As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 12, 2013.
SEC File No. 333-_______
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM S-1
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
______________________
PASSPORT POTASH INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its
charter)
British Columbia, Canada |
1400 |
Not Applicable |
(State or other jurisdiction of |
(Primary Standard Industrial |
(I.R.S. Employer Identification |
incorporation or organization) |
Classification Code Number) |
Number) |
608 1199 West Pender Street
Vancouver, BC,
Canada V6E2R1
Telephone: (604) 687-0300
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number,
including area code, of registrants principal executive offices)
608,1199 West Pender Street
Vancouver, B.C.
Canada V6E2R1
Telephone: (604)687-0300
(Name,
address, including zip code, and telephone number,
including area
code, of agent for service)
Copies of all communications, including communications sent to agent for service, should be sent to:
Harvey J. Kesner, Esq.
61 Broadway, 32nd Floor
New York, New York 10006
Telephone: (212) 930-9700
Fax: (212) 930-9725
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: As soon as practicable after the effective date of this Registration Statement.
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933 check the following box. [X] |
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. [ ]
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. [ ]
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. [ ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of large accelerated filer, accelerated filer and smaller reporting company in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
(Check one):
Large accelerated filer [ ] | Accelerated filer [ ] |
Non-accelerated filer [ ] | Smaller reporting company [X] |
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company) |
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED |
AMOUNT TO BE REGISTERED (1) |
PROPOSED MAXIMUM OFFERING PRICE PER SHARE |
PROPOSED
MAXIMUM AGGREGATE OFFERING PRICE |
AMOUNT OF REGISTRATION FEE |
Primary Offering | ||||
Common Stock, without par value | [_____] | $[_____] | $40,000,000 | $5,456 |
Secondary Offering | ||||
Common Stock, without par value | 53,041,727 | $0.21 (2) | $11,138,762.67 | $1,519.33 |
Common Stock underlying warrants | 21,333,204 | $0.21 (2) | $4,479,972.84 | $611.07 |
Total | [_____] | $55,618,735.51 | $7,586.40 |
(1) |
Pursuant to Rule 416 under the Securities Act, the shares of common stock offered hereby also include an indeterminate number of additional shares of common stock as may from time to time become issuable by reason of stock splits, stock dividends, recapitalizations or other similar transactions. |
(2) |
Estimated at $0.21 per share, the average of the high and low prices as reported on the OTCQX on April 11, 2013, for the purpose of calculating the registration fee in accordance with Rule 457(c) under the Securities Act. |
The registrant hereby amends this registration statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this registration statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the registration statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.
The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED ___, 2013
PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS
OFFERING UP TO [_______] SHARES
PASSPORT POTASH INC.
Common Stock
_________________
This prospectus relates to a public offering of [______] shares of our common stock, without par value. We will use our best efforts to sell all of the shares of common stock being offered.
We will bear the costs relating to the registration of the shares offered by the Company.
We intend to engage one or more placement agents in connection with this offering. The placement agents will not purchase or sell any of our securities, nor will they be required to arrange for the purchase and sale of any specific number or dollar amount of securities, other than to use their best efforts to arrange for the sale of securities by us. We have not arranged to place the funds in an escrow, trust or similar account.
Proceeds, | |||
Before | |||
Price to | Placement | Expenses, to | |
Public | Agent Fees | Us | |
Per Share | $ [___] | $ [___] | $ [___] |
Total | $ [___] | $ [___] | $ [___] |
This registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part also registers on behalf of the selling stockholders of up to 74,374,931 shares of our common stock which includes 21,333,204 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of outstanding warrants. The shares of our common stock offered by the selling stockholders are not part of or conditioned on the closing of our public offering.
Our common stock is quoted on the OTCQX under the symbol PPRTF and on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol PPI. On April 11, 2013, the last reported sale price of our common stock as reported on the OTCQX was $0.20 per share.
Investing in our common stock is highly speculative and involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties in the section entitled Risk Factors beginning on page 1 of this prospectus before making a decision to purchase our stock.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The date of this prospectus is , 2013
You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus. We have not authorized any other person to provide you with different information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. We are not making an offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction where offer or sale is not permitted. You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus is accurate only as of the date on the front cover of this prospectus. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date.
Prospectus Summary
Our principal executive offices are located at 608 1199 West Pender Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6E2R1 and our telephone number is (604) 687-0300. Our website is http://www.passportpotash.com/. Information on or accessed through our website is not incorporated into this prospectus and is not a part of this prospectus.
As used in this prospectus, unless otherwise specified, references to the Company, we, our and us refer to Passport Potash Inc. and, unless otherwise specified, its subsidiary.
The Offering
Common
stock [______________]
offered by
us
Common stock 183,593,073
(1) and [______________] (2)
outstanding
before and after
this
offering:
Use of proceeds: |
We intend to use the proceeds from the sale of the securities by the Company as described in Use of Proceeds. |
OTCQX symbol: |
PPRTF |
TSXV symbol: |
PPI |
Risk factors: |
You should carefully consider the information set forth in this prospectus and, in particular, the specific factors set forth in the Risk Factors section beginning on page 1 of this prospectus before deciding whether or not to invest in shares of our common stock. |
___________________
(1) The number of outstanding shares
before the offering is based upon 183,593,073 shares outstanding as of April 11,
2013 and excludes:
(2) The number of outstanding shares after the offering excludes:
RISK FACTORS
Investing in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. Before investing in our common stock you should carefully consider the following risks, together with the financial and other information contained in this prospectus. If any of the following risks actually occurs, our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected. In that case, the trading price of our common stock would likely decline and you may lose all or a part of your investment.
Risks Associated with the Holbrook Basin Project
1
The Holbrook Project may be subject to unknown land title defects.
Although we believe we have exercised reasonable due diligence with respect to determining title to our properties, there is no guarantee that title to our properties and other tenure will not be challenged or impugned. No assurances can be given that there are no title defects affecting our properties. Our properties may be subject to prior unregistered liens, agreements, transfers or claims and title may be affected by, among other things, undetected defects. There may be valid challenges to the title of our properties which, if successful, could prevent us from operating our properties as planned or permitted or prevent us from enforcing our rights with respect to our properties.
We may not locate any commercially viable mineral deposits on any of our current properties within the Holbrook Basin Project, which would have an adverse effect on the value of our common stock.
Our exploration for commercially viable mineral deposits is highly speculative in nature and involves the substantial risk that no viable mineral deposits will be located on any of our properties within the Holbrook Basin Project. There is a considerable risk that any exploration program we conduct on our properties may not result in the discovery of any significant mineralization or commercially viable mineral deposits. We may encounter numerous geological features that limit our ability to locate mineralization or that interfere with our planned exploration programs, each of which could result in our exploration efforts proving unsuccessful. In such a case, we may incur the costs associated with an exploration program without realizing any benefit. This would likely result in a decrease in the value of our common stock and investors may lose their entire investment.
There is no guarantee that we will be able to finance the Holbrook Basin Project for production if we are successful at locating a commercially viable mineral deposit.
If we are successful at locating a commercially viable mineral deposit on any of our current properties within the Holbrook Basin Project, then any decision to proceed with production on the Holbrook Basin Project will require significant production financing. If we are unable to source production financing on commercially viable terms, we may not be able to proceed with the project and may have to write-off our investment in the project.
A portion of our properties is within the expanded boundaries of the Petrified Forest National Park, which may expose us to increased environmental and regulatory scrutiny.
Our Holbrook Basin Project is in close proximity to the Petrified Forest National Park (PFNP), a national park in northeastern Arizona protected by the United States National Parks Services. In December 2004, the United States government enacted legislation which expanded the authorized boundaries of the PFNP by approximately 125,000 acres to include adjacent lands. Portions of our Twin Butte Ranch property fall within the expanded boundaries of the PFNP. Although the enabling legislation for the expansion of the PFNP provides that the Secretary of the Interior may only acquire land in private ownership from willing sellers, the proximity of our properties to the PFNP may expose us to increased environmental and regulatory scrutiny.
The proximity of our properties to the PFNP could lead to the denials of approvals and permits necessary to develop portions or our Holbrook Project. Furthermore, the proposed expansion of the PFNP boundaries could limit our ability to acquire additional mineral rights, and additional acquisitions of lands or interests in land by the National Park Service would lead to further overlap with our current holdings.
Continued government and public emphasis on environmental issues can be expected to result in increased future investments in environmental controls at ongoing operations, which may lead to increased expenses. Permit renewals and compliance with present and future environmental laws and regulations applicable to our operations may require substantial capital expenditures and may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.
2
Risks Related to Our Business
We are an emerging growth company under the JOBS Act of 2012, and we cannot be certain if the reduced disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies will make our common stock less attractive to investors.
We are an emerging growth company, as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (JOBS Act), and we may take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation, shareholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved and presenting the relationship between executive compensation actually paid and our financial performance. We cannot predict if investors will find our common stock less attractive because we may rely on these exemptions. If some investors find our common stock less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our common stock and our stock price may be more volatile.
We will remain an emerging growth company for up to five years after our first sale of common stock pursuant to a Securities Act registration statement, although we will lose that status sooner if our revenues exceed $1 billion, if we issue more than $1 billion in non-convertible debt in a three year period, or if the market value of our common stock that is held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of any August 31.
Our status as an emerging growth company under the JOBS Act of 2012 may make it more difficult to raise capital as and when we need it. Because of the exemptions from various reporting requirements provided to us as an emerging growth company, we may be less attractive to investors and it may be difficult for us to raise additional capital as and when we need it. If we are unable to raise additional capital as and when we need it, our financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.
We are an exploration stage company with no current revenue source and a history of operating losses and there is an expectation that we will generate operating losses for the foreseeable future; we may not achieve profitability for some time, if at all.
We have a history of operating losses and there can be no assurance that we will ever be profitable. We presently have no ability to generate earnings as our properties are in the exploration stage. Significant operating losses are anticipated for at least the next several years before we will be able to generate any revenues. If the Holbrook Basin Project is successfully developed and operated, we anticipate that we will retain future earnings and other cash resources for the future operation and development of our business.
We will require additional financing in order to continue our exploration activities and our assessment of the commercial viability of our mineral properties, and if we raise additional financing existing security holders may experience dilution.
We will need to raise additional financing to complete further exploration of our mineral properties. Furthermore, if the costs of our planned exploration programs are greater than anticipated, we may have to seek additional funds through public or private share offerings or arrangements with corporate partners. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in our efforts to raise these required funds, or on terms satisfactory to us. The continued exploration of our mineral properties and the development of our business will depend upon our ability to establish the commercial viability of our mineral properties and to ultimately develop cash flow from operations and reach profitable operations. We currently are in the exploration stage and we have no revenue from operations and we are experiencing significant negative cash flow from operations. Accordingly, the only other sources of funds presently available to us are through the sale of equity. We presently believe that debt financing will not be an alternative to us as all of our properties are in the exploration stage. Alternatively, we may finance our business by offering an interest in our mineral properties to be earned by another party or parties carrying out further exploration thereof or to obtain project or operating financing from financial institutions, neither of which is presently intended. If we are able to raise funds from the sale of our securities, existing security holders may experience significant dilution of their ownership interests and possibly to the value of their existing securities. If we are unable to obtain this additional financing, we will not be able to continue our exploration activities and our assessment of the commercial viability of our mineral properties.
3
As our mineral properties do not contain any reserves or any known body of economic mineralization, we may not discover commercially exploitable quantities of potash on our mineral properties that would enable us to enter into commercial production, achieve revenues and recover the money we spend on exploration.
Our properties do not contain reserves in accordance with the definitions adopted by the SEC and there is no assurance that any exploration programs that we carry out will establish reserves. All of our mineral properties are in the exploration stage as opposed to the development stage and have no known body of economic mineralization. The known potash mineralization at these projects has not yet been determined to be economic, and may never be determined to be economic. We plan to conduct further exploration activities on our mineral properties, which future exploration may include the completion of feasibility studies necessary to evaluate whether a commercial mineable mineral body exists on any of our mineral properties. There is a substantial risk that these exploration activities will not result in discoveries of commercially recoverable quantities of potash. Any determination that our properties contain commercially recoverable quantities of potash may not be reached until such time that final comprehensive feasibility studies have been concluded that establish that a potential mine is likely to be economic. There is a substantial risk that any preliminary or final feasibility studies carried out by us will not result in a positive determination that our mineral properties can be commercially developed.
Our exploration activities on our mineral properties may not be successful, which could lead us to abandon our plans to develop such properties and our investments in exploration.
We are an exploration stage company and have not as yet established any reserves on our properties. Our long-term success depends on our ability to establish commercially recoverable quantities of potash on our mineral properties that can then be developed into commercially viable mining operations. Mineral exploration is highly speculative in nature, involves many risks and is frequently non-productive. These risks include unusual or unexpected geologic formations, and the inability to obtain suitable or adequate machinery, equipment or labor. The success of mineral exploration is determined in part by the following factors:
Substantial expenditures are required to establish proven and probable reserves through drilling and analysis, to develop processes to extract potash, and to develop the mining and processing facilities and infrastructure at any site chosen for mining. Whether a mineral deposit will be established or determined to be commercially viable depends on a number of factors, which include, without limitation, the particular attributes of the deposit, such as size, grade and proximity to infrastructure; potash prices, which fluctuate widely; and government regulations, including, without limitation, regulations relating to prices, taxes, royalties, land tenure, land use, importing and exporting of minerals and environmental protection. We may invest significant capital and resources in exploration activities and abandon such investments if we are unable to identify commercially exploitable mineral reserves. The decision to abandon a project may reduce the trading price of our common stock and impair our ability to raise future financing. We cannot provide any assurance to investors that we will discover any mineralized material in sufficient quantities on any of our properties to justify commercial operations. Further, we will not be able to recover the funds that we spend on exploration if we are not able to establish commercially recoverable quantities of potash on our mineral properties.
We have a history of operating losses and there can be no assurances we will be profitable in the future.
We have a history of operating losses, expect to continue to incur losses, are considered to be in the exploration stage, and may never be profitable. Further, we have been dependent on sales of our equity securities to meet our cash requirements. We incurred net loss of $3,583,102 for the nine months ended November 30, 2012. We incurred net profit of $8,505,659 in the year ended February 29, 2012, however, this net profit was a result of substantial non-cash decrease in derivative liability, and net losses totaling $31,208,831 in the year ended February 28, 2011. Further, we do not expect positive cash flow from operations in the near term. There is no assurance that actual cash requirements will not exceed our estimates. In particular, additional capital may be required in the event that: (i) the costs to acquire additional mineral exploration claims are more than we currently anticipate; (ii) exploration costs for additional claims increase beyond our expectations; or (iii) we encounter greater costs associated with general and administrative expenses or offering costs.
4
Our participation in mineral exploration prospects has required and will continue to require substantial capital expenditures. The uncertainty and factors described throughout this section may impede our ability to economically discover mineral prospects. As a result, we may not be able to achieve or sustain profitability or positive cash flows from operating activities in the future.
Our operations are subject to losses due to exchange rate fluctuation.
We maintain accounts in Canadian currency. Our equity financings have to-date been priced in Canadian dollars, however our material project is located in the United States and requires regular currency conversions to U.S. dollars. Our operations are accordingly subject to currency fluctuations and such fluctuations may materially affect our financial position and results. We do not engage in currency hedging activities.
Declining economic conditions could negatively impact our business.
Our operations are affected by local, national and worldwide economic conditions. Markets in the US, Canada and elsewhere have been experiencing extreme volatility and disruption for more than 12 months, due in part to the financial stresses affecting the liquidity of the banking system and the financial markets generally. The consequences of a potential or prolonged recession may include a lower level of economic activity and uncertainty regarding energy prices and the capital and commodity markets. Instability in the financial markets, as a result of recession or otherwise, also may affect the cost of capital and our ability to raise capital.
The mining industry is very competitive and our ability to attract and retain qualified contractors and staff is critical to our success. The departure of key personnel or loss of key contractors could adversely affect our ability to run our business and achieve our business objectives.
We will compete in the hiring of appropriate geological, engineering, permitting, environmental and other operational experts to assist with the location, exploration and development of our mineral property interests and implementation of our business plan. We believe we will have to offer or pay appropriate cash compensation and options to induce persons to be associated with an exploration stage company.
In addition, we depend to a great extent on principal members of our management. If we lose the services of any key personnel, in particular, Mr. Joshua Bleak, our President and CEO, who has been instrumental in the growth and expansion of our business, it could significantly impede our growth plans and corporate strategies, identifying business opportunities, recruiting new staff, and retaining existing capable staff. The recruiting and retaining of qualified scientific, technical and managerial personnel is critical to our success. We do not currently have any key man life insurance policies. We may not be able to retain existing personnel or attract and retain qualified staff in the future.
If we are unable to hire qualified contractors and staff and retain personnel in key positions because of our limited resources, we may be unable to proceed with the implementation of our business plan of exploring and possibly developing our mineral property interests. In that event, investors will have their investment impaired or it may be entirely lost.
We face competition from larger companies having access to substantially more resources than we possess.
5
Our competitors include other mineral exploration and mining companies and fertilizer producers in the United States and globally, including state-owned and government-subsidized entities. Many of these competitors are large, well-established companies and have substantially larger operating staffs and greater capital resources than we do. We may not be able to successfully conduct our operations, evaluate and select suitable properties and consummate transactions in this highly competitive environment. Specifically, these larger competitors may be able to pay more for exploratory prospects and productive mineral properties and may be able to define, evaluate, bid for and purchase a greater number of properties and prospects than our financial or human resources permit. In addition, such companies may be able to expend greater resources on the existing and changing technologies that we believe are and will be increasingly important to attaining success in the industry. If our competition is such that we cannot compete and generate a sufficient return on our investment and operations, we may be forced to curtail our operations, resulting in a loss to investors.
There is substantial doubt as to whether we can continue as a going concern.
Our auditors have included an explanatory paragraph in their opinion that accompanies our audited financial statements as of and for the year ended February 29, 2012, indicating that we have incurred losses since inception of the exploration stage of $25,453,864 which raises substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. The accompanying financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
Our officers and directors may be subject to conflicts of interest.
Some of our officers and directors serve only part time and may be subject to conflicts of interest. Each may devote part of his working time to other business endeavors, including consulting relationships with other corporate entities, and may have responsibilities to these other entities. Such conflicts may include deciding how much time to devote to our affairs, as well as what business opportunities should be presented to us. Because of these relationships, some of our officers and directors may be subject to conflicts of interest.
Joshua Bleak, our President, CEO and a director, as well as John Eckersley, our Vice President and a director, serve full time (40 hours per week). All of the other directors and officers only provide services to us on a part time basis as follows:
Laara
Shaffer (CFO and a director) 15 hours per
week;
Ali
Rahimtula (director) 10 hours per
week;
David
Salisbury (director) 10 hours per
week;
Dennis
Ickes (director) 10 hours per week;
and
Jerry Aiken (director)
10 hours per week.
We are required to indemnify our directors and executive officers against liability to us and our stockholders, and such indemnification could increase our operating costs.
Our Articles require us to indemnify our directors and officers against claims associated with carrying out the duties of their offices. Our Articles also require us to reimburse them for expenses actually and reasonably incurred by such director and/or officer in respect of legal proceedings relating to carrying out the duties of their offices.
Since our directors and executive officer are aware that they may be indemnified for carrying out the duties of their offices, they may be less motivated to meet the standards required by law to properly carry out such duties, which could increase our operating costs. Further, if our directors or executive officer file a claim against us for indemnification, the associated expenses could also increase our operating costs.
Loss of Foreign Private Issuer Status under U.S. Securities Laws may lead to significantly higher costs and expenses.
6
Based on our analysis of the number of our shares held by persons residing in the U.S., as well as the majority of our assets being in the U.S., we do not meet the definition of a foreign private issuer under U.S. securities laws. As a result, we are subject to U.S. securities laws as applicable to a U.S. domestic company. The loss of foreign private issuer status may lead to significantly higher regulatory and compliance costs to us under U.S. securities laws. We are required to file periodic reports and registration statements on U.S. domestic issuer forms with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which are more detailed and extensive than the forms available to a foreign private issuer. We also have to mandatorily comply with U.S. federal proxy requirements, and our officers, directors and principal shareholders will become subject to the short-swing profit disclosure and recovery provisions of Section 16 of the Exchange Act. We may also be required to modify certain of our policies to comply with good governance practices associated with U.S. domestic issuers. Such conversion and modifications will involve additional costs. In addition, we may lose our ability to rely upon exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements on U.S. stock exchanges that are available to foreign private issuers.
General Risks Associated with Our Exploration Activities
Mining operations are subject to comprehensive regulation, which may cause substantial delays or require capital outlays in excess of those anticipated, causing an adverse effect on our business operations.
If economic quantities of minerals are found on any of our mineral property interests by us in sufficient quantities to warrant mining operations, such mining operations will be subject to federal, state, and local laws relating to the protection of the environment, including laws regulating removal of natural resources from the ground and the discharge of materials into the environment. Mining operations are also subject to federal, state, and local laws and regulations which seek to maintain health and safety standards by regulating the design and use of mining methods and equipment. Various permits from government bodies are required for mining operations to be conducted; no assurance can be given that such permits will be received. Environmental standards imposed by federal, provincial, or local authorities may be changed and any such changes may have material adverse effects on our activities. Moreover, compliance with such laws may cause substantial delays or require capital outlays in excess of those anticipated, thus resulting in an adverse effect on us. Additionally, we may be subject to liability for pollution or other environmental damages which we may elect not to insure against due to prohibitive premium costs and other reasons. To date we have not been required to spend material amounts on compliance with environmental regulations. However, we may be required to do so in future and this may affect our ability to expand or maintain our operations.
Mineral exploration and development and mining activities are subject to certain environmental regulations, which may prevent or delay the commencement or continuance of our operations.
Mineral exploration and development and future potential mining operations are or will be subject to stringent federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to improving or maintaining environmental quality. Environmental laws often require parties to pay for remedial action or to pay damages regardless of fault. Environmental laws also often impose liability with respect to divested or terminated operations, even if the operations were terminated or divested of many years ago.
Future potential mining operations and current exploration activities are or will be subject to extensive laws and regulations governing prospecting, development, production, exports, taxes, labor standards, occupational health, waste disposal, protection and remediation of the environment, protection of endangered and protected species, mine safety, toxic substances and other matters. Mining is also subject to risks and liabilities associated with pollution of the environment and disposal of waste products occurring as a result of mineral exploration and production. Compliance with these laws and regulations will impose substantial costs on us and will subject us to significant potential liabilities.
Costs associated with environmental liabilities and compliance are expected to increase with the increasing scale and scope of operations and we expect these costs may increase in the future.
7
We believe that our operations comply, in all material respects, with all applicable environmental regulations. However, we are not fully insured at the current date against possible environmental risks.
Our operations are dependent on receiving the required permits and approvals from governmental authorities. Denial or delay by a government agency in issuing any of our permits and approvals or imposition of restrictive conditions on us with respect to these permits and approvals may impair our business and operations.
We must obtain numerous environmental and exploration permits and approvals authorizing our future operations. A decision by a government agency to deny a permit or approval could have a material adverse effect on our ability to continue operations at the affected location and may have a material adverse effect on our business operations.
In addition, if we are successful at identifying a commercially viable potash deposit on our Holbrook Basin Project, the future potential development of such deposit into a mine is also predicated upon securing all necessary permits and approvals. A denial of or delay in obtaining any of these permits or approvals or the issuance of any of these permits with cost-prohibitive conditions could interfere with any potential development of this property and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Our business involves many operating risks, which may result in substantial losses, and insurance may be unavailable or inadequate to protect us against these risks.
Our operations are subject to hazards and risks associated with the exploration of natural resources and related fertilizer materials and products, such as: fires; explosions; inclement weather and natural disasters; mechanical failures; unscheduled downtime; and availability of needed equipment at acceptable prices. Any of these risks can cause substantial losses resulting from: damage to and destruction of property, natural resources and equipment; regulatory investigations and penalties; revocation or denial of our permits; suspension of our operations; and repair and remediation costs.
Our liability for environmental hazards may extend to those created either by the previous owners of properties that we purchase or lease or by acquired companies prior to the date we acquire them. We do not currently maintain insurance against all of the risks described above. In the future we may not be able to obtain insurance at premium levels that justify its purchase. We may also experience losses in amounts in excess of the insurance coverage carried. Either of these occurrences could harm our financial condition and results of operations.
Potash is a commodity with a selling price that is highly dependent on the business and economic conditions and governmental policies affecting the agricultural industry. These factors are outside of our control and may significantly affect our profitability.
If we are able to achieve commercial production on any of our properties, our future revenues, operating results, profitability and rate of growth will depend primarily upon business and economic conditions and governmental policies affecting the agricultural industry, which we cannot control. The agricultural products business can be affected by a number of factors. The most important of these factors, for U.S. markets, are: weather patterns and field conditions (particularly during periods of traditionally high crop nutrients consumption); quantities of crop nutrients imported to and exported from North America; current and projected grain inventories and prices, both of which are heavily influenced by U.S. exports and world-wide grain markets; and U.S. governmental policies, including farm and biofuel policies and subsidies, which may directly or indirectly influence the number of acres planted, the level of grain inventories, the mix of crops planted or crop prices.
International market conditions, which are also outside of our control, may also significantly influence our future operating results. The international market for crop nutrients is influenced by such factors as the relative value of the U.S. dollar and its impact upon the cost of importing crop nutrients, foreign agricultural policies, the existence of, or changes in, import barriers, or foreign currency fluctuations in certain foreign markets, changes in the hard currency demands of certain countries and other regulatory policies of foreign governments, as well as the laws and policies of the United States affecting foreign trade and investment.
8
Government regulation may adversely affect our business and results of operations.
Projects related to mineral exploration, mining and natural resources are subject to various and numerous federal, state and local government regulations, which may be changed from time to time. There are federal, state and local laws and regulations primarily relating to protection of human health and the environment applicable to the exploration, mining, development, production, handling, storage, transportation and disposal of natural resources, including potash, or its by-products and other substances and materials produced or used in connection with mining operations. Activities subject to regulation include the use, handling, processing, storage, transportation and disposal of hazardous materials, and we could incur substantial additional costs to comply with environmental, health and safety law requirements related to these activities. We also could incur substantial costs for liabilities arising from past unknown releases of, or exposure to, hazardous substances.
Under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, we could be held jointly and severally responsible for the removal or remediation of any hazardous substance contamination at future facilities, at neighboring properties to which such contamination may have migrated and at third-party waste disposal sites to which we have sent waste. We could also be held liable for natural resource damages. Liabilities under these and other environmental health and safety laws involve inherent uncertainties. Violations of environmental, health and safety laws are subject to civil, and, in some cases, criminal sanctions. As a result of liabilities under and violations of environmental, health and safety laws and related uncertainties, we may incur unexpected interruptions to operations, fines, penalties or other reductions in income, third-party claims for property damage or personal injury or remedial or other costs that would negatively impact our financial condition and operating results. Finally, we may discover currently unknown environmental problems or conditions. The discovery of currently unknown environmental problems may subject us to material capital expenditures or liabilities in the future.
Continued government and public emphasis on environmental issues can be expected to result in increased future investments for environmental controls at ongoing operations, which may lead to increased expenses. Permit renewals and compliance with present and future environmental laws and regulations applicable to our operations may require substantial capital expenditures and may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.
Risks Related to Our Securities
We do not intend to pay dividends and there will thus be fewer ways in which you are able to make a gain on your investment.
We do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future and we may not have sufficient funds legally available to pay dividends. To the extent that we require additional funding currently not provided for in our financing plans, our funding sources may prohibit the payment of any dividends. Because we do not intend to declare dividends, any gain on your investment will need to result from an appreciation in the price of our common stock. There will therefore be fewer ways in which you are able to make a gain on your investment.
Our stock is a penny stock. Trading of our stock may be restricted by the SEC's penny stock regulations which may limit a stockholder's ability to buy and sell our stock.
Our stock is a penny stock. The SEC has adopted Rule 15g-9 which generally defines penny stock to be any equity security that has a market price (as defined) less than $5.00 per share or an exercise price of less than $5.00 per share, subject to certain exceptions. Our securities are covered by the penny stock rules, which impose additional sales practice requirements on broker-dealers who sell to persons other than established customers and accredited investors. The term accredited investor refers generally to institutions with assets in excess of $5,000,000 or individuals with a net worth in excess of $1,000,000, not including any equity in that persons or persons spouses primary residence, or annual income exceeding $200,000 or $300,000 jointly with their spouse. The penny stock rules require a broker-dealer, prior to a transaction in a penny stock not otherwise exempt from the rules, to deliver a standardized risk disclosure document in a form prepared by the SEC which provides information about penny stocks and the nature and level of risks in the penny stock market. The broker-dealer also must provide the customer with current bid and offer quotations for the penny stock, the compensation of the broker-dealer and its salesperson in the transaction and monthly account statements showing the market value of each penny stock held in the customer's account. The bid and offer quotations, and the broker-dealer and salesperson compensation information, must be given to the customer orally or in writing prior to effecting the transaction and must be given to the customer in writing before or with the customer's confirmation. In addition, the penny stock rules require that prior to a transaction in a penny stock not otherwise exempt from these rules, the broker-dealer must make a special written determination that the penny stock is a suitable investment for the purchaser and receive the purchaser's written agreement to the transaction. These disclosure requirements may have the effect of reducing the level of trading activity in the secondary market for the stock that is subject to these penny stock rules. Consequently, these penny stock rules may affect the ability of broker-dealers to trade our securities. We believe that the penny stock rules discourage investor interest in and limit the marketability of our common stock.
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FINRA sales practice requirements may also limit a stockholder's ability to buy and sell our stock.
In addition to the penny stock rules promulgated by the SEC, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) has adopted rules that require that in recommending an investment to a customer, a broker-dealer must have reasonable grounds for believing that the investment is suitable for that customer. Prior to recommending speculative low priced securities to their non-institutional customers, broker-dealers must make reasonable efforts to obtain information about the customers financial status, tax status, investment objectives and other information. Under interpretations of these rules, FINRA believes that there is a high probability that speculative low priced securities will not be suitable for at least some customers. The FINRA requirements make it more difficult for broker-dealers to recommend that their customers buy our common stock, which may limit your ability to buy and sell our stock.
Any future sales of our equity securities will dilute the ownership percentage of our existing stockholders and may decrease the market price for our common stock.
Given our lack of revenues and the doubtful prospect that we will earn significant revenues in the next several years, we will likely have to issue additional equity securities to obtain funds for our planned exploration operations and acquisition activities. Our efforts to fund our planned exploration and acquisition activities will therefore result in dilution to our existing stockholders. In short, our continued need to sell equity will result in reduced percentage ownership interests for all of our investors, which may decrease the market price for our common stock.
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus contains forward-looking statements. Such statements include statements regarding our expectations, hopes, beliefs or intentions regarding the future, including but not limited to statements regarding our market, strategy, competition, development plans (including acquisitions and expansion), financing, revenues, operations, and compliance with applicable laws. Forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from those discussed in any such statement. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking statements include the risks described in greater detail in the following paragraphs. All forward-looking statements in this document are made as of the date hereof, based on information available to us as of the date hereof, and we assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statement. Market data used throughout this prospectus is based on published third party reports or the good faith estimates of management, which estimates are based upon their review of internal surveys, independent industry publications and other publicly available information.
You should review carefully the section entitled Risk Factors beginning on page 1 of this prospectus for a discussion of these and other risks that relate to our business and investing in shares of our common stock.
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USE OF PROCEEDS
We estimate that the net proceeds to us from the sale of common stock in this offering, assuming gross proceeds of $40,000,000 (which is the amount of gross proceeds received if the offering is fully subscribed), will be approximately $36,000,000, after deducting the placement agent fees and estimated expenses of this offering which, for purposes herein, we have assumed to be $4,000,000. We may not be successful in selling any or all of the securities offered hereby. Because there is no minimum offering amount required as a condition to closing in this offering, we may sell less than all of the securities offered hereby, which may significantly reduce the amount of proceeds received by us.
Even if we sell all of the securities subject to this offering on favorable terms, of which there can be no assurance, we may still need to obtain additional financing in the future in order to fully fund our growth plan. We may seek such additional financing through public or private equity or debt offerings or other sources, including collaborative or other arrangements with strategic partners.
We anticipate that the net proceeds obtained from this offering will be used to fund the following uses, assuming net proceeds to us equal $36,000,000:
Application of | Percentage of | |||||
Net Proceeds | Net Proceeds | |||||
Exploration Costs | $ | 25,000,000 | 69% | |||
Investor Relations Costs | $ | 750,000 | 2% | |||
Working capital and general corporate purposes (1) | $ | 10,250,000 | 29% | |||
Total | $ | 36,000,000 | 100% |
(1) Working capital and general corporate purposes include cash payments needed to maintain option agreements on Twin Buttes Ranch and Fitzgerald Trust Ranch, amounts required to pay officers salaries and related expenses, professional fees, ongoing public reporting costs, office-related expenses and other corporate expenses. Our management team will have immediate and broad discretion over the use of the net proceeds from this offering and we may use the net proceeds in ways with which you disagree.
The allocation of the net proceeds of this offering set forth above represents our best estimates based upon our current plans and assumptions regarding industry and general economic conditions and our future revenues and expenditures. If any of these factors change, it may be necessary or advisable for us to reallocate some of the proceeds within the above-described categories or to use portions for other purposes. Investors will be relying on the judgment of our management regarding application of the net proceeds of this offering.
DILUTION
Our pro forma net tangible book value as of November 30, 2012 was $2,046,238 or $0.01 per share of common stock, based upon 180,576,408 shares outstanding as of that date. Net tangible book value per share is determined by dividing such number of outstanding shares of common stock, into our net tangible book value, which is our total tangible assets less total liabilities. After giving effect to the sale of common stock in this offering at the assumed public offering price of $0.30 per share, at November 30, 2012, after deducting the placement agent fees and other estimated expenses of this offering, our pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value at November 30, 2012 would have been approximately $38,046,238 or $0.12 per share. This represents an immediate increase in net tangible book value of approximately $0.11 per share to our existing stockholders, and an immediate dilution of $0.18 per share to investors purchasing common stock in the offering.
The following table illustrates the per share dilution:
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Assumed public offering price per share | $ | 0.30 | |
Net tangible book value per share before this offering | $ | 0.01 | |
Pro forma increase attributable to new investors | $ | 0.11 | |
Pro forma net tangible book value per share after this offering | $ | 0.12 | |
Pro forma dilution per share to new investors in this offering | $ | 0.18 |
The foregoing illustration does not reflect potential dilution as of April 8, 2013 from the exercise of outstanding options to purchase an aggregate of 16,811,892 shares of our common stock or 72,073,490 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of outstanding warrants. Of the approximately 183,593,073 shares of our common stock outstanding as of April 8, 2013, approximately 125,282,118 shares are freely tradable without restriction as of that date.
MARKET FOR OUR COMMON STOCK AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
Market Information
Our common stock has been publicly traded in the United States since March 1, 2011 on the OTCQX. Our common stock is quoted under the symbol PPRTF. The following table sets forth for the periods indicated the range of high and low bid quotations per share as reported by the OTCQX. These quotations represent inter-dealer prices, without retail markups, markdowns or commissions and may not necessarily represent actual transactions.
OTCQX | ||||
High | Low | |||
Quarter Ended | ($) | ($) | ||
February 28, 2013 | 0.23 | 0.18 | ||
November 30, 2012 | 0.24 | 0.16 | ||
August 31, 2012 | 0.24 | 0.17 | ||
May 31, 2012 | 0.35 | 0.18 | ||
February 29, 2012 | 0.40 | 0.16 | ||
November 30, 2011 | 0.64 | 0.22 | ||
August 31, 2011 | 0.80 | 0.45 | ||
May 31, 2011 | 1.30 | 0.57 |
On April 11, 2013, the high and low prices of our common stock as reported on the OTCQX were $0.21 and $0.20, respectively.
Our common shares are also traded on the TSX-V. Our common shares commenced trading on the TSX-V on October 3, 2001 under the symbol PPI. On April 11, 2013, the high and low trading prices of our common shares on the TSX-V were CAD$0.205 and CAD$0.195, respectively. The following table shows the high and low trading prices in Canadian dollars of our common shares on the TSX-V for the periods indicated.
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TSX Venture Exchange | ||||
High | Low | |||
Quarter Ended | (CAD$) | (CAD$) | ||
February 28, 2013 | $0.24 | $0.19 | ||
November 30, 2012 | $0.23 | $0.16 | ||
August 31, 2012 | $0.24 | $0.17 | ||
May 31, 2012 | $0.29 | $0.18 | ||
February 29, 2012 | $0.395 | $0.165 | ||
November 30, 2011 | $0.63 | $0.225 | ||
August 31, 2011 | $0.75 | $0.43 | ||
May 31, 2011 | $0.95 | $0.53 | ||
February 28, 2011 | $1.86 | $0.245 | ||
November 30, 2010 | $0.385 | $0.055 |
Holders
On April 8, 2013, we had approximately 637 shareholders of record, which does not include shareholders whose shares are held in street or nominee names.
Options
As of April 11, 2013, we have 16,811,892 stock options outstanding which are exercisable into 16,811,892 shares of our common stock.
Warrants
As of April 11, 2013, we have 72,073,490 common share purchase warrants outstanding which are exercisable into 72,073,490 shares of common stock.
Convertible Debentures
As of April 11, 2013, we have convertible debentures in the amount of $5,790,540 which are convertible into 30,476,526 shares of common stock without giving effect to accrued interest.
Dividend Policy
We have not paid any cash dividends on our common shares since our inception and do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. We plan to retain our earnings, if any, to provide funds for the expansion of our business.
Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans
The following table shows our equity securities that are authorized for issuance pursuant to equity compensation plans for our most recently completed fiscal year ended February 29, 2012.
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Plan Category |
Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights (a) |
Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights (b) |
Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a)) (c) |
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders | 16,811,892 | CAD$0.32 | 120,478 |
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders | Nil | Nil | Nil |
Total | 16,811,892 | CAD$0.32 | 120,478 |
2011 Rolling Share Option Plan
On July 20, 2011, our Board of Directors approved the adoption of a new share option plan (the 2011 Plan) to comply with the current policies of the TSXV and the amendments to the Income Tax Act (Canada) which impose withholding obligations on taxable benefits arising at the time options are exercised. The 2011 Plan was subject to approval of the TSXV and our shareholders. On August 25, 2011, our shareholders approved the 2011 Plan. On November 24, 2011, the TSXV approved the 2011 Plan.
The purpose of the 2011 Plan is to provide incentives to qualified parties to increase their proprietary interest in us and thereby encourage their continuing association with us. The 2011 Plan is administered by the Board of Directors. The 2011 Plan provides that options will be issued to our directors, officers, employees or consultants or our subsidiary. The 2011 Plan also provides that the number of common shares issuable under the 2011 Plan, together with all of our other previously established or proposed share compensation arrangements, may not exceed 10% of the total number of issued and outstanding common shares (considered to be a rolling stock option plan). Pursuant to the 2011 Plan all options expire on a date not later than 10 years after the date of grant of an option. All options outstanding under any existing share plan were rolled into the 2011 Plan.
The TSXV policies also require shareholders to annually approve the continuation of the 2011 Plan at our subsequent annual general meetings by ordinary resolution. On November 29, 2012, our shareholders approved the continuation of the 2011 Plan at the Annual General and Special Meeting of Shareholders.
The 2011 Plan is subject to the following restrictions:
(a) |
We must not grant an option to a director, employee, consultant, or consultant company (the Service Provider) in any 12 month period that exceeds 5% of the outstanding shares, unless we have obtained approval by a majority of the votes cast by our shareholders eligible to vote at a shareholders meeting, excluding votes attaching to shares beneficially owned by insiders and their associates (Disinterested Shareholder Approval); | |
(b) |
The aggregate number of options granted to a Service Provider conducting investor relations activities in any 12 month period must not exceed 2% of the outstanding shares calculated at the date of the grant, without the prior consent of the TSXV; | |
(d) |
We must not grant an option to a consultant in any 12 month period that exceeds 2% of the outstanding shares calculated at the date of the grant of the option; | |
(e) |
The number of optioned shares issued to insiders in any 12 month period must not exceed 10% of the outstanding shares (in the event that the 2011 Plan is amended to reserve for issuance more than 10% of the outstanding shares) unless we have obtained Disinterested Shareholder Approval to do so; |
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(f) |
The exercise price of an option previously granted to an insider must not be reduced, unless we have obtained Disinterested Shareholder Approval to do so. |
The following is a summary of the material terms of the 2011 Plan:
(a) |
Persons who are Service Providers to us or our affiliates, or who are providing services to us or our affiliates, are eligible to receive grants of options under the 2011 Plan; | |
(b) |
Options granted under the 2011 Plan are non-assignable and non-transferable and are issuable for a period of up to 10 years; | |
(c) |
For options granted to Service Providers, we must ensure that the proposed optionee is a bona fide Service Provider of us or our affiliates; | |
(d) |
An option granted to any Service Provider will expire within one year (or such other time, not to exceed one year, as shall be determined by the Board as at the date of grant or agreed to by the Board and the optionee at any time prior to expiry of the option), after the date the optionee ceases to be employed by or provide services to us, but only to the extent that such option was vested at the date the optionee ceased to be so employed by or to provide services to us; | |
(e) |
If an optionee dies, any vested option held by him or her at the date of death will become exercisable by the optionees lawful personal representatives, heirs or executors until the earlier of one year after the date of death of such optionee and the date of expiration of the term otherwise applicable to such option; | |
(f) |
In the case of an optionee being dismissed from employment or service for cause, such optionees options, whether or not vested at the date of dismissal, will immediately terminate without right to exercise same; | |
(g) |
The exercise price of each option will be set by the Board on the effective date of the option and will not be less than the Discounted Market Price (as defined in the 2011 Plan); | |
(h) |
Vesting of options shall be at the discretion of the Board, and will generally be subject to: (i) the Service Provider remaining employed by or continuing to provide services to us or our affiliates, as well as, at the discretion of the Board, achieving certain milestones which may be defined by the Board from time to time or receiving a satisfactory performance review by us or our affiliates during the vesting period; or (ii) the Service Provider remaining as a Director of us or our affiliates during the vesting period; and | |
(i) |
The Board reserves the right in its absolute discretion to amend, suspend, terminate or discontinue the 2011 Plan with respect to all 2011 Plan shares in respect of options which have not yet been granted under the 2011 Plan. |
The Board has determined that, in order to reasonably protect the rights of participants, as a matter of administration, it is necessary to clarify when amendments to the 2011 Plan may be made by the Board without further shareholder approval. Accordingly, the Board may, without shareholder approval:
(i) |
amend the 2011 Plan to correct typographical, grammatical or clerical errors; | |
(ii) |
change the vesting provisions of an option granted under the 2011 Plan, subject to prior written approval of the TSXV, if applicable; | |
(iii) |
change the termination provision of an option granted under the 2011 Plan if it does not entail an extension beyond the original expiry date of such option; |
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(iv) |
make such amendments to the 2011 Plan as are necessary or desirable to reflect changes to securities laws applicable to us; | |
(v) |
make such amendments as may otherwise be permitted by the TSXV Policies; | |
(vi) |
if we become listed or quoted on a stock exchange or stock market senior to the TSXV, make such amendments as may be required by the policies of such senior stock exchange or stock market; and | |
(vii) |
amend the 2011 Plan to reduce the benefits that may be granted to Service Providers. |
Potential Share Consolidation
Our management wishes to be in a position to effect a consolidation of our issued and outstanding shares of common stock on a basis of up to ten (10) pre-consolidated common shares without par value for one (1) post-consolidated common shares without par value, or such lesser whole number of pre-consolidated common shares as the directors may determine (the Share Consolidation). Our management believes that the ability to effect the Share Consolidation will provide us with increased flexibility to seek additional financing opportunities and strategic acquisitions.
We currently have no maximum number of authorized common shares and on effecting any consolidation there will continue to be no maximum number of authorized common shares.
As set out in Section 83 of the British Columbia Business Corporations Act, if any fractional shares are to be converted into whole common shares, each fractional common share remaining after conversion that is less than one-half of a common share must be cancelled and each fractional common share that is at least one-half of a common share must be changed to one whole common share.
Any registered shareholder who, on the date the Share Consolidation is effected, is the registered holder of a number of common shares not divisible by ten (10), then in such event, the number of post-consolidated shares shall be converted to whole common shares.
On August 25, 2011, our shareholders approved the Share Consolidation as proposed by our management, which among other things provided the board of directors in its absolute discretion to determine whether or not to proceed with the Share Consolidation without further approval, ratification or confirmation by the shareholders. The Board of Directors did not effect the Share Consolidation and the shareholder approval expired on August 25, 2012.
On November 29, 2012, we resubmitted the proposal of such Share Consolidation to our shareholders at the Annual General and Special Meeting of the Stockholders. The shareholders approved the Share Consolidation and the Board of Directors has by November 23, 2013 to implement the Share Consolidation. As of the date of this prospectus, we have not effected the Share Consolidation, which is also subject to regulatory approval, including the approval of the TSXV and Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).
Proposed Shareholder Rights Plan
On July 20, 2011, our Board of Directors approved the adoption of a shareholder rights plan (the Rights Plan) between us and Computershare Trust Company of Canada (Computershare Trust), as Rights Agent. The Boards objective in adopting the Rights Plan is to ensure the fair treatment of shareholders in connection with any take-over bid for our common shares. The Rights Plan was not adopted by the Board in response to any proposal to acquire control of us.
In accordance with TSXV policies, the Rights Plan must be ratified by a majority of the votes cast at a meeting of shareholders within six months of the adoption of the Rights Plan by the Board. At our annual and special general meeting held on August 25, 2011, our shareholders ratified and confirmed the Rights Plan.
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The Rights Plan is subject to TSXV approval. The Rights Plan was approved by the TSXV on September 6, 2012.
Purpose of Rights Plan
The primary objective of the Rights Plan is to ensure that all of our shareholders are treated fairly in connection with any take-over bid for us by (a) providing shareholders with adequate time to properly assess a take-over bid without undue pressure and (b) providing the Board with more time to fully consider an unsolicited take-over bid, and, if applicable, to explore other alternatives to maximize shareholder value.
Summary of Rights Plan
The following description of the Rights Plan is a summary only.
Issue of Rights
We will issue one right (a Right) in respect of each common share outstanding at the close of business on the adoption of the Rights Plan. We will also issue Rights on the same basis for each common share issued after the Record Time but prior to the earlier of the Separation Time and the Expiration Time (both defined below).
The Rights
Each Right will entitle the holder, subject to the terms and conditions of the Rights Plan, to purchase additional shares of our common stock after the Separation Time.
Rights Certificates and Transferability
Before the Separation Time, the Rights will be evidenced by certificates for the common shares, and are not transferable separately from the common shares. From and after the Separation Time, the Rights will be evidenced by separate Rights Certificates, which will be transferable separately from and independent of the common shares.
Exercise of Rights
The Rights are not exercisable before the Separation Time. After the Separation Time and before the Expiration Time, each Right entitles the holder to acquire one share for the exercise price of $50.00 (subject to certain anti-dilution adjustments). This exercise price is expected to be in excess of the estimated maximum value of the common shares during the term of the Rights Plan. Upon the occurrence of a Flip-In Event (defined below) prior to the Expiration Time, each Right (other than any Right held by an Acquiring Person, which will become null and void as a result of such Flip-In Event) may be exercised to purchase that number of common shares which have an aggregate market price equal to twice the exercise price of the Rights for a price equal to the exercise price (subject to adjustment). Effectively, this means our shareholder (other than the Acquiring Person) can acquire additional common shares from treasury at half their market price.
Definition of Acquiring Person
Subject to certain exceptions, an Acquiring Person is a person who becomes the Beneficial Owner (defined below) of 20% or more of our outstanding common shares.
Definition of Beneficial Ownership
A person is a Beneficial Owner of securities if such person or its affiliates or associates or any other person acting jointly or in concert with such person, owns the securities in law or equity, and has the right to acquire (immediately or within 60 days) the securities upon the exercise of any convertible securities or pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or understanding.
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However, a person is not a Beneficial Owner under the Rights Plan where:
(a) |
the securities have been deposited with or tendered to such person pursuant to a tender or exchange offer or take-over bid by such person, unless those securities have been taken up or paid for; | ||
(b) |
the securities have been deposited with such person under a take-over bid pursuant to a permitted lock- up agreement; | ||
(c) |
such person (including a mutual fund or investment fund manager, trust company, pension fund administrator, trustee or non-discretionary client accounts of registered brokers or dealers) is engaged in the management of mutual funds, investment funds or public assets for others, as long as that person: | ||
(i) |
holds those shares in the ordinary course of its business for the account of others; | ||
(ii) |
is not making a take-over bid or acting jointly or in concert with a person who is making a take- over bid; or | ||
(iii) |
such person is a registered holder of securities as a result of carrying on the business of or acting as a nominee of a securities depository. |
Definition of Separation Time
Separation Time occurs on the tenth trading day after the earlier of:
(a) |
the first date of public announcement that a person has become an Acquiring Person; | |
(b) |
the date of the commencement or announcement of the intent of a person to commence a take-over bid (other than a Permitted Bid or Competing Permitted Bid); and | |
(c) |
the date on which a Permitted Bid or Competing Permitted Bid ceases to qualify as such, |
or such later date as determined by the Board.
Definition of Expiration Time
Expiration Time occurs on the date being the earlier of:
(a) |
the time at which the right to exercise Rights is terminated under the terms of the Rights Plan; and | |
(b) |
immediately after our annual general meeting of shareholders to be held in 2014 unless at such meeting the duration of the Rights Plan is extended. |
Definition of a Flip-In Event
A Flip-In Event occurs when a person becomes an Acquiring Person. Upon the occurrence of a Flip-In Event, any Rights that are beneficially owned by an Acquiring Person, or any of its related parties to whom the Acquiring Person has transferred its Rights, will become null and void and, as a result, the Acquiring Persons investment in us will be greatly diluted if a substantial portion of the Rights are exercised after a Flip-In Event occurs.
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Definition of Permitted Bid
A Permitted Bid is a take-over bid made by a person (the Offeror) pursuant to a take-over bid circular that complies with the following conditions:
(a) |
the bid is made to all registered holders of voting common shares, wherever resident (other than the Offeror); | |
(b) |
the Offeror agrees that no common shares will be taken up or paid for under the bid for at least 60 days following the commencement of the bid; and that no common shares will be taken up or paid for unless, at such date, more than 50% of the outstanding common shares held by shareholders, other than the Offeror and certain related parties, have been deposited pursuant to the bid and not withdrawn; | |
(c) |
the Offeror agrees that the common shares may be deposited to and withdrawn from the take-over bid at any time before such common shares are taken up and paid for; and | |
(d) |
if, on the date specified for take-up and payment, the condition in paragraph (b) above is satisfied, the Offeror will make a public announcement of that fact and the bid will remain open for an additional period of at least 10 business days to permit the remaining shareholders to tender their common shares. |
Definition of Competing Permitted Bid
A Competing Permitted Bid is a take-over bid that:
(a) |
is made while another Permitted Bid or Competing Permitted Bid has been made and prior to the expiry of that Permitted Bid or Competing Permitted Bid; | |
(b) |
satisfies all the requirements of a Permitted Bid other than the requirement that the Offeror agrees that: (1) no common shares will be taken up or paid for under the bid: (i) for at least 60 days following the commencement of the bid; (ii) after such date, more than 50% of the outstanding common shares held by shareholders, other than the Offeror and certain related parties, have been deposited pursuant to the bid and not withdrawn; and (2) common shares may be deposited pursuant to such take-over bid at any time during the 60 day period described in (1)(i) of this paragraph, that any common shares deposited pursuant to such take-over bid may be withdrawn until taken up and paid for; and (3) upon deposit of more than 50% of the outstanding common shares as described under (1)(ii) in this paragraph, the Offeror will make a public announcement of such 50% deposit and such take-over bid is to remain open for deposits and tenders of common shares for a minimum of 10 business days from the date of such public announcement; and | |
(c) |
contains the conditions that no common shares be taken up or paid for pursuant to the Competing Permitted Bid (x) prior to the close of business on a date that is not earlier than the later of (1) the earliest date on which common shares may be taken up and paid for under any prior bid in existence at the date of such Competing Permitted Bid, and (2) 35 days after the date of such Competing Permitted Bid, and (y) unless, at the time that such common shares are first taken up or paid for, more than 50% of the then outstanding common shares held by shareholders, other than the Offeror and certain related parties, have been deposited pursuant to the Competing Permitted Bid and not withdrawn. |
Redemption of Rights
Subject to prior consent of the holders of common shares, all (but not less than all) of the Rights may be redeemed by the Board at any time before a Flip-In Event occurs at a redemption price of $0.0001 per Right (subject to adjustment). In addition, in the event of a successful Permitted Bid, Competing Permitted Bid or a bid for which the Board has waived the operation of the Rights Plan, we will immediately upon such acquisition and without further formality, redeem the Rights at the redemption price. If the Rights are redeemed pursuant to the Rights Plan, the right to exercise the Rights will, without further action and without notice, terminate and the only right thereafter of the Rights holders is to receive the redemption price.
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Waiver
Before a Flip-In Event occurs, the Board may waive the application of the Flip-In provisions of the Rights Plan to any prospective Flip-In Event which would occur by reason of a take-over bid made by a take-over bid circular to all registered holders of common shares. However, if the Board waives the Rights Plan with respect to a particular bid, it will be deemed to have waived the Rights Plan with respect to any other take-over bid made by take-over bid circular to all registered holders of common shares before the expiry of that first bid. The Board may also waive the Flip-In provisions of the Rights Plan in respect of any Flip-In Event provided that the Board has determined that the Acquiring Person became an Acquiring Person through inadvertence and has reduced its ownership to such a level that it is no longer an Acquiring Person.
Term of the Rights Plan
Unless otherwise terminated, the Rights Plan will expire at the Expiration Time.
Amending Power
Except for amendments to correct clerical or typographical errors, shareholder (other than the Offeror and certain related parties) or Rights holder majority approval is required for supplements or amendments to the Rights Plan. In addition, any supplement or amendment to the Rights Plan will require the written concurrence of the Rights Agent and prior written consent of the TSXV.
Rights Agent
The Rights Agent under the Rights Plan is Computershare Trust Company of Canada.
Rights Holder not a Shareholder
Until a Right is exercised, the holders thereof as such will have no rights as our shareholder.
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATION
The following discussion and analysis of our results of operations and financial condition should be read in conjunction with (i) our unaudited interim consolidated financial statements and related notes for the three and nine months ended November 30, 2012 and 2011 (ii) audited financial statements for the fiscal years ended February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011 and the notes thereto and (iii) the section entitled Business, included elsewhere in this prospectus. Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. All references to dollar amounts in this section are in U.S. dollars unless expressly stated otherwise.
Overview
We are an exploration stage company engaged in the acquisition, exploration and development of mineral resource properties. We currently have an interest in or have the right to earn an interest in six properties: Southwest Exploration Property, Twin Buttes Ranch, Sweetwater/American Potash, Mesa Uranium, Ringbolt Property and Fitzgerald Ranch, which are all located in Arizona.
Results of Operations
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The following table sets forth our results of operations from inception of exploration stage (May 22, 2007) to November 30, 2012 as well as for the three and nine month periods ended November 30, 2012 and 2011:
May 22, 2007 | |||||||||||||||
(inception of | |||||||||||||||
Three month periods ended | Nine month periods ended | Exploration Stage) | |||||||||||||
November | November | November | November | to November 30, | |||||||||||
30, 2012 | 30, 2011 | 30, 2012 | 30, 2011 | 2012 | |||||||||||
Operating Expenses: | |||||||||||||||
Administration | $ | 19,289 | $ | - | $ | 45,381 | $ | 54,925 $ | 886,885 | ||||||
Advertising | 155,690 | 222,670 | 501,634 | 580,029 | 1,666,014 | ||||||||||
Business development | 181,261 | 111,924 | 487,609 | 217,046 | 898,976 | ||||||||||
Consulting fees | 181,054 | 437,727 | 494,912 | 1,452,465 | 7,755,518 | ||||||||||
Depreciation | 55 | 68 | 165 | 210 | 2,162 | ||||||||||
Foreign exchange (gain) loss | (9,481 | ) | 262,159 | 134,466 | 321,816 | 92,178 | |||||||||
Investor Relations | 82,157 | 32,479 | 270,828 | 579,961 | 1,249,581 | ||||||||||
Management fees | 165,576 | 375,012 | 502,620 | 826,122 | 3,115,957 | ||||||||||
Mineral property impairment | - | - | - | - | 652,784 | ||||||||||
Mineral property option payments
and exploration costs |
1,797,091 | 958,510 | 5,591,134 | 5,928,560 | 16,849,403 | ||||||||||
Office and miscellaneous | 23,081 | 15,484 | 58,052 | 33,441 | 245,596 | ||||||||||
Professional fees | 120,763 | 31,573 | 457,262 | 120,183 | 1,014,672 | ||||||||||
Property investigation costs | - | - | - | - | 24,483 | ||||||||||
Transfer agent and filing fees | 13,584 | 13,057 | 32,882 | 60,386 | 316,084 | ||||||||||
Net loss before other items | (2,730,120 | ) | (2,460,663 | ) | (8,576,945 | ) | (10,175,144 | ) | (34,770,293 | ) | |||||
Other Items | |||||||||||||||
Change in derivative liability | (142,178 | ) | 8,759,379 | 4,853,604 | 20,920,063 | 5,414,954 | |||||||||
Interest income | 3,043 | 16,418 | 27,571 | 16,418 | 90,068 | ||||||||||
Loss on debt settlement | - | - | - | - | (37,488 | ) | |||||||||
Mineral property - recovery | - | - | 112,668 | - | 112,668 | ||||||||||
Other Income | - | 14,651 | - | 14,651 | 153,125 | ||||||||||
(139,135 | ) | 8,790,448 | 4,993,843 | 20,951,132 | 5,733,327 | ||||||||||
Net profit (loss) | $ | (2,869,255 | ) | $ | 6,329,785 | $ | (3,583,102 | ) | $ | 10,775,988 | $ | (29,036,966 | ) | ||
Earnings (loss) per share - basic | $ | (0.02 | ) | $ | 0.05 | $ | (0.02 | ) | $ | 0.09 | |||||
Earnings per share - dilutive | $ | 0.01 | $ | 0.05 | $ | 0.00 | $ | 0.09 | |||||||
Weighted average number of shares - basic | 175,256,968 | 127,591,348 | 172,211,630 | 125,379,677 | |||||||||||
Weighted average number of shares - dilutive | 127,940,098 | 125,728,427 |
Results of Operations for the three month periods ended November 30, 2012 and 2011
Revenues
During the three month periods ended November 30, 2012 and 2011, we did not generate any revenues.
Operating Expenses
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Operating expenses incurred during the three month period ended November 30, 2012 were $2,730,120 as compared to $2,460,663 during the three month period ended November 30, 2011. Significant changes and expenditures are outlined as follows:
Other Items
During the three month period ended November 30, 2012, our other items accounted for $139,135 in expenses as compared to $8,790,448 in income for the three month period ended November 30, 2011. The significant changes in other items income (expenses) are outlined as follows:
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Net Income (Loss)
The net (loss) income was $(2,869,255) and $6,329,785 for the three month periods ended November 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The decrease in net income of $9,199,040 resulted primarily from the change in derivative liability from $8,759,379 in the three month period ended November 30, 2011 to $(142,178) in the three month period ended November 30, 2012, which was further reduced by an increase in administration expenses, business development expenses, investor relations expense, mineral property option payments and exploration costs, office and miscellaneous expenses, professional fees and transfer agent and filing fees.
Results of Operations for the nine month periods ended November 30, 2012 and 2011
Revenues
During the nine month periods ended November 30, 2012 and 2011, we did not generate any revenues.
Operating Expenses
Operating expenses incurred during the nine month period ended November 30, 2012 were $8,576,945 as compared to $10,175,144 during the nine month period ended November 30, 2011. Significant changes and expenditures are outlined as follows:
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Other Items
During the nine month period ended November 30, 2012, our other items accounted for $4,993,843 in income as compared to $20,951,132 in income for the nine month period ended November 30, 2011. The significant changes in other items income (expenses) are outlined as follows:
Net Income (Loss)
The net (loss) income was $(3,583,102) and $10,775,988 for the nine month periods ended November 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The decrease in net income of $14,359,090 resulted primarily from the change in derivative liability from $20,920,063 in the nine month period ended November 30, 2011 to $4,853,604 in the nine month period ended November 30, 2012, which was further reduced by an increase in business development expenses, office and miscellaneous expenses, and professional fees.
Results of Operations for the Years Ended February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011
The following table sets forth our results of operations from inception of exploration stage on May 22, 2007 to February 29, 2012 as well as for the fiscal years ended February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011:
May 22, 2007 | |||||||||
(inception of | |||||||||
Fiscal year ended | Fiscal year ended | Exploration | |||||||
February 29, 2012 | February 28, 2011 | Stage) to | |||||||
February 29, | |||||||||
2012 | |||||||||
Operating Expenses: | |||||||||
Administration | $ | 215,687 | $ | 525,450 | $ | 816,672 | |||
Advertising | 1,028,472 | 131,284 | 1,164,380 | ||||||
Business development | 411,367 | - | 411,367 | ||||||
Consulting fees | 2,783,987 | 3,731,814 | 7,260,606 | ||||||
Depreciation | 278 | 339 | 1,997 | ||||||
Foreign exchange (gain) loss | 198,974 | (194,296 | ) | (42,288 | ) |
Investor relations | 487,996 | 437,102 | 978,753 | ||||||
Management fees | 1,088,541 | 1,325,840 | 2,613,337 | ||||||
Mineral property impairment | - | - | 652,784 | ||||||
Mineral property option payments and | |||||||||
exploration costs | 7,286,863 | 2,790,910 | 11,258,269 | ||||||
Office and miscellaneous | 59,905 | 41,479 | 187,544 | ||||||
Professional fees | 253,380 | 101,803 | 557,410 | ||||||
Property investigation costs | 24,483 | - | 24,483 | ||||||
Rent | - | 7,024 | 24,832 | ||||||
Transfer agent and filing fees | 79,186 | 99,650 | 283,202 | ||||||
Net loss before other items | (13,919,119 | ) | (8,998,399 | ) | (26,193,348 | ) | |||
Other Items | |||||||||
Change in derivative liability | 22,209,156 | (22,172,944 | ) | 561,350 | |||||
Interest income | 62,497 | - | 62,497 | ||||||
Loss on debt settlement | - | (37,488 | ) | (37,488 | ) | ||||
Other income | 153,125 | - | 153,125 | ||||||
22,424,778 | (22,210,432 | ) | 739,484 | ||||||
Net profit (loss) | $ | 8,505,659 | $ | (31,208,831 | ) | $ | (25,453,864 | ) | |
Earnings (Loss) per share - basic | $ | 0.06 | $ | (0.65 | ) | ||||
Earnings per share - dilutive | $ | 0.05 | $ | - | |||||
Weighted average number of shares | |||||||||
Outstanding during the year - basic | 131,524,259 | 48,048,430 | |||||||
Weighted average number of shares | |||||||||
Outstanding during the year - dilutive | 155,786,958 |
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Revenues
During fiscal years ended February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011, respectively, we did not generate any revenue.
Operating Expenses
Operating expenses incurred during the fiscal year ended February 29, 2012 were $13,919,119 as compared to $8,998,399 during the fiscal year ended February 28, 2011. Significant changes and expenditures are outlined as follows:
Administration expenses were $215,687 and $525,450 for the fiscal years ended February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011, respectively. The decrease of $309,763 was mainly due to less payment for administration expenses as stock based compensation during the fiscal year ended February 29, 2012, compared to the fiscal year ended February 28, 2011.
Advertising expenses were $1,028,472 and $131,284 for the fiscal years ended February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011, respectively. The increase was due to additional promotion purposes to increase our market awareness during the fiscal year ended February 29, 2012.
Business Development expenses were $411,367 and $Nil for the fiscal years ended February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011, respectively. The increase was due to additional travel expenses and attending more conventions during the fiscal year ended February 29, 2012.
Consulting fees were $2,783,987 and $3,731,814 for the fiscal years ended February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011, respectively. The decrease of $947,827 was mainly due to less payment for consulting fees as stock based compensation during the fiscal year ended February 29, 2012, compared to the fiscal year ended February 28, 2011.
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Other Items
During the fiscal year ended February 29, 2012, our other items accounted for $22,424,778 in income as compared to ($22,210,432) in expenses for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2011. The significant changes in other items income (expenses) are outlined as follows:
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Net Income (Loss)
The net income (loss) was $8,505,659 and ($31,208,831) for the fiscal years ended February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011, respectively. The increase in net income of $39,714,490 resulted primarily from the change in derivative liability from ($22,172,944) in the fiscal year ended February 28, 2011 to $22,209,156 in the fiscal year ended February 29, 2012, which was offset by an increase in advertising expenses, business development expenses, investor relations expenses, mineral property option payments and exploration costs, office and miscellaneous expenses, professional fees, and property investigation costs.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our financial statements have been prepared assuming that we will continue as a going concern and, accordingly, do not include adjustments relating to the recoverability and realization of assets and classification of liabilities that might be necessary should we be unable to continue in operation.
The following table sets out our cash and working capital as of November 30, 2012, February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011:
As of November 30, 2012 (unaudited) |
As of February 29, 2012 (audited) |
As of February 28, 2011 (audited) | |
Cash reserves | $337,481 | $8,599,010 | $10,719,413 |
Working capital (deficit) | ($544,641) | $1,829,103 | ($16,219,078) |
As at November 30, 2012, our current assets were $453,259 and our current liabilities was $997,900 including a derivative liability of $768,875, resulting in a working capital deficit of $544,641. Our current assets as at November 30, 2012 consisted of cash and cash equivalents of $337,481, receivables of $62,757 and prepaid expenses of $53,021. Our current liabilities as at November 30, 2012 consisted of trade payables and accrued liabilities of $229,025 and derivative liability of $768,875.
As at February 29, 2012, our current assets were $8,725,922 and our current liabilities were $6,896,819 resulting in a working capital surplus of $1,829,103. Our current assets as at February 29, 2012 consisted of cash and cash equivalents of $8,599,010, receivables of $47,075 and prepaid expenses of $79,837. Our current liabilities as at February 29, 2012 consisted of trade payables and accrued liabilities of $522,649 and derivative liability of $6,374,170.
During the nine month period ended November 30, 2012, we raised $962,613 from financing activities by stock issuances as compared to $857,265 in the nine month period ended November 30, 2011 for stock issuances. At November 30, 2012, we had an aggregate of 41,097,632 (February 29, 2012: 50,800,333) share purchase warrants exercisable, between CAD$0.20 and CAD$0.35 per share, which have the potential upon exercise to convert to approximately CAD$11,230,026 over the next year. Further, as at November 30, 2012, a total of 16,761,892 (February 29, 2012: 16,474,392) stock options exercisable between CAD$0.10 and CAD$0.59 per share which have the potential upon exercise to generate a total of approximately CAD$5,330,329 in cash over the next four years. There is no assurance that these securities will be exercised.
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Deficit accumulated since inception of exploration stage increased to ($29,036,966) as at November 30, 2012 from ($25,453,864) as at February 29, 2012.
Our plan of operations over the next twelve months is to focus on the following:
Therefore, based on the above, we anticipate that we will require a total of approximately $41,232,332 for our plan of operations over the next twelve months. At November 30, 2012, we had cash of $337,481 and a working capital deficit of $544,641 including the derivative liability of $768,875. During the next twelve months, we anticipate that we will not generate any revenue. Accordingly, we will be required to obtain additional equity financing in order to pursue our plan of operations for and beyond the next twelve months. We cannot provide investors with any assurance that we will be able to raise sufficient funding from the sale of our common stock to fund our exploration programs and property acquisitions going forward. In the absence of such financing, we will not be able to continue our planned property acquisitions and possibly our anticipated exploration programs and our business plan may fail. Even if we are successful in obtaining financing to fund our planned exploration program, there is no assurance that we will obtain the funding necessary to complete our planned property acquisitions.
Statement of Cashflows
During the nine month period ended November 30, 2012, our net cash decreased by $8,261,529, which included net cash used in operating activities of ($8,302,242), net cash used in investing activities of ($1,050,000) and net cash provided by financing activities of $1,090,713.
Cash Flow used in Operating Activities
Operating activities in the nine months ended November 30, 2012 used cash of ($8,302,242) compared to ($6,828,832) in the nine months ended November 30, 2011. Significant changes in cash used in operating activities are outlined as follows:
The following non-cash items further adjusted the profit for the nine months ended November 30, 2012 and 2011:
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Fair value adjustment on warrants were ($4,853,604) and ($20,920,063) in the nine months ended November 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The decrease in fair value adjustment on warrants was a result of the decrease in the fair value of the derivative liability due to the passage of time, volume of warrants and the decrease in the stock price of the Company.
Mineral property option payments and exploration costs were $317,531 and $669,384 in the nine months ended November 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The decrease in non-cash mineral property option payments and exploration costs was a result the Company paying all such expenses during the nine month period ended November 30, 2012.
Stock-based compensation was $99,258 and $2,720,346 in the nine months ended November 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The decrease in stock-based compensation was a result of there being no stock options granted during the nine month period ended November 30, 2012 and certain stock options vesting during the nine month period ended November 30, 2012, which were granted in the fiscal year ended February 29, 2012.
The following changes in working capital items further adjusted the profit for the nine months ended November 30, 2012 and 2011:
Cash Flow used in Investing Activities
During the nine month period ended November 30, 2012, investing activities used cash of $1,050,000 compared to $20,623 during the nine month period ended November 30, 2011. The change in cash used in investing activities from the nine month period ended November 30, 2012 as compared to November 30, 2011 relates primarily to significant acquisition costs of mineral properties of $300,000 and long term deposits of $750,000.
Cash Flow provided by Financing Activities
During the nine month period ended November 30, 2012, we raised $1,090,713 cash from financing activities as compared to $857,265 during the nine month period ended November 30, 2011 from proceeds on issuance of common shares net of share issue costs, including $128,100 subscriptions received.
Off-balance sheet arrangements
There are no off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that is material to investors.
Subsequent events
From November 15, 2012 through January 14, 2013, we have received CAD$232,502 from a total of nine persons for the subscription of units (each a Unit) of the Company at a price of CAD$0.18 per Unit. Each Unit consists of one share of common stock and one-half of one share purchase warrant. Each whole warrant entitles the holder to purchase one additional share of our common stock at a price of CAD$0.25 per share for a period of five years from the date of issuance. We may be paying a finders fee with respect to certain subscriptions of Units.
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On December 8, 2012, we entered into a second amendment agreement with North America Potash Developments Inc., Potash Green, LLC, Wendy Walker Tibbetts and Joseph J. Hansen in order to amend the Amendment Agreement among the parties, dated October 30, 2012, such that in the event the cash payment of $2,450,000 is delayed, the parties agree to extend the deadline for such payment for a period of 30 days from the date of final approval from the TSXV with an offsetting payment of $100,000 payable to Potash Green LLC.
Subsequent to November 30, 2012, we applied to the TSX Venture Exchange for approval to extend the expiry date of 20,833,204 common share purchase warrants issued on January 11, 2012 from January 11, 2013 to January 11, 2014. These warrants were issued as part of a private placement transaction and are exercisable into 20,833,204 shares of our common stock at a price of $0.20 per share. We received approval from the TSX Venture Exchange to the extension of the expiry date of such warrants on December 20, 2012.
On February 19, 2013, we issued an aggregate of 2,224,499 units (each a Unit) in a private placement at a price of CAD$0.18 per Unit for total gross proceeds to us of CAD$400,499.82. Each Unit consists of one common share and one-half of one five year warrant. Each whole warrant entitles the holder to purchase one additional common share at an exercise price of CAD$0.25. In connection with this private placement we paid total cash finders fees of CAD$6,615 and issued warrants to purchase an aggregate of 9,527 shares of our common stock.
On February 19, 2013, we sold an aggregate of $5,305,540 of our convertible debentures due on February 19, 2014 with an interest rate of 15% per annum which shall accrue and be payable on the earlier of the maturity date or the date the entire principal amount of each debenture is converted. The principal amount of the debentures is convertible into shares of our common stock at the option of the holder, in whole or in part, at a price of $0.19 per share. The conversion price is subject to adjustment upon a reclassification or other changes in our outstanding common stock and certain distributions to all holders of our common stock. In addition, each holder of a debenture received a one-year warrant to purchase five shares of our common stock for each $1.00 of principal amount of debenture purchased at an exercise price of $0.19 per share. The debentures are secured by a first ranking floating charge security on all of our assets. In connection with this private placement, we paid total cash finders fees of $73,957.8 and issued warrants to purchase an aggregate of 101,882 shares of our common stock.
On March 14, 2013, we sold an aggregate of $285,000 of our convertible debentures due on March 14, 2014 with an interest rate of 15% per annum which shall accrue and be payable on the earlier of the maturity date or the date the entire principal amount of each debenture is converted. The principal amount of the debentures is convertible into shares of our common stock at the option of the holder, in whole or in part, at a price of $0.19 per share until the maturity date. The conversion price is subject to adjustment upon a reclassification or other change in our outstanding common stock and certain distributions to all holders of our common stock. In addition, each holder of a debenture received a one-year warrant to purchase five shares of our common stock for each $1.00 of principal amount of debenture purchased at an exercise price of $0.19 per share. The debentures are secured by a first ranking floating charge security on all of our assets.
On April 4, 2013, we sold an aggregate of $200,000 of our convertible debentures due on April 4, 2014 with an interest rate of 15% per annum which shall accrue and be payable on the earlier of the maturity date or the date the entire principal amount of each debenture is converted. The principal amount of the debentures is convertible into shares of our common stock at the option of the holder, in whole or in part, at a price of $0.19 per share until the maturity date. The conversion price is subject to adjustment upon a reclassification or other change in our outstanding common stock and certain distributions to all holders of our common stock. In addition, each holder of a debenture received a one year warrant to purchase five shares of our common stock for each $1.00 of principal amount of debenture purchased at an exercise price of $0.19 per share. The debentures are secured by a first ranking floating charge security on all of our assets.
Outstanding share data
At November 30, 2012, we had 180,576,408 issued and outstanding common shares, 16,811,892 outstanding stock options at a weighted average exercise price of CAD$0.31 per share, and 41,097,632 outstanding warrants at a weighted average exercise price of CAD$0.27 per share.
Critical Accounting Policies
Our financial statements and accompanying notes have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles applied on a consistent basis. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods.
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We regularly evaluate the accounting policies and estimates that we use to prepare our financial statements. In general, managements estimates are based on historical experience, on information from third party professionals, and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the facts and circumstances. Actual results could differ from those estimates made by management.
We believe the following critical accounting policies require us to make significant judgments and estimates in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.
Stock based compensation and derivative liability
We use the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model to calculate the fair value of stock based compensation and the fair value of the derivative liability (the derivative liability consist of the fair value of warrants issued in unit private placements for cash proceeds).
The Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model requires estimates of the following variables in calculating the fair value stock options and the fair value of the derivative liability: dividend yield, expected life, stock price volatility and risk free interest rate.
The estimation of the dividend yield, at this stage of our development, is not subject to significant uncertainty as its not expected that we will commence paying dividends until we reach the production stage which is not in the near future.
The estimate of the expected life of the options and warrants impacts both the stock price volatility and the estimated risk free interest rate, as follows: the expected stock price volatility is calculated using historical volatility going back the numbers of months equal to the estimated expected life of the options and warrants and the risk free interest rate is derived from the yield curve of a zero coupon government bond for a period equal to the estimated expected life of the options and warrants.
Options and warrants, as a rule, are exercised when they are in the money (when our stock price is in excess of the option and warrant exercise price). There are various factors that influence our stock price that cannot be estimated reliably, including: the state of the capital markets and our resulting access to capital, the price of potash, the results of our exploration work and the economic feasibility of our potash properties.
The estimation of the expected life is very difficult to determine with accuracy. Any changes in the expected life of the warrants and options will have a significant and material impact on the stock based compensation expense, the change in derivative liability on the statement of operations and the derivative liability on the balance sheet year- end balance.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
We have reviewed recently issued accounting pronouncements and we plan to adopt those that are applicable to us. We do not expect the adoption of these pronouncements to have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Financial instruments and other risks
We are exposed in varying degrees to a variety of financial instrument related risks. The Board of Directors approves and monitors the risk management processes, inclusive of documented investment policies, counterparty limits, and controlling and reporting structures. The type of risk exposure and the way in which such exposure is managed is provided as follows:
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Credit risk
Credit risk is the risk that one party to a financial instrument will fail to discharge an obligation and cause the other party to incur a financial loss. Our primary exposure to credit risk is on our cash and cash equivalents. As most of our cash and cash equivalents are held by the same bank there is a concentration of credit risk. This risk is managed by using a major Canadian banks that are high credit quality financial institutions as determined by rating agencies. Our secondary exposure to risk is on our other receivables. This risk is minimal as receivables consist primarily of refundable government goods and services taxes.
Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that we will not be able to meet our financial obligations as they become due. Our objective in managing liquidity risk is to maintain sufficient readily available capital in order to meet our liquidity requirements at any point in time. We achieve this by maintaining sufficient cash and cash equivalents and raising capital through debt and/or equity financing.
Historically, our sole source of funding has been the issuance of equity securities for cash, primarily through private placements. Our access to financing is always uncertain. There can be no assurance of continued access to significant equity funding.
Foreign exchange risk
Foreign exchange risk is the risk that we will be subject to foreign currency fluctuations in satisfying obligations related to our foreign activities. We operate primarily in Canada and the United States and are consequently exposed to foreign exchange risk arising from transactions denominated in foreign currency. Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates may affect our results of operations. We manage foreign exchange risk by closely monitoring relevant exchange rates and when possible, execute currency exchange transactions at times when exchange rates are most advantageous for us. We do not use hedging to manage its foreign exchange risk.
Interest rate risk
Interest rate risk is the risk that the fair value of future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market interest rates. We are exposed to interest rate risk on our cash equivalents as these instruments have original maturities of three months or less and are therefore exposed to interest rate fluctuations on renewal.
GLOSSARY OF SELECTED MINING TERMS
The following is a glossary of selected mining terms used in this prospectus that may be technical in nature:
Potash: A generic term for potassium salts (primarily potassium chloride, but also potassium nitrate, potassium sulfate and sulfate of potash magnesia, or langbeinite) used predominantly and widely as a fertilizer in agricultural markets worldwide. Unless otherwise indicated or inferred by context, references to "potash" refer to muriate of potash.
Potassium Chloride or KCl: (muriate of potash/sylvite): a metal halide salt composed of potassium and chlorine, varying in color from white to red depending on the mining and recovery process used. The majority of potassium chloride produced is used for making fertilizer.
Potassium Oxide or K2O: a standard generally used to indicate and report ore grade.
Tonne: (also referred to as a metric ton) a measurement of mass equal to 1000 kg or 2,204.6 pounds.
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Exploration stage: a U.S. Security and Exchange Commission descriptive category applicable to public mining companies engaged in the search for mineral deposits and ore reserves and which are not either in the mineral development or the ore production stage
Grade: The concentration of each ore metal in a rock sample, usually given as weight per volume. Where extremely low concentrations are involved, the concentration may be given in grams per ton (g/t). The grade of an ore deposit is calculated, often using sophisticated statistical procedures, as an average of the grades of a very large number of samples collected from throughout the deposit.
BUSINESS
As used in this prospectus, all references to the Company, we, our and us refer to Passport Potash Inc. and, unless otherwise specified, its subsidiary.
General
We were incorporated on July 31, 1987 under the laws of Québec, Canada under the name Bakertalc Inc. On January 21, 1994, we changed our name to Palace Explorations Inc. On November 11, 1996, we changed our name to X-Chequer Resources Inc. On September 29, 2004, we changed our name to International X-Chequer Resources Inc. On October 18, 2007, we changed our name to Passport Metals Inc. On November 10, 2009, we changed our name to Passport Potash Inc. Effective April 26, 2011, we continued our governing corporate jurisdiction from the Province of Québec to the Province of British Columbia under the name Passport Potash Inc.
Effective September 29, 2004, we effected a share consolidation (reverse stock split) of our issued and outstanding shares of common stock on a basis of twelve (12) old shares for one (1) new share.
Effective October 18, 2007, we effected a forward stock split of our issued and outstanding shares of common stock on a basis of one (1) old share for three (3) new shares.
We are a reporting issuer in the Canadian Provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario and Québec and our common stock is listed for trading on the TSX Venture Exchange under the trading symbol PPI. Our common stock is also quoted on the OTCQX under the symbol PPRTF.
Our head and principal office is located at 608 - 1199 West Pender Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6E 2R1. Our registered and records office is located at 1500 1055 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6E 4N7.
We are an exploration stage company engaged in the acquisition, exploration and development of mineral resource properties. We currently have an interest in or have the right to earn an interest in six properties, Southwest Exploration Property, Twin Buttes Ranch, Sweetwater/American Potash, Mesa Uranium, Ringbolt Property and Fitzgerald Ranch (the Holbrook Basin properties), which are all located in Arizona. We have not established any proven or probable reserves on our mineral property interests and we are not in actual development or production of any mineral deposit at this time. There is no assurance that a commercially viable mineral deposit exists on any of our property interests. Further exploration will be required before a final evaluation as to the economic and legal feasibility is determined with respect to our mineral property interests.
Our principal property is our Holbrook Basin potash project comprised of exploration permits and claims, some of which we hold directly and others which are subject to option, a lease over with an option to purchase the Twin Buttes Ranch property, and a purchase agreement for the Fitzgerald Ranch property. Our interest in our Holbrook Basin project is comprised of 53 Arizona State Land Department (ASLD) exploration permits, the Twin Buttes Ranch lease and option, the purchase agreement for the Fitzgerald Ranch property, and the option to purchase the Ringbolt exploration permits (an additional 25 ASLD permits).
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We have acquired a strategic position in the Holbrook Basin with land holdings encompassing over 122,000 acres. The infrastructure in the Holbrook Basin provides a strategic advantage for us, with immediate access to Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway (the BNSF) rail lines, Interstate 40 and a major power plant within 25 miles of the project. Our 30-hole drill program combined with historic records show that the potash deposits in the Holbrook Basin are relatively shallow by industry standards, with deposits being found at depths between 800 and 1,300 feet, which is another major advantage for us.
Our independent auditors report accompanying our February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011 financial statements contains an explanatory paragraph expressing substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. Our financial statements have been prepared assuming that we will continue as a going concern, which contemplates that we will realize our assets and satisfy our liabilities and commitments in the ordinary course of business.
Loss of Foreign Private Issuer Status under U.S. Securities Laws
Based on our analysis of the number of our shares held by persons resident in the U.S. as well as the majority of our assets being in the U.S., we do not meet the definition of a foreign private issuer under U.S. securities laws. As a result, we are subject to U.S. securities laws as applicable to a U.S. domestic company. The loss of foreign private issuer status may lead to significantly higher regulatory and compliance costs to us under U.S. securities laws. We are required to file periodic reports and registration statements on U.S. domestic issuer forms with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which are more detailed and extensive than the forms available to a foreign private issuer. We also have to mandatorily comply with U.S. federal proxy requirements, and our officers, directors and principal shareholders will become subject to the short-swing profit disclosure and recovery provisions of Section 16 of the Exchange Act. We may also be required to modify certain of our policies to comply with good governance practices associated with U.S. domestic issuers. Such conversion and modifications will involve additional costs. In addition, we may lose our ability to rely upon exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements on U.S. stock exchanges that are available to foreign private issuers.
Inter-corporate Relationships
The chart below illustrates our corporate structure, including our subsidiaries, the jurisdictions of incorporation, and the percentage of voting securities held.
Business Overview and History
Southwest Option Agreement
On September 30, 2008, we entered into a mineral property option agreement (the Southwest Option Agreement) with Southwest Exploration Inc. (Southwest) to acquire an undivided 100% interest in 13 ASLD exploration permits comprising 8,413.3 acres (3,404.76 ha) of mineral exploration property located in Navajo County, in the Holbrook Basin, Arizona. Under the terms of the Southwest Option Agreement, any after acquired permits within the area of common interest may be made part of the property. Pursuant to this clause, 32 additional ASLD exploration permits were made part of the property for a total of 45 ASLD exploration permits.
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Under the terms of the Southwest Option Agreement, as amended, we acquired the option to purchase a 100% interest in the Southwest mining claims, subject to a 1% net smelter royalty (NSR) retained by Southwest, in exchange for the following considerations:
(a) |
$100,000 (paid) on execution of the agreement; | |
(b) |
1,000,000 options (issued) upon receipt of TSX-V approval of the agreement; | |
(c) |
$125,000 from 90 days following issuance of a drilling permit from the ASLD. This permit was received on June 11, 2009 and $125,000 was paid July 23, 2009; | |
(d) |
250,000 shares on April 1, 2009 (issued); | |
(e) |
2,681,000 shares on October 1, 2009 (issued); | |
(f) |
5,000,000 shares on November 1, 2010 (issued); | |
(g) |
$350,000 from six months following TSX-V approval of the issuance of 5,000,000 shares (paid); | |
(h) |
Funding of $200,000 in exploration expenditures pursuant to the completion of a geological report (completed); | |
(i) |
250,000 shares upon completion of a geological report after drilling (issued); and | |
(j) |
Southwest shall retain a 1% NSR (purchased by us). |
If and when the option is exercised, the 100% right, title, and interest in and to the property will vest in us free and clear of all charges, encumbrances and claims, except for the NSR.
Currently, we have a blanket bond with the ASLD in the amount of $15,000 for the ASLD exploration permits. In addition, we also have a bond with the Arizona Oil and Gas Conservation Commission in the amount of $55,000 for drilling permits.
We entered into an amendment to the Southwest Option Agreement, dated September 18, 2009, whereby the parties agreed to settle the October 1, 2009 scheduled cash payment of $225,000 with the issuance of 2,681,000 shares of our common stock.
We entered into a second amendment to the Southwest Option Agreement, dated April 1, 2010, whereby the parties agreed to extend the due date for the payment of $250,000 to Southwest until October 1, 2010. As we had not satisfied this payment obligation by October 1, 2010, we issued 5,000,000 shares of our common stock to Southwest on November 8, 2010 in full satisfaction of the outstanding payment.
We completed the exercise of our option to purchase the 100% interest in the Southwest claims and the purchase of the 1% NSR in an agreement dated February 13, 2012. The Southwest permits are held by PPI Holding Corporation, our wholly owned Arizona subsidiary.
Twin Buttes Ranch Lease and Option Agreement
On August 28, 2009, we entered into a four-year lease with an option to purchase (the Lease & Option Agreement) with Twin Buttes Ranch, LLC respecting the Twin Buttes Ranch located in the potash-bearing Holbrook Basin of east-central Arizona. The Twin Buttes Ranch comprises some 28,526 acres (11,544 hectares) of private deeded land with 76.7% or approximately 21,894 acres (8,860 hectares) overlying the potash horizons within the Holbrook Basin.
Under the terms of the Lease & Option Agreement, we acquired the option to purchase a 100% undivided interest in the deeded land and sub-surface mineral rights comprising the Twin Buttes Ranch property by making lease payments totaling $500,000 over a four year period and, upon exercising our option to purchase, by paying $20,000,000 for the entire Twin Buttes Ranch including all sub-surface mineral rights except those pertaining to oil and gas, petrified wood and geothermal resources. There are no royalties associated with the sub-surface mineral rights.
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On September 30, 2010, we amended the terms of the Lease & Option Agreement to provide for an extension of a portion of the initial cash payment until December 1, 2010.
Details of the payments under the Lease & Option Agreement are as follows:
(a) |
A payment of $50,000 and $10,000 legal costs on or before November 26, 2009 (paid); | |
(b) |
A payment of $25,000 on September 17, 2010 (paid); | |
(c) |
A payment of $75,000 on December 1, 2010 (paid); | |
(d) |
A payment of $150,000 on August 28, 2011 (paid); | |
(e) |
A payment of $200,000 on August 28, 2012 (paid); and | |
(f) |
Upon exercising its option to purchase the entire Twin Butte Ranch, we must deliver a certified check in the amount of $1,000,000 on or before 5pm (Arizona time), August 28, 2013 (the option expiry date), followed by a payment of $19,000,000 within thirty days. |
The Lease & Option Agreement will expire on August 28, 2013, or such other time mutually agreed to in writing by the parties. All payments to date have been made and the option is in good standing.
Sweetwater and American Potash Option Agreement
On November 12, 2010, we entered into an option of Arizona exploration leases (the Sweetwater Option Agreement) with Sweetwater River Resources, LLC (Sweetwater) and American Potash, LLC (American Potash) to acquire the right, title and interest in five mineral exploration permits within the Holbrook Basin. The five permits consist of ASLD exploration permits that cover more than 3,200 acres.
Pursuant to the terms of the Sweetwater Option Agreement, we acquired the option to purchase a 100% interest in the exploration permits for the consideration of: (i) issuing 500,000 shares of our common stock by December 15, 2010; (ii) cash payment of CAD$90,000 payable in three installments of CAD$30,000 each at 12 months, 18 months and 24 months from the date of signing the Sweetwater Option Agreement; and (iii) meeting the exploration expenditures as required by the ASLD. We are responsible for payment of all exploration expenditures on the permits. Pursuant to the Sweetwater Option Agreement, the property was subject to a 2% NSR in favor of American Potash which we had the option to purchase at a price of $150,000 for 1% or $300,000 for the full 2%.
On March 27, 2012, we completed the exercise of the option under the Sweetwater Option Agreement and the repurchase of the 2% NSR in respect of the Sweetwater exploration permits. The permits are held by PPI Holding Corporation, our wholly owned subsidiary.
Mesa Option Agreement
On August 31, 2010, we entered into a mineral property option agreement (the Mesa Option Agreement) with Mesa Uranium Corp. (Mesa) in respect of three ASLD exploration permits covering approximately 1,950 acres, which are wholly owned by Mesa. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, we had the right to acquire a 75% interest in the Mesa permits in consideration for the issuance of 500,000 shares of our common stock to Mesa, the payment of $20,000 cash to Mesa and meeting the minimum exploration expenditures as required by the ASLD. Upon earning a 75% interest in the permits, we had the right to acquire the remaining 25% interest in the Mesa permits by paying $100,000 in cash, stock equivalent or work expenditures. Under the terms of the agreement, we are responsible for payment of all exploration expenditures on the leases. The property was subject to a 2% NSR which we had the option to purchase at a price of $150,000 for 1% or $300,000 for the full 2%.
On February 13, 2012, we exercised our option to acquire a 75% interest in the Mesa permits. On March 9, 2012, we exercised our option to acquire the remaining 25% interest in the Mesa properties under the Mesa Option Agreement and to acquire the 2% NSR on those properties thereby acquiring a royalty-free, 100% interest in the Mesa properties. The permits are held by PPI Holding Corporation, our wholly owned subsidiary.
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Ringbolt Option Agreement
On March 28, 2011, we entered into an option agreement (the Ringbolt Option Agreement) with North American Potash Developments Inc., formerly Ringbolt Ventures Ltd., Potash Green, LLC, Wendy Walker Tibbetts and Joseph J. Hansen (collectively, the “Optionor”) pursuant to which we acquired the option to purchase a 100% interest in the Ringbolt potash property located in the Holbrook Basin of southeast Arizona. The Ringbolt property is comprised of 15,994.32 acres of mineral exploration permits on land managed by the ASLD.
Pursuant to the terms of agreement, we may acquire a 90% interest in the property by: (i) making cash payments totaling $1.0 million ($50,000 upon execution of the agreement, $250,000 upon TSX Venture Exchange approval, $350,000 on or before the first anniversary of TSX Venture Exchange approval, and $350,000 on or before the second anniversary of TSX Venture Exchange approval), (ii) incurring a total of $2.25 million in exploration expenditures on the property over three years ($500,000 within 1 year of TSX Venture Exchange approval, $750,000 within 1 year of the first anniversary of TSX Venture Exchange approval, and $1,000,000 within 1 year of the second anniversary of TSX Venture Exchange approval), and (iii) issuing four million shares of common stock over a three-year period (1,000,000 shares upon TSX Venture Exchange approval, 1,400,000 shares on or before the first anniversary of TSX Venture Exchange approval, and 1,600,000 shares on or before the second anniversary of TSX Venture Exchange approval). Upon satisfaction of these terms, we will have the right to purchase the remaining 10% interest for a cash payment of $5 million, which shall remain exercisable until the Ringbolt property goes into commercial production (defined as the sale of any mineral products from the property). In addition, pursuant to the Ringbolt Option Agreement, the Ringbolt property will be subject to a 1% gross overriding royalty on production from the property.
On October 30, 2012, as part of a settlement agreement between us and the Optionor, we entered into an amendment agreement to the Ringbolt Option Agreement pursuant to which we will pay to the Optionor a total of $3,850,000, $150,000 of which was paid upon execution of the amendment agreement, $2,450,000 will be paid upon TSX Ventures Exchange approval of the amendment agreement, and the remaining $1,250,000 on or before October 31, 2014. In addition, upon TSX Venture Exchange approval of the amendment agreement, we will issue 750,000 shares of common stock to the Optionor and the Optionor will assign to us all of its right, title and interest in and to the property and will take all necessary action with the ASLD to effect such assignment. The cash payment of $2,450,000 and 750,000 shares of our common stock will be placed into escrow and will be released to the Optionor upon receipt of confirmation of the assignment of the property to us from the ASLD. There will be no royalty attached to the transferred mineral exploration permits.
Should we sell or in any way transfer our interest in the property, the Optionor will receive 20% of the gross consideration in excess of $30 million to a maximum of $2,000,000 if the aggregate consideration received for the transfer of the interest in the property is greater than $30 million and less than $40 million; or $2,000,000 plus 10% of the gross consideration in excess of $40 million to a maximum of $1,000,000 if the aggregate consideration is greater than $40 million and less than $50 million; or $3,000,000 plus 20% of the gross consideration in excess of $50 million if the aggregate consideration is greater than $50 million.
If we sell or transfer less than a 100% interest in the property, then the aforementioned bonus payments shall be ratably reduced by multiplying the bonus payment by the percentage of interest subject to the transfer transaction. The sale or transfer of the remainder of the interest in the property held by us will continue to be subject to the aforementioned bonus payment provisions.
On December 8, 2012, we entered into a second amendment agreement with the Optionor to amend the amendment agreement to extend the deadline to make the cash payment of $2,450,000 following TSX Venture Exchange approval for a period of 30 days from the date of final approval with a payment of $100,000 to Potash Green, LLC, which payment will be deducted from the aggregate payment owed.
As of the date of this prospectus, we have not received the approval from the TSX Venture Exchange and the deadline to make the payment of $2,450,000 has been extended for a period of 30 days upon our payment of $100,000.
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Cooperative Agreement and Joint Exploration Agreement with Hopi Tribe
Portions of our Holbrook Basin potash project in Arizona are located adjacent to land privately owned by the Hopi Tribe, a federally recognized Indian Tribe. On March 8, 2011, we finalized a cooperative agreement with the Hopi Tribe which establishes a cooperative arrangement between us and the Hopi Tribe and gives us access across the privately owned Hopi lands to conduct exploration activities while allowing the Hopi Tribe to share in our study results.
In November 2012, we and the Hopi Tribe entered into a joint exploration agreement pursuant to which the parties agree to explore the Hopi land sections (the Hopi Property) which are checker-boarded with our southern landholdings in accordance with an exploration program, which shall consist of a two-phase drilling campaign. The first phase of the exploration program will include 8 drill sites and will cover a 25,000 acre swath of the contiguous land sections in the DoBell ranch area of the Holbrook Basin. The second phase of drilling, which will be designed by ERCOSPLAN guided from the results from phase one, will include up to 10 additional drill sites. We will be responsible for all costs, charges and expenses incurred in connection with the exploration program. Pursuant to the joint exploration agreement, the Hopi Tribe grants us a limited license during the term of the joint exploration agreement to (a) enter and cross existing ranch roads on Hopi Property for ingress and egress purposes related to the exploration program, (b) blade new roads to drill sites on the Hopi Property designated by ERCOSPLAN, (c) drill exploratory holes on the Hopi Property at drill sites designated by ERCOSPLAN, (d) lay cables across the Hopi Property for purposes of seismic studies that are part of the exploration program, (e) drive a vibrator truck along seismic lines, and (f) blade existing ranch roads on the Hopi Property.
Except as otherwise expressly set forth in the joint exploration agreement, the parties shall each separately have the right to possess and use all exploration program results for any purpose. However, no exploration program results shall be shared with venture partners or prospective venture partners by the Hopi Tribe other than us or persons approved in writing by us in our discretion prior to the earlier of expiration or termination of one or more of our mineral exploration permits from the ASLD pertaining to our property, or October 15, 2014.
Fitzgerald Ranch Living Trust Property Purchase Agreement
On May 14, 2012, we entered into a purchase agreement with co-trustees of the Fitzgerald Living Trust (Fitzgerald Living Trust) to acquire real estate covering a total of 41,000 contiguous acres of royalty-free private land (the Fitzgerald Ranch) located near Holbrook and adjacent to our Twin Butte Ranch holdings in the Holbrook Basin in exchange for a total purchase price of $15,000,000 on the following material terms: (i) $250,000 to be irrevocably released to Fitzgerald Living Trust upon execution of the agreement; (ii) an additional $250,000 to be placed into escrow and irrevocably released to Fitzgerald Living Trust on July 1, 2012; (iii) during the term of the agreement, we have the right to perform exploration activities on the property; (iv) a payment of $14,500,000 at closing to take place on December 18, 2012; and (v) the final purchase is subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval.
A provision of the agreement grants us the right to perform exploration activities on the property. We have added 8 additional drill holes to our 2012 drill program which will be drilled on the Fitzgerald Ranch. We have drilled 5 holes on the Fitzgerald Ranch as part of the drill program.
On November 8, 2012, we entered into an amendment agreement to the original property purchase agreement. In accordance with the amendment agreement, in addition to our payment of an aggregate of $500,000 made by July 1, 2012, payments of $500,000 and $4,000,000 were to be made to Fitzgerald Living Trust upon execution of the amendment agreement and on December 18, 2012, respectively, which payments have yet been made. Additionally, a payment of $5,000,000 will be irrevocably paid to Fitzgerald Living Trust on June 30, 2013 and the balance of $5,000,000 will be paid at the time of closing of the sale which will take place on December 18, 2013.
We also agreed to reimburse Fitzgerald Living Trust for any increase in taxes to it which are attributable to closing this sale in 2013 rather than 2012 and to make this reimbursement within 120 days from the date Fitzgerald Living Trust provides documentation to us of the increased tax amount.
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The amendment agreement is subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval.
Joint Exploration Agreement with HNZ Potash, LLC
On July 27, 2012, we entered into a joint exploration agreement with HNZ Potash, LLC (HNZ) to jointly explore and potentially develop twenty-one permitted parcels in which we hold ASLD exploration permits and which are located on the southernmost area of our landholdings. The property is within HNZs private landholdings and has not been previously explored by us. Under the terms of the HNZ joint exploration agreement, HNZ has agreed to pay us 50% of certain costs previously incurred by us with respect to the property, and we will assign a 50% interest in the property to HNZ.
The purposes of the HNZ joint exploration agreement are to: (i) conduct exploration and to evaluate the potential for development and mining of the property; (ii) to acquire interests within the lands owned by the Hopi Tribe commonly referred to as the Dobell Ranch lands as more particularly described in the agreement; (iii) if justified by the exploration activities, the parties upon mutual agreement will form an entity to seek a mining lease to jointly engage in development and mining of the property; (iv) to complete and satisfy all environmental compliance obligations and continuing obligations affecting the property; and (v) to perform any other activity necessary, appropriate, or incidental to any of the foregoing. During the term of the agreement, the parties will equally share the costs for maintaining the property in good standing with the ASLD. The parties may, either alone or jointly, conduct exploration of any or all of the property pursuant to one or more plans of exploration.
The term of the HNZ joint exploration agreement is for five years, subject to renewal. If the parties jointly apply for a mineral lease or mineral leases on any portion of the property, the agreement shall be automatically extended to the date a final determination is issued by the ASLD regarding the last mineral lease application.
Business Operations
Corporate Summary
Our principal property is our Holbrook Basin potash project comprised of exploration permits and claims, some of which we hold directly and others which are subject to option, a lease over with an option to purchase the Twin Buttes Ranch property, and a purchase agreement for the Fitzgerald Ranch property. Our interest in our Holbrook Basin project is comprised of 53 ASLD exploration permits, the Twin Buttes Ranch lease and option, the purchase agreement for the Fitzgerald Ranch property, and the option to purchase the Ringbolt exploration permits (an additional 25 ASLD permits).
We have acquired a strategic position in the Holbrook Basin with land holdings encompassing over 122,000 acres. The infrastructure in the Holbrook Basin provides a strategic advantage for us, with immediate access to BNSF rail lines, Interstate 40 and a major power plant within 25 miles of the project. Our 30-hole drill program combined with historic records show that the potash deposits in the Holbrook Basin are relatively shallow by industry standards, with deposits being found at depths between 800 and 1,300 feet, which is another major advantage for us.
Potash Industry Overview
Potash
Potash is used to describe a wide variety of compounds valued primarily for their potassium content, which is commonly measured in K2O units. The most concentrated and commonly available form of potash is potassium chloride (KCl), also referred to as Muriate of Potash (MOP), which is between 60-62% K2O by weight. Secondary forms of potash include sulfate of potash magnesia, also known as langbeinite (22% K2O), potassium sulfate (50% K2O) and potassium nitrate (44% K2O).
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Potash is primarily used as an agricultural fertilizer due to its high potassium content. Potassium, nitrogen and phosphate are the three primary nutrients essential for plant growth. A proper balance of these nutrients improves plant health and increases crop yields. Potash helps regulate plants physiological functions and improves plant durability, providing crops with protection from drought, disease, parasites and cold weather. Currently, no cost effective substitutes exist for these three nutrients. Less effective nutrient sources do exist, however, the relatively low nutrient content of these sources and cost of transportation reduce their attractiveness as a viable, economic alternative to potash.
Potash is primarily mined from underground mines and less frequently, from naturally occurring surface or sub-surface brines. It is mined through both conventional underground methods and surface or solution mining. Unlike nitrogen and phosphate, potash does not require additional chemical conversion to be used as a plant nutrient.
Domestically, approximately 85% of all potash produced is used as a fertilizer, most of it in the form of potassium chloride, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The chemical industry consumes the remaining 15% of potash produced.
Demand for Potash
Potash demand depends primarily on the demand for fertilizer, which is based on the total planted acreage, crop mix, soil characteristics, fertilizer application rates, crop yields and farm income. Each of these factors is affected by current and projected grain stocks and prices, agricultural policies, improvements in agronomic efficiency, fertilizer application rates and weather. From 2000 to 2010, global consumption of potash as a fertilizer grew at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.6% per year, from approximately 21.9million tonnes K2O to approximately 28.3 million tonnes K2O, according to Fertecon.
Source: Fertecon
While developed countries have traditionally been the largest consumers of potash, developing countries are the fastest growing markets for potash, including in the emerging and developing economies of India, China and Brazil. Over the next eight years, Fertecon estimates that potash fertilizer consumption will grow in India, China and Brazil at a CAGR of 8.8%, 4.8% and 3.7%, respectively. Population and income growth are two important drivers of potash demand.
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According to the USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries (January 2012), approximately 15% of U.S. potash consumption is used in the production of potassium chemicals for industrial markets. Industrial applications for potassium chloride include the production of potassium hydroxide, which is used in the production of other potassium chemicals; the production of potassium carbonate, which is primarily used for specialty glasses for cathode-ray tubes and as a component in dry-chemical fire extinguishers; leavening agents; and as a pharmaceutical ingredient. Potassium chloride is also used in the oil and gas industry as a drilling fluid additive. Other industrial applications of potassium chloride include use as a flux in secondary aluminum processing, as a potassium supplement in animal feeds, and in ceramics, textiles and dyes. From 2000 to 2010, U.S. industrial consumption of potash grew at a CAGR of 1.3%, from 725 thousand tonnes to 825 thousand tonnes, according to Fertecon.
Only 12 countries produce nearly all of the world's supply, making much of the world dependent upon imports to satisfy their potash requirements. With its highly developed agricultural economy and limited domestic production capability, the U.S. is the second largest consumer of potash globally, representing 15.9% of total estimated consumption for 2010, as reported by Fertecon. According to Fertecon, in 2010, the U.S. was the largest importer of potash in the world, importing approximately 90% of its potash. The high level of potash consumption in the U.S. is in large part due to its extensive cultivation of commodity crops such as corn, wheat, cotton and soybeans.
Supply of Potash
The supply of potash is influenced by a broad range of factors including available capacity and achievable operating rates; mining, production and freight costs; government policies and global trade. According to Fertecon, in 2010, seven countries accounted for approximately 91% of the world's aggregate potash production. This scarcity has resulted in a high degree of concentration among the leading producers. Canada currently accounts for approximately 29% of global potash production. The next six largest producers, Russia, Belarus, China, Germany, Israel and Jordan, account for approximately 62% of global production. The U.S. produces approximately 17% of the potash it consumes. U.S. potash reserves are concentrated in the southwestern U.S and account for approximately 3.3% of world production. The leading global providers of potash are shown in the following chart:
Source: Fertecon
Based on demand growth expectations, and assuming normal effective capacity utilization rates and timely completion of all announced capacity expansions, Fertecon projects the global potash market to grow from 34.6 million tonnes of K2O total sales in 2010 to 46.6 million tonnes in 2020.
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Competitive Business Conditions
We compete with numerous other companies and individuals in the search for and acquisition or control of attractive mineral properties. Our ability to acquire further properties will depend not only on our ability to operate and develop our properties but also on our ability to select and acquire suitable properties or prospects for exploration or development.
In regards to our plan to produce potash, there are a limited number of potash producers presently. If we are successful at becoming a producer of potash, our ability to be competitive with those producers will require that we establish a reliable supply of potash to the market.
Regulation
The exploration and development of a mining prospect is subject to regulation by a number of federal and state government authorities. These include the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) as well as the various state environmental protection agencies. The regulations address many environmental issues relating to air, soil and water contamination and apply to many mining related activities including exploration, mine construction, mineral extraction, ore milling, water use, waste disposal and use of toxic substances. In addition, we are subject to regulations relating to labor standards, occupational health and safety, mine safety, general land use, export of minerals and taxation. Many of the regulations require permits or licenses to be obtained and the filing of Notices of Intent and Plans of Operations, the absence of which or inability to obtain will adversely affect the ability for us to conduct our exploration, development and operation activities. The failure to comply with the regulations and terms of permits and licenses may result in fines or other penalties or in revocation of a permit or license or loss of a prospect.
If we are successful in the future at discovering a commercially viable mineral deposit on our property interests, then if and when we commence any mineral production, we will also need to comply with laws that regulate or propose to regulate our mining activities, including the management and handling of raw materials, disposal, storage and management of hazardous and solid waste, the safety of our employees and post-mining land reclamation.
We cannot predict the impact of new or changed laws, regulations or permitting requirements, or changes in the ways that such laws, regulations or permitting requirements are enforced, interpreted or administered. Health, safety and environmental laws and regulations are complex, are subject to change and have become more stringent over time. It is possible that greater than anticipated health, safety and environmental capital expenditures or reclamation and closure expenditures will be required in the future. We expect continued government and public emphasis on environmental issues will result in increased future investments for environmental controls at our operations.
The Minerals Section of the ASLD is responsible for mining/mineral activities on Arizona State Trust land. Exploration permits and mining leases are governed by: Arizona Revised Statutes Title 27, Minerals, Oil and Gas; Title 37 Public Lands; Title 41 State Government; and Arizona Administrative Code Title 12 Natural Resources, Chapter 5. In order to explore for minerals on Arizona State Trust lands we are required to comply with the following:
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A non-refundable filing fee of $500.00 is required for each application. | |
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An environmental disclosure questionnaire must accompany each application. | |
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A maximum 640 acres or 1 whole section is permitted per application. | |
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An exploration permit is valid for one (1) year, renewable up to five (5) years. | |
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Lease boundaries, access routes, mine workings, roads, water sources, residences, utilities, etc. must be plotted separately on a USGS Topographic Map included with the application. | |
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The application must be signed by the applicant(s) or an authorized agent. If an agent is filing for the applicant, a notarized Power of Attorney must be filled with the Department. The filing fee for a Power of Attorney is $50.00. |
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The processing of an exploration permit takes a minimum of sixty (60) days. | ||
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The Application is reviewed by the ASLD Minerals Section and if necessary, other ASLD divisions, outside agencies and any interested parties. | ||
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Rent is $2.00 per acre for first year which includes the second year and $1.00 per acre per year for years three through five. | ||
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An exploration plan of operation must be submitted annually and approved by the ASLD prior to startup of exploration activities. | ||
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If any surface disturbance is planned as part of the exploration activities, Archaeological and Biological surveys as well as any other applicable permits must be submitted for ASLD review (three (3) copies of each and an electronic copy in pdf format). | ||
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A bond is established based on the proposed exploration activities. Typically a $3,000.00 bond is required for a single permit or a blanket bond of $15,000.00 for five or more permits held by an individual or company. | ||
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Minimum work expenditure requirements are: | ||
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$10 per acre per year for years 1-2; | ||
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$20 per acre per year for years 3-5; and | ||
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Proof of work expenditures must be submitted to the ASLD Minerals Section each year in the form of invoice and paid receipts. If no work was completed on-site, the applicant can pay the equal amount to the department. | ||
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An exploration permit is not a right to mine. |
If discovery of a valuable mineral deposit is made, the permitee must apply for a mineral lease before actual mining activities can begin.
Prospecting on Federal lands is administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Prospecting Permits are covered by the Public Domain Mineral Leasing Act of 1920, as amended (30 U.S.C. 181 et seq.), the Acquired Lands Mineral Leasing Act of 1947, as amended (30 U.S.C. 351-359), and the Federal Land Policy Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA), (43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) which authorizes the management and use of the public lands. The regulations governing these minerals are found in the 43 CFR 3500 regulations.
We have applied for prospecting permits with the BLM but have not yet been granted permission to begin exploration activities. The permits are still in process.
Employees
As at April 11, 2013, we do not have any employees, however, we have 10 individuals working on a consulting basis. Our operations are managed by our officers with input from our directors. We engage geological and engineering consultants from time to time as required to assist in evaluating our property interests and recommending and conducting work programs.
PROPERTIES
We lease our principal office space located at 608 - 1199 West Pender Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6E 2R1. This office space is for the conduct of our business operations and costs us approximately $1,500 in rent per month.
Description of Mineral Properties
Holbrook Basin
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Our principal asset is the Holbrook Basin property, a potash exploration project located in the Holbrook Basin of east-central Arizona (the Holbrook Basin Project). The project is comprised of 78 Arizona State Land Development (ASLD) exploration permits, full or partial interests in 132 private land sections and 4 prospecting permits on federal land managed by the BLM, which are all located within the Holbrook Basin.
Location, Access and Infrastructure
Our Holbrook Basin Project is situated in the Holbrook Basin of east-central Arizona, which spans Coconino, Navajo and Apache Counties. The Holbrook Basin Project is located approximately 13 kilometers (8 miles) southeast of the town of Holbrook in the County of Navajo, Arizona. The town of Holbrook provides capacity for personnel, supplies, equipment and accommodation. The I-40 to the north of the project area is a major west-east interstate highway and intersects with eight north-south interstate highways. Therefore, there is full service truck transport and support system throughout the southwest U.S. by way of outré I-40. The U.S. Routes 77 and 180 run from I-40 into the project area. The project is also accessible by way of a number of unpaved roads which cut through the project area. The entire area is accessible off-road by four-wheel drive vehicles.
The Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway (the BNSF) mainline is located to the north of the project area. This dual track is a main rail track for heavy duty service. The BNSF is part of the southwest system and runs through Fort Worth, Texas, BNSF headquarters, to the west through New Mexico, Arizona and into California. The ports of Stockton, Long Beach and the Mexican ports of Guymas and Topolabampo are easily accessible and suitable for international shipping.
A coal-fired power station, the Cholla Plant, which is located just west of Holbrook near Joseph City, provides electricity to the area. Water for drilling can also be obtained from range tanks, wells, and the Little Colorado River. The project area is covered by an electrical distribution network and a gas supply system.
We currently hold lands with an aggregate area of 122,879.08 acres within the Holbrook Basin. The landholdings are located within Township 15 to 19 North, Range 21 to 26 East, along the Gila and Salt River Meridian and Base Line. The figure below illustrates the location of our Holbrook Basin Project.
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Figure 1: Location of the Holbrook Basin Project.
Property Titles
The Holbrook Basin Project consists of full/partial interests in 132 sections of private land covering a total of 70,098.19 acres, 78 ASLD exploration permits covering an area of 45,726.33 acres and 16 prospecting permits on federal land managed by the BLM covering a total of 122,879.08 acres all within the Holbrook Basin. Our ownership interest in each of the properties and exploration permits comprising the Holbrook Basin Project are described above under Business Business Overview and History.
Private Land
Through a four-year lease purchase agreement with Twin Buttes Ranch, LLC, we control five parcels of private land totaling 28,534.06 acres in Navajo County. The lease ends on August 28, 2013.
Through a purchase agreement and an amendment agreement with the Fitzgerald Living Trust we control 41,564.13 acres of private land in Navajo County.
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Bureau of Land Management
We have submitted four prospecting permit applications with the Bureau of Land Management on federal land totaling 7,054.56 acres through the Southwest Option Agreement with Southwest Exploration, Inc., dated September 30, 2008. The land is administered by the Bureau of Land Management and our prospecting permit applications are currently being reviewed.
Arizona State Trust Land
As a Canadian corporation, we are unable to hold any ASLD exploration permits on our own behalf. Therefore, we formed a wholly owned subsidiary, PPI Holding Corp., an Arizona corporation, to hold all exploration permits. The ASLD permits, which we acquired through lease options with Southwest Exploration, Inc., Mesa Uranium Corp. and Sweetwater River Resources, LLC/American Potash, LLC, were acquired contractually by PPI Holding Corp. An option agreement with Ringbolt Ventures Ltd., Potash Green, LLC, and others was made to acquire another 25 mineral exploration permits on State Trust land. The nature of each agreement is listed above in Business Overview and History. All ASLD fees and work expenditure requirements are current with respect to the 78 permits. We can apply for and acquire state leases on that acreage once a potential resource has been sufficiently demonstrated.
Figure 2: Location map Holbrook Basin Project landholdings
Permits
Permits necessary to carry out exploration on private, ASLD and federal lands in Arizona are as follows:
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The Arizona Oil & Gas Conservation Commission is responsible for granting the permits necessary for drilling on private, State and federal lands in the Holbrook Basin, Arizona. Furthermore, a Surface Use Plan and the posting of a bond ($25,000) are required before starting any drilling activities.
A mineral exploration permit must be obtained from the ASLD in order to drill on State trust land. Requirements to obtain this permit include:
If the permittee discovers a feasible mineral deposit, it will have to apply for a mineral lease prior to the start of any mining activities.
Permission to perform exploration drilling on federal lands has been granted by the BLM. Therefore, either a Notice of Intent (<5.0 acres/ 0.02 km² surface disturbance; obtainable within 30-60 days) or a plan of operations (>5.0 acres/ 0.02 km² surface disturbance) has to be submitted, depending on the amount of surface disturbance that is planned (43 CFR 3809.11 and 43 CFR 3809.21) . Depending on the nature of the intended work, the level of required reclamation bonding, the need for archeological surveys and other factors determined by the BLM, a plan of operations can take several months for approval.
Expiry Date of Permits
ASLD Exploration Permits
2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | ||||||||
Permit # |
Expiration
Date |
Permit # |
Expiration
Date |
Permit # |
Expiration
Date |
Permit # |
Expiration
Date |
||||
1 | 08- 113251 | 10/15/13 | 22 | 08- 113917 | 10/21/14 | 44 | 08- 114982 | 10/20/15 | 74 | 08- 115438 | 02/29/16 |
2 | 08- 113252 | 10/15/13 | 23 | 08- 113918 | 10/21/14 | 45 | 08- 114983 | 10/20/15 | 75 | 08- 115439 | 02/29/16 |
3 | 08- 113254 | 10/15/13 | 24 | 08- 113919 | 10/21/14 | 46 | 08- 114984 | 10/20/15 | 76 | 08- 115440 | 02/29/16 |
4 | 08- 113255 | 10/15/13 | 25 | 08- 113921 | 10/21/14 | 47 | 08- 114985 | 10/20/15 | 77 | 08- 115441 | 02/29/16 |
5 | 08- 113256 | 10/15/13 | 26 | 08- 113986 | 10/21/14 | 48 | 08- 114986 | 10/20/15 | 78 | 08- 115442 | 02/29/16 |
6 | 08- 113257 | 10/15/13 | 27 | 08- 113987 | 10/21/14 | 49 | 08- 114987 | 10/20/15 | |||
7 | 08- 113258 | 10/15/13 | 28 | 08- 113988 | 10/21/14 | 50 | 08- 114988 | 10/20/15 | |||
8 | 08- 113259 | 10/15/13 | 29 | 08- 113989 | 10/21/14 | 51 | 08- 114989 | 10/20/15 | |||
9 | 08- 113260 | 10/15/13 | 30 | 08- 113990 | 10/21/14 | 52 | 08- 115078 | 12/22/15 | |||
10 | 08- 113261 | 10/15/13 | 31 | 08- 113991 | 10/21/14 | 53 | 08- 115079 | 12/22/15 | |||
11 | 08- 113262 | 10/15/13 | 32 | 08- 113992 | 10/21/14 | 54 | 08- 115080 | 12/22/15 | |||
12 | 08- 113263 | 10/15/13 | 33 | 08- 113993 | 10/21/14 | 55 | 08- 115081 | 12/22/15 | |||
13 | 08- 113264 | 10/15/13 | 34 | 08- 113994 | 10/21/14 | 56 | 08- 115087 | 12/29/15 | |||
14 | 08- 113270 | 10/15/13 | 35 | 08- 113995 | 10/21/14 | 57 | 08- 115088 | 12/29/15 | |||
15 | 08- 113273 | 10/15/13 | 36 | 08- 113996 | 10/21/14 | 58 | 08- 114065 | 05/12/15 |
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16 | 08- 113274 | 10/15/13 | 37 | 08- 114252 | 11/12/14 | 59 | 08- 114067 | 05/12/15 | |||
17 | 08- 113361 | 11/20/13 | 38 | 08- 114253 | 11/12/14 | 60 | 08- 114076 | 05/12/15 | |||
18 | 08- 113362 | 11/20/13 | 39 | 08- 114254 | 11/12/14 | 61 | 08- 115089 | 12/29/15 | |||
19 | 08- 113365 | 11/20/13 | 40 | 08- 114255 | 11/12/14 | 62 | 08- 115090 | 12/29/15 | |||
20 | 08- 113366 | 11/20/13 | 41 | 08- 114256 | 11/12/14 | 63 | 08- 115091 | 12/29/15 | |||
21 | 08- 113367 | 11/20/13 | 42 | 08- 114257 | 11/12/14 | 64 | 08- 115092 | 12/29/15 | |||
43 | 08- 114258 | 11/12/14 | 65 | 08- 115093 | 12/29/15 | ||||||
66 | 08- 115094 | 12/29/15 | |||||||||
67 | 08- 115095 | 12/29/15 | |||||||||
68 | 08- 115096 | 12/29/15 | |||||||||
69 | 08- 115097 | 12/29/15 | |||||||||
70 | 08- 115098 | 12/29/15 | |||||||||
71 | 08- 115099 | 12/29/15 | |||||||||
72 | 08- 115100 | 12/29/15 | |||||||||
73 | 08- 115101 | 12/29/15 |
BLM Prospecting Permits
BLM prospecting permits are effective for an initial term of two years and may be extended for an additional two year period. We have submitted four prospecting permit applications with the BLM but have not yet been granted permission to begin exploration activities as the applications are currently being reviewed.
Annual Payments and Work Requirements
ASLD Exploration Permits
ASLD exploration permit expenses are our responsibility and include renewal fees, rental fees and exploration expenditure requirements. The following table sets out the aforementioned fees and expenditures on the ASLD exploration permits to which we hold or to which we have an interest in or have the right to earn an interest:
Lessees |
Permit # |
Effective Date |
Expiration Date |
Renewal Date |
Renewal Fee |
Rental Fee Years 1-2 [total] |
Rental Fee Years 3-5 [per year] |
Exploration Requirement Years 1-2 |
Exploration Requirement Years 3-5 |
PPI Holding Corp/HNZ Potash | 08-113361 | 11/21/08 | 11/20/13 | 11/20/11 | $250.00 | $640.00 | $320.00 | $3,200.00 | $6,400.00 |
PPI Holding Corp/HNZ Potash | 08-113366 | 11/21/08 | 11/20/13 | 11/20/11 | $250.00 | $640.00 | $320.00 | $3,200.00 | $6,400.00 |
PPI Holding Corp/HNZ Potash | 08-113367 | 11/21/08 | 11/20/13 | 11/20/11 | $250.00 | $640.00 | $320.00 | $3,200.00 | $6,400.00 |
PPI Holding Corp/HNZ Potash | 08-114982 | 10/21/10 | 10/20/15 | 10/20/11 | $500.00 | $480.00 | $240.00 | $2,400.00 | $4,800.00 |
PPI Holding Corp/HNZ | 08-114983 | 10/21/10 | 10/20/15 | 10/20/11 | $500.00 | $640.00 | $320.00 | $3,200.00 | $6,400.00 |
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Potash | |||||||||
PPI Holding Corp/HNZ Potash | 08-114984 | 10/21/10 | 10/20/15 | 10/20/11 | $500.00 | $640.00 | $320.00 | $3,200.00 | $6,400.00 |
PPI Holding Corp/HNZ Potash | 08-114985 | 10/21/10 | 10/20/15 | 10/20/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 640.00 | $ 320.00 | $3,200.00 | $6,400.00 |
PPI Holding Corp/HNZ Potash | 08-114987 | 10/21/10 | 10/20/15 | 10/20/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 120.00 | $ 60.00 | $600.00 | $1,200.00 |
PPI Holding Corp/HNZ Potash | 08-114988 | 10/21/10 | 10/20/15 | 10/20/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 200.00 | $ 100.00 | $1,000.00 | $2,000.00 |
PPI Holding Corp/HNZ Potash | 08-115078 | 12/23/10 | 12/22/15 | 12/22/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 640.00 | $ 320.00 | $3,200.00 | $ 6,400.00 |
PPI Holding Corp/HNZ Potash | 08-115079 | 12/23/10 | 12/22/15 | 12/22/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 686.22 | $ 343.11 | $3,431.10 | $ 6,862.20 |
PPI Holding Corp/HNZ Potash | 08-115080 | 12/23/10 | 12/22/15 | 12/22/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 640.00 | $ 320.00 | $3,200.00 | $ 6,400.00 |
PPI Holding Corp/HNZ Potash | 08-115081 | 12/23/10 | 12/22/15 | 12/22/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 640.00 | $ 320.00 | $3,200.00 | $ 6,400.00 |
PPI Holding Corp/HNZ Potash | 08-115094 | 12/30/10 | 12/29/15 | 12/29/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 640.00 | $ 320.00 | $3,200.00 | $ 6,400.00 |
PPI Holding Corp/HNZ Potash | 08-115095 | 12/30/10 | 12/29/15 | 12/29/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 640.00 | $ 320.00 | $3,200.00 | $ 6,400.00 |
PPI Holding Corp/HNZ Potash | 08-115096 | 12/30/10 | 12/29/15 | 12/29/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 200.00 | $ 100.00 | $1,000.00 | $ 2,000.00 |
PPI Holding Corp/HNZ Potash | 08-115097 | 12/30/10 | 12/29/15 | 12/29/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 320.00 | $ 160.00 | $1,600.00 | $ 3,200.00 |
PPI Holding Corp/HNZ Potash | 08-115098 | 12/30/10 | 12/29/15 | 12/29/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 640.00 | $ 320.00 | $3,200.00 | $ 6,400.00 |
PPI Holding Corp/HNZ Potash | 08-115099 | 12/30/10 | 12/29/15 | 12/29/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 640.00 | $ 320.00 | $3,200.00 | $ 6,400.00 |
PPI Holding Corp/HNZ Potash | 08-115100 | 12/30/10 | 12/29/15 | 12/29/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 691.78 | $ 345.89 | $3,458.90 | $ 6,917.80 |
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PPI Holding Corp/HNZ Potash | 08-115101 | 12/30/10 | 12/29/15 | 12/29/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 640.00 | $ 320.00 | $3,200.00 | $ 6,400.00 |
PPI Holding Corp. | 08-113251 | 10/16/08 | 10/15/13 | 10/15/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,454.06 | $ 727.03 | $7,270.30 | $ 14,540.60 |
PPI Holding Corp. | 08-113252 | 10/16/08 | 10/15/13 | 10/15/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 909.00 | $ 454.50 | $4,545.00 | $ 9,090.00 |
PPI Holding Corp. | 08-113254 | 10/16/08 | 10/15/13 | 10/15/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,280.00 | $ 640.00 | $6,400.00 | $ 12,800.00 |
PPI Holding Corp. | 08-113255 | 10/16/08 | 10/15/13 | 10/15/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,450.68 | $ 725.34 | $7,253.40 | $ 14,506.80 |
PPI Holding Corp. | 08-113256 | 10/16/08 | 10/15/13 | 10/15/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,280.00 | $ 640.00 | $6,400.00 | $ 12,800.00 |
PPI Holding Corp. | 08-113257 | 10/16/08 | 10/15/13 | 10/15/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,280.00 | $ 640.00 | $6,400.00 | $ 12,800.00 |
PPI Holding Corp. | 08-113258 | 10/16/08 | 10/15/13 | 10/15/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,280.00 | $ 640.00 | $6,400.00 | $ 12,800.00 |
PPI Holding Corp. | 08-113259 | 10/16/08 | 10/15/13 | 10/15/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,280.00 | $ 640.00 | $6,400.00 | $ 12,800.00 |
PPI Holding Corp. | 08-113260 | 10/16/08 | 10/15/13 | 10/15/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,280.00 | $ 640.00 | $6,400.00 | $ 12,800.00 |
PPI Holding Corp. | 08-113261 | 10/16/08 | 10/15/13 | 10/15/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,441.88 | $ 720.94 | $7,209.40 | $ 14,418.80 |
PPI Holding Corp. | 08-113262 | 10/16/08 | 10/15/13 | 10/15/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,280.00 | $ 640.00 | $6,400.00 | $ 12,800.00 |
PPI Holding Corp. | 08-113263 | 10/16/08 | 10/15/13 | 10/15/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,280.00 | $ 640.00 | $6,400.00 | $ 12,800.00 |
PPI Holding Corp. | 08-113264 | 10/16/08 | 10/15/13 | 10/15/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,280.00 | $ 640.00 | $6,400.00 | $ 12,800.00 |
PPI Holding Corp. | 08-113270 | 10/16/08 | 10/15/13 | 10/15/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,343.56 | $ 671.78 | $6,717.80 | $ 13,435.60 |
PPI Holding Corp. | 08-113273 | 10/16/08 | 10/15/13 | 10/15/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,280.00 | $ 640.00 | $6,400.00 | $ 12,800.00 |
PPI Holding Corp. | 08-113274 | 10/16/08 | 10/15/13 | 10/15/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,280.00 | $ 640.00 | $6,400.00 | $ 12,800.00 |
PPI Holding Corp. | 08-113362 | 11/21/08 | 11/20/13 | 11/20/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,280.00 | $ 640.00 | $6,400.00 | $ 12,800.00 |
PPI Holding Corp. | 08-113365 | 11/21/08 | 11/20/13 | 11/20/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,280.00 | $ 640.00 | $6,400.00 | $ 12,800.00 |
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PPI Holding Corp. | 08-114986 | 10/21/10 | 10/20/15 | 10/20/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 525.86 | $ 262.93 | $2,629.30 | $ 5,258.60 |
PPI Holding Corp. | 08-114989 | 10/21/10 | 10/20/15 | 10/20/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 480.00 | $ 240.00 | $2,400.00 | $ 4,800.00 |
PPI Holding Corp. | 08-115087 | 12/30/10 | 12/29/15 | 12/29/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,280.00 | $ 640.00 | $6,400.00 | $ 12,800.00 |
PPI Holding Corp. | 08-115088 | 12/30/10 | 12/29/15 | 12/29/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,023.40 | $ 511.70 | $5,117.00 | $ 10,234.00 |
PPI Holding Corp. | 08-115089 | 12/30/10 | 12/29/15 | 12/29/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,280.00 | $ 640.00 | $6,400.00 | $ 12,800.00 |
PPI Holding Corp. | 08-115090 | 12/30/10 | 12/29/15 | 12/29/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,280.00 | $ 640.00 | $6,400.00 | $ 12,800.00 |
PPI Holding Corp. | 08-115091 | 12/30/10 | 12/29/15 | 12/29/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,280.00 | $ 640.00 | $6,400.00 | $ 12,800.00 |
PPI Holding Corp. | 08-115092 | 12/30/10 | 12/29/15 | 12/29/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 412.72 | $ 206.36 | $2,063.60 | $ 4,127.20 |
PPI Holding Corp. | 08-115093 | 12/30/10 | 12/29/15 | 12/29/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 320.00 | $ 160.00 | $1,600.00 | $ 3,200.00 |
PPI Holding Corp. | 08-115438 | 03/01/11 | 02/29/16 | 02/29/12 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,280.00 | $ 640.00 | $6,400.00 | $ 12,800.00 |
PPI Holding Corp. | 08-115439 | 03/01/11 | 02/29/16 | 02/29/12 | $ 500.00 | $ 879.58 | $ 439.79 | $4,397.90 | $ 8,795.80 |
PPI Holding Corp. | 08-115440 | 03/01/11 | 02/29/16 | 02/29/12 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,280.00 | $ 640.00 | $6,400.00 | $ 12,800.00 |
PPI Holding Corp. | 08-115441 | 03/01/11 | 02/29/16 | 02/29/12 | $ 500.00 | $ 867.28 | $ 433.64 | $4,336.40 | $ 8,672.80 |
PPI Holding Corp. | 08-115442 | 03/01/11 | 02/29/16 | 02/29/12 | $ 500.00 | $ 960.00 | $ 480.00 | $4,800.00 | $ 9,600.00 |
Potash Green LLC (RBV) | 08-113917 | 10/22/09 | 10/21/14 | 10/21/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,278.44 | $ 639.22 | $6,392.20 | $ 12,784.40 |
Potash Green LLC (RBV) | 08-113918 | 10/22/09 | 10/21/14 | 10/21/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,283.20 | $ 641.60 | $6,416.00 | $ 12,832.00 |
Potash Green LLC (RBV) | 08-113919 | 10/22/09 | 10/21/14 | 10/21/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,280.00 | $ 640.00 | $6,400.00 | $ 12,800.00 |
Potash Green LLC (RBV) | 08-113921 | 10/22/09 | 10/21/14 | 10/21/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,280.00 | $ 640.00 | $6,400.00 | $ 12,800.00 |
Potash |
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Green LLC (RBV) | 08-113986 | 10/22/09 | 10/21/14 | 10/21/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,280.00 | $ 640.00 | $6,400.00 | $ 12,800.00 |
Potash Green LLC (RBV) | 08-113987 | 10/22/09 | 10/21/14 | 10/21/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,280.00 | $ 640.00 | $6,400.00 | $ 12,800.00 |
Potash Green LLC (RBV) | 08-113988 | 10/22/09 | 10/21/14 | 10/21/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,280.00 | $ 640.00 | $6,400.00 | $ 12,800.00 |
Potash Green LLC (RBV) | 08-113989 | 10/22/09 | 10/21/14 | 10/21/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,267.16 | $ 633.58 | $6,335.80 | $ 12,671.60 |
Potash Green LLC (RBV) | 08-113990 | 10/22/09 | 10/21/14 | 10/21/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,280.00 | $ 640.00 | $6,400.00 | $ 12,800.00 |
Potash Green LLC (RBV) | 08-113991 | 10/22/09 | 10/21/14 | 10/21/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,280.00 | $ 640.00 | $6,400.00 | $ 12,800.00 |
Potash Green LLC (RBV) | 08-113992 | 10/22/09 | 10/21/14 | 10/21/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,280.00 | $ 640.00 | $6,400.00 | $ 12,800.00 |
Potash Green LLC (RBV) | 08-113993 | 10/22/09 | 10/21/14 | 10/21/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,280.00 | $ 640.00 | $6,400.00 | $ 12,800.00 |
Potash Green LLC (RBV) | 08-113994 | 10/22/09 | 10/21/14 | 10/21/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,280.00 | $ 640.00 | $6,400.00 | $ 12,800.00 |
Potash Green LLC (RBV) | 08-113995 | 10/22/09 | 10/21/14 | 10/21/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 80.00 | $ 40.00 | $400.00 | $ 800.00 |
Potash Green LLC (RBV) | 08-113996 | 10/22/09 | 10/21/14 | 10/21/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,280.00 | $ 640.00 | $6,400.00 | $ 12,800.00 |
Potash Green LLC (RBV) | 08-114065 | 05/13/10 | 05/12/15 | 05/12/12 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,283.16 | $ 641.58 | $6,415.80 | $ 12,831.60 |
Potash Green LLC (RBV) | 08-114067 | 05/13/10 | 05/12/15 | 05/12/12 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,280.00 | $ 640.00 | $6,400.00 | $ 12,800.00 |
Potash Green LLC (RBV) | 08-114076 | 05/13/10 | 05/12/15 | 05/12/12 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,280.00 | $ 640.00 | $6,400.00 | $ 12,800.00 |
Potash Green LLC (RBV) | 08-114252 | 11/13/09 | 11/12/14 | 11/12/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,276.68 | $ 638.34 | $6,383.40 | $ 12,766.80 |
Potash Green LLC (RBV) | 08-114253 | 11/13/09 | 11/12/14 | 11/12/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,280.00 | $ 640.00 | $6,400.00 | $ 12,800.00 |
Potash Green LLC (RBV) | 08-114254 | 11/13/09 | 11/12/14 | 11/12/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,280.00 | $ 640.00 | $6,400.00 | $ 12,800.00 |
Potash Green LLC | 08-114255 | 11/13/09 | 11/12/14 | 11/12/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,280.00 | $ 640.00 | $6,400.00 | $ 12,800.00 |
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(RBV) | |||||||||
Potash Green LLC (RBV) | 08-114256 | 11/13/09 | 11/12/14 | 11/12/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,280.00 | $ 640.00 | $6,400.00 | $ 12,800.00 |
Potash Green LLC (RBV) | 08-114257 | 11/13/09 | 11/12/14 | 11/12/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,280.00 | $ 640.00 | $6,400.00 | $ 12,800.00 |
Potash Green LLC (RBV) | 08-114258 | 11/13/09 | 11/12/14 | 11/12/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,280.00 | $ 640.00 | $6,400.00 | $ 12,800.00 |
The ASLD permits that are subject to the Joint Exploration Agreement with HNZ Potash, LLC only indicate our 50% portion of the exploration expenditures.
The following table is a breakdown of the renewal fees, rental fees and exploration expenditure requirements on a yearly basis from 2008 to 2015 compared to the year in which the permits were effective:
Year | 2008 Permits | 2009 Permits | 2010 Permits | 2011 Permits | Total |
2008 | $172,975.08 | $172,975.08 | |||
2009 | $145,895.90 | $172,672.88 | $318,568.78 | ||
2010 | $294,831.39 | $145,727.40 | $202,206.84 | $642,765.63 | |
2011 | $294,831.39 | $293,927.54 | $171,005.70 | $34,101.16 | $793,865.79 |
2012 | $294,831.39 | $293,927.54 | $342,611.97 | $28,834.30 | $960,205.20 |
2013 | $293,927.54 | $342,611.97 | $57,802.03 | $694,341.54 | |
2014 | $342,611.97 | $57,802.03 | $400,414.00 | ||
2015 | $57,802.03 | $57,802.03 |
BLM Permits
We will have expenses for the BLM prospecting permits, however, those expenses have not yet been determined by the BLM as the BLM has not yet granted us such permits to begin exploration.
Climate
The climate in the Holbrook Basin project area is semi-arid with high temperatures between 11 to 35°C (51 to 95°F) during summer and low temperatures in the winter ranging between -6 to 14°C (21 to 59°F). Temperatures in spring and fall vary between -3 and 30°C (28 to 86°F). The average annual precipitation is 224 mm (9 in) with maximum rates in July to October of 27 to 38 mm per month (1.1 to 1.5 inches per month). (U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NATIONAL OCEANIC & ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL SATELLITE, DATA AND INFORMATION SERVICE (2004): Climatography of the United States, No. 20, 1971-2000, Station: HOLBROOK, AZ http://cdo.ncdc.noaa.gov/climatenormals/clim20/az/024089.pdf, last accessed on 03/18/2013.).
Physiography
The landscape is generally flat with minor low lying, rolling hills, supporting ranching, light industry and areas of historical mining. The vegetation in the range land is limited and consists of minor salt cedar and scrub grasses. In the valley bottoms, there is some hay production and there are numerous ranches scattered throughout the project area. The Little Colorado, a permanent stream, and the Puerco River, an intermittent stream, run through the area. These streams merge about three miles east of Holbrook and tend to generally produce fresh water, which is reported to be brackish to saline in the surrounding areas. The area between the rivers is characterized by generally low grassland ridges, broad drainage areas and ledge form buttes and mesas. South of the Little Colorado, a similar topography is present, but with considerable pinon and cedar cover. A regional aquifer is located within the Coconino Sandstone, which is called C-aquifer. Furthermore, the Moenkopi and Chinle Formations might contain undefined/unreported aquifers. South of the Holbrook Basin project area, there are extensive areas of sink holes reaching the land surface, which suggests major salt dissolution that likely contributes to the salinity of the water in the Coconino Sandstone. Ground level elevations across the project area range in average from 1,600 to 1,700 m (5,300 to 5,600 ft) Mean Sea Level.
53
Geology
The sedimentary Holbrook Basin is approximately 13,000 km² in size and is located in east-central Arizona at the southern margin of the Colorado Plateau Province. It is orientated approximately NE-SW and bounded by the Mogollon Rim to the southwest and the Defiance Uplift to the northeast.
The stratigraphic succession of the Holbrook Basin (see Table 1 and Figure 3 below) starts with the coarse-grained Cambrian Tapeats Sandstone (0-101 meters thick), which is overlain by the Devonian Martin Formation consisting of limestone and dolomitic limestone (0-91 meters thick). This unit is followed by the massive Mississipian Redwall Limestone (0-18 meters thick), which is occasionally overlain by interbedded shale and thin bedded limestone (Pennsylvanian Naco Formation, 0-152 meters thick).
Above that lies the Permian Supai Formation, which can be sub-divided into four members-equal five halite deposition cycles (WINTERS, S. (1963): Supai Formation (Permian) of Eastern Arizona. Geological Society of America Memoirs.):
The overlying Coconino Sandstone represents the top of the Permian deposits. According to LORENZ & COOPER (LORENZ, J. C. & COOPER, S. P. (2001). Interpreting Fracture Patterns in Sandstones Interbedded with Ductile Strata at the Salt Valley Anticline, Arches National Park, Utah. Retrieved from All U.S Government Documents (Utah Regional Depository), http://digitalcommons.usu.edu/govdocs/9, last accessed on 05/03/2012), this unit shows regional fracturing and often causes drilling issues and circulation losses. The following Triassic formations contain the Moenkopi Sandstones and the overlying redbed and lacustrine Chinle Formation. The uppermost section of the geological succession consists of scattered outcrops of the Tertiary Bidahochi Formation with thin bedded limy shales, minor thin sandstone beds and interbedded ash-fall tuff deposits.
Table 1 Regional Stratigraphy of the Holbrook Basin and Approximate Horizon Thicknesses (according to PEIRCE, H.W. & GERRARD, T.A. (1961): Evaporite deposits of the Permian Holbrook Basin, Arizona. Second Symposium on Salt, Northern Ohio Geological Society, pp. 1-10; CARR, W.E. (1966): A review of potash exploration, Holbrook drilling project. Arkla Exploration Company, Internal Correspondence; and WINTERS, S. (1963): Supai Formation (Permian) of Eastern Arizona. Geological Society of America Memoirs).
Age | Formation | Thickness | |
ft | m | ||
Tertiary | Bidahochi Formation | 0-30 | 0-9 |
Triassic |
Chinle Formation Moenkopi |
0-725 0-230 |
0-221 0-70 |
Permian |
Coconino Sandstone Supai Formation |
370-401 1297-1574 |
94-122 395-480 |
Pennsylvanian | Naco Formation | 0-500 | 0-152 |
Mississippian | Redwall Limestone | 0-60 | 0-18 |
Devonian | Martin Formation | 0-300 | 0-91 |
Cambrian | Tapeats Formation | 330 | 101 |
Precambrian |
54
Figure 3 Simplified Cross-section through the Holbrook Basin (according to PEIRCE, H.W. & GERRARD, T.A. (1961): Evaporite deposits of the Permian Holbrook Basin, Arizona. Second Symposium on Salt, Northern Ohio Geological Society, pp. 1-10.).
Historical Work
The first salt was discovered in the Holbrook Basin in 1920 during petroleum exploration drilling near Holbrook (PEIRCE, W. (1981): Major Arizona Salt Deposits. Field Notes, 11(4), 4 p). Based on promising results from oil tests, potash exploration in the Holbrook basin was started in the 1960s and 1970s. Historical drilling was performed almost in the entire Holbrook basin, within and outside of our properties. The following table contains all historical drill holes which are located within our properties (Coordinates in WGS 84 UTM Zone 12N):
55
Hole_ID | Old_ID | Operator | Northing | Easting | Elev_ft | Elev_m | TD_ft | TD_m |
DH01-15 | Arkla #56 State | Arkla | 3846902 | 606141 | 5383 | 1641 | 1420 | 433 |
DH01-46 | Duval #37 | Duval | 3872717 | 629670 | 5760 | 1756 | 1564 | 477 |
DH01-66 | Duval #1A | Duval | 3874722 | 634468 | 5982 | 1823 | 2005 | 611 |
Duval #59 | Duval #59 | Duval | 3839117 | 588958 | 5316 | 1620 | 742 | 226 |
Duval #64 | Duval #64 | Duval | 3855707 | 623265 | 5690 | 1734 | 1401 | 427 |
DH01-23 | KCL #7 | KCL | 3863577 | 623135 | 5800 | 1768 | 1600 | 488 |
DH01-25 | US Borax #2 (Kern County) | KCL | 3858053 | 620918 | 5710 | 1740 | 1430 | 436 |
DH01-16 | US Borax #1 | US Borax | 3845420 | 610135 | 5365 | 1635 | 1813 | 553 |
DH01-27 | US Borax #1-B | US Borax | 3854281 | 624631 | 5600 | 1707 | 1308 | 399 |
Well logs, samples and core descriptions as well as assay reports are available from the Arizona Oil and Gas Conservation Commission at the Arizona Geological Survey (Tucson, Arizona).
The historical drill hole data already shows the depth, thickness and K2O (potassium oxide) content of the potash horizon. However, for creation of the geological model as well as any resource estimation as required by Canadian Securities Administrators NI 43-101, only historical drill holes were considered which had at least two independent methods for determination of K2O: (i) chemical assay data; and (ii) geophysical downhole logging data (i.e. Natural Gamma Ray Log). Only drill holes, which showed consistent results in assaying and Natural Gamma Log were used for the resource modelling.
In the course of the cross-check sampling of our 2012 exploration drilling samples, a mineralogical analysis was performed additional to chemical assaying. The X-ray diffractometry (XRD) allows a quantitative analysis of the mineral content of a sample and therefore provides the possibility for an independent data verification of the calculated mineralogy from the chemical assay data which is ultimately the base for the mineralized material mass calculation of the resources. For all 45 analyzed samples the discrepancy is less than 0.25 wt% for Sylvite and less than 1.0 wt% for Carnallite with coeffecients of determination for all samples of 99.99% and 99.97%, respectively.
The following steps were performed to verify the data:
56
Recent Drill Holes | Historical Drill Hole | Distance |
HNZ-SW-07 PPI-01-09 PPI-1211 PPI-02-09 PPI-03-09 PPI-04-09 PPI-1204 |
DH 362 DH 09-21 DH 09-13 DH 09-19 DH 09-16 DH 09-12 DH 09-25 |
44 m 138 m 159 m 183 m 160 m 223 m 250 m |
Current Exploration
We started our exploration activities in 2009, and have carried out the following activities to date:
|
Drilling of four exploration drill holes in 2009, undertook two drill holes drilled by Potash Green in 2010, completing 26 holes in 2011, 23 in 2012 (22 cored; 1 rotary drilled) | |
|
Chemical assaying of core split samples (sampling interval: 0.15 m) | |
|
Geophysical logging of four 2009 drill holes (Southwest Exploration Services, LLC, Gilbert, Arizona) and twenty-six 2011 drill holes (Geophysical Logging Services, Prescott, Arizona & Century Geophysical Corporation, Tulsa, Oklahoma) and twenty-three 2012 drill holes that ran immediately after hole completion | |
|
Conversion of historic drill logs to equivalent K2O values (eK2O8, Geophysical Logging Services, Prescott, Arizona & Century Geophysical Corporation, Tulsa, Oklahoma) | |
|
Approx. 80.5 km of 2D seismic lines conducted by Zonge International, Inc. (Tucson, Arizona; 11 profiles; January/February 2011) to the east of Holbrook town showing faults with vertical offsets of 10-90 m (32 295 ft). |
Furthermore, two drill holes were adopted from Potash Green, LLC, which included geophysical logging and chemical assaying of core split samples.
According to the joint exploration agreement with HNZ, HNZ and us are sharing all data in the possession or control and agreed to plan future exploration activities with mutual knowledge. HNZs exploration activities included:
Recent Drill Holes
As part of our exploration program, we drilled four exploration drill holes in 2009. Two adopted drill holes were drilled by Potash Green, LLC in 2010 and 24 holes were completed by us in 2011. In 30 of the holes drilled in 2011/2012, the potash sections were cored. The remaining 14 holes are rotary drill holes without any coring. HNZ carried out a 23 drill hole exploration drilling program in 2011.
Drilling Procedures
57
We conducted vertical rotary drilling and coring, which was done mostly by the Boart Longyear Company according to industrial standards. The 1st drilling stage included drilling through the overburden to the Marker Bed and setting an 8-inch casing down to that depth. During the 2nd stage, drilling was continued down below the Marker Bed with a 5-7/8-inch bit and a 6-inch casing was set down to the final depth or the section below the Marker Bed was cored and casings with sizes that gradually reduced downhole were set (8 to 3.5 inches depending on downhole conditions and total depth).
HNZ also conducted vertical rotary drilling and coring. Stand pipes were set at approximately 20 ft using a 16-in bit and a 13-3/8-in casing. The second section was normally drilled with a 12-1/4-in bit to approximately 100 feet into the Coconino Formation sandstone. If mud loss was observed, a 9-5/8-inch casing was set. The third section was drilled with an 8-3/4-inch bit until anhydrite was reached in the Supai Formation. A 7-inch casing was set and cemented. After drilling additional 30 feet with a 6-inch bit, the borehole assembly was changed to continuous coring. Continuous 4-inch cores were collected throughout the Supai Formation evaporate and 30 to 40 feet beneath the lowest potash bed.
Drilling Results
The basic data for our drill holes are listed in Table 2. All of them were drilled vertically and intersected the potash horizon. Due to varying contents of clay (which also contains potassium and therefore also generates amplitude in natural gamma ray log) within the potash horizon, an unaltered determination of potash salts containing K2O is not possible from only the natural gamma log. Therefore the K2O grade was determined only by chemical assay data.
Table 2 Basic Data for PASSPORT Exploration Campaign Drill Holes
and HNZ Exploration
Campaign Drill Holes (Coordinates are given in UTM
Format, WGS 84 Datum).
Passport Potash Inc. - Form S-1 -
Hole ID |
Completion Date |
Northing |
Easting |
Elev.
(ft) |
TD
(ft) |
Type
|
PPI-01-09 | 27.06.2009 | 3845046 | 601389 | 5295 | 999 | Core |
PPI-02-09 | 03.07.2009 | 3847195 | 603258 | 5354 | 1060 | Core |
PPI-03-09 | 09.07.2009 | 3849814 | 596310 | 5406 | 1040 | Core |
PPI-04-09 | 15.07.2009 | 3845112 | 604656 | 5331 | 1100 | Core |
PG-1 | 09.06.2010 | 3861831 | 624612 | 5780 | 1580 | Core |
PG-2 | 21.06.2010 | 3857937 | 598383 | 5620 | 1380 | Core |
PPI-1101 | 07.01.2010 | 3856762 | 596861 | 5372 | 1330 | Rotary |
PPI-1102 | 14.03.2011 | 3856557 | 604744 | 5594 | 1675 | Rotary |
PPI-1102A | Abandoned | 3856240 | 604806 | 5580 | N/A | Rotary |
PPI-1103 | 26.03.2011 | 3857965 | 605023 | 5662 | 1725 | Rotary |
PPI-1104 | 14.04.2011 | 3859520 | 604687 | 5643 | 1672 | Core |
PPI-1105 | 02.02.2011 | 3856327 | 603195 | 5613 | 1575 | Rotary |
PPI-1106 | 21.04.2011 | 3860982 | 603190 | 5641 | 1657 | Core |
PPI-1107 | 26.04.2011 | 3861005 | 599961 | 5561 | 1434 | Core |
PPI-1108 | 12.02.2011 | 3857927 | 599934 | 5436 | 1475 | Rotary |
PPI-1109 | 05.06.2011 | 3847970 | 597751 | 5330 | 1075 | Rotary |
PPI-1110 | 21.07.2011 | 3846393 | 599457 | 5312 | 1200 | Rotary |
PPI-1111 | 17.05.2011 | 3849637 | 599432 | 5413 | 1137 | Core |
PPI-1112 | 11.07.2011 | 3848028 | 601102 | 5328 | 1175 | Core |
PPI-1113 | 03.08.2011 | 3849691 | 602713 | 5364 | 1250 | Rotary |
PPI-1114 | 14.06.2011 | 3848110 | 604604 | 5388 | 1244 | Core |
PPI-1115 | 05.06.2011 | 3846500 | 606016 | 5374 | 1268 | Core |
PPI-1116 | 05.06.2011 | 3848236 | 607707 | 5466 | 1427 | Rotary |
PPI-1117 | 20.06.2011 | 3846422 | 594892 | 5346 | 1000 | Rotary |
PPI-1118 | 18.06.2011 | 3844977 | 597900 | 5324 | 1073 | Core |
58
PPI-1119 | 10.05.2011 | 3855665 | 605382 | 5590 | 1533 | Core |
PPI-1120 | 26.04.2011 | 3858261 | 605558 | 5739 | 1637 | Core |
PPI-1121 | 17.05.2011 | 3862637 | 604806 | 5748 | 1530 | Core |
PPI-1122 | 21.09.2011 | 3859301 | 616108 | 5591 | 1400 | Rotary |
PPI-1131 | 15.03.2012 | 3862086 | 598754 | 5602 | 1400 | Core |
PPI-1132 | 19.08.2011 | 3859461 | 598492 | 5510 | 1450 | Rotary |
PPI-1133 | 14.09.2011 | 3862587 | 601535 | 5658 | 1600 | Rotary |
PPI-1134 | 07.03.2012 | 3859395 | 601639 | 5562 | 1695 | Rotary |
PPI-1201 | 29.03.2012 | 3858019 | 601591 | 5466 | 1400 | Core |
PPI-1202 | 30.05.2012 | 3857928 | 603122 | 5506 | 1398 | Core |
PPI-1203 | 15.05.2012 | 3859557 | 603146 | 5559 | 1478 | Core |
PPI-1204 | 10.09.2012 | 3860391 | 597499 | 5550 | 1349 | Core |
PPI-1205 | 13.06.2012 | 3857659 | 596719 | 5425 | 1220 | Core |
PPI-1206 | 07.06.2012 | 3856199 | 598487 | 5391 | 1398 | Core |
PPI-1210 | 17.09.2012 | 3853033 | 594222 | 5373 | 1017 | Core |
PPI-1211 | 21.07.2012 | 3853433 | 596281 | 5403 | 1089 | Core |
PPI-1212 | 08.10.2012 | 3853068 | 599318 | 5512 | 1238 | Core |
PPI-1214 | 24.06.2012 | 3851387 | 595083 | 5504 | 1108 | Core |
PPI-1216 | 17.10.2012 | 3851461 | 598541 | 5462 | 1173 | Core |
PPI-1218 | 27.07.2012 | 3846576 | 596088 | 5347 | 978 | Core |
PPI-1219 | 27.07.2012 | 3847988 | 597730 | 5329 | 938 | Core |
PPI-1220 | 20.07.2012 | 3846401 | 599446 | 5337 | 1048 | Core |
PPI-1221 | 13.07.2012 | 3849652 | 602701 | 5395 | 1119 | Core |
PPI-1222 | 10.07.2012 | 3848135 | 604345 | 5394 | 1178 | Core |
PPI-1223 | 04.07.2012 | 3848193 | 607678 | 5429 | 1230 | Core |
PPI-1224 | 29.06.2012 | 3845054 | 607483 | 5454 | 1197 | Core |
Hopi-1 | 26.11.2012 | 3849870 | 604298 | 5430 | 1168 | Core |
Hopi-2 | 05.12.2012 | 3848431 | 602623 | 5312 | 1058 | Core |
Hopi-3 | 17.12.2012 | 3846571 | 604559 | 5352 | 1083 | Core |
HNZ- MILKY- 08 | 22.06.2011 | 3851936 | 615646 | 5556 | 1268 | Core |
HNZ- MILKY- 11 | 07.01.2011 | 3852003 | 612708 | 5602 | 1311 | Core |
HNZ- MILKY- 12 | 14.07.2011 | 3849408 | 615268 | 5455 | 1260 | Core |
HNZ- MILKY- 13 | 27.07.2011 | 3849189 | 612189 | 5562 | 1368 | Core |
HNZ- MILKY- 14 | 25.08.2011 | 3846899 | 610163 | 5474 | 1291 | Core |
All rotary drill holes were drilled with fresh, unsaturated water, which affected the geophysical borehole logs. However, for most of the drill holes, a clear indication for potash mineralization is visible in the Natural Gamma Log. The exceptions are PPI-1101, PPI-1105, PPI-1109 and PPI-1110, in which stronger dissolution within the potash section probably took place.
As for all rotary drill holes (see Table 2) no drill cores/assay data was available, and therefore, no reliable declaration of the potash horizon was possible. However, the natural gamma ray log shows, due to the high amplitudes, in most of the drill holes an indication for potash salts. Table 3 shows only drill holes for which a reliable determination by chemical assay data of top, base, thickness and K2O grade were possible.
59
Since the assay data for historical as well as recent holes was already provided in the common form of K2O, it was not necessary to convert or use any conversion to K2O. If the assay data had been provided in KCl (potassium chloride), then a conversion would have been necessary.
The depths of mineralized intervals as well as grades are summarized in Table 3.
Table 3 Overview of Depth, Thickness and Grade of our Drill Holes
Hole ID | Top | Base | Thickness | Thickness | Avg. Grade | GxT | |
[ft] | [m] | [ft] | [m] | [ft] | [m] | K2O [%] | [m%] |
PG-1 | 1502.0 | 457.81 | 1521.0 | 463.60 | 19.0 | 5.79 | 4.04 | 23.4 |
PG-2 | 1262.0 | 384.66 | 1275.0 | 388.62 | 13.0 | 3.96 | 5.74 | 22.7 |
PPI-01-09 | 895.0 | 272.80 | 904.5 | 275.69 | 9.5 | 2.90 | 10.98 | 31.8 |
PPI-02-09 | 987.5 | 300.99 | 1000.0 | 304.80 | 12.5 | 3.81 | 9.74 | 37.1 |
PPI-03-09 | 960.0 | 292.61 | 963.0 | 293.52 | 3.0 | 0.91 | 8.55 | 7.8 |
PPI-04-09 | 1016.5 | 309.83 | 1029.0 | 313.64 | 12.5 | 3.81 | 6.54 | 24.9 |
PPI-1104 | 1462.5 | 445.77 | 1469.5 | 447.90 | 7.0 | 2.13 | 9.45 | 20.2 |
PPI-1106 | 1439.0 | 438.61 | 1442.5 | 439.67 | 3.5 | 1.07 | 14.34 | 15.3 |
PPI-1107 | 1321.0 | 402.64 | 1326.0 | 404.16 | 5.0 | 1.52 | 5.91 | 9.0 |
PPI-1111 | 1061.0 | 323.39 | 1069.5 | 325.98 | 8.5 | 2.59 | 5.16 | 13.4 |
PPI-1112 | 969.0 | 295.35 | 983.5 | 299.77 | 14.5 | 4.42 | 8.21 | 36.3 |
PPI-1114 | 1131.5 | 344.88 | 1146.0 | 349.30 | 14.5 | 4.42 | 6.14 | 27.2 |
PPI-1115 | 1108.7 | 337.93 | 1122.2 | 342.04 | 13.5 | 4.11 | 8.63 | 35.5 |
PPI-1118 | 966.0 | 294.44 | 975.0 | 297.18 | 9.0 | 2.74 | 6.61 | 18.1 |
PPI-1119 | 1427.5 | 435.10 | 1441.5 | 439.37 | 14.0 | 4.27 | 6.23 | 26.6 |
PPI-1120 | 1590.0 | 484.63 | 1601.5 | 488.14 | 11.5 | 3.51 | 3.88 | 13.6 |
PPI-1121 | 1335.5 | 407.06 | 1347.5 | 410.72 | 12.0 | 3.66 | 5.60 | 20.5 |
PPI-1131 | 1328.0 | 404.77 | 1334.5 | 406.76 | 6.5 | 1.98 | 10.58 | 21.0 |
PPI-1201 | 1290.5 | 393.34 | 1300.5 | 396.39 | 10.0 | 3.05 | 10.79 | 32.9 |
PPI-1202 | 1335.5 | 407.06 | 1345.0 | 409.96 | 9.5 | 2.90 | 4.76 | 13.8 |
PPI-1203 | 1435.0 | 437.39 | 1437.0 | 438.00 | 2.0 | 0.61 | 4.52 | 2.8 |
PPI-1204 | 1282.0 | 390.75 | 1289.5 | 393.04 | 7.5 | 2.29 | 8.29 | 19.0 |
PPI-1205 | 1087.5 | 331.47 | 1092.5 | 332.99 | 5.0 | 1.52 | 13.60 | 20.7 |
PPI-1206 | 1109.0 | 338.02 | 1113.5 | 339.39 | 4.5 | 1.37 | 11.90 | 16.3 |
PPI-1210 | 927.0 | 282.55 | 940.0 | 286.51 | 13.0 | 3.96 | 5.36 | 21.2 |
PPI-1211 | 1021.5 | 311.35 | 1030.0 | 313.94 | 8.5 | 2.59 | 11.07 | 28.7 |
PPI-1212 | 1169.0 | 356.31 | 1173.0 | 357.53 | 4.0 | 1.22 | 6.38 | 7.8 |
PPI-1214 | 1056.0 | 321.87 | 1070.5 | 326.29 | 14.5 | 4.42 | 7.08 | 31.3 |
PPI-1216 | 1110.5 | 338.48 | 1122.5 | 342.14 | 12.0 | 3.66 | 7.22 | 26.4 |
PPI-1218 | 901.0 | 274.62 | 907.0 | 276.45 | 6.0 | 1.83 | 9.60 | 17.6 |
PPI-1219 | 889.0 | 270.97 | 894.0 | 272.49 | 5.0 | 1.52 | 8.13 | 12.4 |
PPI-1220 | 932.5 | 284.23 | 933.0 | 284.38 | 0.5 | 0.15 | 6.53 | 1.0 |
PPI-1221 | 1056.0 | 321.87 | 1078.0 | 328.57 | 22.0 | 6.71 | 7.89 | 52.9 |
PPI-1222 | 1120.0 | 341.38 | 1133.0 | 345.34 | 13.0 | 3.96 | 8.20 | 32.5 |
PPI-1223 | 1178.5 | 359.21 | 1181.5 | 360.12 | 3.0 | 0.91 | 5.76 | 5.3 |
PPI-1224 | 1143.5 | 348.54 | 1158.5 | 353.11 | 15.0 | 4.57 | 7.46 | 34.1 |
Hopi-1 | 1020.5 | 311.05 | 1036.5 | 315.93 | 16.0 | 4.88 | 7.95 | 38.8 |
Hopi-2 | 1059.5 | 322.94 | 1069.5 | 325.98 | 10.0 | 3.05 | 8.54 | 26.0 |
Hopi-3 | 1055.0 | 321.56 | 1064.5 | 324.46 | 9.5 | 2.90 | 8.56 | 24.8 |
HNZ-MILKY-08 | 1173.5 | 357.68 | 1174.5 | 357.99 | 1.0 | 0.30 | 7.83 | 2.4 |
HNZ-MILKY-11 | 1248.5 | 380.54 | 1259.0 | 383.74 | 10.5 | 3.20 | 10.25 | 32.8 |
HNZ-MILKY-12 | 1217.0 | 370.94 | 1218.0 | 371.25 | 1.0 | 0.30 | 13.25 | 4.0 |
HNZ-MILKY-13 | 1337.5 | 407.67 | 1343.0 | 409.35 | 5.5 | 1.68 | 10.89 | 18.3 |
60
HNZ-MILKY-14 | 1230.5 | 375.06 | 1231.5 | 375.36 | 1.0 | 0.30 | 7.53 | 2.3 |
HNZ-MILKY-15 | 1245.0 | 379.48 | 1263.0 | 384.96 | 18.0 | 5.49 | 7.06 | 38.7 |
HNZ-MILKY-19 | barren | |||||||
HNZ-SW-02 | 908.0 | 276.76 | 909.0 | 277.06 | 1.0 | 0.30 | 22.40 | 6.8 |
HNZ-SW-03 | 862.0 | 262.74 | 865.0 | 263.65 | 3.0 | 0.91 | 14.23 | 13.0 |
HNZ-SW-04 | 733.0 | 223.42 | 735.0 | 224.03 | 2.0 | 0.61 | 19.25 | 11.7 |
HNZ-SW-05 | 629.0 | 191.72 | 638.0 | 194.46 | 9.0 | 2.74 | 7.95 | 21.8 |
HNZ-SW-06 | 683.0 | 208.18 | 687.0 | 209.40 | 4.0 | 1.22 | 13.53 | 16.5 |
HNZ-SW-07 | 903.5 | 275.39 | 916.0 | 279.20 | 12.5 | 3.81 | 7.09 | 27.0 |
HNZ-SW-08 | 1174.5 | 357.99 | 1184.0 | 360.88 | 9.5 | 2.90 | 10.86 | 31.5 |
HNZ-SW-09 | 1006.0 | 306.63 | 1019.0 | 310.59 | 13.0 | 3.96 | 9.26 | 36.7 |
HNZ-SW-10 | 867.0 | 264.26 | 871.0 | 265.48 | 4.0 | 1.22 | 6.37 | 7.8 |
HNZ-SW-12 | 956.0 | 291.39 | 964.0 | 293.83 | 8.0 | 2.44 | 8.24 | 20.1 |
HNZ-SW-13 | 733.0 | 223.42 | 739.5 | 225.40 | 6.5 | 1.98 | 5.41 | 10.7 |
HNZ-SW-14 | 1104.5 | 336.65 | 1107.0 | 337.41 | 2.5 | 0.76 | 14.42 | 11.0 |
HNZ-SW-16 | 1006.0 | 306.63 | 1012.5 | 308.61 | 6.5 | 1.98 | 9.35 | 18.5 |
HNZ-SW-17 | 837.5 | 255.27 | 844.5 | 257.40 | 7.0 | 2.13 | 4.61 | 9.8 |
HNZ-SW-18 | barren |
Sample Preparation, Analyses and Security
The standard operating and quality assurance procedures followed by our employees have been instituted to make sure that all sampling techniques and results meet international reporting standards.
During the recent exploration program in 2009-2012, we took rotary samples in the beginning and later split core samples only. Coring started when the first significant gypsum interval (Upper Supai Formation) was intersected. Information about the drill holes and the on-site core descriptions were given/conducted according to international standards (depth intervals, recovery-%, lithology, structure, alteration, rock type, weathered profile, sample intervals, remarks). On site, our field geologists collected the cuttings, bagged and labeled them and placed a small sub-sample into a chip tray for further treatment (not sent for chemical analysis). Rotary cuttings coming from below the anhydrite were generally logged by the on-site geologists. Directly after being retrieved, the cores were measured, cleaned, field logged, packed in plastic poly sheeting and were placed into sequentially numbered and labeled (drill hole name, land location, depth interval, core number) core boxes. The material was then temporarily stored prior to transfer to the laboratories. A chain of custody prepared by the well site geologist accompanied the delivery. In the laboratory, the cores were split in two halves and one half was crushed, pulverized and assayed. The sampling interval was 0.15 m. The laboratories commissioned for the performance of the chemical analysis of the K2O content were ALS Chemex (Reno, Nevada ISO 9001:2008 and ISO/IEC 17025:2005 certificates), Skyline (Tucson, Arizona ISO/IEC 17025 certificate) and Apex Environmental Laboratory (Tempe, Arizona).
ALS analyzed the cores from the four 2009 drill holes. The cores were sent in full and, afterwards, split in half with one half being crushed and pulverized before going into 35 Element Aqua Regia ICP-AES and Whole Rock Package ICP-AES. Internal standards, blanks and duplicates were included. After a year, part of the core was sent back to PASSPORT and the other part was permanently stored in Apache Junction in July 2011.
Skyline did the analysis on ten 2011 drill holes by splitting, crushing, pulverizing and assaying the cores at their laboratory. They used 34 elements Aqua Regia Digestion (ICP-OES, TE-2 program) and the Volumetric Chloride Analysis method for Total Chlorine.
Apex analyzed 89 samples of PPI-1115 via ICP-MS and Silver Nitrate Titration for Total Chlorine. Apex included internal blanks, standards and Laboratory Control Samples (LCS).
Chemical analyses for PPI-1131 and all subsequent 2012 assaying works were carried out primarily by SRC.
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During the recent exploration program in 2011, HNZ took samples from cores that were cut in half. Coring started when the first significant gypsum interval (Upper Supai Formation) was intersected. Information about the drill holes and the on-site core descriptions were given/ con-ducted according to international standards (depth intervals, recovery-%, lithology, structure, alteration, rock type, weathered profile, sample intervals, remarks). Directly after being retrieved, the cores were measured, cleaned, field logged, packed in plastic poly sheeting and were placed into sequentially numbered and labeled, 2-ft long (drill hole name, land location, depth interval, core number) core boxes. The material was then shifted to the HNZ core lab facility at the Milky Ranch. There, the cores were split in two halves and placed in plastic bags. The sampling interval was 6 in (0.15 m). Sampling started approximately 2 to 4 ft above the mineralized zone and ended approximately 2 to 4 ft below the mineralized zone, based on downhole logging. After completion of core logging and sampling, the core was photographed. A chain of custody prepared by the well site geologist accompanied the delivery to the laboratory. In total, 1,151 samples were delivered to SRC.
SRC crushed the core samples to a 6 mm grain size and stored one half of each sample. Afterwards, the samples were pulverized and placed in a tray. Samples were analyzed using ICP-OES together with determinations of % Insolubles and % Moisture. The chloride ion is not measured directly, but calculated from the ion balance afterwards.
Quality Assurance/Quality Control
National Instrument 43-101 and Exploration Best Practices Guidelines state that a program of data verification should accompany an exploration program to confirm validity of exploration data. Furthermore, the guidelines require a quality assurance quality control (QA/QC) program to be in place.
Concerning chemical analysis no outside standards, duplicate samples or blanks were sent by us, which leaves only the internal standards and own checking procedures of the different laboratories as quality control of the chemical assays.
All 2011 core samples were prepared by Skyline. We then sent the unused crushed cores to SRC Geoanalytical Laboratories (SRC; Saskatoon, Canada; SCC accredited, ISO/IEC 17) for duplicate analysis. SRC was commissioned to perform duplicate chemical analysis on 434 out of a total of 1650 samples tested by Skyline, ALS and Apex. SRC includes blanks, duplicates and their internal Potash 003/ 004 standards into the analysis.
For the 2012 drill holes, we added one blank and one standard at either 10%, 21% or 62% K2O for approximately every 20 samples. The results are in the specific tolerance levels. HNZ collected, as part of the drill site sampling procedure, one duplicate sample, one standard, and one blank sample for approximately every 20 samples. Additional cross check analysis was carried out by Huffman Laboratories, Inc. (Golden, Colorado) on 67 samples plus their own internal blanks and standards. These results generally correlate with the results of analyses carried for HNZ by SRC.
For about 10% of all samples of our 2012 exploration phase cross-check analyses were carried out at ERCOSPLANs independent reference lab.
In order to check the chemical analysis results for consistency the charge balance between positive ions (Mg2+,Ca2+, Na+, K+) and negative (Cl-, SO42-) ions is determined for each full salt analysis, recent as well as historic ones. If the absolute difference 2*(cations anions)/ (cations+anions) * 100% is larger than 5.0%, the analysis is classified as an outlier and should be considered as suspect.
The mineralogical composition of the sample was calculated based on the chemical analysis, which included recalculating the elements from weight % to mol and rearranging them to the basic salts according to the following scheme:
1. |
Combine cations and anions to simple salts according to the following scheme |
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a. |
combine with Cl, in the following order: Na, K, Mg, Ca | |
b. |
combine with SO4 in the following order: Ca, Mg, K, Na | |
c. |
Based on experience with potash deposits, the analyses should be either MgCl2 or | |
K2 SO4 normative, meaning if CaCl2 or Na2 SO4 results from these combinations, the analysis is suspect. |
2. |
Combine the simple salts to salt mineralogy according to the following simplified scheme: | ||
a. |
All NaCl is Halite. | ||
b. |
If CaCl2 is present combine with MgCl2 to Tachyhydrite. | ||
c. |
The remaining MgCl2 is combined 1:1 with KCl to Carnallite. | ||
d. |
If MgCl2 > KCl, remaining MgCl2 to Bischofite. | ||
e. |
If KCl > MgCl2 and MgSO4 available, combine remaining KCl 1:1 to Kainite. | ||
f. |
If K2 SO4 > MgSO4 or CaSO4 /2, Arcanite, otherwise with CaSO4 and MgSO4 to Polyhalite. | ||
g. |
If remaining KCl > MgSO4, remaining KCl after Kainite to Sylvite, otherwise remaining MgSO4 to Kieserite. | ||
h. |
Remaining CaSO4 to Anhydrite. |
The mineralogy was recalculated to masses of elements, including the crystal water content. The sum of these elements together with the insoluble content should be close to 100.
For mostly all available drill holes Natural Gamma Ray and Neutron Logs are present. In terms of a consistent database all assaying data was checked against the Natural Gamma Ray Log for every single drill hole1. In an ideal case the interval of sampling as well as the K2O-content determined by assaying should match with the natural gamma ray log concerning interval of increased values and signal strength with certain accuracy. In an example for the historical drill hole DH 624 is given, which shows a clear correlation and coverage by sampling.
Additionally in order to achieve a higher level of confidence the Natural Gamma Ray Log and assay results of every single drill hole was compared to adjacent drill holes. In a normal case a correlation regarding the number of mineralized beds or combined thickness is visible. If there are discrepancies, the drill hole data will be considered suspect and the usage for resource estimation is evaluated individually.
Security
The core material was under supervision of our well site geologist starting from retrieval and ending with the delivery to the respective laboratory. Whenever there was no direct supervision by the well site geologist, the core was stored under lock and key. Prior to transfer to the respective laboratory, the plastic bagged core material was temporarily stored within the core boxes at our drill site.
1 Due to the radioactive isotope 40K, which emits gamma rays, there is a correlation of the potassium content and the natural gamma log.
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Planned Exploration Program
Our engineering firm, ERCOSPLAN, has recommended a two phase development of the project consisting of:
Phase 1
Studies will be conducted to confirm and verify the assumptions made for the Preliminary Economic Assessment Report and further exploration potentially in order to delineate more Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources. These studies consist of:
Detailed hydrogeological investigations to determine the quantity and quality of groundwater available for the project
Upon completion of the studies, an updated resource report with the target of potentially delineating adequate resources for a 30-year 2.5 MTPA MOP production and the input data required for a Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) will be issued.
This phase will end with a PFS delineating the best mining option and the best processing method option and will allow an updated resource/reserve estimate using typical mining and processing recovery factors, since not all required information for that has been available for this study. The costs for the studies of Phase 1 are estimated at about $7,500,000. We expect Phase 1 to be completed by the end of 2013.
Phase 2
Conditional upon a favorable outcome of Phase 1, we will start a Feasibility Study (FS) which will use the geological model of the updated resource estimate and the results of all investigations that are not yet available in the PFS phase to produce a detailed mining and processing design.
Based on the results of the PFS, further laboratory investigations might be necessary to optimise the chosen mining and processing methods. At this stage, the costs for this second phase are estimated at $15,000,000, but they depend on the requirements for further investigations that cannot be defined in detail at present. We expect this phrase to be completed by the end of 2014
Legal Proceedings
Except as set forth below, management is not aware of any legal proceedings contemplated by any governmental authority or any other party involving us or our properties. As of the date of this prospectus, no director, officer or affiliate is a party adverse to us in any legal proceeding, or has an adverse interest to us in any legal proceedings.
North American Potash Developments Inc. v. Passport Potash Inc. (Case No. 120903652)
On May 18, 2012, we delivered a letter to North American Potash Developments Inc. (formerly Ringbolt Ventures Ltd.), Potash Green, LLC, Wendy Walker Tibbetts and Joseph J. Hansen (collectively, the Optionor), informing them that they were in breach of the Ringbolt Option Agreement by the Optionor not granting operational control of the Potash Green exploration permits by signing a limited Power of Attorney as requested by us and that the payment of cash and shares that were due by us to the Optionor on May 17, 2012 would not be paid until the Optionor cured the defaults delineated in the default letter.
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On May 25, 2012, we were informed by the Optionor that it had filed a civil action in Third Judicial District court, Salt Lake County, State of Utah alleging that we failed to make payment to the Optionor in the amount of $350,000 or deliver to Optionor 1,400,000 shares of our common stock on May 17, 2012 as required pursuant to the Ringbolt Option Agreement, and that we did not provide a timely or proper written report as required pursuant to the Ringbolt Option Agreement. In addition, the Optionor alleges that we have failed to reimburse the Optionor for $20,715.80 in expenses paid by the Optionor to maintain certain leases that are the subject of the Ringbolt Option Agreement. In its claim under the first cause of action for breach of contract, the Optionor is seeking payment of $350,000 and 1,400,000 shares of our common stock, or alternatively $644,000 in total damages, plus interest, costs and attorney fees, as allowed by law. In its second cause of action for unjust enrichment, the Optionor is seeking no less than $20,715.80, plus interest, costs, and attorney fees, as allowed by law. With respect to the second cause of action, we take the position that such expenses were due prior to the transaction receiving TSX Venture Exchange approval as required in accordance with the Ringbolt Option Agreement, and therefore, such payments were the responsibility of Optionor.
On June 19, 2012, we filed an answer and counterclaim to the Ringbolt civil action and tendered to the Utah court the $350,000 in cash and the 1,400,000 shares which were due pursuant to the Ringbolt Option Agreement on May 17, 2012, pending a ruling by the court on the sufficiency of tender. The court ruled that the tender to the court was not sufficient, therefore, the cash and shares were released to Optionor on July 10, 2012.
On September 10, 2012, the Court had granted our motion for a preliminary injunction, which enjoined Optionor from terminating the Ringbolt Option Agreement based upon the grounds alleged by Optionor.
On October 30, 2012, as part of a settlement agreement between us and the Optionor, we entered into an amendment agreement to the Ringbolt Option Agreement.
Pursuant to the amendment agreement, we will pay to the Optionor a total of $3,850,000, $150,000 of which was paid upon execution of the amendment agreement, $2,450,000 will be paid upon TSX Ventures Exchange approval of the amendment agreement, and the remaining $1,250,000 on or before October 31, 2014. In addition, upon TSX Venture Exchange approval of the amendment agreement, we will issue 750,000 shares of common stock to the Optionor and the Optionor will assign to us all of its right, title and interest in and to the property and will take all necessary action with the ASLD to effect such assignment. The cash payment of $2,450,000 and 750,000 shares of our common stock will be placed into escrow and will be released to the Optionor upon receipt of confirmation of the assignment of the property to us from the ASLD. There will be no royalty attached to the transferred mineral exploration permits.
Should we sell or in any way transfer our interest in the property, the Optionor will receive 20% of the gross consideration in excess of $30 million to a maximum of $2,000,000 if the aggregate consideration received for the transfer of the interest in the property is greater than $30 million and less than $40 million; or $2,000,000 plus 10% of the gross consideration in excess of $40 million to a maximum of $1,000,000 if the aggregate consideration is greater than $40 million and less than $50 million; or $3,000,000 plus 20% of the gross consideration in excess of $50 million if the aggregate consideration is greater than $50 million.
If we sell or transfer less than a 100% interest in the property, then the aforementioned bonus payments shall be ratably reduced by multiplying the bonus payment by the percentage of interest subject to the transfer transaction. The sale or transfer of the remainder of the interest in the property held by us will continue to be subject to the aforementioned bonus payment provisions.
On December 8, 2012, we entered into a second amendment agreement with the Optionor to amend the amendment agreement to extend the deadline to make the cash payment of $2,450,000 following TSX Venture Exchange approval for a period of 30 days from the date of final approval with a payment of $100,000 to Potash Green, LLC, which payment will be deducted from the aggregate amount owed.
As of the date of this prospectus, we have not received the approval from the TSX Venture Exchange and the deadline to make the payment of $2,450,000 has been extended for a period of 30 days upon our payment of $100,000.
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On March 14, 2013, the Court dismissed the civil action brought by the Optionor with prejudice.
MANAGEMENT
Directors and Executive Officers
All of our directors hold office until the next annual general meeting of the shareholders unless his or her office is earlier vacated in accordance with our Articles or he or she becomes disqualified to act as a director. Our officers are appointed by our board of directors and hold office until their earlier death, retirement, resignation or removal.
Our executive officers and directors and their respective ages as of the date of this prospectus are as follows:
Name | Age | Position Held |
Joshua Bleak | 32 | President, Chief Executive Officer and Director |
Laara Shaffer | 64 | Chief Financial Officer, Corporate Secretary and Director |
Ali Rahimtula | 66 | Director |
Dennis Ickes | 68 | Director |
David J. Salisbury | 60 | Chairman of the Board and Director |
John Eckersley | 54 | Executive Vice-President and Director |
Jerry Aiken | 69 | Director |
The following is a brief account of the education and business experience of each director, executive officer and key employee during at least the past five years, indicating each persons principal occupation during the period, and the name and principal business of the organization by which he or she was employed, and including other directorships held in reporting companies.
Joshua Bleak. Mr. Bleak has been our President, Chief Executive Officer since January 11, 2011 and a director of our Company since April 12, 2010. Mr. Bleak is experienced in the mining and exploration industry as well as being fourth generation in a family with a rich mining and exploration background. From December 24, 2009 to current, Mr. Bleak serves as President, CEO, Treasurer and a director of Continental Resources Group, Inc. (OTCBB: CRGC) which is involved in exploring and developing uranium prospects. Since January 26, 2012, Mr. Bleak has served as a director of American Strategic Minerals Corporation (OTCBB: ASMC) which is engaged in the acquisition and exploration of properties that may contain uranium mineralization. Since October 2008, Mr. Bleak has served as the President and a director of North American Environmental Corp., a consulting company specializing in mining project management, permitting, lobbying and land tenure. From February 2007 to September 2008, he served as Manager of NPX Metals, Inc., an exploration and mining company. Since January 2005 he has served as Secretary and a director of Pinal Realty Investments Inc., a real estate development company. Mr. Bleaks qualification to serve on our Board of Directors is based on his experience in the mining industry in general.
Laara Shaffer. Ms. Shaffer has been our Chief Financial Officer and Secretary since March 1996 and was a director of our Company from March 1996 to February 1, 2012. She was recently re-appointed to the Board of Directors, effective June 25, 2012. Ms. Shaffer is currently a director of Pro Tech Ventures Corp., Aquilla Energy Corp. and previously served as CFO and director of Compass Gold Corp. (TSXV: CVB) from 2007 to 2009. Ms. Shaffers qualification to serve on our Board of Directors is based on her extensive experience as a CFO of public companies and in the mining industry in general.
Ali Rahimtula. Mr. Rahimtula has served as a director of our Company since October 28, 2011. Since 1979, Mr. Rahimtula has served as the President and founder of Transnational Enterprises LTD., d/b/a Transfert America. Transnational Enterprises LTD. is a member of the Rahimtula Group. The Rahimtula Group was a pioneer of the fertilizer business in India, and has been a domestic industry leader since the 1960s. They are a global company, recognized for their extensive business networks to supply international fertilizer manufacturers for their critical raw materials such as sulphur, rock phosphate, ammonia, phosphoric acid and potash. The Rahimtula group has operated in the traditional markets of India and Pakistan but has also expanded its area of operations into other countries such as Brazil, Vietnam, China, Thailand, Philippines, and South Africa. They are also experienced in executing joint-venture fertilizer production and marketing contracts in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa as well as in Europe and the CIS. Mr. Rahimtulas qualifications to serve on our Board of Directors is based on his experience and expertise in the fertilizer industry. He has and can contribute by securing large customers of international repute for us as joint venture partners who can buy potash on long term off take agreements. Also, Mr. Rahimtula brings to us his experience in logistics, such as port infrastructure developments and organizing export shipping in containers and bulk vessel chartering.
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Dennis Ickes, Mr. Ickes has served as a director of our Company since December 14, 2011. Mr. Ickes is an internationally known lawyer, legal scholar, trial attorney and business leader. Mr. Ickes holds a Juris Doctorate from the University of Utah. He served in the U.S. Department of Justice where he co-founded the Office of Indian Rights in 1973. Mr. Ickes was also a principal negotiator on behalf of the federal government in the violent standoff with Indian activists at Wounded Knee, South Dakota in 1973.
In 1976, President Gerald R. Ford and Secretary Thomas Kleppe selected Mr. Ickes to serve as Deputy Under Secretary of the Interior. During his tenure Mr. Ickes was responsible for developing and implementing public policy related to public lands, Indian relations, national parks and monuments, federal reserved water rights, fish and wildlife, and Trust Territories of the Pacific.
While Mr. Ickes was in the U.S. Department of Justice he brought the first federal voting rights case on behalf of American Indians when he supported the right of residents of the Navajo Nation to run for county office in Apache County, Arizona.
Upon leaving the Federal service in 1977, he represented northern plains and Southwest tribes and organizations until the late 1980s when lawyers who were tribal members began assuming tribal representations.
As a legal consultant, Mr. Ickes has advised state and county governments, Indian tribes, Indian individuals, Indian-owned companies, and non-Indian owned companies, including financial institutions concerning the conduct of business within tribal jurisdictions. Mr. Ickes wrote the first law review article in the Nation that urged tribes to turn from relying upon federal appropriations to seeking private capital to develop their opportunities.
Mr. Ickes previously founded, owned and operated a barite mining and processing facility in Nevada. He is currently one of two members in an exploration stage beryllium project in Utah. He has served on the board of a publicly owned independent oil and gas company and a mining exploration company. As a consultant Mr. Ickes advised the President and CEO of Resolution Copper Mining, a Rio Tinto company, on issues related to Indian tribes. He is the founder and President of Native 17, LLC, a company which assists tribes with economic development opportunities both on and off the reservation through a proprietary system developed by him. He is the past chairman of the Federal Bar Association, Indian Law Section, the Utah State Bar Association, Natural Resource Section and the chairman of the Indian Law Section. Mr. Ickes qualifications to serve on our Board of Directors is based on his extensive experience in government relations, business, mining and Indian matters.
David J. Salisbury. Mr. Salisbury has served as our Chairman of the board and a director of our Company since January 16, 2012. Mr. Salisbury has had an extensive career in the mining industry, spanning four decades, including seventeen years with Rio Tinto PLC. During his career he has had experience in almost all phases of mine development and operation, including: operating and capital budget development, operating cost control, product quality, profit/loss analysis, engineering, safety, field operations and maintenance, strategic planning, environmental compliance, market development, merger and acquisition analysis, employee relations, community relations, public relations and government relations at both the state and federal levels.
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Mr. Salisbury was President and CEO of Resolution Copper Mining (Resolution Copper) (Resolution Copper Mining is a joint venture between Rio Tinto and BHP and is not publicly traded), from 2008 to his retirement on January 31, 2011. At Resolution Copper he was responsible for the development of a deep underground copper mine in Superior, Arizona. One of his primary responsibilities was a legislative land exchange involving 3,025 acres of federal land in exchange for 5,500 acres of ecologically important private land. His role at Resolution Copper required significant interaction and engagement with members of the U.S. Congress, federal agencies, the Governor of the State of Arizona and State legislators. He was also responsible for leading the activities of integrating all engineering studies and design with environmental permitting, progressive development of the future operations culture and working environment, health and safety, project budget controls and community relations.
From 2006 through 2008, Mr. Salisbury was President and CEO of Kennecott Minerals Company (Kennecott Minerals is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Rio Tinto and is not publicly traded), where he was responsible for the comprehensive management of underground operations in Juneau, Alaska; open cut/heap leach gold in Nevada; and the development and construction of an underground nickel operation in Michigan.
Mr. Salisbury was a leader for the Rio Tinto global improvement program, Improving Performance Together, from 2004 through 2006. He led one of four major streams of work aimed at bringing about radical change in the way Rio Tinto conducts business. This responsibility covered the engineering and operation of processing operations at all Rio Tinto operations and involved leading a team of eight general managers and managers in diagnosing current state, formulating solutions, implementing pilot trials and ultimately rolling out change across the global group.
Mr. Salisbury was Managing Director and CEO of Rössing Uranium Ltd. (Rossing Uranium is majority owned by Rio Tinto and is not publicly traded) from 2001 through 2004. The Rössing mine employed 1,200 people and produces U3O8 for the global nuclear fuel industry, representing 8% of the global primary supply. During his tenure the mine achieved its historical best safety performance while increasing production and decreasing staff by 33%.
While with Rio Tinto, Mr. Salisbury also held Senior Executive positions with Kennecott Ridgeway Mining Company and Kennecott Energy Company.
Prior to joining Rio Tinto Mr. Salisbury was the President of Cordero Mining Company/Sun Coal Company (1992 to 1993) and responsible for the operation of the Cordero Mine, the seventh largest coal mine in the United States. At Cordero he completed a major organizational restructuring to reduce cost and improve efficiency, dropping operating costs by 10%.
Mr. Salisbury served as President and COO of the Al Hamilton Operating Company/Bradford Coal Company (1990 to 1992) where he was responsible for the operation of 9 active mines in a 30 mile radius of Clearfield, PA. During his tenure he improved the financial performance of this operation and was able to bring it into profitability.
From 1989 to 1990, Mr. Salisbury served as President of The Coteau Properties Company/North American Coal Corporation where he was responsible for the construction, management and operation of a 12 million tons per year surface lignite mine near Beulah, North Dakota. The Coteau Properties Company/North American Coal Corporation had annual sales of $86 million US dollars to the only commercial coal gasification plant in the United States. Mr. Salisbury administered a 20 year contract with the sole coal customer, and negotiated a new contract extension adding a new coal field and additional production up to 16 million tons per year.
Mr. Salisbury served in various management positions with The Coteau Properties Company/North American Coal Corporation from 1978 through 1989. He was the project manager responsible for the oversight of design, contract administration and construction management of the Freedom Mine, a greenfield mine facility valued at $186 million. The project was completed on time and under budget.
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Mr. Salisburys qualification to serve on our Board of Directors is based on his extensive experience in the mining industry in general.
John Eckersley. Mr. Eckersley has served as our Vice President, Legal and Corporate Affairs since December 2010 and has served as a director of our Company since July 15, 2011. Mr. Eckersley has practiced law as a solo practitioner since 1999. His practice focuses on securities compliance, corporate governance and estate planning. Mr. Eckersley served as the Executive Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer of Digital Business Resource, Inc., a telecommunications company, from 1996 to 1999, where he was a founder, and was responsible for developing systems for office management, accounting, client services, vendor coordination and marketing. Mr. Eckersley served as the General Counsel of TIMI, a public finance advisory company, where he advised the company on corporate strategy and was responsible for the companys compliance filings. Mr. Eckersley has served as a director of Silver Horn Mining Ltd. (OTCBB: SILV) since July 21, 2011, which is involved in the acquisition and exploration of properties that may contain mineral resources, principally silver. Mr. Eckersley received his Bachelor of Science, cum laude, and his Juris Doctorate from the University of Utah. Mr. Eckersleys qualifications to serve on our Board of Directors is based on his corporate experience and knowledge of the resources industry.
Jerry Aiken. Mr. Aiken has served as a director of our Company since May 15, 2012. Mr. Aiken has more than 41 years of experience in mineral exploration involving base metals, precious metals, and industrial minerals. He has been involved in project generation, geologic mapping, geochemical evaluation, drill program supervision, and regional program management throughout the western United States, Canada, Mexico, South America and parts of Europe.
Since 2005, Mr. Aiken has been working as a consulting geologist involved in the evaluation of mineral properties and the writing and reviewing of Canadian Securities Administrators National Instrument 43-101 technical reports and PFS/FS technical reports. Prior to beginning work as a consulting geologist, Mr. Aiken worked for 29 years for US Borax (Rio Tinto Exploration) (Borax) in Tucson, Arizona and Valencia, California. Before focusing his career in borates, potash and lithium he worked for five years for ASARCO Exploration beginning in 1970. Mr. Aiken has conducted and implemented exploration programs for borates, potash, lithium and other industrial minerals.
A review of Mr. Aikens potash experience, beginning in the mid-1970s, shows that he has evaluated several potash holdings and mines located in the Carlsbad district, New Mexico, and the Paradox Basin, Utah. His experience in that regard resulted in his evaluating the brine potential in the Paradox Basin.
Subsequent to his work in the Paradox Basin, Mr. Aiken evaluated potash projects in the South American Alta Plano and a number of brine projects for potash and other industrial minerals. In addition to his potash evaluation, several hard rock projects were evaluated by Mr. Aiken in both South America, (Argentina) and North America (both in the US and Canada).
Mr. Aiken graduated in 1966 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology from Western Michigan University. He also completed coursework in the Masters Program in Exploration Geology from the University of Idaho. Mr. Aiken is a Registered Professional Geologist in the State of Washington.
Mr. Aikens qualifications to serve on our Board of Directors is based on his extensive experience in the mining industry in general.
Significant Employees
We have no employees and our officers and directors provide their services on a consulting basis.
Family Relationships
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There are currently no family relationships between any of the members of our board of directors or our executive officers.
Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings
Except as disclosed in this prospectus, during the past ten years none of the following events have occurred with respect to any of our directors or executive officers:
1. |
A petition under the Federal bankruptcy laws or any state insolvency law was filed by or against, or a receiver, fiscal agent or similar officer was appointed by a court for the business or property of such person, or any partnership in which he was a general partner at or within two years before the time of such filing, or any corporation or business association of which he was an executive officer at or within two years before the time of such filing; | ||
2. |
Such person was convicted in a criminal proceeding or is a named subject of a pending criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations and other minor offenses); | ||
3. |
Such person was the subject of any order, judgment, or decree, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, of any court of competent jurisdiction, permanently or temporarily enjoining him from, or otherwise limiting, the following activities: | ||
a. |
Acting as a futures commission merchant, introducing broker, commodity trading advisor, commodity pool operator, floor broker, leverage transaction merchant, any other person regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, or an associated person of any of the foregoing, or as an investment adviser, underwriter, broker or dealer in securities, or as an affiliated person, director or employee of any investment company, bank, savings and loan association or insurance company, or engaging in or continuing any conduct or practice in connection with such activity; | ||
b. |
Engaging in any type of business practice; or | ||
c. |
Engaging in any activity in connection with the purchase or sale of any security or commodity or in connection with any violation of Federal or State securities laws or Federal commodities laws; | ||
4. |
Such person was the subject of any order, judgment or decree, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, of any Federal or State authority barring, suspending or otherwise limiting for more than 60 days the right of such person to engage in any activity described in paragraph (3)(i) above, or to be associated with persons engaged in any such activity; | ||
5. |
Such person was found by a court of competent jurisdiction in a civil action or by the Commission to have violated any Federal or State securities law, and the judgment in such civil action or finding by the Commission has not been subsequently reversed, suspended, or vacated; | ||
6. |
Such person was found by a court of competent jurisdiction in a civil action or by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to have violated any Federal commodities law, and the judgment in such civil action or finding by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission has not been subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated; | ||
7. |
Such person was the subject of, or a party to, any Federal or State judicial or administrative order, judgment, decree, or finding, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, relating to an alleged violation of: | ||
a. |
Any Federal or State securities or commodities law or regulation; or | ||
b. |
Any law or regulation respecting financial institutions or insurance companies including, but not limited to, a temporary or permanent injunction, order of disgorgement or restitution, civil money penalty or temporary or permanent cease-and-desist order, or removal or prohibition order; or |
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c. |
Any law or regulation prohibiting mail or wire fraud or fraud in connection with any business entity; or |
8. |
Such person was the subject of, or a party to, any sanction or order, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, of any self-regulatory organization (as defined in Section 3(a)(26) of the Exchange Act), any registered entity (as defined in Section 1(a)(29) of the Commodity Exchange Act), or any equivalent exchange, association, entity or organization that has disciplinary authority over its members or persons associated with a member. |
There are currently no legal proceedings to which any of our directors or officers is a party adverse to us or in which any of our directors or officers has a material interest adverse to us.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, requires our officers and directors and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of our securities to file reports of change of ownership with the SEC. Officers, directors and greater than 10% beneficial owners are required by SEC regulation to furnish us with copies of all 16(a) forms they file.
Based solely on our review of the copies of such forms that we received, or written representations from certain reporting persons that no forms were required for those persons, we believe that during the fiscal year ended February 29, 2012 all filing requirements applicable to our officers, directors and greater than 10% beneficial owners were complied with by such persons in a timely manner.
Corporate Governance
Meetings and Committees of the Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors held four meetings during the fiscal year ended February 29, 2012. Each director attended at least 75% of the aggregate of: (i) the total number of board meetings held while he was a director; and (ii) the total number of meetings held by committees on which he served during the periods that he served.
We do not have a formal policy with respect to director attendance at annual stockholders meetings, however, all directors are encouraged to attend. A total of two directors from the Board of Directors as it was comprised at the time attended the annual stockholders meeting last year.
Committees of the Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors currently only has an Audit Committee. The Audit Committee was established in August, 2007. The following provides information regarding our Audit Committee and summarizes the functions of such committee.
Audit Committee
National Instrument 52-110 of the Canadian Securities Administrators (NI 52-110) requires us, as a venture issuer, to disclose annually in our information circular (proxy statement) certain information concerning the constitution of our audit committee and its relationship with our independent auditor, as set forth in the following.
Our Audit Committee is governed by an audit committee charter, the text of which is attached as Schedule A to the management information circular for the annual and special general meeting held on August 9, 2007 and filed on www.Sedar.com on July 17, 2007.
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Our Audit Committee is currently comprised of three directors, Laara Shaffer, David Salisbury, and Jerry Aiken. Laara Shaffer is our Chief Financial Officer and Secretary. All of the Audit Committee members are financially literate. We are relying upon the exemption in section 6.1 of NI 52-110 in respect of the composition of our Audit Committee and in respect of our reporting obligations under NI 52-110 for the year ended February 29, 2012. This exemption exempts a venture issuer from the requirement to have 100% of the members of its audit committee independent, as would otherwise be required by NI 52-110. Our Board has determined that David Salisbury qualifies as an audit committee financial expert as defined under applicable SEC rules and also meets the additional criteria for independence of audit committee members set forth in Rule 10A-3(b)(l) under the Exchange Act.
See heading Directors and Executive Officers for disclosure on relevant experience for each member of the Audit Committee. Each member of the Audit Committee has
Since the commencement of our most recently completed fiscal year, our Board has not failed to adopt a recommendation of the Audit Committee to nominate or compensate an external auditor.
We have not relied on the exemptions contained in sections 2.4 or 8 of NI 52-110. Section 2.4 which provides an exemption from the requirement that the audit committee must pre-approve all non-audit services to be provided by the auditor, where the total amount of fees related to the non-audit services are not expected to exceed 5% of the total fees payable to the auditor in the fiscal year in which the non-audit services were provided. Section 8 permits a company to apply to a securities regulatory authority for an exemption from the requirements of NI 52-110, in whole or in part.
The Audit Committee has not adopted specific policies and procedures for the engagement of non-audit services. Subject to the requirements of NI 52-110, the engagement of non-audit services is considered by our Board of Directors, and where applicable the Audit Committee, on a case-by-case basis.
The Audit Committee discharged its mandate in respect of the fiscal year ended February 29, 2012, including the review and recommendation to the Board in respect of all financial disclosure contained in our public documents.
The Audit Committee held four meetings during the year ended February 29, 2012, and also acted through the adoption of written consent resolutions.
Nomination of Directors
The Board considers its size each year when it considers the number of directors to recommend to the shareholders for election at the annual meeting of shareholders, taking into account the number required to carry out the Board's duties effectively and to maintain a diversity of views and experience.
The Board does not have a nominating committee, and these functions are currently performed by the Board as a whole. However, if there is a change in the number of directors required by us, this policy will be reviewed.
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Compensation
The Board, as a whole, determines compensation for the directors and executive officers.
Director Independence
Our common shares are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (the TSXV). Under the Policy 3.1 Section 5.7 of the TSXV, each issuer must have at least two independent directors on its board. Under the TSXV policies, a director is independent if he or she has no direct or indirect material relationship with the issuer. A material relationship is defined as a relationship which could, in the view of the issuers board of directors, be reasonably expected to interfere with the exercise of a members independent judgment. Our Board has determined that the following directors are independent as required by TSXV listing standards: David J. Salisbury and Jerry Aiken. Our Board also determined that Mr. Salisbury and Mr. Aiken meet the criteria of independence under the SEC rules. Our non-independent directors are: Joshua Bleak (President and CEO), John Eckersley (Executive Vice-President), Laara Shaffer (CFO and Corporate Secretary), Ali Rahimtula (consultant), and Dennis Ickes (consultant).
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Compensation Discussion
The Board has not appointed a compensation committee and the responsibilities relating to executive and director compensation, including reviewing and recommending director compensation, overseeing our base compensation structure and equity-based compensation program, recommending compensation of our officers and employees, and evaluating the performance of officers generally and in light of annual goals and objectives, is performed by the Board as a whole.
The Board also assumes responsibility for reviewing and monitoring the long-range compensation strategy for our senior management. The Board reviews the compensation of senior management on a semi-annual basis taking into account compensation paid by other issuers of similar size and activity.
Compensation Philosophy and Objectives
We are a smaller reporting company with limited resources. The compensation program for our senior management is designed within this context with a view that the level and form of compensation achieves certain objectives, including:
(a) |
attracting and retaining qualified executives; | |
(b) |
motivating the short and long-term performance of these executives; and | |
(c) |
better aligning their interests with those of our shareholders. |
In compensating our senior management, we have arranged for equity participation through our stock option plan.
Bonus Incentive Compensation
Our objective is to achieve certain strategic objectives and milestones. The Board will consider executive bonus compensation dependent on us meeting those strategic objectives and milestones and sufficient cash resources being available for the granting of bonuses. The Board approves executive bonus compensation dependent upon compensation levels based on recommendations of the Chief Executive Officer. Such recommendations are generally based on information provided by issuers that are similar in size and scope to our operations.
Equity Participation Option-Based Awards
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We believe that encouraging our executives and employees to become shareholders is the best way of aligning their interests with those of our shareholders. Equity participation is accomplished through our stock option plan, which was established to provide incentive to qualified parties to increase their proprietary interest in us and thereby encourage their continuing association with us. Stock options are granted to directors, executives and employees taking into account a number of factors, including the amount and term of options previously granted, base salary, bonuses, performance, competitive factors and hiring incentives. The amounts and terms of options granted are determined by and require the approval of the Board of Directors based on recommendations put forward by the Chief Executive Officer. Due to our limited financial resources, we emphasize the provisions of option grants to maintain executive motivation. The stock option plan is administered by our directors and provides that options may be issued to our directors, officers, employees or consultants, or our subsidiary.
Summary Compensation Table
The following table sets forth the compensation paid to any of the following individuals during our fiscal years ended February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011: (i) any person serving as our principal executive officer during our fiscal year ended February 29, 2012; (ii) our two most highly compensated executive officers other than our principal executive officer who were serving as executive officers as of February 29, 2012; and (iii) if applicable, up to two additional individuals for whom disclosure would have been provided pursuant to (ii) above but for the fact that the individual was not serving as our executive officer as of February 29, 2012 (collectively, the Named Executive Officers):
Name and Principal Position |
Year Ended Febru- ary 29 (28), |
Salary ($) |
Bonus ($) |
Stock Awards ($) |
Option Awards (1) ($) |
Non- Equity Incentive Plan Compen- sation ($) |
Non- Qualified Deferred Compen- sation Earnings ($) |
All Other Compen- sation ($) |
Total ($) |
Joshua Bleak, President and CEO(2) | 2012 | 45,000 | Nil | Nil | 583,529 | Nil | Nil | Nil | 628,529 |
2011 | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | |
Stephen Butrenchuk, Former President and CEO (3) | 2012 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
2011 | Nil | Nil | Nil | 213,007 | Nil | Nil | Nil | 213,007 | |
Richard Hunter, Former President and CEO(4) | 2012 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
2011 | Nil | Nil | Nil | 134,367 | Nil | Nil | Nil | 134,367 | |
Laara Shaffer, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary(5) | 2012 | 17,877 | Nil | Nil | 93,395 | Nil | Nil | Nil | 112,272 |
2011 | Nil | Nil | Nil | 265,941 | Nil | Nil | Nil | 265,941 |
(1) |
This amount represents the fair value of these stock options at the date of grant which was estimated using theBlack-Scholes option pricing model. |
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(2) |
Mr. Bleak has served as our President and CEO since April 26, 2011. |
(3) |
Mr. Butrenchuk served as our President and CEO from March 2, 2011 to April 26, 2011. |
(4) |
Mr. Hunter served as our President and CEO from April 16, 2010 to March 2, 2011. |
(5) |
Ms. Shaffer has served as our Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary since March 1996. |
Employment Agreements
We have not entered into any employment contracts with our executive officers. There is no contract, agreement, plan or arrangement, whether written or unwritten, that provides for payment to a Named Executive Officer at, following, or in connection with the resignation, retirement or other termination of a Named Executive Officer, or a change in control of us or a change in the Named Executive Officers responsibilities following a change in control, with respect to each Named Executive Officer.
Outstanding Equity Awards as of February 29, 2012
The following table sets forth outstanding equity awards as of February 29, 2012 with respect to each of the Named Executive Officers listed in the table above:
Outstanding Equity Awards as of February 29, 2012 | |||||||||
Option Awards | Stock Awards | ||||||||
Name |
Number of secur- ities under- lying unexer- cised options exercise- able (#) |
Number of secur- ities under- lying unexer- cised options unexer- cisable (#) |
Equity incentive plan awards: number of securi- ties under- lying unexer- cised un- earned options (#) |
Option exercise price ($) |
Option expira- tion date |
Number of shares or units of stock that have not vested (#) |
Market value of shares or units of stock that have not vested ($) |
Equity incen- tive plan awards: number of un- earned shares, units or other rights that have not vested (#) |
Equity incen- tive plan awards: market or payout value of un- earned shares, units or other rights that have not vested ($) |
840,900 | Nil | Nil | $0.42 | Sep. 12/16 | |||||
335,750 | Nil | Nil | $0.20 | Mar. 3/16 | |||||
Joshua Bleak | 600,000 | Nil | Nil | $0.32 | Jan. 10/16 | ||||
1,060,000 | Nil | Nil | $0.20 | Feb. 10/16 | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | |
100,000 | Nil | Nil | $0.42 | Sep. 12/16 | |||||
Stephen | 200,000 | Nil | Nil | $0.20 | Feb. 10/16 | ||||
Butrenchuk1 | 100,000 | Nil | Nil | $0.10 | Nov 16/15 | ||||
100,000 | Nil | Nil | $0.10 | Oct. 24/15 | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | |
Richard Hunter2 | Nil | Nil | Nil | N/A | N/A | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
200,000 | Nil | Nil | $0.38 | Jan. 20/17 | |||||
Laara | 65,000 | Nil | Nil | $0.59 | Jun. 21/16 |
Shaffer | 263,500 | Nil | Nil | $0.20 | Feb. 10/16 | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
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Notes:
(1) |
Mr. Butrenchuk resigned as President and CEO on April 26, 2011. |
(2) |
Mr. Hunter resigned as President and CEO effective March 2, 2011. |
Compensation of Directors
The following table sets forth information relating to compensation paid to our directors during our fiscal year ended February 29, 2012:
Director Compensation During Our Year Ended February 29, 2012 | |||||||
Name |
Fees earned or paid in cash ($) |
Stock awards ($) |
Option awards ($) |
Non- equity incentive plan compen- sation ($) |
Non- qualified deferred compen- sation earnings ($) |
All other compen- sation ($) |
Total ($) |
Joshua Bleak | 45,000 | Nil | 583,529 | Nil | Nil | Nil | 628,529 |
Stephen Butrenchuk (1) | Nil | Nil | 40,105 | Nil | Nil | 2,574 | 42,680 |
Ali Rahimtula(2) | 10,000 | Nil | 151,497 | Nil | Nil | Nil | 161,597 |
Dennis Ickes(3) | 34,000 | Nil | 207,339 | Nil | Nil | Nil | 241,339 |
Matthew Salmon(4) | 50,000 | Nil | 121,075 | Nil | Nil | Nil | 171,075 |
David Salisbury(5) | 20,079 | Nil | 227,016 | Nil | Nil | Nil | 247,096 |
John Eckersley(6) | 110,029 | Nil | 348,873 | Nil | Nil | Nil | 458,901 |
Gary F. Zak(7) | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
James Davidson(8) | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
Laara Shaffer(9) | 17,877 | Nil | 93,395 | Nil | Nil | Nil | 111,272 |
(1) |
Mr. Betrenchuk resigned as a director on May 15, 2012. | |
(2) |
Mr. Rahimtula was appointed as a director on October 28, 2011. | |
(3) |
Mr. Ickes was appointed as a director on December 14, 2011. | |
(4) |
Mr. Salmon was appointed as a director on February 1, 2012 and resigned on December 31, 2012. | |
(5) |
Mr. Salisbury was appointed as a director on Jan. 16, 2012. | |
(6) |
Mr. Eckersley was appointed as a director July 15, 2011. | |
(7) |
Mr. Zak resigned as a director on Jan. 16, 2012. | |
(8) |
Mr. Davidson resigned as a director on October 26, 2011. | |
(9) |
Ms. Shaffer resigned as a director on February 1, 2012, however, she was re-appointed as a director on June 25, 2012. |
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Our directors do not have specific compensation arrangements based on attendance at board or committee meetings or serving as a committee chair. From time to time directors may receive bonus payments or options, which are granted on a discretionary basis. The amount of any bonus payments or the number of options granted is based on the experience of the director, time spent on Company matters and the compensation paid to other directors of companies in the industry.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Related Party Transactions
Except as described herein, none of the following parties (each a Related Party) has, in our fiscal years ended February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011, had any material interest, direct or indirect, in any transaction with us or in any presently proposed transaction that has or will materially affect us:
During the year ended February 29, 2012, we paid CAD$19,908 to David Salisbury, our director, for consulting fees. Mr. Salisbury receives $10,000 per month for consulting services pursuant to a Consulting Agreement, dated January 16, 2012.
During the year ended February 29, 2012, we paid CAD$45,352.50 to Joshua Bleak, our director and officer, for management fees. In addition, during the year ended February 29, 2012, we paid $21,815 to North American Environmental Corp. (NAEC), a company controlled by Joshua Bleak, for exploration services (site preparation, drilling, site reclamation and materials transportation) and owed this company CAD$22,196.54 as at February 29, 2012. During the year ended February 28, 2011, we paid a total of CAD$139,047.44 to NAEC and owed this company CAD$76,075.33 as at February 28, 2011. There is no written contract between us and NAEC, and NAEC issues invoices when work is performed based on the activity and/or the equipment used to perform the work.
During the year ended February 29, 2012, we paid CAD$27,836.17 to Dennis Ickes, our director, for professional services. Mr. Ickes currently receives $5,000 per month pursuant to a Professional Services Agreement, dated December 14, 2011.
During the year ended February 29, 2012, we owed CAD$4,200 to Gary Zak, our former director, for consulting fees. During the year ended February 28, 2011, we paid CAD$2,100 to Gary Zak, our director at that time, for consulting fees and owed Mr. Zak CAD$4,200 as at February 28, 2011 for consulting fees.
During the year ended February 29, 2012, we paid CAD$109,090.35 to John Eckersley, our director and officer, for consulting fees and we owed Mr. Eckersley CAD$13,500 as at February 29, 2012.
During the year ended February 29, 2012, we paid CAD$12,700 to Laara Shaffer, our director and officer, for administration fees. In addition, during the year ended February 29, 2012, we paid CAD$5,000 to Timeline Filing Services Ltd., a company controlled by Laara Shaffer, for administration fees. Furthermore, during the year ended February 28, 2011, we paid CAD$9,800 to Laara Shaffer for consulting fees.
During the year ended February 29, 2012, we paid CAD$10,000 to Transnational Enterprises Ltd., a company controlled by Ali Rahimtula, for consulting fees, and we owed Transnational Enterprises Ltd. CAD$11,200 as at February 29, 2012. Mr. Rahimtula receives CAD$5,000 per month through a Consulting Agreement between Transnational Enterprises Ltd. and us, dated January 1, 2012.
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During the year ended February 29, 2012, we paid CAD$49,589 to Upstream Consulting Inc., a company controlled by Matthew Salmon, our former director, for consulting fees pursuant to a Consulting Agreement.
During the year ended February 29, 2012, we owed CAD$15,600.43 to Stephen Butrenchuk, our director at that time, for consulting fees. During the year ended February 28, 2011, we paid CAD$27,765.56 to Mr. Butrenchuk for consulting fees and owed Mr. Butrenchuk CAD$13,048 as at February 28, 2011.
Our Board of Directors reviews any proposed transactions involving Related Parties and considerers whether such transactions are fair and reasonable and in our best interests.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth certain information concerning the number of shares of our common stock owned beneficially as of April 11, 2013 by (i) each person (including any group) known to us to own more than 5% of any class of our voting securities, (ii) each of our officers and directors, and (iii) our officers and directors as a group. Unless otherwise indicated, it is our understanding and belief that the shareholders listed possess sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares shown.
Title of class |
Name and address of beneficial owner(1) |
Amount and nature
of beneficial owner(2) |
Percentage of class(3) |
Persons owning more than 5% of voting securities | |||
Common Stock | Phillip Frost c/o 4400 Biscayne Blvd., #850 Miami, FL 33137 |
38,760,956(4) |
20.17% |
Common Stock | Barry Honig c/o 4400 Biscayne Blvd., #850 Miami, FL 33137 |
18,112,744(5) |
9.73% |
Common Stock | Michael Brauser c/o 4400 Biscayne Blvd., #850 Miami, FL 33137 |
19,181,884 (6) |
10.19% |
Officers and Directors | |||
Common Stock | Joshua Bleak | 8,464,288 (7) | 4.52% |
Common Stock | Laara Shaffer | 1,158,500 (8) | (*)% |
Common Stock | Ali Rahimtula | 400,000 (9) | (*)% |
Common Stock | Dennis Ickes | 400,000 (10) | (*)% |
Common Stock | David J. Salisbury | 955,500 (11) | (*)% |
Common Stock | John Eckersley | 1,179,350 (12) | (*)% |
Common Stock | Jerry Aiken | 400,000 (13) | (*)% |
Common Stock |
All executive officers and directors as a group (seven persons) |
12,957,638 (14) |
6.80% |
Notes:
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(*) | Less than 1%. |
(1) |
The address of our officers and directors is our Companys address, which is 608 1199 W. Pender St., Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6E 2R1. |
(2) |
Under Rule 13d-3 of the Exchange Act a beneficial owner of a security includes any person who, directly or indirectly, through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship or otherwise has or shares: (i) voting power, which includes the power to vote or to direct the voting of shares; and (ii) investment power, which includes the power to dispose or direct the disposition of shares. Certain shares may be deemed to be beneficially owned by more than one person (if, for example, persons share the power to vote or the power to dispose of the shares). In addition, shares are deemed to be beneficially owned by a person if the person has the right to acquire the shares (for example, upon exercise of an option) within 60 days of the date as of which the information is provided. In computing the percentage ownership of any person, the amount of shares outstanding is deemed to include the amount of shares beneficially owned by such person (and only such person) by reason of these acquisition rights. |
(3) |
Based on 183,593,073 shares of our common stock issued and outstanding as of April 11, 2013. |
(4) |
This figure includes: (i) 30,139,611 shares of common stock held by Frost Gamma Investments Trust, which are deemed to be indirectly owned and controlled by Phillip Frost; (ii) 500,000 stock options held of record by Phillip Frost which are vested and are exercisable into 500,000 shares of common stock at CAD$0.59 per share expiring on June 21, 2016; (iii) 5,555,555 warrants held of record by Frost Gama Investments Trust, which are deemed to be indirectly owned and controlled by Phillip Frost, and which are exercisable into 5,555,555 shares of common stock at CAD$0.20 per share expiring on January 11, 2014; (iv)1,250,000 warrants held of record by Frost Gama Investments Trust, which are deemed to be indirectly owned and controlled by Phillip Frost, and which are exercisable into 1,250,000 shares of common stock at CAD$0.20 per share expiring on February 19, 2014; and (v) 15% convertible debenture of $250,000 held of record by Frost Gama Investments Trust, which are deemed to be indirectly owned and controlled by Phillip Frost, and which are convertible into 1,315,790 shares of common stock at $0.19 per share before February 19, 2014 without giving effect to accrued interest. |
(5) |
This figure includes: (i) 6,900,546 shares of common stock held by Barry Honig; (ii) 2,574,772 shares of common stock held by GRQ Consultants, Inc. 401K, which are deemed to be indirectly owned and controlled by Barry Honig; (iii) 6,111,110 shares of common stock held by GRQ Consultants, Inc. Roth 401K FBO Barry Honig, which are deemed to be indirectly owned and controlled by Barry Honig; (iv) 600,000 stock options held of record by Barry Honig which are vested and are exercisable into 600,000 shares of common stock at CAD$0.32 per share expiring on January 10, 2016; (v) 900,000 stock options held of record by Barry Honig which are vested and are exercisable into 900,000 shares of common stock at CAD$0.20 per share expiring on February 10, 2016; (vi) 500,000 warrants held of record by Barry Honig which are vested and exercisable into 500,000 shares of common stock at $0.19 per share expiring on February 19, 2014; and (vii) 15% convertible debenture of $100,000 held of record by Barry Honig convertible into 526,316 shares of common stock at $0.19 per shares before February 19, 2014 without giving effect to accrued interest. |
(6) |
This figure includes (i) 10,104,097 shares of common stock held by Michael Brauser; (ii) 192,500 shares of common stock jointly held with wife; (iii) 4,205,599 shares of common stock held by Birchtree Capital, LLC, which are deemed to be indirectly owned and controlled by Michael Brauser; (iv) 88,000 shares of common stock held by Grander Holdings, Inc. 401K Profit Sharing Plan, which are deemed to be indirectly owned and controlled by Michael Brauser; (v) 1,100,000 stock options held of record by Michael Brauser which are vested and are exercisable into 1,100,000 shares of common stock at CAD$0.20 per share expiring on February 10, 2016; (vi) 1,388,889 warrants held of record by Michael Brauser which are exercisable into 1,388,889 shares of common stock at CAD$0.20 per shares expiring on January 11, 2014; and (vii) 2,102,799 warrants held of record by Birchtree Capital, LLC, which are deemed to be indirectly owned and controlled by Michael Brauser, and which are exercisable into 2,102,799 shares of common stock at CAD$0.20 per share expiring on January 11, 2014. |
(7) |
This figure includes: (i) 4,933,188 shares of common stock held by Joshua Bleak; (ii) 600,000 stock options held of record by Joshua Bleak which are vested and are exercisable into 600,000 shares of common stock at CAD$0.32 per share expiring on January 10, 2016; (iii) 1,060,000 stock options held of record by Joshua Bleak which are vested and are exercisable into 1,060,000 shares of common stock at CAD$0.20 per share expiring on February 10, 2016; (iv) 335,750 stock options held of record by Joshua Bleak which are vested and are exercisable into 335,750 shares of common stock at CAD$0.20 per share expiring on March 3, 2016; (v) 840,900 stock options held of record by Joshua Bleak which are vested and are exercisable into 840,900 shares of common stock at CAD$0.42 per share expiring on September 12, 2016; and (vi) 694,450 warrants held of record by Joshua Bleak which are exercisable into 694,450 shares of common stock at CAD$0.20 per share expiring on January 11, 2014. |
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(8) |
This figure includes: (i) 270,000 shares of common stock held by Laara Shaffer; (ii) 360,000 shares of common stock held by Timeline Filing Services Ltd., which are deemed to be indirectly owned and controlled by Laara Shaffer; (iii) 263,500 stock options held of record by Laara Shaffer which are vested and are exercisable into 263,500 shares of common stock at CAD$0.20 per share expiring on February 10, 2016; (iv) 65,000 stock options held of record by Laara Shaffer which are vested and are exercisable into 65,000 shares of common stock at CAD$0.59 per share expiring on June 21, 2016; and (v) 200,000 stock options held of record by Timeline Filing Services Ltd., which are deemed to be indirectly owned and controlled by Laara Shaffer, and which are vested and are exercisable into 200,000 shares of common stock at CAD$0.38 per share expiring on January 20, 2017. |
(9) |
This figure includes: (i) 150,000 stock options held of record by Ali Rahimtula which are vested and are exercisable into 150,000 shares of common stock at CAD$0.59 per share expiring on June 21, 2016; and (ii) 250,000 stock options held of record by Ali Rahimtula which are vested and are exercisable into 250,000 shares of common stock at CAD$0.38 per share expiring on January 20, 2017. |
(10) |
This figure includes: (i) 200,000 stock options held of record by Dennis Ickes which are vested and are exercisable into 200,000 shares of common stock at CAD$0.20 per share expiring on March 3, 2016; and (ii) 200,000 stock options held of record by Dennis Ickes which are vested and are exercisable into 200,000 shares of common stock at CAD$0.38 per share expiring on January 20, 2017. |
(11) |
This figure includes: (i) 205,500 shares of common stock held by David Salisbury; and (ii) 750,000 stock options held of record by David Salisbury which are vested and are exercisable into 750,000 shares of common stock at CAD$0.38 per share expiring on January 20, 2017. |
(12) |
This figure includes: (i) 138,900 shares of common stock held by John Eckersley; (ii) 271,000 stock options held of record by John Eckersley which are vested and are exercisable into 271,000 shares of common stock at CAD$0.59 per share expiring on June 21, 2016; and (iii) 700,000 stock options held of record by John Eckersley which are vested and are exercisable into 700,000 shares of common stock at CAD$0.38 per share expiring on January 20, 2017; and (iv) 69,450 warrants held of record by John Eckersley which are exercisable into 69,450 shares of common stock at CAD$0.20 per share expiring on January 11, 2014. |
(13) |
This figure includes 400,000 stock options held of record by Jerry Aiken which are vested and are exercisable into 400,000 shares of common stock at CAD$0.38 per share expiring on January 20, 2017. |
(14) |
This figure includes: (i) 5,867,588 shares of common stock; (ii) stock options to purchase 6,286,150 shares of our common stock; and (iii) warrants to purchase 1,163,900 shares of our common stock. |
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES
Authorized Capital Stock
Our authorized capital stock consists of an unlimited number of common shares without par value.
Capital Stock Issued and Outstanding
We have issued and outstanding securities on a fully diluted basis as of April 11, 2013:
Common Stock
As at April 11, 2013, 183,593,073 shares of common stock were issued and outstanding. Holders of our common stock are entitled to vote at all meetings of shareholders, to receive dividends if, as and when declared by the directors and to participate pro rata in any distribution of property or assets upon our liquidation, winding-up or other dissolution. Our common stock carries no pre-emptive rights, conversion or exchange rights, redemption, retraction, repurchase, sinking fund or purchase fund provisions. There are no provisions requiring the holder of common stock to contribute additional capital and no restrictions on the issuance of additional securities by us. There are no restrictions on the repurchase or redemption of common stock by us except to the extent that any such repurchase or redemption would render us insolvent pursuant to the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia).
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Warrants
In connection with the private placements in February, March and April 2013, we issued five year warrants to purchase an aggregate of 3,346,276 shares of our common stock with an exercise price of CAD$0.25 per share. We also issued one year warrants to purchase an aggregate of 30,476,526 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.19 per share.
In connection with the private placement in January 2012, we issued warrants to purchase an aggregate of 20,833,204 shares of our common stock at a price of CAD$0.20 per share for a period of one year expiring on January 11, 2013, which was further extended to January 11, 2014.
In connection with the private placement in January 2011, we issued warrants to purchase an aggregate of 28,430,000 shares of our common stock at a price of CAD$0.35 per share for a period of two years which expired on January 31, 2013.
Convertible Debentures
On February 19, 2013, we sold an aggregate of $5,305,540 of our convertible debentures due on February 19, 2014 with an interest rate of 15% per annum which shall accrue and be payable on the earlier of the maturity date or the date the entire principal amount of each debenture is converted. The principal amount of the debentures is convertible into shares of our common stock at the option of the holder, in whole or in part, at a price of $0.19 per share. The conversion price is subject to adjustment upon a reclassification or other change in our outstanding common stock and certain distributions to all holders of our common stock. In addition, each holder of a debenture received a one year warrant to purchase five shares of our common stock for each $1.00 of principal amount of debenture at an exercise price of $0.19 per share. The debentures are secured by a first ranking floating charge security on all of our assets.
On March 14, 2013, we sold an aggregate of $285,000 of our convertible debentures due on March 14, 2014 with an interest rate of 15% per annum which shall accrue and be payable on the earlier of the maturity date or the date the entire principal amount of each debenture is converted. The principal amount of the debentures is convertible into shares of our common stock at the option of the holder, in whole or in part, at a price of $0.19 per share until the maturity date. The conversion price is subject to adjustment upon a reclassification or other change in our outstanding common stock and certain distributions to all holders of our common stock. In addition, each holder of a debenture received a one-year warrant to purchase five shares of our common stock for each $1.00 of principal amount of debenture purchased at an exercise price of $0.19 per share. The debentures are secured by a first ranking floating charge security on all of our assets.
On April 4, 2013, we sold an aggregate of $200,000 of our convertible debentures due on April 4, 2014 with an interest rate of 15% per annum which shall accrue and be payable on the earlier of the maturity date or the date the entire principal amount of each debenture is converted. The principal amount of the debentures is convertible into shares of our common stock at the option of the holder, in whole or in part, at a price of $0.19 per share until the maturity date. The conversion price is subject to adjustment upon a reclassification or other change in our outstanding common stock and certain distributions to all holders of our common stock. In addition, each holder of a debenture received a one year warrant to purchase five shares of our common stock for each $1.00 of principal amount of debenture purchased at an exercise price of $0.19 per share. The debentures are secured by a first ranking floating charge security on all of our assets.
Indemnification of Directors and Officers
The corporate laws of British Columbia and Part 21 of our corporate articles allow us to indemnify our directors, former directors, alternate director and their heirs and personal representatives against liability, provided (i) the director or officer was acting on our behalf in his or her official capacity as a director or officer and (ii) such director or officer conducted himself in good faith and believed his conduct was in, or not opposed to, our best interests (or in the case of any criminal proceeding, that he had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful). Indemnification permitted by these provisions is limited to reasonable expenses incurred in connection with the proceeding upon which liability is predicated, which includes the amount of any such liability actually imposed.
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In addition, we currently maintain management liability insurance that covers any loss up to a certain amount that our directors and officers may become legally obligated to pay as a result of a claim for a wrongful act for which we do not indemnify the directors and officers, or covers any loss up to a certain amount that we indemnify our directors and officers as a result of a claim for a wrongful act.
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants
For the fiscal years ended February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011, we did not have any disagreement with our independent registered public accountants on any matter of accounting principles, practices or financial statement disclosure.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
[________________], which we refer to as the [_____], has entered into a placement agency agreement with us in connection with this offering. The placement agent may engage one or more sub-placement agents or selected dealers. Among other things, the placement agent will assist us in identifying and evaluating prospective investors and approach prospective investors regarding the offering. The placement agent will assist us on a best efforts basis. The placement agent will have no obligation to buy any of the shares from us, nor is it required to arrange the purchase or sale of any specific number or dollar amount of shares. We will enter into subscription agreements directly with investors in connection with this offering.
We have agreed to pay the placement agent a cash fee equal to [____]% of the gross proceeds of this offering. In the event that existing stockholders of the company participate in this offering, we will not pay the placement agent any cash fees in connection with amounts invested by such existing stockholders.
The following table shows the per-share and total placement agent fee to be paid by us to the placement agent. This amount is shown assuming all of the shares of common stock offered pursuant to this prospectus are sold and issued by us.
Placement Agent | ||||
Fee Per Share | Total | |||
$ | $ |
We are offering pursuant to this prospectus up to [ ] shares of our common stock, but there can be no assurance that the offering will be fully subscribed. Accordingly, we may sell substantially less than [ ] shares of our common stock, in which case our net proceeds would be substantially reduced and the total placement agent fees may be substantially less than the maximum total set forth above.
The placement agency agreement will be filed by amendment as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.
LEGAL MATTERS
McMillan LLP will pass upon the validity of the shares of common stock to be sold in this offering.
EXPERTS
The financial statements of Passport Potash Inc. for the fiscal years ended February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011 have been audited by Dale Matheson Carr-Hilton Labonte LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm as set forth in its report, and are included in reliance upon such report given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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We have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission a registration statement on Form S-1, together with any amendments and related exhibits, under the Securities Act, with respect to our shares of common stock offered by this prospectus. The registration statement contains additional information about us and our shares of common stock that the selling stockholders are offering in this prospectus.
We file annual, quarterly and current reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act. Our Securities and Exchange Commission filings are available to the public over the Internet at the Securities and Exchange Commissions website at http://www.sec.gov. Access to these electronic filings is available as soon as practicable after filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You may also read and copy any document we file at the Securities and Exchange Commissions public reference room located at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the Securities and Exchange Commission at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference rooms and their copy charges. You may also request a copy of those filings, excluding exhibits, from us at no cost. Any such request should be addressed to us at: 608 1199 West Pender Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6E2R1, Attention: John Eckersley.
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PASSPORT POTASH, INC.
[__________] Shares
Common Stock
PROSPECTUS
[ ],
2013
Until [________], 2013, 25 days after the date of this offering, all dealers that effect transactions in our shares, whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus.
The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED ___, 2013
PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS
74,374,931 SHARES
PASSPORT POTASH INC.
Common Stock
This prospectus relates to the sale by the selling stockholders identified in this prospectus of up to 74,374,931 shares of our common stock, without par value, which includes 21,333,204 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of outstanding warrants.
There are no underwriting arrangements to sell the shares of common stock that are being offered by the selling stockholders hereunder. The prices at which the selling stockholders may sell shares will be determined by the prevailing market price for the shares or in privately negotiated transactions. We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of these shares by the selling stockholders. All expenses of registration incurred in connection with this offering are being borne by us, but all selling and other expenses incurred by the selling stockholders will be borne by the selling stockholders.
Our common stock is quoted on the OTCQX under the symbol PPRTF and on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol PPI. On April 11, 2013, the last reported sale price of our common stock as reported on the OTCQX was $0.20 per share.
Investing in our common stock is highly speculative and involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties in the section entitled Risk Factors beginning on page 84 of this prospectus before making a decision to purchase our stock.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The date of this prospectus is , 2013
TABLE OF CONTENTS
You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus. We have not authorized any other person to provide you with different information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. We are not making an offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction where offer or sale is not permitted. You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus is accurate only as of the date on the front cover of this prospectus. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date.
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
Our principal executive offices are located at 608 1199 West Pender Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6E2R1 and our telephone number is (604) 687-0300. Our website is http://www.passportpotash.com/. Information on or accessed through our website is not incorporated into this prospectus and is not a part of this prospectus.
As used in this prospectus, unless otherwise specified, references to the Company, we, our and us refer to Passport Potash Inc. and, unless otherwise specified, its subsidiary.
The Offering
Common stock offered by the selling stockholders: |
74,374,931 shares, consisting of 53,041,727 shares issued to investors in the private placements in January 2012, January 2011, October 2010 and in connection with certain mineral property option agreement in August 2010 and 21,333,204 shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding warrants sold to investors in the private placements in February 2013 and January 2012. |
| |
Common stock outstanding before and after this offering: |
183,593,073 (1) and 204,926,277 (2) |
| |
Use of proceeds: |
We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares in this offering by the selling stockholders. |
| |
OTCQX symbol: |
PPRTF |
| |
TSXV symbol: |
PPI |
| |
Risk factors: |
You should carefully consider the information set forth in this prospectus and, in particular, the specific factors set forth in the Risk Factors section beginning on page 84 of this prospectus before deciding whether or not to invest in shares of our common stock. |
(1) The number of outstanding shares before the offering is based upon 183,593,073 shares outstanding as of April 11, 2013 and excludes:
(2) The number of outstanding shares after the offering is based upon 204,926,277 shares outstanding as of April 11, 2013, assuming all the warrants being offered have been exercised and excludes:
RISK FACTORS
Investing in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. Before investing in our common stock you should carefully consider the following risks, together with the financial and other information contained in this prospectus. If any of the following risks actually occurs, our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected. In that case, the trading price of our common stock would likely decline and you may lose all or a part of your investment.
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Risks Associated with the Holbrook Basin Project
The Holbrook Project may be subject to unknown land title defects.
Although we believe we have exercised reasonable due diligence with respect to determining title to our properties, there is no guarantee that title to our properties and other tenure will not be challenged or impugned. No assurances can be given that there are no title defects affecting our properties. Our properties may be subject to prior unregistered liens, agreements, transfers or claims and title may be affected by, among other things, undetected defects. There may be valid challenges to the title of our properties which, if successful, could prevent us from operating our properties as planned or permitted or prevent us from enforcing our rights with respect to our properties.
We may not locate any commercially viable mineral deposits on any of our current properties within the Holbrook Basin Project, which would have an adverse effect on the value of our common stock.
Our exploration for commercially viable mineral deposits is highly speculative in nature and involves the substantial risk that no viable mineral deposits will be located on any of our properties within the Holbrook Basin Project. There is a considerable risk that any exploration program we conduct on our properties may not result in the discovery of any significant mineralization or commercially viable mineral deposits. We may encounter numerous geological features that limit our ability to locate mineralization or that interfere with our planned exploration programs, each of which could result in our exploration efforts proving unsuccessful. In such a case, we may incur the costs associated with an exploration program without realizing any benefit. This would likely result in a decrease in the value of our common stock and investors may lose their entire investment.
There is no guarantee that we will be able to finance the Holbrook Basin Project for production if we are successful at locating a commercially viable mineral deposit.
If we are successful at locating a commercially viable mineral deposit on any of our current properties within the Holbrook Basin Project, then any decision to proceed with production on the Holbrook Basin Project will require significant production financing. If we are unable to source production financing on commercially viable terms, we may not be able to proceed with the project and may have to write-off our investment in the project.
A portion of our properties is within the expanded boundaries of the Petrified Forest National Park, which may expose us to increased environmental and regulatory scrutiny.
Our Holbrook Basin Project is in close proximity to the Petrified Forest National Park (PFNP), a national park in northeastern Arizona protected by the United States National Parks Services. In December 2004, the United States government enacted legislation which expanded the authorized boundaries of the PFNP by approximately 125,000 acres to include adjacent lands. Portions of our Twin Butte Ranch property fall within the expanded boundaries of the PFNP. Although the enabling legislation for the expansion of the PFNP provides that the Secretary of the Interior may only acquire land in private ownership from willing sellers, the proximity of our properties to the PFNP may expose us to increased environmental and regulatory scrutiny.
The proximity of our properties to the PFNP could lead to the denials of approvals and permits necessary to develop portions or our Holbrook Project. Furthermore, the proposed expansion of the PFNP boundaries could limit our ability to acquire additional mineral rights, and additional acquisitions of lands or interests in land by the National Park Service would lead to further overlap with our current holdings.
Continued government and public emphasis on environmental issues can be expected to result in increased future investments in environmental controls at ongoing operations, which may lead to increased expenses. Permit renewals and compliance with present and future environmental laws and regulations applicable to our operations may require substantial capital expenditures and may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.
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Risks Related to Our Business
We are an emerging growth company under the JOBS Act of 2012, and we cannot be certain if the reduced disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies will make our common stock less attractive to investors.
We are an emerging growth company, as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (JOBS Act), and we may take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation, shareholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved and presenting the relationship between executive compensation actually paid and our financial performance. We cannot predict if investors will find our common stock less attractive because we may rely on these exemptions. If some investors find our common stock less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our common stock and our stock price may be more volatile.
We will remain an emerging growth company for up to five years after our first sale of common stock pursuant to a Securities Act registration statement, although we will lose that status sooner if our revenues exceed $1 billion, if we issue more than $1 billion in non-convertible debt in a three year period, or if the market value of our common stock that is held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of any August 31.
Our status as an emerging growth company under the JOBS Act of 2012 may make it more difficult to raise capital as and when we need it. Because of the exemptions from various reporting requirements provided to us as an emerging growth company, we may be less attractive to investors and it may be difficult for us to raise additional capital as and when we need it. If we are unable to raise additional capital as and when we need it, our financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.
We are an exploration stage company with no current revenue source and a history of operating losses and there is an expectation that we will generate operating losses for the foreseeable future; we may not achieve profitability for some time, if at all.
We have a history of operating losses and there can be no assurance that we will ever be profitable. We presently have no ability to generate earnings as our properties are in the exploration stage. Significant operating losses are anticipated for at least the next several years before we will be able to generate any revenues. If the Holbrook Basin Project is successfully developed and operated, we anticipate that we will retain future earnings and other cash resources for the future operation and development of our business.
We will require additional financing in order to continue our exploration activities and our assessment of the commercial viability of our mineral properties, and if we raise additional financing existing security holders may experience dilution.
We will need to raise additional financing to complete further exploration of our mineral properties. Furthermore, if the costs of our planned exploration programs are greater than anticipated, we may have to seek additional funds through public or private share offerings or arrangements with corporate partners. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in our efforts to raise these required funds, or on terms satisfactory to us. The continued exploration of our mineral properties and the development of our business will depend upon our ability to establish the commercial viability of our mineral properties and to ultimately develop cash flow from operations and reach profitable operations. We currently are in the exploration stage and we have no revenue from operations and we are experiencing significant negative cash flow from operations. Accordingly, the only other sources of funds presently available to us are through the sale of equity. We presently believe that debt financing will not be an alternative to us as all of our properties are in the exploration stage. Alternatively, we may finance our business by offering an interest in our mineral properties to be earned by another party or parties carrying out further exploration thereof or to obtain project or operating financing from financial institutions, neither of which is presently intended. If we are able to raise funds from the sale of our securities, existing security holders may experience significant dilution of their ownership interests and possibly to the value of their existing securities. If we are unable to obtain this additional financing, we will not be able to continue our exploration activities and our assessment of the commercial viability of our mineral properties.
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As our mineral properties do not contain any reserves or any known body of economic mineralization, we may not discover commercially exploitable quantities of potash on our mineral properties that would enable us to enter into commercial production, achieve revenues and recover the money we spend on exploration.
Our properties do not contain reserves in accordance with the definitions adopted by the SEC and there is no assurance that any exploration programs that we carry out will establish reserves. All of our mineral properties are in the exploration stage as opposed to the development stage and have no known body of economic mineralization. The known potash mineralization at these projects has not yet been determined to be economic, and may never be determined to be economic. We plan to conduct further exploration activities on our mineral properties, which future exploration may include the completion of feasibility studies necessary to evaluate whether a commercial mineable mineral body exists on any of our mineral properties. There is a substantial risk that these exploration activities will not result in discoveries of commercially recoverable quantities of potash. Any determination that our properties contain commercially recoverable quantities of potash may not be reached until such time that final comprehensive feasibility studies have been concluded that establish that a potential mine is likely to be economic. There is a substantial risk that any preliminary or final feasibility studies carried out by us will not result in a positive determination that our mineral properties can be commercially developed.
Our exploration activities on our mineral properties may not be successful, which could lead us to abandon our plans to develop such properties and our investments in exploration.
We are an exploration stage company and have not as yet established any reserves on our properties. Our long-term success depends on our ability to establish commercially recoverable quantities of potash on our mineral properties that can then be developed into commercially viable mining operations. Mineral exploration is highly speculative in nature, involves many risks and is frequently non-productive. These risks include unusual or unexpected geologic formations, and the inability to obtain suitable or adequate machinery, equipment or labor. The success of mineral exploration is determined in part by the following factors:
Substantial expenditures are required to establish proven and probable reserves through drilling and analysis, to develop processes to extract potash, and to develop the mining and processing facilities and infrastructure at any site chosen for mining. Whether a mineral deposit will be established or determined to be commercially viable depends on a number of factors, which include, without limitation, the particular attributes of the deposit, such as size, grade and proximity to infrastructure; potash prices, which fluctuate widely; and government regulations, including, without limitation, regulations relating to prices, taxes, royalties, land tenure, land use, importing and exporting of minerals and environmental protection. We may invest significant capital and resources in exploration activities and abandon such investments if we are unable to identify commercially exploitable mineral reserves. The decision to abandon a project may reduce the trading price of our common stock and impair our ability to raise future financing. We cannot provide any assurance to investors that we will discover any mineralized material in sufficient quantities on any of our properties to justify commercial operations. Further, we will not be able to recover the funds that we spend on exploration if we are not able to establish commercially recoverable quantities of potash on our mineral properties.
We have a history of operating losses and there can be no assurances we will be profitable in the future.
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We have a history of operating losses, expect to continue to incur losses, are considered to be in the exploration stage, and may never be profitable. Further, we have been dependent on sales of our equity securities to meet our cash requirements. We incurred net loss of $3,583,102 for the nine months ended November 30, 2012. We incurred net profit of $8,505,659 in the year ended February 29, 2012, however, this net profit was a result of substantial non-cash decrease in derivative liability, and net losses totaling $31,208,831 in the year ended February 28, 2011. Further, we do not expect positive cash flow from operations in the near term. There is no assurance that actual cash requirements will not exceed our estimates. In particular, additional capital may be required in the event that: (i) the costs to acquire additional mineral exploration claims are more than we currently anticipate; (ii) exploration costs for additional claims increase beyond our expectations; or (iii) we encounter greater costs associated with general and administrative expenses or offering costs.
Our participation in mineral exploration prospects has required and will continue to require substantial capital expenditures. The uncertainty and factors described throughout this section may impede our ability to economically discover mineral prospects. As a result, we may not be able to achieve or sustain profitability or positive cash flows from operating activities in the future.
Our operations are subject to losses due to exchange rate fluctuation.
We maintain accounts in Canadian currency. Our equity financings have to-date been priced in Canadian dollars, however our material project is located in the United States and requires regular currency conversions to U.S. dollars. Our operations are accordingly subject to currency fluctuations and such fluctuations may materially affect our financial position and results. We do not engage in currency hedging activities.
Declining economic conditions could negatively impact our business.
Our operations are affected by local, national and worldwide economic conditions. Markets in the US, Canada and elsewhere have been experiencing extreme volatility and disruption for more than 12 months, due in part to the financial stresses affecting the liquidity of the banking system and the financial markets generally. The consequences of a potential or prolonged recession may include a lower level of economic activity and uncertainty regarding energy prices and the capital and commodity markets. Instability in the financial markets, as a result of recession or otherwise, also may affect the cost of capital and our ability to raise capital.
The mining industry is very competitive and our ability to attract and retain qualified contractors and staff is critical to our success. The departure of key personnel or loss of key contractors could adversely affect our ability to run our business and achieve our business objectives.
We will compete in the hiring of appropriate geological, engineering, permitting, environmental and other operational experts to assist with the location, exploration and development of our mineral property interests and implementation of our business plan. We believe we will have to offer or pay appropriate cash compensation and options to induce persons to be associated with an exploration stage company.
In addition, we depend to a great extent on principal members of our management. If we lose the services of any key personnel, in particular, Mr. Joshua Bleak, our President and CEO, who has been instrumental in the growth and expansion of our business, it could significantly impede our growth plans and corporate strategies, identifying business opportunities, recruiting new staff, and retaining existing capable staff. The recruiting and retaining of qualified scientific, technical and managerial personnel is critical to our success. We do not currently have any key man life insurance policies. We may not be able to retain existing personnel or attract and retain qualified staff in the future.
If we are unable to hire qualified contractors and staff and retain personnel in key positions because of our limited resources, we may be unable to proceed with the implementation of our business plan of exploring and possibly developing our mineral property interests. In that event, investors will have their investment impaired or it may be entirely lost.
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We face competition from larger companies having access to substantially more resources than we possess.
Our competitors include other mineral exploration and mining companies and fertilizer producers in the United States and globally, including state-owned and government-subsidized entities. Many of these competitors are large, well-established companies and have substantially larger operating staffs and greater capital resources than we do. We may not be able to successfully conduct our operations, evaluate and select suitable properties and consummate transactions in this highly competitive environment. Specifically, these larger competitors may be able to pay more for exploratory prospects and productive mineral properties and may be able to define, evaluate, bid for and purchase a greater number of properties and prospects than our financial or human resources permit. In addition, such companies may be able to expend greater resources on the existing and changing technologies that we believe are and will be increasingly important to attaining success in the industry. If our competition is such that we cannot compete and generate a sufficient return on our investment and operations, we may be forced to curtail our operations, resulting in a loss to investors.
There is substantial doubt as to whether we can continue as a going concern.
Our auditors have included an explanatory paragraph in their opinion that accompanies our audited financial statements as of and for the year ended February 29, 2012, indicating that we have incurred losses since inception of the exploration stage of $25,453,864 which raises substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. The accompanying financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
Our officers and directors may be subject to conflicts of interest.
Some of our officers and directors serve only part time and may be subject to conflicts of interest. Each may devote part of his working time to other business endeavors, including consulting relationships with other corporate entities, and may have responsibilities to these other entities. Such conflicts may include deciding how much time to devote to our affairs, as well as what business opportunities should be presented to us. Because of these relationships, some of our officers and directors may be subject to conflicts of interest.
Joshua Bleak, our President, CEO and a director, as well as John Eckersley, our Vice President and a director, serve full time (40 hours per week). All of the other directors and officers only provide services to us on a part time basis as follows:
Laara Shaffer (CFO and a director) 15
hours per week;
Ali Rahimtula (director) 10 hours per week;
David
Salisbury (director) 10 hours per week;
Dennis Ickes (director) 10 hours
per week; and
Jerry Aiken (director) 10 hours per week.
We are required to indemnify our directors and executive officers against liability to us and our stockholders, and such indemnification could increase our operating costs.
Our Articles require us to indemnify our directors and officers against claims associated with carrying out the duties of their offices. Our Articles also require us to reimburse them for expenses actually and reasonably incurred by such director and/or officer in respect of legal proceedings relating to carrying out the duties of their offices.
Since our directors and executive officer are aware that they may be indemnified for carrying out the duties of their offices, they may be less motivated to meet the standards required by law to properly carry out such duties, which could increase our operating costs. Further, if our directors or executive officer file a claim against us for indemnification, the associated expenses could also increase our operating costs.
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Loss of Foreign Private Issuer Status under U.S. Securities Laws may lead to significantly higher costs and expenses.
Based on our analysis of the number of our shares held by persons residing in the U.S., as well as the majority of our assets being in the U.S., we do not meet the definition of a foreign private issuer under U.S. securities laws. As a result, we are subject to U.S. securities laws as applicable to a U.S. domestic company. The loss of foreign private issuer status may lead to significantly higher regulatory and compliance costs to us under U.S. securities laws. We are required to file periodic reports and registration statements on U.S. domestic issuer forms with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which are more detailed and extensive than the forms available to a foreign private issuer. We also have to mandatorily comply with U.S. federal proxy requirements, and our officers, directors and principal shareholders will become subject to the short-swing profit disclosure and recovery provisions of Section 16 of the Exchange Act. We may also be required to modify certain of our policies to comply with good governance practices associated with U.S. domestic issuers. Such conversion and modifications will involve additional costs. In addition, we may lose our ability to rely upon exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements on U.S. stock exchanges that are available to foreign private issuers.
General Risks Associated with Our Exploration Activities
Mining operations are subject to comprehensive regulation, which may cause substantial delays or require capital outlays in excess of those anticipated, causing an adverse effect on our business operations.
If economic quantities of minerals are found on any of our mineral property interests by us in sufficient quantities to warrant mining operations, such mining operations will be subject to federal, state, and local laws relating to the protection of the environment, including laws regulating removal of natural resources from the ground and the discharge of materials into the environment. Mining operations are also subject to federal, state, and local laws and regulations which seek to maintain health and safety standards by regulating the design and use of mining methods and equipment. Various permits from government bodies are required for mining operations to be conducted; no assurance can be given that such permits will be received. Environmental standards imposed by federal, provincial, or local authorities may be changed and any such changes may have material adverse effects on our activities. Moreover, compliance with such laws may cause substantial delays or require capital outlays in excess of those anticipated, thus resulting in an adverse effect on us. Additionally, we may be subject to liability for pollution or other environmental damages which we may elect not to insure against due to prohibitive premium costs and other reasons. To date we have not been required to spend material amounts on compliance with environmental regulations. However, we may be required to do so in future and this may affect our ability to expand or maintain our operations.
Mineral exploration and development and mining activities are subject to certain environmental regulations, which may prevent or delay the commencement or continuance of our operations.
Mineral exploration and development and future potential mining operations are or will be subject to stringent federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to improving or maintaining environmental quality. Environmental laws often require parties to pay for remedial action or to pay damages regardless of fault. Environmental laws also often impose liability with respect to divested or terminated operations, even if the operations were terminated or divested of many years ago.
Future potential mining operations and current exploration activities are or will be subject to extensive laws and regulations governing prospecting, development, production, exports, taxes, labor standards, occupational health, waste disposal, protection and remediation of the environment, protection of endangered and protected species, mine safety, toxic substances and other matters. Mining is also subject to risks and liabilities associated with pollution of the environment and disposal of waste products occurring as a result of mineral exploration and production. Compliance with these laws and regulations will impose substantial costs on us and will subject us to significant potential liabilities.
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Costs associated with environmental liabilities and compliance are expected to increase with the increasing scale and scope of operations and we expect these costs may increase in the future.
We believe that our operations comply, in all material respects, with all applicable environmental regulations. However, we are not fully insured at the current date against possible environmental risks.
Our operations are dependent on receiving the required permits and approvals from governmental authorities. Denial or delay by a government agency in issuing any of our permits and approvals or imposition of restrictive conditions on us with respect to these permits and approvals may impair our business and operations.
We must obtain numerous environmental and exploration permits and approvals authorizing our future operations. A decision by a government agency to deny a permit or approval could have a material adverse effect on our ability to continue operations at the affected location and may have a material adverse effect on our business operations.
In addition, if we are successful at identifying a commercially viable potash deposit on our Holbrook Basin Project, the future potential development of such deposit into a mine is also predicated upon securing all necessary permits and approvals. A denial of or delay in obtaining any of these permits or approvals or the issuance of any of these permits with cost-prohibitive conditions could interfere with any potential development of this property and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Our business involves many operating risks, which may result in substantial losses, and insurance may be unavailable or inadequate to protect us against these risks.
Our operations are subject to hazards and risks associated with the exploration of natural resources and related fertilizer materials and products, such as: fires; explosions; inclement weather and natural disasters; mechanical failures; unscheduled downtime; and availability of needed equipment at acceptable prices. Any of these risks can cause substantial losses resulting from: damage to and destruction of property, natural resources and equipment; regulatory investigations and penalties; revocation or denial of our permits; suspension of our operations; and repair and remediation costs.
Our liability for environmental hazards may extend to those created either by the previous owners of properties that we purchase or lease or by acquired companies prior to the date we acquire them. We do not currently maintain insurance against all of the risks described above. In the future we may not be able to obtain insurance at premium levels that justify its purchase. We may also experience losses in amounts in excess of the insurance coverages carried. Either of these occurrences could harm our financial condition and results of operations.
Potash is a commodity with a selling price that is highly dependent on the business and economic conditions and governmental policies affecting the agricultural industry. These factors are outside of our control and may significantly affect our profitability.
If we are able to achieve commercial production on any of our properties, our future revenues, operating results, profitability and rate of growth will depend primarily upon business and economic conditions and governmental policies affecting the agricultural industry, which we cannot control. The agricultural products business can be affected by a number of factors. The most important of these factors, for U.S. markets, are: weather patterns and field conditions (particularly during periods of traditionally high crop nutrients consumption); quantities of crop nutrients imported to and exported from North America; current and projected grain inventories and prices, both of which are heavily influenced by U.S. exports and world-wide grain markets; and U.S. governmental policies, including farm and biofuel policies and subsidies, which may directly or indirectly influence the number of acres planted, the level of grain inventories, the mix of crops planted or crop prices.
International market conditions, which are also outside of our control, may also significantly influence our future operating results. The international market for crop nutrients is influenced by such factors as the relative value of the U.S. dollar and its impact upon the cost of importing crop nutrients, foreign agricultural policies, the existence of, or changes in, import barriers, or foreign currency fluctuations in certain foreign markets, changes in the hard currency demands of certain countries and other regulatory policies of foreign governments, as well as the laws and policies of the United States affecting foreign trade and investment.
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Government regulation may adversely affect our business and results of operations.
Projects related to mineral exploration, mining and natural resources are subject to various and numerous federal, state and local government regulations, which may be changed from time to time. There are federal, state and local laws and regulations primarily relating to protection of human health and the environment applicable to the exploration, mining, development, production, handling, storage, transportation and disposal of natural resources, including potash, or its by-products and other substances and materials produced or used in connection with mining operations. Activities subject to regulation include the use, handling, processing, storage, transportation and disposal of hazardous materials, and we could incur substantial additional costs to comply with environmental, health and safety law requirements related to these activities. We also could incur substantial costs for liabilities arising from past unknown releases of, or exposure to, hazardous substances.
Under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, we could be held jointly and severally responsible for the removal or remediation of any hazardous substance contamination at future facilities, at neighboring properties to which such contamination may have migrated and at third-party waste disposal sites to which we have sent waste. We could also be held liable for natural resource damages. Liabilities under these and other environmental health and safety laws involve inherent uncertainties. Violations of environmental, health and safety laws are subject to civil, and, in some cases, criminal sanctions. As a result of liabilities under and violations of environmental, health and safety laws and related uncertainties, we may incur unexpected interruptions to operations, fines, penalties or other reductions in income, third-party claims for property damage or personal injury or remedial or other costs that would negatively impact our financial condition and operating results. Finally, we may discover currently unknown environmental problems or conditions. The discovery of currently unknown environmental problems may subject us to material capital expenditures or liabilities in the future.
Continued government and public emphasis on environmental issues can be expected to result in increased future investments for environmental controls at ongoing operations, which may lead to increased expenses. Permit renewals and compliance with present and future environmental laws and regulations applicable to our operations may require substantial capital expenditures and may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.
Risks Related to Our Securities
We do not intend to pay dividends and there will thus be fewer ways in which you are able to make a gain on your investment.
We do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future and we may not have sufficient funds legally available to pay dividends. To the extent that we require additional funding currently not provided for in our financing plans, our funding sources may prohibit the payment of any dividends. Because we do not intend to declare dividends, any gain on your investment will need to result from an appreciation in the price of our common stock. There will therefore be fewer ways in which you are able to make a gain on your investment.
Our stock is a penny stock. Trading of our stock may be restricted by the SEC's penny stock regulations which may limit a stockholder's ability to buy and sell our stock.
Our stock is a penny stock. The SEC has adopted Rule 15g-9 which generally defines penny stock to be any equity security that has a market price (as defined) less than $5.00 per share or an exercise price of less than $5.00 per share, subject to certain exceptions. Our securities are covered by the penny stock rules, which impose additional sales practice requirements on broker-dealers who sell to persons other than established customers and accredited investors. The term accredited investor refers generally to institutions with assets in excess of $5,000,000 or individuals with a net worth in excess of $1,000,000, not including any equity in that persons or persons spouses primary residence, or annual income exceeding $200,000 or $300,000 jointly with their spouse. The penny stock rules require a broker-dealer, prior to a transaction in a penny stock not otherwise exempt from the rules, to deliver a standardized risk disclosure document in a form prepared by the SEC which provides information about penny stocks and the nature and level of risks in the penny stock market. The broker-dealer also must provide the customer with current bid and offer quotations for the penny stock, the compensation of the broker-dealer and its salesperson in the transaction and monthly account statements showing the market value of each penny stock held in the customer's account. The bid and offer quotations, and the broker-dealer and salesperson compensation information, must be given to the customer orally or in writing prior to effecting the transaction and must be given to the customer in writing before or with the customer's confirmation. In addition, the penny stock rules require that prior to a transaction in a penny stock not otherwise exempt from these rules, the broker-dealer must make a special written determination that the penny stock is a suitable investment for the purchaser and receive the purchaser's written agreement to the transaction. These disclosure requirements may have the effect of reducing the level of trading activity in the secondary market for the stock that is subject to these penny stock rules. Consequently, these penny stock rules may affect the ability of broker-dealers to trade our securities. We believe that the penny stock rules discourage investor interest in and limit the marketability of our common stock.
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FINRA sales practice requirements may also limit a stockholder's ability to buy and sell our stock.
In addition to the penny stock rules promulgated by the SEC, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) has adopted rules that require that in recommending an investment to a customer, a broker-dealer must have reasonable grounds for believing that the investment is suitable for that customer. Prior to recommending speculative low priced securities to their non-institutional customers, broker-dealers must make reasonable efforts to obtain information about the customers financial status, tax status, investment objectives and other information. Under interpretations of these rules, FINRA believes that there is a high probability that speculative low priced securities will not be suitable for at least some customers. The FINRA requirements make it more difficult for broker-dealers to recommend that their customers buy our common stock, which may limit your ability to buy and sell our stock.
Any future sales of our equity securities will dilute the ownership percentage of our existing stockholders and may decrease the market price for our common stock.
Given our lack of revenues and the doubtful prospect that we will earn significant revenues in the next several years, we will likely have to issue additional equity securities to obtain funds for our planned exploration operations and acquisition activities. Our efforts to fund our planned exploration and acquisition activities will therefore result in dilution to our existing stockholders. In short, our continued need to sell equity will result in reduced percentage ownership interests for all of our investors, which may decrease the market price for our common stock.
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus contains forward-looking statements. Such statements include statements regarding our expectations, hopes, beliefs or intentions regarding the future, including but not limited to statements regarding our market, strategy, competition, development plans (including acquisitions and expansion), financing, revenues, operations, and compliance with applicable laws. Forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from those discussed in any such statement. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking statements include the risks described in greater detail in the following paragraphs. All forward-looking statements in this document are made as of the date hereof, based on information available to us as of the date hereof, and we assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statement. Market data used throughout this prospectus is based on published third party reports or the good faith estimates of management, which estimates are based upon their review of internal surveys, independent industry publications and other publicly available information.
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You should review carefully the section entitled Risk Factors beginning on page 84 of this prospectus for a discussion of these and other risks that relate to our business and investing in shares of our common stock.
USE OF PROCEEDS
The selling stockholders will receive all of the proceeds from the sale of the shares offered by them under this prospectus. We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of the shares by the selling stockholders covered by this prospectus.
MARKET FOR OUR COMMON STOCK AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
Market Information
Our common stock has been publicly traded in the United States since March 1, 2011 on the OTCQX. Our common stock is quoted under the symbol PPRTF. The following table sets forth for the periods indicated the range of high and low bid quotations per share as reported by the OTCQX. These quotations represent inter-dealer prices, without retail markups, markdowns or commissions and may not necessarily represent actual transactions.
OTCQX | ||||
High | Low | |||
Quarter Ended | ($) | ($) | ||
February 28, 2013 | 0.23 | 0.18 | ||
November 30, 2012 | 0.24 | 0.16 | ||
August 31, 2012 | 0.24 | 0.17 | ||
May 31, 2012 | 0.35 | 0.18 | ||
February 29, 2012 | 0.40 | 0.16 | ||
November 30, 2011 | 0.64 | 0.22 | ||
August 31, 2011 | 0.80 | 0.45 | ||
May 31, 2011 | 1.30 | 0.57 |
On April 11, 2013, the high and low prices of our common stock as reported on the OTCQX were $0.21 and $0.20, respectively.
Our common shares are also traded on the TSX-V. Our common shares commenced trading on the TSX-V on October 3, 2001 under the symbol PPI. On April 11, 2013, the high and low trading prices of our common shares on the TSX-V were CAD$0.205 and CAD$0.195, respectively. The following table shows the high and low trading prices in Canadian dollars of our common shares on the TSX-V for the periods indicated.
TSX Venture Exchange | ||||
High | Low | |||
Quarter Ended | (CAD$) | (CAD$) | ||
February 28, 2013 | $0.24 | $0.19 | ||
November 30, 2012 | $0.23 | $0.16 | ||
August 31, 2012 | $0.24 | $0.17 | ||
May 31, 2012 | $0.29 | $0.18 | ||
February 29, 2012 | $0.395 | $0.165 | ||
November 30, 2011 | $0.63 | $0.225 | ||
August 31, 2011 | $0.75 | $0.43 | ||
May 31, 2011 | $0.95 | $0.53 | ||
February 28, 2011 | $1.86 | $0.245 | ||
November 30, 2010 | $0.385 | $0.055 |
Holders
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On April 8, 2013, we had approximately 637 shareholders of record, which does not include shareholders whose shares are held in street or nominee names.
Options
As of April 11, 2013, we have 16,811,892 stock options outstanding which are exercisable into 16,811,892 shares of our common stock.
Warrants
As of April 11, 2013, we have 72,073,490 common share purchase warrants outstanding which are exercisable into 72,073,490 shares of common stock.
Convertible Debentures
As of April 11, 2013, we have convertible debentures in the amount of $5,790,540 which are convertible into 30,476,526 shares of common stock without giving effect to accrued interest.
Dividend Policy
We have not paid any cash dividends on our common shares since our inception and do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. We plan to retain our earnings, if any, to provide funds for the expansion of our business.
Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans
The following table shows our equity securities that are authorized for issuance pursuant to equity compensation plans for our most recently completed fiscal year ended February 29, 2012.
Plan Category |
Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights (a) |
Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights (b) |
Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a)) (c) |
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders |
16,811,892 |
CAD$0.32 |
120,478 |
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders | Nil | Nil | Nil |
Total | 16,811,892 | CAD$0.32 | 120,478 |
2011 Rolling Share Option Plan
On July 20, 2011, our Board of Directors approved the adoption of a new share option plan (the 2011 Plan) to comply with the current policies of the TSXV and the amendments to the Income Tax Act (Canada) which impose withholding obligations on taxable benefits arising at the time options are exercised. The 2011 Plan was subject to approval of the TSXV and our shareholders. On August 25, 2011, our shareholders approved the 2011 Plan. On November 24, 2011, the TSXV approved the 2011 Plan.
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The purpose of the 2011 Plan is to provide incentives to qualified parties to increase their proprietary interest in us and thereby encourage their continuing association with us. The 2011 Plan is administered by the Board of Directors. The 2011 Plan provides that options will be issued to our directors, officers, employees or consultants or our subsidiary. The 2011 Plan also provides that the number of common shares issuable under the 2011 Plan, together with all of our other previously established or proposed share compensation arrangements, may not exceed 10% of the total number of issued and outstanding common shares (considered to be a rolling stock option plan). Pursuant to the 2011 Plan all options expire on a date not later than 10 years after the date of grant of an option. All options outstanding under any existing share plan were rolled into the 2011 Plan.
The TSXV policies also require shareholders to annually approve the continuation of the 2011 Plan at subsequent annual general meetings by ordinary resolution. On November 29, 2012, our shareholders approved the continuation of the 2011 Plan at the Annual General and Special Meeting of Shareholders.
The 2011 Plan is subject to the following restrictions:
(a) |
We must not grant an option to a director, employee, consultant, or consultant company (the Service Provider) in any 12 month period that exceeds 5% of the outstanding shares, unless we have obtained approval by a majority of the votes cast by our shareholders eligible to vote at a shareholders meeting, excluding votes attaching to shares beneficially owned by insiders and their associates (Disinterested Shareholder Approval); | |
(b) |
The aggregate number of options granted to a Service Provider conducting investor relations activities in any 12 month period must not exceed 2% of the outstanding shares calculated at the date of the grant, without the prior consent of the TSXV; | |
(d) |
We must not grant an option to a consultant in any 12 month period that exceeds 2% of the outstanding shares calculated at the date of the grant of the option; | |
(e) |
The number of optioned shares issued to insiders in any 12 month period must not exceed 10% of the outstanding shares (in the event that the 2011 Plan is amended to reserve for issuance more than 10% of the outstanding shares) unless we have obtained Disinterested Shareholder Approval to do so; | |
(f) |
The exercise price of an option previously granted to an insider must not be reduced, unless we have obtained Disinterested Shareholder Approval to do so. | |
The following is a summary of the material terms of the 2011 Plan: | ||
(a) |
Persons who are Service Providers to us or our affiliates, or who are providing services to us or our affiliates, are eligible to receive grants of options under the 2011 Plan; | |
(b) |
Options granted under the 2011 Plan are non-assignable and non-transferable and are issuable for a period of up to 10 years; | |
(c) |
For options granted to Service Providers, we must ensure that the proposed optionee is a bona fide Service Provider of us or our affiliates; | |
(d) |
An option granted to any Service Provider will expire within one year (or such other time, not to exceed one year, as shall be determined by the Board as at the date of grant or agreed to by the Board and the optionee at any time prior to expiry of the option), after the date the optionee ceases to be employed by or provide services to us, but only to the extent that such option was vested at the date the optionee ceased to be so employed by or to provide services to us; | |
(e) |
If an optionee dies, any vested option held by him or her at the date of death will become exercisable by the optionees lawful personal representatives, heirs or executors until the earlier of one year after the date of death of such optionee and the date of expiration of the term otherwise applicable to such option; |
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(f) |
In the case of an optionee being dismissed from employment or service for cause, such optionees options, whether or not vested at the date of dismissal, will immediately terminate without right to exercise same; | |
(g) |
The exercise price of each option will be set by the Board on the effective date of the option and will not be less than the Discounted Market Price (as defined in the 2011 Plan); | |
(h) |
Vesting of options shall be at the discretion of the Board, and will generally be subject to: (i) the Service Provider remaining employed by or continuing to provide services to us or our affiliates, as well as, at the discretion of the Board, achieving certain milestones which may be defined by the Board from time to time or receiving a satisfactory performance review by us or our affiliates during the vesting period; or (ii) the Service Provider remaining as a Director of us or our affiliates during the vesting period; and | |
(i) |
The Board reserves the right in its absolute discretion to amend, suspend, terminate or discontinue the 2011 Plan with respect to all 2011 Plan shares in respect of options which have not yet been granted under the 2011 Plan. |
The Board has determined that, in order to reasonably protect the rights of participants, as a matter of administration, it is necessary to clarify when amendments to the 2011 Plan may be made by the Board without further shareholder approval. Accordingly, the Board may, without shareholder approval:
(i) |
amend the 2011 Plan to correct typographical, grammatical or clerical errors; | |
(ii) |
change the vesting provisions of an option granted under the 2011 Plan, subject to prior written approval of the TSXV, if applicable; | |
(iii) |
change the termination provision of an option granted under the 2011 Plan if it does not entail an extension beyond the original expiry date of such option; | |
(iv) |
make such amendments to the 2011 Plan as are necessary or desirable to reflect changes to securities laws applicable to us; | |
(v) |
make such amendments as may otherwise be permitted by the TSXV Policies; | |
(vi) |
if we become listed or quoted on a stock exchange or stock market senior to the TSXV, make such amendments as may be required by the policies of such senior stock exchange or stock market; and | |
(vii) |
amend the 2011 Plan to reduce the benefits that may be granted to Service Providers. |
Potential Share Consolidation
Our management wishes to be in a position to effect a consolidation of our issued and outstanding shares of common stock on a basis of up to ten (10) pre-consolidated common shares without par value for one (1) post-consolidated common shares without par value, or such lesser whole number of pre-consolidated common shares as the directors may determine (the Share Consolidation). Our management believes that the ability to effect the Share Consolidation will provide us with increased flexibility to seek additional financing opportunities and strategic acquisitions.
We currently have no maximum number of authorized common shares and on effecting any consolidation there will continue to be no maximum number of authorized common shares.
As set out in Section 83 of the British Columbia Business Corporations Act, if any fractional shares are to be converted into whole common shares, each fractional common share remaining after conversion that is less than one-half of a common share must be cancelled and each fractional common share that is at least one-half of a common share must be changed to one whole common share.
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Any registered shareholder who, on the date the Share Consolidation is effected, is the registered holder of a number of common shares not divisible by ten (10), then in such event, the number of post-consolidated shares shall be converted to whole common shares.
On August 25, 2011, our shareholders approved the Share Consolidation as proposed by our management, which among other things provided the board of directors in its absolute discretion to determine whether or not to proceed with the Share Consolidation without further approval, ratification or confirmation by the shareholders. The Board of Directors did not effect the Share Consolidation and the shareholder approval expired on August 25, 2012.
On November 29, 2012, we resubmitted the proposal of such Share Consolidation to our shareholders at the Annual General and Special Meeting of the Stockholders. The shareholders approved the Share Consolidation and the Board of Directors has by November 23, 2013 to implement the Share Consolidation. As of the date of this prospectus, we have not effected the Share Consolidation, which is also subject to regulatory approval, including the approval of the TSXV and Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).
Proposed Shareholder Rights Plan
On July 20, 2011, our Board of Directors approved the adoption of a shareholder rights plan (the Rights Plan) between us and Computershare Trust Company of Canada (Computershare Trust), as Rights Agent. The Boards objective in adopting the Rights Plan is to ensure the fair treatment of shareholders in connection with any take-over bid for our common shares. The Rights Plan was not adopted by the Board in response to any proposal to acquire control of us.
In accordance with TSXV policies, the Rights Plan must be ratified by a majority of the votes cast at a meeting of shareholders within six months of the adoption of the Rights Plan by the Board. At our annual and special general meeting held on August 25, 2011, our shareholders ratified and confirmed the Rights Plan.
The Rights Plan is subject to TSXV approval. The Rights Plan was approved by the TSXV on September 6, 2012.
Purpose of Rights Plan
The primary objective of the Rights Plan is to ensure that all of our shareholders are treated fairly in connection with any take-over bid for us by (a) providing shareholders with adequate time to properly assess a take-over bid without undue pressure and (b) providing the Board with more time to fully consider an unsolicited take-over bid, and, if applicable, to explore other alternatives to maximize shareholder value.
Summary of Rights Plan
The following description of the Rights Plan is a summary only.
Issue of Rights
We will issue one right (a Right) in respect of each common share outstanding at the close of business on the adoption of the Rights Plan. We will also issue Rights on the same basis for each common share issued after the Record Time but prior to the earlier of the Separation Time and the Expiration Time (both defined below).
The Rights
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Each Right will entitle the holder, subject to the terms and conditions of the Rights Plan, to purchase additional shares of our common stock after the Separation Time.
Rights Certificates and Transferability
Before the Separation Time, the Rights will be evidenced by certificates for the common shares, and are not transferable separately from the common shares. From and after the Separation Time, the Rights will be evidenced by separate Rights Certificates, which will be transferable separately from and independent of the common shares.
Exercise of Rights
The Rights are not exercisable before the Separation Time. After the Separation Time and before the Expiration Time, each Right entitles the holder to acquire one share for the exercise price of $50.00 (subject to certain anti-dilution adjustments). This exercise price is expected to be in excess of the estimated maximum value of the common shares during the term of the Rights Plan. Upon the occurrence of a Flip-In Event (defined below) prior to the Expiration Time, each Right (other than any Right held by an Acquiring Person, which will become null and void as a result of such Flip-In Event) may be exercised to purchase that number of common shares which have an aggregate market price equal to twice the exercise price of the Rights for a price equal to the exercise price (subject to adjustment). Effectively, this means our shareholder (other than the Acquiring Person) can acquire additional common shares from treasury at half their market price.
Definition of Acquiring Person
Subject to certain exceptions, an Acquiring Person is a person who becomes the Beneficial Owner (defined below) of 20% or more of our outstanding common shares.
Definition of Beneficial Ownership
A person is a Beneficial Owner of securities if such person or its affiliates or associates or any other person acting jointly or in concert with such person, owns the securities in law or equity, and has the right to acquire (immediately or within 60 days) the securities upon the exercise of any convertible securities or pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or understanding.
However, a person is not a Beneficial Owner under the Rights Plan where:
(a) |
the securities have been deposited with or tendered to such person pursuant to a tender or exchange offer or take-over bid by such person, unless those securities have been taken up or paid for; | ||
(b) |
the securities have been deposited with such person under a take-over bid pursuant to a permitted lock- up agreement; | ||
(c) |
such person (including a mutual fund or investment fund manager, trust company, pension fund administrator, trustee or non-discretionary client accounts of registered brokers or dealers) is engaged in the management of mutual funds, investment funds or public assets for others, as long as that person: | ||
(i) |
holds those shares in the ordinary course of its business for the account of others; | ||
(ii) |
is not making a take-over bid or acting jointly or in concert with a person who is making a take- over bid; or | ||
(iii) |
such person is a registered holder of securities as a result of carrying on the business of or acting as a nominee of a securities depository. |
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Definition of Separation Time
Separation Time occurs on the tenth trading day after the earlier of:
(a) |
the first date of public announcement that a person has become an Acquiring Person; | |
(b) |
the date of the commencement or announcement of the intent of a person to commence a take-over bid (other than a Permitted Bid or Competing Permitted Bid); and | |
(c) |
the date on which a Permitted Bid or Competing Permitted Bid ceases to qualify as such, |
or such later date as determined by the Board.
Definition of Expiration Time
Expiration Time occurs on the date being the earlier of:
(a) |
the time at which the right to exercise Rights is terminated under the terms of the Rights Plan; and | |
(b) |
immediately after our annual general meeting of shareholders to be held in 2014 unless at such meeting the duration of the Rights Plan is extended. |
Definition of a Flip-In Event
A Flip-In Event occurs when a person becomes an Acquiring Person. Upon the occurrence of a Flip-In Event, any Rights that are beneficially owned by an Acquiring Person, or any of its related parties to whom the Acquiring Person has transferred its Rights, will become null and void and, as a result, the Acquiring Persons investment in us will be greatly diluted if a substantial portion of the Rights are exercised after a Flip-In Event occurs.
Definition of Permitted Bid
A Permitted Bid is a take-over bid made by a person (the Offeror) pursuant to a take-over bid circular that complies with the following conditions:
(a) |
the bid is made to all registered holders of voting common shares, wherever resident (other than the Offeror); | |
(b) |
the Offeror agrees that no common shares will be taken up or paid for under the bid for at least 60 days following the commencement of the bid; and that no common shares will be taken up or paid for unless, at such date, more than 50% of the outstanding common shares held by shareholders, other than the Offeror and certain related parties, have been deposited pursuant to the bid and not withdrawn; | |
(c) |
the Offeror agrees that the common shares may be deposited to and withdrawn from the take-over bid at any time before such common shares are taken up and paid for; and | |
(d) |
if, on the date specified for take-up and payment, the condition in paragraph (b) above is satisfied, the Offeror will make a public announcement of that fact and the bid will remain open for an additional period of at least 10 business days to permit the remaining shareholders to tender their common shares. |
Definition of Competing Permitted Bid
A Competing Permitted Bid is a take-over bid that:
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(a) |
is made while another Permitted Bid or Competing Permitted Bid has been made and prior to the expiry of that Permitted Bid or Competing Permitted Bid; | |
(b) |
satisfies all the requirements of a Permitted Bid other than the requirement that the Offeror agrees that: (1) no common shares will be taken up or paid for under the bid: (i) for at least 60 days following the commencement of the bid; (ii) after such date, more than 50% of the outstanding common shares held by shareholders, other than the Offeror and certain related parties, have been deposited pursuant to the bid and not withdrawn; and (2) common shares may be deposited pursuant to such take-over bid at any time during the 60 day period described in (1)(i) of this paragraph, that any common shares deposited pursuant to such take-over bid may be withdrawn until taken up and paid for; and (3) upon deposit of more than 50% of the outstanding common shares as described under (1)(ii) in this paragraph, the Offeror will make a public announcement of such 50% deposit and such take-over bid is to remain open for deposits and tenders of common shares for a minimum of 10 business days from the date of such public announcement; and | |
(c) |
contains the conditions that no common shares be taken up or paid for pursuant to the Competing Permitted Bid (x) prior to the close of business on a date that is not earlier than the later of (1) the earliest date on which common shares may be taken up and paid for under any prior bid in existence at the date of such Competing Permitted Bid, and (2) 35 days after the date of such Competing Permitted Bid, and (y) unless, at the time that such common shares are first taken up or paid for, more than 50% of the then outstanding common shares held by shareholders, other than the Offeror and certain related parties, have been deposited pursuant to the Competing Permitted Bid and not withdrawn. |
Redemption of Rights
Subject to prior consent of the holders of common shares, all (but not less than all) of the Rights may be redeemed by the Board at any time before a Flip-In Event occurs at a redemption price of $0.0001 per Right (subject to adjustment). In addition, in the event of a successful Permitted Bid, Competing Permitted Bid or a bid for which the Board has waived the operation of the Rights Plan, we will immediately upon such acquisition and without further formality, redeem the Rights at the redemption price. If the Rights are redeemed pursuant to the Rights Plan, the right to exercise the Rights will, without further action and without notice, terminate and the only right thereafter of the Rights holders is to receive the redemption price.
Waiver
Before a Flip-In Event occurs, the Board may waive the application of the Flip-In provisions of the Rights Plan to any prospective Flip-In Event which would occur by reason of a take-over bid made by a take-over bid circular to all registered holders of common shares. However, if the Board waives the Rights Plan with respect to a particular bid, it will be deemed to have waived the Rights Plan with respect to any other take-over bid made by take-over bid circular to all registered holders of common shares before the expiry of that first bid. The Board may also waive the Flip-In provisions of the Rights Plan in respect of any Flip-In Event provided that the Board has determined that the Acquiring Person became an Acquiring Person through inadvertence and has reduced its ownership to such a level that it is no longer an Acquiring Person.
Term of the Rights Plan
Unless otherwise terminated, the Rights Plan will expire at the Expiration Time.
Amending Power
Except for amendments to correct clerical or typographical errors, shareholder (other than the Offeror and certain related parties) or Rights holder majority approval is required for supplements or amendments to the Rights Plan. In addition, any supplement or amendment to the Rights Plan will require the written concurrence of the Rights Agent and prior written consent of the TSXV.
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Rights Agent
The Rights Agent under the Rights Plan is Computershare Trust Company of Canada.
Rights Holder not a Shareholder
Until a Right is exercised, the holders thereof as such will have no rights as our shareholder.
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATION
The following discussion and analysis of our results of operations and financial condition should be read in conjunction with (i) our unaudited interim consolidated financial statements and related notes for the three and nine months ended November 30, 2012 and 2011 (ii) audited financial statements for the fiscal years ended February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011 and the notes thereto and (iii) the section entitled Business, included elsewhere in this prospectus. Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. All references to dollar amounts in this section are in U.S. dollars unless expressly stated otherwise.
Overview
We are an exploration stage company engaged in the acquisition, exploration and development of mineral resource properties. We currently have an interest in or have the right to earn an interest in six properties: Southwest Exploration Property, Twin Buttes Ranch, Sweetwater/American Potash, Mesa Uranium, Ringbolt Property and Fitzgerald Ranch, which are all located in Arizona.
Results of Operations
The following table sets forth our results of operations from inception of exploration stage (May 22, 2007) to November 30, 2012 as well as for the three and nine month periods ended November 30, 2012 and 2011:
May 22, 2007 | |||||||||||||||
(inception of | |||||||||||||||
Three month periods ended | Nine month periods ended | Exploration Stage) | |||||||||||||
November | November | November | November | to November 30, | |||||||||||
30, 2012 | 30, 2011 | 30, 2012 | 30, 2011 | 2012 | |||||||||||
Operating Expenses: | |||||||||||||||
Administration | $ | 19,289 | $ | - | $ | 45,381 | $ | 54,925 $ | 886,885 | ||||||
Advertising | 155,690 | 222,670 | 501,634 | 580,029 | 1,666,014 | ||||||||||
Business development | 181,261 | 111,924 | 487,609 | 217,046 | 898,976 | ||||||||||
Consulting fees | 181,054 | 437,727 | 494,912 | 1,452,465 | 7,755,518 | ||||||||||
Depreciation | 55 | 68 | 165 | 210 | 2,162 | ||||||||||
Foreign exchange (gain) loss | (9,481 | ) | 262,159 | 134,466 | 321,816 | 92,178 | |||||||||
Investor Relations | 82,157 | 32,479 | 270,828 | 579,961 | 1,249,581 | ||||||||||
Management fees | 165,576 | 375,012 | 502,620 | 826,122 | 3,115,957 | ||||||||||
Mineral property impairment | - | - | - | - | 652,784 | ||||||||||
Mineral property option payments and exploration costs | 1,797,091 | 958,510 | 5,591,134 | 5,928,560 | 16,849,403 | ||||||||||
Office and miscellaneous | 23,081 | 15,484 | 58,052 | 33,441 | 245,596 | ||||||||||
Professional fees | 120,763 | 31,573 | 457,262 | 120,183 | 1,014,672 | ||||||||||
Property investigation costs | - | - | - | - | 24,483 | ||||||||||
Transfer agent and filing fees | 13,584 | 13,057 | 32,882 | 60,386 | 316,084 |
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Net loss before other items | (2,730,120 | ) | (2,460,663 | ) | (8,576,945 | ) | (10,175,144 | ) | (34,770,293 | ) | |||||
Other Items | |||||||||||||||
Change in derivative liability | (142,178 | ) | 8,759,379 | 4,853,604 | 20,920,063 | 5,414,954 | |||||||||
Interest income | 3,043 | 16,418 | 27,571 | 16,418 | 90,068 | ||||||||||
Loss on debt settlement | - | - | - | - | (37,488 | ) | |||||||||
Mineral property - recovery | - | - | 112,668 | - | 112,668 | ||||||||||
Other Income | - | 14,651 | - | 14,651 | 153,125 | ||||||||||
(139,135 | ) | 8,790,448 | 4,993,843 | 20,951,132 | 5,733,327 | ||||||||||
Net profit (loss) | $ | (2,869,255 | ) | $ | 6,329,785 | $ | (3,583,102 | ) | $ | 10,775,988 | $ | (29,036,966 | ) | ||
Earnings (loss) per share - basic | (0.02 | ) | $ | 0.05 | $ | (0.02 | ) | $ | 0.09 | ||||||
Earnings per share - dilutive | $ | 0.01 | $ | 0.05 | $ | 0.00 | $ | 0.09 | |||||||
Weighted average number of shares - basic | 175,256,968 | 127,591,348 | 172,211,630 | 125,379,677 | |||||||||||
Weighted average number of shares - dilutive | 127,940,098 | 125,728,427 |
Results of Operations for the three month periods ended November 30, 2012 and 2011
Revenues
During the three month periods ended November 30, 2012 and 2011, we did not generate any revenues.
Operating Expenses
Operating expenses incurred during the three month period ended November 30, 2012 were $2,730,120 as compared to $2,460,663 during the three month period ended November 30, 2011. Significant changes and expenditures are outlined as follows:
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Other Items
During the three month period ended November 30, 2012, our other items accounted for $139,135 in expenses as compared to $8,790,448 in income for the three month period ended November 30, 2011. The significant changes in other items income (expenses) are outlined as follows:
Change in derivative liability was $(142,178) and $8,759,379 for the three month periods ended November 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The change in derivative liability was due to an increase in the fair value of the derivative liability for the three month period ended November 30, 2012 as compared to a decrease for the three month period ended November 30, 2011.
Interest income was $3,043 and $16,418 for the three month periods ended November 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The decrease was due to the Company having less funds in short term interest bearing securities during the three month period ended November 30, 2012.
Net Income (Loss)
The net (loss) income was $(2,869,255) and $6,329,785 for the three month periods ended November 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The decrease in net income of $9,199,040 resulted primarily from the change in derivative liability from $8,759,379 in the three month period ended November 30, 2011 to $(142,178) in the three month period ended November 30, 2012, which was further reduced by an increase in administration expenses, business development expenses, investor relations expense, mineral property option payments and exploration costs, office and miscellaneous expenses, professional fees and transfer agent and filing fees.
Results of Operations for the nine month periods ended November 30, 2012 and 2011
Revenues
During the nine month periods ended November 30, 2012 and 2011, we did not generate any revenues.
Operating Expenses
Operating expenses incurred during the nine month period ended November 30, 2012 were $8,576,945 as compared to $10,175,144 during the nine month period ended November 30, 2011. Significant changes and expenditures are outlined as follows:
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Other Items
During the nine month period ended November 30, 2012, our other items accounted for $4,993,843 in income as compared to $20,951,132 in income for the nine month period ended November 30, 2011. The significant changes in other items income (expenses) are outlined as follows:
Net Income (Loss)
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The net (loss) income was $(3,583,102) and $10,775,988 for the nine month periods ended November 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The decrease in net income of $14,359,090 resulted primarily from the change in derivative liability from $20,920,063 in the nine month period ended November 30, 2011 to $4,853,604 in the nine month period ended November 30, 2012, which was further reduced by an increase in business development expenses, office and miscellaneous expenses, and professional fees.
Results of Operations for the Years Ended February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011
The following table sets forth our results of operations from inception of exploration stage on May 22, 2007 to February 29, 2012 as well as for the fiscal years ended February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011:
May 22, 2007 | |||||||||
(inception of | |||||||||
Fiscal year ended | Fiscal year ended | Exploration | |||||||
February 29, 2012 | February 28, 2011 | Stage) to | |||||||
February 29, | |||||||||
2012 | |||||||||
Operating Expenses: | |||||||||
Administration | $ | 215,687 | $ | 525,450 | $ | 816,672 | |||
Advertising | 1,028,472 | 131,284 | 1,164,380 | ||||||
Business development | 411,367 | - | 411,367 | ||||||
Consulting fees | 2,783,987 | 3,731,814 | 7,260,606 | ||||||
Depreciation | 278 | 339 | 1,997 | ||||||
Foreign exchange (gain) loss | 198,974 | (194,296 | ) | (42,288 | ) | ||||
Investor relations | 487,996 | 437,102 | 978,753 | ||||||
Management fees | 1,088,541 | 1,325,840 | 2,613,337 | ||||||
Mineral property impairment | - | - | 652,784 | ||||||
Mineral property option payments and | |||||||||
exploration costs | 7,286,863 | 2,790,910 | 11,258,269 | ||||||
Office and miscellaneous | 59,905 | 41,479 | 187,544 | ||||||
Professional fees | 253,380 | 101,803 | 557,410 | ||||||
Property investigation costs | 24,483 | - | 24,483 | ||||||
Rent | - | 7,024 | 24,832 | ||||||
Transfer agent and filing fees | 79,186 | 99,650 | 283,202 | ||||||
Net loss before other items | (13,919,119 | ) | (8,998,399 | ) | (26,193,348 | ) | |||
Other Items | |||||||||
Change in derivative liability | 22,209,156 | (22,172,944 | ) | 561,350 | |||||
Interest income | 62,497 | - | 62,497 | ||||||
Loss on debt settlement | - | (37,488 | ) | (37,488 | ) | ||||
Other income | 153,125 | - | 153,125 | ||||||
22,424,778 | (22,210,432 | ) | 739,484 | ||||||
Net profit (loss) | $ | 8,505,659 | $ | (31,208,831 | ) | $ | (25,453,864 | ) | |
Earnings (Loss) per share - basic | $ | 0.06 | $ | (0.65 | ) | ||||
Earnings per share - dilutive | $ | 0.05 | $ | - | |||||
Weighted average number of shares | |||||||||
Outstanding during the year - basic | 131,524,259 | 48,048,430 | |||||||
Weighted average number of shares | |||||||||
Outstanding during the year - dilutive | 155,786,958 |
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Revenues
During fiscal years ended February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011, respectively, we did not generate any revenue.
Operating Expenses
Operating expenses incurred during the fiscal year ended February 29, 2012 were $13,919,119 as compared to $8,998,399 during the fiscal year ended February 28, 2011. Significant changes and expenditures are outlined as follows:
Administration expenses were $215,687 and $525,450 for the fiscal years ended February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011, respectively. The decrease of $309,763 was mainly due to less payment for administration expenses as stock based compensation during the fiscal year ended February 29, 2012, compared to the fiscal year ended February 28, 2011.
Advertising expenses were $1,028,472 and $131,284 for the fiscal years ended February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011, respectively. The increase was due to additional promotion purposes to increase our market awareness during the fiscal year ended February 29, 2012.
Business Development expenses were $411,367 and $Nil for the fiscal years ended February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011, respectively. The increase was due to additional travel expenses and attending more conventions during the fiscal year ended February 29, 2012.
Consulting fees were $2,783,987 and $3,731,814 for the fiscal years ended February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011, respectively. The decrease of $947,827 was mainly due to less payment for consulting fees as stock based compensation during the fiscal year ended February 29, 2012, compared to the fiscal year ended February 28, 2011.
Depreciation expense was $278 and $339 for the fiscal years ended February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011, respectively.
Foreign exchange (gain) loss was $198,974 and ($194,296) for the fiscal years ended February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011, respectively. The change from a gain in 2011 to a loss in 2012 was due to fluctuations in the USD and CAD exchange rate and the translation of non-monetary assets.
Investor relations expenses were $487,996 and $437,102 for the fiscal years ended February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011, respectively. The increase was due to increased investor relations activity and entry into new investor relations agreements during the fiscal year ended February 29, 2012.
Management fees were $1,088,541 and $1,325,840 for the fiscal years ended February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011, respectively. The decrease of $237,299 in management fees was mainly due to less payment for management fees as stock based compensation during the fiscal year ended February 29, 2012, compared to the fiscal year ended February 28, 2011.
Mineral property option payments and exploration costs were $7,286,863 and $2,790,910 for the fiscal years ended February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011, respectively. The increase was due to the Company incurring more option payments and exploration costs during the fiscal year ended February 29, 2012.
Office and miscellaneous expenses were $59,905 and $41,479 for the fiscal years ended February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011, respectively. The increase was due to the increase in operating activities during the fiscal year ended February 29, 2012.
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Professional fees were $253,380 and $101,803 for the fiscal years ended February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011, respectively. The increase was due to an increase in operating activities and regulatory filings with respect to our operating activities during the fiscal year ended February 29, 2012.
Property investigation costs were $24,483 and $Nil for the fiscal years ended February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011, respectively. The increase was due to the increased our operating activities and a non- refundable deposit on a property acquisition during the fiscal year ended February 29, 2012.
Rent expense was $Nil and $7,024 for the fiscal years ended February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011, respectively. The decrease was due to the rent being included in the management fees during the fiscal year ended February 29, 2012.
Transfer agent and filing fees were $79,186 and $99,650 for the fiscal years ended February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011, respectively. The decrease was due to a decrease in the services being provided by the transfer agent during the fiscal year ended February 29, 2012.
Other Items
During the fiscal year ended February 29, 2012, our other items accounted for $22,424,778 in income as compared to ($22,210,432) in expenses for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2011. The significant changes in other items income (expenses) are outlined as follows:
Net Income (Loss)
The net income (loss) was $8,505,659 and ($31,208,831) for the fiscal years ended February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011, respectively. The increase in net income of $39,714,490 resulted primarily from the change in derivative liability from ($22,172,944) in the fiscal year ended February 28, 2011 to $22,209,156 in the fiscal year ended February 29, 2012, which was offset by an increase in advertising expenses, business development expenses, investor relations expenses, mineral property option payments and exploration costs, office and miscellaneous expenses, professional fees, and property investigation costs.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our financial statements have been prepared assuming that we will continue as a going concern and, accordingly, do not include adjustments relating to the recoverability and realization of assets and classification of liabilities that might be necessary should we be unable to continue in operation.
The following table sets out our cash and working capital as of November 30, 2012, February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011:
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As of November 30, 2012 (unaudited) |
As of February 29, 2012 (audited) |
As of February 28, 2011 (audited) | |
Cash reserves | $337,481 | $8,599,010 | $10,719,413 |
Working capital (deficit) | ($544,641) | $1,829,103 | ($16,219,078) |
As at November 30, 2012, our current assets were $453,259 and our current liabilities was $997,900 including a derivative liability of $768,875, resulting in a working capital deficit of $544,641. Our current assets as at November 30, 2012 consisted of cash and cash equivalents of $337,481, receivables of $62,757 and prepaid expenses of $53,021. Our current liabilities as at November 30, 2012 consisted of trade payables and accrued liabilities of $229,025 and derivative liability of $768,875.
As at February 29, 2012, our current assets were $8,725,922 and our current liabilities were $6,896,819 resulting in a working capital surplus of $1,829,103. Our current assets as at February 29, 2012 consisted of cash and cash equivalents of $8,599,010, receivables of $47,075 and prepaid expenses of $79,837. Our current liabilities as at February 29, 2012 consisted of trade payables and accrued liabilities of $522,649 and derivative liability of $6,374,170.
During the nine month period ended November 30, 2012, we raised $962,613 from financing activities by stock issuances as compared to $857,265 in the nine month period ended November 30, 2011 for stock issuances. At November 30, 2012, we had an aggregate of 41,097,632 (February 29, 2012: 50,800,333) share purchase warrants exercisable, between CAD$0.20 and CAD$0.35 per share, which have the potential upon exercise to convert to approximately CAD$11,230,026 over the next year. Further, as at November 30, 2012, a total of 16,761,892 (February 29, 2012: 16,474,392) stock options exercisable between CAD$0.10 and CAD$0.59 per share which have the potential upon exercise to generate a total of approximately CAD$5,330,329 in cash over the next four years. There is no assurance that these securities will be exercised.
Deficit accumulated since inception of exploration stage increased to ($29,036,966) as at November 30, 2012 from ($25,453,864) as at February 29, 2012.
Our plan of operations over the next twelve months is to focus on the following:
Therefore, based on the above, we anticipate that we will require a total of approximately $41,232,332 for our plan of operations over the next twelve months. At November 30, 2012, we had cash of $337,481 and a working capital deficit of $544,641 including the derivative liability of $768,875. During the next twelve months, we anticipate that we will not generate any revenue. Accordingly, we will be required to obtain additional equity financing in order to pursue our plan of operations for and beyond the next twelve months. We cannot provide investors with any assurance that we will be able to raise sufficient funding from the sale of our common stock to fund our exploration programs and property acquisitions going forward. In the absence of such financing, we will not be able to continue our planned property acquisitions and possibly our anticipated exploration programs and our business plan may fail. Even if we are successful in obtaining financing to fund our planned exploration program, there is no assurance that we will obtain the funding necessary to complete our planned property acquisitions.
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Statement of Cashflows
During the nine month period ended November 30, 2012, our net cash decreased by $8,261,529, which included net cash used in operating activities of ($8,302,242), net cash used in investing activities of ($1,050,000) and net cash provided by financing activities of $1,090,713.
Cash Flow used in Operating Activities
Operating activities in the nine months ended November 30, 2012 used cash of ($8,302,242) compared to ($6,828,832) in the nine months ended November 30, 2011. Significant changes in cash used in operating activities are outlined as follows:
The following non-cash items further adjusted the profit for the nine months ended November 30, 2012 and 2011:
Depreciation was $165 and $210 in the nine months ended November 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Fair value adjustment on warrants were ($4,853,604) and ($20,920,063) in the nine months ended November 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The decrease in fair value adjustment on warrants was a result of the decrease in the fair value of the derivative liability due to the passage of time, volume of warrants and the decrease in the stock price of the Company.
Mineral property option payments and exploration costs were $317,531 and $669,384 in the nine months ended November 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The decrease in non-cash mineral property option payments and exploration costs was a result the Company paying all such expenses during the nine month period ended November 30, 2012.
Stock-based compensation was $99,258 and $2,720,346 in the nine months ended November 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The decrease in stock-based compensation was a result of there being no stock options granted during the nine month period ended November 30, 2012 and certain stock options vesting during the nine month period ended November 30, 2012, which were granted in the fiscal year ended February 29, 2012.
The following changes in working capital items further adjusted the profit for the nine months ended November 30, 2012 and 2011:
Cash Flow used in Investing Activities
During the nine month period ended November 30, 2012, investing activities used cash of $1,050,000 compared to $20,623 during the nine month period ended November 30, 2011. The change in cash used in investing activities from the nine month period ended November 30, 2012 as compared to November 30, 2011 relates primarily to significant acquisition costs of mineral properties of $300,000 and long term deposits of $750,000.
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Cash Flow provided by Financing Activities
During the nine month period ended November 30, 2012, we raised $1,090,713 cash from financing activities as compared to $857,265 during the nine month period ended November 30, 2011 from proceeds on issuance of common shares net of share issue costs, including $128,100 subscriptions received.
Off-balance sheet arrangements
There are no off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that is material to investors.
Subsequent events
From November 15, 2012 through January 14, 2013, we have received CAD$232,502 from a total of nine persons for the subscription of units (each a Unit) of the Company at a price of CAD$0.18 per Unit. Each Unit consists of one share of common stock and one-half of one share purchase warrant. Each whole warrant entitles the holder to purchase one additional share of our common stock at a price of CAD$0.25 per share for a period of five years from the date of issuance. We may be paying a finders fee with respect to certain subscriptions of Units.
On December 8, 2012, we entered into a second amendment agreement with North America Potash Developments Inc., Potash Green, LLC, Wendy Walker Tibbetts and Joseph J. Hansen in order to amend the Amendment Agreement among the parties, dated October 30, 2012, such that in the event the cash payment of $2,450,000 is delayed, the parties agree to extend the deadline for such payment for a period of 30 days from the date of final approval from the TSXV with an offsetting payment of $100,000 payable to Potash Green LLC.
Subsequent to November 30, 2012, we applied to the TSX Venture Exchange for approval to extend the expiry date of 20,833,204 common share purchase warrants issued on January 11, 2012 from January 11, 2013 to January 11, 2014. These warrants were issued as part of a private placement transaction and are exercisable into 20,833,204 shares of our common stock at a price of $0.20 per share. We received approval from the TSX Venture Exchange to the extension of the expiry date of such warrants on December 20, 2012.
On February 19, 2013, we issued an aggregate of 2,224,499 units (each a Unit) in a private placement at a price of CAD$0.18 per Unit for total gross proceeds to us of CAD$400,499.82. Each Unit consists of one common share and one-half of one five year warrant. Each whole warrant entitles the holder to purchase one additional common share at an exercise price of CAD$0.25. In connection with this private placement we paid total cash finders fees of CAD$6,615 and issued warrants to purchase an aggregate of 9,527 shares of our common stock.
On February 19, 2013, we sold an aggregate of $5,305,540 of our convertible debentures due on February 19, 2014 with an interest rate of 15% per annum which shall accrue and be payable on the earlier of the maturity date or the date the entire principal amount of each debenture is converted. The principal amount of the debentures is convertible into shares of our common stock at the option of the holder, in whole or in part, at a price of $0.19 per share. The conversion price is subject to adjustment upon a reclassification or other change in our outstanding common stock and certain distributions to all holders of our common stock. In addition, each holder of a debenture received a one-year warrant to purchase five shares of our common stock for each $1.00 of principal amount of debenture purchased at an exercise price of $0.19 per share. The debentures are secured by a first ranking floating charge security on all of our assets. In connection with this private placement, we paid total cash finders fees of $73,957.8 and issued warrants to purchase an aggregate of 101,882 shares of our common stock.
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On March 14, 2013, we sold an aggregate of $285,000 of our convertible debentures due on March 14, 2014 with an interest rate of 15% per annum which shall accrue and be payable on the earlier of the maturity date or the date the entire principal amount of each debenture is converted. The principal amount of the debentures is convertible into shares of our common stock at the option of the holder, in whole or in part, at a price of $0.19 per share until the maturity date. The conversion price is subject to adjustment upon a reclassification or other change in our outstanding common stock and certain distributions to all holders of our common stock. In addition, each holder of a debenture received a one-year warrant to purchase five shares of our common stock for each $1.00 of principal amount of debenture purchased at an exercise price of $0.19 per share. The debentures are secured by a first ranking floating charge security on all of our assets.
On April 4, 2013, we sold an aggregate of $200,000 of our convertible debentures due on April 4, 2014 with an interest rate of 15% per annum which shall accrue and be payable on the earlier of the maturity date or the date the entire principal amount of each debenture is converted. The principal amount of the debentures is convertible into shares of our common stock at the option of the holder, in whole or in part, at a price of $0.19 per share until the maturity date. The conversion price is subject to adjustment upon a reclassification or other change in our outstanding common stock and certain distributions to all holders of our common stock. In addition, each holder of a debenture received a one year warrant to purchase five shares of our common stock for each $1.00 of principal amount of debenture purchased at an exercise price of $0.19 per share. The debentures are secured by a first ranking floating charge security on all of our assets.
Outstanding share data
At November 30, 2012, we had 180,576,408 issued and outstanding common shares, 16,811,892 outstanding stock options at a weighted average exercise price of CAD$0.31 per share, and 41,097,632 outstanding warrants at a weighted average exercise price of CAD$0.27 per share.
Critical Accounting Policies
Our financial statements and accompanying notes have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles applied on a consistent basis. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods.
We regularly evaluate the accounting policies and estimates that we use to prepare our financial statements. In general, managements estimates are based on historical experience, on information from third party professionals, and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the facts and circumstances. Actual results could differ from those estimates made by management.
We believe the following critical accounting policies require us to make significant judgments and estimates in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.
Stock based compensation and derivative liability
We use the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model to calculate the fair value of stock based compensation and the fair value of the derivative liability (the derivative liability consist of the fair value of warrants issued in unit private placements for cash proceeds).
The Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model requires estimates of the following variables in calculating the fair value stock options and the fair value of the derivative liability: dividend yield, expected life, stock price volatility and risk free interest rate.
The estimation of the dividend yield, at this stage of our development, is not subject to significant uncertainty as its not expected that we will commence paying dividends until we reach the production stage which is not in the near future.
The estimate of the expected life of the options and warrants impacts both the stock price volatility and the estimated risk free interest rate, as follows: the expected stock price volatility is calculated using historical volatility going back the numbers of months equal to the estimated expected life of the options and warrants and the risk free interest rate is derived from the yield curve of a zero coupon government bond for a period equal to the estimated expected life of the options and warrants.
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Options and warrants, as a rule, are exercised when they are in the money (when our stock price is in excess of the option and warrant exercise price). There are various factors that influence our stock price that cannot be estimated reliably, including: the state of the capital markets and our resulting access to capital, the price of potash, the results of our exploration work and the economic feasibility of our potash properties.
The estimation of the expected life is very difficult to determine with accuracy. Any changes in the expected life of the warrants and options will have a significant and material impact on the stock based compensation expense, the change in derivative liability on the statement of operations and the derivative liability on the balance sheet year- end balance.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
We have reviewed recently issued accounting pronouncements and we plan to adopt those that are applicable to us. We do not expect the adoption of these pronouncements to have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Financial instruments and other risks
We are exposed in varying degrees to a variety of financial instrument related risks. The Board of Directors approves and monitors the risk management processes, inclusive of documented investment policies, counterparty limits, and controlling and reporting structures. The type of risk exposure and the way in which such exposure is managed is provided as follows:
Credit risk
Credit risk is the risk that one party to a financial instrument will fail to discharge an obligation and cause the other party to incur a financial loss. Our primary exposure to credit risk is on our cash and cash equivalents. As most of our cash and cash equivalents are held by the same bank there is a concentration of credit risk. This risk is managed by using a major Canadian banks that are high credit quality financial institutions as determined by rating agencies. Our secondary exposure to risk is on our other receivables. This risk is minimal as receivables consist primarily of refundable government goods and services taxes.
Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that we will not be able to meet our financial obligations as they become due. Our objective in managing liquidity risk is to maintain sufficient readily available capital in order to meet our liquidity requirements at any point in time. We achieve this by maintaining sufficient cash and cash equivalents and raising capital through debt and/or equity financing.
Historically, our sole source of funding has been the issuance of equity securities for cash, primarily through private placements. Our access to financing is always uncertain. There can be no assurance of continued access to significant equity funding.
Foreign exchange risk
Foreign exchange risk is the risk that we will be subject to foreign currency fluctuations in satisfying obligations related to our foreign activities. We operate primarily in Canada and the United States and are consequently exposed to foreign exchange risk arising from transactions denominated in foreign currency. Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates may affect our results of operations. We manage foreign exchange risk by closely monitoring relevant exchange rates and when possible, execute currency exchange transactions at times when exchange rates are most advantageous for us. We do not use hedging to manage its foreign exchange risk.
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Interest rate risk
Interest rate risk is the risk that the fair value of future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market interest rates. We are exposed to interest rate risk on our cash equivalents as these instruments have original maturities of three months or less and are therefore exposed to interest rate fluctuations on renewal.
GLOSSARY OF SELECTED MINING TERMS
The following is a glossary of selected mining terms used in this prospectus that may be technical in nature:
Potash: A generic term for potassium salts (primarily potassium chloride, but also potassium nitrate, potassium sulfate and sulfate of potash magnesia, or langbeinite) used predominantly and widely as a fertilizer in agricultural markets worldwide. Unless otherwise indicated or inferred by context, references to "potash" refer to muriate of potash.
Potassium Chloride or KCl: (muriate of potash/sylvite): a metal halide salt composed of potassium and chlorine, varying in color from white to red depending on the mining and recovery process used. The majority of potassium chloride produced is used for making fertilizer.
Potassium Oxide or K2O: a standard generally used to indicate and report ore grade.
Tonne: (also referred to as a metric ton) a measurement of mass equal to 1000 kg or 2,204.6 pounds.
Exploration stage: a U.S. Security and Exchange Commission descriptive category applicable to public mining companies engaged in the search for mineral deposits and ore reserves and which are not either in the mineral development or the ore production stage
Grade: The concentration of each ore metal in a rock sample, usually given as weight per volume. Where extremely low concentrations are involved, the concentration may be given in grams per ton (g/t). The grade of an ore deposit is calculated, often using sophisticated statistical procedures, as an average of the grades of a very large number of samples collected from throughout the deposit.
BUSINESS
As used in this prospectus, all references to the Company, we, our and us refer to Passport Potash Inc. and, unless otherwise specified, its subsidiary.
General
We were incorporated on July 31, 1987 under the laws of Québec, Canada under the name Bakertalc Inc. On January 21, 1994, we changed our name to Palace Explorations Inc. On November 11, 1996, we changed our name to X-Chequer Resources Inc. On September 29, 2004, we changed our name to International X-Chequer Resources Inc. On October 18, 2007, we changed our name to Passport Metals Inc. On November 10, 2009, we changed our name to Passport Potash Inc. Effective April 26, 2011, we continued our governing corporate jurisdiction from the Province of Québec to the Province of British Columbia under the name Passport Potash Inc.
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Effective September 29, 2004, we effected a share consolidation (reverse stock split) of our issued and outstanding shares of common stock on a basis of twelve (12) old shares for one (1) new share.
Effective October 18, 2007, we effected a forward stock split of our issued and outstanding shares of common stock on a basis of one (1) old share for three (3) new shares.
We are a reporting issuer in the Canadian Provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario and Québec and our common stock is listed for trading on the TSX Venture Exchange under the trading symbol PPI. Our common stock is also quoted on the OTCQX under the symbol PPRTF.
Our head and principal office is located at 608 - 1199 West Pender Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6E 2R1. Our registered and records office is located at 1500 1055 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6E 4N7.
We are an exploration stage company engaged in the acquisition, exploration and development of mineral resource properties. We currently have an interest in or have the right to earn an interest in six properties, Southwest Exploration Property, Twin Buttes Ranch, Sweetwater/American Potash, Mesa Uranium, Ringbolt Property and Fitzgerald Ranch (the Holbrook Basin properties), which are all located in Arizona. We have not established any proven or probable reserves on our mineral property interests and we are not in actual development or production of any mineral deposit at this time. There is no assurance that a commercially viable mineral deposit exists on any of our property interests. Further exploration will be required before a final evaluation as to the economic and legal feasibility is determined with respect to our mineral property interests.
Our principal property is our Holbrook Basin potash project comprised of exploration permits and claims, some of which we hold directly and others which are subject to option, a lease over with an option to purchase the Twin Buttes Ranch property, and a purchase agreement for the Fitzgerald Ranch property. Our interest in our Holbrook Basin project is comprised of 53 Arizona State Land Department (ASLD) exploration permits, the Twin Buttes Ranch lease and option, the purchase agreement for the Fitzgerald Ranch property, and the option to purchase the Ringbolt exploration permits (an additional 25 ASLD permits).
We have acquired a strategic position in the Holbrook Basin with land holdings encompassing over 122,000 acres. The infrastructure in the Holbrook Basin provides a strategic advantage for us, with immediate access to Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway (the BNSF) rail lines, Interstate 40 and a major power plant within 25 miles of the project. Our 30-hole drill program combined with historic records show that the potash deposits in the Holbrook Basin are relatively shallow by industry standards, with deposits being found at depths between 800 and 1,300 feet, which is another major advantage for us.
Our independent auditors report accompanying our February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011 financial statements contains an explanatory paragraph expressing substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. Our financial statements have been prepared assuming that we will continue as a going concern, which contemplates that we will realize our assets and satisfy our liabilities and commitments in the ordinary course of business.
Loss of Foreign Private Issuer Status under U.S. Securities Laws
Based on our analysis of the number of our shares held by persons resident in the U.S. as well as the majority of our assets being in the U.S., we do not meet the definition of a foreign private issuer under U.S. securities laws. As a result, we are subject to U.S. securities laws as applicable to a U.S. domestic company. The loss of foreign private issuer status may lead to significantly higher regulatory and compliance costs to us under U.S. securities laws. We are required to file periodic reports and registration statements on U.S. domestic issuer forms with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which are more detailed and extensive than the forms available to a foreign private issuer. We also have to mandatorily comply with U.S. federal proxy requirements, and our officers, directors and principal shareholders will become subject to the short-swing profit disclosure and recovery provisions of Section 16 of the Exchange Act. We may also be required to modify certain of our policies to comply with good governance practices associated with U.S. domestic issuers. Such conversion and modifications will involve additional costs. In addition, we may lose our ability to rely upon exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements on U.S. stock exchanges that are available to foreign private issuers.
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Inter-corporate Relationships
The chart below illustrates our corporate structure, including our subsidiaries, the jurisdictions of incorporation, and the percentage of voting securities held.
Business Overview and History
Southwest Option Agreement
On September 30, 2008, we entered into a mineral property option agreement (the Southwest Option Agreement) with Southwest Exploration Inc. (Southwest) to acquire an undivided 100% interest in 13 ASLD exploration permits comprising 8,413.3 acres (3,404.76 ha) of mineral exploration property located in Navajo County, in the Holbrook Basin, Arizona. Under the terms of the Southwest Option Agreement, any after acquired permits within the area of common interest may be made part of the property. Pursuant to this clause, 32 additional ASLD exploration permits were made part of the property for a total of 45 ASLD exploration permits.
Under the terms of the Southwest Option Agreement, as amended, we acquired the option to purchase a 100% interest in the Southwest mining claims, subject to a 1% net smelter royalty (NSR) retained by Southwest, in exchange for the following considerations:
(a) |
$100,000 (paid) on execution of the agreement; | |
(b) |
1,000,000 options (issued) upon receipt of TSX-V approval of the agreement; | |
(c) |
$125,000 from 90 days following issuance of a drilling permit from the ASLD. This permit was received on June 11, 2009 and $125,000 was paid July 23, 2009; | |
(d) |
250,000 shares on April 1, 2009 (issued); | |
(e) |
2,681,000 shares on October 1, 2009 (issued); | |
(f) |
5,000,000 shares on November 1, 2010 (issued); | |
(g) |
$350,000 from six months following TSX-V approval of the issuance of 5,000,000 shares (paid); | |
(h) |
Funding of $200,000 in exploration expenditures pursuant to the completion of a geological report (completed); | |
(i) |
250,000 shares upon completion of a geological report after drilling (issued); and | |
(j) |
Southwest shall retain a 1% NSR (purchased by us). |
If and when the option is exercised, the 100% right, title, and interest in and to the property will vest in us free and clear of all charges, encumbrances and claims, except for the NSR.
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Currently, we have a blanket bond with the ASLD in the amount of $15,000 for the ASLD exploration permits. In addition, we also have a bond with the Arizona Oil and Gas Conservation Commission in the amount of $55,000 for drilling permits.
We entered into an amendment to the Southwest Option Agreement, dated September 18, 2009, whereby the parties agreed to settle the October 1, 2009 scheduled cash payment of $225,000 with the issuance of 2,681,000 shares of our common stock.
We entered into a second amendment to the Southwest Option Agreement, dated April 1, 2010, whereby the parties agreed to extend the due date for the payment of $250,000 to Southwest until October 1, 2010. As we had not satisfied this payment obligation by October 1, 2010, we issued 5,000,000 shares of our common stock to Southwest on November 8, 2010 in full satisfaction of the outstanding payment.
We completed the exercise of our option to purchase the 100% interest in the Southwest claims and the purchase of the 1% NSR in an agreement dated February 13, 2012. The Southwest permits are held by PPI Holding Corporation, our wholly owned Arizona subsidiary.
Twin Buttes Ranch Lease and Option Agreement
On August 28, 2009, we entered into a four-year lease with an option to purchase (the Lease & Option Agreement) with Twin Buttes Ranch, LLC respecting the Twin Buttes Ranch located in the potash-bearing Holbrook Basin of east-central Arizona. The Twin Buttes Ranch comprises some 28,526 acres (11,544 hectares) of private deeded land with 76.7% or approximately 21,894 acres (8,860 hectares) overlying the potash horizons within the Holbrook Basin.
Under the terms of the Lease & Option Agreement, we acquired the option to pruchase a 100% undivided interest in the deeded land and sub-surface mineral rights comprising the Twin Buttes Ranch property by making lease payments totaling $500,000 over a four year period and, upon exercising our option to purchase, by paying $20,000,000 for the entire Twin Buttes Ranch including all sub-surface mineral rights except those pertaining to oil and gas, petrified wood and geothermal resources. There are no royalties associated with the sub-surface mineral rights.
On September 30, 2010, we amended the terms of the Lease & Option Agreement to provide for an extension of a portion of the initial cash payment until December 1, 2010.
Details of the payments under the Lease & Option Agreement are as follows:
(a) |
A payment of $50,000 and $10,000 legal costs on or before November 26, 2009 (paid); | |
(b) |
A payment of $25,000 on September 17, 2010 (paid); | |
(c) |
A payment of $75,000 on December 1, 2010 (paid); | |
(d) |
A payment of $150,000 on August 28, 2011 (paid); | |
(e) |
A payment of $200,000 on August 28, 2012 (paid); and | |
(f) |
Upon exercising its option to purchase the entire Twin Butte Ranch, we must deliver a certified check in the amount of $1,000,000 on or before 5pm (Arizona time), August 28, 2013 (the option expiry date), followed by a payment of $19,000,000 within thirty days. |
The Lease & Option Agreement will expire on August 28, 2013, or such other time mutually agreed to in writing by the parties. All payments to date have been made and the option is in good standing.
Sweetwater and American Potash Option Agreement
On November 12, 2010, we entered into an option of Arizona exploration leases (the Sweetwater Option Agreement) with Sweetwater River Resources, LLC (Sweetwater) and American Potash, LLC (American Potash) to acquire the right, title and interest in five mineral exploration permits within the Holbrook Basin. The five permits consist of ASLD exploration permits that cover more than 3,200 acres.
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Pursuant to the terms of the Sweetwater Option Agreement, we acquired the option to purchase a 100% interest in the exploration permits for the consideration of: (i) issuing 500,000 shares of our common stock by December 15, 2010; (ii) cash payment of CAD$90,000 payable in three installments of CAD$30,000 each at 12 months, 18 months and 24 months from the date of signing the Sweetwater Option Agreement; and (iii) meeting the exploration expenditures as required by the ASLD. We are responsible for payment of all exploration expenditures on the permits. Pursuant to the Sweetwater Option Agreement, the property was subject to a 2% NSR in favor of American Potash which we had the option to purchase at a price of $150,000 for 1% or $300,000 for the full 2%.
On March 27, 2012, we completed the exercise of the option under the Sweetwater Option Agreement and the repurchase of the 2% NSR in respect of the Sweetwater exploration permits. The permits are held by PPI Holding Corporation, our wholly owned subsidiary.
Mesa Option Agreement
On August 31, 2010, we entered into a mineral property option agreement (the Mesa Option Agreement) with Mesa Uranium Corp. (Mesa) in respect of three ASLD exploration permits covering approximately 1,950 acres, which are wholly owned by Mesa. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, we had the right to acquire a 75% interest in the Mesa permits in consideration for the issuance of 500,000 shares of our common stock to Mesa, the payment of $20,000 cash to Mesa and meeting the minimum exploration expenditures as required by the ASLD. Upon earning a 75% interest in the permits, we had the right to acquire the remaining 25% interest in the Mesa permits by paying $100,000 in cash, stock equivalent or work expenditures. Under the terms of the agreement, we are responsible for payment of all exploration expenditures on the leases. The property was subject to a 2% NSR which we had the option to purchase at a price of $150,000 for 1% or $300,000 for the full 2%.
On February 13, 2012, we exercised our option to acquire a 75% interest in the Mesa permits. On March 9, 2012, we exercised our option to acquire the remaining 25% interest in the Mesa properties under the Mesa Option Agreement and to acquire the 2% NSR on those properties thereby acquiring a royalty-free, 100% interest in the Mesa properties. The permits are held by PPI Holding Corporation, our wholly owned subsidiary.
Ringbolt Option Agreement
On March 28, 2011, we entered into an option agreement (the Ringbolt Option Agreement) with North American Potash Developments Inc., formerly Ringbolt Ventures Ltd., Potash Green, LLC, Wendy Walker Tibbetts and Joseph J. Hansen (collectively, the “Optionor”) pursuant to which we acquired the option to purchase a 100% interest in the Ringbolt potash property located in the Holbrook Basin of southeast Arizona. The Ringbolt property is comprised of 15,994.32 acres of mineral exploration permits on land managed by the ASLD.
Pursuant to the terms of agreement, we may acquire a 90% interest in the property by: (i) making cash payments totaling $1.0 million ($50,000 upon execution of the agreement, $250,000 upon TSX Venture Exchange approval, $350,000 on or before the first anniversary of TSX Venture Exchange approval, and $350,000 on or before the second anniversary of TSX Venture Exchange approval), (ii) incurring a total of $2.25 million in exploration expenditures on the property over three years ($500,000 within 1 year of TSX Venture Exchange approval, $750,000 within 1 year of the first anniversary of TSX Venture Exchange approval, and $1,000,000 within 1 year of the second anniversary of TSX Venture Exchange approval), and (iii) issuing four million shares of common stock over a three-year period (1,000,000 shares upon TSX Venture Exchange approval, 1,400,000 shares on or before the first anniversary of TSX Venture Exchange approval, and 1,600,000 shares on or before the second anniversary of TSX Venture Exchange approval). Upon satisfaction of these terms, we will have the right to purchase the remaining 10% interest for a cash payment of $5 million, which shall remain exercisable until the Ringbolt property goes into commercial production (defined as the sale of any mineral products from the property). In addition, pursuant to the Ringbolt Option Agreement, the Ringbolt property will be subject to a 1% gross overriding royalty on production from the property.
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On October 30, 2012, as part of a settlement agreement between us and the Optionor, we entered into an amendment agreement to the Ringbolt Option Agreement pursuant to which we will pay to the Optionor a total of $3,850,000, $150,000 of which was paid upon execution of the amendment agreement, $2,450,000 will be paid upon TSX Ventures Exchange approval of the amendment agreement, and the remaining $1,250,000 on or before October 31, 2014. In addition, upon TSX Venture Exchange approval of the amendment agreement, we will issue 750,000 shares of common stock to the Optionor and the Optionor will assign to us all of its right, title and interest in and to the property and will take all necessary action with the ASLD to effect such assignment. The cash payment of $2,450,000 and 750,000 shares of our common stock will be placed into escrow and will be released to the Optionor upon receipt of confirmation of the assignment of the property to us from the ASLD. There will be no royalty attached to the transferred mineral exploration permits.
Should we sell or in any way transfer our interest in the property, the Optionor will receive 20% of the gross consideration in excess of $30 million to a maximum of $2,000,000 if the aggregate consideration received for the transfer of the interest in the property is greater than $30 million and less than $40 million; or $2,000,000 plus 10% of the gross consideration in excess of $40 million to a maximum of $1,000,000 if the aggregate consideration is greater than $40 million and less than $50 million; or $3,000,000 plus 20% of the gross consideration in excess of $50 million if the aggregate consideration is greater than $50 million.
If we sell or transfer less than a 100% interest in the property, then the aforementioned bonus payments shall be ratably reduced by multiplying the bonus payment by the percentage of interest subject to the transfer transaction. The sale or transfer of the remainder of the interest in the property held by us will continue to be subject to the aforementioned bonus payment provisions.
On December 8, 2012, we entered into a second amendment agreement with the Optionor to amend the amendment agreement to extend the deadline to make the cash payment of $2,450,000 following TSX Venture Exchange approval for a period of 30 days from the date of final approval with a payment of $100,000 to Potash Green, LLC, which payment will be deducted from the aggregate payment owed.
As of the date of this prospectus, we have not received the approval from the TSX Venture Exchange and the deadline to make the payment of $2,450,000 has been extended for a period of 30 days upon our payment of $100,000.
Cooperative Agreement and Joint Exploration Agreement with Hopi Tribe
Portions of our Holbrook Basin potash project in Arizona are located adjacent to land privately owned by the Hopi Tribe, a federally recognized Indian Tribe. On March 8, 2011, we finalized a cooperative agreement with the Hopi Tribe which establishes a cooperative arrangement between us and the Hopi Tribe and gives us access across the privately owned Hopi lands to conduct exploration activities while allowing the Hopi Tribe to share in our study results.
In November 2012, we and the Hopi Tribe entered into a joint exploration agreement pursuant to which the parties agree to explore the Hopi land sections (the Hopi Property) which are checker-boarded with our southern landholdings in accordance with an exploration program, which shall consist of a two-phase drilling campaign. The first phase of the exploration program will include 8 drill sites and will cover a 25,000 acre swath of the contiguous land sections in the DoBell ranch area of the Holbrook Basin. The second phase of drilling, which will be designed by ERCOSPLAN guided from the results from phase one, will include up to 10 additional drill sites. We will be responsible for all costs, charges and expenses incurred in connection with the exploration program. Pursuant to the joint exploration agreement, the Hopi Tribe grants us a limited license during the term of the joint exploration agreement to (a) enter and cross existing ranch roads on Hopi Property for ingress and egress purposes related to the exploration program, (b) blade new roads to drill sites on the Hopi Property designated by ERCOSPLAN, (c) drill exploratory holes on the Hopi Property at drill sites designated by ERCOSPLAN, (d) lay cables across the Hopi Property for purposes of seismic studies that are part of the exploration program, (e) drive a vibrator truck along seismic lines, and (f) blade existing ranch roads on the Hopi Property.
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Except as otherwise expressly set forth in the joint exploration agreement, the parties shall each separately have the right to possess and use all exploration program results for any purpose. However, no exploration program results shall be shared with venture partners or prospective venture partners by the Hopi Tribe other than us or persons approved in writing by us in our discretion prior to the earlier of expiration or termination of one or more of our mineral exploration permits from the ASLD pertaining to our property, or October 15, 2014.
Fitzgerald Ranch Living Trust Property Purchase Agreement
On May 14, 2012, we entered into a purchase agreement with co-trustees of the Fitzgerald Living Trust (Fitzgerald Living Trust) to acquire real estate covering a total of 41,000 contiguous acres of royalty-free private land (the Fitzgerald Ranch) located near Holbrook and adjacent to our Twin Butte Ranch holdings in the Holbrook Basin in exchange for a total purchase price of $15,000,000 on the following material terms: (i) $250,000 to be irrevocably released to Fitzgerald Living Trust upon execution of the agreement; (ii) an additional $250,000 to be placed into escrow and irrevocably released to Fitzgerald Living Trust on July 1, 2012; (iii) during the term of the agreement, we have the right to perform exploration activities on the property; (iv) a payment of $14,500,000 at closing to take place on December 18, 2012; and (v) the final purchase is subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval.
A provision of the agreement grants us the right to perform exploration activities on the property. We have added 8 additional drill holes to our 2012 drill program which will be drilled on the Fitzgerald Ranch. We have drilled 5 holes on the Fitzgerald Ranch as part of the drill program.
On November 8, 2012, we entered into an amendment agreement to the original property purchase agreement. In accordance with the amendment agreement, in addition to our payment of an aggregate of $500,000 made by July 1, 2012, payments of $500,000 and $4,000,000 were to be made to Fitzgerald Living Trust upon execution of the amendment agreement and on December 18, 2012, respectively, which payments have yet been made. Additionally, a payment of $5,000,000 will be irrevocably paid to Fitzgerald Living Trust on June 30, 2013 and the balance of $5,000,000 will be paid at the time of closing of the sale which will take place on December 18, 2013.
We also agreed to reimburse Fitzgerald Living Trust for any increase in taxes to it which are attributable to closing this sale in 2013 rather than 2012 and to make this reimbursement within 120 days from the date Fitzgerald Living Trust provides documentation to us of the increased tax amount.
The amendment agreement is subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval.
Joint Exploration Agreement with HNZ Potash, LLC
On July 27, 2012, we entered into a joint exploration agreement with HNZ Potash, LLC (HNZ) to jointly explore and potentially develop twenty-one permitted parcels in which we hold ASLD exploration permits and which are located on the southernmost area of our landholdings. The property is within HNZs private landholdings and has not been previously explored by us. Under the terms of the HNZ joint exploration agreement, HNZ has agreed to pay us 50% of certain costs previously incurred by us with respect to the property, and we will assign a 50% interest in the property to HNZ.
The purposes of the HNZ joint exploration agreement are to: (i) conduct exploration and to evaluate the potential for development and mining of the property; (ii) to acquire interests within the lands owned by the Hopi Tribe commonly referred to as the Dobell Ranch lands as more particularly described in the agreement; (iii) if justified by the exploration activities, the parties upon mutual agreement will form an entity to seek a mining lease to jointly engage in development and mining of the property; (iv) to complete and satisfy all environmental compliance obligations and continuing obligations affecting the property; and (v) to perform any other activity necessary, appropriate, or incidental to any of the foregoing. During the term of the agreement, the parties will equally share the costs for maintaining the property in good standing with the ASLD. The parties may, either alone or jointly, conduct exploration of any or all of the property pursuant to one or more plans of exploration.
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The term of the HNZ joint exploration agreement is for five years, subject to renewal. If the parties jointly apply for a mineral lease or mineral leases on any portion of the property, the agreement shall be automatically extended to the date a final determination is issued by the ASLD regarding the last mineral lease application.
Business Operations
Corporate Summary
Our principal property is our Holbrook Basin potash project comprised of exploration permits and claims, some of which we hold directly and others which are subject to option, a lease over with an option to purchase the Twin Buttes Ranch property, and a purchase agreement for the Fitzgerald Ranch property. Our interest in our Holbrook Basin project is comprised of 53 ASLD exploration permits, the Twin Buttes Ranch lease and option, the purchase agreement for the Fitzgerald Ranch property, and the option to purchase the Ringbolt exploration permits (an additional 25 ASLD permits).
We have acquired a strategic position in the Holbrook Basin with land holdings encompassing over 122,000 acres. The infrastructure in the Holbrook Basin provides a strategic advantage for us, with immediate access to BNSF rail lines, Interstate 40 and a major power plant within 25 miles of the project. Our 30-hole drill program combined with historic records show that the potash deposits in the Holbrook Basin are relatively shallow by industry standards, with deposits being found at depths between 800 and 1,300 feet, which is another major advantage for us.
Potash Industry Overview
Potash
Potash is used to describe a wide variety of compounds valued primarily for their potassium content, which is commonly measured in K2O units. The most concentrated and commonly available form of potash is potassium chloride (KCl), also referred to as Muriate of Potash (MOP), which is between 60-62% K2O by weight. Secondary forms of potash include sulfate of potash magnesia, also known as langbeinite (22% K2O), potassium sulfate (50% K2O) and potassium nitrate (44% K2O).
Potash is primarily used as an agricultural fertilizer due to its high potassium content. Potassium, nitrogen and phosphate are the three primary nutrients essential for plant growth. A proper balance of these nutrients improves plant health and increases crop yields. Potash helps regulate plants physiological functions and improves plant durability, providing crops with protection from drought, disease, parasites and cold weather. Currently, no cost effective substitutes exist for these three nutrients. Less effective nutrient sources do exist, however, the relatively low nutrient content of these sources and cost of transportation reduce their attractiveness as a viable, economic alternative to potash.
Potash is primarily mined from underground mines and less frequently, from naturally occurring surface or sub-surface brines. It is mined through both conventional underground methods and surface or solution mining. Unlike nitrogen and phosphate, potash does not require additional chemical conversion to be used as a plant nutrient.
Domestically, approximately 85% of all potash produced is used as a fertilizer, most of it in the form of potassium chloride, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The chemical industry consumes the remaining 15% of potash produced.
Demand for Potash
Potash demand depends primarily on the demand for fertilizer, which is based on the total planted acreage, crop mix, soil characteristics, fertilizer application rates, crop yields and farm income. Each of these factors is affected by current and projected grain stocks and prices, agricultural policies, improvements in agronomic efficiency, fertilizer application rates and weather. From 2000 to 2010, global consumption of potash as a fertilizer grew at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.6% per year, from approximately 21.9 million tonnes K2O to approximately 28.3 million tonnes K2O, according to Fertecon.
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Source: Fertecon
While developed countries have traditionally been the largest consumers of potash, developing countries are the fastest growing markets for potash, including in the emerging and developing economies of India, China and Brazil. Over the next eight years, Fertecon estimates that potash fertilizer consumption will grow in India, China and Brazil at a CAGR of 8.8%, 4.8% and 3.7%, respectively. Population and income growth are two important drivers of potash demand.
According to the USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries (January 2012), approximately 15% of U.S. potash consumption is used in the production of potassium chemicals for industrial markets. Industrial applications for potassium chloride include the production of potassium hydroxide, which is used in the production of other potassium chemicals; the production of potassium carbonate, which is primarily used for specialty glasses for cathode-ray tubes and as a component in dry-chemical fire extinguishers; leavening agents; and as a pharmaceutical ingredient. Potassium chloride is also used in the oil and gas industry as a drilling fluid additive. Other industrial applications of potassium chloride include use as a flux in secondary aluminum processing, as a potassium supplement in animal feeds, and in ceramics, textiles and dyes. From 2000 to 2010, U.S. industrial consumption of potash grew at a CAGR of 1.3%, from 725 thousand tonnes to 825 thousand tonnes, according to Fertecon.
Only 12 countries produce nearly all of the world's supply, making much of the world dependent upon imports to satisfy their potash requirements. With its highly developed agricultural economy and limited domestic production capability, the U.S. is the second largest consumer of potash globally, representing 15.9% of total estimated consumption for 2010, as reported by Fertecon. According to Fertecon, in 2010, the U.S. was the largest importer of potash in the world, importing approximately 90% of its potash. The high level of potash consumption in the U.S. is in large part due to its extensive cultivation of commodity crops such as corn, wheat, cotton and soybeans.
Supply of Potash
The supply of potash is influenced by a broad range of factors including available capacity and achievable operating rates; mining, production and freight costs; government policies and global trade. According to Fertecon, in 2010, seven countries accounted for approximately 91% of the world's aggregate potash production. This scarcity has resulted in a high degree of concentration among the leading producers. Canada currently accounts for approximately 29% of global potash production. The next six largest producers, Russia, Belarus, China, Germany, Israel and Jordan, account for approximately 62% of global production. The U.S. produces approximately 17% of the potash it consumes. U.S. potash reserves are concentrated in the southwestern U.S and account for approximately 3.3% of world production. The leading global providers of potash are shown in the following chart:
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Source: Fertecon
Based on demand growth expectations, and assuming normal effective capacity utilization rates and timely completion of all announced capacity expansions, Fertecon projects the global potash market to grow from 34.6 million tonnes of K2O total sales in 2010 to 46.6million tonnes in 2020.
Competitive Business Conditions
We compete with numerous other companies and individuals in the search for and acquisition or control of attractive mineral properties. Our ability to acquire further properties will depend not only on our ability to operate and develop our properties but also on our ability to select and acquire suitable properties or prospects for exploration or development.
In regards to our plan to produce potash, there are a limited number of potash producers presently. If we are successful at becoming a producer of potash, our ability to be competitive with those producers will require that we establish a reliable supply of potash to the market.
Regulation
The exploration and development of a mining prospect is subject to regulation by a number of federal and state government authorities. These include the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) as well as the various state environmental protection agencies. The regulations address many environmental issues relating to air, soil and water contamination and apply to many mining related activities including exploration, mine construction, mineral extraction, ore milling, water use, waste disposal and use of toxic substances. In addition, we are subject to regulations relating to labor standards, occupational health and safety, mine safety, general land use, export of minerals and taxation. Many of the regulations require permits or licenses to be obtained and the filing of Notices of Intent and Plans of Operations, the absence of which or inability to obtain will adversely affect the ability for us to conduct our exploration, development and operation activities. The failure to comply with the regulations and terms of permits and licenses may result in fines or other penalties or in revocation of a permit or license or loss of a prospect.
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If we are successful in the future at discovering a commercially viable mineral deposit on our property interests, then if and when we commence any mineral production, we will also need to comply with laws that regulate or propose to regulate our mining activities, including the management and handling of raw materials, disposal, storage and management of hazardous and solid waste, the safety of our employees and post-mining land reclamation.
We cannot predict the impact of new or changed laws, regulations or permitting requirements, or changes in the ways that such laws, regulations or permitting requirements are enforced, interpreted or administered. Health, safety and environmental laws and regulations are complex, are subject to change and have become more stringent over time. It is possible that greater than anticipated health, safety and environmental capital expenditures or reclamation and closure expenditures will be required in the future. We expect continued government and public emphasis on environmental issues will result in increased future investments for environmental controls at our operations.
The Minerals Section of the ASLD is responsible for mining/mineral activities on Arizona State Trust land. Exploration permits and mining leases are governed by: Arizona Revised Statutes Title 27, Minerals, Oil and Gas; Title 37 Public Lands; Title 41 State Government; and Arizona Administrative Code Title 12 Natural Resources, Chapter 5. In order to explore for minerals on Arizona State Trust lands we are required to comply with the following:
• |
A non-refundable filing fee of $500.00 is required for each application. | ||
• |
An environmental disclosure questionnaire must accompany each application. | ||
• |
A maximum 640 acres or 1 whole section is permitted per application. | ||
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An exploration permit is valid for one (1) year, renewable up to five (5) years. | ||
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Lease boundaries, access routes, mine workings, roads, water sources, residences, utilities, etc. must be plotted separately on a USGS Topographic Map included with the application. | ||
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The application must be signed by the applicant(s) or an authorized agent. If an agent is filing for the applicant, a notarized Power of Attorney must be filled with the Department. The filing fee for a Power of Attorney is $50.00. | ||
• |
The processing of an exploration permit takes a minimum of sixty (60) days. | ||
• |
The Application is reviewed by the ASLD Minerals Section and if necessary, other ASLD divisions, outside agencies and any interested parties. | ||
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Rent is $2.00 per acre for first year which includes the second year and $1.00 per acre per year for years three through five. | ||
• |
An exploration plan of operation must be submitted annually and approved by the ASLD prior to startup of exploration activities. | ||
• |
If any surface disturbance is planned as part of the exploration activities, Archaeological and Biological surveys as well as any other applicable permits must be submitted for ASLD review (three (3) copies of each and an electronic copy in pdf format). | ||
• |
A bond is established based on the proposed exploration activities. Typically a $3,000.00 bond is required for a single permit or a blanket bond of $15,000.00 for five or more permits held by an individual or company. | ||
• |
Minimum work expenditure requirements are: | ||
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$10 per acre per year for years 1-2; | ||
• |
$20 per acre per year for years 3-5; and | ||
• |
Proof of work expenditures must be submitted to the ASLD Minerals Section each year in the form of invoice and paid receipts. If no work was completed on-site, the applicant can pay the equal amount to the department. | ||
• |
An exploration permit is not a right to mine. |
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If discovery of a valuable mineral deposit is made, the permitee must apply for a mineral lease before actual mining activities can begin.
Prospecting on Federal lands is administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Prospecting Permits are covered by the Public Domain Mineral Leasing Act of 1920, as amended (30 U.S.C. 181 et seq.), the Acquired Lands Mineral Leasing Act of 1947, as amended (30 U.S.C. 351-359), and the Federal Land Policy Management
Act of 1976 (FLPMA), (43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) which authorizes the management and use of the public lands. The regulations governing these minerals are found in the 43 CFR 3500 regulations.
We have applied for prospecting permits with the BLM but have not yet been granted permission to begin exploration activities. The permits are still in process.
Employees
As at April 11, 2013, we do not have any employees, however, we have 10 individuals working on a consulting basis. Our operations are managed by our officers with input from our directors. We engage geological and engineering consultants from time to time as required to assist in evaluating our property interests and recommending and conducting work programs.
PROPERTIES
We lease our principal office space located at 608 - 1199 West Pender Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6E 2R1. This office space is for the conduct of our business operations and costs us approximately $1,500 in rent per month.
Description of Mineral Properties
Holbrook Basin
Our principal asset is the Holbrook Basin property, a potash exploration project located in the Holbrook Basin of east-central Arizona (the Holbrook Basin Project). The project is comprised of 78 Arizona State Land Development (ASLD) exploration permits, full or partial interests in 132 private land sections and 4 prospecting permits on federal land managed by the BLM, which are all located within the Holbrook Basin.
Location, Access and Infrastructure
Our Holbrook Basin Project is situated in the Holbrook Basin of east-central Arizona, which spans Coconino, Navajo and Apache Counties. The Holbrook Basin Project is located approximately 13 kilometers (8 miles) southeast of the town of Holbrook in the County of Navajo, Arizona. The town of Holbrook provides capacity for personnel, supplies, equipment and accommodation. The I-40 to the north of the project area is a major west-east interstate highway and intersects with eight north-south interstate highways. Therefore, there is full service truck transport and support system throughout the southwest U.S. by way of outré I-40. The U.S. Routes 77 and 180 run from I-40 into the project area. The project is also accessible by way of a number of unpaved roads which cut through the project area. The entire area is accessible off-road by four-wheel drive vehicles.
The Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway (the BNSF) mainline is located to the north of the project area. This dual track is a main rail track for heavy duty service. The BNSF is part of the southwest system and runs through Fort Worth, Texas, BNSF headquarters, to the west through New Mexico, Arizona and into California. The ports of Stockton, Long Beach and the Mexican ports of Guymas and Topolabampo are easily accessible and suitable for international shipping.
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A coal-fired power station, the Cholla Plant, which is located just west of Holbrook near Joseph City, provides electricity to the area. Water for drilling can also be obtained from range tanks, wells, and the Little Colorado River. The project area is covered by an electrical distribution network and a gas supply system.
We currently hold lands with an aggregate area of 81,314.95 acres within the Holbrook Basin. The landholdings are located within Township 15 to 19 North, Range 21 to 26 East, along the Gila and Salt River Meridian and Base Line. The figure below illustrates the location of our Holbrook Basin Project.
Figure 1: Location of the Holbrook Basin Project.
Property Titles
The Holbrook Basin Project consists of full/partial interests in 132 sections of private land covering a total of 70,098.19 acres, 78 ASLD exploration permits covering an area of 45,726.33 acres and 4 prospecting permits on federal land managed by the BLM covering a total of 7,054.56 acres all within the Holbrook Basin. Our ownership interest in each of the properties and exploration permits comprising the Holbrook Basin Project are described above under Business Business Overview and History.
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Private Land
Through a four-year lease purchase agreement with Twin Buttes Ranch, LLC, we control five parcels of private land totaling 28,534.06 acres in Navajo County. The lease ends on August 28, 2013.
Through a purchase agreement and an amendment agreement with the Fitzgerald Living Trust we control 41,564.13 acres of private land in Navajo County.
Bureau of Land Management
We have submitted four prospecting permit applications with the Bureau of Land Management on federal land totaling 7,054.56 acres through the Southwest Option Agreement with Southwest Exploration, Inc., dated September 30, 2008. The land is administered by the Bureau of Land Management and our prospecting permit applications are currently being reviewed.
Arizona State Trust Land
As a Canadian corporation, we are unable to hold any ASLD exploration permits on our own behalf. Therefore, we formed a wholly owned subsidiary, PPI Holding Corp., an Arizona corporation, to hold all exploration permits. The ASLD permits, which we acquired through lease options with Southwest Exploration, Inc., Mesa Uranium Corp. and Sweetwater River Resources, LLC/American Potash, LLC, were acquired contractually by PPI Holding Corp. An option agreement with Ringbolt Ventures Ltd., Potash Green, LLC, and others was made to acquire another 25 mineral exploration permits on State Trust land. The nature of each agreement is listed above in Business Overview and History. All ASLD fees and work expenditure requirements are current with respect to the 78 permits. We can apply for and acquire state leases on that acreage once a potential resource has been sufficiently demonstrated.
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Figure 2: Location map Holbrook Basin Project landholdings
Permits
Permits necessary to carry out exploration on private, ASLD and federal lands in Arizona are as follows:
The Arizona Oil & Gas Conservation Commission is responsible for granting the permits necessary for drilling on private, State and federal lands in the Holbrook Basin, Arizona. Furthermore, a Surface Use Plan and the posting of a bond ($25,000) are required before starting any drilling activities.
A mineral exploration permit must be obtained from the ASLD in order to drill on State trust land. Requirements to obtain this permit include:
If the permittee discovers a feasible mineral deposit, it will have to apply for a mineral lease prior to the start of any mining activities.
Permission to perform exploration drilling on federal lands has been granted by the BLM. Therefore, either a Notice of Intent (<5.0 acres/ 0.02 km² surface disturbance; obtainable within 30-60 days) or a plan of operations (>5.0 acres/ 0.02 km² surface disturbance) has to be submitted, depending on the amount of surface disturbance that is planned (43 CFR 3809.11 and 43 CFR 3809.21) . Depending on the nature of the intended work, the level of required reclamation bonding, the need for archeological surveys and other factors determined by the BLM, a plan of operations can take several months for approval.
Expiry Date of Permits
ASLD Exploration Permits
2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | ||||||||
Permit # |
Expiration Date |
Permit # |
Expiration Date |
Permit # |
Expiration Date |
Permit # |
Expiration Date |
||||
1 | 08- 113251 | 10/15/13 | 22 | 08- 113917 | 10/21/14 | 44 | 08- 114982 | 10/20/15 | 74 | 08- 115438 | 02/29/16 |
2 | 08- 113252 | 10/15/13 | 23 | 08- 113918 | 10/21/14 | 45 | 08- 114983 | 10/20/15 | 75 | 08- 115439 | 02/29/16 |
3 | 08- 113254 | 10/15/13 | 24 | 08- 113919 | 10/21/14 | 46 | 08- 114984 | 10/20/15 | 76 | 08- 115440 | 02/29/16 |
4 | 08- 113255 | 10/15/13 | 25 | 08- 113921 | 10/21/14 | 47 | 08- 114985 | 10/20/15 | 77 | 08- 115441 | 02/29/16 |
5 | 08- 113256 | 10/15/13 | 26 | 08- 113986 | 10/21/14 | 48 | 08- 114986 | 10/20/15 | 78 | 08- 115442 | 02/29/16 |
6 | 08- 113257 | 10/15/13 | 27 | 08- 113987 | 10/21/14 | 49 | 08- 114987 | 10/20/15 | |||
7 | 08- 113258 | 10/15/13 | 28 | 08- 113988 | 10/21/14 | 50 | 08- 114988 | 10/20/15 | |||
8 | 08- 113259 | 10/15/13 | 29 | 08- 113989 | 10/21/14 | 51 | 08- 114989 | 10/20/15 | |||
9 | 08- 113260 | 10/15/13 | 30 | 08- 113990 | 10/21/14 | 52 | 08- 115078 | 12/22/15 |
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10 | 08- 113261 | 10/15/13 | 31 | 08- 113991 | 10/21/14 | 53 | 08- 115079 | 12/22/15 | |||
11 | 08- 113262 | 10/15/13 | 32 | 08- 113992 | 10/21/14 | 54 | 08- 115080 | 12/22/15 | |||
12 | 08- 113263 | 10/15/13 | 33 | 08- 113993 | 10/21/14 | 55 | 08- 115081 | 12/22/15 | |||
13 | 08- 113264 | 10/15/13 | 34 | 08- 113994 | 10/21/14 | 56 | 08- 115087 | 12/29/15 | |||
14 | 08- 113270 | 10/15/13 | 35 | 08- 113995 | 10/21/14 | 57 | 08- 115088 | 12/29/15 | |||
15 | 08- 113273 | 10/15/13 | 36 | 08- 113996 | 10/21/14 | 58 | 08- 114065 | 05/12/15 | |||
16 | 08- 113274 | 10/15/13 | 37 | 08- 114252 | 11/12/14 | 59 | 08- 114067 | 05/12/15 | |||
17 | 08- 113361 | 11/20/13 | 38 | 08- 114253 | 11/12/14 | 60 | 08- 114076 | 05/12/15 | |||
18 | 08- 113362 | 11/20/13 | 39 | 08- 114254 | 11/12/14 | 61 | 08- 115089 | 12/29/15 | |||
19 | 08- 113365 | 11/20/13 | 40 | 08- 114255 | 11/12/14 | 62 | 08- 115090 | 12/29/15 | |||
20 | 08- 113366 | 11/20/13 | 41 | 08- 114256 | 11/12/14 | 63 | 08- 115091 | 12/29/15 | |||
21 | 08- 113367 | 11/20/13 | 42 | 08- 114257 | 11/12/14 | 64 | 08- 115092 | 12/29/15 | |||
43 | 08- 114258 | 11/12/14 | 65 | 08- 115093 | 12/29/15 | ||||||
66 | 08- 115094 | 12/29/15 | |||||||||
67 | 08- 115095 | 12/29/15 | |||||||||
68 | 08- 115096 | 12/29/15 | |||||||||
69 | 08- 115097 | 12/29/15 | |||||||||
70 | 08- 115098 | 12/29/15 | |||||||||
71 | 08- 115099 | 12/29/15 | |||||||||
72 | 08- 115100 | 12/29/15 | |||||||||
73 | 08- 115101 | 12/29/15 |
BLM Prospecting Permits
BLM prospecting permits are effective for an initial term of two years and may be extended for an additional two year period. We have submitted four prospecting permit applications with the BLM but have not yet been granted permission to begin exploration activities as the applications are currently being reviewed.
Annual Payments and Work Requirements
ASLD Exploration Permits
ASLD exploration permit expenses are our responsibility and include renewal fees, rental fees and exploration expenditure requirements. The following table sets out the aforementioned fees and expenditures on the ASLD exploration permits to which we hold or to which we have an interest in or have the right to earn an interest:
Lessees |
Permit # |
Effective Date |
Expiration Date |
Renewal Date |
Renewal Fee |
Rental Fee Years 1- 2 [total] |
Rental Fee Years 3- 5 [per year] |
Exploration Requirement Years 1-2 |
Exploration Requirement Years 3-5 |
PPI Holding Corp/HNZ Potash | 08- 113361 | 11/21/08 | 11/20/13 | 11/20/11 | $250.00 | $640.00 | $320.00 | $3,200.00 | $6,400.00 |
PPI Holding Corp/HNZ Potash | 08- 113366 | 11/21/08 | 11/20/13 | 11/20/11 | $250.00 | $640.00 | $320.00 | $3,200.00 | $6,400.00 |
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PPI Holding Corp/HNZ Potash | 08- 113367 | 11/21/08 | 11/20/13 | 11/20/11 | $250.00 | $640.00 | $320.00 | $3,200.00 | $6,400.00 |
PPI Holding Corp/HNZ Potash | 08- 114982 | 10/21/10 | 10/20/15 | 10/20/11 | $500.00 | $480.00 | $240.00 | $2,400.00 | $4,800.00 |
PPI Holding Corp/HNZ Potash | 08- 114983 | 10/21/10 | 10/20/15 | 10/20/11 | $500.00 | $640.00 | $320.00 | $3,200.00 | $6,400.00 |
PPI Holding Corp/HNZ Potash | 08- 114984 | 10/21/10 | 10/20/15 | 10/20/11 | $500.00 | $640.00 | $320.00 | $3,200.00 | $6,400.00 |
PPI Holding Corp/HNZ Potash | 08- 114985 | 10/21/10 | 10/20/15 | 10/20/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 640.00 | $ 320.00 | $3,200.00 | $6,400.00 |
PPI Holding Corp/HNZ Potash | 08- 114987 | 10/21/10 | 10/20/15 | 10/20/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 120.00 | $ 60.00 | $600.00 | $1,200.00 |
PPI Holding Corp/HNZ Potash | 08- 114988 | 10/21/10 | 10/20/15 | 10/20/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 200.00 | $ 100.00 | $1,000.00 | $2,000.00 |
PPI Holding Corp/HNZ Potash | 08- 115078 | 12/23/10 | 12/22/15 | 12/22/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 640.00 | $ 320.00 | $3,200.00 | $ 6,400.00 |
PPI Holding Corp/HNZ Potash | 08- 115079 | 12/23/10 | 12/22/15 | 12/22/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 686.22 | $ 343.11 | $3,431.10 | $ 6,862.20 |
PPI Holding Corp/HNZ Potash | 08- 115080 | 12/23/10 | 12/22/15 | 12/22/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 640.00 | $ 320.00 | $3,200.00 | $ 6,400.00 |
PPI Holding Corp/HNZ Potash | 08- 115081 | 12/23/10 | 12/22/15 | 12/22/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 640.00 | $ 320.00 | $3,200.00 | $ 6,400.00 |
PPI Holding Corp/HNZ Potash | 08- 115094 | 12/30/10 | 12/29/15 | 12/29/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 640.00 | $ 320.00 | $3,200.00 | $ 6,400.00 |
PPI Holding Corp/HNZ Potash | 08- 115095 | 12/30/10 | 12/29/15 | 12/29/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 640.00 | $ 320.00 | $3,200.00 | $ 6,400.00 |
PPI Holding Corp/HNZ Potash | 08- 115096 | 12/30/10 | 12/29/15 | 12/29/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 200.00 | $ 100.00 | $1,000.00 | $ 2,000.00 |
PPI Holding Corp/HNZ Potash | 08- 115097 | 12/30/10 | 12/29/15 | 12/29/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 320.00 | $ 160.00 | $1,600.00 | $ 3,200.00 |
PPI |
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Holding Corp/HNZ Potash | 08- 115098 | 12/30/10 | 12/29/15 | 12/29/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 640.00 | $ 320.00 | $3,200.00 | $ 6,400.00 |
PPI Holding Corp/HNZ Potash | 08- 115099 | 12/30/10 | 12/29/15 | 12/29/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 640.00 | $ 320.00 | $3,200.00 | $ 6,400.00 |
PPI Holding Corp/HNZ Potash | 08- 115100 | 12/30/10 | 12/29/15 | 12/29/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 691.78 | $ 345.89 | $3,458.90 | $ 6,917.80 |
PPI Holding Corp/HNZ Potash | 08- 115101 | 12/30/10 | 12/29/15 | 12/29/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 640.00 | $ 320.00 | $3,200.00 | $ 6,400.00 |
PPI Holding Corp. | 08- 113251 | 10/16/08 | 10/15/13 | 10/15/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,454.06 | $ 727.03 | $7,270.30 | $ 14,540.60 |
PPI Holding Corp. | 08- 113252 | 10/16/08 | 10/15/13 | 10/15/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 909.00 | $ 454.50 | $4,545.00 | $ 9,090.00 |
PPI Holding Corp. | 08- 113254 | 10/16/08 | 10/15/13 | 10/15/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,280.00 | $ 640.00 | $6,400.00 | $ 12,800.00 |
PPI Holding Corp. | 08- 113255 | 10/16/08 | 10/15/13 | 10/15/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,450.68 | $ 725.34 | $7,253.40 | $ 14,506.80 |
PPI Holding Corp. | 08- 113256 | 10/16/08 | 10/15/13 | 10/15/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,280.00 | $ 640.00 | $6,400.00 | $ 12,800.00 |
PPI Holding Corp. | 08- 113257 | 10/16/08 | 10/15/13 | 10/15/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,280.00 | $ 640.00 | $6,400.00 | $ 12,800.00 |
PPI Holding Corp. | 08- 113258 | 10/16/08 | 10/15/13 | 10/15/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,280.00 | $ 640.00 | $6,400.00 | $ 12,800.00 |
PPI Holding Corp. | 08- 113259 | 10/16/08 | 10/15/13 | 10/15/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,280.00 | $ 640.00 | $6,400.00 | $ 12,800.00 |
PPI Holding Corp. | 08- 113260 | 10/16/08 | 10/15/13 | 10/15/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,280.00 | $ 640.00 | $6,400.00 | $ 12,800.00 |
PPI Holding Corp. | 08- 113261 | 10/16/08 | 10/15/13 | 10/15/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,441.88 | $ 720.94 | $7,209.40 | $ 14,418.80 |
PPI Holding Corp. | 08- 113262 | 10/16/08 | 10/15/13 | 10/15/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,280.00 | $ 640.00 | $6,400.00 | $ 12,800.00 |
PPI Holding Corp. | 08- 113263 | 10/16/08 | 10/15/13 | 10/15/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,280.00 | $ 640.00 | $6,400.00 | $ 12,800.00 |
PPI Holding Corp. | 08- 113264 | 10/16/08 | 10/15/13 | 10/15/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,280.00 | $ 640.00 | $6,400.00 | $ 12,800.00 |
PPI Holding Corp. | 08- 113270 | 10/16/08 | 10/15/13 | 10/15/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,343.56 | $ 671.78 | $6,717.80 | $ 13,435.60 |
PPI Holding Corp. | 08- 113273 | 10/16/08 | 10/15/13 | 10/15/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,280.00 | $ 640.00 | $6,400.00 | $ 12,800.00 |
PPI Holding Corp. | 08- 113274 | 10/16/08 | 10/15/13 | 10/15/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,280.00 | $ 640.00 | $6,400.00 | $ 12,800.00 |
PPI Holding Corp. | 08- 113362 | 11/21/08 | 11/20/13 | 11/20/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,280.00 | $ 640.00 | $6,400.00 | $ 12,800.00 |
PPI Holding Corp. | 08- 113365 | 11/21/08 | 11/20/13 | 11/20/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,280.00 | $ 640.00 | $6,400.00 | $ 12,800.00 |
PPI Holding Corp. | 08- 114986 | 10/21/10 | 10/20/15 | 10/20/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 525.86 | $ 262.93 | $2,629.30 | $ 5,258.60 |
PPI Holding Corp. | 08- 114989 | 10/21/10 | 10/20/15 | 10/20/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 480.00 | $ 240.00 | $2,400.00 | $ 4,800.00 |
PPI Holding | 08- | 12/30/10 | 12/29/15 | 12/29/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,280.00 | $ 640.00 | $6,400.00 | $ 12,800.00 |
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Corp. | 115087 | ||||||||
PPI Holding Corp. | 08- 115088 | 12/30/10 | 12/29/15 | 12/29/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,023.40 | $ 511.70 | $5,117.00 | $ 10,234.00 |
PPI Holding Corp. | 08- 115089 | 12/30/10 | 12/29/15 | 12/29/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,280.00 | $ 640.00 | $6,400.00 | $ 12,800.00 |
PPI Holding Corp. | 08- 115090 | 12/30/10 | 12/29/15 | 12/29/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,280.00 | $ 640.00 | $6,400.00 | $ 12,800.00 |
PPI Holding Corp. | 08- 115091 | 12/30/10 | 12/29/15 | 12/29/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,280.00 | $ 640.00 | $6,400.00 | $ 12,800.00 |
PPI Holding Corp. | 08- 115092 | 12/30/10 | 12/29/15 | 12/29/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 412.72 | $ 206.36 | $2,063.60 | $ 4,127.20 |
PPI Holding Corp. | 08- 115093 | 12/30/10 | 12/29/15 | 12/29/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 320.00 | $ 160.00 | $1,600.00 | $ 3,200.00 |
PPI Holding Corp. | 08- 115438 | 03/01/11 | 02/29/16 | 02/29/12 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,280.00 | $ 640.00 | $6,400.00 | $ 12,800.00 |
PPI Holding Corp. | 08- 115439 | 03/01/11 | 02/29/16 | 02/29/12 | $ 500.00 | $ 879.58 | $ 439.79 | $4,397.90 | $ 8,795.80 |
PPI Holding Corp. | 08- 115440 | 03/01/11 | 02/29/16 | 02/29/12 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,280.00 | $ 640.00 | $6,400.00 | $ 12,800.00 |
PPI Holding Corp. | 08- 115441 | 03/01/11 | 02/29/16 | 02/29/12 | $ 500.00 | $ 867.28 | $ 433.64 | $4,336.40 | $ 8,672.80 |
PPI Holding Corp. | 08- 115442 | 03/01/11 | 02/29/16 | 02/29/12 | $ 500.00 | $ 960.00 | $ 480.00 | $4,800.00 | $ 9,600.00 |
Potash Green LLC (RBV) | 08- 113917 | 10/22/09 | 10/21/14 | 10/21/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,278.44 | $ 639.22 | $6,392.20 | $ 12,784.40 |
Potash Green LLC (RBV) | 08- 113918 | 10/22/09 | 10/21/14 | 10/21/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,283.20 | $ 641.60 | $6,416.00 | $ 12,832.00 |
Potash Green LLC (RBV) | 08- 113919 | 10/22/09 | 10/21/14 | 10/21/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,280.00 | $ 640.00 | $6,400.00 | $ 12,800.00 |
Potash Green LLC (RBV) | 08- 113921 | 10/22/09 | 10/21/14 | 10/21/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,280.00 | $ 640.00 | $6,400.00 | $ 12,800.00 |
Potash Green LLC (RBV) | 08- 113986 | 10/22/09 | 10/21/14 | 10/21/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,280.00 | $ 640.00 | $6,400.00 | $ 12,800.00 |
Potash Green LLC (RBV) | 08- 113987 | 10/22/09 | 10/21/14 | 10/21/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,280.00 | $ 640.00 | $6,400.00 | $ 12,800.00 |
Potash Green LLC (RBV) | 08- 113988 | 10/22/09 | 10/21/14 | 10/21/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,280.00 | $ 640.00 | $6,400.00 | $ 12,800.00 |
Potash Green LLC (RBV) | 08- 113989 | 10/22/09 | 10/21/14 | 10/21/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,267.16 | $ 633.58 | $6,335.80 | $ 12,671.60 |
Potash Green LLC (RBV) | 08- 113990 | 10/22/09 | 10/21/14 | 10/21/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,280.00 | $ 640.00 | $6,400.00 | $ 12,800.00 |
Potash Green LLC (RBV) | 08- 113991 | 10/22/09 | 10/21/14 | 10/21/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,280.00 | $ 640.00 | $6,400.00 | $ 12,800.00 |
Potash Green LLC (RBV) | 08- 113992 | 10/22/09 | 10/21/14 | 10/21/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,280.00 | $ 640.00 | $6,400.00 | $ 12,800.00 |
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Potash Green LLC (RBV) | 08- 113993 | 10/22/09 | 10/21/14 | 10/21/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,280.00 | $ 640.00 | $6,400.00 | $ 12,800.00 |
Potash Green LLC (RBV) | 08- 113994 | 10/22/09 | 10/21/14 | 10/21/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,280.00 | $ 640.00 | $6,400.00 | $ 12,800.00 |
Potash Green LLC (RBV) | 08- 113995 | 10/22/09 | 10/21/14 | 10/21/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 80.00 | $ 40.00 | $400.00 | $ 800.00 |
Potash Green LLC (RBV) | 08- 113996 | 10/22/09 | 10/21/14 | 10/21/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,280.00 | $ 640.00 | $6,400.00 | $ 12,800.00 |
Potash Green LLC (RBV) | 08- 114065 | 05/13/10 | 05/12/15 | 05/12/12 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,283.16 | $ 641.58 | $6,415.80 | $ 12,831.60 |
Potash Green LLC (RBV) | 08- 114067 | 05/13/10 | 05/12/15 | 05/12/12 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,280.00 | $ 640.00 | $6,400.00 | $ 12,800.00 |
Potash Green LLC (RBV) | 08- 114076 | 05/13/10 | 05/12/15 | 05/12/12 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,280.00 | $ 640.00 | $6,400.00 | $ 12,800.00 |
Potash Green LLC (RBV) | 08- 114252 | 11/13/09 | 11/12/14 | 11/12/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,276.68 | $ 638.34 | $6,383.40 | $ 12,766.80 |
Potash Green LLC (RBV) | 08- 114253 | 11/13/09 | 11/12/14 | 11/12/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,280.00 | $ 640.00 | $6,400.00 | $ 12,800.00 |
Potash Green LLC (RBV) | 08- 114254 | 11/13/09 | 11/12/14 | 11/12/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,280.00 | $ 640.00 | $6,400.00 | $ 12,800.00 |
Potash Green LLC (RBV) | 08- 114255 | 11/13/09 | 11/12/14 | 11/12/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,280.00 | $ 640.00 | $6,400.00 | $ 12,800.00 |
Potash Green LLC (RBV) | 08- 114256 | 11/13/09 | 11/12/14 | 11/12/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,280.00 | $ 640.00 | $6,400.00 | $ 12,800.00 |
Potash Green LLC (RBV) | 08- 114257 | 11/13/09 | 11/12/14 | 11/12/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,280.00 | $ 640.00 | $6,400.00 | $ 12,800.00 |
Potash Green LLC (RBV) | 08- 114258 | 11/13/09 | 11/12/14 | 11/12/11 | $ 500.00 | $ 1,280.00 | $ 640.00 | $6,400.00 | $ 12,800.00 |
The ASLD permits that are subject to the Joint Exploration Agreement with HNZ Potash, LLC only indicate our 50% portion of the exploration expenditures.
The following table is a breakdown of the renewal fees, rental fees and exploration expenditure requirements on a yearly basis from 2008 to 2015 compared to the year in which the permits were effective:
Year | 2008 Permits | 2009 Permits | 2010 Permits | 2011 Permits | Total |
2008 | $172,975.08 | $172,975.08 | |||
2009 | $145,895.90 | $172,672.88 | $318,568.78 | ||
2010 | $294,831.39 | $145,727.40 | $202,206.84 | $642,765.63 | |
2011 | $294,831.39 | $293,927.54 | $171,005.70 | $34,101.16 | $793,865.79 |
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2012 | $294,831.39 | $293,927.54 | $342,611.97 | $28,834.30 | $960,205.20 |
2013 | $293,927.54 | $342,611.97 | $57,802.03 | $694,341.54 | |
2014 | $342,611.97 | $57,802.03 | $400,414.00 | ||
2015 | $57,802.03 | $57,802.03 |
BLM Permits
We will have expenses for the BLM prospecting permits, however, those expenses have not yet been determined by the BLM as the BLM has not yet granted us such permits to begin exploration.
Climate
The climate in the Holbrook Basin project area is semi-arid with high temperatures between 11 to 35°C (51 to 95°F) during summer and low temperatures in the winter ranging between -6 to 14°C (21 to 59°F). Temperatures in spring and fall vary between -3 and 30°C (28 to 86°F). The average annual precipitation is 224 mm (9 in) with maximum rates in July to October of 27 to 38 mm per month (1.1 to 1.5 inches per month). (U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NATIONAL OCEANIC & ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL SATELLITE, DATA AND INFORMATION SERVICE (2004): Climatography of the United States, No. 20, 1971-2000, Station: HOLBROOK, AZ http://cdo.ncdc.noaa.gov/climatenormals/clim20/az/024089.pdf, last accessed on 03/18/2013.).
Physiography
The landscape is generally flat with minor low lying, rolling hills, supporting ranching, light industry and areas of historical mining. The vegetation in the range land is limited and consists of minor salt cedar and scrub grasses. In the valley bottoms, there is some hay production and there are numerous ranches scattered throughout the project area. The Little Colorado, a permanent stream, and the Puerco River, an intermittent stream, run through the area. These streams merge about three miles east of Holbrook and tend to generally produce fresh water, which is reported to be brackish to saline in the surrounding areas. The area between the rivers is characterized by generally low grassland ridges, broad drainage areas and ledge form buttes and mesas. South of the Little Colorado, a similar topography is present, but with considerable pinon and cedar cover. A regional aquifer is located within the Coconino Sandstone, which is called C-aquifer. Furthermore, the Moenkopi and Chinle Formations might contain undefined/unreported aquifers. South of the Holbrook Basin project area, there are extensive areas of sink holes reaching the land surface, which suggests major salt dissolution that likely contributes to the salinity of the water in the Coconino Sandstone. Ground level elevations across the project area range in average from 1,600 to 1,700 m (5,300 to 5,600 ft) Mean Sea Level.
Geology
The sedimentary Holbrook Basin is approximately 13,000 km² in size and is located in east-central Arizona at the southern margin of the Colorado Plateau Province. It is orientated approximately NE-SW and bounded by the Mogollon Rim to the southwest and the Defiance Uplift to the northeast.
The stratigraphic succession of the Holbrook Basin (see Table 1 and Figure 3 below) starts with the coarse-grained Cambrian Tapeats Sandstone (0-101 meters thick), which is overlain by the Devonian Martin Formation consisting of limestone and dolomitic limestone (0-91 meters thick). This unit is followed by the massive Mississipian Redwall Limestone (0-18 meters thick), which is occasionally overlain by interbedded shale and thin bedded limestone (Pennsylvanian Naco Formation, 0-152 meters thick).
Above that lies the Permian Supai Formation, which can be sub-divided into four members-equal five halite deposition cycles (WINTERS, S. (1963): Supai Formation (Permian) of Eastern Arizona. Geological Society of America Memoirs.):
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The overlying Coconino Sandstone represents the top of the Permian deposits. According to LORENZ & COOPER (LORENZ, J. C. & COOPER, S. P. (2001). Interpreting Fracture Patterns in Sandstones Interbedded with Ductile Strata at the Salt Valley Anticline, Arches National Park, Utah. Retrieved from All U.S Government Documents (Utah Regional Depository), http://digitalcommons.usu.edu/govdocs/9, last accessed on 05/03/2012) this unit shows regional fracturing and often causes drilling issues and circulation losses. The following Triassic formations contain the Moenkopi Sandstones and the overlying redbed and lacustrine Chinle Formation. The uppermost section of the geological succession consists of scattered outcrops of the Tertiary Bidahochi Formation with thin bedded limy shales, minor thin sandstone beds and interbedded ash-fall tuff deposits.
Table 1 Regional Stratigraphy of the Holbrook Basin and Approximate Horizon Thicknesses (according to PEIRCE, H.W. & GERRARD, T.A. (1961): Evaporite deposits of the Permian Holbrook Basin, Arizona. Second Symposium on Salt, Northern Ohio Geological Society, pp. 1-10; CARR, W.E. (1966): A review of potash exploration, Holbrook drilling project. Arkla Exploration Company, Internal Correspondence; and WINTERS, S. (1963): Supai Formation (Permian) of Eastern Arizona. Geological Society of America Memoirs).
Age | Formation | Thickness | |
ft | m | ||
Tertiary | Bidahochi Formation | 0-30 | 0-9 |
Triassic |
Chinle Formation Moenkopi |
0-725 0-230 |
0-221 0-70 |
Permian |
Coconino Sandstone Supai Formation |
370-401 1297-1574 |
94-122 395-480 |
Pennsylvanian | Naco Formation | 0-500 | 0-152 |
Mississippian | Redwall Limestone | 0-60 | 0-18 |
Devonian | Martin Formation | 0-300 | 0-91 |
Cambrian | Tapeats Formation | 330 | 101 |
Precambrian |
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Figure 3 Simplified Cross-section through the Holbrook Basin (according to PEIRCE, H.W. & GERRARD, T.A. (1961): Evaporite deposits of the Permian Holbrook Basin, Arizona. Second Symposium on Salt, Northern Ohio Geological Society, pp. 1-10.).
Historical Work
The first salt was discovered in the Holbrook Basin in 1920 during petroleum exploration drilling near Holbrook (PEIRCE, W. (1981): Major Arizona Salt Deposits. Field Notes, 11(4), 4 p). Based on promising results from oil tests, potash exploration in the Holbrook basin was started in the 1960s and 1970s. Historical drilling was performed almost in the entire Holbrook basin, within and outside of our properties. The following table contains all historical drill holes which are located within our properties (Coordinates in WGS 84 UTM Zone 12N):
Hole_ID | Old_ID | Operator | Northing | Easting | Elev_ft | Elev_m | TD_ft | TD_m |
DH01-15 | Arkla #56 State | Arkla | 3846902 | 606141 | 5383 | 1641 | 1420 | 433 |
DH01-46 | Duval #37 | Duval | 3872717 | 629670 | 5760 | 1756 | 1564 | 477 |
DH01-66 | Duval #1A | Duval | 3874722 | 634468 | 5982 | 1823 | 2005 | 611 |
Duval #59 | Duval #59 | Duval | 3839117 | 588958 | 5316 | 1620 | 742 | 226 |
Duval #64 | Duval #64 | Duval | 3855707 | 623265 | 5690 | 1734 | 1401 | 427 |
DH01-23 | KCL #7 | KCL | 3863577 | 623135 | 5800 | 1768 | 1600 | 488 |
DH01-25 | US Borax #2 (Kern County) | KCL | 3858053 | 620918 | 5710 | 1740 | 1430 | 436 |
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DH01-16 | US Borax #1 | US Borax | 3845420 | 610135 | 5365 | 1635 | 1813 | 553 |
DH01-27 | US Borax #1-B | US Borax | 3854281 | 624631 | 5600 | 1707 | 1308 | 399 |
Well logs, samples and core descriptions as well as assay reports are available from the Arizona Oil and Gas Conservation Commission at the Arizona Geological Survey (Tucson, Arizona).
The historical drill hole data already shows the depth, thickness and K2O (potassium oxide) content of the potash horizon. However, for creation of the geological model as well as any resource estimation as required by Canadian Securities Administrators NI 43-101, only historical drill holes were considered which had at least two independent methods for determination of K2O: (i) chemical assay data; and (ii) geophysical downhole logging data (i.e. Natural Gamma Ray Log). Only drill holes, which showed consistent results in assaying and Natural Gamma Log were used for the resource modelling.
In the course of the cross-check sampling of our 2012 exploration drilling samples, a mineralogical analysis was performed additional to chemical assaying. The X-ray diffractometry (XRD) allows a quantitative analysis of the mineral content of a sample and therefore provides the possibility for an independent data verification of the calculated mineralogy from the chemical assay data which is ultimately the base for the mineralized material mass calculation of the resources. For all 45 analyzed samples the discrepancy is less than 0.25 wt% for Sylvite and less than 1.0 wt% for Carnallite with coeffecients of determination for all samples of 99.99% and 99.97%, respectively.
The following steps were performed to verify the data:
Recent Drill Holes | Historical Drill Hole | Distance |
HNZ-SW-07 PPI-01-09 PPI-1211 PPI-02-09 PPI-03-09 PPI-04-09 PPI-1204 |
DH 362 DH 09-21 DH 09-13 DH 09-19 DH 09-16 DH 09-12 DH 09-25 |
44 m 138 m 159 m 183 m 160 m 223 m 250 m |
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Current Exploration
We started our exploration activities in 2009, and have carried out the following activities to date:
Furthermore, two drill holes were adopted from Potash Green, LLC, which included geophysical logging and chemical assaying of core split samples.
According to the joint exploration agreement with HNZ, HNZ and us are sharing all data in the possession or control and agreed to plan future exploration activities with mutual knowledge. HNZs exploration activities included:
Recent Drill Holes
As part of our exploration program, we drilled four exploration drill holes in 2009. Two adopted drill holes were drilled by Potash Green, LLC in 2010 and 24 holes were completed by us in 2011. In 30 of the holes drilled in 2011/2012, the potash sections were cored. The remaining 14 holes are rotary drill holes without any coring. HNZ carried out a 23 drill hole exploration drilling program in 2011.
Drilling Procedures
We conducted vertical rotary drilling and coring, which was done mostly by the Boart Longyear Company according to industrial standards. The 1st drilling stage included drilling through the overburden to the Marker Bed and setting an 8-inch casing down to that depth. During the 2nd stage, drilling was continued down below the Marker Bed with a 5-7/8-inch bit and a 6-inch casing was set down to the final depth or the section below the Marker Bed was cored and casings with sizes that gradually reduced downhole were set (8 to 3.5 inches depending on downhole conditions and total depth).
HNZ also conducted vertical rotary drilling and coring. Stand pipes were set at approximately 20 ft using a 16-in bit and a 13-3/8-in casing. The second section was normally drilled with a 12-1/4-in bit to approximately 100 feet into the Coconino Formation sandstone. If mud loss was observed, a 9-5/8-inch casing was set. The third section was drilled with an 8-3/4-inch bit until anhydrite was reached in the Supai Formation. A 7-inch casing was set and cemented. After drilling additional 30 feet with a 6-inch bit, the borehole assembly was changed to continuous coring. Continuous 4-inch cores were collected throughout the Supai Formation evaporate and 30 to 40 feet beneath the lowest potash bed.
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Drilling Results
The basic data for our drill holes are listed in Table 2. All of them were drilled vertically and intersected the potash horizon. Due to varying contents of clay (which also contains potassium and therefore also generates amplitude in natural gamma ray log) within the potash horizon, an unaltered determination of potash salts containing K2O is not possible from only the natural gamma log. Therefore the K2O grade was determined only by chemical assay data.
Table 2 Basic Data for PASSPORT Exploration Campaign Drill Holes (Coordinates are given in UTM Format, WGS 84 Datum).
Hole ID | Completion | Northing | Easting | Elev. | TD (ft) | Type |
Date | (ft) | |||||
PPI-01-09 | 27.06.2009 | 3845046 | 601389 | 5295 | 999 | Core |
PPI-02-09 | 03.07.2009 | 3847195 | 603258 | 5354 | 1060 | Core |
PPI-03-09 | 09.07.2009 | 3849814 | 596310 | 5406 | 1040 | Core |
PPI-04-09 | 15.07.2009 | 3845112 | 604656 | 5331 | 1100 | Core |
PG-1 | 09.06.2010 | 3861831 | 624612 | 5780 | 1580 | Core |
PG-2 | 21.06.2010 | 3857937 | 598383 | 5620 | 1380 | Core |
PPI-1101 | 07.01.2010 | 3856762 | 596861 | 5372 | 1330 | Rotary |
PPI-1102 | 14.03.2011 | 3856557 | 604744 | 5594 | 1675 | Rotary |
PPI-1102A | Abandoned | 3856240 | 604806 | 5580 | N/A | Rotary |
PPI-1103 | 26.03.2011 | 3857965 | 605023 | 5662 | 1725 | Rotary |
PPI-1104 | 14.04.2011 | 3859520 | 604687 | 5643 | 1672 | Core |
PPI-1105 | 02.02.2011 | 3856327 | 603195 | 5613 | 1575 | Rotary |
PPI-1106 | 21.04.2011 | 3860982 | 603190 | 5641 | 1657 | Core |
PPI-1107 | 26.04.2011 | 3861005 | 599961 | 5561 | 1434 | Core |
PPI-1108 | 12.02.2011 | 3857927 | 599934 | 5436 | 1475 | Rotary |
PPI-1109 | 05.06.2011 | 3847970 | 597751 | 5330 | 1075 | Rotary |
PPI-1110 | 21.07.2011 | 3846393 | 599457 | 5312 | 1200 | Rotary |
PPI-1111 | 17.05.2011 | 3849637 | 599432 | 5413 | 1137 | Core |
PPI-1112 | 11.07.2011 | 3848028 | 601102 | 5328 | 1175 | Core |
PPI-1113 | 03.08.2011 | 3849691 | 602713 | 5364 | 1250 | Rotary |
PPI-1114 | 14.06.2011 | 3848110 | 604604 | 5388 | 1244 | Core |
PPI-1115 | 05.06.2011 | 3846500 | 606016 | 5374 | 1268 | Core |
PPI-1116 | 05.06.2011 | 3848236 | 607707 | 5466 | 1427 | Rotary |
PPI-1117 | 20.06.2011 | 3846422 | 594892 | 5346 | 1000 | Rotary |
PPI-1118 | 18.06.2011 | 3844977 | 597900 | 5324 | 1073 | Core |
PPI-1119 | 10.05.2011 | 3855665 | 605382 | 5590 | 1533 | Core |
PPI-1120 | 26.04.2011 | 3858261 | 605558 | 5739 | 1637 | Core |
PPI-1121 | 17.05.2011 | 3862637 | 604806 | 5748 | 1530 | Core |
PPI-1122 | 21.09.2011 | 3859301 | 616108 | 5591 | 1400 | Rotary |
PPI-1131 | 15.03.2012 | 3862086 | 598754 | 5602 | 1400 | Core |
PPI-1132 | 19.08.2011 | 3859461 | 598492 | 5510 | 1450 | Rotary |
PPI-1133 | 14.09.2011 | 3862587 | 601535 | 5658 | 1600 | Rotary |
PPI-1134 | 07.03.2012 | 3859395 | 601639 | 5562 | 1695 | Rotary |
PPI-1201 | 29.03.2012 | 3858019 | 601591 | 5466 | 1400 | Core |
PPI-1202 | 30.05.2012 | 3857928 | 603122 | 5506 | 1398 | Core |
PPI-1203 | 15.05.2012 | 3859557 | 603146 | 5559 | 1478 | Core |
PPI-1204 | 10.09.2012 | 3860391 | 597499 | 5550 | 1349 | Core |
PPI-1205 | 13.06.2012 | 3857659 | 596719 | 5425 | 1220 | Core |
PPI-1206 | 07.06.2012 | 3856199 | 598487 | 5391 | 1398 | Core |
PPI-1210 | 17.09.2012 | 3853033 | 594222 | 5373 | 1017 | Core |
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PPI-1211 | 21.07.2012 | 3853433 | 596281 | 5403 | 1089 | Core |
PPI-1212 | 08.10.2012 | 3853068 | 599318 | 5512 | 1238 | Core |
PPI-1214 | 24.06.2012 | 3851387 | 595083 | 5504 | 1108 | Core |
PPI-1216 | 17.10.2012 | 3851461 | 598541 | 5462 | 1173 | Core |
PPI-1218 | 27.07.2012 | 3846576 | 596088 | 5347 | 978 | Core |
PPI-1219 | 27.07.2012 | 3847988 | 597730 | 5329 | 938 | Core |
PPI-1220 | 20.07.2012 | 3846401 | 599446 | 5337 | 1048 | Core |
PPI-1221 | 13.07.2012 | 3849652 | 602701 | 5395 | 1119 | Core |
PPI-1222 | 10.07.2012 | 3848135 | 604345 | 5394 | 1178 | Core |
PPI-1223 | 04.07.2012 | 3848193 | 607678 | 5429 | 1230 | Core |
PPI-1224 | 29.06.2012 | 3845054 | 607483 | 5454 | 1197 | Core |
Hopi-1 | 26.11.2012 | 3849870 | 604298 | 5430 | 1168 | Core |
Hopi-2 | 05.12.2012 | 3848431 | 602623 | 5312 | 1058 | Core |
Hopi-3 | 17.12.2012 | 3846571 | 604559 | 5352 | 1083 | Core |
HNZ- MILKY- 08 | 22.06.2011 | 3851936 | 615646 | 5556 | 1268 | Core |
HNZ- MILKY- 11 | 07.01.2011 | 3852003 | 612708 | 5602 | 1311 | Core |
HNZ- MILKY- 12 | 14.07.2011 | 3849408 | 615268 | 5455 | 1260 | Core |
HNZ- MILKY- 13 | 27.07.2011 | 3849189 | 612189 | 5562 | 1368 | Core |
HNZ- MILKY- 14 | 25.08.2011 | 3846899 | 610163 | 5474 | 1291 | Core |
All rotary drill holes were drilled with fresh, unsaturated water, which affected the geophysical borehole logs. However, for most of the drill holes, a clear indication for potash mineralization is visible in the Natural Gamma Log. The exceptions are PPI-1101, PPI-1105, PPI-1109 and PPI-1110, in which stronger dissolution within the potash section probably took place.
As for all rotary drill holes (see Table 2) no drill cores/assay data was available, and therefore, no reliable declaration of the potash horizon was possible. However, the natural gamma ray log shows, due to the high amplitudes, in most of the drill holes an indication for potash salts. Table 3 shows only drill holes for which a reliable determination by chemical assay data of top, base, thickness and K2O grade were possible.
Since the assay data for historical as well as recent holes was already provided in the common form of K2O, it was not necessary to convert or use any conversion to K2O. If the assay data had been provided in KCl (potassium chloride), then a conversion would have been necessary.
The depths of mineralized intervals as well as grades are summarized in Table 3.
Table 3 Overview of Depth, Thickness and Grade of our Drill Holes
Hole ID | Top | Base | Thickness | Thickness | Avg. Grade GxT | |||
[ft] | [m] | [ft] | [m] | [ft] | [m] | K2O [%] | [m%] | |
PG-1 | 1502.0 | 457.81 | 1521.0 | 463.60 | 19.0 | 5.79 | 4.04 | 23.4 |
PG-2 | 1262.0 | 384.66 | 1275.0 | 388.62 | 13.0 | 3.96 | 5.74 | 22.7 |
PPI-01-09 | 895.0 | 272.80 | 904.5 | 275.69 | 9.5 | 2.90 | 10.98 | 31.8 |
PPI-02-09 | 987.5 | 300.99 | 1000.0 | 304.80 | 12.5 | 3.81 | 9.74 | 37.1 |
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PPI-03-09 | 960.0 | 292.61 | 963.0 | 293.52 | 3.0 | 0.91 | 8.55 | 7.8 |
PPI-04-09 | 1016.5 | 309.83 | 1029.0 | 313.64 | 12.5 | 3.81 | 6.54 | 24.9 |
PPI-1104 | 1462.5 | 445.77 | 1469.5 | 447.90 | 7.0 | 2.13 | 9.45 | 20.2 |
PPI-1106 | 1439.0 | 438.61 | 1442.5 | 439.67 | 3.5 | 1.07 | 14.34 | 15.3 |
PPI-1107 | 1321.0 | 402.64 | 1326.0 | 404.16 | 5.0 | 1.52 | 5.91 | 9.0 |
PPI-1111 | 1061.0 | 323.39 | 1069.5 | 325.98 | 8.5 | 2.59 | 5.16 | 13.4 |
PPI-1112 | 969.0 | 295.35 | 983.5 | 299.77 | 14.5 | 4.42 | 8.21 | 36.3 |
PPI-1114 | 1131.5 | 344.88 | 1146.0 | 349.30 | 14.5 | 4.42 | 6.14 | 27.2 |
PPI-1115 | 1108.7 | 337.93 | 1122.2 | 342.04 | 13.5 | 4.11 | 8.63 | 35.5 |
PPI-1118 | 966.0 | 294.44 | 975.0 | 297.18 | 9.0 | 2.74 | 6.61 | 18.1 |
PPI-1119 | 1427.5 | 435.10 | 1441.5 | 439.37 | 14.0 | 4.27 | 6.23 | 26.6 |
PPI-1120 | 1590.0 | 484.63 | 1601.5 | 488.14 | 11.5 | 3.51 | 3.88 | 13.6 |
PPI-1121 | 1335.5 | 407.06 | 1347.5 | 410.72 | 12.0 | 3.66 | 5.60 | 20.5 |
PPI-1131 | 1328.0 | 404.77 | 1334.5 | 406.76 | 6.5 | 1.98 | 10.58 | 21.0 |
PPI-1201 | 1290.5 | 393.34 | 1300.5 | 396.39 | 10.0 | 3.05 | 10.79 | 32.9 |
PPI-1202 | 1335.5 | 407.06 | 1345.0 | 409.96 | 9.5 | 2.90 | 4.76 | 13.8 |
PPI-1203 | 1435.0 | 437.39 | 1437.0 | 438.00 | 2.0 | 0.61 | 4.52 | 2.8 |
PPI-1204 | 1282.0 | 390.75 | 1289.5 | 393.04 | 7.5 | 2.29 | 8.29 | 19.0 |
PPI-1205 | 1087.5 | 331.47 | 1092.5 | 332.99 | 5.0 | 1.52 | 13.60 | 20.7 |
PPI-1206 | 1109.0 | 338.02 | 1113.5 | 339.39 | 4.5 | 1.37 | 11.90 | 16.3 |
PPI-1210 | 927.0 | 282.55 | 940.0 | 286.51 | 13.0 | 3.96 | 5.36 | 21.2 |
PPI-1211 | 1021.5 | 311.35 | 1030.0 | 313.94 | 8.5 | 2.59 | 11.07 | 28.7 |
PPI-1212 | 1169.0 | 356.31 | 1173.0 | 357.53 | 4.0 | 1.22 | 6.38 | 7.8 |
PPI-1214 | 1056.0 | 321.87 | 1070.5 | 326.29 | 14.5 | 4.42 | 7.08 | 31.3 |
PPI-1216 | 1110.5 | 338.48 | 1122.5 | 342.14 | 12.0 | 3.66 | 7.22 | 26.4 |
PPI-1218 | 901.0 | 274.62 | 907.0 | 276.45 | 6.0 | 1.83 | 9.60 | 17.6 |
PPI-1219 | 889.0 | 270.97 | 894.0 | 272.49 | 5.0 | 1.52 | 8.13 | 12.4 |
PPI-1220 | 932.5 | 284.23 | 933.0 | 284.38 | 0.5 | 0.15 | 6.53 | 1.0 |
PPI-1221 | 1056.0 | 321.87 | 1078.0 | 328.57 | 22.0 | 6.71 | 7.89 | 52.9 |
PPI-1222 | 1120.0 | 341.38 | 1133.0 | 345.34 | 13.0 | 3.96 | 8.20 | 32.5 |
PPI-1223 | 1178.5 | 359.21 | 1181.5 | 360.12 | 3.0 | 0.91 | 5.76 | 5.3 |
PPI-1224 | 1143.5 | 348.54 | 1158.5 | 353.11 | 15.0 | 4.57 | 7.46 | 34.1 |
Hopi-1 | 1020.5 | 311.05 | 1036.5 | 315.93 | 16.0 | 4.88 | 7.95 | 38.8 |
Hopi-2 | 1059.5 | 322.94 | 1069.5 | 325.98 | 10.0 | 3.05 | 8.54 | 26.0 |
Hopi-3 | 1055.0 | 321.56 | 1064.5 | 324.46 | 9.5 | 2.90 | 8.56 | 24.8 |
HNZ- MILKY-08 | 1173.5 | 357.68 | 1174.5 | 357.99 | 1.0 | 0.30 | 7.83 | 2.4 |
HNZ- MILKY-11 | 1248.5 | 380.54 | 1259.0 | 383.74 | 10.5 | 3.20 | 10.25 | 32.8 |
HNZ- MILKY-12 | 1217.0 | 370.94 | 1218.0 | 371.25 | 1.0 | 0.30 | 13.25 | 4.0 |
HNZ- MILKY-13 | 1337.5 | 407.67 | 1343.0 | 409.35 | 5.5 | 1.68 | 10.89 | 18.3 |
HNZ- MILKY-14 | 1230.5 | 375.06 | 1231.5 | 375.36 | 1.0 | 0.30 | 7.53 | 2.3 |
HNZ- MILKY-15 | 1245.0 | 379.48 | 1263.0 | 384.96 | 18.0 | 5.49 | 7.06 | 38.7 |
HNZ-MILKY-19 | barren | |||||||
HNZ-SW-02 | 908.0 | 276.76 | 909.0 | 277.06 | 1.0 | 0.30 | 22.40 | 6.8 |
HNZ-SW-03 | 862.0 | 262.74 | 865.0 | 263.65 | 3.0 | 0.91 | 14.23 | 13.0 |
HNZ-SW-04 | 733.0 | 223.42 | 735.0 | 224.03 | 2.0 | 0.61 | 19.25 | 11.7 |
HNZ-SW-05 | 629.0 | 191.72 | 638.0 | 194.46 | 9.0 | 2.74 | 7.95 | 21.8 |
HNZ-SW-06 | 683.0 | 208.18 | 687.0 | 209.40 | 4.0 | 1.22 | 13.53 | 16.5 |
HNZ-SW-07 | 903.5 | 275.39 | 916.0 | 279.20 | 12.5 | 3.81 | 7.09 | 27.0 |
HNZ-SW-08 | 1174.5 | 357.99 | 1184.0 | 360.88 | 9.5 | 2.90 | 10.86 | 31.5 |
HNZ-SW-09 | 1006.0 | 306.63 | 1019.0 | 310.59 | 13.0 | 3.96 | 9.26 | 36.7 |
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HNZ-SW-10 | 867.0 | 264.26 | 871.0 | 265.48 | 4.0 | 1.22 | 6.37 | 7.8 |
HNZ-SW-12 | 956.0 | 291.39 | 964.0 | 293.83 | 8.0 | 2.44 | 8.24 | 20.1 |
HNZ-SW-13 | 733.0 | 223.42 | 739.5 | 225.40 | 6.5 | 1.98 | 5.41 | 10.7 |
HNZ-SW-14 | 1104.5 | 336.65 | 1107.0 | 337.41 | 2.5 | 0.76 | 14.42 | 11.0 |
HNZ-SW-16 | 1006.0 | 306.63 | 1012.5 | 308.61 | 6.5 | 1.98 | 9.35 | 18.5 |
HNZ-SW-17 | 837.5 | 255.27 | 844.5 | 257.40 | 7.0 | 2.13 | 4.61 | 9.8 |
HNZ-SW-18 | barren |
Sample Preparation, Analyses and Security
The standard operating and quality assurance procedures followed by our employees have been instituted to make sure that all sampling techniques and results meet international reporting standards.
During the recent exploration program in 2009-2012, we took rotary samples in the beginning and later split core samples only. Coring started when the first significant gypsum interval (Upper Supai Formation) was intersected. Information about the drill holes and the on-site core descriptions were given/conducted according to international standards (depth intervals, recovery-%, lithology, structure, alteration, rock type, weathered profile, sample intervals, remarks). On site, our field geologists collected the cuttings, bagged and labeled them and placed a small sub-sample into a chip tray for further treatment (not sent for chemical analysis). Rotary cuttings coming from below the anhydrite were generally logged by the on-site geologists. Directly after being retrieved, the cores were measured, cleaned, field logged, packed in plastic poly sheeting and were placed into sequentially numbered and labeled (drill hole name, land location, depth interval, core number) core boxes. The material was then temporarily stored prior to transfer to the laboratories. A chain of custody prepared by the well site geologist accompanied the delivery. In the laboratory, the cores were split in two halves and one half was crushed, pulverized and assayed. The sampling interval was 0.15 m. The laboratories commissioned for the performance of the chemical analysis of the K2O content were ALS Chemex (Reno, Nevada ISO 9001:2008 and ISO/IEC 17025:2005 certificates), Skyline (Tucson, Arizona ISO/IEC 17025 certificate) and Apex Environmental Laboratory (Tempe, Arizona).
ALS analyzed the cores from the four 2009 drill holes. The cores were sent in full and, after-wards, split in half with one half being crushed and pulverized before going into 35 Element Aqua Regia ICP-AES and Whole Rock Package ICP-AES. Internal standards, blanks and duplicates were included. After a year, part of the core was sent back to PASSPORT and the other part was permanently stored in Apache Junction in July 2011.
Skyline did the analysis on ten 2011 drill holes by splitting, crushing, pulverizing and assaying the cores at their laboratory. They used 34 elements Aqua Regia Digestion (ICP-OES, TE-2 program) and the Volumetric Chloride Analysis method for Total Chlorine.
Apex analyzed 89 samples of PPI-1115 via ICP-MS and Silver Nitrate Titration for Total Chlorine. Apex included internal blanks, standards and Laboratory Control Samples (LCS).
Chemical analyses for PPI-1131 and all subsequent 2012 assaying works were carried out primarily by SRC.
During the recent exploration program in 2011, HNZ took samples from cores that were cut in half. Coring started when the first significant gypsum interval (Upper Supai Formation) was intersected. Information about the drill holes and the on-site core descriptions were given/ con-ducted according to international standards (depth intervals, recovery-%, lithology, structure, alteration, rock type, weathered profile, sample intervals, remarks). Directly after being retrieved, the cores were measured, cleaned, field logged, packed in plastic poly sheeting and were placed into sequentially numbered and labeled, 2-ft long (drill hole name, land location, depth interval, core number) core boxes. The material was then shifted to the HNZ core lab facility at the Milky Ranch. There, the cores were split in two halves and placed in plastic bags. The sampling interval was 6 in (0.15 m). Sampling started approximately 2 to 4 ft above the mineralized zone and ended approximately 2 to 4 ft below the mineralized zone, based on downhole logging. After completion of core logging and sampling, the core was photographed. A chain of custody prepared by the well site geologist accompanied the delivery to the laboratory. In total, 1,151 samples were delivered to SRC.
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SRC crushed the core samples to a 6 mm grain size and stored one half of each sample. Afterwards, the samples were pulverized and placed in a tray. Samples were analyzed using ICP-OES together with determinations of % Insoluble and % Moisture. The chloride ion is not measured directly, but calculated from the ion balance afterwards.
Quality Assurance/Quality Control
National Instrument 43-101 and Exploration Best Practices Guidelines state that a program of data verification should accompany an exploration program to confirm validity of exploration data. Furthermore, the guidelines require a quality assurance quality control (QA/QC) program to be in place.
Concerning chemical analysis no outside standards, duplicate samples or blanks were sent by us, which leaves only the internal standards and own checking procedures of the different laboratories as quality control of the chemical assays.
All 2011 core samples were prepared by Skyline. We then sent the unused crushed cores to SRC Geoanalytical Laboratories (SRC; Saskatoon, Canada; SCC accredited, ISO/IEC 17) for duplicate analysis. SRC was commissioned to perform duplicate chemical analysis on 434 out of a total of 1650 samples tested by Skyline, ALS and Apex. SRC includes blanks, duplicates and their internal Potash 003/ 004 standards into the analysis.
For the 2012 drill holes, we added one blank and one standard at either 10%, 21% or 62% K2O for approximately every 20 samples. The results are in the specific tolerance levels. HNZ collected, as part of the drill site sampling procedure, one duplicate sample, one standard, and one blank sample for approximately every 20 samples. Additional cross check analysis was carried out by Huffman Laboratories, Inc. (Golden, Colorado) on 67 samples plus their own internal blanks and standards. These results generally correlate with the results of analyses carried for HNZ by SRC.
For about 10% of all samples of our 2012 exploration phase cross-check analyses were carried out at ERCOSPLANs independent reference lab.
In order to check the chemical analysis results for consistency the charge balance between positive ions (Mg2+,Ca2+, Na+, K+) and negative (Cl-, SO42-) ions is determined for each full salt analysis, recent as well as historic ones. If the absolute difference 2*(cations anions)/ (cations+anions) * 100% is larger than 5.0%, the analysis is classified as an outlier and should be considered as suspect.
The mineralogical composition of the sample was calculated based on the chemical analysis, which included recalculating the elements from weight % to mol and re-arranging them to the basic salts according to the following scheme:
1. |
Combine cations and anions to simple salts according to the following scheme | ||
a. |
combine with Cl, in the following order: Na, K, Mg, Ca | ||
b. |
combine with SO4 in the following order: Ca, Mg, K, Na | ||
c. |
Based on experience with potash deposits, the analyses should be either MgCl2 or | ||
K2 SO4 normative, meaning if CaCl2 or Na2 SO4 results from these combinations, the analysis is suspect. | |||
2. |
Combine the simple salts to salt mineralogy according to the following simplified scheme: |
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a. |
All NaCl is Halite. | |
b. |
If CaCl2 is present combine with MgCl2 to Tachyhydrite. | |
c. |
The remaining MgCl2 is combined 1:1 with KCl to Carnallite. | |
d. |
If MgCl2 > KCl, remaining MgCl2 to Bischofite. | |
e. |
If KCl > MgCl2 and MgSO4 available, combine remaining KCl 1:1 to Kainite. | |
f. |
If K2 SO4 > MgSO4 or CaSO4 /2, Arcanite, otherwise with CaSO4 and MgSO4 to Polyhalite. | |
g. |
If remaining KCl > MgSO4, remaining KCl after Kainite to Sylvite, otherwise remaining MgSO4 to Kieserite. | |
h. |
Remaining CaSO4 to Anhydrite. |
The mineralogy was recalculated to masses of elements, including the crystal water content. The sum of these elements together with the insoluble content should be close to 100.
For mostly all available drill holes Natural Gamma Ray and Neutron Logs are present. In terms of a consistent database all assaying data was checked against the Natural Gamma Ray Log for every single drill hole1. In an ideal case the interval of sampling as well as the K2O-content determined by assaying should match with the natural gamma ray log concerning interval of increased values and signal strength with certain accuracy. In an example for the historical drill hole DH 624 is given, which shows a clear correlation and coverage by sampling.
Additionally in order to achieve a higher level of confidence the Natural Gamma Ray Log and assay results of every single drill hole was compared to adjacent drill holes. In a normal case a correlation regarding the number of mineralized beds or combined thickness is visible. If there are discrepancies, the drill hole data will be considered suspect and the usage for resource estimation is evaluated individually.
Security
The core material was under supervision of our wellsite geologist starting from retrieval and ending with the delivery to the respective laboratory. Whenever there was no direct supervision by the wellsite geologist, the core was stored under lock and key. Prior to transfer to the respective laboratory, the plastic bagged core material was temporarily stored within the core boxes at our drill site.
Planned Exploration Program
Our engineering firm, ERCOSPLAN, has recommended a two phase development of the project consisting of:
Phase 1
Studies will be conducted to confirm and verify the assumptions made for the Preliminary Economic Assessment Report and further exploration potentially in order to delineate more Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources. These studies consist of:
Detailed hydrogeological investigations to determine the quantity and quality of groundwater available for the project
1 Due to the radioactive isotope 40K, which emits gamma rays, there is a correlation of the potassium content and the natural gamma log.
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Upon completion of the studies, an updated resource report with the target of potentially delineating adequate resources for a 30-year 2.5 MTPA MOP production and the input data required for a Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) will be issued.
This phase will end with a PFS delineating the best mining option and the best processing method option and will allow an updated resource/reserve estimate using typical mining and processing recovery factors, since not all required information for that has been available for this study. The costs for the studies of Phase 1 are estimated at about $7,500,000. We expect Phase 1 to be completed by the end of 2013.
Phase 2
Conditional upon a favorable outcome of Phase 1, we will start a Feasibility Study (FS) which will use the geological model of the updated resource estimate and the results of all investigations that are not yet available in the PFS phase to produce a detailed mining and processing design.
Based on the results of the PFS, further laboratory investigations might be necessary to optimise the chosen mining and processing methods. At this stage, the costs for this second phase are estimated at $15,000,000, but they depend on the requirements for further investigations that cannot be defined in detail at present. We expect this phrase to be completed by the end of 2014.
Legal Proceedings
Except as set forth below, management is not aware of any legal proceedings contemplated by any governmental authority or any other party involving us or our properties. As of the date of this prospectus, no director, officer or affiliate is a party adverse to us in any legal proceeding, or has an adverse interest to us in any legal proceedings.
North American Potash Developments Inc. v. Passport Potash Inc. (Case No. 120903652)
On May 18, 2012, we delivered a letter to North American Potash Developments Inc. (formerly Ringbolt Ventures Ltd.), Potash Green, LLC, Wendy Walker Tibbetts and Joseph J. Hansen (collectively, the Optionor), informing them that they were in breach of the Ringbolt Option Agreement by the Optionor not granting operational control of the Potash Green exploration permits by signing a limited Power of Attorney as requested by us and that the payment of cash and shares that were due by us to the Optionor on May 17, 2012 would not be paid until the Optionor cured the defaults delineated in the default letter.
On May 25, 2012, we were informed by the Optionor that it had filed a civil action in Third Judicial District court, Salt Lake County, State of Utah alleging that we failed to make payment to the Optionor in the amount of $350,000 or deliver to Optionor 1,400,000 shares of our common stock on May 17, 2012 as required pursuant to the Ringbolt Option Agreement, and that we did not provide a timely or proper written report as required pursuant to the Ringbolt Option Agreement. In addition, the Optionor alleges that we have failed to reimburse the Optionor for $20,715.80 in expenses paid by the Optionor to maintain certain leases that are the subject of the Ringbolt Option Agreement. In its claim under the first cause of action for breach of contract, the Optionor is seeking payment of $350,000 and 1,400,000 shares of our common stock, or alternatively $644,000 in total damages, plus interest, costs and attorney fees, as allowed by law. In its second cause of action for unjust enrichment, the Optionor is seeking no less than $20,715.80, plus interest, costs, and attorney fees, as allowed by law. With respect to the second cause of action, we take the position that such expenses were due prior to the transaction receiving TSX Venture Exchange approval as required in accordance with the Ringbolt Option Agreement, and therefore, such payments were the responsibility of Optionor.
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On June 19, 2012, we filed an answer and counterclaim to the Ringbolt civil action and tendered to the Utah court the $350,000 in cash and the 1,400,000 shares which were due pursuant to the Ringbolt Option Agreement on May 17, 2012, pending a ruling by the court on the sufficiency of tender. The court ruled that the tender to the court was not sufficient, therefore, the cash and shares were released to Optionor on July 10, 2012.
On September 10, 2012, the Court had granted our motion for a preliminary injunction, which enjoined Optionor from terminating the Ringbolt Option Agreement based upon the grounds alleged by Optionor.
On October 30, 2012, as part of a settlement agreement between us and the Optionor, we entered into an amendment agreement to the Ringbolt Option Agreement.
Pursuant to the amendment agreement, we will pay to the Optionor a total of $3,850,000, $150,000 of which was paid upon execution of the amendment agreement, $2,450,000 will be paid upon TSX Ventures Exchange approval of the amendment agreement, and the remaining $1,250,000 on or before October 31, 2014. In addition, upon TSX Venture Exchange approval of the amendment agreement, we will issue 750,000 shares of common stock to the Optionor and the Optionor will assign to us all of its right, title and interest in and to the property and will take all necessary action with the ASLD to effect such assignment. The cash payment of $2,450,000 and 750,000 shares of our common stock will be placed into escrow and will be released to the Optionor upon receipt of confirmation of the assignment of the property to us from the ASLD. There will be no royalty attached to the transferred mineral exploration permits.
Should we sell or in any way transfer our interest in the property, the Optionor will receive 20% of the gross consideration in excess of $30 million to a maximum of $2,000,000 if the aggregate consideration received for the transfer of the interest in the property is greater than $30 million and less than $40 million; or $2,000,000 plus 10% of the gross consideration in excess of $40 million to a maximum of $1,000,000 if the aggregate consideration is greater than $40 million and less than $50 million; or $3,000,000 plus 20% of the gross consideration in excess of $50 million if the aggregate consideration is greater than $50 million.
If we sell or transfer less than a 100% interest in the property, then the aforementioned bonus payments shall be ratably reduced by multiplying the bonus payment by the percentage of interest subject to the transfer transaction. The sale or transfer of the remainder of the interest in the property held by us will continue to be subject to the aforementioned bonus payment provisions.
On December 8, 2012, we entered into a second amendment agreement with the Optionor to amend the amendment agreement to extend the deadline to make the cash payment of $2,450,000 following TSX Venture Exchange approval for a period of 30 days from the date of final approval with a payment of $100,000 to Potash Green, LLC, which payment will be deducted from the aggregate amount owed.
As of the date of this prospectus, we have not received the approval from the TSX Venture Exchange and the deadline to make the payment of $2,450,000 has been extended for a period of 30 days upon our payment of $100,000.
On March 14, 2013, the Court dismissed the civil action brought by the Optionor with prejudice.
MANAGEMENT
Directors and Executive Officers
All of our directors hold office until the next annual general meeting of the shareholders unless his or her office is earlier vacated in accordance with our Articles or he or she becomes disqualified to act as a director. Our officers are appointed by our board of directors and hold office until their earlier death, retirement, resignation or removal.
Our executive officers and directors and their respective ages as of the date of this prospectus are as follows:
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Name | Age | Position Held |
Joshua Bleak | 32 | President, Chief Executive Officer and Director |
Laara Shaffer | 64 | Chief Financial Officer, Corporate Secretary and Director |
Ali Rahimtula | 66 | Director |
Dennis Ickes | 68 | Director |
David J. Salisbury | 60 | Chairman of the Board and Director |
John Eckersley | 54 | Executive Vice-President and Director |
Jerry Aiken | 69 | Director |
The following is a brief account of the education and business experience of each director, executive officer and key employee during at least the past five years, indicating each persons principal occupation during the period, and the name and principal business of the organization by which he or she was employed, and including other directorships held in reporting companies.
Joshua Bleak. Mr. Bleak has been our President, Chief Executive Officer since January 11, 2011 and a director of our Company since April 12, 2010. Mr. Bleak is experienced in the mining and exploration industry as well as being fourth generation in a family with a rich mining and exploration background. From December 24, 2009 to current, Mr. Bleak serves as President, CEO, Treasurer and a director of Continental Resources Group, Inc. (OTCBB: CRGC) which is involved in exploring and developing uranium prospects. Since January 26, 2012, Mr. Bleak has served as a director of American Strategic Minerals Corporation (OTCBB: ASMC) which is engaged in the acquisition and exploration of properties that may contain uranium mineralization. Since October 2008, Mr. Bleak has served as the President and a director of North American Environmental Corp., a consulting company specializing in mining project management, permitting, lobbying and land tenure. From February 2007 to September 2008, he served as Manager of NPX Metals, Inc., an exploration and mining company. Since January 2005 he has served as Secretary and a director of Pinal Realty Investments Inc., a real estate development company. Mr. Bleaks qualification to serve on our Board of Directors is based on his experience in the mining industry in general.
Laara Shaffer. Ms. Shaffer has been our Chief Financial Officer and Secretary since March 1996 and was a director of our Company from March 1996 to February 1, 2012. She was recently re-appointed to the Board of Directors, effective June 25, 2012. Ms. Shaffer is currently a director of Pro Tech Ventures Corp., Aquilla Energy Corp. and previously served as CFO and director of Compass Gold Corp. (TSXV: CVB) from 2007 to 2009. Ms. Shaffers qualification to serve on our Board of Directors is based on her extensive experience as a CFO of public companies and in the mining industry in general.
Ali Rahimtula. Mr. Rahimtula has served as a director of our Company since October 28, 2011. Since 1979, Mr. Rahimtula has served as the President and founder of Transnational Enterprises LTD., d/b/a Transfert America. Transnational Enterprises LTD. is a member of the Rahimtula Group. The Rahimtula Group was a pioneer of the fertilizer business in India, and has been a domestic industry leader since the 1960s. They are a global company, recognized for their extensive business networks to supply international fertilizer manufacturers for their critical raw materials such as sulphur, rock phosphate, ammonia, phosphoric acid and potash. The Rahimtula group has operated in the traditional markets of India and Pakistan but has also expanded its area of operations into other countries such as Brazil, Vietnam, China, Thailand, Philippines, and South Africa. They are also experienced in executing joint-venture fertilizer production and marketing contracts in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa as well as in Europe and the CIS. Mr. Rahimtulas qualifications to serve on our Board of Directors is based on his experience and expertise in the fertilizer industry. He has and can contribute by securing large customers of international repute for us as joint venture partners who can buy potash on long term off take agreements. Also, Mr. Rahimtula brings to us his experience in logistics, such as port infrastructure developments and organizing export shipping in containers and bulk vessel chartering.
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Dennis Ickes, Mr. Ickes has served as a director of our Company since December 14, 2011. Mr. Ickes is an internationally known lawyer, legal scholar, trial attorney and business leader. Mr. Ickes holds a Juris Doctorate from the University of Utah. He served in the U.S. Department of Justice where he co-founded the Office of Indian Rights in 1973. Mr. Ickes was also a principal negotiator on behalf of the federal government in the violent standoff with Indian activists at Wounded Knee, South Dakota in 1973.
In 1976, President Gerald R. Ford and Secretary Thomas Kleppe selected Mr. Ickes to serve as Deputy Under Secretary of the Interior. During his tenure Mr. Ickes was responsible for developing and implementing public policy related to public lands, Indian relations, national parks and monuments, federal reserved water rights, fish and wildlife, and Trust Territories of the Pacific.
While Mr. Ickes was in the U.S. Department of Justice he brought the first federal voting rights case on behalf of American Indians when he supported the right of residents of the Navajo Nation to run for county office in Apache County, Arizona.
Upon leaving the Federal service in 1977, he represented northern plains and Southwest tribes and organizations until the late 1980s when lawyers who were tribal members began assuming tribal representations.
As a legal consultant, Mr. Ickes has advised state and county governments, Indian tribes, Indian individuals, Indian-owned companies, and non-Indian owned companies, including financial institutions concerning the conduct of business within tribal jurisdictions. Mr. Ickes wrote the first law review article in the Nation that urged tribes to turn from relying upon federal appropriations to seeking private capital to develop their opportunities.
Mr. Ickes previously founded, owned and operated a barite mining and processing facility in Nevada. He is currently one of two members in an exploration stage beryllium project in Utah. He has served on the board of a publicly owned independent oil and gas company and a mining exploration company. As a consultant Mr. Ickes advised the President and CEO of Resolution Copper Mining, a Rio Tinto company, on issues related to Indian tribes. He is the founder and President of Native 17, LLC, a company which assists tribes with economic development opportunities both on and off the reservation through a proprietary system developed by him. He is the past chairman of the Federal Bar Association, Indian Law Section, the Utah State Bar Association, Natural Resource Section and the chairman of the Indian Law Section. Mr. Ickes qualifications to serve on our Board of Directors is based on his extensive experience in government relations, business, mining and Indian matters.
David J. Salisbury. Mr. Salisbury has served as our Chairman of the board and a director of our Company since January 16, 2012. Mr. Salisbury has had an extensive career in the mining industry, spanning four decades, including seventeen years with Rio Tinto PLC. During his career he has had experience in almost all phases of mine development and operation, including: operating and capital budget development, operating cost control, product quality, profit/loss analysis, engineering, safety, field operations and maintenance, strategic planning, environmental compliance, market development, merger and acquisition analysis, employee relations, community relations, public relations and government relations at both the state and federal levels.
Mr. Salisbury was President and CEO of Resolution Copper Mining (Resolution Copper) (Resolution Copper Mining is a joint venture between Rio Tinto and BHP and is not publicly traded), from 2008 to his retirement on January 31, 2011. At Resolution Copper he was responsible for the development of a deep underground copper mine in Superior, Arizona. One of his primary responsibilities was a legislative land exchange involving 3,025 acres of federal land in exchange for 5,500 acres of ecologically important private land. His role at Resolution Copper required significant interaction and engagement with members of the U.S. Congress, federal agencies, the Governor of the State of Arizona and State legislators. He was also responsible for leading the activities of integrating all engineering studies and design with environmental permitting, progressive development of the future operations culture and working environment, health and safety, project budget controls and community relations.
From 2006 through 2008, Mr. Salisbury was President and CEO of Kennecott Minerals Company (Kennecott Minerals is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Rio Tinto and is not publicly traded), where he was responsible for the comprehensive management of underground operations in Juneau, Alaska; open cut/heap leach gold in Nevada; and the development and construction of an underground nickel operation in Michigan.
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Mr. Salisbury was a leader for the Rio Tinto global improvement program, Improving Performance Together, from 2004 through 2006. He led one of four major streams of work aimed at bringing about radical change in the way Rio Tinto conducts business. This responsibility covered the engineering and operation of processing operations at all Rio Tinto operations and involved leading a team of eight general managers and managers in diagnosing current state, formulating solutions, implementing pilot trials and ultimately rolling out change across the global group.
Mr. Salisbury was Managing Director and CEO of Rössing Uranium Ltd. (Rossing Uranium is majority owned by Rio Tinto and is not publicly traded) from 2001 through 2004. The Rössing mine employed 1,200 people and produces U3O8 for the global nuclear fuel industry, representing 8% of the global primary supply. During his tenure the mine achieved its historical best safety performance while increasing production and decreasing staff by 33%.
While with Rio Tinto, Mr. Salisbury also held Senior Executive positions with Kennecott Ridgeway Mining Company and Kennecott Energy Company.
Prior to joining Rio Tinto Mr. Salisbury was the President of Cordero Mining Company/Sun Coal Company (1992 to 1993) and responsible for the operation of the Cordero Mine, the seventh largest coal mine in the United States. At Cordero he completed a major organizational restructuring to reduce cost and improve efficiency, dropping operating costs by 10%.
Mr. Salisbury served as President and COO of the Al Hamilton Operating Company/Bradford Coal Company (1990 to 1992) where he was responsible for the operation of 9 active mines in a 30 mile radius of Clearfield, PA. During his tenure he improved the financial performance of this operation and was able to bring it into profitability.
From 1989 to 1990, Mr. Salisbury served as President of The Coteau Properties Company/North American Coal Corporation where he was responsible for the construction, management and operation of a 12 million tons per year surface lignite mine near Beulah, North Dakota. The Coteau Properties Company/North American Coal Corporation had annual sales of $86 million US dollars to the only commercial coal gasification plant in the United States. Mr. Salisbury administered a 20 year contract with the sole coal customer, and negotiated a new contract extension adding a new coal field and additional production up to 16 million tons per year.
Mr. Salisbury served in various management positions with The Coteau Properties Company/North American Coal Corporation from 1978 through 1989. He was the project manager responsible for the oversight of design, contract administration and construction management of the Freedom Mine, a greenfield mine facility valued at $186 million. The project was completed on time and under budget.
Mr. Salisburys qualification to serve on our Board of Directors is based on his extensive experience in the mining industry in general.
John Eckersley. Mr. Eckersley has served as our Vice President, Legal and Corporate Affairs since December 2010 and has served as a director of our Company since July 15, 2011. Mr. Eckersley has practiced law as a solo practitioner since 1999. His practice focuses on securities compliance, corporate governance and estate planning. Mr. Eckersley served as the Executive Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer of Digital Business Resource, Inc., a telecommunications company, from 1996 to 1999, where he was a founder, and was responsible for developing systems for office management, accounting, client services, vendor coordination and marketing. Mr. Eckersley served as the General Counsel of TIMI, a public finance advisory company, where he advised the company on corporate strategy and was responsible for the companys compliance filings. Mr. Eckersley has served as a director of Silver Horn Mining Ltd. (OTCBB: SILV) since July 21, 2011, which is involved in the acquisition and exploration of properties that may contain mineral resources, principally silver. Mr. Eckersley received his Bachelor of Science, cum laude, and his Juris Doctorate from the University of Utah. Mr. Eckersleys qualifications to serve on our Board of Directors are based on his corporate experience and knowledge of the resources industry.
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Jerry Aiken. Mr. Aiken has served as a director of our Company since May 15, 2012. Mr. Aiken has more than 41 years of experience in mineral exploration involving base metals, precious metals, and industrial minerals. He has been involved in project generation, geologic mapping, geochemical evaluation, drill program supervision, and regional program management throughout the western United States, Canada, Mexico, South America and parts of Europe.
Since 2005, Mr. Aiken has been working as a consulting geologist involved in the evaluation of mineral properties and the writing and reviewing of Canadian Securities Administrators National Instrument 43-101 technical reports and PFS/FS technical reports. Prior to beginning work as a consulting geologist, Mr. Aiken worked for 29 years for US Borax (Rio Tinto Exploration) (Borax) in Tucson, Arizona and Valencia, California. Before focusing his career in borates, potash and lithium he worked for five years for ASARCO Exploration beginning in 1970. Mr. Aiken has conducted and implemented exploration programs for borates, potash, lithium and other industrial minerals.
A review of Mr. Aikens potash experience, beginning in the mid-1970s, shows that he has evaluated several potash holdings and mines located in the Carlsbad district, New Mexico, and the Paradox Basin, Utah. His experience in that regard resulted in his evaluating the brine potential in the Paradox Basin.
Subsequent to his work in the Paradox Basin, Mr. Aiken evaluated potash projects in the South American Alta Plano and a number of brine projects for potash and other industrial minerals. In addition to his potash evaluation, several hard rock projects were evaluated by Mr. Aiken in both South America, (Argentina) and North America (both in the US and Canada).
Mr. Aiken graduated in 1966 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology from Western Michigan University. He also completed coursework in the Masters Program in Exploration Geology from the University of Idaho. Mr. Aiken is a Registered Professional Geologist in the State of Washington.
Mr. Aikens qualifications to serve on our Board of Directors are based on his extensive experience in the mining industry in general.
Significant Employees
We have no employees and our officers and directors provide their services on a consulting basis.
Family Relationships
There are currently no family relationships between any of the members of our board of directors or our executive officers.
Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings
Except as disclosed in this prospectus, during the past ten years none of the following events have occurred with respect to any of our directors or executive officers:
1. |
A petition under the Federal bankruptcy laws or any state insolvency law was filed by or against, or a receiver, fiscal agent or similar officer was appointed by a court for the business or property of such person, or any partnership in which he was a general partner at or within two years before the time of such filing, or any corporation or business association of which he was an executive officer at or within two years before the time of such filing; |
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2. |
Such person was convicted in a criminal proceeding or is a named subject of a pending criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations and other minor offenses); | ||
3. |
Such person was the subject of any order, judgment, or decree, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, of any court of competent jurisdiction, permanently or temporarily enjoining him from, or otherwise limiting, the following activities: | ||
a. |
Acting as a futures commission merchant, introducing broker, commodity trading advisor, commodity pool operator, floor broker, leverage transaction merchant, any other person regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, or an associated person of any of the foregoing, or as an investment adviser, underwriter, broker or dealer in securities, or as an affiliated person, director or employee of any investment company, bank, savings and loan association or insurance company, or engaging in or continuing any conduct or practice in connection with such activity; | ||
b. |
Engaging in any type of business practice; or | ||
c. |
Engaging in any activity in connection with the purchase or sale of any security or commodity or in connection with any violation of Federal or State securities laws or Federal commodities laws; | ||
4. |
Such person was the subject of any order, judgment or decree, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, of any Federal or State authority barring, suspending or otherwise limiting for more than 60 days the right of such person to engage in any activity described in paragraph (3)(i) above, or to be associated with persons engaged in any such activity; | ||
5. |
Such person was found by a court of competent jurisdiction in a civil action or by the Commission to have violated any Federal or State securities law, and the judgment in such civil action or finding by the Commission has not been subsequently reversed, suspended, or vacated; | ||
6. |
Such person was found by a court of competent jurisdiction in a civil action or by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to have violated any Federal commodities law, and the judgment in such civil action or finding by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission has not been subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated; | ||
7. |
Such person was the subject of, or a party to, any Federal or State judicial or administrative order, judgment, decree, or finding, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, relating to an alleged violation of: | ||
a. |
Any Federal or State securities or commodities law or regulation; or | ||
b. |
Any law or regulation respecting financial institutions or insurance companies including, but not limited to, a temporary or permanent injunction, order of disgorgement or restitution, civil money penalty or temporary or permanent cease-and-desist order, or removal or prohibition order; or | ||
c. |
Any law or regulation prohibiting mail or wire fraud or fraud in connection with any business entity; or | ||
8. |
Such person was the subject of, or a party to, any sanction or order, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, of any self-regulatory organization (as defined in Section 3(a)(26) of the Exchange Act), any registered entity (as defined in Section 1(a)(29) of the Commodity Exchange Act), or any equivalent exchange, association, entity or organization that has disciplinary authority over its members or persons associated with a member. |
There are currently no legal proceedings to which any of our directors or officers is a party adverse to us or in which any of our directors or officers has a material interest adverse to us.
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Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, requires our officers and directors and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of our securities to file reports of change of ownership with the SEC. Officers, directors and greater than 10% beneficial owners are required by SEC regulation to furnish us with copies of all 16(a) forms they file.
Based solely on our review of the copies of such forms that we received, or written representations from certain reporting persons that no forms were required for those persons, we believe that during the fiscal year ended February 29, 2012 all filing requirements applicable to our officers, directors and greater than 10% beneficial owners were complied with by such persons in a timely manner.
Corporate Governance
Meetings and Committees of the Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors held four meetings during the fiscal year ended February 29, 2012. Each director attended at least 75% of the aggregate of: (i) the total number of board meetings held while he was a director; and (ii) the total number of meetings held by committees on which he served during the periods that he served.
We do not have a formal policy with respect to director attendance at annual stockholders meetings, however, all directors are encouraged to attend. A total of two directors from the Board of Directors as it was comprised at the time attended the annual stockholders meeting last year.
Committees of the Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors currently only has an Audit Committee. The Audit Committee was established in August, 2007. The following provides information regarding our Audit Committee and summarizes the functions of such committee.
Audit Committee
National Instrument 52-110 of the Canadian Securities Administrators (NI 52-110) requires us, as a venture issuer, to disclose annually in our information circular (proxy statement) certain information concerning the constitution of our audit committee and its relationship with our independent auditor, as set forth in the following.
Our Audit Committee is governed by an audit committee charter, the text of which is attached as Schedule A to the management information circular for the annual and special general meeting held on August 9, 2007 and filed on www.Sedar.com on July 17, 2007.
Our Audit Committee is currently comprised of three directors, Laara Shaffer, David Salisbury, and Jerry Aiken. Laara Shaffer is our Chief Financial Officer and Secretary. All of the Audit Committee members are financially literate. We are relying upon the exemption in section 6.1 of NI 52-110 in respect of the composition of our Audit Committee and in respect of our reporting obligations under NI 52-110 for the year ended February 29, 2012. This exemption exempts a venture issuer from the requirement to have 100% of the members of its audit committee independent, as would otherwise be required by NI 52-110. Our Board has determined that David Salisbury qualifies as an audit committee financial expert as defined under applicable SEC rules and also meets the additional criteria for independence of audit committee members set forth in Rule 10A-3(b)(l) under the Exchange Act.
See heading Directors and Executive Officers for disclosure on relevant experience for each member of the Audit Committee. Each member of the Audit Committee has
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Since the commencement of our most recently completed fiscal year, our Board has not failed to adopt a recommendation of the Audit Committee to nominate or compensate an external auditor.
We have not relied on the exemptions contained in sections 2.4 or 8 of NI 52-110. Section 2.4 which provides an exemption from the requirement that the audit committee must pre-approve all non-audit services to be provided by the auditor, where the total amount of fees related to the non-audit services are not expected to exceed 5% of the total fees payable to the auditor in the fiscal year in which the non-audit services were provided. Section 8 permits a company to apply to a securities regulatory authority for an exemption from the requirements of NI 52-110, in whole or in part.
The Audit Committee has not adopted specific policies and procedures for the engagement of non-audit services. Subject to the requirements of NI 52-110, the engagement of non-audit services is considered by our Board of Directors, and where applicable the Audit Committee, on a case-by-case basis.
The Audit Committee discharged its mandate in respect of the fiscal year ended February 29, 2012, including the review and recommendation to the Board in respect of all financial disclosure contained in our public documents.
The Audit Committee held four meetings during the year ended February 29, 2012, and also acted through the adoption of written consent resolutions.
Nomination of Directors
The Board considers its size each year when it considers the number of directors to recommend to the shareholders for election at the annual meeting of shareholders, taking into account the number required to carry out the Board's duties effectively and to maintain a diversity of views and experience.
The Board does not have a nominating committee, and these functions are currently performed by the Board as a whole. However, if there is a change in the number of directors required by us, this policy will be reviewed.
Compensation
The Board, as a whole, determines compensation for the directors and executive officers.
Director Independence
Our common shares are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (the TSXV). Under the Policy 3.1 Section 5.7 of the TSXV, each issuer must have at least two independent directors on its board. Under the TSXV policies, a director is independent if he or she has no direct or indirect material relationship with the issuer. A material relationship is defined as a relationship which could, in the view of the issuers board of directors, be reasonably expected to interfere with the exercise of a members independent judgment. Our Board has determined that the following directors are independent as required by TSXV listing standards: David J. Salisbury and Jerry Aiken. Our Board also determined that Mr. Salisbury and Mr. Aiken meet the criteria of independence under the SEC rules.
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Our non-independent directors are: Joshua Bleak (President and CEO), John Eckersley (Executive Vice-President), Laara Shaffer (CFO and Corporate Secretary), Ali Rahimtula (consultant), and Dennis Ickes (consultant).
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Compensation Discussion
The Board has not appointed a compensation committee and the responsibilities relating to executive and director compensation, including reviewing and recommending director compensation, overseeing our base compensation structure and equity-based compensation program, recommending compensation of our officers and employees, and evaluating the performance of officers generally and in light of annual goals and objectives, is performed by the Board as a whole.
The Board also assumes responsibility for reviewing and monitoring the long-range compensation strategy for our senior management. The Board reviews the compensation of senior management on a semi-annual basis taking into account compensation paid by other issuers of similar size and activity.
Compensation Philosophy and Objectives
We are a smaller reporting company with limited resources. The compensation program for our senior management is designed within this context with a view that the level and form of compensation achieves certain objectives, including:
(a) |
attracting and retaining qualified executives; | |
(b) |
motivating the short and long-term performance of these executives; and | |
(c) |
better aligning their interests with those of our shareholders. |
In compensating our senior management, we have arranged for equity participation through our stock option plan.
Bonus Incentive Compensation
Our objective is to achieve certain strategic objectives and milestones. The Board will consider executive bonus compensation dependent on us meeting those strategic objectives and milestones and sufficient cash resources being available for the granting of bonuses. The Board approves executive bonus compensation dependent upon compensation levels based on recommendations of the Chief Executive Officer. Such recommendations are generally based on information provided by issuers that are similar in size and scope to our operations.
Equity Participation Option-Based Awards
We believe that encouraging our executives and employees to become shareholders is the best way of aligning their interests with those of our shareholders. Equity participation is accomplished through our stock option plan, which was established to provide incentive to qualified parties to increase their proprietary interest in us and thereby encourage their continuing association with us. Stock options are granted to directors, executives and employees taking into account a number of factors, including the amount and term of options previously granted, base salary, bonuses, performance, competitive factors and hiring incentives. The amounts and terms of options granted are determined by and require the approval of the Board of Directors based on recommendations put forward by the Chief Executive Officer. Due to our limited financial resources, we emphasize the provisions of option grants to maintain executive motivation. The stock option plan is administered by our directors and provides that options may be issued to our directors, officers, employees or consultants, or our subsidiary.
Summary Compensation Table
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The following table sets forth the compensation paid to any of the following individuals during our fiscal years ended February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011: (i) any person serving as our principal executive officer during our fiscal year ended February 29, 2012; (ii) our two most highly compensated executive officers other than our principal executive officer who were serving as executive officers as of February 29, 2012; and (iii) if applicable, up to two additional individuals for whom disclosure would have been provided pursuant to (ii) above but for the fact that the individual was not serving as our executive officer as of February 29, 2012 (collectively, the Named Executive Officers):
Name and Principal Position |
Year Ended Febru- ary 29 (28), |
Salary ($) |
Bonus ($) |
Stock Awards ($) |
Option Awards (1) ($) |
Non- Equity Incentive Plan Compen- sation ($) |
Non- Qualified Deferred Compen- sation Earnings ($) |
All Other Compen- sation ($) |
Total ($) |
Joshua Bleak, President and CEO(2) |
2012 | 45,000 | Nil | Nil | 583,529 | Nil | Nil | Nil | 628,529 |
2011 | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | |
Stephen Butrenchuk, Former President and CEO (3) |
2012 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
2011 | Nil | Nil | Nil | 213,007 | Nil | Nil | Nil | 213,007 | |
Richard Hunter, Former President and CEO(4) |
2012 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
2011 | Nil | Nil | Nil | 134,367 | Nil | Nil | Nil | 134,367 | |
Laara Shaffer, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary(5) |
2012 | 17,877 | Nil | Nil | 93,395 | Nil | Nil | Nil | 112,272 |
2011 | Nil | Nil | Nil | 265,941 | Nil | Nil | Nil | 265,941 |
(1) |
This amount represents the fair value of these stock options at the date of grant which was estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. |
(2) |
Mr. Bleak has served as our President and CEO since April 26, 2011. |
(3) |
Mr. Butrenchuk served as our President and CEO from March 2, 2011 to April 26, 2011. |
(4) |
Mr. Hunter served as our President and CEO from April 16, 2010 to March 2, 2011. |
(5) |
Ms. Shaffer has served as our Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary since March 1996. |
Employment Agreements
We have not entered into any employment contracts with our executive officers. There is no contract, agreement, plan or arrangement, whether written or unwritten, that provides for payment to a Named Executive Officer at, following, or in connection with the resignation, retirement or other termination of a Named Executive Officer, or a change in control of us or a change in the Named Executive Officers responsibilities following a change in control, with respect to each Named Executive Officer.
155
Outstanding Equity Awards as of February 29, 2012
All Other All Other The following table sets forth outstanding equity awards as of February 29, 2012 with respect to each of the Named Executive Officers listed in the table above:
Outstanding Equity Awards as of February 29, 2012 | |||||||||
Option Awards | Stock Awards | ||||||||
Name |
Number of secur- ities under- lying unexer- cised options exercise- able (#) |
Number of secur- ities under- lying unexer- cised options unexer- cisable (#) |
Equity incentive plan awards: number of securi- ties under- lying unexer- cised un- earned options (#) |
Option exercise price ($) |
Option expira- tion date |
Number of shares or units of stock that have not vested (#) |
Market value of shares or units of stock that have not vested ($) |
Equity incen- tive plan awards: number of un- earned shares, units or other rights that have not vested (#) |
Equity incen- tive plan awards: market or payout value of un- earned shares, units or other rights that have not vested ($) |
840,900 | Nil | Nil | $0.42 | Sep. 12/16 | |||||
335,750 | Nil | Nil | $0.20 | Mar. 3/16 | |||||
Joshua Bleak | 600,000 | Nil | Nil | $0.32 | Jan. 10/16 | ||||
1,060,000 | Nil | Nil | $0.20 | Feb. 10/16 | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | |
100,000 | Nil | Nil | $0.42 | Sep. 12/16 | |||||
Stephen | 200,000 | Nil | Nil | $0.20 | Feb. 10/16 | ||||
Butrenchuk1 | 100,000 | Nil | Nil | $0.10 | Nov 16/15 | ||||
100,000 | Nil | Nil | $0.10 | Oct. 24/15 | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | |
Richard Hunter2 | Nil | Nil | Nil | N/A | N/A | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
200,000 | Nil | Nil | $0.38 | Jan. 20/17 | |||||
Laara | 65,000 | Nil | Nil | $0.59 | Jun. 21/16 | ||||
Shaffer | 263,500 | Nil | Nil | $0.20 | Feb. 10/16 | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
Notes:
(1) |
Mr. Butrenchuk resigned as President and CEO on April 26, 2011. |
(2) |
Mr. Hunter resigned as President and CEO effective March 2, 2011. |
Compensation of Directors
The following table sets forth information relating to compensation paid to our directors during our fiscal year ended February 29, 2012:
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Director Compensation During Our Year Ended February 29, 2012 | |||||||
Name |
Fees earned or paid in cash ($) |
Stock awards ($) |
Option awards ($) |
Non- equity incentive plan compen- sation ($) |
Non- qualified deferred compen- sation earnings ($) |
All other compen- sation ($) |
Total ($) |
Joshua Bleak | 45,000 | Nil | 583,529 | Nil | Nil | Nil | 628,529 |
Stephen Butrenchuk (1) | Nil | Nil | 40,105 | Nil | Nil | 2,574 | 42,680 |
Ali Rahimtula(2) | 10,000 | Nil | 151,497 | Nil | Nil | Nil | 161,597 |
Dennis Ickes(3) | 34,000 | Nil | 207,339 | Nil | Nil | Nil | 241,339 |
Matthew Salmon(4) | 50,000 | Nil | 121,075 | Nil | Nil | Nil | 171,075 |
David Salisbury(5) | 20,079 | Nil | 227,016 | Nil | Nil | Nil | 247,096 |
John Eckersley(6) | 110,029 | Nil | 348,873 | Nil | Nil | Nil | 458,901 |
Gary F. Zak(7) | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
James Davidson(8) | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
Laara Shaffer(9) | 17,877 | Nil | 93,395 | Nil | Nil | Nil | 111,272 |
(1) |
Mr. Betrenchuk resigned as a director on May 15, 2012. |
(2) |
Mr. Rahimtula was appointed as a director on October 28, 2011. |
(3) |
Mr. Ickes was appointed as a director on December 14, 2011. |
(4) |
Mr. Salmon was appointed as a director on February 1, 2012 and resigned on December 31, 2012. |
(5) |
Mr. Salisbury was appointed as a director on Jan. 16, 2012. |
(6) |
Mr. Eckersley was appointed as a director July 15, 2011. |
(7) |
Mr. Zak resigned as a director on Jan. 16, 2012. |
(8) |
Mr. Davidson resigned as a director on October 26, 2011. |
(9) |
Ms. Shaffer resigned as a director on February 1, 2012, however, she was re-appointed as a director on June 25, 2012. |
Our directors do not have specific compensation arrangements based on attendance at board or committee meetings or serving as a committee chair. From time to time directors may receive bonus payments or options, which are granted on a discretionary basis. The amount of any bonus payments or the number of options granted is based on the experience of the director, time spent on Company matters and the compensation paid to other directors of companies in the industry.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Related Party Transactions
Except as described herein, none of the following parties (each a Related Party) has, in our fiscal years ended February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011, had any material interest, direct or indirect, in any transaction with us or in any presently proposed transaction that has or will materially affect us:
157
During the year ended February 29, 2012, we paid CAD$19,908 to David Salisbury, our director, for consulting fees. Mr. Salisbury receives $10,000 per month for consulting services pursuant to a Consulting Agreement, dated January 16, 2012.
During the year ended February 29, 2012, we paid CAD$45,352.50 to Joshua Bleak, our director and officer, for management fees. In addition, during the year ended February 29, 2012, we paid $21,815 to North American Environmental Corp. (NAEC), a company controlled by Joshua Bleak, for exploration services (site preparation, drilling, site reclamation and materials transportation) and owed this company CAD$22,196.54 as at February 29, 2012. During the year ended February 28, 2011, we paid a total of CAD$139,047.44 to NAEC and owed this company CAD$76,075.33 as at February 28, 2011. There is no written contract between us and NAEC, and NAEC issues invoices when work is performed based on the activity and/or the equipment used to perform the work.
During the year ended February 29, 2012, we paid CAD$27,836.17 to Dennis Ickes, our director, for professional services. Mr. Ickes currently receives $5,000 per month pursuant to a Professional Services Agreement, dated December 14, 2011.
During the year ended February 29, 2012, we owed CAD$4,200 to Gary Zak, our former director, for consulting fees. During the year ended February 28, 2011, we paid CAD$2,100 to Gary Zak, our director at that time, for consulting fees and owed Mr. Zak CAD$4,200 as at February 28, 2011 for consulting fees.
During the year ended February 29, 2012, we paid CAD$109,090.35 to John Eckersley, our director and officer, for consulting fees and we owed Mr. Eckersley CAD$13,500 as at February 29, 2012.
During the year ended February 29, 2012, we paid CAD$12,700 to Laara Shaffer, our director and officer, for administration fees. In addition, during the year ended February 29, 2012, we paid CAD$5,000 to Timeline Filing Services Ltd., a company controlled by Laara Shaffer, for administration fees. Furthermore, during the year ended February 28, 2011, we paid CAD$9,800 to Laara Shaffer for consulting fees.
During the year ended February 29, 2012, we paid CAD$10,000 to Transnational Enterprises Ltd., a company controlled by Ali Rahimtula, for consulting fees, and we owed Transnational Enterprises Ltd. CAD$11,200 as at February 29, 2012. Mr. Rahimtula receives CAD$5,000 per month through a Consulting Agreement between Transnational Enterprises Ltd. and us, dated January 1, 2012.
During the year ended February 29, 2012, we paid CAD$49,589 to Upstream Consulting Inc., a company controlled by Matthew Salmon, our former director, for consulting fees pursuant to a Consulting Agreement.
During the year ended February 29, 2012, we owed CAD$15,600.43 to Stephen Butrenchuk, our director at that time, for consulting fees. During the year ended February 28, 2011, we paid CAD$27,765.56 to Mr. Butrenchuk for consulting fees and owed Mr. Butrenchuk CAD$13,048 as at February 28, 2011.
Our Board of Directors reviews any proposed transactions involving Related Parties and considerers whether such transactions are fair and reasonable and in our best interests.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
158
The following table sets forth certain information concerning the number of shares of our common stock owned beneficially as of April 11, 2013 by (i) each person (including any group) known to us to own more than 5% of any class of our voting securities, (ii) each of our officers and directors, and (iii) our officers and directors as a group. Unless otherwise indicated, it is our understanding and belief that the shareholders listed possess sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares shown.
Title of class |
Name and address of beneficial owner(1) |
Amount and nature of beneficial owner(2) |
Percentage of class(3) |
Persons owning more than 5% of voting securities | |||
Common Stock |
Phillip Frost c/o 4400 Biscayne Blvd., #850 Miami, FL 33137 |
38,760,956(4) |
20.17% |
Common Stock |
Barry Honig c/o 4400 Biscayne Blvd., #850 Miami, FL 33137 |
18,112,744(5) |
9.73% |
Common Stock |
Michael Brauser c/o 4400 Biscayne Blvd., #850 Miami, FL 33137 |
19,181,884 (6) |
10.19% |
Officers and Directors | |||
Common Stock | Joshua Bleak | 8,464,288 (7) | 4.52% |
Common Stock | Laara Shaffer | 1,158,500 (8) | (*)% |
Common Stock | Ali Rahimtula | 400,000 (9) | (*)% |
Common Stock | Dennis Ickes | 400,000 (10) | (*)% |
Common Stock | David J. Salisbury | 955,500 (11) | (*)% |
Common Stock | John Eckersley | 1,179,350 (12) | (*)% |
Common Stock | Jerry Aiken | 400,000 (13) | (*)% |
Common Stock | All executive officers and directors as a group (seven persons) | 12,957,638 (14) | 6.80% |
Notes:
(*) Less than 1%.
(1) |
The address of our officers and directors is our Companys address, which is 608 1199 W. Pender St., Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6E 2R1. |
(2) |
Under Rule 13d-3 of the Exchange Act a beneficial owner of a security includes any person who, directly or indirectly, through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship or otherwise has or shares: (i) voting power, which includes the power to vote or to direct the voting of shares; and (ii) investment power, which includes the power to dispose or direct the disposition of shares. Certain shares may be deemed to be beneficially owned by more than one person (if, for example, persons share the power to vote or the power to dispose of the shares). In addition, shares are deemed to be beneficially owned by a person if the person has the right to acquire the shares (for example, upon exercise of an option) within 60 days of the date as of which the information is provided. In computing the percentage ownership of any person, the amount of shares outstanding is deemed to include the amount of shares beneficially owned by such person (and only such person) by reason of these acquisition rights. |
(3) |
Based on 183,593,073 shares of our common stock issued and outstanding as of April 11, 2013. |
(4) |
This figure includes: (i) 30,139,611 shares of common stock held by Frost Gamma Investments Trust, which are deemed to be indirectly owned and controlled by Phillip Frost; (ii) 500,000 stock options held of record by Phillip Frost which are vested and are exercisable into 500,000 shares of common stock at CAD$0.59 per share expiring on June 21, 2016; (iii) 5,555,555 warrants held of record by Frost Gama Investments Trust, which are deemed to be indirectly owned and controlled by Phillip Frost, and which are exercisable into 5,555,555 shares of common stock at CAD$0.20 per share expiring on January 11, 2014; (iv) 1,250,000 warrants held of record by Frost Gama Investments Trust, which are deemed to be indirectly owned and controlled by Phillip Frost, and which are exercisable into 1,250,000 shares of common stock at CAD$0.20 per share expiring on February 19, 2014; and (v) 15% convertible debenture of $250,000 held of record by Frost Gama Investments Trust, which are deemed to be indirectly owned and controlled by Phillip Frost, and which are convertible into 1,315,790 shares of common stock at $0.19 per share before February 19, 2014 without giving effect to accrued interest. |
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(5) |
This figure includes: (i) 6,900,546 shares of common stock held by Barry Honig; (ii) 2,574,772 shares of common stock held by GRQ Consultants, Inc. 401K, which are deemed to be indirectly owned and controlled by Barry Honig; (iii) 6,111,110 shares of common stock held by GRQ Consultants, Inc. Roth 401K FBO Barry Honig, which are deemed to be indirectly owned and controlled by Barry Honig; (iv) 600,000 stock options held of record by Barry Honig which are vested and are exercisable into 600,000 shares of common stock at CAD$0.32 per share expiring on January 10, 2016; (v) 900,000 stock options held of record by Barry Honig which are vested and are exercisable into 900,000 shares of common stock at CAD$0.20 per share expiring on February 10, 2016; (vi) 500,000 warrants held of record by Barry Honig which are vested and exercisable into 500,000 shares of common stock at $0.19 per share expiring on February 19, 2014; and (vii) 15% convertible debenture of $100,000 held of record by Barry Honig convertible into 526,316 shares of common stock at $0.19 per shares before February 19, 2014 without giving effect to accrued interest. |
(6) |
This figure includes (i) 10,104,097 shares of common stock held by Michael Brauser; (ii) 192,500 shares of common stock jointly held with wife; (iii) 4,205,599 shares of common stock held by Birchtree Capital, LLC, which are deemed to be indirectly owned and controlled by Michael Brauser; (iv) 88,000 shares of common stock held by Grander Holdings, Inc. 401K Profit Sharing Plan, which are deemed to be indirectly owned and controlled by Michael Brauser; (v) 1,100,000 stock options held of record by Michael Brauser which are vested and are exercisable into 1,100,000 shares of common stock at CAD$0.20 per share expiring on February 10, 2016; (vi) 1,388,889 warrants held of record by Michael Brauser which are exercisable into 1,388,889 shares of common stock at CAD$0.20 per shares expiring on January 11, 2014; and (vii) 2,102,799 warrants held of record by Birchtree Capital, LLC, which are deemed to be indirectly owned and controlled by Michael Brauser, and which are exercisable into 2,102,799 shares of common stock at CAD$0.20 per share expiring on January 11, 2014. |
(7) |
This figure includes: (i) 4,933,188 shares of common stock held by Joshua Bleak; (ii) 600,000 stock options held of record by Joshua Bleak which are vested and are exercisable into 600,000 shares of common stock at CAD$0.32 per share expiring on January 10, 2016; (iii) 1,060,000 stock options held of record by Joshua Bleak which are vested and are exercisable into 1,060,000 shares of common stock at CAD$0.20 per share expiring on February 10, 2016; (iv) 335,750 stock options held of record by Joshua Bleak which are vested and are exercisable into 335,750 shares of common stock at CAD$0.20 per share expiring on March 3, 2016; (v) 840,900 stock options held of record by Joshua Bleak which are vested and are exercisable into 840,900 shares of common stock at CAD$0.42 per share expiring on September 12, 2016; and (vi) 694,450 warrants held of record by Joshua Bleak which are exercisable into 694,450 shares of common stock at CAD$0.20 per share expiring on January 11, 2014. |
(8) |
This figure includes: (i) 270,000 shares of common stock held by Laara Shaffer; (ii) 360,000 shares of common stock held by Timeline Filing Services Ltd., which are deemed to be indirectly owned and controlled by Laara Shaffer; (iii) 263,500 stock options held of record by Laara Shaffer which are vested and are exercisable into 263,500 shares of common stock at CAD$0.20 per share expiring on February 10, 2016; (iv) 65,000 stock options held of record by Laara Shaffer which are vested and are exercisable into 65,000 shares of common stock at CAD$0.59 per share expiring on June 21, 2016; and (v) 200,000 stock options held of record by Timeline Filing Services Ltd., which are deemed to be indirectly owned and controlled by Laara Shaffer, and which are vested and are exercisable into 200,000 shares of common stock at CAD$0.38 per share expiring on January 20, 2017. |
(9) |
This figure includes: (i) 150,000 stock options held of record by Ali Rahimtula which are vested and are exercisable into 150,000 shares of common stock at CAD$0.59 per share expiring on June 21, 2016; and (ii) 250,000 stock options held of record by Ali Rahimtula which are vested and are exercisable into 250,000 shares of common stock at CAD$0.38 per share expiring on January 20, 2017. |
(10) |
This figure includes: (i) 200,000 stock options held of record by Dennis Ickes which are vested and are exercisable into 200,000 shares of common stock at CAD$0.20 per share expiring on March 3, 2016; and (ii) 200,000 stock options held of record by Dennis Ickes which are vested and are exercisable into 200,000 shares of common stock at CAD$0.38 per share expiring on January 20, 2017. |
160
(11) |
This figure includes: (i) 205,500 shares of common stock held by David Salisbury; and (ii) 750,000 stock options held of record by David Salisbury which are vested and are exercisable into 750,000 shares of common stock at CAD$0.38 per share expiring on January 20, 2017. |
(12) |
This figure includes: (i) 138,900 shares of common stock held by John Eckersley; (ii) 271,000 stock options held of record by John Eckersley which are vested and are exercisable into 271,000 shares of common stock at CAD$0.59 per share expiring on June 21, 2016; and (iii) 700,000 stock options held of record by John Eckersley which are vested and are exercisable into 700,000 shares of common stock at CAD$0.38 per share expiring on January 20, 2017; and (iv) 69,450 warrants held of record by John Eckersley which are exercisable into 69,450 shares of common stock at CAD$0.20 per share expiring on January 11, 2014. |
(13) |
This figure includes 400,000 stock options held of record by Jerry Aiken which are vested and are exercisable into 400,000 shares of common stock at CAD$0.38 per share expiring on January 20, 2017. |
(14) |
This figure includes: (i) 5,867,588 shares of common stock; (ii) stock options to purchase 6,286,150 shares of our common stock; and (iii) warrants to purchase 1,163,900 shares of our common stock. |
SELLING STOCKHOLDERS
Up to 74,374,931 shares of common stock are being offered by this prospectus, all of which are being registered for sale for the account of the selling stockholders and include the following:
Each of the transactions by which the selling stockholders acquired their securities from us was exempt under the registration provisions of the Securities Act.
The 74,374,931 shares of common stock referred to above are being registered to permit public sales of the shares, and the selling stockholders may offer the shares for resale from time to time pursuant to this prospectus. The selling stockholders may also sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of all or a portion of their shares in transactions exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act or pursuant to another effective registration statement covering those shares. We may from time to time include additional selling stockholders in supplements or amendments to this prospectus.
The table below sets forth certain information regarding the selling stockholders and the shares of our common stock offered by them in this prospectus. The selling stockholders have not had a material relationship with us within the past three years other than as described in the footnotes to the table below or as a result of acquisition of our shares or other securities.
Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The selling stockholders percentage of ownership of our outstanding shares in the table below is based upon 183,593,073 shares of common stock outstanding as of April 11, 2013.
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Name and Address of Stockholder |
Total Number of Shares of Common Stock Held Prior to Offering (1) |
Number of Shares of Common Stock Offered Pursuant to this Prospectus |
Shares Beneficially Owned After the Offering (Number) (1) (3) |
Shares Beneficially Owned After the Offering (Percentage) (1)(2) |
Danielle R. Alder | (4) | 416,676 (4) | ||
Birchtree Capital, LLC (5) 4400 Biscayne Blvd., Suite 850 Miami, FL 33137 |
6,308,398 (5) | 6,308,398 (5) | 0 | 0 |
Joshua Bleak (6) 3055 E Mallory St Mesa, AZ 85120 |
8,464,288 (6) | 2,083,350 (6) | 6,380,938 | 3.63% |
Katherine Ann Bleak | (7) | 208,326 (7) | ||
Andrew Bond (8) 1843 N Silverado Mesa, AZ 85205 |
225,326 (8) | 208,326 (8) | 170,000 | * |
Christopher Bond (9) 4575 S Maverick Ct Gilbert, AZ 85297 |
104,175 (9) | 104,175 (9) | 0 | 0 |
Hyrum Kenneth Bond (10) 47 N Fraser Dr. East Mesa, AZ 85203 |
254,175 (10) | 104,175 (10) | 150,000 | * |
Brauser Family Trust 2008 (11) 4400 Biscayne Blvd., Suite 850 Miami, FL 33137 |
2,052,931(11) | 2,024,931(11) | 280,000 | * |
Michael Brauser 4400 Biscayne Boulevard, Suite 850 Miami, FL 33137 |
19,181,884 (12) | 4,166,667(12) | 8,706,819 | 4.71% |
Philip Cote (13) | (13) | 416,631 (13) | ||
Timothy Dalton (14) | (14) | 145,833 (14) | ||
John Eckersley (15) 3346 W Guadalupe Apache Junction, AZ 85120 |
1,179,350 (15) | 208,350 (15) | 971,000 | * |
Front Street Capital (16) | (16) | 3,750,000 (16) | ||
Frost Gamma Investments Trust 4400 Biscayne Boulevard, 15th Floor Miami, FL 33137(17) |
38,260,956(17) | 16,666,665 (17) | 21,594,291 | 11.60% |
Michael Frost 3119 E. Brookwood Ct Phoenix, AZ 85048 (18) |
24,999 (18) | 24,999 (18) | 0 | 0 |
Roy Fuller (19) 2949 E Hermosa Vista Dr. Mesa, AZ 85213 |
262,499 (19) | 62,499(19) | 200,000 | * |
Kristin Goodman (20) | 62,499 (20) | |||
GRQ Consultants, Inc. Roth 401K FBO Barry Honig (21) 555 S. Federal Hwy #450 Boca Raton, FL 33347 |
6,111,110 (21) | 6,111,110 (21) | 0 | 0 |
Walter Hoff (22) | 62,499 (22) | 62,499 (22) |
162
177 E Kimballfield Lane Draper, Utah 84020 |
||||
Alan S. Honig C/F Cameron Honig UTMA/FL (23) 17582 Bocaire Way Boca Raton, FL 33487 |
1,816,665 (23) | 1,816,665 (23) | 0 | 0 |
Alan S. Honig C/F Harrison Honig UTMA/FL (24) 17582 Bocaire Way Boca Raton, FL 33487 |
2,649,999 (24) | 2,649,999 (24) | 0 | 0 |
Alan S. Honig C/F Jacob Honig UTMA/FL(25) 17582 Bocaire Way Boca Raton, FL 33487 |
1,816,665 (25) | 1,816,665 (25) | 0 | 0 |
Alan S. Honig C/F Ryan Honig UTMA/FL (26) 17582 Bocaire Way Boca Raton, FL 33487 |
1,816,665 (26) | 1,816,665 (26) | 0 | 0 |
Kletas, PJ & Associates (27) | 249,999 (27) | |||
Monty Madison 8585 S Paradise Trail Gold Canyon, AZ 85118 |
125,001(28) | 125,001 (28) | 0 | 0 |
Jennifer McNeill | 24,999(29) | |||
Matthew Monte (30) 3346 W Guadalupe Rd. Apache Junction, AZ 85120 |
154,999 (30) | 24,999(30) | 130,000 | * |
Reed Palmer (31) 4657 E Cabrillo Dr. Gilbert, AZ 85297 |
166,651 (31) | 66,651(31) | 100,000 | * |
Joan Purdy (32) 608-1199 W Pender Street Vancouver, BC V6E2R1 |
3,427,412 (32) | 1,666,662(32) | 1,760,750 | * |
Paul Reid | 145,500(33) | |||
Southwest Exploration Inc. (34) 3346 W. Guadalupe Rd Apache Junction, AZ 85120 |
4,687,482 (34) | 4,687,482(34) | 0 | 0 |
Jeffrey Stevens | 124,998(35) | |||
Whalehaven Capital Fund Ltd. (36)
3rd Floor, Par-La-Ville Place, 14 Par- La-Ville Road Hamilton HM 08 Bermuda |
6,010,100 (36) | 1,666,665(36) | 4,343,435 | 2.37% |
DawnWhitley 510E.10 th Ave,#A3 ApacheJunction,AZ85120 |
224,999 (37) | 24,999(37) | 200,000 | * |
Bull Hunter LLC (38) 4400 Biscayne Blvd, #850 Miami, FL 33140 |
600,000 (38) | 600,000 (38) | 0 | 0 |
Paradox Capital Partners LLC (39) 4 South Orange Ave, #170 South Orange, NJ 07079 |
200,000 | 200,000 | 0 | 0 |
Barry Honig (40) 555 S. Federal Hwy #450 Boca Raton, FL 33347 |
18,112,744 (40) | 7,400,546 (40) | 2,026,316 | 1.09% |
GRQ Consultants, Inc. 401K (41) 555 S. Federal Hwy #450 |
2,574,772 | 2,574,772 | 0 | 0 |
163
Boca Raton, FL 33347 | ||||
Skylar Honig (42) 4263 NW 61st Lane Boca Raton, FL 33496 |
333,333 (42) | 333,333 (42) | 0 | 0 |
Morgan Honig (43) 4263 NW 61st Lane Boca Raton, FL 33496 |
333,333 (43) | 333,333 (43) | 0 | 0 |
Jett Honig (44) 4263 NW 61st Lane Boca Raton, FL 33496 |
333,334 (44) | 333,334 (44) | 0 | 0 |
Four Kids Investment Funds LLC (45) 17582 Bocaire Way Boca Raton, FL 33487 |
1,000,000 (45) | 1,000,000 (45) | 0 | 0 |
Stetson Capital Investments, Inc. (46)
347 N New River Drive East #804 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 |
1,055,555 (46) | 1,055,555 (46) | 0 | 0 |
Mesa Exploration Corp. (47) Suite 1238, 200 Granville St Vancouver, B.C. V6C1S4 |
500,000 | 500,000 | 0 | 0 |
TOTAL | 74,374,931 |
* represents less than 1%.
(1) Under applicable SEC rules, a person is deemed to beneficially own securities which the person as the right to acquire within 60 days through the exercise of any option or warrant or through the conversion of a convertible security. Also under applicable SEC rules, a person is deemed to be the beneficial owner of a security with regard to which the person directly or indirectly, has or shares (a) voting power, which includes the power to vote or direct the voting of the security, or (b) investment power, which includes the power to dispose, or direct the disposition, of the security, in each case, irrespective of the persons economic interest in the security. Each listed selling stockholder has the sole investment and voting power with respect to all shares of common stock shown as beneficially owned by such selling stockholder, except as otherwise indicated in the footnotes to the table.
(2) As of April 11, 2013, there were 183,593,073 shares of our common stock issued and outstanding. In determining the percent of common stock beneficially owned by a selling stockholder on April 11, 2013, (a) the numerator is the number of shares of common stock beneficially owned by such selling stockholder (including shares that he has the right to acquire within 60 days of April 11, 2013), and (b) the denominator is the sum of (i) the 183,593,073 shares outstanding on April 11, 2013 and (ii) the number of shares of common stock which such selling stockholders has the right to acquire within 60 days of April 11, 2013.
(3) Represents the amount of shares that will be held by the selling stockholders after completion of this offering based on the assumptions that (a) all shares registered for sale by the registration statement of which this prospectus is part will be sold and (b) that no other shares of our common stock beneficially owned by the selling stockholders are acquired or are sold prior to completion of this offering by the selling stockholders.
(4) This figure includes 277,784 shares of common stock being offered by this prospectus and 138,892 shares of common stock underlying warrants being offered by this prospectus.
(5) This figure includes (i) 4,205,598 shares of common stock being offered by this prospectus; and (iii) 2,102,799 shares of common stock underlying warrants being offered by this prospectus. Mr. Michael Brauser is the Manager of Birchtree Capital, LLC and in such capacity holds voting and dispositive power over the shares held by Birchtree Capital, LLC.
(6) This figure includes: (i) 3,544,288 shares of common stock; (ii) 2,836,650 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding options; (iii) 400,000 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding warrants; (iv) 1,388,900 shares of common stock being offered by this prospectus and (v) 694,450 shares of common stock underlying warrants being offered by this prospectus. Joshua Bleak is the President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of the Company.
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(7) This figure includes 138,884 shares of common stock being offered by this prospectus and 69,442 shares of common stock underlying warrants being offered by this prospectus.
(8) This figure includes (i) options to purchase 170,000 shares of our common stock; (ii) 138,884 shares of common stock being offered by this prospectus and (iii) 69,442 shares of common stock underlying warrants being offered by this prospectus. Andrew Bond is a consultant to the Company.
(9) This figure includes 69,450 shares of common stock being offered by this prospectus and 34,725 shares of common stock underlying warrants being offered by this prospectus. Christopher Bond is a consultant to the Company.
(10) This figure includes (i) options to purchase 150,000 shares of our common stock; (ii) 69,450 shares of common stock being offered by this prospectus and (iii) 34,725 shares of common stock underlying warrants being offered by this prospectus. Hyrum Kenneth Bond is a consultant to the Company.
(11) This figure includes (i) 280,000 shares of common stock; (ii) 1,349,954 shares of common stock being offered by this prospectus and (iii) 674,977 shares of common stock underlying warrants being offered by this prospectus. Mr. Ben Brauser is trustee of Brauser Family Trust 2008 and in such capacity holds voting and dispositive power over the shares held by Brauser Family Trust 2008.
(12) This figure includes (i) 7,326,319 shares of common stock and 1,100,000 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding options owned directly by Michael Brauser; (ii) 192,500 shares of common stock jointly held with wife; (iii) 4,205,599 shares of common stock held by Birchtree Capital, LLC, which are deemed to be indirectly owned and controlled by Michael Brauser; (iv) 88,000 shares of common stock held by Grander Holdings, Inc. 401K Profit Sharing Plan, which are deemed to be indirectly owned and controlled by Michael Brauser; (v) 2,102,799 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding warrants held of record by Birchtree Capital, LLC; (vi) 2,777,778 shares of common stock being offered by this prospectus and (vii) 1,388,889 shares of common stock underlying warrants being offered by this prospectus.
(13) This figure includes 277,754 shares of common stock being offered by this prospectus and 138,877 shares of common stock underlying warrants being offered by this prospectus.
(14) This figure includes 97,222 shares of common stock being offered by this prospectus and 48,611 shares of common stock underlying warrants being offered by this prospectus.
(15) This figure includes: (i) 971,000 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding options; (ii) 138,900 shares of common stock being offered by this prospectus and (iii) 69,450 shares of common stock underlying warrants being offered by this prospectus. John Eckersley is the Executive Vice President and Director of the Company.
(16) This figure includes 2,500,000 shares of common stock being offered by this prospectus and 1,250,000 shares of common stock underlying warrants being offered by this prospectus. [ ] holds voting and dispositive power over the shares held by Font Street Capital.
(17) This figure includes: (i) 19,028,501shares of common stock; (ii) 1,250,000 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding warrants; (iii) 1,315,790 shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of convertible debentures; (iv) 11,111,110 shares of common stock being offered by this prospectus and (v) 5,555,555 shares of common stock underlying warrants being offered by this prospectus. This selling stockholder is an affiliate of a broker-dealer. Mr. Phillip Frost, M.D., is the trustee of Frost Gamma Investments Trust and in such capacity holds voting and dispositive power over the shareholders held by Frost Gamma Investments Trust.
(18) This figure includes 16,666 shares of common stock being offered by this prospectus and 8,333 shares of common stock underlying warrants being offered by this prospectus. Michael Frost is a consultant to the Company.
165
(19) This figure includes (i) options to purchase 200,000 shares of our common stock; (ii) 41,666 shares of common stock being offered by this prospectus and (iii) 20,833 shares of common stock underlying warrants being offered by this prospectus.
(20) This figure includes 41,666 shares of common stock being offered by this prospectus and 20,833 shares of common stock underlying warrants being offered by this prospectus.
(21) This figure includes 6,111,110 shares of common stock being offered by this prospectus. Mr. Barry C. Honig is the President of GRQ Consultants, Inc. Roth 401K FBO Barry Honig and in such capacity holds voting and dispositive power over shares held by GRQ Consultants, Inc. Roth 401K FBO Barry Honig.
(22) This figure includes 41,666 shares of common stock being offered by this prospectus and 20,833 shares of common stock underlying warrants being offered by this prospectus.
(23) This figure includes 1,236,110 shares of common stock being offered by this prospectus and 555,555 shares of common stock underlying warrants being offered by this prospectus. Alan Honig, as custodian, has voting and dispositive power over shares held by Alan S. Honig C/F Cameron Honig UTMA/FL.
(24) This figure includes 1,791,666 shares of common stock being offered by this prospectus and 833,333 shares of common stock underlying warrants being offered by this prospectus. Alan Honig, as custodian, has voting and dispositive power over shares held by Alan S. Honig C/F Harrison Honig UTMA/FL.
(25) This figure includes 1,236,110 shares of common stock being offered by this prospectus and 555,555 shares of common stock underlying warrants being offered by this prospectus. Alan Honig, as custodian, has voting and dispositive power over shares held by Alan S. Honig C/F Jacob Honig UTMA/FL.
(26) This figure includes 1,236,110 shares of common stock being offered by this prospectus and 555,555 shares of common stock underlying warrants being offered by this prospectus. Alan Honig, as custodian, has voting and dispositive power over shares held by Alan S. Honig C/F Ryan Honig UTMA/FL.
(27) This figure includes 166,666 shares of common stock being offered by this prospectus and 83,333 shares of common stock underlying warrants being offered by this prospectus. Peter Kletas holds voting and dispositive power over the shares held by Kletas, PJ & Associates.
(28) This figure includes 83,334 shares of common stock being offered by this prospectus and 41,667 shares of common stock underlying warrants being offered by this prospectus.
(29) This figure includes 16,666 shares of common stock being offered by this prospectus and 8,333 shares of common stock underlying warrants being offered by this prospectus.
(30) This figure includes (i) options to purchase 130,000 shares of our common stock; (ii) 16,666 shares of common stock being offered by this prospectus and (iii) 8,333 shares of common stock underlying warrants being offered by this prospectus. Matthew Monte is a consultant to the Company.
(31) This figure includes (i) options to purchase 100,000 shares of our common stock; (ii) 44,434 shares of common stock being offered by this prospectus and (iii) 22,217 shares of common stock underlying warrants being offered by this prospectus. Reed Palmer is a consultant to the Company.
(32) This figure includes (i) 1,760,750 shares of common stock underlying outstanding warrants; (ii) 1,111,108 shares of common stock being offered by this prospectus and (iii) 555,554 shares of common stock underlying warrants being offered by this prospectus. Joan Purdy is [ management] and a consultant to the Company.
(33) This figure includes 97,000 shares of common stock being offered by this prospectus and 48,500 shares of common stock underlying warrants being offered by this prospectus.
166
(34) This figure includes 3,124,988 shares of common stock being offered by this prospectus and 1,562,494 shares of common stock underlying warrants being offered by this prospectus. Daniel Bleak holds voting and dispositive power over the shares held by Southwest Exploration Inc. (“Southwest”). On September 30, 2008, we entered into a mineral property option agreement with Southwest to acquire an undivided 100% interest in 13 ASLD exploration permits comprising 8,413.3 acres of mineral exploration property located in Navajo County, in the Holbrook Basin, Arizona. See description of the option agreement with Southwest under the “Business” section.
(35) This figure includes 83,332 shares of common stock being offered by this prospectus and 41,666 shares of common stock underlying warrants being offered by this prospectus.
(36) This figure includes (i) 4,343,435 shares of common stock; (ii) 1,111,110 shares of common stock being offered by this prospectus and (iii) 555,555 shares of common stock underlying warrants being offered by this prospectus. Michael Finkelstein holds voting and dispositive power over the shares held by Whaleheaven Capital Fund Ltd.
(37) This figure includes (i) options to purchase 200,000 shares of our common stock; (ii) 16,666 shares of common stock being offered by this prospectus and (iii) 8,333 shares of common stock underlying warrants being offered by this prospectus.
(38) This figure includes 600,000 shares of common stock being offered by this prospectus. Mr. Mark Groussman is the Manager of Bull Hunter LLC and in such capacity holds voting and dispositive power over shares held by Bull Hunter LLC.
(39) Harvey Kesner holds voting and dispositive power over shares held by Paradox Capital Partners LLC.
(40) This number includes (i) 2,574,772 shares of common stock held by GRQ Consultants, Inc. 401K, which are deemed to be indirectly owned and controlled by Barry Honig; (ii) 6,111,110 shares of common stock held by GRQ Consultants, Inc. Roth 401K FBO Barry Honig, which are deemed to be indirectly owned and controlled by Barry Honig; (iii) 600,000 stock options held of record by Barry Honig which are vested and are exercisable into 600,000 shares of common stock at CAD$0.32 per share expiring on January 10, 2016; (iv) 900,000 stock options held of record by Barry Honig which are vested and are exercisable into 900,000 shares of common stock at CAD$0.20 per share expiring on February 10, 2016; (v) 500,000 warrants held of record by Barry Honig which are vested and exercisable into 500,000 shares of common stock at $0.19 per share expiring on February 19, 2014; (viii) 15% convertible debenture of $100,000 held of record by Barry Honig convertible into 526,316 shares of common stock at $0.19 per shares before February 19, 2014 without giving effect to accrued interest.
(41) Mr. Barry C. Honig is the President of GRQ Consultants, Inc. 401K and in such capacity holds voting and dispositive power over shares held by GRQ Consultants, Inc.401K.
(42) Jonathan Honig, as custodian for Skylar Honig, holds voting and dispositive power over the shares held by Skylar Honig.
(43) Jonathan Honig, as custodian for Morgan Honig, holds voting and dispositive power over the shares held by Morgan Honig.
(44) Jonathan Honig, as custodian for Jett Honig, holds voting and dispositive power over the shares held by Jett Honig.
(45) This figure includes 1,000,000 shares of common stock underlying warrants being offered by this prospectus. Mr. Alan Honig is the trustee of Four Kids Investment Funds LLC and in such capacity holds voting and dispositive power over the shareholders held by Four Kids Investment Funds LLC.
(46) This figure includes 1,055,555 shares of common stock underlying warrants being offered by this prospectus. Mr. John Stetson is the President of Stetson Capital Investments, Inc. and in such capacity holds voting and dispositive power over shares held by Stetson Capital Investments, Inc.
167
(47) Foster Wilson is the President and CEO of Mesa Exploration Corp. (Mesa, formerly Mesa Uranium Corp.). On August 31, 2010, we entered into a mineral property option agreement with Mesa in respect of three ASLD exploration permits covering approximately 1,950 acres, which are wholly owned by Mesa. The 500,000 shares of our common stock offered by this prospectus were issued to Mesa as part of the consideration to acquire a 75% interest in the Mesa permits. See description of the option agreement with Mesa under the Business section.
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES
Authorized Capital Stock
Our authorized capital stock consists of an unlimited number of common shares without par value.
Capital Stock Issued and Outstanding
We have issued and outstanding securities on a fully diluted basis as of April 11, 2013:
Common Stock
As at April 11, 2013, 183,593,073 shares of common stock were issued and outstanding. Holders of our common stock are entitled to vote at all meetings of shareholders, to receive dividends if, as and when declared by the directors and to participate pro rata in any distribution of property or assets upon our liquidation, winding-up or other dissolution. Our common stock carries no pre-emptive rights, conversion or exchange rights, redemption, retraction, repurchase, sinking fund or purchase fund provisions. There are no provisions requiring the holder of common stock to contribute additional capital and no restrictions on the issuance of additional securities by us. There are no restrictions on the repurchase or redemption of common stock by us except to the extent that any such repurchase or redemption would render us insolvent pursuant to the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia).
Warrants
In connection with the private placements in February, March and April 2013, we issued five year warrants to purchase an aggregate of 3,346,276 shares of our common stock with an exercise price of CAD$0.25 per share. We also issued one year warrants to purchase an aggregate of 30,476,526 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.19 per share.
In connection with the private placement in January, 2012, we issued warrants to purchase an aggregate of 20,833,204 shares of our common stock at a price of CAD$0.20 per share for a period of one year expiring on January 11, 2013, which was further extended to January 11, 2014.
In connection with the private placement in January 2011, we issued warrants to purchase an aggregate of 28,430,000 shares of our common stock at a price of CAD$0.35 per share for a period of two years which expired on January 31, 2013.
Convertible Debentures
On February 19, 2013, we sold an aggregate of $5,305,540 of our convertible debentures due on February 19, 2014 with an interest rate of 15% per annum which shall accrue and be payable on the earlier of the maturity date or the date the entire principal amount of each debenture is converted. The principal amount of the debentures is convertible into shares of our common stock at the option of the holder, in whole or in part, at a price of $0.19 per share. The conversion price is subject to adjustment upon a reclassification or other change in our outstanding common stock and certain distributions to all holders of our common stock. In addition, each holder of a debenture received a one year warrant to purchase five shares of our common stock for each $1.00 of principal amount of debenture at an exercise price of $0.19 per share. The debentures are secured by a first ranking floating charge security on all of our assets.
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On March 14, 2013, we sold an aggregate of $285,000 of our convertible debentures due on March 14, 2014 with an interest rate of 15% per annum which shall accrue and be payable on the earlier of the maturity date or the date the entire principal amount of each debenture is converted. The principal amount of the debentures is convertible into shares of our common stock at the option of the holder, in whole or in part, at a price of $0.19 per share until the maturity date. The conversion price is subject to adjustment upon a reclassification or other change in our outstanding common stock and certain distributions to all holders of our common stock. In addition, each holder of a debenture received a one-year warrant to purchase five shares of our common stock for each $1.00 of principal amount of debenture purchased at an exercise price of $0.19 per share. The debentures are secured by a first ranking floating charge security on all of our assets.
On April 4, 2013, we sold an aggregate of $200,000 of our convertible debentures due on April 4, 2014 with an interest rate of 15% per annum which shall accrue and be payable on the earlier of the maturity date or the date the entire principal amount of each debenture is converted. The principal amount of the debentures is convertible into shares of our common stock at the option of the holder, in whole or in part, at a price of $0.19 per share until the maturity date. The conversion price is subject to adjustment upon a reclassification or other change in our outstanding common stock and certain distributions to all holders of our common stock. In addition, each holder of a debenture received a one year warrant to purchase five shares of our common stock for each $1.00 of principal amount of debenture purchased at an exercise price of $0.19 per share. The debentures are secured by a first ranking floating charge security on all of our assets.
Indemnification of Directors and Officers
The corporate laws of British Columbia and Part 21 of our corporate articles allow us to indemnify our directors, former directors, alternate director and their heirs and personal representatives against liability, provided (i) the director or officer was acting on our behalf in his or her official capacity as a director or officer and (ii) such director or officer conducted himself in good faith and believed his conduct was in, or not opposed to, our best interests (or in the case of any criminal proceeding, that he had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful). Indemnification permitted by these provisions is limited to reasonable expenses incurred in connection with the proceeding upon which liability is predicated, which includes the amount of any such liability actually imposed.
In addition, we currently maintain management liability insurance that covers any loss up to a certain amount that our directors and officers may become legally obligated to pay as a result of a claim for a wrongful act for which we do not indemnify the directors and officers, or covers any loss up to a certain amount that we indemnify our directors and officers as a result of a claim for a wrongful act.
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants
For the fiscal years ended February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011, we did not have any disagreement with our independent registered public accountants on any matter of accounting principles, practices or financial statement disclosure.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
Each selling stockholder of the common stock and any of their pledgees, assignees and successors-in-interest may, from time to time, sell any or all of their shares of common stock on the OTCQX or any other stock exchange, market or trading facility on which the shares are traded or in private transactions. These sales may be at fixed or negotiated prices. A selling stockholder may use any one or more of the following methods when selling shares:
ordinary brokerage transactions and transactions in which the broker-dealer solicits purchasers;
block trades in which the broker-dealer will attempt to sell the shares as agent but may position and resell a portion of the block as principal to facilitate the transaction;
purchases by a broker-dealer as principal and resale by the broker-dealer for its account;
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an exchange distribution in accordance with the rules of the applicable exchange;
privately negotiated transactions;
settlement of short sales entered into after the effective date of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part;
broker-dealers may agree with the selling stockholders to sell a specified number of such shares at a stipulated price per share;
through the writing or settlement of options or other hedging transactions, whether through an options exchange or otherwise;
a combination of any such methods of sale; or
any other method permitted pursuant to applicable law.
The selling stockholders may also sell shares under Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, if available, rather than under this prospectus.
Broker-dealers engaged by the selling stockholders may arrange for other brokers-dealers to participate in sales. Broker-dealers may receive commissions or discounts from the selling stockholders (or, if any broker-dealer acts as agent for the purchaser of shares, from the purchaser) in amounts to be negotiated, but, except as set forth in a supplement to this prospectus, in the case of an agency transaction not in excess of a customary brokerage commission in compliance with FINRA Rule 2440; and in the case of a principal transaction a markup or markdown in compliance with FINRA IM-2440.
In connection with the sale of the common stock or interests therein, the selling stockholders may enter into hedging transactions with broker-dealers or other financial institutions, which may in turn engage in short sales of the common stock in the course of hedging the positions they assume. The selling stockholders may also sell shares of the common stock short and deliver these securities to close out their short positions, or loan or pledge the common stock to broker-dealers that in turn may sell these securities. The selling stockholders may also enter into option or other transactions with broker-dealers or other financial institutions or the creation of one or more derivative securities which require the delivery to such broker-dealer or other financial institution of shares offered by this prospectus, which shares such broker-dealer or other financial institution may resell pursuant to this prospectus (as supplemented or amended to reflect such transaction).
The selling stockholders and any broker-dealers or agents that are involved in selling the shares may be deemed to be underwriters within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, in connection with such sales. In such event, any commissions received by such broker-dealers or agents and any profit on the resale of the shares purchased by them may be deemed to be underwriting commissions or discounts under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Each selling stockholder has informed us that it does not have any written or oral agreement or understanding, directly or indirectly, with any person to distribute the common stock. In no event shall any broker-dealer receive fees, commissions and markups which, in the aggregate, would exceed eight percent (8%).
Because selling stockholders may be deemed to be underwriters within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, they will be subject to the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, including Rule 172 thereunder. In addition, any securities covered by this prospectus which qualify for sale pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended may be sold under Rule 144 rather than under this prospectus. There is no underwriter or coordinating broker acting in connection with the proposed sale of the resale shares by the selling stockholders.
Under applicable rules and regulations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, any person engaged in the distribution of the resale shares may not simultaneously engage in market making activities with respect to the common stock for the applicable restricted period, as defined in Regulation M, prior to the commencement of the distribution. In addition, the selling stockholders will be subject to applicable provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder, including Regulation M, which may limit the timing of purchases and sales of shares of the common stock by the selling stockholders or any other person. We will make copies of this prospectus available to the selling stockholders and have informed them of the need to deliver a copy of this prospectus to each purchaser at or prior to the time of the sale (including by compliance with Rule 172 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended).
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LEGAL MATTERS
McMillan LLP will pass upon the validity of the shares of common stock sold in this offering.
EXPERTS
The financial statements of Passport Potash Inc. for the fiscal years ended February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011 have been audited by Dale Matheson Carr-Hilton Labonte LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm as set forth in its report, and are included in reliance upon such report given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
We have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission a registration statement on Form S-1, together with any amendments and related exhibits, under the Securities Act, with respect to our shares of common stock offered by this prospectus. The registration statement contains additional information about us and our shares of common stock that the selling stockholders are offering in this prospectus.
We file annual, quarterly and current reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act. Our Securities and Exchange Commission filings are available to the public over the Internet at the Securities and Exchange Commissions website at http://www.sec.gov. Access to these electronic filings is available as soon as practicable after filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You may also read and copy any document we file at the Securities and Exchange Commissions public reference room located at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the Securities and Exchange Commission at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference rooms and their copy charges. You may also request a copy of those filings, excluding exhibits, from us at no cost. Any such request should be addressed to us at: 608 1199 West Pender Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6E2R1, Attention: John Eckersley.
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PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
Item 13. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.
We are paying all of the selling stockholders expenses related to this offering, except that the selling stockholders will pay any applicable underwriting discounts and commissions. The fees and expenses payable by us in connection with this Registration Statement are estimated as follows:
Securities and Exchange Commission Registration Fee | $ | 7,705.85 | |
Accounting Fees and Expenses | 5,000 | ||
Legal Fees and Expenses | 35,000 | ||
Miscellaneous Fees and Expenses | 1,000 | ||
Total | $ | 48,705.85 |
Item 14. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
The corporate laws of British Columbia and Part 21 of our corporate articles allow us to indemnify our directors, former directors, alternate director and their heirs and personal representatives against liability, provided (i) the director or officer was acting on our behalf in his or her official capacity as a director or officer and (ii) such director or officer conducted himself in good faith and believed his conduct was in, or not opposed to, our best interests (or in the case of any criminal proceeding, that he had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful). Indemnification permitted by these provisions is limited to reasonable expenses incurred in connection with the proceeding upon which liability is predicated, which includes the amount of any such liability actually imposed.
In addition, we currently maintain management liability insurance that covers any loss up to a certain amount that our directors and officers may become legally obligated to pay as a result of a claim for a wrongful act for which we do not indemnify the directors and officers, or covers any loss up to a certain amount that we indemnify our directors and officers as a result of a claim for a wrongful act.
Item 15. Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities.
On March 14, 2013, we sold an aggregate of $285,000 of our convertible debentures due on March 14, 2014 with an interest rate of 15% per annum which shall accrue and be payable on the earlier of the maturity date or the date the entire principal amount of each debenture is converted. The principal amount of the debentures is convertible into shares of our common stock at the option of the holder, in whole or in part, at a price of $0.19 per share until the maturity date. The conversion price is subject to adjustment upon a reclassification or other change in our outstanding common stock and certain distributions to all holders of our common stock. In addition, each holder of a debenture received a one-year warrant to purchase five shares of our common stock for each $1.00 of principal amount of debenture purchased at an exercise price of $0.19 per share. The debentures are secured by a first ranking floating charge security on all of our assets. We relied on exemptions from registration under the U.S. Securities Act provided by Regulation S for the offshore investors, based on representations and warranties provided by the investors in their respective subscription agreements entered into between us and each investor.
On April 4, 2013, we sold an aggregate of $200,000 of our convertible debentures due on April 4, 2014 with an interest rate of 15% per annum which shall accrue and be payable on the earlier of the maturity date or the date the entire principal amount of each debenture is converted. The principal amount of the debentures is convertible into shares of our common stock at the option of the holder, in whole or in part, at a price of $0.19 per share until the maturity date. The conversion price is subject to adjustment upon a reclassification or other change in our outstanding common stock and certain distributions to all holders of our common stock. In addition, each holder of a debenture received a one year warrant to purchase five shares of our common stock for each $1.00 of principal amount of debenture purchased at an exercise price of $0.19 per share. The debentures are secured by a first ranking floating charge security on all of our assets. We relied on exemptions from registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, provided by Rule 506 of Regulation D and/or Section 4(a)(2) for the US investors, based on representations and warranties provided by the investors in the Debentures in their respective subscription agreements entered into between us and each investor.
Year Ended February 29, 2013
On February 19, 2013, we issued an aggregate of 2,224,499 units (each a Unit) in a private placement at a price of CAD$0.18 per Unit for total gross proceeds to us of CAD$400,499.82. Each Unit consists of one common share and one-half of one five year warrant. Each whole warrant entitles the holder to purchase one additional common share at an exercise price of CAD$0.25. In connection with this private placement we paid total cash finders fees of CAD$6,615 and issued warrants to purchase an aggregate of 9,527 shares of our common stock. We relied on exemptions from registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the U.S. Securities Act) provided by Rule 506 of Regulation D and/or Section 4(2) for US purchasers as well as Regulation S for Canadian and offshore purchasers, based on representations and warranties provided by the purchasers of the Units in their respective subscription agreements entered into between us and each purchaser.
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On February 19, 2013, we sold an aggregate of $5,305,540 of our convertible debentures due on February 19, 2014 with an interest rate of 15% per annum which shall accrue and be payable on the earlier of the maturity date or the date the entire principal amount of each debenture is converted. The principal amount of the debentures is convertible into shares of our common stock at the option of the holder, in whole or in part, at a price of $0.19 per share. The conversion price is subject to adjustment upon a reclassification or other changes in our outstanding common stock and certain distributions to all holders of our common stock. In addition, each holder of a debenture received a one-year warrant to purchase five shares of our common stock for each $1.00 of principal amount of debenture purchased at an exercise price of $0.19 per share. The debentures are secured by a first ranking floating charge security on all of our assets. In connection with this private placement, we paid total cash finders fees of $73,957.8 and issued warrants to purchase an aggregate of 101,882 shares of our common stock. We relied on exemptions from registration under the U.S. Securities Act provided by Rule 506 of Regulation D and/or Section 4(2) for US investors as well as Regulation S for Canadian and offshore investors, based on representations and warranties provided by the investors in the Debentures in their respective subscription agreements entered into between us and each investor.
Year Ended February 29, 2012
On January 11, 2012, we issued 41,666,425 units (each a Unit) pursuant to a private placement to 34 individuals/entities at a price of CAD$0.18 per Unit for total gross proceeds of CAD$7,499,956.50. Each Unit consists of one common share and one-half of one common share purchase warrant (each a Warrant). Each whole Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one additional common share (each a Warrant Share) at a price of CAD$0.20 per Warrant Share for a period of one year expiring on January 11, 2013, which was further extended to January 11, 2014. In connection with this private placement we paid finders fees of CAD$34,997.19 and 194,428 common share purchase warrants (each a Finders Warrant) to an entity in Ontario, Canada. Each Finders Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one share of our common stock (each a Finders Warrant Share) at a price of CAD$0.20 per Finders Warrant Share for a period of one year expiring on January 11, 2013, which was further extended to January 11, 2014. We relied on exemptions from registration under the Securities Act provided by Rule 506 of Regulation D and/or Section 4(2) for US purchasers as well as Regulation S for Canadian purchasers, based on representations and warranties provided by the purchasers of the Units in their respective subscription agreements entered into between each purchaser and us.
On May 17, 2011, we issued 1,000,000 common shares at a fair value of CAD$0.67 per share to Ringbolt Ventures Ltd., Wendy Walker Tibbetts and Joseph J. Hansen pursuant to an option agreement to acquire 100% of 15,994.32 acres of mineral exploration permits within the Holbrook Basin region of Arizona, USA. We relied on exemptions from registration under the Securities Act provided by Rule 506 of Regulation D and/or Section 4(2) for the US individuals as well as Regulation S for the Canadian entity for the issuance of such securities. In connection with this transaction we paid a finders fee of CAD$25,000 to an entity in British Columbia, Canada.
Year Ended February 28, 2011
On January 31, 2011, we issued 28,430,000 units (each a Unit) pursuant to a private placement to 60 individuals/entities at a price of CAD$0.25 per Unit for total gross proceeds of CAD$7,107,500. Each Unit consists of one common share and one common share purchase warrant (each a Warrant). Each Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one additional common share (each a Warrant Share) at a price of CAD$0.35 per Warrant Share for a period of two years expiring on January 31, 2013. We relied on exemptions from registration under the Securities Act provided by Rule 506 of Regulation D and/or Section 4(2) for US purchasers as well as Regulation S for Canadian and offshore purchasers, based on representations and warranties provided by the purchasers of the Units in their respective subscription agreements entered into between each purchaser and us. In connection with this private placement we paid a finders fee of CAD$29,250 to an entity in British Columbia, Canada.
On December 16, 2010, we issued 500,000 common shares at a fair value of CAD$0.26 per share to American Potash LLC pursuant to an option agreement to acquire 100% of the right, title and interest in five exploration permits within the Holbrook Basin region of Arizona, USA. We relied on exemptions from registration under the Securities Act provided by Rule 506 of Regulation D and/or Section 4(2) for the issuance of such securities.
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On November 8, 2010, we issued 500,000 common shares at a fair value of CAD$0.08 per share to Mesa Uranium Corp. pursuant to an option agreement to acquire a 75% undivided interest in three exploration permits within the Holbrook Basin region of Arizona, USA. We relied on exemptions from registration under the Securities Act provided by Rule 506 of Regulation D and/or Section 4(2) for the issuance of such securities.
On November 8, 2010, we issued 5,000,000 common shares at a fair value of CAD$0.05 per share to Southwest Exploration, Inc. pursuant to an option agreement to purchase 100% of certain mining claims located in the Holbrook Basin region of Arizona, USA. We relied on exemptions from registration under the Securities Act provided by Rule 506 of Regulation D and/or Section 4(2) for the issuance of such securities.
On November 8, 2010, we issued 4,385,000 units (each a Unit) pursuant to a private placement to 9 individuals/entities at a price of CAD$0.05 per Unit for total gross proceeds of CAD$219,250. Each Unit consists of one common shares and one common share purchase warrant (each a Warrant). Each Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one additional common share (each a Warrant Share) at a price of CAD$0.10 per Warrant Share for a period of two years expiring on November 7, 2012. We relied on exemptions from registration under the Securities Act provided by Rule 506 of Regulation D and/or Section 4(2) for US purchasers as well as Regulation S for Canadian purchasers, based on representations and warranties provided by the purchasers of the Units in their respective subscription agreements entered into between each purchaser and us.
On November 8, 2010, we issued 13,636,363 units (each a Unit) pursuant to a private placement to four individuals/entities at a price of CAD$0.055 per Unit for total gross proceeds of CAD$750,000. Each Unit consists of one common share and one common share purchase warrant (each a Warrant). Each Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one additional common share (each a Warrant Share) at a price of CAD$0.10 per Warrant Share for a period of two years expiring on November 7, 2012. We relied on exemptions from registration under the Securities Act provided by Rule 506 of Regulation D for the three US purchasers as well as Regulation S for the offshore purchaser, based on representations and warranties provided by the purchasers of the Units in their respective subscription agreements entered into between each purchaser and us.
On June 29, 2010, we issued 4,960,476 units (each a Unit) pursuant to a private placement to 20 individuals/entities at a price of CAD$0.05 per Unit for total gross proceeds of CAD$248,023.80. Each Unit consists of one common share and one common share purchase warrant (each a Warrant). Each Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one additional common share (each a Warrant Share) at a price of CAD$0.10 per Warrant Share for a period of two years expiring on June 29, 2012. In connection with this private placement we paid finders fees of: (i) CAD$2,400 and 60,000 common share purchase warrants (each a Finders Warrant) to an entity in Ontario, Canada; (ii) CAD$4,000 and 100,000 Finders Warrants to an entity in British Columbia, Canada; and (iii) CAD$2,000 and 50,000 Finders Warrants to an entity in British Columbia, Canada. Each Finders Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one share of our common stock (each a Finders Warrant Share) at a price of CAD$0.10 per Finders Warrant Share for a period of two years expiring on June 29, 2012. We relied on exemptions from registration under the Securities Act provided by Rule 506 of Regulation D and/or Section 4(2) for US purchasers as well as Regulation S for Canadian and offshore purchasers, based on representations and warranties provided by the purchasers of the Units in their respective subscription agreements entered into between each purchaser and us.
Year Ended February 28, 2010
On October 1, 2009, we issued 2,681,000 common shares at a fair value of CAD$0.08 per share to Southwest Exploration, Inc. pursuant to an option agreement to purchase 100% of certain mining claims located in the Holbrook Basin region of Arizona, USA. We relied on exemptions from registration under the Securities Act provided by Rule 506 of Regulation D and/or Section 4(2) for the issuance of such securities.
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On July 17, 2009, we issued 4,971,136 units (each a Unit) pursuant to a private placement to 30 individuals/entities at a price of CAD$0.11 per Unit for total gross proceeds of CAD$546,825. Each Unit consists of one common share and one common share purchase warrant (each a Warrant). Each Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one additional common share (each a Warrant Share) at a price of CAD$0.20 per Warrant Share for a period of one year expiring on July 17, 2010. We relied on exemptions from registration under the Securities Act provided by Rule 506 of Regulation D and/or Section 4(2) for US purchasers as well as Regulation S for Canadian and offshore purchasers, based on representations and warranties provided by the purchasers of the Units in their respective subscription agreements entered into between each purchaser and us. In connection with this private placement we paid a finders fee of: (i) $6,600 to an individual in British Columbia, Canada; (ii) $7,150 to an individual in the Dominican Republic; (iii) $4,697 to an entity in British Columbia, Canada; (iv) $2,607 to an entity in British Columbia, Canada; and (v) $20,625 to an entity in Hamilton, Bermuda.
On April 1, 2009, we issued 250,000 common shares at a fair value of CAD$0.11 per share as well as an option to purchase 1,000,000 shares of our common stock (each an Option Share) at a price of CAD$0.11 per Option Share having an expiry date of February 6, 2012 to Southwest Exploration, Inc. pursuant to an option agreement to purchase 100% of certain mining claims located in the Holbrook Basin region of Arizona, USA. We relied on exemptions from registration under the Securities Act provided by Rule 506 of Regulation D and/or Section 4(2) for the issuance of such securities. In connection with this transaction we paid a finders fee of CAD$28,754.12 to an individual in Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands.
Item 16. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.
The following exhibits are filed as part of this Registration Statement.
Exhibit No. |
Document |
3.1.1 | Certificate of Registration (2) |
3.1.2 | Certificate of Modification, dated January 21, 1994 (2) |
3.1.3 |
Certificate of Modification, dated November 11, 1996 (2) |
3.1.4 | Certificate of Modification, dated June 16, 2004 (2) |
3.1.5 |
Certificate of Modification, dated October 17, 2007 (2) |
3.1.6 | Certificate of Modification, dated November 10, 2009 (2) |
3.1.7 |
Certificate of Continuation, dated April 26, 2011 (3) |
3.1.8 | Notice of Articles, dated May 31, 2012 (3) |
3.2 |
Articles (1) |
4.1 | Share Option Plan (1) |
4.2 |
Proposed Share Rights Plan (1) |
5.1 | |
10.1 |
Mineral Property Option Agreement between Southwest Exploration, Inc. and Passport Potash Inc., dated September 30, 2008 (2) |
10.2 | Amendment No. 1 to Mineral Property Option Agreement between Southwest Exploration, Inc. and Passport Potash Inc., dated September 18, 2009 (1) |
10.3 |
Lease and Option Agreement between Twin Buttes Ranch, LLC and Passport Potash Inc., dated August 28, 2009 (3) |
10.4 | Amendment Agreement to Lease and Option Agreement between Twin Buttes Ranch, LLC and Passport Potash Inc., dated September 7, 2010 (1) |
10.5 |
Amendment No. 2 to Mineral Property Option Agreement between Southwest Exploration, Inc. and Passport Potash Inc., dated October 1, 2010 (1) |
10.6 | Mineral Property Option Agreement between Mesa Uranium Corp. and Passport Potash Inc., dated August 31, 2010 (3) |
10.7 |
Option of Arizona Exploration Leases Agreement between Sweetwater River Resources, LLC, American Potash, LLC and Passport Potash Inc., dated November 12, 2010 (3) |
10.8 | Option Agreement between Ringbolt Ventures Ltd., Potash Green, LLC, Wendy Walker Tibbetts, Joseph J. Hansen and Passport Potash Inc., dated March 28, 2011 (3) |
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10.9 | Cooperative Agreement between Hopi Tribe and Passport Potash Inc., dated March 8, 2011 (3) |
10.10 |
Agreement between Southwest Exploration, Inc. and Passport Potash Inc., dated February 13, 2012 (3) |
10.11 | Property Purchase Agreement between Fitzgerald Living Trust and Passport Potash Inc., dated May 7, 2012 (2) |
10.12 |
Joint Exploration Agreement between HNZ Potash, LLC and Passport Potash Inc., dated July 27, 2012 (2) |
10.13 | Amendment Agreement between Passport Potash Inc., North American Potash Developments Inc., Potash Green, LLC, Wendy Walker Tibbetts and Joseph J. Hansen, dated October 30, 2012. (4) |
10.14 |
Joint Exploration Agreement between Passport Potash Inc. and The Hopi Tribe, dated effective November 1, 2012. (5) |
10.15 | Amendment to Agreement to Purchase Real Estate between Passport Potash Inc. and the Fitzgerald Living Trust, dated November 8, 2012. (5) |
21.1 | |
23.1 | |
23.2 | |
99.1 |
Consulting Agreement between Upstream Consulting and Passport Potash Inc., dated effective December 1, 2011 (3) |
99.2 | Form of Professional Services Agreement between R. Dennis Ickes and Passport Potash Inc., dated December 14, 2011 (2) |
99.3 |
Consulting Agreement between Transnational Enterprises Ltd. and Passport Potash Inc., dated January 1, 2012 (3) |
99.4 | Consulting Agreement between Double Jointed Solutions, LLC and Passport Potash Inc., dated January 16, 2012 (2) |
99.5 |
Consulting Agreement between Jerry Aiken and Passport Potash Inc., dated January 25, 2012 (2) |
EX- 101.INS | XBRL Instance Document * |
EX- 101.SCH | XBRLTaxonomy Extension Schema Document * |
EX- 101.CAL |
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase * |
EX- 101.DEF | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase * |
EX- 101.LAB |
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase * |
EX- 101.PRE | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase * |
Notes:
(*)
Filed herewith.
(1) |
Filed as an exhibit to our Registration Statement on Form 10 as filed with the SEC on June 29, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference. |
(2) |
Filed as an exhibit to our Registration Statement on Form 10 (Amendment No. 1) as filed with the SEC on September 21, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference. |
(3) |
Filed as an exhibit to our Registration Statement on Form 10 (Amendment No. 2) as filed with the SEC on October 12, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference. |
(4) |
Filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K as filed with the SEC on November 8, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference. |
(5) |
Filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K as filed with the SEC on November 23, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference. |
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Item 17. Undertakings.
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:
(i) |
To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act; | |
(ii) |
To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20 percent change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the Calculation of Registration Fee table in the effective registration statement; and | |
(iii) |
To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement. |
(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of the securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered that remain unsold at the termination of the offering.
(4) That, for the purpose of determining liability of the undersigned registrant under the Securities Act to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities:
The undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:
(i) |
Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424 (§ 230.424 of this chapter); | |
(ii) |
Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant; | |
(iii) |
The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and | |
(iv) |
Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser. |
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable.
177
In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
For the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act to any purchaser, each prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) as part of a registration statement relating to an offering, other than registration statements relying on Rule 430B or other than prospectuses filed in reliance on Rule 430A (§ 230.430A of this chapter), shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the date it is first used after effectiveness. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such first use, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such date of first use.
178
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, on April 12, 2013.
PASSPORT POTASH INC.
By: | /s/ Joshua Bleak | |
Name: Joshua Bleak | ||
Title: President, Chief Executive | ||
Officer and Director | ||
(Principal Executive Officer) | ||
By: | /s/ Laara Shaffer | |
Name: Laara Shaffer | ||
Title: Chief Financial Officer, | ||
Corporate Secretary and Director | ||
(Principal Financial and Accounting | ||
Officer) |
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned officers and directors of Passport Potash Inc., a British Columbia corporation that is filing a registration statement on Form S-1 with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, hereby constitute and appoint Joshua Bleak their true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and re-substitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any or all amendments to the registration statement, including a prospectus or an amended prospectus therein, and all other documents in connection therewith to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all interests and purposes as they might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or either of them, or their substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. This Power of Attorney may be signed in several counterparts.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the undersigned has executed this Power of Attorney. In accordance with the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this registration statement was signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates stated:
Signature | Title | Date | ||
/s/ Joshua Bleak | President, Chief Executive Officer and Director | April 12, 2013 | ||
Joshua Bleak | (Principal Executive Officer) | |||
/s/ Laara Shaffer | Chief Financial Officer, Corporate Secretary and Director | April 12, 2013 | ||
Laara Shaffer | (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) | |||
/s/ Ali Rahimtula | Director | April 12, 2013 | ||
Ali Rahimtula | ||||
/s/ John Eckersley | Executive Vice President and Director | April 12, 2013 | ||
John Eckersley |
179
/s/ Dennis Ickes | Director | April 12, 2013 | ||
Dennis Ickes | ||||
/s/ David J. Salisbury | Chairman of the Board and Director | April 12, 2013 | ||
David J. Salisbury | ||||
/s/ Jerry Aiken | Director | April 12, 2013 | ||
Jerry Aiken |
180
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The following Consolidated Financial Statements are filed as part of this report.
F-1
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors of Passport Potash Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Passport Potash Inc. (the Company) (an exploration stage company) as at February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011 and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders deficit and cash flows for the years then ended and the period from May 22, 2007 (inception of exploration stage) to February 29, 2012. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform an audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Companys internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, based on our audits, these consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as at February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended and for the period from May 22, 2007 (inception of exploration stage) to February 29, 2012, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 1 to the financial statements, the Company has not generated significant revenues since inception, has incurred losses in developing its business, and further losses are anticipated. The Company requires additional funds to meet its obligations and the costs of its operations. These factors raise substantial doubt about the Companys ability to continue as a going concern. Managements plans in this regard are described in Note 1. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
/s/DMCL
DALE MATHESON CARR-HILTON LABONTE LLP
CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS
Vancouver, Canada
June 28, 2012
F-2
Passport Potash Inc.
(An Exploration Stage
Company)
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Expressed in United States dollars)
Notes | February 29, | February 28, | |||||
2012 | 2011 | ||||||
ASSETS | |||||||
Current assets | |||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | ||||||
$ | 8,599,010 | 10,719,413 | |||||
Receivables | 47,075 | 25,670 | |||||
Prepaid expenses | 79,837 | 59,473 | |||||
8,725,922 | 10,804,556 | ||||||
Equipment | 3 | 1,044 | 1,322 | ||||
Unproven mineral properties | 4 | 1,300,000 | - | ||||
Long term deposit | 4 | 225,000 | - | ||||
Reclamation Deposits | 4 | 15,000 | 14,394 | ||||
1,541,044 | 15,716 | ||||||
$ | |||||||
TOTAL ASSETS | $ | 10,266,966 | 10,820,272 | ||||
LIABILITIES | |||||||
Current liabilities | |||||||
Trade payables and accrued liabilities | 5 | $ | 522,649 | $ | 433,778 | ||
Derivative liability | 8 | 6,374,170 | 26,589,856 | ||||
TOTAL LIABILITES | 6,896,819 | 27,023,634 | |||||
STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY (DEFICIT) | |||||||
Common stock Unlimited authorized without par value, 169,323,707 and 121,453,532 issued and outstanding at February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011, respectively |
6 | 31,286,606 | 24,315,381 | ||||
Additional paid-in capital | 11,052,223 | 6,955,598 | |||||
Accumulated deficit | (13,514,818 | ) | (13,514,818 | ) | |||
Deficit accumulated during exploration stage | (25,453,864 | ) | (33,959,523 | ) | |||
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY (DEFICIT) | 3,370,147 | (16,203,362 | ) | ||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY (DEFICIT) | $ | 10,266,966 | $ | 10,820,272 | |||
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 1 and 4) | |||||||
Subsequent events (Note 10) |
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements |
F-3
Passport Potash Inc.
(An Exploration Stage
Company)
Consolidated statement of operations
(Expressed in United States dollars)
Year ended | For the period May | |||||||||
22, 2007 (Inception | ||||||||||
of Exploration | ||||||||||
Stage) to February | ||||||||||
February 29, | February 28, | 29, 2012 | ||||||||
Note | 2012 | 2011 | ||||||||
Operating Expenses | ||||||||||
Administration | 5 | 215,687 | 525,450 | 816,672 | ||||||
Advertising | 1,028,472 | 131,284 | 1,164,380 | |||||||
Business development | 411,367 | - | 411,367 | |||||||
Consulting fees | 5 | 2,783,987 | 3,731,814 | 7,260,606 | ||||||
Depreciation | 3 | 278 | 339 | 1,997 | ||||||
Foreign exchange (gain) loss | 198,974 | (194,296 | ) | (42,288 | ) | |||||
Investor relations | 487,996 | 437,102 | 978,753 | |||||||
Management fees | 5 | 1,088,541 | 1,325,840 | 2,613,337 | ||||||
Mineral property impairment | - | - | 652,784 | |||||||
Mineral property option payments and exploration costs |
4,5 | 7,286,863 | 2,790,910 | 11,258,269 | ||||||
Office and miscellaneous | 59,905 | 41,479 | 187,544 | |||||||
Professional fees | 253,380 | 101,803 | 557,410 | |||||||
Property investigation costs | 24,483 | - | 24,483 | |||||||
Rent | 5 | - | 7,024 | 24,832 | ||||||
Transfer agent and filing fees | 79,186 | 99,650 | 283,202 | |||||||
Net loss before other items | (13,919,119 | ) | (8,998,399 | ) | (26,193,348 | ) | ||||
Other items | ||||||||||
Change in derivative liability | 8 | 22,209,156 | (22,172,944 | ) | 561,350 | |||||
Interest income | 62,497 | - | 62,497 | |||||||
Loss on debt settlement | 6 | - | (37,488 | ) | (37,488 | ) | ||||
Other income | 153,125 | - | 153,125 | |||||||
22,424,778 | (22,210,432 | ) | 739,484 | |||||||
Net profit (loss) | $ | 8,505,659 | $ | (31,208,831 | ) | $ | (25,453,864 | ) | ||
Earnings (Loss) per share basic | $ | 0.06 | $ | (0.65 | ) | |||||
Earnings per share dilutive | $ | 0.05 | $ | - | ||||||
Weighted average
number of shares outstanding during the year basic |
131,524,259 | 48,048,430 | ||||||||
Weighted average number of shares outstanding during the year dilutive |
155,786,958 | - |
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements |
F-4
Passport Potash Inc.
(An Exploration Stage
Company)
Consolidated statement of stockholders equity
(Expressed in United States dollars)
Common Stock | ||||||||||||||||||
Accumulated | ||||||||||||||||||
Deficit During | ||||||||||||||||||
Number of | Additional | Accumulated | Exploration | |||||||||||||||
shares | Amount | Paid-in Capital | Deficit | Stage | Total | |||||||||||||
Balance at May 22, 2007 (Inception of exploration stage) | 11,029,389 | $ | 12,909,530 | $ | 28,190 | $ | (13,514,818 | ) | $ | - | $ | (577,098 | ) | |||||
Net loss | - | - | - | - | (639,925 | ) | (639,925 | ) | ||||||||||
Shares issued for cash private placement | 10,246,398 | 982,322 | - | - | - | 982,322 | ||||||||||||
Shares issued for cash warrant exercise | 2,800,000 | 294,325 | - | - | - | 294,325 | ||||||||||||
Shares issued to acquire unproven mineral properties | 300,000 | 34,402 | - | - | - | 34,402 | ||||||||||||
Shares issued for cash option exercise | 621,000 | 47,474 | - | - | - | 47,474 | ||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation | - | - | 267,286 | - | - | 267,286 | ||||||||||||
Balance at February 28, 2008 | 24,996,787 | 14,268,053 | 295,476 | (13,514,818 | ) | (639,925 | ) | 408,786 | ||||||||||
Net loss | - | - | - | - | (1,114,326 | ) | (1,114,326 | ) | ||||||||||
Shares issued to acquire unproven mineral properties | 225,000 | 81,504 | - | - | - | 81,504 | ||||||||||||
Shares issued for cash warrant exercise | 5,557,738 | 670,195 | - | - | - | 670,195 | ||||||||||||
Share issue costs | 100,000 | (48,680 | ) | 61,578 | - | - | 12,898 | |||||||||||
Stock-based compensation | - | - | 174,784 | - | - | 174,784 | ||||||||||||
Balance at February 28, 2009 | 30,879,525 | 14,971,072 | 531,838 | (13,514,818 | ) | (1,754,251 | ) | 233,841 | ||||||||||
Net loss | - | - | - | - | (996,441 | ) | (996,441 | ) | ||||||||||
Shares issued for cash private placement | 4,971,136 | 491,933 | - | - | - | 491,933 | ||||||||||||
Transfer to derivative liability warrants issued | - | (359,669 | ) | - | - | - | (359,669 | ) | ||||||||||
Share issue costs cash | - | (37,654 | ) | - | - | - | (37,654 | ) | ||||||||||
Share issue costs - warrants issued to finders | - | (26,505 | ) | 26,505 | - | - | - | |||||||||||
Cancelled shares | (106 | ) | - | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||
Shares issued to acquire unproven mineral properties | 2,931,000 | 244,142 | - | - | - | 244,142 | ||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation | - | - | 170,281 | - | - | 170,281 | ||||||||||||
Balance at February 28, 2010 | 38,781,555 | $ | 15,283,319 | $ | 728,624 | $ | (13,514,818 | ) | $ | (2,750,692 | ) | $ | (253,567 | ) |
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements |
F-5
Passport Potash Inc.
(An Exploration Stage
Company)
Consolidated statement of stockholders equity
(Expressed in United States dollars)
Common Stock | ||||||||||||||||||
Accumulated | ||||||||||||||||||
Deficit During | ||||||||||||||||||
Number of | Additional | Accumulated | Exploration | |||||||||||||||
shares | Amount | Paid-in Capital | Deficit | Stage | Total | |||||||||||||
Balance at February 28, 2010 | 38,781,555 | $ | 15,283,319 | $ | 728,624 | $ | (13,514,818 | ) | $ | (2,750,692 | ) | $ | (253,567 | ) | ||||
Net loss | - | - | - | - | (31,208,831 | ) | (31,208,831 | ) | ||||||||||
Shares issued for cash private placement | 51,411,839 | 8,389,473 | - | - | - | 8,389,473 | ||||||||||||
Transfer to derivative liability warrants issued | - | (9,688,049 | ) | - | - | - | (9,688,049 | ) | ||||||||||
Share issue costs - cash | - | (121,888 | ) | - | - | - | (121,888 | ) | ||||||||||
Share issue costs warrants issued to finders | - | (9,853 | ) | 9,853 | - | - | - | |||||||||||
Shares issued to acquire unproven mineral properties | 6,000,000 | 433,343 | - | - | - | 433,343 | ||||||||||||
Shares issued for cash option exercise | 5,686,000 | 752,110 | - | - | - | 752,110 | ||||||||||||
Shares issued for cash warrant exercise | 19,574,138 | 3,988,062 | - | - | - | 3,988,062 | ||||||||||||
Transfer from derivative liability warrants exercised | - | 5,288,864 | - | - | - | 5,288,864 | ||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation | - | - | 6,217,121 | - | - | 6,217,121 | ||||||||||||
Balance at February 28, 2011 | 121,453,532 | 24,315,381 | 6,955,598 | $ | (13,514,818 | ) | (33,959,523 | ) | (16,203,362 | ) | ||||||||
Net profit | - | - | - | - | 8,505,659 | 8,505,659 | ||||||||||||
Shares issued for cash private placement | 41,666,425 | 7,537,877 | - | - | - | 7,537,877 | ||||||||||||
Transfer to derivative liability warrants issued | - | (3,668,077 | ) | - | - | - | (3,668,077 | ) | ||||||||||
Share issue costs - cash | - | (67,336 | ) | - | - | - | (67,336 | ) | ||||||||||
Share issue costs warrants issued to finders | - | (32,700 | ) | 32,700 | - | - | - | |||||||||||
Shares issued to acquire unproven mineral properties | 1,000,000 | 669,384 | - | - | - | 669,384 | ||||||||||||
Shares issued for cash option exercise | 2,928,750 | 538,365 | - | - | - | 538,365 | ||||||||||||
Shares issued for cash warrant exercise | 2,275,000 | 319,105 | - | - | - | 319,105 | ||||||||||||
Transfer from derivative liability warrants exercised | - | 1,674,607 | - | - | - | 1,674,607 | ||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation | - | - | 4,063,925 | - | - | 4,063,925 | ||||||||||||
Balance at February 29, 2012 | 169,323,707 | $ | 31,286,606 | $ | 11,052,223 | $ | (13,514,818 | ) | $ | (25,453,864 | ) | $ | 3,370,147 |
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements |
F-6
Passport Potash Inc.
(An Exploration Stage
Company)
Consolidated statements of cash flows
(Expressed in United States dollars)
Year ended | |||||||||
Cumulative from | |||||||||
May 22, 2007 | |||||||||
(Inception of | |||||||||
February 29, | February 28, | Exploration Stage) to | |||||||
2012 | 2011 | February 29, 2012 | |||||||
Operating activities | |||||||||
Profit (Loss) for the year | $ | 8,505,659 | $ | (31,208,831 | ) | $ | (25,453,864 | ) | |
Adjustments for: | |||||||||
Depreciation | 278 | 339 | 1,997 | ||||||
Fair value adjustment on warrants | (22,209,156 | ) | 22,172,944 | (561,350 | ) | ||||
Foreign exchange | - | - | (256,260 | ) | |||||
Loss on debt settlement | - | 37,488 | 37,488 | ||||||
Mineral property option payments | 669,384 | 433,343 | 1,462,775 | ||||||
Other income | (138,474 | ) | - | (138,474 | ) | ||||
Stock-based compensation | 4,063,925 | 6,217,121 | 10,893,397 | ||||||
Changes in non-cash working capital items: | |||||||||
Receivables | (21.405 | ) | (25,670 | ) | (47,075 | ) | |||
Prepaid expenses | (20,364 | ) | (59,473 | ) | (77,735 | ) | |||
Trade payables and accrued liabilities | 227,345 | 134,645 | 493,748 | ||||||
Net cash flows used in operating activities | (8,922,808 | ) | (2,298,094 | ) | (13,645,353 | ) | |||
Investing activities | |||||||||
Reclamation deposits | (606 | ) | 9,596 | (15,000 | ) | ||||
Long term deposits | (225,000 | ) | - | (225,000 | ) | ||||
Mineral property acquisition costs | (1,300,000 | ) | - | (1,300,000 | ) | ||||
Net cash flows (used in) from investing activities | (1,525,606 | ) | 9,596 | (1,540,000 | ) | ||||
Financing activities | |||||||||
Proceeds on issuance of common shares - net of share issue costs | 8,328,011 | 13,007,757 | 23,784,363 | ||||||
Net cash flows from financing activities | 8,328,011 | 13,007,757 | 23,784,363 | ||||||
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents | (2,120,403 | ) | 10,719,259 | 8,599,010 | |||||
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning | 10,719,413 | 154 | - | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents, ending | $ | 8,599,010 | $ | 10,719,413 | $ | 8,599,010 | |||
Supplemental disclosures: | |||||||||
Cash paid for: | |||||||||
Income tax | $ | - | $ | - | |||||
Interest | $ | - | $ | - | |||||
Cash and cash equivalents consist of: | |||||||||
Cash at bank | $ | 5,355,490 | $ | 10,719,413 | |||||
Guaranteed investment certificates | 3,243,520 | - | |||||||
$ | 8,599,010 | $ | 10,719,413 | ||||||
See Note 9 for non cash transactions. |
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements |
F-7
Passport Potash Inc.
(An Exploration Stage Company)
Notes
to the consolidated financial statements
(Expressed in United States
dollars)
For the years ended February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011
NOTE 1 ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
Passport Potash Inc. (the Company) was incorporated on August 11, 1987 under Part 1A of the Quebec Companies Act. On May 4, 2011, the Company continued its corporate jurisdiction from the province of Quebec to the province of British Columbia, Canada, effective April 26, 2011. The Company is engaged in the acquisition and exploration of mineral properties. The Company has not determined whether its properties contain mineral reserves that are economically recoverable.
The Companys consolidated financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis in accordance with US generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) which contemplates the realization of assets and discharge of liabilities and commitments in the normal course of business. The Company is in the exploration stage. It has not generated operating revenues to date, and has accumulated losses of $38,968,682 since inception. The Company has funded its operations through the issuance of capital stock and debt. Management plans to raise additional funds through equity and/or debt financings. There is no certainty that further funding will be available as needed. These factors raise substantial doubt about the ability of the Company to continue operating as a going concern. The Companys ability to continue its operations as a going concern, realize the carrying value of its assets, and discharge its liabilities in the normal course of business is dependent upon its ability to raise new capital sufficient to fund its commitments and ongoing losses, and ultimately on generating profitable operations.
NOTE 2 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation
These consolidated financial statements and related notes are presented in accordance with US GAAP, and are expressed in United States dollars (USD). The Company has not produced revenues from its principal business and is an exploration stage company as defined by Accounting and Reporting by Development Stage Enterprises. These financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiary, PPI Holding Corporation. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.
Accounting Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect certain of the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the year. The Company regularly evaluates estimates and assumptions. The Company bases its estimates and assumptions on current facts, historical experience and various other factors it believes to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities and the accrual of costs and expenses that are not readily apparent from other sources. The actual results experienced by the Company may differ materially and adversely from the Companys estimates. To the extent there are material differences between the estimates and the actual results, future results of operations will be affected. The most significant estimates with regard to these financial statements relate to carrying values of unproven mineral properties, determination of fair values of stock based transactions and derivative liability, and deferred income tax rates.
Long Lived Assets
The carrying value of long-lived assets is reviewed on a regular basis for the existence of facts or circumstances that may suggest impairment. The Company recognizes impairment when the sum of the expected undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset. Impairment losses, if any, are measured as the excess of the carrying amount of the asset over its estimated fair value.
F-8
Passport Potash Inc.
(An Exploration Stage Company)
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
(Expressed in United States dollars)
For the years ended February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011
NOTE 2 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (cont'd)
Asset Retirement Obligations
The Company records the fair value of an asset retirement obligation as a liability in the period in which it incurs an obligation associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets that result from the acquisition, construction, development and/or normal use of the assets. The estimated fair value of the asset retirement obligation is based on the current cost escalated at an inflation rate and discounted at a credit adjusted risk-free rate. This liability is capitalized as part of the cost of the related asset and amortized over its useful life. The liability accretes until the Company settles the obligation. To date the Company has not incurred any measurable asset retirement obligations.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The estimated fair values for financial instruments are determined at discrete points in time based on relevant market information. These estimates involve uncertainties and cannot be determined with precision. The estimated fair value of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, trade payable approximates their carrying value due to their short-term nature.
Foreign Currency Translation and Transaction
The functional currency for the Company is USD. The Company translates assets and liabilities to USD using year-end exchange rates, translates unproved mineral properties and equipment using historical exchange rates, and translates expenses using average exchange rates during the period. Exchange gains and losses arising from the translation of foreign entity financial statements are included in current operations.
Income Taxes
Income taxes are determined using the liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes that date of enactment. In addition, a valuation allowance is established to reduce any deferred tax asset for which it is determined that it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized.
The Company accounts for uncertainty in income taxes by applying a two-step method. First, it evaluates whether a tax position has met a more likely than not recognition threshold, and second, it measures that tax position to determine the amount of benefit, if any, to be recognized in the financial statements. The application of this method did not have a material effect on the Company's financial statements.
Loss per Share
The Company presents both basic and diluted loss per share (“LPS”) on the face of the statements of operations. Basic LPS is computed by dividing net loss available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the year. Diluted LPS gives effect to all dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period including convertible debt, stock options, and warrants, using the treasury stock method. Diluted LPS excludes all dilutive potential shares if their effect is anti-dilutive.
F-9
Passport Potash Inc.
(An Exploration Stage Company)
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
(Expressed in United States dollars)
For the years ended February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011
NOTE 2 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (cont'd)
Unproven Mineral Properties
Realization of the Company's investment in and expenditures on unproven mineral properties is dependent upon the establishment of legal ownership, the attainment of successful production from the properties or from the proceeds of their disposal.
Title to mineral properties 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 characteristics of many mineral properties. To the best of its knowledge the Company believes all of its unproved mineral interests are in good standing and that it has title to all of these mineral interests.
The Company classifies its mineral rights as tangible assets and accordingly acquisition costs are capitalized as mineral property costs. Mineral exploration costs are expensed as incurred until commercially mineable deposits are determined to exist within a particular property.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all highly liquid temporary cash investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Stock Options and Other Share-Based Compensation
The Company accounts for Stock-Based Compensation under ASC 718 “Compensation - Stock Compensation”, which addresses the accounting for transactions in which an entity exchanges its equity instruments for goods or services, with a primary focus on transactions in which an entity obtains employee services in share-based payment transactions. ASC 718-10 requires measurement of the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award (with limited exceptions). Incremental compensation costs arising from subsequent modifications of awards after the grant date must be recognized.
The Company accounts for stock-based compensation awards to non-employees in accordance with ASC 505-50, Equity-Based Payments to Non-Employees. Under ASC 505-50, the Company determines the fair value of the warrants or stock-based compensation awards granted as either the fair value of the consideration received or the fair value of the equity instruments issued, whichever is more reliably measurable. Any stock options or warrants issued to non-employees are recorded in expense and additional paid-in capital in shareholders' equity/(deficit) over the applicable service periods using variable accounting through the vesting dates based on the fair value of the options or warrants at the end of each period.
The value of the common stock is measured at the earlier of (i) the date at which a firm commitment for performance by the counterparty to earn the equity instruments is reached or (ii) the date at which the counterparty's performance is complete.
Recently Adopted Accounting Guidance
The Company has reviewed recently issued accounting pronouncements and plans to adopt those that are applicable to it. It does not expect the adoption of these pronouncements to have a material impact on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
F-10
Passport Potash Inc.
(An Exploration Stage Company)
Notes
to the consolidated financial statements
(Expressed in United States
dollars)
For the years ended February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011
NOTE 3 EQUIPMENT
Equipment | Total | |||||
Cost: | ||||||
At March 1, 2010 | $ | 34,527 | $ | 34,527 | ||
At February 28, 2011 | 34,527 | 34,527 | ||||
At February 29, 2012 | $ | 34,527 | $ | 34,527 | ||
Depreciation: | ||||||
At March 1, 2010 | $ | 32,866 | $ | 32,866 | ||
Charge for the period | 339 | 339 | ||||
At February 28, 2011 | 33,205 | 33,205 | ||||
Charge for the period | 278 | 278 | ||||
At February 29, 2012 | $ | 33,483 | $ | 33,483 | ||
Net book value: | ||||||
At February 28, 2011 | $ | 1,322 | $ | 1,322 | ||
At February 29, 2012 | $ | 1,044 | $ | 1,044 |
F-11
Passport Potash Inc.
(An Exploration Stage Company)
Notes
to the consolidated financial statements
(Expressed in United States
dollars)
For the years ended February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011
NOTE 4 UNPROVEN MINERAL PROPERTIES
Holbrook Basin Project
March 1, 2010 | Additions | February 28, 2011 | Additions | February 29, 2012 | |||||||||||
Property acquisition costs | |||||||||||||||
Cash paid for property | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 1,300,000 | $ | 1,300,000 | |||||
Balance, end of year | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 1,300,000 | $ | 1,300,000 | |||||
Option payments and exploration costs | |||||||||||||||
Costs incurred during year: | |||||||||||||||
Assay | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 73,319 | $ | 73,319 | |||||
Drilling and related costs | 597,715 | 867,298 | 1,465,013 | 3,749,396 | 5,214,409 | ||||||||||
Geological consulting | - | 276,922 | 276,922 | 1,036,177 | 1,313,099 | ||||||||||
License and filing | - | - | - | 99,403 | 99,403 | ||||||||||
Option payments | 582,781 | 905,073 | 1,487,854 | 1,175,209 | 2,663,063 | ||||||||||
Project administration | - | 293,011 | 293,011 | 697,702 | 990,713 | ||||||||||
Balance, end of year | $ | 1,180,496 | $ | 2,342,304 | $ | 3,522,800 | $ | 6,831,206 | $ | 10,354,006 |
F-12
NOTE 4 UNPROVEN MINERAL PROPERTIES
The Company acquired mineral claims in the Holbrook Basin Project through the following agreements:
Holbrook Basin Property, Arizona
On September 30, 2008, as amended, the Company entered into an option agreement to purchase an undivided 100% of certain mining claims located in the Holbrook Basin region of Arizona, USA, for the following considerations:
a) | $100,000 on execution of the agreement (paid); |
b) | 1,000,000 options (issued) upon receipt of TSX-V approval of the agreement; |
c) | $125,000 ninety days following issuance of a drilling permit from the Arizona State Land Department (paid); |
d) | 250,000 shares on April 1, 2009 (issued with a fair value of $26,988); |
e) | 2,681,000 shares on October 1, 2009 (issued with a fair value of $217,064); |
f) | 5,000,000 shares on November 1, 2010 (issued with a fair value of $262,274); |
g) | $350,000 six months following TSX approval of the issuance of 5,000,000 shares (paid); |
h) | Funding of US$200,000 in exploration expenditures pursuant to the completion of a NI 43-101 technical report (completed); |
i) | 250,000 shares upon completion of a NI 43-101 technical report after drilling (issued subsequent to February 29, 2012); and |
j) | The Optionor shall retain a 1% Net Smelter Royalty (NSR). The Company has the right to purchase the 1% NSR for $ 1 Million. During the year ended February 29, 2012, the Company purchased the 1% NSR for $1 million. |
The Company now has a 100% interest, being NSR free, in the Holbrook Basin property.
At February 29, 2012, the Company had a reclamation bond of $15,000 (2011: $14,394) for work done on the Holbrook Basin Property.
Twin Butte Ranch,
Arizona
A. Twin Butte Ranch
On August 28, 2009, as amended, the Company entered into a four year lease with an option to purchase private deeded land within the Holbrook Basin. Under the terms of the agreement the Company can earn a 100% undivided interest in the deeded land and sub-surface mineral rights by making lease payments totaling $500,000 over four years and, upon exercising its option to purchase, by paying $20,000,000 for the entire Twin Butte Ranch including all sub-surface mineral rights except those pertaining to oil and gas, petrified wood and geothermal resources. There are no royalties associated with the sub-surface mineral rights.
Details of the payments under the agreement are as follows:
a) | A payment of $50,000 and $10,000 legal costs on or before November 26, 2009 (paid); |
b) | A payment of $25,000 on September 17, 2010 (paid); |
c) | A payment of $75,000 on December 1, 2010 (paid); |
d) | A payment of $150,000 on August 28, 2011 (paid); and |
e) | A payment of US$200,000 on August 28, 2012. |
Upon exercising its option to purchase the entire Twin Butte Ranch, the Company must deliver a certified cheque in the amount of US$1,000,000 on or before 5pm (Arizona time), August 28, 2013 (the option expiry date), followed by a payment of US$ 19,000,000 within thirty days.
F-13
Passport Potash Inc.
(An Exploration Stage Company)
Notes
to the consolidated financial statements
(Expressed in United States
dollars)
For the years ended February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011
NOTE 4 UNPROVEN MINERAL PROPERTIES (Contd)
Twin Butte Ranch, Arizona (contd)
The lease agreement and purchase option will expire on August 28, 2013 or such other time as is mutually acceptable and agreed to in writing by both parties.
B. Twin Butte Ranch - Fitzgerald Ranch addition
On August 17, 2011, the Company has signed a letter of intent to acquire the Fitzgerald Ranch which lies directly adjacent to the Twin Buttes Ranch. The purchase price shall be $14,500,000 to be paid at the time of closing the sale.
An amount of $250,000 must be paid in escrow, within five days of signing the letter of intent, as a deposit, as follows:
i) | Refundable US$225,000 (paid); and |
ii) | Non-refundable US$ 25,000 (paid). |
American Potash LLC, Arizona
On November 12, 2010,
the Company entered into an option agreement to acquire 100% of the right, title
and interest in five exploration permits within the Holbrook basin for the
following considerations:
a) | 500,000 shares of the Company to be issued on the earlier of December 15, 2010 or within five business days of the TSX-V acceptance date (issued with a fair value of $130,444); |
b) | Three cash payments of $30,000 each with 12, 18, and 24 months of the acceptance date ($30,000 paid during the year ended February 29, 2012 and $60,000 paid subsequent to February 29, 2012 (Note 18)); and |
c) | All taxes assessed against the property and minimum exploration work to keep the claims in good standing. |
The property is subject to a 2% NSR. The Company can purchase one half of the royalty for $150,000 and the remaining half for $150,000. The Company purchased the 2% NSR subsequent to February 29, 2012 (Note 18).
Mesa Uranium, Arizona
On August 31, 2010, the Company
entered into an agreement to acquire 100% undivided interest in three
exploration permits within the Holbrook basin for the following
considerations:
a) | 500,000 shares of the Company upon TSX-V approval (issued with a fair value of $40,625); |
b) | $20,000 within 90 days of the completion of next financing after the agreement date (paid); |
c) | Minimum exploration expenditures of $19,518 in 2010 as required by the Arizona State Land Department (expended); and |
d) | Maximum available assessment work credits or payments in lieu of the minimum requirements to keep the claims in good standing. |
On completion of all terms above, the Company shall have earned a 75% interest and title of the permits shall be transferred to the Company (Earned). The Company can purchase the remaining 25% interest by paying $100,000 cash, share equivalent or work expenditures (Expended). The property is subject to a 2% NSR and the Company can purchase the NSR at the price of $300,000 for the full 2%. During the year ended February 29, 2012, the Company purchased the 2% NSR for $300,000.
The Company now has a 100% interest, being NSR free, in the Mesa property.
F-14
Passport Potash Inc.
(An Exploration Stage Company)
Notes
to the consolidated financial statements
(Expressed in United States
dollars)
For the years ended February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011
NOTE 4 UNPROVEN MINERAL PROPERTIES (Contd)
Ringbolt Property, Arizona
On March 28, 2011 the Company entered into an option agreement to acquire 90% undivided legal and beneficial interest in and to the Ringbolt Property free and clear of all encumbrances in exploration leases for the following considerations:
a) | $50,000 upon execution of this agreement (paid); |
b) | $250,000 upon TSX-V approval on May 17, 2011 and 1,000,000 common shares (issued with a fair value of $669,384); |
c) | Minimum exploration expenditures within 1 year of TSX-V approval of $500,000; |
d) | On or before the first anniversary of TSX-V approval $350,000 and 1,400,000 common shares; |
e) | Minimum exploration expenditures within first year of first anniversary of TSX-V approval of $750,000; |
f) | $350,000 upon 2nd anniversary of TSX-V approval and 1,600,000 common shares; and |
g) | Minimum exploration expenditures within 1 year of 2nd anniversary of TSX-V approval of $1,000,000. |
On completion of all terms above, the Company shall have earned a 90% interest and title of the permits shall be transferred to the Company. Upon exercise of the option agreement, the Company shall be deemed to be granted an option to purchase the remaining 10% interest in the Property for the payment of $5,000,000.
The Company paid a finders fee of $25,825 to a third party in connection with this option agreement.
The Company became the subject to a civil action in the Third Judicial District court, Salt Lake County, State of Utah in connection with the Ringbolt Property option agreement. The optionors are seeking payment of $350,000, 1,400,000 of the Companys shares and $20,716 in expenses related to the property, alternatively damages of $644,000. The Company did not make the required payment and did not issue the shares to the optionors as it contends that the optionors are in default of the option agreement. The Company has counter claimed for specific performance under the option agreement and has paid the $350,000 and issued the 1,400,000 shares into the Utah court.
NOTE 5 RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Related party balances
The following amounts due to related parties are included in trade payables and accrued liabilities:
February 29, | February 28, | |||||
2012 | 2011 | |||||
Directors of the Company (i) | $ | 19,683 | $ | 66,431 | ||
Director of the Company (ii) | 15,812 | 13,398 | ||||
$ | 35,495 | $ | 79,829 |
(i) | These amounts are unsecured, non-interest bearing and have no fixed terms of repayment. |
(ii) | The amount is unsecured, bears a monthly interest rate of 1.5% and has no fixed terms of repayment. |
F-15
Passport Potash Inc.
(An Exploration Stage Company)
Notes
to the consolidated financial statements
(Expressed in United States
dollars)
For the years ended February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011
NOTE 5 RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Contd)
Related party transactions
The Company incurred the following transactions with directors, officers and companies that are controlled by directors and officers of the Company.
Year ended | ||||||
February 29, | February 28, | |||||
2012 | 2011 | |||||
Administration fees | $ | 17,849 | $ | - | ||
Consulting | 112,484 | - | ||||
Management fees | 240,121 | 150,111 | ||||
Mining exploration costs | 162,985 | 114,096 | ||||
Rent | - | 7,024 | ||||
$ | 533,509 | $ | 271,231 |
NOTE 6 COMMON STOCK
Share Issuances:
During the year ended February 29, 2012, the Company issued the following shares:
(a) | On January 16, 2012, the Company completed a non-brokered private placement of 41,666,425 units at a price of CDN$0.18 per unit for gross proceeds of $7,537,877. Each unit consists of one common share and one-half of one common share purchase warrant. Each whole warrant is exercisable at a price of CDN$0.20 per warrant for one year. Share issuance costs of $100,036 were incurred in connection with this transaction, being $67,336 cash and 194,428 warrants issued at CDN$0.20 for one year and valued at $32,700. No fair value was attributed to the warrants. |
(b) | During the year ended February 29, 2012, 2,928,750 options were exercised at prices ranging from CDN$0.10 to CDN$0.32 per share for proceeds of $538,365. |
(c) | During the year ended February 29, 2012, 2,275,000 warrants were exercised at prices ranging from CDN$0.10 to CDN$0.35 per share for proceeds of $319,105. |
(d) | The Company issued 1,000,000 common shares pursuant to a mineral property acquisition option agreement at a fair value of $0.67 per share for a total fair value of $669,384 (Note 4).During the year ended February 28, 2011, the Company issued the following shares: |
(a) | During the year ended February 28, 2011, the Company completed a non-brokered private placement of 4,960,476 units at CDN$0.05 per unit for total proceeds of $249,958. Each unit consisted of one common share and one share purchase warrant with an exercise price of CDN$0.10 for a period of two years expiring June 29, 2012. No fair value was attributed to the warrants. |
(b) | During the year ended February 28, 2011, the Company completed a non-brokered private placement of 13,636,363 units at CDN$0.055 per unit for total proceeds of $756,076. Each unit consisted of one common share and one share purchase warrant with an exercise price of CDN$0.10 for a two year period expiring on November 4, 2012. No fair value was attributed to the warrants. |
F-16
Passport Potash Inc.
(An Exploration Stage Company)
Notes
to the consolidated financial statements
(Expressed in United States
dollars)
For the years ended February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011
NOTE 6 COMMON STOCK (Contd)
Share Issuances (contd)
(c) | During the year ended February 28, 2011, the Company completed a non-brokered private placement of 4,385,000 units at CDN$0.05 per unit for total proceeds of $220,960. Each unit consists of one common share and one share purchase warrant with an exercise price of CDN$0.10 for a period of two years expiring November 4, 2012. No fair value was attributed to the warrants. |
(d) | During the year ended February 28, 2011, the Company completed a non-brokered private placement of 28,430,000 units at CDN$0.25 per unit for total proceeds of $7,162,479. Each unit consisted of one common share plus one share purchase warrant with an exercise price of $0.35 for a period of two years expiring January 17, 2013. No fair value was attributed to the warrants. |
(e) | During the year ended February 28, 2011, the Company paid cash payments of $121,888 and issued 210,000 warrants with a fair value of $9,853 to finders. |
(f) | During the year ended February 28, 2011, 5,686,000 options were exercised at prices ranging from CDN$0.10 to CDN$0.24 for proceeds of $752,110. |
(g) | During the year ended February 28, 2011, 19,574,138 warrants were exercised at prices ranging from CDN$0.10 to CDN$0.35 for proceeds of $3,988,062. |
(h) | The Company issued 6,000,000 common shares pursuant to a mineral property acquisition option agreement at a fair value of $0.43 per share for a total fair value of $433,343 (Note 4). |
Stock options
The Company has adopted an incentive stock option plan, which provides that the Board of Directors of the Company may from time to time, in its discretion, and in accordance with the Toronto Stock Exchange Venture Exchange (TSX-V) requirements, grant to directors, officers, employees and technical consultants to the Company, non-transferable stock options to purchase common shares, provided that the number of common shares reserved for issuance will not exceed 20% of the Companys issued and outstanding common shares. Such options will be exercisable for a period of up to 10 years from the date of grant. In connection with the foregoing, the number of common shares reserved for issuance to any one optionee will not exceed five percent (5%) of the issued and outstanding common shares and the number of common shares reserved for issuance to all technical consultants will not exceed two percent (2%) of the issued and outstanding common shares. Options may be exercised no later than 90 days following cessation of the optionees position with the Company or 30 days following cessation of an optionee conducting investor relations activities position.
Options granted typically vest immediately except for investor relations that vest quarterly.
F-17
Passport Potash Inc.
(An Exploration Stage Company)
Notes
to the consolidated financial statements
(Expressed in United States
dollars)
For the years ended February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011
NOTE 6 COMMON STOCK (Contd)
Stock options (contd)
The changes in options during the year ended February 29, 2012 and the year ended February 28, 2011 are as follows:
Year ended | Year ended | |||||||||||
February 29, 2012 | February 28, 2011 | |||||||||||
Weighted | Weighted | |||||||||||
average | average | |||||||||||
exercise | exercise | |||||||||||
Number of | price | Number of | price | |||||||||
options | (CDN$) | options | (CDN$) | |||||||||
Options outstanding, beginning of period | 10,886,000 | $ | 0.75 | 4,878,000 | $ | 0.16 | ||||||
Options granted | 9,004,642 | 0.40 | 12,394,000 | 0.76 | ||||||||
Options exercised | (2,928,750 | ) | 0.18 | (5,686,000 | ) | 0.32 | ||||||
Options cancelled | (150,000 | ) | 1.20 | (700,000 | ) | 0.47 | ||||||
Options outstanding, end of period | 16,811,892 | $ | 0.32 | 10,886,000 | $ | 0.75 | ||||||
Options exercisable, end of period | 16,474,392 | $ | 0.31 | 10,886,000 | $ | 0.75 |
Details of options outstanding as at February 29, 2012 are as follows:
Weighted average | Weighted average | Number of options |
exercise price CDN | contractual life | outstanding |
$0.10 | 0.11 years | 498,750 |
$0.20 | 1.68 years | 7,098,500 |
$0.32 | 0.35 years | 1,531,500 |
$0.42 | 0.46 years | 1,690,500 |
$0.38 | 1.21 years | 4,166,642 |
$0.59 | 1.21 years | 1,826,000 |
$0.32 | 4.27 years | 16,811,892 |
At February 29, 2012 the following share purchase options were outstanding:
Number of | Exercise price | |
Options | CDN$ | Expiry date |
150,000 | 0.10 | October 25, 2015 |
348,750 | 0.10 | November 16, 2015 |
1,531,500 | 0.32 | January 10, 2016 |
5,777,000 | 0.20 | February 11, 2016 |
1,321,500 | 0.20 | March 03, 2016 |
1,826,000 | 0.59 | January 21, 2016 |
1,690,500 | 0.42 | September 12, 2016 |
4,166,642 | 0.38 | January 20, 2017 |
16,811,892 |
F-18
Passport Potash Inc. |
(An Exploration Stage Company) |
Notes to the consolidated financial statements |
(Expressed in United States dollars) |
For the years ended February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011 |
NOTE 6 COMMON STOCK (Contd)
Stock options (contd)
During the year ended February 28, 2012, the Company granted 9,004,642 stock options to management, directors and officers of the Company as follows:
On March 4, 2011, the Company granted 871,500 incentive stock options to directors, employees and consultants at a price of CDN$0.20 for a 5 year term. The following assumptions were used for the Black-Scholes valuation of these stock options granted: Expected dividend yield 0; Expected stock price volatility 125%; Risk-free interest rate 2.72%; Expected life of options 5 years. The fair value was determined to be $641,926 and was charged to stock based compensation expense and recorded in the additional paid-in capital.
On March 4, 2011, the Company granted 450,000 incentive stock options to investor relation consultants at a price of CDN$0.20 for a 5 year term. The following assumptions were used for the Black-Scholes valuation of these stock options granted: Expected dividend yield 0; Expected stock price volatility 128%-143%; Risk-free interest rate 1.17% -2.2%; Expected life of options 5 years. The fair value was determined to be $160,816 and was charged to stock based compensation expense and recorded in the additional paid-in capital.
On June 22, 2011, the Company granted 1,776,000 incentive stock options to directors, employees and consultants at a price of CDN$0.59 for a 5 year term. The following assumptions were used for the Black-Scholes valuation of these stock options granted: Expected dividend yield 0; Expected stock price volatility 121%; Risk-free interest rate 2.22%; Expected life of options 5 years. The fair value was determined to be $898,205 and was charged to stock based compensation expense and recorded in the additional paid-in capital.
On June 22, 2011, the Company granted 50,000 incentive stock options to investor relation consultants at a price of CDN$0.59 for a 5 year term. The following assumptions were used for the Black-Scholes valuation of these stock options granted: Expected dividend yield 0; Expected stock price volatility 127%-134%; Risk-free interest rate 1.2% -1.26%; Expected life of options 5 years. The fair value was determined to be $10,786 and $8,090 was charged to stock based compensation expense and recorded in the additional paid-in capital.
On September 13, 2011, the Company granted 1,690,500 incentive stock options to directors, employees and consultants at a price of CDN$0.42 for a 5 year term. The following assumptions were used for the Black-Scholes valuation of these stock options granted: Expected dividend yield 0; Expected stock price volatility 129%; Risk-free interest rate 1.46%; Expected life of options 5 years. The fair value was determined to be $665,024 and was charged to stock based compensation expense and recorded in the additional paid-in capital.
On January 12, 2012, the Company granted 3,966,642 incentive stock options to directors, employees and consultants at a price of CDN$0.38 for a 5 year term. The following assumptions were used for the Black-Scholes valuation of these stock options granted: Expected dividend yield 0; Expected stock price volatility 129%; Risk-free interest rate 1.48%; Expected life of options 5 years. The fair value was determined to be $1,222,663 and was charged to stock based compensation expense and recorded in the additional paid-in capital.
On January 12, 2012, the Company granted 200,000 incentive stock options to investor relation consultants at a price of CDN$0.38 for a 5 year term. The following assumptions were used for the Black-Scholes valuation of these stock options granted: Expected dividend yield 0; Expected stock price volatility 131%; Risk-free interest rate 1.77% -1.93%; Expected life of options 5 years. The fair value was determined to be $47,828 and $nil was charged to stock based compensation expense and recorded in the additional paid-in capital.
F-19
Passport Potash Inc.
(An Exploration Stage Company)
Notes
to the consolidated financial statements
(Expressed in United States
dollars)
For the years ended February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011
NOTE 6 COMMON STOCK (Contd)
Stock options (contd)
On January 18, 2012, the Company re-priced the exercise prices of 5,777,000 incentive stock options from $1.20 to $0.20 per share and 1,321,500 incentive stock options from $0.83 to $0.20 per share. The following assumptions were used for the Black-Scholes valuation of these stock options granted: Expected dividend yield 0; Expected stock price volatility 131%; Risk-free interest rate 1.21%; Expected life of options 5 years. The incremental fair value was determined to be $467,201 and was charged to stock based compensation expense and recorded in the additional paid-in capital.
During the year ended February 28, 2011, the Company granted 12,394,000 stock options with a fair value of $6,217,121 to management, directors and officers of the Company as follows: On July 12, 2010, the Company granted 496,000 incentive stock options to directors, employees and consultants at a price of CDN$0.10 for a 5 year term. The following assumptions were used for the Black-Scholes valuation of these stock options granted: Expected dividend yield 0; Expected stock price volatility 127%; Risk-free interest rate 2.6%; Expected life of options 5 years. The fair value was determined to be $33,045 and was charged to stock based compensation expense and recorded in the additional paid-in capital.
On September 2, 2010, the Company granted 420,000 incentive stock options to directors, employees and consultants at a price of CDN$0.10 for a 5 year term. The following assumptions were used for the Black-Scholes valuation of these stock options granted: Expected dividend yield 0; Expected stock price volatility 127%; Risk-free interest rate 2.0%; Expected life of options 5 years. The fair value was determined to be $27,316 and was charged to stock based compensation expense and recorded in the additional paid-in capital.
On October 25, 2010, the Company granted 700,000 incentive stock options to directors, employees and consultants at a price of CDN$0.10 for a 5 year term. The following assumptions were used for the Black-Scholes valuation of these stock options granted: Expected dividend yield 0; Expected stock price volatility 132%; Risk-free interest rate 1.9%; Expected life of options 5 years. The fair value was determined to be $40,958 and was charged to stock based compensation expense and recorded in the additional paid-in capital.
On November 17, 2010, the Company granted 2,352,500 incentive stock options to directors, employees and consultants at a price of CDN$0.10 for a 5 year term. The following assumptions were used for the Black-Scholes valuation of these stock options granted: Expected dividend yield 0; Expected stock price volatility 128%; Risk-free interest rate 2.3%; Expected life of options 5 years. The fair value was determined to be $288,027 and was charged to stock based compensation expense and recorded in the additional paid-in capital.
On January 11, 2011, the Company granted 2,298,500 incentive stock options to directors, employees and consultants at a price of $0.32 for a 5 year term. The following assumptions were used for the Black-Scholes valuation of these stock options granted: Expected dividend yield 0; Expected stock price volatility 146%; Risk-free interest rate 2.4%; Expected life of options 5 years. The fair value was determined to be $552,524 and was charged to stock based compensation expense and recorded in the additional paid-in capital.
F-20
Passport Potash Inc.
(An Exploration Stage Company)
Notes
to the consolidated financial statements
(Expressed in United States
dollars)
For the years ended February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011
NOTE 6 COMMON STOCK (Contd)
Stock options (contd)
On January 11, 2011, the Company paid a cash payment of $10,000 and granted 200,000 incentive stock options to a third party at a price of $0.32 for a 5 year term to settle a debt of $21,000. The following assumptions were used for the Black-Scholes valuation of these stock options granted: Expected dividend yield 0; Expected stock price volatility 146%; Risk-free interest rate 2.4%; Expected life of options 5 years. The fair value was determined to be $48,488 and was charged to debt settlement and recorded in additional paid-in capital of $48,488. A loss of $37,488 resulted from this settlement.
On February 11, 2011, the Company granted 5,927,000 incentive stock options to directors, employees and consultants at a price of CDN$1.20 for a 5 year term. The following assumptions were used for the Black-Scholes valuation of these stock options granted: Expected dividend yield 0; Expected stock price volatility 167%; Risk-free interest rate 2.4%; Expected life of options 5 years. The fair value was determined to be $5,226,763 and was charged to stock based compensation expense and recorded in the additional paid-in capital.
Share purchase warrants
The following table summarizes the continuity of the Companys share purchase warrants:
Number of warrants | |||
Balance, February 28, 2010 | 4,971,136 | ||
Issued with private placements | 51,621,839 | ||
Exercised | (19,574,138 | ) | |
Expired | (4,971,136 | ) | |
Balance, February 28, 2011 | 32,047,701 | ||
Issued with private placements | 21,027,632 | ||
Exercised | (2,275,000 | ) | |
Balance, February 29, 2012 | 50,800,333 |
At February 29, 2012 the following share purchase warrants were outstanding:
Number of | Exercise price | Expiry date |
warrants | CDN$ | |
1,778,156 | 0.10 | June 29, 2012 |
7,924,545 | 0.10 | November 12, 2012 |
21,027,632 | 0.20 | January 11, 2013 |
20,070,000 | 0.35 | January 31, 2013 |
50,800,333 |
F-21
Passport Potash Inc.
(An Exploration Stage Company)
Notes
to the consolidated financial statements
(Expressed in United States
dollars)
For the years ended February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011
NOTE 7 INCOME TAXES
A reconciliation of the expected income tax recovery to the actual income tax recovery is as follows:
Year ended | Year ended | |||||
February 29, 2012 | February 28, 2011 | |||||
Net profit (loss) | $ | 8,505,659 | $ | (31,208,831 | ) | |
Statutory tax rate | 26.25% | 28.17% | ||||
Expected income tax recovery at the statutory tax rate | 2,232,735 | (8,791,528 | ) | |||
Non-deductible items and other | (2,894,832 | ) | 8,277,379 | |||
Effect of reduction in tax rates | 31,528 | 56,039 | ||||
Expiration of non-capital losses | - | 15,695 | ||||
Change in valuation allowance | 630,569 | 442,415 | ||||
Income tax expenses (recovery) | $ | - | $ | - |
Temporary differences that give rise to the following deferred income tax assets are:
February 29, | February 28, | |||||
2012 | 2011 | |||||
Non-capital loss carry-forwards | $ | 1,219,328 | $ | 521,286 | ||
Mineral properties | 2,150,624 | 2,210,651 | ||||
Share issuance costs | 35,406 | 42,052 | ||||
Equipment | 43,666 | 44,466 | ||||
3,449,024 | 2,818,455 | |||||
Valuation allowance | (3,449,024 | ) | (2,818,455 | ) | ||
$ | - | $ | - |
The tax pools relating to these deductible temporary differences expire as follows:
Canadian | ||||||||||||
non-capital | Share issue | |||||||||||
losses | Resource pools | Equipment | costs | |||||||||
2015 | $ | 457 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | ||||
2026 | 66,409 | - | - | - | ||||||||
2027 | 56,926 | - | - | - | ||||||||
2028 | 329,866 | - | - | - | ||||||||
2029 | 424,141 | - | - | - | ||||||||
2030 | 398,041 | - | - | - | ||||||||
2031 | 714,183 | - | - | - | ||||||||
2032 | 2,887,290 | - | - | - | ||||||||
No expiry | - | 12,125,297 | 175,710 | 141,623 | ||||||||
$ | 4,877,313 | $ | 12,125,297 | $ | 175,710 | $ | 141,623 |
F-22
Passport Potash Inc.
(An Exploration Stage Company)
Notes
to the consolidated financial statements
(Expressed in United States
dollars)
For the years ended February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011
NOTE 8 DERIVATIVE LIABILITY
February 29, | February 28, | |||||
2012 | 2011 | |||||
Balance, beginning | $ | 26,589,856 | $ | 17,727 | ||
Fair value of warrants issued | 3,668,077 | 9,688,049 | ||||
Fair value of warrants exercised | (1,674,607 | ) | (5,288,864 | ) | ||
Change in derivative liability | (22,209,156 | ) | 22,172,944 | |||
$ | 6,374,170 | $ | 26,589,856 |
The derivative liability consists of the fair value of share purchase warrants that were issued in unit private placements that have an exercise price in a currency (Canadian dollars) other than the functional currency of the Company. The derivative liability is a non-cash liability and the Company is not required to expend any cash to settle this liability.
Details of these warrants and their fair values are as follows:
February 29, 2012 | February 28, 2011 | ||||||||||||||
Exercise Price | Number | Number | |||||||||||||
($CDN) | Outstanding | Fair Value | Outstanding | Fair Value | |||||||||||
July 17, 2009 | $0.20 | - | $ | - | - | $ | - | ||||||||
June 29, 2010 | $0.10 | 1,713,156 | 312,520 | 1,713,156 | 1,501,016 | ||||||||||
November 8, 2010 | $0.10 | 7,924,545 | 1,488,100 | 9,839,545 | 8,669,307 | ||||||||||
January 31, 2011 | $0.35 | 20,070,000 | 1,764,212 | 20,430,000 | 16,419,533 | ||||||||||
January 11, 2012 | $0.20 | 20,833,204 | 2,809,338 | - | - | ||||||||||
50,540,905 | $ | 6,374,170 | 31,982,701 | $ | 26,589,856 |
The fair value of the share purchase warrants were calculated using the Black-Scholes valuation model and the following assumptions: Expected dividend yield 0 (2011:0%); Expected stock price volatility 102%-109% (2011:159%-170%) Risk-free interest rate .93%-.95% (2011:1.62% -1.83%); Expected life of share purchase warrants .33-.92 years (2011:1.33 -1.93 years).
NOTE 9 NON CASH TRANSACTIONS
The Company incurred the following non-cash transactions that are not reflected in the statements of cash flows:
Year ended | ||||||
February 29, | February 28, | |||||
2012 | 2011 | |||||
Fair value of shares issued on acquisition of unproven mineral properties | $ | 669,384 | $ | 433,343 | ||
Fair value of incentive stock options issued for debt settlement | $ | - | $ | 48,488 |
F-23
Passport Potash Inc.
(An Exploration Stage Company)
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
(Expressed in United States dollars)
For the years ended February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011
NOTE 10 - SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
(a) | Subsequent to February 29, 2012, the Company made option payments of $60,000 and exercised of its option to acquire the 2% NSR in the American Potash Property for $300,000 (Note 4). |
(b) | Subsequent to February 29, 2012, the Company issued 250,000 shares as option payments to the Holbrook Basin Property (Note 4). |
(c) | Subsequent to February 29, 2012, the Company entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the Fitzgerald Ranch (Note 4). The purchase price is $15,000,000 and the $225,000 deposit made prior to February 29, 2012 will be used toward the purchase price. The closing of the sale is expected to take place on December 18, 2012. |
F-24
Passport Potash Inc. |
Consolidated Statements of financial position - unaudited |
(Expressed in United States dollars) |
November 30, | February 29, | ||||||
Notes | 2012 | 2012 | |||||
ASSETS | |||||||
Current assets | |||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 337,481 | $ | 8,599,010 | |||
Receivables | 4 | 62,757 | 47,075 | ||||
Prepaid expenses | 53,021 | 79,837 | |||||
453,259 | 8,725,922 | ||||||
Equipment | 2 | 879 | 1,044 | ||||
Unproven mineral properties | 3 | 1,600,000 | 1,300,000 | ||||
Long term deposit | 3 | 975,000 | 225,000 | ||||
Reclamation deposits | 3 | 15,000 | 15,000 | ||||
2,590,879 | 1,541,044 | ||||||
TOTAL ASSETS | $ | 3,044,138 | $ | 10,266,966 | |||
LIABILITIES | |||||||
Current liabilities | |||||||
Trade payables and accrued liabilities | 4 | $ | 229,025 | $ | 522,649 | ||
Derivative liability | 5 | 768,875 | 6,374,170 | ||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES | 997,900 | 6,896,819 | |||||
STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY | |||||||
Common stock Unlimited authorized without
par value, 180,576,408 and 169,323,707 issued and outstanding at November 30, 2012 and February 29, 2012, respectively |
6 | 33,446,541 | 31,286,606 | ||||
Additional paid-in capital | 6 | 11,151,481 | 11,052,223 | ||||
Accumulated deficit | (13,514,818 | ) | (13,514,818 | ) | |||
Deficit accumulated during exploration stage | (29,036,966 | ) | (25,453,864 | ) | |||
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY | 2,046,238 | 3,370,147 | |||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY | $ | 3,044,138 | $ | 10,266,966 | |||
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 1 and 3) | |||||||
Subsequent event (Note 7) |
On behalf of the Board of Directors:
Joshua Bleak | Laara Shaffer | |
Director | Director |
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements |
F-25
Passport Potash Inc. |
(An Exploration Stage Company) |
Consolidated statements of operations unaudited |
(Expressed in United States dollars) |
For the period | ||||||||||||||||
May 22, 2007 | ||||||||||||||||
(Inception of | ||||||||||||||||
Three month periods ended | Nine month periods ended | Exploration | ||||||||||||||
Stage) to | ||||||||||||||||
Note | November 30, | November 30, | November 30, | November 30, | November 30, | |||||||||||
2012 | 2011 | 2012 | 2011 | 2012 | ||||||||||||
Operating Expenses | ||||||||||||||||
Administration | 4 | $ | 19,289 | $ | - | $ | 45,381 | $ | 54,925 | $ | 886,885 | |||||
Advertising | 155,690 | 222,670 | 501,634 | 580,029 | 1,666,014 | |||||||||||
Business development | 181,261 | 111,924 | 487,609 | 217,046 | 898,976 | |||||||||||
Consulting fees | 4 | 181,054 | 437,727 | 494,912 | 1,452,465 | 7,755,518 | ||||||||||
Depreciation | 2 | 55 | 68 | 165 | 210 | 2,162 | ||||||||||
Foreign exchange (gain) loss | (9,481 | ) | 262,159 | 134,466 | 321,816 | 92,178 | ||||||||||
Investor relations | 82,157 | 32,479 | 270,828 | 579,961 | 1,249,581 | |||||||||||
Management fees | 4 | 165,576 | 375,012 | 502,620 | 826,122 | 3,115,957 | ||||||||||
Mineral property impairment | - | - | - | - | 652,784 | |||||||||||
Mineral property option payments
and exploration costs |
3 | 1,797,091 | 958,510 | 5,591,134 | 5,928,560 | 16,849,403 | ||||||||||
Office and miscellaneous | 23,081 | 15,484 | 58,052 | 33,441 | 245,596 | |||||||||||
Professional fees | 120,763 | 31,573 | 457,262 | 120,183 | 1,014,672 | |||||||||||
Property investigation costs | - | - | - | - | 24,483 | |||||||||||
Transfer agent and filing fees | 13,584 | 13,057 | 32,882 | 60,386 | 316,084 | |||||||||||
Net loss before other items | (2,730,120 | ) | (2,460,663 | ) | (8,576,945 | ) | (10,175,144 | ) | (34,770,293 | ) | ||||||
Other items | ||||||||||||||||
Change in derivative liability | 5 | (142,178 | ) | 8,759,379 | 4,853,604 | 20,920,063 | 5,414,954 | |||||||||
Interest income | 3,043 | 16,418 | 27,571 | 16,418 | 90,068 | |||||||||||
Loss on debt settlement | - | - | - | - | (37,488 | ) | ||||||||||
Mineral property - recovery | 3 | - | - | 112,668 | - | 112,668 | ||||||||||
Other income | - | 14,651 | - | 14,651 | 153,125 | |||||||||||
(139,135 | ) | 8,790,448 | 4,993,843 | 20,951,132 | 5,733,327 | |||||||||||
Net profit (loss) | $ | (2,869,255 | ) | $ | 6,329,785 | $ | (3,583,102 | ) | $ | 10,775,988 | $ | (29,036,966 | ) | |||
Earnings (loss) per share basic | $ | ( 0.02 | ) | $ | 0.05 | $ | (0.02 | ) | $ | 0.09 | ||||||
Earnings per share dilutive | $ | - | $ | 0.05 | $ | - | $ | 0.09 | ||||||||
Weighted average number of shares outstanding basic |
175,256,968 | 127,591,348 | 172,211,630 | 125,379,677 | ||||||||||||
Weighted average
number of shares outstanding dilutive |
- | 127,940,098 | - | 125,728,427 |
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements |
F-26
Passport Potash Inc. |
(An Exploration Stage Company) |
Consolidated statements of shareholders equity - unaudited |
(Expressed in United States dollars) |
Common Stock | ||||||||||||||||||
Accumulated | ||||||||||||||||||
Deficit During | ||||||||||||||||||
Number of | Additional | Accumulated | Exploration | |||||||||||||||
Shares | Amount | Paid-in Capital | Deficit | Stage | Total | |||||||||||||
Balance at February 29, 2012 | 169,323,707 | $ | 31,286,606 | $ | 11,052,223 | $ | (13,514,818 | ) | $ | (25,453,864 | ) | $ | 3,370,147 | |||||
Net loss | - | - | - | - | (3,583,102 | ) | (3,583,102 | ) | ||||||||||
Shares issued for cash warrants exercised | 9,602,701 | 962,613 | - | - | - | 962,613 | ||||||||||||
Shares issued to acquire unproven mineral properties | 1,650,000 | 317,531 | - | - | - | 317,531 | ||||||||||||
Subscriptions received | - | 128,100 | - | - | - | 128,100 | ||||||||||||
Transfer from derivative liability warrants exercised | - | 751,691 | - | - | - | 751,691 | ||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation | - | - | 99,258 | - | - | 99,258 | ||||||||||||
Balance at November 30, 2012 | 180,576,408 | $ | 33,446,541 | $ | 11,151,481 | $ | (13,514,818 | ) | $ | (29,036,966 | ) | $ | 2,046,238 |
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements |
F-27
Passport Potash Inc. |
(An Exploration Stage Company) |
Consolidated statements of cash flows - unaudited |
(Expressed in United States dollars) |
Cumulative from | |||||||||
May 22, 2007 | |||||||||
Nine month periods ended | (Inception of | ||||||||
Exploration Stage) | |||||||||
November 30, | November 30, | to November 30, | |||||||
2012 | 2011 | 2012 | |||||||
Operating activities | |||||||||
Net Profit (loss) | $ | (3,583,102 | ) | $ | 10,775,988 | $ | (29,036,966 | ) | |
Adjustments for: | |||||||||
Depreciation | 165 | 210 | 2,162 | ||||||
Fair value adjustment on warrants | (4,853,604 | ) | (20,920,063 | ) | (5,414,954 | ) | |||
Foreign exchange | - | - | (256,260 | ) | |||||
Loss on debt settlement | - | - | 37,488 | ||||||
Mineral property option payments | 317,531 | 669,384 | 1,780,306 | ||||||
Other income | - | - | (138,474 | ) | |||||
Stock-based compensation | 99,258 | 2,720,346 | 10,992,655 | ||||||
Changes in non-cash working capital items: | |||||||||
Receivables | (15,682 | ) | (56,541 | ) | (62,757 | ) | |||
Prepaid expenses | 26,816 | (23,041 | ) | (50,919 | ) | ||||
Note Payable | - | 137,298 | - | ||||||
Trade payables and accrued liabilities | (293,624 | ) | (132,413 | ) | 200,124 | ||||
Net cash flows used in operating activities | (8,302,242 | ) | (6,828,832 | ) | (21,947,595 | ) | |||
Investing activities | |||||||||
Reclamation deposits | - | (20,623 | ) | (15,000 | ) | ||||
Long term deposits | (750,000 | ) | - | (975,000 | ) | ||||
Mineral property acquisition costs | (300,000 | ) | - | (1,600,000 | ) | ||||
Net cash flows used in investing activities | (1,050,000 | ) | (20,623 | ) | (2,590,000 | ) | |||
Financing activities | |||||||||
Proceeds on issuance of common shares - net of share issue costs | 962,613 | 857,265 | 24,746,976 | ||||||
Subscriptions received | 128,100 | - | 128,100 | ||||||
Net cash flows from financing activities | 1,090,713 | 857,265 | 24,875,076 | ||||||
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | (8,261,529 | ) | (5,992,190 | ) | 337,481 | ||||
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning | 8,599,010 | 10,719,413 | - | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents, ending | $ | 337,481 | $ | 4,727,223 | $ | 337,481 | |||
Supplemental disclosures: | |||||||||
Cash paid for: | |||||||||
Income tax | $ | - | $ | - | |||||
Interest | $ | - | $ | - | |||||
Cash and cash equivalents consist of: | |||||||||
Cash at bank | $ | 115,681 | $ | 289,556 | |||||
Guaranteed investment certificates | 221,800 | 4,437,667 | |||||||
$ | 337,481 | $ | 4,727,223 |
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements |
F-28
Passport Potash Inc. |
(An Exploration Stage Company) |
Notes to the consolidated financial statements - unaudited |
(Expressed in United States dollars) |
For the nine months ended November 30, 2012 |
NOTE 1 ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
Passport Potash Inc. (the Company) was incorporated on August 11, 1987 under Part 1A of the Quebec Companies Act. On May 4, 2011, the Company continued its corporate jurisdiction from the province of Quebec to the province of British Columbia, Canada, effective April 26, 2011. The Company is engaged in the acquisition and exploration of mineral properties. The Company has not determined whether its properties contain mineral reserves that are economically recoverable.
The unaudited consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Regulation S-X. They do not include all information and notes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. However, except as disclosed herein, there has been no material change in the information disclosed in the notes to the financial for the year ended February 29, 2012. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (including normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the nine months ended November 30, 2012, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any other interim period or the entire year. For further information, these unaudited consolidated financial statements and the related notes should be read in conjunction with the Companys audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended February 29, 2012 included in the Companys Form 10 registration statement.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming the Company will continue as a going concern. As of November 30, 2012, the Company has not achieved profitable operations and has an accumulated deficit. Continuation as a going concern is dependent upon the ability of the Company to obtain the necessary financing to meet obligations and pay its liabilities arising from normal business operations when they come due and ultimately up on its ability to achieve profitable operations. The outcome of these matters cannot be predicted with any certainty at this time and raise substantial doubt that the Company will be able to continue as a going concern. These consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments to the amounts and classification of assets and liabilities that may be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern. Management intends to obtain additional funding by borrowing funds from its directors and officers, issuing promissory notes and/or a private placement of common stock.
NOTE 2 EQUIPMENT
Equipment | |||
Cost | |||
At February 29, 2012 | $ | 34,527 | |
At November 30, 2012 | $ | 34,527 | |
Depreciation | |||
At February 29, 2012 | $ | 33,483 | |
Charge for the period | 165 | ||
At November 30, 2012 | $ | 33,648 | |
Net book value | |||
At February 29, 2012 | $ | 1,044 | |
At November 30, 2012 | $ | 879 |
F-29
Passport Potash Inc. |
(An Exploration Stage Company) |
Notes to the consolidated financial statements - unaudited |
(Expressed in United States dollars) |
For the nine months ended November 30, 2012 |
NOTE 3 UNPROVEN MINERAL PROPERTIES
Holbrook Basin Project | |||||||||
November 30, 2012 | Additions | February 29, 2012 | |||||||
Property acquisition costs | |||||||||
Cash paid for properties | $ | 1,600,000 | $ | 300,000 | $ | 1,300,000 | |||
Balance, ending | $ | 1,600,000 | $ | 300,000 | $ | 1,300,000 | |||
Mineral property option payments and exploration costs | |||||||||
Costs incurred: | |||||||||
Assay | $ | 213,914 | $ | 140,595 | $ | 73,319 | |||
Drilling and related costs | 7,873,481 | 2,659,072 | 5,214,409 | ||||||
Geological consulting | 1,983,800 | 670,701 | 1,313,099 | ||||||
License and filing | 221,124 | 121,721 | 99,403 | ||||||
Option payments | 4,094,564 | 1,431,501 | 2,663,063 | ||||||
Project administration | 2,462,520 | 567,544 | 1,894,976 | ||||||
16,849,403 | 5,591,134 | 11,258,269 | |||||||
Recovery | (112,668 | ) | (112,668 | ) | - | ||||
Balance, ending | $ | 16,736,735 | $ | 5,478,466 | $ | 11,258,269 |
F-30
Passport Potash Inc. |
(An Exploration Stage Company) |
Notes to the consolidated financial statements - unaudited |
(Expressed in United States dollars) |
For the nine months ended November 30, 2012 |
NOTE 3 UNPROVEN MINERAL PROPERTIES
The Company acquired mineral claims in the Holbrook Basin Project through the following agreements:
Southwest Exploration Property, Arizona
On September 30, 2008, as amended, the Company entered into an option agreement to purchase an undivided 100% of certain mining claims located in the Holbrook Basin region of Arizona, USA, for the following considerations:
a) | $100,000 on execution of the agreement (paid); |
b) | 1,000,000 options (issued) upon receipt of TSX Venture Exchange (TSX-V) approval of the agreement; |
c) | $125,000 ninety days following issuance of a drilling permit from the Arizona State Land Department (paid); |
d) | 250,000 shares on April 1, 2009 (issued with a fair value of $26,988); |
e) | 2,681,000 shares on October 1, 2009 (issued with a fair value of $217,064); |
f) | 5,000,000 shares on November 1, 2010 (issued with a fair value of $262,274); |
g) | $350,000 six months following TSX-V approval of the issuance of 5,000,000 shares (paid); |
h) | Funding of US$200,000 in exploration expenditures pursuant to the completion of a NI 43-101 technical report (completed); |
i) | 250,000 shares upon completion of a NI 43-101 technical report after drilling (issued with a fair value of $45,595); and |
j) | During the year ended February 29, 2012, the Company purchased the 1% Net Smelter Royalty (NSR) for $1 million. |
The Company now has a 100% interest, with no NSR, in the Southwest Exploration Property.
At November 30, 2012, the Company had a reclamation bond of $15,000 (February 29, 2012: $15,000) for work done on the Southwest Exploration Property.
Twin Buttes Ranch, Arizona
On August 28, 2009, as amended, the Company entered into a four year lease with an option to purchase private deeded land within the Holbrook Basin. Under the terms of the agreement the Company can earn a 100% undivided interest in the deeded land and sub-surface mineral rights by making lease payments totaling $500,000 over four years and, upon exercising its option to purchase, by paying $20,000,000 for the entire Twin Buttes Ranch including all sub-surface mineral rights except those pertaining to oil and gas, petrified wood and geothermal resources. There are no royalties associated with the sub-surface mineral rights.
Details of the payments under the agreement are as follows:
a) | A payment of $50,000 and $10,000 legal costs on or before November 26, 2009 (paid); |
b) | A payment of $25,000 on September 17, 2010 (paid); |
c) | A payment of $75,000 on December 1, 2010 (paid); |
d) | A payment of $150,000 on August 28, 2011 (paid); and |
e) | A payment of US$200,000 on August 28, 2012 (paid). |
Upon exercising its option to purchase the entire Twin Buttes Ranch, the Company must deliver a certified cheque in the amount of US$1,000,000 on or before 5pm (Arizona time), August 28, 2013 (the option expiry date), followed by a payment of US$ 19,000,000 within thirty days.
F-31
Passport Potash Inc. |
(An Exploration Stage Company) |
Notes to the consolidated financial statements - unaudited |
(Expressed in United States dollars) |
For the nine months ended November 30, 2012 |
NOTE 3 UNPROVEN MINERAL PROPERTIES (Contd)
Twin Buttes Ranch, Arizona (contd)
The lease agreement and purchase option will expire on August 28, 2013 or such other time as is mutually acceptable and agreed to in writing by both parties.
Fitzgerald Ranch, Arizona
On May 7, 2012, and amended during November 2012, the Company entered into an agreement to acquire the Fitzgerald Ranch which lies directly adjacent to the Twin Buttes Ranch for $15,000,000, closing date being December 18, 2013 as follows:
i. | To November 30, 2012 the Company paid $475,000 (paid) (February 29, 2012: $225,000) as a deposit, in stages towards this purchase; |
ii. | A payment of $500,000 paid upon execution of the amendment in November 2012(paid); |
iii. | A payment of $4,000,000 to be paid on or before December 18, 2012; |
iv. | A payment of $5,000,000 to be paid on or before June 30, 2013; and |
v. | The balance of $5,000,000 to be paid on or before December 18, 2013. |
Joint Exploration Agreement HNZ Potash, LLC (HNZ)
On July 27, 2012 the Company entered into a Joint Exploration Agreement in which the Company assigned 50% of their interest in certain permits, twenty-one permitted parcels, within the Holbrook Basin Project (from Southwest Exploration Property and Twin Buttes Ranch above) to HNZ. In return, HNZ reimbursed the Company for 50% of mineral exploration costs previously incurred on the permits, ($112,668 received during the nine months ended November 30, 2012), and the Company will be liable for 50% of the future costs relating to the permits.
American Potash LLC, Arizona
On November 12, 2010, the Company entered into an option agreement to acquire 100% of the right, title and interest in five exploration permits within the Holbrook basin for the following considerations:
a) | 500,000 shares of the Company to be issued on the earlier of December 15, 2010 or within five business days of the TSX-V acceptance date (issued with a fair value of $130,444); |
b) | Three cash payments of $30,000 each within 12, 18, and 24 months of the acceptance date ($30,000 paid during the year ended February 29, 2012 and $60,000 paid during March, 2012); and |
c) | All taxes assessed against the property and minimum exploration work to keep the claims in good standing. |
The Company purchased the 2% NSR during March, 2012 for $300,000.
F-32
Passport Potash Inc. |
(An Exploration Stage Company) |
Notes to the consolidated financial statements - unaudited |
(Expressed in United States dollars) |
For the nine months ended November 30, 2012 |
NOTE 3 UNPROVEN MINERAL PROPERTIES (Contd)
Mesa Uranium, Arizona
On August 31, 2010, the Company entered into an agreement to acquire 100% undivided interest in three exploration permits within the Holbrook basin for the following considerations:
a) | 500,000 shares of the Company upon TSX-V approval (issued with a fair value of $40,625); |
b) | $20,000 within 90 days of the completion of next financing after the agreement date (paid); |
c) | Minimum exploration expenditures of $19,518 in 2010 as required by the Arizona State Land Department (completed); and |
d) | Maximum available assessment work credits or payments in lieu of the minimum requirements to keep the claims in good standing. |
Upon completion of all terms above, the Company shall have earned a 75% interest and title of the permits shall be transferred to the Company (completed). The Company can purchase the remaining 25% interest by paying $100,000 cash, share equivalent or work expenditures (completed). The property is subject to a 2% NSR and the Company can purchase the NSR at the price of $300,000 for the full 2%. During the year ended February 29, 2012, the Company purchased the 2% NSR for $300,000.
The Company now has a 100% interest, with no NSR, in the Mesa property.
Ringbolt Property, Arizona
On March 28, 2011 the Company entered into an option agreement to acquire 90% undivided legal and beneficial interest in and to the Ringbolt Property free and clear of all encumbrances in exploration leases for the following considerations:
a) | $50,000 upon execution of this agreement (paid); |
b) | $250,000 upon TSX-V approval received on May 17, 2011 and 1,000,000 common shares (issued with a fair value of $669,384); |
c) | Minimum exploration expenditures within 1 year of TSX-V approval of $500,000; |
d) | On or before the first anniversary of TSX-V approval $350,000 and 1,400,000 common shares (see below); |
e) | Minimum exploration expenditures within first year of first anniversary of TSX-V approval of $750,000; |
f) | $350,000 upon second anniversary of TSX-V approval and 1,600,000 common shares; and |
g) | Minimum exploration expenditures within 1 year of 2nd anniversary of TSX-V approval of $1,000,000. |
On completion of all terms above, the Company shall have earned a 90% interest and title of the permits shall be transferred to the Company. Upon exercise of the option agreement, the Company shall be deemed to be granted an option to purchase the remaining 10% interest in the property for the payment of $5,000,000.
The Company paid a finders fee of $25,825 to a third party in connection with this option agreement.
The Company became subject to a civil action in the Third Judicial District court, Salt Lake County, State of Utah in connection with the Ringbolt Property option agreement. The optionors were seeking payment of $350,000, the issuance of 1,400,000 of the Companys shares and $20,716 in expenses related to the property, alternatively damages of $644,000. The Company did not make the required payment and did not issue the shares to the optionors as it contended that the optionors were in default of the option agreement. The Company has counter claimed for specific performance under the option agreement and paid $350,000 and issued the 1,400,000 shares to the Utah court.
F-33
Passport Potash Inc. |
(An Exploration Stage Company) |
Notes to the consolidated financial statements - unaudited |
(Expressed in United States dollars) |
For the nine months ended November 30, 2012 |
NOTE 3 UNPROVEN MINERAL PROPERTIES (Contd)
Ringbolt Property, Arizona (Contd)
The court ruled that tender to the court was not sufficient; therefore, the cash and shares were released to optionors on July 10, 2012. The fair value of the 1,400,000 shares were $271,936.
On September 10, 2012, the court granted the motion for a preliminary injunction, which enjoined the optionors from terminating the Ringbolt option agreement based upon the grounds alleged by the optionors.
On October 30, 2012 the Company entered into an amended option agreement to acquire 100% undivided legal and beneficial interest in and to the Ringbolt Property, free and clear of all encumbrances in exploration leases.
Under the terms of the settlement agreement, the parties have agreed to an Amendment of the Option Agreement (Amendment Agreement) according to the following terms:
1. | The Company will pay to the optionors a total of $3,850,000 according to the following schedule: |
a. | $150,000 upon execution of the Amendment Agreement (paid); |
|
b. | $2,450,000 upon TSX-V approval; and |
|
c. | $1,250,000 on or before October 31, 2014. |
2. | The Company will issue 750,000 common shares to the optionors upon TSX-V approval. |
3. | Upon written notice from the TSX-V that the Amendment Agreement has been approved, the parties shall simultaneously do the following: |
a. | the optionors shall assign all of their right, title, and interest in and to the Ringbolt Property and will take all necessary action with the Arizona State Land Department to effect such assignment; and |
|
b. | the Company will place into escrow on behalf of the optionors the $2,450,000 cash payment and the 750,000 common shares of the Company. The cash payment and shares will be released to the optionors upon receipt of confirmation of the assignment of the Ringbolt Property to the Company. |
4. | There will be no royalty attached to the transferred permits. |
5. | Should the Company sell or in any way transfer its interest in the Ringbolt Property, the optionors will receive a bonus payment in accordance with the following schedule: |
a. | If the Company receives less than $30 million for the transaction, then no bonus payment shall be payable; |
|
b. | If the Company receives greater than $30 million but less than $40 million the optionors would receive 20% of the gross consideration in excess of $30 million; |
|
c. | If the Company receives greater than $40 million but less than $50 million the optionors would receive $2,000,000 plus 10% of the gross consideration in excess of $40 million, to a maximum of $1,000,000; or |
|
d. | If the Company receives greater than $50 million the optionors would receive $3,000,000 plus 20% of the gross consideration received in excess of $50 million. |
F-34
Passport Potash Inc. |
(An Exploration Stage Company) |
Notes to the consolidated financial statements - unaudited |
(Expressed in United States dollars) |
For the nine months ended November 30, 2012 |
NOTE 3 UNPROVEN MINERAL PROPERTIES (Contd)
Ringbolt Property, Arizona (Contd)
Based upon the foregoing, the parties have agreed to a mutual release and settlement of any claims and causes of action between the parties as of the date of the settlement agreement.
On December 8, 2012, the Company entered into a second amendment to the option agreement to acquire 100% of the Ringbolt Property. The amendment stipulates that in the event that the cash payment of US$2,450,000 following TSX-V approval of the Amendment Agreement is delayed, the parties agree to extend the payment deadline for a period of 30 days from the date of final approval from the TSX-V with the payment of US$100,000 to one of the optionors with this extension payment to be deducted from the US$2,450,000 payment due following TSX-V approval. A payment of $100,000 was made to the optionor on December 20, 2012.
NOTE 4 RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Related party balances
The following amounts due to related parties are included in trade payables and accrued liabilities:
November 30, | February 29, | |||||
2012 | 2012 | |||||
Companies controlled by Directors of the Company (i) | $ | 46,954 | $ | 19,683 | ||
Companies controlled by Directors of the Company (ii) | - | 15,812 | ||||
$ | 46,954 | $ | 35,495 |
(i) | This amount is unsecured, non-interest bearing and have no fixed terms of repayment. |
(ii) | The amount is unsecured, bears a monthly interest rate of 1.5% and had no fixed terms of repayment. |
The following amounts due from related parties are included in receivables and prepaid expenses:
November 30, | February 29, | |||||
2012 | 2012 | |||||
Companies controlled by Directors of the Company (i) | $ | 24,776 | $ | - |
(i) | These amounts are unsecured, non-interest bearing and have no fixed terms of repayment. |
The Company incurred the following transactions with directors, officers and companies that are controlled by directors and officers of the Company:
Nine month period ended | ||||||
November 30, | November 30, | |||||
2012 | 2011 | |||||
Administration | $ | 18,460 | $ | - | ||
Consulting | 431,227 | - | ||||
Management fees | 277,620 | 130,526 | ||||
Mineral property option payments and exploration costs | 298,043 | 143,000 | ||||
$ | 1,025,350 | $ | 273,526 |
F-35
Passport Potash Inc. |
(An Exploration Stage Company) |
Notes to the consolidated financial statements - unaudited |
(Expressed in United States dollars) |
For the nine months ended November 30, 2012 |
NOTE 5 DERIVATIVE LIABILITY
November 30, | February 29, | |||||
2012 | 2012 | |||||
Balance, beginning | $ | 6,374,170 | $ | 26,589,856 | ||
Fair value of warrants issued | - | 3,668,077 | ||||
Fair value of warrants exercised | (751,691 | ) | (1,674,607 | ) | ||
Change in derivative liability | (4,853,604 | ) | (22,209,156 | ) | ||
Balance, ending | $ | 768,875 | $ | 6,374,170 |
The derivative liability consists of the fair value of share purchase warrants that were issued in unit private placements that have an exercise price in a currency (Canadian dollars) other than the functional currency of the Company. The derivative liability is a non-cash liability and the Company is not required to expend any cash to settle this liability.
Details of these warrants and their fair values are as follows:
November 30, 2012 | February 29, 2012 | ||||||||||||||
Exercise Price | Number | Number | |||||||||||||
($CDN) | Outstanding | Fair Value | Outstanding | Fair Value | |||||||||||
July 17, 2009 | $0.20 | - | $ | - | - | $ | - | ||||||||
June 29, 2010 | $0.10 | - | - | 1,713,156 | 312,520 | ||||||||||
November 8, 2010 | $0.10 | - | - | 7,924,545 | 1,488,100 | ||||||||||
January 31, 2011 | $0.35 | 20,070,000 | 65,711 | 20,070,000 | 1,764,212 | ||||||||||
January 11, 2012 | $0.20 | 20,833,204* | 703,164 | 20,833,204 | 2,809,338 | ||||||||||
40,903,204 | $ | 768,875 | 50,540,905 | $ | 6,374,170 |
*See Note 7
The fair value of the share purchase warrants were calculated using the Black-Scholes valuation model using the following assumptions: Expected dividend yield 0% (February 29, 2012: 0%); Expected stock price volatility 78%-80% (February 29, 2012: 102%-109%); Risk-free interest rate 1.03% (February 29, 2012: 0.93% -0.95%); Expected life of share purchase warrants 0.12 - 0.17 years (February 29, 2012: 0.33 -0.92 years).
NOTE 6 COMMON STOCK
Common shares
During the period ended November 30, 2012, the Company issued the following shares:
(a) | During the period ended November 30, 2012, 9,602,701 warrants were exercised at CDN$0.10 per share for proceeds of $962,613. |
(b) | The Company issued 1,650,000 shares pursuant to mineral property option agreements at fair values ranging from CDN$0.19 to CDN$0.20 per share for a total fair value of $317,531. |
(c) | To November 30, 2012 the Company received $128,100 for the issuance of units of its common stock at CDN$0.18 per unit. Each unit consists of one common share and one-half of one share purchase warrant. Each warrant entitles holder to purchase an additional common share at CDN$0.25 for a period of five years. |
F-36
Passport Potash Inc. |
(An Exploration Stage Company) |
Notes to the consolidated financial statements - unaudited |
(Expressed in United States dollars) |
For the nine months ended November 30, 2012 |
NOTE 6 COMMON STOCK (Contd)
Stock options
The changes in options during the nine month period ended November 30, 2012 are as follows:
Nine month period ended | ||||||
November 30, 2012 | ||||||
Weighted | ||||||
average | ||||||
exercise | ||||||
Number of | price | |||||
options | (CDN$) | |||||
Options outstanding, February 29, 2012 | 16,811,892 | $ | 0.32 | |||
Options granted | - | - | ||||
Options exercised | - | - | ||||
Options cancelled | - | - | ||||
Options outstanding, November 30, 2012 | 16,811,892 | $ | 0.32 | |||
Options exercisable, November 30, 2012 | 16,761,892 | $ | 0.32 |
Details of options outstanding as at November 30, 2012 are as follows:
Number of | Exercise price | |
Options | CDN$ | Expiry date |
150,000 | 0.10 | October 25, 2015 |
348,750 | 0.10 | November 16, 2015 |
1,531,500 | 0.32 | January 10, 2016 |
5,777,000 | 0.20 | February 11, 2016 |
1,321,500 | 0.20 | March 3, 2016 |
1,826,000 | 0.59 | June 21, 2016 |
1,690,500 | 0.42 | September 12, 2016 |
4,166,642 | 0.38 | January 20, 2017 |
16,811,892 |
The options outstanding as at August 31, 2012 have a weighted average remaining contractual life of 3.44 years (February 29, 2012 - 4.27 years).
Share purchase warrants
The changes in share purchase warrants during the nine month period ended November 30, 2012 are as follows:
Number of warrants | |||
Balance, February 29, 2012 | 50,800,333 | ||
Issued | |||
Exercised | (9,602,701 | ) | |
Expired | (100,000 | ) | |
Balance, November 30, 2012 | 41,097,632 |
F-37
Passport Potash Inc. |
(An Exploration Stage Company) |
Notes to the consolidated financial statements - unaudited |
(Expressed in United States dollars) |
For the nine months ended November 30, 2012 |
NOTE 6 COMMON STOCK (Contd)
Details of the share purchase warrants outstanding as at November 30, 2012 are as follows:
Number of | Exercise price | |
warrants | CDN$ | Expiry Date |
21,027,632* | 0.20 | January 11, 2013 |
20,070,000 | 0.35 | January 31, 2013 |
41,097,632 |
*See Note 7
The warrants outstanding as at November 30, 2012 have a weighted average remaining contractual life of 0.14 years (February 29, 2012 - 0.84 years).
NOTE 7 SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Subsequent to November 30, 2012, the Company applied to the TSX-V for approval to extend the expiry date of 20,833,204 common share purchase warrants issued on January 11, 2012 from January 11, 2013 to January 11, 2014. These warrants were issued as part of a private placement transaction and are exercisable into 20,833,204 common shares of the Company at a price of $0.20 per share. Approval was received from the TSX-V on December 20, 2012.
On December 8, 2012, the Company entered into a second amendment to the option agreement to acquire 100% of the Ringbolt Property. See Note 3.
F-38