UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012
o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from to
Commission file number: 001-32986
GENERAL MOLY, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
Delaware |
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91-0232000 |
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or |
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(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
1726 Cole Blvd., Suite 115 Lakewood, CO |
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80401 |
(Address of principal executive offices) |
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(Zip Code) |
Registrants telephone number, including area code: (303) 928-8599
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share |
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NYSE MKT and Toronto Stock Exchange |
(Title of Each Class) |
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(Name of each Exchange on Which Registered) |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes o No x
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes o No x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No o
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrants knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of large accelerated filer, accelerated filer and smaller reporting company in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer o |
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Accelerated filer x |
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Non-accelerated filer o |
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Smaller reporting company o |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No x
As of June 29, 2012, the aggregate market value of the registrants common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was $185,546,422 based on the closing price as reported on the NYSE MKT.
As of March 6, 2013, 91,545,084 shares of the registrants common stock, par value of $0.001 per share, were outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Certain portions of the registrants definitive proxy statement to be used in connection with its Annual Meeting of Stockholders and to be filed within 120 days of December 31, 2012 are incorporated by reference into Part III, Items 10-14, of this report on Form 10-K.
ITEMS 1 & 2. BUSINESS AND PROPERTIES
The Company
References made in this Annual Report on Form 10-K to we, our, us, GMI, and the Company refer to General Moly, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiary Eureka Moly, LLC.
We are a development stage company in the business of the exploration, development and mining of properties primarily containing molybdenum. Our primary asset is an 80% interest in the Mt. Hope Project (Mt. Hope Project), a primary molybdenum property, located in Eureka County, Nevada. The Mt. Hope Project contains proven and probable molybdenum reserves totaling 1.3 billion pounds (1.1 billion pounds owned by GMI) of which 1.1 billion pounds (0.9 billion pounds owned by GMI) are estimated to be recoverable. We received final federal and state of Nevada regulatory approvals in November 2012 and are in the process of finalizing project financing for the Mt. Hope Project. In 2006, we acquired a second significant molybdenum project, the Liberty Property (Liberty Property), located in Nye County, Nevada, which we wholly own. The Liberty Property is anticipated to become our second molybdenum operation, after commencement of commercial production at the Mt. Hope Project, with initial production dependent on market conditions.
Mt. Hope Project
In August, 2007, we completed a Bankable Feasibility Study (Bankable Feasibility Study or BFS) that provided data on the viability, expected economics, and production and cost estimates of the project. Since publication of the BFS, we have revised several estimates, based primarily on engineering progress, which is approximately 60% complete. Our current estimates for the Mt. Hope Project capital cost requirements are referred to as the Project Capital Estimate and our current estimates for the Mt. Hope Project operating costs are referred to as the Project Operating Cost Estimate.
Project Ownership
From October 2005 to January 2008, we owned the rights to 100% of the Mt. Hope Project. Effective as of January 1, 2008, we contributed all of our interest in the assets related to the Mt. Hope Project, including our lease of the Mt. Hope Project into Eureka Moly, LLC (the LLC), and in February 2008 entered into an agreement (LLC Agreement) for the development and operation of the Mt. Hope Project with POS-Minerals. Under the LLC Agreement, POS-Minerals owns a 20% interest in the LLC and General Moly, through Nevada Moly, LLC (Nevada Moly), a wholly-owned subsidiary, owns an 80% interest. The ownership interests and/or required capital contributions under the LLC Agreement can change as discussed below.
Pursuant to the terms of the LLC Agreement, POS-Minerals made its first and second capital contributions to the LLC totaling $100.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2008 (Initial Contributions). Additional amounts were due from POS-Minerals within 15 days after the date (ROD Contribution Date) that specified conditions (ROD Contribution Conditions) were satisfied. The ROD Contribution Conditions were (i) the receipt of major operating permits for the Mt. Hope Project, (ii) confirmation that the Record of Decision (ROD) from the United States Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for the Mt. Hope Project had become effective, and (iii) any administrative or judicial appeals with respect thereto are final. The ROD became effective November 16, 2012 and the satisfaction of the other ROD Contribution Conditions occurred in December 2012. POS-Minerals made the third capital contribution installment of $56.0 million on December 6, 2012. Furthermore, an additional payment of $44.7 million was made representing POS-Minerals 20% share of all costs incurred for the development of the Mt. Hope Project during the period from 2008 through October 2012.
In addition, as commercial production at the Mt. Hope Project was not achieved by December 31,2011, the LLC will be required to return to POS-Minerals $36.0 million of its capital contributions to the LLC, with no corresponding reduction in POS-Minerals ownership percentage. This return of contributions payment will be due 20 days after the commencement of commercial production, as defined in the LLC Agreement. Based on our current plan, we anticipate commercial production will be achieved in mid-2015. Nevada Moly is obligated under the terms of the LLC Agreement to make capital contributions to the LLC to fund the return of contributions to POS-Minerals upon achievement of commercial production (i.e. when the contingency is resolved). If Nevada Moly does not fund their additional capital contribution in order for the LLC to return to POS-Minerals $36 million of its total capital contribution, POS-Minerals has an election to either make a secured loan to the LLC to fund the return of contributions, or receive an additional interest in the LLC of approximately 5%. In the latter case, our (Nevada Molys) interest in the LLC is subject to dilution by a percentage equal to the ratio of 1.5 times the amount of the unpaid contributions over the aggregate amount of deemed
capital contributions (as determined under the LLC Agreement) of both parties to the LLC (Dilution Formula). At December 31, 2012, the aggregate amount of deemed capital contributions of both parties was $1,018.8 million.
Furthermore, the LLC Agreement permits POS-Minerals to put its interest in the LLC to Nevada Moly after a change of control of Nevada Moly or the Company, as defined in the LLC Agreement, followed by a failure to use standard mining industry practice in connection with the development and operation of the Mt. Hope Project as contemplated by the parties for a period of twelve consecutive months. If POS-Minerals puts its interest, Nevada Moly or its transferee or surviving entity would be required to purchase the interest for 120% of POS-Minerals total contributions to the LLC plus 10% interest per annum.
Beginning in November 2012, the Company and POS-Minerals began making monthly pro rata capital contributions to the LLC to fund costs incurred as required by the LLC agreement. The interest of a party in the LLC that does not make its monthly pro rata capital contributions to fund costs incurred after the ROD Contribution Date is subject to dilution based on the Dilution Formula.
Permitting Completion and Project Restart
On November 16, 2012, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) issued its Record of Decision (ROD) authorizing development of the Mt. Hope Project. The ROD approves the Plan of Operations (POO) for construction and operation of the mining and processing facilities and also grants the Rights-of-Way for a 230 kV power transmission line, discussed below. Monitoring and mitigation measures identified in the ROD developed in collaboration with the regulatory agencies involved throughout the permitting process will avoid, minimize, and mitigate environmental impacts, and reflect the Companys commitment to operate the Mt. Hope Project to the highest environmental standards.
The State of Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) issued a Reclamation Permit for the Mt. Hope Project on November 19, 2012, which authorizes surface disturbance and construction of facilities. The Reclamation Permit also approves the reclamation cost estimate of approximately $73 million to begin in 2013 and established bonding requirements based on this estimate. On December 18, 2012, BLM accepted the LLCs reclamation surety bonding for the Mt. Hope Project. The surety bond program has been funded with an initial cash payment of $5.6 million and requires additional cash funding of $11.6 million through the construction process for a total of $17.2 million which is in alignment with the net cash bonding cost included in the August 2012 capital estimate. This total covers the first three years of estimated surface disturbance at Mt. Hope, and is subject to ongoing evaluation thereafter. With the surety program in place and the initial contribution funded, the BLM has authorized that surface disturbance in conformity with the ROD may proceed.
On November 26, 2012, NDEP issued a Water Pollution Control Permit (WPC) for the Mt. Hope Project. The permit also approves the operational and closure plans for the Mt. Hope Project, and establishes monitoring requirements.
The LLC initiated cultural clearance activities at the Mt. Hope Project in early December 2012 upon receipt of an Archaeological Resource Protection Act Permit issued by the State Archeologist at the Nevada State Office of the BLM. Cultural clearance is an important component of the LLCs development plan and its commitment to environmental protection and will be completed before major earthworks are done in any of the construction areas. The LLC will concentrate on clearing priority areas for initial construction and then continue mitigation throughout the disturbance footprint. Use of this phased approach will allow the LLC to maintain uninterrupted construction progress after initial clearance work is completed.
On January 2, 2013, the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (PUCN) granted the LLCs permit to construct a 230 kV power line that interconnects with Nevada Energys transmission system at the existing Machacek Substation located near the town of Eureka, NV and extend it approximately 25 miles to the planned Mt. Hope Substation. In addition, the BLM notified the LLC that its surety bonds were approved for reclamation estimates concerning Rights-of-Way grants for the 230 kV power transmission line. This permit allows the LLC to build the transmission infrastructure in a timely manner and provide the necessary capacity to power construction activities and Mt. Hope Project operations. Construction of the transmission line will also include upgrades to the existing substation near Eureka that will improve the reliability of electrical power to the community. At full production the Mt. Hope Project will have a total electrical demand load of approximately 75 megawatts. Transmission capacity was secured in 2008 and the LLC is currently negotiating for generating capacity, which will be available once the power line is constructed and energized.
On January 17, 2013, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved an Energy Procurement and Construction Agreement contract between NV Energy and Mt. Wheeler Power. In turn, in early January 2013, the LLC put in place a contract with Mt. Wheeler Power to provide electricity generating capacity to the Mt. Hope Project. The scope is to design and install the interconnect facility at the Machacek Substation, near the town of Eureka, to connect the LLCs future 230kV power line to the utility.
The LLC initiated preliminary construction activities in early January 2013 including early well field development and clearing and grubbing of terrain that coincide with the LLCs ongoing cultural clearance efforts at the Mt. Hope Project. The initial
focus will be on clearing the administrative office and mill site areas as well as clearing the water pipeline corridors in preparation for developing the well field and water distribution system to support heavy construction activities.
Capital & Operating Estimates
In October 2012, we completed a review of the capital cost requirements for the Mt. Hope Project, based on current major equipment, labor and material pricing and further engineering definition. The project capital was also updated for currently known permitting and regulatory requirements and includes the schedule impacts of permitting delays since the September 2008 feasibility study update, which was reconfirmed in November 2009. The Mt. Hope Project has not materially changed in scope and is currently designed at approximately 60% engineering completion with solid scope definition. The updated capital cost estimate increased by 10%, or $115 million, and totaled $1,269 million as of December 31, 2012. The largest affected category of the revised estimate was owners cost, which increased 45%, or $76 million, driven by schedule delays largely attributed to an extended permitting timeline. Of that amount, $35 million represents holding costs over the 2009 to 2012 period (approximately $0.7 million per month), that were not envisioned in the original project estimates. These amounts do not include financing costs or amounts necessary to fund operating working capital and potential capital overruns. The LLC has incurred costs of approximately $220.8 million in the development of the Mt. Hope Project through December 31, 2012.
The LLCs Project Operating Cost Estimate forecasts molybdenum production of approximately 40 million pounds per year for the first five years of operations at estimated average direct operating costs of $5.29 per pound, based on $80 per barrel oil equivalent energy prices. The Costs Applicable to Sales (CAS) per pound, including anticipated royalties calculated at a market price of $15 per pound molybdenum, are anticipated to average $6.00 per pound. For a reconciliation of direct operating costs, a non-GAAP measure, to CAS, see Production below. We currently estimate that, for each $10 per barrel change in oil-equivalent energy costs, the Mt. Hope Projects direct operating costs will change by approximately $0.10 per pound. These cost estimates are based on 2009 constant dollars and are subject to cost inflation or deflation. In the past several years, operating costs in the mining industry have escalated on a world-wide basis as a result of major factors beyond our control, including the cost of energy and labor. We anticipate updating these operating cost estimates later in 2013.
Equipment and Supply Procurement
The LLC began a slow procurement and engineering restart in early 2012 designed to conserve cash while maintaining project schedule in order to maximize financial flexibility until its major permits were acquired. The LLC continues to take a cautious approach with preliminary construction activities until the Company completes documentation and receives funding of its Term Loan.
Through December 31, 2012, the LLC has made deposits of $69.7 million on equipment orders, has spent approximately $139.1 million for the development of the Mt. Hope Project and has paid $12.0 million into an escrow arrangement for electricity transmission services.
Based on commitments as of the end of 2012, we expect to make additional payments on wellfield materials and milling process equipment orders of approximately $11.2 million in 2013 and $14.4 million in 2014.
On February 28, 2012, the LLC issued a firm purchase order for 18 haul trucks. The order provides for delivery of those haul trucks required to perform initial mine development, currently scheduled for late 2013 or early 2014. A non-refundable down-payment of $0.6 million was made at the time of order with an additional $0.6 million paid in December 2012, 12 months prior to anticipated truck shipment, but the contract is cancellable with no further liability to the LLC up until the time of truck shipment.
On June 25, 2012, the LLC issued a firm purchase order for four mine production drills. A non-refundable down-payment of $0.4 million was made in December 2012. The contract remains cancellable with no further liability to the LLC until the time the drills are shipped.
At June 30, 2012, the LLCs contract to purchase two electric shovels expired. We signed a new letter of intent with the vendor providing for the opportunity to purchase the electric shovels at prices consistent with the expired contract, less a special discount in the amount of $3.4 million to provide credit to the LLC for amounts paid as deposits under the expired contract. The agreement provides that equipment pricing will remain subject to inflation indexes and guarantees production slots to ensure that the equipment is available when required by the LLC.
Agreements with Hanlong (USA) Mining Investment Inc.
We have signed a series of agreements (the Hanlong Transaction) with Hanlong (USA) Mining Investment, Inc. (Hanlong), an affiliate of Sichuan Hanlong Group, a large privately held Chinese company. The agreements described below form the basis of a $745 million transaction that is intended to provide the Company with adequate capital to contribute its 80% share of costs to develop the Mt. Hope Project. The agreements include: (a) a Securities Purchase Agreement that provides for the sale to Hanlong of shares of our common stock in two tranches that will aggregate 25% of our outstanding stock on a fully diluted basis for $80 million ($40 million per tranche), conditioned upon us receiving permits for the Mt. Hope Project and Hanlongs use of commercially reasonable efforts to procure a $665 million loan from a Prime Chinese Bank for our use in constructing the Mt. Hope Project; (b) a Stockholder Agreement that provides Hanlong representation on our Board of Directors (Board) and the LLC management committee, governs how Hanlong will vote its shares of the Company and limits Hanlongs ability to purchase or dispose of our securities ; (c) a Bridge Loan whereby Hanlong will provide up to $20 million to the Company to preserve liquidity until permits are received and the Term Loan is available; (d) a Subordinated Debt Agreement whereby Hanlong will provide up to $125.0 million to assist the Company in financing capital cost increases; and (e) a long-term molybdenum supply off-take agreement (discussed further in Item 7A below) which requires Hanlong to purchase the Companys entire share of the Mt. Hope Projects molybdenum production above that necessary for the Company to meet its existing supply commitments until the expiration of those commitments.
The Securities Purchase Agreement (Purchase Agreement)
Stock Purchase. The Purchase Agreement provides, subject to its terms and conditions, for the purchase by Hanlong of $80.0 million of our common stock, or approximately 27.5 million shares, which will equal 25% of our outstanding common stock on a fully-diluted basis.
The Purchase Agreement has been amended five times including: (1) July 30, 2010 amendment extending the deadline for obtaining Chinese government approvals by two months to October 13, 2010, as well as extending the Companys deadline for publishing its DEIS and receiving its ROD (ROD Condition) to February 28, 2011, and November 30, 2011, respectively. Hanlong has received Chinese government approvals for its equity investment in us and our DEIS was published; (2) an October 26, 2010 amendment setting the closing of Hanlongs purchase of the first $40.0 million tranche of equity for December 20, 2010 and eliminating the condition that required us to have our DEIS published prior to closing this funding; (3) a December 20, 2010 amendment that made certain non-substantive changes in connection with the closing of the first tranche of Hanlongs equity investment (Tranche 1); (4) a July 7, 2011 amendment that eliminated the deadline for publication of the DEIS, extended the ROD deadline from November 30, 2011 to the earlier of nine months following DEIS publication or September 30, 2012, extended Hanlongs commitment to make available the Term Loan from two months following ROD to nine months following the ROD, provided the ability for the Company to extend the ROD Condition date to the earlier of 12 months following DEIS publication and December 30, 2012 (ROD Condition Extension), and extended the maturity date of the Bridge Loan to the earlier of (i) 270 days after the issuance of the ROD, (ii) the date on which the Purchase Agreement terminates, and (iii) the earlier of December 31, 2012 and the availability of the Term Loan; and (5) a June 14, 2012 amendment that provided notice to Hanlong that the Company did not expect the BLM to issue the ROD before September 2, 2012 but did expect the ROD to be issued prior to December 2, 2012 and further provided notice that the Company wished to utilize the ROD Condition Extension, thereby amending the date by which the ROD must be issued to December 2, 2012. The ROD became effective on November 16, 2012; thereby fulfilling the Companys requirements under the Purchase Agreement.
The Purchase Agreement may be terminated by either party (providing the terminating party is not in default) if the closing of the second tranche (Tranche 2) has not occurred on or before the earlier of December 31, 2012 or 12 months after the issuance of the ROD.
As discussed above, the second tranche will be for a purchase price of an additional $40.0 million. Remaining conditions significant to the closing of Tranche 2 require the completion of documentation for and satisfaction of conditions precedent for the availability of funding under the Term Loan, described below.
Hanlong will have the right to purchase a portion of any additional shares of common stock that we may issue during the term of the Purchase Agreement so that it can maintain its percentage ownership, unless its ownership is at the time below 5% at the earlier of the closing of Tranche 2 or closing of the Term Loan. It may also acquire additional shares so that it maintains a 20% indirect interest in the Mt. Hope Project if our interest in the LLC is reduced below 80%. If we issue shares to fund the Mt. Hope Project under certain circumstances, and on or before the date of commercial production, and Hanlong exercises its rights to maintain its percentage interest, we will be obligated to refund to Hanlong the cost of such shares over a three-year period up to an aggregate of $9.0 million.
Break Fees. A break fee is payable by both the Company and Hanlong if the Purchase Agreement terminates because of the failure of certain conditions. A break fee of $10.0 million is payable to the Company if the Purchase Agreement is terminated because Hanlong fails to obtain necessary Chinese government approvals, which may be offset against any balances owed by the Company
under the Bridge Loan. A break fee of $5.0 million is payable to Hanlong if the Purchase Agreement is terminated and the Company has violated the no-shop provisions of the Purchase Agreement. On January 9, 2012, the Company and Hanlong executed an Option Agreement concerning the payment date for the ROD Extension Fee under the Purchase Agreement for no consideration. The option was exercised on June 14, 2012, thereby amending the Purchase Agreement to extend payment of the $2.0 million ROD Extension Fee from December 2012 to April 30, 2013. As the achievement of ROD by the September 2, 2012 deadline did not occur, a $2.0 million ROD Extension Fee has been accrued as of December 31, 2012, and is included in capitalized debt issuance costs. This fee will be credited against the arrangement fee described below. In addition, the break fee was increased by $2.0 million at the time the option was exercised. Therefore, the maximum amount of potential break fees payable by the Company is $7.0 million. The break fee payable by the Company to Hanlong may be paid in cash, or, in certain circumstances, in shares of our common stock at our option. If paid in shares, the price would be the volume weighted average of our common stock on the NYSE MKT for the five days ending six days after the announcement of the termination.
Stockholder Agreement
In connection with Hanlongs purchase of our shares, Hanlong signed a Stockholder Agreement with the Company that limits Hanlongs future acquisitions of our common stock, provides for designation of up to two directors to our Board and representation on the LLC management committee, and places some restrictions on Hanlongs voting and disposition of our shares.
After the Tranche 1 closing, Hanlong became entitled to nominate one director to serve on our Board and one representative to the LLC management committee. Nelson Chen currently serves in both of these capacities. After the Tranche 2 closing, Hanlong will be entitled to nominate a second director. The Company will include and recommend the election of Hanlongs nominees in the Boards slate of nominees submitted to our stockholders, subject to the Boards fiduciary obligations concerning nomination of directors and compliance by the nominee with applicable law and Company requirements concerning disclosure of information. The Hanlong nominees may also serve on committees for which they are eligible.
Hanlong has agreed not to purchase additional shares, except as permitted by the Purchase Agreement, without the Companys prior consent, and has agreed that it will not solicit proxies, join a group with respect to our equity securities, solicit or encourage an offer from another person for the Company, call a meeting of the Companys stockholders or make a proposal to the Companys stockholders, except to the Board. If our Board receives an offer for the Company, for its assets or a merger that the Board determines is in the best interests of the Companys stockholders, Hanlong is required to vote in favor of such a transaction or tender its shares unless it proposes an alternative transaction that our Board determines is more favorable to our stockholders than the offer received.
Hanlong may not, without the prior written consent of the Board, transfer ownership of their securities if the recipient would acquire beneficial ownership of more than 5% of our common stock as of the date of such transfer. The restrictions on Hanlongs share ownership, voting, disposition and drag-along rights will terminate on the earlier of the time that Hanlong owns less than 10% of our common stock, the date that is 6 months after the date that commercial production begins at the Mt. Hope Project, and June 30, 2014.
Bridge Loan
Hanlong agreed to provide a $20.0 million Bridge Loan to the Company, available in two equal $10.0 million tranches. On April 28, 2010, we drew down the first $10.0 million tranche. The second tranche became available after receiving stockholder approval of the Hanlong Transaction. The first tranche of the Bridge Loan bears interest at a rate tie to the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus 2% per annum. The second tranche of the Bridge Loan will bear interest at 10% per annum and is undrawn. The Bridge Loan will be repaid from the proceeds of the Term Loan. The second tranche may also be repaid at the Companys election, in shares of the Companys common stock. If paid in shares, the price would be the volume weighted average of the Companys shares on the NYSE MKT for a five-day period after public announcement of the event that required repayment. The Company may offset its right to receive the break fee against its obligations to repay borrowings under the Bridge Loan. On January 9, 2012, the Company and Hanlong executed a second Option Agreement concerning the Bridge Loan Agreement. On June 14, 2012, the Company exercised the option, thereby amending the Bridge Loan Agreement for no consideration to extend the maturity date of the Bridge Loan from December 31, 2012 until April 30, 2013. This option also has the effect of potentially extending the availability of the undrawn $10.0 million second tranche to April 30, 2013 since the availability of the second tranche ends the earliest of the Tranche 2 closing date, the maturity date of the Bridge Loan and the first borrowing under the Term Loan.
The outstanding balance of the Bridge Loan and related accrued interest are recorded as a current liability as of December 31, 2012 as the latest available maturity date of the Bridge Loan is April 30, 2013. The Bridge Loan and our obligation to pay a break fee to Hanlong under the Purchase Agreement are secured by a pledge by us of a 10% interest in the LLC.
Chinese Bank Term Loan
Hanlong is obligated to use commercially reasonable efforts to procure a Term Loan in an amount of at least $665.0 million. The Term Loan is expected to bear interest at LIBOR plus a spread of between 2% and 4% per annum. The Purchase Agreement provides that the Term Loan will have customary covenants and conditions; however, the terms of the Term Loan have not yet been negotiated with the lender and we have no assurance as to the final terms of the Term Loan. On February 16, 2012, the Company announced China Development Bank (CDB) had confirmed the basic terms underlying a proposed $665.0 million term loan to finance the Companys 80% share of development costs for the Mt. Hope project, including a CDB intention to lend $399.0 million and arrange a consortium of Chinese and international banks to fund the balance of $266.0 million. The Term Loan is anticipated to carry a maturity of 12 years including a 30 month grace period to allow for the construction of the Mt. Hope Project. The interest rate will remain subject to market conditions and Chinese government policy. The Company and Hanlong are continuing to work with CDB with a target of having the loan completed, approved and available to the Company by mid-2013. Hanlong or an affiliate is obligated to guarantee the Term Loan. When funds can be drawn by the Company under the Term Loan, the Company will pay a $15.0 million arrangement fee to Hanlong who will pay fees and expenses associated with the Term Loan before the Term Loan closing, including those charged by the Chinese bank.
Hanlong Subordinated Debt Facility
On October 26, 2012, the Company and Hanlong signed a Subordinated Debt Agreement (Sub Debt Facility) under which Hanlong agreed to provide, with a six month option to arrange a third party credit facility, up to $125.0 million to assist the Company in financing capital cost increases, which are discussed in Capital and Operating Estimates above. Under the Sub Debt Facility, Hanlong will lend in two tranches. Tranche A in the amount of $75.0 million will be available to the Company during the Mt. Hope Projects construction period after full advance of the Term Loan. Tranche B, in the amount of $50.0 million, will be available during the six-month period following the commencement of commercial production. Tranche A of the Sub Debt Facility can be reduced to the extent equipment is leased for the Mt. Hope Project by the LLC. In exchange for arranging the Sub Debt Facility, the Company will pay a fee to Hanlong of $6.3 million, payable at the earlier of the first draw under the Term Loan, upon receiving funds associated with the exercise of Hanlongs warrants, described below, or other financing of at least $8.0 million, or October 26, 2014, if the Sub Debt Facility is in effect. Simultaneously with the execution of the Sub Debt Facility, the Company issued a warrant to Hanlong with a 2.5 year maturity to purchase ten million shares of the Companys common stock. The warrant is priced at a 15% premium to the 10 day volume weighted average price on the issuance date, which results in a price of $4.23 per share, and becomes exercisable on April 26, 2013. A value of $12.4 million has been placed on the warrant. This amount has been recorded as loan commitment fees as of December 31, 2012 and will be expensed ratably over the life of the loan. Following the close of the Tranche 2 purchase of stock under the Purchase Agreement and an exercise of the issued warrant, Hanlong would own approximately 31% of our outstanding shares.
Both tranches of the Sub Debt Facility will mature 5 years after the achievement of commercial production at the Mt. Hope Project and will require mandatory prepayment of 50% of the Companys semi-annual net free cash flow, as defined, after debt service payments on the Term Loan and any other Mt. Hope Project funding requirements. The Sub Debt Facility will be subordinated to the Term Loan and will bear interest at 6-month LIBOR plus 4%, with interest paid semi-annually. The Sub Debt Facility has covenants that are customary for subordinated credit facilities and will contain additional covenants required to effect subordination to the Term Loan satisfactory to the holders of the Term Loan. Advances under the Sub Debt Facility are subject to a number of conditions precedent, such as accuracy of representations and warranties, compliance with covenants, absence of default and full advance of the Term Loan.
In connection with the Sub Debt Facility, the Company and Hanlong entered into Amendment No. 1 to the above described Stockholder Agreement on October 26, 2012. The amendment provides that the warrant or shares issued pursuant to the warrant will not be included in the calculation of Hanlongs beneficial ownership under provisions of the Stockholder Agreement or other agreements entered into by the Company and Hanlong prior to October 26, 2012. The amendment also provides that the warrant and shares issued pursuant to the warrant will be subject to the rights and restrictions of the Stockholder Agreement with the exception of restrictions on disposition, pledges and encumbrances.
Liberty Property
In March 2006, we purchased the Liberty Property in Nye County, Nevada, including water rights, mineral and surface rights, buildings and certain equipment, from High Desert Winds LLC. The Liberty Property includes the former Hall molybdenum and copper deposit that was mined by open pit methods between 1982 and 1985 by the Anaconda Minerals Company (Anaconda) and, between 1988 and 1991, by Cyprus Metals Company (Cyprus). In addition, Equatorial Tonopah, Inc. mined copper from 1999 to 2000 on this property, although their operations were in a separate open pit. Much of the molybdenum deposit was drilled but not developed or mined by these previous owners.
In January 2007, we purchased the corporation that owned a 12% net smelter royalty on the Liberty Property, effectively eliminating all third party royalties on the property. Additionally in 2007, we purchased all outstanding mineral claims associated
with this property that were not previously owned by us, thus giving us control over all mineral rights within the boundary of the Liberty Property.
Since purchasing the Liberty Property, we completed two drilling programs that, combined with previous evaluation work performed by former owners, identified mineralization totaling 541.4 million tons with ore grades averaging 0.067% molybdenum and 0.08% copper. In April 2008 we completed a pre-feasibility study outlining project viability, expected economics, and production and cost estimates. On October 3, 2011 the Company released an updated National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (NI 43-101) compliant resource estimate and on November 15, 2011 released an updated pre-feasibility study detailing updated resource estimates and project economics. The NI 43-101 is a codified set of rules and guidelines for reporting and displaying information related to mineral properties owned by, or explored by, companies which report these results on stock exchanges within Canada. The completed report estimates molybdenum and copper reserves and resources, production, capital and operating cost parameters, along with project economics. The Company spent approximately $0.9 million to complete the pre-feasibility study and NI 43-101.
Other Mining Properties
We also have mining claims and land purchased prior to 2006 which consist in part of (a) approximately 107 acres of fee simple land in the Little Pine Creek area of Shoshone County, Idaho, (b) six patented mining claims known as the Chicago-London group, located near the town of Murray in Shoshone County, Idaho, (c) 265 acres of private land with three unpatented claims in Josephine County, Oregon, known as the Turner Gold project; and (d) 34 unpatented mining claims in Marion County, Oregon, known as the Detroit property. Our efforts at these properties are minimal and consume no significant financial resources.
We have entered into option to purchase agreements on two of these properties. See Note 4 to the Financial Statements herein for additional discussion on these agreements.
Corporate Information
The Company was initially incorporated in Idaho under the name General Mines Corporation in 1925. We have gone through several name changes and on October 5, 2007, we reincorporated the Company in the State of Delaware (Reincorporation) through a merger of Idaho General Mines, Inc. with and into General Moly, Inc., a Delaware corporation that was a wholly owned subsidiary of Idaho General Mines, Inc. with General Moly being the surviving entity. In connection with the Reincorporation, all of the outstanding securities of Idaho General Mines, Inc. were converted into securities of General Moly on a one-for-one basis. For purposes of the Companys reporting status with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), General Moly is deemed a successor to Idaho General Mines, Inc. Our common stock is traded on the NYSE MKT under the symbol GMO and, in February 2008, the Company began trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) under the same symbol. Our registered and principal executive office is located at 1726 Cole Blvd., Suite 115, Lakewood, Colorado 80401 and the phone number for that office is (303) 928-8599.
We maintain a website at www.generalmoly.com, on which we will post free of charge our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL) documents, and any amendments to these reports under the heading Investors as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC. We also routinely post important information about the Company on our website under the heading Investors. We do not incorporate the information on our website into this document and you should not consider any information on, or that can be accessed through, our website as part of this document. You may read and copy any materials we file with the SEC at the Securities and Exchange Commission Public Reference Room at 100 F Street NE Washington, DC 20549. Information regarding the operation of the Public Reading Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at 1.800.SEC.0330. The SEC also maintains a website that contains our reports and other information at www.sec.gov.
Corporate Strategy and Objective
Our corporate strategy is to acquire and develop highly profitable advanced stage mineral deposits. Our near-term corporate objective is to profitably develop and operate the Mt. Hope Project and to complete our evaluation and commence development of the Liberty Property. In the short-term, we are focused on receiving financing required to complete the development of the Mt. Hope Project based on our current schedule, while at the same time conserving our cash resources until such financing is received.
We believe we have the following business strengths that will enable us to achieve our objectives:
· We have a strong, proven management team with experience in mine development, project financing, and operations.
· The Mt. Hope Project, of which we own 80%, currently in the development stage, is anticipated to be one of the largest and lowest cost primary molybdenum projects in the world, driven, in part, by high ore grades that will be processed early in the mine life.
· Our Liberty Property has the potential to become a second, significant, molybdenum operation and is wholly-owned by the Company and royalty-free.
· The Mt. Hope Project and the Liberty Property are located in Nevada, which has a long and ongoing history of large-scale, open pit mining operations.
· Both the Mt. Hope Project and the Liberty Property have near-by infrastructure for power, access roads, and water and have an environmentally friendly design.
· We have strong international support from the steel industry as evidenced by the strategic partnerships and off-take agreements we have in place with several of the worlds largest steel companies.
· We anticipate favorable long-term market fundamentals for molybdenum.
Products
We do not currently produce any products. When the Mt. Hope Project is developed, the LLC expects production of 40 million pounds of molybdenum per year over the first five years on average and approximately 1.1 billion pounds of molybdenum over the expected 44-year life of the project. The Mt. Hope Project will primarily focus on producing Technical Grade Molybdenum Oxide (TMO), which is widely utilized by the steel industry. In the future, we may also consider producing FerroMolybdenum (FeMo), and have designed the Mt. Hope Project plant to accommodate this process, which is also used by the steel industry and would make the Company a more complete supplier to the steel industry.
Molybdenum is a refractory metal with very unique properties. Approximately 70% to 80% of molybdenum applications are in steel making. Molybdenum, when added to plain carbon and low alloy steels, increases strength, corrosion resistance and high temperature properties of the alloy. The major applications of molybdenum containing plain and low alloy steels are automotive body panels, construction steel and oil and gas pipelines. When added to stainless steels, molybdenum imparts specialized corrosion resistance in severe corrosive environments while improving strength. The major applications of stainless steels are in industrial chemical process plants, desalinization plants, nuclear reactor cooling systems and environmental pollution abatement. When added to super alloy steels, such as those used in jet turbine blades and other advanced aerospace engine components, molybdenum dramatically improves high temperature strength, thermal expansion and contraction resistance and resistance to oxidation. The effects of molybdenum additions to steels are not readily duplicated by other elements and as such are not significantly impacted by substitution of other materials.
Other significant molybdenum applications include lubrication, catalytic sulfur reduction in petrochemicals, lighting, LCD activation screens, x-ray generation, high temperature heat dissipation and high temperature conductivity. These areas represent the highest technical and value-added applications of molybdenum, but are also the most readily replaceable in times of technical or economic downturns.
Competitive Conditions
Molybdenum exploration, development and production is a competitive business. We anticipate competing with numerous molybdenum suppliers once the Mt. Hope Project achieves production.
The supply of molybdenum comes from both primary molybdenum mines, such as our proposed Mt. Hope Project, and as a byproduct of porphyry copper production. Each source of supply represents approximately 50% of the molybdenum produced annually, which was forecast to grow to 528 million pounds in 2012. Although many companies produce molybdenum, many of which also mine other minerals, approximately two-thirds of global production is concentrated among ten companies.
When and if we commence production at both our Mt. Hope Project and Liberty Property, our competitive position will be based on the quality and grade of our ore bodies and our ability to manage costs compared with other producers. Our costs are driven by the grade and nature of our ore bodies as well as input costs, including energy, labor and equipment. Our ability to have a competitive position over the long-term will be based on, among other things, the large size of our combined ore resources and anticipated production rate capacity as well as our intention to hire and retain a skilled workforce, and manage our costs.
Employees
The Company had a total of 40 employees, including 36 exempt and 4 hourly employees, as of December 31, 2012.
Description of the Mt. Hope Project
Overview
The discussion in this section is based on the entire Project, of which we own an 80% interest. The LLC is proceeding with the development of the Mt. Hope Project. The Project will include the development of an open pit mine, construction of a concentrator and a roaster, and construction of all related infrastructure to produce TMO, the most widely used molybdenum product.
From November 2004 through August 2007 we conducted numerous exploration, drilling and evaluation studies, culminating in the BFS for the Mt. Hope Project. In 2005, we initiated the baseline studies necessary for development of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). We completed an initial POO, which the BLM accepted in September 2006. In December 2006, the BLM selected an environmental firm to complete the EIS for the Mt. Hope Project. The Company worked diligently with the environmental firm to complete the EIS, resulting in the ROD becoming effective on November 16, 2012.
The Mt. Hope Project the Mt. Hope Lease
The Mt. Hope Project is owned and will be operated by the LLC under the LLC Agreement. The LLC currently has a lease (Mt. Hope Lease) with Mount Hope Mines, Inc. (MHMI) for the Mt. Hope Project for a period of 30 years from October 19, 2005 and for so long thereafter as operations are being conducted on the property. The lease may be terminated earlier at the election of the LLC, or upon a material breach of the agreement and failure to cure such breach. If the LLC terminates the lease, termination is effective 30 days after receipt by MHMI of written notice to terminate the Mt. Hope Lease and no further payments would be due to MHMI. Located in Eureka County, Nevada, the Mt. Hope Project consists of 13 patented lode claims and one millsite claim, which are owned by MHMI and leased to the LLC, and 1,521 unpatented lode claims, including 109 unpatented lode claims owned by MHMI and leased to the LLC and 1,412 unpatented lode claims owned by the LLC. Patented claims are owned real property and unpatented claims are held subject to the paramount title of the United States and remain valid for as long as the claim contains a discovery of valuable minerals as defined by law and the holder pays the applicable fees.
The Mt. Hope Lease is subject to the payment of certain royalties. See BusinessDescription of the Mt. Hope ProjectRoyalties, Agreement and Encumbrances below. In addition to the royalty payments, the LLC is obligated to maintain the property and its associated water rights, including the payment of all property taxes and claim maintenance fees. The LLC must also indemnify MHMI against any and all losses incurred as a result of any breach or failure to satisfy any of the terms of the Mt. Hope Lease or any activities or operations on the Mt. Hope property.
The LLC is not permitted to assign or otherwise convey its obligations under the Mt. Hope Lease to a third party without the prior written consent of MHMI, which consent may be withheld at its sole discretion. If, however, the assignment takes the form of a pledge of our interest in the Mt. Hope Project for the purpose of obtaining financing, including the Term Loan, MHMIs consent may not be unreasonably withheld. The Mt. Hope Lease further requires the LLC to keep the property free and clear of all liens, encumbrances, claims, charges and burdens on production except as allowed for a project financing.
The Mt. Hope Lease requires that the terms of any project financing must provide that: (i) any principal amount of debt can only be repaid after payment of the periodic payments as set out in the Mt. Hope Lease; (ii) the lenders may not prohibit or interfere with any advance royalty payments due to MHMI under the Mt. Hope Lease; and (iii) no cash sweeps or payments of excess cash flow may be made to the lenders in priority of such advance royalty payments.
The Mt. Hope Lease also contains an after acquired property clause, which requires that any property acquired by the LLC within two miles of the boundary of the Mt. Hope Project be conveyed to MHMI if requested within a certain time period following notification of such acquisition. MHMI has requested that we maintain ownership of all new claims filed by the LLC, which now includes 1,412 unpatented lode claims.
The Mt. Hope Lease is for a term of 30 years, but can be extended beyond 30 years if the Mt. Hope Project is in production or intends to resume production (and the LLC has provided notice to MHMI accordingly). The lease may be terminated at the election of the LLC, or upon a material breach and failure to cure such breach. If the LLC terminates the lease, the termination is effective 30 days after receipt by MHMI of written notice to terminate the Mt. Hope Lease. If MHMI terminates the lease, termination is effective upon receipt of a notice of termination of a material breach, representation, warranty, covenant or term contained in the Mt. Hope Lease and followed by failure to cure such breach within 90 days of receipt of a notice of default. MHMI may also elect to terminate the Mt. Hope Lease if the LLC has not cured the non-payment of obligations under the lease within 10 days of receipt of a notice of default. The LLC intends to renew the Mt. Hope Lease at the end of the initial time to allow full execution of the 44 year mine life. We believe that Mt. Hope Mines would accept our request for extension.
Property Description and Location
The Mt. Hope Project is located on the eastern flank of Mt. Hope approximately 21 miles north of Eureka, Nevada. The Mt. Hope Project is located at the southern end of the northwest-trending Battle Mountain-Eureka mineral belt. Mt. Hope is approximately 2.6 miles due west of State Route 278, and the Mt. Hope Project centers in sections 1 and 12, T22N-R51E and sections 12 and 13, T22N-R51½E.
Royalties, Agreements and Encumbrances
Advance Royalty
The Mt. Hope Lease requires a royalty advance (Construction Royalty Advance) of 3% of certain construction capital costs, as defined in the Mt. Hope Lease. The LLC is obligated to pay a portion of the Construction Royalty Advance each time capital is raised for the Mt. Hope Project based on 3% of the expected capital to be used for those certain construction capital costs defined in the Mt. Hope Lease. Through December 31, 2012, we have paid $22.6 million of the total Construction Royalty Advance, including $9.0 million paid on October 19, 2012. Based on our Mt. Hope Project capital budget we estimate that a final reconciliation payment on the Estimate will be due following the commencement of commercial production, after as-built costs are definitively determined. The Company estimates, based on the revised capital estimate discussed above and the current timeline for the commencement of commercial production, that an additional $4.2 million will be due during the second half of 2015. This amount was accrued as of December 31, 2012.
The LLC is also obligated to make a minimum annual advance royalty payment (Annual Advance Royalty) of $0.5 million each October 19 following the payment made in October 2012 for any year wherein commercial production has not been achieved or the MHMI Production Royalty (as hereinafter defined) is less than $0.5 million. As commercial production is not anticipated to commence until 2015, the Company has accrued $1.0 million in Annual Advance Royalty payments which will be due in two $0.5 million installments in October 2013 and 2014, respectively. The Estimate and the Annual Advance Royalty are collectively referred to as the Advance Royalties. All Advance Royalties are credited against the MHMI Production Royalties once the mine has achieved commercial production. After the mine begins production, the LLC estimates that the MHMI Production Royalties will be in excess of the Annual Advance Royalties for the life of the Mt. Hope Project and, further, the Estimate will be credited against MHMI Production Royalties owed at the rate of 50% of MHMI Production Royalties on an annual basis until fully consumed.
Production Royalty
Following commencement of commercial production, the LLC will be required to pay a production royalty to MHMI and Exxon Corporation (Exxon) as follows:
(a) MHMI Production Royalty
After commencement of commercial production at the Mt. Hope Project, the LLC will be required to pay to MHMI a production royalty equal to the greater of: (i) $0.25 per pound of molybdenum metal (or the equivalent of some other product) sold or deemed to be sold from the Mt. Hope Project; or (ii) 3.5% of net returns (Base Percentage), if the average gross value of products sold is equal or lower than $12.00 per pound, or the Base Percentage plus 1% of net returns if the average gross value of products sold is higher than $12.00 per pound but equal or lower than $15.00 per pound, or the Base Percentage plus 1.5% of net returns if the average gross value of products sold is higher than $15.00 per pound (MHMI Production Royalties). As used in this paragraph, the term products refers to ores, concentrates, minerals or other material removed and sold (or deemed to be sold) from the Mt. Hope Project; the term gross value refers generally to proceeds received by us or our affiliates for the products sold (or deemed to be sold); and the term net returns refers to the gross value of all products, less certain direct out of pocket costs, charges and expenses actually paid or incurred by us in producing the products.
(b) Exxon Production Royalty
Exxon will receive a perpetual 1% royalty interest in and to all ores, metals, minerals and metallic substances mineable or recoverable from the Mt. Hope Project in kind at the mine or may elect to receive cash payment equal to 1% of the total amount of gross payments received from the purchaser of ores mined/removed/sold from property net of certain deductions.
Environmental Regulations and Permits
The Mt. Hope Project is subject to numerous state and federal environmental regulations and permits. See Applicable Mining Laws and Permitting below for a detailed description of these requirements.
Accessibility, Climate, Local Resources, Infrastructure and Physiography
Access
The Mt. Hope Project has year-round access from Nevada State Route 278 (Route 278). The land package includes the land between the project site and Route 278 making the project accessible from existing roads.
Climate
Climate in the area is moderate, with average highs in July of about 85 degrees Fahrenheit and lows in January of about 17 degrees Fahrenheit. Precipitation in the area is relatively low with annual precipitation averages of about 12 inches. Operations at the site are planned to continue year-round.
Local Resources and Infrastructure
The town of Eureka, Nevada is approximately 21 miles to the south of the Mt. Hope Project, via Route 278. The infrastructure requirements to support the mine and concentrator consist of bringing power and water to the property, commensurate with the operational requirements, including developing a water well field within the Kobeh Valley, constructing site access roads, and constructing maintenance shops for the mine and plant administrative offices. A 230kV power line is expected to be developed from the Machacek substation near the town of Eureka to the mine site.
Water Rights and Surface Rights
Planned water wells, located approximately 6 miles to the southwest of the planned operating facilities, are anticipated to supply approximately 7,000 gallons per minute (gpm) to the Mt. Hope Project. Exploration for water is sufficiently advanced to identify the source of water that will be used for all project water needs, with final fresh water development to occur during the construction of the project. (See Permitting Mt. Hope Permitting Requirements Water Appropriation Permits-Nevada Division of Water Resources below for a discussion of the current status of our applications for water rights for use in the Mt. Hope Project).
Surface rights on the Mt. Hope Project include BLM open range grazing rights and stock water rights. Two power line easements cross within the property boundaries. An existing easement for a 345kV transmission line runs north-south on the western edge of the property and the other existing easement is a medium-voltage power line that runs east along the main existing access road that connects to Route 278 to the eastern property boundary.
Physiography
The Mt. Hope area lies within an area of north-south trending mountains separated by alluvial valleys. The primary mountain ranges in the Mt. Hope area include the Roberts Mountains, Sulphur Spring Range, Diamond Mountains, Simpson Park Range, and the Cortez Mountains. Elevations of the mountains range from approximately 6,800 feet for the crests of the Sulphur Spring range to over 10,000 feet for the Roberts Mountains.
The major valleys in the Mt. Hope region are Diamond Valley to the east, Pine Valley to the north, and Kobeh Valley to the west. Diamond and Pine Valleys are elongated in a north-south direction. Kobeh Valley is located to the west and southwest of the Mt. Hope Project.
The upper portions of the valleys are similar in nature and are characterized by slightly incised stream channels with no significant associated floodplain. The uplands and mountains have slopes ranging from moderate to steep (over 30 percent) with shallow to deep, moderately alkaline to medium acidic soils. Bedrock is often within 0.5 meters of the surface, particularly on the steep upland slopes.
Lake sediments make up the largest areas in the valleys. The slopes range from smooth to rolling (0 to 15 percent) and the soils vary from shallow to deep and mildly to strongly alkaline. The surface textures range from silty clay loams to gravelly sandy loams and local sand. The permeability of these soils ranges from slow to rapid.
The natural vegetation of the region consists of pinion juniper and sagebrush with grass. The pinion juniper occupies the higher elevations of the mountain slopes, with the lower areas in the valley covered predominantly with sagebrush and shrubs with perennial bunchgrasses.
Mt. Hope, located in the lower foothills of the southeast flank of the Roberts Mountains, stands approximately 8,400 feet in elevation. Areas to the east and southeast of the Project slope gently to elevations from 6,400 to 7,900 feet. Diamond Valley, situated to the south and east, is approximately 6,000 feet in elevation.
History
Prior Ownership and Results of Exploration Work
Lead-zinc ores were discovered at Mt. Hope in 1870, and small-scale mining was carried out sporadically until the 1970s. Zinc and adjacent copper mineralization were the focus of drilling activities by Phillips Petroleum in the early 1970s and by ASARCO and Gulf (ASARCO) in the mid-1970s, which outlined further zinc mineralization. The last drill hole of this series encountered significant molybdenum mineralization at depth west of the zinc deposits. The significance of this mineralization was first recognized by ASARCO in 1976, but ASARCO did not reach an agreement with MHMI to test this potential.
Exxon recognized molybdenum potential at Mt. Hope in 1978 and acquired an option on the property from MHMI. By 1982, Exxon had completed 69 holes, which partially defined a major molybdenum deposit underlying the east flank of the Mt. Hope property. Exxon conducted a +/-25% feasibility study of the Mt. Hope project in 1982. A draft EIS was completed on the project and public hearings were held in early 1985. Exxon drilled an additional 60 holes on the property between 1983 and 1988 but did not update their deposit block model with data from the post-1982 holes. Cyprus drilled four holes on the property in 1989-90 under an agreement with Exxon but did not pursue the project.
We established an agreement with MHMI in 2004 pursuant to which we obtained access to the work completed by previous companies that had evaluated the property, including drill core and drill data. We used this data as the basis for developing an evaluation of the Mt. Hope deposit. The evaluation provided the basic engineering, plant design and other aspects of analysis of the Mt. Hope Project and outlined a positive operating process, waste disposal, mine design and plan, preliminary Environmental Assessment (EA), permitting plan, operating and capital cost estimates, and the corresponding estimates of mineralized material.
Geology
Mt. Hope is located in north-central Nevada on the eastern edge of a mineral belt linking ore deposits of diverse ages. The Battle Mountain-Eureka mineral belt, a northwest-southeast trending corridor about 250 miles long, has localized major deposits of gold, silver, copper, and molybdenum.
The Mt. Hope molybdenum ore deposit occurs in an area of about two square miles of elevated igneous rocks. The mineralized complex includes a variety of igneous rocks derived from a common volcanic source. Quartz porphyry, the primary
molybdenum host rock, is commonly veined with molybdenite. Subordinate molybdenum mineralization also occurs in hornfels. The known orebody occurs in two zones of the quartz porphyry stock and hornfels wallrocks.
The ore deposit is a molybdenum porphyry, which is classified as a Climax - type deposit. This type of deposit has well zoned molybdenum mineralization. The molybdenum mineral content, termed grade zoning, surrounds the central area of the deposit and forms geometries that are circular in plan and arch shaped in section. The mineral zones or shells consist of quartz porphyry and hornfels cross-cut by quartz stockwork veining containing molybdenite. Drilling has proven strong ore grades near the surface and indications of deeper ore grade zones.
Mineralization
The main form of molybdenum mineralization that occurs within the orebody is molybdenite (MoS2 - molybdenum disulfide). Much of the known molybdenite is distributed around two lobes and apophyses of the main quartz porphyry stock and within two separate mineralized zones. A concentration of higher-grade mineralization, averaging 0.15% molybdenum, is present between the eastern and western mineral zones. Referred to as the Mt. Hope Fault Zone, this area is approximately 1,300 feet in diameter and varies from 325 to 985 feet deep. This zone will be the target of open pit mining in the first 32 years. Lower grade ore will also be mined and stockpiled during the first 32 years and will be processed in the succeeding 12 years.
Exploration
Since acquiring access to the Mt. Hope Project, we have completed additional exploration drilling for molybdenum for the purposes of supporting our BFS and obtaining engineering information for items such as geotechnical design, hydrology, and condemnation for waste dumps and tailing ponds as well as infill drilling for ore calculation purposes.
The Mt. Hope property has been extensively drilled and all core and assay results are available to the Company. Accordingly, this data has been used to analyze and quantify the mineral resource based on an extensive high quality database. The drilling at the Mt. Hope Project has been predominately performed by utilizing diamond core methods, and some reverse circulation (RC) in areas of condemnation and water well drilling. To date, 311 holes have been drilled into the property for a total of 357,177 feet of drilling; 234,402 feet of which is core, the remaining 122,775 feet is RC.
Ore to Be Mined
The table below summarizes the ore grades we expect to mill under our BFS mine plans for Mt. Hope.
Mill Feed Ore Statistics
|
|
|
|
Average |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Grade |
|
Mo |
|
Category |
|
Ktons |
|
Mo% |
|
Recovery % |
|
Ore in Years 1-5 |
|
110,346 |
|
0.103 |
|
87.7 |
|
Ore in Years 1-10 |
|
220,737 |
|
0.094 |
|
87.3 |
|
Ore in Years 1-20 |
|
439,195 |
|
0.086 |
|
86.2 |
|
The modeled pit, including the above mineralized material and waste, contains an estimated 2.7 billion tons of total material. Based on these estimates, from the inception of production through year 32, the mill will process 702,953 thousand tons of ore at an average ore grade of 0.078%. During this time period low-grade ore totaling 262,973 thousand tons with an average ore grade of 0.042% will be stockpiled for later feed into the mill from years 32 through 44. Waste material totaling 1,741,815 thousand tons will also be mined and disposed of on site. The total production is based on estimated life of mine and has a 0.034% Mo cutoff grade.
Mining
The Mt. Hope Project is planned for production by conventional large-scale, hardrock, open-pit mining methods. The current mine plan provides for primary loading with a fleet of two electric cable shovels, one hydraulic shovel, and two front-end loaders. The mine fleet is expected to include 24 240-ton trucks by the end of the first full year of production. The Company anticipates engaging a contractor to perform approximately 10 months of pre-production stripping concurrent with the initial phases of construction of the Mt. Hope Project.
Ore will be hauled directly to the crusher at the southeast side of the pit. Waste will be delivered to one of four waste sites located around the mine. One low grade stockpile will be located to the east of the pit. The low-grade material will be re-handled and
processed through the plant following the initial 32 years of mining. The planned storage of low-grade ores is 263 million tons at a grade of 0.042% Mo.
Process Overview
The process circuit will include:
· Primary Crusher & Coarse Ore StockpileThe primary crusher (60x89 superior gyratory) will be located adjacent to the pit and crushed ore will be fed to a 70,000 ton live capacity stockpile.
· Semi-Autogenous Grinding (SAG) & Ball Mill CircuitOre will be reclaimed from the stockpile from up to four feeders and fed by conveyor to the SAG mill. The design will allow for the addition of a pebble crusher. Following the SAG mill, the ore will be ground to 80% passing 150 microns in the two ball mills at an average daily processing rate of 60,625 tons.
· Flotation CircuitFollowing the grinding circuit, the ore will be processed in a conventional flotation plant. The molybdenum ore will be treated through two banks of rougher/scavenger flotation, one stage of first cleaners followed by regrind, and four additional stages of cleaner flotation. Some molybdenum concentrates with higher levels of included metals will be treated through a concentrate leach facility to produce the cleaned, final molybdenum concentrate. Metallurgical results have indicated that an estimated mill recovery of approximately 85.8% is achievable across grades ranging from 0.04% through 0.1% Mo with final concentrate grades of approximately 54% to 56% Mo. The initial 32 years of higher-grade ores will achieve recoveries of about 87%.
· Roaster CircuitMolybdenum concentrate will be further processed in two multi-hearth roasters to produce technical grade molybdenum trioxide product. The roasting facility will provide a fully integrated process.
Tailing Facility
The proposed mining and processing operation is expected to produce approximately 22 million tons of tailing (including SO2 scrubber residue) per year. Approximately 966 million tons of tailing will be produced under the current mine plan. The Tailing Storage Facility layout provides for the construction of one tailing impoundment that will contain the first 30 plus years of operations. A second facility is planned for the remaining years of the mine life. Both tailing impoundments will be constructed with HDPE plastic liners to provide for greater groundwater protection.
Bankable Feasibility Study
On August 30, 2007, we completed the BFS, which established proven reserves totaling 189,675 thousand tons of ore at an average grade of 0.083% molybdenum and probable reserves totaling 776,251 thousand tons of ore at an average grade of 0.065% molybdenum summarized as follows:
Statement of Reserves and Mineralized Material
Units = Short Tons
Reserves
Cutoff Grade |
|
Proven Reserves |
|
Probable Reserves |
|
Proven+Probable Reserves |
| |||||||||
K$Net/hr |
|
%Mo Sulfide |
|
Ktons |
|
Mo |
|
Ktons |
|
Mo |
|
Ktons |
|
Mo Grade% |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
$ |
3.000 |
|
0.034 |
% |
189,675 |
|
0.083 |
|
776,251 |
|
0.065 |
|
965,926 |
|
0.068 |
|
Additional Mineralized Material
Cutoff Grade |
|
Measured |
|
Indicated |
|
Measured+Indicated |
| |||||||||
K$Net/hr |
|
%Mo |
|
Ktons |
|
Mo |
|
Ktons |
|
Mo |
|
Ktons |
|
Mo Grade% |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
$ |
0.001 |
|
0.024 |
% |
11,089 |
|
0.029 |
|
98,552 |
|
0.030 |
|
109,641 |
|
0.030 |
|
Footnotes to Statements of Reserves and Mineralized Material
The cutoff grades are determined by optimizing the net present value based on process costs combined with throughput estimates of recoverable molybdenum included in each phase of the mining and milling processes. The derived income, based on assumed molybdenum prices, net of processing costs is calculated on a per ton basis and on a per hour milled basis and is expressed in units of thousands of dollars (K$Net/hr).
Mineralized material is tabulated at the cutoff grade of 0.024% Mo. Breakeven cutoff covers the cost to mine and process the material. The Moly cutoff grades in sulfide form are close approximations to K$Net/hr.
The final reserve pit design was based on a molybdenum price of $10/lb molybdenum in the saleable form of moly tri-oxide. As of December 31, 2012, the approximate three year backward average price for molybdenum was $14.69/lb, according to Ryans Notes, a ferro-alloy industry news and pricing publication. The spot price for molybdenum on the same date was approximately $11.60/lb, also according to Ryans Notes. The pit design price is below the 3-year backward average and below current spot prices.
The reserve at Mt. Hope is based on a block model that utilized the statistical process of Ordinary Linear Kriging constrained by appropriate rock type and grade boundaries. Base metal models that utilize these common techniques generally account for mining dilution and recovery so that additional factors are not required to be applied to the block model.
The metallurgical recovery applied to the determination of reserves was 90% in the flotation mill and 99.2% in the molybdenum roaster. More detailed process testing and design work later in the feasibility study resulted in a revised average flotation recovery estimate of 85.8%. This recovery difference is not material because the final open pit design is a practical plan with access roads and mine equipment working room. The final design is consequently a conservative representation of the mathematical economic pit that was guided by the initial estimates.
Capital Cost Estimates
Earlier in 2012, we completed a review of the capital cost requirements for the Mt. Hope Project, based on current major equipment, labor and material pricing and further engineering definition. The project capital was also updated for currently known permitting and regulatory requirements and includes the schedule impacts of permitting delays since the September 2008 feasibility study update, which was reconfirmed in November 2009. The Mt. Hope Project has not materially changed in scope and is currently designed at approximately 60% engineering completion with solid scope definition. The overall capital cost estimate increased by 11%, or $130 million, and totaled $1,284 million (as reflected in the Q2 2012 column in the table below). The largest affected category of the revised estimate was Owners cost, driven by schedule delays largely attributed to an extended permitting timeline. Of that amount, $35 million represents holding costs over the 2009 to 2012 period (approximately $0.7 million per month), that were not envisioned in the original estimates.
In October of 2012, we further refined the capital cost estimate to reflect ongoing softening in the overall market, firm quotes that are better than expected, and modified internal assumptions. The new estimate is reflected in the Q3 2012 column in the table below, and is representative of improvements in 1) Owners costs where Eureka Moly now assumes lower overhead and slower ramp-ups in capitalized internal labor, 2) Contingency, attributable primarily to the mine equipment category where costs are mostly firm with existing commitments, and the outlook for both the new and used market has become more favorable to buyers in recent months, and 3) Reclamation bond collateral requirements, supported by the placement of the surety bonds.
The anticipated capital requirements of the Mt. Hope Project are divided into cost categories in the following table:
|
|
Millions $US |
| |||||||
Category |
|
2009 |
|
Q2 2012 |
|
Q3 2012 |
| |||
Mining equipment |
|
$ |
134 |
|
$ |
150 |
|
$ |
150 |
|
Construction, materials & plant facilities |
|
523 |
|
582 |
|
583 |
| |||
Owners cost, pre-stripping, camp |
|
169 |
|
251 |
|
245 |
| |||
Taxes, freight, commissioning, spares |
|
68 |
|
74 |
|
73 |
| |||
Equipment suspension costs |
|
|
|
11 |
|
11 |
| |||
EPCM |
|
59 |
|
71 |
|
70 |
| |||
Contingency |
|
86 |
|
76 |
|
70 |
| |||
Total Capital |
|
$ |
1,039 |
|
$ |
1,215 |
|
1,202 |
| |
Bonding and pre-paid items |
|
115 |
|
69 |
|
67 |
| |||
Total Capital Requirement |
|
$ |
1,154 |
|
$ |
1,284 |
|
1,269 |
| |
Furthermore, ongoing replacement and sustaining mine equipment and process plant capital over the expected 44-year operating life plus the three-year reclamation period is currently estimated to be approximately $642 million. These amounts do not include financing costs or amounts necessary to fund operating working capital. We expect that these cost estimates will continue to evolve over time based on changes in the industry-wide cost structure as well as changes in our operating strategies and initiatives for the project.
Pricing
The worldwide molybdenum price fluctuated between $5.33 per pound in 2003 to over $40.00 per pound in 2005 and traded in the mid-$30s per pound prior to October 2008, when prices fell from approximately $33.50 per pound to $7.70 per pound in April 2009 as a result of the global economic collapse. Subsequent to April 2009, prices slowly rose finishing 2009 at $12.00 per pound finishing 2011 at $13.40 per pound. During 2012 prices traded in a relatively narrow range finishing the year at $11.60 per pound and are trading at $11.25 per pound as of early March 2013.
In our BFS and for a portion of our financial evaluations, we use molybdenum prices prepared by an independent commodities research company, CPM Group. Their research is a comprehensive look at both the supply and demand side of the molybdenum market. Through their research, they forecast global growth rates for molybdenum for both supply and demand. CPM Group continues to forecast prices in excess of current spot prices over the long-term. In October 2012, CPM Group forecast that molybdenum prices would range between $11.00 and $16.00 per pound through 2017.
Production
Production over the life of the project is estimated to be 1.1 billion pounds of saleable molybdenum on a 100% basis. Production over the first full five years is estimated at 40 million pounds of molybdenum. Direct operating costs for the Mt. Hope Project over the first full five years of operation are anticipated to average $5.29 per pound, using $80 per barrel oil equivalent energy costs, and CAS per pound over the first full five years of operation, including anticipated royalties calculated at $15 per pound molybdenum, are anticipated to average $6.00 per pound. For each $10 change in per barrel oil costs, Mt. Hopes anticipated direct operating cost changes approximately $0.10 per pound. Life of mine CAS are estimated to be approximately $7.94 per pound of molybdenum at $80 per barrel oil, inclusive of anticipated royalty payments calculated at $15 per pound molybdenum. These cost estimates are based on 2009 constant dollars and are subject to cost inflation or deflation. In the past several years, operating costs in the mining industry have escalated on a world-wide basis as a result of major factors beyond our control, including the cost of energy and labor. We anticipate updating these operating cost estimates later this year.
Reconciliation between CAS, a measure based on accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP), and direct operating costs, a non-GAAP measure, is provided in the table below.
Description |
|
First Five Years |
|
Life of Mine |
| ||
Direct operating costs |
|
$ |
5.29 |
|
$ |
7.13 |
|
Royalty payments (1) |
|
.71 |
|
.81 |
| ||
Total |
|
$ |
6.00 |
|
$ |
7.94 |
|
(1) Royalty payments are a function of assumed molybdenum prices realized. The above calculation assumes a molybdenum price of $15.00 per pound.
Description of the Liberty Property
On March 17, 2006, we purchased the Liberty Property, an approximately ten square mile property in Nye County, Nevada, including water rights, mineral and surface rights, buildings and certain equipment from High Desert Winds LLC (High Desert). The property includes the former Hall molybdenum and copper deposit that was mined for molybdenum by open pit methods between 1982 and 1985 by Anaconda and between 1988 and 1991 by Cyprus. Equatorial Tonopah, Inc. mined copper from 1999 to 2000 on this property, although their operations were in a separate open pit also located on the property. Much of the molybdenum deposit was drilled but not developed or mined by these previous owners. At closing, we paid High Desert a cash payment of $4.5 million for a portion of the property, and in November 2006, made an additional payment of $1.0 million for the remainder of the property.
On January 30, 2007, we purchased Equatorial Mining North America, Inc. and its two subsidiaries, which owned a 12% net smelter returns royalty on the Liberty Property, from Equatorial Mining Pty. Limited, effectively eliminating all third party royalties on the property. The consideration paid for the Equatorial acquisition was $4.8 million with an additional deferred payment of $6.0 million which will be due upon commencement of commercial operation of the property. In connection with the transaction, we
acquired $1.2 million in cash accounts and assumed all environmental liabilities on the reclaimed site. Additionally in 2007, we purchased all outstanding mineral claims associated with this property that were not previously owned by us thus giving the Company 100% control over all mineral rights within the boundary of the property, as well as claims on BLM property adjacent to the patented grounds.
Since purchasing the Liberty Property, we completed two drilling programs that, combined with previous evaluation work performed by former owners, identified mineralization totaling 541.4 million tons with ore grades averaging 0.067% molybdenum and 0.08% copper. In April 2008, we completed a pre-feasibility study on the Liberty Property that detailed initial capital and operating costs, anticipated mining and milling rates and permitting requirements. On October 3, 2011 the Company released an updated NI 43-101 compliant resource estimate and on November 15, 2011 released a pre-feasibility study detailing updated resource estimates and project economics. The completed report estimates molybdenum and copper reserves and resources, production, capital and operating cost parameters, along with project economics. The Liberty Property is viewed by the Company as a follow-on project to the Mt. Hope Project that we intend to actively pursue following development of the Mt. Hope Project, and dependent on market conditions.
History
In 1955, Anaconda leased and optioned the Liberty molybdenum prospect and mine in order to evaluate extensive molybdenum and copper occurrences. From 1956 through 1966, Anaconda explored or delineated molybdenum mineralization over an approximate one square mile area. Drilling indicated extensive mineralization from the surface to a depth of approximately 2,000 feet. Drilling delineated approximately 200 million tons of mineralization grading 0.091 percent molybdenum, which was included in a long term mining plan. Mine construction began in 1979 with production from the Hall Mine starting in 1981. Anaconda ceased operations in 1985 due to low metal prices. Between 1982 and 1991, Anaconda and successor operator Cyprus Minerals mined a total of 50 million tons of ore grading 0.11 percent molybdenum. No further molybdenum mining took place after 1991, leaving an estimated 150 million tons of un-mined ore at a grade of 0.09 percent molybdenum.
A 100 million ton copper ore zone independent of the molybdenum was the subject of a copper leach operation by Equatorial between 1995 and 2002. Approximately 10 million tons were mined before operations ceased in 2002. The copper zone is not currently being evaluated.
The molybdenum mine open pit remains easily accessible for mining. Various facilities and improvements continue to exist on the property that may be of future use for molybdenum operations including a power supply, water rights, water and well system, offices, truck and vehicle shops, thickening tanks, water and fuel tanks, roads and other structures. All of the mobile equipment was removed from the property. Much of the plant area was reclaimed after the 2002 closure with most of the crushing, conveying, grinding, concentrator equipment and other milling equipment being removed from the property.
Our combined purchases of the assets and mineral rights at the Liberty Property included all of the lands required for future operations and all of the mineral rights. The initial years for a new molybdenum operation and mine on this property could be entirely on fee lands owned by us. As a result, initial permitting is anticipated to be through state agencies, including the Nevada Department of Environmental Protection (NDEP). There are minor BLM landholdings in the footprint of planned waste stockpiles and the open pit, and at some future time we will pursue acquisition of these lands or perform Federal National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) evaluations to permit use of these lands. Based on this and the projects previous operations, we expect to have an expedited permitting schedule as compared to other greenfield start-up projects, such as Mt. Hope.
Geology
The ore body at the Liberty Property is geometrically displayed as a cylinder, roughly coincident with and draped across, the igneous contact of a Cretaceous quartz porphyry stock and the metamorphosed volcanic host rock. The cylinder plunges -35° to the southeast. Molybdenite occurs as selvages on stockwork quartz veins and on bedding planes and tensional shears in the country rock with the majority of the molybdenum resource located in the intrusive. Host rocks consist of fine-grained volcaniclastic rocks, formerly identified as schists and quartzites, intruded by Cretaceous coarse-grained quartz-feldspar porphyry. These are overlain by Tertiary volcanic rocks varying from rhyolitic-welded ash-flow tuffs to dacitic and basaltic lava flows. Tertiary andesite dikes intrude the welded tuffs.
The Cretaceous quartz-feldspar porphyry is extensively altered by quartz-muscovite and K-spar flooding. Internal textures are often obscured by overprinting alteration.
The deposit is crosscut and offset by a number of post mineral faults. Major structural trends are north-south and east by northeast-west by southwest.
Molybdenum mineralization is concentrated in molybdenite, molybdenum di-sulfide, with lesser amounts of molybdenum oxide. Copper is concentrated in a blanket of chalcocite above the oxidation boundary and in chalcopyrite below the oxide zone. Pyrite is a common constituent of most of the ore body.
Environmental Investigation - Shoshone County, Idaho
The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, as amended (CERCLA), imposes strict, joint, and several liability on parties associated with releases or threats of releases of hazardous substances. Liable parties include, among others, the current owners and operators of facilities at which hazardous substances were disposed or released into the environment and past owners and operators of properties who owned such properties at the time of such disposal or release. This liability could include response costs for removing or remediating the release and damages to natural resources. We are unaware of any reason why our undeveloped properties would currently give rise to any potential CERCLA liability. We cannot predict the likelihood of future CERCLA liability with respect to our properties, or to surrounding areas that have been affected by historic mining operations.
Our mineral property holdings in Shoshone County, Idaho include lands contained in mining districts that have been designated as a Superfund Site pursuant to CERCLA. This Superfund Site was established to investigate and remediate primarily the Bunker Hill properties of Smelterville, Idaho, a small portion of Shoshone County where a large smelter was located. However, because of the extent of environmental impact caused by the historical mining in the mining districts, the Superfund Site covers the majority of Shoshone County including our Chicago-London and Little Pine Creek properties as well as many small towns located in Northern Idaho. We have conducted a property environmental investigation of these properties, which revealed no evidence of material adverse environmental effects at either property. We are unaware of any pending action or proceeding relating to any regulatory matters that would affect our financial position due to these inactive mining claims in Shoshone County.
Applicable Mining Laws
Mining in the State of Nevada is subject to federal and state law. Three types of laws are of particular importance to the Mt. Hope Project: those affecting land ownership and mining rights; those regulating mining operations; and those relating to the environment.
The Mt. Hope Project is situated on lands owned by the United States of America (federal lands). The LLC, as the owner or holder of the unpatented mining claims, has the right to conduct mining operations on the lands subject to the required operating permits and approvals, compliance with the terms and conditions of the Mt. Hope Lease, and compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations and ordinances. On federal lands, mining rights are governed by the General Mining Law of 1872, as amended, 30 U.S.C. UU 21-161 (various sections), which allows for the location of mining claims on certain federal lands upon the discovery of a valuable mineral deposit and on proper compliance with claim location requirements.
The operation of mines is governed by both federal and state regulatory programs. The predominant non-environmental federal regulatory program affecting operation of the Mt. Hope Project is the mine safety regulations administered by the Mine Safety and Health Administration. Additional federal laws, such as those governing the purchase, transport, storage or usage of explosives, and those governing communications systems, labor and taxes also apply. State non-environmental regulatory programs affecting operations include the permitting programs for drinking water systems, sewage and septic systems, water rights appropriations, Department of Transportation, and dam safety (engineering design and monitoring).
Environmental regulations require various permits or approvals before any mining operations on the Mt. Hope Project can begin. Federal environmental regulations are administered primarily by the BLM. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has delegated authority for the Clean Water Act and Clean Air Act to the State of Nevada. The NDEP, therefore, has primacy for these programs and is responsible for administering the associated permits for the Mt. Hope Project. The Bureau of Mining Regulations and Reclamation (BMRR) within NDEP administers the WPC and Reclamation permits. The Bureau of Air Pollution Control (BAPC) within NDEP administers the Air Quality Permit. The NDEP also administers the permit program for onsite landfills. The Nevada Division of Wildlife administers the artificial industrial pond permit program. Local laws and ordinances may also apply to such activities as waste disposal, road use and noise levels. Both our Mt. Hope and Liberty properties will be subject to these various environmental laws and regulations.
Permitting
Permit Acquisition and Fundamental Environmental Permitting Considerations
We obtained the required principal environmental operating permits for the Mt. Hope Project in late 2012 in anticipation of the commencement of construction and availability of financing for the project. Baseline studies and data acquisition to support permitting were initiated in the fourth quarter of 2005. Facility designs and operational plans have been refined as data was collected
and reviewed to minimize environmental impacts and facilitate the permitting process. The planned mining and processing operations are consistent with numerous other permitted projects in Nevada, in terms of methods, facility design, equipment, and related engineering plans.
Permitting Process Overview
The development, operation, closure and reclamation of mining projects in the United States of America require numerous notifications, permits, authorizations, and public agency decisions. This section does not attempt to exhaustively identify all of the permits and authorizations that need to be granted, but instead focuses on those that are considered to be critical for project start-up.
Environmental Inventories
There are certain environmental evaluations that routinely must be completed in order to provide the information against which project impacts are measured. Both the BLM and the NDEP have requirements to profile existing conditions and to evaluate what effects will result from implementing the Mt. Hope Project.
Background information on geology, air quality, soils, biology, water resources, wildlife, vegetation, noise, visual resources, social and economic conditions, and cultural resources have been assembled and have been submitted to the appropriate regulatory agencies.
Mt. Hope Permitting Requirements
The Mt. Hope Project required both federal and state permits before construction and operations could commence. Major permits required for the Mt. Hope Project include the ROD, a BLM issued permit, water appropriation permits from the Nevada Division of Water Resources, the WPC permit and Reclamation Permit from the NDEPBMRR, received in November 2012, and an Air Quality Permit (AQP) from the NDEPBAPC, received in May 2012.
Plan of Operations ApprovalBureau of Land Management
The BLM has prepared an EIS analyzing the environmental impacts of the Mt. Hope Project and alternatives in accordance with the NEPA. Upon completion and approval of the EIS, the BLM issued the ROD for the Mt. Hope Project. The ROD became effective on November 16, 2012; the date the BLM recorded its decision to approve the EIS and POO for the Mt. Hope Project.
Potential environmental issues associated with the proposed operations have been identified and mitigation measures have been developed to minimize potential impacts. These actions are anticipated to reduce potential environmental liability, and promote good community and social responsibility.
Issues of concern are primarily related to geochemistry and the associated potential for acid generation from waste rock, the water quality in the post-mining pit lake, and the potential mobilization of constituents in the tailings. Other significant potential impacts include effects of groundwater pumping on existing water rights and/or surface water flows, air emissions, reduction of wildlife habitat (including a federally listed sensitive species) and the socioeconomic impact to the community of Eureka. Extensive laboratory testing has been conducted to fully evaluate the geochemistry of all material types that will be mined. The waste rock disposal facilities and tailing impoundment designs incorporate components to minimize potential impacts, consistent with accepted and demonstrated industry practices. Hydrological and geochemical computer modeling predicts that the post-mining pit lake water quality will not pose a threat to wildlife and will therefore not require treatment. Air emissions will be reduced by using control technology and leading industry practices. A detailed reclamation plan has been developed to re-establish post-mining land uses, including wildlife habitat. Other resource-specific mitigation plans have been developed, including those for wild horses and burros, bats, cultural resources, the Pony Express Trail, sage grouse habitat, water resources, and minimizing fugitive dust. Environmental regulations related to reclamation require that the cost for a third party contractor to perform reclamation activities on the mine site be estimated. The $73.0 million reclamation cost estimate is the basis for the required financial assurance amount. The LLC is required to post a financial instrument in addition to the $0.8 million currently held by the BLM to provide a guarantee that this amount will be available to BLM and NDEP for use in conducting reclamation should we become insolvent or default on our reclamation obligations. Additionally, a reclamation cost estimate of $1.3 million was approved to remove and reclaim disturbance associated with the grant of rights-of-way for the 230 kV power transmission line. A group of surety underwriters arranged by Marsh USA was assembled to satisfy these financial guarantees through the posting of bonds. The surety program was funded with an initial payment of $5.6 million in December 2012 and requires additional payments of $11.6 million throughout the construction period for a total cash funding amount of $17.2 million for annual premiums and collateral. Although the Reclamation Permit is administered by the NDEP-BMRR, BLM review is required and the reclamation cost estimate was approved in conjunction with approval of the POO.
The phased reclamation cost estimate addresses the anticipated activities for a three-year period from the point of POO approval. The financial assurance estimate will be recalculated every three years to include the current activities and those activities anticipated to be completed during the subsequent three-year period. Preliminary estimates indicate that the project reclamation financial assurance requirements during the first three-year period will be approximately $73.0 million, and will initially be met with a combination of cash and surety bonds. Financial guarantees held by the BLM will increase with every three-year update in conjunction with the growth of the waste rock pile and the tailing impoundments. It is estimated that financial assurance requirements could reach $171.8 million at the anticipated end of the project (year 44), assuming no concurrent reclamation activities occur.
Additionally, through the ROD, the BLM has determined that a Long Term Funding Mechanism (LTFM) is required for post-reclamation obligations, including long-term monitoring and mitigation at the Mt. Hope Project site. The LTFM approximates a cost estimate of $83.0 million for mitigation and monitoring for a 500 year period post reclamation. The Company and the BLM are completing the preparation of a Trust to fund this long-term post-reclamation obligation to be initially funded in the amount of $0.3 million.
Water Appropriation PermitsNevada Division of Water Resources
The Mt. Hope Project is primarily centered between two water basins: the Kobeh Valley Basin and the Diamond Valley Basin. Operation of the Mt. Hope Project is expected to require 7,000 gallons per minute of fresh water that will be sourced from wells located in Kobeh Valley, west of the Mt. Hope Project. The Company has purchased from existing water rights holders essentially all available water rights in the Kobeh Valley Basin, totaling more than 16,000 acre feet annually.
In addition to working to complete financing, we finalized the transfer of water rights to mining use. In March 2009 we were granted our water applications in a Ruling by the Nevada State Engineer (State Engineer). However, that Ruling was appealed, and in April 2010, a Nevada State District Court (NSDC) set aside the Ruling on procedural grounds and remanded the matter for another hearing by the State Engineer.
On July 15, 2011, the State Engineer issued a second Ruling granting the Companys water right applications. That Ruling was appealed in August 2011 by Eureka County and two other parties comprised of three individual water rights holders in Diamond Valley and one in Kobeh Valley. The appeals were heard on April 3, 2012 before the NSDC. On June 13, 2012, the NSDC denied the appeals and affirmed the State Engineers Ruling. Further, the State Engineer issued all water permits on December 14, 2011 and certain amended permits on January 4, 2012, and the water became available for use at the Mt. Hope Project following the State Engineers approval of the Companys Monitoring, Management and Mitigation Plan (3M Plan) on June 6, 2012.
On July 10 and 11, 2012, respectively, Eureka County and two other parties comprised of one individual water rights holder in Diamond Valley and one in Kobeh Valley filed Notices of Appeal, appealing to the Nevada Supreme Court the NSDCs Order denying their appeals of the State Engineers 2011 Ruling. We are confident the Nevada Supreme Court will uphold the NSDCs Order which denied all appeals of the State Engineers Ruling.
On July 5, 2012, the same two individual water rights holders appealing the NSDCs Order to the Nevada Supreme Court filed an appeal of the State Engineers approval of the Companys 3M Plan to the same NSDC. Eureka County did not appeal the approved 3M Plan. We anticipate a favorable NSDC decision upholding the 3M Plan.
Notwithstanding these further appeals, the Companys water permits have been granted and the water remains available to the Company, as described above, for use at the Mt. Hope Project.
Water Pollution Control PermitNevada Division of Environmental ProtectionBureau of Mining Regulation and Reclamation
The BMRR administers the programs for the WPC Permit and the Reclamation Permit, both of which are required for the Mt. Hope Project. The WPC Permit program specifies design criteria for containment of process fluids and mandates development of monitoring, operational, and closure plans. We received the WPC Permit and the Reclamation Permit in November 2012.
Air Quality PermitNevada Division of Environmental ProtectionBureau of Air Quality
Prior to the commencement of construction activities and in conjunction with facility operations, an AQP is necessary. The Nevada BAPC regulations categorize permit types as Class 1 or Class 2, based on the estimated emissions amounts. The Mt. Hope Project is subject to a Class 2 permit (smaller emissions) based on emissions estimates. The permit application included an emissions inventory and dispersion modeling to demonstrate that emissions from the project will not exceed established air quality standards. Emissions are primarily associated with the crush/grind circuit (particulate matter) and the roaster (sulfur oxides). Roaster emissions will be controlled with a 99.7% estimated removal efficiency for sulfur oxides. We received the AQP in May 2012.
Liberty Property Permitting Requirements
We anticipate that the permitting schedule for the Liberty Property could be shorter than for the Mt. Hope Project, due to a relatively shorter permitting process under Nevada State regulations as opposed to the Federal NEPA process. We control over 14,000 acres, including 5,054 acres of fee land, 946 acres of patented lode claims, 63 acres of patented mill site claims and 7,984 acres of unpatented lode claims. Our ownership of the assets and mineral rights at the Liberty Property include most of the lands required for future operations and all of the mineral rights. Thus, we are evaluating the option of initiating a new molybdenum mine and ore processing operation completely on lands owned by us. Based on the pre-feasibility study completed in November 2011, the initial three years for a new molybdenum operation and mine on this property will be completely on fee land owned by us. As a result, construction and initial production could occur simultaneously with federal permitting efforts. State permits, including the water pollution control, reclamation and air quality permits comparable to those described in previous sections, would be required for the Liberty Property site and the level of analysis and time required is anticipated to be consistent with those described for the Mt. Hope Project.
In addition to land ownership, two other factors distinguish the Liberty property from the Mt. Hope Project with respect to environmental permitting. First, water consumption is not as significant an issue at Liberty. Unlike the Mt. Hope Project, the areas surrounding Liberty are not extensively irrigated. In addition, we own significant water rights at the Liberty site and have water wells in place. Second, the area has been mined previously which has resulted in significant surface disturbance. By conducting exploration drilling on pre-existing disturbance to the extent possible, the amount of disturbance created by exploration drilling is greatly reduced, and permitting requirements to support exploration are reduced. Furthermore, there is extensive environmental information developed to support permitting of the previous mine operation. We anticipate that this information can be used to streamline the permitting process for us by reducing the amount of baseline studies and other technical information that must be developed.
Other United States Regulatory Matters
The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and related state laws regulate generation, transportation, treatment, storage, or disposal of hazardous or solid wastes associated with certain mining-related activities. RCRA also includes corrective action provisions and enforcement mechanisms, including inspections and fines for non-compliance.
Mining operations may produce air emissions, including dust and other air pollutants, from stationary equipment, such as crushers and storage facilities, and from mobile sources such as trucks and heavy construction equipment. All of these sources are subject to review, monitoring, permitting, and/or control requirements under the federal Clean Air Act and related state air quality laws. Air quality permitting rules may impose limitations on our production levels or create additional capital expenditures in order to comply with the permitting conditions.
Under the federal Clean Water Act and delegated state water-quality programs, point-source discharges into Waters of the State are regulated by the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System program, while Section 404 of the Clean Water Act regulates the discharge of dredge and fill material into Waters of the United States, including wetlands. Stormwater discharges also are regulated and permitted under that statute. All of those programs may impose permitting and other requirements on our operations.
NEPA requires an assessment of the environmental impacts of major federal actions. The federal action requirement can be satisfied if the project involves federal land or if the federal government provides financing or permitting approvals. NEPA does not establish any substantive standards; it merely requires the analysis of any potential impact. The scope of the assessment process depends on the size of the project. An EA may be adequate for smaller projects. An EIS, which is much more detailed and broader in scope than an EA, is required for larger projects. NEPA compliance requirements for any of our proposed projects could result in additional costs or delays.
The Endangered Species Act (ESA) is administered by the U.S. Department of Interiors U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). The purpose of the ESA is to conserve and recover listed endangered and threatened species and their habitat. Under the ESA, endangered means that a species is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range. Threatened means that a species is likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future. Under the ESA, it is unlawful to take a listed species, which can include harassing or harming members of such species or significantly modifying their habitat. We conduct wildlife and plant inventories required by regulatory agencies prior to initiating exploration or mining project permitting. We currently are unaware of any endangered species issues at any of our projects. A threatened species occurs in limited segments of two creeks approximately 10 miles to the north of the proposed well field for the Mt. Hope Project. Although hydrologic modeling
predicts no impacts to these stream segments, consultation with the USFWS was required. Future identification of endangered species or habitat in our project areas may delay or adversely affect our operations.
We are committed to fulfilling or exceeding our requirements under applicable environmental laws and regulations. These laws and regulations are continually changing and, as a general matter, are becoming more restrictive. Our policy is to conduct our business in a manner that strives to safeguard public health and mitigates the environmental effects of our business activities. To comply with these laws and regulations, we have made, and in the future may be required to make, capital and operating expenditures.
You should carefully consider the risks described below and elsewhere in this report, which could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition. If any of the following risks actually occurs, the market price of our common stock would likely decline. The risks and uncertainties we have described below include all of the material risks known to us, however, additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also affect our operations.
Our investors may lose their entire investment in our securities
An investment in our securities is speculative and the price of our securities has been and will likely continue to be volatile. Only investors who are experienced in high risk investments and who can afford to lose their entire investment should consider an investment in our securities.
Our profitability depends largely on the success of the Mt. Hope Project, the failure of which would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition
We are focused primarily on the development of the Mt. Hope Project. Accordingly, our profitability depends largely upon the successful development and operation of this project. We are currently incurring losses and we expect to continue to incur losses until sometime after molybdenum production begins at the Mt. Hope Project. The LLC may never achieve production at the Mt. Hope Project and may never be profitable even if production is achieved. The failure to successfully develop the Mt. Hope Project would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Even if the LLC is successful in achieving production, an interruption in operations at the Mt. Hope Project that prevents the LLC from extracting ore from the Mt. Hope Project for any reason would have a material adverse impact on our business.
If certain conditions are not met under the Hanlong transaction documents, our ability to begin construction of the Mt. Hope Project could be delayed further
The additional investments by Hanlong in our common stock and the related financing with a Chinese bank and the molybdenum supply agreement are subject to a number of conditions precedent, including effectiveness of required governmental permits, approval by Chinese government authorities for investment in us by Hanlong and loans expected to be made by a Chinese bank, and negotiation of acceptable loan terms with that bank. These conditions may not be met, in which case our ability to begin construction of the Mt. Hope Project could be delayed further while we attempt to obtain alternative financing. We may not be successful in obtaining acceptable financing since the current credit markets are difficult for development stage companies. In addition, we may be subject to financial penalties under the Hanlong transaction if certain milestones are not met in accordance with the agreement as discussed in The Securities Purchase Agreement Break Fees above.
We may require and may not be able to obtain substantial additional financing in order to fund the operations of the Company and the LLC and if we are successful in raising additional capital, it may have dilutive and other adverse effects on our stockholders
If the actual costs to complete the development of the Mt. Hope Project are significantly higher than we expect, we may not have enough funds to cover these costs and we may not be able to obtain other sources of financing. The failure to obtain all necessary financing would prevent the LLC from achieving production at the Mt. Hope Project and impede our ability to become profitable. Our financing plan assumes that POS-Minerals will continue to make their required on-going capital contributions as outlined in the LLC Agreement. We may not be able to obtain additional financing necessary for achieving production at the Mt. Hope Project if these contributions are not made.
We continue to review the technical merits of the Liberty Property, which will also require significant additional capital to permit and/or commence mining activities at this property. We may not be able to obtain the financing necessary to develop the Liberty Property should we decide to do so.
If additional financing is not available, or available only on terms that are not acceptable to us, we may be unable to fund the development and expansion of our business, attract and retain qualified personnel, take advantage of business opportunities or respond to competitive pressures. Any of these events may harm our business. Also, if we raise funds by issuing additional shares of our common stock, preferred stock, debt securities convertible into preferred or common stock, or a sale of additional minority interests in our assets, our existing stockholders will experience dilution, which may be significant, to their ownership interest in us or our assets. If we raise funds by issuing shares of a different class of stock other than our common stock or by issuing debt, the holders of such different classes of stock or debt securities may have rights senior to the rights of the holders of our common stock.
The LLC Agreement gives POS-Minerals the right to approve certain major decisions regarding the Mt. Hope Project
The LLC Agreement requires unanimous approval of the members for certain major decisions regarding the Mt. Hope Project. This effectively provides either member with a veto right over the specified decisions. These decisions include:
· Approval of the operations to be conducted and objectives to be accomplished by the Mt. Hope Project (Program and Budget);
· Approval of the budget for costs to be incurred by the LLC and the schedule of cash capital contributions to be made to the LLC (Budget);
· Approval of cost overruns in excess of 15% of the approved Program and Budget;
· Approval of an expansion or contraction of the average tons per day ( tpd) planned of 20% or more from the relevant tpd throughput schedule in the BFS;
· Approval of the LLCs acquisition or disposition of significant real property, water rights or real estate assets;
· Approval of the incurrence of indebtedness by the LLC that requires (1) an asset of the LLC to be pledged as security, (2) the pledge of a membership interest in the LLC, or (3) a guaranty by either the Company or POS-Minerals, other than in each instance a purchase money security interest or other security interest in the LLC to finance the acquisition or lease of equipment; and
· Approval of the issuance by the LLC of an ownership interest to any person other than Nevada Moly or POS-Minerals.
The requirement that certain decisions be approved by POS-Minerals may make it more difficult for our stockholders to benefit from certain decisions or transactions that we would otherwise cause the LLC to make if they are opposed by POS-Minerals.
Fluctuations in the market price of molybdenum could adversely affect the value of our company and our securities
The profitability of our mining operations will be influenced by the market price of the metals we mine. The market prices of metals such as molybdenum fluctuate widely and are affected by numerous factors including several that are beyond the control of any mining company. These factors include fluctuations with respect to the rate of inflation, the exchange rates of the U.S. dollar and other currencies, interest rates, global or regional political and economic conditions and banking crises, global and regional demand, production costs in major molybdenum producing areas, and a number of other factors. Sustained periods of low molybdenum prices would adversely impact our revenues, profits, and cash flows. In particular, a sustained low molybdenum price could:
· Cause a continued delay and suspension of our development activities and, ultimately, mining operations at our Mt. Hope Project, if such operations become uneconomic at the then-prevailing molybdenum price;
· Prevent us from fulfilling our obligations under our agreements or under our permits and licenses which could cause us to lose our interests in, or be forced to sell, our properties; and
· Have a continued negative impact on the availability of financing to us.
Furthermore, the need to reassess the feasibility of any of our projects if molybdenum prices were to significantly decline could cause substantial delays. Mineral reserve calculations and life-of-mine plans using lower molybdenum prices could result in reduced estimates of mineral reserves and in material write-downs of our investment in mining properties and increased amortization, reclamation and closure charges.
The volatility in metals prices is illustrated by the quarterly average price range from January 2002 through February 2013 for molybdenum: $2.73 - $35.37 per pound. Average molybdenum prices are quoted in Platts Metals Week. After a period of high, sustained molybdenum prices in 2004 through September 2008, where the price of molybdenum averaged $27.34 per pound, the price of molybdenum fell to approximately $7.70 per pound in April 2009. Prices traded in a relatively narrow range during 2012 and finished the year at $10.90 per pound. Although we estimate the Mt. Hope Projects average cost of production over the first five years to be approximately $6.00 per pound, a sustained period of lower molybdenum prices would have material negative impacts on the Companys profitability.
Our profitability is subject to demand for molybdenum, and any decrease in that demand, or increase in the worlds supply, could adversely affect our results of operations
Molybdenum is used primarily in the steel industry. The demand for molybdenum from the steel industry and other industries was extremely robust through the third quarter of 2008, primarily fueled by growth in Asia and other developing countries. Beginning in the fourth quarter of 2008, the global financial crisis forced steel companies to substantially reduce their production levels with a corresponding reduction in the consumption of molybdenum, which contributed to the decline in the price of molybdenum. Demand growth since 2011 has promoted a gradual increase in the price of molybdenum. However, sustained low molybdenum demand resulting from a prolonged global financial crisis may cause prolonged periods of low molybdenum prices ultimately resulting in a continued suspension of our development or, in the future, a suspension of our mining operations at our Mt. Hope Project.
A sustained significant increase in molybdenum supply could also adversely affect our results. The CPM Group estimate that during the next five years a total of 174.3 million annual pounds of production could be added to the supply of molybdenum (including 40 million pounds of supply from our Mt. Hope Project). In the event demand for molybdenum does not increase to consume the potential additional production, the price for molybdenum may be adversely affected.
We are exposed to counter party risk, which may adversely affect our results of operations
The off-take agreements the Company has completed including contracts with APERAM, SeAH Besteel, Sojitz, and Hanlong contain provisions allowing for the sale of molybdenum at certain floor prices, or higher, over the life of the agreements. During the past 18 months there have been periods where the spot molybdenum prices fell below the inflation-adjusted floor prices in the contracts. During these time periods all four contracts would have provided for the Company to sell molybdenum at above-spot prices. In the event that our contract parties choose not to honor their contractual obligations, our profitability may be adversely impacted.
We may not be able to obtain or renew licenses, rights and permits required to develop or operate our mines, or we may encounter environmental conditions or requirements that would adversely affect our business
In the ordinary course of business, mining companies are required to seek governmental permits for expansion of existing operations or for the commencement of new operations. The LLC was required to obtain a ROD from the BLM authorizing implementation of the Mt. Hope Project POO. The LLC was also required to obtain various state and federal permits including water protection, air quality, water rights and reclamation permits. In addition to requiring permits for the development of the Mt. Hope Project, we will need to obtain and modify various mining and environmental permits during the life of the project. Obtaining, modifying, and renewing the necessary governmental permits is a complex and time-consuming process involving numerous jurisdictions and often involving public hearings and substantial expenditures. The duration and success of our efforts to obtain, modify or renew permits will be contingent upon many variables, some of which are not within our control. Increased costs or delays could occur, depending on the nature of the activity to be permitted and the interpretation of applicable requirements implemented by the permitting authority. All necessary permits may not be obtained and, if obtained, may not be renewed, or the costs involved in each case may exceed those that we previously estimated. It is possible that the costs and delays associated with compliance with such standards and regulations could become such that we would not proceed with the development or operation of the Mt. Hope Project.
The development of the Mt. Hope Project may be delayed, which could result in increased costs or an inability to complete its development
The LLC may experience delays in developing the Mt. Hope Project. These could increase its development costs, affect its economic viability, or prevent us from completing its development. The timing of development of the Mt. Hope Project depends on many factors, some of which are beyond our and the LLCs control, including:
· Timely availability of equipment;
· Continued appeal or unfavorable order concerning the water rights ruling, 3M plan, or permits, including the ROD;
· Sustained low prices for molybdenum;
· Acquisition of surface land and easement rights required to develop and operate the project;
· Completion of advanced engineering;
· Timely execution of the remaining portions of the Hanlong transaction;
· Timely availability of the Term Loan and Sub Debt Facility; and
· Timely availability of labor and resources from construction contractors throughout construction of the project.
In addition, factors such as sustained low prices of molybdenum and volatility in foreign exchange or interest rates, as well as international political unrest, could adversely affect our ability to obtain adequate financing to fund the development of the project on a timely basis. Any delays caused by our inability to raise capital when needed may lead to the cancellation or extension of, or defaults under, agreements with equipment manufacturers or a need to sell equipment already purchased, any of which may adversely impact the Mt. Hope Project timeline. Additionally, delays to the Mt. Hope Project schedule have consequences with regard to our LLC agreement with POS-Minerals, including potential claims by POS-Minerals, which may serve to increase our capital obligations and further enhance this risk factor.
Our mineralization and reserve estimates are uncertain, and any material inaccuracies in those estimates could adversely affect the value of our mineral reserves
There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating mineralization and reserves, including many factors beyond our control. The estimation of mineralization and reserves is a subjective process and the accuracy of any such estimates is a function of the quality of available data and of engineering and geological interpretation and judgment. Results of drilling, metallurgical testing, production, and the evaluation of mine plans subsequent to the date of any estimate may justify revision of such estimates. The volume and grade of mineralization and reserves recovered and rates of production may be less than anticipated. Assumptions about prices are subject to greater uncertainty and metals prices have fluctuated widely in the past. Further declines in the market price of molybdenum and copper may render mineralization and reserves containing relatively lower grades of ore uneconomic to exploit, which may materially and adversely impact our reserve and mineralization estimates at our projects. Changes in operating and capital costs and other factors including, but not limited to, short-term operating factors such as the need for sequential development of ore bodies and the processing of new or different ore grades, may also materially and adversely affect mineralization and reserves.
Any material inaccuracies in our production estimates could adversely affect our results of operations
We have prepared estimates of future molybdenum production. We or the LLC may never achieve these production estimates or any production at all. Our production estimates depend on, among other things:
· The accuracy of our mineralization and reserves estimates;
· The accuracy of assumptions regarding ore grades and recovery rates;
· Ground conditions and physical characteristics of the mineralization, such as hardness and the presence or absence of particular metallurgical characteristics;
· The accuracy of estimated rates and costs of mining and processing; and
· The ability to maintain effectiveness of all permits and construct a processing facility at Mt. Hope.
Our actual production may vary from our estimates if any of our assumptions prove to be incorrect. With respect to the Mt. Hope Project, we do not have the benefit of actual mining and production experience in verifying our estimates, which increases the likelihood that actual production results will vary from the estimates.
Mining is inherently dangerous and subject to conditions or events beyond our control, and any operating hazards could have a material adverse effect on our business
Mining at the Mt. Hope Project will involve the potential for various types of risks and hazards, including: environmental hazards, industrial accidents, metallurgical and other processing problems, unusual or unexpected rock formations, structure cave-in or slides, flooding, fires, and interruption due to inclement or hazardous weather conditions.
These risks could result in damage to, or destruction of, mineral properties, production facilities or other properties, personal injury or death, environmental damage, delays in mining, increased production costs, monetary losses, and possible legal liability. We may not be able to obtain insurance to cover these risks at economically feasible premiums and some types of insurance may be unavailable or too expensive to maintain. We may suffer a material adverse effect on our business and the value of our securities may decline if we incur losses related to any significant events that are not covered by our insurance policies.
Our operations make us susceptible to environmental liabilities that could have a material adverse effect on us
Mining is subject to potential risks and liabilities associated with the potential pollution of the environment and the necessary disposal of mining waste products occurring as a result of mineral exploration and production. Insurance against environmental risk (including potential liability for pollution or other hazards as a result of the disposal of waste products occurring from exploration and production) is not generally available to us or the LLC (or to other companies in the minerals industry) at a reasonable price. To the extent that we become subject to environmental liabilities, the satisfaction of any such liabilities would reduce funds otherwise available to us and could have a material adverse effect on us. Laws and regulations intended to ensure the protection of the environment are constantly changing, and are generally becoming more restrictive.
Legal title to the properties in which we have an interest may be challenged, which could result in the loss of our rights in those properties
The ownership and validity, or title, of unpatented mining claims are often uncertain and may be contested. A successful claim contesting our title or interest to a property or, in the case of the Mt. Hope Project, the landowners title or interest to such property could cause us and/or the LLC to lose the rights to mine that property. In addition, the success of such a claimant could result in our not being compensated for our prior expenditures relating to the property.
Climate change and climate change legislation or regulations may adversely impact General Molys planned future operations
Energy is anticipated to be a significant input in General Molys operations. A number of governmental bodies have introduced or are contemplating legislative and regulatory change in response to the possible impacts of climate change. The United States (U.S.) Congress and several U.S. States have initiated legislation regarding climate change that could affect energy prices and demand. In December 2009, the U.S. EPA issued an endangerment finding under the U.S. Clean Air Act indicating that current and projected concentrations of certain mixed greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, including carbon dioxide, threaten the public health and welfare. It is possible that proposed regulation may be promulgated in the United States to address the concerns raised by the endangerment finding.
Legislation and increased regulation regarding climate change could impose increased costs on us, our partners and our suppliers, including increased energy, capital equipment, environmental monitoring and reporting and other costs to comply with such regulations. Until the timing, scope and extent of any future regulation becomes known, we cannot predict the effect on our financial condition, financial position, results of operations and ability to compare.
The possible physical impacts of climate change on the Companys planned future operations are highly uncertain and would be particular to the geographic circumstances in the area in which we operate. These may include changes in rainfall, storm patterns and intensities, shortages of water or other natural resources, changing sea levels, and changing temperatures. These effects may adversely impact the cost, production and financial performance of the Companys planned future operations.
Mineral exploration and mining activities require compliance with a broad range of laws and regulations, and compliance with or violation of these laws and regulations may be costly
Mining operations and exploration activities are subject to federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing prospecting, development, mining, production, exports, taxes, labor standards, occupational health and safety, waste disposal, toxic substances, land use, environmental protection, reclamation obligations, and mine safety. In order to comply with applicable laws and regulations, we may be required to make capital and operating expenditures or to close an operation until a particular problem is remedied. In addition, if our activities violate any such laws and regulations, we may be required to compensate those suffering loss or damage, and may be fined if convicted of an offense under such legislation. We may also incur additional expenses and our projects may be delayed as a result of changes and amendments to such laws and regulations, including changes in local, state, and federal taxation.
Land reclamation requirements for exploration properties may be burdensome, may divert funds from our exploration programs and could have an adverse effect on our financial condition
Although variable, depending on location and the governing authority, land reclamation requirements are generally imposed on mineral exploration companies, as well as companies with mining operations, in order to minimize long term effects of land disturbance. Reclamation may include requirements to control dispersion of potentially deleterious effluents and to reasonably re-establish pre-disturbance landforms and vegetation. In order to carry out reclamation obligations imposed on us in connection with our mineral exploration, we and the LLC must allocate financial resources that might otherwise be spent on further exploration programs. Such costs could also have an adverse effect on our financial condition.
Non-compliance with our Mt. Hope Mines Inc. Lease could result in loss of the LLCs rights to develop the Mt. Hope Project and may adversely affect our business
The LLC leases the Mt. Hope Project from MHMI under the Mt. Hope Lease. Failure to comply with the terms of the Mt. Hope Lease (which principally require us to make prescribed payments on or before certain prescribed dates) could result in loss of the LLCs rights to develop the Mt. Hope Project. Any loss of rights under the Mt. Hope Lease would have a material adverse effect on us and our ability to generate revenues.
Our ability to operate our Company effectively could be impaired if we lose key personnel or if we are not able to attract and retain the additional personnel we will need to develop any of our projects, including the Mt. Hope Project
We are a small company with a limited operating history and relatively few employees. The development of any of our proposed projects, including the Mt. Hope Project, will place substantial demands on us. We depend on the services of key executives and a small number of personnel, including our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Corporate Counsel and Vice President of Human Resources, Mt. Hope Vice President and General Manager, Controller and Treasurer, and Vice President of Environmental and Permitting. We will be required to recruit additional personnel and to train, motivate and manage these new employees. The number of persons skilled in the development and operation of mining properties is limited and significant competition exists for these individuals. We may not be able to employ key personnel or to attract and retain qualified personnel in the future. We do not maintain key person life insurance to cover our executive officers. Due to the relatively small size of our company and the specific skill sets of our key employees, the loss of any of our key employees or our failure to attract and retain key personnel may delay or otherwise adversely affect the development of the Mt. Hope Project, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.
We rely on independent contractors and experts and technical and operational service providers over whom we may have limited control
Because we are a small development stage company, we rely on independent contractors to assist us with technical assistance and services, contracting and procurement and other matters, including the services of geologists, attorneys, engineers and others. Our limited control over the activities and business practices of these service providers or any inability on our part to maintain satisfactory commercial relationships with them may adversely affect our business, results of operations, and financial condition.
Changes to the General Mining Law of 1872 and related federal legislation that impact unpatented mining claims could adversely impact the Mt. Hope Project
The Mt. Hope Project is located substantially on unpatented mining claims administered by the BLM. Mining on unpatented mining claims is conducted pursuant to the General Mining Law of 1872 and amendments thereto. Legislation for the amendment of the mining laws applicable to mining property has been considered by the United States Congress, which may include imposition of a governmental royalty and new permitting and environmental rules. Amendments to the mining laws could cause delays, increase the costs, and have an adverse effect on the returns anticipated from the Mt. Hope Project.
Increased costs could affect our ability to become profitable
Costs at any particular mining location frequently are subject to variation due to a number of factors, such as changing ore grade, changing metallurgy, and revisions to mine plans in response to the physical shape and location of the ore body. In addition, costs are affected by the price of commodities, such as fuel, electricity, and labor. Commodity costs are at times subject to volatile price movements, including increases that could make production at our projects less profitable or uneconomic.
We anticipate significant capital expenditures over the next several years in connection with the development of the Mt. Hope Project. In the past several years, costs associated with capital expenditures have escalated on an industry-wide basis as a result of
major factors beyond our control, including the prices of oil, steel and other commodities. Increased costs for capital expenditures have an adverse effect on the returns anticipated from the Mt. Hope Project.
Shortages of critical parts, equipment and skilled labor may adversely affect our development projects
The industry has been impacted at times by increased worldwide demand for critical resources such as input commodities, drilling equipment, tires, and skilled labor. Shortages may cause unanticipated cost increases and delays in delivery times, potentially impacting operating costs, capital expenditures, and production schedules.
Cost estimates and timing of new projects are uncertain
The capital expenditures and time required to develop new mines or other projects are considerable and changes in costs or construction schedules can affect project economics. There are a number of factors that can affect costs and construction schedules, including, among others:
· Availability of water, labor, power, transportation, commodities, and infrastructure;
· Increases in input commodity prices and labor costs;
· Fluctuations in exchange rates;
· Availability of financing;
· Difficulty of estimating construction costs over a period of years; and
· Delays in obtaining environmental or other government permits, including appeals of granted water applications.
Legislation, including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, may make it difficult for us to retain or attract officers and directors and increase the costs of doing business, which could adversely affect our financial position and results of operations
We may be unable to attract and retain qualified officers, directors and members of board committees required to provide for our effective management as a result of the recent changes and currently proposed changes in the rules and regulations, which govern publicly-held companies. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 has resulted in a series of rules and regulations by the SEC that increase responsibilities and liabilities of directors and executive officers. The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, adopted in July 2010, imposes significant additional obligations and disclosure requirements, as to which SEC rulemaking is ongoing. We are a small company with a limited operating history and no revenues or profits, which may influence the decisions of potential candidates we may recruit as directors or officers. The real and perceived increased personal risk associated with these requirements may deter qualified individuals from accepting these roles. In addition, costs of compliance with such legislation, including several provisions specifically applicable to companies engaged in mining operations, could have a significant impact on our financial position and results of operations.
Provisions of Delaware law and our charter and bylaws may delay or prevent transactions that would benefit stockholders
Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws and the Delaware General Corporation Law contain provisions that may have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change of control of the company. These provisions, among other things:
· Provide for staggering the terms of directors by dividing the total number of directors into three groups;
· Authorize our board of directors to set the terms of preferred stock;
· Restrict our ability to engage in transactions with stockholders with 15% or more of outstanding voting stock;
· Authorize the calling of special meetings of stockholders only by the board of directors, not by the stockholders;
· Limit the business transacted at any meeting of stockholders to those purposes specifically stated in the notice of the meeting; and
· Prohibit stockholder action by written consent without a meeting and provide that directors may be removed only at a meeting of stockholders.
Because of these provisions, persons considering unsolicited tender offers or other unilateral takeover proposals may be more likely to negotiate with our board of directors rather than pursue non-negotiated takeover attempts. As a result, these provisions may make it more difficult for our stockholders to benefit from transactions that are opposed by an incumbent board of directors.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this document may constitute forward-looking statements, which involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results, performance or achievements of our company, the Mt. Hope Project and our other projects, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. We use the words may, will, believe, expect, anticipate, intend, future, plan, estimate, potential, and other similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the following:
· Our dependence on the success of the Mt. Hope Project;
· The ability to obtain all required permits, water rights, and approvals for the Mt. Hope Project and the Liberty Property;
· Issues related to the management of the Mt. Hope Project pursuant to the LLC Agreement;
· The dependence of additional investments by Hanlong and a loan from a Chinese bank on significant consents, approvals and conditions precedent which may not be obtained or met;
· Negotiation of acceptable loan terms with a Chinese bank in connection with the Hanlong transaction;
· Risks related to the failure of POS-Minerals to make ongoing cash contributions pursuant to the LLC Agreement;
· Fluctuations in the market price of, and demand for, molybdenum and other metals;
· The estimation and realization of mineral reserves and production estimates, if any;
· The timing of exploration, development and production activities and estimated future production, if any;
· Estimates related to costs of production, capital, operating and exploration expenditures;
· Requirements for additional capital and our ability to obtain additional capital in a timely manner and on acceptable terms;
· Our ability to renegotiate, restructure, suspend, cancel or extend payment terms of contracts as necessary or appropriate in order to conserve cash;
· Government regulation of mining operations, environmental conditions and risks, reclamation and rehabilitation expenses;
· Title disputes or claims;
· Limitations of insurance coverage; and
· The future price of molybdenum, copper or other metals.
These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including those identified under Risk Factors and Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, our actual results could differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements, and any events anticipated in the forward-looking statements may not actually occur.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
In March 2009 we were granted our water applications in a Ruling by the Nevada State Engineer (State Engineer). However, that Ruling was appealed, and in April 2010, a Nevada State District Court (NSDC) set aside the Ruling on procedural grounds and remanded the matter for another hearing by the State Engineer.
On July 15, 2011, the State Engineer issued a second Ruling granting the Companys water right applications. That Ruling was appealed in August 2011 by Eureka County and two other parties comprised of three individual water rights holders in Diamond Valley and one in Kobeh Valley. The appeals were heard on April 3, 2012 before the NSDC. On June 13, 2012, the NSDC denied the appeals and affirmed the State Engineers Ruling. Further, the State Engineer issued all water permits on December 14, 2011 and certain amended permits on January 4, 2012, and the water became available for use at the Mt. Hope Project following the State Engineers approval of the Companys Monitoring, Management and Mitigation Plan (3M Plan) on June 6, 2012.
On July 10 and 11, 2012, respectively, Eureka County and two other parties comprised of one individual water rights holder in Diamond Valley and one in Kobeh Valley filed Notices of Appeal, appealing to the Nevada Supreme Court the NSDCs Order denying their appeals of the State Engineers 2011 Ruling. We are confident the Nevada Supreme Court will uphold the NSDCs Order which denied all appeals of the State Engineers Ruling.
On July 5, 2012, the same two individual water rights holders appealing the NSDCs Order to the Nevada Supreme Court filed an appeal of the State Engineers approval of the Companys 3M Plan to the same NSDC. Eureka County did not appeal the approved 3M Plan. We anticipate a favorable NSDC decision upholding the 3M Plan.
Notwithstanding these further appeals, the Companys water permits have been granted and the water remains available to the Company, as described above, for use at the Mt. Hope Project.
On February 15, 2013, Great Basin Resource Watch and the Western Shoshone Defense Project filed a Complaint against the BLM in the U.S. District Court, District of Nevada, seeking relief under NEPA and other federal laws challenging the BLMs issuance of the ROD for the Mt. Hope project. The Plaintiffs filed a motion for a preliminary injunction on February 20, 2013 and there is no hearing date set for the motion. The Company has not been named as a defendant in the suit but will closely monitor the litigation and at the appropriate time will seek to intervene in the suit.
The Mt. Hope project underwent an exhaustive environmental analysis and review that lasted more than 6 years. The process to complete the EIS included extensive public and cooperation agency input (including the BLM, the National Park Service, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Nevada Division of Wildlife and the County of Eureka). The Company supports the work completed by the BLM and believes that the ROD complies with all federal statutes and rules, is very robust and defensible.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANTS COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Market Information
Our common stock trades on the NYSE MKT under the symbol GMO. On February 14, 2008 our common stock began trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX), also under the symbol GMO.
The following table sets forth our common stock closing price as reported on the NYSE MKT:
Year |
|
Quarter |
|
High |
|
Low |
| ||
2012 |
|
First Quarter |
|
$ |
4.08 |
|
$ |
3.18 |
|
|
|
Second Quarter |
|
$ |
3.45 |
|
$ |
2.48 |
|
|
|
Third Quarter |
|
$ |
3.27 |
|
$ |
2.66 |
|
|
|
Fourth Quarter |
|
$ |
4.14 |
|
$ |
3.11 |
|
2011 |
|
First Quarter |
|
$ |
6.52 |
|
$ |
4.82 |
|
|
|
Second Quarter |
|
$ |
5.81 |
|
$ |
4.04 |
|
|
|
Third Quarter |
|
$ |
4.78 |
|
$ |
2.81 |
|
|
|
Fourth Quarter |
|
$ |
3.84 |
|
$ |
2.37 |
|
Holders
As of March 6, 2013, there were approximately 474 holders of record of our common stock.
Dividends
We have never declared or paid dividends on our common stock and we do not anticipate paying any dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. We will pay dividends on our common stock only if and when declared by our board of directors. Our boards ability to declare a dividend is subject to limits imposed by Delaware corporate law. In determining whether to declare dividends, the board will consider these limits, our financial condition, results of operations, working capital requirements, future prospects, and other factors it considers relevant.
Stock Performance Graph
The performance graph covers the period from December 31, 2007 through December 31, 2012. The graph compares the total return of our common stock (GMO) to the Dow Jones US Mining Index, the AMEX Russell 2000 Index and selected competitors in our industry, assuming an initial investment of $100.00.
Company |
|
31-Dec-07 |
|
31-Dec-08 |
|
31-Dec-09 |
|
31-Dec-10 |
|
31-Dec-11 |
|
31-Dec-12 |
| ||||||
General Moly (GMO) |
|
$ |
100.00 |
|
$ |
10.11 |
|
$ |
17.82 |
|
$ |
55.53 |
|
$ |
26.48 |
|
$ |
34.36 |
|
Thompson Creek Metals (TCM) |
|
100.00 |
|
23.32 |
|
68.50 |
|
86.03 |
|
40.68 |
|
24.25 |
| ||||||
Moly Mines (MOL) |
|
100.00 |
|
10.08 |
|
22.55 |
|
33.42 |
|
8.22 |
|
3.71 |
| ||||||
Freeport McMoRan (FCX) |
|
100.00 |
|
24.48 |
|
80.42 |
|
123.88 |
|
78.25 |
|
75.10 |
| ||||||
Augusta Resources (AZC) |
|
100.00 |
|
10.48 |
|
55.13 |
|
86.79 |
|
70.62 |
|
55.81 |
| ||||||
iShares Dow Jones Basic Materials |
|
100.00 |
|
49.72 |
|
82.72 |
|
110.00 |
|
94.19 |
|
104.68 |
| ||||||
iShares Russell 2000 |
|
100.00 |
|
66.06 |
|
86.19 |
|
110.83 |
|
106.80 |
|
125.72 |
| ||||||
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
|
|
(in millions, except per share data) |
| |||||||||||||
For the Years Ended December 31, |
|
2012 |
|
2011 |
|
2010 |
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
| |||||
Loss from operations |
|
(11.4 |
) |
(15.2 |
) |
(16.6 |
) |
(10.5 |
) |
(16.1 |
) | |||||
Net loss |
|
(9.9 |
) |
(14.8 |
) |
(16.7 |
) |
(10.5 |
) |
(14.4 |
) | |||||
Basic and diluted net loss per share |
|
$ |
(0.11 |
) |
$ |
(0.16 |
) |
$ |
(0.22 |
) |
$ |
(0.14 |
) |
$ |
(0.21 |
) |
At December 31, |
|
2012 |
|
2011 |
|
2010 |
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
| |||||
Total assets |
|
$ |
385.5 |
|
$ |
271.1 |
|
$ |
273.0 |
|
$ |
209.6 |
|
$ |
220.9 |
|
Long-term obligations |
|
39.8 |
|
30.4 |
|
36.3 |
|
94.3 |
|
211.1 |
| |||||
Contingently redeemable noncontrolling interest |
|
201.9 |
|
98.1 |
|
98.8 |
|
99.8 |
|
100.0 |
| |||||
Total stockholders equity |
|
$ |
148.1 |
|
$ |
143.1 |
|
$ |
136.4 |
|
$ |
104.9 |
|
$ |
113.0 |
|
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations constitutes managements review of the factors that affected our financial and operating performance for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained elsewhere in this report.
Overview
We are a development stage company and began the development of the Mt. Hope Project on October 4, 2007. During the year ended December 31, 2008 we also completed work on a pre-feasibility study of our Liberty Property, which we updated during 2011.
Project Ownership
From October 2005 to January 2008, we owned the rights to 100% of the Mt. Hope Project. Effective as of January 1, 2008, we contributed all of our interest in the assets related to the Mt. Hope Project, including our lease of the Mt. Hope Project into Eureka Moly, LLC (the LLC), and in February 2008 entered into an agreement (LLC Agreement) for the development and operation of the Mt. Hope Project with POS-Minerals. Under the LLC Agreement, POS-Minerals owns a 20% interest in the LLC and General Moly, through Nevada Moly, LLC (Nevada Moly), a wholly-owned subsidiary, owns an 80% interest. The ownership interests and/or required capital contributions under the LLC Agreement can change as discussed below.
Pursuant to the terms of the LLC Agreement, POS-Minerals made its first and second capital contributions to the LLC totaling $100.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2008 (Initial Contributions). Additional amounts were due from POS-Minerals within 15 days after the date (ROD Contribution Date) that specified conditions (ROD Contribution Conditions) were satisfied. The ROD Contribution Conditions were (i) the receipt of major operating permits for the Mt. Hope Project, (ii) confirmation that the Record of Decision (ROD) from the United States Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for the Mt. Hope Project had become effective, and (iii) any administrative or judicial appeals with respect thereto are final. The ROD became effective November 16, 2012 and the satisfaction of the other ROD Contribution Conditions occurred in December 2012. POS-Minerals made the third capital contribution installment of $56.0 million on December 6, 2012. Furthermore, an additional payment of $44.7 million was made representing POS-Minerals 20% share of all costs incurred for the development of the Mt. Hope Project during the period from 2008 through October 2012.
In addition, as commercial production at the Mt. Hope Project was not achieved by December 31,2011, the LLC will be required to return to POS-Minerals $36.0 million of its capital contributions to the LLC, with no corresponding reduction in POS-Minerals ownership percentage. This return of contributions payment will be due 20 days after the commencement of commercial production, as defined in the LLC Agreement. Based on our current plan, we anticipate commercial production will be achieved in mid-2015. Nevada Moly is obligated under the terms of the LLC Agreement to make capital contributions to the LLC to fund the return of contributions to POS-Minerals upon achievement of commercial production (i.e. when the contingency is resolved). If Nevada Moly does not fund their additional capital contribution in order for the LLC to return to POS-Minerals $36 million of its total capital contribution, POS-Minerals has an election to either make a secured loan to the LLC to fund the return of contributions, or receive an additional interest in the LLC of approximately 5%. In the latter case, our (Nevada Molys) interest in the LLC is subject to dilution by a percentage equal to the ratio of 1.5 times the amount of the unpaid contributions over the aggregate amount of deemed capital contributions (as determined under the LLC Agreement) of both parties to the LLC (Dilution Formula). At December 31, 2012, the aggregate amount of deemed capital contributions of both parties was $1,018.8 million.
Furthermore, the LLC Agreement permits POS-Minerals to put its interest in the LLC to Nevada Moly after a change of control of Nevada Moly or the Company, as defined in the LLC Agreement, followed by a failure to use standard mining industry practice in connection with the development and operation of the Mt. Hope Project as contemplated by the parties for a period of twelve consecutive months. If POS-Minerals puts its interest, Nevada Moly or its transferee or surviving entity would be required to purchase the interest for 120% of POS-Minerals total contributions to the LLC plus 10% interest per annum.
Beginning in November 2012, the Company and POS-Minerals began making monthly pro rata capital contributions to the LLC to fund costs incurred as required by the LLC agreement. The interest of a party in the LLC that does not make its monthly pro rata capital contributions to fund costs incurred after the ROD Contribution Date is subject to dilution based on the Dilution Formula.
Permitting Completion and Project Restart
On November 16, 2012, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) issued its Record of Decision (ROD) authorizing development of the Mt. Hope Project. The ROD approves the Plan of Operations (POO) for construction and operation of the mining and processing facilities and also grants the Rights-of-Way for a 230 kV power transmission line, discussed below. Monitoring and mitigation measures identified in the ROD developed in collaboration with the regulatory agencies involved throughout the permitting process will avoid, minimize, and mitigate environmental impacts, and reflect the Companys commitment to operate the Mt. Hope Project to the highest environmental standards.
The State of Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) issued a Reclamation Permit for the Mt. Hope Project on November 19, 2012, which authorizes surface disturbance and construction of facilities. The Reclamation Permit also approves the reclamation cost estimate of approximately $73 million and established bonding requirements based on this estimate. On December 18, 2012, BLM accepted the LLCs reclamation surety bonding for the Mt. Hope Project. The surety bond program has been funded with an initial cash payment of $5.6 million and requires additional cash funding of $11.6 million through the construction process for a total of $17.2 million which is in alignment with the net cash bonding cost included in the August 2012 capital estimate. This total covers the first three years of estimated surface disturbance at Mt. Hope, and is subject to ongoing evaluation thereafter. With the surety program in place and the initial contribution funded, the BLM has authorized that surface disturbance in conformity with the ROD may proceed.
On November 26, 2012, NDEP issued a Water Pollution Control Permit (WPC) for the Mt. Hope Project. The permit also approves the operational and closure plans for the Mt. Hope Project, and establishes monitoring requirements.
The LLC initiated cultural clearance activities at the Mt. Hope Project in early December 2012 upon receipt of an Archaeological Resource Protection Act Permit issued by the State Archeologist at the Nevada State Office of the BLM. Cultural clearance is an important component of the LLCs commitment to environmental protection and will be completed before major earthworks are done in any of the construction areas. The LLC will concentrate on clearing priority areas for initial construction and then continue mitigation throughout the disturbance footprint. Use of this phased approach will allow the LLC to maintain uninterrupted construction progress after initial clearance work is completed.
On January 2, 2013, the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (PUCN) granted the LLCs permit to construct a 230 kV power line that interconnects with Nevada Energys transmission system at the existing Machacek Substation located near the town of Eureka, NV and extend it approximately 25 miles to the planned Mt. Hope Substation. In addition, the BLM notified the LLC that its surety bonds were approved for reclamation estimates concerning Rights-of-Way grants for the 230 kV power transmission line. This permit allows the LLC to build the transmission infrastructure in a timely manner and provide the necessary capacity to power construction activities and Mt. Hope Project operations. Construction of the transmission line will also include upgrades to the existing substation near Eureka that will improve the reliability of electrical power to the community. At full production the Mt. Hope Project will have a total electrical demand load of approximately 75 megawatts. Transmission capacity was secured in 2008 and the LLC is currently negotiating for generating capacity, which will be available once the power line is constructed and energized.
On January 17, 2013, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved an Energy Procurement and Construction Agreement contract between NV Energy and Mt. Wheeler Power. In turn, in early January 2013, the LLC put in place a contract with Mt. Wheeler Power to provide electricity generating capacity to the Mt. Hope Project. The scope is to design and install the interconnect facility at the Machacek Substation, near the town of Eureka, to connect the LLCs future 230kV power line to the utility.
The LLC initiated preliminary construction activities in early January 2013 including early well field development and clearing and grubbing of terrain that coincide with the LLCs ongoing cultural clearance efforts at the Mt. Hope Project. The initial focus will be on clearing the administrative office and mill site areas as well as clearing the water pipeline corridors in preparation for developing the well field and water distribution system to support heavy construction activities.
Capital & Operating Estimates
In October of 2012, we completed a review of the capital cost requirements for the Mt. Hope Project, based on current major equipment, labor and material pricing and further engineering definition. The project capital was also updated for currently known permitting and regulatory requirements and includes the schedule impacts of permitting delays since the September 2008 feasibility study update, which was reconfirmed in November 2009. The Mt. Hope Project has not materially changed in scope and is currently designed at approximately 60% engineering completion with solid scope definition. The updated capital cost estimate increased by 10%, or $115 million, and totaled $1,269 million as of December 31, 2012. The largest affected category of the revised estimate was owners cost, which increased 45%, or $76 million, driven by schedule delays largely attributed to an extended permitting timeline. Of that amount, $35 million represents holding costs over the 2009 to 2012 period (approximately $0.7 million per month), that were not envisioned in the original project estimates. As such, while they are included in the overall project total, they do not contribute directly to the development of the project. These amounts do not include financing costs or amounts necessary to fund operating
working capital and potential capital overruns. The LLC has incurred costs of approximately $220.8 million in the development of the Mt. Hope Project through December 31, 2012.
The LLCs Project Operating Cost Estimate forecasts molybdenum production of approximately 40 million pounds per year for the first five years of operations at estimated average direct operating costs of $5.29 per pound, based on $80 per barrel oil equivalent energy prices. The Costs Applicable to Sales (CAS) per pound, including anticipated royalties calculated at a market price of $15 per pound molybdenum, are anticipated to average $6.00 per pound. For a reconciliation of direct operating costs, a non-GAAP measure, to CAS, see Production above. We currently estimate that, for each $10 per barrel change in oil-equivalent energy costs, the Mt. Hope Projects direct operating costs will change by approximately $0.10 per pound. These cost estimates are based on 2009 constant dollars and are subject to cost inflation or deflation. In the past several years, operating costs in the mining industry have escalated on a world-wide basis as a result of major factors beyond our control, including the cost of energy and labor. We anticipate updating these operating cost estimates later in 2013.
Equipment and Supply Procurement
The LLC began a slow procurement and engineering restart in early 2012 designed to conserve cash while maintaining project schedule in order to maximize financial flexibility until its major permits were acquired. The LLC continues to take a cautious approach with preliminary construction activities until the Company completes documentation and receives funding of its Term Loan.
Through December 31, 2012, the LLC has made deposits of $69.7 million on equipment orders, has spent approximately $139.1 million for the development of the Mt. Hope Project and has paid $12.0 million into an escrow arrangement for electricity transmission services.
Based on commitments as of the end of 2012, we expect to make additional payments on wellfield materials and milling process equipment orders of approximately $11.2 million in 2013 and $14.4 million in 2014.
On February 28, 2012, the LLC issued a firm purchase order for 18 haul trucks. The order provides for delivery of those haul trucks required to perform initial mine development, currently scheduled for late 2013 or early 2014. A non-refundable down-payment of $0.6 million was made at the time of order with an additional $0.6 million paid in December 2012, 12 months prior to anticipated truck shipment, but the contract is cancellable with no further liability to the LLC up until the time of truck shipment.
On June 25, 2012, the LLC issued a firm purchase order for 4 mine production drills. A non-refundable down-payment of $0.4 million was made in December 2012. The contract remains cancellable with no further liability to the LLC until the time the drills are shipped.
At June 30, 2012, the LLCs contract to purchase two electric shovels expired. We signed a new letter of intent with the vendor providing for the opportunity to purchase the electric shovels at prices consistent with the expired contract, less a special discount in the amount of $3.4 million to provide credit to the LLC for amounts paid as deposits under the expired contract. The agreement provides that equipment pricing will remain subject to inflation indexes and guarantees production slots to ensure that the equipment is available when required by the LLC.
Agreements with Hanlong (USA) Mining Investment Inc.
We have signed a series of agreements (the Hanlong Transaction) with Hanlong (USA) Mining Investment, Inc. (Hanlong), an affiliate of Sichuan Hanlong Group, a large privately held Chinese company. The agreements described below form the basis of a $745 million transaction that is intended to provide the Company with adequate capital to contribute its 80% share of costs to develop the Mt. Hope Project. The agreements include: (a) a Securities Purchase Agreement that provides for the sale to Hanlong of shares of our common stock in two tranches that will aggregate 25% of our outstanding stock on a fully diluted basis for $80 million ($40 million per tranche), conditioned upon us receiving permits for the Mt. Hope Project and Hanlongs use of commercially reasonable efforts to procure a $665 million loan from a Prime Chinese Bank for our use in constructing the Mt. Hope Project; (b) a Stockholder Agreement that provides Hanlong representation on our Board of Directors (Board) and the LLC management committee, governs how Hanlong will vote its shares of the Company and limits Hanlongs ability to purchase or dispose of our securities ; (c) a Bridge Loan whereby Hanlong will provide up to $20 million to the Company to preserve liquidity until permits are received and the Term Loan is available; (d) a Subordinated Debt Agreement whereby Hanlong will provide up to $125.0 million to assist the Company in financing capital cost increases; and (e) a long-term molybdenum supply off-take agreement (discussed further in Item 7A below) which requires Hanlong to purchase the Companys entire share of the Mt. Hope Projects molybdenum production above that necessary for the Company to meet its existing supply commitments until the expiration of those commitments.
The Securities Purchase Agreement (Purchase Agreement)
Stock Purchase. The Purchase Agreement provides, subject to its terms and conditions, for the purchase by Hanlong of $80.0 million of our common stock, or approximately 27.5 million shares, which will equal 25% of our outstanding common stock on a fully-diluted basis.
The Purchase Agreement has been amended five times including: (1) July 30, 2010 amendment extending the deadline for obtaining Chinese government approvals by two months to October 13, 2010, as well as extending the Companys deadline for publishing its DEIS and receiving its ROD (ROD Condition) to February 28, 2011, and November 30, 2011, respectively. Hanlong has received Chinese government approvals for its equity investment in us and our DEIS was published; (2) an October 26, 2010 amendment setting the closing of Hanlongs purchase of the first $40.0 million tranche of equity for December 20, 2010 and eliminating the condition that required us to have our DEIS published prior to closing this funding; (3) a December 20, 2010 amendment that made certain non-substantive changes in connection with the closing of the first tranche of Hanlongs equity investment (Tranche 1); (4) a July 7, 2011 amendment that eliminated the deadline for publication of the DEIS, extended the ROD deadline from November 30, 2011 to the earlier of nine months following DEIS publication or September 30, 2012, extended Hanlongs commitment to make available the Term Loan from two months following ROD to nine months following the ROD, provided the ability for the Company to extend the ROD Condition date to the earlier of 12 months following DEIS publication and December 30, 2012 (ROD Condition Extension), and extended the maturity date of the Bridge Loan to the earlier of (i) 270 days after the issuance of the ROD, (ii) the date on which the Purchase Agreement terminates, and (iii) the earlier of December 31, 2012 and the availability of the Term Loan; and (5) a June 14, 2012 amendment that provided notice to Hanlong that the Company did not expect the BLM to issue the ROD before September 2, 2012 but did expect the ROD to be issued prior to December 2, 2012 and further provided notice that the Company wished to utilize the ROD Condition Extension, thereby amending the date by which the ROD must be issued to December 2, 2012. The ROD became effective on November 16, 2012; thereby fulfilling the Companys requirements under the Purchase Agreement.
The Purchase Agreement may be terminated by either party (providing the terminating party is not in default) if the closing of the second tranche (Tranche 2) has not occurred on or before the earlier of December 31, 2012 or 12 months after the issuance of the ROD.
As discussed above, the second tranche will be for a purchase price of an additional $40.0 million. Remaining conditions significant to the closing of Tranche 2 require the completion of documentation for and satisfaction of conditions precedent for the availability of funding under the Term Loan, described below.
Hanlong will have the right to purchase a portion of any additional shares of common stock that we may issue during the term of the Purchase Agreement so that it can maintain its percentage ownership, unless its ownership is at the time below 5% at the earlier of the closing of Tranche 2 or closing of the Term Loan. It may also acquire additional shares so that it maintains a 20% indirect interest in the Mt. Hope Project if our interest in the LLC is reduced below 80%. If we issue shares to fund the Mt. Hope Project under certain circumstances, and on or before the date of commercial production, and Hanlong exercises its rights to maintain its percentage interest, we will be obligated to refund to Hanlong the cost of such shares over a three-year period up to an aggregate of $9.0 million.
Break Fees. A break fee is payable by both the Company and Hanlong if the Purchase Agreement terminates because of the failure of certain conditions. A break fee of $10.0 million is payable to the Company if the Purchase Agreement is terminated because Hanlong fails to obtain necessary Chinese government approvals, which may be offset against any balances owed by the Company under the Bridge Loan. A break fee of $5.0 million is payable to Hanlong if the Purchase Agreement is terminated and the Company has violated the no-shop provisions of the Purchase Agreement. On January 9, 2012, the Company and Hanlong executed an Option Agreement concerning the payment date for the ROD Extension Fee under the Purchase Agreement for no consideration. The option was exercised on June 14, 2012, thereby amending the Purchase Agreement to extend payment of the $2.0 million ROD Extension Fee from December 2012 to April 30, 2013. As the achievement of ROD by the September 2, 2012 deadline did not occur, a $2.0 million ROD Extension Fee has been accrued as of December 31, 2012, and is included in capitalized debt issuance costs. This fee will be credited against the arrangement fee described below. In addition, the break fee was increased by $2.0 million at the time the option was exercised. Therefore, the maximum amount of potential break fees payable by the Company is $7.0 million. The break fee payable by the Company to Hanlong may be paid in cash, or, in certain circumstances, in shares of our common stock at our option. If paid in shares, the price would be the volume weighted average of our common stock on the NYSE MKT for the five days ending six days after the announcement of the termination.
Stockholder Agreement
In connection with Hanlongs purchase of our shares, Hanlong signed a Stockholder Agreement with the Company that limits Hanlongs future acquisitions of our common stock, provides for designation of up to two directors to our Board and representation on the LLC management committee, and places some restrictions on Hanlongs voting and disposition of our shares.
After the Tranche 1 closing, Hanlong became entitled to nominate one director to serve on our Board and one representative to the LLC management committee. Nelson Chen currently serves in both of these capacities. After the Tranche 2 closing, Hanlong will be entitled to nominate a second director. The Company will include and recommend the election of Hanlongs nominees in the Boards slate of nominees submitted to our stockholders, subject to the Boards fiduciary obligations concerning nomination of directors and compliance by the nominee with applicable law and Company requirements concerning disclosure of information. The Hanlong nominees may also serve on committees for which they are eligible.
Hanlong has agreed not to purchase additional shares, except as permitted by the Purchase Agreement, without the Companys prior consent, and has agreed that it will not solicit proxies, join a group with respect to our equity securities, solicit or encourage an offer from another person for the Company, call a meeting of the Companys stockholders or make a proposal to the Companys stockholders, except to the Board. If our Board receives an offer for the Company, for its assets or a merger that the Board determines is in the best interests of the Companys stockholders, Hanlong is required to vote in favor of such a transaction or tender its shares unless it proposes an alternative transaction that our Board determines is more favorable to our stockholders than the offer received.
Hanlong may not, without the prior written consent of the Board, transfer ownership of their securities if the recipient would acquire beneficial ownership of more than 5% of our common stock as of the date of such transfer. The restrictions on Hanlongs share ownership, voting, disposition and drag-along rights will terminate on the earlier of the time that Hanlong owns less than 10% of our common stock, the date that is 6 months after the date that commercial production begins at the Mt. Hope Project, and June 30, 2014.
Bridge Loan
Hanlong agreed to provide a $20.0 million Bridge Loan to the Company, available in two equal $10.0 million tranches. On April 28, 2010, we drew down the first $10.0 million tranche. The second tranche became available after receiving stockholder approval of the Hanlong Transaction. The first tranche of the Bridge Loan bears interest at a rate tie to the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus 2% per annum. The second tranche of the Bridge Loan will bear interest at 10% per annum and is undrawn. The Bridge Loan will be repaid from the proceeds of the Term Loan. The second tranche may also be repaid at the Companys election, in shares of the Companys common stock. If paid in shares, the price would be the volume weighted average of the Companys shares on the NYSE MKT for a five-day period after public announcement of the event that required repayment. The Company may offset its right to receive the break fee against its obligations to repay borrowings under the Bridge Loan. On January 9, 2012, the Company and Hanlong executed a second Option Agreement concerning the Bridge Loan Agreement. On June 14, 2012, the Company exercised the option, thereby amending the Bridge Loan Agreement for no consideration to extend the maturity date of the Bridge Loan from December 31, 2012 until April 30, 2013. This option also has the effect of potentially extending the availability of the undrawn $10.0 million second tranche to April 30, 2013 since the availability of the second tranche ends the earliest of the Tranche 2 closing date, the maturity date of the Bridge Loan and the first borrowing under the Term Loan.
The outstanding balance of the Bridge Loan and related accrued interest are recorded as a current liability as of December 31, 2012 as the latest available maturity date of the Bridge Loan is April 30, 2013. The Bridge Loan and our obligation to pay a break fee to Hanlong under the Purchase Agreement are secured by a pledge by us of a 10% interest in the LLC.
Chinese Bank Term Loan
Hanlong is obligated to use commercially reasonable efforts to procure a Term Loan in an amount of at least $665.0 million. The Term Loan is expected to bear interest at LIBOR plus a spread of between 2% and 4% per annum. The Purchase Agreement provides that the Term Loan will have customary covenants and conditions; however, the terms of the Term Loan have not yet been negotiated with the lender and we have no assurance as to the final terms of the Term Loan. On February 16, 2012, the Company announced China Development Bank (CDB) had confirmed the basic terms underlying a proposed $665.0 million term loan to finance the Companys 80% share of development costs for the Mt. Hope project, including a CDB intention to lend $399.0 million and arrange a consortium of Chinese and international banks to fund the balance of $266.0 million. The Term Loan is anticipated to carry a maturity of 12 years including a 30 month grace period to allow for the construction of the Mt. Hope Project. The interest rate will remain subject to market conditions and Chinese government policy. The Company and Hanlong are continuing to work with CDB with a target of having the loan completed, approved and available to the Company by mid-2013. Hanlong or an affiliate is obligated to guarantee the Term Loan. When funds can be drawn by the Company under the Term Loan, the Company will pay a $15.0 million arrangement fee to Hanlong who will pay fees and expenses associated with the Term Loan before the Term Loan closing, including those charged by the Chinese bank.
Hanlong Subordinated Debt Facility
On October 26, 2012, the Company and Hanlong signed a Subordinated Debt Agreement (Sub Debt Facility) under which Hanlong agreed to provide, with a six month option to arrange a third party credit facility, up to $125.0 million to assist the Company in financing capital cost increases, which are discussed in Capital and Operating Estimates above. Under the Sub Debt Facility, Hanlong will lend in two tranches. Tranche A in the amount of $75.0 million will be available to the Company during the Mt. Hope Projects construction period after full advance of the Term Loan. Tranche B, in the amount of $50.0 million, will be available during the six-month period following the commencement of commercial production. Tranche A of the Sub Debt Facility can be reduced to the extent equipment is leased for the Mt. Hope Project by the LLC. In exchange for arranging the Sub Debt Facility, the Company will pay a fee to Hanlong of $6.3 million, payable at the earlier of the first draw under the Term Loan, upon receiving funds associated with the exercise of Hanlongs warrants, described below, or other financing of at least $8.0 million, or October 26, 2014, if the Sub Debt Facility is in effect. Simultaneously with the execution of the Sub Debt Facility, the Company issued a warrant to Hanlong with a 2.5 year maturity to purchase ten million shares of the Companys common stock. The warrant is priced at a 15% premium to the 10 day volume weighted average price on the issuance date, which results in a price of $4.23 per share, and becomes exercisable on April 26, 2013. A value of $12.4 million has been placed on the warrant. This amount has been recorded as loan commitment fees as of December 31, 2012 and will be expensed ratably over the life of the loan. Following the close of the Tranche 2 purchase of stock under the Purchase Agreement and an exercise of the issued warrant, Hanlong would own approximately 31% of our outstanding shares.
Both tranches of the Sub Debt Facility will mature 5 years after the achievement of commercial production at the Mt. Hope Project and will require mandatory prepayment of 50% of the Companys semi-annual net free cash flow after debt service payments on the Term Loan and any other Mt. Hope Project funding requirements. The Sub Debt Facility will be subordinated to the Term Loan and will bear interest at 6-month LIBOR plus 4%, with interest paid semi-annually. The Sub Debt Facility has covenants that are customary for subordinated credit facilities and will contain additional covenants required to effect subordination to the Term Loan satisfactory to the holders of the Term Loan. Advances under the Sub Debt Facility are subject to a number of conditions precedent, such as accuracy of representations and warranties, compliance with covenants, absence of default and full advance of the Term Loan.
In connection with the Sub Debt Facility, the Company and Hanlong entered into Amendment No. 1 to the above described Stockholder Agreement on October 26, 2012. The amendment provides that the warrant or shares issued pursuant to the warrant will not be included in the calculation of Hanlongs beneficial ownership under provisions of the Stockholder Agreement or other agreements entered into by the Company and Hanlong prior to October 26, 2012. The amendment also provides that the warrant and shares issued pursuant to the warrant will be subject to the rights and restrictions of the Stockholder Agreement with the exception of restrictions on disposition, pledges and encumbrances.
Molybdenum Market Update
The worldwide molybdenum price fluctuated between $5.33 per pound in 2003 to over $40.00 per pound in 2005 and traded in the mid-$30s per pound prior to October 2008, when prices fell from approximately $33.50 per pound to $7.70 per pound in April 2009 as a result of the global economic collapse. Subsequent to April 2009, prices slowly rose, finishing 2009 at $12.00 per pound and further increasing to finish 2010 at $16.40 per pound. During 2012, prices traded in a relatively narrow range finishing the year at $10.90 per pound, according to Ryans Notes, and are trading at $11.25 per pound as of early March 2013.
Liquidity, Capital Resources and Capital Requirements
Year Ended December 31, 2012 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2011
Our total consolidated cash balance at December 31, 2012 was $68.3 million compared to $40.7 million at December 31, 2011. The increase in our cash balances for the year ended December 31, 2012 was due primarily to the receipt of cash contributions from POS-Minerals upon the satisfaction of the ROD Contribution Conditions of $100.7 million and ongoing cash contributions received from POS-Minerals of $3.1 million offset by development expenditures and debt issuance costs incurred of $19.5 million, advance royalty payments of $9.5 million, general and administrative costs of $11.2 million, and the creation of a reserve account by the LLC of $36.0 million. Deposits on property, plant and equipment relate primarily to scheduled payments for long-lead time equipment for the Mt. Hope Project. See Contractual Obligations below. The majority of funds expended were used to advance the Mt. Hope Project.
Total assets as of December 31, 2012 increased to $385.5 million compared to 271.1 million as of December 31, 2011 primarily due to the receipt of capital contributions from POS-Minerals in December 2012.
As discussed above under Securities Purchase Agreement with Hanlong (USA) Mining Investment Inc. , we have signed a series of agreements with Hanlong that form the basis of a significant investment by Hanlong in the Company that is intended to provide the Company with adequate capital to develop the Mt. Hope Project. On April 28, 2010, we drew down the first tranche of
the bridge loan from Hanlong in the amount of $10.0 million. On December 20, 2010, Hanlong completed the purchase of 12.5% of our fully-diluted shares, or approximately 11.8 million shares, for $40.0 million.
Based on our commitments as of December 31, 2012, we expect to make additional payments of approximately $11.2 million under milling process equipment orders through the end of 2013 and $14.4 million in 2014. As additional financing becomes available, as referenced in Agreements with Hanlong (USA) Mining Investment Inc., and equipment procurement is restarted, agreements that were suspended or terminated will be renegotiated under current market terms and conditions, as necessary. Accordingly, based on our current cash on hand and our ongoing cash conservation plan, the Company expects it will have adequate liquidity through the full restart of the project and execution of the financing plan without needing to drawdown available funds from the second tranche of the Bridge Loan.
Year Ended December 31, 2011 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2010
Our total consolidated cash balance at December 31, 2011 was $40.7 million compared to $53.6 million at December 31, 2010. The decrease in our cash balances for the year ended December 31, 2011 was due primarily to development expenditures and debt issuance costs incurred of $12.8 million, advance royalty payments of $9.5 million, and general and administrative costs of $10.2 million offset by $19.4 million in proceeds from the exercise of outstanding warrants. Deposits on property, plant and equipment relate primarily to scheduled payments for long-lead time equipment for the Mt. Hope Project. See Contractual Obligations below. The majority of funds expended were used to advance the Mt. Hope Project.
Total assets as of December 31, 2011 decreased to $271.1 million compared to $273.2 million as of December 31, 2010 primarily due to forfeited long-term deposits on mining equipment of $3.4 million with the passage of a June 30, 2011 deadline for a firm purchase order.
As discussed above under Securities Purchase Agreement with Hanlong (USA) Mining Investment Inc. , we have signed a series of agreements with Hanlong that form the basis of a significant investment by Hanlong in the Company that is intended to provide the Company with adequate capital to develop the Mt. Hope Project. On April 28, 2010, we drew down the first tranche of the bridge loan from Hanlong in the amount of $10.0 million. On December 20, 2010, Hanlong completed the purchase of 12.5% of our fully-diluted shares, or approximately 11.8 million shares, for $40.0 million.
Results of Operations
Year Ended December 31, 2012 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2011
For the year ended December 31, 2012 we had a consolidated net loss of $9.9 million compared with a net loss of $15.4 million in the same period for 2011.
For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, exploration and evaluation expenses were $0.8 million and $1.6 million, respectively. The decrease in costs compared to the previous year relates to work performed at the Liberty Project to update the pre-feasibility study in 2011. No such work was performed in 2012.
For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, general and administrative expenses were $10.6 million and $10.2 million, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2012 the increase in costs compared to the previous year were due primarily to increased salary costs and legal fees associated with documentation of the Term Loan.
For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, write downs of development and deposits were nil and $3.4 million, respectively. These costs were due to forfeited long-term deposits on mining equipment with the passage of a June 30, 2011 deadline for a firm purchase order.
For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, interest income was nil as a result of low deposit interest rates on consolidated cash balances in 2012 and 2011. Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 was $0.5 million and $0.2 million, respectively, as a result of interest accrued on the bridge loan and amortization of expense related to the warrants issued to Hanlong in 2012. The weighted average interest rate on the bridge loan was 2.45% and 2.42% for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Year Ended December 31, 2011 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2010
For the year ended December 31, 2011 we had a consolidated net loss of $15.4 million compared with a net loss of $16.7 million in the same period for 2010.
For the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, exploration and evaluation expenses were $1.6 million and $0.6 million, respectively. The increase in costs compared to the previous year relates to work performed at the Liberty Project to update the pre-feasibility study.
For the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, warrant repricing was nil and $1.0 million, respectively. The Company repriced certain warrants during 2010 resulting in a charge to expense of $965K. No such transaction occurred in 2011.
For the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, general and administrative expenses were $10.2 million and $10.9 million, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2011 the decrease in costs compared to the previous year were due primarily to lower costs associated with outside legal counsel.
For the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, write downs of development and deposits were $3.4 million and $5.0 million, respectively. These costs are due to forfeited long-term deposits on mining equipment with the passage of a June 30, 2011 deadline for a firm purchase order, and the relinquishment of the annex lease to Eureka County during the third quarter of 2010, respectively.
For the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, interest income rounded to nil as a result of low deposit interest rates on consolidated cash balances in 2011 and 2010. Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 was $0.2 million and $0.2 million, respectively, as a result of interest accrued on the bridge loan. The weighted average interest rate on the bridge loan was 2.42% and 2.18% for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
None.
Contractual Obligations
Our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2012 were as follows, based on permitting expectations:
|
|
Payments due by period |
| |||||||||||||
Contractual obligations |
|
Total |
|
2013 |
|
2014 - 2016 |
|
2017 - 2018 |
|
2019 & |
| |||||
Long-Term Debt (Capital Lease) Obligations |
|
$ |
0.1 |
|
$ |
0.1 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
Operating Lease Obligations |
|
0.2 |
|
0.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Agricultural Sustainability Trust Contributions |
|
4.0 |
|
2.0 |
|
2.0 |
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Equipment Purchase Contracts |
|
25.6 |
|
11.2 |
|
14.4 |
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Advance Royalties and Deferral Fees |
|
5.2 |
|
|
|
5.2 |
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Provision for post closure reclamation and remediation |
|
8.9 |
|
8.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
0.6 |
| |||||
3M Plan Contributions |
|
1.0 |
|
0.3 |
|
0.7 |
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Total |
|
$ |
45.0 |
|
$ |
22.1 |
|
$ |
22.3 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
0.6 |
|
At December 31, 2012, the LLC has active orders with varying stages of fabrication on milling process equipment comprised of two 230kV primary transformers and substation, a primary crusher, a semi-autogenous mill, two ball mills, and various motors for the mills. We have suspended fabrication on 16 flotation cells, lime slaking equipment, hydrocyclones, and other smaller milling process equipment with the ability to re-initiate fabrication at any time. The LLC terminated the fabrication of two multi-hearth molybdenum roasters and has received finished goods of the partially completed order. The LLC plans to re-establish a new purchase order with this manufacturer as financing becomes available and equipment procurement is restarted under then current market terms and conditions.
On February 28, 2012, the LLC issued a firm purchase order for 18 haul trucks. The order provides for delivery of those haul trucks required to perform initial mine development, currently scheduled for late 2013 or early 2014. A non-refundable down-payment of $0.6 million was made at the time of order with an additional $0.6 million paid in December 2012, 12 months prior to anticipated truck shipment, but the contract is cancellable with no further liability to the LLC up until the time of truck shipment.
On June 25, 2012, the LLC issued a firm purchase order for four mine production drills. A non-refundable down-payment of $0.4 million was made in December 2012. The contract remains cancellable with no further liability to the LLC until the time the drills are shipped.
At June 30, 2012, the LLCs contract to purchase two electric shovels expired. We signed a new letter of intent with the vendor providing for the opportunity to purchase the electric shovels at prices consistent with the expired contract, less a special discount in the amount of $3.4 million to provide credit to the LLC for amounts paid as deposits under the expired contract. The agreement provides that equipment pricing will remain subject to inflation indexes and guarantees production slots to ensure that the equipment is available when required by the LLC.
The following table sets forth the LLCs cash commitments under mining and milling equipment contracts (collectively, Purchase Contracts) at December 31, 2012 (in millions):
Period |
|
Cash Commitments |
| |
1st Quarter 2013 |
|
$ |
5.9 |
|
2nd Quarter 2013 |
|
5.3 |
| |
3rd Quarter 2013 |
|
|
| |
4th Quarter 2013 |
|
|
| |
Total 2013 |
|
11.2 |
| |
2014 |
|
14.4 |
| |
2015 |
|
|
| |
2016 |
|
|
| |
Total |
|
$ |
25.6 |
|
If the Company does not make payments required under the purchase contracts, it could be subject to claims for breach of contract or to cancellation of the purchase contract. In addition, we may proceed to selectively suspend, cancel or attempt to renegotiate additional purchase contracts if we are forced to further conserve cash. See Liquidity, Capital Resources and Capital Requirements above. If we cancel or breach any contracts, we will take all appropriate action to minimize any losses, but could be subject to liability under the contracts or applicable law. The cancellation of certain key contracts would cause a delay in the commencement of operations, have ramifications under the LLC Agreement with POS-Minerals and would add to the cost to develop our interest in the Mt. Hope Project.
Obligations under capital and operating leases
We have contractual obligations under capital and operating leases that will require a total of $0.3 million in payments over the next three years. Assets under capital lease relate to light vehicles leased by the Company for use in operations. Operating leases consist primarily of rents on office facilities and office equipment. Our expected payments are $0.3 million, nil, and nil for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively.
Creation of Agricultural Sustainability Trust
On August 19, 2010, the LLC entered into an agreement with the Eureka Producers Cooperative (the EPC) whereby the LLC will fund a Sustainability Trust (the Trust) in exchange for the cooperation of the EPC with respect to the LLCs water rights and permitting of the Mt. Hope Project. The Trust will be tasked with developing and implementing programs that will serve to enhance the sustainability and well-being of the agricultural economy in the Diamond Valley Hydrographic Basin through reduced water consumption, which may include the Trust purchasing and relinquishing water rights in Diamond Valley to help bring the Diamond Valley basin into a more sustainable water balance. The Trusts activities will be governed by a five-member board including one LLC representative.
The Trust may be funded by the LLC over several years based on the achievement of certain milestones. The achievement of these milestones is considered to be probable, and as such $4.0 million is accrued in the Companys December 31, 2012, financial statements and is included in mining properties, land, and water rights. At least 50% of the contributions would be provided upon receipt of all permits, full financing and the Companys Board of Directors decision to proceed with construction. The remaining payments would be split evenly with one payment due no later than 150 days from the commencement of commercial production at the Mt. Hope Project and the remaining payment due one year thereafter.
Permitting Considerations
In the ordinary course of business, mining companies are required to seek governmental permits for expansion of existing operations or for the commencement of new operations. The LLC was required to obtain a ROD from the BLM authorizing implementation of the Mt. Hope Project POO. This approval was obtained only after successful completion of the process of environmental evaluation, which incorporates substantial public comment. The LLC was also required to obtain various state and
federal permits including water protection, air quality, water rights and reclamation permits. In addition to requiring permits for the development of the Mt. Hope Project, we will need to obtain and modify various mining and environmental permits during the life of the Mt. Hope Project. Obtaining, modifying, and renewing the necessary governmental permits is a complex and time-consuming process involving numerous jurisdictions and often involving public hearings and substantial expenditures. The duration and success of the LLCs efforts to obtain, modify or renew permits will be contingent upon many variables, some of which are not within the LLCs control. Increased costs or delays could occur, depending on the nature of the activity to be permitted and the interpretation of applicable requirements implemented by the permitting authority. All necessary permits may not be obtained and, if obtained, may not be renewed, or the costs involved in each case may exceed those that we previously estimated. It is possible that the costs and delays associated with compliance with such standards and regulations could become such that the LLC would not proceed with the development or operation of the Mt. Hope Project.
On February 15, 2013, Great Basin Resource Watch and the Western Shoshone Defense Project filed a Complaint against the BLM in the U.S. District Court, District of Nevada, seeking relief under NEPA and other federal laws challenging the BLMs issuance of the ROD for the Mt. Hope project. The Plaintiffs filed a motion for a preliminary injuction on February 20, 2013 and there is no hearing date set for the motion. The Company has not been named as a defendant in the suit but will closely monitor the litigation and at the appropriate time will seek to intervene in the suit.
The Mt. Hope project underwent an exhaustive environmental analysis and review that lasted more than 6 years. The process to complete the EIS included extensive public and cooperation agency input (including the BLM, the National Park Service, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Nevada Division of Wildlife and the County of Eureka). The Company supports the work completed by the BLM and believes that the ROD complies with all federal statutes and rules, is very robust and defensible.
Water Rights Considerations
In addition to working to complete financing, we are working to finalize the transfer of water rights to mining use. In March 2009 we were granted our water applications in a Ruling by the Nevada State Engineer (State Engineer). However, that Ruling was appealed, and in April 2010, a Nevada State District Court (NSDC) set aside the Ruling on procedural grounds and remanded the matter for another hearing by the State Engineer.
On July 15, 2011, the State Engineer issued a second Ruling granting the Companys water right applications. That Ruling was appealed in August 2011 by Eureka County and two other parties comprised of three individual water rights holders in Diamond Valley and one in Kobeh Valley. The appeals were heard on April 3, 2012 before the NSDC. On June 13, 2012, the NSDC denied the appeals and affirmed the State Engineers Ruling. Further, the State Engineer issued all water permits on December 14, 2011 and certain amended permits on January 4, 2012, and the water became available for use at the Mt. Hope Project following the State Engineers approval of the Companys Monitoring, Management and Mitigation Plan (3M Plan) on June 6, 2012.
On July 10 and 11, 2012, respectively, Eureka County and two other parties comprised of one individual water rights holder in Diamond Valley and one in Kobeh Valley filed Notices of Appeal, appealing to the Nevada Supreme Court the NSDCs Order denying their appeals of the State Engineers 2011 Ruling. We are confident the Nevada Supreme Court will uphold the NSDCs Order which denied all appeals of the State Engineers Ruling.
On July 5, 2012, the same two individual water rights holders appealing the NSDCs Order to the Nevada Supreme Court filed an appeal of the State Engineers approval of the Companys 3M Plan to the same NSDC. Eureka County did not appeal the approved 3M Plan. We anticipate a favorable NSDC decision upholding the 3M Plan.
Notwithstanding these further appeals, the Companys water permits have been granted and the water remains available to the Company, as described above, for use at the Mt. Hope Project.
Environmental Considerations
Our mineral property holdings in Shoshone County, Idaho include lands contained in mining districts that have been designated as Superfund sites pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act. This Superfund Site was established to investigate and remediate primarily the Bunker Hill properties of Smelterville, Idaho, a small portion of Shoshone County where a large smelter was located. However, because of the extent of environmental impact caused by the historical mining in the mining district, the Superfund Site covers the majority of Shoshone County including our Chicago-London and Little Pine Creek properties as well as many small towns located in Northern Idaho. We have conducted a property environmental investigation of these properties, which revealed no evidence of material adverse environmental effects at either property. We are unaware of any pending action or proceeding relating to any regulatory matters that would affect our financial position due to these inactive mining claims in Shoshone County.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Estimates
The process of preparing financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires the use of estimates and assumptions regarding certain types of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses. Such estimates primarily relate to unsettled transactions and events as of the date of the financial statements. Accordingly, upon settlement, actual results may differ from estimated amounts.
Provision for Taxes
Income taxes are provided based upon the asset and liability method of accounting. Under this approach, deferred income taxes are recorded to reflect the tax consequences in future years of differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their financial reporting amounts at each year-end. In accordance with authoritative guidance for Income Taxes, a valuation allowance is recorded against the deferred tax asset if management does not believe the Company has met the more likely than not standard to allow recognition of such an asset.
Mining Properties, Land and Water Rights
The Company evaluates its long-lived assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the related carrying amount may not be recoverable. If the sum of estimated future net cash flows on an undiscounted basis is less than the carrying amount of the related asset grouping, asset impairment is considered to exist. The related impairment loss is measured by comparing estimated future net cash flows on a discounted basis to the carrying amount of the asset. Changes in significant assumptions underlying future cash flow estimates may have a material effect on the Companys financial position and results of operations. To date no such impairments have been identified. Property and equipment are being depreciated over useful lives of three to twenty-seven and one-half years using straight-line depreciation.
Stock-Based Compensation
We account for stock-based compensation in accordance with authoritative guidance for Share-Based Payments. Under the fair value recognition provisions of this statement, share-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the value of the award and is recognized as expense over the vesting period. Determining the fair value of share-based awards at the grant date requires judgment; including estimating the expected term of the award, volatility of the underlying equity and estimating the amount of share-based awards that are expected to be forfeited. If actual results associated with share-based awards that are forfeited differ significantly from these estimates, stock-based compensation expense and our results of operations could be materially impacted.
Debt Issuance and Loan Commitment Costs
The Company has capitalized certain costs such as technical due diligence, related legal fees, advances against the arrangement fee in the amount of $5.7 million incurred in direct pursuit of the Term Loan based on our belief that it is probable that the Company will receive the Term Loan. A portion of these costs were incurred on behalf of Hanlong and will be offset against the $15.0 million arrangement fee to be paid by the Company to Hanlong upon the closing of the Term Loan. These costs will be amortized over the life of the Term Loan using the effective interest method once the Term Loan has been made available.
In addition, the $12.4 million value placed on the warrant issued to Hanlong in connection with the subordinated debt agreement is considered a loan commitment fee. These costs will be amortized over the life of the Subordinated Debt Loan using the straight line method from the date the loan agreement was effective.
Contingently Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest (CRNCI)
Under GAAP, certain noncontrolling interests in consolidated entities meet the definition of mandatorily redeemable financial instruments if the ability to redeem the interest is outside of the control of the consolidating entity. As described in Note 1 Description of Business, the LLC Agreement permits POS-Minerals the option to put its interest in the LLC to Nevada Moly upon a change of control, as defined in the LLC Agreement, followed by a failure to use standard mining industry practice in connection with development and operation of the Mt. Hope Project as contemplated by the parties for a period of 12 consecutive months. As such, the CRNCI has continued to be shown as a separate caption between liabilities and equity (mezzanine section). The carrying value of the CRNCI includes $36 million that will be returned to POS-Minerals contingent upon the achievement of commercial production at the Mt. Hope Project as stipulated in the LLC Agreement. The expected return of capital to POS-Minerals is carried at redemption value as we believe redemption of this amount is probable. The remaining carrying value of the CRNCI has not been adjusted to its redemption value as the contingencies that may allow POS-Minerals to require redemption of its
noncontrolling interest are not probable of occurring. Under GAAP, until such time as that contingency has been eliminated and redemption is no longer contingent upon anything other than the passage of time, no adjustment to the CRNCI balance should be made. Future changes in the redemption value will be recognized immediately as they occur and the Company will adjust the carrying amount of the CRNCI to equal the redemption value at the end of each reporting period.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Commodity Price Risk
We are a development stage company in the business of the exploration, development and mining of properties primarily containing molybdenum. As a result, upon commencement of production, our financial performance could be materially affected by fluctuations in the market price of molybdenum and other metals we may mine. The market prices of metals can fluctuate widely due to a number of factors. These factors include fluctuations with respect to the rate of inflation, the exchange rates of the U.S. dollar and other currencies, interest rates, global or regional political and economic conditions, banking environment, global and regional demand, production costs, and investor sentiment. See Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation Molybdenum Market Update for a discussion of molybdenum prices.
In order to better manage commodity price risk and to seek to reduce the negative impact of fluctuations in prices, we will seek to enter into long term supply contracts for our portion of the Mt. Hope production. On December 28, 2007, we entered into a molybdenum supply agreement with ArcelorMittal S.A. (ArcelorMittal), the worlds largest steel company, that provides for ArcelorMittal to purchase 6.5 million pounds of molybdenum per year, plus or minus 10%, once the Mt. Hope Project commences commercial operations at minimum specified levels. The supply agreement provides for a floor price along with a discount for spot prices above the floor price and expires five years after the commencement of commercial production at the Mt. Hope Project. Both the floor and threshold levels at which the percentage discounts change are indexed to a producer price index. On April 16, 2010, ArcelorMittal and the Company entered into an extension molybdenum supply agreement, providing ArcelorMittal with a five-year option to make effective an agreement to purchase from the Company 3.0 million pounds of molybdenum per year for 10 years following the expiration of the initial supply agreement. The additional optional off-take will be priced in alignment with the Companys existing supply agreements. In order for ArcelorMittal to exercise this option and make the extension agreement effective, ArcelorMittal must have beneficial ownership of more than 11.1 million shares of Company common stock on or prior to April 15, 2015. According to public filings, on January 25, 2011, the boards of directors of ArcelorMittal S.A. and APERAM each approved the transfer of the assets comprising ArcelorMittals stainless and specialty steels businesses from its carbon steel and mining businesses to APERAM, a separate entity incorporated in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. This transfer included the supply agreement the Company had in place with ArcelorMittal and the shares of the Companys common stock previously owned by ArcelorMittal.
Additionally, on May 14, 2008, we entered into a molybdenum supply agreement with SeAH Besteel Corporation (SeAH Besteel), Koreas largest manufacturer of specialty steels, which provides for SeAH Besteel to purchase 4.0 million pounds of molybdenum per year, plus or minus 10%, once the Mt. Hope Project commences commercial operations at minimum specified levels. Like the ArcelorMittal supply agreement, the supply agreement with SeAH Besteel provides for a floor price along with staged discounts for spot prices above the floor price and expires five years from the date of first supply under the agreement. Both the floor and threshold levels at which the percentage discounts change are indexed to a producer price index.
On August 8, 2008, the Company entered into a molybdenum supply agreement (Sojitz Agreement) with Sojitz Corporation (Sojitz). The Sojitz Agreement provides for the supply of 5.0 million pounds per year of molybdenum for five years, beginning once the Mt. Hope Project reaches certain minimum commercial production levels. One million annual pounds sold under the Sojitz Agreement will be subject to a per-pound molybdenum floor price and is offset by a flat discount to spot molybdenum prices above the floor. The remaining 4.0 million annual pounds sold under the Sojitz Agreement will be sold with reference to spot molybdenum prices without regard to a floor price. The Sojitz Agreement includes a provision that allows Sojitz the option to cancel in the event that supply from the Mt. Hope Project has not begun by January 1, 2013. The described option is available up to ten days following the achievement of certain production levels at the Mt. Hope Project. Based on our current development timeline, Sojitz will have the option to cancel its contract or participate in the molybdenum supply agreement as described above. If Sojitz elects to cancel its contract with us, the supply of 5.0 million pounds per year of molybdenum for five years will be assumed by Hanlong, pursuant to the terms of the Hanlong molybdenum supply agreement described below.
On March 4, 2010, the Company entered into a molybdenum supply agreement (Hanlong Agreement) with Hanlong. The Hanlong Agreement requires Hanlong to purchase the Companys entire share of the Mt. Hope molybdenum production above that necessary for the Company to meet its existing supply commitments until the expiration of those commitments. After the expiration of the existing supply agreements, until the original scheduled maturity date of the Term Loan, or if the Company elects not to enter into the Term Loan, 14 years after commencement of commercial production, Hanlong must annually purchase the greater of 16 million pounds or 70% of the Companys share of Mt. Hope production. Following the original scheduled maturity date of the Term
Loan, or if the Company elects not to enter into the Term Loan, 14 years after commencement of commercial production from the Mt. Hope Mine, Hanlong must purchase a percentage of the Companys share of Mt. Hope production equal to 2.5 times Hanlongs fully diluted percentage ownership of our common stock. Subject to certain exceptions, the Hanlong Agreement will terminate once Hanlongs fully-diluted ownership percentage falls below 5%. As long as Hanlong continues to guarantee the Term Loan, the Hanlong Agreement will not terminate even if Hanlongs ownership falls below 5%. If the cause of Hanlongs ownership falling below 5% is a change of control of the Company or a dilutive transaction in which Hanlong does not have the right to participate, the Hanlong Agreement will not terminate and Hanlong will be obligated to continue to purchase a percentage of the Companys share of Mt. Hope production equal to 2.5 times Hanlongs fully-diluted percentage ownership of the Company as it existed immediately prior to such change of control or dilutive transaction. If the Company elects not to enter into the Term Loan, and Tranche 2 under the Purchase Agreement does not close, Hanlongs obligation to purchase the Companys share of Mt. Hope production in each of the periods described above will be half of the obligations described above. The supply off-take agreement provides for a floor price, along with a discount for spot prices above the floor price, for twenty-five percent of the production Hanlong receives. The remaining 75% of the production Hanlong receives will be sold with reference to spot molybdenum prices less a small discount.
All four long term supply agreements provide for supply only after commercial production levels are achieved, and no provisions require the Company to deliver product or make any payments if commercial production is never achieved or declines, in later periods and have floor prices ranging from $14.00 to $15.00 per pound and incremental discounts above the floor price. The agreements require that monthly shortfalls be made up only if the Companys portion of Mt. Hope production is available for delivery, after POS-Minerals has taken its share. In no event do these requirements to make up monthly shortfalls become obligations of the Company if production does not meet targeted levels.
Furthermore, each of the agreements have take-or-pay provisions that require the buyers to either take delivery of product made available by the Company, or to pay as though they had taken delivery pursuant to the term of the agreements.
While we have not used derivative financial instruments in the past, we may elect to enter into derivative financial instruments to manage commodity price risk. We have not entered into any market risk sensitive instruments for trading or speculative purposes and do not expect to enter into derivative or other financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.
Interest Rate Risk
As of December 31, 2012, we had a balance of cash and cash equivalents of $68.3 million. Interest rates on short term, highly liquid investments have not changed materially since December 31, 2010, and continue to be 1% or less on an annualized basis. Our debt agreements have interest rates of LIBOR plus a percentage. Any significant rise in the LIBOR rate during the course of our debt agreements may affect our ability to service the debt.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
GENERAL MOLY, INC.
(A Development Stage Company)
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2012
CONTENTS
49 | |
|
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Financial Statements: |
|
|
|
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 |
50 |
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51 | |
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52 | |
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54 | |
|
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56 |
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of General Moly, Inc.
In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss, cash flows and equity present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of General Moly, Inc. and its subsidiaries (a development stage company) at December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012 and, cumulatively, for the period from January 1, 2002 (date of inception) to December 31, 2012 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Companys management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Item 9A: Report of Management on internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express opinions on these consolidated financial statements and on the Companys Internal Control over Financial Reporting based on our integrated audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
A companys internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A companys internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the companys assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Denver, Colorado
March 8, 2013
GENERAL MOLY, INC.
(A DEVELOPMENT STAGE COMPANY)
(In thousands, except par value amounts)
|
|
December 31, |
|
December 31, |
| ||
ASSETS: |
|
|
|
|
| ||
CURRENT ASSETS |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
$ |
68,331 |
|
$ |
40,709 |
|
Deposits, prepaid expenses and other current assets |
|
136 |
|
105 |
| ||
Total Current Assets |
|
68,467 |
|
40,814 |
| ||
Mining properties, land and water rights Note 4 |
|
170,967 |
|
143,732 |
| ||
Deposits on project property, plant and equipment |
|
69,691 |
|
66,474 |
| ||
Restricted cash held at EMLLC |
|
36,000 |
|
|
| ||
Restricted cash held for electricity transmission |
|
12,013 |
|
12,005 |
| ||
Restricted cash held for reclamation bonds |
|
6,991 |
|
1,133 |
| ||
Non-mining property and equipment, net |
|
605 |
|
819 |
| ||
Capitalized debt issuance and loan commitment costs |
|
17,794 |
|
3,136 |
| ||
Other assets |
|
2,994 |
|
2,994 |
| ||
TOTAL ASSETS |
|
$ |
385,522 |
|
$ |
271,107 |
|
LIABILITIES, CONTINGENTLY REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTEREST AND EQUITY: |
|
|
|
|
| ||
CURRENT LIABILITIES |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities |
|
$ |
10,133 |
|
$ |
4,568 |
|
Accrued advance royalties |
|
500 |
|
8,950 |
| ||
Accrued payments to Agricultural Sustainability Trust and Hanlong |
|
4,000 |
|
2,000 |
| ||
Current portion of long term debt |
|
10,906 |
|
10,596 |
| ||
Total Current Liabilities |
|
25,539 |
|
26,114 |
| ||
Provision for post closure reclamation and remediation costs |
|
627 |
|
587 |
| ||
Deferred gain |
|
1,100 |
|
1,150 |
| ||
Accrued advance royalties |
|
4,700 |
|
|
| ||
Accrued payments to Agricultural Sustainability Trust |
|
2,000 |
|
2,000 |
| ||
Long term debt, net of current portion |
|
661 |
|
131 |
| ||
Other accrued liabilities |
|
875 |
|
|
| ||
Total Liabilities |
|
35,502 |
|
29,982 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Note 10 |
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
CONTINGENTLY REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTEREST |
|
201,880 |
|
98,073 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
EQUITY |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 200,000,000 shares authorized, 91,333,092 and 90,818,248 shares issued and outstanding, respectively |
|
91 |
|
91 |
| ||
Additional paid-in capital |
|
270,902 |
|
255,894 |
| ||
Accumulated deficit before exploration stage |
|
(213 |
) |
(213 |
) | ||
Accumulated deficit during exploration and development stage |
|
(122,640 |
) |
(112,720 |
) | ||
Total Equity |
|
148,140 |
|
143,052 |
| ||
TOTAL LIABILITIES, CONTINGENTLY REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTEREST AND EQUITY |
|
$ |
385,522 |
|
$ |
271,107 |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
GENERAL MOLY, INC.
(A DEVELOPMENT STAGE COMPANY)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
|
|
Years Ended |
|
January 1, 2002 |
| ||||||||
|
|
December 31, |
|
December 31, |
|
December 31, |
|
December 31, |
| ||||
REVENUES |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
OPERATING EXPENSES: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Exploration and evaluation |
|
778 |
|
1,568 |
|
623 |
|
40,479 |
| ||||
Writedowns of development and deposits |
|
|
|
3,403 |
|
5,038 |
|
8,819 |
| ||||
General and administrative expense |
|
10,600 |
|
10,248 |
|
10,919 |
|
80,375 |
| ||||
TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES |
|
11,378 |
|
15,219 |
|
16,580 |
|
129,673 |
| ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS |
|
(11,378 |
) |
(15,219 |
) |
(16,580 |
) |
(129,673 |
) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
OTHER INCOME/(EXPENSE): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Interest and dividend income |
|
6 |
|
21 |
|
13 |
|
4,068 |
| ||||
Interest expense |
|
(548 |
) |
(250 |
) |
(164 |
) |
(962 |
) | ||||
Realized gain from sale of mining properties |
|
2,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
2,000 |
| ||||
TOTAL OTHER (EXPENSE)/INCOME, NET |
|
1,458 |
|
(229 |
) |
(151 |
) |
5,106 |
| ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAXES |
|
(9,920 |
) |
(15,448 |
) |
(16,731 |
) |
(124,567 |
) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Income Taxes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
CONSOLIDATED NET LOSS |
|
$ |
(9,920 |
) |
$ |
(15,448 |
) |
$ |
(16,731 |
) |
$ |
(124,567 |
) |
Less: Net loss attributable to contingently redeemable noncontrolling interest |
|
|
|
680 |
|
1,008 |
|
1,927 |
| ||||
NET LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO GENERAL MOLY, INC. |
|
$ |
(9,920 |
) |
$ |
(14,768 |
) |
$ |
(15,723 |
) |
$ |
(122,640 |
) |
Basic and diluted net loss attributable to General Moly per share of common stock |
|
$ |
(0.11 |
) |
$ |
(0.16 |
) |
$ |
(0.22 |
) |
|
| |
Weighted average number of shares outstanding basic and diluted |
|
91,230 |
|
90,588 |
|
72,987 |
|
|
| ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
COMPREHENSIVE LOSS |
|
$ |
(9,920 |
) |
$ |
(14,768 |
) |
$ |
(15,723 |
) |
$ |
(122,640 |
) |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
GENERAL MOLY, INC.
(A DEVELOPMENT STAGE COMPANY)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
|
|
Years Ended |
|
January 1, 2002 |
| |||||||
|
|
December 31, |
|
December 31, |
|
December 31, |
|
December 31, |
| |||
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Net loss |
|
$ |
(9,920 |
) |
$ |
(15,448 |
) |
$ |
(16,731 |
) |
(124,567 |
) |
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used by operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Depreciation and amortization |
|
310 |
|
412 |
|
335 |
|
1,954 |
| |||
Interest expense |
|
548 |
|
250 |
|
164 |
|
962 |
| |||
Warrant repricing |
|
|
|
|
|
965 |
|
965 |
| |||
Stock-based compensation for employees and directors |
|
1,414 |
|
1,713 |
|
1,641 |
|
18,226 |
| |||
(Increase) Decrease in deposits, prepaid expenses and other |
|
(31 |
) |
43 |
|
31 |
|
(44 |
) | |||
(Increase) Decrease in restricted cash held for electricity transmission |
|
(8 |
) |
|
|
281 |
|
(12,013 |
) | |||
(Decrease) increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities |
|
(3,569 |
) |
(10,761 |
) |
93 |
|
(10,872 |
) | |||
Increase (decrease) in post closure reclamation and remediation costs |
|
40 |
|
16 |
|
(15 |
) |
418 |
| |||
Recognition of income related to option to purchase agreement |
|
(2,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(2,000 |
) | |||
Writedowns of development and deposits |
|
|
|
3,403 |
|
5,038 |
|
8,819 |
| |||
Services and expenses paid with common stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,990 |
| |||
Net cash used by operating activities |
|
(13,216 |
) |
(20,372 |
) |
(8,198 |
) |
(116,162 |
) | |||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Payments for the purchase of equipment |
|
98 |
|
|
|
(124 |
) |
(1,450 |
) | |||
Purchase and development of mining properties, land and water rights |
|
(20,860 |
) |
(10,567 |
) |
(14,074 |
) |
(140,134 |
) | |||
(Deposits)/refunds on property, plant and equipment |
|
(2,158 |
) |
177 |
|
(25,058 |
) |
(70,065 |
) | |||
Proceeds from option to purchase agreement |
|
1,950 |
|
935 |
|
115 |
|
3,100 |
| |||
Increase in restricted cash held for reclamation bonds |
|
(5,858 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(6,500 |
) | |||
Increase in restricted cash EMLLC |
|
(36,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(36,000 |
) | |||
Purchase of securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(137 |
) | |||
Cash provided by sale of marketable securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
246 |
| |||
Net cash used by investing activities |
|
(62,828 |
) |
(9,455 |
) |
(39,141 |
) |
250,940 |
| |||
GENERAL MOLY, INC.
(A DEVELOPMENT STAGE COMPANY)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
|
|
Years Ended |
|
January 1, 2002 |
| |||||||
|
|
December 31, |
|
December 31, |
|
December 31, |
|
December 31, |
| |||
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Proceeds from issuance of stock, net of issuance costs |
|
583 |
|
19,412 |
|
43,103 |
|
228,302 |
| |||
Cash proceeds from POS-Minerals Corp. |
|
103,807 |
|
|
|
|
|
203,807 |
| |||
Increase (decrease) in leased assets, net |
|
(142 |
) |
(198 |
) |
80 |
|
(10 |
) | |||
(Increase) in capitalized debt issuance costs |
|
(582 |
) |
(2,249 |
) |
(887 |
) |
(3,718 |
) | |||
Proceeds from debt |
|
|
|
|
|
10,000 |
|
10,000 |
| |||
Cash paid to POS-Minerals Corp. for purchase price adjustment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,994 |
) | |||
Net cash provided by financing activities: |
|
103,666 |
|
16,965 |
|
52,296 |
|
435,387 |
| |||
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents, net |
|
27,622 |
|
(12,862 |
) |
(4,958 |
) |
68,285 |
| |||
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period |
|
40,709 |
|
53,571 |
|
48,614 |
|
46 |
| |||
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period |
|
$ |
68,331 |
|
$ |
40,709 |
|
$ |
53,571 |
|
68,331 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Equity compensation capitalized as development |
|
$ |
639 |
|
$ |
258 |
|
$ |
1,121 |
|
7,097 |
|
Accrued portion of advance royalties |
|
5,200 |
|
|
|
18,450 |
|
5,200 |
| |||
Accrued portion of payments to the Agricultural Sustainability Trust and Hanlong |
|
2,000 |
|
|
|
4,000 |
|
6,000 |
| |||
Accrued portion of deposits on property, plant and equipment |
|
1,059 |
|
1,691 |
|
657 |
|
1,059 |
| |||
Loan commitment costs |
|
12,076 |
|
|
|
|
|
12,076 |
| |||
Installment purchase of land |
|
730 |
|
|
|
|
|
730 |
| |||
Restricted cash held for reclamation bond acquired in an acquisition |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
491 |
| |||
Post closure reclamation and remediation costs and accounts payable assumed in an acquisition |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
263 |
| |||
Common stock and warrants issued for property and equipment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,586 |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
GENERAL MOLY, INC.
(A DEVELOPMENT STAGE COMPANY)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
(In thousands, except number of shares and per share amounts)
|
|
Common |
|
Amount |
|
Additional |
|
Accumulated |
|
Accumulated |
|
Total |
| |||||
Balance, January 1, 2002 |
|
3,140,469 |
|
$ |
4 |
|
$ |
442 |
|
$ |
(2 |
) |
$ |
(213 |
) |
$ |
231 |
|
Issuance of Units of Common Stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
For directors fees |
|
460,000 |
|
|
|
79 |
|
|
|
|
|
79 |
| |||||
Issued pursuant to stock awards |
|
484,892 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
For cash at $8.50 per share |
|
8,256,699 |
|
8 |
|
70,174 |
|
|
|
|
|
70,182 |
| |||||
Purchase options for management and administrative fees |
|
|
|
|
|
11 |
|
|
|
|
|
11 |
| |||||
For services, administration, mineral rights, water rights and expenses at between $0.11 and $6.15 per share |
|
1,127,379 |
|
|
|
1,739 |
|
|
|
|
|
1,739 |
| |||||
For exercise of warrants for cash |
|
435,000 |
|
|
|
348 |
|
|
|
|
|
348 |
| |||||
Issuance of Units of Common Stock and Warrants: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
For expenses and property at between $0.40 and $1.46 per unit |
|
1,400,000 |
|
2 |
|
1,635 |
|
|
|
|
|
1,637 |
| |||||
For cash at between $0.15 and $3.40 per unit |
|
34,404,365 |
|
34 |
|
62,360 |
|
|
|
|
|
62,394 |
| |||||
Units and warrants for finders fee |
|
170,550 |
|
|
|
2,042 |
|
|
|
|
|
2,042 |
| |||||
Cost of offerings including cash costs of $3,783 |
|
|
|
|
|
(5,815 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(5,815 |
) | |||||
Stock Options: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Exercised between $0.11 and $6.93 per share |
|
3,601,463 |
|
4 |
|
1,769 |
|
|
|
|
|
1,773 |
| |||||
Cashless exercise of stock options |
|
1,648,647 |
|
2 |
|
(2 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Issued pursuant to stock awards |
|
831,347 |
|
2 |
|
(38 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(36 |
) | |||||
Returned due to pricing errors on stock option exercise |
|
(38,998 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Stock based compensation |
|
|
|
|
|
17,943 |
|
|
|
|
|
17,943 |
| |||||
Stock Warrants: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Issued for services at $1.07 per warrant |
|
|
|
|
|
80 |
|
|
|
|
|
80 |
| |||||
Exercised between $0.40 and $5.20 per share |
|
14,537,267 |
|
14 |
|
34,026 |
|
|
|
|
|
34,040 |
| |||||
Cashless exercise of warrants |
|
1,978,458 |
|
2 |
|
(2 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Unrealized Losses on marketable securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
2 |
| |||||
Additional paid in capital from shareholder |
|
|
|
|
|
499 |
|
|
|
|
|
499 |
| |||||
Net loss for the years ended December 31, 2002 through 2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(82,229 |
) |
(82,229 |
) | |||||
Balances, December 31, 2009 |
|
72,437,538 |
|
72 |
|
187,290 |
|
|
|
(82,442 |
) |
104,920 |
| |||||
GENERAL MOLY, INC.
(A DEVELOPMENT STAGE COMPANY)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
(In thousands, except number of shares and per share amounts)
|
|
Common |
|
Amount |
|
Additional |
|
Accumulated |
|
Accumulated |
|
Total |
| |||||
Stock Warrants: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Exercised at $3.75 per share |
|
812,500 |
|
1 |
|
3,046 |
|
|
|
|
|
3,047 |
| |||||
Cashless exercise of warrants |
|
59,770 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Repricing of warrants |
|
|
|
|
|
965 |
|
|
|
|
|
965 |
| |||||
Stock Options: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Exercised at $2.80 per share |
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
57 |
|
|
|
|
|
57 |
| |||||
Cashless exercise of options |
|
24,074 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Stock based compensation |
|
|
|
|
|
2,723 |
|
|
|
|
|
2,723 |
| |||||
Issuance of Units of Common Stock : |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Issued for cash at $3.38 per share |
|
11,843,341 |
|
12 |
|
39,988 |
|
|
|
|
|
40,000 |
| |||||
Issued pursuant to stock awards |
|
156,250 |
|
|
|
448 |
|
|
|
|
|
448 |
| |||||
Net loss for the year ended December 31, 2010 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(15,723 |
) |
(15,723 |
) | |||||
Balances, December 31, 2010 |
|
85,353,473 |
|
85 |
|
234,517 |
|
|
|
(98,165 |
) |
136,437 |
| |||||
Stock Warrants: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Exercised between $3.66 and $3.75 per share |
|
5,183,209 |
|
5 |
|
19,050 |
|
|
|
|
|
19,055 |
| |||||
Cashless exercise of warrants |
|
24,547 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Stock Options: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Exercised at $2.80 per share |
|
133,333 |
|
|
|
357 |
|
|
|
|
|
357 |
| |||||
Stock based compensation |
|
|
|
|
|
1,971 |
|
|
|
|
|
1,971 |
| |||||
Stock Appreciation Rights: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Exercised between $0.96 and $4.35 per share |
|
53,511 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Issuance of Units of Common Stock : |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Issued pursuant to stock awards |
|
70,175 |
|
1 |
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Net loss for the year ended December 31, 2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(14,768 |
) |
(14,768 |
) | |||||
Balances, December 31, 2011 |
|
90,818,248 |
|
$ |
91 |
|
$ |
255,894 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
(112,933 |
) |
$ |
143,052 |
|
Stock Options: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Exercised at $2.80 per share |
|
50,971 |
|
|
|
125 |
|
|
|
|
|
125 |
| |||||
Cashless exercise of stock options |
|
212,280 |
|
|
|
458 |
|
|
|
|
|
458 |
| |||||
Stock-based compensation |
|
|
|
|
|
2,053 |
|
|
|
|
|
2,053 |
| |||||
Stock Warrants: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Loan Commitment Fees |
|
|
|
|
|
12,372 |
|
|
|
|
|
12,372 |
| |||||
Issuance of Units of Common Stock : |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Issued pursuant to stock awards |
|
251,593 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Net loss for the year ended December 31, 2012 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(9,920 |
) |
(9,920 |
) | |||||
Balances, December 31, 2012 |
|
91,333,092 |
|
$ |
91 |
|
$ |
270,902 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
(122,853 |
) |
$ |
148,140 |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
GENERAL MOLY, INC.
(A DEVELOPMENT STAGE COMPANY)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1 DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
General Moly, Inc. (we, us, our, Company, or General Moly) is a Delaware corporation originally incorporated as General Mines Corporation on November 23, 1925. We have gone through several name changes and on October 5, 2007, we reincorporated in the State of Delaware (Reincorporation) through a merger involving Idaho General Mines, Inc. and General Moly, Inc., a Delaware corporation that was a wholly owned subsidiary of Idaho General Mines, Inc. The Reincorporation was effected by merging Idaho General Mines, Inc. with and into General Moly, with General Moly being the surviving entity. For purposes of the Companys reporting status with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), General Moly is deemed a successor to Idaho General Mines, Inc.
We were in the exploration stage from January 1, 2002 until October 4, 2007, when our Board of Directors (Board) approved the development of the Mt. Hope molybdenum property (Mt. Hope Project) in Eureka County, Nevada. The Company is now in the development stage and is currently proceeding with the development of the Mt. Hope Project. We are also conducting exploration and evaluation activities on our Liberty molybdenum property (Liberty Property) in Nye County, Nevada.
The Mt. Hope Project.
From October 2005 to January 2008, we owned the rights to 100% of the Mt. Hope Project. Effective as of January 1, 2008, we contributed all of our interest in the assets related to the Mt. Hope Project, including our lease of the Mt. Hope Project into Eureka Moly, LLC (the LLC), and in February 2008 entered into an agreement (LLC Agreement) for the development and operation of the Mt. Hope Project with POS-Minerals. Under the LLC Agreement, POS-Minerals owns a 20% interest in the LLC and General Moly, through Nevada Moly, LLC (Nevada Moly), a wholly-owned subsidiary, owns an 80% interest. The ownership interests and/or required capital contributions under the LLC Agreement can change as discussed below.
Pursuant to the terms of the LLC Agreement, POS-Minerals made its first and second capital contributions to the LLC totaling $100.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2008 (Initial Contributions). Additional amounts were due from POS-Minerals within 15 days after the date (ROD Contribution Date) that specified conditions (ROD Contribution Conditions) were satisfied. The ROD Contribution Conditions were (i) the receipt of major operating permits for the Mt. Hope Project, (ii) confirmation that the Record of Decision (ROD) from the United States Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for the Mt. Hope Project had become effective, and (iii) any administrative or judicial appeals with respect thereto are final. The ROD became effective November 16, 2012 and the satisfaction of the other ROD Contribution Conditions occurred in December 2012. POS-Minerals made the third capital contribution installment of $56.0 million on December 6, 2012. Furthermore, an additional payment of $44.7 million was made representing POS-Minerals 20% share of all costs incurred for the development of the Mt. Hope Project during the period from 2008 through October 2012.
In addition, as commercial production at the Mt. Hope Project was not achieved by December 31,2011, the LLC will be required to return to POS-Minerals $36.0 million of its capital contributions to the LLC, with no corresponding reduction in POS-Minerals ownership percentage. This return of contributions payment will be due 20 days after the commencement of commercial production, as defined in the LLC Agreement. Based on our current plan, we anticipate commercial production will be achieved in mid-2015. Nevada Moly is obligated under the terms of the LLC Agreement to make capital contributions to the LLC to fund the return of contributions to POS-Minerals upon achievement of commercial production (i.e. when the contingency is resolved). If Nevada Moly does not fund their additional capital contribution in order for the LLC to return to POS-Minerals $36 million of its total capital contribution, POS-Minerals has an election to either make a secured loan to the LLC to fund the return of contributions, or receive an additional interest in the LLC of approximately 5%. In the latter case, our (Nevada Molys) interest in the LLC is subject to dilution by a percentage equal to the ratio of 1.5 times the amount of the unpaid contributions over the aggregate amount of deemed capital contributions (as determined under the LLC Agreement) of both parties to the LLC (Dilution Formula). At December 31, 2012, the aggregate amount of deemed capital contributions of both parties was $1,018.8 million.
Furthermore, the LLC Agreement permits POS-Minerals to put its interest in the LLC to Nevada Moly after a change of control of Nevada Moly or the Company, as defined in the LLC Agreement, followed by a failure to use standard mining industry practice in connection with the development and operation of the Mt. Hope Project as contemplated by the parties for a period of twelve consecutive months. If POS-Minerals puts its interest, Nevada Moly or its transferee or surviving entity would be required to purchase the interest for 120% of POS-Minerals total contributions to the LLC plus 10% interest per annum.
Beginning in November 2012, the Company and POS-Minerals began making monthly pro rata capital contributions to the LLC to fund costs incurred as required by the LLC agreement. The interest of a party in the LLC that does not make its monthly pro rata capital contributions to fund costs incurred after the ROD Contribution Date is subject to dilution based on the Dilution Formula.
NOTE 2 LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS AND RESTRUCTURING
Our consolidated cash balance at December 31, 2012, was $68.3 million compared to $40.7 million at December 31, 2011. The cash needs for the development of the Mt. Hope Project require that we and/or the LLC finalize the financing described below in addition to the capital contributions to be received from POS-Minerals.
The anticipated sources of financing described below, combined with funds anticipated to be received from POS-Minerals in order to retain its 20% share, provide substantially all of our currently planned funding required for constructing and placing the Mt. Hope Project into commercial production. Funding requirements for working capital and potential capital overrun needs will require additional resources. There can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in raising additional financing in the future on terms acceptable to the Company or at all.
Agreements with Hanlong (USA) Mining Investment Inc.
We have signed a series of agreements (the Hanlong Transaction) with Hanlong (USA) Mining Investment, Inc. (Hanlong), an affiliate of Sichuan Hanlong Group, a large privately held Chinese company. The agreements described below form the basis of a $745 million transaction that is intended to provide the Company with adequate capital to contribute its 80% share of costs to develop the Mt. Hope Project. The agreements include: (a) a Securities Purchase Agreement that provides for the sale to Hanlong of shares of our common stock in two tranches that will aggregate 25% of our outstanding stock on a fully diluted basis for $80 million ($40 million per tranche), conditioned upon us receiving permits for the Mt. Hope Project and Hanlongs use of commercially reasonable efforts to procure a $665 million loan from a Prime Chinese Bank for our use in constructing the Mt. Hope Project; (b) a Stockholder Agreement that provides Hanlong representation on our Board of Directors (Board) and the LLC management committee, governs how Hanlong will vote its shares of the Company and limits Hanlongs ability to purchase or dispose of our securities ; (c) a Bridge Loan whereby Hanlong will provide up to $20 million to the Company to preserve liquidity until permits are received and the Term Loan is available; (d) a Subordinated Debt Agreement whereby Hanlong will provide up to $125.0 million to assist the Company in financing capital cost increases; and (e) a long-term molybdenum supply off-take agreement (discussed further in Item 7A above) which requires Hanlong to purchase the Companys entire share of the Mt. Hope Projects molybdenum production above that necessary for the Company to meet its existing supply commitments until the expiration of those commitments.
The Securities Purchase Agreement (Purchase Agreement)
Stock Purchase. The Purchase Agreement provides, subject to its terms and conditions, for the purchase by Hanlong of $80.0 million of our common stock, or approximately 27.5 million shares, which will equal 25% of our outstanding common stock on a fully-diluted basis.
The Purchase Agreement has been amended five times including: (1) July 30, 2010 amendment extending the deadline for obtaining Chinese government approvals by two months to October 13, 2010, as well as extending the Companys deadline for publishing its DEIS and receiving its ROD (ROD Condition) to February 28, 2011, and November 30, 2011, respectively. Hanlong has received Chinese government approvals for its equity investment in us and our DEIS was published; (2) an October 26, 2010 amendment setting the closing of Hanlongs purchase of the first $40.0 million tranche of equity for December 20, 2010 and eliminating the condition that required us to have our DEIS published prior to closing this funding; (3) a December 20, 2010 amendment that made certain non-substantive changes in connection with the closing of the first tranche of Hanlongs equity investment (Tranche 1); (4) a July 7, 2011 amendment that eliminated the deadline for publication of the DEIS, extended the ROD deadline from November 30, 2011 to the earlier of nine months following DEIS publication or September 30, 2012, extended Hanlongs commitment to make available the Term Loan from two months following ROD to nine months following the ROD, provided the ability for the Company to extend the ROD Condition date to the earlier of 12 months following DEIS publication and December 30, 2012 (ROD Condition Extension), and extended the maturity date of the Bridge Loan to the earlier of (i) 270 days after the issuance of the ROD, (ii) the date on which the Purchase Agreement terminates, and (iii) the earlier of December 31, 2012 and the availability of the Term Loan; and (5) a June 14, 2012 amendment that provided notice to Hanlong that the Company did not expect the BLM to issue the ROD before September 2, 2012 but did expect the ROD to be issued prior to December 2, 2012 and further provided notice that the Company wished to utilize the ROD Condition Extension, thereby amending the date by which the ROD must be issued to December 2, 2012. The ROD became effective on November 16, 2012; thereby fulfilling the Companys requirements under the Purchase Agreement.
The Purchase Agreement may be terminated by either party (providing the terminating party is not in default) if the closing of the second tranche (Tranche 2) has not occurred on or before the earlier of December 31, 2012 or 12 months after the issuance of the ROD.
As discussed above, the second tranche will be for a purchase price of an additional $40.0 million. Remaining conditions significant to the closing of Tranche 2 require the completion of documentation for and satisfaction of conditions precedent for the availability of funding under the Term Loan, described below.
Hanlong will have the right to purchase a portion of any additional shares of common stock that we may issue during the term of the Purchase Agreement so that it can maintain its percentage ownership, unless its ownership is at the time below 5% at the earlier of the closing of Tranche 2 or closing of the Term Loan. It may also acquire additional shares so that it maintains a 20% indirect interest in the Mt. Hope Project if our interest in the LLC is reduced below 80%. If we issue shares to fund the Mt. Hope Project under certain circumstances, and on or before the date of commercial production, and Hanlong exercises its rights to maintain its percentage interest, we will be obligated to refund to Hanlong the cost of such shares over a three-year period up to an aggregate of $9.0 million.
Break Fees. A break fee is payable by both the Company and Hanlong if the Purchase Agreement terminates because of the failure of certain conditions. A break fee of $10.0 million is payable to the Company if the Purchase Agreement is terminated because Hanlong fails to obtain necessary Chinese government approvals, which may be offset against any balances owed by the Company under the Bridge Loan. A break fee of $5.0 million is payable to Hanlong if the Purchase Agreement is terminated and the Company has violated the no-shop provisions of the Purchase Agreement. On January 9, 2012, the Company and Hanlong executed an Option Agreement concerning the payment date for the ROD Extension Fee under the Purchase Agreement for no consideration. The option was exercised on June 14, 2012, thereby amending the Purchase Agreement to extend payment of the $2.0 million ROD Extension Fee from December 2012 to April 30, 2013. As the achievement of ROD by the September 2, 2012 deadline did not occur, a $2.0 million ROD Extension Fee has been accrued as of December 31, 2012, and is included in capitalized debt issuance costs. This fee will be credited against the arrangement fee described below. In addition, the break fee was increased by $2.0 million at the time the option was exercised. Therefore, the maximum amount of potential break fees payable by the Company is $7.0 million. The break fee payable by the Company to Hanlong may be paid in cash, or, in certain circumstances, in shares of our common stock at our option. If paid in shares, the price would be the volume weighted average of our common stock on the NYSE MKT for the five days ending six days after the announcement of the termination.
Stockholder Agreement
In connection with Hanlongs purchase of our shares, Hanlong signed a Stockholder Agreement with the Company that limits Hanlongs future acquisitions of our common stock, provides for designation of up to two directors to our Board and representation on the LLC management committee, and places some restrictions on Hanlongs voting and disposition of our shares.
After the Tranche 1 closing, Hanlong became entitled to nominate one director to serve on our Board and one representative to the LLC management committee. Nelson Chen currently serves in both of these capacities. After the Tranche 2 closing, Hanlong will be entitled to nominate a second director. The Company will include and recommend the election of Hanlongs nominees in the Boards slate of nominees submitted to our stockholders, subject to the Boards fiduciary obligations concerning nomination of directors and compliance by the nominee with applicable law and Company requirements concerning disclosure of information. The Hanlong nominees may also serve on committees for which they are eligible.
Hanlong has agreed not to purchase additional shares, except as permitted by the Purchase Agreement, without the Companys prior consent, and has agreed that it will not solicit proxies, join a group with respect to our equity securities, solicit or encourage an offer from another person for the Company, call a meeting of the Companys stockholders or make a proposal to the Companys stockholders, except to the Board. If our Board receives an offer for the Company, for its assets or a merger that the Board determines is in the best interests of the Companys stockholders, Hanlong is required to vote in favor of such a transaction or tender its shares unless it proposes an alternative transaction that our Board determines is more favorable to our stockholders than the offer received.
Hanlong may not, without the prior written consent of the Board, transfer ownership of their securities if the recipient would acquire beneficial ownership of more than 5% of our common stock as of the date of such transfer. The restrictions on Hanlongs share ownership, voting, disposition and drag-along rights will terminate on the earlier of the time that Hanlong owns less than 10% of our common stock, the date that is 6 months after the date that commercial production begins at the Mt. Hope Project, and June 30, 2014.
Bridge Loan
Hanlong agreed to provide a $20.0 million Bridge Loan to the Company, available in two equal $10.0 million tranches. On April 28, 2010, we drew down the first $10.0 million tranche. The second tranche became available after receiving stockholder
approval of the Hanlong Transaction. The first tranche of the Bridge Loan bears interest at a rate tie to the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus 2% per annum. The second tranche of the Bridge Loan will bear interest at 10% per annum and is undrawn. The Bridge Loan will be repaid from the proceeds of the Term Loan. The second tranche may also be repaid at the Companys election, in shares of the Companys common stock. If paid in shares, the price would be the volume weighted average of the Companys shares on the NYSE MKT for a five-day period after public announcement of the event that required repayment. The Company may offset its right to receive the break fee against its obligations to repay borrowings under the Bridge Loan. On January 9, 2012, the Company and Hanlong executed a second Option Agreement concerning the Bridge Loan Agreement. On June 14, 2012, the Company exercised the option, thereby amending the Bridge Loan Agreement for no consideration to extend the maturity date of the Bridge Loan from December 31, 2012 until April 30, 2013. This option also has the effect of potentially extending the availability of the undrawn $10.0 million second tranche to April 30, 2013 since the availability of the second tranche ends the earliest of the Tranche 2 closing date, the maturity date of the Bridge Loan and the first borrowing under the Term Loan.
The outstanding balance of the Bridge Loan and related accrued interest are recorded as a current liability as of December 31, 2012 as the latest available maturity date of the Bridge Loan is April 30, 2013. The Bridge Loan and our obligation to pay a break fee to Hanlong under the Purchase Agreement are secured by a pledge by us of a 10% interest in the LLC.
Chinese Bank Term Loan
Hanlong is obligated to use commercially reasonable efforts to procure a Term Loan in an amount of at least $665.0 million. The Term Loan is expected to bear interest at LIBOR plus a spread of between 2% and 4% per annum. The Purchase Agreement provides that the Term Loan will have customary covenants and conditions; however, the terms of the Term Loan have not yet been negotiated with the lender and we have no assurance as to the final terms of the Term Loan. On February 16, 2012, the Company announced China Development Bank (CDB) had confirmed the basic terms underlying a proposed $665.0 million term loan to finance the Companys 80% share of development costs for the Mt. Hope project, including a CDB intention to lend $399.0 million and arrange a consortium of Chinese and international banks to fund the balance of $266.0 million. The Term Loan is anticipated to carry a maturity of 12 years including a 30 month grace period to allow for the construction of the Mt. Hope Project. The interest rate will remain subject to market conditions and Chinese government policy. The Company and Hanlong are continuing to work with CDB with a target of having the loan completed, approved and available to the Company by mid-2013. Hanlong or an affiliate is obligated to guarantee the Term Loan. When funds can be drawn by the Company under the Term Loan, the Company will pay a $15.0 million arrangement fee to Hanlong who will pay fees and expenses associated with the Term Loan before the Term Loan closing, including those charged by the Chinese bank.
Hanlong Subordinated Debt Facility
On October 26, 2012, the Company and Hanlong signed a Subordinated Debt Agreement (Sub Debt Facility) under which Hanlong agreed to provide, with a six month option to arrange a third party credit facility, up to $125.0 million to assist the Company in financing capital cost increases. Under the Sub Debt Facility, Hanlong will lend in two tranches. Tranche A in the amount of $75.0 million will be available to the Company during the Mt. Hope Projects construction period after full advance of the Term Loan. Tranche B, in the amount of $50.0 million, will be available during the six-month period following the commencement of commercial production. Tranche A of the Sub Debt Facility can be reduced to the extent equipment is leased for the Mt. Hope Project by the LLC. In exchange for arranging the Sub Debt Facility, the Company will pay a fee to Hanlong of $6.3 million, payable at the earlier of the first draw under the Term Loan, upon receiving funds associated with the exercise of Hanlongs warrants, described below, or other financing of at least $8.0 million, or October 26, 2014, if the Sub Debt Facility is in effect. Simultaneously with the execution of the Sub Debt Facility, the Company issued a warrant to Hanlong with a 2.5 year maturity to purchase ten million shares of the Companys common stock. The warrant is priced at a 15% premium to the 10 day volume weighted average price on the issuance date, which results in a price of $4.23 per share, and becomes exercisable on April 26, 2013. A value of $12.4 million has been placed on the warrant. This amount has been recorded as loan commitment fees as of December 31, 2012 and will be expensed ratably over the life of the loan. Following the close of the Tranche 2 purchase of stock under the Purchase Agreement and an exercise of the issued warrant, Hanlong would own approximately 31% of our outstanding shares.
Both tranches of the Sub Debt Facility will mature 5 years after the achievement of commercial production at the Mt. Hope Project and will require mandatory prepayment of 50% of the Companys semi-annual net free cash flow after debt service payments on the Term Loan and any other Mt. Hope Project funding requirements. The Sub Debt Facility will be subordinated to the Term Loan and will bear interest at 6-month LIBOR plus 4%, with interest paid semi-annually. The Sub Debt Facility has covenants that are customary for subordinated credit facilities and will contain additional covenants required to effect subordination to the Term Loan satisfactory to the holders of the Term Loan. Advances under the Sub Debt Facility are subject to a number of conditions precedent, such as accuracy of representations and warranties, compliance with covenants, absence of default and full advance of the Term Loan.
In connection with the Sub Debt Facility, the Company and Hanlong entered into Amendment No. 1 to the above described Stockholder Agreement on October 26, 2012. The amendment provides that the warrant or shares issued pursuant to the warrant will not be included in the calculation of Hanlongs beneficial ownership under provisions of the Stockholder Agreement or other
agreements entered into by the Company and Hanlong prior to October 26, 2012. The amendment also provides that the warrant and shares issued pursuant to the warrant will be subject to the rights and restrictions of the Stockholder Agreement with the exception of restrictions on disposition, pledges and encumbrances.
Equipment and Supply Procurement
The LLC began a slow procurement and engineering restart in early 2012 designed to conserve cash while maintaining project schedule in order to maximize financial flexibility until its major permits were acquired. The LLC continues to take a cautious approach with preliminary construction activities until the Company completes documentation and receives funding of its Term Loan.
Through December 31, 2012, the LLC has made deposits of $69.7 million on equipment orders, has spent approximately $139.1 million for the development of the Mt. Hope Project and has paid $12.0 million into an escrow arrangement for electricity transmission services.
Based on commitments as of the end of 2012, we expect to make additional payments on wellfield materials and milling process equipment orders of approximately $11.2 million in 2013 and $14.4 million in 2014.
On February 28, 2012, the LLC issued a firm purchase order for 18 haul trucks. The order provides for delivery of those haul trucks required to perform initial mine development, currently scheduled for late 2013 or early 2014. A non-refundable down-payment of $0.6 million was made at the time of order with an additional $0.6 million paid in December 2012, 12 months prior to anticipated truck shipment, but the contract is cancellable with no further liability to the LLC up until the time of truck shipment.
On June 25, 2012, the LLC issued a firm purchase order for four mine production drills. A non-refundable down-payment of $0.4 million was made in December 2012. The contract remains cancellable with no further liability to the LLC until the time the drills are shipped.
At June 30, 2012, the LLCs contract to purchase two electric shovels expired. We signed a new letter of intent with the vendor providing for the opportunity to purchase the electric shovels at prices consistent with the expired contract, less a special discount in the amount of $3.4 million to provide credit to the LLC for amounts paid as deposits under the expired contract. The agreement provides that equipment pricing will remain subject to inflation indexes and guarantees production slots to ensure that the equipment is available when required by the LLC.
NOTE 3 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
This summary of significant accounting policies is presented to assist in understanding the financial statements. The financial statements and notes are representations of the Companys management, which is responsible for their integrity and objectivity. These accounting policies conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) and have been consistently applied in the preparation of the financial statements.
Accounting Method
Our financial statements are prepared using the accrual basis of accounting in accordance with GAAP. With the exception of the LLC, all of our subsidiaries are wholly owned. In February 2008, we entered into the LLC Agreement, which established our ownership interest in the LLC at 80%. The consolidated financial statements include all of our wholly owned subsidiaries and the LLC. The POS-Minerals contributions attributable to their 20% interest are shown as Contingently Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. For most of the years presented, the LLC had net operating expenses and, accordingly, the net loss attributable to contingently redeemable noncontrolling interest is reflected separately on the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
Contingently Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest (CRNCI)
Under GAAP, certain noncontrolling interests in consolidated entities meet the definition of mandatorily redeemable financial instruments if the ability to redeem the interest is outside of the control of the consolidating entity. As described in Note 1 Description of Business, the LLC Agreement permits POS-Minerals the option to put its interest in the LLC to Nevada Moly upon a change of control, as defined in the LLC Agreement, followed by a failure to use standard mining industry practice in connection with development and operation of the Mt. Hope Project as contemplated by the parties for a period of 12 consecutive months. As such, the CRNCI has continued to be shown as a separate caption between liabilities and equity (mezzanine section). The carrying value of the CRNCI includes $36 million that will be returned to POS-Minerals contingent upon the achievement of
commercial production at the Mt. Hope Project as stipulated in the LLC Agreement. The expected return of capital to POS-Minerals is carried at redemption value as we believe redemption of this amount is probable. The remaining carrying value of the CRNCI has not been adjusted to its redemption value as the contingencies that may allow POS-Minerals to require redemption of its noncontrolling interest are not probable of occurring. Under GAAP, until such time as that contingency has been eliminated and redemption is no longer contingent upon anything other than the passage of time, no adjustment to the CRNCI balance should be made. Future changes in the redemption value will be recognized immediately as they occur and the Company will adjust the carrying amount of the CRNCI to equal the redemption value at the end of each reporting period.
Estimates
The process of preparing consolidated financial statements requires the use of estimates and assumptions regarding certain types of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses. Such estimates primarily relate to unsettled transactions and events as of the date of the financial statements. Accordingly, upon settlement, actual results may differ from estimated amounts.
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash
We consider all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The Companys cash equivalent instruments are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy established by FASB guidance for Fair Value Measurements because they are valued based on quoted market prices in active markets. These cash instruments included $52.0 million in U.S. Treasury securities at December 31, 2012.
We consider all restricted cash to be long-term. In December 2012, the Company established a reserve account at the direction of the EMLLC management committee in the amount of $36.0 million and will remain until the Term Loan is confirmed. These funds are not available for general purposes until the management committee authorizes a release.
Exploration and Development Stage Activities
We were in the exploration stage from January 2002 until October 4, 2007. On October 4, 2007, our Board approved the development of the Mt. Hope Project as contemplated in the Bankable Feasibility Study and we then entered into the development stage. We have not realized any revenue from operations. We will be primarily engaged in development of the Mt. Hope Project and exploration and evaluation of the Liberty Project until we enter the production stage of the Mt. Hope Project.
Basic and Diluted Net Loss Per Share
Net loss per share was computed by dividing the net loss attributable to General Moly, Inc. by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period. The weighted average number of shares was calculated by taking the number of shares outstanding and weighting them by the amount of time that they were outstanding. Outstanding warrants to purchase 11,000,000, 1,000,000 and 6,263,209 shares of common stock, options to purchase 1,266,658, 2,484,990 and 2,658,323 shares of common stock, and unvested stock awards totaling 1,136,223, 615,763 and 421,726 shares at December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and 1,639,631, 1,290,499 and 912,461 shares under Stock Appreciation Rights at December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively, were not included in the computation of diluted loss per share for the three and twelve months December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively, because to do so would have been anti-dilutive. Therefore, basic loss per share is the same as diluted loss per share.
Mineral Exploration and Development Costs
All exploration expenditures are expensed as incurred. Significant property acquisition payments for active exploration properties are capitalized. If no economic ore body is discovered, previously capitalized costs are expensed in the period the property is abandoned. Expenditures to develop new mines, to define further mineralization in existing ore bodies, and to expand the capacity of operating mines, are capitalized and amortized on a units-of-production basis over proven and probable reserves.
Should a property be abandoned, its capitalized costs are charged to operations. The Company charges to the consolidated statement of operations the allocable portion of capitalized costs attributable to properties sold. Capitalized costs are allocated to properties sold based on the proportion of claims sold to the claims remaining within the project area.
Mining Properties, Land and Water Rights
Costs of acquiring and developing mining properties, land and water rights are capitalized as appropriate by project area. Exploration and related costs and costs to maintain mining properties, land and water rights are expensed as incurred while the property is in the exploration and evaluation stage. Development and related costs and costs to maintain mining properties, land and
water rights are capitalized as incurred while the property is in the development stage. When a property reaches the production stage, the related capitalized costs are amortized using the units-of-production basis over proven and probable reserves. Mining properties, land and water rights are periodically assessed for impairment of value, and any subsequent losses are charged to operations at the time of impairment. If a property is abandoned or sold, a gain or loss is recognized and included in the consolidated statement of operations.
The Company has capitalized royalty payments made to MHMI during the development stage. The amounts will be applied to production royalties owed upon the commencement of production.
Depreciation and Amortization
Property and equipment are recorded at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Property and equipment are depreciated using the following estimated useful lives:
Field equipment |
|
Four to ten years |
Office furniture, fixtures, and equipment |
|
Five to seven years |
Vehicles |
|
Three to five years |
Leasehold improvements |
|
Three years or the term of the lease, whichever is shorter |
Residential trailers |
|
Ten to twenty years |
Buildings and improvements |
|
Ten to twenty seven and one-half years |
At December 31, 2012 and 2011, accumulated depreciation and amortization was $1.7 and $1.4 million, respectively, of which $1.5 and $1.1 million, respectively, was capitalized.
Provision for Taxes
Income taxes are provided based upon the asset and liability method of accounting. Under this approach, deferred income taxes are recorded to reflect the tax consequences in future years of differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their financial reporting amounts at each year-end. In accordance with authoritative guidance under Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 740, Income Taxes, a valuation allowance is recorded against the deferred tax asset if management does not believe the Company has met the more likely than not standard to allow recognition of such an asset.
Reclamation and Remediation
Expenditures for ongoing compliance with environmental regulations that relate to current operations are expensed or capitalized as appropriate. Expenditures resulting from the remediation of existing conditions caused by past operations that do not contribute to future revenue generation are expensed. Liabilities are recognized when environmental assessments indicate that remediation efforts are probable and the costs can be reasonably estimated.
Estimates of such liabilities are based upon currently available facts, existing technology and presently enacted laws and regulations taking into consideration the likely effects of inflation and other societal and economic factors, and include estimates of associated legal costs. These amounts also reflect prior experience in remediating contaminated sites, other companies clean-up experience and data released by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or other organizations. Such estimates are by their nature imprecise and can be expected to be revised over time because of changes in government regulations, operations, technology and inflation. Recoveries are evaluated separately from the liability. When recovery is assured, the Company records and reports an asset separately from the associated liability.
Stock-based Compensation
Stock-based compensation represents the fair value related to stock-based awards granted to members of the Board, officers and employees. The Company uses the Black-Scholes model to determine the fair value of stock-based awards under authoritative guidance for Stock-Based Compensation. For stock based compensation that is earned upon the satisfaction of a service condition, the cost is recognized on a straight-line basis (net of estimated forfeitures) over the requisite vesting period (up to three years). Awards expire five years from the date of vesting.
Further information regarding stock-based compensation can be found in Note 7 Equity Incentives.
Debt
The Company has determined that the Bridge Loan is a Level 3 financial instrument because it includes unobservable inputs to its fair value analysis. We have utilized the discounted cash flow income approach to calculate the fair value of the Bridge Loan liability as of December 31, 2012. Inputs to this valuation are as follows:
Interest Rate |
|
LIBOR plus 4.25% |
Discount Rate |
|
8% |
Term to Maturity |
|
4 months |
Principal Amount |
|
$10.0 million |
The Interest Rate was determined based on recent equipment financing terms quoted to the Company. The Discount Rate is consistent with that used in the Companys long term operational plans. The Term to Maturity is the expected remaining duration of the Bridge Loan as of December 31, 2012. Based on the inputs above, the fair value of the Bridge Loan at December 31, 2012 was $11.3 million compared to a recorded value of $10.7 million, including accrued interest.
The fair value calculation would change based on changes to unobservable inputs such as the implicit interest rate. An increase of 1% in the implicit interest rate would increase the fair value of the Bridge Loan by $0.3 million.
There have been no changes in the method used to calculate the fair value of the Bridge Loan during the period.
Debt Issuance and Loan Commitment Costs
The Company has capitalized certain costs such as technical due diligence, related legal fees, advances against the arrangement fee in the amount of $5.7 million incurred in direct pursuit of the Term Loan based on our belief that it is probable that the Company will receive the Term Loan. A portion of these costs were incurred on behalf of Hanlong and will be offset against the $15.0 million arrangement fee to be paid by the Company to Hanlong upon the closing of the Term Loan. These costs will be amortized over the life of the Term Loan using the effective interest method once the Term Loan has been made available.
In addition, the $12.4 million value placed on the warrant issued to Hanlong in connection with the subordinated debt agreement is considered a loan commitment fee. These costs will be amortized over the life of the Subordinated Debt Loan using the straight line method from the date the loan agreement was effective.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRS
In May 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2011-04, Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRS. The Update amends fair value measurements and disclosures to (1) clarify the boards intent in respect of existing measurement guidance, (2) revise certain measurement guidance that changes or modifies a principle, and (3) add disclosure requirements concerning the measurement uncertainty of Level 3 measurements. This guidance is effective for the Company for the first interim and annual period beginning on or after December 15, 2011. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material effect on its financial condition, results of operation, or cash flows.
Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income
In June 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income. Under the amendments, an entity has the option to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. This guidance is effective for the Company for the fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2011. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material effect on its financial condition, results of operation, or cash flows.
Accounting Standards Update No. 2012-02, IntangiblesGoodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment.
In July 2012, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2012-02, IntangiblesGoodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment. The new guidance provides an entity with the option first to assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events and circumstances indicates that it is more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. If, after assessing the totality of events and circumstances, an entity concludes that it is
not more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired, then the entity is not required to take further action. However, if an entity concludes otherwise, then it is required to determine the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset and perform the quantitative impairment test by comparing the fair value with the carrying amount in accordance with Subtopic 350-30. This guidance is effective for the Company annual and interim impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material effect on its financial condition, results of operation, or cash flows.
NOTE 4 MINING PROPERTIES, LAND AND WATER RIGHTS
We currently have interests in two mining properties that are the primary focus of our operations. The Mt. Hope Project is currently in the development stage and the Liberty Property is in the exploration and evaluation stage. We also have certain other, non-core, mining properties that are being evaluated for future evaluation or sale.
The Mt. Hope Project. We are currently in the process of developing the Mt. Hope Project. In November 2004, we entered into an option to lease all property and assets of the Mt. Hope Molybdenum Property from Mt. Hope Mines, Inc. (MHMI) and in October 2005 exercised our rights under the option. The lease was further amended in November 2007. The renewable lease allows us to proceed for the next 30 years with permitting, developing and mining the deposit and for so long thereafter as we maintain an active operation. In 2004, we paid $0.5 million and issued 500,000 shares of common stock with warrants to purchase 500,000 shares of common stock for the Mt. Hope option.
Pursuant to the terms of the lease, as amended, the underlying total royalty on production payable to MHMI, less certain deductions, is three and one-half percent for a molybdenum price up to $12 per pound, four and one-half percent for a molybdenum price up to $15 per pound, and five percent for a molybdenum price above $15 per pound (Production Royalties). The LLC is subject to certain periodic payments as set forth in Note 10 Commitments and Contingencies. Additionally, the LLC is obligated to pay Exxon Mineral Company a one percent net smelter royalty on all production.
During the year ended December 31, 2006, we purchased deeded land, which included certain BLM grazing rights, certain water rights and various other assets. The primary purpose for these purchases was to acquire land and water rights for use by the Mt. Hope Project. We paid $2.3 million cash for these purchases.
During the year ended December 31, 2007, we purchased land, water rights and various personal property for cash of $4.6 million and 67,000 shares of common stock valued at $0.4 million. The primary purpose of these purchases was to acquire additional land and water rights for the Mt. Hope Project.
In August 2007, the Company completed a BFS on the Mt. Hope Project, which provided data on the viability and expected economics of the project. Based on the findings in the study, on a 100% basis, we reported 1.3 billion pounds of contained (1.1 billion pounds recoverable) molybdenum in proven and probable reserves.
In October 2007, our Board approved the transition of the Mt. Hope Project into the development phase and authorized management to proceed with the execution of the project as outlined in the BFS.
Liberty Property. We are currently in the process of exploration and evaluation of the Liberty Property.
In March 2006 we purchased a portion of the Liberty Property, an approximately ten square mile property in Nye County, Nevada, including water rights, mineral and surface rights, buildings and certain equipment from High Desert Winds LLC (High Desert) pursuant to a purchase agreement. At closing, we paid High Desert a cash payment of $4.5 million for the portion of the Liberty Property that we purchased and made an additional payment of $1.0 million in November 2006 for the purchase of the remaining portion of High Deserts interest in this property for the total purchase price of $5.5 million including buildings and equipment at the Liberty site. The primary purpose of the Liberty purchase was to further the Companys strategy of exploring and developing other potential molybdenum properties.
At December 31, 2006, the Liberty Property was subject to a 12 percent royalty payable with respect to the net revenues generated from molybdenum or copper minerals removed from the properties purchased. In January 2007, we completed the acquisition of all of the issued and outstanding shares of the corporation that held the 12 percent net smelter royalty interest in the mineral rights of the Liberty Property and, as a result of this purchase, we now own the Liberty Property and all associated mineral rights. We paid approximately $3.7 million in cash at closing, net of cash acquired of $1.2 million. At first commercial production of the property, we have agreed to pay an additional $6.0 million. Because we cannot determine beyond a reasonable probability that the mine will attain commercial production, the Company has not recognized the $6.0 million liability in its financial statements. In connection with the acquisition, we also received restricted cash totaling $0.5 million and assumed reclamation and remediation costs, accounts payable and accrued liabilities of $0.3 million.
During the year ended December 31, 2007, we purchased a patented lode mining claim adjacent to the Liberty Property for $0.2 million cash and completed the purchase of certain patented lode mining claims referred to as the Liberty Claims on property adjacent to the Liberty Property for cash of $0.1 million and 150,000 shares of common stock valued at $0.4 million. These two acquisitions of mining claims were completed to control additional mineral rights needed for the development of the Liberty Property. We currently believe that we have all the mineral, water and surface rights necessary to develop the Liberty Property.
Other Mining Properties. We also have mining claims and land purchased prior to 2006 which consist in part of (a) approximately 107 acres of fee simple land in the Little Pine Creek area of Shoshone County, Idaho, (b) six patented mining claims known as the Chicago-London group, located near the town of Murray in Shoshone County, Idaho, (c) 265 acres of private land with three unpatented claims in Josephine County, Oregon, known as the Turner Gold project, and (d) 34 unpatented mining claims in Marion County, Oregon, known as the Detroit property.
Summary. The following is a summary of mining properties, land and water rights at December 31, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands):
|
|
At |
|
At |
| ||
Mt. Hope Project: |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Development costs |
|
$ |
120,829 |
|
$ |
99,984 |
|
Mineral, land and water rights |
|
11,728 |
|
10,526 |
| ||
Advance Royalties |
|
27,800 |
|
22,600 |
| ||
Total Mt. Hope Project |
|
160,357 |
|
133,110 |
| ||
Total Liberty Property |
|
9,721 |
|
9,733 |
| ||
Other Properties |
|
889 |
|
889 |
| ||
Total |
|
$ |
170,967 |
|
$ |
143,732 |
|
On June 26, 2009, the Company and Josephine Mining Corp. (JMC), a privately-owned Canadian company whose president is a related party to a member of the Companys Board, entered into an Option to Purchase Agreement for the Companys non-core Turner Gold property, a multi-metallic property located in Josephine County, Oregon, which the Company had acquired in 2004. JMC paid $0.1 million upon entering into the agreement, an additional $0.3 million in January 2011, an additional $0.3 million in December 2011, and an additional $0.5 million during the second half of 2012. Of the $1.2 million paid to date, $1.0 million will be applied to the purchase price and has been recorded as a deferred gain pending completion of the purchase. The remaining $0.2 million paid to date represents non-refundable fees paid in exchange for extending the due date of future installment payments. In the second half of 2012, the Company and JMC entered into amendments extending the date by which the final payment of $1.0 million was due to May 31, 2013, in exchange for fees of $150,000, which are not applicable to the purchase price. The periodic payments allow JMC certain exploratory rights. Ownership of the Turner Gold property will transfer to JMC upon the final payment. The Company will also retain a production royalty of 1.5% of all net smelter returns on future production from the property, should JMC acquire the property. The book value of the Companys investment in the Turner Gold property is approximately $0.8 million.
On March 8, 2010, the Company and Ascot USA, Inc. (Ascot), a Washington corporation, entered into an Option to Purchase Agreement for the Companys non-core Margaret property, an undivided 50% interest in the reserved mineral rights and all of the Companys interest in the 105 unpatented mining claims comprising the Red Bonanza Property, situated in the St. Helens Mining District, Skamania County, Washington. The Company acquired the property in 2004. Ascot made a final payment under the terms of the Agreement on October 3, 2012. The Company has transferred ownership of the Margaret property to Ascot. The Company has retained a production royalty of 1.5% of all net smelter returns on future production following Ascots purchase of the property. The Company carried no book value in the property. The Company recognized a gain of $2.0 million on the sale of this property in October 2012.
On September 30, 2011, the Company and Russell Mining & Minerals, Inc. (RMMI), a privately-owned company whose president is a related party to one of the Companys Board members, entered into an Option to Purchase Agreement for the Companys non-core Detroit Copper property, a multi-metallic property located in Marion County, Oregon. RMMI paid $0.1 million upon entering into the agreement. Once made, each option payment is non-refundable. The $0.1 million has been recorded as a deferred gain pending completion of the purchase. If RMMI proceeds, an additional $0.3 million installment payment is due March 31, 2013, and the final installment payment of $1.6 million is due on or before September 30, 2014. The final option payment may be extended by RMMI by up to two years by making non-refundable installment payments of $160,000 in each year to be extended, which are not applied to the purchase price of the property. The periodic payments allow RMMI certain exploratory rights. If RMMI makes all three of the installment payments, ownership of the Detroit Copper property will transfer to RMMI upon the final
payment. The Company has also retained a Production Royalty of 1.5% of all net smelter returns on future production from the property. The Company currently carries no book value in the property.
Development costs and Deposits on project property, plant and equipment
Development costs of $120.8 million include hydrology and drilling costs, expenditures to further the permitting process, capitalized salaries, project engineering costs, and other expenditures required to fully develop the Mt. Hope Project. Deposits on project property, plant and equipment of $69.7 million represent ongoing progress payments on equipment orders for the custom-built grinding and milling equipment, related electric mill drives, and other processing equipment that require the longest lead times.
Restricted Cash held for Electricity Transmission
The LLC has paid $12.0 million into an escrow arrangement for electricity transmission services. The amount represents security on a transmission contract that will provide power to the Mt. Hope Project, and is accounted for as restricted cash. All amounts escrowed are to be returned to the Company as electricity is delivered or on December 1, 2015, in the event that electricity transmission at the Mt. Hope Project has not commenced or at the time the agreement is cancelled by the Company.
Writedowns of Development Costs and Deposits
In 2011, the Company wrote off approximately $3.4 million in deposits, representing 50% of the deposit payments made to an equipment vendor, related to a contract for the purchase of electric shovels because of the passage of a June 30, 2011 deadline for a firm purchase order, at which time the LLCs contract to purchase two electric shovels expired. We signed a new letter of intent with the vendor providing for the opportunity to purchase the electric shovels at prices consistent with the expired contract, less a special discount in the amount of $3.4 million to provide credit to the LLC for amounts paid as deposits under the expired contract. The agreement provides that equipment pricing will remain subject to inflation indexes and guarantees production slots to ensure that the equipment is available when required by the LLC.
At an open public meeting on July 6, 2010, the Eureka County Board of Commissioners (the Commissioners) signed documents to relinquish a land lease held by the LLC in Eureka County, Nevada (the County). The LLC had planned to develop housing on the lease after receipt of ROD. The relinquishment made the land available for more rapid housing development by the County. The LLC had invested approximately $5.0 million in preliminary development costs for the property covered by the relinquished lease. As a result of the relinquishment, the Company incurred a charge of $5.0 million in 2010, of which $1.0 million is attributable to our noncontrolling interest. In addition, the County returned a $0.1 million cash deposit to the Company.
NOTE 5 COMMON STOCK UNITS, COMMON STOCK AND COMMON STOCK WARRANTS
Year ended December 31, 2012
During the year ended December 31, 2012, options representing 50,971 shares were exercised for cash in the amount of $0.6 million, options representing 607,362 shares were exercised in a cashless exchange resulting in the issuance of 480,776 shares and 251,593 shares of common stock were issued pursuant to stock awards.
Year ended December 31, 2011
During the year ended December 31, 2011, options representing 133,333 shares and warrants representing 5,183,209 shares were exercised for cash in the amount of $0.4 and $19.1 million, respectively. We issued 24,547 shares of common stock upon the cashless exercise of warrants, 70,175 shares of common stock pursuant to stock awards, and 53,511 shares of common stock upon the exercise of stock appreciation rights.
Year ended December 31, 2010
During the year ended December 31, 2010 options representing 20,000 shares and warrants representing 812,500 shares were exercised for cash in the amount of $0.1 million and $3.0 million, respectively. We issued 59,770 shares of common stock upon the cashless exercise of warrants, 24,074 shares of common stock upon the cashless exercise of options and 156,250 shares of common stock pursuant to stock awards.
The following is a summary of common stock warrant activity for each of the three years ended December 31, 2012:
|
|
Number of |
|
Exercise Price |
| ||
Balance at December 31, 2009 |
|
7,455,434 |
|
$ 3.75 to $10.00 |
| ||
Exercised for cash |
|
(812,500 |
) |
3.75 |
| ||
Exercised in cashless exchange |
|
(379,725 |
) |
3.75 |
| ||
Balance at December 31, 2010 (1) |
|
6,263,209 |
|
$ 3.66 to $5.00 |
| ||
Exercised for cash |
|
(5,183,209 |
) |
3.66 to 3.75 |
| ||
Exercised in cashless exchange |
|
(80,000 |
) |
3.75 |
| ||
Balance at December 31, 2011 |
|
1,000,000 |
|
$ |
5.00 |
| |
Issuance of new warrants |
|
10,000,000 |
|
4.23 |
| ||
Balance at December 31, 2012 |
|
11,000,000 |
|
$ |
4.23 to 5.00 |
| |
Weighted average exercise price |
|
$ |
4.30 |
|
|
| |
(1) See discussion below related to repricing of warrants during 2010 resulting in a change in the exercise price from $3.75 to $3.66 and $10.00 to $5.00.
Coghill Capital Management and its affiliates (Coghill), a significant stockholder in the Company, provided substantial assistance to the Company with the signing of the Consent and Waiver Agreement and the Extension Agreement with ArcelorMittal. In recognition of that support, on April 16, 2010, the Company amended and restated warrants issued to Coghill to purchase one million shares of the Companys common stock issued in connection with the November 2007 private placement and original molybdenum supply agreement with ArcelorMittal to reduce the price of the warrants from $10.00 per share to $5.00 per share. The incremental cost of the reissued warrants was $0.6 million, which was recorded as expense in 2010. The warrants remain exercisable once the Company has received financing necessary for the commencement of commercial production at the Mt. Hope Project and will expire one year thereafter. It will also become exercisable in the event of certain corporate reorganizations.
On December 21, 2010, the Company amended and restated warrants issued to Coghill to purchase 4.3 million shares of the Companys common stock issued in connection with a February 2006 private placement to reduce the price of the warrants from $3.75 per share to $3.66 per share provided that the warrants were exercised on or before January 3, 2011. The incremental cost of the reissued warrants was $0.4 million, which was recorded as expense in 2010. On January 3, 2011, Coghill exercised the warrants for $15.6 million.
On October 26, 2012, the Company issued a warrant to Hanlong to purchase 10.0 million shares of the Companys common stock in connection with the signing of the subordinated debt agreement at a price of $4.23 per share. The warrant was valued at $12.4 million, which was recorded as loan commitment fees in 2012 and will be amortized ratably over the life of the subordinated debt loan.
Of the warrants outstanding at December 31, 2012, 1,000,000 are exercisable at $5.00 per share once General Moly has received financing necessary for the commencement of commercial production at the Mt. Hope Project and will expire one year thereafter. The remaining 10,000,000 warrants are exercisable at $4.23 per share and are exercisable at any time during the period April 26, 2013 and April 26, 2015.
Pursuant to our Certificate of Incorporation, we are authorized to issue 200,000,000 shares of $0.001 par value common stock. All shares have equal voting rights, are non-assessable and have one vote per share. Voting rights are not cumulative and therefore, the holders of more than 50% of the common stock could, if they choose to do so, elect all of the directors of the Company.
NOTE 6 PREFERRED STOCK
Pursuant to our Certificate of Incorporation we are authorized to issue 10,000,000 shares of $0.001 per share par value preferred stock. The authorized but unissued shares of preferred stock may be issued in designated series from time to time by one or more resolutions adopted by the Board. The Board has the authority to determine the preferences, limitations and relative rights of each series of preferred stock. At December 31, 2012, and 2011, no shares of preferred stock were issued or outstanding. Subject to certain exceptions, if any person becomes the beneficial owner of 20% or more of the Companys common stock, each right will entitle the holder, other than the acquiring person, to purchase Company common stock or common stock of the acquiring person having a value of twice the exercise price. In addition, if there is a business combination between the Company and the acquiring person, or in certain other circumstances, each right that is not previously exercised will entitle the owner (other than the acquiring person) to purchase shares of common stock (or an equivalent equity interest) of the acquiring person at one-half the market price of those shares.
NOTE 7 EQUITY INCENTIVES
In 2006, the Board and shareholders of the Company approved the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (2006 Plan) that replaced the 2003 Equity Incentive Plan (2003 Plan). In May 2010, our shareholders approved an amendment to the 2006 Plan increasing the number of shares that may be issued under the plan by 4,500,000 shares to 9,600,000 shares. The 2006 Plan authorizes the Board, or a committee of the Board, to issue or transfer up to an aggregate of 9,600,000 shares of common stock, of which 2,944,010 remain available for issuance as of December 31, 2012. Awards under the 2006 Plan may include incentive stock options, non-statutory stock options, restricted stock units, restricted stock awards, and stock appreciation rights (SARs). At the option of the Board, SARs may be settled with cash, shares, or a combination of cash and shares. The Company settles the exercise of other stock-based compensation with newly issued common shares.
Stock-based compensation cost is estimated at the grant date based on the awards fair value as calculated by the Black-Scholes option pricing model and is recognized as compensation ratably on a straight-line basis over the requisite vesting/service period. As of December 31, 2012, there was $4.8 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to share-based compensation arrangements, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.7 years.
Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights
All stock options and stock appreciation rights (SARs) are approved prior to or on the date of grant. Stock options and SARs are granted at an exercise price equal to or greater than the Companys closing stock price on the date of grant. Both award types vest over a period of zero to three years with a contractual term of five years after vesting. The Company estimates the fair value of stock options and SARs using the Black-Scholes valuation model. Key inputs and assumptions used to estimate the fair value of stock options and SARs include the grant price of the award, expected option term, volatility of the Companys stock, the risk-free rate and the Companys dividend yield. The following table presents the weighted-average assumptions used in the valuation and the resulting weighted-average fair value per option or SAR granted:
For the Year Ended December 31: |
|
2012 |
|
2011 |
|
2010 |
| |||
Expected Life * |
|
3.5 to 6.0 years |
|
3.5 to 5.5 years |
|
3.5 to 5.5 years |
| |||
Interest Rate+ |
|
0.36% to 2.58% |
|
0. 39% to 2.84% |
|
0.67% to 2.58% |
| |||
Volatility **+ |
|
73.43% to 94.60% |
|
86.39% to 95.57% |
|
90.0% to 95.48% |
| |||
Dividend Yields |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Weighted Average Fair Value of Stock Appreciation Rights Granted During the Year |
|
$ |
3.72 |
|
$ |
2.25 |
|
$ |
3.45 |
|
* The expected life is the number of years that the Company estimates, based upon history, that options or SARs will be outstanding prior to exercise or forfeiture.
* * The Companys estimates of expected volatility are principally based on the historic volatility of the Companys common stock over the most recent period commensurate with the estimated expected life of the Companys stock options and other relevant factors.
+The interest rate and volatility used by the Company in calculating stock compensation expense represent the values in effect at the date of grant for all awards.
At December 31, 2012, the aggregate intrinsic value of outstanding and exercisable (fully vested) options and SARs was $1.6 million and had a weighted-average remaining contractual term of 1.8 years. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $0.3 million, $0.3 million, and nil, respectively. The total intrinsic value of SARs exercised during the year ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $nil, $0.3 million and nil, respectively.
Restricted Stock Units and Stock Awards
Grants of restricted stock units and stock awards (Stock Awards) have been made to Board members, officers, and employees. Stock Awards have been granted as performance based, earned over a required service period, or to Board members and the Company Secretary without any service requirement. Time based grants for officers and employees generally vest and stock is received without restriction to the extent of one-third of the granted stock for each year following the date of grant. Performance based grants are recognized as compensation based on the probable outcome of achieving the performance condition. Stock Awards issued to members of the Board of Directors and the Company Secretary that are fully vested at the time of issue are recognized as compensation upon grant of the award.
The compensation expense recognized by the Company for Stock Awards is based on the closing market price of the Companys common stock on the date of grant. For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 the weighted-average grant-
date fair value for Stock Awards was $4.22, $4.32, and $3.99, respectively. The total fair value of stock awards vested during 2012 and 2011 is $0.9 million and $3.5 million, respectively.
Summary of Equity Incentive Awards
The following table summarizes activity under the Plans during the year ended December 31, 2012:
|
|
Stock Options |
|
SARs |
|
Stock Awards |
| |||||||||
|
|
Weighted |
|
Number of Shares |
|
Weighted |
|
Number |
|
Weighted |
|
Number of |
| |||
Balance at January 1, 2012 |
|
$ |
5.46 |
|
2,484,990 |
|
$ |
3.21 |
|
1,290,499 |
|
$ |
5.39 |
|
615,763 |
|
Awards Granted |
|
|
|
|
|
3.72 |
|
418,592 |
|
3.44 |
|
777,151 |
| |||
Awards Exercised or Earned |
|
2.73 |
|
(658,333 |
) |
|
|
|
|
3.47 |
|
(252,137 |
) | |||
Awards Forfeited |
|
|
|
|
|
3.98 |
|
(43,726 |
) |
3.80 |
|
(4,554 |
) | |||
Awards Expired |
|
5.75 |
|
(559,999 |
) |
3.90 |
|
(25,734 |
) |
|
|
|
| |||
Balance at December 31, 2012 |
|
$ |
6.22 |
|
1,266,658 |
|
3.29 |
|
1,639,631 |
|
4.22 |
|
1,136,223 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Exercisable at December 31, 2012 |
|
$ |
6.20 |
|
1,116,658 |
|
1.83 |
|
507,790 |
|
|
|
|
| ||
A summary of the status of the non-vested awards as of December 31, 2012 and changes during the year ended December 31, 2012 is presented below.
|
|
Stock Options |
|
SARs |
|
Stock Awards |
| |||||||||
|
|
Weighted |
|
Number of Shares |
|
Weighted |
|
Number |
|
Weighted |
|
Number of |
| |||
Balance at January 1, 2012 |
|
$ |
6.25 |
|
155,000 |
|
$ |
3.67 |
|
940,215 |
|
$ |
5.39 |
|
615,763 |
|
Awards Granted |
|
|
|
|
|
3.72 |
|
418,592 |
|
3.44 |
|
777,151 |
| |||
Awards Vested or Earned |
|
1.69 |
|
5,000 |
|
1.93 |
|
(183,240 |
) |
3.47 |
|
(252,137 |
) | |||
Awards Forfeited |
|
|
|
|
|
3.98 |
|
(43,726 |
) |
3.80 |
|
(4,554 |
) | |||
Balance at December 31, 2012 |
|
$ |
6.40 |
|
150,000 |
|
3.95 |
|
1,131,841 |
|
4.22 |
|
1,136,223 |
| ||
Compensation Cost Recognized and Capitalized Related to Equity Incentives
Summary of Compensation Cost Recognized and |
|
2012 |
|
2011 |
|
2010 |
| |||
Stock Options* |
|
$ |
1 |
|
$ |
(49 |
) |
$ |
154 |
|
SARs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Performance based |
|
419 |
|
204 |
|
23 |
| |||
Vesting over time |
|
257 |
|
574 |
|
1,243 |
| |||
Stock Awards: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Performance based* |
|
309 |
|
(75 |
) |
12 |
| |||
Vesting over time |
|
539 |
|
507 |
|
821 |
| |||
Board of Directors and Secretary |
|
528 |
|
810 |
|
509 |
| |||
Total |
|
$ |
2,053 |
|
$ |
1,971 |
|
$ |
2,762 |
|
Included in: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Capitalized as Development |
|
639 |
|
258 |
|
1,121 |
| |||
Expensed |
|
1,414 |
|
1,713 |
|
1,641 |
| |||
|
|
$ |
2,053 |
|
$ |
1,971 |
|
$ |
2,762 |
|
* The Company recorded significant forfeitures during 2011 related to unvested options of terminated employees and performance-based restricted shares forfeited as a result of the failure to achieve certain associated milestones required for vesting.
Taxes
A portion of the Companys granted options are intended to qualify as incentive stock options (ISO) for income tax purposes. As such, a tax benefit is not recorded at the time the compensation cost related to the options is recorded for book purposes due to the fact that an ISO does not ordinarily result in a tax benefit unless there is a disqualifying disposition. Stock option grants of non-qualified options result in the creation of a deferred tax asset, which is a temporary difference, until the time that the option is exercised. Any excess tax benefits from non-qualified stock option exercises are not recorded until the tax deduction reduces income tax payable.
NOTE 8 CHANGES IN CONTINGENTLY REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTEREST (CRNCI)
|
|
Activity for |
| |||||||
Changes CRNCI (Dollars in thousands) |
|
December 31, |
|
December 31, |
|
December 31, |
| |||
Total CRNCI January 1, 2012, 2011, & 2010, respectively |
|
$ |
98,073 |
|
$ |
98,753 |
|
$ |
99,761 |
|
Plus: Capital Contributions Attributable to CRNCI |
|
103,807 |
|
|
|
|
| |||
Less: Net Loss Attributable to CRNCI |
|
|
|
(680 |
) |
(1,008 |
) | |||
Total CRNCI December 31, 2012, 2011, & 2010, respectively |
|
$ |
201,880 |
|
$ |
98,073 |
|
$ |
98,753 |
|
In December 2012, POS-Minerals made its third cash contribution installment in the amount of $56.0 million dollars as well as a contribution in the amount of $44.7 million representing its 20% share of costs incurred for the development of the Mt. Hope Project during the period from 2008 through October 2012. In addition, POS-Minerals began making regular capital contributions for its 20% share of ongoing development costs totaling $3.1 million for the period from November through December 2012.
NOTE 9 INCOME TAXES
At December 31, 2012 and 2011 we had deferred tax assets principally arising from the net operating loss carry-forwards for income tax purposes multiplied by an expected rate of 35%. As management of the Company cannot determine that it is more likely than not that we will realize the benefit of the deferred tax assets, a valuation allowance equal to the net deferred tax asset has been established at December 31, 2012 and 2011. The significant components of the deferred tax asset at December 31, 2012 and 2011 were as follows (in thousands):
|
|
December 31, |
|
December 31, |
| ||
Operating loss carry forward |
|
$ |
181,936 |
|
$ |
143,412 |
|
Unamortized exploration expense |
|
10,579 |
|
11,546 |
| ||
Fixed asset depreciation |
|
(29 |
) |
109 |
| ||
Deductible stock based compensation |
|
2,446 |
|
3,835 |
| ||
Other |
|
241 |
|
251 |
| ||
Deductible temporary difference |
|
$ |
195,173 |
|
$ |
159,153 |
|
Taxable temporary difference Investment in Eureka Moly, LLC |
|
$ |
(84,120 |
) |
$ |
(64,979 |
) |
Net deductible temporary difference |
|
$ |
111,053 |
|
$ |
94,174 |
|
Deferred tax asset |
|
$ |
38,869 |
|
$ |
32,961 |
|
Deferred tax asset valuation allowance |
|
$ |
(38,869 |
) |
$ |
(32,961 |
) |
Net deferred tax asset |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
At December 31, 2012 and 2011 we had net operating loss carry-forwards of approximately $181.9 million and $143.4 million, respectively, which expire in the years 2017 through 2032. The change in the allowance account from December 31, 2011 to December 31, 2012 was $5.9 million and the change between December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 was $4.2 million.
As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company had no unrecognized tax benefits. There was no change in the amount of unrecognized tax benefits as a result of tax positions taken during the year or in prior periods or due to settlements with taxing authorities or lapses of applicable statues of limitations. The Company is open to federal and state tax audits until the applicable statutes of limitations expire.
NOTE 10 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Mt. Hope Project
The Mt. Hope Lease Agreement (Lease Agreement) with MHMI may be terminated upon the expiration of its 30-year term, earlier at the election of the LLC, or upon a material breach of the agreement and failure to cure such breach. If the LLC terminates the lease, termination is effective 30 days after receipt by MHMI of written notice to terminate the Mt. Hope Lease Agreement and no further payments would be due to MHMI. In order to maintain the Lease Agreement, the LLC must pay certain minimum advance royalties as discussed below.
The Lease Agreement requires a payment of 3% of certain construction capital costs, defined in the Lease Agreement as the Capital Construction Cost Estimate (the Estimate). The Estimate payment is treated as an Advance Royalty payment under the Lease Agreement. The LLC is obligated to pay a portion of the Estimate each time capital is raised for the Mt. Hope Project based on 3% of the expected capital to be used for those certain construction capital costs defined in the lease. Through December 31, 2012, we have paid $22.6 million of the total Estimate. We paid $0.6 million in early 2011 as a result of the exercise of outstanding warrants and another $9.0 million in October 2011. Based on the Lease Agreement, an additional $9.0 million was paid on October 19, 2012. Furthermore, a final reconciliation payment on the Estimate will be due following the commencement of commercial production, after as-built costs are definitively determined. Based on the revised capital estimate discussed in Managements Discussion & Analysis below, and the current timeline for the commencement of commercial production, the Company estimates that an additional $4.2 million will be due during the second half of 2015, which amount has been accrued as of December 31, 2012.
The LLC is also obligated to make a minimum annual advance royalty payment (Annual Advance Royalty) of $0.5 million each October 19 following the payment in October of 2012, for any year wherein commercial production has not been achieved or the Production Royalty (as hereinafter defined) is less than $0.5 million. As commercial production is not anticipated to commence until 2015, the Company has accrued $1.0 million in Annual Advance Royalty payments which will be due in two $0.5 million installments in 2013 and 2014. The Estimate and the Annual Advance Royalty are collectively referred to as the Advance Royalties. All Advance Royalties are credited against the MHMI Production Royalties once the mine has achieved commercial production. After the mine begins production, the LLC estimates that the Production Royalties will be in excess of the Annual Advance Royalties for the life of the project and, further, the Estimate will be credited against MHMI Production Royalties at the rate of 50% of Production Royalties on an annual basis until fully consumed.
Deposits on project property, plant and equipment
At December 31, 2012, we have active orders with varying stages of fabrication on milling process equipment comprised of two 230kV primary transformers and substation, a primary crusher, a semi-autogenous mill, two ball mills, and various motors for the mills. We have suspended fabrication on 16 flotation cells, lime slaking equipment, hydrocyclones, and other smaller milling process equipment with the ability to re-initiate fabrication at any time. The LLC terminated the fabrication of two multi-hearth molybdenum roasters and has received finished goods of the partially completed order. We plan to re-establish a new purchase order with this manufacturer as financing becomes available and equipment procurement is restarted under then current market terms and conditions.
The following table sets forth the LLCs cash commitments under mining and milling equipment contracts (collectively, Purchase Contracts) at December 31, 2012, (in millions):
Year |
|
As of |
| |
2013 |
|
$ |
11.2 |
|
2014 and thereafter |
|
14.4 |
| |
Total (1) |
|
$ |
25.6 |
|
(1) On February 28, 2012, the LLC issued a firm purchase order for 18 haul trucks. The order provides for delivery of those haul trucks required to perform initial mine development, currently scheduled for late 2013 or early 2014. A non-refundable down-payment of $0.6 million was made at the time of order with an additional $0.6 million due 12 months prior to truck shipment, but the contract is cancellable with no further liability to the LLC up until the time the trucks are shipped.
On June 25, 2012, the LLC issued a firm purchase order for four mine production drills. A non-refundable down-payment of $0.4 million was made in December 2012. The contract remains cancellable with no further liability to the LLC up until the time the drills are shipped.
At June 30, 2012, the LLCs contract to purchase two electric shovels expired. We signed a new letter of intent with the vendor providing for the opportunity to purchase the electric shovels at prices consistent with the expired contract, less a special discount in the amount of $3.4 million to provide credit to the Company for amounts paid as deposits under the expired contract. The agreement provides that equipment pricing will remain subject to inflation indexes and guarantees production slots to ensure that the equipment is available when required by the Company.
Obligations under capital and operating leases
We have contractual obligations under capital and operating leases that will require a total of $0.3 million in payments over the next three years. Assets under capital lease relate to light vehicles leased by the Company for use in operations. Operating leases consist primarily of rents on office facilities and office equipment. Our expected payments are $0.3 million, nil and nil for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014, and 2015, respectively. We incurred charges of approximately $0.4 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2012 in amortization on assets under capital lease.
Creation of Agricultural Sustainability Trust
On August 19, 2010, the LLC entered into an agreement with the Eureka Producers Cooperative (the EPC) whereby the LLC will fund a $4.0 million Sustainability Trust (the Trust) in exchange for the cooperation of the EPC with respect to the LLCs water rights and permitting of the Mt. Hope Project. The Trust will be tasked with developing and implementing programs that will serve to enhance the sustainability and well-being of the agricultural economy in the Diamond Valley Hydrographic Basin through reduced water consumption.
The Trust may be funded by the LLC over several years based on the achievement of certain milestones, which are considered probable, and as such $4.0 million has been accrued in the Companys December 31, 2012, financial statements and is included in mining properties, land, and water rights.
Permitting Considerations
In the ordinary course of business, mining companies are required to seek governmental permits for expansion of existing operations or for the commencement of new operations. The LLC was required to obtain a ROD from the BLM authorizing implementation of the Mt. Hope Project POO. This approval was obtained only after successful completion of the process of environmental evaluation, which incorporates substantial public comment. The LLC was also required to obtain various state and federal permits including water protection, air quality, water rights and reclamation permits. In addition to requiring permits for the development of the Mt. Hope Project, we will need to obtain and modify various mining and environmental permits during the life of the Mt. Hope Project. Obtaining, modifying, and renewing the necessary governmental permits is a complex and time-consuming process involving numerous jurisdictions and often involving public hearings and substantial expenditures. The duration and success of the LLCs efforts to obtain, modify or renew permits will be contingent upon many variables, some of which are not within the LLCs control. Increased costs or delays could occur, depending on the nature of the activity to be permitted and the interpretation of applicable requirements implemented by the permitting authority. All necessary permits may not be obtained and, if obtained, may not be renewed, or the costs involved in each case may exceed those that we previously estimated. It is possible that the costs and delays associated with compliance with such standards and regulations could become such that the LLC would not proceed with the development or operation of the Mt. Hope Project.
On February 15, 2013, Great Basin Resource Watch and the Western Shoshone Defense Project filed a Complaint against the BLM in the U.S. District Court, District of Nevada, seeking relief under NEPA and other federal laws challenging the BLMs issuance of the ROD for the Mt. Hope project. The Plaintiffs filed a motion for a preliminary injuction on February 20, 2013 and there is no hearing date set for the motion. The Company has not been named as a defendant in the suit but will closely monitor the litigation and at the appropriate time will seek to intervene in the suit.
The Mt. Hope project underwent an exhaustive environmental analysis and review that lasted more than 6 years. The process to complete the EIS included extensive public and cooperation agency input (including the BLM, the National Park Service, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Nevada Division of Wildlife and the County of Eureka). The Company supports the work completed by the BLM and believes that the ROD complies with all federal statutes and rules, is very robust and defensible.
Water Rights Considerations
In addition to working to complete financing, we are working to finalize the transfer of water rights to mining use. In March 2009 we were granted our water applications in a Ruling by the Nevada State Engineer (State Engineer). However, that
Ruling was appealed, and in April 2010, a Nevada State District Court (NSDC) set aside the Ruling on procedural grounds and remanded the matter for another hearing by the State Engineer.
On July 15, 2011, the State Engineer issued a second Ruling granting the Companys water right applications. That Ruling was appealed in August 2011 by Eureka County and two other parties comprised of three individual water rights holders in Diamond Valley and one in Kobeh Valley. The appeals were heard on April 3, 2012 before the NSDC. On June 13, 2012, the NSDC denied the appeals and affirmed the State Engineers Ruling. Further, the State Engineer issued all water permits on December 14, 2011 and certain amended permits on January 4, 2012, and the water became available for use at the Mt. Hope Project following the State Engineers approval of the Companys Monitoring, Management and Mitigation Plan (3M Plan) on June 6, 2012.
On July 10 and 11, 2012, respectively, Eureka County and two other parties comprised of one individual water rights holder in Diamond Valley and one in Kobeh Valley filed Notices of Appeal, appealing to the Nevada Supreme Court the NSDCs Order denying their appeals of the State Engineers 2011 Ruling. We are confident the Nevada Supreme Court will uphold the NSDCs Order which denied all appeals of the State Engineers Ruling.
On July 5, 2012, the same two individual water rights holders appealing the NSDCs Order to the Nevada Supreme Court filed an appeal of the State Engineers approval of the Companys 3M Plan to the same NSDC. Eureka County did not appeal the approved 3M Plan. We anticipate a favorable NSDC decision upholding the 3M Plan.
Notwithstanding these further appeals, the Companys water permits have been granted and the water remains available to the Company, as described above, for use at the Mt. Hope Project.
Environmental Considerations
Our mineral property holdings in Shoshone County, Idaho include lands contained in mining districts that have been designated as Superfund sites pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act. This Superfund Site was established to investigate and remediate primarily the Bunker Hill properties of Smelterville, Idaho, a small portion of Shoshone County where a large smelter was located. However, because of the extent of environmental impact caused by the historical mining in the mining district, the Superfund Site covers the majority of Shoshone County including our Chicago-London and Little Pine Creek properties as well as many small towns located in Northern Idaho. We have conducted a property environmental investigation of these properties, which revealed no evidence of material adverse environmental effects at either property. We are unaware of any pending action or proceeding relating to any regulatory matters that would affect our financial position due to these inactive mining claims in Shoshone County.
NOTE 11 UNAUDITED SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
The following is a summary of selected quarterly financial information (unaudited):
Year Ended December 31, 2012 |
|
Q1 |
|
Q2 |
|
Q3 |
|
Q4 |
| ||||
Loss from operations |
|
$ |
(3,093 |
) |
$ |
(2,613 |
) |
$ |
(2,063 |
) |
$ |
(3,610 |
) |
Other (expense)/income |
|
(64 |
) |
(64 |
) |
(63 |
) |
1,650 |
| ||||
Consolidated net loss |
|
(3,157 |
) |
(2,677 |
) |
(2,126 |
) |
(1,960 |
) | ||||
Basic and diluted net loss per share |
|
$ |
(0.03 |
) |
$ |
(0.03 |
) |
$ |
(0.02 |
) |
$ |
(0.03 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Year Ended December 31, 2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Loss from operations |
|
$ |
(4,107 |
) |
$ |
(5,982 |
) |
$ |
(2,319 |
) |
$ |
(2,816 |
) |
Other income/(expense) |
|
(49 |
) |
(58 |
) |
(61 |
) |
(61 |
) | ||||
Consolidated net loss |
|
(4,156 |
) |
(6,040 |
) |
(2,380 |
) |
(2,877 |
) | ||||
Basic and diluted net loss per share |
|
$ |
(0.05 |
) |
$ |
(0.06 |
) |
$ |
(0.03 |
) |
$ |
(0.03 |
) |
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
An evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Based on the foregoing, our management concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms and such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2012 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
REPORT OF MANAGEMENT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Company. Internal control over financial reporting is a process to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of our financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Internal control over financial reporting includes maintaining records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the Companys transactions; providing reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary for preparation of the Companys financial statements; providing reasonable assurance that receipts and expenditures of the Companys assets are made in accordance with managements authorization; and providing reasonable assurance that unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Companys assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements would be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting is not intended to provide absolute assurance that a misstatement of the Companys financial statements would be prevented or detected.
Management conducted its evaluation of the effectiveness of the Companys internal controls over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation, management concluded that the Companys internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2012.
The effectiveness of the Companys assessment of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which appears herein.
None.
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Information regarding directors and executive officers of registrant is presented under the heading Directors and Executive Officers in our definitive proxy statement for use in connection with the 2013 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (2011 Proxy Statement) to be filed within 120 days after our fiscal year ended December 31, 2012, and is incorporated herein by this reference thereto.
Information regarding Section 16(a) beneficial ownership reporting compliance report is presented under the heading Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance in our 2013 Proxy Statement, and is incorporated herein by this reference thereto. Information regarding our code of ethics is presented under the heading Code of Business Conduct and Ethics in our 2013 Proxy Statement, and is incorporated herein by reference thereto. Information regarding our Audit Committee, Finance Committee and our Nominating Committee is presented under the heading The Board of Directors, Board Committees and Director Independence in our 2013 Proxy Statement, and is incorporated herein by reference thereto.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Information regarding executive compensation is presented under the heading Executive Compensation in our 2013 Proxy Statement, and is incorporated herein by this reference thereto.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
Information regarding certain information with respect to our equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2012 is set forth under the heading Equity Compensation Plan Information in our 2013 Proxy Statement, and is incorporated herein by this reference thereto.
Information regarding security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management is set forth under the heading Voting Securities and Principal Holders in our 2013 Proxy Statement, and is incorporated herein by this reference thereto.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
Information regarding certain relationships and related transactions is presented under the heading Certain Relationships and Related Transactions in our 2013 Proxy Statement, and is incorporated herein by this reference thereto.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
Information regarding principal accounting fees and services is presented under the headings Audit Fees, Audit-Related Fees, Tax Fees, and All Other Fees in our 2013 Proxy Statement, and is incorporated herein by this reference thereto.
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(1) Financial Statements
See the Index to Consolidated Financial Statements included on page 50 for a list of the financial statements included in this Form 10-K.
(2) Financial Statement Schedules
Financial statement schedules are omitted because they are not required or are not applicable.
(3) Exhibits
Exhibit |
|
Description |
|
|
|
3.1 |
|
Certificate of Incorporation (Filed as Exhibit 3.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 5, 2007.) |
|
|
|
3.2 |
|
Certificate of Designation of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock (Filed as Exhibit 3.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 5, 2010.) |
|
|
|
3.3 |
|
Amended and Restated Bylaws (Filed as Exhibit 3.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 5, 2010.) |
|
|
|
10.1 |
|
Lease Agreement, dated October 17, 2005, between the Company and Mount Hope Mines, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 23, 2006.) |
|
|
|
10.2 |
|
Modification to Mount Hope Mines Lease Agreement, dated January 26, 2006 (Filed as Exhibit 10.11 to our Annual Report on Form 10-KSB filed on March 31, 2006.) |
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10.3 |
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Amendment to Lease Agreement, made effective as of November 20, 2007, between the Company and Mount Hope Mines, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to our Annual Report on Form 10-KSB filed on March 21, 2008.) |
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10.4 |
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Option to Lease, dated November 12, 2004, between the Company and Mount Hope Mines, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Annual Report on Form 10-KSB filed on April 6, 2005.) |
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10.5 |
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Stock Purchase Agreement, dated December 11, 2006, between the Company and Equatorial Mining Limited (Filed as Exhibit 10.17 to our Annual Report on Form 10-KSB filed on April 3, 2007.) |
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10.6 |
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Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of November 19, 2007, between the Company and ArcelorMittal S.A. (Filed as Exhibit 10.6 to our Annual Report on Form 10-KSB filed on March 21, 2008.) |
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10.7 |
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Consent and Waiver Agreement, dated April 16, 2010, by and between the Company and ArcelorMittal S.A. (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 19, 2010.) |
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10.8+ |
|
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated January 1, 2012, between the Company and Bruce D. Hansen (Filed as Exhibit 10.8 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 1, 2012.) |
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10.9+ |
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Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated January 1, 2012, between the Company and David Chaput (Filed as Exhibit 10.9 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 1, 2012.) |
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10.10+ |
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Form of Indemnification Agreement (Filed as Exhibit 10.18 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 5, 2007.) |
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10.11+ |
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General Moly, Inc. 2006 Equity Incentive Plan, as Amended and Restated (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed on May 21, 2010.) |
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10.12+ |
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Form of Stock Option Grant Notice and Agreement under 2006 Equity Incentive Plan of the Company (Filed as Exhibit 10.13 to our Annual Report on Form 10-KSB filed on April 3, 2007.) |
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10.13+ |
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Form of Restricted Stock Agreement under 2006 Equity Incentive Plan of the Company (Filed as Exhibit 10.14 to our Annual Report on Form 10-KSB filed on April 3, 2007.) |
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10.14+ |
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Form of Non-Employee Option Award Agreement (Filed as Exhibit 99.1 to our Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed on January 12, 2007.) |
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10.15+ |
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Form of Employee Stock Option Agreement (Filed as Exhibit 99.2 to our Registration Statement on Form S-8 |
Exhibit |
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Description |
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filed on January 12, 2007.) |
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10.16+ |
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Form of Stock Appreciation Right Grant Notice and Agreement under the Companys 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 5, 2009.) |
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10.17+ |
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Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under 2006 Equity Incentive Plan of the Company (Filed as Exhibit 10.4 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q Filed on October 29, 2010.) |
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10.18* |
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Molybdenum Supply Agreement between General Moly and ArcelorMittal Purchasing SAS, dated as of December 28, 2007 (Filed as Exhibit 10.19 to our Annual Report on Form 10-KSB filed on March 31, 2008.) |
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10.19* |
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Extension Molybdenum Supply Agreement, dated as of April 16, 2010, by and between the Company and ArcelorMittal S.A. (Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on July 30, 2010.) |
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10.20 |
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Contribution Agreement between Nevada Moly, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (Nevada Moly), Eureka Moly, LLC, and POS-Minerals Corporation (Filed as Exhibit 10.20 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 7, 2008.) |
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10.21 |
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Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Eureka Moly, LLC (Filed as Exhibit 10.20 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 7, 2008.) |
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10.22 |
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Amendment No. 1 to Limited Liability Company Agreement of Eureka Moly, LLC, dated as of October 28, 2008, between Nevada Moly, LLC and POS-Minerals Corporation (Filed as Exhibit 10.27 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 27, 2009.) |
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10.23 |
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Amendment No. 2 to Limited Liability Company Agreement of Eureka Moly, LLC, dated as of January 20, 2010, between Nevada Moly, LLC and POS-Minerals Corporation (Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 25, 2010.) |
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10.24 |
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Third Installment Election, dated as of March 3, 2010, between Nevada Moly, LLC and POS-Minerals Corporation (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 5, 2010.) |
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10.25 |
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Guarantee and Indemnity Agreement, dated February 26, 2008, by POSCO Canada Ltd., in favor of Nevada Moly, LLC and the Company (Filed as Exhibit 10.20 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 7, 2008.) |
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10.26* |
|
Molybdenum Supply Agreement between the Company and SeAH Besteel Corporation, dated as of May 14, 2008 (Filed as Exhibit 10.25 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 4, 2008.) |
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10.27* |
|
Molybdenum Supply Agreement between the Company and Sojitz Corporation, dated as of August 8, 2008 (Filed as Exhibit 10.26 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 3, 2008.) |
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10.28+ |
|
Employment Agreement, dated as of December 27, 2012, between the Company and Robert I. Pennington (Filed herewith.) |
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10.29+ |
|
Employment Agreement, dated November 6, 2007, between the Company and Lee M. Shumway (Filed as Exhibit 10.49 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 5, 2010.) |
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10.30+ |
|
Change of Control Severance Agreement, dated effective as of January 1, 2012, between the Company and Lee M. Shumway (Filed as Exhibit 10.40 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 1, 2012.) |
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10.31 |
|
Securities Purchase Agreement between the Company and Hanlong (USA) Mining Investment, Inc. dated March 4, 2010 (Filed as Annex B to our Definitive Proxy Statement filed on April 6, 2010.) |
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10.32 |
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Amendment No. 1 to Securities Purchase Agreement dated July 30, 2010, between General Moly, Inc. and Hanlong (USA) Mining Investment, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on October 29, 2010.) |
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10.33 |
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Amendment No. 2 to Securities Purchase Agreement dated October 26, 2010, between General Moly, Inc. and Hanlong (USA) Mining Investment, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to our Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed on November 23, 2010.) |
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10.34 |
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Amendment No. 3 to Securities Purchase Agreement dated December 20, 2010, between General Moly, Inc. and Hanlong (USA) Mining Investment, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 7(e) to Hanlong (USA) Mining Investment, Inc.s Schedule 13D filed on December 30, 2010.) |
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10.35 |
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Amendment No. 4 to Securities Purchase Agreement dated July 7, 2011, between General Moly, Inc. and Hanlong (USA) Mining Investment, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on |
Exhibit |
|
Description |
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|
July 13, 2011.) |
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10.36 |
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Amendment No. 5 and Notice Pursuant to Securities Purchase Agreement dated June 14, 2012, by and between General Moly, Inc. and Hanlong (USA) Mining Investment, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 15, 2012.) |
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10.37 |
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Option Agreement with respect to Securities Purchase Agreement dated January 9, 2012, between General Moly, Inc. and Hanlong (USA) Mining Investment, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10.46 to our Annual Report on Fromm 10-K filed on March 1, 2012.) |
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10.38 |
|
Stockholder Agreement dated December 20, 2010, between General Moly, Inc. and Hanlong (USA) Mining Investment, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 21, 2010.) |
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10.39 |
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Amendment No. 1 to Stockholder Agreement dated as of October 26, 2012, by and between General Moly, Inc. and Hanlong (USA) Mining Investment, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 31, 2012.) |
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10.40 |
|
Bridge Loan Agreement dated March 4, 2010 between General Moly, Inc. and Hanlong (USA) Mining Investment, Inc. (Filed as Annex C to our Definitive Proxy Statement filed on April 6, 2010.) |
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10.41 |
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Amendment No. 1 to Bridge Loan Agreement dated July 30, 2010, between General Moly, Inc. and Hanlong (USA) Mining Investment, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on October 29, 2010.) |
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Amendment No. 2 to Bridge Loan Agreement dated July 7, 2011, between General Moly, Inc. and Hanlong (USA) Mining Investment, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 13, 2011.) |
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10.43 |
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Amendment No. 3 and Notice Pursuant to Bridge Loan Agreement dated June 14, 2012, by and between General Moly, Inc. and Hanlong (USA) Mining Investment, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 31, 2012.) |
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10.44 |
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Option Agreement with respect to Bridge Loan Agreement dated January 9, 2012, between General Moly, Inc. and Hanlong (USA) Mining Investment, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10.51 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 1, 2012.) |
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10.45 |
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Pledge Agreement between Nevada Moly, LLC and Hanlong (USA) Mining Investment, Inc. dated March 4, 2010 (Filed as Annex D to our Definitive Proxy Statement filed on April 6, 2010.) |
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10.46* |
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Molybdenum Supply Agreement dated March 4, 2010, between General Moly, Inc, Nevada Moly, LLC, China Han Long Mining Development Limited and Hanlong (USA) Mining Investment, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10.6 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 6, 2010.) |
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10.47 |
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Subordinated Loan Agreement dated as of October 26, 2012, by and between General Moly, Inc. and Hanlong (USA) Mining Investment, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 31, 2012.) |
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10.48 |
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Common Stock Purchase Warrant issued to Hanlong (USA) Mining Investment, Inc. on October 26, 2012. (Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 31, 2012.) |
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10.49 |
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Common Stock Purchase Warrant dated April 16, 2010, issued to CCM Qualified Master Fund, Ltd. (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 19, 2010.) |
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10.50 |
|
Common Stock Purchase Warrant dated April 16, 2010, issued to Coghill Capital Management, LLC. (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 19, 2010.) |
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10.51 |
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Agreement to Reprice and Exercise Warrants between the Company and CCM Master Qualified Fund, Ltd. Dated December 21, 2010 (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 5, 2011.) |
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10.52 |
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Agreement to Reprice and Exercise Warrants between the Company and CCM Special Holdings Fund, LP. Dated December 21, 2010 (Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 5, 2011.) |
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10.53 |
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Cooperation Agreement dated August 10, 2010, between Eureka Moly, LLC and the Eureka Producers Cooperative (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed on August 26, 2010.) |
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10.54 |
|
Employment Offer Letter dated August 17, 2010, between General Moly, Inc. and Robert Scott Roswell (Filed as Exhibit 10.60 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 2, 2011.) |
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10.55+ |
|
Change of Control Severance Agreement dated January 1, 2012, between General Moly, Inc. and Robert Scott Roswell (Filed as Exhibit 10.60 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 1, 2012.) |
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10.56+ |
|
Separation and Release Agreement dated March 24, 2011, between General Moly, Inc. and Gregory McClain |
Exhibit |
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Description |
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(Filed as Exhibit 10.4 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 2, 2011.) |
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10.57+ |
|
General Release in Full of All Claims dated March 24, 2011, between General Moly, Inc. and Gregory McClain (Filed as Exhibit 10.5 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 2, 2011.) |
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10.58+ |
|
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement for the Companys 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (performance-based vesting) (Filed as Exhibit 10.6 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 2, 2011.) |
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10.59+ |
|
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement for the Companys 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (tome-based vesting) (Filed as Exhibit 10.7 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 2, 2011.) |
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10.60+ |
|
Form of Stock Appreciation Rights Grant Notice for the Companys 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (Filed as Exhibit 10.8 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 2, 2011.) |
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14.1 |
|
Code of Conduct and Ethics of Idaho General Mines, Inc. adopted June 30, 2006 (Filed as Exhibit 14.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 7, 2006.) |
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21.1 |
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Subsidiaries of General Moly, Inc. (Filed herewith) |
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23.1 |
|
Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (Filed herewith) |
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31.1 |
|
Certification of CEO pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) (Filed herewith) |
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31.2 |
|
Certification of CFO pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) (Filed herewith) |
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32.1 |
|
Certification of CEO pursuant to Section 1350 (Furnished herewith) |
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32.2 |
|
Certification of CFO pursuant to Section 1350 (Furnished herewith) |
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101 |
|
The following XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language) materials are filed herewith: (i) XBRL Instance; (ii) XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema; (iii) XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation; (iv) Taxonomy Extension Labels, (v) XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation, and (vi) XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition. In accordance with Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the information in these exhibits is furnished and deemed not filed or a part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, is deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act of 1934, and otherwise not subject to liability under these sections and shall not be incorporated by reference into any registration statement or other document filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, except as expressly set forth by the specific reference in such filing. |
Previously filed as indicated and incorporated herein by reference.
+ Management contract.
* Confidential treatment has been granted for certain portions of this exhibit, and such confidential portions have been separately filed with the Securities Exchange Commission.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized in Lakewood, Colorado on March 8, 2013.
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GENERAL MOLY, INC. | |
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By: |
/s/ Bruce D. Hansen |
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Name: |
Bruce D. Hansen |
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Title: |
Chief Executive Officer |
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(Principal Executive Officer) |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Exchange Act, this report has been signed below on March 8, 2013 by the following persons, on behalf of the Registrant, and in the capacities indicated.
/s/ Bruce D. Hansen |
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Chief Executive Officer and Director |
Bruce D. Hansen |
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(Principal Executive Officer) |
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/s/ David A. Chaput |
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Chief Financial Officer |
David A. Chaput |
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(Principal Financial Officer) |
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/s/ Lee M. Shumway |
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Controller and Treasurer |
Lee M. Shumway |
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(Principal Accounting Officer) |
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/s/ Patrick M. James |
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Chairman of the Board |
Patrick M. James |
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/s/ Ricardo M. Campoy |
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Director |
Ricardo M. Campoy |
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/s/ Mark A. Lettes |
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Director |
Mark A. Lettes |
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/s/ Gary A. Loving |
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Director |
Gary A. Loving |
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/s/ R. David Russell |
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Director |
R. David Russell |
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/s/ Richard F. Nanna |
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Director |
Richard F. Nanna |
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/s/ Gregory P. Raih |
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Director |
Gregory P. Raih |
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/s/ Andrew G. Sharkey |
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Director |
Andrew G. Sharkey |
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/s/ Nelson F. Chen |
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Director |
Nelson F. Chen |
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