UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
[X] QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2018
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE
SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from _________ to
__________________
000-54416
(Commission File Number)
SCANDIUM INTERNATIONAL MINING
CORP.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its
charter)
British Columbia, Canada | 98-1009717 |
(State or other jurisdiction | (IRS Employer |
of incorporation or organization) | Identification No.) |
1430 Greg Street, Suite 501, Sparks, Nevada
89431
(Address of principal executive
offices)
(Zip Code)
(775) 355-9500
(Registrants telephone
number, including area code)
N/A
(Former name, former address and
former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) filed all reports required to be filed by sections 13 or 15(d) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [ ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes [X] No [ ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. Large accelerated filer [ ] Accelerated filer [ ] Non-accelerated filed [ ] Smaller reporting company [X]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company, as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. Yes [ ] No [X]
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrants classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: As of November 14, 2018, the registrants outstanding common stock consisted of 304,781,294 shares.
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NINE MONTHS AND THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2018
Scandium International Mining Corp. |
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS |
(Expressed in US Dollars) (Unaudited) |
As at: | September 30, 2018 | December 31, 2017 | ||||
ASSETS | ||||||
Current | ||||||
Cash | $ | 725,488 | $ | 343,434 | ||
Prepaid expenses and receivables | 18,111 | 45,986 | ||||
Total Current Assets | 743,599 | 389,420 | ||||
Equipment (Note 3) | 13,284 | 1,947 | ||||
Mineral property interests (Note 4) | 704,053 | 704,053 | ||||
Total Assets | $ | 1,460,936 | $ | 1,095,420 | ||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY | ||||||
Current | ||||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | $ | 16,728 | $ | 34,153 | ||
Accounts payable with related parties (Note 5) | 23,207 | 32,036 | ||||
Total Liabilities | 39,935 | 66,189 | ||||
Stockholders Equity | ||||||
Capital stock
(Note 6) (Authorized: Unlimited number of common shares; Issued and outstanding: 304,781,294 (2017 291,970,239) |
108,244,311 | 106,468,869 | ||||
Treasury stock (Note 7) (1,033,333 common shares) (2017 1,033,333) | (1,264,194 | ) | (1,264,194 | ) | ||
Additional paid in capital (Note 6) | 5,651,604 | 4,617,484 | ||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (853,400 | ) | (853,400 | ) | ||
Deficit | (110,357,320 | ) | (107,939,528 | ) | ||
Total Equity | 1,421,001 | 1,029,231 | ||||
Total Liabilities and Equity | $ | 1,460,936 | $ | 1,095,420 |
Nature and continuance of operations (Note 1)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
2
Scandium International Mining Corp. |
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS |
(Expressed in US Dollars) (Unaudited) |
Three months | Three months | Nine months | Nine months | |||||||||
ended September | ended September | ended September | ended September | |||||||||
30, 2018 | 30, 2017 | 30, 2018 | 30, 2017 | |||||||||
EXPENSES | ||||||||||||
Amortization (Note 3) | $ | 158 | $ | 158 | 474 | $ | 813 | |||||
Consulting | 84,831 | 57,595 | 220,642 | 131,062 | ||||||||
Exploration | 104,869 | 60,630 | 250,380 | 204,969 | ||||||||
General and administrative | 66,431 | 73,536 | 260,434 | 194,400 | ||||||||
Insurance | 7,520 | 7,272 | 22,314 | 21,599 | ||||||||
Professional fees | 6,474 | 30,773 | 81,986 | 71,815 | ||||||||
Salaries and benefits | 116,098 | 159,981 | 429,996 | 466,808 | ||||||||
Stock-based compensation (Note 6) | 69,411 | 67,877 | 1,054,456 | 1,225,784 | ||||||||
Travel and entertainment | 16,202 | 19,788 | 59,768 | 62,945 | ||||||||
(471,994 | ) | (477,610 | ) | (2,380,450 | ) | (2,380,195 | ) | |||||
Foreign exchange gain (loss) | 10,213 | 42,393 | (37,342 | ) | 79,569 | |||||||
Loss and comprehensive loss for the period | (461,781 | ) | (435,217 | ) | (2,417,792 | ) | (2,300,626 | ) | ||||
Costs allocable to non-controlling interest in a subsidiary | - | 26,148 | - | 73,488 | ||||||||
Loss and comprehensive loss for the
period attributable to Scandium International Mining Corp. |
$ | (461,781 | ) | $ | (409,069 | ) | $ | (2,417,792 | ) | $ | (2,227,138 | ) |
Basic and diluted loss and
comprehensive loss per |
$ | ( 0.00 | ) | $ | ( 0.00 | ) | $ | ( 0.01 | ) | $ | 0.01 | ) |
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding |
304,773,142 | 231,871,315 | 299,976,402 | 229,218,244 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
3
Scandium International Mining Corp. |
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS |
(Expressed in US Dollars) (Unaudited) |
9-month period ended | September 30, 2018 | September 30, 2017 | ||||
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES | ||||||
Loss for the period | $ | (2,417,792 | ) | $ | (2,300,626 | ) |
Items not affecting cash: | ||||||
Amortization | 474 | 813 | ||||
Stock-based compensation | 1,054,456 | 1,225,784 | ||||
Changes in non-cash working capital items: | ||||||
Decrease in prepaids and receivables | 27,875 | 19,683 | ||||
(Decrease)
increase in accounts payable, accrued liabilities
and accounts payable with related parties |
(26,254 | ) | 16,175 | |||
(1,361,241 | ) | (1,038,171 | ) | |||
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES | ||||||
Additions to fixed assets | (11,811 | ) | - | |||
(11,811 | ) | - | ||||
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES | ||||||
Common shares issued | 1,675,300 | 1,082,250 | ||||
Options exercised for common shares | 79,806 | 195,151 | ||||
1,755,106 | 1,277,401 | |||||
Change in cash during the period | 382,054 | 239,230 | ||||
Cash, beginning of period | 343,434 | 615,234 | ||||
Cash, end of period | $ | 725,488 | $ | 854,464 | ||
2018 | 2017 | |||||
Cash paid during the 9 month period for interest | $ | - | $ | - | ||
Cash paid during the 9 month period for taxes | $ | - | $ | - |
There were no significant non-cash investing and financing activities during the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
4
Scandium International Mining Corp. |
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN |
EQUITY |
(Expressed in US Dollars) (Unaudited) |
Accumulated | Total | Non- | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Additional | Treasury | Other | Stockholders | controlling | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Paid in Capital | Stock | Comprehensive | Deficit | Equity | Interest in a | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Number of Shares | Capital Stock | Loss | Subsidiary | Total Equity | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2016 | 225,047,200 | $ | 91,142,335 | $ | 6,844,671 | $ | (1,264,194 | ) | $ | (853,400 | ) | $ | (93,446,610 | ) | $ | 2,422,802 | $ | (1,090,723 | ) | $ | 1,332,079 | ||||||
Private placement | 4,807,394 | 1,082,250 | - | - | - | - | 1,082,250 | - | 1,082,250 | ||||||||||||||||||
Options exercised | 3,285,000 | 414,052 | (218,902 | ) | - | - | - | 195,150 | - | 195,150 | |||||||||||||||||
Minority interest acquisition | 58,830,645 | 13,830,232 | (3,292,115 | ) | - | - | (11,702,328 | ) | (1,164,211 | ) | 1,164,211 | - | |||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation | - | - | 1,283,830 | - | - | - | 1,283,830 | - | 1,283,830 | ||||||||||||||||||
Loss for the year | - | - | - | - | - | (2,790,590 | ) | (2,790,590 | ) | (73,488 | ) | (2,864,078 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2017 | 291,970,239 | 106,468,869 | 4,617,484 | (1,264,194 | ) | (853,400 | ) | (107,939,528 | ) | 1,029,231 | - | 1,029,231 | |||||||||||||||
Private placement | 11,801,055 | 1,675,300 | - | - | - | - | 1,675,300 | - | 1,675,300 | ||||||||||||||||||
Options exercised | 1,010,000 | 100,142 | (20,336 | ) | - | - | - | 79,806 | - | 79,806 | |||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation | - | - | 1,054,456 | - | - | - | 1,054,456 | - | 1,054,456 | ||||||||||||||||||
Loss for the period | - | - | - | - | - | (2,417,792 | ) | (2,417,792 | ) | - | (2,417,792 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Balance, September 30, 2018 | 304,781,294 | $ | 108,244,311 | $ | 5,651,604 | $ | (1,264,194 | ) | $ | (853,400 | ) | $ | (110,357,320 | ) | $ | 1,421,001 | $ | - | $ | 1,421,001 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
5
Scandium International Mining Corp. |
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
September 30, 2018 |
(Expressed in US Dollars) (Unaudited) |
1. |
NATURE AND CONTINUANCE OF OPERATIONS |
Scandium International Mining Corp. (the Company) is a specialty metals and alloys company focusing on scandium and other specialty metals. | |
The Company was incorporated under the laws of the Province of British Columbia, Canada in 2006. The Company currently trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol SCY. | |
The Companys focus is on the exploration and evaluation of its specialty metals assets, specifically the Nyngan scandium deposit located in New South Wales, Australia. The Company is an exploration stage company and anticipates incurring significant additional expenditures prior to production at any and all of its properties. | |
These condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis that contemplates the realization of assets and discharge of liabilities at their carrying values in the normal course of business for the foreseeable future. These financial statements do not reflect any adjustments that may be necessary if the Company is unable to continue as a going concern. | |
The Company currently earns no operating revenues and will require additional capital in order to advance the Nyngan property. The Companys ability to continue as a going concern is uncertain and is dependent upon the generation of profits from mineral properties, obtaining additional financing and maintaining continued support from its shareholders and creditors. These are material uncertainties that raise substantial doubt about the Companys ability to continue as a going concern. In the event that additional financial support is not received or operating profits are not generated, the carrying values of the Companys assets may be adversely affected. |
2. |
BASIS OF PRESENTATION |
Basis of presentation
The accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The interim condensed consolidated financial statements include the consolidated accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries with all significant intercompany transactions eliminated. In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for a fair statement of the consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods have been made. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in the consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles of the United States of America (US GAAP) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such SEC rules and regulations. These interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017 and with our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 28, 2018. Operating results for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2018 may not necessarily be indicative of the results for the year ending December 31, 2018.
These unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, EMC Metals USA Inc., Scandium International Mining Corp. Norway AS, SCY Exploration Finland Oy, and EMC Metals Australia Pty Ltd. (EMC-A). Non-controlling interest represents the minority stockholders 20% proportionate share of the net assets and results of the Companys majority-owned Australian subsidiary, EMC-A, until October 2017 (Note 9). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated on consolidation.
Use of estimates
The preparation of unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of expenses during the reporting period. The Company regularly evaluates estimates and assumptions related to the deferred income tax asset valuations, asset impairment, stock-based compensation and loss contingencies. The Company bases its estimates and assumptions on current facts, historical experience and various other factors that it believes to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the other sources. The actual results experienced by the Company may differ materially and adversely from the Companys estimates. To the extent there are material differences between estimates and the actual results, future results of operations will be affected.
The Company considers itself to be an exploration stage company and will consider the transition to development stage after it receives funding to begin mine construction, and board approval.
Fair value of financial assets and liabilities
The Company measures the fair value of financial assets and liabilities based on US GAAP guidance which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements.
The Company classifies financial assets and liabilities as held-for-trading, available-for-sale, held-to-maturity, loans and receivables or other financial liabilities depending on their nature. Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognized at fair value on their initial recognition, except for those arising from certain related party transactions which are accounted for at the transferors carrying amount or exchange amount.
6
Scandium International Mining Corp. |
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
September 30, 2018 |
(Expressed in US Dollars) (Unaudited) |
2. |
BASIS OF PRESENTATION (contd ) |
Financial assets and liabilities classified as held-for-trading are measured at fair value, with gains and losses recognized in net income. Financial assets classified as held-to-maturity, loans and receivables, and financial liabilities other than those classified as held-for-trading are measured at amortized cost, using the effective interest method of amortization. Financial assets classified as available-for-sale are measured at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses being recognized as other comprehensive income until realized, or if an unrealized loss is considered other than temporary, the unrealized loss is recorded in income. | |
Financial instruments, including receivables, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, and accounts payable with related parties are carried at amortized cost, which management believes approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments. | |
The following table presents information about the assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as at September 30, 2018 and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques the Company utilized to determine such fair value. In general, fair values determined by Level 1 inputs utilize quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets. Fair values determined by Level 2 inputs utilize data points that are observable such as quoted prices, interest rates and yield curves. Fair values determined by Level 3 inputs are unobservable data points for the asset or liability, and included situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset: |
Quoted Prices | Significant Other | Significant | |||||||||||
September 30, | in Active Markets | Observable Inputs | Unobservable Inputs | ||||||||||
2018 | (Level 1) | (Level 2) | (Level 3) | ||||||||||
Assets: | |||||||||||||
Cash | $ | 725,488 | $ | 725,488 | $ | | $ | | |||||
Total | $ | 725,488 | $ | 725,488 | $ | | $ | |
The carrying value of receivables, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, and accounts payable with related parties approximate their fair value due to their short-term nature.
The fair value of cash is determined through market, observable and corroborated sources.
Recently Adopted and Recently Issued Accounting Standards
Accounting Standards Update 2018-13 Fair Value Measurement (Topic 840) Disclosure FrameworkChanges to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. The amendments in this update apply to all entities that are required, under existing GAAP, to make disclosures about recurring or nonrecurring fair value measurements. This standard is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on its financial statements.
Accounting Standards Update 2018-11 - Leases (Topic 842) Targeted Update. This accounting pronouncement is an update to Accounting Standard 2016-02 (see below). This standard allows for an additional (and optional) transition method. This standard is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on its financial statements.
Accounting Standards Update 2018-07 Compensation Stock Compensation (Topic 718) Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting. This accounting pronouncement deals with simplification of share-based accounting in efforts to maintain or improve the usefulness of the information provided to the users of financial statements while reducing cost and complexity in financial reporting. The areas for simplification in this Update involve several aspects of the accounting for nonemployee share-based payment transactions resulting from expanding the scope of Topic 718, CompensationStock Compensation, to include share-based payment transactions for acquiring goods and services from nonemployees. The amendments in this Update are effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within that fiscal year. The Company will adopt this policy with no expected material effect to the condensed consolidated financial statements.
Accounting Standards Update 2017-09 Compensation Stock Compensation (Topic 718) Scope of Modification Accounting. This accounting pronouncement deals with a change in any of the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award. The standard goes into effect for all interim and annual statements beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company has adopted this policy with no material effect to the condensed consolidated financial statements.
Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 - Leases (Topic 842). This accounting pronouncement allows lessees to make an accounting policy election to not recognize a lease asset and liability for leases with a term of 12 months or less and that do not have a purchase option that is expected to be exercised. This standard is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on its financial statements.
7
Scandium International Mining Corp. |
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
September 30, 2018 |
(Expressed in US Dollars) (Unaudited) |
2. |
BASIS OF PRESENTATION (contd ) |
Accounting Standards Update 2016-01 Financial Instruments Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. This accounting pronouncement, which goes into effect for annual periods beginning after December 12, 2017, is far reaching and covers several presentation areas dealing with measurement, impairment, assumptions used in estimating fair value and several other areas. The Company has adopted this policy with no material effect to the condensed consolidated financial statements. |
3. |
EQUIPMENT |
December 31, | Additions | September 30, | |||||||||||
2017 Net Book | (disposals) | 2018 Net Book | |||||||||||
Value | (write-offs) | Amortization | Value | ||||||||||
Office equipment | $ | 1,947 | $ | 11,811 | $ | (474 | ) | $ | 13,284 |
December 31, | Additions | December 31, | |||||||||||
2016 Net Book | (disposals) | 2017 Net Book | |||||||||||
Value | (write-offs) | Amortization | Value | ||||||||||
Office equipment | 2,918 | - | (971 | ) | 1,947 |
4. |
MINERAL PROPERTY INTERESTS |
Scandium and | ||||
September 30, 2018 | other | |||
Acquisition costs | ||||
Balance December 31, 2017 and September 30, 2018 | $ | 704,053 |
Title to mineral property interests involves certain inherent risks due to the difficulties of determining the validity of certain claims as well as the potential for problems arising from the frequently ambiguous conveyancing history characteristic of many mineral property interests. The Company has investigated title to all of its mineral property interests and, to the best of its knowledge, title to all of its properties is in good standing.
SCANDIUM PROPERTIES
Nyngan, New South Wales Property
The Company holds a 100% (Note 9) interest in the Nyngan property in New South Wales, Australia (NSW). A definitive feasibility study was completed on the property in fiscal 2016. During December 2017, the Company revised and renewed a scandium product offtake agreement for delivery of scandium-based product upon availability from mine production.
Royalties attached to the Nyngan property include, a 0.7% royalty on gross mineral sales on the property, a 1.5% Net Profits Interest royalty to private parties involved with the early exploration on the property, and a 1.7% Net Smelter Returns royalty payable for 12 years after production commences, subject to terms in the settlement agreement. Another revenue royalty is payable to private interests of 0.2%, subject to a $370,000 cap. A NSW minerals royalty will also be levied on the project, subject to negotiation, currently 4% on revenue.
Honeybugle property, Australia
The Company holds a 10% interest in its Australian subsidiary which holds title to the Honeybugle properties (Note 9).
Kiviniemi Scandium Property Finland
In August 2018, the Company was granted an Exploration License for the Kiviniemi Scandium Property in central Finland from the Finnish regulatory body governing mineral exploration and mining in Finland. As of September 30, 2018, no funds have been capitalized for this property.
8
Scandium International Mining Corp. |
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
September 30, 2018 |
(Expressed in US Dollars) (Unaudited) |
5. |
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS |
During the 9-month period ended September 30, 2018, the Company expensed $695,405 for stock-based compensation for stock options issued to Company directors. During the 9-month period ended September 30, 2017, the Company expensed $841,930 for stock-based compensation for stock options issued to Company directors. | |
During the 9-month period ended September 30, 2018, the Company paid a consulting fee of $76,500 to one of its directors. During the 9-month period ended September 30, 2017, the Company paid a consulting fee of $76,500 to one of its directors. | |
As at September 30, 2018, the Company owed $23,207 to various directors and officers of the Company. (December 31, 2017 - $32,036) |
6. |
CAPITAL STOCK AND ADDITIONAL PAID IN CAPITAL |
On May 4, 2018, the Company issued 6,071,888 common shares at a value of C$0.18 per common share for total proceeds of C$1,092,940 ($864,402). | |
On March 2, 2018, the Company issued 5,729,167 common shares at a value of C$0.18 per common share for total proceeds of C$1,031,250 ($810,898). | |
On March 17, 2017, the Company issued 1,179,061 common shares at a value of C$0.29 per common share for total proceeds of C$341,928 ($261,375). | |
Stock Options | |
The Company established a stock option plan (the Plan) under which it is authorized to grant options to executive officers and directors, employees and consultants and the number of options granted under the Plan shall not exceed 15% of the shares outstanding. Under the Plan, the exercise period of the options may not exceed ten years from the date of grant and vesting is determined by the Board of Directors. | |
Stock option transactions are summarized as follows: |
Stock Options | |||||||
Weighted average | |||||||
Number | exercise price in Canadian $ | ||||||
Outstanding, December 31, 2016 | 21,820,000 | $ | 0.11 | ||||
Granted | 5,600,000 | 0.38 | |||||
Exercised | (3,285,000 | ) | 0.08 | ||||
Expired | (550,000 | ) | 0.07 | ||||
Outstanding, December 31, 2017 | 23,585,000 | 0.18 | |||||
Granted | 6,850,000 | 0.223 | |||||
Exercised | (1,010,000 | ) | 0.10 | ||||
Expired | (360,000 | ) | 0.27 | ||||
Outstanding, September 30, 2018 | 29,065,000 | $ | 0.194 | ||||
Number currently exercisable | 28,130,000 | $ | 0.192 |
9
Scandium International Mining Corp. |
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
September 30, 2018 |
(Expressed in US Dollars) (Unaudited) |
6. |
CAPITAL STOCK AND ADDITIONAL PAID IN CAPITAL (contd ) |
As at September 30, 2018, incentive stock options were outstanding as follows: |
Number of | Number of | Exercise | |||||||||||
Options |
Options | Price in | Expiry Date | ||||||||||
Outstanding | Exercisable | Canadian $ | |||||||||||
Options | |||||||||||||
3,375,000 | 3,375,000 | 0.120 | July 25, 2019 | ||||||||||
200,000 | 200,000 | 0.100 | December 30, 2019 | ||||||||||
3,450,000 | 3,450,000 | 0.140 | April 17, 2020 | ||||||||||
250,000 | 250,000 | 0.600 | May 11, 2020 | ||||||||||
400,000 | 400,000 | 0.115 | August 28, 2020 | ||||||||||
4,300,000 | 4,300,000 | 0.100 | November 5, 2020 | ||||||||||
4,850,000 | 4,850,000 | 0.130 | February 8, 2021 | ||||||||||
400,000 | 400,000 | 0.200 | June 14, 2021 | ||||||||||
4,980,000 | 4,795,000 | 0.370 | February 21, 2022 | ||||||||||
250,000 | 100,000 | 0.300 | October 6, 2022 | ||||||||||
6,260,000 | 5,660,000 | 0.225 | January 19, 2023 | ||||||||||
350,000 | 350,000 | 0.185 | August 30, 2023 | ||||||||||
29,065,000 | 28,130,000 |
As at September 30, 2018 the Companys outstanding and exercisable stock options have an aggregate intrinsic value of $2,320,242 (December 31, 2017 - $1,467,123).
Stock-based compensation
During the 9-month period ended September 30, 2018, the Company recognized stock-based compensation of $1,054,456 (September 30, 2017 - $1,225,784) in the statement of operations and comprehensive loss as a result of incentive stock options granted, vested and extended in the current period. There were 6,850,000 stock options granted during the 9-month period ended September 30, 2018 (September 30, 2017 5,350,000).
The weighted average fair value of the options granted in the period was C$0.19 (September 30, 2017 - C$0.32) .
The fair value of all compensatory options granted is estimated on grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The weighted average assumptions used in calculating the fair values are as follows:
2018 | 2017 | ||||||
Risk-free interest rate | 1.96% | 1.48% | |||||
Expected life | 5 years | 5 years | |||||
Volatility | 127.81% | 137.16% | |||||
Forfeiture rate | 0.00% | N/A | |||||
Dividend rate | 0.00% | N/A |
7. |
TREASURY STOCK |
Number | Amount | ||||||
Treasury shares, September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 | 1,033,333 | $ | 1,264,194 | ||||
1,033,333 | $ | 1,264,194 |
Treasury shares comprise shares of the Company which cannot be sold without the prior approval of the TSX.
10
Scandium International Mining Corp. |
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
September 30, 2018 |
(Expressed in US Dollars) (Unaudited) |
8. |
SEGMENTED INFORMATION |
The Companys mineral properties are located in Australia. The Companys capital assets geographic information is as follows: |
September 30, 2018 | Australia | United States | Total | |||||||
Equipment | $ | - | $ | 13,284 | $ | 13,284 | ||||
Mineral property interests | 704,053 | - | 704,053 | |||||||
$ | 704,053 | $ | 13,284 | $ | 717,337 |
December 31, 2017 | Australia | United States | Total | |||||||
Equipment | $ | - | $ | 1,947 | $ | 1,947 | ||||
Mineral property interests | 704,053 | - | 704,053 | |||||||
$ | 704,053 | $ | 1,947 | $ | 706,000 |
9. |
EMC METALS AUSTRALIA PTY LTD |
On August 24, 2015, the Companys $2,500,000 promissory note payable was converted into a 20% ownership interest in EMC-A, with the Company holding an 80% ownership interest. EMC-A held interests in the Nyngan Scandium Project and Honeybugle Scandium property. Upon conversion of the promissory note payable, EMC-A was operated as a joint venture between Scandium Investments LLC (SIL) and the Company. SIL held a carried interest in the Nyngan Scandium Project and was not required to contribute cash for the operation of EMC-A until the Company met two development milestones: (1) filing a feasibility study on SEDAR, and (2) receiving a mining license on either joint venture property. At such time as the two development milestones were met, SIL was to fully participate on project costs thereafter. | |
Completion of the development milestones by the Company, as described above, activated an option for SIL to convert the fair market value of its 20% joint venture interest in the Nyngan Scandium Project and Honeybugle Scandium property into an equivalent value of the Companys common shares, at the then prevailing market prices, rather than continue with ownership at the project level. SIL elected to exercise the conversion option as described. | |
On October 10, 2017, the Company announced that it had closed the share exchange transaction to acquire SILs entire 20% ownership of EMC-A. The Company issued 57,371,565 shares of the Companys common shares at a fair value of $13,487,223 to acquire SILs shares of EMC-A and increase the Company ownership of EMC-A from 80% to 100%. | |
The Company also provided for a pay-out of a 20% portion of a 0.7% revenue-based royalty on Nyngan/Honeybugle that was entered into by the Company in 2015. This royalty was excluded from SILs share in the project interests, at the time, and as a result an adjustment payment of 1,459,080 common shares at a fair value of $343,009 was made. | |
SIL also was granted the right to nominate two directors to the Company Board. |
11
Item 2. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion of the operating results, corporate activities and financial condition of Scandium International Mining Corp. (hereinafter referred to as we, us, SCY, Scandium, Scandium International or the Company) and its subsidiaries provides an analysis of the operating and financial results for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 and should be read in conjunction with our unaudited interim consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto for the nine month period ended September 30, 2018, and with the Companys audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2017 (the Annual Statements).
This discussion and analysis contain forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of many factors, including, but not limited to, those set forth under the heading Risk Factors and Uncertainties in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, and elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
The interim statements have been prepared in accordance with US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, as required under U.S. federal securities laws applicable to the Company, and as permitted under applicable Canadian securities laws. The Company is a reporting company under applicable securities laws in Canada and the United States. The reporting currency used in our financial statements is the United States Dollar.
The information contained within this report is current as of November 14, 2018 unless otherwise noted. Additional information relevant to the Companys activities can be found on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov.
Technical information in this MD&A has been reviewed and approved by Willem Duyvesteyn, a Qualified Person as defined by Canadian National Instrument 43-101 (NI 43-101). Mr. Duyvesteyn is a director and consultant of Scandium International.
Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors Regarding Reserve and Resource Estimates
The Company uses Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum definitions for the terms proven reserves, probable reserves, measured resources and indicated resources. U.S. investors are cautioned that while these terms are recognized and required by Canadian regulations, including National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (NI 43-101), the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) does not recognize them. Canadian mining disclosure standards differ from the requirements of the SEC under SEC Industry Guide 7, and reserve and resource information referenced in this Form 10-Q may not be comparable to similar information disclosed by companies reporting under U.S. standards. In particular, and without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the term resource does not equate to the term reserve. Under United States standards, mineralization may not be classified as a reserve unless the determination has been made that the mineralization could be economically and legally produced or extracted at the time the reserve determination is made. The SECs disclosure standards normally do not permit the inclusion of information concerning measured mineral resources or indicated mineral resources or other descriptions of the amount of mineralization in mineral deposits that do not constitute reserves by U.S. standards in documents filed with the SEC. Disclosure of contained ounces in a resource estimate is permitted disclosure under Canadian regulations; however, the SEC normally only permits issuers to report mineralization that does not constitute reserves by SEC standards as tonnage and grade without reference to unit measures. The requirements of NI 43-101 for identification of reserves are also not the same as those of the SEC, and reserves in compliance with NI 43-101 may not qualify as reserves under SEC standards.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements made in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q may constitute forward-looking statements about the Company and its business. Forward looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and include, but are not limited to, reserve and resource estimates, estimated value of the project, projected investment returns, anticipated mining and processing methods for the project, the estimated economics of the project, anticipated Scandium recoveries, production rates, Scandium grades, estimated capital costs, operating cash costs and total production costs, planned additional processing work and environmental permitting. The forward-looking statements in this report are subject to various risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause the Company's actual results or achievements to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by forward looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and other factors include, without limitation, risks related to uncertainty in the demand for Scandium and pricing assumptions; uncertainties related to raising sufficient financing to fund the Nyngan Scandium Project in a timely manner and on acceptable terms; changes in planned work resulting from logistical, technical or other factors; the possibility that results of work will not fulfill expectations and realize the perceived potential of the Company's properties; uncertainties involved in the estimation of Scandium reserves and resources; the possibility that required permits may not be obtained on a timely manner or at all; the possibility that capital and operating costs may be higher than currently estimated and may preclude commercial development or render operations uneconomic; the possibility that the estimated recovery rates may not be achieved; risk of accidents, equipment breakdowns and labor disputes or other unanticipated difficulties or interruptions; the possibility of cost overruns or unanticipated expenses in the work program; risks related to projected project economics, recovery rates, and estimated NPV and anticipated IRR and other factors identified in the Company's SEC filings and its filings with Canadian securities regulatory authorities. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, opinions and expectations of the Company's management at the time they are made, and other than as required by applicable securities laws, the Company does not assume any obligation to update its forward-looking statements if those beliefs, opinions or expectations, or other circumstances, should change.
Scandium International Corporate Overview
Scandium International is a specialty metals and alloys company focused on developing the markets, production and sales of scandium and other specialty metals. The Company intends to utilize its knowhow and, in certain instances, patented technologies to maximize opportunities in scandium and other specialty metals.
The Company was formed in 2006, under the name Golden Predator Mines Inc. As part of a reorganization and spin-out of the Companys precious metals portfolio in March 2009, the Company changed its name to EMC Metals Corp. In order to reflect our emphasis on mining for scandium minerals, effective November 19, 2014, we changed our name to Scandium International Mining Corp. The Company currently trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol SCY.
Our focus of operations is the exploration and development of the Nyngan scandium deposit located in New South Wales (NSW), Australia (Nyngan or the Nyngan Scandium Project). We also hold exploration stage properties in Australia, known as the Honeybugle Scandium Property, and in Finland, known as the Kiviniemi Scandium Property.
We acquired a 100% interest in the Nyngan Scandium Project in June of 2014 pursuant to the terms of a settlement agreement with Jervois Mining Ltd. of Melbourne, Australia. The project is held through our Australian subsidiary, EMC Metals Australia Pty Ltd. (EMC Australia), which also holds the Honeybugle Scandium Property.
During Q3 of 2015, the Company converted a $2,500,000 loan from Scandium Investments LLC (SIL), an unrelated investment company, into a 20% minority interest in EMC Australia. As a result, from Q3 2015 until October 2017, the Company held an 80% equity interest in EMC Australia, with SIL holding a 20% interest. EMC Australia was operated as a joint venture between SIL and SCY with SIL holding a carried interest in the Nyngan Scandium Project until the Company met certain development milestones. The Company completed the development milestones during May 2017 and triggered a limited period option whereby SIL had a right to convert the fair market value of its 20% interest in EMC Australia into an equivalent value of SCY common shares, at then prevailing market prices.
In June of 2017, the Company entered into a share exchange agreement with SIL for the purchase of SILs 20% interest in EMC Australia in exchange for 57,371,565 common shares of SCY as well as an additional 1,459,080 common shares as a royalty adjustment payment. Closing of the purchase of the EMC Australia shares was subject to shareholder approval, which the Company obtained at a special meeting of shareholders held on September 11, 2017. The transaction subsequently closed on October 9, 2017. Under the terms of the share purchase agreement, on closing SIL was granted the right to nominate two individuals to the board of the Company for so long as held at SIL held at least 15% of Scandiums issued and outstanding shares, and one director for so long as they held at least 5% but less than 15% of Scandiums issued and outstanding shares. Pursuant to the nomination rights, Peter Evensen and R. Christian Evensen were appointed as directors to the SCY Board on closing of the transaction.
During the third quarter of 2018, we focused on Nyngan Scandium Project activities including scandium marketing arrangements.
Principal Properties Review
Nyngan Scandium Project (NSW, Australia)
Nyngan Property Description and Location
The Nyngan Scandium Project site is located approximately 450 kilometers northwest of Sydney, NSW, Australia and approximately 20 kilometres due west of the town of Nyngan, a rural town of approximately 2,900 people. The general area can be characterized as flat countryside and is classified as agricultural land, used predominantly for wheat farming and livestock grazing.
The specific location of the exploration licenses that we may earn an interest in are provided in Figure 2 below.
Figure 1: Location of Nyngan Project
Figure 2: Location of the Exploration Licenses and Mining Lease for the Nyngan Scandium Project
Nyngan Feasibility Study
On April 18, 2016 the Company announced the results of an independently prepared feasibility study on the Nyngan Scandium Project. The technical report on the feasibility study entitled Feasibility Study Nyngan Scandium Project, Bogan Shire, NSW, Australia is dated May 4, 2016 and was independently compiled pursuant to the requirements of NI 43-101 (the Feasibility Study). The report was filed on May 6, 2016 and is available on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) and on the Companys website (www.scandiummining.com) and the SECs website (www.sec.gov). A full discussion on the technical report was provided in the Companys Form 10Q for the quarterly period ending March 31, 2016, as filed with the SEC and on SEDAR on May 13, 2016.
The Feasibility Study concluded that the Nyngan Scandium Project has the potential to produce an average of 37,690 kilograms of scandium oxide (scandia) per year, at grades of 98.0% -99.8%, generating an after tax cumulative cash flow over a 20 year Project life of US$629 million, with an NPV10% of US$177 million. The average process plant feed grade over the 20 year Project life is 409ppm of scandium.
The financial results of the Feasibility Study are based on a conventional flow sheet, employing continuous high pressure acid leach (HPAL) and solvent extraction (SX) techniques. The flow sheet was modeled and validated from METSIM modeling and considerable bench scale/pilot scale metallurgical test work utilising Nyngan resource material. A number of the key elements of this flowsheet work have been protected by the Company under US Patent Applications.
The Feasibility Study was developed and compiled to an accuracy level of +15%/-5%, by a globally recognized engineering firm that has considerable expertise in laterite deposits and process facilities, as well as in smaller mining and processing projects, and has excellent familiarity with the Nyngan Scandium Project location and environment.
Nyngan Scandium Project Highlights
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Capital cost estimate for the Project is US$87.1 million, | |
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Annual scandium oxide product volume averages 37,690 kg per year, over 20 years, | |
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Annual revenue of US$75.4 million (oxide price assumption of US$2,000/kg), | |
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Operating cost estimate for the Project is US$557/kg scandium oxide, | |
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Project Constant Dollar NPV10% is US$177 million, (NPV8% is US$225 million), | |
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Project Constant Dollar IRR is 33.1%, | |
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Oxide product grades of 98-99.8%, as based on customer requirements, | |
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Project resource was increased by 40% to 16.9 million tonnes, grading 235ppm Sc, at a 100ppm cut-off in the measured and indicated categories, and | |
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Project Reserve totalling 1.43 million tonnes, grading 409ppm Sc was established on part of the resource. |
DFS Conclusions and Recommendations
The production assumptions in the Feasibility Study are backed by solid independent flow sheet test work on the planned process for scandium recovery. The Feasibility Study consolidates a significant amount of metallurgical test work and prior study on the Nyngan Scandium Project, including important test work results completed since the Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) was generated in 2014. The entire body of work demonstrates a viable, conventional process flow sheet utilizing a continuous-system HPAL leaching process, and good metallurgical recoveries of scandium from the resource. The metallurgical assumptions are supported by various bench and pilot scale independent test work programs that are consistent with known outcomes in other laterite resources. The continuous autoclave configuration, as opposed to batch systems explored in previous flow sheets, is also a more conventional and current design choice.
The level of accuracy established in the Feasibility Study substantially reduces the uncertainty levels inherent in earlier studies, specifically the PEA. The greater confidence intervals around the Feasibility Study were achieved by reliance on significant project engineering work, a capital and operating cost estimate supported by detailed requirements and vendor pricing, plus one offtake agreement and an independent marketing assessment, both supportive of the marketing assumptions on the business.
The Feasibility Study delivered a positive result on the Nyngan Scandium Project, and recommends the Nyngan Scandium Project owners seek finance and proceed to construction. Recommendations were made therein for additional immediate work, notably to win additional offtake agreements with customers, complete some optimizing flow sheet studies, and to initiate as early as possible detailed engineering required on certain long-lead capital items.
Confirmatory Metallurgical Test Results
On June 29, 2016, we announced the results of a confirmatory metallurgical test work report from Altrius Engineering Services (AES) of Brisbane, Australia. The test work results directly relate to the list of recommended programs included in the Feasibility Study. AES devised and supervised these test work programs at the SGS laboratory in Perth, Australia and at the Nagrom laboratory in Brisbane, Australia.
The project DFS recommended a number of process flowsheet test work programs be investigated prior to commencing detailed engineering and construction. Those study areas included pressure leach (HPAL), counter-current decant circuits, solvent extraction (SX), and oxalate precipitation, with specific work steps suggested in each area. This latest test work program addresses all of these recommended areas, and the results confirm recoveries and efficiencies that either meet or exceed the parameters used in the DFS. Highlights of the testing are:
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Pressure leach test work achieved 88% recoveries, from larger volume tests, | |
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Settling characteristics of leach discharge slurry show substantial improvement, | |
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Residue neutralization work meets or exceeds all environmental requirements as presented in the DFS and the environmental impact statement, | |
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Solvent extraction circuit optimization tests generated improved performance, exceeding 99% recovery in single pass systems, and | |
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Product finish circuits produced 99.8% scandium oxide, completing the recovery process from Nyngan ore to finished scandia product. |
Engineering, Procurement and Construction Management Contract
On May 30, 2017, the Company announced that its subsidiary EMC Australia signed an Engineering, Procurement and Construction Management ("EPCM") contract with Lycopodium Minerals Pty Ltd ("Lycopodium"), to build the Nyngan Scandium Project in New South Wales, Australia. The EPCM contract also provides for start-up and commissioning services.
The EPCM contract appoints Lycopodium (Brisbane, QLD, Australia) to manage all aspects of project construction. Lycopodium is the principal engineering firm involved with the DFS. Lycopodium's continued involvement in project construction and commissioning ensures valuable technical and management continuity for the project during the construction and start-up of the project.
On October 19, 2017, we announced that Lycopodium was instructed to initiate critical path engineering for the Nyngan Scandium Project. Lycopodium will commence work immediately on select critical path components for the project, including design and specification engineering on the high-pressure autoclave unit, associated flash and splash vessels and several specialized high-pressure input pumps. This engineering work will enable final supplier selection, firm component pricing and delivery dates for these key process components. This work has now been completed and awaits final investment decision (FID ).
Environmental Permitting/Development Consent/Mining Lease
On May 2, 2016, the Company announced the filing of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) with the New South Wales, Australia, Department of Planning and Environment, (the Department) in support of the planned development of the Nyngan Scandium Project. The EIS was prepared by R.W. Corkery & Co. Pty. Limited, on behalf of the Companys subsidiary, EMC Australia, to support an application for Development Consent for the Nyngan Scandium Project. The EIS is a complete document, including a Specialist Consultants Study Compendium, and was submitted to the Department on Friday, April 29, 2016.
EIS Highlights:
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The EIS finds residual environmental impacts represent negligible risk. | |
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The proposed development design achieves sustainable environmental outcomes. | |
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The EIS finds net-positive social and economic outcomes for the community. | |
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Nine independent environmental consulting groups conducted analysis over five years and contributed report findings to the EIS. | |
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The Nyngan Project development is estimated to contribute A$12.4M to the local and regional economies, and A$39M to the State and Federal economies, annually | |
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The EIS is fully aligned with the DFS and with a NSW Mining License Application for the Nyngan Project. |
Conclusion statement in the EIS:
In light of the conclusions included throughout this Environmental Impact Statement, it is assessed that the Proposal could be constructed and operated in a manner that would satisfy all relevant statutory goals and criteria, environmental objectives and reasonable community expectations.
EIS, Development Consent, Mining Lease:
The EIS is the foundation document submitted by a developer intending to build a mine facility in Australia. The Nyngan Scandium Project is considered a State Significant Project, in that capital cost exceeds A$30 million, which means State agencies are designated to manage the investigation and approval process for granting a Development Consent, from the Minister of Planning and Environment. This Department will manage the review of the Proposal through a number of State and local governmental agencies.
The EIS is a self-contained set of documents used to seek a Development Consent. It is however, supported in many ways by the recently completed feasibility study.
On November 10, 2016, the Company announced that the Development Consent had been granted. This Development Consent represents an approval to develop the Nyngan Scandium Project and is based on the EIS. The Development Consent follows an in-depth review of the EIS, the project plan, community impact studies, public EIS exhibition and commentary, and economic viability, and involved more than 12 specialized governmental agencies and groups.
During May 2017, EMC Australia received notice of approval for its Mining Lease application. The Mining Lease (ML) overlays select areas previously covered by two Exploration Licenses. The ML represents the final major development approval required from the NSW Government to begin construction on the project. The ML is awarded after all environmental work has been completed and reviewed, all social implications of project development have been considered, and the NSW Environmental Minister has issued a Development Consent, which was received earlier, in November 2016. The ML grant reflects the further review that the State resource value has been considered and approved for extraction based on mine development plans. The ML is issued for a period of 21 years, and is based on the development plans and intent submitted in the ML Application. The ML can be modified by NSW regulatory agencies, as requested by EMC Australia over time, to reflect changing operating conditions.
In addition to these two key governmental approvals, other required licenses and permits must be acquired but are considered routine and require only compliance with fixed standards and objective measurements. These remaining approvals include submittal of numerous plans and reports supporting compliance with Development Consent and Mining Lease. In addition, the following water, roads, dam and electrical access reviews and arrangements must be finalized:
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Water Supply Works and Use Approval and Water Access License, | |
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State and local approval for construction of the intersection of the Site Access Road and Gilgai Road, | |
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An approval from the NSW Dams Safety Committee for the design and construction of the Residue Storage Facility, and | |
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A high voltage connection agreement with Essential Energy. |
The Company intends to continue to follow and support the progress of governmental agency reviews.
Downstream Scandium Products
In February 2011, we announced results of a series of laboratory-scale tests investigating the production of aluminum-scandium master alloys directly from aluminum oxide and scandium oxide feed materials, prepared by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). The overall objective of this research was to demonstrate and commercialize the production of aluminum-scandium master alloy using impure scandium oxide, sourced from third parties, as the scandium feedstock, potentially significantly improving the economics of aluminum-scandium master alloy production. In 2014, the Company announced it applied for a US Patent on master alloy production, which is still in the application phase. That patent application addressed scandium master alloys with both aluminum-base and magnesium-base metals. The application has been modified several times and remains in the application stage at this time.
During the 2015-2017 timeframe, we continued our own internal laboratory-scale investigations into the production of aluminum-scandium master alloys, furthering our understanding of commercial processes, and achievable recoveries. We advanced our abilities to make a standard-grade 2% scandium master alloy product typical of commercially available products offered today.
On March 2, 2017, we announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") with Weston Aluminium Pty Ltd ("Weston") of Chatswood, NSW, Australia. The MOU defines a cooperative commercial alliance to jointly develop the capability to manufacture aluminum-scandium master alloy. The intended outcome of this alliance will be to develop the capability to offer Nyngan Scandium Project aluminum alloy customers scandium in form of Al-Sc master alloy, should customers prefer that product form.
The MOU outlines steps to jointly establish the manufacturing parameters, metallurgical processes, and capital requirements to convert Nyngan Scandium Project scandium product into master alloy, on Weston's existing production site in NSW. The MOU does not include a binding contract with commercial terms at this stage, although the intent is to pursue the necessary technical elements to arrive at a commercial contract for conversion of scandium oxide to master alloy, and to do so prior to first mine production from the Nyngan Scandium Project.
Master Alloy Pilot Scale Program, New Patent Applications: On March 5, 2018, the Company announced the initiation of a pilot scale program (the Pilot Program) at the ALCERECO Inc. metallurgical research facilities in Kingston, Ontario, to confirm and refine previous work on the manufacture of aluminum-scandium 2% master alloy (MA). The Pilot Program is intended to confirm the previous bench-scale test work, and to provide necessary process understanding for commercial scale upgrade of Nyngan scandium oxide product to master alloy product.
The Company also announced that it has filed for patent protection on certain process refinements for master alloy manufacture that it believes are novel methods, and also on certain product variants that it believes represent novel forms of introducing scandium more directly into aluminum alloys. The Pilot Program began in March 2018 and is expected to be completed in late 2018.
Highlights:
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SCY successfully made Al-Sc 2% master alloy at bench scale in Australia in 2017, | |
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Process recoveries reached 90% on the bench scale process test work, | |
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Pilot scale master alloy manufacturing process test work initiated now, | |
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Novel product variants have been invented, to introduce scandium directly into aluminum, bypassing the MA product step, with higher process recoveries, and | |
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US patent applications have been filed to protect novel processes and inventions. |
The Company initiated work to understand master alloy manufacture from scandium oxide in early 2017, at Nagrom Brisbane Labs, in QLD, Australia. We conducted laboratory test work at Nagrom to confirm that metallurgical grade (2%) Al-Sc master alloy could be manufactured, that process steps and reagents were understood, and that commercially acceptable scandium recoveries to MA product were possible. These goals were achieved by Q4 2017. No work was done at this stage on recovery/recycle of scandium process losses to the waste product (dross) formed in the process, although we have identified several potential paths to readily achieve this recovery.
Separately from the conventional MA process investigations, additional work at Nagrom explored novel methods of packaging scandium oxide into a product form that could be added directly into molten aluminum, bypassing the master alloy step for the ultimate manufacture of finished aluminum alloys containing scandium. This work was also successful, generating high recoveries of scandium into final aluminum alloys.
The Pilot Program now being conducted will increase the scale of the processes and perform further confirmatory test work results to the work done in 2017. The Pilot Program will consist of five separate trials on the two product types, production of MA in various forms, and dross analysis to ascertain scandium recoveries to product. The total mass of master alloy and product variants produced in the program is planned at 20kg. The program will also include subsequent efficacy testing against commercially purchased master alloy in the manufacture of aluminum alloys.
The Pilot Program will also include test work on scandium recovery from dross produced in the manufacture of the master alloys. This data will allow the company to further reduce MA conversion costs.
Patent applications have been filed with the US Patent Office on both master alloy process techniques and separately on novel product inventions for direct scandium additions.
The Company intends to explore customer interest in the direct addition scandium product, and it believes that the product may well be preferred by smaller batch aluminum alloy manufacturers, or by certain manufacturers who mix their own custom alloys to suit their specific product applications.
Offtake Agreements and Letters Of Intent
The Company is in the process of obtaining sales agreements for scandium products produced from our Nyngan Scandium Project. Our focus is on the use of scandium as an alloying ingredient in aluminum based products. Scandium as an alloying agent in aluminum allows for aluminum metal products that are much stronger, more easily weldable and exhibit improved performance at higher temperatures than current aluminum-based materials. This means lighter structures, lower manufacturing costs and improved performance in product areas that aluminum alloys do not currently compete. Our scandium products for sale include both scandium oxide and scandium master alloy materials.
ALCERECO
In 2015, the Company entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with ALCERECO Inc. of Kingston, Ontario (ALCERECO), forming a strategic alliance to develop markets and applications for aluminum alloys containing scandium. To further that alliance, and to reinforce the capability of both companies to deliver products developed for scandium aluminum alloy markets, Scandium International and ALCERECO also signed an offtake agreement governing sales terms of scandium oxide product (scandia) produced from the Nyngan Scandium Project. The offtake agreement specifies prices, delivery volumes and timeframes for commencement of delivery of scandium oxide product. The offtake agreement does not provide for a mandatory annual minimum purchase volume of scandium oxide by ALCERECO, and there is no requirement for payment in lieu of purchase.
The MOU represented keen mutual interest in foundry-based test work on aluminum alloys containing scandium, based on understandings that ALCERECOs team had gained from prior work with Alcan Aluminum, and based on SCYs twin goals of understanding and identifying quality applications for scandium, and also understanding the scandium value proposition with customers.
During December 2017, the Company revised and renewed the scandium product offtake agreement with ALCERECO. The revised agreement extends the deadline for initial production and shipments from the Nyngan Scandium Project from December 1, 2017, to as late as December 1, 2020. The defined sale product was changed to an aluminum scandium 2% master alloy from scandium oxide in the prior agreement. The revised sales agreement covers approximately the same scandium oxide volume as the prior agreement, representing 55% of Nyngans initial twelve month forecast production, and approximately 20% of nameplate capacity, as established by the Definitive Feasibility Study. The revised offtake agreement does not provide for a mandatory annual minimum purchase volume of scandium oxide by ALCERECO, and there is no requirement for payment in lieu of purchase.
The Company has sponsored research work as contemplated by the MOU with ALCERECO and with two other unrelated entities in separate locations. This work develops and documents the improvement in strength characteristics scandium can deliver to aluminum alloys without degrading other key properties. The team has run multiple alloy mix programs where scandium loading is varied, in order to look at response to scandium additions on a cost/benefit basis. This work has been done in the context of industries and applications where these particular alloys are popular today.
These programs are focused on 3 Series, 5 Series and 7 Series Al-Sc alloys, and have served to make independent data and volume samples available for sales efforts.
The results of our research work are positive, and consistent with the body of published literature available today on aluminum scandium alloys. We are observing noteworthy strengthening effects with scandium additions above 0.1%, and dramatic strengthening improvements with additions of 0.35%, while preserving or enhancing other alloy properties and characteristics. We have also demonstrated that altering the combinations of scandium loads and alloy hardening process techniques has significant effect on the final alloy properties, offering the opportunity to tune alloy characteristics to suit specific applications.
Letters of Intent
During 2018 (three fiscal quarters), the Company announced signing Letter Of Intent (LOI) agreements with seven unrelated partnering entities. In each agreement we have agreed to contribute either scandium master alloy product, or aluminum-scandium alloy product for trial testing by the partners in their downstream manufacturing applications. In each LOI, the parties have agreed to disclose to us the parameters and general results of the testing program utilizing these scandium-containing alloys, upon completion of testing.
These formal LOIs, with distinct industry segment leaders, represent a key marketing program demonstrating precisely how scandium will perform in specific products, and in production-specific environments. Potential scandium customers insist on these sample testing opportunities, directly in their research facilities or on their shop floor, to ensure their full understanding of the impacts, benefits, and costing implications of introducing scandium into their traditional aluminum feedstocks.
The counterparties in these LOIs are specifically:
Gränges AB (Gränges), based in Stockholm, Sweden. Gränges, a public company, traded on the NASDAQ Stockholm Stock Exchange (GRNG:OMX), and a large global player in the rolled aluminum products business, with production assets in Europe, USA, and China, and a worldwide customer base, majority concentrated in the USA. Gränges is focused on advanced aluminum materials, and holds a leading global position in rolled products for brazed heat exchangers, which it estimates at 20%. The brazed heat exchanger market has traditionally been centered in automotive applications, but is increasingly also now being applied to stationary heat exchanger (HVAC) solutions as well.
Ohm & Häner Metallwerk GmbH & Co. GK (O&H), based in Olpe, Germany. O&H is a privately held manufacturer of sand cast and gravity die cast parts, using metal alloys, servicing a significant, global customer base. O&H produces over 3,000 individual cast parts, and currently works with over 40 different alloys, primarily aluminum and copper-based, customized to individual process, unique pieces and heavy castings for special applications. The cast aluminum alloys segment represents roughly 30% of the global aluminum alloy market today.
AML Technologies (AML), an Adelaide, Australia based start-up company with proprietary technology for applying aluminum alloys to additive layer manufacturing processes, also commonly referred to as 3D printing. AML Technologies is commercializing a 3D printing process designed to operate at a speed that will enable manufacture of medium to relatively large engineered metal parts and structures at low cost.
Grainger & Worrall Ltd. (GW), based in Shropshire, UK. GW is a privately held manufacturer of precision sand cast parts, and engineering services, using both aluminum and steel alloys, servicing a significant global customer base. GW specializes in low to intermediate volume cast parts for commercial automotive, motorsports/racing, defense, marine, and aerospace applications. A number of the worlds most renowned automotive marques rely on GW for their high-performance drivetrain and structural castings. Aluminum-scandium alloys should be specifically suited to high-heat applications, aligning well with GWs specialized focus on automotive engine and powertrain applications.
Eck Industries Inc. (ECK), based in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, USA, is a privately held manufacturer of precision sand cast parts, and engineering services, using both aluminum and steel alloys, servicing a significant, global customer base. Customer segments include commercial aircraft parts, automotive and trucking cast parts, military drivetrain casings, marine propulsion system castings, and military aerospace components. Eck Industries is known in the casting industry as an innovator. They employ over seven different molding techniques and work with multiple aluminum alloy types: Scandium additions could potentially play a valuable role in any of the alloy types.
Impression Technologies Ltd. ("ITL"), based in Coventry, UK, is a privately held technology company, developing and licensing its advanced aluminum sheet forming technology, Hot Form Quench ("HFQ®"), to automotive, aerospace, rail and electronics industries, globally. ITL also manufactures custom parts for customers with its patented HFQ® technology, which enables the single-pass forming of complex, lightweight, high-strength aluminum parts that can't otherwise be similarly formed today.
PAB Coventry Ltd. (PAB), located in Coventry, UK, is a privately held manufacturing and prototyping company offering specialty metal parts and design capabilities, serving the automotive, aerospace, defense and HVAC industries. PAB has been a well-known parts and forms supplier to the upper market segment of the British automotive industry for decades.
Marketing Strategy
The LOI agreements are part of a marketing strategy by the Company to pick innovative, research-capable partners, willing to test scandium in their applications. The marketing strategy includes similar agreements with other research capable partners, but who do not wish to be publically named. We are selecting and approaching specific partners because we have an understanding, from our commissioned alloy mixing programs, that scandium additions can make value-added contributions to their specific products, and we have the alloy samples to make a fast start on that validation. The Company plans to do more of these programs, application-specific, in pursuit of sales contracts with quality customers across numerous industry segments, predominantly existing aluminum alloy consumers.
Nyngan Scandium Project - Planned Activities for 2018-2019
The following steps are planned for Nyngan during the 2018 and 2019 calendar years:
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Pursue additional LOI Agreements with potential future customers for scandium products who pledge to utilize scandium product samples in their production facilities, | |
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Pursue additional offtake agreements in support of planned future scandium sales, | |
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Seek project financing in mid-2019 to fund the construction of the Nyngan Scandium Project, | |
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Commence site construction in the second half of 2019, post financing, with anticipated construction completion over 12 months, and | |
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Initiate project commissioning in mid-2020, with product available for sale in 2020. |
Other Properties Review
Honeybugle Scandium Property (NSW, Australia)
On April 2, 2014, the Company announced that it had secured a 100% interest in an exploration license (EL 7977) covering 34.7 square kilometers in New South Wales, Australia. The license area, we call the Honeybugle Scandium Property, is located approximately 24 kilometers west-southwest from the Companys Nyngan Scandium Project and approximately 36 kilometers southwest from the town of Nyngan, NSW.
Exploration rights for the Honeybugle property include certain minimum expenditure requirements. The Company intends to fulfill those minimum expenditure requirements.
Honeybugle Drill Results
On May 7, 2014, the Company announced completion of an initial program of 30 air core (AC) drill holes on the property, specifically at the Seaford anomaly, targeting scandium (Sc). Results on 13 of these holes are shown in detail, in the table below. These holes suggest the potential for scandium mineralization on the property similar to Nyngan.
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Highlights of initial drilling program results include the following: The highest 3-meter intercept graded 572 ppm scandium (hole EHAC 11), | |
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EHAC 11 also generated two additional high-grade scandium intercepts, grading 510 ppm and 415 ppm, each over 3 meters, | |
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The program identified a 13-hole cluster which was of particular interest; intercepts on these 13 holes averaged 270 ppm scandium over a total 273 meters, at an average continuous thickness of 21 meters per hole, representing a total of 57% (354 meters) of total initial program drilling, | |
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The 13 holes produced 29 individual (3-meter) intercepts over 300 ppm, representing 31% of the mineralized intercepts in the 273 meters of interest, and | |
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This initial 30-hole AC exploratory drill program generated a total of 620 meters of scandium drill/assay results, over approximately 1 square kilometer on the property. |
Kiviniemi Scandium Property (Eastern Finland Province, Finland)
On September 25, 2017, the Company announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary company, Scandium International Mining Corp., Norway AS, has been granted a reservation on an Exploration License for the Kiviniemi Scandium Property in central Finland from the Finnish regulatory body governing mineral exploration and mining in Finland. The Geological Survey of Finland (GTK) conducted airborne survey work on the area in 1986, conducted exploration drilling on the property in 2008-2010, and published those program results on their public GTK website in 2016.
Highlights
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Kiviniemi property previously identified for scandium and explored by GTK, | |
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Property is a high iron content, medium grade scandium target, located on surface, with on-site upgrade potential, | |
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Early resource upgrade work done for GTK promising, confirmed by SCY, | |
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Property is all-weather accessible, close to infrastructure, and | |
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Finland location is mining-friendly and ideally suited to EU customer markets. |
Property/Location
The Kiviniemi property is located in the municipality of Rautalampi, Eastern Finland Province, approximately 350km northeast of Helsinki, by road. The closest major city/airport is Kuopio (pop. 110,000), approximately 70km to the northeast of the property. The exploration target is located on a small portion of a family farm, partially cleared for farming. Most of the property is wooded, including the area where the mineralization has been located,
Mineral Reservation
The Company applied for a reservation on the property in early 2017, which was granted in June 2017, after the public comment period ended. The reserved exploration area is approximately 24.6 hectares (0.25 square kilometer), identical to the historic GTK exploration license on the property, which expired in 2015. The mineralized area, as defined on GTK resource modeling maps, is approximately 25% of the total reservation. This reservation granted a first position right to apply for an exploration license on the property (protected through 2018). The Company filed the exploration application in January 2018, and was granted the exploration license during August 2018. The license is subject to work requirements.
Kiviniemi Summary
The Kiviniemi property represents a medium grade scandium resource target that has remained unrecognized and overlooked by exploration work, largely due to the absence of the more commonly sought-after minerals in the region, specifically copper, nickel and cobalt. We believe that Kiviniemi is Europes largest underdeveloped primary scandium resource.
The target has benefited significantly from valuable early exploration work by the GTK, which has advanced the property to a stage where successful metallurgical investigations may prove value that offsets grade concerns. SCY estimates roughly US$2M of work value has been directed at this property to date, including field work, drilling programs, assay work, overheads, and metallurgical upgrade studies, but firm numbers are not available.
We intend to first secure our exploration license, then plan a limited drill program to augment the existing GTK data and provide more sample material for metallurgical test work programs to define economic site upgrade possibilities on the scandium mineralization observed to date.
Other Developments Third Quarter 2018
Not applicable.
Operating results - Revenues and Expenses
The Companys results reflect higher expenditures of $52,712. Excluding non-cash costs, expenditures were up $51,178 due to increased consulting and exploration costs when compared to Q3 2017.
Summary of quarterly results
A summary of the Companys quarterly results are shown below at Table 10.
Table 10. Quarterly Results Summary
2018 | 2017 | 2016 | ||||||
Q3 | Q2 | Q1 | Q4 | Q3 | Q2 | Q1 | Q4 | |
Net Sales | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Net Income | ||||||||
(Loss) | (461,781) | (626,398) | (1,329,613) | (563,452) | (409,069) | (490,303) | (1,327,766) | (198,183) |
attributable to | ||||||||
Scandium | ||||||||
Mining Corp. | ||||||||
Basic and | ||||||||
diluted | ||||||||
Net Income | (0.00) | (0.00) | (0.01) | (0.00) | (0.00) | (0.00) | (0.01) | (0.00) |
(Loss) per | ||||||||
share | ||||||||
attributable to | ||||||||
Scandium | ||||||||
Mining Corp. |
Results of Operations for the three months ended September 30, 2018
The net loss for the quarter was $461,781, an increase of $52,712 from $409,069 in the same quarter of the prior year. Details of the individual items contributing to the increased net loss are set out below at Table 11:
Table 11. Variance Analysis for Net Loss
Q3 2018 vs. Q3 2017 - Variance Analysis | ||
Item | Variance | |
Favourable / | Explanation | |
(Unfavourable) | ||
Exploration | $(44,239) |
Exploration costs were higher in the current quarter compared to the comparative quarter one year ago due to increased expenditures on Al-SC alloy testing and licensing costs for the Kivinemi project. |
Consulting | $(27,236) |
The Company hired new consultants for marketing scandium in North America in Q3 2018 to replace a staff member who resigned at the end of Q2 2018. |
Q3 2018 vs. Q3 2017 - Variance Analysis | ||
Item | Variance | |
Favourable / | Explanation | |
(Unfavourable) | ||
Costs allocable to non-controlling interest | $(26,148) |
20% of the losses incurred in the Nyngan Scandium Project were allocated to the minority partner interest in Q3 2017. With the conversion of the minority interest into Company shares in late 2017, there is no longer an allocation of losses. |
Stock-based compensation | $(1,534) |
In Q3 2018 options were granted to a new consultant that were immediately expensed. No such expensing occurred in Q3 2017. |
Insurance | $(248) |
Slightly higher insurance premiums for the Company when compared to one year ago results in this minor negative variance. |
Travel and entertainment | $3,586 |
Higher travel costs in Q3 2017 as compared to Q3 2018 are associated with marketing scandium in Europe and Asia. |
General and administrative | $7,105 |
The decrease in general and administrative costs in the current quarter is due to lower costs for scandium marketing, and lower filing fees. |
Professional fees | $24,299 |
The lower costs in Q3 2018 are attributable to reduced legal fees in the Companys activities when compared to Q3 2017. |
Foreign exchange | $32,180 |
The Company held larger amounts in Canadian and Australian dollars during Q3 2018 when both of these currencies strengthened against the US dollar. |
Salaries and benefits | $43,883 |
The lower cost in Q3 2018 is due to the resignation of one employee. This individual was replaced by a consultant. |
Results of Operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2018
The net loss for the nine-month period was $2,417,792, an increase of $190,654 from $2,227,138 in the same nine-month period of the prior year. Details of the individual items contributing to the increased net loss are set out below at Table 12:
Table 12. Variance Analysis for Net Loss
Nine months ended September 30, 2018 vs. nine months ended September 30, 2017 - | ||
Variance Analysis | ||
Item | Variance | |
Favourable / | Explanation | |
(Unfavourable) | ||
Consulting | $(89,580) | The Company hired new consultants for marketing scandium in Australia and Canada in the latter half of 2017. The first six months of 2017 does not include these costs hence the lower charges in the same period one year ago. |
Costs allocable to non-controlling interest | $(73,488) | 20% of the losses incurred in the Nyngan Scandium Project were allocated to the minority partner interest in 2017. With the conversion of the minority interest into Company shares in late 2017, there is no longer an allocation of losses. |
General and administrative | $(66,034) | The increase in general and administrative costs is due to increase in costs to market scandium, and increased TSX filing fees due to the increased number of shares outstanding. |
Exploration | $(45,411) | Exploration costs were higher in the current period compared to the comparative period one year ago due to increased expenditures on Al-SC alloy testing and licensing costs for the Kivinemi project. |
Professional fees | $(10,171) | 2018 costs include legal fees pertaining to closing of the Exchange Agreement with SIL and conversion of SILs 20% interest in EMC-A to shares of SCY. |
Insurance | $(715) | Slightly higher insurance premiums for the Company when compared to one year ago results in this minor negative variance. |
Travel and entertainment | $3,177 | Travel costs were slightly lower when 2018 is compared to 2017 due to the resignation of one marketing individual that was not replace until late in Q3 2018. |
Salaries and benefits | $36,812 | The lower cost in 2018 is due to the resignation of one employee. This individual was replaced by a consultant. |
Foreign exchange | $116,911 | The Company held larger amounts in Canadian and Australian dollars during 2018 when both of these currencies strengthened against the US dollar. |
Nine months ended September 30, 2018 vs. nine months ended September 30, 2017 - | ||
Variance Analysis | ||
Item | Variance | |
Favourable / | Explanation | |
(Unfavourable) | ||
Amortization | $339 | The fixed asset portfolio is close to being fully depreciated and the lower costs in 2018 reflect this. However, the addition of new computer hardware in the Sparks, Nevada office during the current quarter will see this cost increase in future periods. |
Stock-based compensation | $171,328 | The computation of stock-based compensation expense is dependent upon the number of options issued, the share price on the date of grant and historic variability of stock price. The lower share price for stock options issued on 2018 has resulted in lower expenses when compared to 2017 when stock options expensed were based on higher share prices. |
Cash flow discussion for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2018 compared to September 30, 2017
The cash outflow for operating activities was $1,361,241, an increase of $323,070 (September 30, 2017 $1,038,171), due to higher operating costs as described in the variance analysis in addition to a decrease in accounts payable during the period.
The cash outflows from investing activities was $11,811, an increase of $11,811 (September 30, 2017 - $Nil) due to the purchase of computer hardware during the period.
Cash inflows from financing activities of $1,755,106 reflect greater private placements of $593,050 partially offset by lower exercise of stock options of $115,344, resulting in an increase of $477,705 when compared to the nine-month period ending September 30, 2017 of $1,277,401.
Financial Position
Cash
The Companys cash position increased during the nine-month period by $382,054 to $725,488 (December 31, 2017 - $343,434) due to private placements and stock option exercises totaling $1,755,106, which has been partially offset by ongoing operating costs.
Prepaid expenses and receivables
Prepaid expenses and accounts receivable decreased by $27,875 to $18,111 due to goods and services tax credits received (December 31, 2017 - $45,986).
Property and equipment
Property and equipment consist of computer equipment at the Sparks, Nevada office. The increase of $11,337 to $13,284 (December 2017 - $1,947) is due to the purchase of new server hardware in the quarter.
Mineral interests
Mineral interests remained the same at $704,053.
Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and accounts payable with related parties
Accounts payable has decreased by $26,254 to $39,935 due to increased costs associated with aluminum alloy testing (December 31, 2017 $66,189).
Capital Stock
Capital stock increased by $1,775,442 to $108,244,311 due to private placements in the nine-month period and the exercise of Company stock options (December 31, 2017 - $106,468,869).
Additional paid-in capital increased by $1,034,120, to $5,651,604 (December 31, 2017 - $4,617,484) as a result of expensing of stock options which was partially offset by the exercise of stock options.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
At September 30, 2018, the Company had a working capital of $703,664 including cash of $725,488 as compared to a working capital of $323,231 including cash of $343,434 at December 31, 2017.
At September 30, 2018, the Company had a total of 28,130,000 stock options exercisable between CAD$0.10 and CAD$0.60 that have the potential upon exercise to generate a total of C$5,387,000 in cash over the next five years. There is no assurance that these securities will be exercised. The Companys continued development is contingent upon its ability to raise sufficient financing both in the short and long term. There are no guarantees that additional sources of funding will be available to the Company; however, management is committed to pursuing all possible sources of financing in order to execute its business plan. The Company continues its cost cutting measures to conserve cash to meet its operational obligations.
Outstanding share data
At the date of this report, the Company has 304,781,294 issued and outstanding common shares and 29,065,000 stock options currently outstanding at a weighted average exercise price of CAD$0.19.
Off-balance sheet arrangements
At September 30, 2018, the Company had no material off-balance sheet arrangements such as guarantee contracts, contingent interest in assets transferred to an entity, derivative instruments obligations or any obligations that trigger financing, liquidity, market or credit risk to the Company.
Transactions with related parties
During the 9-month period ended September 30, 2018, the Company expensed $695,405 for stock-based compensation for stock options issued to Company directors. During the 9-month period ended September 30, 2017, the Company expensed $841,930 for stock-based compensation for stock options issued to Company directors.
During the 9-month period ended September 30, 2018, the Company paid a consulting fee of $76,500 to one of its directors. During the 9-month period ended September 30, 2017, the Company paid a consulting fee of $76,500 to one of its directors.
As at September 30, 2018, the Company owed $23,207 to various directors and officers of the Company. (December 31, 2017 - $32,036)
Proposed Transactions
There are no proposed transactions outstanding other than as disclosed.
Critical Accounting Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting policies requires management of the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. These estimates are based on past experience, industry trends and known commitments and events. By their nature, these estimates are subject to measurement uncertainty and the effects on the financial statements of changes in such estimates in future periods could be significant. Actual results will likely differ from those estimates.
Stock-based compensation
The Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model to calculate the fair value of stock options and compensatory warrants granted. This model is subject to various assumptions. The assumptions the Company makes will likely change from time to time. At the time the fair value is determined; the methodology the Company uses is based on historical information, as well as anticipated future events. The assumptions with the greatest impact on fair value are those for estimated stock volatility and for the expected life of the instrument.
Future income taxes
The Company accounts for tax consequences of the differences in the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax bases using tax rates expected to apply when these temporary differences are expected to be settled. When the future realization of income tax assets does not meet the test of being more likely than not to occur, a valuation allowance in the amount of the potential future benefit is taken and no future income tax asset is recognized. The Company has taken a valuation allowance against all such potential tax assets.
Mineral properties and exploration and development costs
The Company capitalizes the costs of acquiring mineral rights at the date of acquisition. After acquisition, various factors can affect the recoverability of the capitalized costs. The Companys recoverability evaluation of our mineral properties and equipment is based on market conditions for minerals, underlying mineral resources associated with the assets and future costs that may be required for ultimate realization through mining operations or by sale. The Company is in an industry that is exposed to a number of risks and uncertainties, including exploration risk, development risk, commodity price risk, operating risk, ownership and political risk, funding and currency risk, as well as environmental risk. Bearing these risks in mind, the Company has assumed recent world commodity prices will be achievable. The Company has considered the mineral resource reports by independent engineers on the Nyngan Scandium Project in considering the recoverability of the carrying costs of the mineral properties. All of these assumptions are potentially subject to change, out of our control, however such changes are not determinable. Accordingly, there is always the potential for a material adjustment to the value assigned to mineral properties and equipment.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Accounting Standards Update 2018-13 Fair Value Measurement (Topic 840) Disclosure FrameworkChanges to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. The amendments in this Update apply to all entities that are required, under existing GAAP, to make disclosures about recurring or nonrecurring fair value measurements. This standard is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on its financial statements.
Accounting Standards Update 2018-11 - Leases (Topic 842) Targeted Update. This accounting pronouncement is an update to Accounting Standard 2016-02 (see below). This standard allows for an additional (and optional) transition method. This standard is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on its financial statements.
Accounting Standards Update 2018-07 Compensation Stock Compensation (Topic 718) Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting. This accounting pronouncement deals with the simplification of share-based accounting in efforts to maintain or improve the usefulness of the information provided to the users of financial statements while reducing cost and complexity in financial reporting. The areas for simplification in this Update involve several aspects of the accounting for nonemployee share-based payment transactions resulting from expanding the scope of Topic 718, CompensationStock Compensation, to include share-based payment transactions for acquiring goods and services from nonemployees. The amendments in this Update are effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within that fiscal year. The Company has adopted this policy with no material effect to the condensed consolidated financial statements.
Accounting Standards Update 2017-09 Compensation Stock Compensation (Topic 718) Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. This accounting pronouncement, which goes into effect for annual periods beginning after December 16, 2016, addresses the simplification of several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. The Company is reviewing this update to determine the impact it will have on its financial statements.
Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 Leases (Topic 842). This accounting pronouncement allows lessees to make an accounting policy election to not recognize a lease asset and liability for leases with a term of 12 months or less and do not have a purchase option that is expected to be exercised. This standard is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on its financial statements.
Accounting Standards Update 2016-01 Financial Instruments Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. This accounting pronouncement, which goes into effect for annual periods beginning after December 12, 2017, is far reaching and covers several presentation areas dealing with measurement, impairment, assumptions used in estimating fair value and several other areas. The Company is reviewing this update to determine the impact it may have on its financial statements.
Financial instruments and other risks
The Companys financial instruments consist of cash, receivables, accounts payable, accounts payable with related parties, accrued liabilities and promissory notes payable. It is management's opinion that the Company is not exposed to significant interest, currency or credit risks arising from its financial instruments. The fair values of these financial instruments approximate their carrying values unless otherwise noted. The Company has its cash primarily in three commercial banks, one in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, one in Mackay, Queensland, Australia and in one in Chicago, Illinois.
Information Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contain certain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include but are not limited to those with respect to the prices of metals, the estimation of mineral resources and reserves, the realization of mineral reserve estimates, the timing and amount of estimated future production, costs of production, capital expenditures, costs and timing of the development of new deposits, success of exploration activities, permitting time lines, currency fluctuations, requirements for additional capital, government regulation of mining operations, environmental risks, unanticipated reclamation expenses, title disputes or claims and limitations on insurance coverage and the timing and possible outcome of pending litigation. In certain cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as plans, expects or does not expect, is expected, estimates, intends, anticipates or does not anticipate, or believes or variations of such words and phrases, or statements that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, or will be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Scandium International to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, among others, the actual results of current exploration activities, conclusions or economic evaluations, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, possible variations in grade and or recovery rates, failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated, accidents, labor disputes or other risks of the mining industry, delays in obtaining government approvals or financing or incompletion of development or construction activities, risks relating to the integration of acquisitions, to international operations, and to the prices of metals. While Scandium International has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Scandium International expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Not applicable.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Disclosure controls and procedures
The Companys management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate disclosure controls and procedures. The Companys management, including our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e)) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that as of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company has maintained effective disclosure controls and procedures in all material respects, including those necessary to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports filed or submitted with the SEC (i) is recorded, processed, and reported within the time periods specified by the SEC, and (ii) is accumulated and communicated to management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow for timely decision regarding required disclosure.
Changes in Internal Control
There have been no changes in internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, internal control over financial reporting.
PART II OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
We are not aware of any material current, pending, or threatened litigation with respect to the Company.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.
Not applicable.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.
Not applicable.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
Item 5. Other Information
Not applicable.
Item 6. Exhibits
31.1 | |
31.2 | |
32.1 |
Section 1350 Certification of the Principal Executive Officer (filed herewith) |
32.2 |
Section 1350 Certification of the Principal Financial Officer (filed herewith) |
101 |
Financial Statements from the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of the Company for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, formatted in XBRL (filed herewith) |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
Date: November 14, 2018
SCANDIUM INTERNATIONAL MINING CORP. | ||
(Registrant) | ||
By: | /s/ George Putnam | |
George Putnam | ||
Principal Executive Officer | ||
By: | /s/ Edward Dickinson | |
Edward Dickinson | ||
Principal Financial Officer |