or over a party’s rights under this agreement.

 

-4-
 

 

Exchange Rate means, in respect of any currency other than USD:

 

(a)the average of the buy and sell rates for the foreign currency in US dollars, as quoted in The Financial Times (London); or

 

(b)if those rates are not quoted, then the average of the buy and sell rates for the foreign currency as quoted by any two major international banks selected by the Payer in good faith and on a consistent basis,

 

on the day on which the Exchange Rate is to be determined (or, if the Exchange Rate is to be determined on a day that is not a Business Day, then on the immediately preceding Business Day).

 

Execution Date means the date of this agreement.

 

Expert means a suitably qualified independent person appointed in accordance with

 

this agreement, who has reasonable commercial and practical experience in relation to the subject matter of the Dispute.

 

Financial Year means a period of 12 consecutive month period ending on 30 June in any year, other than the first Financial Year which commences on the Commencement Date and expires on the first occurrence of 30 June that falls after the Commencement Date.

 

Gross Revenue means the gross proceeds actually received by the Payer or applied to its benefit, in US dollars, or in US Dollar Equivalent from the sale or other disposal of Products to the owner or operator of a Refinery, or in relation to the Products, including the proceeds received from an insurer in the case of loss of, or damage to, the Products (net of any excess paid in respect of that loss).

 

IFRS means international accounting standards within the meaning of IAS Regulation 1606/2002 to the extent applicable to the relevant financial statements.

 

Interest Rate means the interest rate described in Schedule 1.

 

Law is the applicable legislation including regulations, by-laws, and other subordinate legislation and guidelines, and common law and equity, which applies to any matter or thing arising under, or affected by, this agreement.

 

Mineral means the minerals described in Schedule 1.

 

Mining Act means the mining legislation described in Schedule 1.

 

Mining Area means the area within the boundaries of the Mining Rights existing at the Execution Date where mining activities are conducted from time to time during the term of this agreement, and any other area the parties agree the Mining Rights apply to.

 

Mining Operations means every kind of work and activities carried out on or in respect of the Mining Rights including but without limitation the following:

 

(a)the acquisition, registration and maintenance of the Mining Rights;

 

(b)developing, designing, constructing and equipping all mining facilities;

 

(c)extracting, mining, producing, improving, smelting, treating, refining, transporting and handling of Ores and Tailings and disposing of Tailings and despatching Ores, concentrates and other Products won under authority of the Mining Rights;

 

-5-
 

 

(d)the construction and re-location of any roads, railway lines, telephone lines, waterways or other natural or man-made utilities required in order to facilitate any activity conducted under authority of the Mining Rights; and

 

(e)the restoration of the Mining Area and all other work done after the completion of mining activities to comply with environmental and like requirements.

 

Mining Right means any governmental or other approval, authorization, claim, concession, lease, licence, tenement, Mineral right, permit, surface right, subsurface right or other right to conduct exploration, development and/or mining described in Schedule 2, as well as any other rights, past, present or future, to conduct exploration, development and/or mining issued in respect of any extension, renewal, variation, conversion, amalgamation, replacement or substitution thereof.

 

Net Smelter Return means, for a Quarter, Gross Revenue and Adjustments (whether plus or minus) minus Allowable Deductions for that Quarter.

 

Nominated State is the country, state, province or territory described in Schedule 1.

 

Ore means any Mineral or mixture of minerals of intrinsic economic interest located in or on the Earth’s crust at a concentration above background level.

 

Penalty means a charge made by a Refinery, in addition to normal refining costs, for removing from the Product minerals or other substances where the cost of the removal exceeds the value of those minerals or other substances.

 

Product means a mineral or metallic product extracted and recovered from the Mining Area which is capable of being sold or otherwise disposed of, including those described in Schedule 1.

 

Quarter means a period of 3 consecutive months commencing on 1 January, 1 April, 1 July or 1 October in any year, other than the first Quarter which commences on the Commencement Date and expires on the date immediately preceding the next to occur of 1 January, 1 April, 1 July or 1 October.

 

Refinery means a smelter, refinery or other processing facility.

 

Related Entity means an Affiliate of a party, the subsidiary, related or associated companies of the party and its Affiliates, and each of the respective directors of such companies, and their spouses and family members, and the trustees and beneficiaries of each of such directors, spouses and family members.

 

Representative of a party includes an employee, agent, officer, director, auditor, advisor, partner, consultant, joint venturer or sub-contractor of that party.

 

Royalty means the royalty payable by the Payer to the Payee under this agreement calculated by multiplying the Royalty Percentage by the Net Smelter Return.

 

Royalty Percentage means the royalty percentage as set out in Schedule 1.

 

-6-
 

 

Royalty Records means the books, accounts and records maintained by or on behalf of the Payer showing reasonable detail in relation to:

 

(a)the quantity of Products produced in each Quarter;

 

(b)the calculation of each component of the Royalty for each Quarter;

 

(c)the payment of the Royalty in each Quarter; and

 

(d)where there is any commingling of Products in a Quarter with materials from areas extracted outside the Mining Area, the measures, moistures and assays of the minerals and substances in the Products extracted and recovered from the Mining Area prior to the commingling, including those substances which attract a Penalty.

 

Statement means, for a Quarter, a statement setting out in reasonable detail:

 

(a)the quantities and grades of Products recovered and sold during the Quarter;

 

(b)the individual elements which make up the royalty calculation, being the Gross Revenue, Adjustments, Allowable Deductions, and Carried Forward Deductions (if any) for the Quarter;

 

(c)the Royalty payable for that Quarter; and

 

(d)any other material information which is relevant in verifying the accuracy of the calculation of the Royalty payment.

 

Tailings includes tailings, residues, waste rock, spoiled leach materials and other materials resulting from mining operations and activities conducted on or adjacent to the Mining Area, whether such operations and activities took place before or after the Commencement Date.

 

Third Party means a person not a party, or an Affiliate or Related Entity of that party, to this agreement.

 

Trading Arrangements means forward sale and/or purchase contracts, spot-deferred contracts, futures trading, and commodity option contracts and/or other price hedging and price protection arrangements and mechanisms and speculative purchases and sales of forward, futures and option contracts, both on and off commodity exchanges and does not include physical sales of Products with delivery.

 

Trigger Date means the date on which the Payee’s shareholding in the Guarantor first falls to 15% or below.

 

US Dollar Equivalent means, where sum to which this agreement relates is not stated in United States dollars, the amount determined by converting the amount in foreign currency into United States dollars at the Exchange Rate existing when the relevant revenue was earned or receivable, or the relevant expenditure was incurred, by the Payer.

 

1.2 Interpretation

 

In this agreement, unless the context otherwise requires:

 

(a)the singular includes the plural and vice-versa;

 

(b)headings do not affect the interpretation of this agreement;

 

-7-
 

 

(c)a reference to a party means a party to this agreement as listed on page 1 of this agreement and includes that party’s executors, administrators, liquidators, substitutes, successors and permitted assigns;

 

(d)references to a part, clause, schedule, exhibit and annexure refers to a part, clause, schedule, exhibit or annexure of, in or to this agreement;

 

(e)a reference to this agreement includes all schedules, exhibits and annexures to this agreement;

 

(f)a reference to an agreement, instrument or other document includes the same as amended, novated, supplemented or replaced from time to time;

 

(g)a reference to a court is to a court of the Nominated State;

 

(h)a reference to any legislation or legislative provision includes any statutory modification or re-enactment of, or legislative provision substituted for, and any subordinated legislation issued under, that legislation or legislative provision;

 

(i)a reference to a day, month or year is relevantly to a calendar day, calendar month or calendar year;

 

(j)a reference to $, USD, US dollars, United States dollars or dollars is to the lawful currency of the United States of America;

 

(k)a reference to AUD is to the lawful currency of Australia;

 

(l)the expressions “including”, “includes” and “include” have the meaning as if followed by “without limitation”; and

 

(m)no rule of construction is to apply to the disadvantage of a party on the basis that that party drafted the whole or any part of this agreement.

 

1.3 Accounting matters

 

Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, all accounting matters are to be determined in accordance with sound accounting practices customary in the mining industry and with the Accounting Standards.

 

2 Royalty

 

2.1 Royalty obligation

 

(a)As from the Commencement Date, for each Quarter in which any Product is produced and sold, removed or otherwise disposed of, the Payer agrees to pay to the Payee the Royalty calculated in accordance with this agreement.

 

(b)The obligation to pay the Royalty accrues upon the receipt by the Payer of revenue received from the sale or other disposal of Products, or as otherwise set out in this agreement.

 

2.2 Calculation and payment of Royalty

 

Within 21 days after the end of each Quarter, the Payer must:

 

(a)calculate the Royalty payable for that Quarter, if any;

 

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(b)give to the Payee a Statement in respect of that Quarter, even if there is no Royalty payable in respect of that Quarter; and

 

(c)if the Royalty is payable, pay to the Payee the Royalty due by it for that Quarter in Australian Dollar Equivalent (unless the Payee requests payment in USD), in immediately available funds without demand, reduction or set-off (except any deduction or withholding required by law):

 

(i)by direct deposit to the bank account nominated by the Payee, which the Payee may, by notice to the Payer, change from time to time; or

 

(ii)if no bank account is nominated, by bank cheque payable to the Payee.

 

2.3 Adjustment of Royalty

 

(a)The parties recognize that a period of time exists between the extraction and recovery of Ore, the production of Concentrates from Ore, the production of Products from Concentrates, and the receipt by the Payer of the Products or the revenue from the sale or other disposal of the Products.

 

(b)Accordingly, the payment of Royalty in a Quarter may not coincide exactly with the actual amount of Products produced during the Quarter. The Payer may make Adjustments to the Royalty Records and the Statement following determination of an Adjustment, and must provide a final Statement of the Royalty due for a Quarter within 30 days of determination of the final Adjustment.

 

2.4 Deduction from Royalty and other payments

 

(a)If a party making a payment to another party under this agreement is legally required to deduct any tax, duty, levy, impost, deduction, charge or withholding from that payment, the deduction is for the account of the party receiving the payment.

 

(b)The Payer may make any payment due to the Payee in the currency in which it is payable under this agreement and with the deduction of any commission or expense relating to any necessary foreign currency conversion or any other related bank charge.

 

(c)If the Payer is required by law to deduct any tax, duty, impost, charge or withholding from a payment of Royalty (Tax Deduction), the Payer must:

 

(i)promptly, upon becoming aware that it is required to make the Tax Deduction, or if there is any change in the rate or the basis of the Tax Deduction, notify the Payee of the amount, date and proposed recipient of the required Tax Deduction;

 

(ii)make the Tax Deduction and pay the minimum amount required by law to the relevant Authority within the time allowed; and

 

(iii)within 30 days of making either the Tax Deduction or any payment required in connection with that Tax Deduction, deliver to the Payee evidence satisfactory to the Payee, acting reasonably, that the Tax Deduction has been made and paid as required.

 

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2.5 Interest and costs

 

(a)Without limiting the rights of the Payee in relation to any breach of this agreement by the Payer, if the Payer fails to pay the Royalty due under this agreement on or before the due date for payment, then the Payer must also pay to the Payee immediately on demand:

 

(i)interest on the amount due from due date up to and including the date upon which the moneys are paid, calculated on a daily basis and compounded with monthly rests; and

 

(ii)all costs and expenses (including legal costs and expenses on a full indemnity basis) incurred by the Payee which are attributable to the Payer’s failure to pay by due date.

 

(b)The rate of interest is the Interest Rate calculated on a daily basis and compounded with monthly rests, or such other similar rate of interest as the parties may agree.

 

2.6 Finality of Statement

 

A Statement for a Quarter and payment of the Royalty in accordance with that Statement is final and in full satisfaction of all obligations of the Payer with respect to and payment of the Royalty for that Quarter unless:

 

(a)the Payee does not agree with the Statement, in which case the Payee may, within 12 months of receiving the Statement or the report of an auditor appointed in accordance with this agreement (whichever is the later), give the Payer a Dispute Notice in which case the dispute resolution procedures in this agreement apply; or

 

(b)there has been any fraud, deliberate miscalculation, or reckless calculation of the Royalty by the Payer.

 

2.7 Royalty a continuing obligation

 

Unless otherwise provided for in this agreement, the obligation to pay the Royalty continues, with respect to each Mining Right, for the full term of the Mining Right, including any successor Mining Right and throughout the period that any Product can lawfully be extracted and recovered, unless this agreement is previously determined in accordance with its terms.

 

2.8 Guarantee

 

The Guarantor unconditionally guarantees to the Payee that the Payer will comply fully with its obligations under this agreement. This guarantee is an absolute, unconditional, irrevocable guarantee of all of the Payer’s obligations and shall not be discharged except by satisfaction in full of the Payer’s obligations under this agreement. The Payee is not obliged to exhaust its recourse against the Payer before being entitled to demand satisfaction of the Payer’s obligations by the Guarantor.

 

2.9 Survival of Royalty obligation

 

Where the Payee is an individual, the obligation of the Payer to pay the Royalty survives the death of the Payee and passes to the estate of the Payee.

 

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2.10 Perpetuity period

 

If the vesting of any interest under this agreement would, but for this clause, be void under the rule against perpetuities at common law or under any statute imposing perpetuity periods, then that interest terminates one day before the end of the maximum time from the date of this agreement permitted by the law of the Nominated State for that interest to be valid.

 

2.11 Further assurance

 

If the Payer intends to extend, renew, convert or substitute any Mining Right described in Schedule 2 for a new Mining Right, the Payer must give the Payee at least 30 days prior notice of its intention to do so, and the Payee may then require the Payer to execute an Assumption Agreement confirming that this agreement applies to the new Mining Right.

 

3 Representations, warranties and acknowledgements

 

3.1 Party representations and warranties

 

Each party represents and warrants as at the Execution Date for the benefit of the other parties that:

 

(a)(Incorporation) it is validly incorporated, organised and subsisting in accordance with the laws of its place of incorporation;

 

(b)(Power and capacity) it has full power and capacity to enter into and perform its obligations under this agreement;

 

(c)(Corporate authorisations) all necessary authorisations for the execution, delivery and performance by it of this agreement in accordance with its terms have been obtained;

 

(d)(No legal impediment) its execution, delivery and performance of this agreement complies with its constitution and does not constitute a breach of any law or obligation, or cause a default under any agreement by which it is bound;

 

(e)(Insolvency) no meeting has been convened, resolution proposed or order made for the winding up, or the appointment of an administrator, of it, and no mortgagee or chargee has taken, attempted to take or indicated an intention to exercise its rights under any security; and

 

(f)(No trust) it enters into and performs this agreement on its own account and not as trustee for or nominee of any other person.

 

3.2 Representations and warranties by the Payer

 

The Payer represents and warrants as at the Execution Date and as at the Commencement Date, for the benefit of the Payee, that:

 

(a)it is the legal and beneficial owner of its interest in the Mining Rights, free of Encumbrances in favour of Third Parties, other than those disclosed on or before the Commencement Date to the Payee;

 

(b)the Mining Rights are in good standing under the Mining Act and are not liable to cancellation or forfeiture for any reason and it is not aware of any circumstances which may give rise to such cancellation or forfeiture;

 

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(c)it has complied with all Laws in respect of the Mining Rights and all Authorisations in all material respects; and

 

(d)it is not engaged in any litigation, arbitration or other proceeding concerning the Mining Rights and it is not aware of any pending or threatened litigation,
   
 arbitration or other proceeding concerning the Mining Rights, which if successful would have a materially adverse effect on the value of the Mining Rights or the Payer’s interest or right in the Mining Rights.

 

3.3 Payer covenants concerning Mining Rights

 

The Payer covenants for the benefit of the Payee that it will, at the Payer’s cost, for the duration of this agreement:

 

(a)keep the Mining Rights in good standing under the Mining Act;

 

(b)observe the provisions of the Mining Act and all other Laws affecting the Mining Rights;

 

(c)comply with the terms and conditions of each Mining Rights in all material respects;

 

(d)renew and extend each Mining Right, which is not otherwise relinquished or surrendered in accordance with this agreement, as and when it becomes due for renewal and extension in accordance with the Mining Act;

 

(e)not relinquish or surrender any of the Mining Rights except in accordance with this agreement or the Mining Act or the terms and conditions of the Mining Rights; and

 

(f)not permit the creation of any Encumbrance, or sell, assign or otherwise deal with or dispose of the whole or any part of its interest or right in a Mining Right, except in accordance with this agreement.

 

3.4 Acknowledgement of other activities

 

Each party acknowledges to, and for the benefit of the others, that each party has the free and unrestricted right to enter into, conduct and benefit from any and all business ventures of any kind whatsoever, whether or not competitive with the activities undertaken under this agreement, without being obliged to disclose such activities to the other parties or invite or allow any other party to participate in those activities including activities involving mining rights adjoining the Mining Area.

 

4 Mining operations

 

4.1 Mining Operations obligations

 

(a)The Payers must use their best endeavours to conduct Mining Operations on or about the Mining Area safely and efficiently and in a good, workmanlike and commercially reasonable manner in accordance with good international mining practice.

 

(b)The Payee must not unduly interfere with the carrying out of Mining Operations or the business carried on by the Payers or any of them conducted under authority of the Mining Rights.

 

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4.2 Maintenance of Mining Rights

 

The Payer acknowledges and agrees that the Payer is responsible, at the Payer’s cost, for observing the provisions of the Mining Act and all other legislation affecting the mining operations and activities conducted by the Payer on or about the Mining Area for the duration of this agreement, including:

 

(a)lodging in good time all required reports;

 

(b)paying all fees, rents, rates, royalties, taxes and other similar payments due in respect of all of the Mining Rights; and

 

(c)ensuring all legislative conditions in respect of all of the Mining Rights are met or exemptions obtained in a timely fashion.

 

4.3 Payer to determine Mining Right operations

 

The Payee acknowledges and agrees that the Payer:

 

(a)owes the Payee no duty to explore, develop or mine in any of the Mining Rights, or to do so at any rate or in any manner other than that which the Payer may determine in its sole and unfettered discretion;

 

(b)has complete discretion concerning the nature, timing and extent of all exploration, development, mining, treating, milling and other operations conducted under the authority of the Mining Rights and may suspend operations and production on the Mining Area at any time it wishes to do so whether or not the operations are affected by force majeure;

 

(c)may, but is not obliged to, treat, mill, sort, concentrate, refine, or otherwise process, beneficiate or upgrade Ores, Concentrates, and other Products extracted from the Mining Area; and

 

(d)is not liable for any mineral or commercial value lost in processing Ores, Concentrates, and other Products extracted from the Mining Area under sound mining practices and procedures, and no Royalty is due on any such lost value.

 

4.4 Commingling

 

(a)The Payer may commingle Products extracted from the Mining Area prior to being dispatched with other Ores, Concentrates or products produced elsewhere in accordance with customary good international mining and metallurgical practice applied reasonably, but before doing so must, in accordance with sound mining and metallurgical practices, take, measure and retain representative samples of such Products, Ores and Concentrates for moisture, metal, commercial minerals, penalty substances and other appropriate content so as to be able to determine their metal or mineral content, using the same procedures for each separate ore source.

 

(b)The Payer must establish, and record in the Royalty Records, the methods and practices adopted by the Payer necessary to weigh, sample, assay and perform other measuring or testing necessary to fairly allocate to each party the valuable minerals and metals contained in the Products extracted and recovered from the Mining Area prior to being dispatched from the Mining Area.

 

(c)The Payer must retain:

 

(i)the representative samples taken from the Mining Area, with the Payee being entitled to inspect the same; and

 

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   (ii)the Royalty Records for a reasonable amount of time after receipt by the Payee of the Royalty paid on commingled ores extracted from the Mining Area,
     
  but in any case not less than 3 months after the end of each Financial Year within which those representative samples were taken, unless the Payee requires a financial or technical audit under clause 6 or the Payee or Payer issues a Dispute Notice, relating to or concerning those representative samples, in which case it is not less than 3 months after the audit report has been given to the Payer or the Dispute has been resolved (whichever occurs latest).

 

4.5 Tailings

 

If any Tailings extracted under authority of any Mining Rights are processed or reprocessed in the future and result in Products, those Products are subject to payment of the Royalty.

 

4.6 Samples

 

The Payer may, without being liable to pay Royalty under this agreement, mine, remove and supply small amounts of Minerals reasonably necessary for sampling, assaying, metallurgical testing and evaluation of the mineral potential of the Mining Rights.

 

5 Trading Arrangements

 

5.1 Acknowledgement by the parties

 

Each party acknowledges that:

 

(a)any other party may engage in Trading Arrangements which may involve the delivery, or possible delivery, of any Products whether from the Mining Area or otherwise; and

 

(b)except as otherwise provided in this agreement, the Payer has no obligation to account to the Payee for, and the Payee has no interest or right to participate in, any profits or incur any losses of Trading Arrangements engaged in by the Payer.

 

5.2 Sales to Related Parties

 

If, in any Quarter, the Payer sells, assigns or otherwise disposes of Products derived from the Mining Area to a Related Entity, or a company in which the Payer has a beneficial interest on terms that are not Arm’s Length Terms, the Payer is deemed to have received revenue equivalent to the Average Spot Price multiplied by the quantity of the Products so sold or assigned by the Payer during that Quarter and such deemed revenue must be included in the calculation of the Royalty payable for the relevant Quarter.

 

5.3 Waiver and acknowledgement

 

(a)The Payee waives any claim for additional Royalty arising from the Payer realising more proceeds of sale of Products from its Trading Arrangements than is properly utilised in the Royalty calculation.

 

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(b)The Payer acknowledges that the Payee is not obligated to share in any losses generated by any of the Payer’s Trading Arrangements with respect to any Products and any such losses must not be reflected in the Royalty calculation.

 

6 Information and audit

 

6.1 Royalty Records

 

The Payer must keep, or cause to be kept, true and accurate Royalty Records in accordance with the Accounting Standards and generally accepted mining industry practice consistently applied, including tonnage, volume of Products, analyses of Products, weight, moisture, assays of payable content and other records and supporting materials, as appropriate, related to the computation of Royalty hereunder, and must permit the Payee or its representatives to inspect such records.

 

6.2 Information and reporting

 

(a)The Payee may request from the Payer, from time to time, and the Payer must provide, such general information as the Payee might reasonably require for the purpose of determining the amount of Products derived from Mining Operations and the amount of royalty to which the Payee is, or may in future be, entitled pursuant to this agreement.

 

(b)Within 60 days following the end of each Financial Year, the Payer must provide the Payee with an annual report of Mining Operations during the preceding Financial Year, which report must include details of:

 

(i)mining activities and operations conducted on the Mining Area;

 

(ii)the amount of Products produced from the Mining Area during the Financial Year;

 

(iii)ore reserve data for the Financial Year; and

 

(iv)estimates of proposed expenditures upon, anticipated production from and estimated remaining ore reserves of proposed Mining Operations for the succeeding Financial Year and any changes to, or replacements of, the mine plan or any ‘life of mine plan’ with respect to the Mining Operations and the Mining Area.

 

6.3 Inspection and audit of Royalty Records

 

(a)The Payee may, upon reasonable notice to the Payer and at reasonable times and at its own cost, within 60 days of receiving a Statement in respect of a Quarter or within 3 months after the end of each Financial Year, appoint a suitably qualified independent accounting firm to inspect, audit and report on the Royalty Records of the Payer to the Payee in respect of that Quarter or the Quarters for that Financial Year (as the case may be).

 

(b)The Payer must give the auditor appointed by the Payee full and free access to the Royalty Records of the Payer at its offices, or elsewhere as agreed, in respect of the payment of the Royalty for that Quarter or the Quarters for that Financial Year (as the case may be).

 

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6.4 Access, inspection and technical audit

 

(a)The Payee may, upon reasonable notice to the Payer and at reasonable times but not more frequently than once in every 6 months and at its own cost and risk, inspect any operations carried on within and adjacent to the Mining Area, provided that the Payee must ensure that it does not unduly interfere with the operations or with the general conduct by the Payer of its business and complies with the reasonable requirements of the Payer and its safety officers.

 

(b)The Payer must provide, at the Payee’s cost, all reasonable access to the Payee and to the mining engineer appointed by the Payee sufficient and necessary to reasonably carry out such technical audit.

 

(c)The Payee must ensure that any audit undertaken by, or on behalf of, the Payee is conducted and concluded promptly and diligently.

 

(d)Where the Payer is commingling Products extracted under authority of a Mining Right prior to being dispatched from the Mining Area with other Ores, Concentrates, mineral products, metals and minerals produced elsewhere:

 

(i)the Payee may, at reasonable times and at its own cost and risk and not more than once in every 6 months upon reasonable notice to the Payer, by itself or by a qualified and recognised mining engineer appointed by it, inspect and conduct a technical audit on the methods and practices used by the Payer in weighing, sampling, assaying or other measuring or testing extracted from the Mining Area; and

 

(ii)in doing so must comply with the reasonable requirements of the Payer and its safety officers.

 

6.5 Consequences of financial audit

 

(a)If the Payee notifies the Payer of any underpayment or overpayment of the Royalty which the Payee’s auditor, in its reasonable opinion, considers exists, or the audit determines that any Royalty paid has been calculated in error, the Payer must, on being provided with a copy of the report of the Payee’s auditor, make an Adjustment of the Royalty due for the next Quarter accordingly, unless the Payer gives a Dispute Notice under this agreement in relation to the relevant Statement within 3 months of receiving the report of the Payee’s auditor.

 

(b)If the Royalty properly payable is established by audit to be more than 5% more or less than the Royalty set out in a Statement provided by the Payer, the Payer must refund to the Payee forthwith the costs of the audit.

 

6.6 Consequences of technical audit

 

(a)The Payee may give the Payer a copy of any technical report arising from a technical audit conducted under this clause which raises, as a matter of concern, any matter concerning the weighing, sampling, assaying or any other measuring or testing practice which is not consistent with good international mining and metallurgical practice applied reasonably.

 

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(b)If the Payer does not accept that there is a matter of mining and metallurgical practice which it is prepared to, and does, correct, either party may give a Dispute Notice under this agreement in relation to that matter within 3 months of receiving the technical report.

 

7 Relinquishment of Mining Rights

 

7.1 Notice of relinquishment of a Mining Right

 

The Payer must give the Payee at least 30 days prior notice of its intention for any reason (including being compelled or required by Law) to relinquish, surrender, withdraw from or not renew or extend the whole or any part of a Mining Right (Relinquished Mining Right) prior to relinquishing, surrendering, withdrawing from or failing to renew or extend the Mining Right.

 

7.2 Payee right of conveyance of Relinquished Mining Rights

 

(a)Within 21 days of receiving a notice of intention to relinquish, surrender, withdraw from or not renew or extend the Relinquished Mining Right, the Payee may, if the Relinquished Mining Right is capable of being conveyed to the Payee, give notice to the Payer requiring it to convey the Relinquished Mining Right to the Payee, free of Encumbrances for no further consideration, and the Payer must do so forthwith, together with all material information and data which the Payer has within its possession or control relating to the Relinquished Mining Right.

 

(b)Upon the Payer conveying the Relinquished Mining Right to the Payee under this clause, then from the date of conveyance the Payer has no further obligation to pay the Royalty to the Payee under this agreement in relation to that Relinquished Mining Right.

 

7.3 Surrender of a Relinquished Mining Right

 

If the Payee does not exercise its right to acquire the Relinquished Mining Right, then the Payer may proceed to relinquish, surrender, withdraw from or not renew or extend the Relinquished Mining Right and, subject to the rights arising on Revival (as defined below), this agreement no longer applies to the Relinquished Mining Right.

 

7.4 Compulsory surrender of a Relinquished Mining Right

 

If the Payer is required by law to relinquish or surrender part of a Mining Right and that part Mining Right is not capable of being conveyed to the Payee, then the Payer may relinquish or surrender that part of the Mining Right and upon relinquishment or surrender, but subject to the rights arising on Revival, this agreement no longer applies to that part of the Mining Right relinquished or surrendered.

 

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7.5 Total abandonment or surrender of all Mining Rights

 

Subject to the rights arising on Revival, if the Payer relinquishes, surrenders, withdraws from or conveys to the Payee all of the Mining Rights, then this agreement terminates on the latest of the date of the relinquishment, expiry or surrender of the last of the Mining Rights or the date of the last conveyance to the Payee.

 

7.6 Revival of obligations under a Relinquished Mining Right

 

If any Mining Right or an interest in any Mining Right in respect of any part of the area of any Relinquished Mining Right is granted to or acquired by the Payer or a Related Entity within 3 years of its relinquishment or surrender (Revival), then upon such grant or acquisition the area of the Relinquished Mining Right again becomes subject to this agreement and the obligation to pay the Royalty by the Payer as part of the Mining Area.

 

8 Protection of Royalty interest

 

8.1 Nature of Interest Royalty

 

Subject to the applicable Law and in order to allow the Payee to protect its rights under this agreement, the Payer grants a proprietary right or an interest in the Mining Rights and the Products in favour of the Payee, provided that such interest is deemed satisfied in respect of any particular Products by the payment to the Payee of the Royalty in respect of that Product. The Payer acknowledges that the Payee’s rights under this agreement are not merely contractual in nature.

 

8.2 Registration of Royalty

 

As soon as practicable after the Execution Date, but in any event not later than 12 months after the Execution Date, the Payer must do all things reasonably necessary to register, or procure the registration of, the Payee’s interest in the Mining Rights, as granted pursuant to this agreement, on the relevant Mining Rights register, land title register or personal property security register.

 

8.3 Insurance

 

(a)The Payer must purchase or otherwise arrange at its own expense and keep in force at all times insurance for the loss, theft or destruction of Products arising out of or resulting from operations conducted on or relating to the Mining Area in such amounts as will adequately protect the Payer and the Payee. Where the Royalty calculation provisions so provide, the cost of such insurance is an Allowable Deduction from Gross Revenue.

 

(b)The Payer must use its best endeavours to have the Payee named as a loss payee in respect of its interest under any security agreement over all loss, theft or destruction insurance policies relating to the Mining Area or the Products.

 

8.4 No Assumption of Liability

 

The Payee does not assume, by its execution of this agreement or acceptance of the Royalty, any liability, obligation or commitment of the Payer, whether known or unknown, actual or contingent, now-existing or hereafter arising (Excluded Liabilities) which Excluded Liabilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

(a)any and all obligations and liabilities of the Payer relating to or arising from the environmental or other conditions on any portion of the Mining Area or from the Payer’s operations related to the Mining Rights; and

 

(b)any and all obligations and liabilities of the Payer to any grantor of the Mining Rights, or any contractor or agent of the Payer, or any Authority.

 

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8.5 Indemnity

 

The Payer indemnifies and holds harmless the Payee from and against all loss, theft or destruction of Products suffered or incurred by the Payee arising out of or resulting from operations conducted on or relating to the Mining Area.

 

8.6 Assistance

 

The Payee must give to the Payer all assistance that the Payer may reasonably require in carrying out the Payer’s obligations to register this agreement (if any) or purchase or arrange insurance. The Payer must pay all costs associated with such registration and insurance.

 

9 Assignment and Encumbrances

 

9.1 Assignment by Payer

 

The Payer may not sell, transfer, grant, assign or otherwise dispose of (Transfer) all, part of, or any interest or right in, any of the Mining Rights, or any rights in relation to Products extracted and recovered or to be extracted and recovered from the Mining Area to a Third Party or a Related Entity except:

 

(a)by the sale of Products, and if the terms of sale are not Arm’s Length Terms then the Payer is deemed to receive a value calculated on Arm’s Length Terms; or

 

(b)where the Payer has first executed and delivered to the Payee an Assumption Agreement in favour of the Payee executed by the Payer and the assignee or other recipient of the interest and rights being the subject of the Transfer; or

 

(c)by an Encumbrance which is expressly subject to the Royalty and which is accompanied by an Assumption Agreement in favour of the Payee under which the Encumbrancee agrees to be bound by the terms of this agreement in exercising the Encumbrancee’s powers or remedies under the Encumbrance, as if it was a party to this agreement.

 

9.2 Payer release and survival

 

(a)The Payer is released from its obligations under this agreement in respect of the interest the subject of the Transfer as from the date of the Transfer, but only if a Transfer is completed strictly in accordance with this agreement, and without affecting its obligations arising prior to that date.

 

(b)The rights of the Payee survive the Transfer and do not merge on or by virtue of completion and registration of the Transfer.

 

9.3 Indemnity and damages

 

(a)The Payer may not make or attempt to make a Transfer of any interest or rights that does not comply strictly with the requirements of this agreement and agrees to fully indemnify the Payee from all loss, damage, claims and expenses (including legal costs on a full indemnity basis) resulting from any breach by the Payer of this agreement in relation to the Transfer. The Payee is not to be taken to have provided its approval or acceptance of any purported Transfer that does not comply strictly with the requirements of this agreement and any such purported Transfer is void.

 

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(b)If any act or omission of a party under this agreement gives a party a right to damages or gives rise to liability of a party under any indemnity given under this agreement, then except where this agreement specifically provides otherwise, such damages or liability shall be limited to the direct, proximate and foreseeable loss attributable to such act or omission, after taking in account any obligation of the party seeking damages or indemnification to mitigate its loss, and neither party nor any other person claiming through or under a party shall be entitled to damages or indemnification for indirect, remote or unforeseeable loss or for any loss in the nature of compensation for loss or denial of opportunity, loss of goodwill or business reputation or other similar indirect or pure economic loss occasioned by that act or omission.

 

9.4 Sale of interest by Payee

 

(a)Subject to compliance with clause 9.4(b), the Payee may sell, transfer or assign (a Royalty Sale) all (but not part) of its rights and interests under this agreement for a cash consideration only.

 

(b)Before the Payee may proceed with a Royalty Sale, the Payee must first offer to sell all of its rights and interests under this agreement to the Payer for a cash consideration and on terms and conditions determined by the Payee (in the Payee’s absolute discretion). If the Payer does not accept that offer within 30 days after it receives the offer, then the Payee may within 90 days after the expiration of the 30 day period proceed with the Royalty Sale for a cash consideration which is not less than that offered to the Payer and on terms and conditions not in any way more favourable than those offered to the Payer. If the Payee does not, complete that Royalty Sale within that 90 day period or enter into a contract for that Royalty Sale that becomes unconditional within that 90 day period, then this clause 9.4(b) shall apply de novo.

 

(c)Without derogating from or limiting the application or effect of clauses 9.4(a) and 9.4(b), the Payee may sell, transfer, grant, assign or otherwise dispose of (an Assignment) some or all of the Payee’s rights and interests under this agreement, provided that prior to any such Assignment becoming effective the Payee must deliver to the Payer an Assumption Agreement executed by the assignee or other recipient of the interest and rights being the subject of the Assignment.

 

(d)All stamp, documentary, transfer, sales or other similar taxes or duties which may arise out of or relate to a Royalty Sale or Assignment shall, except where the assignee or recipient is the Payer, be for the account of the Payee or the assignee (as the case may be).

 

9.5 Grant of Encumbrance

 

The Payer covenants in favour of the Payee that it will not grant any Encumbrance over this agreement unless the Encumbrancee executes an Assumption Agreement under which the Encumbrancee agrees to be bound by the terms of this agreement in exercising the Encumbrancee’s powers or remedies under the Encumbrance, as if it was a party to this agreement.

 

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10Confidentiality

 

10.1Non-disclosure of Confidential Information

 

A party must not disclose Confidential Information except:

(a)if the disclosure is expressly permitted by this agreement; or

 

(b)to its Representative, or the Representative of an Affiliate, who requires the information for the purposes of or related to this agreement, the Mining Rights or the Royalty; or

 

(c)with the written consent of the party who supplied the Confidential Information, which consent may be given or withheld in its absolute discretion; or

 

(d)if the party, or an Affiliate of the party, holding the Confidential Information is required to do so by Law, including by a recognised stock exchange, or in connection with legal proceedings relating to this agreement; or

 

(e)to its employees, accountants, auditors, financial advisers or legal advisers with the prior requirement that they keep the disclosed information confidential in accordance with this clause; or

 

(f)if disclosure is made on a confidential basis to:
(i)a prospective farminee or assignee of the party’s rights and obligations under this agreement or of all or part of a Mining Right or interest in a Mining Right; or

 

(ii)a proposed purchaser of Product; or

 

(iii)a prospective financier of the party or its Related Entities; or

 

(iv)another Third Party which proposes to enter into contractual relations with the party,

 

provided the farminee, assignee, purchaser, financier or other Third Party agrees to keep the disclosed information confidential in accordance with this clause.

10.2Disclosure by recipient of Confidential Information

 

A party disclosing Confidential Information as permitted by this agreement must use all reasonable endeavours to ensure that persons receiving Confidential Information from it do not disclose the Confidential Information except as permitted by this agreement.

10.3Return of Confidential Information

 

A party who has disclosed Confidential Information to a prospective farminee, assignee, financier or other Third Party as provided for by this agreement must obtain from that person prior to disclosure an undertaking that, on the request of the disclosing party, it will immediately deliver or re-deliver to that party all documents or other materials containing or referring to the Confidential Information in its possession, power or control.

 

-21-
 

 

10.4Survival of termination

 

This confidentiality clause continues to bind a person notwithstanding that that person ceases to be a party to this agreement or this agreement is terminated for any reason, for a period of 5 years from the date of termination.

 

10.5Announcements and press releases

 

A party must not make press or other announcements or releases relating to this agreement and the transactions the subject of this agreement without the approval of the other parties to the form and manner of the announcement or release unless and to the extent that the announcement or release is required to be made by the party, or an Affiliate of the party, by Law, including by a recognised stock exchange.

 

11Taxes

 

11.1Tax exclusive amounts

 

All amounts payable under or in connection with this agreement are exclusive of any applicable goods and services tax or value added tax, unless indicated otherwise.

 

12Resolution of disputes

 

12.1Dispute Resolution Process
(a)Except where a time limitation is stated, and subject to the terms of this agreement, a party may give a Dispute Notice to the other party at any time.

 

(b)A Dispute Notice must:

 

(i)describe the nature of the Dispute; and

 

(ii)nominate a Representative of the party who is authorised to negotiate and settle the Dispute on the party’s behalf.

 

(c)Each other party must within 7 days after receipt of a Dispute Notice nominate in writing to the other party a Representative authorised to negotiate and settle the Dispute on its behalf.

 

(d)The nominated Representatives must negotiate in good faith with a view to resolving the Dispute within 30 days after the receipt of the Dispute Notice (or such longer period as those Representatives agree), failing which the Dispute may:

 

(i)if the Dispute relates to the calculation of the Royalty or any component of it or a matter arising out of a technical audit conducted in accordance with this agreement, be referred by a party by notice to Expert determination under clause 12.2; or

 

(ii)be referred by a party by notice to arbitration under clause 13. If the Dispute is capable of being referred to Expert determination under clause 12.1(d)(i), then any referral to arbitration will prevail and override any referral to Expert determination.

 

-22-
 

 

12.2Expert determination

 

Where a Dispute is permitted or required by this agreement to be determined by an Expert, or the parties agree that a Dispute should be determined by an Expert, the following provisions apply:

 

(a)the reference to the Expert is made in accordance with, and subject to, the Appointing Authority described in Schedule 1;
(b)the Expert determination must be conducted by a person or body agreed to by the parties or failing agreement within 14 days by the person or body nominated by the Appointing Authority described in Schedule 1;

 

(c)the parties will instruct the Expert to:
(i)promptly fix a reasonable time and place for receiving submissions or information from the parties or from any other persons as the Expert may think fit;

 

(ii)accept oral or written submissions from the parties as to the subject matter of the Dispute within 20 days of being appointed;

 

(iii)not be bound by the rules of evidence; and

 

(iv)make a determination in writing with appropriate reasons for that determination within 20 days after the expiry of the period referred to in clause 12.2(c)(ii);

 

(d)the Expert will have the following powers:

 

(i)to inform himself or herself independently as to facts and, if necessary, technical and/or financial matters to which the Dispute relates;

 

(ii)to receive written submissions and sworn and unsworn written statements and photocopy documents and to act upon the same;

 

(iii)to engage consultants or employees to carry out the Expert’s duties and to consult with such other professionally qualified persons as the Expert in his or her absolute discretion thinks fit; and

 

(iv)to take such reasonable measures as he or she thinks fit to expedite the completion of the resolution of the Dispute;

 

(e)in making a determination:

 

(i)the Expert must act in that capacity and not as an arbitrator;

 

(ii)the Expert’s finding is final and binding upon the parties in the absence of manifest error;

 

(iii)the Expert will be required to undertake to keep confidential matters coming to the Expert’s knowledge by reason of being appointed and the performance of the Expert’s duties; and

 

(iv)the Expert must determine which party or parties should bear the costs of any such determination and in what proportion, taking into account the Expert’s determination and the degree to which the Expert considers a party was unreasonable in failing to agree to the matter; and

 

-23-
 

 

(f)The Dispute resolution process will be held in Melbourne, Australia unless the parties otherwise agree;

 

(g)The parties will give the Expert all information and assistance that the Expert may reasonably require; and

 

(h)The parties are entitled to be legally represented in respect of any representations that they wish to make to the Expert, whether orally or in writing.
12.3Parties to continue to perform

 

Prior to resolution of the Dispute, the parties must continue to perform their respective obligations under this agreement including all pre-existing obligations the subject of the Dispute, except only to the extent that lack of resolution of the Dispute prevents such performance.

12.4Condition precedent to Litigation

 

A party must not commence proceedings in any court in respect of a Dispute:

 

(a)that this agreement requires to be referred to an Expert;

 

(b)that this agreement requires to be referred to arbitration; or

 

(c)in all other cases, unless a Dispute Notice has been given and the Representatives do not resolve the Dispute within 90 days after the receipt of the Dispute Notice (or such longer period as those Representatives agree).

 

Nothing in this clause prevents a party from commencing proceedings in any court where proceedings are required to obtain urgent interlocutory relief

 

13Arbitration

 

13.1Referral to arbitration

 

If:

 

(a)a Dispute is not resolved in the manner described in clause 12.1 within the 30 day period (or such longer period as the Representatives agree) under clause 12.1(d) (Initial Period), and is not referred by a party to Expert determination within a further 30 days after the expiry of that Initial Period or is otherwise referred by a party to arbitration under clause 12.1(d)(ii);

 

(b)an Expert determination regarding a Dispute is made under clause 12 but a party fails to fully comply with the Expert determination within 30 days after it is made; or

 

(c)there is any dispute, controversy or claim arising out of this agreement or relating to the breach, termination or invalidity of this agreement,

 

(each an Unresolved Dispute),

 

then any party may require the Unresolved Dispute to be settled by arbitration in accordance with the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules as at present in force, and clause 13.2 will apply.

 

-24-
 

 

13.2Arbitration details

 

(a)The arbitration shall be administered by the Australian Centre for International Commercial Arbitration (ACICA).

 

(b)The appointing authority shall be ACICA.

 

(c)The number of arbitrators shall be one.

 

(d)The place of arbitration shall be Melbourne, Australia.

 

(e)The language to be used in the arbitral proceedings shall be English.

 

14Notices

 

14.1Form of Notice

 

Unless expressly stated otherwise in this agreement, any notice, certificate, consent, approval, waiver or other communication in connection with this agreement (Notice) must be in writing or given by electronic transmission, signed by the sender (if an individual) or an Authorised Officer of the sender and marked for the attention of the person identified in the Particulars or, if the recipient has notified otherwise, then marked for attention in the last way notified.

 

14.2When Notices are taken to have been given and received

 

(a)A Notice is regarded as given and received:
(i)if delivered by hand, when left at the address given in the Particulars;

 

(ii)if sent by pre-paid post, on the tenth day following the date of postage;

 

(iii)if given by fax, on production of a transmission report by the machine from which the fax was sent which indicates that the fax was sent in its entirety to the recipient’s fax number, unless the recipient informs the sender that the Notice is illegible or incomplete within 4 hours of it being transmitted; and

 

(iv)if sent by email, at the time shown in the delivery confirmation report generated by the sender’s email system which indicates that the email was sent to the recipient’s email address.

 

(b)A Notice delivered or received other than on a Business Day or after 5.00pm (recipient’s time) is regarded as received at 9.00am on the following Business Day. A Notice delivered or received before 9.00am (recipient’s time) is regarded as received at 9.00am.

 

-25-
 

 

15Ancillary provisions

 

15.1Entire agreement

 

This agreement contains everything the parties have agreed in relation to the subject matter it deals with. The parties agree that there are no implied covenants in or with respect to this agreement, other than those of good faith and fair dealing.

 

15.2No reliance or inducement

 

Each party warrants and agrees that when entering into this agreement it relied exclusively on the terms expressly contained in this agreement and on:

 

(a)its own inspections, investigations, skill and judgement; and

 

(b)opinions and advice obtained by it,

 

and did not rely on any statements, inducements, undertakings, representations or advice given or made, whether orally or in writing, by or on behalf of any other party, including without limitation by any officer, employee, agent or adviser of any other party.

15.3Enurement

 

The provisions of this agreement enure for the benefit of and are binding on each party and their respective successors and permitted assigns.

 

15.4No partnership

 

Nothing contained or implied in this agreement constitutes a party the partner, agent, or legal representative of another party for any purpose or creates any partnership, agency or trust, and no party has any authority to bind another party in any way.

 

15.5Amendment

 

No modification, variation or amendment of this agreement is of any force unless it is in writing and has been signed by each of the parties.

 

15.6Prompt performance

 

If this agreement specifies when the party agrees to perform an obligation, the party agrees to perform it by the time specified. Each party agrees to perform all other obligations promptly.

 

15.7Severability

 

If any provision of this agreement is void, illegal or unenforceable, it may be severed without affecting the enforceability of the other provisions in this agreement.

 

15.8Waiver

 

A waiver of any right, power or remedy under this agreement must be in writing signed by the party granting it. A waiver is only effective in relation to the particular right, power or remedy in respect of which it is given. It is not to be taken as an implied waiver of any other right, power or remedy or as an implied waiver of that obligation or breach in relation to any other occasion.

 

-26-
 

 

15.9Remedies cumulative

 

The rights and remedies provided in this agreement are in addition to other rights and remedies given by law independently of this agreement, except to the extent that they are expressly excluded.

 

15.10Indemnities

 

The indemnities in this agreement are continuing obligations, independent from the other obligations of the parties under this agreement and continue after this agreement terminates.

 

15.11Applicable law
(a)This agreement is governed by and must be construed in accordance with the laws of the Nominated State.

 

(b)The parties submit irrevocably to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the Nominated State and all Courts competent to hear appeals from those courts.

 

15.12Further assurances

 

Each party must execute all documents and do all things reasonably necessary or desirable to give full effect to this agreement and to any matter or thing contemplated pursuant to this agreement.

 

15.13Fees and charges

 

(a)Each party must bear its own costs for the preparation, execution, delivery and performance of this agreement.

 

(b)All stamp duties and registration fees relating to the execution, registration and performance of this agreement, and of all other documents arising out of this agreement, must be paid by the Payer, except to the extent that clause 9.4(d) applies.

 

15.14Counterparts

 

This agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts (which may be by electronically scanned facsimile) and by different parties in separate counterparts. Each counterpart when so executed is deemed an original but all of which together constitute one and the same instrument.

 

15.15GST
(a)If GST is imposed on any supply made by any party (Supplier) to another party (Recipient) under this agreement, the Recipient must pay to the Supplier an amount equal to that GST in addition to any other amount payable or other consideration provided for the supply.

 

(b)The obligation of the Recipient under clause 15.15(a) only applies if the Supplier has provided the Recipient with a tax invoice for the supply that sets out the relevant amount in respect of which GST is payable and the amount of that GST.
(c)If for any reason the amount paid by the Recipient under clause 15.15(a) differs from the amount of GST payable at law by the Supplier on the supply, the amount paid by the Recipient must be adjusted accordingly.
(d)For the purposes of this clause 15.15:.

 

(i)GST means the goods and services tax described in A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999 (C’th) and related Laws, or any similar tax;

 

(ii)tax invoice means a valid tax invoice that meets the requirements of the Laws governing the GST and any relevant requirements of the Australian Taxation Office (or other relevant administering body or person); and

 

(iii)the amount of GST on any supply is calculated before the allowance of any input tax or other credits.

 

-27-
 

 

Schedule 1

 

Basic Particulars

 

Appointing Authority:

(Clause 1.1)

In the case of financial matters (including the calculation of the Royalty or any component of it), the Chair for the time being of the Victorian Regional Council of Chartered Accountants of Australia and New Zealand. In the case of technical, geological, mining or exploration matters (including a matter arising out of a technical audit conducted in accordance with this agreement), the President for the time being of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (Melbourne Branch). In the case of any other matters (including a Dispute as to the interpretation

of this agreement), the President for the time being of the Law Institute of Victoria.

   

Interest Rate:

(Clause 1.1)

The rate which is the highest of the unsecured business overdraft rate of National Australia Bank, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Westpac and ANZ Banking Group.

   

Mineral(s):

(Clause 1.1)

Gold, Silver, Copper, Zinc, Lead, Nickel, Cobalt, Molybdenum, Platinum Group Elements (including Platinum, Palladium and Iridium), and Rare Earth Elements (including Cerium, Lanthanum and Yttrium).

   

Mining Act:

(Clause 1.1)

The Mining Laws and Regulations as contained in the Alaska Statutes and Alaska Administrative Code 2014 and any other applicable laws, legislation, regulations, by-laws and ordinances relating to the conduct of minerals prospecting, exploration, extraction or processing activities in relation to or concerning the Mineral Rights, including any Federal Laws of the United States of America.

   

Nominated State:

(Clause 1.1)

The State of Victoria, Australia.

Product(s):

(Clause 1.1)

Gold, Silver, Copper, Zinc, Lead, Nickel, Cobalt, Molybdenum, Platinum Group Elements (including Platinum, Palladium and Iridium), and Rare Earth Elements (including Cerium, Lanthanum and Yttrium); and any concentrates of those Minerals.
   

Royalty Percentage:

(Clause 1.1)

2%
   
Spot Price jurisdiction: London, United Kingdom. (Clause 1.1)

 

-28-
 

 

Schedule 2

 

List of Mining Rights as at the Execution Date

 

  CLAIM  
PROJECT ADL # NAME # Meridian Township Range Section 1/4 Recording District
ESTELLE 726071 OXIDE 1 Seward 22N 19W 18 NW

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE 726072 OXIDE 2 Seward 22N 19W 7 SW

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE 726073 OXIDE 3 Seward 22N 19W 7 NW

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE 726074 OXIDE 4 Seward 22N 19W 6 SW

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE 726075 OXIDE 5 Seward 22N 20W 1 SE

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE 726076 OXIDE 6 Seward 22N 20W 12 NE

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE 726077 OXIDE 7 Seward 22N 20W 12 SE

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE 726078 OXIDE 8 Seward 22N 20W 13 NE

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE 726079 OXIDE 9 Seward 22N 20W 12 SW

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE 726080 OXIDE 10 Seward 22N 20W 12 NW

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE 726081 OXIDE 11 Seward 22N 20W 1 SW

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE 726082 OXIDE 12 Seward 22N 20W 2 SE

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE 726083 OXIDE 13 Seward 22N 20W 11 NE

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE 726084 OXIDE 14 Seward 22N 20W 11 SE

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE 726085 OXIDE 15 Seward 22N 20W 11 SW

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE 726086 OXIDE 16 Seward 22N 20W 11 NW

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE 726087 OXIDE 17 Seward 22N 20W 10 NE

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE 726088 OXIDE 18 Seward 22N 20W 10 SE

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE 726089 OXIDE 19 Seward 22N 20W 15 NE

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE 726090 OXIDE 20 Seward 22N 20W 15 NW

301 - Anchorage

 

-29-
 

 

  CLAIM  
PROJECT ADL # NAME # Meridian Township Range Section 1/4 Recording District
ESTELLE 726091 OXIDE 21 Seward 22N 20W 15 SW

301 – Anchorage

ESTELLE 726092 OXIDE 22 Seward 22N 20W 15 SE

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE

726093

OXIDE

23

Seward

22N

20W

16

SE

301 – Anchorage

411 - Mt McKinley

ESTELLE

726094

OXIDE

24

Seward

22N

20W

16

NE

301 – Anchorage

411 - Mt McKinley

ESTELLE 726095 OXIDE 25 Seward 22N 20W 9 SE

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE 726096 OXIDE 26 Seward 22N 20W 10 SW

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE 726097 OXIDE 27 Seward 22N 20W 10 NW

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE 726098 OXIDE 28 Seward 22N 20W 9 NE

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE 726099 OXIDE 29 Seward 22N 20W 2 SW

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE 726100 OXIDE 30 Seward 22N 20W 3 SE

301 -Anchorage

ESTELLE 726101 OXIDE 31 Seward 22N 20W 3 SW

301 -Anchorage

ESTELLE 726102 OXIDE 32 Seward 22N 20W 4 SE

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE 726103 STONEY 1 Seward 22N 20W 22 NE

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE 726104 STONEY 2 Seward 22N 20W 22 SE

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE 726105 STONEY 3 Seward 22N 20W 27 NE

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE 726106 STONEY 4 Seward 22N 20W 27 SE

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE 726107 STONEY 5 Seward 22N 20W 34 NE

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE 726108 STONEY 6 Seward 22N 20W 34 SE

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE 726109 STONEY 7 Seward 21N 20W 3 NE

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE 726110 STONEY 8 Seward 21N 20W 3 SE

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE 726111 STONEY 9 Seward 21N 20W 10 NE

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE 726112 STONEY 10 Seward 21N 20W 10 SE

301 - Anchorage

 

-30-
 

 

  CLAIM  
PROJECT ADL # NAME # Meridian Township Range Section 1/4 Recording District

ESTELLE

726113

STONEY

11

Seward

21N

20W

15

NE

301 – Anchorage

411 - Mt McKinley

ESTELLE

726114

STONEY

12

Seward

21N

20W

15

SE

301 – Anchorage

411 - Mt McKinley

ESTELLE

726115

STONEY

13

Seward

21N

20W

22

NE

301 –Anchorage

411 - Mt McKinley

ESTELLE

726116

STONEY

14

Seward

21N

20W

22

SE

301 – Anchorage

411 - Mt McKinley

ESTELLE 726117 STONEY 15 Seward 21N 20W 27 NE

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE 726118 STONEY 16 Seward 21N 20W 27 NW

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE

726119

STONEY

17

Seward

21N

20W

22

SW

301 – Anchorage

411 - Mt McKinley

ESTELLE 725949 STONEY 18 Seward 21N 20W 22 NW

411 - Mt McKinley

ESTELLE 725950 STONEY 19 Seward 21N 20W 15 SW

411 - Mt McKinley

ESTELLE

726120

STONEY

20

Seward

21N

20W

15

NW

301 – Anchorage

411 - Mt McKinley

ESTELLE

726121

STONEY

 

21

Seward

21N

20W

10

SW

301 – Anchorage

411 - Mt McKinley

ESTELLE

726122

STONEY

22

Seward

21N

20W

10

NW

301 – Anchorage

411 - Mt McKinley

ESTELLE

726123

STONEY

23

Seward

21N

20W

3

SW

301 – Anchorage

411 - Mt McKinley

ESTELLE 726124 STONEY 24 Seward 21N 20W 3 NW

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE

726125

STONEY

25

Seward

22N

20W

34

SW

301 – Anchorage

411- Mt McKinley

ESTELLE 726126 STONEY 26 Seward 22N 20W 34 NW

301 - Anchorage

 

-31-
 

 

  CLAIM  
PROJECT ADL # NAME # Meridian Township Range Section 1/4 Recording District
ESTELLE 726127 STONEY 27 Seward 22N 20W 27 SW

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE 726128 STONEY 28 Seward 22N 20W 27 NW

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE 726129 STONEY 29 Seward 22N 20W 22 SW

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE 726130 STONEY 30 Seward 22N 20W 22 NW

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE 726131 STONEY 31 Seward 21N 20W 28 NE

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE 726132 STONEY 32 Seward 21N 20W 27 SW

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE 726133 STONEY 33 Seward 21N 20W 28 SE

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE 726134 STONEY 34 Seward 21N 20W 34 NW

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE 726135 STONEY 35 Seward 21N 20W 33 NE

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE 726136 STONEY 36 Seward 21N 20W 34 SW

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE 726137 STONEY 37 Seward 21N 20W 33 SE

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE

726138

STONEY

38

Seward

21N

20W

21

SE

301 –Anchorage

411 - Mt McKinley

ESTELLE 725951 STONEY 39 Seward 21N 20W 21 NE

411 - Mt McKinley

ESTELLE 725952 STONEY 40 Seward 21N 20W 16 SE

411 - Mt McKinley

ESTELLE 725953 STONEY 41 Seward 21N 20W 16 NE

411 - Mt McKinley

ESTELLE 725954 STONEY 42 Seward 21N 20W 9 SE

411 - Mt McKinley

ESTELLE 725955 STONEY 43 Seward 21N 20W 9 NE

411 - Mt McKinley

ESTELLE

726139

STONEY

44

Seward

21N

20W

4

SE

301 – Anchorage

411 - Mt McKinley

ESTELLE

726140

STONEY

45

Seward

21N

20W

4

NE

301 – Anchorage

411 - Mt McKinley

ESTELLE

726141

STONEY

46

Seward

22N

20W

33

SE

301 – Anchorage

411 - Mt McKinley

ESTELLE

726142

STONEY

47

Seward

22N

20W

33

NE

301 – Anchorage

411 - Mt McKinley

 

-32-
 

 

  CLAIM  
PROJECT ADL # NAME # Meridian Township Range Section 1/4 Recording District

ESTELLE

726143

STONEY

48

Seward

22N

20W

28

SE

301 – Anchorage

411 - Mt McKinley

ESTELLE 726144 STONEY 49 Seward 22N 20W 28 NE

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE 726145 STONEY 50 Seward 22N 20W 21 SE

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE

726146

STONEY

51

Seward

22N

20W

21

NE

301 – Anchorage

411 - Mt McKinley

ESTELLE 726147 ESTELLE 1 Seward 20N 20W 3 NW

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE 726148 ESTELLE 2 Seward 20N 20W 3 SW

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE 726149 ESTELLE 3 Seward 20N 20W 10 NW

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE 726150 ESTELLE 4 Seward 20N 20W 10 SW

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE 726151 ESTELLE 5 Seward 20N 20W 15 NW

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE

726152

ESTELLE

6

Seward

20N

20W

16

NE

301 – Anchorage

411 - Mt McKinley

ESTELLE

726153

ESTELLE

7

Seward

20N

20W

9

SE

301 – Anchorage

411 - Mt McKinley

ESTELLE 726154 ESTELLE 8 Seward 20N 20W 9 NE

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE 726155 ESTELLE 9 Seward 20N 20W 4 SE

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE 726156 ESTELLE 10 Seward 20N 20W 4 NE

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE

726157

ESTELLE

11

Seward

20N

20W

4

NW

301 – Anchorage

411 - Mt McKinley

ESTELLE

726158

ESTELLE

12

Seward

20N

20W

5

NE

301 – Anchorage

411 - Mt McKinley

ESTELLE 725940 ESTELLE 13 Seward 20N 20W 5 SE

411 - Mt McKinley

ESTELLE

726159

ESTELLE

14

Seward

20N

20W

4

SW

301 – Anchorage

411 - Mt McKinley

ESTELLE

726160

ESTELLE

15

Seward

20N

20W

9

NW

301 – Anchorage

411 - Mt McKinley

 

-33-
 

 

  CLAIM  
PROJECT ADL # NAME # Meridia n Township Range Section 1/4 Recording District

ESTELLE

726161

ESTELLE

16

Seward

20N

20W

9

SW

301 – Anchorage

411 - Mt McKinley

ESTELLE

726162

ESTELLE

17

Seward

20N

20W

16

NW

301 – Anchorage

411 - Mt McKinley

ESTELLE 726163 ESTELLE 18 Seward 20N 20W 15 SW

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE 726164 ESTELLE 19 Seward 20N 20W 16 SE

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE

726165

ESTELLE

20

Seward

20N

20W

16

SW

301 – Anchorage

411 - Mt McKinley

ESTELLE

726166

ESTELLE

21

Seward

20N

20W

17

SE

301 – Anchorage

411 - Mt McKinley

ESTELLE 725941 ESTELLE 22 Seward 20N 20W 17 NE

411 - Mt McKinley

ESTELLE 725942 ESTELLE 23 Seward 20N 20W 8 SE

411 - Mt McKinley

ESTELLE 725943 ESTELLE 24 Seward 20N 20W 8 NE

411 - Mt McKinley

ESTELLE

726167

ESTELLE

25

Seward

20N

20W

5

NW

301 – Anchorage

411 - Mt McKinley

ESTELLE 725944 ESTELLE 26 Seward 20N 20W 5 SW

411 - Mt McKinley

ESTELLE 725945 ESTELLE 27 Seward 20N 20W 8 NW

411 - Mt McKinley

ESTELLE

726168

ESTELLE

28

Seward

20N

20W

8

SW

301 – Anchorage

411 - Mt McKinley

ESTELLE

726169

ESTELLE

29

Seward

20N

20W

17

NW

301 – Anchorage

411 - Mt McKinley

ESTELLE

726170

ESTELLE

30

Seward

20N

20W

17

SW

301 – Anchorage

411 - Mt McKinley

ESTELLE 726171 ESTELLE 31 Seward 20N 20W 18 SE

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE

726172

ESTELLE

32

Seward

20N

20W

18

NE

301 – Anchorage

411 - Mt McKinley

ESTELLE

726173

ESTELLE

33

Seward

20N

20W

7

SE

301 – Anchorage

411 - Mt McKinley

ESTELLE 725946 ESTELLE 34 Seward 20N 20W 7 NE

411 - Mt McKinley

 

-34-
 

 

  CLAIM  
PROJECT ADL # NAME # Meridian Township Range Section 1/4 Recording District
ESTELLE 725947 ESTELLE 35 Seward 20N 20W 7 NW

411 - Mt McKinley

ESTELLE 725948 ESTELLE 36 Seward 20N 20W 7 SW

411 - Mt McKinley

ESTELLE

726174

ESTELLE

37

Seward

20N

20W

18

NW

301 – Anchorage

411 - Mt McKinley

ESTELLE 726175 ESTELLE 38 Seward 20N 20W 18 SW

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE

726176

ESTELLE

39

Seward

20N

21W

12

SE

301 – Anchorage

411 - Mt McKinley

ESTELLE 726177 ESTELLE 40 Seward 20N 21W 12 NE

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE

726178

ESTELLE

41

Seward

20N

21W

12

NW

301 – Anchorage

411 - Mt McKinley

ESTELLE 726179 ESTELLE 42 Seward 20N 21W 12 SW

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE 727286 ESTELLE 43 Seward 20N 21W 13 NW

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE 727287 ESTELLE 44 Seward 20N 21W 13 SW

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE 727288 ESTELLE 45 Seward 20N 21W 13 SE

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE

727289

ESTELLE

46

Seward

20N

21W

13

NE

301 – Anchorage

411 - Mt McKinley

ESTELLE 726180 EMERALD 1 Seward 20N 21W 24 NE

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE 726181 EMERALD 2 Seward 20N 21W 24 NW

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE 726182 EMERALD 3 Seward 20N 21W 24 SW

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE 726183 EMERALD 4 Seward 20N 21W 24 SE

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE 726184 EMERALD 5 Seward 20N 21W 25 NE

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE 726185 EMERALD 6 Seward 20N 21W 25 NW

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE 726186 EMERALD 7 Seward 20N 21W 25 SW

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE 726187 EMERALD 8 Seward 20N 21W 25 SE

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE 726188 EMERALD 9 Seward 20N 21W 26 NE

301 - Anchorage

 

-35-
 

 

  CLAIM  
PROJECT ADL # NAME # Meridian Township Range Section 1/4 Recording District

ESTELLE

726188

EMERALD

10

Seward

20N

21W

26

NW

301 – Anchorage

411 - Mt McKinley

ESTELLE

726190

EMERALD

11

Seward

20N

21W

26

SW

301 – Anchorage

411 - Mt McKinley

ESTELLE 726191 EMERALD 12 Seward 20N 21W 26 SE

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE

726192

EMERALD

13

Seward

20N

21W

35

NW

301 – Anchorage

411 - Mt McKinley

ESTELLE

726193

EMERALD

14

Seward

20N

21W

35

NE

301 – Anchorage

411 - Mt McKinley

ESTELLE 726194 EMERALD 15 Seward 20N 21W 36 NW

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE 726195 EMERALD 16 Seward 20N 21W 36 NE

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE 726196 EMERALD 17 Seward 20N 20W 31 NW

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE 726197 EMERALD 18 Seward 20N 20W 31 NE

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE 726198 EMERALD 19 Seward 20N 20W 32 NW

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE 726199 EMERALD 20 Seward 20N 20W 32 NE

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE 726200 EMERALD 21 Seward 20N 20W 33 NW

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE 726201 EMERALD 22 Seward 20N 20W 33 SW

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE 726202 EMERALD 23 Seward 20N 20W 32 SE

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE 726203 EMERALD 24 Seward 20N 20W 32 SW

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE 726204 EMERALD 25 Seward 20N 20W 31 SE

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE 726205 EMERALD 26 Seward 20N 20W 31 SW

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE 726206 EMERALD 27 Seward 20N 21W 36 SE

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE 726207 EMERALD 28 Seward 20N 21W 36 SW

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE

726208

EMERALD

29

Seward

20N

21W

35

SE

301 – Anchorage

411 - Mt McKinley

 

-36-
 

 

  CLAIM  
PROJECT ADL # NAME # Meridian Township Range Section 1/4 Recording District
ESTELLE 726209 EMERALD 30 Seward 19N 20W 4 NW

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE 726210 EMERALD 31 Seward 19N 20W 5 NE

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE 726211 EMERALD 32 Seward 19N 20W 5 NW

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE 726212 EMERALD 33 Seward 19N 20W 6 NE

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE 726213 EMERALD 34 Seward 19N 20W 6 NW

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE 726214 EMERALD 35 Seward 19N 21W 1 NE

301 - Anchorage

ESTELLE

726215

EMERALD

36

Seward

19N

21W

1

NW

301 – Anchorage

411 - Mt McKinley

ESTELLE

726216

EMERALD

37

Seward

19N

21W

2

NE

301 – Anchorage

411 - Mt McKinley

ESTELLE 725956 EMERALD 38 Seward 20N 21W 35 SW

411 - Mt McKinley

ESTELLE 725957 EMERALD 39 Seward 19N 21W 2 NW

411 - Mt McKinley

ESTELLE 725958 EMERALD 40 Seward 19N 21W 3 NE

411 - Mt McKinley

ESTELLE 725959 EMERALD 41 Seward 20N 21W 34 SE

411 - Mt McKinley

ESTELLE 725960 EMERALD 42 Seward 20N 21W 34 NE

411 - Mt McKinley

ESTELLE 725961 EMERALD 43 Seward 20N 21W 34 NW

411 - Mt McKinley

ESTELLE 725962 EMERALD 44 Seward 20N 21W 34 SW

411 - Mt McKinley

ESTELLE 725963 EMERALD 45 Seward 19N 21W 3 NW

411 - Mt McKinley

ESTELLE 725964 EMERALD 46 Seward 19N 21W 4 NE

411 - Mt McKinley

ESTELLE 725965 EMERALD 47 Seward 20N 21W 33 SE

411 - Mt McKinley

ESTELLE 725966 EMERALD 48 Seward 20N 21W 33 NE

411 - Mt McKinley

FAREWELL 725967 ROB- CHIP 1 Seward 25N 28W 27 NW

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 725968 ROB- CHIP 2 Seward 25N 28W 27 SW

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 725969 ROB- CHIP 3 Seward 25N 28W 34 NW

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 725970 ROB- CHIP 4 Seward 25N 28W 34 SW

403 - Kuskokwim

 

-37-
 

 

  CLAIM  
PROJECT ADL # NAME # Meridian Township Range Section 1/4 Recording District
FAREWELL 725971 ROB- CHIP 5 Seward 24N 28W 5 NW

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 725972 ROB- CHIP 6 Seward 24N 28W 5 SW

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 725973 ROB- CHIP 7 Seward 24N 28W 5 SE

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 725974 ROB- CHIP 8 Seward 24N 28W 5 NE

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 725975 ROB- CHIP 9 Seward 25N 28W 34 SE

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 725976 ROB- CHIP 10 Seward 25N 28W 34 NE

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 725977 ROB- CHIP 11 Seward 25N 28W 27 SE

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 725978 ROB- CHIP 12 Seward 25N 28W 27 NE

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 725979 ROB- CHIP 13 Seward 24N 28W 4 NW

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 725980 ROB- CHIP 14 Seward 24N 28W 4 SW

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 725981 ROB- CHIP 15 Seward 24N 28W 4 SE

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 725982 ROB- CHIP 16 Seward 24N 28W 4 NE

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 725983 ROB- CHIP 17 Seward 24N 28W 3 NW

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 725984 ROB- CHIP 18 Seward 24N 28W 3 SW

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 725985 ROB- CHIP 19 Seward 24N 28W 10 NW

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 725986 ROB- CHIP 20 Seward 24N 28W 10 SW

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 725987 ROB- CHIP 21 Seward 24N 28W 15 NW

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 725988 ROB- CHIP 22 Seward 24N 28W 15 SW

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 725989 ROB- CHIP 23 Seward 24N 28W 22 NW

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 725990 ROB- CHIP 24 Seward 24N 28W 22 NE

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 725991 ROB- CHIP 25 Seward 24N 28W 15 SE

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 725992 ROB- CHIP 26 Seward 24N 28W 15 NE

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 725993 ROB- CHIP 27 Seward 24N 28W 10 SE

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 725994 ROB- CHIP 28 Seward 24N 28W 10 NE

403 - Kuskokwim

 

-38-
 

 

  CLAIM  
PROJECT ADL # NAME # Meridian Township Range Section 1/4 Recording District
FAREWELL 725995 ROB- CHIP 29 Seward 24N 28W 3 SE

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 725996 ROB- CHIP 30 Seward 24N 28W 3 NE

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 725997 ROB- CHIP 31 Seward 24N 28W 22 SW

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 725998 ROB- CHIP 32 Seward 24N 28W 22 SE

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 725999 ROB- CHIP 33 Seward 24N 28W 23 SW

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 726000 ROB- CHIP 34 Seward 24N 28W 23 SE

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 726001 ROB- CHIP 35 Seward 24N 28W 23 NE

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 726002 ROB- CHIP 36 Seward 24N 28W 23 NW

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 726003 ROB- CHIP 37 Seward 24N 28W 14 SW

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 726004 ROB- CHIP 38 Seward 24N 28W 14 SE

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 726005 ROB- CHIP 39 Seward 24N 28W 14 NE

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 726006 ROB- CHIP 40 Seward 24N 28W 14 NW

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 726007 ROB- CHIP 41 Seward 25N 28W 22 SW

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 726008 ROB- CHIP 42 Seward 25N 28W 22 SE

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 725920 BOWSER 1 Seward 24N 24W 9 SE

411 - Mt McKinley

FAREWELL 725921 BOWSER 2 Seward 24N 24W 9 NE

411 - Mt McKinley

FAREWELL 725922 BOWSER 3 Seward 24N 24W 4 SE

411 - Mt McKinley

FAREWELL 725923 BOWSER 4 Seward 24N 24W 4 SW

411 - Mt McKinley

FAREWELL 725924 BOWSER 5 Seward 24N 24W 9 NW

411 - Mt McKinley

FAREWELL 725925 BOWSER 6 Seward 24N 24W 9 SW

411 - Mt McKinley

FAREWELL 725926 BOWSER 7 Seward 24N 24W 8 SE

411 - Mt McKinley

FAREWELL 725927 BOWSER 8 Seward 24N 24W 8 NE

411 - Mt McKinley

FAREWELL 725928 BOWSER 9 Seward 24N 24W 5 SE

411 - Mt McKinley

FAREWELL 725929 BOWSER 10 Seward 24N 24W 5 SW

411 - Mt McKinley

 

-39-
 

 

  CLAIM  
PROJECT ADL # NAME # Meridian Township Range Section 1/4 Recording District
FAREWELL 725930 BOWSER 11 Seward 24N 24W 8 NW

411 - Mt McKinley

FAREWELL 725931 BOWSER 12 Seward 24N 24W 8 SW

411 - Mt McKinley

FAREWELL 725932 BOWSER 13 Seward 24N 24W 17 NW

411 - Mt McKinley

FAREWELL 725933 BOWSER 14 Seward 24N 24W 17 NE

411 - Mt McKinley

FAREWELL 725934 BOWSER 15 Seward 24N 24W 16 NW

411 - Mt McKinley

FAREWELL 725935 BOWSER 16 Seward 24N 24W 16 NE

411 - Mt McKinley

FAREWELL 725936 BOWSER 17 Seward 24N 24W 5 NW

411 - Mt McKinley

FAREWELL 725937 BOWSER 18 Seward 24N 24W 5 NE

411 - Mt McKinley

FAREWELL 725938 BOWSER 19 Seward 24N 24W 4 NW

411 - Mt McKinley

FAREWELL 725939 BOWSER 20 Seward 24N 24W 4 NE

411 - Mt McKinley

FAREWELL 726009 WINDY 1 Seward 23N 26W 21 NE

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 726010 WINDY 2 Seward 23N 26W 21 NW

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 726011 WINDY 3 Seward 23N 26W 20 NE

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 726012 WINDY 4 Seward 23N 26W 20 NW

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 726013 WINDY 5 Seward 23N 26W 20 SW

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 726014 WINDY 6 Seward 23N 26W 20 SE

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 726015 WINDY 7 Seward 23N 26W 21 SW

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 726016 WINDY 8 Seward 23N 26W 21 SE

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 726017 WINDY 9 Seward 23N 26W 28 NW

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 726018 WINDY 10 Seward 23N 26W 29 NE

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 726019 WINDY 11 Seward 23N 26W 29 NW

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 726020 WINDY 12 Seward 23N 26W 29 SW

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 726021 WINDY 13 Seward 23N 26W 32 NW

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 726022 WINDY 14 Seward 23N 26W 27 NW

403 - Kuskokwim

 

-40-
 

 

  CLAIM  
PROJECT ADL # NAME # Meridian Township Range Section 1/4 Recording District
FAREWELL 726023 WINDY 15 Seward 23N 26W 22 SW

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 726024 WINDY 16 Seward 23N 26W 32 NE

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 726025 WINDY 17 Seward 23N 26W 29 SE

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 726026 WINDY 18 Seward 23N 26W 28 SW

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 726027 WINDY 19 Seward 23N 26W 33 NW

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 726028 WINDY 20 Seward 23N 26W 33 NE

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 726029 WINDY 21 Seward 23N 26W 28 SE

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 726030 WINDY 22 Seward 23N 26W 28 NE

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 726031 WINDY 23 Seward 23N 26W 16 SW

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 726032 WINDY 24 Seward 23N 26W 17 SE

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 726033 WINDY 25 Seward 23N 26W 16 NW

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 726034 WINDY 26 Seward 23N 26W 17 NE

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 726035 OZZNA 1 Seward 26N 25W 32 SE

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 726036 OZZNA 2 Seward 26N 25W 33 SW

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 726037 OZZNA 3 Seward 26N 25W 33 SE

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 726038 OZZNA 4 Seward 26N 25W 34 SW

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 726039 OZZNA 5 Seward 26N 25W 34 SE

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 726040 OZZNA 6 Seward 26N 25W 34 NE

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 726041 OZZNA 7 Seward 26N 25W 34 NW

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 726042 OZZNA 8 Seward 26N 25W 33 NE

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 726043 OZZNA 9 Seward 26N 25W 33 NW

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 726044 OZZNA 10 Seward 26N 25W 32 NE

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 726045 OZZNA 11 Seward 26N 25W 27 SW

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 726046 OZZNA 12 Seward 26N 25W 27 SE

403 - Kuskokwim

 

-41-
 

 

  CLAIM  
PROJECT ADL # NAME # Meridian Township Range Section 1/4 Recording District
FAREWELL 726047 OZZNA 13 Seward 26N 25W 27 NW

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 726048 OZZNA 14 Seward 26N 25W 27 NE

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 726049 OZZNA 15 Seward 26N 25W 26 NW

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 726050 OZZNA 16 Seward 26N 25W 26 NE

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 726051 OZZNA 17 Seward 26N 25W 25 NW

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 726052 OZZNA 18 Seward 26N 25W 25 NE

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 726053 OZZNA 19 Seward 26N 25W 24 SE

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 726054 OZZNA 20 Seward 26N 25W 24 SW

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 726055 OZZNA 21 Seward 26N 25W 24 NW

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 726056 OZZNA 22 Seward 26N 25W 24 NE

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 726057 OZZNA 23 Seward 26N 25W 13 SE

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 726058 OZZNA 24 Seward 26N 25W 13 SW

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 726059 OZZNA 25 Seward 26N 25W 13 NW

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 726060 OZZNA 26 Seward 26N 25W 13 NE

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 726061 OZZNA 27 Seward 26N 25W 26 SW

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 726062 OZZNA 28 Seward 26N 25W 26 SE

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 726063 OZZNA 29 Seward 26N 25W 25 SW

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 726064 OZZNA 30 Seward 26N 25W 25 SE

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 726065 OZZNA 31 Seward 26N 25W 35 NW

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 726066 OZZNA 32 Seward 26N 25W 35 NE

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 726067 OZZNA 33 Seward 26N 25W 35 SW

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 726068 OZZNA 34 Seward 26N 25W 35 SE

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 726069 OZZNA 35 Seward 26N 25W 32 NW

403 - Kuskokwim

FAREWELL 726070 OZZNA 36 Seward 26N 25W 32 SW

403 - Kuskokwim

 

-42-
 

 

A map of the Mining Rights as at the Execution Date is annexed as Exhibit A.

 

Exhibit A

Map of Mining Rights Area

 

 

MAP OF ESTELLE PROJECT MINING CLAIMS

 

-43-
 

 

 

MAP OF FAREWELL (ROBERTS-CHIP-LOY) PROJECT MINING CLAIMS

 

-44-
 

 

 

MAP OF FAREWELL (BOWSER CREEK) PROJECT MINING CLAIMS

 

-45-
 

 

 

MAP OF FAREWELL (WINDY FORK) PROJECT MINING CLAIMS

 

-46-
 

 

 

MAP OF FAREWELL (OZZNA CREEK) PROJECT MINING CLAIMS

 

-47-
 

 

Signing Page

 

EXECUTED by AK MINERALS )  
PTY LTD ACN 620 650 786 )  
in accordance with section 127 of )  
the Corporations Act 2001 (C’th): )  
     
/s/ Bill Koutlis    

Director

   
     
Bill Koutlis    

Director Name

   
     
     
EXECUTED by AKCM (AUST) )  
PTY LTD ACN 623 478 973 )  
in accordance with section 127 of )  
the Corporations Act 2001 (C’th): )  
     
/s/ Louie Simens   /s/ Dennis Fry

Director

 

Director/Secretary
     
Louie Simens   Dennis Fry

Director Name

 

Director/Secretary Name
     
     
EXECUTED by AK CUSTOM MINING )  
LLC Alaska Entity #10065576 )  
in accordance with section 127 of )  
By authority of its manager: )  
     
/s/ Dennis Fry    

Manager

   
     
Dennis Fry    

Manager Name

   

 

-48-

 

Exhibit 10.7

 

Consent to be Named as a Director Nominee

 

In connection with the filing by Nova Minerals Ltd. (the “Company”) of the Registration Statement on Form F-1 (the “Registration Statement”) with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), I hereby consent, pursuant to Rule 438 of the Securities Act, to being named as a nominee to the board of directors of the Company in the Registration Statement and all amendments and supplements thereto. I also consent to the filing of this consent as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and all amendments and supplements thereto.

 

Date: April 15, 2024

 

By:

/s/ Richard Beazley

 
  Richard Beazley  

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 10.8

 

VARIATION AGREEMENT

 

THIS AGREEMENT is made on 6 March 2024

 

PARTIES

 

NOVA MINERALS LIMITED [ACN 006 690 348] of Suite 602,566 St Kilda Roda, Melbourne, VIC, 3004 (Borrower)

 

NEBARI GOLD FUND 1, LP of 667 Madison Avenue, 5th Floor, New York, New York 10065, United States (Lender) (each a Party and together the Parties)

 

RECITALS

 

(A)The Parties entered into a Loan Agreement dated 21 November 2022 (Loan Agreement).

 

(B)The Loan Agreement was varied by way of a letter waiver dated 17 June 2023 (Waiver).

 

(C)The Parties have agreed to vary to the Loan Agreement (as amended by the Waiver) on the terms set out in this Agreement.

 

OPERATIVE PART

 

1.DEFINITIONS

 

In this Agreement, including the recitals, unless the context requires otherwise defined terms (identified with capitalised words) have the same meaning as given to them in the Loan Agreement.

 

2.CONDITIONS

 

(a)The variations referred to in clause 3 of this Agreement are subject to, and take effect from the date on which, the Borrower obtains all necessary shareholder and regulatory approvals required to give effect to this Agreement (Effective Date). The Borrower undertakes to seek the required shareholder and regulatory approvals by 30 June 2024.

 

(b)The Borrower will provide the Lender with notice of the success or failure of this condition in a timely manner.

 

 

 

 

3.VARIATIONS

 

3.1Expiry Date

 

From the Effective Date, the Parties agree that the Borrower shall have the right (but not the obligation), which right may be exercised by the Borrower giving written notice to the Lender, to extend the Maturity Date by a period of 12 months, to 29 November 2025 (or the immediately preceding Business Day).

 

3.2Conversion Price

 

From the Effective Date, the Parties agree that the Conversion Price is amended to be A$0.53.

 

3.3Other

 

  (a) Option Fee

 

Subject to the satisfaction of the condition set out in clause 2, the Borrower agrees to pay the Lender the sum of US$55,000 in cash upon the earlier of either:

 

(i)the date which is five (5) Business Days after a listing of the Borrower’s ordinary shares (in the form of American Depository Shares) on the Nasdaq Capital Market in the United States of America (NASDAQ Listing); or

 

(ii)1 June 2024.

 

4.GOVERNING LAW

 

This Agreement is governed by the laws of, and the Parties submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of, the Courts of Victoria.

 

5.COUNTERPARTS

 

This document may consist of a number of counterparts and, if so, the counterparts taken together constitute one and the same instrument. A counterpart signed by a party and delivered by way of facsimile or PDF attachment to email will constitute effective execution by that party.

 

-2-

 

 

EXECUTED

 

EXECUTED by NOVA MINERALS

LIMITED [ACN 006 690 348] in

accordance with section 127 of the

Corporations Act:

 

)

)

)

)

     
/s/ Christopher Gerteisen   /s/ Louie Simens
Signature of Director   Signature of Director
     
Christopher Gerteisen   Louie SImens
Name of Director   Name of Director
     

EXECUTED by NEBARI GOLD FUND 1,

LP, in a manner authorised by its

constituent documents, in the presence of:

 

)

)

)

)

     
/s/ Roderick van Losenoord   /s/ Daniel Freuman
Signature of Witness   Signature of Authorised Signatory
     
Roderik van Losenoord   Daniel Freuman
Name of Witness   Name of Authorised Signatory

 

-3-

 

 

 

Exhibit 21.1

 

Subsidiaries

 

AKCM (Aust) Pty Ltd, an Australian corporation

AK Operations LLC, an Alaska limited liability company

AK Custom Mining LLC, an Alaska limited liability company*

Alaska Range Resources LLC, an Alaska limited liability company*

 

*AKCM (Aust) Pty Ltd is the immediate parent of AK Operations LLC and AK Custom Mining LLC

 

-1-

 

 

 

Exhibit 23.1

 

 

We hereby consent to the inclusion in this Registration Statement on Form F-1 of our report dated January 24, 2024, relating to the consolidated financial statements of Nova Minerals Limited as of and for the years ended June 30, 2023 and 2022. We also consent to the reference of our firm under the heading “Experts” appearing therein.

 

GRASSI & CO., CPAs, P.C.

April 15, 2024

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 23.3

  

CONSENT OF QUALIFIED PERSON

 

To: U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission

 

Re: Registration Statement on Form F-1 of Nova Minerals Limited (the “Company”)

 

I, Brent Lamoure of Roughstock Mining Services, LLC, in connection with the Company’s Registration Statement on Form F-1 (and any amendments or supplements and/or exhibits thereto, the “Registration Statement”), consent on behalf of Roughstock Mining Services LLC to:

 

the public filing by the Company and use of the technical report titled “SK-1300 Initial Assessment Technical Report Summary for the Estelle Gold Project Alaska, USA” (the “Technical Report”), with an effective date of January 31, 2024 and that was prepared in accordance with Subpart 1300 of Regulation S-K promulgated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, as an exhibit to and referenced in the Registration Statement;
   
the use of and references to Roughstock Mining Services LLC, including its status as an expert or “qualified person” (as defined in Subpart 1300 of Regulation S-K promulgated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission), in connection with the Registration Statement and any such Technical Report; and
   
any extracts from or a summary of the Technical Report in the Registration Statement and the use of any information derived, summarized, quoted or referenced from the Technical Report, or portions thereof, that was prepared by me on behalf of Roughstock Mining Services LLC, that I supervised the preparation of and/or that was reviewed and approved by me on behalf of Roughstock Mining Services LLC, that is included or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement.

 

Roughstock Mining Services, LLC employs professional geologists and engineers that conform to the SEC qualified person definition, and served as a qualified person as defined in S-K 1300 for Sections 1 and 2 of the Technical Report. I am responsible for authoring, and this consent pertains to, the related sections on behalf of Roughstock Mining Services LLC as discussed above of the Technical Report. I certify that I have read the Registration Statement and that both fairly and accurately represent the information in the sections of the Technical Report for which Roughstock Mining Services LLC responsible.

 

Dated: April 15, 2024

 

Roughstock Mining Services LLC  
     
By: /s/ Brent Lamoure  
Name: Brent Lamoure  
Title: Mining Consultant  

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 23.4

 

CONSENT OF QUALIFIED PERSON

 

To: U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission

 

Re: Registration Statement on Form F-1 of Nova Minerals Limited (the “Company”)

 

I, Hans Hoffman of Nova Minerals Limited, in connection with the Company’s Registration Statement on Form F-1 (and any amendments or supplements and/or exhibits thereto, the “Registration Statement”), consent to:

 

the public filing by the Company and use of the technical report titled “SK-1300 Initial Assessment Technical Report Summary for the Estelle Gold Project Alaska, USA” (the “Technical Report”), with an effective date of January 31, 2024 and that was prepared in accordance with Subpart 1300 of Regulation S-K promulgated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, as an exhibit to and referenced in the Registration Statement;
   
the use of and references to my name, including my status as an expert or “qualified person” (as defined in Subpart 1300 of Regulation S-K promulgated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission), in connection with the Registration Statement and any such Technical Report; and
   
any extracts from or a summary of the Technical Report in the Registration Statement and the use of any information derived, summarized, quoted or referenced from the Technical Report, or portions thereof, that was prepared by me, that I supervised the preparation of and/or that was reviewed and approved by me, that is included or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement.

 

Hans Hoffman, a state of Alaska Certified Professional Geologist, served as a qualified person as defined in S-K 1300 for Sections 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 13, 15, 20 and 21 of the Technical Report. I am responsible for authoring, and this consent pertains to, the related sections as discussed above of the Technical Report. I certify that I have read the Registration Statement and that both fairly and accurately represent the information in the sections of the Technical Report for which I am responsible.

 

Dated: April 15, 2024
   
/s/ Hans Hoffman
Hans Hoffman

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 23.5

 

CONSENT OF QUALIFIED PERSON

 

To: U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
   
Re: Registration Statement on Form F-1 of Nova Minerals Limited (the “Company”)

 

I, William J. Burnett of Yukuskokon Professional Services, in connection with the Company’s Registration Statement on Form F-1 (and any amendments or supplements and/or exhibits thereto, the “Registration Statement”), consent on behalf of Yukuskokon Professional Services to:

 

the public filing by the Company and use of the technical report titled “SK-1300 Initial Assessment Technical Report Summary for the Estelle Gold Project Alaska, USA” (the “Technical Report”), with an effective date of January 31, 2024 and that was prepared in accordance with Subpart 1300 of Regulation S-K promulgated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, as an exhibit to and referenced in the Registration Statement;
   
the use of and references to Yukuskokon Professional Services, including its status as an expert or “qualified person” (as defined in Subpart 1300 of Regulation S-K promulgated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission), in connection with the Registration Statement and any such Technical Report; and
   
any extracts from or a summary of the Technical Report in the Registration Statement and the use of any information derived, summarized, quoted or referenced from the Technical Report, or portions thereof, that was prepared by me on behalf of Yukuskokon Professional Services, that I supervised the preparation of and/or that was reviewed and approved by me on behalf of Yukuskokon Professional Services, that is included or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement.

 

Yukuskokon Professional Services employs professional geologists and engineers that conform to the SEC qualified person definition, and served as a qualified person as defined in S-K 1300 for Section 8 of the Technical Report. I am responsible for authoring, and this consent pertains to, the related sections on behalf of Yukuskokon Professional Services as discussed above of the Technical Report. I certify that I have read the Registration Statement and that both fairly and accurately represent the information in the sections of the Technical Report for which Yukuskokon Professional Services is responsible.

 

Dated: April 15, 2024 
  
Yukuskokon Professional Services  
   
By: /s/ William J. Burnett  
Name: William J. Burnett  
Title: Geological Consultant  

 

 

 

Exhibit 23.6

 

CONSENT OF QUALIFIED PERSON

 

To: U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission

 

Re: Registration Statement on Form F-1 of Nova Minerals Limited (the “Company”)

 

I, Vannu Khounphakdee of Nova Minerals Limited, in connection with the Company’s Registration Statement on Form F-1 (and any amendments or supplements and/or exhibits thereto, the “Registration Statement”), consent to:

 

the public filing by the Company and use of the technical report titled “SK-1300 Initial Assessment Technical Report Summary for the Estelle Gold Project Alaska, USA” (the “Technical Report”), with an effective date of January 31, 2024 and that was prepared in accordance with Subpart 1300 of Regulation S-K promulgated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, as an exhibit to and referenced in the Registration Statement;
   
the use of and references to my name, including my status as an expert or “qualified person” (as defined in Subpart 1300 of Regulation S-K promulgated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission), in connection with the Registration Statement and any such Technical Report; and
   
any extracts from or a summary of the Technical Report in the Registration Statement and the use of any information derived, summarized, quoted or referenced from the Technical Report, or portions thereof, that was prepared by me, that I supervised the preparation of and/or that was reviewed and approved by me, that is included or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement.

 

Vannu Khounphakdee, a Professional Geologist, served as a qualified person as defined in S-K 1300 for Section 9 of the Technical Report. I am responsible for authoring, and this consent pertains to, the related sections as discussed above of the Technical Report. I certify that I have read the Registration Statement and that both fairly and accurately represent the information in the sections of the Technical Report for which I am responsible.

 

Dated: April 15, 2024 
   
/s/ Vannu Khounphakdee  
Vannu Khounphakdee  

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 23.7

 

CONSENT OF QUALIFIED PERSON

 

To: U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission

 

Re: Registration Statement on Form F-1 of Nova Minerals Limited (the “Company”)

 

I, Damian Connelly of METS Engineering, in connection with the Company’s Registration Statement on Form F-1 (and any amendments or supplements and/or exhibits thereto, the “Registration Statement”), consent on behalf of METS Engineering to:

 

·the public filing by the Company and use of the technical report titled “SK-1300 Initial Assessment Technical Report Summary for the Estelle Gold Project Alaska, USA” (the “Technical Report”), with an effective date of January 31, 2024 and that was prepared in accordance with Subpart 1300 of Regulation S-K promulgated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, as an exhibit to and referenced in the Registration Statement;
·the use of and references to METS Engineering, including its status as an expert or “qualified person” (as defined in Subpart 1300 of Regulation S-K promulgated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission), in connection with the Registration Statement and any such Technical Report; and
·any extracts from or a summary of the Technical Report in the Registration Statement and the use of any information derived, summarized, quoted or referenced from the Technical Report, or portions thereof, that was prepared by me on behalf of METS Engineering, that I supervised the preparation of and/or that was reviewed and approved by me on behalf of METS Engineering, that is included or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement.

METS Engineering employs professional metallurgists and engineers that conform to the SEC qualified person definition, and served as a qualified person as defined in S-K 1300 for Sections 10 and 14 of the Technical Report. I am responsible for authoring, and this consent pertains to, the related sections on behalf of METS Engineering as discussed above of the Technical Report. I certify that I have read the Registration Statement and that both fairly and accurately represent the information in the sections of the Technical Report for which METS Engineering is responsible.

 

Dated: April 15, 2024

 

METS ENGINEERING  
     
By: /s/ Damian Connelly  
Name: Damian Connelly  
Title: Metallurgical Consultant  

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 23.8

 

CONSENT OF QUALIFIED PERSON

 

To: U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission

 

Re: Registration Statement on Form F-1 of Nova Minerals Limited (the “Company”)

 

I, Jon Abbott of Matrix Resource Consultants Pty Ltd, in connection with the Company’s Registration Statement on Form F-1 (and any amendments or supplements and/or exhibits thereto, the “Registration Statement”), consent on behalf of Resource Consultants Pty Ltd to:

 

the public filing by the Company and use of the technical report titled “SK-1300 Initial Assessment Technical Report Summary for the Estelle Gold Project Alaska, USA” (the “Technical Report”), with an effective date of January 31, 2024 and that was prepared in accordance with Subpart 1300 of Regulation S-K promulgated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, as an exhibit to and referenced in the Registration Statement;
the use of and references to Resource Consultants Pty Ltd, including its status as an expert or “qualified person” (as defined in Subpart 1300 of Regulation S-K promulgated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission), in connection with the Registration Statement and any such Technical Report; and
any extracts from or a summary of the Technical Report in the Registration Statement and the use of any information derived, summarized, quoted or referenced from the Technical Report, or portions thereof, that was prepared by me on behalf of Matrix Resource Consultants Pty Ltd, that I supervised the preparation of and/or that was reviewed and approved by me on behalf of Matrix Resource Consultants Pty Ltd, that is included or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement.

Matrix Resource Consultants Pty Ltd employs professional geologists that conform to the SEC qualified person definition, and served as a qualified person as defined in S-K 1300 for Section 11 of the Technical Report. I am responsible for authoring, and this consent pertains to, the related sections on behalf of Matrix Resource Consultants Pty Ltd as discussed above of the Technical Report. I certify that I have read the Registration Statement and that both fairly and accurately represent the information in the sections of the Technical Report for which Matrix Resource Consultants Pty Ltd am responsible.

 

Dated: April 15, 2024

 

MATRIX RESOURCE CONSULTANTS PTY LTD  
     
By: /s/ Jon Abbott  
Name: Jon Abbott  
Title: Resource Consultant  

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 23.9

 

CONSENT OF QUALIFIED PERSON

 

To: U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission

 

Re: Registration Statement on Form F-1 of Nova Minerals Limited (the “Company”)

 

I, Christopher Gerteisen of Nova Minerals Limited, in connection with the Company’s Registration Statement on Form F-1 (and any amendments or supplements and/or exhibits thereto, the “Registration Statement”), consent to:

 

the public filing by the Company and use of the technical report titled “SK-1300 Initial Assessment Technical Report Summary for the Estelle Gold Project Alaska, USA” (the “Technical Report”), with an effective date of January 31, 2024 and that was prepared in accordance with Subpart 1300 of Regulation S-K promulgated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, as an exhibit to and referenced in the Registration Statement;
   
the use of and references to my name, including my status as an expert or “qualified person” (as defined in Subpart 1300 of Regulation S-K promulgated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission), in connection with the Registration Statement and any such Technical Report; and
   
any extracts from or a summary of the Technical Report in the Registration Statement and the use of any information derived, summarized, quoted or referenced from the Technical Report, or portions thereof, that was prepared by me, that I supervised the preparation of and/or that was reviewed and approved by me, that is included or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement.

 

Christopher Gerteisen, a Professional Geologist, served as a qualified person as defined in S-K 1300 for Sections 16 and 18 of the Technical Report. I am responsible for authoring, and this consent pertains to, the related sections as discussed above of the Technical Report. I certify that I have read the Registration Statement and that both fairly and accurately represent the information in the sections of the Technical Report for which I am responsible.

 

Dated: April 15, 2024
   
/s/ Christopher Gerteisen
Christopher Gerteisen

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 23.10

 

CONSENT OF QUALIFIED PERSON

 

To: U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission

 

Re: Registration Statement on Form F-1 of Nova Minerals Limited (the “Company”)

 

I, Bob Loeffler of Jade North LLC, in connection with the Company’s Registration Statement on Form F-1 (and any amendments or supplements and/or exhibits thereto, the “Registration Statement”), consent on behalf of Jade North LLC to:

 

the public filing by the Company and use of the technical report titled “SK-1300 Initial Assessment Technical Report Summary for the Estelle Gold Project Alaska, USA” (the “Technical Report”), with an effective date of January 31, 2024 and that was prepared in accordance with Subpart 1300 of Regulation S-K promulgated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, as an exhibit to and referenced in the Registration Statement;
the use of and references to Jade North LLC, including its status as an expert or “qualified person” (as defined in Subpart 1300 of Regulation S-K promulgated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission), in connection with the Registration Statement and any such Technical Report; and

 

any extracts from or a summary of the Technical Report in the Registration Statement and the use of any information derived, summarized, quoted or referenced from the Technical Report, or portions thereof, that was prepared by me on behalf of Jade North LLC, that I supervised the preparation of and/or that was reviewed and approved by me on behalf of Jade North LLC, that is included or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement.

Jade North LLC employs professional environmental scientists that conform to the SEC qualified person definition, and served as a qualified person as defined in S-K 1300 for Section 17 of the Technical Report. I am responsible for authoring, and this consent pertains to, the related sections on behalf of Jade North LLC as discussed above of the Technical Report. I certify that I have read the Registration Statement and that both fairly and accurately represent the information in the sections of the Technical Report for which Jade North is responsible.

 

Dated: April 15, 2024  
   
JADE NORTH LLC  
   
By: /s/ Bob Loeffler  
Name: Bob Loeffler  
Title: Environmental Consultant  

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 96.1

 

 

Initial Assessment Technical Report Summary

 

Estelle Gold Project

 

Alaska, USA

 

Prepared for Nova Minerals Limited

 

SK-1300 Initial Assessment Technical Summary Report

 

January 31, 2024

 

 

Prepared by:

 

Roughstock Mining Services

 

Nova Minerals Limited

 

Matrix Resource Consultants

 

METS Engineering

 

Yukuskokon Professional Services

 

Jade North

 

 
 

 

Table of Contents

 

1. Executive Summary 1
2. Introduction 16
2.1 For Whom is this Report Prepared For 16
2.2 Basis of Initial Assessment Report Summary 16
2.3 Sources of Information and Data 17
2.4 Units, Currency and Rounding 17
3. Property Description 22
3.1 Location 22
4. Accessibility, Climate, Local Resources, Infrastructure and Physiography 35
4.1 Accessibility 35
4.2 Climate 36
4.3 Local Infrastructure and Resources 37
4.4 Physiography of Property 38
5. History 39
5.1 Korbel 42
5.2 RPM 43
6. Geological Setting, Mineralization and Deposit 44
6.1 Geological Setting 44
7. Exploration 47
7.1 2018 Exploration 47
7.1.1 Surface Exploration 47
7.1.2 Drilling 48
7.2 2019 Exploration 48
7.2.1 Surface Exploration 48
7.2.2 Geophysics 48
7.2.3 Drilling 51
7.3 2020 Exploration 51
7.3.1 Surface Exploration 51
7.3.2 Drilling 51
7.4 2021 Exploration 51
7.4.1 Surface Exploration 51
7.4.2 Drilling 52

 

 
 

 

7.5 2022 Exploration 52
7.5.1 Surface Exploration 52
7.5.2 Drilling 52
7.6 2023 Exploration 53
7.6.1 Surface Exploration 53
7.6.2 Geophysics 53
7.6.3 Drilling 54
8. Sample Preparation, Analyses, and Security 55
8.1 Sub-Sampling Techniques and Sample Preparation 55
8.2 Sample Security 57
8.3 Reviews or Audits 57
8.4 Sample Preparation, Analysis and Security Conclusions and Recommendations 57
9. Data Verification 57
9.1 Quality of Assay Data and Laboratory Tests 57
9.1.1 Blank Material Results 58
9.1.2 Reference Material Results 59
9.1.3 Pulp Duplicates 61
9.1.3.1 Gold 63
9.1.4 Check Assays 63
9.2 Verification of Sampling and Assaying 65
9.3 Location of Data Points 65
9.4 Data Spacing and Distribution 65
9.5 Orientation of Data in Relation to Geological Structure 65
9.6 Data Verification Conclusions and Recommendations 65
9.7 Statement of Adequacy of Data 65
10. Mineral Processing and Metallurgical Testing 65
10.1 Introduction 65
10.2 Korbel Mineral Processing and Metallurgical Testing 66
10.2.1 Metallurgical Samples 66
10.2.2 Grinding and Screening Procedures 68

 

 
 

 

10.2.3 Metallurgical Test Procedures and Results 68
10.2.3.1 Head Characterization 68
10.2.3.2 Comminution Test work and Results 70
10.2.3.3 Diagnostic Leach Test Report 71
10.2.3.4 Ore Sorting Method and Results 71
10.2.3.5 Gravity Concentration Test Work Procedure 73
10.2.3.5.1 Single Pass gravity concentration 73
10.2.3.5.2 Extended gravity Recoverable Gold (E-GRG) 73
10.2.3.5.3 GAT Test 73
10.2.3.6 Gravity Concentration Test Results Discussion 74
10.2.3.7 Flotation Test Work and Results 75
10.2.3.8 Cyanide Leaching Test Work Procedure 77
10.2.3.9 Cyanide Leaching Test Results 77
10.2.3.9.1 Whole-Ore Cyanidation 78
10.2.3.9.2 Gravity Tails Leach Test 81
10.2.3.9.3 Concentrate Intensive Leach 82
10.2.3.10 Mineralogical Examination 84
10.2.3.10.1 Master composite 86
10.2.3.10.2 CG5 Conc Residue of Master Composite 86
10.2.3.10.3 High Grade Composite Leached Tails 86
10.3 RPM Mineral Processing and Metallurgical Test 87
10.3.1 Metallurgical Test Procedures and Results for RPM 87
10.3.1.1 Comminution Test Work and Results 87
10.3.1.2 Gravity Concentration Test Work 88
10.3.1.3 Flotation Test Work Results 89
10.3.1.4 Cyanidation Procedure and Test Work 92
10.3.1.4.1 Cyanidation on the Average Grade Composite Results 92
10.3.1.4.2 Intensive Leach Testing 92
10.4 Metallurgical Test Work Conclusion and Recommendations 93
10.5 Review of Recovery and OPEX Estimate for Cut-Off Calculation 95
10.5.1 Recovery 95
10.5.2 Processing Cost Estimate 97
10.6 QP Statement 97

 

 
 

 

11. Mineral Resource Estimates 97
11.1 Introduction 97
11.2 Korbel Main Resource Modelling 98
11.2.1 Compilation of Informing Data 98
11.2.2 Modeling Domains 99
11.2.3 Composite Estimation Dataset 100
11.2.4 Bulk Density Measurements 100
11.2.5 Estimation Parameters 101
11.2.6 Classification of the Estimates 103
11.2.7 Plots of the Model Estimates 104
11.3 Cathedral Resource Modelling 104
11.3.1 Compilation of Informing Data 104
11.3.2 Modelling Domains 105
11.3.3 Composite Estimation Dataset 106
11.3.4 Bulk Density Measurements 106
11.3.5 Estimation Parameters 107
11.3.6 Classification of the Estimates 108
11.3.7 Plots of Model Estimates 108
11.4 RPM Resource Modelling 109
11.4.1 Compilation of Informing Data 109
11.4.2 Modelling Domains 110
11.4.3 Composite Estimation Dataset 111
11.4.4 Bulk Density Measurements 112
11.4.5 Estimation Parameters 114
11.4.6 Classification of the Estimates 117
11.4.7 Plots of the Model Estimates 117
11.5 Mineral Resource Estimates 118
11.5.1 Establish Reasonable Prospects of Economic Extraction 118
11.5.2 Mineral Resource Estimates 120
11.6 Mineral Resource Sensitivity Analysis 122
11.7 QP Statement 122
12. Mineral Reserve Estimates 123

 

 
 

 

13. Mining Methods 123
13.1 Geotechnical Parameters 123
13.2 Hydrogeological Parameters 123
13.3 Cut-Off Grades 124
14. Process and Recovery Methods 124
15. Infrastructure 126
15.1 Roads and Access 126
16. Market Studies 127
16.1 Gold Market and Price 127
16.1.1 Commodity Price Projections 128
16.1.2 Contracts 128
16.2 QP Statement 128
17. Environmental Studies, Permitting, and Plans, Negotiations, or Agreements with Local Individuals or Groups 128
17.1 Introduction 128
17.2 Environmental Assessment 129
17.2.1 Wetlands 129
17.2.2 Hydrology and Water Quality 129
17.2.3 Air Quality 130
17.2.4 Aquatic Resources 130
17.2.5 Wildlife 130
17.2.6 Cultural Resources 131
17.2.7 Noise 131
17.2.8 Land Use and Recreation 131
17.2.9 Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) 131
17.3 Environmental Authorizations and Permits 131
17.3.1 Existing Permits and Authorizations 131
17.3.2 DNR Plan of Operations, Reclamation Plan Approval, and Mill Site Lease 132
17.3.3 Reclamation Bond 133
17.3.4 DEC Air Quality Permit 133
17.3.5 DEC APDES Permit 133
17.3.6 DEC Solid Waste Management Permit 133
17.3.7 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wetlands Permit 134

 

 
 

 

17.3.8 Right-of-way 134
17.3.9 DNR Water Right or Temporary Water Use Authorization 134
17.3.10 DNR Materials Sale 135
17.3.11 DNR Mining Lease 135
17.3.12 DEC Stormwater Plan 135
17.3.13 ADFG Fish Passage Permits 135
17.3.14 NOAA Fisheries Essential Fish Habitat 136
17.3.15 FWS Bald Eagle Protection Act; Migratory Bird Treaty; and Threatened and Endangered Species Act 136
17.3.16 U.S. Army Corps or DNR Cultural Resources 136
17.3.17 Other DEC Wastewater Permits 137
17.3.18 DNR Dam Safety Permit 137
17.3.19 Alaska’s Large Mine Permitting Process 138
17.3.20 NEPA Overview: EA or EIS 138
17.4 Closure and Reclamation 140
17.4.1 Solid Waste Management Permit 140
17.4.2 Dam Safety Certification 140
17.5 QP Statement 141
18. Capital and Operating Costs 141
18.1 Mining Operating Costs 141
18.2 Processing Operating Costs 142
18.3 General and Administration Costs 142
18.4 QP Statement 143
19. Economic Analysis 143
20. Adjacent Properties 143
20.1 Exploration Properties 143
20.2 Whistler Project 144
20.3 Donlin Creek Project 144
21. Other Relevant Data and Information 145
21.1 Land Status 145
21.2 Mining Claims 145
22. Interpretation and Conclusions 148
22.1 Sampling, Preparation, Analysis and Security 148
22.2 Data Verification 148
22.3 Metallurgical Test Work 148
22.4 Resource Estimate 148
22.5 Risk and Opportunities 148
23. Recommendations 149
24. References 149
25. Reliance on Information Provided by the Registrant 150
25.1 QP Statements 152
26. Appendix 1: Estelle Gold Project Mining Claims 160

 

 
 

 

List of Figures

 

Figure 1-1: Estelle Gold Project location with proximate mines in detail 2
Figure 1-2: Location map of the Estelle Gold Project with infrastructure solutions shown 3
Figure 1-3: Regional Geologic Map of Alaska 5
Figure 1-4: Regional Geologic Map of South-Western to South Central Alaska 6
Figure 1-5: Depiction of the Tintina Gold Province which spans from the Yukon into Alaska 7
Figure 1-6: Simplified process flow sheet 12
Figure 3-1: Location map of Estelle Gold Project Property 23
Figure 3-2: Estelle Gold Project property outline with current mineral prospect locations 24
Figure 3-3: Location map of the Estelle Gold Project drill pads. 25
Figure 3-4: Location map of the Korbel drill pads. (Note: Drill hole traces show all drilling up to December 31, 2023) 26
Figure 3-5: Location map of the RPM drill pads. (Note: Drill hole traces show all drilling up to December 31, 2023) 27
Figure 4-1: Anchorage Climate Graph (usclimatedata, 2023) 36
Figure 4-2: Korbel drill site in summer 37
Figure 4-3: Aerial view looking north of the Whiskey Bravo airstrip and the Estelle 80-person winterized camp and facilities 38
Figure 4-4: RPM terrain with two drill pads shown 39
Figure 5-1: Early geologic map of Korbel 43
Figure 6-1: Regional Geology of the Estelle Gold Project 45
Figure 6-2: Stratigraphic column (SK 1300 Technical Summary Report - Whistler Project Alaska, 2022) 46
Figure 7-1: Estelle Gold property quartz veins 48
Figure 7-2: Dublin Gulch, Yukon and Fort Knox, Alaska quartz veins Goldfarb et. al., 2007 48
Figure 7-3: IP Chargeability Results 49
Figure 7-4: Magnetic Survey Results (RTP) 50
Figure 7-5: Estelle Gold Project core logging 55
Figure 8-1: Splitting drill core at the Estelle Gold Project 56
Figure 9-1: Control chart of Gold in Blank, ALS Global 59
Figure 9-2: Reference material - Control chart 60

 

 
 

 

Figure 9-3: Pulp duplicates – Scatter Plot 62
Figure 9-4: Pulp duplicates - Relative Percent Difference 62
Figure 9-5: Check Assays – Scatter Plot 64
Figure 9-6: Check Assays - Relative Percent Difference 64
Figure 10-1: GAT test flowchart 74
Figure 10-2: Flotation kinetics 76
Figure 10-3: Gold leach kinetics at select grinds 80
Figure 10-4: Gold recovery and residual grade at various grind sizes 81
Figure 10-5: Leach kinetics for gravity tailings 82
Figure 10-6: Concentrate leach kinetics 84
Figure 10-7: Concentrate leach kinetics average grade composite 91
Figure 10-8: Leach kinetics for average grade sample 92
Figure 10-9: Intensive leach test kinetics 93
Figure 11-1: Korbel Main mineralized domain outcrop and drill hole traces 99
Figure 11-2: Korbel Main modelling domains and drill hole trace section views 99
Figure 11-3: Korbel Main density measurements 101
Figure 11-4: Korbel Main model estimates 104
Figure 11-5: Cathedral mineralized domain outcrop and drill hole traces 105
Figure 11-6: Cathedral modelling domains and drill hole trace section views 105
Figure 11-7: Cathedral density measurements 106
Figure 11-8: Cathedral model estimates 108
Figure 11-9: RPM mineralized domain outcrop and drill hole traces 109
Figure 11-10: RPM modelling domains and drill hole trace section views 111
Figure 11-11: RPM density measurements 113
Figure 11-12: RPM Plots of model estimates 117
Figure 14-1: Simplified process flow sheet 125
Figure 15-1: Proposed West Susitna access road 127
Figure 18-1: Mining cost of comparable operations 141
Figure 20-1: Mineral deposits within the Tintina Gold Belt 143
Figure 21-1: Alaska State mining claim requirements (page 1) 146
Figure 21-2: Alaska State mining claim requirements (page 2) 147
Figure 26-1: Map of Nova Minerals controlled Alaska State mining claims 160

 

 
 

 

List of Tables

 

Table 1-1: Mineral Resource Estimate for Estelle Gold Project (January 31, 2024) 9
Table 1-2: Mineral Resource Estimate for Nova’s 85% attributable interest in the Estelle Gold Project (January 31, 2024) 10
Table 2-1: Common units and abbreviations 18
Table 3-1: Estelle Gold Project drill hole tables 28
Table 5-1: History of exploration, Estelle Gold Project 40
Table 7-1: Summary of drilling completed by year on the Estelle Gold Project deposits 54
Table 8-1: Details of sample preparation and analytical methods 57
Table 9-1: Summary reference material statistics for Gold 61
Table 9-2: Summary of Pulp Duplicate results for Gold 63
Table 9-3: Summary of Check Assay results for Gold 63
Table 10-1: Composite sample list 67
Table 10-2: Head Assay Results 69
Table 10-3: Summary of Analysis 70
Table 10-4: Comminution Test Results 70
Table 10-5: Diagnostic leach results 71
Table 10-6: Four stage XRF results 72
Table 10-7: Summary of gravity concentration test results 75
Table 10-8: Summary of flotation test at P80 of 75µm 76
Table 10-9: Cyanide leach conditions 77
Table 10-10: Summary of whole ore cyanidation test results 79
Table 10-11: Leach results on gravity tailings 81
Table 10-12: Intensive leach test results on concentrates 83
Table 10-13: Main mineral composition 85
Table 10-14: Comminution test results on average composite 88
Table 10-15: Gravity test work on average composite 88
Table 10-16: Summary of flotation tests 90
Table 10-17: Summary of flotation results 91
Table 10-18: Cyanidation results for average grade composite 92

 

 
 

 

Table 10-19: Intensive cyanidation test results on concentrate regrind sample 92
Table 10-20: Resource pit shell cut-off grade parameters 95
Table 10-21: Parameters used in mine design study 96
Table 11-1: Korbel Main composite estimation dataset statistics 100
Table 11-2: Korbel Main density measurements 100
Table 11-3: Korbel Main indicator thresholds and class mean grades 102
Table 11-4: Korbel Main variogram models 102
Table 11-5: Korbel Main estimation search passes 103
Table 11-6: Cathedral composite estimation dataset statistics 106
Table 11-7: Cathedral density measurements 106
Table 11-8: Cathedral indicator thresholds and class mean grades 107
Table 11-9: Cathedral estimation search passes 107
Table 11-10: RPM composite estimation dataset statistics 112
Table 11-11: RPM density measurements 113
Table 11-12: RPM indicator thresholds and class mean grades 115
Table 11-13: RPM variogram models 116
Table 11-14: RPM estimation search passes 116
Table 11-15: Resource pit shell cut-off grade parameters 119
Table 11-16: Cut-off grade calculation 120
Table 11-17: Mineral Resource Estimate for total Estelle Gold Project (January 31, 2024) 121
Table 11-18: Mineral Resource estimate for Nova’s 85% attributable interest in the Estelle Gold Project (January 31, 2024) 121
Table 11-19: Mineral resource sensitivity to gold price 122
Table 13-1: Economic inputs used as basis for cut-off grades 124
Table 20-1: Summary of resource estimate for the Whistler Project 144
Table 20-2: Donlin Creek mineral resources summary 145
Table 25-1: Estelle Gold Project - Initial Assessment Report division of responsibility 151
Table 26-1: List of Nova Minerals 800 Alaska State mining claims 168

 

 
 

 

1. Executive Summary

 

Introduction

 

Nova Minerals Limited (“Nova Minerals or “Nova”) commissioned Roughstock Mining Services to prepare an Initial Assessment Technical Report Summary (TRS) to assess the potential to develop a gold mining and processing operation at the Estelle Gold Project. Roughstock Mining Services personnel visited the project site in late November and early December 2023. The information provided in this report was supplied by Nova Minerals personnel and referenced consultants. The Estelle Gold Project is Nova’s flagship project, located in the Tintina Gold Province, approximately 150km northwest of Anchorage, Alaska.

 

This report is preliminary in nature and includes Measured, Indicated and Inferred mineral resources in compliance with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) Modernized Property Disclosure Requirements for Mining Registrants as described in Subpart 229.1300 of Regulation S-K, Disclosure by Registrants Engaged in Mining Operations (S-K 1300) and Item 601(b)(96) Technical Report Summary (TRS).

 

There is no certainty that the TRS will be realized. Costs presented in this report are in USD$ unless otherwise stated.

 

Property Description

 

The Estelle Gold Project contains multiple mining complexes across a 35km long mineralized corridor of over 20 identified gold prospects. The Project which comprises 513km2 of Alaska State mining claims located on State of Alaska public lands is situated on the Estelle Gold Trend in Alaska’s prolific Tintina Gold Belt, a province which hosts a 220 million ounce (Moz) documented gold endowment and some of the world’s largest gold mines and discoveries including Victoria Gold’s Eagle Mine and Kinross Gold Corporation’s Fort Knox Gold Mine (Figure 1-1).

 

Located approximately 150km (93 miles) northwest of the major US city of Anchorage, Alaska the project is a year-round operation, near a large labor force and all essential services. The base site hosts a fully winterized 80-person camp, including an on-site sample processing facility and the 4,000-foot Whiskey Bravo airstrip, which can facilitate large capacity DC3 type aircraft. Access is currently available to the Project via a winter road and by air. The proposed West Susitna Access Road, which is situated on Alaska State land within the Matanuska-Susitna Borough and has considerable support from both the community and the State government, has progressed to the permitting stage. (Figure 1-2).

 

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Figure 1-1: Estelle Gold Project location with proximate mines in detail

 

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Figure 1-2: Location map of the Estelle Gold Project with infrastructure solutions shown

 

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The resource estimate in this report is based on open pit mining techniques to establish reasonable boundaries and cut-off grades.

 

Property Ownership

 

The Estelle Gold Project is comprised of 513km2 State of Alaska mining claims. The mining claims are wholly owned by AKCM (AUST) Pty Ltd. (an incorporated Joint venture (JV Company between Nova Minerals and AK Minerals Pty Ltd) via 100% ownership of Alaskan incorporate company AK Custom Mining LLC. AKCM (AUST) Pty Ltd is owned 85% by Nova Minerals, 15% by AK Minerals Pty Ltd. AK Minerals Pty Ltd holds a 2% NSR. Nova owns 85% of the project through the joint venture agreement. The Company is not aware of any other impediments that would prevent an exploration or mining activity.

 

Regional Geology & Mineralization

 

The rocks that comprise Western Canadian Cordillera and Alaska were accreted to the Ancient North American craton. These rocks originated as chains of allochthonous terranes, accreted to the North American Continent and transported northward along the set of right-lateral faults, including the Denali Fault to where they are presently located. (Waldien, T.S., et al. (2021)). The major terranes that make up the Western Canada Cordillera are shown in Figure 1-3. It has been interpreted that these accreted terranes were a series of intra-oceanic arcs, arc-related accretionary prisms, as well as flysch basins that range in age from Proterozoic to the Cenozoic. (Flagg, E.M., 2014).

 

This accretion period, active during the Jurassic to Cretaceous Periods, was followed by a cycle of plutonism (also in the Cretaceous), involving the emplacement of a series of multi-phase plutons, resulting in deformation and metamorphism of the overlying strata. Associated contact metamorphism caused the hornfelsed aureole around the intrusion. (Flagg, E., 2014)

 

The Kahiltna sedimentary basin overlying the property is composed of Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous argillite, phyllite, lithic greywacke, conglomerate, chert, mudstone and limestone. (Flagg, E., 2014) The USGS defines flysch sediments as a series of thin beds which are comprised of alternating shallow and deep-water facies sedimentary environments, deposited in a geosyncline or foredeep preceding major orogenic events. (Eardley, A.J. and White (1947)).

 

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Figure 1-3: Regional Geologic Map of Alaska

 

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Figure 1-4: Regional Geologic Map of South-Western to South Central Alaska

 

Property Geology

 

The Estelle property is located in the southwestern extremity of the Tintina Gold Province, within the Dillinger sub-member of the Farewell Terrane which is comprised of Cambrian to Devonian deep-water basinal shales and sandstones (Figure 1-4).

 

Both the terrane and the Tintina Gold Province terminate on the Broad Pass/ Mulchatna Fault Zone, near the Estelle Gold Project southern property boundary. More generally, Figure. 1-5 shows Alaska and Yukon comprised of accreted terranes, with Ancient North American craton (NAc), in the northeast corner of the map.

 

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Figure 1-5: Depiction of the Tintina Gold Province which spans from the Yukon into Alaska

 

Within the Estelle Project property, lie the Mesozoic marine sedimentary rocks of the Kahiltna terrane. Regionally, these marine rocks were intruded by several plutons. The Mount Estelle pluton has been dated by Reed and Lanphere (1972) at 65 to 66 Ma. This pluton is compositionally zoned and is made up of a granite core transitioning to quartz monzonite, quartz monzodiorite, augite monzodiorite, diorite, and lamprophyric mafic and ultramafic rocks. (Millholland, 1995; Crowe and others, 1991; Crowe and Millholland, 1990a) The intrusion contains xenoliths of metasedimentary country rocks into which it was intruded. Tourmaline and beryl have been observed in, and adjacent to the pluton. The rock surrounding the Mt. Estelle pluton has undergone contact metamorphism and is locally hornfelsed. There is red staining which likely indicates disseminations of pyrite along fracture faces. Adjacent to the pluton, local sericite and clay alteration is also found.

 

The Estelle pluton is cut by several dikes which range in composition from aplite, gabbro, dacite, and lamprophyre. These structures are found in the felsic and intermediate phases of the pluton. Gold, associated with pyrrhotite, chalcopyrite, pentlandite and molybdenite also occurs in ultramafic rocks on the south side of the pluton. Mineralization is less common in the sedimentary rocks.

 

Anomalous gold, platinum-group elements, copper, chrome, nickel, and arsenic are reported from many of the composite plutons of the Yentna trend. (Reed and others, 1978; Reed and Nelson, 1980) Gold and platinum-group-element placers have been worked at several sites downstream from the plutons. (Cobb, 1972)

 

RPM lies within a plutonic complex intruding a Jurassic to Early Cretaceous flysch sequence. (Reed and Nelson, 1980) The intrusive complex consists of ultramafic to felsic plutons of Late Cretaceous/Early Tertiary age (69.7 Ma) and are centrally located in a region of arc-magmatic related gold deposits. Though mineralization at Estelle is generally restricted to the intrusive rocks, mineralization at RPM occurs in both intrusive and hornfels. (Millrock Resources Inc., 2014)

 

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At RPM, roof pendants of hornfels occur overlying multiple intrusive units. Fingers of fine-grained aplite, monzonite and biotite-rich diorite cut the hornfels. All the lithologic units are in turn cut by stockwork and/or sheeted veins. Veins range in size and character from meter-wide quartz ± sulfide to millimeter-scale quartz-arsenopyrite veins and centimeter-scale quartz-tourmaline-sulfide veins. A granitic intrusive body, which underlies the hornfels and crops out in the southern part of the prospect area appears to be potentially related to mineralization (Millrock Resources Inc., 2014).

 

Data Verification

 

Field data is collected and compiled into Excel spreadsheets. Assay data CSV files are downloaded directly from the ALS Labs Webtrieve server or from emailed CSV files. Various software validation tools are used for checking for consistency between and within database tables which showed no significant issues.

 

Diamond drilling sampling is completed on sawing half HQ core. Sampling is based along lithological contacts and is sampled at 3.05 meter (10 ft.) intervals (run block to run block). Samples were sent to the ALS laboratory in Fairbanks, Alaska for pulverization to produce a 250 g sub-sample for Au analysis.

 

Whole HQ core is logged in a qualitative and quantitatively manner and recorded into a running Excel spreadsheet.

 

The following data was collected:

 

  Major units and samples follow lithological changes.
     
  Primary, secondary, and tertiary alteration types and intensity.
     
  Mineralization type (arsenopyrite, pyrite, and chalcopyrite), percentage mineralization, and texture Structures including veins, faults, and shears. Orientation recorded (alpha/beta).
     
  Prep or reject duplicates were collected every 1 in 20 samples.

 

Blank material was inserted 1 in 40 samples and consist of Pea Gravel obtained from Alaska Industrial Hardware. Certified Reference Material (CRM) was inserted 1 in 20 samples. Three different CRMs at three different grades levels were used. Prep or reject duplicates were collected every 1 in 20 samples. Acceptable levels of precision and accuracy were obtained.

 

Samples were sent to the ALS laboratory in Fairbanks for pulverization to produce a 250 g sub-sample for analysis. Sample prep consisted of ALS Prep 31 - Crush to 70% less than 2 mm, riffle split off 250 g, pulverize split to better than 85% passing 75 microns. Sample analysis consisted of ALS Au-ICP21 Fire Assay with 30 g sample charge using ICP-AES finish. Detection Limits range from 0.001 - 10 g/t Au. For samples exceeding the upper detection limit of 10 g/t Au the material was re-run using ALS method Au-GRA21. This Fire Assay technique utilizes a charge size of 30 g and a gravimetric finish. Detection Limits range from 0.05 -10,000 g/t Au.

 

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Metallurgy and Mineral Processing Testing

 

Metallurgical test work programs were conducted on samples from the Korbel and RPM deposits. Testing for comminution, flotation, leaching, gravity concentration was conducted by Bureau Veritas Commodities Canada Ltd. in Richmond, BC, Canada. Testing for ore sorting by XRT sorters was conducted by TOMRA Sorting Inc in Sydney, Australia.

 

The Korbel deposit is the most advanced deposit on the property and has had the full suite of tests conducted. Samples from RPM underwent flotation and comminution tests and some cyanidation test work. Due to the similarity of the deposit types, similar leach and flotation recoveries were used for both deposits.

 

Mineral Resources

 

Over 90,000m of diamond and RC drilling has been undertaken for all deposits in support of a S-K 1300 compliant mineral resource estimate (MRE) of 5.17 Moz Au across the Estelle Gold Project, of which 85% or 4.41 Moz Au is attributable to Nova Minerals. This MRE is based on drilling information available on the 31st of March 2023 and contains Measured, Indicated and Inferred categories. Resources were estimated for each deposit by Multiple Indicator Kriging (MIK) with block support adjustment reflecting large scale open pit mining Drilling undertaken after March 31, 2023, along with future targeted drilling programs, are planned to potentially upgrade both the size and confidence of the MRE. There have been no changes since the date of this MRE.

 

Table 1-1: Mineral Resource Estimate for Estelle Gold Project (January 31, 2024)

 

    Measured Indicated Measured + Indicated Inferred Total
Deposit Cutoff Tonnes Grade Au Tonnes Grade Au Tonnes Grade Au Tonnes Grade Au Tonnes Grade Au
    MT Au g/t Moz MT Au g/t Moz MT Au g/t Moz MT Au g/t Moz MT Au g/t Moz
RPM North 0.20 1.4 4.1 0.18 3.0 1.6 0.15 4.4 2.4 0.33 23 0.60 0.45 28 0.88 0.78
RPM South 0.20                   23 0.47 0.35 23 0.47 0.35
Total RPM   1.4 4.1 0.18 3.0 1.6 0.15 4.4 2.4 0.33 46 0.54 0.80 51 0.70 1.13
Korbel Main 0.15       240 0.31 2.39 240 0.31 2.39 35 0.27 0.30 275 0.30 2.70
Cathedral 0.15                   150 0.28 1.35 150 0.28 1.35
Total Korbel         240 0.31 2.39 240 0.31 2.39 185 0.28 1.65 425 0.30 4.05
Total Estelle Gold Project   1.4 4.1 0.18 243 0.33 2.54 244 0.35 2.72 231 0.33 2.45 476 0.34 5.17

 

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Table 1-2: Mineral Resource Estimate for Nova’s 85% attributable interest in the Estelle Gold Project (January 31, 2024)

 

    Measured Indicated Measured + Indicated Inferred Total
Deposit Cutoff Tonnes Grade Au Tonnes Grade Au Tonnes Grade Au Tonnes Grade Au Tonnes Grade Au
    MT Au g/t Moz MT Au g/t Moz MT Au g/t Moz MT Au g/t Moz MT Au g/t Moz
RPM North 0.20 1.2 4.1 0.16 2.6 1.6 0.13 3.7 2.4 0.29 20 0.60 0.39 24 0.89 0.68
RPM South 0.20                   20 0.47 0.30 20 0.47 0.30
Total RPM   1.2 4.1 0.16 2.6 1.6 0.13 3.7 2.4 0.29 40 0.54 0.69 44 0.70 0.98
Korbel Main 0.15       210 0.31 2.09 210 0.31 2.09 30 0.27 0.26 240 0.31 2.35
Cathedral 0.15                   120 0.28 1.08 120 0.28 1.08
Total Korbel         210 0.31 2.09 210 0.31 2.09 150 0.28 1.34 360 0.30 3.43
Total Estelle Gold Project   1.2 4.1 0.16 213 0.33 2.22 214 0.35 2.38 190 0.33 2.03 404 0.34 4.41

 

Notes to Tables 1-1 and 1-2:

 

1. A Mineral Resource is defined as a concentration or occurrence of material of economic interest in or on the Earth’s crust in such form, grade or quality, and quantity, that there are reasonable prospects for economic extraction.
   
2. The mineral resource applies a reasonable prospect of economic extraction with the following assumptions:

 

  Resources are constrained within optimized pit shells that reflect a conventional large-scale truck and shovel open pit operation with cost and revenue parameters as follows:

 

  Gold price of US$2,000/oz
     
  5% royalty on recovered ounces
     
  Pit slope angles of 50o
     
  Mining cost of US$1.65/t
     
  Processing cost for RPM US$9.80/t and for Korbel US$5.23/t (inclusive of ore sorting for Korbel).
     
  Combined processing recoveries of 88.20% for RPM and 75.94%.
     
  General and Administrative Cost of US$1.30/t
     
  Tonnages and grades are rounded to two significant figures. Ounces are rounded to 1000 ounces. Rounding errors are apparent.

 

The $2,000/oz pit shell constraining the Korbel Main mineral resources extends over around 2.3 kilometers of strike with an average width of around 600 meters, and a maximum vertical depth below surface of approximately 430 meters.

 

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The $2,000/oz pit shell constraining the Cathedral mineral resources extends over approximately 1.2 kilometers north-south by up to approximately 820 meters east-west, with a maximum vertical depth below surface of approximately 520 meters.

 

The RPM $2,000/oz resource pit shell encompasses the RPM North and South mineral resources. In the RPM North area, it covers an area around 840 meters east -west by 700 meters north-south and reaches a maximum vertical depth below topography of approximately 340 meters. In the RPM South area, it covers an area around 450 meters east-west by 480 meters north-south and reaches a maximum vertical depth below topography of approximately 250 meters.

 

Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. There is no certainty that all or any part of the mineral resources will be converted into mineral reserves.

 

Mine Design

 

Mining has been designed using a conventional truck and shovel approach. Open pit mine designs have been developed for the Korbel Main, Cathedral, RPM North and RPM South deposits at an initial assessment level. Pit designs are based on overall slope angles of 50 degrees.

 

Recovery Methods

 

The project flowsheet (Figure 1-6) and initial assessment level processing plant design is based on preliminary metallurgy and ore sorting tests in combination with economic considerations.

 

The process plant was designed using conventional processing unit operations with the addition of XRT ore sorting systems. Only resources originating from Korbel Main and Cathedral will be sorted, resources originating from the RPM deposits will bypass the sorters. The ore sorting test work performed to date was preliminary in nature in support of the flow sheet to determine the trade off on the gold recoveries. With the preliminary nature of the study, it is still yet to be determined if ore sorting will be included in the final flowsheet and future economic analysis. The product of the process will be doré bars.

 

Run-of-mine and run–of-stockpile resources will be hauled to the sorting facility where it will be crushed in a primary gyratory crusher before going through a sizing screen. The fines fraction head will be fed directly to the High-Pressure Grinding Rolls (HPGR), the mid-sized material will be fed to the XRT ore sorting system, and the oversize material will be crushed in a secondary cone crusher. The ore sorting system will separate the economical ore out from the waste, transporting it to an HPGR. The product of the HPGR will be sent to a closed circuit consisting of a ball mill and hydro cyclone cluster. The P80 overflow of 75µm will flow through the flotation circuit. The tailings from this process will be sent to the tailing’s thickener. The concentrate will move on to the cyclone cluster and IsaMill for fine grinding to P80 of 22µm before finally moving on to the pre-leach thickener where the underflow will report to the leach and Carbon in Pulp (CIP) circuits.

 

The gold leached in the CIP circuit will be recovered by activated carbon and elution. From this elution circuit, the gold will be recovered by electrowinning cells in the gold room. The gold sludge will be dried, mixed with fluxes, and then smelted in a furnace to produce doré bars. Carbon will be re-activated in a regeneration kiln before being re-used in the CIP circuit. The CIP tailings will be treated for cyanide in the cyanide destruction circuit before being pumped to the tailings thickener. The waste byproduct of the tailings thickener will be pumped to the tailings storage facility.

 

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Figure 1-6: Simplified process flow sheet

 

Project Infrastructure

 

The project is located approximately 150km North-West of Anchorage and the report assumes a new access road (the proposed West Susitna Access Road) of approximately 146km leading to the project site will be constructed, with its usage primarily for transportation of construction materials, equipment, and ongoing operations supplies. Road construction is planned to be conducted by the Government of Alaska with access being provided on a toll basis. Money has been set aside for tolls for a government-upgraded road. The site can also be accessed by a winter road.

 

While the project currently has some infrastructure in place consisting of a fully winterized 80-person camp, an on-site sample processing facility and the 4,000-foot Whiskey Bravo airstrip, which can facilitate large capacity DC3 type aircraft, the following additional infrastructure will be required to support the project:

 

  Access road
     
  Single-lane haul road to RPM
     
  Power line and substation
     
  Overburden stripping and stockpiling
     
  Water management ponds and ditches
     
  Water treatment plant
     
  Pump station for Portage Creek diversion
     
  Tailings storage facility

 

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  Waste storage facilities
     
  Mine facilities including administration, maintenance shop, warehouse, mine dry, and miscellaneous facilities
     
  Processing facilities including process plant, assay laboratory, electrowinning and leaching plant
     
  All mine facilities and process facilities will be serviced with potable water, fire water, compressed air, power, diesel, communication, and sanitary systems

 

There is sufficient area to place all mine infrastructure, however the steep topography could pose some construction challenges.

 

Environmental Studies

 

Several baseline studies have already been initiated, and further field inventories and surveys will have to be completed within the project area, as well as environmental assessments as required by the permitting process.

 

It is likely that the project will require an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

 

Studies characterizing archaeological potential areas, fish habitat, hydrology will need to be conducted.

 

The project will require several permits, approvals, and authorizations to initiate the construction phase of the project and Jade North consultants have been engaged to assist with navigating Alaska’s Large Mine Permitting Process which sets out a clear path and government interdepartmental coordination.

 

Social and Community Impact

 

Nova is committed to creating a safe and environmentally responsible future mining operation that provides opportunities for all Alaskans. Nova has established strong and collaborative working relationships with the communities adjacent to our operations to ensure we have a meaningful impact on their culture, environment, and economic prosperity. Where possible, Nova does this by prioritising local procurement and employment and investing in community partnering initiatives consistent with our core values: Integrity, Respect and Openness.

 

Nova also takes its environmental responsibilities seriously and is committed to achieving excellence in environmental management through understanding the sensitivities of working within the region.

 

All works are governed by the Application for Permits to Mine in Alaska (APMA). There are strict provisions governing exploration and mining in Alaska, as well as legislation and a large number of supporting regulations.

 

Over the last 5 years Nova has spent in excess of USD$50M directly and indirectly into the local Alaskan economy, supported over 50 local Alaskan businesses, and through contractors employed 100’s Alaskans from local communities.

 

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While Nova is currently in the exploration and development phase of our Estelle Gold Project, as the project moves into the construction and operation phases there will be an exponential increase in the number of local jobs and services required.

 

Capital and Operating Cost Estimates

 

No capital cost estimates are being presented in this Initial Assessment Technical Report Summary.

 

The operating cost estimates presented in this Initial Assessment Technical Report Summary are based on industry standards and comparison to similar mines operating in the region.

 

The operating cost estimates for this initial assessment were conducted in 2023 US dollars (USD) unless otherwise stated. All cost projections are referenced on a nominal 2023 US dollar basis.

 

The operating cost estimates are considered Initial Assessment estimates per S-K 1300 requirements and have an accuracy range of +/- 50%. Estimate accuracy ranges are projections based upon cost estimating methods and are not a guarantee of actual project costs.

 

Economic Analysis

 

No detailed economic analysis is being presented in this Initial Assessment. The investor is cautioned that only mineral resources are being presented in this Initial Assessment Technical Report Summary.

 

Conclusions and Recommendations

 

The QPs make the following conclusions regarding sampling, analysis, data verification, metallurgical test work and the resource estimate.

 

Sampling, Preparation, Analysis and Security Conclusions

 

In the opinion of the QP, sampling preparation, analysis, and security are consistent with industry standard practices. Review and analysis of the assay database and QAQC data shows the assay database is of sufficient quality for resource estimation.

 

Data Verification Conclusions

 

In the opinion of the QP, the resource database provided is of sufficient quality for resource estimation.

 

Metallurgical Test Work Conclusions

 

In the opinion of the QP, the recoveries used for the resource estimate are reasonable for this level of study based on the metallurgical testing to date.

 

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Resource Estimate Conclusions

 

In the opinion of the QP the resource estimates and resource classifications reported herein are a reasonable representation of the gold mineral resources for the Korbel Main, Cathedral, RPM North, and RPM South deposits and the TRS provides justification that the mineral resources have reasonable prospects of economic extraction.

 

Recommendations

 

The QP’s make the following recommendations to support the project:

 

  Further investigation into particle sorting of RPM North and South deposits
     
  Metallurgical test program for RPM North and South deposits including leach, gravity concentration, and flotation tests
     
  Laboratory testing of fines to determine upgrading potential
     
  Infill drilling at all of the Estelle deposits

 

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2. Introduction

 

2.1 For Whom is this Report Prepared For

 

Nova Minerals (Nova) commissioned Roughstock Mining Services to prepare an Initial Assessment Technical Report for the Estelle Gold Project (“the project” or “the property”) in compliance with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) Modernized Property Disclosure Requirements for Mining Registrants as described in Subpart 229.1300 of Regulation S-K, Disclosure by Registrants Engaged in Mining Operations (S-K 1300) and Item 601(b)(96) Technical Report Summary.

 

2.2 Basis of Initial Assessment Report Summary

 

This Technical Report is an Initial Assessment prepared by Roughstock Mining Services for Nova Minerals. Nova Minerals is an Australian minerals exploration company currently listed on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX:NVA), the OTC Markets (OTC:NVAAF) and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (FRA:QM3).

 

The objectives of this Initial Assessment Technical Report are to:

 

  Provide an Initial Assessment of the economic potential of all or parts of the mineralization to support the disclosure of mineral resources.

 

This report contains Measured, Indicated and Inferred mineral resources. According to the S-K 1300 regulations, to reflect geological confidence, mineral resources are subdivided into the following categories based on increased geological confidence: Measured, Indicated and Inferred which are defined under S-K 1300 as:

 

Measured Resource:

 

“Measured Mineral Resource is that part of a mineral resource for which quantity and grade or quality are estimated on the basis of conclusive geological evidence and sampling. The level of geological certainty associated with a measured mineral resource is sufficient to allow a qualified person to apply modifying factors, as defined in this section, in sufficient detail to support detailed mine planning and final evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit. Because a measured mineral resource has a higher level of confidence than the level of confidence of either an indicated mineral resource or an inferred mineral resource, a measured mineral resource may be converted to a proven mineral reserve or to a probable mineral reserve.”

 

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Indicated Resource:

 

“Indicated Mineral Resource is that part of a mineral resource for which quantity and grade or quality are estimated on the basis of adequate geological evidence and sampling. The level of geological certainty associated with an indicated mineral resource is sufficient to allow a qualified person to apply modifying factors in sufficient detail to support mine planning and evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit. Because an indicated mineral resource has a lower level of confidence than the level of confidence of a measured mineral resource, an indicated mineral resource may only be converted to a probable mineral reserve.”

 

Inferred Resource:

 

“Inferred Mineral Resource is that part of a mineral resource for which quantity and grade or quality are estimated on the basis of limited geological evidence and sampling. The level of geological uncertainty associated with an inferred mineral resource is too high to apply relevant technical and economic factors likely to influence the prospects of economic extraction in a manner useful for evaluation of economic viability. Because an inferred mineral resource has the lowest level of geological confidence of all mineral resources, which prevents the application of the modifying factors in a manner useful for evaluation of economic viability, an inferred mineral resource may not be considered when assessing the economic viability of a mining project, and may not be converted to a mineral reserve.”

 

2.3 Sources of Information and Data

 

The sources of information include data and reports provided by Nova personnel as well as documents cited throughout the report and referenced in Section 24.

 

2.4 Units, Currency and Rounding

 

Metric units are used throughout the report unless specifically stated otherwise. Every effort has been made to clearly display the appropriate units being used throughout this technical report. Currency is expressed in United States dollars (US$, USD, or $) unless specifically stated otherwise. A table of common units and abbreviations used throughout this report is shown in Table 2-1.

 

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Table 2-1: Common units and abbreviations

 

Symbol/Abbr. Description Symbol/Abbr. Description
 ‘ Minute (Plane Angle) kWh/t Kilowatt Hours Per Tonne
 “ Second (Plane Angle) or Inches L Liter
° Degree L/min Liters Per Minute
° C Degrees Celsius L/s Liters Per Second
° F Degrees Fahrenheit LAN Local Area Network
3D Three-Dimensions LG Low Grade
A Ampere LG Lerchs-Grossman
a Annum (Year) LMPP Alaska Large Mine Permitting Process
AA Atomic Absorption LOM Life of Mine
ac Acre m Meter
ACOE US Army of Engineers M Million
ADEC Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation m/min Meters Per Minute
ADFG Alaska Department of Fish and Game m/s Meters Per Second
ADNR Alaska Department of Natural Resources m2 Square Meter
ADR Adsorption-Desorption-Recovery m3 Cubic Meter
AES Atomic Emission Spectroscopy m3/h Cubic Meters Per Hour
amsl Above Mean Sea Level m3/s Cubic Meters Per Second
ANFO Ammonium Nitrate/Fuel Oil Ma Million Years
APDES Alaska Polluant Discharge Elimination System mamsl/ MAMSL Meters Above Mean Sea Level
APMA Application for Permits to Mine in Alaska MAP Mean Annual Precipitation
ARD Acid Rock Drainage m.a.s.l./MASL Meters Above Mean Sea Level
Au Gold mbgs Meters Below Ground Surface
BD Bulk Density mbs Meters Below Surface
bcm Bank Cubic Meter mbsl Meters Below Sea Level
BLM Bureau of Land Management mg Milligram
BTU British Thermal Unit mg/L Milligrams Per Liter
CCA Capital Cost Allowance mi Mile
CDP Cyanide Detoxification Plant mi/h Miles Per Hour
CF Cumulative Frequency MIK Multiple Indicator Kriging

 

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Symbol/Abbr. Description Symbol/Abbr. Description
cfm Cubic Feet Per Minute min Minute (Time)
CHP Combined Heat and Power Plant mL Milliliter
CIP Carbon-In-Pulp Mm3 Million Cubic Meters
CIM Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum mo Month
cm Centimeter Mpa Megapascal
CM Construction Management MRE Mineral Resource Estimate
cm2 Square Centimeter Mt Million Metric Tonnes
cm3 Cubic Centimeter MVA Megavolt-Ampere
COG Cut-Off Grades MW Megawatt
CSS Close Side Setting MWTP Mine Water Treatment Plant
CV Coefficient of Variation NEPA National Environmental Policy Act
d Day NG Normal Grade
d/a Days per Year (Annum) NI 43-101 National Instrument 43-101
d/wk Days per Week Nm3/h Normal Cubic Meters Per Hour
DCS Distributed Control System NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
dmt Dry Metric Ton NPVS NPV Scheduler
EA Environmental Assessment OP Open Pit
EDA Exploratory Data Analysis OPMP Office of Project Management and Permitting
EIS Environmental Impact Statement ORE Ore Research and Exploration
EMR Energy, Mines and Resources OREAS Ore Research & Exploration Assay Standards
EP Engineering and Procurement OSA Overall Slope Angles
EPA Environmental Protection Agency oz Troy Ounces
EPCM Engineering, Procurement and Construction Management P.Eng. Professional Engineer
FEL Front-End Loader P.Geo. Professional Geoscientist
FOB Free on Board Pa Pascal
FONSI Finding of No Significant Impact PAG Potentially Acid Generating
Ft Foot PEP Project Execution Plan
ft2 Square Foot PFS Preliminary Feasibility Study
ft3 Cubic Foot PLC Programmable Logic Controller
ft3/s Cubic Feet Per Second PLS Pregnant Leach Solution

 

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Symbol/Abbr. Description Symbol/Abbr. Description
FWS US Fish and Wildlife Service ppb Parts Per Billion
G Gram ppm Parts Per Million
G&A General and Administrative PSD Prevention of Significant Deterioration
g/cm3 Grams Per Cubic Meter psi Pounds Per Square Inch
g/L Grams Per Liter QA/QC Quality Assurance/Quality Control
g/t Grams Per Tonne QMS Quality Management System
Gal Gallon (US) QP Qualified Person
GJ Gigajoule ROM Run-Of-Mine
Gpa Gigapascal rpm Revolutions Per Minute
Gpm Gallons Per Minute (US) s Second (Time)
GW Gigawatt S.G. Specific Gravity
H Hour SAC Subsistence Advisory Council
h/a Hours Per Year Scfm Standard Cubic Feet Per Minute
h/d Hours Per Day SG Specific Gravity
h/wk Hours Per Week SHPO State Historic Preservation Office
Ha Hectare (10,000 m2) SVOL Search Volume
HG High Grade t Tonne (1,000 kg) (Metric Ton)
HMI Human Machine Interface t/a Tonnes Per Year
Hp Horsepower t/d Tonnes Per Day
HPGR High-Pressure Grinding Rolls t/h Tonnes Per Hour
HPW Highways and Public Works tph Tonnes Per Hour
HSE Health, Safety and Environmental ts/hm3 Tonnes Seconds Per Hour Meter Cubed
HVAC Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning TSF Tailings Storage Facility
ICMC International Cyanide Management Code TSS Total Suspended Solids
ICP Inductively Coupled Plasma US United States
ICP-MS Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry US$ Dollar (American)
In Inch V Volt
in2 Square Inch w/w Weight/Weight
in3 Cubic Inch WAD Weak-Acid-Dissociable
IP Internet Protocol WBS Work Breakdown Structure

 

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Symbol/Abbr. Description Symbol/Abbr. Description
IRR Internal Rate of Return wk Week
IRA Inter-Ramp Angle wmt Wet Metric Ton
JORC Joint Ore Reserves Committee WRF Waste Rock Facility
K Kilo (Thousand) WRSA Waste Rock Storage Area
kg Kilogram WTP Water Treatment Plant
kg/h Kilograms Per Hour µm Microns
kg/m2 Kilograms Per Square Meter µm Micrometer
kg/m3 Kilograms Per Cubic Meter    
km Kilometer    
km/h Kilometers Per Hour    
km2 Square Kilometer    
kPa Kilopascal    
kt Kilotonne    
kV Kilovolt    
kVA Kilovolt-Ampere    
kW Kilowatt    
kWh Kilowatt Hour    
kWh/a Kilowatt Hours Per Year    

 

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3. Property Description

 

3.1 Location

 

The Estelle Gold Project (Figure 3-1) is situated within the Tintina gold belt in Alaska which is host to an estimated 220 Moz of gold resources. Surface drilling that has been completed to delineate the mineral resource estimate is located in Figures 3-3, 3-4, 3-5 and Table 3-1. The coordinate system used in the figures is UTM NAD83 Z5N. The project property lies approximately 150km northwest of Anchorage, Alaska. This city is a major population center, which provides essential services and a large labor force for the interior parts of Alaska. The Project is a year-round operation, with all essential services. The base camp site hosts a fully winterized 80-person camp, an on-site sample processing facility, and the 4,000-foot Whiskey Bravo airstrip, which can facilitate large capacity DC3 type aircraft. The project region is found in the Alaska Mountain Range with elevations ranging from 705m to 2,085m above sea level. The Alaska Range is a continuation of the Pacific Coast Mountains extending in an arc across the Northern Pacific.

 

The property is 85% held by Nova Minerals and comprises of 800 Alaska State mining claims covering 126,405 acres (513 km2) located on the public lands of the State of Alaska. The project area hosts multiple deposits including Korbel Main, RPM North, RPM South and Cathedral, as well as numerous identified prospects including, blocks C, D, Isabella, Sweet Jenny, You Beauty, Shoeshine, Shadow, Train, Muddy Creek, Discovery, Trumpet, Stoney, T5, Tomahawk, Trundle, Rainy Day, West Wing, Stibium, Styx, Portage Pass, NK, Revelation and Wombat (Figure 3-2).

 

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Figure 3-1: Location map of Estelle Gold Project Property

 

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Figure 3-2: Estelle Gold Project property outline with current mineral prospect locations

 

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Figure 3-3: Location map of the Estelle Gold Project drill pads.

 

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Figure 3-4: Location map of the Korbel drill pads. (Note: Drill hole traces show all drilling up to December 31, 2023)

 

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Figure 3-5: Location map of the RPM drill pads. (Note: Drill hole traces show all drilling up to December 31, 2023)

 

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Table 3-1: Estelle Gold Project drill hole tables

 

Note: Drill holes RPM-038 to RPM-067 and TRN-001 to TRN-004 were drilled in 2023 and are not included in the mineral resource update in this report.

 

Hole ID Pad ID Hole Length, m Azimuth Inclination
KBDH-001 PAD 1 401 225 -45
KBDH-002 PAD 1 542 225 -70
KBDH-003 PAD 1 392 270 -45
KBDH-004 PAD 1 518 270 -70
KBDH-005 PAD 2 456 90 -45
KBDH-006 PAD 1 326 90 -45
KBDH-007 PAD 2 551 90 -70
KBDH-008 PAD 1 497 90 -70
KBDH-009 PAD 2 411 45 -45
KBDH-010 PAD 1 316 135 -45
KBDH-011 PAD 2 499 45 -70
KBDH-012 PAD 1 497 135 -70
KBDH-013 PAD 2 429 315 -45
KBDH-014 PAD 1 313 45 -45
KBDH-015 PAD 2 557 315 -70
KBDH-016 PAD 1 497 45 -70
KBDH-017 PAD 2 304 270 -45
KBDH-018 PAD 1 332 315 -45
KBDH-019 PAD 2 500 270 -70
KBDH-020 PAD 1 521 315 -70
KBDH-021 PAD 2 392 225 -45
KBDH-022 PAD 3 280 105 -45
KBDH-023 PAD 2 493 225 -70
KBDH-024 PAD 3 552 105 -70
KBDH-025 PAD 2 594 135 -45
KBDH-026 PAD 3 283 60 -45
KBDH-027 PAD 2 481 135 -70
KBDH-028 PAD 3 512 60 -70
KBDH-029 PAD 3 565 15 -70
KBDH-030 PAD 3 304 15 -45
KBDH-031 PAD 3 387 285 -45
KBDH-032 PAD 3 506 285 -70
KBDH-033 PAD 4 410 195 -45
KBDH-034 PAD 3 454 240 -45
KBDH-035 PAD 4 606 195 -70

 

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Hole ID Pad ID Hole Length, m Azimuth Inclination
KBDH-036 PAD 3 399 240 -70
KBDH-037 PAD 4 301 105 -45
KBDH-038 PAD 3 292 195 -45
KBDH-039 PAD 4 344 105 -70
KBDH-040 PAD 3 315 195 -70
KBDH-041 PAD 4 258 60 -45
KBDH-042 PAD 4 320 60 -70
KBDH-043 PAD 4 251 15 -45
KBDH-044 PAD 4 347 15 -70
KBDH-045 PAD 4 305 285 -45
KBDH-046 PAD 4 332 285 -70
KBDH-047 PAD 5 332 285 -70
KBDH-048 PAD 6 332 285 -70
KBDH-049 PAD 7 332 285 -70
KBDH-050 PAD 8 332 285 -70
KBDH-051 PAD 9 332 285 -70
KBDH-052 PAD 10 332 285 -70
KBDH-053 PAD 11 332 285 -70
KBDH-054 PAD 12 332 285 -70
KBDH-055 PAD 13 332 285 -70
KBDH-056 PAD 14 332 285 -70
KBDH-057 PAD 15 332 285 -70
KBDH-058 PAD 16 332 285 -70
KBDH-059 PAD 8 493 250 -45
KBDH-060 PAD 6 551 190 -45
KBDH-061 PAD 8 503 250 -70
KBDH-062 PAD 6 610 190 -70
KBDH-063 PAD 6 584 60 -45
KBDH-064 PAD 6 243 60 -70
KBDH-065 PAD 6 227 0 -45
KBDH-066 PAD 5 422 50 -45
KBDH-067 PAD 6 243 0 -70
KBDH-068 16NP1-1 251 230 -45
KBDH-069 PAD 5 479 50 -70
KBDH-070 16NP1-2 374 230 -70
KBDH-071 PAD 5 356 230 -70
KBDH-072 16NP1-4 310 50 -70
KBDH-073 20NP1-1 276 50 -45
KBDH-074 16NP1-3 307 50 -45

 

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Hole ID Pad ID Hole Length, m Azimuth Inclination
KBDH-075 17NP1-1 301 50 -45
KBDH-076 20NP1-2 350 50 -70
KBDH-077 19NP1-1 283 50 -45
KBDH-078 17NP1-2 247 50 -70
KBDH-079 PAD 7 480 70 -45
KBDH-080 19NP1-2 335 50 -70
KBDH-081 20NP2-1 369 50 -70
KBDH-082 18NP1-1 326 230 -45
KBDH-083 PAD 7 459 70 -70
KBDH-084 18NP1-1 387 230 -70
KBDH-085 PAD 7 393 50 -45
KBDH-086 17NP1-2 308 50 -45
KBDH-087 14NP1-1 300 230 -45
KBDH-088 PAD 7 514 50 -70
KBDH-089 14NP1-2 300 230 -70
KBDH-090 14NP1-3 329 50 -45
KBDH-091 PAD 7 501 30 -45
KBDH-092 14NP1-4 401 50 -70
KBDH-093 PAD 7 517 30 -70
KBDH-094 15NP1-3 291 50 -45
KBDH-095 15NP1-4 426 50 -70
KBDH-096 15NP1-1 315 230 -45
KBDH-097 PAD 10 559 30 -45
KBDH-098 15NP1-2 307 230 -70
KBDH-099 PAD 9 349 70 -45
KBDH-100 PAD 9 420 70 -70
KBDH-101 PAD 10 536 30 -70
KBDH-102 PAD 9 438 50 -45
KBDH-103 PAD 9 411 50 -70
KBDH-104 12NP2 297 50 -45
KBDH-105 PAD 9 430 30 -45
KBDH-106 12NP2 276 50 -70
KBDH-107 12NP2 429 230 -45
KBDH-108 PAD 9 460 30 -70
KBDH-109 13NP1 400 230 -70
KBDH-110 12NP2 462 230 -70
KBDH-111 13NP1 463 230 -45
KBDH-112 18NP2 325 230 -45
KBDH-113 21NP1 282 50 -45

 

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Hole ID Pad ID Hole Length, m Azimuth Inclination
KBDH-114 18NP2 338 230 -70
KBDH-115 21NP1 515 50 -70
KBDH-116 13NP1 337 50 -70
KBDH-117 19NP2 225 230 -45
KBDH-118 19NP2 250 230 -70
KBDH-119 PAD 10 526 50 -70
KBDH-120 19NP2 344 50 -70
KBDH-121 21NP1 340 230 -45
KBDH-122 21NP1 477 230 -70
KBDH-123 29NP1 395 230 -45
KBDH-124 PAD 10 501 50 -45
KBDH-125 28NP1 306 230 -45
KBDH-126 29NP1 347 230 -70
KBDH-127 28NP1 390 230 -70
KBDH-128 28NP1 285 50 -45
KBDH-129 PAD 10 289 250 -45
KBDH-130 28NP1 362 50 -70
KBDH-131 29NP1 255 50 -70
KBDH-132 30NP1 303 230 -45
KBDH-133 22NP1 273 230 -45
KBDH-134 30NP1 312 230 -70
KBDH-135 30NP1 285 50 -45
KBDH-136 22NP1 355 230 -70
KBDH-137 30NP1 322 50 -70
KBDH-138 22NP1 239 50 -45
KBDH-139 24NP1 218 50 -45
KBDH-140 22NP1 268 50 -70
KBDH-141 24NP1 450 50 -70
KBDH-142 23NP1 301 230 -45
KBDH-143 23NP1 400 230 -70
KBDH-144 24NP1 200 230 -45
KBDH-145 24NP1 450 230 -70
KBDH-146 23NP1 524 50 -70
KBDH-147 26NP1 575 50 -70
KBDH-148 23NP1 276 50 -45
KBDH-149 26NP1 270 50 -45
KBDH-150 31NP1 320 50 -70
KBDH-151 26NP1 309 230 -70
KBDH-152 31NP1-4 271 50 -45

 

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Hole ID Pad ID Hole Length, m Azimuth Inclination
KBDH-153B 26NP1 270 230 -45
KBDH-154 31NP1-2 337 230 -70
KBDH-155 31NP1-1 261 230 -45
KBDH-156 27-NP1 376 50 -45
KBDH-157 25NP1 377 50 -70
KBDH-158 27-NP1 340 50 -70
KBDH-159 25NP-1 306 230 -70
KBDH-160 25NP1 272 230 -45
KBMW-07BG Site 4 37 0 -90
KBMW-08BG Site 6 95 0 -90
KBMW-09BG Site 1 104 0 -90
KBMW-10BG Site 3 107 0 -90
KBMW-11BG Site 6 168 0 -90
KBMW-12BS Site 2 91 0 -90
OX-RC-001 RC Pads 37 0 -90
OX-RC-002 RC Pads 90 245 -70
OX-RC-003 RC Pads 75 270 -50
OX-RC-004 RC Pads 72 270 -50
OX-RC-005 RC Pads 66 90 -50
OX-RC-006 RC Pads 119 90 -50
OX-RC-007 RC Pads 53 270 -50
OX-RC-008 RC Pads 75 90 -50
OX-RC-009 RC Pads 67 270 -50
OX-RC-010 RC Pads 102 90 -50
OX-RC-011 RC Pads 91 270 -50
OX-RC-012 RC Pads 102 90 -50
OX-RC-013 RC Pads 64 270 -50
OX-RC-014 RC Pads 102 90 -50
OX-RC-015 RC Pads 58 270 -50
OX-RC-016 RC Pads 81 270 -50
OX-RC-017 RC Pads 70 90 -60
OX-RC-018 RC Pads 87 270 -75
OX-RC-019 RC Pads 25 90 -45
OX-RC-020 RC Pads 50 270 -45
OX-RC-021 RC Pads 50 90 -45
OX-RC-022 RC Pads 27 270 -45
OX-RC-023 RC Pads 76 90 -45
OX-RC-024 RC Pads 76 270 -45
OX-RC-025 RC Pads 69 90 -45

 

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Hole ID Pad ID Hole Length, m Azimuth Inclination
OX-RC-026 RC Pads 76 270 -45
OX-RC-027 RC Pads 61 90 -45
OX-RC-028 RC Pads 76 270 -45
OX-RC-029 RC Pads 14 90 -45
OX-RC-030 RC Pads 8 270 -45
OX-RC-031 RC Pads 76 270 -45
OX-RC-032 RC Pads 9 90 -45
RPM-001 RPM-P1 379 135 -70
RPM-002 RPM-P1 369 135 -45
RPM-003 RPM-P1 465 100 -70
RPM-004 RPM-P1 463 100 -45
RPM-005 RPM-P1 459 170 -70
RPM-006 RPM-P1 431 170 -45
RPM-007 RPM_P1 419 155 -80
RPM-008 RPM_P1 291 155 -60
RPM-009 RPM_P2 305 135 -70
RPM-010 RPM_P1 247 155 -45
RPM-011 RPM_P2 340 135 -45
RPM-012 RPM_P1 417 180 -80
RPM-013 RPM_06 197 0 -45
RPM-014 RPM_P2 281 180 -45
RPM-015 RPM_P1 309 180 -60
RPM-016 RPM_P2 278 180 -70
RPM-017 RPM_P2 244 90 -45
RPM-018 RPM_P1 178 180 -45
RPM-019 RPM_P6 362 225 -45
RPM-020 RPM_P1 386 202.5 -75
RPM-021 RPM_P2 316 112.5 -45
RPM-022 RPM_P1 433 202.5 -60
RPM-023 RPM_P6 423 225 -60
RPM-024 RPM_P9 380 180 -45
RPM-025 RPM_P1 540 202.5 -45
RPM-026 RPM_P6 401 202.5 -45
RPM-027 RPM_P9 345 225 -45
RPM-028 RPM_P6 393 202.5 -60
RPM-029 RPM_P6 407 247 -45
RPM-030 RPM_P1 364 191.25 -67
RPM-031 RPM_P9 316 348 -45
RPM-032 RPM_P6 243 180 -45

 

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Hole ID Pad ID Hole Length, m Azimuth Inclination
RPM-033 RPM_P1 337 191.25 -50
RPM-034 RPM_P6 268 180 -60
RPM-035 RPM_P1 327 145 -60
RPM-036 RPM_P1 389 214 -60
RPM-037 RPM-P1 584 214 -45
RPM-038 RPM_P6 198 337.5 -45
RPM-039 RPM_P6 169 45 -45
RPM-040 RPM_P6 228 45 -70
RPM-041 RPM_P6 123 90 -45
RPM-042 RPM_P6 432 292.5 -45
RPM-043 Pad 1 305 120 -45
RPM-044 RPM_P6 397 315 -45
RPM-045 Pad 1 209 225 -45
RPM-046 RPM_P6 191 135 -60
RPM-047 Pad 1 248 225 -60
RPM-048 Pad 23-13 384 230 -80
RPM-049 Pad 1 279 310 -45
RPM-050 Pad 23-1 139 0 -45
RPM-051 Pad 23-13 297 230 -45
RPM-052 Pad 23-1 160 0 -70
RPM-053 Pad 23-1 98 45 -45
RPM-054 Pad 23-13 191 230 -60
RPM-055 Pad 23-1 88 45 -70
RPM-056 Pad 23-1 160 315 -45
RPM-057 Pad 23-1 213 315 -70
RPM-058 Pad 23-13 253 252 -45
RPM-059 Pad 23-1 399 315 -80
RPM-060 Pad 23-13 313 252.5 -60
RPM-061 Pad 23-1 183 292 -45
RPM-062 Pad 23-1 125 22.5 -45
RPM-063 Pad 23-14 274 230 -60
RPM-064 Pad 23-1 230 22.5 -65
RPM-065 Pad 23-1 335 320 -80
RPM-067 Pad 23-1 10 192.5 -45
RPM-WW-01 WW Pad 107 0 -90
SE11-001 RC Pads 462 50 -75
SE12-001 RC Pads 138 235 -45
SE12-002 RC Pads 188 235 -45
SE12-003 RC Pads 188 235 -45

 

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Hole ID Pad ID Hole Length, m Azimuth Inclination
SE12-004 PAD 1 182 235 -52
SE12-008 RC Pads 182 120 -50
TRN-001 TRN-001 118 330 -65
TRN-002 TRN-001 92 330 -50
TRN-003 TRN-001 75 0 -65
TRN-004 TRN-001 304 150 -45
CTDD-001 CAT_01 510 30 -45
CTDD-002 CAT_03 514 50 -45
CTDD-003B CAT_01 436 30 -70
CTDD-004 CAT_03 374 50 -70
CTDD-005 CAT_01 488 50 -45
CTDD-006 CAT_03 442 230 -45
CTDD-007 CAT_01 482 70 -45
CTDD-008 CAT_03 407 85 -45
CTDD-009 CAT_03 461 200 -45
CTDD-010 CAT_01 488 90 -45
YBDD-001B YBU_P1 227 50 -70

 

4.Accessibility, Climate, Local Resources, Infrastructure and Physiography

 

4.1Accessibility

 

Access is currently available to the project via a winter road and by air with the nearby Whiskey Bravo airstrip (approximately 15km east) having a 4,000 ft. compacted gravel runway; compliant for DC3-class aircraft. The airways are accessible from Anchorage to the Whiskey Bravo airstrip via Skwentna through aircrafts and helicopters.

 

Recently an independent economic study prepared for the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA), and fully supported by the Alaska State Governor, recommended the proposed West Susitna Access Road, which is situated on State land within the Matanuska-Susitna Borough and has considerable support from both the community and the State government to progress to the permitting stage.

 

AIDEA has submitted the CWA 404 permit application to the USACE for the West Susitna Access project, initiating the environmental review process through compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act. Field studies will begin in the summer of 2024 with further evaluation of cultural and historical sites, fish and wildlife habitat, engineering refinement, and alternative route analysis.

 

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This is a proposed new multi-season 146km long access road connecting the Port Mackenzie resources cargo port to the resource-rich area of Alaska where Nova’s Estelle Gold Project is located. The road would open areas northwest of Anchorage and west of Wasilla, in the western parts of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough; where mineral exploration is underway and would link directly to the Estelle Gold District. This all-weather access could form a critical component of the project infrastructure as it will be used to provide equipment, fuel, and other supplies during construction and operations. Figure 3-1 highlights the location of airstrips, roads, and other infrastructure in the region.

 

For the full press release see below

 

https://www.aidea.org/Portals/0/PressReleases/3-21-2023%20West%20Susitna%20Access%20Project%20Announcement%20Press%20Release%20Final.pdf

 

4.2Climate

 

The project area is located between the climatic regions of maritime and continental, characterized by mild summers and cold winters. The Bearing Sea assists in generating mild and temperate summer temperatures and higher precipitation during that time of the year. Generally, during the early parts of the year (January through May) precipitation is low, peaking in August at 76mm (See Figure 4-1 and 4-2). Annual precipitation ranges from 500 to 900mm. Average summer temperatures range between 5oC and 30oC, while winter temperatures range between -15oC and -5oC. Winter snow accumulation usually starts in October and by mid to late May the snow has adequately melted to allow for fieldwork. (usclimatedata, 2023). During the winter months, strong winds can prevail.

 

 

Figure 4-1: Anchorage Climate Graph (usclimatedata, 2023)

 

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Figure 4-2: Korbel drill site in summer

 

4.3Local Infrastructure and Resources

 

Alaska is host to many large projects in their development stages, resulting in in-state expertise including miners and support staff being available.

 

The Estelle Gold Project is in a remote region of the State of Alaska. There are no accessible public power utilities and all current projects in the area primarily rely on diesel fuel to generate power. Therefore, the required fuel for Estelle at this time must be transported directly to the project area via snow road or by air, and stored on site. An established all-season 80 person fully winterised camp with all the required facilities, including a kitchen, amenities, an on-site prep lab, core shack, maintenance workshop and 4,000 ft. DC3 compliant airstrip are located close to the project site (Figure 4-3). These facilities are equipped with diesel generators, wooden floor tent and container structures, and wood-framed buildings.

 

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Figure 4-3: Aerial view looking north of the Whiskey Bravo airstrip and the Estelle 80-person winterized camp and facilities

 

4.4Physiography of Property

 

The topography of the Estelle Gold Project region ranges from low hills to broad valleys occupied by meandering streams. (Figure 4-4). Vegetation in the forested region varies by soil type with the lower elevations comprised of willows, birches, alder, and balsam poplar trees alongside various shrubs. Vegetation is absent at higher elevations, with active glaciers having terminal and lateral moraines present. Permafrost is discontinuous throughout the project area. Travel by foot is suitable for most of the prospects listed.

 

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Figure 4-4: RPM terrain with two drill pads shown

 

5.History

 

Historical regional mapping of the southern Alaska Range was conducted by the United States Geological Survey (“USGS”) in the early 1900’s. Minor placer gold was noted, and the presence of granitic intrusive rocks were mapped in the vicinity of what is now known as the Estelle Pluton. The USGS revisited the area periodically from the 1969 through 2013 conducting stream sediment, pan-concentrate, and rock chip sampling.

 

Prospecting in the Mount Estelle area has been conducted by several private companies starting in the 1980’s. From 1980 to 1985, many of the claims were held for their placer potential, and in 1982 AMAX staked at least four claims over the Lower Discovery showing at Mount Estelle. However, placer mining was hampered by the prevalence of large glacial boulders in the stream gravels.

 

Cominco explored the region in the late-1980’s, and conducted surficial mapping and sampling as well as diamond-core drilling in the vicinity of the Train, Shoeshine, Shadow and Discovery Creek prospects. Hidefield Gold Plc. (Hidefield) and International Tower Hill Mines, Ltd. (ITH) explored the property in the early 2000’s, and most recently Millrock Resources Inc. (Millrock) was active from 2008 to 2013. Cominco, ITH, and Hidefield primarily focused around the Shoeshine area mineral occurrences, whereas Millrock conducted a surface geochemical survey from the northern portion of the current claim block north of Portage Creek to the southern portion south of Emerald Creek. Numerous occurrences were identified, and gold in soil anomalies occur throughout the entire claim block. Alaska Resource Data Files (ARDF) exist throughout the property as a result of this previous work. Table 5-1 briefly summarizes the exploration history of these prospects.

 

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Table 5-1: History of exploration, Estelle Gold Project

 

Date Company Project Scope
Oxide Ridge (TL077); now: Korbel Main
late 1980’s Cominco American Inc. Mapping & chip sampling
2011 Millrock Resources Inc. on behalf of Teck America Inc. Detailed chip sampling
2012 Millrock Resources Inc.on behalf of Teck America Inc Diamond drilling
Oxide North (TL081); now: Korbel North
2008 N/A Mineralization initially discovered
2012 Millrock Resources, Inc. on behalf of Teck America Inc Chip sampling; IP survey; soils geochem
Oxide Valley (TL080); now: Korbel
2008 Millrock Resources, Inc. on behalf of Teck America Inc Discovery of multiple Aspy and Cpy veins
2008-2014 Millrock Resources, Inc. on behalf of Teck America Inc Geologic mapping and chip sampling
2010 Millrock Resources, Inc. on behalf of Teck America Inc IP survey
2011 & 2012 Millrock Resources, Inc. on behalf of Teck America Inc Drilling 4 additional holes
2012 & 2013 Millrock Resources, Inc. on behalf of Teck America Inc Reconnaissance IP survey; close-spaced IP
Unnamed Placer Occurrence (TL052)
1970 USGS  
1978 USGS Pan concentrates with VG
1980 USGS  
1970’s & 1980’s Various private companies Results from reconnaissance not published

Unnamed (near Portage Creek)(TL063)
1978 USGS A sampling of float; veinlets of Aspy and py with Au.
1980’s Cominco American Inc. Rock chip and silt sampling

 

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West Wing (TY042)
2012 Millrock Resources Inc. Geologic mapping; soil and rock sampling; drilling
2013 Millrock Resources Inc.  
Stoney, North Stoney, Trundle, Tomahawk, Kid (TY020)
Late 1980’s Cominco Reconnaissance and exploration
2007 International Tower Hill Mines Reconnaissance and exploration
2008 Millrock Resources, Inc. Reconnaissance and exploration
2014 Millrock Resources, Inc. Soil and rock sampling identified gold
Unnamed (near Mt Estelle) (TY019); includes Train & Shoeshine
2007 International Tower Hill Mines  
2008 Hidefield Gold, Plc.  
2008 Millrock Resources, Inc.  

Train (TY031)
1970’s to recent Succession of companies Limited sampling campaigns
2007 International Tower Hill Mines  
2008 Hidefield Gold, Plc. Rock Sampling: Au, Ag, Cu, Pb values received.
2008 Millrock Resources, Inc. Rock sampling w. multiple significant gold assays

Shoeshine (TY032)
1970’s to recent Succession of companies Limited sampling campaigns
2007 International Tower Hill Mines A sampling of Veins; Au, Ag, Cu, and Pb values received.
2008 Millrock Resources, Inc. Rock sampling w. multiple significant gold assays
2011 Millrock Resources, Inc. Drilling; Au mineralization throughout the hole.

 

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Revelation (TY036)
2008 Hidefield Gold, Plc. Sampled Au mineralization over a 200m trend.
~2012 Millrock Resources, Inc. Geochem sampling
RPM (TY043)
1969 USGS Stream sediment sampling
2010 - 2012 Millrock Resources, Inc. Prospecting, soil, and rock sampling; drilled discovery hole at RPM North with significant Au values

 

5.1Korbel

 

Space Highlights:

 

● Anomalous rock chip samples identified at Oxide Ridge

● Extensive soil geochemical anomaly identified throughout the valley

● IP Geophysical survey conducted

● Historical Holes SE11-001, SE12-002 and SE12-004 all returned broad internecions grading 0.44 to 1.14 g/t Au

● Nova recognized the significance of these early holes and scale of the potential IRGS deposits that could occur on the property

 

Mineralization in the vicinity of Korbel was first discovered at Oxide Ridge; now referred to by Nova as Cathedral. Chip sampling of oxidized granitic intrusive rocks hosting sheeted quartz veins and blebby arsenopyrite yielded anomalous gold values, which lead to broad reconnaissance in the Korbel valley. Similar mineralization was identified in outcrops across the valley to the north, which led field crews to conduct conventional soil sampling across the valley below. Korbel valley is one of the few places on the Estelle property were conventional soil sampling, as opposed to talus fines sampling can be conducted. The results from these soil samples led to the first IP survey conducted on the property in the fall of 2010. A chargeability anomaly located in the valley was the target of the first drillhole at Korbel in 2011 (SE11-001).

 

Drilling in 2012 intersected multiple mineralized zones. In three of the holes (SE12-002, 003, 004) the zones appear to occur along a rough northwest trend with veins exhibiting steep, near-vertical dips. Mineralized zones up to 100 meters wide were encountered along this trend which then had a drilled strike length of 740 meters. These holes were designed to follow up the Oxide (Korbel) discovery hole drilled in 2011. (see news release dated November 9, 2011 entitled “ Millrock Intersects Intrusion-Related Gold System at Estelle Project, Alaska”) Anomalous gold mineralization was intersected over wide zones in all holes drilled. The grade of mineralization, however, appears to increase to the southeast. Hole SE12-004, the southeastern-most hole drilled, intersected gold mineralization throughout the majority of the hole with a highlight intercept of 41.45 meters grading 1.14 grams gold per tonne.

 

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A geological map of the Korbel deposit area depicts historical (2011/2012) cored drill holes shown in red (Figure 5-1).

 

 

Figure 5-1: Early geologic map of Korbel

 

5.2RPM

 

RPM was discovered in 2010 when the results from a 3.5km long soil survey returned anomalous gold values. Follow-up mapping and sampling in 2011 extended and refined this anomalous zone as well as defined a highly anomalous granitic intrusion with stockwork arsenopyrite bearing quartz veins near the contact with the Kahiltna hornfelsed sediments.

 

The single 2012 drill hole at RPM targeted this intrusive and undercut sheeted quartz veins and stockworks exposed at surface. The hole encountered significant gold mineralization with an intercept of 2.07 g/t Au over 21.94 meters within a 102.11-meter interval averaging 1.04 grams per tonne gold from 26.52 to 128.63 meters with mineralization remaining open in all directions.

 

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In 2017 Nova recognized the significance of the Estelle Gold property and acquired the mineral rights to it.

 

See Section 7 Exploration for the more recent history of the project.

 

6.Geological Setting, Mineralization and Deposit

 

6.1Geological Setting

 

Alaska is composed of a series of accreted allochthonous terranes separated by large strike slip faults. These terranes were translated large distances to their present location along the margin of the Pacific plate during oblique convergence throughout the Phanerozoic, finally accumulating in Alaska. Of geologic significance to the mineralization of the Estelle property are the Wrangellia terrane and Kahiltna basin. Wrangellia is composed of late-Paleozoic to mid-Mesozoic marine sedimentary rocks, volcanic rocks, and intrusive rocks associated with an ancient island arc system. The Kahiltna basin represents a displaced and slivered suture zone between Wrangellia and the paleo-North American margin and is composed dominantly of flysch, sandstone, shale, and limestone that range in age from middle Jurassic to late Cretaceous. The rocks of the Kahiltna terrane were deposited on the flanks of Wrangellia, and as Wrangellia accreted to/subducted beneath the North American margin in the latest-Cretaceous, this flysch basin was deformed, thickened, and intruded by the late-Cretaceous igneous rocks of the Estelle Plutonic suite (70.1 - 66.7 Ma).

 

Within the property, lie the Mesozoic marine sedimentary rocks of the Kahiltna terrane. Regionally, these marine rocks were intruded by several plutons. The Estelle pluton is compositionally zoned and is made up of a granite core transitioning to quartz monzonite, quartz monzodiorite, augite monzodiorite, diorite, and lamprophyric mafic and ultramafic rocks. These generalized geologic contacts are represented on Figure 6-1 below.

 

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Figure 6-1: Regional Geology of the Estelle Gold Project

 

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The stratigraphic column from the adjacent Whistler Project shown below in Figure 6-2 is representative of the stratigraphy found at the Estelle Gold Project.

 

 

Figure 6-2: Stratigraphic column (SK 1300 Technical Summary Report - Whistler Project Alaska, 2022)

 

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7.Exploration

 

Exploration prior to 2018 has been described in Section 5.

 

7.12018 Exploration

 

7.1.1Surface Exploration

 

Nova acquired 173 claims at the Estelle project in 2017, and added 4 additional claims in 2018. Nova compiled and reviewed historical data including reports, public announcements, ARDF files, and drill logs prior to conducting their initial field reconnaissance of the project.

 

Mapping was conducted by Pacific Rim Geological Consulting of Fairbanks Alaska which showed higher gold values are associated with bismuth, telluride, and arsenopyrite mineral phases and that this mineralogy is hosted by sheeted quartz veins containing narrow alteration assemblages. (Figure 7-1) These findings show a correlation with the intrusion-related gold system (IRGS) deposit model. Upon completion of a first pass of geological mapping, Tom Bundtzen of Pacific Rim identified two high-quality targets which were named Oxide North and South (now called Korbel Main). These targets showed envelopes of hydrothermal alteration.

 

Chip samples were taken by Mr. Bundtzen and returned moderate grades around 1 g/t Au with mineralization consisting of arsenopyrite, pyrite, pyrrhotite, chalcopyrite and tetrahedrite.

 

A comparison of sheeted quartz veins found at the Estelle Gold Project (Figure 7-1) to Dublin Gulch, Yukon and Fort Knox, Alaska (Figure 7-2) show similar mineralization style.

 

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Figure 7-1: Estelle Gold property quartz veins

 

 

 

Figure 7-2: Dublin Gulch, Yukon and Fort Knox, Alaska quartz veins Goldfarb et. al., 2007

 

7.1.2Drilling

 

The 2018 field season was primarily focused on surface reconnaissance, but Nova did mobilize a reverse-circulation (RC) rig to site and drilled 126 meters of to test along strike north and south of the discovery hole SE11-001 (387m at 0.40 g/t Au). Overburden conditions and late season weather prohibited further work this season.

 

7.22019 Exploration

 

7.2.1Surface Exploration

 

A limited surface sampling program was conducted in 2019 to evaluate the RPM and Shoeshine prospects. 160 claims were acquired widening the central trend from Korbel to Muddy Creek.

 

7.2.2Geophysics

 

Approximately 8 km of induced-polarization (IP) surveys were conducted over Korbel in 2019. These are shown in Figure 7-3 below centered around drillholes OX-RC-08 and OX-RC-09 and Resource Block B centered around drillholes OX-RC-17 and OX-RC-18. Note the drillholes targeted these IP anomalies. A ground magnetics survey was also conducted (Figure 7-4).

 

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Figure 7-3: IP Chargeability Results

 

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Figure 7-4: Magnetic Survey Results (RTP)

 

Nova also hired RDF Consulting Ltd., to conduct 3D magnetic inversions on the public domain Styx River airborne magnetic survey.

 

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7.2.3Drilling

 

A total of 32 holes and 2,105 meters of drilling was completed at Korbel in 2019. These holes were completed with an RC rig using NQ drill rods. Highlights include:

 

OX-RC-016 - 70m @ 1.2 g/t Au
   
OX-RC-017 – 61m @ 0.5 g/t Au

 

7.32020 Exploration

 

7.3.1Surface Exploration

 

A total of 48 rock samples were collected focusing on mineralization identified at Cathedral and RPM with a few samples collected at Train. Highlights from rock samples collected at the Cathedral target returned gold grades of 114.0 g/t, 98.3 g/t, 37.1 g/t, 24.5 g/t, 19.6 g/t and 11.05 g/t. Highlights from rock samples collected at RPM included gold grades of 291.0 g/t, 103.0 g/t, 9.3 g/t, 8.9 g/t, 8.8 g/t, and 5.0 g/t. The 291 g/t sample was collected at the location of RPM North. Multi-gram values were also returned from Train rock samples. 161 additional adjacent claims were acquired.

 

7.3.2Drilling

 

Drilling at Korbel was the primary focus of the 2020 field season. 64 holes and 27,004 meters were drilled with diamond-core LF70 drilling rigs operated by Ruen Drilling. Highlights include:

 

KBDH-012 – 429m @ 0.6 g/t Au from 3m

 

Including 101m @ 1.3 g/t Au, 82m @ 1.5 g/t Au, and 30m @ 2.4 g/t Au

 

KBDH-024 – 549m @ 0.3 g/t Au from 3m

 

Including 97m @ 0.8 g/t Au, 15m @ 2.3g/t Au, and 3m @ 8.2 g/t Au

 

7.42021 Exploration

 

7.4.1Surface Exploration

 

A total of 54 rock samples were collected, including representative chip samples, representative outcrop samples, high grade outcrop samples, and occasional talus samples. A total of 81 talus fines samples were also collected in the vicinity of various prospects. Notable high-grade mineralization was sampled throughout the property from Korbel to RPM. Gold highlights from rock samples include 48.4 g/t Au near Stoney, 30.4 g/t near Train, 26.9 g/t near Korbel, 25.2 g/t at Train, 21.6 g/t at Train, and 12.5 g/t between Korbel and Portage Pass. The polymetallic system at Stoney was visited and samples returned anomalous silver and copper in addition to gold. Impressive gold in soil anomalies were discovered over a 1km traverse at Shoeshine. Relatively anomalous talus fines gold values were also returned from the northern cirques at Korbel. 196 additional claims were acquired along the western margin of the existing claim block.

 

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7.4.2Drilling

 

Nova focused the majority of their field season on Korbel, drilling 81 holes and 29,074 meters.

 

Korbel highlights include:

 

KBDH-072 – 308m @ 0.7 g/t Au from surface

 

Including 113m @ 1.0 g/t Au, 49m @ 1.5 g/t Au, and 21m @ 2.5 g/t Au

 

KBDH-081 – 277m @ 0.5 g/t Au from surface

 

oIncluding 94m @ 1.0 g/t Au, 30 m @ 1.9 g/t Au, and 9m @ 4.4 g/t Au

 

Nova also drilled the first six holes at RPM totaling 2,567 meters.

 

RPM highlights include:

 

RPM-005 – 400m @ 3.5 g/t Au from surface

 

Including 287m @ 4.8 g/t Au, 132m @ 10.1 g/t Au, and 86m @ 14.1 g/t Au

 

7.52022 Exploration

 

7.5.1Surface Exploration

 

163 rock samples and 184 soil samples were collected across the claim block in 2022. Samples were collected at several prospects including Discovery, Muddy Creek, Mount Estelle, Train, Trumpet, RPM, and Revelation. High-grade gold values were encountered at Discovery and Muddy Creek with gold values including 43.6 g/t, 15.9 g/t, and 5.8 g/t in rock samples. Numerous multi-gram gold in soils were returned over 1km in strike length at Muddy Creek, revealing one of the more impressive soil anomalies on the claim block. Rock samples around Mount Estelle returned gold values of 38.2 g/t, 25.9 g/t, and 7.0 g/t in addition to numerous ~1 g/t samples. The initial discovery at Trumpet was made just north of Train with rock samples returning gold values of 32.8 g/t, 16.6 g/t, 16.0 g/t, 13.6 g/t, and 12.7 g/t. Train was sampled in more detail with rock samples returning values of 80.2 g/t, 17.9 g/t, 17.7 g/t, 16.6 g/t, and 10.4 g/t in addition to numerous multi-gram samples. Follow-up sampling at Revelation revealed a continuous gold in soil anomaly over 300 meters. Recommendations were made to advance reconnaissance scale mapping and sampling at Stoney, and to develop the initial drilling campaign at Train and Trumpet.

 

7.5.2Drilling

 

RPM was the primary focus of the 2022 drilling campaign. 31 holes and 10,719 meters were drilled. Drilling occurred at RPM North, RPM South, and in the valley below RPM. Drilling highlights at RPM North from 2022 included:

 

RPM-008 – 260m @ 3.6 g/t Au from 11m

 

Including 140m @ 6.5 g/t Au, 87m @ 10.1 g/t Au, and 56m @ 15.0 g/t Au

 

RPM-015 – 258m @ 5.1 g/t Au from surface

 

Including 161m @ 8.1 g/t Au, 117m @ 11.1 g/t Au, and 45m @ 25.3 g/t Au

 

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RPM-022 – 193m @ 3.9 g/t Au from 4m

 

Including 67m @ 10.4 g/t Au, 43m @ 15.8 g/t Au, and 34m @ 19.4 g/t Au

 

Drilling highlights at RPM South from 2022 included:

 

RPM-023 – 333m @ 0.9 g/t Au from 8m

 

Including 116m @ 0.9 g/t Au, 94m @ 1.0 g/t Au, and 15m @ 2.3 g/t Au

 

RPM-028 – 352m @ 0.3 g/t Au from 8m

 

Including 131m @ 0.6 g/t Au, 52m @ 0.7 g/t Au, and 13m @ 1.4 g/ Au

 

10,289 meters were drilled at Korbel including 4,603 meters at Cathedral. Highlights at Cathedral include:

 

CTDD-001 – 354m @ 0.3 g/t Au from 104m

 

Including 11m @ 1.1 g/t

 

CTDD-003B – 269m @ 0.4 g/t Au from 168m

 

Including 70m @ 0.6 g/t Au, and 3m @ 2.7 g/t Au

 

7.62023 Exploration

 

7.6.1Surface Exploration

 

Extensive surface exploration mapping and sampling programs were conducted in 2023. A total 447 rock samples, 678 soil samples, and 21 stream sediment samples were collected throughout the property. New discoveries were made at what are now called the Styx and Stibium prospects which are anomalous in both gold and antimony. A new gold anomaly was also discovered at Wombat, which is also anomalous in silver and copper. Previously known prospects were further refined with more detailed mapping and sampling. A recently exposed nunatak between Train and Trumpet was discovered to host gold-bearing quartz arsenopyrite veins with grades up to 132.5 g/t. A project high value of 1,290 g/t Au was collected in the vicinity of Shoeshine from an arsenopyrite vein. Numerous large quartz veins up to 4m thick were discovered in the vicinity of Trundle. Additional sampling was conducted near Stoney, and several new mineralized sulfide veins grading 5 g/t Au were discovered.

 

7.6.2Geophysics

 

In 2023, a drone operator was contracted to fly aero-magnetics over the mineralization encountered at Trundle. The results of this survey are currently being processed by a geophysicist, but preliminary review have shown strong magnetic contrast coincident with mineralized quartz veins encountered at surface. Further processing is anticipated to reveal several deeper structures not encountered at surface.

 

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7.6.3Drilling

 

The focus of the 2023 drilling season was entirely at RPM. 6,632 meters were drilled over 29 holes at RPM North, RPM South, and at RPM Valley in the valley below.

 

Highlights from RPM North in 2023 include:

 

RPM-056 – 98m @ 3.4 g/t Au from 48m

 

Including 38m @ 7.5 g/t Au and 27m @ 10.4 g/t Au

 

RPM-057 – 120m @ 5.0 g/t Au from 93m

 

Including 79m @ 7.4 g/t Au and 63m @ 9.0 g/t Au

 

RPM-062 – 74m @ 2.5 g/t Au from 83m

 

Including 13m @ 6.2 g/t Au and 6m @ 11.5 g/t Au

 

Highlights from RPM South in 2023 include:

 

RPM-042 – 23m @ 1.1 g/t Au from 14m

 

Including 10m @ 1.7 g/t and 6m @ 1.9 g/t

 

Table 7-1: Summary of drilling completed by year on the Estelle Gold Project deposits

 

Year

RPM

(North, South & Valley)

Train Korbel Main Cathedral Total  
No. of Holes Length (m) No. of Holes Length (m) No. of Holes Length (m) No. of Holes Length (m) No. of Holes Length (m)  
 
Pre-2019 1 182 - - 5 1,159 1 283 7 1,624  
2019                    -                       -    - -                   32              2,105                    -                       -                      32              2,105  
2020                    -                       -    - -                   64            27,004                    -                       -                      64            27,004  
2021                     6              2,567 - -                   81            29,074                    -                       -                      87            31,641  
2022                   31            10,719 - -                   21            5,686                   10              4,603                   62            21,008  
2023 29 6,632 6 589 - - - - 35 7,221  
Total                   67            20,100 6 589                 203            65,028                   11              4,886                 287            90,603  

 

Note: Table 7-3 summarizes the drilling undertaken up to December 31, 2023. The Estelle Gold Project mineral resource was defined using data from 2019 through to the 2022 drill programs only. Data from the 2023 drill program will be used for an updated MRE at a later date.

 

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Figure 7-5: Estelle Gold Project core logging

 

8.Sample Preparation, Analyses, and Security

 

From 2018-2021 Nova Minerals’ samples were submitted for crushing and pulverization to the ALS Global facility in Fairbanks, Alaska. From 2022 onwards Nova Minerals established an on-site certified independent contractor operated prep lab following the same protocol as ALS for crushing and splitting to obtain a ~250g representative sub sample which is submitted for pulverization to the ALS Global facility in Fairbanks, Alaska. The prepared samples from the ALS facility in Alaska were sent to the ALS Laboratory in Reno, Nevada or Vancouver, British Columbia for analysis.

 

8.1Sub-Sampling Techniques and Sample Preparation

 

HQ core is sampled at breaks in lithology, alteration, or mineralization with maximum intervals of 10 feet (3.05m) if there is no observable geologic change between samples. Samples are cut in half with half being send to processing and half being archived in the core box it came from in the core library on location (Figure 8-1). The non-archived sample is crushed and homogenized with 250 grams pulps bagged on site and sent to the ALS lab in Fairbanks for analysis with the remaining pulp bagged and archived on location. Standard reference materials (SRM) and duplicates are inserted every 20 samples. Blanks are inserted every forty samples. Blanks, duplicates, and SRM data are compared to known values (or prior samples in the case of the duplicate) to evaluate lab quality control. If any samples are “out of control” the laboratory is notified and the samples between the questionable QC data is re-run to verify results.

 

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Figure 8-1: Splitting drill core at the Estelle Gold Project

 

The entire sample is crushed to a minimum of 75% passing 2 mm. The crushed sample was riffle split to obtain a 250-gram subsample. The subsample is pulverised to at least 85% passing 75 microns.

 

The prepared sample is fused with a mixture of lead oxide, sodium carbonate, borax, silica, and other reagents as required, inquarted with 6 mg of gold-free silver and then cupelled to yield a precious metal bead. The bead is digested in 0.5mL dilute nitric acid in the microwave oven. 0.5 mL concentrated hydrochloric acid is then added, and the bead is further digested in the microwave at a lower power setting. The digested solution cooled, diluted to a total volume of 10mL with de-mineralized water, and analyzed by inductively coupled plasma.

 

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Table 8-1: Details of sample preparation and analytical methods

 

Procedure ALS Global (2018-2022)
Crushing >75% passing 2 mm
Pulverizing 250 grams to 85% passing 75 microns
Gold Assay 30-gram fire assay with inductively coupled plasma finish and 0.001 g/t gold lower detection limit

 

8.2Sample Security

 

A secure chain of custody protocol has been established with the site geologist securing samples with evidence tape and placing in a secure shipping container at site until loaded on to aircraft and shipped to the ALS lab in Fairbanks.

 

The samples are packed and stored in a secure shipping container on site until loaded and shipped to ALS. Samples are sent out of camp via Andrews Airways. From Andrews Airways, the samples are shipped via courier by road to ALS Global in Fairbanks, Alaska.

 

Samples are packed into security sealed tamper evident sealed boxes and include a sample submittal form. A chain of custody procedure was strictly followed during transportation.

 

8.3Reviews or Audits

 

Yukuskokon Professional Services (Yukuskokon) personnel are responsible for following the sample preparation, analysis and security protocols. Yukuskokon Qualified Persons review and audit the processes on an ongoing basis.

 

8.4Sample Preparation, Analysis and Security Conclusions and Recommendations

 

The QP is of the opinion that the sample preparation, analysis, and security are of sufficient quantity and quality for resource estimation.

 

9.Data Verification

 

9.1Quality of Assay Data and Laboratory Tests

 

Samples are tested for gold using ALS Fire Assay Au-ICP21 technique. This technique has a lower detection limit of 0.001 g/t with an upper detection limit of 10 g/t. If samples have grades in excess of 10 g/t then Au-AA25 is used to determine the over detect limit. Au-AA25 has a detection limit of 0.01 g/t and an upper limit of 100 g/t. Three different types of SRM are inserted each 20 samples. Duplicates of the reject are taken each 20 samples. One blank is inserted each 40 samples. Data is plotted and evaluated to see if the samples plot within accepted tolerance. If any “out of control” samples are noted, the laboratory is notified and samples are re-assayed.

 

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Qualitica Consulting Inc. analyzed the analytical quality control data produced by Nova Minerals in the 2018 to 2022 drilling programs.

 

Nova Minerals provided the external analytical control data containing the assay results for the quality control samples. All data were provided in Microsoft Excel spreadsheets. Qualitica aggregated the assay results of the external analytical control samples for further analysis.

 

9.1.1Blank Material Results

 

Barren coarse material (“a blank”) is submitted with samples for crushing and pulverizing to determine if there has been contamination or sample cross-contamination in preparation. Elevated values for blanks may also indicate sources of contamination in the fire assay procedure (contaminated reagents or crucibles) or sample solution carry-over during instrumental finish.

 

A blank is inserted for 1 in 40 samples. The blank material consists of coarse marble material obtained from the local hardware store.

 

A Nova blank sample is determined to have failed when the gold reports above 0.01 g/t, which is equivalent to ten times the detection limit at 0.001 g/t.

 

A total of 599 blanks were submitted to ALS Global. Eighteen failures were identified. Ninety-seven percent of blank material assayed less than the limit of 0.01 g/t gold and are considered acceptable (Figure 9-1)

 

No further action is required. There is no evidence of systematic gold contamination at ALS Global.

 

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Figure 9-1: Control chart of Gold in Blank, ALS Global

 

9.1.2Reference Material Results

 

Certified reference materials are inserted into sample batches to assess bias and overall laboratory performance.

 

Reference materials are submitted with samples for assay to identify:

 

a)if there were assay problems with specific sample batches; and
   
b)if long-term biases exist in the overall dataset. The definition of a quality control failure is when:
   
a)Assays for a reference material are outside ± three standard deviations of the certified value.

 

The definition of a quality control outlier is when:

 

a)Assays for a reference material has a ‘Z’ score greater than 5, where Z = (Measured – Expected)/Tolerance.

 

The reference materials in use are commercially prepared by Ore Research and Exploration Pty (OREAS) in Australia. There were four reference materials in use during the period, they are OREAS 60d, OREAS 501c, OREAS 503c, OREAS 503d, and OREAS 506. The accepted values and standard deviations were taken from the certificates available at www.oreas.ca.

 

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The five reference materials were analyzed 1,061 times in regular sequence with samples.

 

Summary statistics for gold are included in Table 9-1. Both outliers and failures are excluded to assess the overall laboratory performance for accuracy. Control charts for gold are included in Figure 9-2.

 

 

Figure 9-2: Reference material - Control chart

 

The average observed values reported for each reference material is calculated and compared to the Expected value. The calculated Percent of Expected value should range between 98 to 102%.

 

The Percent of Expected values for gold in all four reference materials fall within 99% to 102% and demonstrate acceptable accuracy with respect to the accepted values.

 

Eight quality control outliers and nine quality control failure remain for gold. A total of 17 failures out of 1,060 insertions for a failure rate of 1.6%. Mis-labels have been identified and corrected. It is not clear if some failures were sent for repeat assay or corrections made. The results are acceptable, and no further action is required.

 

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Table 9-1: Summary reference material statistics for Gold

 

RM N Outliers Excluded Failures Excluded Au g/t Observed Au g/t Percent of Expected
Expected Std. Dev. Average Std. Dev.
OREAS 60d 347 1 2 2.47 0.079 2.52 0.057 102%
OREAS 503c 23 - - 0.698 0.015 0.696 0.013 100%
OREAS 503d 332 2 2 0.666 0.015 0.664 0.013 100%
OREAS 506 186 2 5 0.364 0.010 0.362 0.007 99%
OREAS 501c 155 3 - 0.221 0.007 0.223 0.005 101%
Total 1043 Weighted Average 101%

 

9.1.3Pulp Duplicates

 

The assays for pulp duplicates provide an estimate of the reproducibility related to the uncertainties inherent in the analytical method and the homogeneity of the pulps. The precision or relative percent difference calculated for the pulp duplicates indicates whether pulverizing specifications should be changed and/or whether alternative methods, such as screen metallics for gold, should be considered.

 

Precision, by definition, is about ±100% at 10 times the detection limit. Assays close to the detection limit are not included in calculations of precision and this is applied to all the discussions of precision in this report.

 

Commercial laboratories routinely assay a second aliquot of the sample pulp, usually for one in ten samples. The data are used by the laboratory for their internal quality control monitoring.

 

The pulp duplicate charts are included in Figures 9-3 and 9-4.

 

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Figure 9-3: Pulp duplicates – Scatter Plot

 

 

Figure 9-4: Pulp duplicates - Relative Percent Difference

 

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9.1.3.1Gold

 

A total of 1,434 pulp duplicates were analyzed for gold by fire assay with ICP finish. A total of 939 duplicate pairs out of 1,434 reported above 0.01 g/t gold for fire assay with ICP finish (Table 9-2).

 

The pulp duplicates for gold fire assay with ICP finish have 88% of the duplicate pairs reporting within ±25%. Precision for the pulp duplicates is as expected for the analytical method and ore type.

 

Table 9-2: Summary of Pulp Duplicate results for Gold

 

  % of Sample Pairs (>10x d.l.) Reporting within
Analyte # of Pairs # of Pairs above 10x d.l. ±5% ±10% ±20% ±50%
Au-ICP21 1,434 939 44% 71% 88% 97%

 

9.1.4Check Assays

 

Check assays are recommended where the same pulp that was assayed originally is submitted to a different laboratory for the same analytical procedures primarily to augment the assessment of bias based on the reference materials and in-house control samples submitted to the original laboratory.

 

A total of 42 pulps were selected. The samples originally analyzed at ALS Global were submitted to SGS Minerals in Vancouver, B.C. The SGS method GE-FAI30V5 was used, it is comparable to the original method by ALS, ICP21(Table 9-3) (Figures 9-5 and 9-6).

 

Table 9-3: Summary of Check Assay results for Gold

 

   

% of Sample Pairs (>10x d.l.) Reporting

within

 

Analyte

 

# of Pairs

# of Pairs above

10x d.l.

Average RPD

 

±5%

 

±10%

 

±25%

 

±50%

Au 42 42 -2.7% 43% 69% 86% 90%

 

Eighty-six percent of the check assay results for gold are within ± 25% of the two sets of laboratory results; this is acceptable agreement. The number of cases where ALS is higher than SGS and vice versa are about the same, 48% and 52% respectively. The average RPD for gold between ALS and SGS is -2.7%, this indicates that on average the SGS results are higher than ALS results by about 3%. With the results around 0.1 to 0.2 g/t the differences are in the second and third decimal places.

 

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Figure 9-5: Check Assays – Scatter Plot

 

 

Figure 9-6: Check Assays - Relative Percent Difference

 

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The charts were plotted to assess the performance of the laboratory. In the opinion of the Qualified Persons, the laboratory performance and quality of assay data is are adequate to support mineral resource estimation.

 

9.2Verification of Sampling and Assaying

 

Assay data intercepts are compiled and calculated by a Qualified Person and then verified by corporate management prior to the release to the public.

 

9.3Location of Data Points

 

All maps and locations are in UTM grid (NAD83 Z5N) and have been measured by a digital Trimble GNSS system with a lateral accuracy of <30cm and a vertical accuracy of <50cm.

 

9.4Data Spacing and Distribution

 

Drill holes have been spaced in a radial pattern such that all dimensions of the resource model are tested. Future geo-stats will be run on the data to determine if addition infill drilling will be required to confirm continuity.

 

9.5Orientation of Data in Relation to Geological Structure

 

The relationship between the drilling orientation and the orientation of key mineralised structures is confirmed by drill hole data driven ongoing detailed structural analysis by OTS structural consultants.

 

9.6Data Verification Conclusions and Recommendations

 

The QP concludes that the resource database provided is of sufficient quality for resource estimation.

 

9.7Statement of Adequacy of Data

 

The QP is of the opinion that the data provided and used in the resource estimate for the Estelle project deposits is adequate for mineral resource estimation. There are no additional limitations to the exploration database for use in resource modeling.

 

10.Mineral Processing and Metallurgical Testing

 

10.1Introduction

 

Nova Minerals has conducted an extensive testing program representing different gold grades from their Estelle gold deposits namely the Korbel and RPM deposits, in Alaska. The general scope of the test work consisted of sample preparation, head characterization, gravity concentration sulphide flotation and regrinding of concentrates followed by cyanidation. The testing was conducted by Bureau Veritas Commodities Canada Ltd. in Richmond, BC, Canada. Ore sorting was carried out by Tomra Sorting Inc, Sydney NSW Australia.

 

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10.2Korbel Mineral Processing and Metallurgical Testing

 

Two composite samples representing different gold grades of the Korbel B Zone in the Estelle Gold Project were formulated from ½ split core samples for this test program. In addition, a master composite representing the Korbel B Zone was also prepared for testing.

 

The objective of the study test work was to test the amenability of the Korbel B Zone ore to conventional process options for gold recovery.

 

The metallurgical test work undertaken consisted of ore characterisation and sample preparation, head sample characterization, gravity concentration, sulphide flotation and regrinding of concentrates and cyanidation. In addition, column leaching testing was also conducted to evaluate the heap leach potential of test samples but was a very limited in scope and proved inconclusive. Heap leach potential remains for the project and further detailed test work programs have been initiated through engagement with METS Engineering out of Perth, Australia to guide these studies. Mineralogical studies were conducted on select samples including the master composite, leach tails and the gravity concentrate. The testing was conducted by Bureau Veritas Commodities Canada Ltd. in Richmond, BC, Canada and a report submitted to Nova Minerals.

 

10.2.1Metallurgical Samples

 

The samples used for metallurgical testing were collected from Estelle’s Korbel B zone and shipped to the BV Minerals Metallurgical Division.

 

The metallurgical test program was conducted on the LG composite, HG composite and the master composite (composed of a 50:50 combination of LG composite and HG composite) from the Korbel B orebody.

 

As shown in Table 10-1, a total of thirty-two ½ split core samples, weighing about 350 kg, were received at BV Minerals Metallurgical Division on January 11th, 2021. The ½ split core samples were sorted into two composites, high-grade composite (HG composite) and low-grade composite (LG composite), for metallurgical testing.

 

After compositing, each composite was stage crushed to 3.51 cm (1.5”), homogenized, and representative sub-samples were obtained for the Abrasion Index and the Bond Rod Mill Index and Bond Ball Mill Work Index test. The sample was finally crushed to 3.35 mm (6 Tyler™ mesh) homogenized and rotary split into 2 kg test charges for bench-scale testing and head assays.

 

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One test charge from each test composite was pulverized to P90 75µm for head assays, including Au, Ag, S, and C species and for ICP analysis. One kg of the final bulk gravity test charge was assayed for gold using the screened metallics protocol. A master composite was also prepared by blending the LG composite and the HG composite at a 50:50 ratio for testing.

 

Table 10-1: Composite sample list

 

Count Hole-id From To Sample Wt. (kg) Hole-id From To Sample Wt. (kg)
1 KBDH-001 32.92 35.97 A0390718 9.9 KBDH-001 17.68 20.73 A0390712 10.8
2 KBDH-001 176.17 179.22 A0390774 10.4 KBDH-001 45.11 48.16 A0390722 11.2
3 KBDH-001 203.61 206.65 A0390786 10.8 KBDH-001 93.88 96.93 A0390743 10.9
4 KBDH-001 319.43 322.48 A0390829 10.3 KBDH-001 151.79 154.84 A0390766 11.3
5 KBDH-005 29.57 32.61 A0393011 10.8 KBDH-004 283.16 286.21 A0391117 10.2
6 KBDH-005 52.88 56.08 A0393019 12.4 KBDH-004 298.40 301.45 A0391122 11.0
7 KBDH-005 78.33 81.38 A0393029 11.7 KBDH-004 301.45 304.50 A0391123 11.0
8 KBDH-005 96.62 99.67 A0393037 10.9 KBDH-004 505.66 508.71 A0391200 11.6
9 KBDH-009 223.16 226.19 A0393417 9.8 KBDH-013 319.13 322.17 A0393797 10.3
10 KBDH-009 112.79 114.16 A0393372 4.8 KBDH-013 346.56 349.61 A0393807 10.8
11 KBDH-009 147.46 150.49 A0393385 11.2 KBDH-013 377.04 380.09 A0393818 12.3
12 KBDH-009 185.16 188.19 A0393399 10.8 KBDH-013 386.18 389.23 A0393822 11.4
13 KBDH-012 133.50 136.55 A0391682 11.6 KBDH-019 30.18 33.22 A0394171 13.2
14 KBDH-012 170.38 173.43 A0391695 10.6 KBDH-019 115.52 118.57 A0394203 10.4
15 KBDH-012 274.02 277.06 A0391734 11.6 KBDH-019 170.38 173.43 A0394223 11.8
16 KBDH-012 322.78 325.83 A0391752 11.5 KBDH-019 197.82 200.86 A0394233 12.1
Total 169.1   180.3

 

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10.2.2 Grinding and Screening Procedures

 

Primary grinding was performed in dedicated stainless-steel laboratory rod mills using 2 kg test charges at 65% solids pulp density. Test grinds were conducted to determine the time required to achieve reliable target grind size distributions.

 

Particle size distributions were measured using a Rotap™ vibrator, equipped with 20 cm (8”) diameter test sieves stacked in ascending mesh sizes. The sample was initially wet screened at 37µm (400 Tyler™ mesh). The oversize fraction was then dry screened through the stacked sieves. Finally, each fraction was collected and weighed to calculate the individual and cumulative percentages passing.

 

Regrinding of the flotation concentrate was conducted in a 1.5-L laboratory batch IsaMill, and size analysis on the reground sample was done using Malvern Mastersizer 3000 Particle Size Analyzer.

 

10.2.3 Metallurgical Test Procedures and Results

 

10.2.3.1 Head Characterization

 

As the primary value of interest, the gold assays were done by standard fire-assay procedure on multiple splits and metallics screen analysis.

 

The head assay results are shown in Table 10-2. The average gold grade obtained from the fire assay was 0.504 and 0.636 g/t for LG and HG composites, respectively. The individual gold assays on various splits taken from the same test composite varied slightly from 0.399 to 0.544 g/t for LG composite and from 0.556 to 0.728 g/t for HG composite, indicating the presence of coarse gold but not in a significant amount. The silver contents in the test composites were 1 ppm. The sulphur contents were approximately 0.12% and mainly presented as sulphide sulphur. In general, carbon content was <0.15%, and organic carbon was below the assay detection limit of 0.02%, indicating that preg-robbing might not be anticipated to occur during cyanidation.

 

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Table 10-2: Head Assay Results

 

Analyte Unit LG composite HG composite LDL Method
Au g/t 0.544 0.623 0.005 FA
Au g/t 0.500 0.728 0.005 FA
Au g/t 0.493 0.556 0.005 FA
Au g/t 0.590 - 0.005 FA
Au g/t 0.399 - 0.005 FA
Au g/t 0.500 - 0.005 FA
Au average g/t 0.504 0.636    
Ag g/t 1 1 1 MA401
TOT/C % 0.12 0.14 0.02 TC000
C/ORG % <0.02 <0.02 0.02 TC005
C/GRA % <0.02 <0.02 0.02 TC005
CO2 % 0.45 0.51 0.08 TC006
TOT/S % 0.12 0.13 0.02 TC000
S/S- % <0.05 0.09 0.05 TC008
SO4 % 0.22 0.14 0.05 TC008
Te ppm <1.5 <1.5 1.5 MA270

 

The metallics screen analysis showed poor gold deportment on the +200-mesh fraction, with similar gold grades in the +200-mesh fraction and -200 mesh fraction further confirming the above statement regarding the presence of coarse gold. Table 10-3 shows the summary of the analysis.

 

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Table 10-3: Summary of Analysis

 

Sample ID Screen Weight Au Distribution (%)
Tyler mesh (g) (g/t) Au Wt.
Master composite +200 29.7 0.810 4.8 3.0
-200 969.8 0.514 100.0 97.0
Calculated head Total 999.5 0.522 104.8 100.0
Measured head     0.570    

 

10.2.3.2 Comminution Test work and Results

 

The comminution test was conducted following the standard Abrasion Index and Bond Rod and Ball Mill Index test procedures.

 

Standard Bond comminution tests were conducted on the LG and HG test composites to determine Abrasion Index (Ai) for grinding mill consumables calculations, as well as Bond Ball Mill Work Index (BBWi) and Bond Rod Mill Work Index (BRWi) for grinding specific energy calculations. Both composites were moderately abrasive with an average of 0.4003. BBWi tests were conducted at a closing screen sizing of 106 µm and indicated a medium-hard material. The test work results are summarized in Table 10-4. No significant difference was observed between the hardness of the two composites.

 

Table 10-4: Comminution Test Results

 

Composite id Ai (Abrasion index) BRWi (kWh/tonne) BBWi (kWh/tonne)
HG composite 0.4017 12.2 14.6
LG composite 0.3990 12.1 14.8
Average 0.4003 12.2 14.7

 

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10.2.3.3 Diagnostic Leach Test Report

 

A five-stage diagnostic leach test was conducted on the master composite. This test demonstrated that direct cyanide soluble gold was 66.8% while gold associated with sulphide minerals was 15.2%.

 

Gold that was associated with carbonaceous minerals and calcite/pyrrhotite/dolomite was 3.3% and 13.6% respectively. Insoluble gold or gold that is associated with pregnant robbing and refractory minerals was 1%. A summary can be seen in Table 10-5.

 

Table 10-5: Diagnostic leach results

 

Summary Gold Distribution (%)
Stage 1 – Cyanide Soluble 66.8
Stage 2 – Primarily associated with carbonaceous minerals 3.3
Stage 3 – Primarily associated with calcite/dolomite/pyrrhotite minerals 13.6
Stage 4 – Primarily associated with base metal sulphides (Labile sulphides) 5.0
Stage 5 – Primarily associated with majority sulphides (Py, AsPy and marcasite) 10.2
Residue – Insoluble or associated with preg-robbing and other refractory minerals 1.1
Total 100.0

 

10.2.3.4 Ore Sorting Method and Results

 

The amenability of the rock samples to sorting was conducted by the TOMRA Sorting Inc. facility in Sydney. The test program assessed the heterogeneity of the deposit based on the gold grade of the selected rock samples. The tests were run in a four-stage XRT sorting configuration at different scanner sensitivity settings to produce the highest concentrate grade with the least mass pull in the first stage. With each additional stage, the conditions were adjusted to be less selective, increasing recovery however decreasing the concentrate grade. Ore Sorting will be critical for what is a low grade ore to produce a feed grade for a CIL plant and a tailings that may be subjected to heap leaching based on future test work.

 

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Sorting was evaluated using the Dual Energy X-Ray Transmission (DEXRT) sensor technology on approximately 200 rock samples. A total of 588kg of rock samples with particle sizes ranging from 10 to 80mm (~ ½ to 3 inches) were sorted at TOMRA in April 2021. 20% of the mill feed was assumed to be fines by-pass (i.e.- 10mm) containing 25% gold.

 

XRT conditions in the first stage were set up to be highly selective to produce the highest-grade concentrate with the least mass pull. Gold, Arsenic, and Tellurium results from the four-stage XRT sorting test are summarized in Table 10-6. The sorter results indicated that up to 82% of the gold could be recovered at 25.7% sorter accept at a cumulative gold grade of 2.13ppm, whereas 74.3% of the material was rejected as waste. The ore sorting work is very promising but needs further test work and trade off studies to establish grade recovery relationships and mass yield.

 

Table 10-6: Four stage XRF results

 

Sorted fraction Cum. weight (%) Gold Arsenic Tellurium
Cum. rec. (%) Cum. grade (ppm) Cum. rec. (%) Cum. grade (ppm) Cum. rec. (%) Cum. grade (ppm)
Stage 1 product 4.0 36 6.06 37 8890 42 5.60
Stage 2 product 14.6 74 3.42 60 3938 74 2.70
Stage 3 product 25.7 82 2.13 69 2583 83 1.70
Stage 4 product 46.5 90 1.30 80 1665 90 1.03
Stage 4 waste 100 100 0.67 100 967 100 0.53

 

It is critical to consider the generated fines during circuit design as they represent a significant portion of the gold at the mineral sorting stage. The results obtained from the sorting test work might require further refinement and validation to match the mine head grade if the cut-off gold grade is altered.

 

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10.2.3.5 Gravity Concentration Test Work Procedure

 

A total of three different gravity procedures were performed in this test work.

 

10.2.3.5.1 Single Pass gravity concentration

 

Sighter tests or scoping gravity concentration tests were carried out on 2 kg test charges on both LG and HG composites at two grind sizes targeting P80 of 105 and 200 µm (tests G1-G4).

 

The gravity separation was performed in two stages. Rougher gravity separation was conducted using a 7.6 cm (3”) laboratory Knelson gravity centrifugal concentrator. The samples were ground to target sizes in a laboratory stainless steel rod mill at 65% solids. The ground material was then re-pulped to a pulp density of about 20% solids and subjected to a single pass through the gravity concentrator operated at one psi fluidization water pressure and 120 “G” force. The resulting primary gravity concentrate was further upgraded by hand panning to simulate cleaning. The entire cleaned concentrate was assayed for gold by standard fire assay procedures to extinction, while the gravity rougher and cleaner tailing were assayed separately for metallurgical balances.

 

Additionally, a large-scale gravity test (test G5) was performed on a 34 kg blend of LG and HG composite, and the resulting gravity rougher concentrate was subjected to intensive leach without any upgrading, and the gravity rougher tailing was subjected to bulk sulphide flotation.

 

10.2.3.5.2 Extended gravity Recoverable Gold (E-GRG)

 

Extended gravity recoverable gold (EGRG) test was conducted on 20 kg of the master composite to determine the sample’s amenability to gravity concentration. The EGRG test was carried out in three stages (targeting particle size of 80% passing 2000 µm 250 µm, and 75 µm) in a 7.62 cm (3”) Knelson centrifugal concentrator. The concentrate collected from each stage was screened, and each fraction was weighed and assayed to extinction for gold content for metallurgical balance.

 

Upon completing the EGRG test, test data was forwarded to FLSmidth/Knelson for evaluation and scale-up analysis.

 

10.2.3.5.3 GAT Test

 

The GAT test (Gravity Amenability Test) was performed in six stages on 4kg of master composite ground to P80 of 75µm. The main aim is to determine the presence of gravity recoverable sulphur. The test flowchart is illustrated in Figure 10-1, and the resulting test products were assayed for gold for metallurgical balance.

 

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Figure 10-1: GAT test flowchart

 

10.2.3.6 Gravity Concentration Test Results Discussion

 

Gravity concentration tests were conducted on the LG, HG, and master composite samples to determine their amenability to gravity gold separation. The LG and HG composite samples were ground to a target P80 105 µm while the target P80 of the master composite was 75 µm for the GAT test and 1072 to 77 µm for the EGRG (Extended Gravity Recoverable Gold) tests.

 

The sighter tests and the EGRG test achieved encouraging results. EGRG test results had a recovery 73.8% whilst the LG and HG samples recovery from the Nelson concentrator was 71.0% and 70.5% respectively. Typically, the GAT Pan or total GAT stage 1 tests should be similar to the EGRG result. In the master composite sample, the GAT pan was 22% and the Stage 1 GAT total was 58%, below the recovery indicated in the EGRG test. The calculated head grade of the GAT at 0.52g/t was also lower than the calculated head grade of the EGRG (0.65g/t).

 

According to the FLSmidth report the GAT indicated either abundance of free gold or a very high hold carrier or a combination of both. However, metallics analysis at the 200 - mesh screen showed poor gold deportment on the + 200 mesh fraction, and the gold grade in the + 200 mesh fraction not much higher than the - 200 mesh fraction provided conflicting information.

 

In addition, no coarse gold particles were observed in the Knelson gravity cleaner concentrate under the microscope. Instead, the Knelson concentrate appeared to be high-grade fine gold particles carried in sulphide minerals instead of coarse gold particles, resulting in poor GRG (Gravity Recoverable Gold) recovery in the plant. This observation agrees with the QEMSCAN findings that the sulphide contents increased from around 0.47% to 20.2%, and most of the gold in the master composite was associated with sulphides. As a result, FLSmidth/Knelson advised dropping the gravity concentration from the process flow circuit.

 

Results from the gravity tests are summarized in Table 10-7.

 

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Table 10-7: Summary of gravity concentration test results

 

Composite ID Test no. Test charge Measured head grade Calculated head grade P80 size Gravity rougher concentrate
Kg g/t Au g/t Au µm Mass (%) Grade (g/t Au) Recovery Au (%)
LG composite G1 2 0.504 0.388 105 3.0 9.3 71.0
G4 2 0.504 0.437 200 3.5 9.9 78.8
HG composite G2 2 0.636 0.660 105 3.2 14.4 70.5
G3 2 0.636 0.582 200 3.2 13.8 76.7
Master composite G5 34 0.558 0.557 75 0.5 68.9 61.3
EGRG-1 20 0.570 0.647 1072o 77 1.2 38.7 73.8
GAT-1 4 0.570 0.523 75 1.5 20.8 58.4

 

10.2.3.7 Flotation Test Work and Results

 

Bulk sulphide flotation tests were conducted on ground whole-ore and gravity tailings. Potassium amyl xanthate (PAX) and Cytec A208 at a dosage of 120 g/t and 3 0g/t, respectively, were added in four stages as mineral collectors. Copper sulphate as CuSO4.5H2O was added at 150 g/t as the mineral activator, and MIBC utilised as the frothing agent at 23 g/t. Resulting, rougher flotation and concentrate samples were subjected to an intensive leach or assayed directly for metallurgical balance as required.

 

Based on the mineralogical observation that most of the gold in the master composite is associated with sulphide minerals, flotation was selected as a process alternative. Scoping sulphide flotation with or without gravity pre-concentration was tested on the master composite at a target grind P80 75 µm. The responses of the test samples to the flotation process are summarized in Table 10-8.

 

Results showed that the test samples responded well to bulk sulphide flotation with or without gravity pre-concentration. Flotation of ground whole-ore could recover 95.4% gold into a sulphide concentrate representing 5.1% feed mass, grading ~8 g/t Au, resulting in 0.02 g/t Au and <0.02% Sulphur flotation tailings for disposal. Flotation of gravity scalped tails could recover over 92% of fine gold left in gravity tailings.

 

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Table 10-8: Summary of flotation test at P80 of 75 µm

 

Test no. Sample Product grade (g/t Au) Gold recovery
Feed Flotation concentrate Rougher tails Mass (%) Flotation concentrate (Au %)
F1 Whole-ore Master comp. (Rougher 1-3) 0.45 8.36 0.03 5.1 95.4
F2 EGRG tailings from Master comp. 0.12 1.29 0.01 8.90 92.0
F3 G5 tailings from Master comp. 0.22 2.72 0.02 7.40 92.3

 

As illustrated in Figure 10-2, gold in gravity tailings floated rapidly, and gold and sulphur floated simultaneously. Most of the gold remaining in the gravity tails reported to the first rougher concentrate. It is anticipated that the whole-ore sample would have similar flotation kinetics.

 

 

Figure 10-2: Flotation kinetics

 

Further flotation study on the master composite should be conducted to optimize the process, including optimal primary grind size, reagent type, dosages, and regrind size.

 

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10.2.3.8 Cyanide Leaching Test Work Procedure

 

As an alternative process to flotation, cyanidation using bottle roll tests of ground whole-ore and concentrate generated from gravity and flotation processes along with the tailings were tested. As the primary process variables, various grind sizes, cyanide strength, pulp pH, residence time, d.O2 level, and lead nitrate addition were evaluated. In addition, Carbon-In-Leach (CIL) procedure was also tested.

 

The baseline leach tests were initially performed on LG and HG composites at 40 wt.% solids in 1 g/L NaCN for 72 hours. Both standard leach and CIL procedures were tested at a target P80 75 µm grind. Two finer P80 sizes, targeting 53 and 38 µm, were further tested on LG and HG composites to evaluate the effect of grind size on gold extraction. Based on the leaching kinetics from the baseline leach tests, the leach residence time was reduced from 72 hours to 48 hours.

 

The leach process was further optimized on whole-ore master composite and gravity tailings by shortening leach residence to 48 hours, testing higher pulp pH’s, with lead nitrate addition in the mill and with air/oxygen injection. All leach test conditions are presented in Table 10-9.

 

Table 10-9: Cyanide leach conditions

 

Sample ID Test no.

Grind P80

 

(µm)

Residence time (hr) Pb(NO3)2 in mill (g/t)

Pulp density

 

(%)

pH Aeration with O2: dO2 (ppm)

NaCN

 

g/L

Half Core High Grade (HG comp) C-1 74 72 n/a 40 10.5-11.0 n/a 1.0
C-3 56 48 n/a 40 10.5-11.0 n/a 1.0
C-4 39 48 n/a 40 10.5-11.0 n/a 1.0
CIL-1 80 72 n/a 40 10.5-11.0 n/a 1.0
Half Core Low Grade (LG comp) C-2 80 72 n/a 40 10.5-11.0 n/a 1.0
C-5 57 48 n/a 40 10.5-11.0 n/a 1.0
C-6 42 48 n/a 40 10.5-11.0 n/a 1.0
CIL-2 78 72 n/a 40 10.5-11.0 n/a 1.0
Master composite C7 74 48 150 40 10.5-11.0 25-30 1.0
C8 53 48 150 40 10.5-11.0 25-30 1.0
C9 37 48 150 40 10.5-11.0 25-30 1.0
C10 37 48 150 40 12.3-12.4 15-20 2.0
EGRG Tailings from Master composite CEGRG-T1 77 48 n/a 40 10.5-11.0 With Air 1.0
CEGRG-T2 77 48 n/a 40 10.5-11.0 20-25 1.0

 

Before adding sodium cyanide, the alkalinity was adjusted with hydrated lime to achieve a target pH. The pH and cyanide levels were maintained throughout the entire test. Intermediate solution samples were taken at 2, 6, 24, 30, 48, 54, and 72 hours and assayed for leach kinetics. The leach tests were terminated after 48 or 72 hours with filtration of leachate solution. The solid residues were displacement-washed with a cyanide solution, followed by two hot water rinses. All test products, including solution and the final residue, were analysed for gold content for metallurgical balance.

 

In addition to the standard leach, an intensive leach procedure was tested on flotation and gravity concentrate with/without regrinding. The intensive leach tests were carried out for 24 hours at a 13-25% pulp density in 20g/L NaCN solution with LeachAid addition. Timed solution samples were removed at 2, 4, 7, and 24 hours and assayed for leach kinetics.

 

10.2.3.9 Cyanide Leaching Test Results

 

The results for the tests are discussed below for the whole ore cyanidation, gravity tailings leach (EGRG gravity tailings) and the intensive leach tests of gravity and flotation concentrates.

 

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10.2.3.9.1 Whole-Ore Cyanidation

 

Three different grind sizes ranging from 75µm to 38µm were tested on LG and HG composites and the master composite to evaluate the effect of grind size on gold recovery. The test conditions and results are summarized in Table 10-10 while gold leach kinetics and gold recoveries achieved at different grind sizes are plotted in Figure 10-3 and Figure 10-4, respectively.

 

Results showed that the test samples were sensitive to grind sizes in the range of P80 75 to 37 µm. In the size range tested, the finer grind benefited gold recovery but not significantly. Gold extraction from the baseline test conditions ranged from 68.6% to 78.8% on the LG composite and from 76.4% to 79.6% on the HG composite. Gold extraction improved to 71-73% on the master composite following aggressive leach conditions of 150g/t lead nitrate in the mill and with d.O2 maintained at 25-30ppm with oxygen injection.

 

It was observed that at a 37 µm grind size, increasing pulp pH from 10.5 to 12.3 and NaCN concentration from 1 to 2 g/L resulted in a 5% increase in gold extraction and a significant drop in cyanide consumption. Residual gold concentration varied from 0.120 to 0.227 g/t Au. In size range tested, finer grinds resulted in higher gold recovery and lower residual gold grades. Cyanide consumption from the grind-recovery tests averaged 1.18 kg/t at a NaCN concentration of 1.0 g/L and a pulp pH of 10.5-11. Less than 0.4 kg/t hydrated lime was required to maintain a slurry pH >10.5 in the leach circuit.

 

The CIL leach procedure (tests CIL1 and 2) at a target P80 grind of 75µm demonstrated that CIL did not benefit gold recovery.

 

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Table 10-10: Summary of whole ore cyanidation test results

 

Sample ID Test no. Grind P80 (µm) Residence Time (hr) Pb(NO3)2 in mill (g/t) Pulp density(%) pH Aeration with O2: dO2 (ppm) NaCN g/L Measured head Au (g/t) Calculated head Au (g/t) Recovery Au (%) ResidueAu (g/t) Consumption (kg/t)
NaCN Lime
HG composite C-1 74 72 n/a 40 10.5-11.0 n/a 1.0 0.636 0.619 68.6 0.195 1.27 0.36
C-3 56 48 n/a 40 10.5-11.0 n/a 1.0 0.636 0.648 73.1 0.175 0.98 0.30
C-4 39 48 n/a 40 10.5-11.0 n/a 1.0 0.636 0.810 78.8 0.172 1.04 0.28
CIL-1 80 72 n/a 40 10.5-11.0 n/a 1.0 0.636 0.499 61.7 0.191 1.57 0.34
LG composite C-2 80 72 n/a 40 10.5-11.0 n/a 1.0 0.504 0.491 76.4 0.116 1.26 0.38
C-5 57 48 n/a 40 10.5-11.0 n/a 1.0 0.504 0.482 79.6 0.099 1.00 0.28
C-6 42 48 n/a 40 10.5-11.0 n/a 1.0 0.504 0.465 78.9 0.098 1.01 0.26
CIL-2 78 72 n/a 40 10.5-11.0 n/a 1.0 0.504 0.360 63.1 0.133 1.50 0.38
Master composite C7 74 48 150 40 10.5-11.0 25-30 1.0 0.570 0.783 71.0 0.227 1.14 0.26
C8 53 48 150 40 10.5-11.0 25-30 1.0 0.570 0.617 72.9 0.167 1.10 0.26
C9 37 48 150 40 10.5-11.0 25-30 1.0 0.570 0.592 73.2 0.159 1.11 0.36
C10 37 48 150 40 12.3-12.4 15-20 2.0 0.570 0.542 77.9 0.120 0.47 3.40

 

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Figure 10-3: Gold leach kinetics at select grinds

 

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Figure 10-4: Gold recovery and residual grade at various grind sizes

 

10.2.3.9.2 Gravity Tails Leach Test

 

Two leach tests were conducted on the EGRG gravity tailings. Test conditions and results are summarized in Table 10-11, and leach kinetics are presented in Figure 10-5.

 

Table 10-11: Leach results on gravity tailings

 

Sample id Test no. P80 (µm) Pulp density (%) pH Aeration

NaCN

 

(g/L)

Meas. head

 

Au (g/t)

Calc. Head

 

Au (g/t)

Recovery

 

Au (%)

Residue

 

Au (g/t)

Consumption

 

(kg/t)

NaCN Lime
EGRG tailings from Master composite CEGRG-T1 77 40 10.5-11.0 Air 1.0 0.150 0.149 79.9 0.030 1.00 0.20
CEGRG-T2 77 40 10.5-11.0 O2 1.0 0.150 0.151 80.1 0.030 1.02 0.20

 

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Figure 10-5: Leach kinetics for gravity tailings

 

As noted in Table 1-11, similar gold recovery of ~80% was achieved with aeration and oxygen injection. Leach kinetics, as shown in Figure 10-5, indicated that gold leached rapidly in the first 2 hours and then slowed down afterward. Oxygen benefited the initial gold dissolution.

 

10.2.3.9.3 Concentrate Intensive Leach

 

Intensive cyanide leach evaluation was conducted on flotation and gravity concentrate samples generated from the master composites. The intensive leach test conditions and results are summarized in Table 10-12, and leach kinetics are plotted in Figure 10-6.

 

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Table 10-12: Intensive leach test results on concentrates

 

Sample id Test no. Regrinding P80 (µm) Pulp density (%) pH

NaCN

 

(g/L)

Leach aid

 

(G)

Calculated head

 

Au (g/t)

Recovery

 

Au (%)

Residue

 

Au (g/t)

Consumption

 

(kg/t)

NaCN Lime
F1 Ro concentrate (1-3) from whole-ore master comp CF1 Yes 22 14 >11 20.0 1.0 8.36 92.5 0.628 44.85 0.44
F2 Ro concentrate from EGRG tailings CF-2 Yes 23 13 >11 20.0 1.0 2.45 93.3 0.164 41.54 0.46
CG5 Gravity concentrate from whole-ore master comp CG5 concentrate n/a ~80 25 >11 20.0 1.0 68.93 68.5 21.7 25.18 0.18

 

These tests demonstrated that gravity concentrate responded to the cyanidation process similar to that of whole ore at a similar grind of 75 µm. The lower intensive leach recovery from gravity concentrates further supported the fact that the EGRG results are void in using them to predict gravity recovery. Thus, gravity concentration was removed from the process flowsheet.

 

Regrinding of flotation concentrate before cyanidation improved both gold recovery and leach kinetics significantly. Gold recovery of ~93% can be expected by intensive leach of P80 22-23 µm reground flotation concentrate. The unoptimized cyanide leach reagent consumptions were 43.19 kg/t of concentrate tonnage, equating to 2.07 kg/t mill feed. The cyanide consumption averaged 43.19 kg/t flotation rougher concentrate is high but is unoptimized, and the intensive leach tailings could be thickened or filtered and re-utilize the thickener overflow and/or the filtrate free cyanide bearing water back in the process, but this will need more testing and engineering in subsequent phases of work.

 

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Leach kinetics as seen in Figure 10-6 demonstrated that cyanide soluble gold leached rapidly in the first 4 hours. Overall, gold recovery of over 88% Au can be expected from the combined flotation and cyanidation process at a float grind P80 75 µm and leach grind of 22 µm. Optimum grind/regrind will ultimately be determined by economics, including grinding costs, expected metal prices, and other engineering factors.

 

 

Figure 10-6: Concentrate leach kinetics

 

10.2.3.10 Mineralogical Examination

 

The master composite feed sample, HG composite leach tail, and tailings from intensive leach of gravity concentrate (CG5) produced from the Master Composite were examined using QEMSCAN (Quantitative Evaluation of Minerals by Scanning Electron) Bulk Mineral Analysis (BMA) to identify and quantify the mineralogical characteristics of the test samples.

 

In addition, a QEMSCAN Trace Mineral Search (TMS) protocol was also performed on the master composite and leach tailings of HG composite to assess their gold deportment mineralogy on an unsized basis. The present gold bearing minerals, gold deportment by free gold or gold-bearing minerals, grain sizes along with gold liberation and associations with sulphide and non-sulphide minerals were of particular interest.

 

Polished block sections were prepared from P80 75µm ground Master composite and as-produced samples and leach tailings and were systematically scanned using QEMSCAN/MLA. The mineral composition is shown in Table 10-13.

 

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Table 10-13: Main mineral composition

 

Minerals

 

 

Mineral Composition (wt. %)
Master Composite 75µm P80 HG Composite leach tailings CG5 Gravity concentrate leach residue
Chalcopyrite 0.05 0.06 0.97
Galena/FeNi(Co)-Sulpharsenide <0.01 <0.01 0.06
Sphalerite 0.01 0.01 0.03
Pyrite 0.11 0.07 2.06
Arsenopyrite 0.31 0.53 17.09
Total Sulphide Minerals 0.47 0.66 20.21
Lollingite 0.03 0.04 1.30
Iron Metal 0.35 0.55 1.99
Geothite/limenite 0.09 0.06 0.36
Quartz 26.58 27.83 23.65
Plagioclase Feldspar 36.62 32.71 27.86
K-Feldspars 20.72 20.64 13.43
Biotite/Phlogopite 7.93 7.36 2.56
Muscovite 1.78 3.63 0.91
Chlorite 3.25 3.52 1.78
Calcite 0.76 1.11 0.55
Amphibole 0.73 1.12 1.27
Apatite 0.37 0.41 1.63
Sphene/Rutile/Anatase 0.18 0.21 0.44
Zircon 0.02 0.06 1.58
Others 0.13 0.08 0.49
Total Non-Sulphide Minerals 99.52 99.34 79.79
Total 100.00 100.00 100.00

 

Note -

 

  Calcite includes trace amounts of Ankerite, Dolomite and Fluorite
     
  Others includes trace amounts of Barite, Ca-Sulphate, Corundum
     
  Chalcopyrite includes trace amounts of Acanthite/Argentite

 

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10.2.3.10.1 Master composite

 

The master composite contained 0.47% sulphide minerals consisting of arsenopyrite and pyrite which were mainly liberated from the gangue at P80 75 µm. Silicates together with small amounts of iron oxides and carbonates form largely the non-sulphide gangue.

 

The master composite assayed 0.2% arsenic with arsenopyrite being the main carrier containing 87.9% of the arsenic. Most of the visible gold in the master composite was in the form of native gold and electrum (Au, Ag). The gold in the master composite was fine grained. Gold grain sizes in the master composite ranges from 0.5 to 5 µm with approximately 99% finer than 5 µm.

 

At a grind size of P80 75 µm approximately 6.5% of the gold was liberated. The unliberated gold was associated with arsenopyrite in binary or multiphase forms. This may be favourable to sulphide flotation to recover the gold. The gold locking characteristics indicate that nearly half of the unliberated gold presented as exposed surfaces in the form of adhesions to other minerals. The combined liberated gold and gold adhesions make up 47.2% of total composite gold. The liberated gold and gold adhesions tend to be recovered by normal cyanidation. The locked gold, without adhesions may become the source of gold losses during the normal cyanidation process.

 

10.2.3.10.2 CG5 Conc Residue of Master Composite

 

The high-density sulphide minerals increased significantly after gravity concentration, while the silicates with low density decreased. The residue contained about 20.2% sulphide by weight with pyrite and arsenopyrite accounting for 95% of this weight indicating it was liberated from the gangue. Chalcopyrite made up the difference.

 

10.2.3.10.3 High Grade Composite Leached Tails

 

The high-grade composite leach tails assayed at 0.2 g/t. A total of 51 gold grains were examined using the QEMSCAN TMS in this sample.

 

Like the master composite all the gold in the leached tails occurred as native gold or electrum. Some traces of the tellurium mineral Calaverite (AuTe2), was found. 95% of the total gold occurrences were smaller than 2 µm. Particle size data indicated that half of the gold in the tails was greater than 30 µm indicating that this coarser gold was likely locked in with coarser sulphide or non-sulphide minerals.

 

Based on observed occurrences the leached tails at P80 57 µm, unliberated gold was mainly associated with arsenopyrite in multiphase or binary form. Approximately 40% of the gold was present as exposed surfaces, creating the opportunity to improve gold recovery through an optimised leach process. Locked gold again was associated with arsenopyrite.

 

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10.3 RPM Mineral Processing and Metallurgical Test

 

This section involves the review of raw data for the RPM orebody metallurgical test work program as provided by Nova Minerals to METS Engineering, Perth, WA, Australia and based on test work that was carried out by Bureau Veritas (BV) Commodities Canada Ltd. in Richmond, BC, Canada. There was no written laboratory report available. Assumptions have been made that standard test procedures as applied to the Korbel orebody by BV was applied to the RPM orebody. The samples used for metallurgical testing were collected from Estelle’s RPM orebody and shipped to the BV Minerals Metallurgical Division.

 

The metallurgical test program was conducted on an average grade sample representative of the orebody with an above average grade and a below average grade composites used in flotation and cyanidation test work. At the time of writing this report there is no sample preparation information or head characterisation including head assays available for the composites. Tests conducted included the comminution test work, gravity test work with an emphasis on flotation test work including batch and kinetic flotation tests with cyanidation on the select concentrates. Cyanidation tests were conducted on the average grade composite.

 

10.3.1 Metallurgical Test Procedures and Results for RPM

 

It is assumed that all grinding and screening procedures that were applied to the Korbel B ore samples body (Section 10.2.2) were performed on the RPM samples as required.

 

10.3.1.1 Comminution Test Work and Results

 

The comminution test was conducted following the standard Abrasion Index and Bond Rod and Ball Mill Index test procedures. A total of 20 specimens were cut from randomly selected core samples using the Twin Pendulum Bond Crusher test protocol to determine the Crusher Work Index.

 

Standard Bond Comminution tests were conducted on the average grade composite sample to determine Crusher Work Index (CWi) for net power requirements for crushing, Abrasion Index (Ai) for grinding mill consumables calculations, as well as Bond Ball Mill Work Index (BBWi) and Bond Rod Mill Work Index (BRWi) for grinding specific energy calculations. BBWi tests were conducted at a closing screen sizing of 106 µm and indicated a medium-hard material.

 

The RPM ore indicated CWi value of 7.8V kWhr/tonne on the average grade sample. The test results are shown in Table 10-14.

 

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Table 10-14: Comminution test results on average composite

 

Cwi

 

(Crusher Work Index)
kWh/tonne

Ai

 

(Abrasion index)

BRWi

 

(kWh/tonne)

BBWi

 

i (kWh/tonne)

7.8 0.2718 16.4 12.7

 

The abrasive index for the RPM was 0.2718 indicating below average Abrasive Index compared with the results from the Korbel HG and LG composite samples (average) of 0.4003. This indicates that the RPM orebody is less abrasive than the samples from the Korbel Zone B. The BRWi for the RPM ore was higher than Korbel but the BBWi was lower.

 

10.3.1.2 Gravity Concentration Test Work

 

The gravity test program (Table 10-15) was conducted on the average composite sample using a lab scale Knelson Concentrator at 20% solids with 80% passing 150 µm (1psi and 120 G). The same operating conditions for the Korbel HG, LG, and master composite samples.

 

From the analysis of the raw data, it appears that this program was originally designed to be performed at three grind sizes using the Nelson Concentrator, namely P80 150 µm, P80 105 µm and P80 75 µm on the average composite sample. Only the largest grind size was performed. This is unfortunate as the results can’t be compared directly to the Korbel gravity test work at the same size (P80 105 µm).

 

Table 10-15: Gravity test work on average composite

 

Test no. P80 size Gravity rougher concentrate
µm Mass (%) Grade (g/t Au) Recovery Au (%)
Ave Composite 150 2.8 19.7 49.5

 

The recovery of 49.5% for the average composite is not desirable and much lower than that achieved in the Korbel samples which average ~71%.

 

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The results did not necessarily indicate that coarser grind sizes are responsible for poorer concentrate results. As can be seen in the Korbel results from Table 10-7 the recovery from the Korbel samples included larger grind sizes than the one test performed on the RPM sample. The results may indicate that the RPM orebody may be less suitable for gravity separation, however with only one test being conducted, no mineralogy work performed on the concentrate or tails, and an incomplete test program doesn’t allow for any conducive, reasonable discussion or conclusion to be drawn. Hence the consideration of further gravity test work under proposal still has validity.

 

10.3.1.3 Flotation Test Work Results

 

Based on the Korbel Zone B test work responding well to bulk sulphide flotation the objective of the flotation tests on the RPM samples was to optimise the process. Kinetic flotation tests at various grind sizes of P80 150 µm, P80 105µm, P80 75 µm and P80 60 µm were conducted on the average grade sample (measured head grade 1.33 g/t) to determine the optimum flotation method. Each test involved four rougher floats and one scavenger float and a 2 kg sample.

 

Potassium Amyl Xanthate (PAX) and Cytec A208 at a dosage of 100 g/t and 35 g/t respectively were added in the four stages. MIBC utilised as a frothing agent at 23 g/t but no copper sulphate CuSO4.5H2O was used as a mineral collector in these flotation tests unlike the Korbel test work. A duplicate test was conducted on the P80 75 µm sample as this was deemed to be the optimal grind. Copper sulphate was not utilised after the flotation optimal grind was determined.

 

Flotation tests were performed on both below average grade composite samples and above average grade composite samples. These samples have measured head grades of 0.64 g/t and 5.591 g/t respectively. Both composite samples underwent kinetic leach flotation tests and batch flotation tests to make concentrate for regrinding in an IsaMill for intensive cyanidation test work at regrinds of P80 15 µm.

 

Table 10-16 shows a summary of the flotation tests.

 

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Table 10-16: Summary of flotation tests

 

Test no. Sample

Target

 

p80 size (µm)

Reagents g/t Type of Flotation Test
PAX A208 MIBC
F1 Avg comp 150 100 35 23 Flotation Kinetic test
F2 Avg comp 105 100 35 23 Flotation Kinetic test
F3A Avg comp 75 100 35 23 Flotation Kinetic test
F3B Avg comp 75 100 35 23 Flotation Kinetic test
F4 Avg comp 60 100 35 26 Flotation Kinetic test
F5 Above avg comp 75 100 35 0 Rougher kinetic flotation test
F6 Above avg Comp 75 100 35 0 Batch flotation test to produce conc for leach test
F7 Below avg grade 75 100 35 0 Rougher Kinetic flotation test
F8 Below avg grade 75 100 35 0 Batch flotation test to produce conc for leach test

 

Results for the Flotation Kinetics tests can be seen in Table 10-17 with Leach Kinetics shown in Figure 10-7. Flotation Results for test F6 and F8 are in in Table 10-16.

 

The results indicate recoveries increased with a decrease in the grind size. 82.9% of the gold was recovered at the higher actual grind of P80 186 µm increasing to 92.3% at P80 60 µm. The results of test 3A at P80 75 µm including the mass pull were similar to the lowest grind size and hence a duplicate sample was warranted. The cost to grind smaller to 60 µm for such a small increase in recovery required further investigation. The duplicate sample (3B) confirmed the results that grinding finer than 75 µm added no benefit to the tests and resulted in the optimisation of the grind size. The ranges in mass pull (14.6-15.1%) also support this conclusion.

 

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Table 10-17: Summary of flotation results

 

Test no.

Target p80 size

 

(µm)

Actual

 

p80 size (µm)

Product grade (g/t Au) Gold recovery
Feed Rougher conc 1 Total conc Tails

Rougher

 

Conc 1

Total Conc

 

(Au %)

Mass (%)
F1 150 186 1.22 29.09 8.87 0.24 65.3 82.9 11.4
F2 105 100 1.18 28.65 8.90 0.17 75.1 86.9 11.5
F3A 75 72 1.19 20.41 7.15 0.12 82.6 91.5 15.2
F3B 75 72 1.12 22.60 6.91 0.13 81.7 90.3 14.6
F4 60 60 1.31 28.19 8.03 0.12 83.8 92.3 15.1
F5 75 78 5.84 158.0 49.11 0.38 81.8 94.2 11.2
F7 75 77 0.82 31.22 7.21 0.07 83.8 92.3 10.5

 

 

 

Figure 10-7: Concentrate leach kinetics average grade composite

 

The results for the flotation kinetics on tests F5 (above grade composite sample) with a calculated feed grade of 5.84 g/t at the selected conditions gave an excellent recovery of 94.5%. The below average grade sample (F7 calculated feed grade of 0.82 g/t) gave a recovery of 92.3% These high recoveries of gold in the concentrate at this grind sizes (P80 75 µm) give confidence in the lab optimisation of the flotation tests with respect to the RPM orebody and to proceed to cyanidation.

 

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10.3.1.4 Cyanidation Procedure and Test Work

 

10.3.1.4.1 Cyanidation on the Average Grade Composite Results

 

A 72-hour leach was performed on the average grade composite sample (measured head grade 1.33 g/t) as per the method in Section 10.2.3.8.

 

The result for this test is shown in Figure 10-8 and Table 10-18.

 

The recovery of 79.3% was approximately 8% higher for the RPM average grade sample than for the leach tests performed on the Korbel ore body at similar grind sizes and leach times.

 

Table 10-18: Cyanidation results for average grade composite

 

Test No Sample P80 (µm) Pulp density (%) pH

NaCN

 

(g/L)

Calculated head

 

Au (g/t)

Recovery

 

Au (%)

Residue

 

Au (g/t)

Consumption (kg/t)
NaCN Lime
C1 Average comp 74 40 10.5-11 1.0 1.47 79.3 0.31 1.25 1.08

 

 

Figure 10-8: Leach kinetics for average grade sample

 

10.3.1.4.2 Intensive Leach Testing

 

Intensive leach tests were performed on average grade composite (BFC1), above average grade composite (FC6 measured head grade 5.59 g/t) and below average grade composite (FC8 measured head grade 0.64 g/t). These samples underwent flotation at P80 75 µm followed by regrinding of the concentrate to 15 µm and then cyanidation. The results are shown in Table 10-19 and Figure 10-9.

 

Table 10-19: Intensive cyanidation test results on concentrate regrind sample

 

Sample Flotation Cyanidation Overall Recovery

Flotation

 

Test

 

No

P80 Feed Grade Conc Grade Recovery

Leach Test

 

No

Regrind

 

P80

NaCN Consumption (kg/t) Residue Recovery
µm Au(g/t) Au(g/t) Au (%) µm g/l NaCN NAOH Au(g/t) Au (%)
Average grade comp BF1 73 1.34 8.67 92.4 BCF3 16 20 17.87 1.00 0.32 96.2 88.9
Above average grade comp FC6 74 4.41 39.73 93.1 FC6 13 20 26.41 2.50 1.66 95.8 89.2
Below average grade comp FC8 75 0.70 5.89 91.1 FC* 13 20 16.30 1.72 0.39 93.4 85.1
Average Response 74 2.15 18.10 92.2   14 20 20.19 1.74 0.79 95.1 87.7

 

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Figure 10-9: Intensive leach test kinetics

 

The intensive leach tests reported recoveries were 85-89%. Regrinding using an IsaMill to P80 15µm achieved a 6-10% increase in recovery after flotation with the intensive cyanidation when compared to the 72-hour leaching on the average composite sample. The Korbel orebody samples results were higher in the intensive leaching for both the regrind master composite and the regrind rougher concentrate from the EGRG test work. Recovery of these samples were 92.5% and 93.3% at regrind of P80 22µm respectively. No mineralogy studies were carried out on the RPM intensive leach test samples.

 

10.4 Metallurgical Test Work Conclusion and Recommendations

 

In the opinion of the QP, the recoveries used for the resource estimate are reasonable for this level of study based on the metallurgical testing to date.

 

Test work has been carried out on both the Korbel Zone B orebody and the RPM orebody.

 

The test program for the Korbel Zone B ore consisted of three samples, two composites (LG and HG) and a master composite. The ore was amenable to whole ore bulk flotation. Gold responded well to bulk flotation with excellent recovery of 96% achievable on ground whole ore. Cyanide leaching of P80 22-23 µm reground flotation concentrate achieved encouraging 92-93% gold extraction from two different concentrate grades. The test work on this ore body hinted that recovery of high 80% might be expected following flotation and regrinding with cyanidation process at a grind of 75 µm. These results were indicated in the testing of RPM.

 

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Beneficiation of the Korbel B Zone samples by cyanide leaching will recover up to 78% followed by aggressive leaching conditions including using lead nitrate (150 g/t) leaching with NaCN (2.0g/l) and a high pH (~12.3) with oxygen injection. The use of activated carbons had no benefits on leaching. Further metallurgical testing is required to optimise and improve cyanidation including amount of reagent usage.

 

Gravity scalping did not produce a coarse high gold concentrate and low-grade tailings and the cyanidation of the gravity concentrate produced results similar to the whole ore samples. The use of gravity separation is under review and more test work needs to be done using the Knelson concentrator on samples with different grind sizes.

 

The initial Korbel column leaching testing conducted to evaluate the heap leach potential of test samples proved to be non-beneficial for the operation, the potential for heap leaching is currently being revisited with plans to conduct column tests for heap leach at smaller crush sizers using HGPR crushing.

 

In addition, the efficacy of using heavy liquid separation (DMS) on the -1mm fines that bypass the XRT ore sorter and tertiary crushed XRT accepts at -10mm is also recommended.

 

In relation to the RPM orebody, the unavailability of a report meant that only raw data was available to be reviewed including assessing test work and sample preparation procedures.

 

The program focused on flotation test work, and cyanidation aimed at further investigating recommendations made in the Korbel testing program. An optimum flotation was determined at P80 75 µm and achieved good recovery of gold in the concentrates. Concentrates were made using a higher-grade composite (FC6 measured head grade 5.59 g/t) and below average grade composite (FC8 measured head grade 0.64 g/t) which was then used for the intensive cyanidation test work. The regrind size was 15 microns. The recoveries for the three samples averaged 87.7%. These tests need more optimisation and were conducted at finer grind sizes than the Korbel Orebody for lower recovery. Mineralogy studies were not carried out, but it is likely, based on other reports to be associated with either fine grained high grade locked in gold, gold telluride or gold associated with sulphides. The control of sample selection for mineralogy examination to ensure the most appropriate samples are analysed and, in some cases, easily identified in the context of the metallurgical testing program needs to be reviewed.

 

Future investigation on the Estelle deposit is planned and this will consider improving and optimising the cyanidation process, ore sorting, the use of a Nelson concentrator on the finer size range (<1mm) including gravity separation test work involving a reflux or up-current classifier. These classifiers can separate fine particles in a fluidised bed. Due to the high cost of grinding, Hydrofloat coarse particle flotation test work should be considered. This allows the flotation of particles of coarser sizes than conventional flotation cells, resulting in economic and profitable benefit to projects and improvement in environmental sustainability outcomes.

 

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10.5 Review of Recovery and OPEX Estimate for Cut-Off Calculation

 

Nova Minerals provided Table 10-20 for the cut-off grade parameters used to calculate minerals resources.

 

Table 10-20: Resource pit shell cut-off grade parameters

 

Gold Price $2,000/ oz
  Korbel Main and RPM North and
  Cathedral South
Wall angles 50o 50o
Mining cost per tonne mined $1.65/t $1.65/t
Processing Sorter recovery 86.10% -
  Processing recovery 88.20% 88.20%
  Overall recovery 75.94% 88.20%
Processing costs per tonne processed Sorter $0.73/t -
  Process $4.50/t $9.80/t
  G&A $1.30/t $1.30/t
  Subtotal $6.53/t $11.10/t
Royalty (applied to recover ounces) 5% 5%

 

10.5.1 Recovery

 

Table 10-20 mentions an ore sorting recovery of on average of 86.10%. By considering the Tomra ore sorting report and the test work performed the ore sorter on the Korbel orebody at a feed grade of 0.67 g/t achieved a high-grade concentrate and the potential for high grade recovery. The test work showed that a high-grade low mass (6.06 g/t) gold concentrate was produced in a single run that resulted in a nine-fold increase in gold grade while the fourth run demonstrated a 90% cumulative gold recovery with a 53% mass rejection (1.30 g/t concentrate). Hence the assumption of 86.10% used in pit optimisation is reasonable. The most optimal sensitivity for the ore sorter output is hard to determine until further test work and optimization is conducted including testing on the by-pass fines on a larger bulk sample under consideration by Nova Minerals. This will allow optimisation of the equilibrium between mass pull into the ore sorter concentrate and recovery, along with the handling of fines from the crushing circuit.

 

Table 10-21 shows the process design parameters that were used for process and mine design process. These parameters were also applied to the RPM orebody. The metallurgical test work indicated an optimum flotation at P80 75 µm grind achieving good recovery of gold in the concentrates for both the Korbel and RPM orebodies.

 

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Table 10-21: Parameters used in mine design study

 

Parameter Unit Value
Bond Ball Mill Work Index kWh/t 14.7
Abrasion Index - 0.4003
Flotation Grind P80 µm 75
PAX dosage g/t 120
Cytec A208 Dosage g/t 30
CuSO45H2O g/t 150
MIBC g/t 23

CIP/CIL Leach Regrind

 

Feed P80

µm 22
Flotation Recovery % 95.4
Leach Recovery % 92.5
Overall Recovery % 88.25
Primary crusher fines <12.5mm) % 21.2
Average Sorter Mass Pull – Korbel ore only % 44.6
Average Sorter Recovery – including fines by-pass % 86.1

 

The recovery is reasonable with optimisation of the regrinding and cyanidation ongoing. The flotation recovery of 95.4% and leach recovery of 92.4 % were achieved using the master composite sample from the Korbel Zone B orebody. The leaching involved an intensive leach of the regrind (P80 22µm) flotation concentrate to achieve this result with high cyanide usage. These recoveries can be expected based on the test work but the optimisation including grinding/regrinding will be determined by economics including gold prices, power costs and other engineering factors.

 

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Overall Recovery for Korbel was obtained by multiplying the ore sorter recovery by the processing recovery (grinding, flotation and subsequent regrind and leaching). When performing this calculation in Table 10-20 the assumption is that all or the ore passing through the ore sorters entered the grinding circuit and the fines from the crusher undersize screens went to the fine ore stockpile.

 

10.5.2 Processing Cost Estimate

 

Review of the costs has only been done at a high level.

 

Operating costs by convention include the operation and maintenance of processing facilities including all gold recovery activities to produce gold doré. It covers process plant, labor, consumables including grinding media and reagents, maintenance, power requirements and tailings disposal.

 

The study appears to be based on reasonable estimates and assumptions that would be associated with an initial assessment of resources (+/-50%). With ongoing test work and refinements to processing, mining and exploration activities as the project moves forward, the OPEX and capital costs will be under constant review.

 

10.6 QP Statement

 

The QP is of the opinion that the mineral processing and metallurgical testing used in the mineral resource estimate for the Estelle Gold Project is adequate for mineral resource estimation

 

QP further recommends that:

 

  Continue on the path with additional ore sorting test work
     
  Revisit column leach test work for heap leaching
     
  Continue on the path with additional flotation variability test work
     
  Continue on the path with additional cyanidation variability test work
     
  Revisit gravitational separation test work
     
  Investigate other alternate process routes utilising advancements in technology
     
  Continue with Korbel and RPM ore characterisation test work

 

11. Mineral Resource Estimates

 

11.1 Introduction

 

Nova commissioned Matrix Resource Consultants Pty Ltd (Matrix) to estimate mineral resources for the Estelle Gold Project. The estimates are based on drilling information provided by Nova, representing drilling information available on the 31st of March 2023 and are reported and classified in accordance with the standards and definitions of S-K 1300.

 

Nova supplied the drill hole data informing the estimates as comma delimited ASCII files containing collar, survey, analytical and geological logging information for drilling in each deposit area. The supplied analytical information includes caliper density measurements performed by Nova field staff on diamond drill core. Nova also supplied gold assay results for rock chip samples in the Cathedral area, and Digital Terrain Models (DTM) in three-dimensional triangulation DXF format.

 

The drilling information is described in the relevant sections of this TRS. Matrix used the sampling data on an as-supplied basis with the exception of adjusting selected drill hole collar elevations to match surface topography and modifying several anomalous down-hole survey entries. Relative to the mineralization scale and drill spacing these modifications are comparatively minor and, in Matrix’s opinion, do not significantly impact confidence in the estimates.

 

For each mineralized domain dataset 14 indicator thresholds were defined from the composite gold grades using a consistent set of percentiles.

 

Matrix’s experience indicates that the variance adjustments applied to the estimates can be reasonably expected to provide appropriate estimates of potential mining outcomes at the assumed mining selectivity without the application of additional mining dilution or mining recovery factors.

 

Mineral resources are constrained within optimal pit shells generated by Matrix from the MIK estimates utilizing cost and revenue parameters provided by Nova.

 

Micromine software was used for data compilation, domain wire-framing, and coding of composite values, and GS3M was used for resource estimation. The resulting estimates were imported into Micromine pit optimization and resource reporting.

 

Model validation included visual comparison of the model estimates with informing data.

 

Except where specified, all figures and coordinate references in this report reflect North American Datum of 1983 (NAD 83), Zone 25 North coordinates and except where specified all units are metric.

 

The work reported in this section was undertaken by Jonathon Abbott, who is a director of Matrix and a Member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists. Mr. Abbott has sufficient experience which is relevant to the style of mineralization and type of deposit under consideration to qualify as a Qualified Person in terms of S-K 1300 standards for resource estimation. Mr. Abbott has not visited the Estelle Project. While undertaking this study, Mr. Abbott worked closely with Nova geologists and the mineralization interpretations and estimates are consistent with their understanding of each deposit’s mineralization and the informing data.

 

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11.2 Korbel Main Resource Modelling

 

11.2.1 Compilation of Informing Data

 

The Korbel Main resource estimates are based on drilling information available on the 31st of March 2023.

 

Figure 11-1 shows hole traces relative to the outcrop of the Korbel Main mineralized domains and twenty-meter contours of the DTM, excluding several peripheral holes of no relevance to resource modelling. This figure demonstrates that the Korbel Main drilling tests the main mineralized zone at along strike spacings of generally around 100 to 150 meters with sets of fan holes of varying orientations and drill holes inclined towards the northeast and southwest from drill pads. The combined, variably oriented drilling dataset approximates northeast/southwest trending drilling traverses. The drill hole spacing is highly variable, with the common fan drilling commonly giving closely spaced, clusters of drilling proximal to drill pads, and notably broader spacing away from the pads, including at depth.

 

Down-hole lengths of assayed samples from Korbel Main drilling range from around 0.5 to 41 feet, inclusive of seven samples of longer than 30 feet in length. Assayed drilling is dominated by samples of 10 feet (3.048 meters) in length which provide around 90% of assayed drilling, with longer samples providing only around 2%.

 

Korbel Main drill hole collar coordinates are designated as being surveyed by Trimble R1 or CHC LT500 GNSS survey tools, or less commonly hand-held GPS units. In Matrix’s experience, although hand-held GPS/GNSS measurements provide reasonably accurate plan view coordinates, they commonly give less precise elevation definition. Elevations of Korbel Main drill collar coordinates specified as representing hand GPS/GNSS surveys were assigned from the DTM, which in Matrix’s experience is a common, industry standard approach for GPS/GNSS collar surveys.

 

All Trimble R1 collar surveys and around 14% of CHC LT500 collar surveys plot significantly below the supplied DTM. To provide a consistent basis for resource modelling, collar elevations of all Trimble R1 surveys and the CHC LT500 surveys which differ from the DTM by more than five meters were adjusted to match the DTM.

 

Several anomalous down-hole survey entries were modified for use in resource modelling giving smoother hole traces.

 

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11.2.2 Modeling Domains

 

Modelling of the Korbel Main deposit includes a main, northwest trending, sub-vertical mineralized domain and two subsidiary mineralized domains designated as Block C and Block D respectively.

 

The Main zone domain trends northwest over around 2.6 kilometers with an average width of around 370 meters. The Block C and D domains have extents of around 140 by 180 and 400 by 370 meters respectively.

 

For the main mineralized domain, interpreted domain boundaries were digitized on sections aligned with drilling traverses with snapping to drill hole traces where appropriate, then wire-framed into a three dimensional solid. The Block C and Block D and domains were defined by vertically projected plan-view polygons. To ensure consistent coding of composites and model blocks the wire-framed domains extend from a constant elevation well above topography to below the base of drilling. The domains are extrapolated along strike to around 120 meters from drilling.

 

The modelling included a surface representing the base of unmineralized which averages around seven meters depth. The lack of a regular drilling grid at shallow depths hinders locally precise interpretation of this surface. A triangulation representing the base of overburden was constructed from a set of strings generated at topography for each nominal drill traverse and projected traverses beyond drilling extents which were lowered by seven meters, and then adjusted locally to match drill hole logging.

 

Figure 11-1 shows a plan view of the Korbel Main mineralized domain outcrop relative to drill hole traces. Figure 11-2 shows example sections of the modelling domains trimmed below the DTM relative to hole traces colored by composite gold grades within 60 meters either side of the section line.

 

 

Figure 11-1: Korbel Main mineralized domain outcrop and drill hole traces

 


Section A
Section B
Section C
Section lines shown in Figure 1

 

Figure 11-2: Korbel Main modelling domains and drill hole trace section views

 

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11.2.3 Composite Estimation Dataset

 

The Korbel Main estimates are based on 3.048 meter (10 foot) down-hole composited gold assay grades from RC diamond drilling coded by the mineralized domain wire-frames. This composite length represents the common sample length. Composites flagged as lying within the generally barren overburden were excluded giving an estimation dataset compromising 20,126 composites with gold grades ranging from 0.001 to 14.1 g/t and averaging 0.19 g/t.

 

Table 11-1 presents summary statistics for the dataset by mineralized domain. Notable features shown by this table include the following:

 

  At 0.03 g/t the mean gold grade for background domain composites is notably lower than for the mineralized domains, demonstrating that the domaining has effectively assigned most mineralized composites into the mineralized domains.
     
  Coefficients of variation are moderately high reflecting the highly variable nature of the gold grades and demonstrating that MIK is an appropriate estimation technique.

 

Table 11-1: Korbel Main composite estimation dataset statistics

 

(Au g/t) Background Main Block D Block C
    Domain Domain Domain
Number 1,792 17,357 882 95
Mean 0.03 0.21 0.08 0.13
Variance 0.00 0.15 0.01 0.02
Coefficient of variation 1.74 1.80 1.31 1.18
Minimum 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
1st Quartile 0.01 0.06 0.02 0.02
Median 0.02 0.12 0.05 0.08
3rd Quartile 0.03 0.24 0.09 0.17
Maximum 1.14 14.1 1.04 0.71

 

11.2.4 Bulk Density Measurements

 

Table 11-2 summarizes Korbel Main density measurements by modeling domain. Figure 11-3 shows a histogram of density measurements and a scatter plot comparing density measurements with gold assay grades for measurements from the mineralized domain below the base of overburden. This table and figure demonstrate that the density measurements show comparatively little variability and no notable association with gold grade.

 

Table 11-2: Korbel Main density measurements

 

Zone Number Density (t/bcm)
    Minimum Average Maximum
Background rock 48 2.10 2.60 2.85
Mineralized domain overburden 3 2.65 2.67 2.69
Mineralized domains below overburden Full set 1,293 2.02 2.66 3.21
Excluding outliers 1,289 2.24 2.66 2.97

 

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Figure 11-3: Korbel Main density measurements

 

11.2.5 Estimation Parameters

 

Modelling grid and block model framework

 

Korbel mineralized domain interpretation and resource modelling utilized a local grid rotated 40o from NAD83 aligning drilling traverses and mineralization trends with local grid axes. The block model was back-rotated to NAD83 coordinates.

 

The Korbel modelling utilized 50 by 50 by 10 meter panels, which cover the full extents of the estimation dataset and are aligned with the mineralization trends and the general drilling grid. These dimensions were selected on the basis of sample spacing in central portions of the deposit. Informed panels are constrained by a long sectional polygon digitized around 120 meters below the base of drilling.

 

Indicator thresholds and class grades for MIK modelling

 

Table 11-3 lists the indicator thresholds and class mean grades used for the Korbel modelling with the upper bin median shown in brackets.

 

All bin grades were selected from the bin mean grade, with the exception of the upper bin grades which were selected on a case-by-case basis. For the Block C and Block D domains, the upper bin median was selected, and for the main domain, the upper bin grade was selected from the upper bin mean excluding composites of greater than 5 g/t, giving a grade of 2.275 g/t. This approach reduces the impact of small numbers of extreme gold grades on estimated resources and in Matrix’s experience is appropriate for MIK modelling of highly variable mineralization such as the Korbel Main deposit.

 

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Table 11-3: Korbel Main indicator thresholds and class mean grades

 

Percentile Main (Au g/t) Block D (Au g/t) Block C (Au g/t)
  Threshold Mean Threshold Mean Threshold Mean
10% 0.025 0.014 0.010 0.006 0.007 0.004
20% 0.044 0.035 0.019 0.015 0.017 0.011
30% 0.065 0.055 0.027 0.023 0.030 0.023
40% 0.088 0.076 0.038 0.033 0.061 0.049
50% 0.117 0.102 0.047 0.042 0.075 0.069
60% 0.154 0.134 0.059 0.053 0.111 0.096
70% 0.206 0.178 0.076 0.068 0.127 0.121
75% 0.242 0.223 0.088 0.082 0.167 0.155
80% 0.290 0.265 0.102 0.095 0.202 0.194
85% 0.356 0.320 0.123 0.114 0.233 0.224
90% 0.466 0.406 0.155 0.137 0.278 0.261
95% 0.684 0.561 0.218 0.186 0.534 0.377
97% 0.906 0.777 0.298 0.255 0.601 0.583
99% 1.480 1.122 0.493 0.403 0.657 0.655
100% 14.097 2.777 (2.035) 1.042 0.699 (0.657) 0.713 0.713 (0.713)

 

Variogram models

 

Variogram models used for the Korbel Main MIK modelling (Table 11-4) were modelled from the main mineralized domain composites. In addition to indicator variograms modelled at each threshold, modelled variograms include a variogram of composite gold grades for determination of variance adjustment factors. Spatial continuity observed in the variograms is consistent with geological interpretation and trends shown by composite gold grades, showing strongest continuity within a sub vertical dipping plane trending around 5o from the modelling grid Y axis.

 

Table 11-4: Korbel Main variogram models

 

Rotation relative to modelling grid: Z-5o, Y+90o
Percentile Nug. First Structure Second Structure Third Structure
    Exponential Spherical Spherical
    Sill Range (x,y,z) Sill Range (x,y,z) Sill Range (x,y,z)
10% 0.17 0.58 32,34,16 0.09 60,60,37 0.16 620,290,150
20% 0.16 0.52 31,39,19 0.09 38,66,36 0.23 600,350,140
30% 0.16 0.48 30,45,20 0.09 41,58,40 0.27 780,400,149
40% 0.17 0.45 26,48,20 0.09 47,54,40 0.29 915,400,149
50% 0.18 0.42 27,48,21 0.10 58,52,52 0.30 920,400,124
60% 0.19 0.42 31,62,22 0.08 62,50,44 0.31 930,420,124
70% 0.21 0.42 30,58,21 0.08 52,62,41 0.29 925,440,114
75% 0.23 0.43 33,58,17 0.09 76,90,39 0.25 930,495,124
80% 0.25 0.43 39,50,16 0.10 88,90,24 0.22 1000,495,124
85% 0.26 0.46 34,46,15 0.09 96,52,23 0.19 1000,445,114
90% 0.28 0.49 31,43,15 0.09 94,48,21 0.14 1000,250,110
95% 0.30 0.54 33,41,14 0.08 115,48,26 0.08 1000,195,105
97% 0.33 0.53 32,41,10 0.08 95,84,22 0.06 990,160,86
99% 0.36 0.54 30,39,10 0.08 43,88,22 0.02 135,150,86
Au g/t 0.23 0.56 6.0,7.0,4.0 0.07 115,64,43 0.14 990,200,116

 

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Search criteria

 

The five progressively relaxed search passes informing the Korbel Main resource estimates (Table 11-5) represent a compromise between providing reasonably robust local estimates and estimating a reasonably large proportion of the potentially mineralized volumes. The search criteria used for modelling were selected to inform a reasonably large proportion of the mineralized domains with some drill coverage while allowing blocks to be estimated by reasonably close data where possible.

 

Search pass 5 is particularly broad relative to apparent grade continuity, and estimates informed by this search are of low confidence. All search pass 5 estimates, which represent a small proportion of mineral resources are classified as Inferred and uncertainty over the reliability of these estimates does not affect general confidence in estimated resources.

 

Table 11-5: Korbel Main estimation search passes

 

Search Radii (m) Minimum Minimum Maximum
Pass (East, North, Vertical) Data Octants Data
1 60,60,25 16 4 48
2 120,120,50 16 4 48
3 120,120,50 8 2 48
4 240,240,50 8 2 48
5 360,360,75 8 2 48

 

Variance adjustment

 

The Korbel Main MIK estimates include a variance adjustment to give estimates of recoverable resources at gold cut off grades. The variance adjustments were applied using the direct lognormal method and panel to block and information effect factors of 0.121 and 0.647 respectively for a total adjustment of 0.078.The variance adjustment factors, were estimated on the basis of the gold grade variogram model in Table 11-4 and mining selectivity of 10 by 10 by 5 meters (cross strike, strike, vertical) with RC grade control sampling on a 10 by 20 by 3.05 meter pattern.

 

Bulk density assignment

 

The Korbel Main estimates include a density of 2.65 t/bcm for all material on the basis of the average of the available measurements.

 

11.2.6 Classification of the Estimates

 

In Matrix’s opinion, the available information does not define Korbel Main mineralization with sufficient confidence for estimation of Measured resources.

 

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The Korbel Main estimates were primarily classified as Indicated and Inferred by estimation search pass and a set of cross-sectional polygons outlining the extents of approximately 100 meter and closer spaced drilling including more some more broadly sampled areas to give a consistent distribution. Mineralized domain panels within the classification polygons informed by search passes 1 and 2 are classified as Indicated, and all other estimates are assigned to the Inferred category. To give a consistent distribution of model categories comparatively few panels initially classified as Inferred within areas of generally Indicated estimates were re-classified as Indicated, and rare isolated search pass 1 and 2 panels, within zones of Inferred panels, generally at depth were re-classified as Inferred.

 

The classification approach classifies estimates for mineralization tested by drilling spaced at around 100 meters, including more some more broadly sampled areas to give a consistent distribution as Indicated. Estimates for more broadly sampled mineralization, extrapolated up to around 120 meters from general drilling areas are classified as Inferred.

 

11.2.7 Plots of the Model Estimates

 

Figure 11-4 presents an example cross-section plot of the Korbel Main model estimates within the resource pit shell at 0.15 g/t cut off relative to the modelling domains and drill hole traces within 60 meters of the section line colored by composited gold grade. In this plot the model panels are scaled by the estimated recoverable proportion above 0.15 g/t cut off and colored by grade above cut-off. For presentation purposes the mineralized domains are truncated below the topography.

 

Figure 11-4 shows instances where model blocks appear to be un-correlated to the mineralized intercepts in the neighboring drill holes. This reflects the way the resource model blocks have been presented. The model blocks plotted are only those that contain an estimated resource above cut off and the proportion above cut off has been used to scale the dimension of the model block for presentation purposes. The scaling occurs about the model block centroid co-ordinate and therefore introduces the apparent mismatch between data and the resource model blocks.

 

Figure 11-4 demonstrates that although, as expected the model estimates are more smoothed than composite grades, they reflect trends shown by composite grades.

 

 

Section B: Section line shown in Figure 1

 

Figure 11-4: Korbel Main model estimates

 

11.3 Cathedral Resource Modelling

 

11.3.1 Compilation of Informing Data

 

The Cathedral resource estimates are based on drilling information available on the 31st of March 2023. Figure 11-5 shows hole traces relative to the plan view extents of the Cathedral mineralized domain and ten-meter DTM contours.

 

The Cathedral drilling comprises fans of variably spaced and oriented holes collared from two drill pads around 500 meters apart. The southern and northern drill pads are designated as “Pad 1” and “Pad 3” respectively. A single pre-Nova drill hole is collared around midway between these pads. Along strike spacing between drill hole mineralized intervals averages around 120 meters.

 

Collar coordinates for Nova’s Cathedral drill holes which represent hand-held GPS/GNSS measurements generally plot well below the DTM.

 

To provide a consistent basis for resource modelling, all drill hole collar elevations were adjusted to match the DTM. For use in resource modelling, two anomalous down-hole survey azimuth entries were modified giving a smoother hole trace.

 

Down-hole lengths of assayed sample intervals in the compiled database range from around 0.1 to 40 feet, inclusive of two samples from pre-Nova drilling of greater than 20 feet in length. The assayed drilling is dominated by samples of 10 feet (3.048 meters) in length which provide around 85% of assayed drilling, with longer samples providing only around 5% of the combined data.

 

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11.3.2 Modelling Domains

 

Cathedral MIK modelling incorporates two mineralized domains interpreted by Matrix, which capture continuous zones of composited drill sample gold assays of generally greater than 0.10 g/t. The domains, which trend north-south and dip towards the west at around 83o are designated as the West and East Domain respectively.

 

Mineralized domain boundaries were digitized on east-west sections with snapping to drill hole traces where appropriate, then wire framed into three dimensional solids. To ensure consistent coding of composites and model blocks the wire-framed domains extend from a constant elevation well above topography to below the base of drilling. The domains are extrapolated along strike to around 120 meters from drilling.

 

West Domain, which contributes the majority of estimated resources is interpreted over around 780 meters of strike with horizontal widths ranging from around 200 to 480 meters and averaging around 340 meters.

 

East Domain, which captures comparatively lower average drill hole gold grades trends over around 420 meters of strike with horizontal widths ranging from around 40 to 180 meters and averaging around 110 meters.

 

Figure 11-5 shows a plan view of the mineralized domain outcrop relative to drill hole traces and Figure 11-6 presents example sections of the mineralized domains relative to drill hole traces and rock chip samples colored by gold grade. These sections show the modelling domains and topography at the section lines, and drill hole traces within 50 meters either side of the section line with the mineralized domain wire-frames trimmed below the DTM. The plots in Figure 11-6 demonstrate that rock chip assays include significantly mineralized gold grades, supporting the interpretation that mineralization extends to surface. Nova report that geological observations show altered and mineralized rocks at surface and provide additional support to this interpretation.

 

 

Figure 11-5: Cathedral mineralized domain outcrop and drill hole traces

 

 
Section A Section B
Section C
Section lines shown in Figure 11-5

 

Figure 11-6: Cathedral modelling domains and drill hole trace section views

 

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11.3.3 Composite Estimation Dataset

 

The Cathedral estimates are based on 3.048 meter (10 foot) down-hole composited gold assay grades from diamond drilling within the mineralized domain wire-frames. The selected composite length represents the common sample length. Comparatively rare un-assayed intervals were assigned gold grades of zero.

 

Table 11-6 presents summary statistics for the Cathedral estimation dataset subdivided by mineralized domain. This table shows that with a mean gold grade of 0.13 g/t, and maximum value of 0.31 g/t, the tenor of gold grades for East Domain is notably lower than for West Domain.

 

Table 11-6: Cathedral composite estimation dataset statistics

 

(Au g/t) West East All
  Domain Domain  
Number 1,247 98 1,345
Mean 0.220 0.134 0.214
Variance 0.044 0.004 0.041
Coefficient of variation 0.951 0.460 0.952
Minimum 0.000 0.023 0.000
1st Quartile 0.089 0.083 0.089
Median 0.164 0.129 0.159
3rd Quartile 0.278 0.170 0.268
Maximum 2.720 0.309 2.720

 

11.3.4 Bulk Density Measurements

 

Table 11-7 summarizes Cathedral density measurements by modeling domain and Figure 11-7 shows a histogram of density measurements and a scatter plot comparing density measurements with gold assay grades. This table and figure demonstrate that the density measurements show comparatively little variability and no notable association with gold grade.

 

Table 11-7: Cathedral density measurements

 

Zone Number Density (t/bcm)
    Minimum Average Maximum
Background 17 2.59 2.66 2.72
Mineralized Domain West 80 2.51 2.64 2.72
East 8 2.64 2.66 2.67
Combined 88 2.51 2.65 2.72
Total 105 2.51 2.65 2.72

 

 

 

 

 

 

Figure 11-7: Cathedral density measurements

 

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11.3.5

Estimation Parameters

 

Modelling grid and block model framework

 

Cathedral MIK modelling utilized 50 by 100 by 40-meter (East, North, Vertical) panels, which cover the full extents of the estimation dataset. These dimensions were selected on the basis of sample spacing in central portions of the deposit.

 

Indicator thresholds and class grades for MIK modelling

 

Table 11-8 lists the indicator thresholds and class mean grades for each Cathedral modeling domain, with the upper bin median shown in brackets.

 

All bin grades used for MIK modelling were selected from bin mean grades, with the exception of the West Domain upper bin which was selected from the bin median grade. This approach reduces the impact of small numbers of extreme gold grades on estimated resources and in Matrix’s experience is appropriate for MIK modelling of highly variable mineralization such as the Cathedral deposit.

 

Table 11-8: Cathedral indicator thresholds and class mean grades

 

Percentile West Domain (Au g/t) East Domain (Au g/t)
  Threshold Mean Threshold Mean
10% 0.052 0.033 0.059 0.048
20% 0.079 0.064 0.077 0.070
30% 0.102 0.090 0.087 0.083
40% 0.134 0.118 0.105 0.096
50% 0.164 0.148 0.129 0.118
60% 0.199 0.182 0.144 0.138
70% 0.247 0.223 0.162 0.152
75% 0.278 0.264 0.170 0.168
80% 0.316 0.297 0.185 0.178
85% 0.377 0.343 0.196 0.192
90% 0.465 0.418 0.205 0.201
95% 0.592 0.523 0.239 0.228
97% 0.682 0.628 0.275 0.266
99% 0.874 0.762 0.291 0.290
100% 2.720 1.352 (1.07) 0.309 0.309 (0.309)

 

Variogram models

 

The available Cathedral drilling does not represent a systematic, regular grid and provides too few regularly gridded composites for reliable variogram modelling.

 

Variogram models used for Cathedral MIK modelling were derived from those used for modelling of the Korbel Main deposit rotated to reflect interpreted Cathedral mineralization trends. This approach reflects the comparatively early stage of assessment of Cathedral and the broad spaced drilling available for this deposit. The spatial continuity reflected by the variogram models is consistent with geological interpretation and the steeply west dipping trends shown by composite gold grades.

 

Search criteria

 

The three progressively relaxed search passes adopted for the Cathedral modelling (Table 11-9) were selected to inform a reasonably large proportion of the mineralized domains with some drill coverage while allowing blocks to be estimated by reasonably close data where possible.

 

Table 11-9: Cathedral estimation search passes

 

Search Radii (m) Minimum Minimum Maximum
Pass (East, North, Vertical) Data Octants Data
1 50,180,180 12 4 48
2 100,360,360 12 4 48
3 100,360,360 6 2 48

 

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Variance adjustment

 

The Cathedral MIK estimates include a variance adjustment to give estimates of recoverable resources at gold cut off grades. The variance adjustments were applied using the direct lognormal method and panel to block and information effect factors of 0.121 and 0.647 respectively for a total adjustment of 0.078.The variance adjustment factors, were estimated on the basis of the gold grade variogram model and mining selectivity of 10 by 10 by 5 meters (cross strike, strike, vertical) with RC grade control sampling on a 10 by 20 by 3.05 meter pattern.

 

Bulk density assignment

 

The Cathedral estimates include a density of 2.65 t/bcm for all material on the basis of the average of the available measurements for the deposit.

 

11.3.6 Classification of the Estimates

 

In Matrix’s opinion, the available broadly and irregularly spaced drilling does not define Cathedral mineralization with sufficient confidence for estimation of Measured or Indicated resources. All resources estimated for the deposit are classified as Inferred.

 

11.3.7 Plots of Model Estimates

 

Figure 11-8 presents an example cross-section plot of the Cathedral model estimates within the resource pit shell at 0.15 g/t cut off relative to modelling domains and drill hole traces within 75 meters of the section line colored by composited gold grade. In this plot the model panels are scaled by the estimated recoverable proportion above the nominated cut off and colored by grade above cut-off. For presentation purposes the mineralized domains are truncated below the topography.

 

Figure 11-8 shows instances where model blocks appear to be un-correlated to the mineralized intercepts in the neighboring drill holes. This reflects the way the resource model blocks have been presented. The model blocks plotted are only those that contain an estimated resource above cut off and the proportion above cut off has been used to scale the dimension of the model block for presentation purposes. The scaling occurs about the model block centroid co-ordinate and therefore introduces the apparent mismatch between data and the resource model blocks.

 

Figure 11-8 demonstrates that although, as expected the model estimates are more smoothed than composite grades, they reflect trends shown by composite grades.

 

 

 

6,874,050 mN

 

Figure 11-8: Cathedral model estimates

 

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11.4 RPM Resource Modelling

 

11.4.1 Compilation of Informing Data

 

The RPM resource estimates are based on drilling information available on the 31st of March 2023. Figure 11-9 shows drill traces colored by composited gold grade relative to mineralized domain outcrop, 20-meter DTM meter contours and the resource pit crest.

 

Figure 11-9 demonstrates that RPM North drilling comprises variably oriented fans of holes drilled from three drill pads with between 3 and 21 holes drilled from each pad. This configuration provides variably spaced drilling, with the 21 holes from the easternmost drill pad giving closely spaced, clustered sampling of less than 20 meters spacing in a zone of high gold grades increasing to around 120 meters and broader spaced sampling in peripheral areas including the southern modelling domain. RPM North drilling includes steeply dipping and easterly inclined drill holes which intersect interpreted mineralization trends at high angles.

 

Figure 11-9 demonstrates that RPM South drilling comprises a fan of eight variably oriented drill holes collared from one drill pad giving drill spacings broadening from closely spaced proximal the drill pad to 120 meters and broader in peripheral areas.

 

Down-hole lengths of assayed RPM drill samples range from around 0.1 to 18 samples of 10 feet (3.048 meters) in length providing around 83% of assayed drilling and longer samples providing only around 4%.

 

RPM drill collars coordinates were surveyed by Trimble R1 or CHC LT500 GNSS survey tools, or hand-held GPS units. With the exception of collar coordinates for two drill holes with CHC LT500 and hand-held GPS surveys respectively, the supplied coordinates plot around 12 meters below the DTM. To provide a consistent basis for resource modelling, Matrix lowered the supplied DTM by 12 meters, and reduced the elevations of two drill holes which match the original DTM by 12 meters.

 

For use in resource modelling, one down-hole survey entry was modified for this hole giving a smoother hole trace.

 

 

Figure 11-9: RPM mineralized domain outcrop and drill hole traces

 

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11.4.2 Modelling Domains

 

Modelling of the RPM North and South deposits incorporated mineralized domains interpreted by Matrix which capture composites with gold grades of generally greater than 0.1 g/t and delineate zones within which the tenor and spatial trends of mineralization are similar. Available information suggests the mineralization shows no significant surficial weathering or oxidation and the modelling did not include surfaces representing oxidation, weathering or overburden.

 

To ensure consistent coding of composites and model blocks the wire-framed domains extend between constant elevations well above topography and well below the base of drilling respectively. The domains are extrapolated along strike to around 120 meters from drilling.

 

Figure 11-9 shows drill traces colored by composited gold grade relative to mineralized domain outcrop and Figure 11-10 presents example sections of the modelling domains relative to hole traces colored by composite gold grades. The sections in Figure 11-10 show the domains and topography at the section lines, and drill hole traces within 30 meters either side of the section line with the mineralized domain wire-frames were trimmed below topography.

 

RPM North

 

RPM North modelling utilized three, subvertical east-west trending mineralized domains comprising a southern domain of comparatively lower gold grades, and a northern domain with an internal core of notably higher composite gold grades.

 

The northern domain is interpreted over around 550 meters of strike with an average width of around 75 meters, encompassing the high-grade core domain which comprises an ovoid shaped zone around 130 by 60 meters in plan extending to around 250 meters depth. The southern domain trends over around 600 meters of strike averaging approximately 120 meters thick.

 

A significant proportion of RPM North drilling intersects interpreted mineralization trends at high-angles with some drill holes appearing to locally pass in and out of mineralized domains, creating difficulties in domain interpretation.

 

The North Low Grade and High Grade domains were constructed from polygons digitized at 10-meter spaced plan views which were projected vertically over the ten meters represented by each polygon to create closed three-dimensional solids.

 

For the south mineralized domain, interpreted domain boundaries were digitized on southwest-northeast trending sections aligned with the general drilling traverses with snapping to drill hole traces where appropriate, then wire-framed into three dimensional solid.

 

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RPM South

 

RPM South modeling included an east-west trending steeply southerly dipping to vertical mineralized domain interpreted over around 360 meters of strike with an average width of around 170 meters. Interpreted domain boundaries were digitized on southwest-northeast trending sections aligned with the general drilling traverses with snapping to drill hole traces where appropriate, then wire-framed into three dimensional solid.

 

 

 

RPM North 501,950 mE RPM South 502,220 mE

 

Figure 11-10: RPM modelling domains and drill hole trace section views

 

11.4.3

Composite Estimation Dataset

 

The RPM MIK modelling utilized 3.048 meter (10 foot) down-hole composited gold assay grades from diamond drilling coded by the mineralized domain wire-frames. This composite length represents the common sample length. Un-assayed intervals were assigned gold grades of zero.

 

The RPM North estimation dataset comprises 3,336 composites with gold grades ranging from 0.0004 to 79.15 g/t and averaging 0.82 g/t. The RPM South dataset comprises 870 composites with gold grades ranging from 0.003 to 6.26 g/t and averaging 0.40 g/t.

 

Table 11-10 presents summary statistics for the dataset by mineralized domain. Notable features shown by this table include the following:

 

  At 0.02 and 0.06 g/t respectively the mean gold grade for RPM North and RPM South background domain composites is notably lower than for the mineralized domains, demonstrating that the domaining has effectively assigned most mineralized composites into the mineralized domains.

 

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  At 2.68 g/t, the average grade of the North High-Grade domain is notably higher than the other mineralized domains.

 

  Coefficients of variation are moderately high to high for the mineralized domain composites reflecting the variable nature of the gold grades and demonstrating that MIK is an appropriate estimation technique.

 

Table 11-10: RPM composite estimation dataset statistics

 

(Au g/t) RPM North RPM South
  Background South North North Background Mineralized
      Low Grade High Grade   Domain
Number 872 546 1,023 895 49 821
Mean 0.02 0.27 0.17 2.68 0.06 0.42
Variance 0.00 0.38 0.04 56.0 0.00 0.22
Coefficient of variation 1.22 2.28 1.12 2.79 0.78 1.13
Minimum 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.02
1st Quartile 0.00 0.04 0.06 0.22 0.03 0.16
Median 0.01 0.08 0.11 0.46 0.04 0.30
3rd Quartile 0.02 0.22 0.21 1.33 0.06 0.51
Maximum 0.19 5.49 1.97 79.15 0.24 6.26

 

11.4.4 Bulk Density Measurements

 

Table 11-11 summarizes RPM density measurements by modeling domain and Figure 11-11 shows a histogram of density measurements and a scatter plot comparing density measurements with gold assay grades for mineralized domain density, which, for presentation clarity is truncated at 6.0 g/t excluding two high gold grade samples. Table 11-11 and Figure 11-11 figure exclude four outlier measurements of less than 2.2 or greater than 2.9 t/bcm and demonstrate that mineralized domain density measurements show comparatively little variability and no notable association with gold grade.

 

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Table 11-11: RPM density measurements

 

Zone Modelling Domain Number Density (t/bcm)
      Minimum Average Maximum
North Background 75 2.48 2.73 2.85
Mineralized Domains South 39 2.58 2.68 2.78
North Low Grade 64 2.34 2.68 2.80
North High Grade 63 2.36 2.66 2.76
Subtotal 166 2.34 2.68 2.80
South Background 4 2.64 2.70 2.74
Mineralized Domains 60 2.50 2.67 2.83
Combined Background 79 2.48 2.73 2.85
Mineralized domains 226 2.34 2.67 2.80
Total 305 2.34 2.69 2.85

 

 

 

 

Figure 11-11: RPM density measurements

 

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11.4.5 Estimation Parameters

 

Block model frameworks

 

The RPM North and South MIK modelling utilized block models with panels selected on the basis of drill hole spacing for central portions of each deposit. Informed panels are constrained by a long sectional polygon digitized around 120 meters below the base of drilling.

 

RPM North modelling utilized 20 by 10 by 10-meter (East, North, Vertical) panels reflecting drill spacing in closely drilled portions of the deposit. These dimensions are notably smaller than hole spacing for the broadly drilled zones representing much of the modelled volume. A comparative model with panels more consistent with general drill spacing (40 by 20 by 20 meters) gave similar estimates to the primary model, supporting the use of the comparatively small panels in the modelling.

 

RPM South modelling utilized panels of dimensions 60 by 30 by 15 meters (East, North, Vertical).

 

Indicator thresholds and class grades for MIK modelling

 

Table 11-12 lists the indicator thresholds and class mean grades for the RPM modeling domains, with upper bin medians shown in brackets. All bin grades were selected from the bin mean grade, with the exception of upper bin grades which were selected on a case-by-case basis as follows:

 

  RPM North South Domain: Upper Bin threshold (3.612 g/t)

 

  RPM North Low Grade: Upper bin mean excluding one high grade outlier grade composite (4.11 g/t).

 

  RPM North High Grade: Upper bin threshold (37.223 g/t).

 

  RPM South mineralized domain: Upper bin median (3.362 g/t).

 

This approach reduces the impact of small numbers of extreme gold grades on estimated resources and in Matrix’s experience is appropriate for MIK modelling of highly variable mineralization such as RPM.

 

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Table 11-12: RPM indicator thresholds and class mean grades

 

Percentile RPM North RPM North RPM North RPM South
  South Domain (Au g/t) North LG (Au g/t) North HG (Au g/t) Min. domain (Au g/t)
  Threshold Mean Threshold Mean Threshold Mean Threshold Mean
10% 0.017 0.011 0.029 0.018 0.118 0.078 0.101 0.070
20% 0.029 0.023 0.048 0.040 0.189 0.158 0.146 0.123
30% 0.043 0.036 0.066 0.059 0.262 0.225 0.187 0.165
40% 0.060 0.051 0.086 0.076 0.356 0.307 0.243 0.214
50% 0.081 0.070 0.111 0.099 0.459 0.405 0.296 0.269
60% 0.113 0.095 0.139 0.124 0.637 0.543 0.358 0.328
70% 0.177 0.142 0.185 0.163 1.024 0.803 0.456 0.408
75% 0.215 0.195 0.212 0.198 1.328 1.164 0.508 0.483
80% 0.253 0.236 0.247 0.230 1.807 1.571 0.570 0.536
85% 0.376 0.318 0.308 0.274 2.688 2.227 0.661 0.620
90% 0.523 0.446 0.395 0.356 5.118 3.741 0.806 0.730
95% 1.150 0.747 0.535 0.446 13.644 8.809 1.024 0.913
97% 1.812 1.562 0.675 0.588 23.173 19.290 1.437 1.192
99% 3.612 2.582 0.961 0.801 37.223 30.838 2.094 1.593
100% 5.485 4.338 1.973 1.235 79.154 53.919 6.255 3.593
    4.457   1.124   49.440   3.362

 

Variogram models

 

RPM MIK modelling utilized variograms modelled from composites from the combined northern RPM North domains (Table 11-13). In addition to indicator variograms modelled at each threshold, modelled variograms include a variogram of composite gold grades for determination of variance adjustment factors. Drilling available for the other mineralized domains provides too few regularly gridded and closely spaced data for reliable variogram modelling.

 

Spatial continuity observed in the variogram models is consistent with geological interpretation and trends shown by composite gold grades, showing strongest continuity within a sub vertical, east-west trending plane.

 

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Table 11-13: RPM variogram models

 

Percentile Nug. First Structure Second Structure Third Structure
    Exponential Spherical Spherical
    Sill Range (x,y,z) Sill Range (x,y,z) Sill Range (x,y,z)
10% 0.13 0.50 7.5,6.5,8.5 0.22 10,9.5,9 0.15 24,24,32
20% 0.12 0.44 11,7.5,8.0 0.24 12,10,12 0.20 32,25,45
30% 0.11 0.41 18,14,15 0.22 25,32,32 0.26 48,35,110
40% 0.11 0.41 18,14,15 0.22 25,35,32 0.26 48,32,110
50% 0.12 0.40 18,8.5,22 0.22 26,30,36 0.26 64,30,115
60% 0.13 0.39 22,9,32 0.22 33,30,48 0.26 70,31,125
70% 0.14 0.38 20,12,34 0.22 33,35,50 0.26 86,35,140
75% 0.15 0.37 15,12,32 0.22 17,15,56 0.26 90,36,150
80% 0.16 0.44 10,9.0,34 0.17 17,11,66 0.23 59,38,150
85% 0.17 0.45 10,8.5,20 0.17 17,9.5,76 0.21 41,21,150
90% 0.18 0.43 9.0,8.0,14 0.17 16,9.5,105 0.22 40,16,180
95% 0.20 0.57 8.0,7.0,8.5 0.14 13,8.5,89 0.09 35,14,190
97% 0.22 0.57 7.5,6.0,7.5 0.11 11,7.0,38 0.10 29,12,50
99% 0.26 0.55 7.5,4.0,7.0 0.09 11,5.0,14 0.10 13,6.0,26
Au g/t 0.18 0.49 9.0,5.0,13 0.17 13,22,68 0.16 44,25,230

 

Search criteria

 

Search passes informing the RPM resource estimates (Table 11-14) represent a compromise between providing reasonably robust local estimates and estimating a reasonably large proportion of potentially mineralized volumes. These criteria were selected to inform a reasonably large proportion of the mineralized domains with some drill coverage while allowing blocks to be estimated by reasonably close data where possible. The variability in search criteria between deposits reflects the differences in drill spacing.

 

RPM North Measured resources are informed by Search Pass 1 and 2 panels, with Indicated estimates primarily informed by Search Pass 2. Search Pass 4 panels inform only Inferred resources and represent a relatively small proportions of the combined estimates.

 

Table 11-14: RPM estimation search passes

 

Deposit Search Radii (m) Minimum Minimum Maximum
  Pass (East, North, Vertical) Data Octants Data

RPM

North

1 25,10,25 16 4 48
2 50,20,50 16 4 48
3 50,20,50 8 2 48
4 100,40,100 8 2 48

RPM

North

1 60,30,60 16 4 48
2 120,60,120 16 4 48
3 120,60,120 8 2 48
4 120,60,120 4 1 48

 

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Variance adjustment

 

The RPM MIK estimates include a variance adjustment to give estimates of recoverable resources at gold cut off grades. The variance adjustments were applied using the direct lognormal method and panel to block and information effect factors of 0.168 and 0.344 respectively for a total adjustment of 0.058.The variance adjustment factors, were estimated on the basis of the gold grade variogram model in Table 14 and mining selectivity of 10 by 5 by 5 meters (cross strike, strike, vertical) with RC grade control sampling on a 10 by 8 by 3.05 meter pattern.

 

Bulk density assignment

 

The RPM estimates include a density of 2.65 t/bcm for all material on the basis of the average of the available measurements.

 

11.4.6 Classification of the Estimates

 

Estimates for the RPM North deposit are classified as Measured, Indicated and Inferred utilizing a set of plan-view polygons outlining areas of relatively consistent drill spacing. These polygons classify estimates tested by drilling spaced to around 25 meters and 50 meters respectively as Measured and Indicated and estimates for more broadly sampled mineralization extrapolated to around 120 meters from drilling as Inferred.

 

In Matrix’s opinion, the available information does not define RPM South mineralization with sufficient confidence for estimation of Measured or Indicated resources. All RPM South resources estimated are classified as Inferred.

 

11.4.7 Plots of the Model Estimates

 

Figure 11-12 presents example cross-section plots of the RPM model estimates within the resource pit shell at 0.20 g/t cut off relative to modelling domains and drill hole traces within 30 meters of the section lines colored by composited gold grade. In this plot the model panels are scaled by the estimated recoverable proportion above the nominated cut off and colored by grade above cut-off. For presentation purposes the mineralized domains are truncated below the topography.

 

Figure 11-12 shows instances where model blocks appear to be un-correlated to the mineralized intercepts in the neighboring drill holes. This reflects the way the resource model blocks have been presented. The model blocks plotted are only those that contain an estimated resource above cut off and the proportion above cut off has been used to scale the dimension of the model block for presentation purposes. The scaling occurs about the model block centroid co-ordinate and therefore introduces the apparent mismatch between data and the resource model blocks.

 

Figure 11-12 demonstrates that although, as expected the model estimates are more smoothed than composite grades, they reflect trends shown by composite grades.

 

RPM North: 501,950 mE
RPM South: 502,190 mE

 

Figure 11-12: RPM Plots of model estimates

 

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11.5

Mineral Resource Estimates

 

11.5.1 Establish Reasonable Prospects of Economic Extraction

 

To provide estimates with reasonable prospects for economic extraction, the Estelle mineral resources are reported within optimized pit shells generated from parameters supplied by Nova. These parameters reflecting Nova’s review of comparable operations in the general area and available metallurgical and processing test work described in the relevant sections of this report. The optimization parameters reflect a conventional truck and shovel large-scale open pit operation with the cost and revenue parameters detailed in Table 11-15. The pit optimizations represent an initial assessment as defined by SK-1300.

 

The gold price is $2,000 per ounce, which is reasonable based on prices at the time of this initial assessment. It reflects the monthly average gold price reported by the World Gold Council (World Gold Council, 2023) for December 2023 of $2,029 per ounce, with rounding.

 

In Matrix’s opinion and experience the parameters used for establishing the reasonable prospects of economic extraction of the mineral resources are appropriate for the Estelle deposits.

 

In assessment of the technical and economic factors likely to influence the prospect of economic extraction to establish economic potential, Matrix’s considerations included the following:

 

  Site infrastructure:

 

  Mine design:

 

  Processing plant:

 

  Environmental compliance and permitting:

 

  Other reasonably assumed technical and economic factors, including plans, negotiations, or agreements with local individuals or groups, are necessary to demonstrate reasonable prospects for economic extraction.

 

As outlined in the preceding bullet points, Matrix considers that it is reasonable to believe that all issues associated with the relevant technical and economic factors likely to influence the prospect of economic extraction of the Estelle mineral resources can be resolved with further exploration and analysis.

 

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Table 11-15: Resource pit shell cut-off grade parameters

 

Gold Price $2,000/ oz
  Korbel Main and RPM North and
  Cathedral South
Wall angles 50o 50o
Mining cost per tonne mined $1.65/t $1.65/t
Processing Sorter recovery 86.10% -
  Processing recovery 88.20% 88.20%
  Overall recovery 75.94% 88.20%
Processing costs per tonne processed Sorter $0.73/t -
  Process $4.50/t $9.80/t
  G&A $1.30/t $1.30/t
  Subtotal $6.53/t $11.10/t
Royalty (applied to recover ounces) 5% 5%

 

The $2,000/oz pit shell constraining Korbel mineral resources (Figure 11-1, Figure 11-4) extends over around 2.3 kilometers of strike with an average width of around 600 meters, and a maximum vertical depth below surface of approximately 430 meters.

 

The $2,000/oz pit shell constraining Cathedral mineral resources (Figure 11-5,Figure 11-8) extends over approximately 1.2 kilometers north-south by up to approximately 820 meters east-west, with a maximum vertical depth below surface of approximately 520 meters.

 

The RPM $2,000/oz resource pit shell encompasses the RPM North and South mineral resources (Figure 11-9,Figure 11-12). In the RPM North area, it covers an area around 840 meters east -west by 700 meters north-south and reaches a maximum vertical depth below topography of approximately 340 meters. In the RPM South area, it covers an area around 450 meters east-west by 480 meters north-south and reaches a maximum vertical depth below topography of approximately 250 meters.

 

The Qualified Person calculated the marginal cut-off grades selected for reporting mineral resources from the pit optimization parameters provided by Nova (Table 11-16).

 

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Table 11-16: Cut-off grade calculation

 

Cut-off grade formula
Cut off (g/t) = Combined Processing Cost + Difference between ore and waste mining cost
(Realised Gold Price ($/g) x Combined Metallurgical Recovery)
Korbel Main and Cathedral cut-off grade calculation
Parameters Gold Price ($/g) = $2000/31.103477 =$64.301/gram
Realised Gold Price ($/g) = = Gold Price ($/g) x (1-Royalty (%))
  = 64.301 x (1-0.05)
  = 61.086 $/gram
Combined Processing Cost ($/ore tonne) =Sorter Cost + Processing Cost + G&A Cost
  =$0.73 +$4.50+$1.30
  = $6.53/t
Difference between ore and waste mining cost ($/t) =$0.00/t
Combined Metallurgical Recovery =0.7594
Calculated cut off (g/t) = (6.53+0.00) / (61.086 x 0.7594)
  =0.141 g/t
Rounded cut off (g/t) = 0.15 g/t
 
RPM cut-off grade calculation
Parameters Gold Price ($/g) = $2000/31.103477 =$64.301/gram
Realised Gold Price ($/g) = = Gold Price ($/g) x (1-Royalty (%))
  = 64.301 x (1-0.05)
  = 61.086 $/gram
Combined Processing Cost ($/ore tonne) = Processing Cost + G&A Cost
  =$9.80+$1.30
  = $11.10/t
Difference between ore and waste mining cost ($/t) =$0.00/t
Combined Metallurgical Recovery =0.8820
Calculated cut off (g/t) = (11.10+0.00) / (61.086 x 0.8820)
  =0.206 g/t
Rounded cut off (g/t) = 0.20 g/t
       

11.5.2 Mineral Resource Estimates

 

Table 11-17 presents the Estelle mineral resource estimates. These estimates represent the MIK model estimates constrained within the $2,000/oz optimal pit shells at cut-off grades derived from the optimization parameters with minor rounding.

 

Table 11-18 present the 85% of mineral resources that is attributable to Nova’s ownership share of the Estelle Gold Project. These figures are derived from the model estimates within the $2,000/oz optimal pit shells at the relevant cut-off grades with tonnages multiplied by 0.85 and appropriate rounding as described in the table notes.

 

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The Mineral Resource estimates are based on drill data up to March 31, 2023 and have an effective date of the January 31, 2024.

 

The figures in Table 11-17 and Table 11-18 are rounded to reflect the precision of the estimates and include rounding errors.

 

Table 11-17: Mineral Resource Estimate for total Estelle Gold Project (January 31, 2024)

 

    Measured Indicated Measured + Indicated Inferred Total
Deposit Cutoff Tonnes Grade Au Tonnes Grade Au Tonnes Grade Au Tonnes Grade Au Tonnes Grade Au
    MT Au g/t Moz MT Au g/t Moz MT Au g/t Moz MT Au g/t Moz MT Au g/t Moz
RPM North 0.20 1.4 4.1 0.18 3.0 1.6 0.15 4.4 2.4 0.33 23 0.60 0.45 28 0.88 0.78
RPM South 0.20                   23 0.47 0.35 23 0.47 0.35
Total RPM   1.4 4.1 0.18 3.0 1.6 0.15 4.4 2.4 0.33 46 0.54 0.80 51 0.70 1.13
Korbel Main 0.15       240 0.31 2.39 240 0.31 2.39 35 0.27 0.30 275 0.30 2.70
Cathedral 0.15                   150 0.28 1.35 150 0.28 1.35
Total Korbel         240 0.31 2.39 240 0.31 2.39 185 0.28 1.65 425 0.30 4.05
Total Estelle Gold Project   1.4 4.1 0.18 243 0.33 2.54 244 0.35 2.72 231 0.33 2.45 476 0.34 5.17

 

Table 11-18: Mineral Resource estimate for Nova’s 85% attributable interest in the Estelle Gold Project (January 31, 2024)

 

    Measured Indicated Measured + Indicated Inferred Total
Deposit Cutoff Tonnes Grade Au Tonnes Grade Au Tonnes Grade Au Tonnes Grade Au Tonnes Grade Au
    MT Au g/t Moz MT Au g/t Moz MT Au g/t Moz MT Au g/t Moz MT Au g/t Moz
RPM North 0.20 1.2 4.1 0.16 2.6 1.6 0.13 3.7 2.4 0.29 20 0.60 0.39 24 0.89 0.68
RPM South 0.20                   20 0.47 0.30 20 0.47 0.30
Total RPM   1.2 4.1 0.16 2.6 1.6 0.13 3.7 2.4 0.29 40 0.54 0.69 44 0.70 0.98
Korbel Main 0.15       210 0.31 2.09 210 0.31 2.09 30 0.27 0.26 240 0.31 2.35
Cathedral 0.15                   120 0.28 1.08 120 0.28 1.08
Total Korbel         210 0.31 2.09 210 0.31 2.09 150 0.28 1.34 360 0.30 3.43
Total Estelle Gold Project   1.2 4.1 0.16 213 0.33 2.22 214 0.35 2.38 190 0.33 2.03 404 0.34 4.41

 

Notes to Tables 11-17 and 11-18:

 

1. A mineral resource is defined as a concentration or occurrence of material of economic interest in or on the Earth’s crust in such form, grade or quality, and quantity, that there are reasonable prospects for economic extraction.

 

2.The mineral resource applies a reasonable prospect of economic extraction with the following assumptions:

 

  Gold price of US$2,000/oz
  5% royalty on recovered ounces
  Pit slope angle of 50o
  Mining cost of US$1.65/t
  Processing cost for RPM US$9.80/t and Korbel US$5.23/t (inclusive of ore sorting for Korbel)
  Combined processing recoveries of 88.20% for RPM and 75.94% for Korbel
  General and Administrative Cost of US$1.30/t
  Tonnages and grades are rounded to two significant figures and ounces are rounded to 1000 ounces. Rounding errors are apparent.

 

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11.6 Mineral Resource Sensitivity Analysis

 

Table 11-19 presents the resource model estimates reported within optimal pit shells generated using the parameters used to generate the resource pit shells, with gold prices of $1,800/oz and $2,200 respectively. These figures, which are rounded to reflect the precision of estimates and include rounding errors provide an indication of the sensitivity of mineral resource estimates to gold price. They are based on the resource models reported within optimal pit shells generated at the specified gold prices, at marginal cut off grades calculated at the relevant gold price.

 

Table 11-19: Mineral resource sensitivity to gold price

 

$1,800/oz
Deposit, Measured Indicated Measured + Indicated Inferred Total
cut off Au g/t Mt Au Au Mt Au Au Mt Au Au Mt Au Au Mt Au Au
    g/t Moz   g/t Moz   g/t Moz   g/t Moz   g/t Moz
RPM North 0.23 g/t 1.4 4.2 0.19 2.6 1.9 0.16 4 2.7 0.35 19 0.6 0.37 23 0.96 0.72
RPM South 0.23 g/t                   21 0.48 0.32 21 0.48 0.32
Total RPM 1.4 4.2 0.19 2.6 1.9 0.16 4 2.7 0.35 40 0.54 0.69 44 0.73 1.04
Korbel Main 0.16 g/t       200 0.32 2.06 200 0.32 2.06 12 0.29 0.11 212 0.32 2.17
Cathedral 0.16 g/t       - - -       120 0.29 1.12 120 0.29 1.12
Total Korbel       200 0.32 2.06 200 0.32 2.06 132 0.29 1.23 332 0.31 3.29
Total Estelle Gold Project 1.4 4.1 0.19 203 0.34 2.22 204 0.37 2.41 172 0.35 1.93 376 0.36 4.33
$2200/oz
Deposit, Measured Indicated Measured + Indicated Inferred Total
cut off Au g/t Mt Au Au Mt Au Au Mt Au Au Mt Au Au Mt Au Au
    g/t Moz   g/t Moz   g/t Moz   g/t Moz   g/t Moz
RPM North 0.19 g/t 1.4 4.1 0.18 3.2 1.6 0.16 5 2.4 0.34 25 0.6 0.47 29 0.88 0.81
RPM South 0.19 g/t                   25 0.45 0.36 25 0.45 0.36
Total RPM 1.4 4.1 0.18 3.2 1.6 0.16 4.6 2.4 0.34 50 0.52 0.83 54 0.68 1.17
Korbel Main 0.13 g/t       330 0.28 2.97 330 0.28 2.97 140 0.24 1.08 470 0.27 4.05
Cathedral 0.13 g/t                   180 0.27 1.56 180 0.27 1.56
Total Korbel       330 0.28 2.97 330 0.28 2.97 320 0.26 2.64 650 0.27 5.61
Total Estelle Gold Project 1.4 4.12 0.18 333 0.29 3.13 334 0.31 3.31 370 0.29 3.48 704 0.3 6.79

 

Note: Sensitivity analysis is on 100% of mineral resource estimate.

 

11.7 QP Statement

 

The QP for this section is of the opinion that the resource estimates and resource classifications reported herein are a reasonable representation of the gold mineral resources for the Korbel Main, Cathedral, RPM North, and RPM South deposits and the TRS provides justification that the mineral resources have reasonable prospects of economic extraction.

 

The QP is of the opinion that with consideration of the recommendations summarized below and throughout this report, any issues relating to all relevant technical and economic factors likely to influence the prospect of economic extraction can be resolved with further work.

 

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The Mineral Resource Estimates may be materially affected if technical factors change, including mining, metallurgical, or infrastructure, from those currently anticipated for the Estelle Gold Project. Although the QP has a reasonable expectation that the majority of the inferred resources could be upgraded to indicated resources through further drilling programs, it should not be assumed that all or any part of an inferred resource will necessarily be converted to measured or indicated resource categories.

 

The QP recommends that Nova undertake infill drilling at all of the Estelle deposits with the aim of increasing confidence in estimated resources and increasing the proportion of resources classified as Measured and Indicated.

 

12. Mineral Reserve Estimates

 

No mineral reserves are reported for this SK-1300 Initial Assessment Technical Report Summary.

 

13. Mining Methods

 

The open pit optimization assumptions are based on the conventional truck and shovel mining method. The pit shells used for resource estimation are based on a 50o overall slope angle. Conceptual production rates range from 35 to 40 Mt/year.

 

The resource models utilized in the pit optimization studies were produced by Matrix. Input parameters containing processing, operating, fixed and mining costs and recovery were arrived at in consultation with Nova, which included base economic, geotechnical, mining and processing parameters required to establish an economic cut-off grade.

 

The open pit optimization assumptions are based on the conventional truck and shovel mining method. The program generates economic shells based on input parameters consisting of metal prices, operating costs (mining and processing costs), metallurgical recoveries, and geotechnical (slope) considerations. The models supplied were estimated using a multiple indicator kriging estimation process.

 

13.1 Geotechnical Parameters

 

Limited geotechnical assessment has been completed for the Korbel and RPM deposit areas. To determine the safe slope angles for the pit, benchmarks consisting of nearby properties, research data, internal data were used. An overall slope angle of 50o has been selected for all the deposits and is deemed sufficient for the initial assessment.

 

13.2 Hydrogeological Parameters

 

A hydrogeological assessment of the open pits and waste dump/stockpile foundations has not been completed for any of the deposits. A hydrogeological study should be integrated with geotechnical investigations of the pits, stockpiles waste dumps and tailings facilities as part of the PFS.

 

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13.3 Cut-Off Grades

 

A cut-off grade of 0.20g/t was chosen for the reporting RPM North and South mineral resources, and a cut-off grade of 0.15g/t was chosen for reporting Korbel Main and Cathedral mineral resources.

 

The cut-off grade for the RPM South and RPM North resource estimates is calculated as the grade required to pay for processing, transportation to the mill, and G&A costs. The cut-off grade for the Korbel Main and Cathedral resource estimates is calculated as the grade required to pay for ore sorting, subsequent processing and G&A costs. The reduced processing costs for Korbel Main and Cathedral reflect the average mass rejected by the sorters. An average sorter recovery was also used. Section 18 has further description of mining and processing costs used to generate economic cut-off grade. The cut-off grade calculations are shown in Table 11-16 above and the inputs used are shown below in Table 13-1.

 

Table 13-1: Economic inputs used as basis for cut-off grades

 

Deposit Item Value Unit
RPM North & South Gold Price 2,000 $/oz
Process Recovery 88.2 %
Process Costs 9.8 $/t resource
G&A Costs 1.3 $/t resource
Economic Cut-off   0.20 g/t
Korbel Main & Cathedral Gold Price 2,000 $/oz
Process Recovery 88.2 %
Sorter Recovery 86.1 %
Sorter Costs 0.73 $/t resource
Process Costs 4.5 $/t resource
G&A Costs 1.3 $/t resource
Economic Cut-off   0.15 g/t

 

14. Process and Recovery Methods

 

The process flowsheet (Figure 14-1) and initial assessment level processing plant design is based on preliminary metallurgy and ore sorting tests.

 

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The process plant was designed using conventional processing unit operations with the addition of XRT ore sorting systems. Only ore originating from Korbel Main will be sorted, ore originating from the RPM deposits will bypass the sorters. The ore sorting test work performed to date was preliminary in nature in support of the flow sheet to determine the trade off on the gold recoveries. With the preliminary nature of the study, it is still yet to be determined if ore sorting will be included in the final flowsheet and future economic analysis. The product of the process will be doré bars.

 

Run-of-mine and run–of-stockpile ore will be hauled to the sorting facility where it will be crushed in a primary gyratory crusher before going through a sizing screen. The fines fraction head will be fed directly to the High-Pressure Grinding Rolls (HPGR), the mid-sized material will be fed to the XRT ore sorting system, and the oversize material will be crushed in a secondary cone crusher. The ore sorting system will separate the economical ore out from the waste, transporting it to an HPGR. The product of the HPGR will be sent to a closed circuit consisting of a ball mill and hydro-cyclone cluster. The P80 overflow of 75µm will flow through the flotation circuit. The tailings from this process will be sent to the tailing’s thickener. The concentrate will move on to the cyclone cluster and IsaMill for fine grinding to P80 of 22µm before finally moving on to the pre-leach thickener where the underflow will report to the leach and CIP circuits.

 

The gold leached in the CIP circuit will be recovered by activated carbon and elution. From this elution circuit, the gold will be recovered by electrowinning cells in the gold room. The gold sludge will be dried, mixed with fluxes, and then smelted in a furnace to produce doré bars. Carbon will be re-activated in a regeneration kiln before being re-used in the CIP circuit. The CIP tailings will be treated for cyanide in the cyanide destruction circuit before being pumped to the tailings thickener. The waste byproduct of the tailings thickener will be pumped to the tailings storage facility.

 

 

Figure 14-1: Simplified process flow sheet

 

Based on metallurgical test work flotation overall recovery is expected to be 88% for RPM and 76% for Korbel.

 

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15. Infrastructure

 

15.1 Roads and Access

 

A new access road (the proposed West Susitna Access Road) of approximately 146km leading to the project site is proposed. The road’s usage will be primarily for the transportation of construction materials, equipment, and ongoing operations supplies. This road, if completed, will meet the American standard as defined by the Government of Alaska. The road will require a width of approximately 8-9 m and maximum gradient of 10% constructed with compacted road base. The access road will cross several rivers and will require the construction of bridges. Road construction is planned to be conducted by the Government of Alaska with access being provided on a toll basis.

 

The access road connects to the onsite roads, which include haul roads, process plant roads, and service roads associated with the facilities on the Project site. The onsite roads will be all-weather unpaved gravel roads that would require dust suppression in the dry months. Haul roads would be designed to accommodate the largest trucks planned. A haul road connecting the Korbel mill with the RMP deposits will need to be constructed. Details on haul roads are given in Section 16.

 

The Estelle site will have external pit haul roads and service roads (not including the all-weather site access road). Service roads will be used for smaller vehicles (i.e., light trucks) to access ancillary infrastructure such as the airstrip, a storage facility, and camp site. In general, site roads will be constructed with embankment fills using material from earthwork activities or from open pit waste material. The thicknesses of the roadbed material will be appropriate for existing ground conditions.

 

West Susitna Access Road Progresses to Permitting

 

An independent economic study prepared for the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA), and fully supported by the Alaska State Governor, recommends beginning the West Sustina Access Road permitting process.

 

AIDEA has submitted the CWA 404 permit application to the USACE for the West Susitna Access project, initiating the environmental review process through compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act. Field studies will begin in the summer of 2024 with further evaluation of cultural and historical sites, fish and wildlife habitat, engineering refinement, and alternative route analysis. (Figure 15-1).

 

Alaska Governor, Mike Dunleavy, who fully supports the roads construction said “The West Susitna Road is important for local residents and gaining fair access to hunting, fishing, and potential jobs.

 

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“My administration is constantly looking at ways to grow our economy and this project is a great opportunity for not only south-central Alaska but the entire state” “I am committed to this project and unlocking resources that benefit all Alaskans. “

 

Construction of the road could decrease the capital and operating cost of a future mine at Estelle thereby allowing the mineral resource cut-off grade to be lowered to the Fort Knox and Dublin Gulch cut-off level.

 

For the full press release see below

 

https://www.aidea.org/Portals/0/PressReleases/3-21-2023%20West%20Susitna%20Access%20Project%20Announcement%20Press%20Release%20Final.pdf

 

 

Figure 15-1: Proposed West Susitna access road

 

16. Market Studies

 

16.1 Gold Market and Price

 

There is a steady demand of gold from numerous buyers as it is a freely traded precious metal commodity on the world market. Therefore, gold forms a semi-predictable trend in market demand. Gold produced from Estelle can be sold to a variety of gold bullion dealers or smelters at spot prices on a competitive basis. There are numerous available gold purchasers both locally and internationally. Gold production from the Estelle Gold Project is likely to be sold on the spot market through marketing experts retained by or on behalf of Nova.

 

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Nova Minerals expects that terms contained within any refining and sales contracts to be entered into would be typical of, and consistent with, standard industry practices. These contracts would be competitive to alternative contracts for the supply of gold (bullion and doré) elsewhere in the world.

 

16.1.1 Commodity Price Projections

 

Precious metal markets are highly liquid and readily sold on open markets around the world. The price of gold used in the cut-off grade analysis in this technical report is US$ 2,000/oz. This price closely aligns with the recent spot price for gold. It reflects the monthly average gold price reported by the World Gold Council (World Gold Council, 2023) for December 2023 of $2,029 per ounce, with rounding.

 

16.1.2 Contracts

 

There are no mining, concentrating, smelting, refining, transportation, handling, sales and hedging, forward sales contracts, or agreements currently in place for the Project that are relevant to this Technical Report. This situation is typical of a project that is still several years away from production.

 

16.2 QP Statement

 

The QP is of the opinion that the use of a $2,000 gold price is appropriate for mineral resource estimation.

 

17. Environmental Studies, Permitting, and Plans, Negotiations, or Agreements with Local Individuals or Groups

 

17.1 Introduction

 

This section outlines the environmental permitting requirements that apply to the Estelle Project (“The Project”) including the mine site and mine access road. It also describes the baseline environmental studies necessary to address the permitting requirements. Finally, it assesses some of the potential social and community issues involving the Project.

 

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17.2 Environmental Assessment

 

This section outlines the major environmental resources in the Project area, gives a summary of any environmental baseline data collection done to date, and describes the work necessary to collect the remaining data necessary for permitting and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analysis.

 

17.2.1 Wetlands

 

A complete delineation of the wetlands types in the Project area will be necessary to obtain the US Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) permit under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (wetlands permit). This is a critical authorization, as it is the only major federal authorization necessary for this Project and will trigger the NEPA review. A detailed field mapping program will be required.

 

Reconnaissance-level wetland mapping has been completed for both the RPM and Korbel sites. For Korbel, the area includes the area from airstrip and exploration camp site to and including the valley of the deposit. For RPM, it includes the area beginning at the confluence of Emerald Creek and the Skwentna River and proceeding upstream past the RPM deposit.

 

The reconnaissance-level mapping is adequate for locating facilities and planning transportation routes. More detailed mapping will be necessary for preparation of an application for NEPA analysis and a federal wetlands permit, especially in light of the Supreme Court’s Sackett decision.

 

17.2.2 Hydrology and Water Quality

 

Along with geochemistry, hydrologic information is crucial for permitting and mine design. The project has gathered three years or data on the project in three components.

 

  1. Surface water. The Korbel project established 9 surface water flow and water quality stations and gathered flow and quality data in September 2021: two stations on Portage Creek, five on Prairie Creek, and two on the North Fork of Prairie Creek. Dataloggers were installed and continuous stage measurements is recorded at the sites during the open-water season. The sites were sampled for flow and quality in September 2021; twice in 2022; and twice in 2023. Water quality sampling included the full suite of metals and typical field measurements.

 

For RPM, the project established eight surface water flow and quality sites in 2022. The sites were sampled twice in 2022 and twice in 2023. Dataloggers were also installed for continuous stage levels during the open-water season.

 

  2. Groundwater. Hydrologic monitoring wells at the Korbel site have been tested and sampled to help with aquifer delineation, transmissivity, and groundwater quality. Fourteen wells at Korbel have been sampled for two years. Sampling wells are expected to be established at RPM in the 2024 season.

 

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  3. Conceptual Site Model. The information from groundwater and surface water has been assembled into a conceptual hydrologic site model for Korbel, incorporating the geology and other available information. The conceptual model describes flows through the mining area in a manner that enables mine planning to understand and accommodate hydrologic considerations.

 

17.2.3 Air Quality

 

The major issue with respect to air quality is expected to be control of fugitive dust. The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) requires a year of baseline meteorological data before applying for a minor air permit or a Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) permit. A PSD permit also requires data on background air pollutants in the area. In addition to the year of baseline data collection, modelling and permit preparation can require another six months, and DEC can require roughly a year to process a PSD application. The air quality information required for DEC should be adequate for the NEPA submission.

 

17.2.4 Aquatic Resources

 

The Project has initiated an aquatic baseline data collection program in anticipation of project planning and environmental evaluation. Data collection was designed to establish baseline conditions of aquatic communities and water quality while quantifying natural variability of both, and to evaluate the overall health and productivity of the drainage. The sampling program includes the establishment of long-term biomonitoring sites and aerial and ground-based fish surveys. The goal of the aquatic baseline study is to collect data to support the NEPA evaluation and ADFG Fish Habitat Permit review and issuance.

 

Ground-based fish surveys to establish fish habitat, use, and population have occurred at Korbel since 2021, and at RPM since 2022.

 

According to ADFG’s Anadromous Fish Stream Catalogue, Portage Creek downstream from the deposit is used by King salmon for rearing. The catalogue also shows that the Skwentna River is used by King, Coho, and Sockeye salmon. Emerald Creek, at RPM is not listed in the catalogue. According to the catalogue, it is upstream of the upper limit of anadromous use on the Skwentna River.

 

17.2.5 Wildlife

 

Though the Project may not be in a particularly sensitive area for wildlife, the impact of the Project on wildlife may be an important issue because of commercial and non-commercial big game hunting activity in the area, and some reliance on subsistence resources by residents. In addition, according to USFWS maps, the Project, there are no critical or endangered species habitat within or adjacent to the project area. However, wildlife information will be required to understand the project’s impact on Avian, large mammal, and subsistence resources. This information will be necessary for the required consultations with the USFWS and will be critical to ensure that the Project complies with the Endangered Species Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. Project construction activities will be required to comply with timing restrictions for vegetation clearing during migration and nesting activities.

 

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17.2.6 Cultural Resources

 

It is unknown whether there was significant, historic use of the area by Native peoples, or sites of other historic importance. The extent of cultural resources analysis will depend on the state and federal determination of whether there is a high potential for on-the-ground archaeological resources within the Project footprint.

 

17.2.7 Noise

 

The Project is in a remote part of the state, characterized by relatively low ambient sound levels. Noise impacts from the operating mine are not anticipated for any nearby communities.

 

17.2.8 Land Use and Recreation

 

The mine area is on lands owned by the State of Alaska and managed by the Alaska Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Lands surrounding the project area are primarily owned by the State, with small parcels of privately owned recreational properties scattered throughout the region. There are no Federal lands within the Project area.

 

The mine-area itself is classified for Minerals in the DNR’s land-use plan for the area. Subunit R-07 in the Susitna Matanuska Area plan has the primary designation of Minerals. This designation indicates that DNR expects mineral development but indicates it should be managed in a manner that minimizes harm to anadromous streams with riparian buffers, avoid moose winter concentration areas, and protect the Iditarod Trail.

 

17.2.9 Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)

 

The environmental impacts of a particular product or service and the drivers of those impacts can be conducted via LCA. The large area along the life cycle of a product, or service where emissions are remarkable can identify. LCA helps to reduce the environmental impacts such as GHG emissions, energy, air quality, water consumption and water quality indicators of those products and services.

 

17.3 Environmental Authorizations and Permits

 

This section provides a list of the authorizations that will be required for the construction and operation of the Estelle Mine.

 

17.3.1 Existing Permits and Authorizations

 

The Project currently holds the following authorizations and permits under the Alaska Permit for Mining Activities (APMA) system which are valid through 2027, except as set forth below:

 

  Miscellaneous Land use Permit #3042, which authorizes hard rock exploration activities on the Project site. This permit is issued by the Alaska Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Mining Section.

 

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  Temporary Water Use Authorization, which authorizes water removal from surface waterbodies for exploration activities. This authorization is issued by DNR’s Water Section.
     
  Fish Habitat Permit (and/or fish Passage Permit, which authorizes activities in fish-bearing waters, primarily for water withdrawal structures. This authorization is issued by ADFG’s Habitat Division.
     
  Camp Permit, which authorizes the exploration camp. This permit is issued by DEC’s Division of Environmental Health, Food Safety and Sanitation Program as part of the Miscellaneous Land Use Permit #3042 described above.
     
  Estelle Man Camp Permit, which provides approval to construct modifications to the existing drinking water system. This permit is issued by the Department of Environmental Conservation, Division of Environmental Health, Drinking Water Program (expires November 8, 2025)

 

17.3.2 DNR Plan of Operations, Reclamation Plan Approval, and Mill Site Lease

 

These three authorizations are DNR’s major authorizations for operation of the mine. The authorizations have considerable overlap.

 

The Plan of Operations approval balances the applicant’s right to extract the minerals with the mine’s effect on public resources. DNR has the authority under the plan of operations to stipulate changes in the design and operation of the mine to protect public resources. Subunit R-07 in the Susitna Matanuska Area plan has the primary designation of Minerals. This designation indicates that DNR expects mineral development but indicates it should be managed in a manner that minimizes harm to anadromous streams with riparian buffers, avoid moose winter concentration areas, and protect the Iditarod Trail.

 

The Reclamation Plan provides DNR authority to review operations to ensure that they comply with state’s law, AS 27.19.20: “A mining operation shall be conducted in a manner that prevents unnecessary and undue degradation of land and water resources and the mining operation shall be reclaimed as contemporaneously as practical with the mining operation to leave the site in a stable condition.” For hard rock mines, implementing DNR’s authority under the law typically requires them to review the mine’s plan of operations.

 

The law, AS 27.19.040, directs DNR to require a Reclamation Bond: “an individual financial assurance in an amount not to exceed an amount reasonably necessary to ensure the faithful performance of the requirements of the approved reclamation plan.” The bonding requirement overlaps DEC’s authority to require financial assurance under their waste management plan.

 

A mill site lease provides a surface authorization for mine facilities that are not located on the upland mining lease or mining claim. The mine facilities will be located on mining claims, as is typical of mining projects in the State. Therefore, a mill site lease is not required. A mill site lease requires an annual lease payment equal to the fair market value of the land.

 

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17.3.3 Reclamation Bond

 

The Reclamation Bond is required by DNR under their Reclamation Plan and Dam Safety authorities, and by DEC under the authority of the solid waste permit.

 

Financial assurance is necessary to reclaim the site and to complete post-mining water quality treatment, water quality monitoring, and site maintenance. DNR typically administers the bond. The size of the bond is usually driven by any required water quality treatment. If post-mining water quality treatment is required, the issue will be the annual cost and the length of time such treatment will need to be continued.

 

17.3.4 DEC Air Quality Permit

 

The construction, modification, and operation of mining facilities that produce air contaminant emissions require a state Air Quality Control Permit to Construct, and a separate Air Quality Control Permit to Operate. Generally, air quality must be maintained at the lowest practical concentrations of contaminants specified in the Ambient Air Quality Standards of 18 AAC 50.020(a).

 

DEC requires a minor air permit for ambient air emissions above certain thresholds. If the modeling shows that the total emissions and changes in air quality are above the threshold that requires a permit but below certain other standards, the minor air permit will require best management practices for equipment, and facilities (such as maintenance of the road and methods to minimize dust from operations). If emissions are above these standards, a much more complicated Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) permit is required.

 

One of the minimum thresholds for a minor air quality permit is the presence of a crusher with the rated capacity of more than 5 tons/hour, therefore an air quality permit will be required.

 

Air permit processing is typically independent of the NEPA schedule and other permits. DEC will not allow construction of the mill to begin before the air permit is issued.

 

The air permit requires roughly a year for acquiring the baseline data, and roughly 18 months to two years to prepare the permit application and for DEC to process the permit.

 

17.3.5 DEC APDES Permit

 

DEC authorizes effluent discharges under its Alaska Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit (commonly called APDES Permit). DEC requires characterization of the discharge and receiving water. The characterization requires water quality and flowrate information.

 

To comply with regulations, the baseline environmental studies will include hydrologic studies, and presence and identification of fish in the receiving waters.

 

17.3.6 DEC Solid Waste Management Permit

 

The major issue with respect to the tailings and waste rock is the potential for acid rock drainage and metals leaching. Geochemistry and hydrologic investigations will be required before DEC issues these permits.

 

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A solid waste permit is required for the tailings facility. DEC has the authority under the Solid Waste Permit to require financial assurance from the company. This requirement overlaps DNR’s authority to require a reclamation bond under its reclamation authorities, and a dam maintenance bond under its Dam Safety Program. DNR and DEC jointly determine the bond and DNR typically administers the bond.

 

DEC also has the authority but not the mandate to require a solid waste permit for the placement of waste rock. DEC typically only requires a solid waste permit for waste rock if the rock has the potential to generate acid rock drainage or significant metals leaching. If these do not occur, DEC may determine that DNR’s Plan of Authorization approval provides adequate oversight for the waste rock placement.

 

DEC also requires a solid waste permit for the disposal of inert wastes from construction, ash from incineration, etc.

 

17.3.7 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wetlands Permit

 

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) permit under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act requires an authorization (wetlands permit) before allowing discharge of fill into waters of the United States, including wetlands. The wetlands permit is expected to be the only major federal permit for the Project. Activities that may require a wetlands permit include road or bridge construction, construction of dams for tailings or water storage, and stream diversion structures. The ACOE is responsible for determining consistency of the proposed action with Clean Water Act, Section 404 guidelines. Under Section 404(c), the EPA has review authority over the ACOE 404 permit decisions.

 

The ACOE provides detailed methodology for identification of wetlands under federal jurisdiction. DEC must certify that the ACOE permit meets state water quality standards.

 

Over the last decade, the ACOE also requires mitigation for wetlands affected during mine development, even if the reclamation plan will restore the wetlands after mining. Mitigation is proportional to the wetland disturbance area. The ACOE uses a hierarchy of mitigation strategies, beginning with restoring affected wetlands, then on to repairing nearby wetland impacts or enhancing low-functioning wetlands, then to monetary compensation.

 

17.3.8 Right-of-way

 

The access road to the site is planned to be constructed and operated by the state, with a toll paid to the state. Part of the access road may be made available for public use, except for the final 10 to 20km which will require a right-of-way.

 

17.3.9 DNR Water Right or Temporary Water Use Authorization

 

A water right or temporary water use authorization from DNR is required before taking a significant amount of water. DNR conditions those permits to protect other water right holders, other water users, or the presence of fish habitat; none of which is likely to be a problem for the Project. A water right is a long-term or permanent property right to the water. A temporary water use authorization is for a use of less than 5 years. Typically, a mine will require water rights for their permanent use of water, such as for processing, and temporary authorizations for some other uses, such as road building or other construction uses.

 

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A significant amount of water is defined in regulation (11 AAC 93.970) as more than 5,000 gallons per day from a single source; recurring use of more than 500 gallons per day for more than 10 days per year from a single source, or the non-consumptive use of more than 30,000 gallons of water per day from a single source, or any water use that might adversely affect the water rights of other appropriators or the public interest.

 

17.3.10 DNR Materials Sale

 

Most sand and gravel for building the road will presumably be taken from the nearby state land. Material from the road right-of-way and from the mining claims may be used on the mining claims or road without a sale without payment. Material from outside mining claims and outside the right-of-way require a materials sale and payment to DNR. A material sale on state land requires public notice.

 

17.3.11 DNR Mining Lease

 

A mining lease consolidates mining claims into a single lease. It is not a permit or authorization; it differs from the authorizations in this report in that it only consolidates the private property rights of the multiple mining claims into a single legal vehicle – the mining lease. It does not change the underlying property right. A mining lease requires public notice.

 

17.3.12 DEC Stormwater Plan

 

The Clean Water Act requires control of stormwater. A mine (or exploration site) is required to have a stormwater plan to control the discharge of stormwater. Stormwater includes runoff from roads, and other locations within the mine that are not a part of the active mine area and should not have mine leachate or other chemicals. Water from adits, tailings piles, mine areas, etc. is classified as process water and may only be discharged under the APDES discharge program (described in section 20.3.5). Stormwater plan has less stringent requirements than does an APDES permit. DEC administers the program under the supervision of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These plans are not publicly noticed, but DEC may review the proposed stormwater plan and may inspect the facility for compliance with an approved plan.

 

17.3.13 ADFG Fish Passage Permits

 

The ADFG issues fish passage permits under AS 16.05.841 for work within the ordinary high-water mark of fish streams that are not listed in ADFG’s Anadromous Fish Stream Catalogue. The criterion for the permit is to ensure that the work does not block fish passage. For road crossings the agency will require some basic hydrologic information to assure that a bridge or culvert is appropriately sized.

 

ADFG also requires a fish habitat permit for any activity in waters that are listed in the Anadromous Fish Stream Catalogue (AS 16.05.871). The waters close to the Project that are currently listed in the Catalogue are Portage Creek and Skwentna River, although our aquatic baseline program may result in additional waterbodies being listed in the Catalogue. A fish habitat permit will be required for any activity, such as a water withdrawal, in Portage Creek, or any other waterbodies where anadromous fish are discovered. An examination of Portage Creek upstream and downstream of the project site will be required.

 

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17.3.14 NOAA Fisheries Essential Fish Habitat

 

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries agency (NOAA Fisheries), under authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, may require that federal agencies condition their permits to protect essential fish habitat. The Act requires cooperation among NOAA Fisheries and other federal agencies to protect, conserve, and enhance “essential fish habitat”. Congress defined essential fish habitat for federally managed fish species as “those waters and substrate necessary to fish for spawning, breeding, feeding, or growth to maturity.” NOAA Fisheries does the essential fish habitat consultation as a part of a federal permit evaluation. Thus, NOAA-recommended stipulations would be applied to the ACOE wetland permit.

 

17.3.15 FWS Bald Eagle Protection Act; Migratory Bird Treaty; and Threatened and Endangered Species Act

 

The US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), under authority of the federal Bald Eagle Protection Act, will require identification of eagle nest, roost, and perch trees.

 

Under authority of various migratory bird treaties, the FWS may advise federal agencies to condition their permits to ensure that a project is consistent with various treaties concerning migratory birds.

 

Finally, the FWS has authority over certain threatened and endangered species. FWS mapping shows that there are no threatened or endangered species within the project area.

 

Like the NOAA Fisheries Essential Fish Habitat, a separate authorization is not required. However, the federal agencies have the authority to require conditions on the ACOE wetlands permit. These consultations occur as a part of the NEPA process, and the information generated for the NEPA analysis should be adequate.

 

17.3.16 U.S. Army Corps or DNR Cultural Resources

 

The cultural resource analysis will be required for ground disturbance that could damage archaeological artifacts. The state and federal governments have overlapping jurisdiction over protection of cultural resources. For activities authorized by the state, it is the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) within DNR’s Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation. Because a wetlands permit will be required, the lead federal agency is the ACOE. The ACOE will coordinate evaluation of cultural resources with SHPO. The agencies will require a cultural resources analysis and possibly an on-the-ground survey if they determine there is a likelihood of historic or pre-historic cultural resources affected by the Project.

 

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U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; National Historic Preservation Act

 

Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act requires review of any project funded, licensed, permitted, or assisted by the federal government for impact on significant historic properties. The agencies must allow the SHPO and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, a federal agency, to comment on a project. Following that review, the ACOE has the authority to require stipulations on federal permits, generally the Wetlands Permit, to protect cultural resources. The stipulation may require that an applicant protect the physical integrity of the cultural resource, or that the applicant ensure that the information from the cultural resources is gathered before an effect takes place, or that another means is used for protection. If there were no wetlands permit, there would be no ACOE jurisdiction over this issue and the cultural resources would be regulated by the state.

 

State Historic Preservation Act

 

The Alaska Historic Preservation Act, AS 41.35, contains a provision similar to Section 106, which mandates that any project with state involvement be reviewed in a similar manner. It gives the SHPO similar jurisdiction to the ACOE for state permits.

 

Through the permit review process, SHPO staff work with federal and state agencies during the early stages of project planning to protect cultural resources. They do this by providing information on the location of known sites and information from cultural resources surveys previously done in an area.

 

The state mitigation required under the Cultural Resources authorizations will most likely be applied to the DNR Plan of Operations. The state mitigation should satisfy both state and federal governments. However, it is possible that some mitigation may be applied to the Corps of Engineers Wetlands Permit.

 

17.3.17 Other DEC Wastewater Permits

 

DEC must authorize the discharge of wastewater into or upon all waters and land surfaces of the state. Any discharge for which an APDES permit is not required (such as a land application of mine wastewater) will require a separate permit from DEC.

 

17.3.18 DNR Dam Safety Permit

 

Dam safety permits can be technically complex and will be required for a tailings storage dam.

 

DNR’s Division of Mining, Land and Water must issue a “Certificate of Approval to Construct” and a separate “Certificate of Approval to Operate” a dam. These authorizations are required for dams that are greater than 10 feet higher and hold back more than 50 acre-feet of water; any dam more than 20 feet high; or any dam that the department determines may pose a threat to lives or property. These certifications involve a detailed engineering review of the dam’s design and operation.

 

The background information is the same needed for a competent dam design: relevant hydrology and geotechnical information. Public notice is not required. Application for this authorization may be made during the EIS processing period or after the major permits are signed, but typically the dam designs are reviewed concurrently with DEC’s waste management permit and DNR’s Plan of Operations Approval.

 

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17.3.19 Alaska’s Large Mine Permitting Process

 

Federal requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) provide the structure for Alaska’s Large Mine Permit Process. This section outlines the NEPA procedures and expected schedule as they likely apply to the Project.

 

17.3.20 NEPA Overview: EA or EIS

 

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires federal agencies to incorporate environmental considerations into decision-making. All major federal actions require a NEPA analysis, and the wetlands permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) constitutes a major federal action under the law. Consequently, Estelle will require a NEPA analysis: either an Environmental Assessment (EA) or the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).1

 

An EA must determine whether the Project, including the mine, road, and mill, would significantly affect the environment. If the answer is “no”, the agency issues a “Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI)”. The FONSI may address measures that an agency will take to mitigate potentially significant impacts. If, on the other hand, the EA determines that the environmental consequences of a proposed federal undertaking may be significant, an EIS is prepared.

 

Most hard-rock mines in Alaska have required an EIS: Red Dog Mine, Greens Creek Mine, Pogo Mine, and Kensington Mine. The Nixon Fork, and Rock Creek mines were authorized under an EA. The Illinois Creek Gold Mine and the True North Gold Mine did not require any significant federal permit, (no wetlands) and consequently there was no major federal action and no NEPA analysis. The decision whether to require an EA or EIS will be made by the lead federal agency (likely the ACOE) after permit applications are submitted.

 

Both an EA and an EIS will require public notice, typically two rounds of public notice. The first round is for scoping (identifying issues specific to that Project for analysis by the EA/EIS), and the second on the draft document.

 

Lead Agency. The lead federal agency prepares the NEPA analysis, EA or EIS, usually using a 3rd-party NEPA contractor, paid for by the applicant. Since the ACOE is the only federal agency with permit authority in the Project, it will be the lead federal agency – the agency that supervises the NEPA analysis and makes the decision about whether an EA or EIS is required.

 

Cooperating Agencies. A federal, state, tribal or local agency having special expertise with respect to an environmental issue or jurisdiction by law may be a “cooperating agency” in the NEPA process. A cooperating agency has the responsibility to assist the lead agency by participating in the NEPA process at the earliest possible time; by participating in the scoping process; in developing information and preparing environmental analyses including portions of the environmental impact statement concerning which the cooperating agency has special expertise; and in making available staff support at the lead agency’s request to enhance the lead agency’s interdisciplinary capabilities.

 

 

1 Technically, there is a third category of environmental analysis in addition to an EA or EIS. There are small-scale activities which qualify for a categorical exclusion from NEPA analysis. Estelle will not qualify for a categorical exclusion, and so this category is ignored in this report.

 

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The EPA and the State of Alaska are usually cooperating agencies in hard-rock mine project EISs and would likely serve in this role for the Estelle NEPA process. More and more, the FWS has been a cooperating agency in Alaska EISs, and there is a high likelihood that they will be cooperators here as well.

 

In recent years, the lead federal agency has typically invited potentially affected tribal governments to be cooperating agencies. Recent efforts indicate that the ACOE may instead consult with the tribes separately, but not integrate them into the process as cooperating agencies.

 

The State of Alaska is a particularly critical cooperating agency. The State’s participation is coordinated by DNR’s Office of Project Management and Permitting (OPMP), who will represent all the relevant state agencies during the process.

 

State Agency Process. Alaska state agencies use the Alaska Large Mine Permitting Process (LMPP) to work with the federal agencies and to issue state decisions on a mine. LMPP is voluntary process, paid for by the applicant, and is run by DNR’s OPMP. The process has significant advantages, and every hard-rock mine project in Alaska has used it. Using the LMPP for mine permitting, rather than relying solely on individual permit staff will ultimately decrease permitting costs by making the overall permitting process more efficient.

 

Once the applicant begins the process, OPMP assigns a project coordinator and creates a permitting team with members from all of the pertinent state agencies. Frequently, federal agencies use the LMPP to coordinate their involvement as well. The ACOE is familiar and supportive of the state process. Other federal agencies that may use the process include the FWS, NOAA Fisheries, and EPA. Also, the project coordinator works with the applicant to coordinate the public process, and so the public can go to one point-of-contact for the Project.

 

The advantage of Alaska’s LMPP is that it is more efficient for the agencies, the public, and the applicant. This is especially true for a project with a significant public process component, with significant technical issues, and one involving an EIS. The advantages for a company are:

 

  There is a lead state official who is responsible to the company for an efficient process. If there is a problem, this official is responsible to see that it is solved;
     
  The team approach should minimize contradictory direction from different agencies;
     
  The team approach should minimize overlapping data requirements — one data program should satisfy all team members;
     
  By using the team to work through mine design questions, it minimizes negative interactions between mine design and permitting; and
     
  The public has a single point-of-contact: the project coordinator.

 

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For projects involving an EIS, there is often another advantage as well. The federal EIS team frequently involves people who do not know Alaska. A LMPP project team has enough respected expertise to help ensure that odd or impractical ideas are eliminated quickly without derailing the process. The LMPP project team provides an avenue to help control rumors that can otherwise become “officially sanctioned” by repetition from un-knowledgeable agencies.

 

NEPA Schedule. With a good quality application based on adequate environmental baseline data, an EA can frequently be completed within a year. Hard-rock mine EIS processes in Alaska have taken significantly longer than that. Pogo required 3-1/2 years from the time of application (i.e., excluding the time to collect baseline environmental information); the Kensington Supplemental EIS required just more than three years from the time of the application to the Record of Decision.

 

Permitting Schedule. The ACOE must complete the EA or EIS before it can issue its Section 404 wetlands permit (the only major federal authorization necessary for the Project). The ACOE must wait at least 30 days after finalizing the EA or EIS before it can first issue its Record of Decision, and then issue the wetlands permit. For planning purposes, 120 days should be budgeted for issuance of the wetlands permit after the EA or EIS is finalized.

 

A major focus of Alaska’s LMPP is to coordinate the processes for all the state permits so that they can be issued concurrently with, or as soon as possible after, the completion of either the EA or the EIS. It is expected that all state authorizations should be issued prior to, or concurrently with, the federal wetlands permit.

 

17.4 Closure and Reclamation

 

At the end of mine life, the mine will be closed and reclaimed in accordance with state laws and regulations. The primary authorities that set closure requirements are 1) DNR Reclamation Plan Approval, 2) ADEC Waste Management Permit, and 3) DNR Dam Safety Certification for any jurisdictional dam structures. These authorizations are described in more detail in Section 20.3.

 

17.4.1 Solid Waste Management Permit

 

A Solid Waste Permit from DEC is required for the tailings facility and may be required for the placement of waste rock. This permit will have closure requirements, primarily focused on ensuring long-term water quality meets state and federal standards. If necessary, this permit will require long-term water treatment and monitoring. DEC has the authority under the Solid Waste Permit to require financial assurance from the company.

 

17.4.2 Dam Safety Certification

 

DNR will require a Dam Safety Certification for any jurisdictional dams necessary for this Project, which would include dams for a wet tailings management facility. The Dam Safety Certification would include requirements for closure, either complete decommissioning, or provisions for care and maintenance. The Certification would include requirements for bonding/financial assurance to cover the costs of closure for the dams.

 

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17.5 QP Statement

 

The QP is of the opinion that the level of environmental assessment for the Estelle Gold Project is adequate for mineral resource estimation.

 

18. Capital and Operating Costs

 

Capital costs have not been estimated for this Initial Assessment Technical Report.

 

The operating cost estimates presented in this Initial Assessment Technical Report are based on comparisons to similar operations in the region and industry standard operating costs. The operating cost estimates for this Initial Assessment were conducted in 2023 US dollars (US$) unless otherwise stated. All cost projections are referenced on a nominal 2023 US dollar basis.

 

The operating cost estimate contained in the Initial Assessment is considered preliminary in nature. The accuracy of the estimate should be considered +/- 50%. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and have no demonstrated economic viability. There is no certainty that economic forecasts outlined in the Initial Assessment will be realized. The Initial Assessment Technical Summary may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-political, marketing, or other relevant factors.

 

18.1 Mining Operating Costs

 

The mine operating cost estimates in this Initial Assessment were provided by Nova Minerals and reviewed Roughstock Mining. The operating cost estimate was compiled using a combination of industry factors, database costs, and directly related project experience. The estimate was benchmarked against similar operations (Figure 18-1).

 

 

Figure 18-1: Mining cost of comparable operations

 

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18.2 Processing Operating Costs

 

The process operating cost estimates in this Initial Assessment were provided by Nova Minerals and reviewed METS Engineering. Processing operating costs span the operation and maintenance of processing facilities, including all gold recovery activities to produce gold doré on site. It covers expenses related to process plant labor/personnel, consumables (reagents, grinding media, etc.), power/energy consumption, and process plant equipment maintenance for crushing, grinding, leaching, carbon handling, gold refining, and tailings disposal. Processing costs are expressed in terms of $ per tonne of resource for the purpose of economic cut-off grade calculation.

 

RPM processing costs are estimated to be $9.80 per tonne of resource. Korbel processing costs are estimated to $5.23 per tonne of resource. The Korbel cost are expected to be lower cost per tonne of resource because of the use of sorting after the crushing process.

 

18.3 General and Administration Costs

 

General and Administrative (“G&A”) costs comprise of costs not directly linked to the production of gold. Cost items estimated under G&A were based on previous experience alongside benchmarking with similar projects. G&A costs comprise the following categories:

 

  Administration, site services, and water treatment plant labor.

 

  On-site items such as: health and safety, environmental, human resources, insurance (physical plant, earthquake etc.), legal, external consulting, IT, communications, office supplies, site service equipment operation and maintenance, and employee transportation to and from site.

 

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The total G&A unit operating cost is estimated to be $1.30 per tonne of resource.

 

18.4 QP Statement

 

The QP is of the opinion that the level of operating cost estimation for the Estelle Gold Project is adequate for mineral resource estimation.

 

19. Economic Analysis

 

No economic analysis has been performed as part of the Initial Assessment of mineral resources.

 

20. Adjacent Properties

 

This chapter provides public source information on properties adjacent to the Estelle Gold Project. The information and mineralization related to adjacent properties is not necessarily indicative of the mineralization on the Estelle Gold property. Roughstock Mining Services has not verified the information or the styles of mineralization on these adjacent properties held by other companies.

 

20.1 Exploration Properties

 

The Tintina Gold Belt contains an abundance of rare metal mining projects, as shown in Figure 20-1. The closest mineral property to Estelle is the US Goldmining Inc’s Whistler Project; a gold and copper porphyry-style exploration stage project which is located approximately 150km northwest of the city of Anchorage and directly adjacent to the Estelle property.

 

 

Figure 20-1: Mineral deposits within the Tintina Gold Belt

 

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20.2 Whistler Project

 

The Whistler Project, immediately adjacent to the Estelle Gold Project, is show in Figure 20-1. The Whistler Project is comprised of 377 Alaska State Mining claims covering over 218 km2. In 2015, Gold Mining Inc. (formerly Brazil Resources Inc.) acquired control of the Whistler Project form Kiska Metals. Gold Mining Inc. completed a technical report on the Resource Estimate of the property, where a total of 257 drilled holes (70,247m) were reported to have been completed by all operators to date (Giroux, 2016). Gold Mining Inc. created a subsidiary, U.S. Gold Mining Inc. in 2022 to advance the Whistler Project. The Whistler Project is comprised of three deposits: Whistler, Raintree West, and Island Mountain. The estimated indicated resources and commodities are summarized in Table 20-1.

 

The gold equivalent grade assumes metal prices of USD $1,250/oz of gold, USD $16.50/oz of silver, and USD $2.10/lb. of copper and $1.50 mining cost. The recoveries of silver and gold were found to be approximately 75%, whereas copper’s recovery is 85%. A gold equivalent cut-off of 0.3 g/t for all three properties was highlighted in the estimate as a possible open pit cut-off, and a gold equivalent cut-off of 0.6 g/t for underground operations at Raintree was approximated (Giroux, 2016).

 

Table 20-1: Summary of resource estimate for the Whistler Project

 

  Tonnes & Grade Contained Metal
Resource
Category
Tonnes
(Mt)
Au
(g/t)
Ag
(g/t)
Cu
(%)
Au Eq. (g/t) Au
(Moz)
Ag
(Moz)
Cu
(Moz)
Au Eq.
(Moz)
Indicated 110.3 0.50 1.76 0.14 0.79 1.765 6.130 343.1 2.797
Inferred 311.3 0.47 2.26 0.11 0.68 4.626 22.610 713.5 6.731

 

20.3 Donlin Creek Project

 

Donlin Creek is a 39Moz @ 2.2 g/t gold deposit located approximately 450 km west of Anchorage and 250 km northeast of Bethel up the Kuskokwim River. (Figure 20-1) The project is owned by Donlin Gold LLC (Donlin Gold), which is jointly owned by NovaGold (no association with Nova Minerals) and Barrick on a 50:50 basis. Donlin Gold leases 72 complete sections from Calista Corporation, an Alaska native regional corporation. Additional partial sections are leased from Calista Corporation associated with project infrastructure. Donlin Gold leases approximately 200 square kilometers from the Calista Corporation and also holds 493 Alaska State mining claims comprising 290 square kilometers. The total mineral tenure is close to 490 square kilometers. Donlin Gold also has a surface use agreement in place with the Kuskokwim Corporation, which owns a majority of the private surface estate in the area.

 

Placer gold was originally discovered in a tributary to Donlin Creek in the early 1900’s. Modern era exploration has been conducted by Resource Associates of Alaska in 1974-1975 WestGold during 1989-1988, and Teck in 1993. Placer Dome worked the project between 1995 to 2000 and from 2002-2005. NovaGold completed work in 2001 and 2002 before forming a joint venture with Barrick in 2007. Barrick was the sole operator of the property in 2006. Since 2007 the project has been operated by Donlin Gold.

 

Approximately 1,834 exploration and development diamond core (90%) and RC (10%) drill holes totalling 404,420m were completed from 1988 through 2010. In 2017, 85 holes were drilled to test potential high-grade extensions. Model confirmation holes were drilled in 2017, 2020, and 2021.

 

Donlin Creek follows a high-level, reduced intrusion related vein system, with one portion of the district more closely following the low-sulfidation, reduced intrusion related, epizonal system with both vein and disseminated mineral assemblages. The deposits are primarily hosted in igneous rocks associated with an Upper Cretaceous gold-arsenic-antimony-mercury hydrothermal system. Gold primarily occurs in sulfide and quartz-carbonate-sulfide vein networks hosted in igneous rocks, and to a lesser extent sedimentary rock. Table 20-2 summarizes mineral resources at Donlin as of 2021. (Donlin Gold Project S-K 1300, 2021)

 

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Table 20-2: Donlin Creek mineral resources summary

 

Category Tonnage (kt) Au (g/t) Contained Au (koz)
Measured 7,731 2.52 626
Indicated 533,607 2.24 38,380
Total Measured and Indicated 541,337 2.24 39,007
Inferred 92,216 2.02 5,993

 

21.Other Relevant Data and Information

 

21.1Land Status

 

The Estelle Gold Project, as well as any proposed access roads including the West Susitna Access Road, are fully encompassed by State of Alaska lands. There are no federal or native corporation land titles throughout the greater project area.

 

21.2Mining Claims

 

The Estelle Gold Project is comprised of 800 Alaska State mining claims. See Appendix 1. for detailed maps and a claim list.

 

All claims were acquired by our Joint Venture Partner (JVP) by staking in Alaska with the Division of Mining, Land and Water, and the Alaska Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The mining claims are wholly owned by AKCM (AUST) Pty Ltd (an incorporated joint venture company between Nova Minerals Ltd and AK Minerals Pty Ltd) via 100% ownership of Alaskan incorporate company AK Custom Mining LLC. AKCM (AUST) Pty Ltd is owned 85% by Nova Minerals Ltd and 15% by AK Minerals Pty Ltd. Nova owns 85% of the property through the joint venture agreement and AK Minerals Pty Ltd owns the remaining 15% along with a 2% NSR over the property.

 

Under Alaska mining law AK Custom Mining LLC owns the rights to all locatable minerals discovered on and within the allocated claims. Mining claims may be located by what is known as aliquot part legal description, which is meridian, township, range, section, quarter section, and if applicable quarter-quarter section. These claims are known as MTRSC locations, and they are generally located using GPS latitude and longitude coordinates. A quarter section location is typically about 160 acres in size, and a quarter-quarter section location is typically 40 acres in size. Rent for the larger size is always four times greater.

 

All the mining claims are in good standing and to retain title to the property, AK Custom Mining LLC must submit an affidavit of annual labor and pay the annual rents as calculated by the DNR by November 30 each year. The rental fees for the period September 1, 2023, to September 1, 2024, of $164,298 have been paid, and the claims have been renewed accordingly to September 1, 2024.

 

No other rights are held by any other company on the property and the claims are held to perpetuity as long as annual minimum expenditure requirements are met and rents paid on time each year. Reclamation must be completed annually and a reclamation report is submitted to the DNR.

 

As of June 30, 2023, the Company has total capitalized exploration and evaluation expenditure on the property of A$81,070,075 and the associated plant and equipment has a net value of A$3,025,170

 

Figures 21-1 and 21-2 are fact sheets from the Alaska Department of Natural Resources outlining the Alaska State mining claims recording requirements.

 

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Figure 21-1: Alaska State mining claim requirements (page 1)

 

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Figure 21-2: Alaska State mining claim requirements (page 2)

 

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22.Interpretation and Conclusions

 

The Initial Assessment Technical Review Summary provides justification to state mineral resources at Estelle Gold Project.

 

22.1Sampling, Preparation, Analysis and Security

 

The procedures documented for sampling, analysis and security are deemed adequate. Analysis of the QAQC samples indicates the laboratory results are of sufficient quality for resource estimation.

 

22.2Data Verification

 

The resource database provided is of sufficient quality for resource estimation.

 

22.3Metallurgical Test Work

 

The recoveries used for Resource estimate are reasonable for this level of study based on the metallurgical testing to date.

 

22.4Resource Estimate

 

In the opinion of the QP the block model resource estimate and resource classification reported herein are a reasonable representation of the gold mineral resources found in the Korbel Main, Cathedral, RPM North, and RPM South deposits. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. There is no certainty that all or any part of the mineral resource will be converted into mineral reserve.

 

22.5Risk and Opportunities

 

No addition risks or opportunities were identified by the Qualified Persons.

 

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23.Recommendations

 

Based on the results obtained from this TRS, the following steps are recommended to maximize the economic potential of the Estelle Gold Project:

 

  Investigating the feasibility of particle ore sorting on the RPM resources. Ore sorting is crucial to boost the profit recovery on the Korbel Main ore and it may be able to high grade the material sent from RPM.
     
  Metallurgical laboratory program for RPM material to determine whether there is free gold present that is separate from the arsenopyrite, and whether it impacts flotation and leach recoveries. Gravity concentration tests should also be included in the test program.
     
  Conducting laboratory testing on fines to obtain an average grade to determine potential upgrading in fines. Higher grade fines have a considerable positive effect on the economics and help with increasing the sorter performance being fed lower grade ore.
     
  Ongoing resource delineation drilling to continue to prove up and expand existing deposits.
     
  Ongoing exploration activities leading to further discoveries and additional resource deposit potential.
     
  Continue drilling, test work and studies required for completion of a Pre-Feasibility Study

 

24.References

 

Doerksen, G., Pilotto, D., Mcleod, K., Sim, R., Levy, M., Sharp, T., Smith, M. E., & Kappes, D.W. (2016). NI 43-101 Feasibility Study Technical Report for the Coffee Gold Project, Yukon Territory, Canada. Prepared for Kaminak Gold Corp. Accessed November 18th. 2021, from https://emrlibrary.gov.yk.ca/minerals/MajorMines/coffee/feasibility-study-feb2016.pdf

 

Giroux, G. H. (2016). NI 43-101 Resource Estimate for the Whistler Project, Alaska. Prepared for Brazil Resources Inc. Accessed Dec 21, 2021, from https://www.goldmining.com/resources/reports/Whistler-2016-Technical-Report.pdf

 

Goldprice. (2022). Gold Price History. Retrieved from https://goldprice.org/gold-price-history.html

 

Global Energy Monitor. (June 21, 2021). Donlin Gold Mine Pipeline. Accessed Dec 21, 2021, from https://www.gem.wiki/Donlin_Gold_Mine_Pipeline

 

Kitco. (2022). Live Gold Price. Retrieved from https://www.kitco.com/charts/livegold.html

 

Towsey, C. A. J. (Dec 8, 2020). Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves 2020: Gold Technical Report. Prepared for Citigold Corporation Limited. Accessed Dec 18, 2021 from https://www.citigold.com/wp-content/uploads/Announcements/2020/Mineral%20Resources%20and%20Ore%20Reserves%202020.pdf

 

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US Climate Data. (2021). Anchorage Climate Graph. Accessed Dec 16 from https://www.usclimatedata.com/climate/anchorage/alaska/united-states/usak0012

 

Wyck, N. V., & Armitage, A. (2013). Technical Report on the Shotgun Gold Project, Southwest Alaska. Prepared for TNR Gold Corp. Accessed Dec 21, 2021, from https://tnrgoldcorp.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Technical-Report-on-the-Shotgun-Gold-Project-Southwest-Alaska

 

Crowe, D.E., and Millholland, M.A., 1990, High-grade gold mineralization associated with high salinity hydrothermal fluids, Mt. Estelle pluton, central Alaska Range [abs.]: Geological Society of America, Abstracts with Programs, v. 22, p. A41

 

Estelle Gold Project, Technical Presentation, September 24, 2019, p.9

 

https://www.alaskajournal.com/sites/alaskajournal.com/files/estelle.pdf

 

Goldfarb, R. J., Marsh, E. E., Hart, C. J., Mair, J. L., Miller, M. L., & Johnson, C. (2007). Geology and origin of epigenetic lode gold deposits, Tintina Gold Province, Alaska and Yukon. Recent US Geological Survey Studies in the Tintina Gold Province, Alaska, United States, and Yukon, Canada—Results of a.

 

Source: Mining Cost Data

 

https://vgcx.com/site/assets/files/7042/vgcx-_2023_technical_report_update_nr_final.pdf

 

http://s2.q4cdn.com/496390694/files/doc_downloads/technical_reports/2015TR-FortKnox.pdf

 

https://www.equinoxgold.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/2020-Mesquite.pdf

 

https://dnr.alaska.gov/mlw/cdn/pdf/factsheets/keydates-for-miners-on-state-land.pdf

 

SK 1300 Technical Summary Report – Whistler Project Alaska, 2022

 

World Gold Council 2023, https://www.gold.org/goldhub/data/gold-prices, accessed 23rd of January 23, 2024

 

25.Reliance on Information Provided by the Registrant

 

Some of the technical information included in the report is reliant on estimates and assumptions provided by Nova Minerals. Roughstock Mining has not researched into the validity of the information provided and considers the client to be responsible for the justification of the information.

 

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This report summarizes the expected responsibilities of work carried out by each company. The scope of work or division of responsibility for each company is listed in Table 25-1 and when combined, makes up the total Project scope.

 

Table 25-1: Estelle Gold Project - Initial Assessment Report division of responsibility

 

Division of Responsibility
Section Section Name Responsible Party
1 Executive Summary Roughstock Mining
2 Introduction Roughstock Mining
3 Property Description Hans Hoffman, Nova
4 Accessibility, Climate, Local Resources,
Infrastructure and Physiography
Hans Hoffman, Nova
5 History Hans Hoffman, Nova
6 Geological Setting, Mineralization and Deposit Hans Hoffman, Nova
7 Exploration Hans Hoffman, Nova
8 Sample Preparation, Analysis, and Security Yukuskokon
9 Data Verification Vannu Khounphakdee, Nova
10 Mineral Processing and Metallurgical Testing METS Engineering
11 Mineral Resource Estimates Matrix Resource Consultants
12 Mineral Reserve Estimates Not applicable
13 Mining Methods Hans Hoffman, Nova
14 Process and Recovery Methods METS Engineering
15 Infrastructure Hans Hoffman, Nova
16 Market Studies Christopher Gerteisen, Nova
17 Environmental Studies, Permitting and
Social or Community Impact
Jade North
18 Capital and Operating Costs Christopher Gerteisen, Nova
19 Economic analysis Not applicable
20 Adjacent Properties Hans Hoffman, Nova
21 Other Relevant Data and Information Hans Hoffman, Nova
22 Interpretation and Conclusions All
23 Recommendations All
24 References All

 

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25.1QP Statements

 

Roughstock Mining Services, LLC

 

Roughstock Mining Services, LLC (Roughstock Mining) certifies that:

 

  1. This certificate applies to the SK-1300 Initial Assessment Technical Report Summary for the Estelle Gold Project Alaska, USA with an effective date of January 31, 2024.
     
  2. Roughstock Mining is located at 250 Blue Sky Trail, Bozeman, Montana 59718, USA.
     
  3. Roughstock Mining employs professional geologists and engineers that conform to the SEC qualified person definition.
     
  4. Roughstock Mining employs qualified persons with at least 5 year of relevant experience with this type of project.
     
  5. Roughstock Mining employees involved with the preparation of the report have read the definition of “qualified person” set out in SEC SK-1300 Regulation and certify that by reason of education, affiliation with a professional association, and past relevant work experience, that said Roughstock Mining employees fulfill the requirements to be a “qualified person” for the purposes of SEC Regulation SK-1300.
     
  6. Roughstock Mining is responsible for the preparation Sections 1 and 2 of this report.
     
  7. Roughstock Mining completed a personal inspection of the Estelle Gold Project on November 30th and December 1st, 2023.
     
  8. As defined in SEC Regulation SK-1300, Roughstock is independent of the issuer, Nova Minerals.
     
  9. To the best of Roughstock Mining’s knowledge, information and belief, at the effective date of January 31, 2024, the Initial Assessment Technical Report Summary contains all scientific and technical information that is required to be disclosed to make the Report not misleading.

 

Effective Date: January 31, 2024

 

Signed Date: 1-24-2024

 

Signed:  

Roughstock Mining Services

 

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Hans Hoffman, Nova Minerals

 

I, Hans Hoffman, a State of Alaska Certified Professional Geologist, employed by Nova Minerals do certify that:

 

  1. This certificate applies to the SK-1300 Initial Assessment Technical Report Summary for the Estelle Gold Project Alaska, USA with an effective date of January 31, 2024.
     
  2. I am a Geologist affiliated with Nova Minerals which is located at 1150 S Colony Way, Suite 3-440, Palmer, AK 99645
     
  3. I am American Institute of Professional Geologists member number 11898in good standing. I am a graduate of University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science in Geological Engineering with a double major in Geology &Geophysics.
     
  4. I am a qualified person with at least 5 years of relevant experience with this type of project. I have nearly 20 years’ experience in mineral exploration and infrastructure development projects across the State of Alaska.
     
  5. I have read the definition of “qualified person” set out in SEC SK-1300 Regulation and certify that by reason of education, affiliation with a professional association, and past relevant work experience, I fulfill the requirements to be a Qualified Person (QP) for the purposes of SEC Regulation SK-1300.
     
  6. I am responsible for the preparation Sections 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 13, 15, 20 and 21 of this report.
     
  7. I am a direct contractor to Nova Minerals and have been involved with the Estelle Gold Project intermittently since June, 2010.
     
  8. To the best my knowledge, information and belief, at the effective date of January 31, 2024, the Initial Assessment Technical Report Summary contains all scientific and technical information that is required to be disclosed to make the Report not misleading.

 

Effective Date: January 31, 2024

 

Signed Date: ____1-23-2024__________

 

 

Signed:  

Hans Hoffman

 

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Yukuskokon Professional Services

 

 

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Vannu Khounphakdee, Nova Minerals

 

I, Vannu Khounphakdee, P. Geo employed by Nova Minerals do certify that:

 

  1. This certificate applies to the SK-1300 Initial Assessment Technical Report Summary for the Estelle Gold Project Alaska, USA with an effective date of January 31, 2024.
     
  2. I am a Geologist affiliated with Nova Minerals which is located at Savang village, Vangvieng district, Vientiane province, Lao P.D.R.
     
  3. I am a Professional Geologist, and member (#8369) of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists, in good standing. I am a graduate of Krivoy Rog National University, Ukraine, 1992 with a Master of Science in Mine Geology and Engineering
     
  4. I am a qualified person with at least 5 years of relevant experience with this type of project having held numerous technical roles with a focus primarily on precious metals.
     
  5. I have read the definition of “qualified person” set out in SEC SK-1300 Regulation and certify that by reason of education, affiliation with a professional association, and past relevant work experience, I fulfill the requirements to be a Qualified Person (QP) for the purposes of SEC Regulation SK-1300.
     
  6. I am responsible for the preparation Section 9 of this report.
     
  7. I am an employee of Nova Minerals and have worked on the Estelle Gold Project since August, 2021.
     
  8. To the best my knowledge, information and belief, at the effective date of January 31, 2024, the Initial Assessment Technical Report Summary contains all scientific and technical information that is required to be disclosed to make the Report not misleading.

 

Effective Date: January 31, 2024

 

Signed Date: January 25, 2024

 

Signed:  

Vannu Khounphakdee

 

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METS Engineering

 

METS Engineering certifies that:

 

  1. This certificate applies to the SK-1300 Initial Assessment Technical Report Summary for the Estelle Gold Project Alaska, USA with an effective date of January 31, 2024.
     
  2. METS Engineering is located at located at L3, 44 Parliament Place, West Perth, 6005, Australia.
     
  3. METS Engineering employs professional metallurgists and engineers that conform to the SEC qualified person definition.
     
  4. METS Engineering employs qualified persons with at least 5 year of relevant experience with this type of project.
     
  5. METS Engineering employees involved with the preparation of the report have read the definition of “qualified person” set out in SEC SK-1300 Regulation and certify that by reason of education, affiliation with a professional association, and past relevant work experience, that said METS Engineering employees fulfill the requirements to be a Qualified Person (QP) for the purposes of SEC Regulation SK-1300.
     
  6. METS Engineering is responsible for the preparation Sections 10 and 14 of this report.
     
  7. METS Engineering has not made a personal inspection of the Estelle Gold Project site. The nature of work related to Sections 10 and 14 do not require a personal inspection of the site.
     
  8. As defined in SEC Regulation SK-1300, METS Engineering is independent of the issuer, Nova Minerals.
     
  9. To the best of METS Engineering’s knowledge, information and belief, at the effective date of January 31, 2024, the Initial Assessment Technical Report Summary contains all scientific and technical information that is required to be disclosed to make the Report not misleading.

 

Effective Date: January 31, 2024

 

Signed Date: January 26, 2024

 

Signed:  

METS Engineering

 

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Matrix Resource Consultants Pty Ltd

 

Matrix Resource Consultants Pty Ltd (Matrix) certifies that:

 

  1. This certificate applies to the SK-1300 Initial Assessment Technical Report Summary for the Estelle Gold Project Alaska, USA with an effective date of January 31, 2024.
     
  2. Matrix is located at 6/32 Hulme Court, Myaree, Perth 6154, Australia.
     
  3. Matrix employs professional geologists that conform to the SEC qualified person definition.
     
  4. Matrix employs qualified persons with at least 5 year of relevant experience with this type of project.
     
  5. Matrix employees involved with the preparation of the report have read the definition of “qualified person” set out in SEC SK-1300 Regulation and certify that by reason of education, affiliation with a professional association, and past relevant work experience, that said Matrix employees fulfill the requirements to be a Qualified Person (QP) for the purposes of SEC Regulation SK-1300.
     
  6. Matrix is responsible for the preparation of Section 11 of this report.
     
  7. Matrix has not made a personal inspection of the Estelle Gold Project site. The nature of work related to Section 11 does not require a personal inspection of the site.
     
  8. As defined in SEC Regulation SK-1300, Matrix is independent of the issuer, Nova Minerals.
     
  9. To the best of Matrix’s knowledge, information and belief, at the effective date of January 31, 2024, the Initial Assessment Technical Report Summary contains all scientific and technical information that is required to be disclosed to make the Report not misleading.

 

Effective Date: January 31, 2024

 

Signed Date: January 26, 2024

 

Signed:  

Matrix Resource Consultants

 

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Christopher Gerteisen, Nova Minerals

 

I, Christopher Gerteisen, is employed by Nova Minerals and certifies that:

 

  1. This certificate applies to the SK-1300 Initial Assessment Technical Report Summary for the Estelle Gold Project Alaska, USA with an effective date of January 31, 2024.
     
  2.  I am a Geologist affiliated with Nova Minerals which is located at 1150 S. Colony Way, Suite 3-440, Palmer, Alaska 99645.
     
  3. I am a Professional Geologist, and member (#2924) of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists, in good standing. I am a graduate of Western Australian School of Mines, Kalgoorlie, Western Australia in 1999 with a Master of Science in Economic Geology.
     
  4. I am a qualified person with at least 5 year of relevant experience with this type of project having held numerous technical and executive roles with a focus primarily on precious and base metals.
     
  5. I have read the definition of “qualified person” set out in SEC SK-1300 Regulation and certify that by reason of education, affiliation with a professional association, and past relevant work experience, I fulfill the requirements to be a Qualified Person (QP) for the purposes of SEC Regulation SK-1300.
     
  6. I am responsible for the preparation Sections 16 and 18 of this report.
     
  7. I am an employee of Nova Minerals and have worked on the Estelle Gold Project since July, 2019.
     
  8. To the best my knowledge, information and belief, at the effective date of January 31, 2024, the Initial Assessment Technical Report Summary contains all scientific and technical information that is required to be disclosed to make the Report not misleading.

 

Effective Date: January 31, 2024

 

Signed Date: January 23, 2024

 

Signed:  

Christopher Gerteisen

 

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Jade North

 

 

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26.Appendix 1: Estelle Gold Project Mining Claims

 

 

Figure 26-1: Map of Nova Minerals controlled Alaska State mining claims

 

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The following figures correspond to Figure 26-1 Section 1 through 7:

 

 

Section 1.

 

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Section 2.

 

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Section 3.

 

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Section 4.

 

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Section 5.

 

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Section 6.

 

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Section 7.

 

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Table 26-1: List of Nova Minerals 800 Alaska State mining claims

 

ADL Number Claim Name Recording Date Meridian, Township, Range, Section Claim Size (Acres)
ADL 725940 ESTELLE 13 07-SEP-17 S020N020W05 160
ADL 725941 ESTELLE 22 07-SEP-17 S020N020W17 160
ADL 725942 ESTELLE 23 07-SEP-17 S020N020W08 160
ADL 725943 ESTELLE 24 07-SEP-17 S020N020W08 160
ADL 725944 ESTELLE 26 07-SEP-17 S020N020W05 160
ADL 725945 ESTELLE 27 07-SEP-17 S020N020W08 160
ADL 725946 ESTELLE 34 07-SEP-17 S020N020W07 160
ADL 725947 ESTELLE 35 07-SEP-17 S020N020W07 160
ADL 725948 ESTELLE 36 07-SEP-17 S020N020W07 160
ADL 725949 STONEY 18 07-SEP-17 S021N020W22 160
ADL 725950 STONEY 19 07-SEP-17 S021N020W15 160
ADL 725951 STONEY 39 07-SEP-17 S021N020W21 160
ADL 725952 STONEY 40 07-SEP-17 S021N020W16 160
ADL 725953 STONEY 41 07-SEP-17 S021N020W16 160
ADL 725954 STONEY 42 07-SEP-17 S021N020W09 160
ADL 725955 STONEY 43 07-SEP-17 S021N020W09 160
ADL 725956 EMERALD 38 07-SEP-17 S020N021W35 160
ADL 725957 EMERALD 39 07-SEP-17 S019N021W02 160
ADL 725958 EMERALD 40 07-SEP-17 S019N021W03 160
ADL 725959 EMERALD 41 07-SEP-17 S020N021W34 160
ADL 725960 EMERALD 42 07-SEP-17 S020N021W34 160
ADL 725961 EMERALD 43 07-SEP-17 S020N021W34 160
ADL 725962 EMERALD 44 07-SEP-17 S020N021W34 160
ADL 725963 EMERALD 45 07-SEP-17 S019N021W03 160
ADL 725964 EMERALD 46 07-SEP-17 S019N021W04 160
ADL 725965 EMERALD 47 07-SEP-17 S020N021W33 160
ADL 725966 EMERALD 48 07-SEP-17 S020N021W33 160
ADL 726071 OXIDE 1 07-SEP-17 S022N019W18 160
ADL 726072 OXIDE 2 07-SEP-17 S022N019W07 160
ADL 726073 OXIDE 3 07-SEP-17 S022N019W07 160
ADL 726074 OXIDE 4 07-SEP-17 S022N019W06 160
ADL 726075 OXIDE 5 07-SEP-17 S022N020W01 160
ADL 726076 OXIDE 6 07-SEP-17 S022N020W12 160
ADL 726077 OXIDE 7 07-SEP-17 S022N020W12 160
ADL 726078 OXIDE 8 07-SEP-17 S022N020W13 160

 

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ADL Number Claim Name Recording Date Meridian, Township, Range, Section Claim Size (Acres)
ADL 726079 OXIDE 9 07-SEP-17 S022N020W12 160
ADL 726080 OXIDE 10 07-SEP-17 S022N020W12 160
ADL 726081 OXIDE 11 07-SEP-17 S022N020W01 160
ADL 726082 OXIDE 12 07-SEP-17 S022N020W02 160
ADL 726083 OXIDE 13 07-SEP-17 S022N020W11 160
ADL 726084 OXIDE 14 07-SEP-17 S022N020W11 160
ADL 726085 OXIDE 15 07-SEP-17 S022N020W11 160
ADL 726086 OXIDE 16 07-SEP-17 S022N020W11 160
ADL 726087 OXIDE 17 07-SEP-17 S022N020W10 160
ADL 726088 OXIDE 18 07-SEP-17 S022N020W10 160
ADL 726089 OXIDE 19 07-SEP-17 S022N020W15 160
ADL 726090 OXIDE 20 07-SEP-17 S022N020W15 160
ADL 726091 OXIDE 21 07-SEP-17 S022N020W15 160
ADL 726092 OXIDE 22 07-SEP-17 S022N020W15 160
ADL 726093 OXIDE 23 07-SEP-17 S022N020W16 160
ADL 726094 OXIDE 24 07-SEP-17 S022N020W16 160
ADL 726095 OXIDE 25 07-SEP-17 S022N020W09 160
ADL 726096 OXIDE 26 07-SEP-17 S022N020W10 160
ADL 726097 OXIDE 27 07-SEP-17 S022N020W10 160
ADL 726098 OXIDE 28 07-SEP-17 S022N020W09 160
ADL 726099 OXIDE 29 07-SEP-17 S022N020W02 160
ADL 726100 OXIDE 30 07-SEP-17 S022N020W03 160
ADL 726101 OXIDE 31 07-SEP-17 S022N020W03 160
ADL 726102 OXIDE 32 07-SEP-17 S022N020W04 160
ADL 726103 STONEY 1 07-SEP-17 S022N020W22 160
ADL 726104 STONEY 2 07-SEP-17 S022N020W22 160
ADL 726105 STONEY 3 07-SEP-17 S022N020W27 160
ADL 726106 STONEY 4 07-SEP-17 S022N020W27 160
ADL 726107 STONEY 5 07-SEP-17 S022N020W34 160
ADL 726108 STONEY 6 07-SEP-17 S022N020W34 160
ADL 726109 STONEY 7 07-SEP-17 S021N020W03 160
ADL 726110 STONEY 8 07-SEP-17 S021N020W03 160
ADL 726111 STONEY 9 07-SEP-17 S021N020W10 160
ADL 726112 STONEY 10 07-SEP-17 S021N020W10 160
ADL 726113 STONEY 11 07-SEP-17 S021N020W15 160
ADL 726114 STONEY 12 07-SEP-17 S021N020W15 160
ADL 726115 STONEY 13 07-SEP-17 S021N020W22 160
ADL 726116 STONEY 14 07-SEP-17 S021N020W22 160
ADL 726117 STONEY 15 07-SEP-17 S021N020W27 160

 

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ADL Number Claim Name Recording Date Meridian, Township, Range, Section Claim Size (Acres)
ADL 726118 STONEY 16 07-SEP-17 S021N020W27 160
ADL 726119 STONEY 17 07-SEP-17 S021N020W22 160
ADL 726120 STONEY 20 07-SEP-17 S021N020W15 160
ADL 726121 STONEY 21 07-SEP-17 S021N020W10 160
ADL 726122 STONEY 22 07-SEP-17 S021N020W10 160
ADL 726123 STONEY 23 07-SEP-17 S021N020W03 160
ADL 726124 STONEY 24 07-SEP-17 S021N020W03 160
ADL 726125 STONEY 25 07-SEP-17 S022N020W34 160
ADL 726126 STONEY 26 07-SEP-17 S022N020W34 160
ADL 726127 STONEY 27 07-SEP-17 S022N020W27 160
ADL 726128 STONEY 28 07-SEP-17 S022N020W27 160
ADL 726129 STONEY 29 07-SEP-17 S022N020W22 160
ADL 726130 STONEY 30 07-SEP-17 S022N020W22 160
ADL 726131 STONEY 31 07-SEP-17 S021N020W28 160
ADL 726132 STONEY 32 07-SEP-17 S021N020W27 160
ADL 726133 STONEY 33 07-SEP-17 S021N020W28 160
ADL 726134 STONEY 34 07-SEP-17 S021N020W34 160
ADL 726135 STONEY 35 07-SEP-17 S021N020W33 160
ADL 726136 STONEY 36 07-SEP-17 S021N020W34 160
ADL 726137 STONEY 37 07-SEP-17 S021N020W33 160
ADL 726138 STONEY 38 07-SEP-17 S021N020W21 160
ADL 726139 STONEY 44 07-SEP-17 S021N020W04 160
ADL 726140 STONEY 45 07-SEP-17 S021N020W04 160
ADL 726141 STONEY 46 07-SEP-17 S022N020W33 160
ADL 726142 STONEY 47 07-SEP-17 S022N020W33 160
ADL 726143 STONEY 48 07-SEP-17 S022N020W28 160
ADL 726144 STONEY 49 07-SEP-17 S022N020W28 160
ADL 726145 STONEY 50 07-SEP-17 S022N020W21 160
ADL 726146 STONEY 51 07-SEP-17 S022N020W21 160
ADL 726147 ESTELLE 1 07-SEP-17 S020N020W03 160
ADL 726148 ESTELLE 2 07-SEP-17 S020N020W03 160
ADL 726149 ESTELLE 3 07-SEP-17 S020N020W10 160
ADL 726150 ESTELLE 4 07-SEP-17 S020N020W10 160
ADL 726151 ESTELLE 5 07-SEP-17 S020N020W15 160
ADL 726152 ESTELLE 6 07-SEP-17 S020N020W16 160
ADL 726153 ESTELLE 7 07-SEP-17 S020N020W09 160
ADL 726154 ESTELLE 8 07-SEP-17 S020N020W09 160
ADL 726155 ESTELLE 9 07-SEP-17 S020N020W04 160
ADL 726156 ESTELLE 10 07-SEP-17 S020N020W04 160

 

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ADL Number Claim Name Recording Date Meridian, Township, Range, Section Claim Size (Acres)
ADL 726157 ESTELLE 11 07-SEP-17 S020N020W04 160
ADL 726158 ESTELLE 12 07-SEP-17 S020N020W05 160
ADL 726159 ESTELLE 14 07-SEP-17 S020N020W04 160
ADL 726160 ESTELLE 15 07-SEP-17 S020N020W09 160
ADL 726161 ESTELLE 16 07-SEP-17 S020N020W09 160
ADL 726162 ESTELLE 17 07-SEP-17 S020N020W16 160
ADL 726163 ESTELLE 18 07-SEP-17 S020N020W15 160
ADL 726164 ESTELLE 19 07-SEP-17 S020N020W16 160
ADL 726165 ESTELLE 20 07-SEP-17 S020N020W16 160
ADL 726166 ESTELLE 21 07-SEP-17 S020N020W17 160
ADL 726167 ESTELLE 25 07-SEP-17 S020N020W05 160
ADL 726168 ESTELLE 28 07-SEP-17 S020N020W08 160
ADL 726169 ESTELLE 29 07-SEP-17 S020N020W17 160
ADL 726170 ESTELLE 30 07-SEP-17 S020N020W17 160
ADL 726171 ESTELLE 31 07-SEP-17 S020N020W18 160
ADL 726172 ESTELLE 32 07-SEP-17 S020N020W18 160
ADL 726173 ESTELLE 33 07-SEP-17 S020N020W07 160
ADL 726174 ESTELLE 37 07-SEP-17 S020N020W18 160
ADL 726175 ESTELLE 38 07-SEP-17 S020N020W18 160
ADL 726176 ESTELLE 39 07-SEP-17 S020N021W12 160
ADL 726177 ESTELLE 40 07-SEP-17 S020N021W12 160
ADL 726178 ESTELLE 41 07-SEP-17 S020N021W12 160
ADL 726179 ESTELLE 42 07-SEP-17 S020N021W12 160
ADL 726180 EMERALD 1 07-SEP-17 S020N021W24 160
ADL 726181 EMERALD 2 07-SEP-17 S020N021W24 160
ADL 726182 EMERALD 3 07-SEP-17 S020N021W24 160
ADL 726183 EMERALD 4 07-SEP-17 S020N021W24 160
ADL 726184 EMERALD 5 07-SEP-17 S020N021W25 160
ADL 726185 EMERALD 6 07-SEP-17 S020N021W25 160
ADL 726186 EMERALD 7 07-SEP-17 S020N021W25 160
ADL 726187 EMERALD 8 07-SEP-17 S020N021W25 160
ADL 726188 EMERALD 9 07-SEP-17 S020N021W26 160
ADL 726189 EMERALD 10 07-SEP-17 S020N021W26 160
ADL 726190 EMERALD 11 07-SEP-17 S020N021W26 160
ADL 726191 EMERALD 12 07-SEP-17 S020N021W26 160
ADL 726192 EMERALD 13 07-SEP-17 S020N021W35 160
ADL 726193 EMERALD 14 07-SEP-17 S020N021W35 160
ADL 726194 EMERALD 15 07-SEP-17 S020N021W36 160
ADL 726195 EMERALD 16 07-SEP-17 S020N021W36 160

 

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ADL Number Claim Name Recording Date Meridian, Township, Range, Section Claim Size (Acres)
ADL 726196 EMERALD 17 07-SEP-17 S020N020W31 160
ADL 726197 EMERALD 18 07-SEP-17 S020N020W31 160
ADL 726198 EMERALD 19 07-SEP-17 S020N020W32 160
ADL 726199 EMERALD 20 07-SEP-17 S020N020W32 160
ADL 726200 EMERALD 21 07-SEP-17 S020N020W33 160
ADL 726201 EMERALD 22 07-SEP-17 S020N020W33 160
ADL 726202 EMERALD 23 07-SEP-17 S020N020W32 160
ADL 726203 EMERALD 24 07-SEP-17 S020N020W32 160
ADL 726204 EMERALD 25 07-SEP-17 S020N020W31 160
ADL 726205 EMERALD 26 07-SEP-17 S020N020W31 160
ADL 726206 EMERALD 27 07-SEP-17 S020N021W36 160
ADL 726207 EMERALD 28 07-SEP-17 S020N021W36 160
ADL 726208 EMERALD 29 07-SEP-17 S020N021W35 160
ADL 726209 EMERALD 30 07-SEP-17 S019N020W04 160
ADL 726210 EMERALD 31 07-SEP-17 S019N020W05 160
ADL 726211 EMERALD 32 07-SEP-17 S019N020W05 160
ADL 726212 EMERALD 33 07-SEP-17 S019N020W06 160
ADL 726213 EMERALD 34 07-SEP-17 S019N020W06 160
ADL 726214 EMERALD 35 07-SEP-17 S019N021W01 160
ADL 726215 EMERALD 36 07-SEP-17 S019N021W01 160
ADL 726216 EMERALD 37 07-SEP-17 S019N021W02 160
ADL 727286 ESTELLE 43 17-FEB-18 S020N021W13 160
ADL 727287 ESTELLE 44 17-FEB-18 S020N021W13 160
ADL 727288 ESTELLE 45 17-FEB-18 S020N021W13 160
ADL 727289 ESTELLE 46 17-FEB-18 S020N021W13 160
ADL 728676 OXIDE 33 22-NOV-18 S022N020W13 160
ADL 728677 OXIDE 34 22-NOV-18 S022N020W14 160
ADL 728678 OXIDE 35 22-NOV-18 S022N020W14 160
ADL 728680 ESTELLE 48 22-NOV-18 S020N020W03 40
ADL 728681 ESTELLE 49 22-NOV-18 S020N020W03 40
ADL 728682 ESTELLE 50 22-NOV-18 S020N020W03 40
ADL 728683 ESTELLE 51 22-NOV-18 S020N020W15 160
ADL 728684 ESTELLE 52 22-NOV-18 S020N020W15 160
ADL 730362 KORBEL 1 23-SEP-19 S021N020W34 40
ADL 730363 KORBEL 2 23-SEP-19 S021N020W34 40
ADL 730364 KORBEL 3 23-SEP-19 S021N020W34 40
ADL 730365 KORBEL 4 23-SEP-19 S021N020W34 40
ADL 730366 KORBEL 5 23-SEP-19 S021N020W27 160
ADL 730367 KORBEL 6 23-SEP-19 S021N020W26 160

 

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ADL Number Claim Name Recording Date Meridian, Township, Range, Section Claim Size (Acres)
ADL 730368 KORBEL 7 23-SEP-19 S021N020W26 160
ADL 730369 KORBEL 8 23-SEP-19 S021N020W23 160
ADL 730370 KORBEL 9 23-SEP-19 S021N020W23 160
ADL 730371 KORBEL 10 23-SEP-19 S021N020W14 160
ADL 730372 KORBEL 11 23-SEP-19 S021N020W14 160
ADL 730373 KORBEL 12 23-SEP-19 S021N020W11 160
ADL 730374 KORBEL 13 23-SEP-19 S021N020W11 160
ADL 730375 KORBEL 14 23-SEP-19 S021N020W02 160
ADL 730376 KORBEL 15 23-SEP-19 S021N020W02 160
ADL 730377 KORBEL 16 23-SEP-19 S022N020W35 160
ADL 730378 KORBEL 17 23-SEP-19 S022N020W35 160
ADL 730379 KORBEL 18 23-SEP-19 S022N020W26 160
ADL 730380 KORBEL 19 23-SEP-19 S022N020W26 160
ADL 730381 KORBEL 20 23-SEP-19 S022N020W23 160
ADL 730382 KORBEL 21 23-SEP-19 S022N020W23 160
ADL 730383 KORBEL 22 23-SEP-19 S022N020W14 160
ADL 730384 KORBEL 23 23-SEP-19 S022N020W14 160
ADL 730385 KORBEL 24 23-SEP-19 S022N020W23 160
ADL 730386 KORBEL 25 23-SEP-19 S022N020W23 160
ADL 730387 KORBEL 26 23-SEP-19 S022N020W26 160
ADL 730388 KORBEL 27 23-SEP-19 S022N020W26 160
ADL 730389 KORBEL 28 23-SEP-19 S022N020W35 160
ADL 730390 KORBEL 29 23-SEP-19 S022N020W35 160
ADL 730391 KORBEL 30 23-SEP-19 S021N020W02 160
ADL 730392 KORBEL 31 23-SEP-19 S021N020W02 160
ADL 730393 KORBEL 32 23-SEP-19 S021N020W11 160
ADL 730394 KORBEL 33 23-SEP-19 S021N020W11 160
ADL 730395 KORBEL 34 23-SEP-19 S021N020W14 160
ADL 730396 KORBEL 35 23-SEP-19 S021N020W14 160
ADL 730397 KORBEL 36 23-SEP-19 S021N020W23 160
ADL 730398 KORBEL 37 23-SEP-19 S021N020W23 160
ADL 730399 KORBEL 38 23-SEP-19 S021N020W26 160
ADL 730400 KORBEL 39 23-SEP-19 S021N020W26 160
ADL 730401 KORBEL 40 23-SEP-19 S022N020W24 160
ADL 730402 KORBEL 41 23-SEP-19 S022N020W24 160
ADL 730403 KORBEL 42 23-SEP-19 S022N020W13 160
ADL 730404 KORBEL 43 23-SEP-19 S022N020W13 160
ADL 730405 KORBEL 44 23-SEP-19 S022N020W24 160
ADL 730406 KORBEL 45 23-SEP-19 S022N020W24 160

 

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Estelle Gold Project Initial Assessment - January 31st, 2024
 

 

ADL Number Claim Name Recording Date Meridian, Township, Range, Section Claim Size (Acres)
ADL 730407 KORBEL 46 23-SEP-19 S022N019W19 160
ADL 730408 KORBEL 47 23-SEP-19 S022N019W19 160
ADL 730409 KORBEL 48 23-SEP-19 S022N019W18 160
ADL 730410 KORBEL 49 23-SEP-19 S022N019W19 160
ADL 730411 KORBEL 50 23-SEP-19 S022N019W19 160
ADL 730412 KORBEL 51 23-SEP-19 S022N019W18 160
ADL 730413 KORBEL 52 23-SEP-19 S022N019W18 160
ADL 730414 KORBEL 53 23-SEP-19 S022N019W07 160
ADL 730415 KORBEL 54 23-SEP-19 S022N019W07 160
ADL 730416 KORBEL 55 07-SEP-19 S022N019W06 160
ADL 730417 KORBEL 56 23-SEP-19 S022N020W04 160
ADL 730418 KORBEL 57 23-SEP-19 S022N020W09 160
ADL 730419 KORBEL 58 23-SEP-19 S022N020W09 160
ADL 730420 KORBEL 59 23-SEP-19 S022N020W16 160
ADL 730421 KORBEL 60 23-SEP-19 S022N020W16 160
ADL 730422 KORBEL 61 23-SEP-19 S022N020W21 160
ADL 730423 KORBEL 62 23-SEP-19 S022N020W21 160
ADL 730424 KORBEL 63 23-SEP-19 S022N020W28 160
ADL 730425 KORBEL 64 23-SEP-19 S022N020W28 160
ADL 730426 KORBEL 65 23-SEP-19 S022N020W33 160
ADL 730427 KORBEL 66 23-SEP-19 S022N020W33 160
ADL 730428 KORBEL 67 23-SEP-19 S021N020W04 160
ADL 730429 KORBEL 68 23-SEP-19 S021N020W04 160
ADL 730430 KORBEL 69 23-SEP-19 S021N020W09 160
ADL 730431 KORBEL 70 23-SEP-19 S021N020W09 160
ADL 730432 KORBEL 71 23-SEP-19 S021N020W16 160
ADL 730433 KORBEL 72 23-SEP-19 S021N020W16 160
ADL 730434 KORBEL 73 23-SEP-19 S021N020W21 160
ADL 730435 KORBEL 74 23-SEP-19 S021N020W21 160
ADL 730436 KORBEL 75 23-SEP-19 S021N020W28 160
ADL 730437 KORBEL 76 23-SEP-19 S021N020W28 160
ADL 730438 KORBEL 77 23-SEP-19 S021N020W33 160
ADL 730439 KORBEL 78 23-SEP-19 S021N020W33 160
ADL 730440 KORBEL 79 23-SEP-19 S021N020W32 160
ADL 730441 KORBEL 80 23-SEP-19 S021N020W32 160
ADL 730442 KORBEL 81 23-SEP-19 S021N020W29 160
ADL 730443 KORBEL 82 23-SEP-19 S021N020W29 160
ADL 730444 KORBEL 83 23-SEP-19 S021N020W20 160
ADL 730445 KORBEL 84 23-SEP-19 S021N020W20 160

 

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Estelle Gold Project Initial Assessment - January 31st, 2024
 

 

ADL Number Claim Name Recording Date Meridian, Township, Range, Section Claim Size (Acres)
ADL 730446 KORBEL 85 23-SEP-19 S021N020W17 160
ADL 730447 KORBEL 86 23-SEP-19 S021N020W17 160
ADL 730448 KORBEL 87 23-SEP-19 S021N020W08 160
ADL 730449 KORBEL 88 23-SEP-19 S021N020W08 160
ADL 730450 KORBEL 89 23-SEP-19 S021N020W05 160
ADL 730451 KORBEL 90 23-SEP-19 S021N020W05 160
ADL 730452 KORBEL 91 23-SEP-19 S022N020W32 160
ADL 730453 KORBEL 92 23-SEP-19 S022N020W32 160
ADL 730454 KORBEL 93 23-SEP-19 S022N020W29 160
ADL 730455 KORBEL 94 23-SEP-19 S022N020W29 160
ADL 730456 KORBEL 95 23-SEP-19 S022N020W20 160
ADL 730457 KORBEL 96 23-SEP-19 S022N020W20 160
ADL 730458 KORBEL 97 23-SEP-19 S022N020W17 160
ADL 730459 KORBEL 98 23-SEP-19 S022N020W17 160
ADL 730460 KORBEL 99 23-SEP-19 S022N020W08 160
ADL 730461 KORBEL 100 23-SEP-19 S022N020W08 160
ADL 730462 KORBEL 101 23-SEP-19 S022N020W05 160
ADL 730463 KORBEL 102 23-SEP-19 S022N020W05 160
ADL 730464 KORBEL 103 23-SEP-19 S022N020W08 160
ADL 730465 KORBEL 104 23-SEP-19 S022N020W08 160
ADL 730466 KORBEL 105 23-SEP-19 S022N020W17 160
ADL 730467 KORBEL 106 23-SEP-19 S022N020W17 160
ADL 730468 KORBEL 107 23-SEP-19 S022N020W20 160
ADL 730469 KORBEL 108 23-SEP-19 S022N020W20 160
ADL 730470 KORBEL 109 23-SEP-19 S022N020W29 160
ADL 730471 KORBEL 110 23-SEP-19 S022N020W29 160
ADL 730472 KORBEL 111 23-SEP-19 S022N020W32 160
ADL 730473 KORBEL 112 23-SEP-19 S022N020W32 160
ADL 730474 KORBEL 113 23-SEP-19 S021N020W05 160
ADL 730475 KORBEL 114 23-SEP-19 S021N020W05 160
ADL 730476 KORBEL 115 23-SEP-19 S021N020W08 160
ADL 730477 KORBEL 116 23-SEP-19 S021N020W08 160
ADL 730478 KORBEL 117 23-SEP-19 S021N020W17 160
ADL 730479 KORBEL 118 23-SEP-19 S021N020W17 160
ADL 730480 KORBEL 119 23-SEP-19 S021N020W20 160
ADL 730481 KORBEL 120 23-SEP-19 S021N020W20 160
ADL 730482 KORBEL 121 23-SEP-19 S021N020W29 160
ADL 730483 KORBEL 122 23-SEP-19 S021N020W29 160
ADL 730484 KORBEL 123 23-SEP-19 S021N020W32 160

 

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Estelle Gold Project Initial Assessment - January 31st, 2024
 

 

ADL Number Claim Name Recording Date Meridian, Township, Range, Section Claim Size (Acres)
ADL 730485 KORBEL 124 23-SEP-19 S021N020W32 160
ADL 730486 KORBEL 125 23-SEP-19 S022N020W05 160
ADL 730487 KORBEL 126 23-SEP-19 S022N020W05 160
ADL 730488 KORBEL 127 23-SEP-19 S022N020W04 160
ADL 730489 KORBEL 128 23-SEP-19 S022N020W04 160
ADL 730490 KORBEL 129 07-SEP-19 S022N020W03 160
ADL 730491 KORBEL 130 07-SEP-19 S022N020W03 160
ADL 730492 KORBEL 131 07-SEP-19 S022N020W02 160
ADL 730493 KORBEL 132 07-SEP-19 S022N020W02 160
ADL 730494 KORBEL 133 07-SEP-19 S022N020W01 160
ADL 730495 KORBEL 134 07-SEP-19 S022N020W01 160
ADL 730496 KORBEL 135 07-SEP-19 S022N019W06 160
ADL 730497 KORBEL 136 07-SEP-19 S022N019W06 160
ADL 730498 KORBEL 137 23-SEP-19 S023N020W32 160
ADL 730499 KORBEL 138 23-SEP-19 S023N020W32 160
ADL 730500 KORBEL 139 07-SEP-19 S023N020W33 160
ADL 730501 KORBEL 140 23-SEP-19 S023N020W33 160
ADL 730502 KORBEL 141 07-SEP-19 S023N020W34 160
ADL 730503 KORBEL 142 07-SEP-19 S023N020W34 160
ADL 730504 KORBEL 143 07-SEP-19 S023N020W35 160
ADL 730505 KORBEL 144 07-SEP-19 S023N020W35 160
ADL 730506 KORBEL 145 07-SEP-19 S023N020W36 160
ADL 730507 KORBEL 146 07-SEP-19 S023N020W36 160
ADL 730508 KORBEL 147 07-SEP-19 S023N019W31 160
ADL 730509 KORBEL 148 07-SEP-19 S023N019W31 160
ADL 730510 KORBEL 149 23-SEP-19 S023N020W32 160
ADL 730511 KORBEL 150 07-SEP-19 S023N020W32 160
ADL 730512 KORBEL 151 07-SEP-19 S023N020W33 160
ADL 730513 KORBEL 152 07-SEP-19 S023N020W33 160
ADL 730514 KORBEL 153 07-SEP-19 S023N020W34 160
ADL 730515 KORBEL 154 07-SEP-19 S023N020W34 160
ADL 730516 KORBEL 155 07-SEP-19 S023N020W35 160
ADL 730517 KORBEL 156 23-SEP-19 S023N020W35 160
ADL 730518 KORBEL 157 07-SEP-19 S023N020W36 160
ADL 730519 KORBEL 158 07-SEP-19 S023N020W36 160
ADL 730520 KORBEL 159 07-SEP-19 S023N019W31 160
ADL 730521 KORBEL 160 07-SEP-19 S023N019W31 160
ADL 733438 ESTELLE 47 11-OCT-20 S021N020W35 40
ADL 733439 KORBEL 161 10-OCT-20 S020N020W14 160

 

Page 176 of 188
Estelle Gold Project Initial Assessment - January 31st, 2024
 

 

ADL Number Claim Name Recording Date Meridian, Township, Range, Section Claim Size (Acres)
ADL 733440 KORBEL 162 10-OCT-20 S020N020W14 160
ADL 733441 KORBEL 163 10-OCT-20 S020N020W14 160
ADL 733442 KORBEL 164 10-OCT-20 S020N020W14 160
ADL 733443 KORBEL 165 10-OCT-20 S020N020W19 160
ADL 733444 KORBEL 166 10-OCT-20 S020N020W19 160
ADL 733445 KORBEL 167 10-OCT-20 S020N020W20 160
ADL 733446 KORBEL 168 10-OCT-20 S020N020W20 160
ADL 733447 KORBEL 169 10-OCT-20 S020N020W21 160
ADL 733448 KORBEL 170 10-OCT-20 S020N020W21 160
ADL 733449 KORBEL 171 10-OCT-20 S020N020W22 160
ADL 733450 KORBEL 172 10-OCT-20 S020N020W22 160
ADL 733451 KORBEL 173 10-OCT-20 S020N020W23 160
ADL 733452 KORBEL 174 10-OCT-20 S020N020W23 160
ADL 733453 KORBEL 175 11-OCT-20 S020N020W19 160
ADL 733454 KORBEL 176 11-OCT-20 S020N020W19 160
ADL 733455 KORBEL 177 11-OCT-20 S020N020W20 160
ADL 733456 KORBEL 178 11-OCT-20 S020N020W20 160
ADL 733457 KORBEL 179 11-OCT-20 S020N020W21 160
ADL 733458 KORBEL 180 11-OCT-20 S020N020W21 160
ADL 733459 KORBEL 181 11-OCT-20 S020N020W22 160
ADL 733460 KORBEL 182 11-OCT-20 S020N020W22 160
ADL 733461 KORBEL 183 11-OCT-20 S020N020W23 160
ADL 733462 KORBEL 184 11-OCT-20 S020N020W23 160
ADL 733463 KORBEL 185 11-OCT-20 S020N020W30 160
ADL 733464 KORBEL 186 11-OCT-20 S020N020W30 160
ADL 733465 KORBEL 187 11-OCT-20 S020N020W29 160
ADL 733466 KORBEL 188 11-OCT-20 S020N020W29 160
ADL 733467 KORBEL 189 11-OCT-20 S020N020W28 160
ADL 733468 KORBEL 190 11-OCT-20 S020N020W28 160
ADL 733469 KORBEL 191 11-OCT-20 S020N020W27 160
ADL 733470 KORBEL 192 11-OCT-20 S020N020W27 160
ADL 733471 KORBEL 193 11-OCT-20 S020N020W26 160
ADL 733472 KORBEL 194 11-OCT-20 S020N020W26 160
ADL 733473 KORBEL 195 11-OCT-20 S020N020W30 160
ADL 733474 KORBEL 196 11-OCT-20 S020N020W30 160
ADL 733475 KORBEL 197 11-OCT-20 S020N020W29 160
ADL 733476 KORBEL 198 11-OCT-20 S020N020W29 160
ADL 733477 KORBEL 199 11-OCT-20 S020N020W28 160
ADL 733478 KORBEL 200 11-OCT-20 S020N020W28 160

 

Page 177 of 188
Estelle Gold Project Initial Assessment - January 31st, 2024
 

 

ADL Number Claim Name Recording Date Meridian, Township, Range, Section Claim Size (Acres)
ADL 733479 KORBEL 201 11-OCT-20 S020N020W27 160
ADL 733480 KORBEL 202 11-OCT-20 S020N020W27 160
ADL 733481 KORBEL 203 11-OCT-20 S020N020W26 160
ADL 733482 KORBEL 204 11-OCT-20 S020N020W26 160
ADL 733483 KORBEL 205 10-OCT-20 S019N021W09 160
ADL 733484 KORBEL 206 10-OCT-20 S019N021W10 160
ADL 733485 KORBEL 207 10-OCT-20 S019N021W10 160
ADL 733486 KORBEL 208 10-OCT-20 S019N021W11 160
ADL 733487 KORBEL 209 10-OCT-20 S019N021W11 160
ADL 733488 KORBEL 210 10-OCT-20 S019N021W12 160
ADL 733489 KORBEL 211 10-OCT-20 S019N021W12 160
ADL 733490 KORBEL 212 10-OCT-20 S019N020W07 160
ADL 733491 KORBEL 213 10-OCT-20 S019N020W07 160
ADL 733492 KORBEL 214 10-OCT-20 S019N020W08 160
ADL 733493 KORBEL 215 10-OCT-20 S019N020W08 160
ADL 733494 KORBEL 216 10-OCT-20 S019N020W09 160
ADL 733495 KORBEL 217 10-OCT-20 S019N020W09 160
ADL 733496 KORBEL 218 10-OCT-20 S019N021W04 160
ADL 733497 KORBEL 219 10-OCT-20 S019N021W03 160
ADL 733498 KORBEL 220 10-OCT-20 S019N021W03 160
ADL 733499 KORBEL 221 10-OCT-20 S019N021W02 160
ADL 733500 KORBEL 222 10-OCT-20 S019N021W02 160
ADL 733501 KORBEL 223 10-OCT-20 S019N021W01 160
ADL 733502 KORBEL 224 10-OCT-20 S019N021W01 160
ADL 733503 KORBEL 225 10-OCT-20 S019N020W06 160
ADL 733504 KORBEL 226 10-OCT-20 S019N020W06 160
ADL 733505 KORBEL 227 10-OCT-20 S019N020W05 160
ADL 733506 KORBEL 228 10-OCT-20 S019N020W05 160
ADL 733507 KORBEL 229 10-OCT-20 S019N020W04 160
ADL 733508 KORBEL 230 10-OCT-20 S019N020W04 160
ADL 733509 KORBEL 231 10-OCT-20 S019N020W04 160
ADL 733510 KORBEL 232 10-OCT-20 S020N020W33 160
ADL 733511 KORBEL 233 11-OCT-20 S020N020W33 160
ADL 733512 KORBEL 234 11-OCT-20 S020N020W25 160
ADL 733513 KORBEL 235 11-OCT-20 S020N020W25 160
ADL 733514 KORBEL 236 11-OCT-20 S020N020W25 160
ADL 733515 KORBEL 237 11-OCT-20 S020N020W25 160
ADL 733516 KORBEL 238 11-OCT-20 S020N019W30 160
ADL 733517 KORBEL 239 11-OCT-20 S020N019W30 160

 

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Estelle Gold Project Initial Assessment - January 31st, 2024
 

 

ADL Number Claim Name Recording Date Meridian, Township, Range, Section Claim Size (Acres)
ADL 733518 KORBEL 240 11-OCT-20 S020N020W24 160
ADL 733519 KORBEL 241 11-OCT-20 S020N020W24 160
ADL 733520 KORBEL 242 11-OCT-20 S020N019W19 160
ADL 733521 KORBEL 243 11-OCT-20 S020N019W19 160
ADL 733522 KORBEL 244 11-OCT-20 S020N019W20 160
ADL 733523 KORBEL 245 10-OCT-20 S020N020W24 160
ADL 733524 KORBEL 246 10-OCT-20 S020N020W24 160
ADL 733525 KORBEL 247 10-OCT-20 S020N020W13 160
ADL 733526 KORBEL 248 10-OCT-20 S020N020W13 160
ADL 733527 KORBEL 249 10-OCT-20 S020N020W13 160
ADL 733528 KORBEL 250 10-OCT-20 S020N020W13 160
ADL 733529 KORBEL 251 11-OCT-20 S022N019W20 160
ADL 733530 KORBEL 252 11-OCT-20 S022N019W20 160
ADL 733531 KORBEL 253 11-OCT-20 S022N019W21 160
ADL 733532 KORBEL 254 11-OCT-20 S022N019W21 160
ADL 733533 KORBEL 255 11-OCT-20 S022N019W22 160
ADL 733534 KORBEL 256 11-OCT-20 S022N019W22 160
ADL 733535 KORBEL 257 11-OCT-20 S022N019W23 160
ADL 733536 KORBEL 258 11-OCT-20 S022N019W23 160
ADL 733537 KORBEL 259 11-OCT-20 S022N019W24 160
ADL 733538 KORBEL 260 11-OCT-20 S022N019W20 160
ADL 733539 KORBEL 261 11-OCT-20 S022N019W20 160
ADL 733540 KORBEL 262 11-OCT-20 S022N019W21 160
ADL 733541 KORBEL 263 11-OCT-20 S022N019W21 160
ADL 733542 KORBEL 264 11-OCT-20 S022N019W22 160
ADL 733543 KORBEL 265 11-OCT-20 S022N019W22 160
ADL 733544 KORBEL 266 11-OCT-20 S022N019W23 160
ADL 733545 KORBEL 267 11-OCT-20 S022N019W23 160
ADL 733546 KORBEL 268 11-OCT-20 S022N019W24 160
ADL 733547 KORBEL 269 11-OCT-20 S022N019W17 160
ADL 733548 KORBEL 270 11-OCT-20 S022N019W17 160
ADL 733549 KORBEL 271 11-OCT-20 S022N019W17 160
ADL 733550 KORBEL 272 11-OCT-20 S022N019W17 160
ADL 733551 KORBEL 273 10-OCT-20 S023N020W29 160
ADL 733552 KORBEL 274 10-OCT-20 S023N020W29 160
ADL 733553 KORBEL 275 10-OCT-20 S023N020W28 160
ADL 733554 KORBEL 276 10-OCT-20 S023N020W28 160
ADL 733555 KORBEL 277 10-OCT-20 S023N020W27 160
ADL 733556 KORBEL 278 10-OCT-20 S023N020W27 160

 

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ADL Number Claim Name Recording Date Meridian, Township, Range, Section Claim Size (Acres)
ADL 733557 KORBEL 279 10-OCT-20 S023N020W26 160
ADL 733558 KORBEL 280 10-OCT-20 S023N020W26 160
ADL 733559 KORBEL 281 10-OCT-20 S023N020W25 160
ADL 733560 KORBEL 282 10-OCT-20 S023N020W25 160
ADL 733561 KORBEL 283 10-OCT-20 S023N019W30 160
ADL 733562 KORBEL 284 10-OCT-20 S023N019W30 160
ADL 733563 KORBEL 285 10-OCT-20 S023N020W29 160
ADL 733564 KORBEL 286 10-OCT-20 S023N020W29 160
ADL 733565 KORBEL 287 10-OCT-20 S023N020W28 160
ADL 733566 KORBEL 288 10-OCT-20 S023N020W28 160
ADL 733567 KORBEL 289 10-OCT-20 S023N020W27 160
ADL 733568 KORBEL 290 10-OCT-20 S023N020W27 160
ADL 733569 KORBEL 291 10-OCT-20 S023N020W26 160
ADL 733570 KORBEL 292 10-OCT-20 S023N020W26 160
ADL 733571 KORBEL 293 10-OCT-20 S023N020W25 160
ADL 733572 KORBEL 294 10-OCT-20 S023N020W25 160
ADL 733573 KORBEL 295 10-OCT-20 S023N019W30 160
ADL 733574 KORBEL 296 10-OCT-20 S023N019W30 160
ADL 733575 KORBEL 297 11-OCT-20 S020N021W23 160
ADL 733576 KORBEL 298 11-OCT-20 S020N021W23 160
ADL 733577 KORBEL 299 11-OCT-20 S020N021W23 160
ADL 733578 KORBEL 300 11-OCT-20 S020N021W23 160
ADL 733579 KORBEL 301 11-OCT-20 S020N021W14 160
ADL 733580 KORBEL 302 11-OCT-20 S020N021W14 160
ADL 733581 KORBEL 303 11-OCT-20 S020N021W14 160
ADL 733582 KORBEL 304 11-OCT-20 S020N021W14 160
ADL 733583 KORBEL 305 11-OCT-20 S020N021W11 160
ADL 733584 KORBEL 306 11-OCT-20 S020N021W11 160
ADL 733585 KORBEL 307 11-OCT-20 S020N021W11 160
ADL 733586 KORBEL 308 11-OCT-20 S020N021W11 160
ADL 733587 KORBEL 309 11-OCT-20 S020N021W02 160
ADL 733588 KORBEL 310 11-OCT-20 S020N021W02 160
ADL 733589 KORBEL 311 11-OCT-20 S020N021W01 160
ADL 733590 KORBEL 312 11-OCT-20 S020N021W01 160
ADL 733591 KORBEL 313 11-OCT-20 S020N020W06 160
ADL 733592 KORBEL 314 11-OCT-20 S020N020W06 160
ADL 733593 KORBEL 315 11-OCT-20 S020N021W02 160
ADL 733594 KORBEL 316 11-OCT-20 S020N021W02 160
ADL 733595 KORBEL 317 11-OCT-20 S020N021W01 160

 

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ADL Number Claim Name Recording Date Meridian, Township, Range, Section Claim Size (Acres)
ADL 733596 KORBEL 318 11-OCT-20 S020N021W01 160
ADL 733597 KORBEL 319 11-OCT-20 S020N020W06 160
ADL 733598 KORBEL 320 11-OCT-20 S020N020W06 160
ADL 737162 STYX 1 08-NOV-21 S020N021W03 160
ADL 737163 STYX 2 08-NOV-21 S020N021W03 160
ADL 737164 STYX 3 08-NOV-21 S020N021W10 160
ADL 737165 STYX 4 08-NOV-21 S020N021W10 160
ADL 737166 STYX 5 08-NOV-21 S020N021W15 160
ADL 737167 STYX 6 08-NOV-21 S020N021W15 160
ADL 737168 STYX 7 08-NOV-21 S020N021W22 160
ADL 737169 STYX 8 08-NOV-21 S020N021W22 160
ADL 737170 STYX 9 08-NOV-21 S020N021W27 160
ADL 737171 STYX 10 08-NOV-21 S020N021W27 160
ADL 737172 STYX 11 08-NOV-21 S020N021W03 160
ADL 737173 STYX 12 08-NOV-21 S020N021W03 160
ADL 737174 STYX 13 08-NOV-21 S020N021W10 160
ADL 737175 STYX 14 08-NOV-21 S020N021W10 160
ADL 737176 STYX 15 08-NOV-21 S020N021W15 160
ADL 737177 STYX 16 08-NOV-21 S020N021W15 160
ADL 737178 STYX 17 08-NOV-21 S020N021W22 160
ADL 737179 STYX 18 08-NOV-21 S020N021W22 160
ADL 737180 STYX 19 08-NOV-21 S020N021W27 160
ADL 737181 STYX 20 08-NOV-21 S020N021W27 160
ADL 737182 STYX 21 08-NOV-21 S020N021W04 160
ADL 737183 STYX 22 08-NOV-21 S020N021W04 160
ADL 737184 STYX 23 08-NOV-21 S020N021W09 160
ADL 737185 STYX 24 08-NOV-21 S020N021W09 160
ADL 737186 STYX 25 08-NOV-21 S020N021W16 160
ADL 737187 STYX 26 08-NOV-21 S020N021W16 160
ADL 737188 STYX 27 08-NOV-21 S020N021W21 160
ADL 737189 STYX 28 08-NOV-21 S020N021W21 160
ADL 737190 STYX 29 08-NOV-21 S020N021W28 160
ADL 737191 STYX 30 08-NOV-21 S020N021W28 160
ADL 737192 STYX 31 08-NOV-21 S020N021W04 160
ADL 737193 STYX 32 08-NOV-21 S020N021W04 160
ADL 737194 STYX 33 08-NOV-21 S020N021W09 160
ADL 737195 STYX 34 08-NOV-21 S020N021W09 160
ADL 737196 STYX 35 08-NOV-21 S020N021W16 160
ADL 737197 STYX 36 08-NOV-21 S020N021W16 160

 

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ADL Number Claim Name Recording Date Meridian, Township, Range, Section Claim Size (Acres)
ADL 737198 STYX 37 08-NOV-21 S020N021W21 160
ADL 737199 STYX 38 08-NOV-21 S020N021W21 160
ADL 737200 STYX 39 08-NOV-21 S020N021W28 160
ADL 737201 STYX 40 08-NOV-21 S020N021W28 160
ADL 737202 STYX 41 08-NOV-21 S023N020W31 160
ADL 737203 STYX 42 08-NOV-21 S023N020W31 160
ADL 737204 STYX 43 08-NOV-21 S022N020W06 160
ADL 737205 STYX 44 08-NOV-21 S022N020W06 160
ADL 737206 STYX 45 08-NOV-21 S022N020W07 160
ADL 737207 STYX 46 08-NOV-21 S022N020W07 160
ADL 737208 STYX 47 08-NOV-21 S022N020W18 160
ADL 737209 STYX 48 08-NOV-21 S022N020W18 160
ADL 737210 STYX 49 08-NOV-21 S022N020W19 160
ADL 737211 STYX 50 08-NOV-21 S022N020W19 160
ADL 737212 STYX 51 08-NOV-21 S022N020W30 160
ADL 737213 STYX 52 08-NOV-21 S022N020W30 160
ADL 737214 STYX 53 08-NOV-21 S022N020W31 160
ADL 737215 STYX 54 08-NOV-21 S022N020W31 160
ADL 737216 STYX 55 08-NOV-21 S021N020W06 160
ADL 737217 STYX 56 08-NOV-21 S021N020W06 160
ADL 737218 STYX 57 08-NOV-21 S021N020W07 160
ADL 737219 STYX 58 08-NOV-21 S021N020W07 160
ADL 737220 STYX 59 08-NOV-21 S021N020W18 160
ADL 737221 STYX 60 08-NOV-21 S021N020W18 160
ADL 737222 STYX 61 08-NOV-21 S021N020W19 160
ADL 737223 STYX 62 08-NOV-21 S021N020W19 160
ADL 737224 STYX 63 08-NOV-21 S021N020W30 160
ADL 737225 STYX 64 08-NOV-21 S021N020W30 160
ADL 737226 STYX 65 08-NOV-21 S021N020W31 160
ADL 737227 STYX 66 08-NOV-21 S021N020W31 160
ADL 737228 STYX 67 08-NOV-21 S023N020W31 160
ADL 737229 STYX 68 08-NOV-21 S023N020W31 160
ADL 737230 STYX 69 08-NOV-21 S022N020W06 160
ADL 737231 STYX 70 08-NOV-21 S022N020W06 160
ADL 737232 STYX 71 08-NOV-21 S022N020W07 160
ADL 737233 STYX 72 08-NOV-21 S022N020W07 160
ADL 737234 STYX 73 08-NOV-21 S022N020W18 160
ADL 737235 STYX 74 08-NOV-21 S022N020W18 160
ADL 737236 STYX 75 08-NOV-21 S022N020W19 160

 

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ADL Number Claim Name Recording Date Meridian, Township, Range, Section Claim Size (Acres)
ADL 737237 STYX 76 08-NOV-21 S022N020W19 160
ADL 737238 STYX 77 08-NOV-21 S022N020W30 160
ADL 737239 STYX 78 08-NOV-21 S022N020W30 160
ADL 737240 STYX 79 08-NOV-21 S022N020W31 160
ADL 737241 STYX 80 08-NOV-21 S022N020W31 160
ADL 737242 STYX 81 08-NOV-21 S021N020W06 160
ADL 737243 STYX 82 08-NOV-21 S021N020W06 160
ADL 737244 STYX 83 08-NOV-21 S021N020W07 160
ADL 737245 STYX 84 08-NOV-21 S021N020W07 160
ADL 737246 STYX 85 08-NOV-21 S021N020W18 160
ADL 737247 STYX 86 08-NOV-21 S021N020W18 160
ADL 737248 STYX 87 08-NOV-21 S021N020W19 160
ADL 737249 STYX 88 08-NOV-21 S021N020W19 160
ADL 737250 STYX 89 08-NOV-21 S021N020W30 160
ADL 737251 STYX 90 08-NOV-21 S021N020W30 160
ADL 737252 STYX 91 08-NOV-21 S021N020W31 160
ADL 737253 STYX 92 08-NOV-21 S021N020W31 160
ADL 737254 STYX 93 08-NOV-21 S023N021W36 160
ADL 737255 STYX 94 08-NOV-21 S023N021W36 160
ADL 737256 STYX 95 08-NOV-21 S022N021W01 160
ADL 737257 STYX 96 08-NOV-21 S022N021W01 160
ADL 737258 STYX 97 08-NOV-21 S022N021W12 160
ADL 737259 STYX 98 08-NOV-21 S022N021W12 160
ADL 737260 STYX 99 08-NOV-21 S022N021W13 160
ADL 737261 STYX 100 08-NOV-21 S022N021W13 160
ADL 737262 STYX 101 08-NOV-21 S022N021W24 160
ADL 737263 STYX 102 08-NOV-21 S022N021W24 160
ADL 737264 STYX 103 08-NOV-21 S022N021W25 160
ADL 737265 STYX 104 08-NOV-21 S022N021W25 160
ADL 737266 STYX 105 08-NOV-21 S022N021W36 160
ADL 737267 STYX 106 08-NOV-21 S022N021W36 160
ADL 737268 STYX 107 08-NOV-21 S021N021W01 160
ADL 737269 STYX 108 08-NOV-21 S021N021W01 160
ADL 737270 STYX 109 08-NOV-21 S021N021W12 160
ADL 737271 STYX 110 08-NOV-21 S021N021W12 160
ADL 737272 STYX 111 08-NOV-21 S021N021W13 160
ADL 737273 STYX 112 08-NOV-21 S021N021W13 160
ADL 737274 STYX 113 08-NOV-21 S021N021W24 160
ADL 737275 STYX 114 08-NOV-21 S021N021W24 160

 

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Estelle Gold Project Initial Assessment - January 31st, 2024
 

 

ADL Number Claim Name Recording Date Meridian, Township, Range, Section Claim Size (Acres)
ADL 737276 STYX 115 08-NOV-21 S021N021W25 160
ADL 737277 STYX 116 08-NOV-21 S021N021W25 160
ADL 737278 STYX 117 08-NOV-21 S021N021W36 160
ADL 737279 STYX 118 08-NOV-21 S021N021W36 160
ADL 737280 STYX 119 08-NOV-21 S023N021W36 160
ADL 737281 STYX 120 08-NOV-21 S023N021W36 160
ADL 737282 STYX 121 08-NOV-21 S022N021W01 160
ADL 737283 STYX 122 08-NOV-21 S022N021W01 160
ADL 737284 STYX 123 08-NOV-21 S022N021W12 160
ADL 737285 STYX 124 08-NOV-21 S022N021W12 160
ADL 737286 STYX 125 08-NOV-21 S022N021W13 160
ADL 737287 STYX 126 08-NOV-21 S022N021W13 160
ADL 737288 STYX 127 08-NOV-21 S022N021W24 160
ADL 737289 STYX 128 08-NOV-21 S022N021W24 160
ADL 737290 STYX 129 08-NOV-21 S022N021W25 160
ADL 737291 STYX 130 08-NOV-21 S022N021W25 160
ADL 737292 STYX 131 08-NOV-21 S022N021W36 160
ADL 737293 STYX 132 08-NOV-21 S022N021W36 160
ADL 737294 STYX 133 08-NOV-21 S021N021W01 160
ADL 737295 STYX 134 08-NOV-21 S021N021W01 160
ADL 737296 STYX 135 08-NOV-21 S021N021W12 160
ADL 737297 STYX 136 08-NOV-21 S021N021W12 160
ADL 737298 STYX 137 08-NOV-21 S021N021W13 160
ADL 737299 STYX 138 08-NOV-21 S021N021W13 160
ADL 737300 STYX 139 08-NOV-21 S021N021W24 160
ADL 737301 STYX 140 08-NOV-21 S021N021W24 160
ADL 737302 STYX 141 08-NOV-21 S021N021W25 160
ADL 737303 STYX 142 08-NOV-21 S021N021W25 160
ADL 737304 STYX 143 08-NOV-21 S021N021W36 160
ADL 737305 STYX 144 08-NOV-21 S021N021W36 160
ADL 737306 STYX 145 09-NOV-21 S023N021W35 160
ADL 737307 STYX 146 09-NOV-21 S023N021W35 160
ADL 737308 STYX 147 09-NOV-21 S022N021W02 160
ADL 737309 STYX 148 09-NOV-21 S022N021W02 160
ADL 737310 STYX 149 09-NOV-21 S022N021W11 160
ADL 737311 STYX 150 09-NOV-21 S022N021W11 160
ADL 737312 STYX 151 09-NOV-21 S022N021W14 160
ADL 737313 STYX 152 09-NOV-21 S022N021W14 160
ADL 737314 STYX 153 09-NOV-21 S022N021W23 160

 

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Estelle Gold Project Initial Assessment - January 31st, 2024
 

 

ADL Number Claim Name Recording Date Meridian, Township, Range, Section Claim Size (Acres)
ADL 737315 STYX 154 09-NOV-21 S022N021W23 160
ADL 737316 STYX 155 09-NOV-21 S022N021W26 160
ADL 737317 STYX 156 09-NOV-21 S022N021W26 160
ADL 737318 STYX 157 09-NOV-21 S022N021W35 160
ADL 737319 STYX 158 09-NOV-21 S022N021W35 160
ADL 737320 STYX 159 09-NOV-21 S021N021W02 160
ADL 737321 STYX 160 09-NOV-21 S021N021W02 160
ADL 737322 STYX 161 09-NOV-21 S021N021W11 160
ADL 737323 STYX 162 09-NOV-21 S021N021W11 160
ADL 737324 STYX 163 09-NOV-21 S021N021W14 160
ADL 737325 STYX 164 09-NOV-21 S021N021W14 160
ADL 737326 STYX 165 09-NOV-21 S021N021W23 160
ADL 737327 STYX 166 09-NOV-21 S021N021W23 160
ADL 737328 STYX 167 09-NOV-21 S021N021W26 160
ADL 737329 STYX 168 09-NOV-21 S021N021W26 160
ADL 737330 STYX 169 09-NOV-21 S021N021W35 160
ADL 737331 STYX 170 09-NOV-21 S021N021W35 160
ADL 737332 STYX 171 09-NOV-21 S023N021W35 160
ADL 737333 STYX 172 09-NOV-21 S023N021W35 160
ADL 737334 STYX 173 09-NOV-21 S022N021W02 160
ADL 737335 STYX 174 09-NOV-21 S022N021W02 160
ADL 737336 STYX 175 09-NOV-21 S022N021W11 160
ADL 737337 STYX 176 09-NOV-21 S022N021W11 160
ADL 737338 STYX 177 09-NOV-21 S022N021W14 160
ADL 737339 STYX 178 09-NOV-21 S022N021W14 160
ADL 737340 STYX 179 09-NOV-21 S022N021W23 160
ADL 737341 STYX 180 09-NOV-21 S022N021W23 160
ADL 737342 STYX 181 09-NOV-21 S022N021W26 160
ADL 737343 STYX 182 09-NOV-21 S022N021W26 160
ADL 737344 STYX 183 09-NOV-21 S022N021W35 160
ADL 737345 STYX 184 09-NOV-21 S022N021W35 160
ADL 737346 STYX 185 09-NOV-21 S021N021W02 160
ADL 737347 STYX 186 09-NOV-21 S021N021W02 160
ADL 737348 STYX 187 09-NOV-21 S021N021W11 160
ADL 737349 STYX 188 09-NOV-21 S021N021W11 160
ADL 737350 STYX 189 09-NOV-21 S021N021W14 160
ADL 737351 STYX 190 09-NOV-21 S021N021W14 160
ADL 737352 STYX 191 09-NOV-21 S021N021W23 160
ADL 737353 STYX 192 09-NOV-21 S021N021W23 160

 

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Estelle Gold Project Initial Assessment - January 31st, 2024
 

 

ADL Number Claim Name Recording Date Meridian, Township, Range, Section Claim Size (Acres)
ADL 737354 STYX 193 09-NOV-21 S021N021W26 160
ADL 737355 STYX 194 09-NOV-21 S021N021W26 160
ADL 737356 STYX 195 09-NOV-21 S021N021W35 160
ADL 737357 STYX 196 09-NOV-21 S021N021W35 160
ADL 740524 STONEY 52 21-AUG-23 S021N019W06 160
ADL 740525 STONEY 53 21-AUG-23 S022N019W31 160
ADL 740526 STONEY 54 21-AUG-23 S022N019W31 160
ADL 740527 STONEY 55 21-AUG-23 S022N019W30 160
ADL 740528 STONEY 56 21-AUG-23 S022N019W30 160
ADL 740529 STONEY 57 21-AUG-23 S022N019W29 160
ADL 740530 STONEY 58 21-AUG-23 S022N019W29 160
ADL 740531 STONEY 59 21-AUG-23 S022N019W32 160
ADL 740532 STONEY 60 21-AUG-23 S022N019W32 160
ADL 740533 STONEY 61 21-AUG-23 S021N019W05 160
ADL 740534 STONEY 62 21-AUG-23 S021N019W05 160
ADL 740535 STONEY 63 21-AUG-23 S021N019W08 160
ADL 740536 STONEY 64 21-AUG-23 S021N019W08 160
ADL 740537 STONEY 65 21-AUG-23 S021N019W17 160
ADL 740538 STONEY 66 21-AUG-23 S021N019W17 160
ADL 740539 STONEY 67 21-AUG-23 S021N019W20 160
ADL 740540 STONEY 68 21-AUG-23 S021N019W20 160
ADL 740541 STONEY 69 21-AUG-23 S021N019W17 160
ADL 740542 STONEY 70 21-AUG-23 S021N019W17 160
ADL 740543 STONEY 71 21-AUG-23 S021N019W08 160
ADL 740544 STONEY 72 21-AUG-23 S021N019W08 160
ADL 740545 STONEY 73 21-AUG-23 S021N019W05 160
ADL 740546 STONEY 74 21-AUG-23 S021N019W05 160
ADL 740547 STONEY 75 21-AUG-23 S022N019W32 160
ADL 740548 STONEY 76 21-AUG-23 S022N019W32 160
ADL 740549 STONEY 77 21-AUG-23 S022N019W29 160
ADL 740550 STONEY 78 21-AUG-23 S022N019W29 160
ADL 740551 STONEY 79 21-AUG-23 S022N019W28 160
ADL 740552 STONEY 80 21-AUG-23 S022N019W28 160
ADL 740553 STONEY 81 21-AUG-23 S022N019W33 160
ADL 740554 STONEY 82 21-AUG-23 S022N019W33 160
ADL 740555 STONEY 83 21-AUG-23 S021N019W04 160
ADL 740556 STONEY 84 21-AUG-23 S021N019W04 160
ADL 740557 STONEY 85 21-AUG-23 S021N019W09 160
ADL 740558 STONEY 86 21-AUG-23 S021N019W09 160

 

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Estelle Gold Project Initial Assessment - January 31st, 2024
 

 

ADL Number Claim Name Recording Date Meridian, Township, Range, Section Claim Size (Acres)
ADL 740559 STONEY 87 21-AUG-23 S021N019W16 160
ADL 740560 STONEY 88 21-AUG-23 S021N019W16 160
ADL 740561 STONEY 89 21-AUG-23 S021N019W21 160
ADL 740562 STONEY 90 21-AUG-23 S021N019W04 160
ADL 740563 STONEY 91 21-AUG-23 S021N019W04 160
ADL 740564 STONEY 92 21-AUG-23 S022N019W33 160
ADL 740565 STONEY 93 21-AUG-23 S022N019W33 160
ADL 740566 STONEY 94 21-AUG-23 S022N019W28 160
ADL 740567 STONEY 95 21-AUG-23 S022N019W28 160
ADL 740568 STONEY 96 21-AUG-23 S022N019W27 160
ADL 740569 STONEY 97 21-AUG-23 S022N019W27 160
ADL 740570 STONEY 98 21-AUG-23 S022N019W34 160
ADL 740571 STONEY 99 18-SEP-23 S022N020W25 160
ADL 740572 STONEY 100 18-SEP-23 S022N020W25 160
ADL 740573 STONEY 101 18-SEP-23 S022N020W36 160
ADL 740574 STONEY 102 18-SEP-23 S022N020W36 160
ADL 740575 STONEY 103 18-SEP-23 S021N020W01 160
ADL 740576 STONEY 104 18-SEP-23 S021N020W01 160
ADL 740577 STONEY 105 18-SEP-23 S021N020W12 160
ADL 740578 STONEY 106 18-SEP-23 S021N020W12 160
ADL 740579 STONEY 107 18-SEP-23 S021N020W13 160
ADL 740580 STONEY 108 18-SEP-23 S021N020W13 160
ADL 740581 STONEY 109 18-SEP-23 S021N020W24 160
ADL 740582 STONEY 110 18-SEP-23 S021N020W24 160
ADL 740583 STONEY 111 18-SEP-23 S021N020W25 160
ADL 740584 STONEY 112 18-SEP-23 S021N020W25 160
ADL 740585 STONEY 113 18-SEP-23 S021N020W25 160
ADL 740586 STONEY 114 18-SEP-23 S021N020W25 160
ADL 740587 STONEY 115 18-SEP-23 S021N020W24 160
ADL 740588 STONEY 116 18-SEP-23 S021N020W24 160
ADL 740589 STONEY 117 18-SEP-23 S021N020W13 160
ADL 740590 STONEY 118 18-SEP-23 S021N020W13 160
ADL 740591 STONEY 119 18-SEP-23 S021N020W12 160
ADL 740592 STONEY 120 18-SEP-23 S021N020W12 160
ADL 740593 STONEY 121 18-SEP-23 S021N020W01 160
ADL 740594 STONEY 122 18-SEP-23 S021N020W01 160
ADL 740595 STONEY 123 18-SEP-23 S022N020W36 160
ADL 740596 STONEY 124 18-SEP-23 S022N020W36 160
ADL 740597 STONEY 125 18-SEP-23 S022N020W25 160

 

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ADL Number Claim Name Recording Date Meridian, Township, Range, Section Claim Size (Acres)
ADL 740598 STONEY 126 18-SEP-23 S022N020W25 160
ADL 740599 STONEY 127 18-SEP-23 S022N019W30 160
ADL 740600 STONEY 128 18-SEP-23 S022N019W30 160
ADL 740601 STONEY 129 18-SEP-23 S022N019W31 160
ADL 740602 STONEY 130 18-SEP-23 S022N019W31 160
ADL 740603 STONEY 131 18-SEP-23 S021N019W06 160
ADL 740604 STONEY 132 18-SEP-23 S021N019W06 160
ADL 740605 STONEY 133 18-SEP-23 S021N019W07 160
ADL 740606 STONEY 134 18-SEP-23 S021N019W07 160
ADL 740607 STONEY 135 18-SEP-23 S021N019W18 160
ADL 740608 STONEY 136 18-SEP-23 S021N019W18 160
ADL 740609 STONEY 137 18-SEP-23 S021N019W19 160
ADL 740610 STONEY 138 18-SEP-23 S021N019W19 160
ADL 740611 STONEY 139 18-SEP-23 S021N019W30 160
ADL 740612 STONEY 140 18-SEP-23 S021N019W30 160
ADL 740613 STONEY 141 18-SEP-23 S021N019W30 160
ADL 740614 STONEY 142 18-SEP-23 S021N019W30 160
ADL 740615 STONEY 143 18-SEP-23 S021N019W19 160
ADL 740616 STONEY 144 18-SEP-23 S021N019W19 160
ADL 740617 STONEY 145 18-SEP-23 S021N019W18 160
ADL 740618 STONEY 146 18-SEP-23 S021N019W18 160
ADL 740619 STONEY 147 18-SEP-23 S021N019W07 160
ADL 740620 STONEY 148 18-SEP-23 S021N019W07 160
ADL 740621 STONEY 147 18-SEP-23 S021N019W06 160

 

Page 188 of 188
Estelle Gold Project Initial Assessment - January 31st, 2024

 

 

Exhibit 107

Calculation of Filing Fee Tables

F-1

(Form Type)

Nova Minerals Limited

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

(Translation of Registrant’s Name into English)

Table 1: Newly Registered and Carry Forward Securities

 

   Security
Type
   Security
Class
Title (1)
   Fee
Calculation
or Carry
Forward
Rule
   Amount
Registered
   Proposed
Maximum
Offering
Price Per
Unit
   Maximum
Aggregate
Offering
Price (2)(3)
   Fee
Rate
   Amount of
Registration
Fee
 
Newly Registered Securities
Fees to Be
Paid
   Equity    Ordinary shares, no par value, represented by American Depositary Shares    457(o)  $17,250,000.00    -   $17,250,000.00    0.0001476   $2,546.10 
Fees to Be
Paid
   Equity    Representative Warrants to purchase American Depositary Shares(4)    

457(o)

457(g)

    -    -    -    -    - 
Fees to Be
Paid
   Equity    Ordinary shares underlying the American Depository Shares issuable upon exercise of Representative Warrants(5)    

457(o)

457(g)

   $1,078,125.00    -   $1,078,125.00    0.0001476   $159.14 
Total Offering Amounts                 $18,328,125.00        $18,328,125.00    0.0001476   $2,705.24 

 

(1)American depositary shares, or ADSs, issuable upon deposit of the ordinary shares registered hereby have been registered under a separate registration statement on Form F-6 (File No. 333- ). Each ADS represents ordinary shares.
(2)Includes additional ordinary shares that are issuable upon the exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares to cover over-allotments, if any.
(3)Estimated solely for the purpose of determining the amount of registration fee in accordance with Rule 457(o) under the Securities Act of 1933.
(4)No fee pursuant to Rule 457(g) under the Securities Act.
(5)Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(g) under the Securities Act. The Representative’s Warrants are exercisable at a per share exercise price equal to 125% of the public offering price per ADS. As estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(g) under the Securities, the proposed maximum aggregate offering price of the Representative’s Warrants is $1,078,125, which is equal to 125% of $862,500.00